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  • Visitors and locals take in the sunset from English Bay Beach Park in Vancouver, British Columbia. The popular beach, also called First Beach, is located in the most populated beach area in downtown Vancouver. The Stanley Park Seawall, a popular running and biking route, runs along the east side of the beach.
    English Bay Beach Park sunset.jpg
  • “Hugging the World”, a red cedar carving done in Northwest Coast style hangs in the domestic terminal at Vancouver International Airport, in Vancouver, British Columbia. The artwork, by Robert Davidson, has two large dance masks of an Eagle and Raven that are mounted back to back. Eagles and Ravens are important in Haida spiritual beliefs and social structure.
    Vancouver 2017.jpg
  • A landslide spilled onto the Ferris Glacier in Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park. Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park is located in the very northwestern corner of British Columbia, Canada. The park sits between Kluane National Park and Reserve in the Yukon and Glacier Bay and Wrangell-St. Elias National Parks and Preserves in Alaska. All together, they form the largest protected area in thew world, approximately 21 million acres. The Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers are protected in their entirety making them the only large watershed in North America that is totally protected.<br />
<br />
The remote park is known for its spectacular glacier and icefields, rafting and kayaking, hiking and mountaineering. Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park is home to grizzly bears, Dall's sheep, wolves, mountain goats, moose, eagles, falcons, and trumpeter swans.<br />
<br />
The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
    Ferris Glacier landslide.jpg
  • A Fairweather Range mountainside appears to be unstable in this photo taken at the Canadian and United States border in Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park. Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park is located in the very northwestern corner of British Columbia, Canada. The park sits between Kluane National Park and Reserve in the Yukon and Glacier Bay and Wrangell-St. Elias National Parks and Preserves in Alaska. All together, they form the largest protected area in thew world, approximately 21 million acres. The Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers are protected in their entirety making them the only large watershed in North America that is totally protected.<br />
<br />
The remote park is known for its spectacular glacier and icefields, rafting and kayaking, hiking and mountaineering. Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park is home to grizzly bears, Dall's sheep, wolves, mountain goats, moose, eagles, falcons, and trumpeter swans.<br />
<br />
The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
    Unstable mountainside.jpg
  • The Granville Island Public Market features 50 permanent retailers and over one-hundred day vendors who sell a variety of artisan foods and handmade crafts. Granville Island is a peninsula and shopping district located on False Creek across from downtown Vancouver near the Granville street Bridge. The area is popular with locals and visitors alike.
    Granville Island Public Market.jpg
  • Solar prominences (electric pink in color) are visible in this photo taken during a total eclipse of the sun. Solar prominences are formed from hot hydrogen gas rising from the lower regions of the sun’s atmosphere known as the chromosphere. Rising from tens of thousands of miles above the sun’s surface, they can be seen past the moon during a total solar eclipse.<br />
<br />
Also visible is the white corona that surrounds the sun. This photo was taken in Columbia Mo. at the Columbia Audubon Nature Sanctuary in Columbia, Mo. on August 21.<br />
<br />
A solar eclipse occurs when a full moon passes between the sun and Earth and blocks the sun when they are in alignment with each other as seen from Earth. The astronomical term for this alignment is known as syzygy.<br />
<br />
The August 21, 2017 eclipse was viewed by millions as it raced across the continental United States from Oregon to South Carolina. The last total eclipse in the continental United States was in 1979. The last total eclipse in Missouri was in 1869. While total solar eclipses will hit any one spot on Earth every 375 years, they take place somewhere about once every 18 months.<br />
<br />
The next total eclipse to have its path through Missouri will occur in 2024.
    Solar prominences during total solar...jpg
  • The “diamond ring effect” is visible in this photo taken during a total eclipse of the sun. The diamond ring effect, typically lasting only a few seconds, is visible at the beginning and end of totality. It is caused by sunlight passing through the valleys on the moon’s circumference edge, a phenomenon known as Baily’s beads. The diamond of the ring is formed when one of Baily's beads is much brighter than the others.<br />
<br />
Also visible are solar prominences (electric pink in color). Solar prominences are formed from hot hydrogen gas rising from the lower regions of the sun’s atmosphere known as the <br />
chromosphere. Rising from tens of thousands of miles above the sun’s surface, they can be seen past the moon during a total solar eclipse.<br />
<br />
This photo was taken in Columbia Mo. at the Columbia Audubon Nature Sanctuary in Columbia, Mo. on August 21.<br />
<br />
A solar eclipse occurs when a full moon passes between the sun and Earth and blocks the sun when they are in alignment with each other as seen from Earth. The astronomical term for this alignment is known as syzygy.<br />
<br />
The August 21, 2017 eclipse was viewed by millions as it raced across the continental United States from Oregon to South Carolina. The last total eclipse in the continental United States was in 1979. The last total eclipse in Missouri was in 1869. While total solar eclipses will hit any one spot on Earth every 375 years, they take place somewhere about once every 18 months.<br />
<br />
The next total eclipse to have its path through Missouri will occur in 2024.
    Diamond ring effect during total sol...jpg
  • The conflict over putting in a hard-rock mine near the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska took a new turn recently with the filing of a lawsuit by an Alaska Native Tlingit tribe and three environmental groups. The group is suing the Bureau of Land Management, saying that the agency granted mineral exploration permits without considering how a mine could affect the Chilkat River's salmon and the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. <br />
<br />
Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia along with investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan is exploring a potential site for a mine (located on the upper left side of image) just above Glacier Creek (foreground) and the Klehini River (right side of image). The border with British Columbia is at the upper right. The area above Glacier Greek, known as the Palmer Deposit is located near mile 40 of the Haines Highway.<br />
<br />
The minerals that Constantine’s drilling explorations have found are primarily copper and zinc, with significant amounts of gold and silver.<br />
<br />
Support for a large scale mine such as the Constantine project is divided among residents of Haines, a small community in Southeast Alaska 75 miles northwest of Juneau. The community’s needed economic boost from jobs, development and other mine support that a large-scale mine brings is tempting to some. To others, anything that might put the salmon spawning and rearing habitat and watershed resources at risk is simply unimaginable and unacceptable. Of particular concern is copper and other heavy metals in mine waste leaching into the Klehini River (shown) and the Chilkat River 14 miles downstream. Copper and heavy metals are toxic to salmon and bald eagles.<br />
<br />
The Chilkat River chum salmon are the primary food source for one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. Each fall, bald eagles congregate in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, located only three miles downriver from the area of current exploration.
    Constantine Palmer Deposit aerial.jpg
  • Veteran acrobatic pilot John Mrazek puts his Harvard Mark IV plane through its paces above English Bay prior to the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks program held in Vancouver, British Columbia. Mrazek began flying airplanes in 1964 in Czechoslovakia and has been performing in airshows since the early 1980s.
    Acrobatic pilot John Mrazek performs...jpg
  • A reception was held for Rita Reed, photojournalism professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, to celebrate her retirement after 16 years of being on the faculty. <br />
<br />
In this photo, Reed cuts a cake during the reception. Looking on is David Rees, professor and faculty chair of the photojournalism department (right). Also pictured taking a cell phone photo is Tim Tai (center), a recent graduate from the program and staff photojournalist for the Columbia Daily Tribune.<br />
<br />
The event was held on May 10, 2017 in the Cliff and Vi Edom Photojournalism Lab in Lee Hills Hall on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Mo.<br />
<br />
The following is from Reed’s bio posted on the Missouri School of Journalism website: "Rita Reed joined the photojournalism faculty in 2001 after 20 years as a working photojournalist with Star Tribune in Minneapolis and The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has worked not only on local, regional and national stories, but also internationally in Haiti, Bolivia, Colombia, Taiwan, China and the countries of the former Eastern Block.<br />
<br />
Reed holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and an undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State University. She was the 1993 recipient of the Nikon Sabbatical Grant for Documentary Photography for the completion of work on a photographic book about gay and lesbian teenagers. Reed maintains an interest in and concern for adolescents and the issues they face. She is the director of the College Photographer of the Year competition.”
    Rita Reed retirement reception.jpg
  • The conflict over putting in a hard-rock mine near the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska took a new turn recently with the filing of a lawsuit by an Alaska Native Tlingit tribe and three environmental groups. The group is suing the Bureau of Land Management, saying that the agency granted mineral exploration permits without considering how a mine could affect the Chilkat River's salmon and the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. <br />
<br />
Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia along with investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan is exploring a potential site for a mine (located on the upper left side of image) just above Glacier Creek (foreground) and the Klehini River (right side of image). The border with British Columbia is at the upper right. The area above Glacier Greek, known as the Palmer Deposit is located near mile 40 of the Haines Highway.<br />
<br />
The minerals that Constantine’s drilling explorations have found are primarily copper and zinc, with significant amounts of gold and silver.<br />
<br />
Support for a large scale mine such as the Constantine project is divided among residents of Haines, a small community in Southeast Alaska 75 miles northwest of Juneau. The community’s needed economic boost from jobs, development and other mine support that a large-scale mine brings is tempting to some. To others, anything that might put the salmon spawning and rearing habitat and watershed resources at risk is simply unimaginable and unacceptable. Of particular concern is copper and other heavy metals in mine waste leaching into the Klehini River (shown) and the Chilkat River 14 miles downstream. Copper and heavy metals are toxic to salmon and bald eagles.<br />
<br />
The Chilkat River chum salmon are the primary food source for one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. Each fall, bald eagles congregate in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, located only three miles downriver from the area of current exploration
    Constantine Palmer Deposit aerial -7.jpg
  • People pack the beach at English Bay Beach Park prior to the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks program in Vancouver, British Columbia
    Crowd at Celebration of Light on Eng...jpg
  • Veteran acrobatic pilot John Mrazek puts his Harvard Mark IV plane through its paces above English Bay prior to the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks program held in Vancouver, British Columbia. Mrazek began flying airplanes in 1964 in Czechoslovakia and has been performing in airshows since the early 1980s.
    Acrobatic pilot John Mrazek performs...jpg
  • Veteran acrobatic pilot John Mrazek puts his Harvard Mark IV plane through its paces above English Bay prior to the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks program held in Vancouver, British Columbia. Mrazek began flying airplanes in 1964 in Czechoslovakia and has been performing in airshows since the early 1980s.
    Acrobatic pilot John Mrazek performs...jpg
  • Stawamus Chief, a huge granite dome, is located near Squamish, British Columbia, Canada. Towering over 2,297 feet above nearby Howe Sound and the Sea-to-Sky Highway, it is a popular, world-class climbing destination along with other climbing spots in the Squamish area.
    Stawamus Chief.jpg
  • Veteran acrobatic pilot John Mrazek puts his Harvard Mark IV plane through its paces above English Bay prior to the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks program held in Vancouver, British Columbia. Mrazek began flying airplanes in 1964 in Czechoslovakia and has been performing in airshows since the early 1980s.
    Acrobatic pilot John Mrazek performs...jpg
  • Veteran acrobatic pilot John Mrazek puts his Harvard Mark IV plane through its paces above English Bay prior to the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks program held in Vancouver, British Columbia. Mrazek began flying airplanes in 1964 in Czechoslovakia and has been performing in airshows since the early 1980s.
    Acrobatic pilot John Mrazek performs...jpg
  • The Black Tusk, located in Garibaldi Provincial Park of British Columbia, Canada, is the remains of an extinct stratovolcano. The 7,608 foot peak that is part of the Garibaldi Range of the Coast Mountains, is visible from the Whistler Blackcomb ski area, and along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, just south of Whistler. The lower portions of the Black Tusk are a popular backpacking and scrambling destination. Native Squamish legend says that the peak is where the mythical Thunderbird lives. In their native language it is known as t'ak't'ak mu'yin to’a in7in'a'xe7en (Landing Place of the Thunderbird).
    Black Tusk.jpg
  • A reception was held for Rita Reed, photojournalism professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, to celebrate her retirement after 16 years of being on the faculty. <br />
<br />
Here Reed poses for a photo outside her office in Lee Hills Hall.<br />
<br />
The event was held on May 10, 2017 in the Cliff and Vi Edom Photojournalism Lab in Lee Hills Hall on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Mo.<br />
<br />
The following is from Reed’s bio posted on the Missouri School of Journalism website: "Rita Reed joined the photojournalism faculty in 2001 after 20 years as a working photojournalist with Star Tribune in Minneapolis and The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has worked not only on local, regional and national stories, but also internationally in Haiti, Bolivia, Colombia, Taiwan, China and the countries of the former Eastern Block.<br />
<br />
Reed holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and an undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State University. She was the 1993 recipient of the Nikon Sabbatical Grant for Documentary Photography for the completion of work on a photographic book about gay and lesbian teenagers. Reed maintains an interest in and concern for adolescents and the issues they face. She is the director of the College Photographer of the Year competition.”
    Rita Reed retirement reception-17.jpg
  • A reception was held for Rita Reed, photojournalism professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, to celebrate her retirement after 16 years of being on the faculty. <br />
<br />
This sign was among the gifts that she received from students, faculty and friends. <br />
<br />
The event was held on May 10, 2017 in the Cliff and Vi Edom Photojournalism Lab in Lee Hills Hall on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Mo.<br />
<br />
The following is from Reed’s bio posted on the Missouri School of Journalism website: "Rita Reed joined the photojournalism faculty in 2001 after 20 years as a working photojournalist with Star Tribune in Minneapolis and The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has worked not only on local, regional and national stories, but also internationally in Haiti, Bolivia, Colombia, Taiwan, China and the countries of the former Eastern Block.<br />
<br />
Reed holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and an undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State University. She was the 1993 recipient of the Nikon Sabbatical Grant for Documentary Photography for the completion of work on a photographic book about gay and lesbian teenagers. Reed maintains an interest in and concern for adolescents and the issues they face. She is the director of the College Photographer of the Year competition.”
    Rita Reed retirement reception-16.jpg
  • A reception was held for Rita Reed, photojournalism professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, to celebrate her retirement after 16 years of being on the faculty. <br />
<br />
In this photo, Reed gets hugs from her students after they presented a  card of thanks and appreciation.<br />
<br />
The event was held on May 10, 2017 in the Cliff and Vi Edom Photojournalism Lab in Lee Hills Hall on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Mo.<br />
<br />
The following is from Reed’s bio posted on the Missouri School of Journalism website: "Rita Reed joined the photojournalism faculty in 2001 after 20 years as a working photojournalist with Star Tribune in Minneapolis and The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has worked not only on local, regional and national stories, but also internationally in Haiti, Bolivia, Colombia, Taiwan, China and the countries of the former Eastern Block.<br />
<br />
Reed holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and an undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State University. She was the 1993 recipient of the Nikon Sabbatical Grant for Documentary Photography for the completion of work on a photographic book about gay and lesbian teenagers. Reed maintains an interest in and concern for adolescents and the issues they face. She is the director of the College Photographer of the Year competition.”
    Rita Reed retirement reception-14.jpg
  • A reception was held for Rita Reed, photojournalism professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, to celebrate her retirement after 16 years of being on the faculty. <br />
<br />
In this photo, Reed reads a card of thanks and appreciation given to her by her students.<br />
<br />
The event was held on May 10, 2017 in the Cliff and Vi Edom Photojournalism Lab in Lee Hills Hall on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Mo.<br />
<br />
The following is from Reed’s bio posted on the Missouri School of Journalism website: "Rita Reed joined the photojournalism faculty in 2001 after 20 years as a working photojournalist with Star Tribune in Minneapolis and The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has worked not only on local, regional and national stories, but also internationally in Haiti, Bolivia, Colombia, Taiwan, China and the countries of the former Eastern Block.<br />
<br />
Reed holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and an undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State University. She was the 1993 recipient of the Nikon Sabbatical Grant for Documentary Photography for the completion of work on a photographic book about gay and lesbian teenagers. Reed maintains an interest in and concern for adolescents and the issues they face. She is the director of the College Photographer of the Year competition.”
    Rita Reed retirement reception-13.jpg
  • A reception was held for Rita Reed, photojournalism professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, to celebrate her retirement after 16 years of being on the faculty. <br />
<br />
In this photo, Reed (right) speaks with former students, colleagues and friends via a live chat session. Holding the cellphone camera for the session is Jackie Bell, associate professor of photojournalism. Reed and Bell are co-directors of the College Photographer of the Year Competition.<br />
<br />
The event was held on May 10, 2017 in the Cliff and Vi Edom Photojournalism Lab in Lee Hills Hall on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Mo.<br />
<br />
The following is from Reed’s bio posted on the Missouri School of Journalism website: "Rita Reed joined the photojournalism faculty in 2001 after 20 years as a working photojournalist with Star Tribune in Minneapolis and The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has worked not only on local, regional and national stories, but also internationally in Haiti, Bolivia, Colombia, Taiwan, China and the countries of the former Eastern Block.<br />
<br />
Reed holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and an undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State University. She was the 1993 recipient of the Nikon Sabbatical Grant for Documentary Photography for the completion of work on a photographic book about gay and lesbian teenagers. Reed maintains an interest in and concern for adolescents and the issues they face. She is the director of the College Photographer of the Year competition.”
    Rita Reed retirement reception-9.jpg
  • A reception was held for Rita Reed, photojournalism professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, to celebrate her retirement after 16 years of being on the faculty. <br />
<br />
The event was held on May 10, 2017 in the Cliff and Vi Edom Photojournalism Lab in Lee Hills Hall on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Mo.<br />
<br />
The following is from Reed’s bio posted on the Missouri School of Journalism website: "Rita Reed joined the photojournalism faculty in 2001 after 20 years as a working photojournalist with Star Tribune in Minneapolis and The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has worked not only on local, regional and national stories, but also internationally in Haiti, Bolivia, Colombia, Taiwan, China and the countries of the former Eastern Block.<br />
<br />
Reed holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and an undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State University. She was the 1993 recipient of the Nikon Sabbatical Grant for Documentary Photography for the completion of work on a photographic book about gay and lesbian teenagers. Reed maintains an interest in and concern for adolescents and the issues they face. She is the director of the College Photographer of the Year competition.”
    Rita Reed retirement reception-8.jpg
  • A reception was held for Rita Reed, photojournalism professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, to celebrate her retirement after 16 years of being on the faculty. <br />
<br />
In this photo, Reed (left) speaks with Brett Slaughter, web producer for the College Photographer of the Year Competition and former student. Looking on is Jackie Bell (center), associate professor of photojournalism. Reed and Bell are co-directors of the College Photographer of the Year Competition.<br />
<br />
The event was held on May 10, 2017 in the Cliff and Vi Edom Photojournalism Lab in Lee Hills Hall on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Mo.<br />
<br />
The following is from Reed’s bio posted on the Missouri School of Journalism website: "Rita Reed joined the photojournalism faculty in 2001 after 20 years as a working photojournalist with Star Tribune in Minneapolis and The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has worked not only on local, regional and national stories, but also internationally in Haiti, Bolivia, Colombia, Taiwan, China and the countries of the former Eastern Block.<br />
<br />
Reed holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and an undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State University. She was the 1993 recipient of the Nikon Sabbatical Grant for Documentary Photography for the completion of work on a photographic book about gay and lesbian teenagers. Reed maintains an interest in and concern for adolescents and the issues they face. She is the director of the College Photographer of the Year competition.”
    Rita Reed retirement reception-6.jpg
  • A reception was held for Rita Reed (pictured), photojournalism professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, to celebrate her retirement after 16 years of being on the faculty. <br />
<br />
The event was held on May 10, 2017 in the Cliff and Vi Edom Photojournalism Lab in Lee Hills Hall on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Mo.<br />
<br />
The following is from Reed’s bio posted on the Missouri School of Journalism website: "Rita Reed joined the photojournalism faculty in 2001 after 20 years as a working photojournalist with Star Tribune in Minneapolis and The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has worked not only on local, regional and national stories, but also internationally in Haiti, Bolivia, Colombia, Taiwan, China and the countries of the former Eastern Block.<br />
<br />
Reed holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and an undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State University. She was the 1993 recipient of the Nikon Sabbatical Grant for Documentary Photography for the completion of work on a photographic book about gay and lesbian teenagers. Reed maintains an interest in and concern for adolescents and the issues they face. She is the director of the College Photographer of the Year competition.”
    Rita Reed retirement reception-2.jpg
  • A small glacial lake adds bright color to the otherwise bright white Tsirku Glacier in Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park. The park, located in the very northwestern corner of British Columbia, Canada, sits between Kluane National Park and Reserve in the Yukon and Glacier Bay and Wrangell-St. Elias National Parks and Preserves in Alaska. All together, they form the largest protected area in thew world, approximately 21 million acres. The Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers are protected in their entirety making them the only large watershed in North America that is totally protected.<br />
<br />
The remote park is known for its spectacular glacier and icefields, rafting and kayaking, hiking and mountaineering. Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park is home to grizzly bears, Dall's sheep, wolves, mountain goats, moose, eagles, falcons, and trumpeter swans.<br />
<br />
The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
    Small glacial lake-2.jpg
  • A reception was held for Rita Reed, photojournalism professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, to celebrate her retirement after 16 years of being on the faculty. <br />
<br />
Here Reed poses for a photo, removing the nameplate from the door outside her office in Lee Hills Hall.<br />
<br />
The event was held on May 10, 2017 in the Cliff and Vi Edom Photojournalism Lab in Lee Hills Hall on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Mo.<br />
<br />
The following is from Reed’s bio posted on the Missouri School of Journalism website: "Rita Reed joined the photojournalism faculty in 2001 after 20 years as a working photojournalist with Star Tribune in Minneapolis and The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has worked not only on local, regional and national stories, but also internationally in Haiti, Bolivia, Colombia, Taiwan, China and the countries of the former Eastern Block.<br />
<br />
Reed holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and an undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State University. She was the 1993 recipient of the Nikon Sabbatical Grant for Documentary Photography for the completion of work on a photographic book about gay and lesbian teenagers. Reed maintains an interest in and concern for adolescents and the issues they face. She is the director of the College Photographer of the Year competition.”
    Rita Reed retirement reception-18.jpg
  • reception was held for Rita Reed, photojournalism professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, to celebrate her retirement after 16 years of being on the faculty. <br />
<br />
In this photo, Reed poses for a photo with some of her current students.<br />
<br />
The event was held on May 10, 2017 in the Cliff and Vi Edom Photojournalism Lab in Lee Hills Hall on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Mo.<br />
<br />
The following is from Reed’s bio posted on the Missouri School of Journalism website: "Rita Reed joined the photojournalism faculty in 2001 after 20 years as a working photojournalist with Star Tribune in Minneapolis and The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has worked not only on local, regional and national stories, but also internationally in Haiti, Bolivia, Colombia, Taiwan, China and the countries of the former Eastern Block.<br />
<br />
Reed holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and an undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State University. She was the 1993 recipient of the Nikon Sabbatical Grant for Documentary Photography for the completion of work on a photographic book about gay and lesbian teenagers. Reed maintains an interest in and concern for adolescents and the issues they face. She is the director of the College Photographer of the Year competition.”
    Rita Reed retirement reception-15.jpg
  • A reception was held for Rita Reed, photojournalism professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, to celebrate her retirement after 16 years of being on the faculty. <br />
<br />
In this photo, Brett Slaughter, web producer for the College Photographer of the Year Competition, hugs Reed after she presented him with a special award for his many years of help with the contest. Holding a cellphone camera for a Facebook live session is Brian Kratzer, assistant professor of photojournalism. Reed has been the director of the College Photographer of the Year Competition for many years and in recent years has been co-director with Jackie Bell, associate photojournalism professor.<br />
<br />
The event was held on May 10, 2017 in the Cliff and Vi Edom Photojournalism Lab in Lee Hills Hall on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Mo.<br />
<br />
The following is from Reed’s bio posted on the Missouri School of Journalism website: "Rita Reed joined the photojournalism faculty in 2001 after 20 years as a working photojournalist with Star Tribune in Minneapolis and The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has worked not only on local, regional and national stories, but also internationally in Haiti, Bolivia, Colombia, Taiwan, China and the countries of the former Eastern Block.<br />
<br />
Reed holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and an undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State University. She was the 1993 recipient of the Nikon Sabbatical Grant for Documentary Photography for the completion of work on a photographic book about gay and lesbian teenagers. Reed maintains an interest in and concern for adolescents and the issues they face. She is the director of the College Photographer of the Year competition.”
    Rita Reed retirement reception-11.jpg
  • A reception was held for Rita Reed, photojournalism professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, to celebrate her retirement after 16 years of being on the faculty. <br />
<br />
In this photo, Reed (right) presents a special award to Brett Slaughter, web producer for the College Photographer of the Year Competition, for his many years of help with the contest. Holding a cellphone camera for a Facebook live session is Brian Kratzer, assistant professor of photojournalism. Reed has been the director of the College Photographer of the Year Competition for many years and in recent years has shared that role with co-director with Jackie Bell, associate photojournalism professor.<br />
<br />
The event was held on May 10, 2017 in the Cliff and Vi Edom Photojournalism Lab in Lee Hills Hall on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Mo.<br />
<br />
The following is from Reed’s bio posted on the Missouri School of Journalism website: "Rita Reed joined the photojournalism faculty in 2001 after 20 years as a working photojournalist with Star Tribune in Minneapolis and The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has worked not only on local, regional and national stories, but also internationally in Haiti, Bolivia, Colombia, Taiwan, China and the countries of the former Eastern Block.<br />
<br />
Reed holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and an undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State University. She was the 1993 recipient of the Nikon Sabbatical Grant for Documentary Photography for the completion of work on a photographic book about gay and lesbian teenagers. Reed maintains an interest in and concern for adolescents and the issues they face. She is the director of the College Photographer of the Year competition.”
    Rita Reed retirement reception-10.jpg
  • A reception was held for Rita Reed, photojournalism professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, to celebrate her retirement after 16 years of being on the faculty. <br />
<br />
In this photo, an unidentified student samples the food while photojournalism associate professor Jackie Bell (in blue) speaks with a guest. Bell and Reed are co-directors of the College Photographer of the Year competition.<br />
<br />
The event was held on May 10, 2017 in the Cliff and Vi Edom Photojournalism Lab in Lee Hills Hall on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Mo.<br />
<br />
The following is from Reed’s bio posted on the Missouri School of Journalism website: "Rita Reed joined the photojournalism faculty in 2001 after 20 years as a working photojournalist with Star Tribune in Minneapolis and The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has worked not only on local, regional and national stories, but also internationally in Haiti, Bolivia, Colombia, Taiwan, China and the countries of the former Eastern Block.<br />
<br />
Reed holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and an undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State University. She was the 1993 recipient of the Nikon Sabbatical Grant for Documentary Photography for the completion of work on a photographic book about gay and lesbian teenagers. Reed maintains an interest in and concern for adolescents and the issues they face. She is the director of the College Photographer of the Year competition.”
    Rita Reed retirement reception-4.jpg
  • The uppermost portion of the Grand Pacific Glacier appears like a road intersection in Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park. The Grand Pacific Glacier flows downward toward the Gulf of Alaska in the flow in the top left, and downward to to the upper reach of Glacier Bay National Park in the bottom left and right flows. The top right flow is the Melbern Glacier. Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park is located in the very northwestern corner of British Columbia, Canada. The park sits between Kluane National Park and Reserve in the Yukon and Glacier Bay and Wrangell-St. Elias National Parks and Preserves in Alaska. All together, they form the largest protected area in thew world, approximately 21 million acres. The Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers are protected in their entirety making them the only large watershed in North America that is totally protected.<br />
<br />
The remote park is known for its spectacular glacier and icefields, rafting and kayaking, hiking and mountaineering. Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park is home to grizzly bears, Dall's sheep, wolves, mountain goats, moose, eagles, falcons, and trumpeter swans.<br />
<br />
The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
    Grand Pacific Glacier crossroad.jpg
  • James Balog (center), an award winning nature and environmental photojournalist, answers questions from photojournalism students in the gallery of the Angus and Betty McDougall Center for Photojournalism Studies at the Missouri School of Journalism in Columbia, Missouri. Balog was at the university to receive a Missouri Honor Medal In recognition of three decades of using the photographic image to help the public understand the impact of environmental change. Balog is the founder and director of the Extreme Ice Survey (EIS) and the Earth Vision Trust.
    James Balog.jpg
  • The Black Tusk, located in Garibaldi Provincial Park of British Columbia, Canada, is the remains of an extinct stratovolcano. The 7,608 foot peak that is part of the Garibaldi Range of the Coast Mountains, is visible from the Whistler Blackcomb ski area, and along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, just south of Whistler. The lower portions of the Black Tusk are a popular backpacking and scrambling destination. Native Squamish legend says that the peak is where the mythical Thunderbird lives. In their native language it is known as t'ak't'ak mu'yin to’a in7in'a'xe7en (Landing Place of the Thunderbird).
    Black Tusk.jpg
  • A reception was held for Rita Reed, photojournalism professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, to celebrate her retirement after 16 years of being on the faculty. <br />
<br />
In this photo, Reed speaks with an unidentified student.<br />
<br />
The event was held on May 10, 2017 in the Cliff and Vi Edom Photojournalism Lab in Lee Hills Hall on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Mo.<br />
<br />
The following is from Reed’s bio posted on the Missouri School of Journalism website: "Rita Reed joined the photojournalism faculty in 2001 after 20 years as a working photojournalist with Star Tribune in Minneapolis and The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has worked not only on local, regional and national stories, but also internationally in Haiti, Bolivia, Colombia, Taiwan, China and the countries of the former Eastern Block.<br />
<br />
Reed holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and an undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State University. She was the 1993 recipient of the Nikon Sabbatical Grant for Documentary Photography for the completion of work on a photographic book about gay and lesbian teenagers. Reed maintains an interest in and concern for adolescents and the issues they face. She is the director of the College Photographer of the Year competition.”
    Rita Reed retirement reception-12.jpg
  • A reception was held for Rita Reed, photojournalism professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, to celebrate her retirement after 16 years of being on the faculty. <br />
<br />
In this photo, Reed (left) speaks with retired photojournalism professor C. Zoe Smith  during the reception.<br />
<br />
The event was held on May 10, 2017 in the Cliff and Vi Edom Photojournalism Lab in Lee Hills Hall on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Mo.<br />
<br />
The following is from Reed’s bio posted on the Missouri School of Journalism website: "Rita Reed joined the photojournalism faculty in 2001 after 20 years as a working photojournalist with Star Tribune in Minneapolis and The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has worked not only on local, regional and national stories, but also internationally in Haiti, Bolivia, Colombia, Taiwan, China and the countries of the former Eastern Block.<br />
<br />
Reed holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and an undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State University. She was the 1993 recipient of the Nikon Sabbatical Grant for Documentary Photography for the completion of work on a photographic book about gay and lesbian teenagers. Reed maintains an interest in and concern for adolescents and the issues they face. She is the director of the College Photographer of the Year competition.”
    Rita Reed retirement reception-7.jpg
  • A reception was held for Rita Reed, photojournalism professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, to celebrate her retirement after 16 years of being on the faculty. <br />
<br />
In this photo, David Rees, professor and faculty chair of the photojournalism department speaks with Carol Shoptaugh, a friend of Reed.<br />
<br />
The event was held on May 10, 2017 in the Cliff and Vi Edom Photojournalism Lab in Lee Hills Hall on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Mo.<br />
<br />
The following is from Reed’s bio posted on the Missouri School of Journalism website: "Rita Reed joined the photojournalism faculty in 2001 after 20 years as a working photojournalist with Star Tribune in Minneapolis and The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has worked not only on local, regional and national stories, but also internationally in Haiti, Bolivia, Colombia, Taiwan, China and the countries of the former Eastern Block.<br />
<br />
Reed holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and an undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State University. She was the 1993 recipient of the Nikon Sabbatical Grant for Documentary Photography for the completion of work on a photographic book about gay and lesbian teenagers. Reed maintains an interest in and concern for adolescents and the issues they face. She is the director of the College Photographer of the Year competition.”
    Rita Reed retirement reception-5.jpg
  • A reception was held for Rita Reed, photojournalism professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, to celebrate her retirement after 16 years of being on the faculty. <br />
<br />
In this photo, Reed speaks with a student while a slide show of photos of Reed plays on the wall.<br />
<br />
The event was held on May 10, 2017 in the Cliff and Vi Edom Photojournalism Lab in Lee Hills Hall on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Mo.<br />
<br />
The following is from Reed’s bio posted on the Missouri School of Journalism website: "Rita Reed joined the photojournalism faculty in 2001 after 20 years as a working photojournalist with Star Tribune in Minneapolis and The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has worked not only on local, regional and national stories, but also internationally in Haiti, Bolivia, Colombia, Taiwan, China and the countries of the former Eastern Block.<br />
<br />
Reed holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and an undergraduate degree from Southwest Missouri State University. She was the 1993 recipient of the Nikon Sabbatical Grant for Documentary Photography for the completion of work on a photographic book about gay and lesbian teenagers. Reed maintains an interest in and concern for adolescents and the issues they face. She is the director of the College Photographer of the Year competition.”
    Rita Reed retirement reception-3.jpg
  • A small glacial lake adds bright color to the otherwise bright white Tsirku Glacier in Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park. The park, located in the very northwestern corner of British Columbia, Canada, sits between Kluane National Park and Reserve in the Yukon and Glacier Bay and Wrangell-St. Elias National Parks and Preserves in Alaska. All together, they form the largest protected area in thew world, approximately 21 million acres. The Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers are protected in their entirety making them the only large watershed in North America that is totally protected.<br />
<br />
The remote park is known for its spectacular glacier and icefields, rafting and kayaking, hiking and mountaineering. Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park is home to grizzly bears, Dall's sheep, wolves, mountain goats, moose, eagles, falcons, and trumpeter swans.<br />
<br />
The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
    Small glacial lake.jpg
  • The upper regions of the Tsirku and Buckwell Glaciers start in Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park. The Tsirku Glacier (foreground) flows downward to become the Tsirku River, near Haines, Alaska and the Buckwell Glacier (upper right) flows to become Michael Creek which shortly connects with the O’Connor River. Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park is located in the very northwestern corner of British Columbia, Canada. The park sits between Kluane National Park and Reserve in the Yukon and Glacier Bay and Wrangell-St. Elias National Parks and Preserves in Alaska. All together, they form the largest protected area in thew world, approximately 21 million acres. The Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers are protected in their entirety making them the only large watershed in North America that is totally protected.<br />
<br />
The remote park is known for its spectacular glacier and icefields, rafting and kayaking, hiking and mountaineering. Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park is home to grizzly bears, Dall's sheep, wolves, mountain goats, moose, eagles, falcons, and trumpeter swans.<br />
<br />
The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
    Tsirku Glacier and Tuckwell Glacier.jpg
  • A float plane in preparation to land in Coal Harbour passes Coal Harbour residential and business skyscrapers (background) and HMCS Discovery (foreground). HMCS Discovery is a Royal Canadian Navy Reserve division and shore facility based on Deadman’s Island, adjacent to Stanley Park.
    Coal Harbour skyline panorama.jpg
  • A significant portion of the Haines State Forest pictured in this photo is under consideration for harvest. Known as the Baby Brown Timber Sale, the proposal by the Alaska Division of Forestry calls for 1,000 acres (20 million board feet) of Sitka spruce and  western hemlock to be harvested from state land. This photo shows a portion of the Baby Brown Timber Sale area near Haines Alaska between Glacier Creek (bottom), and Jarvis Creek (top). The Klehini River is at the right. Also visible is the Haines Highway (AK-7). The Baby Brown Timber Sale also includes forest land west of Porcupine Creek (not shown).<br />
<br />
The area pictured also shows land that Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. has leased mineral rights. Constantine Metals is also currently exploring the area above Glacier Creek. The minerals that Constantine’s drilling explorations have found are primarily copper and zinc, with significant amounts of gold and silver.<br />
<br />
If approved, the Baby Brown Timber Sale would be the largest sale in the Chilkat Valley since the 1990’s. The Division of Forestry estimates that the sale could generate 20 jobs directly associated with the harvest, $300,000 in royalties to the state. The economic impact of the sale to the statewide economy is estimated to $2,000,000.<br />
<br />
Conservation groups are concerned by the size of the sale and the impact a sale of this size will have on the watershed, fish, and wildlife. There are also concerns about the impact the harvest will have on the viewshed visible from the Haines Highway (AK-7) which has been designated as a National Scenic Byway.
    Baby Brown Timber Sale.jpg
  • Dillard Mill, located along Huzzah Creek, is one of Missouri’s best-preserved water-powered gristmills. The mill, now part of the Dillard Mill State Historic Site, was built in 1908 and was in business until 1956 making it the longest-running mill of its kind in the state. Since 1977, the Dillard Mill State Historic Site has been leased by the L-A-D Foundation to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for management by Missouri State Parks.<br />
<br />
Formerly known as the Mischke Mill before its restoration was completed in 1980, Dillard Mill uses an underwater turbine rather than a water wheel.<br />
<br />
Pictured in the back row are roller mills, used for the “first break” where the husk was sheared from the wheat kernel. At far right, foreground, is a Barnard & Leas horizontal bran duster, used to separate flour from bran.<br />
<br />
When it was an operating mill, area farmers would bring their grain to the mill to be ground into flour and eventually livestock feed. Most of Dillard Mill's original machinery is still operational. Visitors can see and hear the sounds of the machinery and turbine just as millers did over a hundred years ago. <br />
<br />
Dillard Mill State Historic Site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.
    Dillard Mill-4.jpg
  • Sunrise on coastal mountains seen from Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle to Juneau in southeast Alaska.
    Coastal mountains sunrise from air 1.jpg
  • Dillard Mill, located along Huzzah Creek, is one of Missouri’s best-preserved water-powered gristmills. The mill, now part of the Dillard Mill State Historic Site, was built in 1908 and was in business until 1956 making it the longest-running mill of its kind in the state. Since 1977, the Dillard Mill State Historic Site has been leased by the L-A-D Foundation to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for management by Missouri State Parks.<br />
<br />
Formerly known as the Mischke Mill before its restoration was completed in 1980, Dillard Mill uses an underwater turbine rather than a water wheel.<br />
<br />
Pictured is a roller mill manufactured by Barnard and Leas Manufacturing Co. A roller mill is used for the “first break” where the husk was sheared from the wheat kernel. <br />
<br />
When it was an operating mill, area farmers would bring their grain to the mill to be ground into flour and eventually livestock feed. Most of Dillard Mill's original machinery is still operational. Visitors can see and hear the sounds of the machinery and turbine just as millers did over a hundred years ago. <br />
<br />
Dillard Mill State Historic Site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.
    Dillard Mill-9.jpg
  • The Saksaia Glacier sits at the top of the Glacier Creek valley near the location of the potential mine site being explored by Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia along with investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan. The area of exploration, known as the Palmer Deposit is located near mile 40 of the Haines Highway and the Porcupine placer gold mining area near Haines, Alaska.<br />
<br />
The minerals that Constantine’s drilling explorations have found are primarily copper and zinc, with significant amounts of gold and silver. Exploratory drilling to refine the location and mineral amounts are the current focus of the company.<br />
<br />
If approved and developed, the mine would be an underground mine. Besides the actual ore deposits, having the nearby highway access for transporting ore to the deepwater port at Haines is also attractive to Constantine.<br />
<br />
Support for a large scale mine such as the Constantine project is divided among residents of Haines, a small community in Southeast Alaska 75 miles northwest of Juneau. The community’s needed economic boost from jobs, development and other mine support that a large-scale mine brings is tempting to some. To others, anything that might put the salmon spawning and rearing habitat and watershed resources at risk is simply unimaginable and unacceptable. Of particular concern is copper and other heavy metals in mine waste leaching into the Klehini and Chilkat River. Copper and heavy metals are toxic to salmon and bald eagles.<br />
<br />
The Chilkat River chum salmon are the primary food source for one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. Each fall, bald eagles congregate in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, located only three miles downriver from the area of current exploration. At times more than 3,000 eagles have been recorded at the primary gathering area for the fall chum salmon run.
    Saksaia Glacier 3.jpg
  • A 4,000-foot-high mountainside released approximately 120 million metric tons of rock in 60 seconds during a landslide onto the Lamplugh Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. In an interview with the Anchorage Dispatch News, geophysicist Colin Stark of Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, described the slide as “exceptionally large.” He compared the massive landslide to roughly 60 million medium SUVs tumbling down a mountainside.<br />
<br />
The slide occurred on the morning of June 28  in a remote area of Glacier Bay National Park in southeast Alaska. It was first observed by Paul Swanstrom, pilot and owner of Haines-based Mountain Flying Service. Swanstrom noticed a huge cloud of dust over the Lamplugh Glacier during a flightseeing tour of Glacier Bay National Park several hours after the slide occurred. Swanstrom estimates the debris field to be 6.5 miles long, and one to two miles in width.<br />
<br />
Even two days later, as this aerial photo of the Lamplugh Glacier landslide shows, a dust cloud remained over the unstable mountainside due to still tumbling rock.
    Lamplugh Glacier landslide.jpg
  • Three male Columbian sharp-tailed grouse perform a mating dance on a lek in southern Wyoming.<br />
<br />
The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) is one of the seven recognized subspecies of North American sharp-tailed grouse. It is also the rarest and smallest of the subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse have experienced declines in distribution and population due to overuse and development of the mountain shrub and grasslands that it favors. It is native to the sagebrush steppe of the western United States and British Columbia. First described by the Lewis & Clark expedition, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse were once the most abundant grouse in the West. Today, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse no occupy less than 10 percent of its historic range. It is currently considered a Species of Concern in several U.S. states.<br />
<br />
Like other grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse congregate year after year in the spring on a small area known as a lek. Males perform highly animated dancing courtship displays to impress females to mate. These displays consist of rapidly stamping their feet at blur-like speed while keeping with their wings extended, often rotating in a circle.
    Columbian sharp-tailed grouse-19.jpg
  • A female Columbian sharp-tailed grouse is chased by other males on a lek in southern Wyoming.<br />
<br />
The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) is one of the seven recognized subspecies of North American sharp-tailed grouse. It is also the rarest and smallest of the subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse have experienced declines in distribution and population due to overuse and development of the mountain shrub and grasslands that it favors. It is native to the sagebrush steppe of the western United States and British Columbia. First described by the Lewis & Clark expedition, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse were once the most abundant grouse in the West. Today, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse no occupy less than 10 percent of its historic range. It is currently considered a Species of Concern in several U.S. states.<br />
<br />
Like other grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse congregate year after year in the spring on a small area known as a lek. Males perform highly animated dancing courtship displays to impress females to mate. These displays consist of rapidly stamping their feet at blur-like speed while keeping with their wings extended, often rotating in a circle.
    Columbian sharp-tailed grouse-11.jpg
  • Two male Columbian sharp-tailed grouse faceoff each other on a lek in southern Wyoming.<br />
<br />
The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) is one of the seven recognized subspecies of North American sharp-tailed grouse. It is also the rarest and smallest of the subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse have experienced declines in distribution and population due to overuse and development of the mountain shrub and grasslands that it favors. It is native to the sagebrush steppe of the western United States and British Columbia. First described by the Lewis & Clark expedition, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse were once the most abundant grouse in the West. Today, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse no occupy less than 10 percent of its historic range. It is currently considered a Species of Concern in several U.S. states.<br />
<br />
Like other grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse congregate year after year in the spring on a small area known as a lek. Males perform highly animated dancing courtship displays to impress females to mate. These displays consist of rapidly stamping their feet at blur-like speed while keeping with their wings extended, often rotating in a circle.
    Columbian sharp-tailed grouse-10.jpg
  • Two male Columbian sharp-tailed grouse faceoff each other on a lek in southern Wyoming.<br />
<br />
The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) is one of the seven recognized subspecies of North American sharp-tailed grouse. It is also the rarest and smallest of the subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse have experienced declines in distribution and population due to overuse and development of the mountain shrub and grasslands that it favors. It is native to the sagebrush steppe of the western United States and British Columbia. First described by the Lewis & Clark expedition, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse were once the most abundant grouse in the West. Today, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse no occupy less than 10 percent of its historic range. It is currently considered a Species of Concern in several U.S. states.<br />
<br />
Like other grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse congregate year after year in the spring on a small area known as a lek. Males perform highly animated dancing courtship displays to impress females to mate. These displays consist of rapidly stamping their feet at blur-like speed while keeping with their wings extended, often rotating in a circle.
    Columbian sharp-tailed grouse faceof...jpg
  • A male Columbian sharp-tailed grouse is chased by other males on a lek in southern Wyoming.<br />
<br />
The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) is one of the seven recognized subspecies of North American sharp-tailed grouse. It is also the rarest and smallest of the subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse have experienced declines in distribution and population due to overuse and development of the mountain shrub and grasslands that it favors. It is native to the sagebrush steppe of the western United States and British Columbia. First described by the Lewis & Clark expedition, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse were once the most abundant grouse in the West. Today, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse no occupy less than 10 percent of its historic range. It is currently considered a Species of Concern in several U.S. states.<br />
<br />
Like other grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse congregate year after year in the spring on a small area known as a lek. Males perform highly animated dancing courtship displays to impress females to mate. These displays consist of rapidly stamping their feet at blur-like speed while keeping with their wings extended, often rotating in a circle.
    Columbian sharp-tailed grouse-5.jpg
  • A  male Columbian sharp-tailed grouse performs a mating dance on a lek in southern Wyoming.<br />
<br />
The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) is one of the seven recognized subspecies of North American sharp-tailed grouse. It is also the rarest and smallest of the subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse have experienced declines in distribution and population due to overuse and development of the mountain shrub and grasslands that it favors. It is native to the sagebrush steppe of the western United States and British Columbia. First described by the Lewis & Clark expedition, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse were once the most abundant grouse in the West. Today, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse no occupy less than 10 percent of its historic range. It is currently considered a Species of Concern in several U.S. states.<br />
<br />
Like other grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse congregate year after year in the spring on a small area known as a lek. Males perform highly animated dancing courtship displays to impress females to mate. These displays consist of rapidly stamping their feet at blur-like speed while keeping with their wings extended, often rotating in a circle.
    Columbian sharp-tailed grouse dancin...jpg
  • A 4,000-foot-high mountainside released approximately 120 million metric tons of rock in 60 seconds during a landslide onto the Lamplugh Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. In an interview with the Alaska Dispatch News, geophysicist Colin Stark of Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, described the slide as “exceptionally large.” He compared the massive landslide to roughly 60 million medium SUVs tumbling down a mountainside.<br />
<br />
Mountainsides that were held strong by the heavy ice of glaciers become weak when the glaciers retreat. Erosion along with earthquakes are triggers that can cause the weakened slopes to collapse.<br />
<br />
The slide occurred on the morning of June 28  in a remote area of Glacier Bay National Park in southeast Alaska. It was first observed by Paul Swanstrom, pilot and owner of Haines-based Mountain Flying Service. Swanstrom noticed a huge cloud of dust over the Lamplugh Glacier during a flightseeing tour of Glacier Bay National Park several hours after the slide occurred. Swanstrom estimates the debris field to be 6.5 miles long, and one to two miles in width.<br />
<br />
This aerial photo of the Lamplugh Glacier landslide was taken two days after the landslide.
    Lamplugh Glacier landslide-5.jpg
  • A 4,000-foot-high mountainside released approximately 120 million metric tons of rock in 60 seconds during a landslide onto the Lamplugh Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. In an interview with the Anchorage Dispatch News, geophysicist Colin Stark of Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, described the slide as “exceptionally large.” He compared the massive landslide to roughly 60 million medium SUVs tumbling down a mountainside.<br />
<br />
The slide occurred on the morning of June 28  in a remote area of Glacier Bay National Park in southeast Alaska. It was first observed by Paul Swanstrom, pilot and owner of Haines-based Mountain Flying Service. Swanstrom noticed a huge cloud of dust over the Lamplugh Glacier during a flightseeing tour of Glacier Bay National Park several hours after the slide occurred. Swanstrom estimates the debris field to be 6.5 miles long, and one to two miles in width.<br />
<br />
Even two days later, as this aerial photo of the Lamplugh Glacier landslide shows, a dust cloud remained over the unstable mountainside due to still tumbling rock.
    Lamplugh Glacier landslide-3.jpg
  • Male chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) make their way up the special spawning channel of Herman Creek to spawn with female chum salmon during the fall chum salmon run. The nonprofit Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association, Inc. (NSRAA) built the channel to collect wild broodstock by harvesting spawning female and male salmon for their eggs and milt. <br />
<br />
These chum salmon are returning to freshwater Herman Creek near Haines, Alaska after three to five years in the saltwater ocean. Spawning only once, chum salmon die approximately two weeks after they spawn. Both sexes of adult chum salmon change colors and appearance upon returning to freshwater. Unlike male sockeye salmon which turn bright red for spawning, male chum salmon change color to an olive green with purple and green vertical stripes. These vertical stripes are not as noticeable in females, who also have a dark horizontal band. Both male and female chum salmon develop hooked snout (type) and large canine teeth. These features in female salmon are less pronounced. <br />
<br />
Herman Creek is a tributary of the Klehini River and is only 10 miles downstream of the area currently being explored as a potential site of a copper and zinc mine. The exploration is being conducted by Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia along with investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan. Some local residents and environmental groups are concerned that a mine might threaten the area’s salmon. Of particular concern is copper and other heavy metals, found in mine waste, leaching into the Klehini River and the Chilkat River further downstream. Copper and heavy metals are toxic to salmon and bald eagles.<br />
<br />
Chilkat River and Klehini River chum salmon are the primary food source for one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. Each fall, bald eagles congregate in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, located only three miles downriver from the area of current exploration.
    Chum salmon -3.jpg
  • A male chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta), makes its way up the special spawning channel of Herman Creek during the fall chum salmon run. This male's injuries were possibly inflicted by a bear hoping to make a meal of the fish.  <br />
<br />
These chum salmon are returning to freshwater Herman Creek near Haines, Alaska after three to five years in the saltwater ocean. Spawning only once, chum salmon begin to deteriorate and die approximately two weeks after they spawn. Both sexes of adult chum salmon change colors and appearance upon returning to freshwater. Unlike male sockeye salmon which turn bright red for spawning, male chum salmon change color to an olive green with purple and green vertical stripes. These vertical stripes are not as noticeable in females, who also have a dark horizontal band. Both male and female chum salmon develop hooked snout (type) and large canine teeth. These features in female salmon are less pronounced. <br />
<br />
Herman Creek is a tributary of the Klehini River and is only 10 miles downstream of the area currently being explored as a potential site of a copper and zinc mine. The exploration is being conducted by Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia along with investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan. Some local residents and environmental groups are concerned that a mine might threaten the area’s salmon. Of particular concern is copper and other heavy metals, found in mine waste, leaching into the Klehini River and the Chilkat River further downstream. Copper and heavy metals are toxic to salmon and bald eagles.<br />
<br />
Chilkat River and Klehini River chum salmon are the primary food source for one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. Each fall, bald eagles congregate in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, located only three miles downriver from the area of current exploration.
    Chum salmon -26.jpg
  • A chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) powers its way up the special spawning channel of Herman Creek to spawn during the fall chum salmon run. The nonprofit Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association, Inc. (NSRAA) built the channel to collect wild broodstock by harvesting spawning female and male salmon for their eggs and milt. <br />
<br />
The chum salmon is returning to freshwater Herman Creek near Haines, Alaska after three to five years in the saltwater ocean. Spawning only once, chum salmon die approximately two weeks after they spawn. Both sexes of adult chum salmon change colors and appearance upon returning to freshwater. Unlike male sockeye salmon which turn bright red for spawning, male chum salmon change color to an olive green with purple and green vertical stripes. These vertical stripes are not as noticeable in females, who also have a dark horizontal band. Both male and female chum salmon develop hooked snout (type) and large canine teeth. These features in female salmon are less pronounced. <br />
<br />
Herman Creek is a tributary of the Klehini River and is only 10 miles downstream of the area currently being explored as a potential site of a copper and zinc mine. The exploration is being conducted by Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia along with investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan. Some local residents and environmental groups are concerned that a mine might threaten the area’s salmon. Of particular concern is copper and other heavy metals, found in mine waste, leaching into the Klehini River and the Chilkat River further downstream. Copper and heavy metals are toxic to salmon and bald eagles.<br />
<br />
Chilkat River and Klehini River chum salmon are the primary food source for one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. Each fall, bald eagles congregate in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, located only three miles downriver from the area of current exploration.
    Chum salmon -20.jpg
  • Chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) power their way up the special spawning channel of Herman Creek to spawn during the fall chum salmon run. The nonprofit Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association, Inc. (NSRAA) built the channel to collect wild broodstock by harvesting spawning female and male salmon for their eggs and milt. <br />
<br />
These chum salmon are returning to freshwater Herman Creek near Haines, Alaska after three to five years in the saltwater ocean. Spawning only once, chum salmon die approximately two weeks after they spawn. Both sexes of adult chum salmon change colors and appearance upon returning to freshwater. Unlike male sockeye salmon which turn bright red for spawning, male chum salmon change color to an olive green with purple and green vertical stripes. These vertical stripes are not as noticeable in females, who also have a dark horizontal band. Both male and female chum salmon develop hooked snout (type) and large canine teeth. These features in female salmon are less pronounced. <br />
<br />
Herman Creek is a tributary of the Klehini River and is only 10 miles downstream of the area currently being explored as a potential site of a copper and zinc mine. The exploration is being conducted by Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia along with investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan. Some local residents and environmental groups are concerned that a mine might threaten the area’s salmon. Of particular concern is copper and other heavy metals, found in mine waste, leaching into the Klehini River and the Chilkat River further downstream. Copper and heavy metals are toxic to salmon and bald eagles.<br />
<br />
Chilkat River and Klehini River chum salmon are the primary food source for one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. Each fall, bald eagles congregate in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, located only three miles downriver from the area of current exploration.
    Chum salmon -13.jpg
  • Fall colors and a scenic view of Mt. Emmerich greet visitors to Haines, Alaska. Haines is a cruise ship destination on the Lynn Canal in southeast Alaska. The Haines Highway provides road access to the continental highway system. The photograph was taken at Picture Point on AK-7 (Lutak Road).<br />
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Haines, Alaska, a picturesque town in southeast Alaska, is located on the Lynn Canal between the towns of Skagway and Juneau. Haines is one of the few towns in southeast Alaska that is connected with the North American highway system. The Haines Highway (Alaska Route 7 or AK-7) travels through British Columbia and the Yukon (Yukon Highway 3) to connect with the Alaska Highway in Haines Junction, Yukon.<br />
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Haines is also a stop on the Alaska Marine Highway System with ferries arriving from Skagway and Juneau.<br />
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Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant. The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve on the Chilkat River, near the confluence with the Tsirku River near Klukwan, is famous for its large concentration of bald eagles in the fall. At its peak in November, the American Bald Eagle Foundation sponsors the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival.
    Haines and Mt. Emmerich in fall.jpg
  • The stately historic officer's row buildings of the former U.S. Army post, Fort William H. Seward in Haines, Alaska are easily spotted by travelers on the Lynn Canal. Built in 1904, Ft. Seward was the first permanent United States Army post in Alaska. Today the fort is no longer owned by the military.<br />
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A recent addition to the Fort Seward skyline is the restored fire hall tower for the fort. After having been absent for approximately 80 years, the 60-foot tower of the fort’s fire hall has been restored to its original height. The building and tower, built about 110 years ago, was shortened to approximately half its height in the 1930s for unknown reasons. The restoration included rebuilding a missing 35-foot section of the 60-foot tower whose purpose was to dry fire hoses.<br />
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Haines, a picturesque town in southeast Alaska, is located on the Lynn Canal between the towns of Skagway and Juneau. Haines is one of the few towns in southeast Alaska that is connected with the North American highway system. The Haines Highway (Alaska Route 7 or AK-7) travels through British Columbia and the Yukon (Yukon Highway 3) to connect with the Alaska Highway in Haines Junction, Yukon.<br />
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Haines is also a stop on the Alaska Marine Highway System with ferries arriving from Skagway and Juneau.
    Fort Seward in Fall.jpg
  • Porcupine Peak (upper right) looks down on McKinley Creek. Just below the farm of this image, Mckinley Creek flows into Porcupine Creek, a placer gold mining stream. The area pictured is part of land from the Alaska Mental Health Trust being leased by Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. for mineral rights only. Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia along with investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan is exploring a nearby potential site for a mine known as the Palmer Deposit.
    McKinley Creek aerial.jpg
  • Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia along with investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan is exploring a potential site for a mine on the steep mountain slopes shown in this photo. This area above Glacier Greek known as the Palmer Deposit, is located near mile 40 of the Haines Highway.<br />
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The minerals that Constantine’s drilling explorations have found are primarily copper and zinc, with significant amounts of gold and silver. Exploratory drilling to refine the location and mineral amounts are the current focus of the company.<br />
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If approved and developed, the mine, near Haines, Alaska would be an underground mine. Besides the actual ore deposits, having the nearby highway access for transporting ore to the deepwater port at Haines is also attractive to Constantine. The Haines Highway can be seen in photo on the right.<br />
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Support for a large scale mine such as the Constantine project is divided among residents of Haines, a small community in Southeast Alaska 75 miles northwest of Juneau. The community’s needed economic boost from jobs, development and other mine support that a large-scale mine brings is tempting to some. To others, anything that might put the salmon spawning and rearing habitat and watershed resources at risk is simply unimaginable and unacceptable. Of particular concern is copper and other heavy metals in mine waste leaching into the Klehini River and the Chilkat River 14 miles downstream. Copper and heavy metals are toxic to salmon and bald eagles.<br />
<br />
The Chilkat River chum salmon are the primary food source for one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. Each fall, bald eagles congregate in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, located only three miles downriver from the area of current exploration.
    Constantine Palmer Deposit aerial -5.jpg
  • The conflict over putting in a hard-rock mine near the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska took a new turn recently with the filing of a lawsuit by an Alaska Native Tlingit tribe and three environmental groups. The group is suing the Bureau of Land Management, saying that the agency granted mineral exploration permits without considering how a mine could affect the Chilkat River's salmon and the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.<br />
<br />
Constantine Metal Resources and investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan are exploring a potential site for a mine on the steep mountain slopes pictured above Glacier Creek. This area is known as the Palmer Deposit.<br />
<br />
Joining the Tlingit village of Klukwan in the lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management are the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council, Lynn Canal Conservation and Rivers Without Borders. They are represented by Earthjustice, a nonprofit environmental law firm. The group is asking for mining permits to be revoked.<br />
<br />
In August 2015, Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia submitted a plan with the BLM to extend their existing access road by 2.5 miles including a switchback road leading to a staging area at the 800 ft. level on the side of the 1,700 ft. mountainside (left). A proposed bridge crossing Glacier Creek would be located in the shadow area in the lower center of the photo with a switchback road leading from the Glacier Creek to the staging area for helicopter and ground-supported activities on the left. The road would also provide access for up to 40 new exploration drill sites. Pictured in the background is the Klehini River. A map showing exactly how this road would appear can be found here: https://eplanning.blm.gov/epl-front-office/projects/nepa/54990/65845/71485/Figure_6.4_accessible.pdf<br />
<br />
The group suing is concerned that copper and other heavy metals in mine waste might leech into the nearby Klehini River and the Chilkat River, 14 miles downstream.
    Constantine Palmer Deposit aerial -3.jpg
  • The conflict over putting in a hard-rock mine near the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska took a new turn recently with the filing of a lawsuit by an Alaska Native Tlingit tribe and three environmental groups. The group is suing the Bureau of Land Management, saying that the agency granted mineral exploration permits without considering how a mine could affect the Chilkat River's salmon and the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.<br />
<br />
Constantine Metal Resources and investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan are exploring a potential site for a mine on the steep mountain slopes pictured above Glacier Creek. This area is known as the Palmer Deposit.<br />
<br />
Joining the Tlingit village of Klukwan in the lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management are the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council, Lynn Canal Conservation and Rivers Without Borders. They are represented by Earthjustice, a nonprofit environmental law firm. The group is asking for mining permits to be revoked.<br />
<br />
In August 2015, Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia submitted a plan with the BLM to extend their existing access road by 2.5 miles including a switchback road leading to a staging area at the 800 ft. level on the side of the 1,700 ft. mountainside. A proposed bridge crossing Glacier Creek would be located in the shadow area in the lower center of the photo with a switchback road leading from the Glacier Creek to the staging area for helicopter and ground-supported activities on the left. The road would also provide access for up to 40 new exploration drill sites. Pictured in the background is the Klehini River. A map showing exactly how this road would appear can be found here: https://eplanning.blm.gov/epl-front-office/projects/nepa/54990/65845/71485/Figure_6.4_accessible.pdf<br />
<br />
The group suing is concerned that copper and other heavy metals in mine waste might leech into the nearby Klehini River and the Chilkat River, 14 miles downstream.
    Constantine Palmer Deposit aerial -2.jpg
  • DIGITAL COMPOSITE PANORAMA (multiple overlapping images stitched together): Four Winds Mountain near Haines, Alaska and near the border with Alaska and British Columbia, Canada rises out of low-lying clouds. This view of the mountain is from the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
    Four Winds Mountain panorama.jpg
  • Four Winds Mountain near Haines, Alaska and near the border with Alaska and British Columbia, Canada rises out of low-lying clouds along the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
    Four Winds Mountain above Chilkat Ri...jpg
  • Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) sit on the bank of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. One of the bald eagles extends his one wing behind another bald eagle as it sits on a log. <br />
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Tender moment or just a stretch? While it is easy to anthropomorphize that these two bald eagles are sharing a tender moment, most likely the eagle is simply stretching or cooling off. Bald eagles do not sweat so to control their body temperature they often extend their wings. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. <br />
<br />
Recently, Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia along with investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan have begun exploration for a potential site of a copper and zinc mine in the Klehini River/Chilkat River watersheds. Some local residents and environmental groups are concerned that a mine might threaten the area’s salmon. Of particular concern is copper and other heavy metals, found in mine waste, leaching into the Klehini River and the Chilkat River further downstream. Copper and heavy metals are toxic to salmon and bald eagles.
    Bald eagle with wing extended.jpg
  • Four Winds Mountain near Haines, Alaska and near the border with Alaska and British Columbia, Canada are bathed in afternoon sunlight. The mountain can be seen from the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
    Four Winds Mountain-2.jpg
  • Two male Columbian sharp-tailed grouse fight on a lek in southern Wyoming.<br />
<br />
The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) is one of the seven recognized subspecies of North American sharp-tailed grouse. It is also the rarest and smallest of the subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse have experienced declines in distribution and population due to overuse and development of the mountain shrub and grasslands that it favors. It is native to the sagebrush steppe of the western United States and British Columbia. First described by the Lewis & Clark expedition, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse were once the most abundant grouse in the West. Today, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse no occupy less than 10 percent of its historic range. It is currently considered a Species of Concern in several U.S. states.<br />
<br />
Like other grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse congregate year after year in the spring on a small area known as a lek. Males perform highly animated dancing courtship displays to impress females to mate. These displays consist of rapidly stamping their feet at blur-like speed while keeping with their wings extended, often rotating in a circle.
    Columbian sharp-tailed grouse fighti...jpg
  • A male Columbian sharp-tailed grouse surveys a lek in southern Wyoming.<br />
<br />
The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) is one of the seven recognized subspecies of North American sharp-tailed grouse. It is also the rarest and smallest of the subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse have experienced declines in distribution and population due to overuse and development of the mountain shrub and grasslands that it favors. It is native to the sagebrush steppe of the western United States and British Columbia. First described by the Lewis & Clark expedition, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse were once the most abundant grouse in the West. Today, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse no occupy less than 10 percent of its historic range. It is currently considered a Species of Concern in several U.S. states.<br />
<br />
Like other grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse congregate year after year in the spring on a small area known as a lek. Males perform highly animated dancing courtship displays to impress females to mate. These displays consist of rapidly stamping their feet at blur-like speed while keeping with their wings extended, often rotating in a circle.
    Columbian sharp-tailed grouse-23.jpg
  • A female Columbian sharp-tailed grouse surveys a lek in southern Wyoming.<br />
<br />
The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) is one of the seven recognized subspecies of North American sharp-tailed grouse. It is also the rarest and smallest of the subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse have experienced declines in distribution and population due to overuse and development of the mountain shrub and grasslands that it favors. It is native to the sagebrush steppe of the western United States and British Columbia. First described by the Lewis & Clark expedition, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse were once the most abundant grouse in the West. Today, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse no occupy less than 10 percent of its historic range. It is currently considered a Species of Concern in several U.S. states.<br />
<br />
Like other grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse congregate year after year in the spring on a small area known as a lek. Males perform highly animated dancing courtship displays to impress females to mate. These displays consist of rapidly stamping their feet at blur-like speed while keeping with their wings extended, often rotating in a circle.
    Columbian sharp-tailed grouse-22.jpg
  • A male Columbian sharp-tailed grouse struts across a lek in southern Wyoming. This photo shows a male Columbian sharp-tailed grouse with its distinctive orange comb and the purple air sacks that they inflate to amplify the courtship call and display their health. Also, note on the down-like feet the fleshy projections on their toes called pectinae. These help distribute the bird’s weight when walking on snow as snowshoes do.<br />
<br />
The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) is one of the seven recognized subspecies of North American sharp-tailed grouse. It is also the rarest and smallest of the subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse have experienced declines in distribution and population due to overuse and development of the mountain shrub and grasslands that it favors. It is native to the sagebrush steppe of the western United States and British Columbia. First described by the Lewis & Clark expedition, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse were once the most abundant grouse in the West. Today, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse no occupy less than 10 percent of its historic range. It is currently considered a Species of Concern in several U.S. states.<br />
<br />
Like other grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse congregate year after year in the spring on a small area known as a lek. Males perform highly animated dancing courtship displays to impress females to mate. These displays consist of rapidly stamping their feet at blur-like speed while keeping with their wings extended, often rotating in a circle.
    Columbian sharp-tailed grouse-20.jpg
  • A  male Columbian sharp-tailed grouse performs a mating dance on a lek in southern Wyoming.<br />
<br />
The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) is one of the seven recognized subspecies of North American sharp-tailed grouse. It is also the rarest and smallest of the subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse have experienced declines in distribution and population due to overuse and development of the mountain shrub and grasslands that it favors. It is native to the sagebrush steppe of the western United States and British Columbia. First described by the Lewis & Clark expedition, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse were once the most abundant grouse in the West. Today, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse no occupy less than 10 percent of its historic range. It is currently considered a Species of Concern in several U.S. states.<br />
<br />
Like other grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse congregate year after year in the spring on a small area known as a lek. Males perform highly animated dancing courtship displays to impress females to mate. These displays consist of rapidly stamping their feet at blur-like speed while keeping with their wings extended, often rotating in a circle.
    Columbian sharp-tailed grouse-18.jpg
  • Two male Columbian sharp-tailed grouse fight on a lek in southern Wyoming.<br />
<br />
The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) is one of the seven recognized subspecies of North American sharp-tailed grouse. It is also the rarest and smallest of the subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse have experienced declines in distribution and population due to overuse and development of the mountain shrub and grasslands that it favors. It is native to the sagebrush steppe of the western United States and British Columbia. First described by the Lewis & Clark expedition, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse were once the most abundant grouse in the West. Today, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse no occupy less than 10 percent of its historic range. It is currently considered a Species of Concern in several U.S. states.<br />
<br />
Like other grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse congregate year after year in the spring on a small area known as a lek. Males perform highly animated dancing courtship displays to impress females to mate. These displays consist of rapidly stamping their feet at blur-like speed while keeping with their wings extended, often rotating in a circle.
    Columbian sharp-tailed grouse-17.jpg
  • Male Columbian sharp-tailed grouse perform their mating dance on a lek during the pre-dawn in southern Wyoming.<br />
<br />
The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) is one of the seven recognized subspecies of North American sharp-tailed grouse. It is also the rarest and smallest of the subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse have experienced declines in distribution and population due to overuse and development of the mountain shrub and grasslands that it favors. It is native to the sagebrush steppe of the western United States and British Columbia. First described by the Lewis & Clark expedition, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse were once the most abundant grouse in the West. Today, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse no occupy less than 10 percent of its historic range. It is currently considered a Species of Concern in several U.S. states.<br />
<br />
Like other grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse congregate year after year in the spring on a small area known as a lek. Males perform highly animated dancing courtship displays to impress females to mate. These displays consist of rapidly stamping their feet at blur-like speed while keeping with their wings extended, often rotating in a circle.
    Columbian sharp-tailed grouse dancin...jpg
  • A 4,000-foot-high mountainside released approximately 120 million metric tons of rock in 60 seconds during a landslide onto the Lamplugh Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. In an interview with the Alaska Dispatch News, geophysicist Colin Stark of Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, described the slide as “exceptionally large.” He compared the massive landslide to roughly 60 million medium SUVs tumbling down a mountainside.<br />
<br />
Mountainsides that were held strong by the heavy ice of glaciers become weak when the glaciers retreat. Erosion along with earthquakes are triggers that can cause the weakened slopes to collapse.<br />
<br />
The slide occurred on the morning of June 28  in a remote area of Glacier Bay National Park in southeast Alaska. It was first observed by Paul Swanstrom, pilot and owner of Haines-based Mountain Flying Service. Swanstrom noticed a huge cloud of dust over the Lamplugh Glacier during a flightseeing tour of Glacier Bay National Park several hours after the slide occurred. Swanstrom estimates the debris field to be 6.5 miles long, and one to two miles in width.<br />
<br />
Even two days later, as this aerial photo of the Lamplugh Glacier landslide shows, a dust cloud remained over the unstable mountainside due to still tumbling rock.
    Lamplugh Glacier landslide-9.jpg
  • A 4,000-foot-high mountainside released approximately 120 million metric tons of rock in 60 seconds during a landslide onto the Lamplugh Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. In an interview with the Anchorage Dispatch News, geophysicist Colin Stark of Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, described the slide as “exceptionally large.” He compared the massive landslide to roughly 60 million medium SUVs tumbling down a mountainside.<br />
<br />
The slide occurred on the morning of June 28  in a remote area of Glacier Bay National Park in southeast Alaska. It was first observed by Paul Swanstrom, pilot and owner of Haines-based Mountain Flying Service. Swanstrom noticed a huge cloud of dust over the Lamplugh Glacier during a flightseeing tour of Glacier Bay National Park several hours after the slide occurred. Swanstrom estimates the debris field to be 6.5 miles long, and one to two miles in width.<br />
<br />
This aerial photo of the Lamplugh Glacier landslide was taken two days after the landslide.
    Lamplugh Glacier landslide.jpg
  • A 4,000-foot-high mountainside released approximately 120 million metric tons of rock in 60 seconds during a landslide onto the Lamplugh Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. In an interview with the Anchorage Dispatch News, geophysicist Colin Stark of Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, described the slide as “exceptionally large.” He compared the massive landslide to roughly 60 million medium SUVs tumbling down a mountainside.<br />
<br />
The slide occurred on the morning of June 28  in a remote area of Glacier Bay National Park in southeast Alaska. It was first observed by Paul Swanstrom, pilot and owner of Haines-based Mountain Flying Service. Swanstrom noticed a huge cloud of dust over the Lamplugh Glacier during a flightseeing tour of Glacier Bay National Park several hours after the slide occurred. Swanstrom estimates the debris field to be 6.5 miles long, and one to two miles in width.<br />
<br />
Even two days later, as this aerial photo of the Lamplugh Glacier landslide shows, a dust cloud remained over the unstable mountainside due to still tumbling rock.
    Lamplugh Glacier landslide-5.jpg
  • A 4,000-foot-high mountainside released approximately 120 million metric tons of rock in 60 seconds during a landslide onto the Lamplugh Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. In an interview with the Alaska Dispatch News, geophysicist Colin Stark of Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, described the slide as “exceptionally large.” He compared the massive landslide to roughly 60 million medium SUVs tumbling down a mountainside.<br />
<br />
Mountainsides that were held strong by the heavy ice of glaciers become weak when the glaciers retreat. Erosion along with earthquakes are triggers that can cause the weakened slopes to collapse.<br />
<br />
The slide occurred on the morning of June 28  in a remote area of Glacier Bay National Park in southeast Alaska. It was first observed by Paul Swanstrom, pilot and owner of Haines-based Mountain Flying Service. Swanstrom noticed a huge cloud of dust over the Lamplugh Glacier during a flightseeing tour of Glacier Bay National Park several hours after the slide occurred. Swanstrom estimates the debris field to be 6.5 miles long, and one to two miles in width.<br />
<br />
Even two days later, as this aerial photo of the Lamplugh Glacier landslide shows, a dust cloud remained over the unstable mountainside due to still tumbling rock.
    Lamplugh Glacier landslide-4.jpg
  • A 4,000-foot-high mountainside released approximately 120 million metric tons of rock in 60 seconds during a landslide onto the Lamplugh Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. In an interview with the Alaska Dispatch News, geophysicist Colin Stark of Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, described the slide as “exceptionally large.” He compared the massive landslide to roughly 60 million medium SUVs tumbling down a mountainside.<br />
<br />
Mountainsides that were held strong by the heavy ice of glaciers become weak when the glaciers retreat. Erosion along with earthquakes are triggers that can cause the weakened slopes to collapse.<br />
<br />
The slide occurred on the morning of June 28  in a remote area of Glacier Bay National Park in southeast Alaska. It was first observed by Paul Swanstrom, pilot and owner of Haines-based Mountain Flying Service. Swanstrom noticed a huge cloud of dust over the Lamplugh Glacier during a flightseeing tour of Glacier Bay National Park several hours after the slide occurred. Swanstrom estimates the debris field to be 6.5 miles long, and one to two miles in width.<br />
<br />
Even two days later, as this aerial photo of the Lamplugh Glacier landslide shows, a dust cloud remained over the unstable mountainside due to still tumbling rock.
    Lamplugh Glacier landslide-2.jpg
  • Male chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) make their way up the special spawning channel of Herman Creek to spawn with female chum salmon during the fall chum salmon run. The nonprofit Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association, Inc. (NSRAA) built the channel to collect wild broodstock by harvesting spawning female and male salmon for their eggs and milt. <br />
<br />
These chum salmon are returning to freshwater Herman Creek near Haines, Alaska after three to five years in the saltwater ocean. Spawning only once, chum salmon die approximately two weeks after they spawn. Both sexes of adult chum salmon change colors and appearance upon returning to freshwater. Unlike male sockeye salmon which turn bright red for spawning, male chum salmon change color to an olive green with purple and green vertical stripes. These vertical stripes are not as noticeable in females, who also have a dark horizontal band. Both male and female chum salmon develop hooked snout (type) and large canine teeth. These features in female salmon are less pronounced. <br />
<br />
Herman Creek is a tributary of the Klehini River and is only 10 miles downstream of the area currently being explored as a potential site of a copper and zinc mine. The exploration is being conducted by Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia along with investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan. Some local residents and environmental groups are concerned that a mine might threaten the area’s salmon. Of particular concern is copper and other heavy metals, found in mine waste, leaching into the Klehini River and the Chilkat River further downstream. Copper and heavy metals are toxic to salmon and bald eagles.<br />
<br />
Chilkat River and Klehini River chum salmon are the primary food source for one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. Each fall, bald eagles congregate in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, located only three miles downriver from the area of current exploration.
    Chum salmon -4.jpg
  • A chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) powers its way up the special spawning channel of Herman Creek to spawn during the fall chum salmon run. The nonprofit Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association, Inc. (NSRAA) built the channel to collect wild broodstock by harvesting spawning female and male salmon for their eggs and milt. <br />
<br />
The chum salmon is returning to freshwater Herman Creek near Haines, Alaska after three to five years in the saltwater ocean. Spawning only once, chum salmon die approximately two weeks after they spawn. Both sexes of adult chum salmon change colors and appearance upon returning to freshwater. Unlike male sockeye salmon which turn bright red for spawning, male chum salmon change color to an olive green with purple and green vertical stripes. These vertical stripes are not as noticeable in females, who also have a dark horizontal band. Both male and female chum salmon develop hooked snout (type) and large canine teeth. These features in female salmon are less pronounced. <br />
<br />
Herman Creek is a tributary of the Klehini River and is only 10 miles downstream of the area currently being explored as a potential site of a copper and zinc mine. The exploration is being conducted by Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia along with investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan. Some local residents and environmental groups are concerned that a mine might threaten the area’s salmon. Of particular concern is copper and other heavy metals, found in mine waste, leaching into the Klehini River and the Chilkat River further downstream. Copper and heavy metals are toxic to salmon and bald eagles.<br />
<br />
Chilkat River and Klehini River chum salmon are the primary food source for one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. Each fall, bald eagles congregate in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, located only three miles downriver from the area of current exploration.
    Chum salmon -11.jpg
  • A chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) powers its way up the special spawning channel of Herman Creek to spawn during the fall chum salmon run. The nonprofit Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association, Inc. (NSRAA) built the channel to collect wild broodstock by harvesting spawning female and male salmon for their eggs and milt. <br />
<br />
The chum salmon is returning to freshwater Herman Creek near Haines, Alaska after three to five years in the saltwater ocean. Spawning only once, chum salmon die approximately two weeks after they spawn. Both sexes of adult chum salmon change colors and appearance upon returning to freshwater. Unlike male sockeye salmon which turn bright red for spawning, male chum salmon change color to an olive green with purple and green vertical stripes. These vertical stripes are not as noticeable in females, who also have a dark horizontal band. Both male and female chum salmon develop hooked snout (type) and large canine teeth. These features in female salmon are less pronounced. <br />
<br />
Herman Creek is a tributary of the Klehini River and is only 10 miles downstream of the area currently being explored as a potential site of a copper and zinc mine. The exploration is being conducted by Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia along with investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan. Some local residents and environmental groups are concerned that a mine might threaten the area’s salmon. Of particular concern is copper and other heavy metals, found in mine waste, leaching into the Klehini River and the Chilkat River further downstream. Copper and heavy metals are toxic to salmon and bald eagles.<br />
<br />
Chilkat River and Klehini River chum salmon are the primary food source for one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. Each fall, bald eagles congregate in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, located only three miles downriver from the area of current exploration.
    Chum salmon -10.jpg
  • Chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) power their way up the special spawning channel of Herman Creek to spawn during the fall chum salmon run. The nonprofit Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association, Inc. (NSRAA) built the channel to collect wild broodstock by harvesting spawning female and male salmon for their eggs and milt. <br />
<br />
These chum salmon are returning to freshwater Herman Creek near Haines, Alaska after three to five years in the saltwater ocean. Spawning only once, chum salmon die approximately two weeks after they spawn. Both sexes of adult chum salmon change colors and appearance upon returning to freshwater. Unlike male sockeye salmon which turn bright red for spawning, male chum salmon change color to an olive green with purple and green vertical stripes. These vertical stripes are not as noticeable in females, who also have a dark horizontal band. Both male and female chum salmon develop hooked snout (type) and large canine teeth. These features in female salmon are less pronounced. <br />
<br />
Herman Creek is a tributary of the Klehini River and is only 10 miles downstream of the area currently being explored as a potential site of a copper and zinc mine. The exploration is being conducted by Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia along with investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan. Some local residents and environmental groups are concerned that a mine might threaten the area’s salmon. Of particular concern is copper and other heavy metals, found in mine waste, leaching into the Klehini River and the Chilkat River further downstream. Copper and heavy metals are toxic to salmon and bald eagles.<br />
<br />
Chilkat River and Klehini River chum salmon are the primary food source for one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. Each fall, bald eagles congregate in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, located only three miles downriver from the area of current exploration.
    Chum salmon -16.jpg
  • A chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) powers its way up the special spawning channel of Herman Creek to spawn during the fall chum salmon run. The nonprofit Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association, Inc. (NSRAA) built the channel to collect wild broodstock by harvesting spawning female and male salmon for their eggs and milt. <br />
<br />
The chum salmon is returning to freshwater Herman Creek near Haines, Alaska after three to five years in the saltwater ocean. Spawning only once, chum salmon die approximately two weeks after they spawn. Both sexes of adult chum salmon change colors and appearance upon returning to freshwater. Unlike male sockeye salmon which turn bright red for spawning, male chum salmon change color to an olive green with purple and green vertical stripes. These vertical stripes are not as noticeable in females, who also have a dark horizontal band. Both male and female chum salmon develop hooked snout (type) and large canine teeth. These features in female salmon are less pronounced. <br />
<br />
Herman Creek is a tributary of the Klehini River and is only 10 miles downstream of the area currently being explored as a potential site of a copper and zinc mine. The exploration is being conducted by Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia along with investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan. Some local residents and environmental groups are concerned that a mine might threaten the area’s salmon. Of particular concern is copper and other heavy metals, found in mine waste, leaching into the Klehini River and the Chilkat River further downstream. Copper and heavy metals are toxic to salmon and bald eagles.<br />
<br />
Chilkat River and Klehini River chum salmon are the primary food source for one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. Each fall, bald eagles congregate in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, located only three miles downriver from the area of current exploration.
    Chum salmon -12.jpg
  • Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia along with investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan is exploring a potential site for a mine on the steep mountain slopes shown in this photo. This area above Glacier Greek known as the Palmer Deposit, is located near mile 40 of the Haines Highway.<br />
<br />
The minerals that Constantine’s drilling explorations have found are primarily copper and zinc, with significant amounts of gold and silver. Exploratory drilling to refine the location and mineral amounts are the current focus of the company.<br />
<br />
If approved and developed, the mine, near Haines, Alaska would be an underground mine. Besides the actual ore deposits, having the nearby highway access for transporting ore to the deepwater port at Haines is also attractive to Constantine. The Haines Highway can be seen in photo on the right.<br />
<br />
Support for a large scale mine such as the Constantine project is divided among residents of Haines, a small community in Southeast Alaska 75 miles northwest of Juneau. The community’s needed economic boost from jobs, development and other mine support that a large-scale mine brings is tempting to some. To others, anything that might put the salmon spawning and rearing habitat and watershed resources at risk is simply unimaginable and unacceptable. Of particular concern is copper and other heavy metals in mine waste leaching into the Klehini River and the Chilkat River 14 miles downstream. Copper and heavy metals are toxic to salmon and bald eagles.<br />
<br />
The Chilkat River chum salmon are the primary food source for one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. Each fall, bald eagles congregate in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, located only three miles downriver from the area of current exploration.
    Constantine Palmer Deposit aerial -6.jpg
  • The conflict over putting in a hard-rock mine near the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska took a new turn recently with the filing of a lawsuit by an Alaska Native Tlingit tribe and three environmental groups. The group is suing the Bureau of Land Management, saying that the agency granted mineral exploration permits without considering how a mine could affect the Chilkat River's salmon and the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. <br />
<br />
Joining the Tlingit village of Klukwan in the lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management are the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council, Lynn Canal Conservation and Rivers Without Borders. They are represented by Earthjustice, a nonprofit environmental law firm. The group is asking for mining permits to be revoked.<br />
<br />
Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia along with investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan is exploring a potential site, known as the Palmer Deposit for a mine (located upper center right) just above Glacier Creek (not visible) and the Klehini River (foreground). Pictured in the rear of the photo is Saksaia Glacier.<br />
<br />
Support for a large scale mine is divided among residents of Haines. The community’s needed economic boost from jobs that a large-scale mine brings is tempting to some. To others, anything that might put the salmon spawning and rearing habitat and watershed resources at risk is simply unimaginable and unacceptable. Of particular concern is copper and other heavy metals in mine waste leaching into the Klehini River (shown) and the Chilkat River 14 miles downstream. Copper and heavy metals are toxic to salmon and bald eagles.<br />
<br />
The Chilkat River chum salmon are the primary food source for one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. Each fall, bald eagles congregate in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, located only three miles downriver from the area of current exploration.
    Constantine Mine 2, Palmer Deposit.jpg
  • Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia along with investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan is exploring a potential site for a mine (located upper right) just above Glacier Creek (not visible) and the Klehini River (foreground), near Haines Alaska. This area, known as the Palmer Deposit is located near mile 40 of the Haines Highway and the Porcupine placer gold mining area.<br />
<br />
The minerals that Constantine’s drilling explorations have found are primarily copper and zinc, with significant amounts of gold and silver. Exploratory drilling to refine the location and mineral amounts are the current focus of the company.<br />
<br />
If approved and developed, the mine would be an underground mine. Besides the actual ore deposits, having the nearby highway access for transporting ore to the deepwater port at Haines is also attractive to Constantine.<br />
<br />
Support for a large scale mine such as the Constantine project is divided among residents of Haines, a small community in Southeast Alaska 75 miles northwest of Juneau. The community’s needed economic boost from jobs, development and other mine support that a large-scale mine brings is tempting to some. To others, anything that might put the salmon spawning and rearing habitat and watershed resources at risk is simply unimaginable and unacceptable. Of particular concern is copper and other heavy metals in mine waste leaching into the Klehini and Chilkat River. Copper and heavy metals are toxic to salmon and bald eagles.<br />
<br />
The Chilkat River chum salmon are the primary food source for one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. Each fall, bald eagles congregate in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, located only three miles downriver from the area of current exploration. At times more than 3,000 eagles have been recorded at the primary gathering area for the fall chum salmon run.
    Klehini River 2.jpg
  • A long line dangles from a helicopter above the location of the potential mine site being explored by Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia along with investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan. The area of exploration, known as the Palmer Deposit is located near mile 40 of the Haines Highway and the Porcupine placer gold mining area near Haines, Alaska.<br />
<br />
The minerals that Constantine’s drilling explorations have found are primarily copper and zinc, with significant amounts of gold and silver. Exploratory drilling to refine the location and mineral amounts are the current focus of the company.<br />
<br />
If approved and developed, the mine would be an underground mine. Besides the actual ore deposits, having the nearby highway access for transporting ore to the deepwater port at Haines is also attractive to Constantine.<br />
<br />
Support for a large scale mine such as the Constantine project is divided among residents of Haines, a small community in Southeast Alaska 75 miles northwest of Juneau. The community’s needed economic boost from jobs, development and other mine support that a large-scale mine brings is tempting to some. To others, anything that might put the salmon spawning and rearing habitat and watershed resources at risk is simply unimaginable and unacceptable. Of particular concern is copper and other heavy metals in mine waste leaching into the Klehini and Chilkat River. Copper and heavy metals are toxic to salmon and bald eagles.<br />
<br />
The Chilkat River chum salmon are the primary food source for one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. Each fall, bald eagles congregate in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, located only three miles downriver from the area of current exploration. At times more than 3,000 eagles have been recorded at the primary gathering area for the fall chum salmon run.
    Helicopter working at Palmer Deposit...jpg
  • Four Winds Mountain near Haines, Alaska and near the border with Alaska and British Columbia, Canada are bathed in early morning sunrise light. The mountain can be seen from the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Mountains in the Haines area are a popular destination for heli-skiing.
    Sunrise on Four Winds Mountain.jpg
  • Four Winds Mountain near Haines, Alaska and near the border with Alaska and British Columbia, Canada is bathed in afternoon sunlight. This view of the mountain is from the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Mountains in the Haines area are a popular destination for heli-skiing.
    Four Winds Mountain.jpg
  • Four Winds Mountain near Haines, Alaska and near the border with Alaska and British Columbia, Canada is bathed in afternoon sunlight. The mountain can be seen from the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
    Four Winds Mountain-3.jpg
  • Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) sit on the bank of the Chilkat River in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve near Haines, Alaska. One of the bald eagles extends his one wing behind another bald eagle as it sits on a log. <br />
<br />
Tender moment or just a stretch? While it is easy to anthropomorphize that these two bald eagles are sharing a tender moment, most likely the eagle is simply stretching or cooling off. Bald eagles do not sweat so to control their body temperature they often extend their wings. During late fall, bald eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on salmon. This gathering of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is believed to be one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the world. <br />
<br />
Recently, Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia along with investment partner Dowa Metals & Mining Co., Ltd. of Japan have begun exploration for a potential site of a copper and zinc mine in the Klehini River/Chilkat River watersheds. Some local residents and environmental groups are concerned that a mine might threaten the area’s salmon. Of particular concern is copper and other heavy metals, found in mine waste, leaching into the Klehini River and the Chilkat River further downstream. Copper and heavy metals are toxic to salmon and bald eagles.
    Bald eagle with wing extended-3.psd
  • A  male Columbian sharp-tailed grouse takes flight from a lek in southern Wyoming.<br />
<br />
The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) is one of the seven recognized subspecies of North American sharp-tailed grouse. It is also the rarest and smallest of the subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse have experienced declines in distribution and population due to overuse and development of the mountain shrub and grasslands that it favors. It is native to the sagebrush steppe of the western United States and British Columbia. First described by the Lewis & Clark expedition, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse were once the most abundant grouse in the West. Today, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse no occupy less than 10 percent of its historic range. It is currently considered a Species of Concern in several U.S. states.<br />
<br />
Like other grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse congregate year after year in the spring on a small area known as a lek. Males perform highly animated dancing courtship displays to impress females to mate. These displays consist of rapidly stamping their feet at blur-like speed while keeping with their wings extended, often rotating in a circle.
    Columbian sharp-tailed grouse-25.jpg
  • A female Columbian sharp-tailed grouse surveys a lek in southern Wyoming.<br />
<br />
The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) is one of the seven recognized subspecies of North American sharp-tailed grouse. It is also the rarest and smallest of the subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse have experienced declines in distribution and population due to overuse and development of the mountain shrub and grasslands that it favors. It is native to the sagebrush steppe of the western United States and British Columbia. First described by the Lewis & Clark expedition, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse were once the most abundant grouse in the West. Today, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse no occupy less than 10 percent of its historic range. It is currently considered a Species of Concern in several U.S. states.<br />
<br />
Like other grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse congregate year after year in the spring on a small area known as a lek. Males perform highly animated dancing courtship displays to impress females to mate. These displays consist of rapidly stamping their feet at blur-like speed while keeping with their wings extended, often rotating in a circle.
    Columbian sharp-tailed grouse-21.jpg
  • A  male Columbian sharp-tailed grouse struts across a lek in southern Wyoming.<br />
<br />
The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) is one of the seven recognized subspecies of North American sharp-tailed grouse. It is also the rarest and smallest of the subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse have experienced declines in distribution and population due to overuse and development of the mountain shrub and grasslands that it favors. It is native to the sagebrush steppe of the western United States and British Columbia. First described by the Lewis & Clark expedition, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse were once the most abundant grouse in the West. Today, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse no occupy less than 10 percent of its historic range. It is currently considered a Species of Concern in several U.S. states.<br />
<br />
Like other grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse congregate year after year in the spring on a small area known as a lek. Males perform highly animated dancing courtship displays to impress females to mate. These displays consist of rapidly stamping their feet at blur-like speed while keeping with their wings extended, often rotating in a circle.
    Columbian sharp-tailed grouse-16.jpg
  • A male Columbian sharp-tailed grouse faces off with another male on a lek in southern Wyoming.<br />
<br />
The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) is one of the seven recognized subspecies of North American sharp-tailed grouse. It is also the rarest and smallest of the subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse have experienced declines in distribution and population due to overuse and development of the mountain shrub and grasslands that it favors. It is native to the sagebrush steppe of the western United States and British Columbia. First described by the Lewis & Clark expedition, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse were once the most abundant grouse in the West. Today, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse no occupy less than 10 percent of its historic range. It is currently considered a Species of Concern in several U.S. states.<br />
<br />
Like other grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse congregate year after year in the spring on a small area known as a lek. Males perform highly animated dancing courtship displays to impress females to mate. These displays consist of rapidly stamping their feet at blur-like speed while keeping with their wings extended, often rotating in a circle.
    Columbian sharp-tailed grouse-15.jpg
  • A male Columbian sharp-tailed grouse surveys a lek in southern Wyoming.<br />
<br />
The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) is one of the seven recognized subspecies of North American sharp-tailed grouse. It is also the rarest and smallest of the subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse have experienced declines in distribution and population due to overuse and development of the mountain shrub and grasslands that it favors. It is native to the sagebrush steppe of the western United States and British Columbia. First described by the Lewis & Clark expedition, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse were once the most abundant grouse in the West. Today, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse no occupy less than 10 percent of its historic range. It is currently considered a Species of Concern in several U.S. states.<br />
<br />
Like other grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse congregate year after year in the spring on a small area known as a lek. Males perform highly animated dancing courtship displays to impress females to mate. These displays consist of rapidly stamping their feet at blur-like speed while keeping with their wings extended, often rotating in a circle.
    Columbian sharp-tailed grouse-14.jpg
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