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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: The Dick Smith Wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest was burned by the Zaca Fire. The San Rafael Wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest was burned by the Zaca Fire. The Orestimba Wilderness in Henry Coe State Park was burned by the Lick Fire. 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. Show number 137 [MP3 format; length 9:56; 2,386,410 bytes] Combined show numbers 136 & 137 [MP3 format; length 20:44; 19,910,396 bytes] Show number 137 script Show number 136 & 137 combined script Photo Album from Henry Coe S.P. JOIN NOW -- Help us help more folks to appreciate our wild public lands.

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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. Show number 136 [MP3 format; length 9:54; 2,378,785 bytes] Show number 136 script JOIN NOW -- Help us help more folks to appreciate our wild public lands.

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This outings program tells the story of a 10 year old girl and her parents who went on a hike. With all the emphasis on getting more kids outdoors, it might be helpful to give them a role model. Listen to hear about a great one. Mary "Scrambler" and her parents, Gary and Barbara, hiked the length of the Pacific Crest Trail in 2004. Their 2,650 mile journey started April 8th, and they were on the trail until October 25th. They talk about preparation for their journey, stories along the trail, and some of the more profound things they got out of the experience. Barbara Egbert wrote about the adventure, and included photos, copies of Mary's journal, drawings, and more in her book, Zero Days. Gary maintains a web site at pctfamily.com. Show number 135 [MP3 format; length 9:58; 2,397,057 bytes] Show number 135, extended version [MP3 format; length 13:31; 6,490,972 bytes] Show number 135 script JOIN NOW -- Help us help more folks to appreciate our wild public lands.

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This skills program takes a look at the latest in safety advice in grizzly bear country. What if the safest way to protect yourself from a grizzly bear was also safer for the bear? Steve talks to Chris Servheen, the Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Chris authored several fact sheets on bears, including the most recent, Bear Spray vs. Bullets—which offers better protection? Chris refers Steve to a scientist who's doing the leading-edge studies on how to most safely handle yourself in grizzly bear habitat. Tom Smith, an Associate Professor of Plant and Wildlife Sciences at Brigham Young University, has studied the entire documented history of bear encounters in North America for the past 120 years. Tom explains why certain deterrents work better than others. WildeBeat Members can download our entire 40-minute interview with bear researcher Tom Smith from our WildeBeat Insider web pages. Show number 134 [MP3 format; length 9:57; 2,391,840 bytes] Show number 134 extended version [MP3 format; length 10:53; 5,231,250 bytes] Show number 134 script JOIN NOW -- Help us help more folks to appreciate our wild public lands.

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This skills program is a wrap. Well, really it's about baking fresh enchiladas, in a backcountry camp, without a fire or a stove. Steve returns to visit the kitchen of backcountry cooking author Linda Frederick Yaffe. Ms. Yaffe is the author of the books Backpack Gourmet, Solar Cooking for Home and Camp, High Trail Cookery, and The Well Organized Camper. Our guest backpack gourmet demonstrates a solar oven that portable enough to be carried in a backpack, and simple enough to build for yourself. She uses her solar cooker to prepare delicious fresh bean and cheese enchiladas with fresh tomatoes. She also mentions other things you can make with a clamshell solar cooker. Follow the supplemental information link below to get the complete recipe and pictures of her and the enchiladas. Ms. Yaffe mentions the non-profit organization, Solar Cookers International, which she recommends as a source for appropriate cook pots and pans. WildeBeat Members can download our entire collection of unedited sit-down interviews with Linda Frederick Yaffe, from each of the three shows she appears in, from our WildeBeat Insider web pages. Show number 133 [MP3 format; length 9:58; 2,396,540 bytes] Show number 133 extended stereo version [MP3 format; length 11:12; 10,769,628 bytes] Show number 133 script Supplemental information... JOIN NOW -- Help us help more folks to appreciate our wild public lands.

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This skills program looks at packing your gear for air travel to a distant trailhead. Air travel can be a hassle if you don't plan ahead and prepare. We hear a phoned-in comment from listener Jeremy Sullivan. He relates a situation when he had difficulty traveling with his camping gear. Steve meets with Robert Cassidy, a hazardous materials specialist for the Federal Aviation Administration. Robert provides a lot of helpful information, but he explains that in the end the Transportation Security Administration has the final say at the security checkpoint about what you can take on an airliner. Steve talks to Nico Melendez by phone. Nico is the Pacific Region spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration. You can find additional information to help you identify hazardous materials to avoid taking on an airplane on the FAA's Hazardous Materials Information for Passengers page. More general information on planning ahead and preparing for air travel with your backcountry gear can be found on the TSA's Air Travel Tips pages. In particular, they have a page devoted to traveling with camping gear. WildeBeat members can download an extended interview with Robert Cassidy of the FAA, from our WildeBeat Insiders web pages. Show number 132 [MP3 format; length 9:57; 2,391,731 bytes] Show number 132, extended stereo version [MP3 format; length 11:49; 6,171,404 bytes] Show number 132 script This edition was made possible by: Producing a range of natural, gourmet freeze-dried foods for over twenty-five years, Alpine Aire features ready-to-eat instant meals for your outdoor adventures, available at www.aa-foods.com. JOIN NOW -- Help us help more folks to appreciate our wild public lands.

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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. Show number 131 [MP3 format; length 9:58; 2,397,070 bytes] Show number 131, extended version [MP3 format; length 11:18; 5,426,443 bytes] Show number 131 script JOIN NOW -- Help us help more folks to appreciate our wild public lands.

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This outings program takes us on a patrol day with the Lake Alpine Nordic Ski Patrol. You can have a great time while helping others by joining a ski patrol. Steve joins the patrol skiing in the backcountry near Bear Valley, California. We hear from Charles Schafer, the patrol director for the Lake Alpine Nordic Ski Patrol. His group is affiliated with the Far West Division of the National Ski Patrol. Charles talks about the reason they're out there skiing the backcountry: To provide assistance to backcountry skiers and to make their experience safer. After the tour, Steve talked with Jeff Gurrola, the Nordic Supervisor for the Far West Division of the National Ski Patrol. Jeff talks about how you can join up with a backcountry ski patrol. To join a ski patrol in your favorite backcountry area, you can start by contacting the National Ski Patrol and finding out about which areas near you have active patrols. Call their national office in Colorado at 303-988-1111. Show number 130 [MP3 format; length 9:58; 2,397,166 bytes] Show number 130, high-fidelity stereo [MP3 format; length 11:56; 11,460,931 bytes] Show number 130 script JOIN NOW -- Help us help more folks to appreciate our wild public lands.

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This skills program presents an introduction to winter hiking on snowshoes. If you can hike, you can snowshoe. Steve takes a hike with author Mike White, who wrote the books, Best Snowshoe Trails of California, Snowshoe Trails of Yosemite, and Snowshoe Trails Tahoe. A couple of weeks ago, they hiked out and back a couple of miles in the Tahoe National Forest near Donner Pass in California. Snowshoe hiking is the easiest way to start exploring the wilderness in the winter. Mike explains the gear you need, and how to get started. WildeBeat members can download an extended interview with Mike White featuring more detailed tips for getting started, from our WildeBeat Insiders web pages. Show number 129 [MP3 format; length 9:59; 2,398,628 bytes] Show number 129, extended high-quality stereo version [MP3 format; length 12:16; 11,778,580 bytes] Show number 129 script JOIN NOW -- Help us help more folks to appreciate our wild public lands.

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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. Show number 128 [MP3 format; length 9:51; 2,369,060 bytes] Show number 128, extended high-quality stereo version [MP3 format; length 11:17; 10,836,502 bytes] Show number 128 script JOIN NOW -- Help us help more folks to appreciate our wild public lands.

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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: Fitz Cahall, creator and producer of the podcast, the Dirtbag Diaries. Tom Mangan, a newspaper editor, and hiking blogger. Scott Graham, author of the book Extreme Kids. (Scott also appeared in the WildeBeat editions 46 and 47.) Emily White, marketing and publicity specialist for Wilderness Press. Andrew Skurka, noted long-distance hiker, the first to hike the 6,875 mile Great Western Loop. Ryan Jordan, founder and publisher of Backpacking Light Magazine, and participant in the Arctic 1,000 Expedition. 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. Show number 127 [MP3 format; length 9:57; 2,391,424 bytes] Combined show numbers 126 & 127 [MP3 format; length 18:17; 8,777,628 bytes] Show number 127 script Show number 126 & 127 combined script JOIN NOW -- Help us help more folks to appreciate our wild public lands.

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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: Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods. Raymond Garcia, a summer visitor to Yosemite National Park. Fitz Cahall, creator and producer of the podcast, the Dirtbag Diaries. Ryan Jordan, founder and publisher of Backpacking Light Magazine, and participant in the Arctic 1,000 Expedition. Andrew Skurka, noted long-distance hiker, the first to hike the 6,875 mile Great Western Loop. 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. Show number 126 [MP3 format; length 9:58; 2,395,812 bytes] Show number 126 script JOIN NOW -- Help us help more folks to appreciate our wild public lands.

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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: Jim Bedwell, Director of Recreation, Heritage, and Volunteer Resources for the National Forest Service in Washington, D.C. Todd Vogel, Education and Stewardship director for the Friends of the Inyo, and co-owner of Sierra Mountain Center, a commercial guide service Dave Simon, Director of Outdoor Activities for the Sierra Club Matt Bloom, owner of the Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pack Station, on the edge of the Emigrant Wilderness in California's Stanislaus National Forest. 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. Show number 125 [MP3 format; length 9:54; 2,377,417 bytes] Show number 125, extended version [MP3 format; length 13:49; 6,639,351 bytes] Show number 125 script JOIN NOW -- Help us help more folks to appreciate our wild public lands.

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This skills program discusses things you need to know before relying on a portable GPS receiver. Finding your way there and finding your way home is not always so easy in the wilderness. Steve talks with author Stephen Hinch who wrote the book, Outdoor Navigation with GPS. Stephen is a high-tech executive with technical knowledge of the GPS system and a love of wilderness travel. A GPS receiver can make navigaton easier, but what do you need to know to use it, and what do you need to know when it's not making it easier? What should you look for if you're shopping for one? What's the easiest way to use one in order to keep from getting lost? Stephen also mentions orienteering as a great way to learn navigation skills to use when you can't use GPS. Through the U.S. Orienteering Federation, you can find a local club that can teach you more traditional navigation skills. Show number 124 [MP3 format; length 9:59; 2,398,734 bytes] Show number 124, extended version [MP3 format; length 12:11; 5,855,052 bytes] Show number 124 script JOIN NOW -- Help us help more folks to appreciate our wild public lands.

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This gear program is a report on the Winter 2008 Outdoor Retailer's Expo. What's cool in next year's winter gear? Jason Boyle and Christopher Nicolai report on the most interesting gear they hope to test for BackpackGearTest.ORG. They comment on products by: GoLite, Rab, Patagonia, Mountainsmith, MontBell, Cilogear, Aspen Aerogel, Easton, Garmont, and Teko Socks. As a wrap-up, Backpack Gear Test founder Jerry Goller tells us that they get more gear to review than their reviewers can keep up with. You might be able to get free gear to review. Read: How to become a tester. Show number 123 [MP3 format; length 9:58; 2,394,028 bytes] Show number 123, extended version [MP3 format; length 11:24; 5,473,242 bytes] Show number 123 script JOIN NOW -- Help us help more folks to appreciate our wild public lands.

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This skills program is an overview of some of the ways you can call for help from the wilderness. Have you ever thought about how you'd get help if you needed it? Out of all the different ways you could let somebody know about your situation, some of them work better than others. This is an updated version of our program number 37 of April 13, 2006. Steve talks about simple signaling techniques, like whistles, signal mirrors, and smoke signals, and then discusses various phones and radio technologies. He talks to Caroline Semerdjian at Sprint-Nextel. She mentions a page to find out their network coverage by zip-code. We replay a comment by Sgt. Phil Caporale of the Fresno County Sheriff's search and rescue unit from A Winter Storm Warning (our editions #15 & #16), where he talks about problems with satellite phones. Steve talks to Bill Jeffrey about amateur (or "ham") radio. Bill created and maintains a web site called the Pacific Crest Trail Repeater Guide. Amateur radio is still the primary choice for most volunteer search and rescue organizations. We also hear about Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) from Doug Ritter, a survival skills consultant and journalist who operates the Equipped to Survive Foundation. Laurel Boyers, who recently retired as Yosemite National Park's wilderness manager, talks about how easy access to rescue services makes the wilderness less wild. Finally, we hear from Tim Kovacks of the Mountain Rescue Association. Links to more information about a number of these communication and signaling options are listed in the pages linked below, under To Find Out More... Show number 122 [MP3 format; length 9:57; 2,393,099 bytes] Show number 122, extended version [MP3 format; length 10:32; 5,059,684 bytes] Show number 122 script To find out more... JOIN NOW -- Help us help more folks to appreciate our wild public lands.

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This skills program is an interview with Marcus Libkind. This is a reprise of our program number 21 of December 1, 2005. Marcus wrote the most comprehensive and widely used trail guides for backcountry ski tours in the Sierra Nevada: Ski Tours in the Sierra Nevada, Volume 1: Lake Tahoe Ski Tours in the Sierra Nevada, Volume 2: Carson Pass, Bear Valley, Pinecrest Ski Tours in the Sierra Nevada, Volume 3: Yosemite, Huntington and Shaver Lakes, Kings Canyon, Sequoia Ski Tours in the Sierra Nevada, Volume 4: East of the Sierra Crest Ski Tours in Lassen Volcanic National Park Marcus has moved these guides online to his Ski Tours in the Sierra Nevada web site. He will add tours to this site one by one as soon as they are field checked for updates. The whole site is about your participation—he invites you to explore his routes and then submit updated information about the ski tours from his books. Also, you can suggest new tour routes for this online guide. If you want to get started exploring the backcountry on skis, Marcus recommends getting lessons and practice at groomed-track cross-country ski resorts first. The Cross Country Ski Areas Association has a directory of cross country ski trail systems. One good beginner's guide to winter backcountry skills is Allen & Mike's Really Cool Backcountry Ski Book. Show number 121 [MP3 format; length 9:51; 2,366,049 bytes] Show number 121, extended version [MP3 format; length 10:34; 5,076,623 bytes] Show number 121 script JOIN NOW -- Help us help more folks to appreciate our wild public lands.

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This skills program is an introduction to snow camping. Snow camping is really cool, but it doesn't have to be cold if you know what you're doing. This is a reprise of our program number 27 of January 26, 2006. Mike Clelland is a winter camping instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School. He's also the illustrator and co-author of Allen & Mike's Really Cool Backcountry Ski Book. In this part, Mike talks about kitchens, cooking and nutrition, and staying warm at night. Ben Lawhon from the Leave No Trace Center gives some additional tips for low-impact snow camping. WildeBeat members can download the entire, unedited interview with Mike Clelland from our WildeBeat Insiders web site. Show number 120 [MP3 format; length 9:59; 2,395,617 bytes] Show number 120 script Supplemental information... JOIN NOW -- Help us help more folks to appreciate our wild public lands.

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This skills program is an introduction to snow camping. Snow camping is really cool, but it doesn't have to be cold if you know what you're doing. This is a reprise of our program number 26 of January 19, 2006. Steve interviewed Mike Clelland, a winter camping instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School. He's also the illustrator and co-author of Allen & Mike's Really Cool Backcountry Ski Book. In this part, Mike talks about clothing, campsite selection, and shelter. Next week in part two, he'll tell you the rest you need to know to get started. Show number 119 [MP3 format; length 9:43; 2,335,118 bytes] Show number 119 script JOIN NOW -- Help us help more folks to appreciate our wild public lands.

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This gear program is a wrap-up of Backpack Gear Tests's reviews of 2007. Steve asked the volunteer editors and moderators from Backpack Gear Test to talk about their most memorable reviews. Memorable reviews might be about their favorite gear; but they might instead be about especially thorough or innovative approaches to reviewing outdoor gear. These four people responded: Thomas Vickers1, Ralph Ditton2, Rick Allnutt3, and Rebecca Sowards-Emmerd4. Out of more than a thousand reviews published on BGT this year, they were impressed by these: Black Diamond One Shot Tent1 GoLite Odyssey Pack2 Trail Designs Caldera Cone Stove System2 AntiGravityGear Poncho Villa3 AntiGravityGear TarpTent3 MontBell UL Super Stretch Hugger 20074 Backpack Gear Test has more gear to review than reviewers. You can start out by reviewing gear you already own, and then you might be able to get other free gear to review. Read: How to become a tester. Show number 118 [MP3 format; length 9:53; 2,375,013 bytes] Show number 118, extended version [MP3 format; length 11:04; 5,316,509 bytes] Show number 118 script JOIN NOW -- Help us help more folks to appreciate our wild public lands.

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