Talk of the Towns 5/08/09

Producer/Host: Ron Beard, University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Studio Engineer: Amy Browne

Topic: Maine’s Climate Future—what are the implications?

Guests: George Jacobson, School of Biology and Ecology & Climate Change Institute, University of Maine; Paul Anderson, University of Maine Sea Grant; Ivan Fernandez, Plant, Soil & Environmental Sciences, and Climate Change Institute, University of Maine; David Littell, Commissioner, Maine Department of Environmental Protection

What led to this report and what was different in the process of pulling it together? How is the report organized? What does the record of Maine’s past and present climate tell us about the future? What does the report find for freshwater ecosystems, forests, biodiversity and indigenous peoples of Maine? Maine is a heavily forested state, influencing both our economy and where people live and recreate… what are some of the implications of people making a living from and enjoying Maine’s woodlands? what are some of the implications of Maine’s climate future for people living and making a living on the coast? What led Governor to request this report? How would you characterize its contribution to our response, as a State, to the issues? How are the executive and legislative branches of Maine government responding… what are the highlights? What should citizens and stakeholders be watching for?

FMI: www.climatechange.umaine.edu/mainesclimatefuture/index.htm

RadioActive 5/07/09

Producers/Hosts: Meredith DeFrancesco and Amy Browne

Today we look to Augusta at a currently proposed amendment to a groundwater bill, which would consolidate power with the state concerning commercial water extraction. Yesterday the Department of Environmental Protection presented the 8 page amendment to the Natural Resources Committee, which would give the DEP the authority to govern commercial water extraction.
Today we speak with Emily Posner from the organization Defending Water In Maine, who is in Augusta right now.
Contact: www.defendingwaterinmaine.org, 930 5232.

Notes from the Electronic Cottage 5/07/09

Producer/Host: Jim Campbell

There’s lots of music available for download on the web – but free, legally cleared music is another matter. Today we look at two recent sites that are providing access to free and legal music. The free Music Archive (www.freemusicarchive.org) works directly with contemporary artists to provide music under some rights reserved licenses. Musopen (www.musopen.com), on the other hand, provides access to performances of classical music that are in the public domain, and provides a way fro people to join together to commission new performances of specific classical pieces that will be placed in the public domain forever.

Healthy Options 5/06/09

Producer/Host: Andree Bella
Studio Engineer: Amy Browne
Topic: New Forest Institute
What is permaculture? What programs does New Forest Institute offer to the public? What parts do agriculture, art, community and consciousness play in the mission of New Forest Institute?
Guests: Lauren Bugofsky, Garden Manager, Julia Yelton, Permaculture consultant & Kimberly, Board Member, all from New Forest Institute
Call in show
FMI: www.newforestinstitute.org, 207-722-3625