Episode Summary:

What happens when you unplug a teenager, hand them a shovel, and send them into the backcountry for five weeks? You just might help grow the next generation of forest stewards.

In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, host Charlie Pankey speaks with Jonathan Kusel and Adriana from the Sierra Institute for Community and Environment, a powerful nonprofit based in Taylorsville, CA. The Sierra Institute has spent more than 25 years linking healthy forests to healthy rural communities.

From post-Dixie Fire restoration to innovative wood utilization projects and landscape-wide partnerships, they’re helping rethink how we manage our public lands.

But the heart of this conversation is their transformative P-CREW Youth Corps—a wilderness-based summer program that takes 16–18-year-olds from across California and immerses them in real-world conservation. The teens live off-grid, work with Forest Service biologists, partner with tribal mentors, and come home changed.

Charlie and his guests explore the deeper impacts of wildfire, the importance of clean headwaters like the Feather River, and why collaborative land stewardship is more urgent than ever.

In this episode:

• What the P-CREW Youth Program actually looks like

• How teens gain confidence, job skills, and forest wisdom

• The legacy of the Dixie Fire and how the Sierra Institute is responding

• Tribal partnerships and cultural restoration in the Northern Sierra

• Why healthy forests = healthy communities

• How to support or get involved with Sierra Institute’s work

🟢 Learn more & support their work: https://sierrainstitute.us

📬 Subscribe to Sierra Rec Now for more trail-tested stories, local insights, and outdoor voices from the Sierra Nevada.

#ForestRestoration #YouthCorps #WildfireRecovery #DixieFire #P-CREW #FeatherRiver #RuralCommunities #SierraNevada #SierraRecNow #EnvironmentalEducation #TribalPartnerships #OutdoorYouthPrograms #ClimateResilience #ForestHealth

This summer, 653 volunteers removed 1,375 pounds of trash from Lake Tahoe’s beaches — and that’s something to celebrate. But should it be?

In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, host Charlie Pankey sits down with Marilee Movius, longtime stewardship leader at Keep Tahoe Blue, to explore what’s really happening behind the scenes of Tahoe’s largest cleanup event — and why a 27% drop in post-Fourth of July litter is more than just a statistic.

We talk about:

• How families and visitors are turning beach cleanup into a Tahoe tradition

• The rise of the Tahoe Blue Crew — and how you can adopt your favorite beach or trail

• New tools like beach-cleaning robots and smart signage that are reshaping visitor behavior

• What the Tahoe Blue Beach Program is doing to make "the right choice the easy choice"

• And how a simple water bottle ban in South Lake Tahoe sparked a nationwide conversation

Whether you're a local, a weekend paddler, or a summer visitor, this conversation will open your eyes to the grassroots magic keeping Lake Tahoe clean, blue, and beloved.

Learn more or get involved: https://www.keeptahoeblue.org
Brought to you by Sierra Rec Magazine | https://sierrarecmagazine.com

00:00 – Intro: Can 1,300 pounds of trash be good news?

01:15 – A 12-Year Cleanup Legacy: Celebrating 27% less litter

02:50 – 665 Volunteers and Growing: Tahoe shows up

04:20 – Strange finds and single-use plastics: What we’re still picking up

06:00 – Families making cleanup part of their Tahoe tradition

07:30 – The art of messaging: Behavioral signage and testing awareness

09:30 – Introducing the Tahoe Blue Crew: Adopt your beach or trail

11:45 – The power of data: How litter leads to policy change

13:00 – Zephyr Shoals transformation: TRPA's Blue Crew impact

15:30 – The Tahoe Blue Beach Program: Engineering clean habits

18:15 – Education, infrastructure, and enforcement: The 3 E’s of Blue Beaches

20:00 – Responding to extreme weather and environmental events

22:00 – Invasive species: Keeping Tahoe waters safe and clean

24:00 – Stewardship for paddlers, hikers, and backcountry explorers

26:30 – Marilee’s favorite place in the Sierra: Desolation Wilderness

27:30 – Post-hike hunger: Burritos over burgers?

28:15 – Must-have gear: Why she never hikes without a solar light

29:00 – Final thoughts: Protect where you play

In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, we sit down with Captain Rob Ayers to uncover Lake Almanor’s fishing secrets, light tackle strategies, and inspiring community stories. After losing everything in the Camp Fire, Captain Rob rebuilt his life around Lake Almanor’s legendary brown trout and salmon fishery, sharing how the lake’s 365-day feeding cycle and diverse hatch patterns make it a year-round angler’s paradise.

Discover light tackle fishing techniques like the “naked crawler,” seasonal hatch insights, and tips for fishing Lake Almanor’s clear waters. Rob shares why “the tug is a drug” and how fishing becomes more than a hobby when it connects you with local businesses, veterans’ fishing days, and a supportive mountain community.

Whether you’re planning your first Lake Almanor fishing trip, looking to refine your light tackle skills, or seeking inspiration from Rob’s story of resilience and outdoor passion, this episode is packed with insights for your next Sierra adventure.

• Why Lake Almanor offers year-round fishing opportunities with brown trout and salmon.

• Captain Rob’s light tackle philosophy for more rewarding fishing.

• Seasonal hatch patterns and how to match your technique.

• How the Lake Almanor fishing community supports veterans and local businesses.

• The best times and places to fish Lake Almanor for your next trip.

🎧 Listen now and discover why Lake Almanor is a fisherman’s paradise and a place of healing, adventure, and connection.

#LakeAlmanor #FishingLakeAlmanor #CaptainRob #LightTackleFishing #SierraRecNow #OutdoorAdventures #CaliforniaFishing #FlyFishing

Discover more Sierra at sierrarecmagazine.com

What does it mean to truly find your true nature in the Sierra Nevada? In this conversation, author Lisa Michelle joins Charlie on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast to share her journey from rodeo cowgirl to wilderness writer and the lessons learned along the way in the High Sierra.

Lisa’s new book, True Nature, blends memoir, adventure, and the emotional tug-of-war of sharing hidden places in a landscape that both challenges and heals. We explore what it’s like to paddleboard around Lake Tahoe, how encounters with strangers can change our paths, and why the Sierra continues to shape who we are.

From stories of connection on the trail to lessons about risk and safety, Lisa’s insights will resonate with hikers, writers, and anyone who has ever felt the quiet pull of the mountains. If you love the Sierra, this episode will inspire you to slow down, pay attention, and rediscover the power of wild places to transform your life.

• Lisa’s journey from rodeo to wilderness writing

• Paddleboarding solo around Lake Tahoe

• The challenges of sharing sacred Sierra places

• Connection and community on the trail

• Safety and lessons from close calls in the wilderness

• Finding self-discovery through nature and quiet moments

• Hidden gems and bucket-list dreams in the Sierra

• Why the Sierra matters for future generations

🔗 Get True Nature by Lisa Michelle: LisaMichelleStories.com
🔗 Discover more Sierra adventures: SierraRecMagazine.com

If you enjoy Sierra stories, please follow, rate, and share this episode to help us grow our community of outdoor adventurers and storytellers.

What do legends, eagles, and climbing dreams all have in common? They converge at Lover’s Leap near Lake Tahoe.

This week, host Charlie Pankey sits down with Petch, a longtime climber and guide who lives just steps from the base of this iconic Sierra cliff. Together, they explore:

• The history and mythology behind Lover’s Leap (Did they jump?)

• Climbing for beginners and advanced climbers alike

• The unique geology that makes the Leap feel like “climbing a ladder”

• Tales of guiding first-timers and watching them soar

• Stewardship and wildlife, including peregrine falcons and golden eagles

• Other climbing gems in the area like Phantom Spires, Sugarloaf, and Calaveras Dome

• What to expect at this summer’s Lover’s Leap Festival

• And the joy of sharing climbing with community

Whether you're a climber, hiker, or Sierra explorer, this episode delivers a rare inside look at a place where adventure and story meet.

🧗‍♂️ Learn more or book a guided climb: https://www.loversleap.net
🎧 Subscribe to hear more Sierra stories: Sierra Rec Now Podcast

Spotify Chapters:

• [00:00] Welcome + “Did They Jump?”

• [02:59] Petch’s Climbing Origins

• [05:44] Lover’s Leap Routes & Ratings

• [08:55] Phantom Spires, Sugarloaf, Calaveras Dome

• [12:01] Wildlife & Falcon Conservation

• [15:40] First-Time Climbers & Guiding Joy

• [17:30] The Climbing Community

• [20:23] History: Pony Express to Present

• [22:37] Exploring the Area Around the Leap

• [25:28] Guide Services + Lover’s Leap Festival

• [28:12] Popcorn, Gear, & Where Petch Climbs When He’s Off Duty

What does it take to turn a high school dream into a national nonprofit? Hanna Beth Bryce, founder of Dare to Be a Cowboy, joins us on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast to share how she started her mission at just 16 years old—and why helping others find purpose is at the heart of everything she does.

From breaking barriers as a first-generation cowgirl to organizing rodeo camps and youth clinics across the West, Hanna Beth’s journey is equal parts inspiring, emotional, and deeply grounded in community values. Whether you're a rodeo fan, nonprofit leader, or just someone chasing a dream—you’ll take away something powerful from this episode.

🎯 Topics Covered:

• What it means to be a first-generation cowgirl

• How Dare to Be a Cowboy began at 16

• The connection between kids and horses

• Using rodeo to teach responsibility and resilience

• Building confidence in young girls through mentorship

• The emotional bond with her horse, Moonshine

• Tips for getting involved or supporting this mission

📍 Learn more or support Hanna’s mission: https://www.dtbac.com
🎟️ Barrel Racing & Rodeo Camp Info: https://www.dtbac.com/events

#DareToBeACowboy #HannaBethBryce #WesternYouth #WomenInRodeo #SierraRecNow #NonprofitLeadership #BarrelRacing #RodeoCulture #RenoRodeo #FirstGenCowgirl #SmallTownDreams

00:00 – Welcome + How We First Met Hanna Beth
01:57 – What is Dare to Be a Cowboy and Why It Matters
03:38 – Starting Rodeo as a First-Gen Cowgirl
04:33 – Helping a Friend Sparked a Movement
06:21 – Barrel Racing Series + Upcoming Events
08:06 – Lucy’s Rookie Roundup Rodeo Camp
09:08 – Why Mentorship is the Heart of This Work
11:37 – Social Media, Authenticity, and Impact
14:39 – Journals, Goal Planners & Entrepreneurial Drive
16:44 – Sponsoring the Reno Rodeo Mutton Bustin’
18:01 – Where to Watch Rodeo in the Sierra
19:20 – What It Takes to Be a Barrel Racer
23:52 – The Emotional Bond Between Rider and Horse
26:02 – Summer Events and How to Get Involved
27:45 – What is Mutton Bustin’ and Why It’s a Crowd Favorite
29:31 – Sierra Fast Three: Favorite Spot, Gear, and Grub

If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping the summer crowds and heading into a wild, off-the-radar Sierra paradise, this episode of *Sierra Rec Now* is your insider guide. Host Charlie Pankey welcomes Owen White from Visit Alpine County to the show for a deep dive into one of California’s most pristine and underappreciated mountain destinations.

From volcanic peaks and alpine lakes to secret waterfalls and quiet trails, Alpine County is a place where solitude meets adventure—and in this episode, you’ll hear exactly why it’s a favorite local escape for seasoned Sierra adventurers.

Topics Covered:

• The Alps of the Eastern Sierra – is Alpine County really that dramatic?

• Trail updates for Charity Valley, Thornburg, and Grover Hot Springs

• Hidden waterfalls and how to find the “second” fall at Grover’s

• Rebuilding after the Tamarack Fire – and how you can get involved

• Wildlife on the rise – bobcats, bears, and the surprise return of beavers

• Scenic drives, Death Ride prep, and dispersed camping secrets

• Alpine’s volcanic past—and the geologic features that still shape it

💬 Connect: Tell us your favorite hidden spot in Alpine County

🌐 Read more: https://sierrarecmagazine.com

Hashtags: #SierraSummers #BackroadAdventure #AlpineCounty

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to Alpine County: Sierra’s Hidden Playground

01:35 – Prepping for the Death Ride: What You Need to Know

02:30 – Is Alpine the Alps of the Eastern Sierra?

03:25 – Hope Valley Wildlife, Wildflowers, and River Time

05:20 – Trail Work & Updates: Charity, Burnside, Thornburg

06:45 – Hiking Fire-Kissed Terrain and Granite Slabs

08:00 – Volcanic Arches, Old Flows & Geological Storytelling

09:45 – Secret Soaks & Waterfalls: Grover and Silver Creek

11:34 – Post-Fire Recovery: Tree Planting and Wildlife Return

13:05 – Beaver Comeback: Natural Engineers in the Sierra

16:00 – Which Campgrounds Are Open Right Now?

18:20 – Lake Alpine Thaw Watch & Dispersed Camping

19:00 – Entering the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness

22:00 – Thornburg Canyon Trail & Golden Trout Secrets

23:42 – The Death Ride: Five Passes. One Day.

27:30 – Scenic Routes to Alpine: Highway 4 and 88 Tips

28:50 – How to Prep for Remote Travel in Alpine County

30:57 – Owen’s Favorite Peak: The Jagged Beauty of Raymond

32:24 – Best Post-Hike Food in Markleeville

33:25 – Owen’s #1 Gear Pick: First Aid + Water Filter

34:00 – Final Thoughts: Alpine’s Power to Help You Disappear

After four years of closures due to wildfire, floods, and landslides, Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park has finally reopened—and we’ve got the inside scoop.

Join Sierra Rec Now host Charlie Pankey in this exclusive interview with Pani Schauffler of Mountain Trekking Adventures, one of the first media guests invited into the newly restored cave. Pani shares what it was like to return to this magical marble cavern, what visitors should know before they go, and why this experience belongs on your Sierra Nevada bucket list.

🎧 In this episode:

• What makes Crystal Cave so geologically rare and visually stunning

• Tips for booking, packing, and navigating the tour like a pro

• The “Big Three” Sequoia itinerary: General Sherman, Tokopah Falls, Moro Rock

• Kings Canyon deep dive: underrated trails, waterfalls, and picnic spots

• A full 5-day road trip route from Sequoia to Yosemite

💡 Whether you're trip planning or dreaming of your next Sierra adventure, this episode is packed with expert insight and inspiration.

📌 Learn more: mountaintrekkingadventures.com
🎥 Watch the full show on YouTube: [insert link]
🗻 More stories at: SierraRecMagazine.com

Thinking of visiting Yosemite this summer? Don’t hit the road without listening to this essential episode! Charlie sits down with Kim Lawson, Communications Director for Visit Mariposa County, to unpack everything you need to know about Yosemite’s 2025 vehicle reservation system — including how to get around it, secret ways in, and why Mariposa County is the perfect gateway for your next adventure.

🎙️ In this episode:

• 2025 Yosemite reservation tips and timing

• How to use the YARTS bus system to skip the reservation

• Must-see stops in Mariposa County, from Coulterville to the Yosemite Climbing Museum

• Scenic lodging and glamping options outside the park

• Favorite hikes, day trips, and family experiences

• Insider stories, stargazing at El Capitan, and Kim’s personal favorite backcountry spot

Whether you're planning a quick getaway or a multi-day adventure, this episode is packed with useful info and inspiration to help you experience Yosemite like a local.

📍Resources mentioned:

• Visit Mariposa County

• Yosemite reservation updates and tips

• YARTS transit options for park access

🔔 Subscribe for more trail-tested tips, local interviews, and Sierra stories at Sierra Rec Now.

Join Charlie Pankey of Sierra Rec Now for a conversation with Bobby Smith, the local behind High Elevation Kayak and Bike Rentals in Lake Almanor.

In this episode, we explore:

• The incredible outdoor experiences available in Chester and Lake Almanor

• Bobby’s unique fleet of rental gear — including kayaks, row yaks, water bikes, and mountain bikes

• Why Lake Almanor’s 22-mile Recreation Trail is a biking and hiking favorite

• Local wildlife encounters, from bald eagles to serene lake mornings

• Bobby’s favorite local spots to eat, relax, and explore with his kids

This is more than a gear rental story — it's a look into the mountain life culture of Plumas County and why Lake Almanor is a peaceful, adventure-ready alternative to the more crowded Sierra hot spots.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and at SierraRecMagazine.com

takeaways

• Lake Almanor offers a variety of outdoor activities including kayaking and mountain biking.
• High Elevation Kayak Rentals provides unique rental options like row yaks and water bikes.
• The area is rich in wildlife, including bald eagles and various bird species.
• The Lake Almanor Recreation Trail is a scenic 22-mile trail perfect for biking and hiking.
• Chester has several dining options, including local favorites for pizza and Chinese food.
• The clarity of Lake Almanor is impressive, making it great for fishing and paddleboarding.
• Bobby emphasizes the importance of easy access to rentals for customers.
• The local community is welcoming and offers a relaxed atmosphere compared to busier tourist spots.
• Bobby shares his personal favorite spots around the lake for family outings.
• The conversation highlights the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving it.

Sound Bites

• "It's the catch 22 of the shoreline."
• "It's just a hidden gem up here."
• "It's a recreational paradise."
• "I could do it every day."
• "I want to get out there like."
• "I always carry my pocket knife."