Episode notes
In this episode, Cailin O'Brien-Feeney shares insights from her two decades of experience in outdoor recreation, policy, and funding. Rachel and Cailin explore how the outdoor industry has evolved, the role of collective impact, and innovative financing solutions for public lands and recreation projects. Cailin defines what conservation finance is for recreation and how it supports shared stewardship goals. He also shares tangible examples of conservation finance in action. Resources Quantified Ventures About Cailin Cailin brings two decades of experience working either in or for the…
Podcast
Planning the Wild
Rachel Franchina · Tech & Science · English
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
More from Planning the Wild All episodes →
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S3 · E7 · 14 Oct 2026 · 29 minNew
Shared Stewardship for Recreation
In the final episode of season 3, Kristin Dahl from Crosscurrent Collective draws on her experience as a guide, facilitator and collaborative process expert to discuss what it takes to create lasting impact with shared stewardship efforts. She reiterates many themes we heard throughout season 3: shared vision, relationships, trust-building, and celebrating success. Kristin and Rachel also talk about the importance of having a third-party facilitator, how to fund shared stewardship, and the role of process in sustaining momentum. Kristen Dahl discusses the importance of shared stewardship in…
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S3 · E6 · 7 Oct 2026 · 28 min
Expanding Capacity for Recreation
In this episode, Jeff Parker from Northwest Youth Corps discusses the evolution of conservation work, the role of youth programs in land management, and the future of shared stewardship amidst wildfire challenges. Jeff and Rachel talk about the importance of fostering youth conservation corps and how participants shape public lands stewardship whether they go into recreation and conservation careers or not. Resources Northwest Youth Corps About Jeff Jeff Parker is the President and CEO of Northwest Youth Corps, based in Eugene, Oregon. Jeff holds a BA in Political Science from the University…
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S3 · E5 · 30 Sep 2026 · 26 min
Trail Rehab, Scenery and Restoration
In this episode, Eddie Espinosa and Mic McLane from Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance discuss the evolution of their organization from advocacy to shared stewardship, emphasizing collaboration with land managers, community engagement, and adaptive management in outdoor recreation. They also discuss how their love for trails and helping people enjoy the outdoors has shaped EMBA's approach to partnerships for the greater good. Resources Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance About Eddie Growing up in Puyallup, and graduating from Pacific Lutheran University, Eddie has spent many years exploring the…
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S3 · E4 · 23 Sep 2026 · 25 min
Using Data to Inform Collective Management
In this episode, Sama Winder from the University of Washington's Outdoor Recreation and Data Lab discusses innovative methods for estimating visitor use, the importance of collaborative data collection, and how land managers can effectively use data to inform recreation planning and management. Sama and Rachel also discuss how data is not perfect and using data to have conversations about recreation management decisions. Resources Outdoor Recreation & Data Lab About Sama Sama is a Senior Research Scientist with experience and expertise in using quantitative methods to address a wide range of…
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S3 · E3 · 16 Sep 2026 · 32 min
Planning Across Boundaries
In this episode, Zach and Molly share their extensive experience in public lands management, focusing on shared stewardship, recreation planning, and collaboration across agencies to protect and enhance public lands for future generations. They provide real-world examples of recreation shared stewardship in action and talk to Rachel about the shifts they've seen in how the Forest Service approaches recreation planning and management. Resources: SE Group About Zach "How can we leave our public lands—and the places we love to recreate—a little better than we found them?" This question has…
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S3 · E1 · 2 Sep 2026 · 31 min
Shared Vision for Recreation and Trails
In this episode, Jaime Loucky from Washington Trails Association discusses shared stewardship, wildfire recovery, and the evolving role of nonprofits in outdoor recreation and land management. Rachel and Jaime talk about how collaboration, trust, and adaptability are shaping the future of public lands stewardship. They also explore the importance of having a shared vision and goals that agencies, partners, and communities work together on. Resources Washington Trails Association About Jaime Growing up in Bellingham, with the North Cascades practically in his backyard, Jaime developed a…
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S2 · E7 · 17 Apr 2026 · 29 min
Building Relationships and Trust
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…
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S2 · E6 · 9 Apr 2026 · 28 min
Visitor Use Management Framework
In this episode of Planning the Wild, Rachel is joined by Maureen Finnerty, chair of the Interagency Visitor Use Management Council. Maureen shares about the origins of the Visitor Use Management (VUM) framework, a tool built from lessons learned across federal agencies like the NPS, Forest Service, BLM, and others. The conversation covers how the flexible framework is helping to make planning more proactive, adaptable, and ultimately more resilient in the face of growing visitation and natural challenges. Resources: IVUMC Training Resources SORP VUM Resources About Maureen Maureen Finnerty…
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S2 · E5 · 3 Apr 2026 · 25 min
Mid-level Recreation Planning
In this episode of Planning the Wild, host Rachel Franchina welcomes Mary Ellen, a seasoned recreation planner with extensive experience in land management. They discuss Mary Ellen's journey into recreation planning, the importance of collaboration, and the critical elements of effective recreation planning. The conversation delves into mid-level recreation planning, its distinction from NEPA, and the significance of engaging diverse perspectives in planning processes. Mary Ellen shares her insights on the evolving landscape of public land management and expresses hope for the future as more…
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S2 · E4 · 25 Mar 2026 · 30 min
Site Planning and Design
In this episode, Rachel Franchina discusses the foundations of recreation planning with guests Nancy Brunswick and Brad Cownover, both experienced landscape architects and recreation planners. They share their personal journeys into the field, emphasizing the importance of creativity, site planning, and understanding user needs in designing effective recreation spaces. The conversation also touches on the evolution of recreation planning within the Forest Service and the significance of the built environment in enhancing user experiences. Finally, they express hope for the future of public…
