Shows
FRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKApril 2025: Perceptions of Wilderness with Bill MurphyJoin us for a fascinating conversation with FBSP member and pioneer of wilderness in Ireland, Bill Murphy. Bill holds a PhD in Wilderness Studies from University College Dublin. His research focused on how people view the concept of wilderness in both Europe and the United States – including hikers in Baxter State Park. If you have ever thought about the meaning of "Forever Wild," this episode is worth a listen.2025-04-1053 min
FRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKMarch 2025 - Search & Rescue with Bob BaribeauMany people who have been lost on a mountain in Maine are alive because they met Bob Baribeau. Bob has been a fixture on the steep ice and rock of Katahdin for decades. As a mountaineer and search & rescue pro, he is known and respected throughout New England and beyond. Listen as he guides us through the evolution of search and rescue and how those changes affect our experiences in the backcountry.2025-03-2154 min
FRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKFebruary 2025 - Adventuring with EricA retired teacher from Presque Isle, Eric Hendrickson has spent decades roaming on and off trail in Baxter State Park. Join us for this wide ranging conversation including human history, trails, fires, caves, and more.2025-02-031h 03
FRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKJanuary 2025 - Natarswi StoriesLocated on Lower Togue Pond inside Baxter State Park, Camp Natarswi has inspired generations of Girl Scouts. Did you know that the name Natarswi comes from three favorite activities: nature, art, and swimming? In this episode, you’ll hear about camp life and adventures in the 1950s and 1960s from three campers who were there.2025-01-0150 min
FRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKVolunteering in Baxter State ParkVolunteering in Baxter State Park by Friends of Baxter State Park - Silvia Hartt, Jensen Bissell, Bill Green2024-12-021h 03
FRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKLynn Plourde - Remembering Donn FendlerWith a new movie out about Donn Fendler, Jensen and Bill talk with author Lynn Plourde. Lynn’s book, “Lost Trail: Nine Days Alone in the Wilderness” was written with Donn and is the first graphic novel by this prolific Maine writer. The movie, “Lost on a Mountain in Maine” was produced by Sylvester Stallone and released in November of 2024. Lynn knew Donn very well. Jensen and Bill had relationships with this beloved Maine figure who truly was “a man, a myth and a legend!"2024-11-1353 min
FRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKBill & Cookie Horner - Camp PhoenixJoin Bill Green and Jensen Bissell for an exciting dive into the history of Baxter State Park’s quietest neighbor, Camp Phoenix, as they talk with Bill and Cookie Horner. The Horners were devoted members of the Camp Phoenix Owners' Association for 30 years, and Bill compiled a history of the camps. It's a charming conversation about this unique set of camps in a wonderful setting.2024-10-0459 min
FRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKPatty Cormier - Baxter State Park AuthorityBaxter State Park, despite its name, is administered separately and is not connected to the larger State Park system. The Baxter State Park Authority, consisting of the Attorney General, the Director of the Maine Forest Service, and the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, has full control and management of the Park and is responsible for all Trust obligations. Patty Cormier spent much of her childhood in the Maine woods and dedicated her professional life to managing the state’s forests. She served as a District Forester for the Maine Forest Service for 20 years and became the State Forester in th...2024-07-3136 min
FRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKChris Beeuwkes - Adventures in the Early Days of the ParkDo you know where Clark Island is? Find out in this engaging
conversation with Chris Beeuwkes as he tells of a winter climb and
a brush with Helon Taylor during an adventure in the Park.2024-07-301h 09
FRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKHolly Hamilton - Managing a wilderness campHolly Hamilton managed and oversaw the hospitality operations at Katahdin Lake Wilderness Camps for over a decade. In this account, she talks about her experiences as a wilderness camp manager, from the camps’ renovation and opening under her leadership to their eventual closure in 2018. Holly shares insights into the challenges and rewards of working in such an environment, such as dealing with the food, wildlife, and clientele. This podcast episode provides a fascinating glimpse into a wilderness camp manager’s demanding yet fulfilling life.2024-07-181h 13
FRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKCharles FitzGerald - A Passion for the ParkCharles FitzGerald spoke with Bill and Jensen about his extensive involvement with Baxter State Park. During their discussion, they delve into the fundamental principles that have motivated Charles to engage in activities such as filing lawsuits, buying land, participating in advisory committees, establishing sporting camps, and creating foundations for natural education. It’s an intriguing conversation with a man who is deeply committed to his beliefs.2024-07-051h 12
FRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKEvelyn Dunphy - Baxter State Park through an artist's eyeEvelyn Dunphy is a watercolor artist who specializes in plein-air painting. She was also Baxter State Park's first Visiting Artist. Evelyn has painted from Painter's Beach on Katahdin Lake, following in the footsteps of Frederick Church. In addition to her painting, she also teaches others her craft. Today, she joins Jensen and Bill for an interesting discussion about art and Baxter State Park.2024-06-0449 min
FRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKNels Kramer - Fisheries master, master fishermanNels held the position of Regional Fisheries Biologist at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, where he surveyed almost every pond in Baxter State Park. His work in establishing a baseline of knowledge regarding water quality and fisheries in the park is invaluable. This discussion is packed with useful information. A word of caution, though - this conversation may ignite a desire to go fishing for trout in Baxter Park! Fishing licenses are available at any Park Campground and the Visitor Center throughout the summer.2024-05-031h 09
FRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKJohn Blatchford: Camp Life in the 1940sJohn Blatchford worked as a “camp boy” at Katahdin Lake Camp from 1946 to 47. It was a time of transition in the North Maine Woods, and Percival Baxter was assembling what we now know as Baxter State Park. John tells us about his Katahdin hike and life as a hard-working teenager in a wilderness sporting camp that would become a part of Baxter State Park 60 years later.2024-04-1139 min
FRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKEarle G. Shettleworth, Jr.: Maine’s State Historian Discusses Baxter, Part 2Earle Shettleworth is widely regarded as the foremost authority on the history of Maine. He has been serving as Maine's State Historian, a position appointed by the governor, for the past 20 years. Bill and Jensen had the privilege of speaking with Earle about Percival Baxter's life, as only he could. Earle knew Baxter, and in sharing his personal experiences, he gives us a unique insight into Baxter's life as a Portlander and a true man of Maine. This podcast is the second of two parts.2024-04-0444 minFRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKEarle G. Shettleworth, Jr. - Maine’s State Historian Discusses Baxter, Part 1Earle Shettleworth is widely regarded as the foremost authority on the history of Maine. He has been serving as Maine's State Historian, a position appointed by the governor, for the past 20 years. Bill and Jensen had the privilege of speaking with Earle about Percival Baxter's life, as only he could. Earle knew Baxter, and in sharing his personal experiences, he gives us a unique insight into Baxter's life as a Portlander and a true man of Maine. This podcast is the first of two parts.2024-04-0452 min
FRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKNava Tabak - All in a Day's WorkNava Tabak is the Director of Natural Resources at Baxter State Park. Her role involves overseeing research, education, outreach, and the Scientific Forest Management Area. Managing and protecting Baxter State Park is a complex task, and Nava gives us an insider’s perspective on her work, her views on the Park, and the challenges it faces. Her discussion provides a glimpse into the intricate world of safeguarding and managing Baxter State Park.2024-03-011h 09
FRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKChris Blackie and John Crowley - Maine Forest Service PilotsIn this episode, Bill and Jensen talk with two veteran pilots for the Maine Forest Service. Chris Blackie and John Crowley have a long history of piloting helicopters to rescue folks in need in Baxter State Park and all over the State of Maine. Chris and John tell us about their careers as well as what it’s like to try and fly a helicopter in some of the most challenging terrain in Maine.2023-10-161h 09
FRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKBuzz Caverly Part 2Bill Green continues his interview with former Park Director Buzz Caverly.2023-09-1931 minFRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKBuzz Caverly, Retired Park Director - Part OneIn this episode, Bill Green interviews former Park Director Buzz Caverly about growing up in rural Maine, visiting the Great Nothern Hotel, getting hired as a ranger, awesome Helon Taylor stories, and why his two BSP heroes are Percival Baxter and Ralph Heath. Stay tuned for Part Two.2023-09-1845 minFRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKChris Drew - Chief Ranger and Master StorytellerIn this episode, Jensen and Bill shoot the breeze with retired Chief Ranger Chris Drew, who is a master storyteller in the great Maine tradition. Chris had a 36-year career with Baxter State Park and is a Baxter legend, as well as one of the most respected veterans of the Park. Chris tells some wild and entertaining stories about fishing, outhouses, families, bears, Grizzly Adams, search and rescues, and all things Baxter.2023-09-1146 minFRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKLester Kenway - Trail Crew LegendIn this episode, we interview Lester Kenway, who served as the Trails Supervisor at Baxter State Park for 22 years, spent two years with Maine’s Land Use Regulation Commission, and served as the Field Team Program Coordinator for the Maine Conservation Corps until his State retirement. He is a long-time volunteer with the Maine Appalachian Trail Club, serving as its President for the last ten years.
Lester asked that we include this “preamble” to his interview:
Lester Kenway was the Park's first Trail Crew Leader. He worked for 22 years for BSP, and his innovative and enduring work is visible in many of...2023-08-301h 13FRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKJohn Neff InterviewJohn Neff was the first President of Friends of Baxter State Park and is a 50-plus-year trail volunteer for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. He is the author of Katahdin: An Historic Journey - Legends, Explorations, and Preservation of Maine's Highest Peak. He also co-authored Baxter State Park and Katahdin with Friends Historian Howard Whitcomb.
Hosts Jensen Bissell, former Park Director, and Maine's own Bill Green are members of the board of directors of Friends of Baxter State Park.2023-07-261h 04
FRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKPercival Baxter - Interview with Howard Whitcomb Part 2Percival Baxter - Interview with Howard Whitcomb Part 2 by Friends of Baxter State Park - Silvia Hartt, Jensen Bissell, Bill Green2023-06-3053 minFRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKPercival Baxter - Interview with Howard Whitcomb Part 1Former governor Percival P. Baxter, beginning in the 1930s, purchased some 201,000 acres over a period of 30 years and gifted them to the state.
Take an in-depth look at Baxter, the man, and his legacy, with foremost Baxter expert Howard Whitcomb, author of "Governor Baxter s Magnificent Obsession: A Documentary History of Baxter State Park 1931-2006."
Hosts Jensen Bissell, former Park Director, and Maine's own Bill Green are members of the board of directors of Friends of Baxter State Park. Howard Whitcomb is Friends' Historian.2023-06-2358 min
FRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKCatching Fish With Free Flies - an interview with Dean LevasseurCatching Fish with Free Flies
I’m Silvia Hartt, your host for Season One, Gettin’ Reel About Baxter, with Friends of Baxter State Park. Welcome to the podcast where I talk to several experts about the various lakes, streams, and ponds in Baxter State Park and the fish that live in them.
In this episode, Silvia Hartt interviews retired Park Ranger, Dean Levasseur, about his time in the park, specifically Kidney Pond. Topics range from finding a human jawbone, catching tons of fish, and giving away hundreds of hand tied flies.
Intro Music:
Track: Summer
Music composed and recorded by Oak...2022-12-1332 minFRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKCaring For A Legacy: Baxter State Park with Eben SypitkowskiI’m Silvia Hartt, your host for Season One, Gettin’ Reel About Baxter, with Friends of Baxter State Park. Welcome to the podcast where I talk to several experts about the various lakes, streams, and ponds in Baxter State Park and the fish that live in them.
In this last episode of the season, Silvia Hartt has a short talk with park director Eben Sypitkowski. They cover topics such as how much Eben gets into the park to fish, and what his hopes are for the future of Baxter’s fishery. Thank you Eben for the work and care you are pu...2022-11-3009 minFRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKThe Seven Interviews with Buzz CaverlyI’m Silvia Hartt, your host for Season One, Gettin’ Reel About Baxter, with Friends of Baxter State Park. Welcome to the podcast where I talk to several experts about the various lakes, streams, and ponds in Baxter State Park and the fish that live in them.
In this episode, we sit down with former Park Director, Buzz Caverly, a very influential person in the park’s history. Buzz recalls how he was convinced into taking a job as a park ranger, why two park locations are named after him, and about why snowlseds are allowed on the park’s tote roa...2022-11-3047 minFRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKFlying For Fires with Scotty SkinnerIn this episode, Silvia Hartt sits with her grandfather, Scotty Skinner, who was a float plane pilot for 50 years. He talks about how he assisted the park with his plane, flying into Frost Pond with fisheries biologists, and fighting fires.
Intro Music:
Track: Summer
Music composed and recorded by Oak Studios
Creative Commons - Attribution ND 4.0
https://youtu.be/UpRPzujTa7w
Outro Music:
Created By: Marco Cirillo
Cover Performed by Finley Marquis2022-11-3011 minFRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKGood Fishing On 'Loon Call' Pond with Jim McCloskeyIn this episode, Silvia Hartt talks to intense trout fisherman Jim McCloskey, who loves to fish in Baxter State Park. Jim talks about a troublesome loon, big fat bullfrogs, and some of the biggest brookies caught in Maine.
Intro Music:
Track: Summer
Music composed and recorded by Oak Studios
Creative Commons - Attribution ND 4.0
https://youtu.be/UpRPzujTa7w
Outro Music:
Created By: Marco Cirillo
Cover Performed by Finley Marquis2022-03-1624 minFRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARK6. Bushwhacking with a First-Time Fishing Buddy featuring Tyson PorterBushwhacking With a First Time Fishing Buddy
In this episode, Silvia Hartt talks with Tyson Porter, the youngster of all the interviews. Tyson talks about growing up in the Katahdin region, and how his love of fishing pushed him to explore the waters of Baxter State Park.
Intro Music:
Track: Summer
Music composed and recorded by Oak Studios
Creative Commons - Attribution ND 4.0
https://youtu.be/UpRPzujTa7w
Outro Music:
Created By: Marco Cirillo
Cover Performed by Finley Marquis2022-02-1410 minFRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKThe Day To Day Of The Modern Biologist with Kevin DunhamThe Day to Day of the Modern Biologist
In this episode, Silvia Hartt talks with Kevin Dunham, Enfield’s current Regional Biologist. Topics range from IF&W’s current involvement in the park, the whitefish project, and why fishless ponds are unique in their own way.
Intro Music:
Track: Summer
Music composed and recorded by Oak Studios
Creative Commons - Attribution ND 4.0
https://youtu.be/UpRPzujTa7w
Outro Music:
Created By: Marco Cirillo
Cover Performed by Finley Marquis
Email Me:
silvia@friendsofbaxter.org2022-01-1813 minFRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKThe Man Behind The Amazing Fish-a-Metric with Stan PauwelsI’m Silvia Hartt, your host for Season One, Gettin’ Reel About Baxter, with Friends of Baxter State Park. Welcome to the podcast, where I talk to several experts about the various lakes, streams, and ponds in Baxter State Park and the fish that live in them.
In this episode, Silvia Hartt talks with Stan Pauwels, an avid lifelong fisherman. He recalls to the audience his childhood fishing with his uncle in Belgium, his experience fishing in the park, and how he spread his love of it all to his kids, and through them to his grandchildren.
Intro Music:
Track: Summ...2021-12-2034 minFRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKFinding Bluebacks with Paul JohnsonFinding Bluebacks
I’m Silvia Hartt, your host for Season One, Gettin’ Reel About Baxter, with Friends of Baxter State Park. Welcome to the podcast, where I talk to several experts about the various lakes, streams, and ponds in Baxter State Park and the fish that live in them.
In this episode, Silvia Hartt interviews retired Fisheries Biologist Paul Johnson, about what it was like working for Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. He talks about the smelt population in Kidney Pond, three flat tires while on the job, and why the Wassataquoik Lake region is so interesting. At the end of the...2021-12-0523 minFRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKWishin' He Was Fishin' On Webster with Jensen BissellWishin’ He was Fishin’ on Webster
In this episode, Silvia Hartt interviews retired Park Director Jensen Bissell, about his job as director. They discuss what the Nesowadnehunk project is and how Jensen wants the togue fishery that once was back in the park.
P.S. In this episode, Jensen’s dog Effie is barking in the background because she can’t reach her ball. Don’t worry, we get it for her when the interview is over.
Intro Music:
Track: Summer
Music composed and recorded by Oak Studios
Creative Commons - Attribution ND 4.0
https://youtu.be/UpRPzujTa7w
Outro Music:
Created By...2021-12-0511 minFRIENDS OF BAXTER STATE PARKLending A Hand, Or A Fin with Nels KramerI’m Silvia Hartt, your host for Season One, Gettin’ Reel About Baxter, with Friends of Baxter State Park. Welcome to the podcast, where I talk to several experts about the various lakes, streams, and ponds in Baxter State Park and the fish that live in them.
In this episode, Silvia Hartt talks with retired Fisheries Biologist Nels Kramer, who was very passionate about his work. Nels talks about the albino Salmon that drew him to fisheries, the plane wreck in South Branch, and the helicopter ride of a lifetime.
Intro Music:
Track: Summer
Music composed and recorded by Oak Stud...2021-12-0524 min