Notes from 800 Feet

About This Blog

It’s a BIG country out there. The national parks in northwest Alaska cover 12 million acres. With a boat, snowmachine or sturdy set of legs, a person can immerse themselves in a little of that territory, but no one sees it like a pilot who experiences the parks from the air. The park service pilots fly a small tandem Scout on patrols and surveys for the National Park Service. Tundra, mountains, and sand dunes are what he sees from their “desk,” and from the sky, they takes notes on wildlife, ice on the rivers, plant green-up, storm cells, and smoking fires. On this blog, our pilots will share the view from 800 feet up. In turn, we hope you’ll be inspired to follow along virtually or get your feet out on the ground and enjoy the riches of these parks. Tune in for weekly observations from: Kobuk Valley National Park, Noatak National Preserve and Cape Krusenstern National Monument.

The Growing Green

June 23, 2016 Posted by: Ranger Cait

The tundra isn't always snowy.  In the summer, it's a profusion of green.

 

Muskox on the Tundra

June 23, 2016 Posted by: Ranger Cait

If you're lucky, you'll spot muskox grazing on the tundra while flying over Cape Krusenstern National Monument.

 

Icy Polygons from Above

June 21, 2016 Posted by: Ranger Cait

A flight over Cape Krusenstern National Monument reveals hints of the icy geology below the surface.

 

Last updated: July 19, 2017

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PO Box 1029
Kotzebue, AK 99752

Phone:

907 442-3890

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