Click here to view the embedded video.

Original Production Highlights Environmental Issues and Stories of Individuals Who Protect and Promote the Region
SEATTLE—KCTS 9 is proud to present the premiere of North Cascades: People, Places and Stories, a special showcasing the breathtaking park through the words and actions of Washingtonians of all ages.

Airdates: Sunday, January 17, at 10:30 p.m. on KCTS 9 and KYVE 47. Repeats Wednesday, January 20, at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, January 31, at 4:30 p.m.

KCTS 9 will also be producing a Spanish-language version, which will air on V-Me on Saturdays, January 23 at 7:00 p.m. and January 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Written and produced by Emmy Award-winner Doug Tolmie and hosted by KCTS 9’s Enrique Cerna, North Cascades: People, Places and Stories provides an in-depth look at the region and its relationship to the community. North Cascades highlights both critical environmental issues and the stories of passionate citizens who have worked to create, maintain and preserve this stunning part of our state for the future good of all.

“The North Cascades features one of the most ecologically diverse landscapes in the world,” notes Cerna in the program. “It’s home to a national park, two national forests, more glaciers than any other place in our country outside of Alaska, and more than 300 peaks above 7,000 feet in elevation.”

Three of the stories featured in this program are:

* A profile of legendary mountaineer Fred Beckey who has been climbing in the North Cascades for nearly seven decades, racking up more “first ascents” than any other climber in history. The 86-year-old is the author of the Beckey Guides, indispensable guidebooks for climbers and hikers exploring the backcountry.

* The return of wolves to the North Cascades. Scientists and conservationists are tracking two wolf packs, one in the Methow area and the other near Republic. After being hunted to near extinction, the natural return of this iconic predator is exciting news for wildlife biologists—and a cause of concern for ranchers.

* A look at the North Cascade Institute’s nationally recognized education program, The Mountain School, where hands-on activities introduce hundreds of students each year to diverse ecosystems. Says Professor John Miles of Western Washington University, “There’s a concern that kids are getting disconnected from nature, and if they get too disconnected then they will not be the stewards of the North Cascades of the future.”

North Cascades also examines the effect of wildfires on the ecosystem and First Bloom, a program that teaches kids how to design and develop their own native plant garden.

The full-length program will be available online at KCTS9.org/video in English and Spanish after the premiere. The program will also be available via Comcast Video on Demand.

Like National Parks: Northwest Stories, which premiered in September, 2009, North Cascades is part of KCTS 9’s be more green project, through which we explore the science, policies and personal choices that shape our environment. Viewers can watch complete episodes of National Parks: Northwest Stories, find the replay dates for Ken Burns’ The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, sign the National Parks Stewardship Pledge, find hikes and read media coverage on the parks at KCTS9.org/nationalparks.

For additional details, a press preview DVD or interview opportunities, contact Daphne Adair, dadair@KCTS9.org | 206.443.4835 or 206.599.9435.

###

The KCTS 9 mission is to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve by providing meaningful programming on air, online and in the community that informs, involves and inspires.

Program description
North Cascades: People, Places and Stories

North Cascades: People, Places and Stories provides an in-depth look at the region and its relationship to the community, highlighting both critical environmental issues and the stories of passionate citizens who have worked to create, maintain and preserve this stunning part of our state for the future good of all.

Credits:

Doug Tolmie, writer and producer
Enrique Cerna, host and executive producer
Bill Strothman, photographer
David Solheim, editor

North Cascades: People, Places and Stories is made possible by support from the following:

REI
The Wilderness Society
Sun Mountain Lodge
Mazama Country Inn
Brainerd Foundation
PSE
PCC Natural Markets
KCTS 9 Members