We intend to explore America's energy situation as we ski the crest of the Brooks Range, from the Canadian Border to the Alaskan Pipeline and Pruedoe Bay oilfield.
Our planned route is 300 miles of rugged ridgeline that separates tundra and the arctic from the more friendly Boreal forests. Our trip is expected to require 40 days of cold winds off the Arctic sea ice, unskiied terrain and whiteouts. Along the way, we will send out dispatches from the trip.
Our mission is to look at the need for further developing the North Slope of Alaska, from the environmental, economic and sovereignty (both national and state) perspectives.

Friday, July 17, 2009

The trip plan


We propose a spectacular trip to represent the situation America's energy industry and environmental stewardship groups/industry find themselves in. The trip is to help us move forward on America's energy needs, yet protect our resources.
The fine line of skiing the crest of the Brooks Range through The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge represents the challenges we face in producing the energy America needs and protecting the habitat and environment of the arctic. The only way our wishes will be effected will be if we are involved: if we educate ourselves, politically engage and be creative with how we use our personal energy needs.

We propose to ski from the Alaska Pipeline to the Canadian border, a trip of some 300 miles following the wandering crest of this final mountain range forming the south border of the coastal plains. Area 1002 has been set aside for future drilling when ANWR was brought into existence. The trip should take some 40 days, starting in late March and ending in early May, 2010. To simulate the challenges America faces, we will follow the crest of the range, not ski the easier terrain adjacent to the 'real' line.
America is tough enough, we are skilled enough and we have the vision. We simply need to realize we need to act.
We expect to visit, along the way: Prudhoe Bay prior to the trip, the arctic town of Kaktovik for re-supply and fly out through Arctic Village on the way home.
We expect a team of six highly skilled ski mountaineers. Each member will commit to educate themselves on the issues, photograph and write about the trip to the best of their abilities and will do presentations afterwards. The value to this trip is that it gets the public to think, present the reality of the situation and help people get involved.
AndyPosted by Picasa

No comments:

Post a Comment