Planning the Wild

Rachel Franchina
  • 5.0 (5)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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.

Episodes

  1. Treaty Rights and Recreation: Andrew Gobin on Understanding Treaty Rights in Recreation Planning

    08/25/2025

    Treaty Rights and Recreation: Andrew Gobin on Understanding Treaty Rights in Recreation Planning

    In this episode of "Planning the Wild," we delve into the intersection of traditional knowledge and modern resource management with Andrew Gobin, the treaty rights manager for the Tulalip Tribes. Raised in the traditions of his people, Andrew shares how these teachings guide his work in protecting the rights and resources of his community. Discover how tribal sovereignty and traditional management practices are being integrated into contemporary strategies to preserve natural resources. Join us for an insightful conversation on the importance of cultural heritage in shaping sustainable futures. Resources: Tulalip Treaty Rights Office: https://www.tulaliptribes-nsn.gov/Dept/TreatyRightsAndGovernmentAffairs Tulalip Uplands Strategic Plan Treaty of Point Elliott: https://goia.wa.gov/tribal-government/treaty-point-elliott-1855 Boldt Decision: https://lib.law.uw.edu/indian-tribal/boldt Indian Country 101: https://www.whitenergroup.biz/indiancountry101     Meet Our Guest, Andrew Gobin  (Wazikanim) A lifelong resident of the Tulalip Indian reservation, Andrew was raised in the traditions of his people. The teachings and values instilled since birth have guided him in his work to protect the rights and resources of his people and for future generations – ensuring the continuation of his culture. Currently Andrew is the Treaty Rights Manager for the Tulalip Tribes where he and his team work to protect the inherent rights reserved by his people through the 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott – the right of taking fish at all usual and accustomed places, and to hunt and gather on open and unclaimed land. Co-management is a key element of treaty rights as a unique authority held by treaty tribes. Through work in treaty rights, Andrew brings tribal sovereignty to the fore as he works to incorporate traditional knowledge and management practices into modern plans and strategies in order to protect and preserve the natural resources across the lands and waters.

    44 min
  2. Leading the Way: Sustainable Recreation on the Olympic Peninsula

    08/19/2025

    Leading the Way: Sustainable Recreation on the Olympic Peninsula

    Join Rachel Franchina as she sits down with Laurie Thorpe, a seasoned public lands professional, to explore the evolving landscape of sustainable outdoor recreation. Discover how collaborative efforts and innovative models are shaping the future of the Olympic Peninsula, ensuring accessibility and resilience for generations to come. Dive into the challenges and opportunities that come with redefining outdoor recreation in a rapidly changing world. Resources: Olympic Peninsula Outdoor Recreation Collaborative https://www.opoutdoorreccollab.com/ Outdoor Recreation Use Insights https://www.opoutdoorreccollab.com/outdoor-rec-use-insights    Meet Our Guest, Laurie: Laurie Thorpe is a seasoned public lands professional who is widely respected for her collaborative spirit, deep understanding of land management systems, and ability to turn big ideas into practical, on-the-ground solutions. Laurie spent 33 years with the Forest Service as a line officer and Enterprise Program leader where she worked to develop and implement recreation strategies that respond to evolving public needs, steward ecological health, and support rural economies. She now leads the Olympic Peninsula Recreation Collaborative which helps ensure the Olympic Peninsula remains both accessible and resilient for future generations.

    25 min
  3. Nature's Calling: Alyssa Brownlee on Building a Business in the Wild

    08/07/2025

    Nature's Calling: Alyssa Brownlee on Building a Business in the Wild

    On this episode of "Planning the Wild" we dive into the inspiring journey of Alyssa Brownlee, a passionate outdoor enthusiast and business owner. From her adventurous childhood to becoming a river guide and now owner of Horse Creek Lodge, Alyssa shares her story of finding solace in nature and turning her love for the outdoors into a thriving business. Discover how she navigates the challenges of running a recreation business in the heart of the Willamette National Forest, and the importance of community partnerships in the outdoor recreation economy. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with personal insights and the joy of connecting people with nature. Resources: Horse Creek Lodge: https://horse-creek.com/ McKenzie Trail Volunteers: https://www.facebook.com/61575624755588

    30 min
  4. Investing in People: How the Outdoor Recreation Economy Depends on a Dynamic Workforce

    08/04/2025

    Investing in People: How the Outdoor Recreation Economy Depends on a Dynamic Workforce

    In this episode of "Planning the Wild," Rachel Franchina sits down with Kate Porsche, the Director of OSU's Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy. Kate shares her journey from economic development to outdoor recreation workforce development, highlighting how intertwined they are. She also talks about her unique skills like ham radio operation and welding, which she humorously refers to as her "zombie apocalypse skills." Tune in to explore how these personal interests and skills intersect with her professional life, offering insights into workforce development and the outdoor recreation economy. Resources: Oregon State University Center for Outdoor Recreation Economy: https://outdooreconomy.oregonstate.edu/  Oregon Economic Development Association: https://oeda.biz/ Oregon Rural Tourism Studios: https://industry.traveloregon.com/programs/oregon-tourism-studios/rural-tourism-studio/   About Our Guest, Kate Porsche Kate serves as the Director for OSU's Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy-focusing on creating workforce solutions for the industry. Prior to OSU she worked in local government in Oregon focused on community, economic, and workforce development. She holds a master's degree in Public Policy from OSU, is Vice President of the Oregon Outdoor Alliance and a SORP board member. Kate is a native Oregonian, and rehabilitates historic homes in her free time.

    27 min
  5. Trailblazing Together: Don Amador on Recreation Management

    07/30/2025

    Trailblazing Together: Don Amador on Recreation Management

    In this episode of "Planning the Wild", we delve into the world of trail advocacy and recreation management with Don Amador, a seasoned expert with over 35 years of experience. Discover how Don's journey from a family rooted in the outdoors to becoming a pivotal figure in trail stewardship has shaped his approach to managing public lands. We explore the importance of long-term relationships, the impact of natural disasters on recreation facilities, and the collaborative efforts needed to ensure sustainable access to the great outdoors. Whether you're a recreation planner, trail manager, or outdoor enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of managing our cherished natural spaces.   Resources: Quiet Warrior Racing: https://quietwarriorracing.com/ Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance: https://www.facebook.com/pwora/ FireScape Mendocino: https://www.firescapemendocino.org/   About Don: Don Amador has been in the trail advocacy and recreation management profession for over 35 years. Don is President of Quiet Warrior Racing LLC. Don serves as the Western States Representative for the Motorcycle Industry Council. Don is Past President/CEO and current board member of the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance. Don is a Co-Founder and Core-Team member on FireScape Mendocino that is part of the Fire Learning Network. Don served as an AD Driver for the North Zone Fire Cache during the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Fire Seasons.

    24 min
  6. Rural Renaissance: How Public-Private Collaborations Drive Change

    07/28/2025

    Rural Renaissance: How Public-Private Collaborations Drive Change

    In this episode, we explore the transformative power of Public-Private Partnerships in rural communities. We dive into how these collaborations are bridging gaps, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable development. Rachel talks to Nick Green about his journey from defense intelligence to rural community revitalization. They discuss the importance of a shared vision for the future and the power of outdoor recreation to bring people together. Tune in to discover how synergy between public and private sectors is reshaping the landscape of rural development.   About Nick Nick Green is the founder and President of Catalyst Public Policy Advisors, LLC, which provides consulting services for rural communities. Nick specializes in public-private developments and managing large-scale capital improvement projects, including projects designed to promote recreation economy advances for rural areas. Nick formerly served as City Manager for the City of John Day in eastern Oregon. Previously, he was a Senior Associate with consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, a Project Manager with Jacobs Engineering, and an intelligence analyst with the Defense Intelligence Agency. Nick has a Masters in Public Administration from the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance and a Certificate in Technology Entrepreneurship from the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington, with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Brigham Young University. He currently lives in John Day, Oregon.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickgreen3/   Resources: Catalyst Public Policy Advisors: https://www.catalyst.win/ John Day, OR, Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) Report: https://www.cityofjohnday.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/planning/page/3089/rerc_report_johndayor_final.pdf Recreation and Revitalization in John Day: https://www.cityofjohnday.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/packets/3571/4b._recreation_and_revitalization_in_john_day_western_planner_july_2020.pdf

    26 min
  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Rachel Franchina
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Planning the Wild