Ryan Zinke Talks Conservation on Steve Rinella’s MeatEater

Fans of the Meateater podcast heard a familiar name this week. Steve Rinella set it up, and Ryan Zinke took a swing, and the subject was that thing Montanans like best: public land. Zinke’s core message was simple. Overcome the politics, repair the management. As he said, “We need to turn the heat down.” He also dropped a line that resonated with every outdoorsman within ear-shot. “If you have a hotel and the hotel is not run very well, do you sell the hotel or change the management?” The solution, he said, is better management, not a sale.

Public lands are a red, white and blue issue

Zinke talked a lot about how access and healthy habitat are not partisan. He mentioned a bipartisan Public Lands Caucus, and the old school ethic of “best science, best practices, longest term, greatest good.” That means timber work where it is needed, prescribed burns in the shoulder seasons, and being honest about the wildlife corridors from winter to summer range.

On roadless, on wilderness and on common sense

The roadless rule came up. Zinke called for a more case-by-case approach in the assessment of road systems rather than an all-or-nothing conclusion. He supported light-touch wilderness management that gives room for practical mechanisms when science or safety requires them. Like getting an early treatment of invasive species, or strategic clearing of a trail so that one can actually get in and out.

Grizzlies, recovery, and 'getting the numbers to work'

He was outspoken on grizzly delisting. The recovery goals were achieved, the numbers are there, and it’s time to manage bears like we do other wildlife. He’s calling for Congress to lock in a science-based off-ramp so that the Endangered Species Act doesn’t get jammed up by endless technical fights.

Bottom line for Montana

Keep public lands public. Improve access. Follow science. And argue less. That’s the Teddy Roosevelt playbook most Montanans can get behind.

Watch the FULL Episode of the Meateater Podcast feat. Congressman Ryan Zinke.