Category: Forest Service

Packing a digital punch

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center Director Ron Marvin adjusts a telescope that will transmit images of wildlife, such as far away mountain goats, to a 55-inch screen mounted in the visitor center. (Amy Condra)

This article was originally published in The Juneau Empire by Amy Condra Across the lake from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, a mountain goat forges a slow and steady path up a cliff that rises far above the center’s standard vantage point. “Many of our visitors couldn’t see them,” said the center’s director, Ron Marvin. “So… Continue reading Packing a digital punch

Uncover mysteries of region’s bat species

California Myotis bat is one of the five species of bats found in Southeast Alaska. (Courtesy of the National Park Service)

Local biologist hopes to engage community in citizen science This article first appeared in The Juneau Empire  by Amy Condra Fruits and flowers ripen into lush, succulent shades, bodies of water, gleaming and still, trees swaying rhythmically across a sultry twilight — such images are the stuff of holiday brochures and postcards. These scenes also depict… Continue reading Uncover mysteries of region’s bat species

Southeast energy challenges lead to interest in biomass

Wood pellets from Sealaska’s boiler supply. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire)

Increasing diesel costs, shortage of hydro storage lead to talk of shift toward biomass to ease southeast Alaska’s energy demand This article was originally published in The Juneau Empire. Article cited in Ecology and Society, Volume 18, Issue 3 by Amy Condra Water is abundant in Southeast — it falls freely from the sky throughout the summer… Continue reading Southeast energy challenges lead to interest in biomass

Lingering among the brown bears at Pack Creek

A brown bear sow and cub wandering through the Stan Price Wilderness Sanctuary on Admiralty Island, Alaska. (Amy Condra)

With a reputation steeped in lore and a history marked by imperfections, the bruins of Admiralty Island find refuge and harmony. by Amy Condra This article was originally published in the Juneau Empire. A brown bear sow and two cubs find repose on the banks of Pack Creek on Admiralty Island in July. “We manage… Continue reading Lingering among the brown bears at Pack Creek