The WildeBeat

The audio journal about getting into the wilderness.

 

ABOUT

The WildeBeat
Wilderness newsBeat

The outdoor recreation and adventure radio show and podcast about backcountry news and activities, like camping, backpacking, skiing, and snowshoeing. MORE...

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The WildeBeat is a public benefit project of the Earth Island Institute, a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation.

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RECOGNITION

The directories, review sites, or other podcasters listed below have recognized The WildeBeat for its quality of content and production.

As featured in an interview on the main page of
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As featured in the June/July 2006 issue of the magazine
[Plenty Magazine]

[Podcast Bunker - 5 stars]

   

Thu, Oct 16, 2008

The New Rust Belt

Posted at 09:00 /shows/wild_places [link [Bookmark Link]]
Listen now:

[Trees and the mountain pine beetle.] In this wild places program, Guest Correspondent Kurt Repanshek investigates the changes coming to the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.

Kurt explains how the mountain pine beetle is affecting the white bark pine trees, and man animals and people who depend on these trees. Why is this beetle a growing problem now?

We also hear from Dr. Jesse Logan, a recently retired U.S. Forest Service entomologist, Diana Tomback, a biology professor at the University of Colorado in Denver, and Louisa Willcox, a senior wildlife advocate for the Natural Resources Defense Council.

You can read more reporting by Kurt Repanshek at his National Parks Traveler web site.


Thu, Sep 25, 2008

Keep Me Connected, part 2

Posted at 09:00 /shows/wild_places [link [Bookmark Link]]
Listen now:

[Seeing mountains through a cell phone.]In part two of this wild places program, Assistant Producer Kate Taylor presents the pros and cons of using communication devices in the back-country, a topic that has sparked controversy among outdoor enthusiasts. (Here is part 1 of Keep Me Connected.)

Listeners respond to part one with their opinions and experiences using communication devices on wilderness trips. Derek Moore, SPOT LLC's manager of marketing and public relations, and Gregg Fauth, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park's wilderness manager, discuss the difference between a "challenge" and an emergency. Paul Magnanti and retired wilderness manager Laurel Boyers tell how they see a change in back-country use.


Thu, Sep 18, 2008

Keep Me Connected, part 1

Posted at 09:00 /shows/wild_places [link [Bookmark Link]]
Listen now:

[City bars over nature.]In part one of this wild places program, Assistant Producer Kate Taylor presents the pros and cons of using communication devices in the back-country, a topic that has sparked controversy among outdoor enthusiasts.

Blogger Paul Magnanti shares an essay he wrote about the issue, and Derek Moore from SPOT LLC comments on his company's device, the SPOT Satellite Messenger. Gregg Fauth and Laurel Boyers, both wilderness managers of national parks, tell how communication technology has changed the wilderness experience.

To read Paul's essay and about his outdoor experiences, titled The Changing Culture of Connectivity, visit his blogsite at PMags.com.

Next week, in part 2, we'll hear more from Gregg Fauth and Paul Magnanti, and find out what types of situations warrant the use of communication devices in the back-country.


Thu, Jun 26, 2008

Bear Cans Revisited, part 2

Posted at 09:00 /shows/wild_places [link [Bookmark Link]]
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[Zoo Test - Inyo National Forest, Calder Reid] This wild places program is part two of an exploration of the situation in the Sierra Nevada wilderness areas that lead to the development of the bear-resistant food canister. (Part one is here.) Who makes these things, and how do we know they work?

Steve tells the story with the help of:

Harold Werner and Calder Reid are members of the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group (SIBBG), the standards-setting body for bear management in the major Sierra Nevada wilderness areas. Their group also performs the tests that lead to the approval of canisters for use in Yosemite National Park, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, and the Inyo National Forest. Several other jurisdictions also require canisters from the SIBBG approved list.

This edition was originally presented on August 31, 2006.

Photo credit: Calder Reid, Inyo National Forest


Thu, Jun 19, 2008

Bear Cans Revisited, part 1

Posted at 09:01 /shows/wild_places [link [Bookmark Link]]
Listen now:

[Garcia Machine Backpacker's Cache] This wild places program is part one of an exploration of the situation in the Sierra Nevada wilderness areas that lead to the development of the bear-resistant food canister. Why were they invented, who invented them, and how did that happen?

Steve tells the story with the help of:

Harold Werner, Calder Reid, and Tori Seher are members of the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group (SIBBG), the standards-setting body for bear management in the major Sierra Nevada wilderness areas.

Next week, we'll give you updates about how the industry grew from these beginnings, and the effect all of this has had on parks, forests, bears, and wilderness visitors. This edition was originally presented on August 24, 2006.


Thu, May 22, 2008

Reprise: Wilderness Deals for Wheels

Posted at 09:00 /shows/wild_places [link [Bookmark Link]]
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[No Bikes in Wilderness] This wild places program investigates the relationship of the popular sport of mountain bicycling to wilderness preservation. What do these groups want when they lobby for the protection of wild places?

Steve tells the story with the help of:

A recent point of contention between wilderness groups and mountain bicycling groups was over the establishment of the King Range Wilderness. This wilderness was established in October, 2006, as part of the Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage Wilderness Act.

WildeBeat members can download additional interview clips about responsible mountain bike riding in the backcountry from our WildeBeat Insider web pages.


Thu, May 08, 2008

Bad Fire, Good Fire, part 2

Posted at 09:00 /shows/wild_places [link [Bookmark Link]]
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[Sign: Plant Regeneration Study In Progress] This wild places program is part two of a look at the effects of wild fires. Smoky the Bear says, only you can prevent wild fires. But sometimes you can't, and in some ways, that's not all bad. (Part 1 is here.)

Wild fires burned through three major wilderness areas in California late last summer:

Steve talks with fire ecologist Jon Keely of the United States Geologic Survey about whether fire irreparably damages wild lands. Winslow Briggs, director emeritus for the Carnagie Institute of Science, is studying the recovery of plants in Henry Coe State Park. He talks about what survived, what's coming back, and how he knows. Jon Keely talks about what to look for when you explore a place that has burned, and some things to discover and appreciate.

WildeBeat members can download extended bonus interviews with Winslow Briggs and Jon Keely from our WildeBeat Insider's web pages.


Thu, May 01, 2008

Bad Fire, Good Fire, part 1

Posted at 09:00 /shows/wild_places [link [Bookmark Link]]
Listen now:

[Lick Fire at Henry Coe State Park] This wild places program is part one of a look at the effects of wild fires. Smoky the Bear says, only you can prevent wild fires. But sometimes you can't, and in some ways, that's not all bad.

We play a part of a TV news report about a wild fire that burned about half of California's Henry Coe State Park. This park contains the nearest wilderness area to us, the Orestimba Wilderness.

Kathleen Good tells us about the largest of last year's wild fires in California, the Zaca Fire in the Los Padres National Forest, which burned both the Dick Smith Wilderness and the San Rafael Wilderness.

Steve tours the damage at Henry Coe State Park with ranger John Verhoeven.

Ben Lawhon, education director for the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, reminds us about responsible use of fire on backcountry and wilderness outings.

Next week, in part 2, scientists study what happens to a wild place after a fire.


Thu, Mar 27, 2008

California Snowshoe Trails

Posted at 09:00 /shows/wild_places [link [Bookmark Link]]
Listen now:

[Book: Best Snowshoe Trails of California] This wild places program presents a guidebook author's favorite places to snowshoe in California. Yeah, it's spring, but there's still a lot of nice snow up there.

Mike White, author of Best Snowshoe Trails of California, tells us what he actually thinks are the very best snowshoe trails in California. He picks trails that start at this trailhead, and at this trailhead.

Mike introduced us to snowshoe hiking two weeks ago, in our edition number 129, A Snowshoe Primer. Mike also mentions the option of staying overnight in a backcountry hut; one of the places we mentioned in our edition number 111, a reprise of Indoor Snow Camping.


Thu, Mar 06, 2008

Skiing More of Utah

Posted at 09:00 /shows/wild_places [link [Bookmark Link]]
Listen now:

[Backcountry Skiing Utah] This wild places program provides a ski guide's advice on how to get away from the crowds at the very popular ski resorts in Utah.

Guest correspondent Kurt Repanshek visited the Mill Creek trailhead in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest near Salt Lake City. There he met backcountry ski guide and guide book author Tyson Bradley. Tyson wrote the book, Backcountry Skiing Utah.

Tyson talks about the many mountain ranges in Utah that provide a wide range of exceptional opportunities for backcountry and wilderness skiing, whether you're an advanced-beginner cross country skier, or you're an expert alpine or telemark skier. He points out that if you are comfortable on your skis, and you're fit enough to hike three miles and gain a thousand feet, then you're plenty fit to get into the backcountry on terrain appropriate for your skills.

Tyson also mentions that sometimes in the deep, dry snow of Utah, you might have a greater chance to be at risk from avalanches. Our edition number 74, Staying on Top of the Snow, provides an introduction to avalanche safety. One of the most important things to do before you go out is to check with the Utah Avalanche Center for the day's forecast.

Kurt Repanshek regularly writes and occasionally podcasts on his National Parks Traveler web-zine.


Thu, Feb 28, 2008

Scared Indoors, part 2

Posted at 09:00 /shows/wild_places [link [Bookmark Link]]
Listen now:

[Boring story in the newspaper?] This wild places program is part 2 of an exploration of how mass media might be affecting people's interest in getting into the wilderness. (Part 1 is here.)

They came, they saw, they almost bought it; are these the kind of stories that inspire you to get into the wilderness? Do they represent the normal experience of a wilderness visitor?

Steve answers this question with the help of:

Our thanks to Fitz Cahall for supplying the recording of his interview, and for permission to use an excerpt from his show, No Big Deal.

WildeBeat members can download extended bonus interviews with Andrew Skurka and Ryan Jordan from our WildeBeat Insider's web pages.


Thu, Feb 21, 2008

Scared Indoors, part 1

Posted at 09:00 /shows/wild_places [link [Bookmark Link]]
Listen now:

[Outdoor adventure tragedy on TV.] This wild places program asks how mass media might be affecting people's interest in getting into the wilderness. They came, they saw, they almost bought it; are these the kind of stories that inspire you to get into the wilderness?

Steve explores this question with the help of:

We'd like to include some of your comments in next week's part 2. Can you give us examples of mainstream media you've read, listened to, or watched that scared you away from trying what you saw? Better yet, how about examples of mainstream media describing wilderness adventures that seemed completely within your reach and looked like a good time? Let us know by calling our toll-free comment line at 866-590-7373.

Next week, in part 2, we'll try to answer the question that this week's program asks.

Our thanks to Fitz Cahall for supplying the recording of his interview, and for permission to use an excerpt from his show, No Big Deal.


Thu, Feb 14, 2008

Forest Admission?

Posted at 09:00 /shows/wild_places [link [Bookmark Link]]
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[Forest service logo, overlayed with dollar sign and querstion mark.] This wild places program examines proposed rules affecting outfitter guides in the National Forests. Will these rules make it harder, or more expensive, for you to get into Forest Service wilderness?

Steve explores the issue with the help of:

The Forest Service issued a proposed rule change titled, Proposed Directives for Forest Service Outfitting and Guiding Special Use Permits and Insurance Requirements for Forest Service Special Use Permits. This rule is open for public comments through February 19, 2008.

An Arizona-based group, the River Runners for Wilderness, sounded an ominous alert about some possible problems with this rule in November of 2007. Later, the Casper Star-Tribune published an article by Brodie Farquhar presenting the controversy.

We suggest you take a look at the revised rules yourself, and then make your own comments to the Forest Service if you think your access will be affected.

WildeBeat members can download bonus extended interviews from Todd Vogel and Jim Bedwell from the WildeBeat Insider web pages.


Thu, Nov 22, 2007

Desert Roadless Traveled

Posted at 09:00 /shows/wild_places [link [Bookmark Link]]
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[Factory Butte tracks; photo by Ray Bloxham/SUWA] This wild places program examines the problems of trying to designate new wilderness areas in the central Utah desert. If it gets overrun by off road vehicles, can it still become new wilderness?

This story was provided to us by guest reporter Kurt Repanshek, creator of the National Parks Traveler web magazine. Kurt tells this story of the struggle for wilderness designations in the desert canyonlands of central Utah with the help of:

(A spokesman for the Blue Ribbon Coalition, the dominant advocacy group for off road vehicle enthusiasts, didn't respond to our e-mailed requests for an interview.)

Taking a wilderness-friendly adventure in these areas is not as challenging as it might appear. You should check with the BLM for maps, routes, and conditions. Our program number 34: Desert Backpacking Tips, can get you started.

We welcome your story contributions about outings, skills, or wild places that matter to you. Please see our Contribute page for details.


Thu, Nov 15, 2007

Ticket to Half Dome

Posted at 09:00 /shows/wild_places [link [Bookmark Link]]
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[Cable route on Half Dome] This wild places program examines whether the hike to Yosemite's Half Dome has become too popular to be considered wilderness. Is this national park attraction too attractive?

Steve tells the story with the help of the following voices:

  • Thomas Herrera, a Half Dome climber from Stockton, California.
  • Rick Deutsch, author of the book, One Best Hike, Yosemite's Half Dome.
  • Scott Gediman, spokesman for Yosemite National Park.
  • Karen Hamilton, a Half Dome climber from Cobb, California.
  • Laurel Boyers, retired wilderness manager of Yosemite National Park.
  • Francis Engler, a backpacker from Oceanside, California.

The steel cables, which make the climb possible for most people, are down for the season. So at this time, the park highly discourages trying to climb the peak. The cables are usually reinstalled by the end of May.

While climbing Half Dome may be an adventure and a proud achievement for many, some people feel the popularity of the route takes away some of its wilderness character. Scott Gediman recommends planning your climb on a weekday, perhaps a Tuesday or Wednesday, to avoid crowds. Former wilderness manager Laurel Boyers goes further, and says that the best wilderness experiences in Yosemite are away from the crowds that often fill the Half Dome Trail. Yosemite has Web pages devoted to planning wilderness trips.


Thu, Sep 27, 2007

Thanks Ranger Boyers!

Posted at 09:00 /shows/wild_places [link [Bookmark Link]]
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[Ranger Laurel Boyers] This wild places program is a thanks and tribute to Yosemite National Park's wilderness manager, Ranger Laurel Boyers. Ranger Boyers is retiring from the park after 31 years of service on October 1st.

We hear from Mike Tollefson, the superintendent of Yosemite National Park. Mike comments on Ranger Boyers' Career. Steve interviews Laurel Boyers, who talks about her experiences in the span of her career.

We understand that Laurel Boyers and her husband, also a park service employee, will soon be taking some time to visit other national parks. We thank her for her service in the interest of preserving Yosemite's wilderness, and wish her the best in her future adventures and endeavors.


This edition was made possible by:

[Wilderness Press]A Berkeley-based publisher of outdoor guidebooks and maps for California and beyond. From the peaks of Yosemite to the stairways of San Francisco, we've helped people find their way in the outdoors for over 40 years.

Thu, Sep 13, 2007

Ranger Changes, part 2

Posted at 09:00 /shows/wild_places [link [Bookmark Link]]
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[NPS Ranger on Horse] This wild places program is part two of an exploration on how the job of wilderness rangers is changing. (Listen to part 1 first.) Many people who worked for parks and forests when the Wilderness Act went in effect are still working.

Last week, we started out by getting a look at the traditional skills and duties of a wilderness ranger. This week, we find out about the greatest changes affecting their jobs, and changes in the way we interact with them.

We hear from:

What do you expect from wilderness rangers? You can share your opinions with your fellow listeners anytime using our toll free comment line at 866-590-7373.


Thu, Sep 06, 2007

Ranger Changes, part 1

Posted at 09:00 /shows/wild_places [link [Bookmark Link]]
Listen now:

[Wilderness Ranger Cabin] This wild places program is part one of an exploration on how the job of wilderness rangers is changing. Many people who worked for parks and forests when the Wilderness Act went in effect are still working.

We start out by getting a look at the traditional skills and duties of a wilderness ranger. We hear from:

Next week, in part two, we find out about the changes in government, in environmental threats, and in the wilderness users are affecting the job of wilderness rangers.

What do you expect from wilderness rangers? You can share your opinions with your fellow listeners anytime using our toll free comment line at 866-590-7373.


Thu, Aug 23, 2007

Thousand Lakes

Posted at 09:00 /shows/wild_places [link [Bookmark Link]]
Listen now:

[Thousand Lakes Wilderness sign] This wild places program is part one of a visit to the Thousand Lakes Wilderness in the Lassen National Forest. This small, 25 square-mile wilderness shouldn't be judged by its size.

The Thousand Lakes Wilderness is just north of Lassen Volcanic National Park, which we explored in our edition numbers 96 & 97. While national parks are high-profile places that attract a lot of attention, nearby national forest wilderness areas are often overlooked.

Steve talks with Jan Sorochtey, the recreation officer for the Hat Creek District of the Lassen National Forest. Steve hikes to the largest lake in the wilderness, Eiler Lake, with patrol ranger Don Mason. They encounter an over-used campsite on the lake shore.

If you want to plan a trip to the Thousand Lakes Wilderness, you should start by contacting the Hat Creek Ranger District of the Lassen National Forest. Jan Sorochtey says that they don't require any permits. But take note, there is a complete campfire ban for the summer and fall of 2007.


Thu, Aug 02, 2007

Lassen National Park, part 2

Posted at 09:00 /shows/wild_places [link [Bookmark Link]]
Listen now:

[Lassen Peak from Hat Lake] This wild places program is part one of a visit to Lassen Volcanic National Park. It's been called a little Yellowstone because of its wilderness and its volcanic features.

We hear from Steve Zachary, the park's education specialist, about some of the most interesting features of the park's wilderness areas. He mentions the Cinder Cone, the Fantastic Lava Beds, and Boiling Springs Lake.

Jean Higham, our normally silent co-writer and co-editor, provides a trip report on her four day hike in the backcountry. A map and pictures of her trip are available on the photo album link, below. Jean's hike was relatively easy, and she never got more than a few miles from the road. You don't have to get very far into the wilderness to have an extraordinary experience.

If you want to plan a trip to the backcountry of Lassen Volcanic National park, you'll, of course, want to start with this PDF map. Then you'll want to contact the park to arrange for a wilderness permit. You can apply for one in-person, by phone, or online.



   

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