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Forest Response to Arctic Environmental Change

Hi Susy,

You said you had visited the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in the past. How do you think the refuge has changed since then?

Thanks, Kristin

Thu, 02/24/2011 - 09:48

Susy Ellison

I haven't been to ANWR before--I spent time on the Colville river Delta in 1978 (June-August). I know that the delta area has changed significantly since it was also called 'Naval Petroleum Reserve #'. I had an intern one summer who had also done fieldwork there (in the mid 1980s) who showed me pictures of roads and drill rigs. Luckily ANWR has not had any drilling (yet), but I will be interested to learn how treeline has changed there on both a north-to-south basis and latitudinally.Will the current madness in Libya affect the sanctity of ANWR? Do we want cheap gas or do we want to leave ANWR alone?

Sat, 03/12/2011 - 07:20

Robert Harris

Hi,I have really enjoyed your journal entries. We have something in common as I
spent some time at the Helmricks place on the Colville River Delta in 1979 and 80.
The last time I was on the North Slope I was amazed by the changes.
Did you get to see any northern lights when you were in Fairbanks?
What books are you reading to prepare for your trip?
Thanks.
Sincerely yours,
Robert Harris
SEDNA 2007

Mon, 03/14/2011 - 18:58

Susy Ellison

Hi-Thanks--I haven't been back to the North Slope since 1978. I'm sure I would be stunned at the changes. What were you doing up at the Helmrick's?
I saw the Northern Lights once when I was in Fairbanks--through the window of the taxi as we drove in from the airport. Not exactly a spectacular display or venue--but it was cool to see them. The other nights were either low activity and/or cloudy/snowy. Next time!
I have mostly been reading through some of the scholarly papers i was given about the project and also gazing at pictures and reading through a 'coffee table' sort of book on the arctic wildlfie refuge. Any suggestions?
thanks, Susy

Tue, 06/07/2011 - 11:55

Robert Harris

Hi Susy,I was at Helmricks in the early 80's. I stayed there once during break up to collect water samples for nutrient studies and then again one summer to collect samples from surrounding rivers and streams. I was working with Dr. Don Schell at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. When I want back through the area with the SEDNA project in 2007 the area had become an oil field.
My book suggestions are "People of the Deer" by Farley Mowat and "Arctic Dreams" by Barry Lopez.
Best wishes,
Robert Harris