American National Park Kobuk Valley | Kobuk Valley National Park | Arctic region northwestern Alaska
Kobuk Valley National Park is an American national park in the Arctic region of northwestern Alaska, located about 25 miles north of the Arctic Circle.
The park was designated in 1980 by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to preserve the 100 ft high Great Kobuk Sand Dunes and the surrounding area which includes caribou migration routes.
Park visitors must bring all their own gear for backcountry camping, hiking, backpacking, boating, and dog sledding.
No designated trails or roads exist in the park, which at 1,750,716 acres , is slightly larger than the state of Delaware.
Kobuk Valley is one of eight national parks in Alaska, the state with the second most national parks, surpassed only by California which has nine.
The park is managed by the National Park Service.
Since no roads lead into the park, visitors arrive via chartered air taxi from Nome, Bettles, or Kotzebue.
Flights are available year-round, but are weather dependent.
The park is one of the least-visited American national parks, along with others inaccessible by road, including the neighboring Gates of the Arctic, Isle Royale in the middle of Lake Superior, the Dry Tortugas at the end of the Florida Keys, as well as Katmai and Lake Clark in southern Alaska.
The park is the center of a vast ecosystem between Selawik National Wildlife Refuge and the Noatak National Preserve.
It is over 75 miles by river to the Chukchi Sea.
The Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve lie 32 miles to the east.
The park includes about 81,000 acres of lands owned by native corporations and the State of Alaska
The park consists of the broad wetlands valley of the Kobuk River which runs along the southern edge of the western Brooks Range, which is known as the Baird Mountains.
The boundary of the park runs along the height-of-land of the Baird Mountains in the north and the shorter Waring Mountains in the south that form a ring, defining and enclosing the Kobuk Valley.
The middle two-thirds of the Kobuk River, from just above Kiana to just below Ambler, is included in the park, as are several of its major tributaries such as the Salmon River and the Hunt River.
The valley floor is mainly covered by glacial drift.
Much of the southern portion of the park, south of the Kobuk River, is managed as the Kobuk Valley Wilderness of 174,545 acres .
The Selawik Wilderness lies to the south, in the adjoining Selawik National Wildlife Refuge.
Three sets of sand dune fields are located on the south side of the Kobuk River.
The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, Little Kobuk Sand Dunes and the Hunt River Dunes are remnants of dune fields that covered as many as 200,000 acres immediately after the retreat of Pleistocene glaciation.
A combination of outwash deposits from the glaciers and strong winds created the field, which is now mostly covered by forest and tundra.
In present times the active dune fields cover about 20,500 acres .
The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes comprise the largest active Arctic dune field in North America.
NASA has funded their study as an analog for Martian polar dunes
The park's headquarters are at the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center in Kotzebue, about 100 miles west of the park on the Bering Sea coast.
Seasonal ranger stations are operated along the Kobuk River at Kallarichuk, at the west end of the park, and at Onion Portage at the east end of the park.
Offices and visitor services for Cape Krusenstern National Monument and Noatak National Preserve are in the same facility.
The units are managed together as the Western Arctic National Parklands, with a single Park Service superintendent in charge.
According to the Köppen climate classification system, Kobuk Valley National Park has a Subarctic climate with cool summers and year around precipitation.
Dfc climates are defined by their coldest month averaging below 0 °C , 1–3 months averaging above 10 °C , all months with average temperatures below 22 °C , and no significant precipitation difference between seasons.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the Plant Hardiness zone at Kallarichuck at 13 ft elevation is 2a with an average annual extreme minimum temperature of -47.1 °F .
The park lies in a transition zone between boreal forest and tundra.
The fish and wildlife in the park are typical of arctic and subarctic fauna.
The major economic species are caribou, moose, and fish species such as salmon and sheefish.
Eskimo Life at the Dawn of European Contact: Clues from Northwest Alaska
Inupiat Eskimo of Northwest Alaska first encountered European explorers in 1816, when a Russian expedition arrived in Kotzebue Sound. But archaeological research shows that European and Asian trade goods like beads and metal tools were already present in the region. Excavations lead by Doug and Wanni Anderson, Brown University, along the Kobuk River have revealed that the residents had readily incorporated these exotic items into their daily life, even though at the time they were experiencing food shortage, hunger, and even untimely death. Present-day Natives of the region refer to those hard times in their oral history, often attributing the misfortunes to shamanistic spells or to enemy attacks. The integration of their oral historic and archaeological research has provided unique insights into the early history of the region. Sponsored by the Friends of the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology.
Doug Anderson taught in the Anthropology Department at Brown for 49 years, established the museum's Laboratory for Circumpolar Studies in 1973, and continues to do research on Alaska. Wanni Anderson taught in the Department of Anthropology and American Studies for 24 years, and is also continuing her research in Alaska. They were recently awarded the 2015 Richard A. Baenen Award from the Alaska Native Corporation. The award reads This award represents untiring commitment to our people and honors the positive difference you have made in our region for our shareholders. Your work has helped us understand what life was like for our ancestors and connects our traditions and culture to the world we know today. Thank you for your research and for building a bridge of knowledge that Inupiat for generations can cross.
Please note that this talk followed a screening of the film Swift Water Place which cannot be shown here. Visit swiftwaterplace.com for more information about the film.
Noatak National Preserve Overview
Recommended Alaska Field Guides
• Alaska's Wild Plants: A Guide to Alaska's Edible Harvest (Alaska Pocket Guide)
• Alaska Nature Set: Field Guides to Wildlife, Birds, Trees & Wildflowers of Alaska
• Edible Mushrooms of Alaska (The Mushrooms Of Alaska)
As one of North America's largest mountain-ringed river basins with an intact ecosystem, the Noatak River environs features some of the Arctic's finest arrays of plants and animals. The river is classified as a national wild and scenic river, and offers stunning wilderness float-trip opportunities - from deep in the Brooks Range to the tidewater of the Chukchi Sea.
Credit: Courtesy of US NPS
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WAISC 2014: research and outreach in Kotzebue, Alaska
Highlights of the 2014 Western Alaska Interdisciplinary Science Conference, held in Kotzebue, Alaska.
Siulipta Paitaat
Siulipta Paitaat, or Our Ancestor's Heritage, is a documentary about the Alaska Natives of the Bering Land Bridge, which features a history of the cultural and geographical changes that took place there. Inupiaq elders, Gideon K. Barr and Bessie Barr Cross tell many of the stories in this film.
Alaskan Sketches-Part II (ASL-AV25-02)
Three short films documenting the lives of three Alaskans from throughout the state:
Kathleen McCoy, Editor
Paul Ongtooguk, Teacher
Jim Phillips, Fisherman
Steve Nelson Video Collection
Produced for the Alaska Department of Education by Isenson Associates and Nine Star Productions, 1987.
Steve Nelson Collection
(Color/Sound)
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Alaska | Wikipedia audio article
This is an audio version of the Wikipedia Article:
Alaska
Listening is a more natural way of learning, when compared to reading. Written
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SUMMARY
=======
Alaska ( ( listen); Aleut: Alax̂sxax̂; Inupiaq: Alaskaq; Russian: Аляска, translit. Alyaska) is a U.S. state in the northwest extremity of North America. The Canadian administrative divisions of British Columbia and Yukon border the state to the east, its most extreme western part is Attu Island, and it has a maritime border with Russia (Chukotka Autonomous Okrug) to the west across the Bering Strait. To the north are the Chukchi and Beaufort seas—the southern parts of the Arctic Ocean. The Pacific Ocean lies to the south and southwest. It is the largest state in the United States by area and the
seventh largest subnational division in the world. In addition, it is the 3rd least populous and the most sparsely populated of the 50 United States; nevertheless, it is by far the most populous territory located mostly north of the 60th parallel in North America: its population—estimated at 738,432 by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2015— is more than quadruple the combined populations of Northern Canada and Greenland. Approximately half of Alaska's residents live within the Anchorage metropolitan area. Alaska's economy is dominated by the fishing, natural gas, and oil industries, resources which it has in abundance. Military bases and tourism are also a significant part of the economy.
The United States purchased Alaska from the Russian Empire on March 30, 1867, for 7.2 million U.S. dollars at approximately two cents per acre ($4.74/km2). The area went through several administrative changes before becoming organized as a territory on May 11, 1912. It was admitted as the 49th state of the U.S. on January 3, 1959.
Alaska | Wikipedia audio article
This is an audio version of the Wikipedia Article:
Alaska
Listening is a more natural way of learning, when compared to reading. Written
language only began at around 3200 BC, but spoken language has existed long ago.
Learning by listening is a great way to:
- increases imagination and understanding
- improves your listening skills
- improves your own spoken accent
- learn while on the move
- reduce eye strain
Now learn the vast amount of general knowledge available on Wikipedia through
audio (audio article). You could even learn subconsciously by playing the audio
while you are sleeping! If you are planning to listen a lot, you could try using
a bone conduction headphone, or a standard speaker instead of an earphone.
You can find other Wikipedia audio articles too at:
In case you don't find one that you were looking for, put a comment.
This video uses Google TTS en-US-Standard-D voice.
SUMMARY
=======
Alaska ( ( listen); Aleut: Alax̂sxax̂; Inupiaq: Alaskaq; Russian: Аляска, translit. Alyaska) is a U.S. state in the northwest extremity of North America. The Canadian administrative divisions of British Columbia and Yukon border the state to the east, its most extreme western part is Attu Island, and it has a maritime border with Russia (Chukotka Autonomous Okrug) to the west across the Bering Strait. To the north are the Chukchi and Beaufort seas—the southern parts of the Arctic Ocean. The Pacific Ocean lies to the south and southwest. It is the largest state in the United States by area and the
seventh largest subnational division in the world. In addition, it is the 3rd least populous and the most sparsely populated of the 50 United States; nevertheless, it is by far the most populous territory located mostly north of the 60th parallel in North America: its population—estimated at 738,432 by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2015— is more than quadruple the combined populations of Northern Canada and Greenland. Approximately half of Alaska's residents live within the Anchorage metropolitan area. Alaska's economy is dominated by the fishing, natural gas, and oil industries, resources which it has in abundance. Military bases and tourism are also a significant part of the economy.
The United States purchased Alaska from the Russian Empire on March 30, 1867, for 7.2 million U.S. dollars at approximately two cents per acre ($4.74/km2). The area went through several administrative changes before becoming organized as a territory on May 11, 1912. It was admitted as the 49th state of the U.S. on January 3, 1959.
Siulipta Paitaat- Our Ancestors Heritage
Alaska | Wikipedia audio article
This is an audio version of the Wikipedia Article:
Alaska
Listening is a more natural way of learning, when compared to reading. Written language only began at around 3200 BC, but spoken language has existed long ago.
Learning by listening is a great way to:
- increases imagination and understanding
- improves your listening skills
- improves your own spoken accent
- learn while on the move
- reduce eye strain
Now learn the vast amount of general knowledge available on Wikipedia through audio (audio article). You could even learn subconsciously by playing the audio while you are sleeping! If you are planning to listen a lot, you could try using a bone conduction headphone, or a standard speaker instead of an earphone.
You can find other Wikipedia audio articles too at:
You can upload your own Wikipedia articles through:
The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
- Socrates
SUMMARY
=======
Alaska ( (listen); Aleut: Alax̂sxax̂; Inupiaq: Alaskaq; Russian: Аляска, translit. Alyaska) is a U.S. state in the northwest extremity of North America. The Canadian administrative divisions of British Columbia and Yukon border the state to the east, its most extreme western part is Attu Island, and it has a maritime border with Russia (Chukotka Autonomous Okrug) to the west across the Bering Strait. To the north are the Chukchi and Beaufort seas—the southern parts of the Arctic Ocean. The Pacific Ocean lies to the south and southwest. It is the largest state in the United States by area and the
seventh largest subnational division in the world. In addition, it is the 3rd least populous and the most sparsely populated of the 50 United States; nevertheless, it is by far the most populous territory located mostly north of the 60th parallel in North America: its population—estimated at 738,432 by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2015— is more than quadruple the combined populations of Northern Canada and Greenland. Approximately half of Alaska's residents live within the Anchorage metropolitan area. Alaska's economy is dominated by the fishing, natural gas, and oil industries, resources which it has in abundance. Military bases and tourism are also a significant part of the economy.
The United States purchased Alaska from the Russian Empire on March 30, 1867, for 7.2 million U.S. dollars at approximately two cents per acre ($4.74/km2). The area went through several administrative changes before becoming organized as a territory on May 11, 1912. It was admitted as the 49th state of the U.S. on January 3, 1959.
Alaska Tribal Wildlife Co-Management Culture Unites -- Land Sustains
Ahtna, Incorporated, along with the federally recognized tribes and ANCSA corporations of the Ahtna region, is proposing a Federal-State-Ahtna co-management structure that will maintain the Ahtna people's Customary and Traditional hunting practices on Ahtna lands. The goal is to unify wildlife management and improve the current dual Federal-State subsistence wildlife management system, which has proven to be ineffective.
For thousands of years, our lands have provided for a subsistence-based way of life for our people. The establishment of a unified Tribal-State-Federal co-management structure will ensure this way of life continues.
In keeping with collaboration, we ask for comments that further this critical representation of culture and self-determination. Profanity will not be allowed.
Alaska: Beyond Expectations-Travel Video (asl_av25_12)
A 30 minute travel video highlighting tourism in Alaska, told from the point of view of both visitors and Alaskans.
Alaska State Division of Tourism
Steve Nelson Video Collection
Color/Sound
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Inupiaqwords: Iñupiat uqaluŋiññik (Iñupiat words)
Dialogue
Suniaqpit uvlupak?
What are you going to do (suniaqpit) today (uvlupak)?
Iļisaġniaqtuŋa. Aasiilvit?
I am going to study. And you? (aasii [and/and then] + ilvit? [you?])
Iļisaġniaġmiuŋa. Sunigli iļisaġniaqpit?
I am ALSO going to study. What [sunigli] are you going to study [iļisaġniaqpit]?
Iñupiat uqaluŋiññik!
Iñupiat words!
Noatak National Preserve | Wikipedia audio article
This is an audio version of the Wikipedia Article:
Noatak National Preserve
00:00:47 1 Ecology and geology
00:02:54 2 Activities
00:03:51 3 Geography
00:05:17 4 History
00:05:26 4.1 Human occupation
00:06:55 4.2 Administration and designations
Listening is a more natural way of learning, when compared to reading. Written language only began at around 3200 BC, but spoken language has existed long ago.
Learning by listening is a great way to:
- increases imagination and understanding
- improves your listening skills
- improves your own spoken accent
- learn while on the move
- reduce eye strain
Now learn the vast amount of general knowledge available on Wikipedia through audio (audio article). You could even learn subconsciously by playing the audio while you are sleeping! If you are planning to listen a lot, you could try using a bone conduction headphone, or a standard speaker instead of an earphone.
You can find other Wikipedia audio articles too at:
You can upload your own Wikipedia articles through:
The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
- Socrates
SUMMARY
=======
Noatak National Preserve is a United States National Preserve in northwestern Alaska that was established to protect the Noatak River Basin. The Noatak River system, located just north of the Arctic Circle, is thought to be the last remaining complete river system in the United States that has not been altered by human activities. The roadless basin was proclaimed a United States National Monument in 1978 and a National Preserve in 1980 through the passage of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). Noatak National Preserve borders Kobuk Valley National Park on the south and borders Gates of the Arctic National Park on the east. Unlike the national parks that it borders, sport hunting is allowed in Noatak National Preserve.
Kobuk Valley National Park | Wikipedia audio article
This is an audio version of the Wikipedia Article:
Kobuk Valley National Park
00:01:27 1 Geography
00:04:11 2 Ecology
00:06:22 3 History
00:09:04 4 See also
Listening is a more natural way of learning, when compared to reading. Written language only began at around 3200 BC, but spoken language has existed long ago.
Learning by listening is a great way to:
- increases imagination and understanding
- improves your listening skills
- improves your own spoken accent
- learn while on the move
- reduce eye strain
Now learn the vast amount of general knowledge available on Wikipedia through audio (audio article). You could even learn subconsciously by playing the audio while you are sleeping! If you are planning to listen a lot, you could try using a bone conduction headphone, or a standard speaker instead of an earphone.
You can find other Wikipedia audio articles too at:
You can upload your own Wikipedia articles through:
The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
- Socrates
SUMMARY
=======
Kobuk Valley National Park is an American national park in the Arctic region of northwestern Alaska, located about 25 miles (40 km) north of the Arctic Circle. The park was designated in 1980 by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to preserve the 100 ft (30 m) high Great Kobuk Sand Dunes and the surrounding area which includes caribou migration routes. Park visitors must bring all their own gear for backcountry camping, hiking, backpacking, boating, and dog sledding. No designated trails or roads exist in the park, which at 1,750,716 acres (2,735.5 sq mi; 7,084.9 km2), is slightly larger than the state of Delaware. Kobuk Valley is one of eight national parks in Alaska, the state with the second most national parks, surpassed only by California which has nine. The park is managed by the National Park Service.
Since no roads lead into the park, visitors arrive via chartered air taxi from Nome, Bettles, or Kotzebue. Flights are available year-round, but are weather dependent. The park is one of the least-visited American national parks, along with others inaccessible by road, including the neighboring Gates of the Arctic, Isle Royale in the middle of Lake Superior, the Dry Tortugas at the end of the Florida Keys, as well as Katmai and Lake Clark in southern Alaska.
TUZZY TALK 1: WHAT IS CRUDE OIL ANYWAY? - MARCH 2, 2013
Presenter: Dr. Nancy E. Kinner, University of New Hampshire
Description: Dr. Nancy E. Kinner of the University of New Hampshire links up with libraries in Barrow Alaska and elsewhere to explain the basic properties of crude oil. Plain English with lots of charts and tables. This is part one of a two part series. Part two will examine the effects of crude oil on the environment.
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Growing our own educators
Generational Resilience, Part 3: An Overview of Positive Youth Development and Project Venture
Learn about the Project Venture Model, which is a SAMHSA evidence-based prevention program. Project Venture has been implemented in American Indian and Alaska Native communities in 27 states and across Canada. Meet National Indian Youth Leadership Project Director McClellan Hall, and youth who have developed strong leadership skills and continue to lead prevention efforts in their communities. Visit for more information on SAMHSA Tribal Training and Technical Assistance Center.
ASL: Public Library Chat #11, Combined School/Public Libraries, December 18, 2014
Guest presenter: Amelia Wilson
Chat transcripts can be found at
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