As a bird lover, grieving my sister’s suicide, this podcast gave me a new lease on life. In Episode 5 a Northern Paiute elder recounts a story passed down through generations. As if I needed another reason to be obsessed with Grouse, this bird and this story has given me some much needed hope and even more admiration for the beautiful environment we inhabit. The podcast was removed from the app for a while and I am so grateful it is back. I have listened to it over again and even recounted the story around a campfire during a vulnerable time of sharing. I may sound silly but thank you from the bottom of my heart for this podcast.

Thank you for the series. It was informative and insightful. I know so much more.

You lost me the moment you bragged about killing a rattle snake instead of relocating it or, heaven forbid, wait until it leaves.

Coming here from Timber Wars, I was so happy yo see the same level of production and story telling! I would love to hear more about this and other species/landscapes that are in peril and what we can do. A

I feel the story was/is well told. As a previous Wyoming resident who has been in these conversation, I commend the multiple perspectives on this storytelling. Environmental consents are a complex conversation that a lot of folks don’t understand. It’s so easy to forget where these resource come from when your so dis-attached to the local issues, and so easy to play the blame game. I understand your personal commentary on so many levels. Please keep the conversation going.

I was really impressed with the production and great story telling by Ashley! It’s good to consider these animals more and the negative impact our society has on them.

I really enjoyed this podcast. It’s only 8 episodes, so easy to binge listen over a long commute. It’s about a bird, but also about environment and the disappearing wilderness of the West. The story and sound design are good, but what’s really great are the interviews. From scientists and businessmen to Nartive Americans and ranchers. So much emotion and so much wisdom!

Listened to the podcast and did learn a lot, but it was very difficult at times. Seemed to be a lot of info about yourself and unnecessary preambling. And like other listeners I don't understand why you would kill a snake if you are so depressed about even hearing news about humans destroying eveything? Just seemed a little hypocritical and like you thought crawling under your deck to kill a rattle snake with a broom made you sound tough. First, you could have really hurt yourself. And second, you did hurt the snake. If you are foolhardy enough to crawl under your desk with a broom to kill the snake, why not trade that broom for a net or something? Or use the broom to run it off? Why care about a bird and build an argument on it's behalf, when you don't even care about a snake?

Tried to have my kids listen this with me because of your beautiful, descriptive writing style... 3 minutes in and the bombshell... The Bull%#*€ word. Couldn’t get my kids to focus after that. All they can remember is the profanity... Plodded on by myself, learned a lot but still rueful my kids can’t listen to this on our way to and from school. Disappointed 😞

Sorry I couldn’t care less about your political views

As a ruralite I appreciated the commonality you shared and your willingness to bust out of your Seattle bubble and actually experience rural issues. Well done on this prodcast. Just finished the last episode and I have to say that as a NPR hater that I think you did actual reporting on this subject. There are no final answers, merely a lot of complex issues. You did a good job of bringing this issues up and reporting them in a un-biased manner. Thank you.

Great listen for anyone interested in the future of Western wilderness

Couldn’t get into you. You claim to be an environmentalist yet you’re all about killing a wild animal because you feel it threatened your stupid dog.

what happens to them....happens to us

Ashley- thanks for the beauty, thoroughness and perspective in this piece. As a wildlife conservationist I take lessons from the courage demonstrated by those working to recover sage grouse in WA State. At times I have felt like giving up- but hearing their stories helps me keep going. Thank you.