On Arctic Ground

On Arctic Ground...Bonus Program on Monday!

By Jason Paulsen, Methow Conservancy Executive Director 

I am a bit embarrassed to admit that just over a year ago, I could not have pointed to the National Petroleum Reserve on a map.  Had you asked me to describe what it looked like, I would have guessed a large area covered in underground fuel storage tanks, somewhere in the deep south.  With time I’ve grown less embarrassed to admit this, as I’ve discovered I was far from alone.

Northern Alaska and the National Petroleum Reserve (NPRA)

Last June, I had a rare opportunity to visit and explore the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, and to experience our Nation’s single-largest unit of public land first-hand.  At 23 million acres, the National Petroleum Reserve continues to exist as a large blank space on many maps, and represents the far western reaches of the arctic slope, north of the Brooks Range and extending toward the Chukchi Sea and Arctic Ocean.  Think of nearly 50 Pasayten Wildernesses, and nothing but open space and wildlife extending to the horizon in all directions.



Enjoying the Midnight in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve, June 2012



Nearly a year later, I still struggle to put words to the experience of exploring this expansive wilderness.  Each hour of every sun lit day and sun lit night brought new experiences and memories I hope never to forget.  These memories include watching a wolverine lope across the tundra within minutes of touching down in the bush plane, observing brown bears which had likely never seen a human before, crossing paths with caribou, discovering cultural artifacts, and marveling at countless birds celebrating the nesting season. 

                         The Utukok River, National Petroleum Reserve Alaska   

Photo by Jason Paulsen

                                                                      Young Caribou on the Move, NPRA  Photo by Jason Paulsen

Thankfully, I don’t have to put too many words to the experience as author and adventurer Debbie Miller is traveling to the Methow Valley to do that for us this Monday, May 13th at the Twisp River Pub.  Debbie will share her new book, On Arctic Ground, Tracking Time Through Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve http://www.onarcticground.org/ and an evening of stories, stunning photography, and a glimpse into her lifetime of learning about and working to conserve this unique piece of public land.   Doors open at 6 p.m., a buffet dinner is available for $10 and the free program starts at 7 p.m.  Contact the Methow Conservancy office w/ questions at 509-996-2870.

The Utukok Uplands Special Area, National Petroleum Reserve, Alaska 

 Photo By: Jason Paulsen                          

Wolf Print in Mud, National Petroleum Reserve Alaska

Make tracks to the Twisp River Pub on Monday evening and help us to welcome Debbie Miller to the Methow Valley and learn about an important piece of our public land in one of the most remote areas of our country.

                                                                                 See You There!

                                                                                    - Jason