The Endangered Species Act at 50: Not working as intended

“In reality, the endangered species program and inclusion on the List may be likened to a hospital where patients check in but rarely check out. Of the relatively few that do, some are heralded as recovered. More often than not, the reality is the species should never have been listed. When such species are declared ‘recovered,’ it could be likened to a doctor claiming to have cured a patient upon discovering the patient had been misdiagnosed as in poor health. Such patients would be no more cured than some of these species have ‘recovered.’ Like doctors engaged in this malpractice, federal officials have repeatedly made claims over decades that are devoid of scientific integrity.” — Rob Gordon, author of the new Western Caucus Foundation “The Endangered Species Act at 50” report

In Episode 405 of District of Conservation, Gabriella discusses the state of the Endangered Species Act a half century in operation and laments the closure of the Orvis Arlington, Virginia, fly shop. Tune in to learn more.

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EP 552: The Potomac is No. 1 Endangered River in America – District of Conservation

In Episode 552 of District of Conservation, Gabriella discusses the new American Rivers report on the 10 most endangered rivers list and the Potomac River earning the top spot. Why? The organization claims both the Potomac Interceptor spill and data center buildout are factors justifying the top post. Gabriella also discusses how data centers use water and why these projects aren't as scary as believed. Plus, a preview of this weekend's IOTR Summit in Florida. Tune in to learn more!SHOW NOTESAmerican Rivers: America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2026 is a Call to Action for Healthy Rivers and a Cleaner Water Supply Maryland rejects ‘most endangered’ label for Potomac River, as D.C. remains unaware about ranking