Western Landowners Policy Talk | #1 | Jason Fearneyhough and Lesli Allison

The first Western Landowners Policy Talk, a special monthly edition of the On Land Podcast, hosted by Louis Wertz of the Western Landowners Alliance, featured Jason Fearneyhough, chief policy officer with WLA, and WLA CEO Lesli Allison. Jason joined WLA as chief policy officer in February 2024, after stints as the deputy commissioner of agriculture for the state of Texas and director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. The discussion started with Jason sharing his vision for WLA's policy program and strategies for engaging within the current political and environmental challenges, such as recent Supreme Court decisions, national elections, and natural resource challenges. Lesli and Jason went on to share thoughts on federal farm bill modifications, drought and water policy, endangered species like pollinators, wolves and grizzly bears, and various state-level initiatives like New Mexico's Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund. The conversation also highlighted ongoing work to support ranch viability, succession planning, and public-private partnerships for conservation, alongside dealing with increased recreational impacts, forest management, and energy development. Complete show notes are available at onland.westernlandowners.org.