Snow on the mountains, time for my last Alaskan blog.... :(

Well, this is it! Tomorrow is my last day at REAP and in the great state of Alaska. I must say, I'm jealous of the bicycle caravan taking Laura to the airport!! My flight leaves Ted Stevens airport at 1:30 AM on Saturday and I'll be getting into Newark at 3:30 pm. I may or may not start to melt when I step outside - this morning the temperature was a lovely 45 degrees, and I comfortably left the house in a t-shirt and jeans. Yikes!

The energy fair was a remarkable success. The weather was perfect and turnout was substantial. All of our hard work paid off, and it was wonderful to see it come to fruition without a hitch. Not to toot my own horn, but my T-shirts were a hit. Since we finished up with the fair, I took a wonderful 3-day trip to Denali with my parents and my dad's cousin. We lucked out and got three days of cloudless, sunny skies with full views of the mountain the whole time. It was extremely dry up north, fires have been burning across Alaska and rain has been scarce. On our drive out we saw some smoke come up over the Alaska Range. 

I've been putting together an informational brochure on commuter rail for REAP to take to the state fair, which I am unfortunately missing. I hope I'll be able to continue to help Maryellen, Cynthia and REAP on 

This past weekend I took a trip down to Homer, a town on the south end of the Kenai Peninsula. I got to go out on the fishing boat of a friend's parents. Now I feel like I've covered a decent amount of ground in Alaska! (And yet, there's a whole lot I haven't seen! I haven't been off the road system, and I haven't seen the Arctic Circle or Southeast Alaska, etc.)

This has been an incredible summer, in terms of work, play, and travel. I hope to be back in Alaska as soon as humanly possible!

Belated Blogging

Long time no blog! Work and recreation has kept me going, going, going, hence the lack of updates. Since I last posted, work has geared up in preparation for the Renewable Energy Fair. I should also note that we have a new Governor, as I’m sure you all have heard. I’ve completed quite a bit of design work, including the fair logo, posters for the fair and for another REAP event (both of which are now plastered up all over Anchorage as well as towns all over AK!), the 20-page fair program, the fair tee shirt, and about 15 or so pieces of major signage that will up around the fairground this coming Saturday (eek! Lots to get done before then!).

 

We’re working frantically to get all the materials and people in the right place at the right time for the fair. Our keynote speaker, interestingly, is Chet Culver, Governor of Iowa. He’s done quite a bit in his state with regard to renewable energy and job creation, including the establishment of the Iowa Power Fund (see below). His talk is entitled “Renewable Energy and Green Jobs of the Future.”

 

The Power Fund was created to be a tool for OEI, the Power Fund Board, and the Due Diligence Committee to use to promote the goals of Iowa energy independence. Power Fund money is appropriated to the office to be used in providing financial assistance to entities conducting business, research, or programs in Iowa:

(1) To accelerate research and development, knowledge transfer, technology innovation, and improve the economic competitiveness of efforts.
(2) To increase the demand for and educate the public about technologies and approaches.

 

After the fair closes, it will be crunch time for my commuter rail project. I’ve decided that the paper I’m required to write for this internship will be about transit – an unexpected and interesting turn to my summer!

 

Well that’s work, how about play?

 

I spent fourth of july weekend between Anchorage, Girdwood, and Hope. I enjoyed the Girdwood Forest Fair, made a stop in Whittier to climb up to a view of the glacier there (and swam, I might add! My coworker Jonathan and I have developed a habit of jumping into glacial-fed bodies of water), and ended the weekend camping in beautiful and small Hope, Alaska.

 

I’ve taken some great backpacking trips and hikes in the past month or so. I’ve been on two overnights in two different sections of the Hatcher’s Pass area, up by Wasilla (home to our FORMER Governor). The first was a 18-mile (round trip) excursion through a valley following the Little Susitna River to Mint Glacier. This was a wonderful trip, although there were some casualties – Algu killed two beavers!

 

The second major hike was this past weekend, up to Reed Lakes in Hatcher’s Pass. It’s only 4 miles up, but what really counts is the elevation gain, which was pretty significant. Also it was raining, but that’s pretty typical for Alaskan summer (although not this summer, up until this week!). After taking an accidental mile detour across a very steep wall of boulders, my hiking partner and I rerouted and came up on a beautiful lake amidst the ridges. Hatcher’s pass is the site of some old mines, and the scenery is just incredible. Watching the clouds roll in at night and settle around the tops of the mountains is mysterious and beautiful. There was one casualty on this hike as well, I’m afraid – Aglu got to a marmot. (Pictures soon to come, I promise!!)

 

Tonight I’m headed out to hike up Flattop Mountain in Anchorage – the most popular hike in the area. I feel like I have to do it before I leave! Now that it’s been raining, the smoke from the forest fires has cleared out, so the views should be great. J

 

What comes next? After the fair I’ll be taking a road trip with my mom, dad, and my dad’s cousin up to Denali. I’m really looking forward to sharing Alaska with them! A few weekends from now I’ll be heading down towards Homer and taking the ferry to Kodiak, which I’m very excited about! My friend and former Alaskan roommate Megan Sharkey is now working on a fishing boat down there, so it will be great to see her again.

 

The wheels have been turning in my head – how can I get paid to come back here next summer?? I’m working on the solution to that problem, and I think there may be a niche for me here in terms of graphic design work for conservation groups. I’m completely enamored of Alaska and I don’t think my time here ends on August 22^nd. Twelve weeks just isn’t enough time!

Here are some photos of the first hike I took in Hatcher's Pass with Jonathan, Erin, and Jenny (and Aglu). As you can see, there's some photographic proof that both Aglu and I enjoyed the cold glacial waters! Also, that's Erin and I trying to summit a big rock :P

Goings-on!

Here's an update on life in Alaska:

 

I’ve loved getting out and about! Last weekend I hiked up Bird Ridge with some friends. The trailhead is south of town on the Glenn Highway. Quite a steep trail! But the views at the top were well worth the climb – I’ll include the pictures here.

 

Since I last wrote REAP hosted a Wind Diesel Forum at the Anchorage Museum. Speakers included Steve Drouilhet from Sustainable Automation, Inc., Martha Dabot from TDX Power, James F. Manwell from UMass Amherst, and James Jensen from AEA. It was a good opportunity for me to learn about wind-diesel hybrid systems (systems that switch between diesel power generation and intermittent wind generation), a technology that is particularly pertinent to Alaska, where remote communities are in need of cheaper methods of power generation that use less diesel fuel (which is expensive to transport).  I learned about the challenges of wind/diesel – varying load, varying wind speeds, different types of storage (battery, pump, etc.), creating a control system that smoothes out these fluctuations, and dealing with the limitations of diesel generators.

 

Something interesting that my boss is involved with: IRP (Railbelt Integrated Resource Plan). At this point, this project exists only conversationally and in the form of a business model, but it aims to integrate the 6 regional utilities under one body. Seventy percent of Alaska’s population lives along the area in question. Chris Rose is on an advisory committee to the state that is aiming to create a 30-year plan for future generation and transmission in the railbelt. Current legislation addressing the IRP, if it passes, is merely permissive, not mandatory, and only the Governor has the power to force the matter. The business plan I mentioned, commissioned a few years ago by Representative Rokenburg, details one body in charge of building generators and transmission and 6 “distribution coops,” the current 6 utilities.

 

And finally – I rode the Chugach Explorer during its dedication! It was a great ride for several reasons. One, it was a stunning day in the Chugach National Forest, complete with black bear and bald eagle sightings; two, I was riding with such public figures as Senator Begich, the new Mayor Sullivan of Anchorage, Mayor Rupright of Wasilla, and various members of the railroad, the forest service, and the conservation community. The ride marked a partnership between the railroad and the forest service, but each speech included a reference to “the potential of commuter rail,” which was encouraging. When I finally managed to tear my face away from the windows, I spoke with Bruce Carr, Director of Strategic Planning at the ARRC (the railroad) about my marketing document project. He seemed on board and willing to help.

 

As for the fair – I finished up the poster and sent it to the printer and am plugging content into the program. We’ve been getting merchandise like tees and water bottles ordered. Jenny, the Yale intern (and my new running buddy) is working hard collecting donations and items for the silent auction, and Jonathan (Americorps VISTA) is getting various exhibits prepared (like phantom load, wall insulations cross sections, and more!). I’m just keeping my fingers crossed that the weather on August 1^st is as perfect as it has been so far this summer.

 

Ok that’s all for now folks!

Oh I forgot one thing! Last Friday I went to a bluegrass festival in Sutton, north of Anchorage. It was great, and purely Alaskan - disguised from tourists by a "Picker's Retreat - Family Fun" Sign along the side of the road (I infiltrated). :P

 

 

Here’s a link to the study I mentioned:

 http://www.akenergyauthority.org/REGAFiles/9-12-08_AlaskaRailbeltREGAStudy_MasterFinalReport.pdf

Also, be sure to check out REAP's great new website! 

http://alaskarenewableenergy.org

or: REalaska.org

made it to the top! Elevation about 4,000 ft.

That last one is Jenny, Erin and me stopping on the way to my boss's place and the bluegrass festival on Friday

Pics!

I hiked up Rendezvous Peak in Eagle River with my coworkers Jen and Jonathan, and John's friend Brennan (And the dog!). It was great (But very cold and windy at the top!)

Jen!

Myself, Brenden, and Jonathan

There's the pooch

Quick update

Hello all!

This past weekend was the solstice - up north in Fairbanks, people experience the "midnight sun," but down here in Anchorage it does, unfortunately, dip below the horizon for a couple of hours. I hiked up a small peak on Saturday with some friends and the dog and saw some stunning views of Anchorage and Eagle River. It was only about 2 miles up. 

Some exciting news! Next week I'll be tagging along with Chris Rose on the demo ride and dedication of the Railroad's new DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit). It will be a roundtrip from Ships Creek to Grandview, which is on the Kenai peninsula. (I think everywhere in Alaska should be named Grandview, but that's just me!) More on this to come! 

Laura and I had our first weekly "brown bag" meeting of the ACF interns. Those of us in Anchorage met up at ACF's boardroom and via conference call, reached everyone elsewhere in AK. Sam from AYEA (Alaska Youth for Environmental Action), Marty from AlaskaCoal.org and Sarah from ACE (Alaska Center for the Environment) updated us on their work thus far this summer. Once again, I want to mention what a wonderful group of women this is! 

I can't believe I've already been here a month - I wish time would slow down. I never thought I'd say so, but New York has a lot to live up to when I get back :P

-Nora

ACF Orientation, Work, etc!

Well, Laura just laid out a great description of our ACF orientation, so I won't go over it all again. However, I will say that for three days spent (mainly) in a board room, it was a great experience. Alaska is the perfect lens through which to to view the globe's environmental challenges (the term "canary in the coal mine" is used a lot), and it was really interesting to hear about the history of conservation here from major figures like Deborah Williams and Peg Tileston. 

It was also very interesting to learn about the history of native peoples from Vernita Herdman and Andrea Sanders, a history which differs so significantly from that of the native populations in the lower 48. The creation of native corporations - although assimilative and contrary to many native traditions and attitudes towards land ownership - gave native populations considerable political and economic clout that is absent in the lower 48. 

About work....

I've begun some design work for REAP, and am creating a logo for their 5th annual Alaska Renewable Energy Fair (August 1st!). I'll be creating posters and programs for the fair. 

I'll be sure to post my work when it's presentable!

I'm continuing to familiarize myself with the transit issues I'm working on. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I'm creating a marketing document for the creation of a commuter rail line going from Anchorage to the Mat Su borough, north of here. Here's the low-down: 

Hundreds of commuters drive along the Glenn Highway from places like Wasilla and Palmer to Anchorage and back  every day, a distance of about 45 miles. The Alaskan Railroad has tracks running along the same route, but despite the fact that the infrastructure is in place, no commuter service exists. For years commuter rail has been talked about, promoted, and pushed by people my my boss, Chris Rose, and former Sierra Club employee and REAP board member Mary Ellen Oman. The railroad itself has completed various projects in anticipation and support of the commuter rail. 

More about that here:  http://AlaskaRailroad.com/pdf/2009%20Commuter%20Partnership%20&%20Opportunities.pdf

Also, a study commissioned by the railroad in 2002 by a transportation consulting firm about the potential for commuter rail concluded that a RTA (Regional Transit Authority) is critically important for the success of the project. All parties agree on this point. The RTA would allow for multi-jurisdictional coordination between Mat Su and Anchorage as well as between the railroad and the Anchorage bus system (people mover) to create a cross-borough, "multi-modal" transportation system. The RTA was introduced in the Senate this year but did not pass, so at the earliest, it will be established by this time next year. 

Long story short, it's been on the ARRC's (Alaskan Railroad Corporation) agenda for a long time....too long. The goal here is to push the schedule up, not back, and begin the next phase of commuter rail sooner rather than later. I'm simply working in conjunction with people who have been pushing for this for years, creating a tool they can work with and helping in any other way I can.

About home...

I've moved out of my temporary home with Caren Moss, office manager of REAP, and her roommate, Megan Sharkey. They very generously put a roof over my head for two weeks! I'm now house sitting for Paul Twardock, a professor of the outdoors at APU (Alaskan Pacific University) while he takes a kyaking trip. His husky mix, Aglu, is my care for the duration. She is VERY energetic!  (a sled dog)

Sorry for the lack of photos, I still do not have a functional camera, aside from my phone. Enjoy Laura's in the meantime! 

I'm still loving Alaska and am beginning to understand why so many stories start with "I just came here for a two week trip, but ended up staying for 15 years!" I feel incredibly lucky to be in such a magnetic, beautiful place. 

That's all for now, folks.

-Nora

Settling in

I’ve been in Alaska now for about a week, and loving every minute of it. The weather lifted after Friday morning and I’ve been experiencing some gloriously sunny days (and nights).

            I started work at REAP on Thursday and am spending most of my time researching. My boss, Chris Rose, has commissioned me to work on a marketing document aimed at creating a commuter rail line running north from Anchorage to Mat-Su on the already existing main line of the Alaskan Railroad. This line runs along the Glenn Highway, a route frequented by commuters living in towns north of the city. Basically, the infrastructure and the riders are there, but funding and a managing body is not. The purpose of the document I’m working on is to get major parties excited about the project and show them that it is doable and affordable with the proper funding. If the project is taken on, it would have significant impacts on reducing highway congestion and fossil fuel usage/carbon emissions. It’s a very exciting project! Also, this week the office will be gearing up for the planning stages of the energy fair, which occurs two months from now.

            More on Anchorage and Alaska: I’m not in Kansas (well, New York City) anymore! Alaska has a unique character that feels different from any place I’ve ever visited or lived in before both culturally and geographically. It’s difficult to explain in few words. Demographically, there is a large population of native Alaskans, and for all the diversity of NYC, this is a new experience for me. It’s also an odd feeling to be in such a large, sprawling city – one that could be anywhere in America in terms of planning and design –then look out and see stunning mountains with endless cloud patterns rolling above. I’m still learning a lot about the place, so I don’t want to characterize or generalize too much.

            This week is the intern orientation, from Wednesday to Friday. I’ll be meeting other interns working in and outside of Anchorage at various conservation-type organizations. We’ll all be updating each other throughout the summer on what we’re working on via weekly teleconference.

            It’s going to be (and already is) a great summer J