September 24, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, a report on resource redemption and recycling as an economic viability. Neal St. Anthony interviews individuals at Metro Recycling Center and various government officials, who discuss the current issues and challenges of recycling.
September 24, 1977 - MPR’s Dan Olson presents “The Role Of the Courts In A Changing Society: Cedar-Riverside high-rise development suit,” a documentary that xamines lawsuit challenging the Cedar-Riverside high-rise development in Minneapolis. The court's decision provides insight into how a single suit can change the profile of a large urban area, into the National Environmental Policy Act, and into how tax laws and government funds are used to provide inner-city housing.
October 22, 1977 - The following edition of The Poet's Perspective is on the subject of harvesting, food, and the environment. The program features Southwest Minnesota regional poets Joe and Nancy Paddock.
November 12, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, Dorothy Hozza of the Minnesota Energy Agency; and Barb Weinschenker of the Center for Local Self-Reliance in Minneapolis, discuss financial incentives for home energy conservation.
November 14, 1977 - Minnesota Public Radio presents reporter/producer Greg Barron’s “The Prairie Was Quiet,” a sound portrait of the American Prairie. MPR’s Dan Olson narrates the documentary as it recounts million year history of the prairie.
December 1, 1977 - Bill Walker, Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner, speaking at the National Farmers Union annual meeting in Saint Paul. Walker spoke about dangers that huge farm conglomerates poser for co-ops, of Minnesota farmers' dependence upon foreign energy sources, and of the need to develop alternative sources for agriculture.
December 2, 1977 -
February 16, 1978 - Highlights from conference on consumers and utilities sponsored by Northern States Power Company. Power production, rate design and environmental costs were discussed by NSP staff members and consumer critics. First panel is argument over rate reform between Keith Sorenson, manager of rate planning for NSP; and State Senator William Luther of Brooklyn Center. The second panel features local attorney Charles Dayton discussing environmental costs of power production with Tony Benkisky, General Manager of NSP's environmental and governmental activities department. The moderator is Judith Healey, Executive Director of the Minnesota Council on Federations.
February 17, 1978 - Proponents and opponents of the controversial high-voltage power line under construction in western and central Minnesota debate the health and safety issues, the economic impact, and other issues. The forum debate was held in the Great Hall. Participants included power line pro¬testers Gloria Woida and John Tripp, Don Jacobsen of the United Power Asso-ciation, environmental expert Dan McConnon, and students Gaylen Schaubroeck and Catherine McGinnis.
March 25, 1978 - On this regional public affairs program, reports by Tom Meersman and Dale Connelly on Dutch elm disease, followed by discussion with Dave DeVoto, Minneapolis city forester; and Judy Barr, coordinator for the Saint Paul Shade Tree program. Topics include controversial 1977 elm wood stockpile, plans for 1978 tree removal, and preventive measures of beetle infestation.