The WildeBeat

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.

• Show number 160 [MP3 format; length 9:51; 2,368,849 bytes]
• Show number 160, extended version [MP3 format; length 11:01; 5,748,377 bytes]
• Transcript of edition 160

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This skills program presents skills for building primitive shelters. This is the fifth in a series featuring primitive technologies experts from Primitive Ways. Other shows in this series are edition 141, First Skills, edition 146, Starting with Fire, edition 150, Ancient Firemaking, and edition 155, Primal Grooming.

Using primitive tools and natural materials, naturalist Norm Kidder explains how to choose a sheltered location, demonstrates how to cut wood with a rock, and describes how to build a basic lean-to structure.

The Primitive Ways website has many articles on primitive shelter construction. Another source of information on primitive skills is the Society of Primitive Technologies.

• Show number 159 [MP3 format; length 11:47; 2,831,519 bytes]
• Show number 159, extended high-quality stereo version [MP3 format; length 16:33; 15,904,670 bytes]
• Transcript of edition 159

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This gear program presents the first of our new series of gear reviews. Now, more than ever, our gear programs depend on your participation.

Steve talks to Backpack Gear Test founder and publisher Jerry Goller about the new relationship between Backpack Gear Test and the WildeBeat. Richard Lyon reviews the Ryders Eyewear Intersect sunglasses.

If you're interested in reviewing for Backpack Gear Test (BGT), read: How to become a tester. Manufacturers provide more gear than the volunteers at BGT can keep up with. By becoming a tester, you can help your fellow wilderness travelers find out what gear will work for them.

• Show number 158 [MP3 format; length 9:55; 2,384,833 bytes]
• Show number 158, extended version [MP3 format; length 12:53; 6,189,415 bytes]
• Show number 158 script

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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.

• Show number 157 [MP3 format; length 9:56; 2,387,560 bytes]
• Combined show numbers 156 & 157, exntended version [MP3 format; length 18:52; 9,060,381 bytes]
• Show number 157 script
• Combined show numbers 156 & 157 script

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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.

• Show number 156 [MP3 format; length 9:57; 2,391,427 bytes]
• Transcript of edition 156

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