In the Wasatch, a Podcast by the Central Wasatch Commission


In the Wasatch was created by the Salt Lake City local government entity, the Central Wasatch Commission (CWC). The CWC is dedicated to protecting the Central Wasatch Mountains through canyon transportation improvements, concentrated development, and environmental and recreational stewardship. Hosted by Community Outreach Coordinator Mia McNeil, In the Wasatch focuses on the CWC’s initiatives, issues in the Central Wasatch, and local advocates and organizations dedicated to a sustainable future. If you have an idea for an episode of In the Wasatch, or if you would like to appear as a guest on an episode, contact mia@cwc.utah.gov.

 

 

 

 

 

In the Wasatch - Episode 1: Central Wasatch 101

In the Wasatch - Episode 1: Central Wasatch 101

The Central Wasatch Commission (CWC) is an intergovernmental entity dedicated to protecting the Central Wasatch Mountains by focusing on transportation, recreation, conservation, and the economy. This episode kicks off the ‘In the Wasatch’ podcast with an introduction to who is involved in the CWC, and the values and mission of the organization.

 

Episode 2: Ryan McCann - Adaptive Sports in the Central Wasatch

Episode 2: Ryan McCann - Adaptive Sports in the Central Wasatch

Ryan McCann is currently on the CWC’s Youth Council and works for Wasatch Adaptive Sports, a nonprofit organization that was established in 1977 to provide affordable recreational and educational opportunities for children, adults and veterans to share with their support network or family. Their mission is to empower people with disabilities to realize their potential through outdoor recreation. We will be talking to Ryan in this episode of In the Wasatch about adaptive sports in the Central Wasatch Mountains.

 

Episode 3: Dani Poirier and Tom Diegel - Backcountry Recreation in the Central Wasatch

Episode 3: Dani Poirier and Tom Diegel - Backcountry Recreation in the Central Wasatch

Dani Poirier and Tom Diegel are involved in both the CWC and Wasatch Backcountry Alliance, a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect and advocate for backcountry terrain and access, while educating and informing the community. Dani Poirier is on the CWC’s Youth Council as Chair of the Environmental Dashboard Education Committee and also serves as the Director of WBA. Tom Diegel is the Co-Chair of the CWC’s Stakeholders Council and one of the founders of WBA. We will be talking to Dani and Tom in this episode about backcountry recreation in the Central Wasatch Mountains.

 

Episode 4: Wildlife in the Wasatch with Shauna Hart and Scott Root

Episode 4: Wildlife in the Wasatch with Shauna Hart and Scott Root

Wildlife are spread all across the Wasatch. Shauna Hart is a local wildlife photographer who spends her time capturing the beauty of animals in the Central Wasatch. Scott Root is the Conservation Outreach manager for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. In this episode, we will talk to Shauna and Scott about wildlife and photography in the Central Wasatch Mountains.

 

Episode 5: Central Wasatch National Conservation and Recreation Area Act - Reading the Legislation

Episode 5: Central Wasatch National Conservation and Recreation Area Act - Reading the Legislation

Today we have the CWC’s Executive Director Lindsey Nielsen and Director of Operations Sam Kilpack back on the In the Wasatch Podcast! One of the primary components of the CWC’s mission is establishing its federal bill for the Central Wasatch: the Central Wasatch National Conservation and Recreational Area Act, also known as the CWNCRA. This will be the first episode in the In the Wasatch “CWNCRA” series, and we will be reading verbatim the October 27th, 2020 version of the CWNCRA, which is the most recent version of the legislation. This episode is specifically for auditory learners, who would prefer to hear the legislation than to read it – and in subsequent series episodes, we will provide a section by section explanation of what the legislation means, in practical terms and another episode to answer “Frequently asked questions.”

Episode 6: Sustainable Recreation and Collaborative Efforts with Jayme Kogel

Episode 6: Sustainable Recreation and Collaborative Efforts with Jayme Kogel

Today we will be introducing you to Jayme Kogel, one of the founders of Speedmo, a local organization passionate about bringing the community of flying athletes together. They host races, gear demos, film viewings, festivals, and track records. A large part of their vision is sustainable recreation in the Central Wasatch. Jayme and I will be discussing flying, sustainability, and collaborative efforts.

Episode 7: Hunting in the Central Wasatch with Caitlin Curry

Episode 7: Hunting in the Central Wasatch with Caitlin Curry

Today we will be introducing you to Caitlin Curry who is part of Utah Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. An organization that supports county efforts to conserve public lands in ways that work for local communities and preserve their outdoor legacy for future generations. She is also a member of the CWC’s Stakeholders Council and on the Recreation System Committee.

Episode 8: CWNCRA Series - Iterations of the Bill

Episode 8: CWNCRA Series - Iterations of the Bill

The CWNCRA series continues with a new episode reviewing iterations of the bill and the changes made over time. The CWC’s Executive Director, Lindsey Nielsen, and Director of Operations, Sam Kilpack, will help reviewing each version of the CWNCRA. As a reminder, the Central Wasatch National Conservation and Recreation Area Act, also known as the CWNCRA, is a federal, consensus-based bill drafted by the Central Wasatch Commission aimed at protecting the sources of our drinking water, preserving recreational opportunities for the future, and ensuring enjoyment of the Central Wasatch Mountains in the face of pressures from a growing population. The purpose of this episode and the CWNCRA series is to inform people about the bill as the Central Wasatch Commission works towards its establishment.