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Dr. Len Necefer

@lennecefer

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Filmmaker | PhD | Explorers Club
Systems thinker
All views are those of my employer
Repost = endorsement for President
@nativesoutdoors

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If you’re new here —

A lot of new folks showed up after the Colorado River piece.

Welcome.

I’m Len. Diné and Romanian — that’s where the funny last name comes from. I run @nativesoutdoors, make films, and do field reporting on Indigenous sovereignty, water, energy, and public lands. PhD from Carnegie Mellon. Recently named to the @the_explorers_club EC50 Class of 2026. This photo is from hauling camera gear along the Tuichi River in Bolivia documenting illegal mining in the Amazon. I spend a lot of time on rivers.

Some things that will help you here:

I post serious research and I post memes and stupid shit. Sometimes on the same day. I’m Native — the world is stupid right now and humor is how we make sense of it. If that combination messes with your head, fair warning.

I don’t always agree with everything I share. Sometimes things are just funny. Relax.

If you want to push back on something, I’m genuinely here for it. I love other points of view. But do your homework first — I did. Opinions around here run on thought, not vibes. If you bring me something I missed, I’ll change my mind. That’s a real offer.

Read the thing before you react to the thing. You’d be surprised how many people skip this step.

That’s basically it. Be a grown up, don’t grandstand, don’t need everything to be simple. We’re going to get along fine.

Glad you’re here. by @lennecefer

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5 months ago

I’m honored to be part of the Explorers Club 50 — the Class of 2026.

The EC50 recognizes fifty people working at the edge of science, exploration, and conservation. I see this less as an award and more as a responsibility: to keep doing rigorous, grounded work with the people and places that make exploration meaningful in the first place.

Nothing I’ve done exists in isolation. This reflects a team effort across landscapes, disciplines, and communities who believe exploration should serve something larger than ego.

@the_explorers_club by @lennecefer

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6 months ago

The Electric Road Trip comes to its final stop.

After crossing Navajo Nation and putting their EV through long desert drives, limited charging infrastructure, and the dreaded Red Turtle of Death, @lennecefer and @aaron.r.mike take on one last challenge: Southern Arizona’s Mount Lemmon.

Can an electric vehicle handle the steady climb to 9,000 feet in the Arizona heat? There’s only one way to find out.

Watch the final episode of Electric Road Trip now on YouTube! Link in bio. by @lennecefer

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8 days ago

How does an EV handle a 9,000-foot climb in the Arizona heat? ⛰️⚡️

After putting their EV to the test across Navajo Nation, @lennecefer and @aaron.r.mike are back for another challenge, taking on the winding climb to the top of Mount Lemmon.

They’ll see how the steep climb, high temperatures, and winding mountain roads impact the EV’s range and performance.

Thinking about taking an EV on your next road trip? This one’s worth watching.

Full episode now on YouTube! Link in bio. by @lennecefer

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9 days ago

by @lennecefer

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12 days ago

Bears Ears may be cut apart again.

This was not a surprise. The environmental establishment had nearly nine years to prepare for the exact threat now unfolding.

During seven complete fiscal years, five national environmental organizations reported $91 million in senior compensation. Their latest tax filings name 75 paid senior or highly compensated people. Over the same seven years, Utah Diné Bikéyah spent about $7.1 million running its entire Native-led organization.

Meanwhile, 71% of Utah voters support keeping Bears Ears protected—including 61% of Republicans.

The public support existed. The money existed. What remained underfunded was the permanent, on-the-ground capacity needed to turn that support into political power.

When these organizations win, they claim the strategy worked. When protections collapse, they blame forces beyond their control.

They cannot have it both ways.

I followed the money. The receipts are in the essay—and the full spreadsheet is public.

The movement wasn’t broke. It had nine years. It made choices.

Link in bio.

#BearsEars #PublicLands #natureisnonpartisan #ninp #unitedbynature by @lennecefer

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13 days ago

by @lennecefer

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14 days ago

Nine years, hundreds of millions a year, 71% public support — and nothing to show but the same monument lost twice. Watch the fundraising emails go out anyway. Don’t give them your money by @lennecefer

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14 days ago

🚨Spoiler Alert 🚨

@aaron.r.mike and @lennecefer have reached their final stop in Window Rock, AZ (after a little speed test on the highway) and now they are reflecting on lessons learned, challenges and highlights.

If you ever plan to take an EV through Navajo Nation, this is a must watch! Full episode on YouTube! by @lennecefer

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15 days ago

What’s the solution when youre driving through Navajo Nation and all the chargers are occupied!? Mutton, stew and fry bread, of course! In this episode @lennecefer and @aaron.r.mike test out the EV infrastructure between Chile, Ganado, and Window Rock. Watch the full episode on YouTube! Link in bio ⚡️ by @lennecefer

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16 days ago

PART 7 ⚡️ What’s it like charging EVs on the Navajo Nation? Len & Aaron are about halfway through their journey 🚗 Like for Part 8! #ElectricRoadtrip #electricvehicle #navajonation taken in Canyon de Chelly National Monument by @lennecefer

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19 days ago

PART 6 ⚡️ An homage to Navajo Nation as they attempt to make it across in EVs. We’re feeling optimistic. What do you think? Like for Part 7! by @lennecefer

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22 days ago