Smart Talk: Conservationist Rachel Carson; How is Eric Frein surviving?

What to look for on Smart Talk Tuesday, October 7, 2014:

Fifty-two years ago, Rachel Carson’s masterpiece book Silent Spring was published. Often cited as one of the most influential books in American history, Carson described the indiscriminate and unquestioned use of pesticides and other chemicals on human health, birds and the environment.

The pesticide DDT was banned not long after Silent Spring came out, but not before chemical companies attempted to marginalize and malign Carson’s work. However, Carson had the science to back up her findings.

Who was Rachel Carson? The native Pennsylvanian already had written a best-selling book before Silent Springand was considered one of the nation’s most respected conservationist

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Carson died of cancer at age 56 in 1964. Fifty years later, a new book chronicles Carson’s story and the many women who may have influenced her life. Dr. Robert Musil, author of Rachel Carson and Her Sisters appears on Tuesday’s Smart Talk. Also joining us is Cindy Dunn, president and CEO of the environmental group Penn Future and formerly with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The birth of the modern Conservation and Environmental movements can trace roots to Pennsylvania. From Gifford Pinchot to Rachel Carson, Pennsylvanians’ passion for protecting our land, water and air arose from conflict–industrialization and destruction of natural resources. WITF in partnership with the Pennsylvania Conservation Heritage Project and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is working on comprehensive project to help tell the story of the state’s rich conservation heritage and the people who helped protect our resources. This three year project includes a multimedia series of mini-documentaries and will culminate in 2016 with the production and statewide broadcast of a full length historical documentary.

Also, the search for accused murderer Eric Frein is now in its fourth week in northeastern Pennsylvania. Frein is suspected of shooting and killing one state trooper and wounding another on September 12. Since then, Frein who has been described as a survivalist, has been eluding police in the woods of Pike and Monroe Counties.

How is he surviving? We’ll get some insight from Erik Kulick, founder and chief instructor at the True Wilderness Survival School, located in Pittsburgh.