Planning the Wild
Planning the Wild
Podcast Description
Welcome to Planning the Wild, the podcast designed for U.S. Forest Service professionals and partners working to enhance outdoor recreation experiences on national forest lands in the Pacific Northwest. Each episode offers practical strategies, expert interviews, and field-based insights to support effective planning and management of recreation resources. From navigating NEPA and forest planning processes to designing sustainable infrastructure and managing visitor use, this show helps you support the outdoor recreation economy, public access and stewardship goals. Whether you're new to recreation planning or a seasoned specialist, this is your resource for making smart, informed decisions that serve both people and the land.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers essential topics such as recreation resource management, sustainable infrastructure design, and visitor use management, with episodes featuring insights on NEPA navigation and the impact of natural disasters on recreation facilities. Specific episodes include interviews with experts like Don Amador on trail management and discussions with Nick Green on public-private collaborations fostering rural community development.

Welcome to Planning the Wild, the podcast designed for U.S. Forest Service professionals and partners working to enhance outdoor recreation experiences on national forest lands in the Pacific Northwest. Each episode offers practical strategies, expert interviews, and field-based insights to support effective planning and management of recreation resources. From navigating NEPA and forest planning processes to designing sustainable infrastructure and managing visitor use, this show helps you support the outdoor recreation economy, public access and stewardship goals. Whether you’re new to recreation planning or a seasoned specialist, this is your resource for making smart, informed decisions that serve both people and the land.
In this episode of Planning the Wild, Rachel Franchina and Leander Lacy discuss the critical role of trust and relationships in recreation planning and conservation. They explore the importance of inclusivity in conservation efforts, the need for equitable access to outdoor spaces, and the significance of building trust with communities. Leander shares his unique journey into conservation, emphasizing the human dimensions of natural resources and the necessity of engaging diverse voices in the planning process. The conversation highlights practical examples of trust-building in action and the hopeful outlook for the future of conservation efforts.
Resources
- https://lacyconsultingservices.com/
- Building and Sustaining Trust Workshop – May 11, 2026 in Duluth, MN
About Leander
Leander Lacy is a world-renowned conservationist, public speaker, The Green Mind Podcast host, Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Scientist, Wildlife Biologist, Conservation Coach, and has been in the conservation field for over 18 years. As an independent contractor he has worked with organizations and agencies around the world to ensure conservation efforts are sustainable and that the benefits are realized equitably to all communities with a specialist emphasis on communities historically excluded from conservation planning and implementation. His work includes impact assessments, community assessments, equity research, capacity building for community engagement, facilitation, and keynote speaker.

Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.