How did the U.S. come to collectively own over 600 million acres of land? How has that changed over time? 🔊

In this two-part special episode of the Scholars’ Circle, Doug Becker explores the history of public land in the United States. Over 600 million acres of land is collectively owned by the American people. What is the history of public lands and how is the contemporary discourses about public lands framed by this history?

In part one, we hear from John Leshy, author of a new book “Our Common Ground: A History of America’s Public Lands.” He is an Emeritus Professor at the University of California Hastings College of Law, San Francisco.

In part two, we hear from Mark Squillace on how history influences our contemporary debates on public land use. He is a Professor of Natural Resources Law at the University of Colorado Law School and the author of Natural Resources Law and Policy.

Podcast:

This interview originally aired on the Scholars’ Circle. To access our archive of episodes and download this interview, click here.

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Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in this discussion reflect the views of the guests and not necessarily the views of The Big Q. 

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