What We Talk About When We Talk About Forest Law

What We Talk About When We Talk About Forest Law

Author: ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources December 5, 2025 Duration: 50:07
Environmental Law Explored: A Podcast SEERies
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We are pleased to be joined by Professor John Leshy, author of Our Common Ground and the preeminent scholar on the history of America's public lands. Public land management is the cornerstone of forest law in the United States, and Professor Leshy's insights into its scope and evolution are invaluable in helping to piece together the fundamentals of forest law.
 
Forest law presents a daunting barrier of entry to the uninitiated. Forest law is composed of and delimited by a broad swath of statutes, regulations, and norms, all shaped by a diverse array of stakeholders. The implications of forest management decisions are vast and varied, ranging from the hyperlocal—with decisions concerning timber harvest and wildfire mitigation bearing directly on the continued prosperity and existence of some rural communities—to the planetary, as climate change intensifies and the health of the world's forests grows ever further imperative to slow its most devastating effects. Complicating things further, today, forest law in the United States is undergoing rapid changes at the federal level. 
 
In beginning to explore the foundations of forest law, there is perhaps no better place to start than with a study of public lands.
 
Host's note: This episode's title is an homage to the brilliant—and troubled—Raymond Carver and his 1981 short story collection "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love." 

Tune into Environmental Law Explored: A Podcast SEERies for a direct line to the minds shaping our world's environmental, energy, and resource policies. Produced by the ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources, this series features candid conversations with leading practitioners who are navigating the complex intersection of law, policy, and science. You'll hear them unpack not just the latest regulatory shifts and courtroom battles, but also the historical context that brought us here and the practical realities of building a career in this dynamic field. Each episode goes beyond dry legal analysis to explore the human stories and professional insights behind the headlines. Whether you're a seasoned attorney, a law student, or simply someone keenly interested in how environmental governance works, this podcast offers an accessible yet deeply informed perspective. The discussions are grounded in real-world experience, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of how laws are interpreted, challenged, and implemented. Remember, the views expressed belong solely to the speakers. For anyone looking to grasp the forces that dictate our relationship with the planet, this is an essential listen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 79

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