Mathew Nelson - Executive Director, Arizona TrailThankful to connect with Matt recently. I reached out to him because I thought he would be a great person to connect the complexities that go into allowing all of us outdoor enthusiasts, our spaces and places to do the things we love. We go over a bit of his background and how he found his way yo Arizona, and to the position of Executive Director, what that entails, the complexity of maintaining and finishing the Arizona Trail. Where funding for the AZ trail comes from, how it’s up kept, plans for the future, constant work that needs to be done, etc. We also cover a bit if where funding at the national level comes from for public lands like National forests, wilderness areas, National parks, state trust lands, native/reservation land, private lands - how important it is to understand this and contribute in your own way, not taking things for grated. Matt has been the Executive Director since 2012, written hundreds of articles on it, wrote the book complete guide to the trail, among many other roles as Executive Director. He’s also driving around in a Toyota Tacoma ! Which was donated by the Valley Toyota Dealers, so shoutout to those folks helping support and connect all types of outdoor recreation activities. Below you’ll find the links to the podcast/interview - but also please dive into the info regarding public lands and where funding comes from, be informed, supporting of keeping them available for years and decades to come, and stay involved. ARIZONA TRAILhttps://aztrail.org (learn more and explore the site, including maps, meet ups, volunteering, upcoming events, donating, tips, gear, and much more)BLM - History - https://www.blm.gov/about/history/timelineBudget - https://www.blm.gov/about/budgetHow BLM manages - https://www.blm.gov/about/how-we-manageSTATE TRUST LANDBeneficiaries- https://land.az.gov/our-agency-mission/beneficiariesMap of land - https://land.az.gov/sites/default/files/media/state.pdfAuctions - https://land.az.gov/reports-noticesApplications// permits - https://land.az.gov/applications-permitsWILDERNESS designation Mission - https://www.wilderness.org/our-mission-timeline FAQ’s - https://www.wilderness.org/articles/article/wilderness-designation-faqsNATIONAL FOREST SERVICE (https://www.fs.usda.gov)Managing land - https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-landLaws and regulations of NFS - https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/regulations-policies/laws-regulationsBudget - https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/budget-performanceNATIONAL PARK SERVICE (https://www.nps.gov/)about - https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/management.htmBudget - https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/budget.htmLaws on national parks - https://www.nps.gov/subjects/legal/national-park-service-laws-up-to-1933.htmLWCF - land and water conservation fund https://www.nps.gov/subjects/lwcf/index.htm (gov website ) https://www.lwcfcoalition.com (watchdog site)https://www.lwcfcoalition.com/toolsVolunteer // donation // Arizona Game and Fish department- https://www.azgfd.comPITTMAN AND ROBERTSON WILDLIFE RESTORATION ACT - (Short video explanation- https://youtu.be/sTJWMlH5QpQ )https://legcounsel.house.gov/Comps/Pittman-robertson%20Wildlife%20Restoration%20Act.pdfhttps://www.fws.gov/laws/lawsdigest/FAWILD.HTMLDingell - Johnson Act - https://www.fws.gov/laws/lawsdigest/FASPORT.HTML ) similar time P-R but for fishing ( article showing decline in hunter/fishers and impact) -https://www.npr.org/2018/03/20/593001800/decline-in-hunters-threatens-how-u-s-pays-for-conservationNative American Land - https://www.bia.gov/biaIndian land Tenure/history - https://iltf.org/land-issues/history/Indian land issues - https://iltf.org/land-issues/issues/