Saving the Sierra is a sweet hour spent in the mountains of eastern California and among the people who inhabit them. Catherine Stifter and jesika maria ross' beautifully conversational narration allows the listener to feel at home in this region. The piece builds on this with more conversations with locals of various stripes, each of whom speak to their particular concerns for the future, most of which have to do with encroaching urbanization. I'd imagine this piece could be a good handbook for rural communities around the country who face similar futures. It's such a nice example of how radio can be used to express a community's divergent voices, and ideally build the community it comes from. This is beautifully crafted radio, with plenty of authentic sound of the mountains, and moved along by original piano music.
"Saving The Sierra" is impeccably rich in soundscapes, diverse voices and thoughtful contemplation. As development continues to encroach on shrinking farmlands, this timely documentary asks pertinent questions and offers differing routes to solutions. Producers Catherine Stifter and Jesika Maria Ross not only knows their subject matter but have a personal connection to the material as residents of the Sierra. This beautiful meditation on the challenges facing their homeland mirrors the dilemma so many of us face in our own states. I convinced my local station to air "Saving The Sierra" on Earth Day, and I urge other stations to give a listen and schedule this fine documentary on April 22nd or beyond.
Saving the Sierra is a multi-media experience that will enhance your air and website. At heart it is a top-drawer documentary about America?s rural lands under siege. It connects with listeners from the opening sentence. You listen and think,?I?ve been to a place like that and felt just that way.? The piece maintains the highest production values; it is deep and lush. The writing is crisp; the host is warm and inviting. The journalism is solid. The companion website is equally well-crafted and a welcome link on your own site.
The issues examined in Saving the Sierra, while located in the Sierra mountains of California, could as easily be along Wyoming?s Wind River mountain range, in Florida?s Everglades, on the shores of the Great Lakes or in any stretch of former farmland now lined with rows of condos. The producers have made an ode to the Walden-like lure of rural places without lapsing into the maudlin or strident. The piece laments the impact of development and change; at the same time resisting the urge to preach. Saving the Sierra places before the listener a series of real solutions offered by thoughtful people, each with a stake in the outcome. The protagonists are treated with respect so their perspectives can be heard and considered. The documentary is not a provocative slogan on a picket sign; it is instead an invitation to sit down listen to each other and find common ground for the future of our rural open spaces.
Comments for Saving The Sierra
Produced by Catherine Stifter & jesikah maria ross and Catherine Stifter
Other pieces by Catherine Stifter
Rating Summary
3 comments
Stephanie Guyer-Stevens
Posted on May 06, 2008 at 07:25 PM | Permalink
Review of Saving The Sierra
Saving the Sierra is a sweet hour spent in the mountains of eastern California and among the people who inhabit them. Catherine Stifter and jesika maria ross' beautifully conversational narration allows the listener to feel at home in this region. The piece builds on this with more conversations with locals of various stripes, each of whom speak to their particular concerns for the future, most of which have to do with encroaching urbanization. I'd imagine this piece could be a good handbook for rural communities around the country who face similar futures. It's such a nice example of how radio can be used to express a community's divergent voices, and ideally build the community it comes from. This is beautifully crafted radio, with plenty of authentic sound of the mountains, and moved along by original piano music.
Dmae Lo Roberts
Posted on March 30, 2008 at 09:14 PM | Permalink
Review of Saving The Sierra
"Saving The Sierra" is impeccably rich in soundscapes, diverse voices and thoughtful contemplation. As development continues to encroach on shrinking farmlands, this timely documentary asks pertinent questions and offers differing routes to solutions. Producers Catherine Stifter and Jesika Maria Ross not only knows their subject matter but have a personal connection to the material as residents of the Sierra. This beautiful meditation on the challenges facing their homeland mirrors the dilemma so many of us face in our own states. I convinced my local station to air "Saving The Sierra" on Earth Day, and I urge other stations to give a listen and schedule this fine documentary on April 22nd or beyond.
Roger Adams
Posted on March 15, 2008 at 07:47 AM | Permalink
Review of Saving The Sierra
Saving the Sierra is a multi-media experience that will enhance your air and website. At heart it is a top-drawer documentary about America?s rural lands under siege. It connects with listeners from the opening sentence. You listen and think,?I?ve been to a place like that and felt just that way.? The piece maintains the highest production values; it is deep and lush. The writing is crisp; the host is warm and inviting. The journalism is solid. The companion website is equally well-crafted and a welcome link on your own site.
The issues examined in Saving the Sierra, while located in the Sierra mountains of California, could as easily be along Wyoming?s Wind River mountain range, in Florida?s Everglades, on the shores of the Great Lakes or in any stretch of former farmland now lined with rows of condos. The producers have made an ode to the Walden-like lure of rural places without lapsing into the maudlin or strident. The piece laments the impact of development and change; at the same time resisting the urge to preach. Saving the Sierra places before the listener a series of real solutions offered by thoughtful people, each with a stake in the outcome. The protagonists are treated with respect so their perspectives can be heard and considered. The documentary is not a provocative slogan on a picket sign; it is instead an invitation to sit down listen to each other and find common ground for the future of our rural open spaces.