This week’s Wild Line highlights the impacts of the ongoing shutdown on public lands and civil servants. We share the latest on uncertainty over backpay and high-profile firings and hirings in the conservation world, federal progress on wetlands protection, and concerning efforts to roll back protections in Chaco Canyon and allow chainsaws in wilderness areas. We look at the latest nomination to run the Bureau of Land Management, and close with a win for climbing access in North Carolina.

Shutdown Impacts on Public Lands — Washington, DC

President Trump has signaled that furloughed federal employees may not receive guaranteed backpay once the shutdown ends, despite a 2019 law requiring it. The shutdown has now become the longest in U.S. history, leaving critical public-lands stewardship work stalled and civil servants uncertain about their futures.

Notable Hirings and Firings — Multiple States

Forrest Smith, the final National Park Service contractor working to plug abandoned oil and gas wells on NPS lands, has been removed from his role after his contract was not renewed. Roughly 70 wells remain unaddressed.

Ducks Unlimited dismissed longtime editor and writer Mike Furtman, reportedly after pressure linked to his public opposition to the proposed Twin Metals mine near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Ryan “Cal” Callaghan, the current Vice President of Conservation at MeatEater, has been selected as Backcountry Hunters and Anglers’ new chief executive. He has emphasized coalition-building and doubling down on the organization’s role defending access to and preservation of public lands.

Wetlands Conservation Bill Clears Congress — Washington, DC

In provisional good news, the Senate unanimously approved the Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025, which makes unallocated federal aid interest raised through taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment available for use by the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.

Chaco Canyon Protections Threatened — New Mexico

Tribal leaders who helped secure a 10-mile buffer against new oil and gas development around Chaco Canyon received notice that the Trump Administration is considering revoking the protections. Pueblo leaders and New Mexico’s congressional delegation are urging the Administration to honor the agreement and respect the cultural and historical significance of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Chainsaws in Wilderness Considered — Western States

The Forest Service, responding to pressure from outfitter associations, is considering authorizing chainsaw use in designated wilderness — a move that would undermine Section 4(c) of the Wilderness Act, which bans motorized equipment.

Steve Pearce Nominated to Lead the BLM — Washington, DC

President Trump announced he will nominate Steve Pearce, former congressman and New Mexico gubernatorial candidate, to head the Bureau of Land Management. Pearce has a record of pushing to shrink national monuments and expand fossil-fuel development on public lands.

Climbing Access Secured at Ghost Town Cliffs — North Carolina

After more than 25 years of local advocacy, the Carolina Climbers Coalition, supported by the Access Fund, has protected 16.5 acres at the Ghost Town area of Round Top Mountain — preserving more than 50 climbing routes and dozens of high-quality boulders.

Next Week

Join us Tuesday, November 11th for a conversation with acclaimed writer Malcolm Brooks in a conversation about personal loss, policy failure, and the intersection of human nature and wild nature.

The Wild Line will return next Friday with your latest conservation news roundup.

Until then, act up, and run wild.

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