Date: Mar 28, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Fort Lewis College
Speaker: Chip Head
Talk Title: Rivers of the Canadian Pacific Northwest – Aerial Perspectives
Abstract: This This general-audience presentation features rivers of the Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories and British Columbia as they cut through the spectacular, actively-deforming mountain wilderness of the Yukon and Mackenzie River watersheds. Short takeoff and landing aircraft (bush planes) are most often the only option to transport people and equipment from small towns to river launch and takeout points that are not accessible by road.
Relatively few boaters visit the area during the brief summer season, so river permits are not required for private parties, except for the Tatshenshini, which is regulated by both Canada and the U.S. Several commercial outfitters based in Whitehorse and Haines offer trips in the Yukon and Northwest Territories. Most private trips spend 10 days to three weeks or longer, depending on the length and difficulty of the river. Extensive experience and logistical planning are essential to safe travel and navigation. The geology of the Mackenzie and Wrangell-St. Elias Mountains dominates the landscapes, which are particularly stunning when viewed from bush planes.
This presentation contains photographic highlights of four river systems: the South Nahanni and Mountain Rivers of the Northwest Territories, the Gataga River in Northern British Columbia, and the Tatshenshini/Alsek Rivers in the Yukon Territory and Southeast Alaska. Photos from bush planes provide excellent perspectives of the structural, fluvial, and glacial geology of this remote region.
Note – prior to the meeting, Dr. Gary Gianniny’s Historical Geology class will do a poster presentation starting at 5pm in the Vallecito Room on T-Rex’s cousin, Bistahieversor sealeyi (found in Bisti badlands). They will also bring a cast of its skull, so come early!
MARCH DINNER MEETING RESERVATIONS
Please use this link to register for the March meeting. It will allow you to reserve spots and pay at the door or reserve spots and pay now by credit card or Pay Pal. Students and faculty please sign up directly with Dr. David Gonzales.