Posted by David Taylor on September 14, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Hello everyone, hope you are all well. I just wanted to pass along a link to those that are interested. Just had an article published on photographing the Denali Highway, and thought that some of you might undertake this journey (or already have). I just hope I've done this beautiful road justice. http://www.phototravelreview.com/node/119
Posted by Carl Battreall on September 14, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Great job Dave! Beautiful images. The more photographers that know and photograph this area, the better. This area needs some serious love, a twenty mile wide, open pit gold mine is planned near Tangle Lakes, and numerous mines operate outside of view, many of which are very destructive. Illegal dumping, atv use and poaching are all coming along the highway. There is a movement to create a Tangle Lakes State Wildlife Refuge, to help protect the natural landscape and caribou. Visit www.savetanglelakes.org to learn more.
Keep up the good work Dave!
Posted by David Taylor on September 14, 2008 at 5:58 PM
Thanks Carl! I appreciate the feedback. The entire stretch should be protected (in my opinion). So much variety, so much beauty. I've only scratched the surface in my travels there, and I can't wait to go back for more extended stays. I'll be sure to check out the link you provided, sounds like a great cause.
Posted by David Taylor on September 14, 2008 at 6:21 PM
Carl, I just researched the website you linked to. More scary stuff if you ask me. I immediately sent an email to the Commissioner of the AK DNR, outlining my concern. I am posting my short email below so that others might join in the fight to save this amazing area. Again, thanks for enlightening me Carl! Please everyone, NOT reacting can be just as devastating as damaging the environment yourself.
Good day Commissioner-
My name is Dave Taylor. I am a professional photographer and photo guide based in Wasilla. I recently heard of the proposed mining around the Tangle Lakes area near the Denali Highway. I found it most disturbing. This land is far too valuable to allow this kind of invasive, destructive, and poisoning operation that a continued mining initiative would bring. I recently spent a long weekend traveling the length of the Denali Highway (back and forth actually), taking many photographs - and leaving only footprints. Just today, an article that I wrote was published on an international online photography magazine detailing how other photographers can enjoy this area in their own travels. Here is a link to my article, for your consideration. I believe that I stand for the same values of all landscape/wildlife photographers in pleading that you do all that is possible to protect this land. Alaska is all too quickly becoming a land of drilling, mining, and profiteering with little to no consideration for the environment, or the ability of our future generations to appreciate this beautiful state. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Dave Taylor
Sixtyone North LLC
Posted by Carl Battreall on September 14, 2008 at 6:46 PM
Right On!
Posted by Jim DeWitt on September 25, 2008 at 2:03 AM
A bunch of things -
First, a very nice article, Dave. This is about my favorite place in Alaska, and certainly my favorite road-accessible place. Thanks also for saying such kind things about Audie and Jenny. And The Birder's Guide to Alaska. The Second Edition should be out this winter.
Second, the situation in Alaska mine management is worse than you'd easily believe. There are a total of three - three - people who supervise all minerals lands leasing statewide. They have a little over sixty pending large mine applications; a ten-fold increase in the last three years. Their salaries are paid, under contract, by the mining industry. Yes, their paychecks, while they come from the State, are subsidized 100% by the industry they regulate. The federal regulators are actually worse. When I ay they are in bed with the industry, I'm not being metaphorical. This NPR Story is representative. Stopping this is going to be hard. Letters to the Commissioner are not going to be sufficient. He was appointed with charge to turn mining loose in Alaska.
I'm a member of the Alaska Conservation Foundation. One of their primary goals is to rein in the mining industry. Consider supporting their efforts (Forum Moderator Carl Battreal won the Daniel Housberg Wilderness Image Award for Excellence in Still Photography from ACF in 2007).
Last, I really don't want the Denali Highway - especially the east Denali Highway - to end up like Denali National Park. I worry about it being "discovered" like too many other beautiful places, and then "loved to death." It's selfish, I admit, but there it is.
Posted by Richard Hahn on September 29, 2008 at 8:58 PM
Dave,
Good evening. Great article, it makes me want to get there just that much more. SOME DAY!!!!
Rich Hahn
East Patchogue, NY
Posted by David Taylor on September 29, 2008 at 9:01 PM
Rick-
Thanks, I appreciate the feedback. Never a better time to visit Alaska than right now!
Discussion
7 repliesKeep up the good work Dave!
Good day Commissioner-
My name is Dave Taylor. I am a professional photographer and photo guide based in Wasilla. I recently heard of the proposed mining around the Tangle Lakes area near the Denali Highway. I found it most disturbing. This land is far too valuable to allow this kind of invasive, destructive, and poisoning operation that a continued mining initiative would bring. I recently spent a long weekend traveling the length of the Denali Highway (back and forth actually), taking many photographs - and leaving only footprints. Just today, an article that I wrote was published on an international online photography magazine detailing how other photographers can enjoy this area in their own travels. Here is a link to my article, for your consideration. I believe that I stand for the same values of all landscape/wildlife photographers in pleading that you do all that is possible to protect this land. Alaska is all too quickly becoming a land of drilling, mining, and profiteering with little to no consideration for the environment, or the ability of our future generations to appreciate this beautiful state. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Dave Taylor
Sixtyone North LLC
First, a very nice article, Dave. This is about my favorite place in Alaska, and certainly my favorite road-accessible place. Thanks also for saying such kind things about Audie and Jenny. And The Birder's Guide to Alaska. The Second Edition should be out this winter.
Second, the situation in Alaska mine management is worse than you'd easily believe. There are a total of three - three - people who supervise all minerals lands leasing statewide. They have a little over sixty pending large mine applications; a ten-fold increase in the last three years. Their salaries are paid, under contract, by the mining industry. Yes, their paychecks, while they come from the State, are subsidized 100% by the industry they regulate. The federal regulators are actually worse. When I ay they are in bed with the industry, I'm not being metaphorical. This NPR Story is representative. Stopping this is going to be hard. Letters to the Commissioner are not going to be sufficient. He was appointed with charge to turn mining loose in Alaska.
I'm a member of the Alaska Conservation Foundation. One of their primary goals is to rein in the mining industry. Consider supporting their efforts (Forum Moderator Carl Battreal won the Daniel Housberg Wilderness Image Award for Excellence in Still Photography from ACF in 2007).
Last, I really don't want the Denali Highway - especially the east Denali Highway - to end up like Denali National Park. I worry about it being "discovered" like too many other beautiful places, and then "loved to death." It's selfish, I admit, but there it is.
Good evening. Great article, it makes me want to get there just that much more. SOME DAY!!!!
Rich Hahn
East Patchogue, NY
Thanks, I appreciate the feedback. Never a better time to visit Alaska than right now!