Redwoods and stewardship

“Cutting the burl off redwoods … it’s like cutting off their feet. That’s the source of new roots, to get bigger, to keep growing.”

The California Coastal Redwoods were extensively clear cut around the turn of the century. But, thanks to the Redwood League (later Save the Redwoods) and influential individuals, acres of old growth redwoods still stand. The timber industry and environmental activists continue to spar over the healthiest maintenance plans for redwood forests. Gerald Beranek is an “old logger” who also happens to revere the majestic redwoods, and has published several books on these majestic trees. He shares redwood facts, a little history, and the best way to approach stewardship.

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Hemp and marijuana

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Hemp’s negative press has been fueled by competing industries in lumber and petroleum. This week, I speak with Magic J. Ellingson, activist and inspiration behind the Henry Hemp comic books, and Bob Dale of Hemp, Inc. about the personal and environmental benefits of hemp.

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Oceans and Resources

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What are the pros/cons of the different desalination plants? Who do rising sea levels affect? This week, I speak with oceanographer Dr. Tony Jones, who pursues utilization of the natural and mineral resources of the sea, without causing further harm to the marine environment.

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Wild and Scenic

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A day or two spent with mountains, canyons, or rivers, equals a year of therapy. Under the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act (10/2/68), selected rivers of the United States “… with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values, shall be preserved in free-flowing condition … shall be protected …”

Nevada County, California recently hosted the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, showcasing over 120 environmental and adventure films. A few people interviewed with regional and national concerns, and solutions: The Woolman Semester School (alternative school), San Juan Ridge Taypayers Association (gold miners v. clean drinking water), Sierra Club (overpopulation), Citizens Climate Lobby, Alaskans First Campaign (save the Chuitna River), American Rivers, Friends of the River, Sierra Nevada Geoengineering Awareness, and United for the Yuba. Western India farmers and lions are discussed regarding the award-winning film, “Pride.”

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Soup and coffee

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There’s only one farmer owned coffee bar in the United States. Do you know where it is? Pachamama Coffee member-cooperatives represents thousands of global farmer families, who receive 100% of the coffee profits.

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Urban forests and Great Basins

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The health benefits of trees and their contribution to saving money on utility bills are perks to their visual beauty. Ray Tretheway of the Sacramento Tree Foundation provides insight into the offerings of trees and why each community should have its own tree foundation.

And, we visit Great Basin National Park in Nevada.

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Air and wind

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What country has taken over as the largest single emitter of greenhouse gases? This week, I talk to Bart Croes, Chief of the Research Division at the California Air Resources Board. And, we visit Wind Cave.

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