tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1726580401227411362024-03-13T12:23:47.122-08:00Alaska Llamas BlogPromote hiking, packing and responsible use of public lands; debunk camelid disease myths/ misinformation; notify pack llama users of proposed bans; protect public land access ...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-940741094318776022023-06-19T15:55:00.000-08:002023-06-20T08:00:40.325-08:00Llama Beans - What are they good for?<div><u><b>What are llama beans?</b></u></div>"Llama beans" or “Alpaca Beans” are the droppings / poop / manure produced by these animals. These droppings do look like brown beans so that's where the name comes from. Alpaca or Llama Beans can be used to enhance your soil and produce superior flowers and gardens and are considered to be environmentally friendly.<div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><u><b>What are llama beans good for? </b></u></div><div>As per <u>Home Guides</u> by Gemma Craig- <a href="https://homeguides.sfgate.com/use-llama-manure-42486.html" target="_blank">How to Use Llama Manure</a></div><div>Llama beans or llama manure<i>"is used as a potassium, nitrogen and phosphorous-rich organic fertilizer in gardens and flowerbeds. Unlike fertilizer sprays and sticks, llama manure is earthy-friendly, and reduces your carbon footprint by recycling a part of nature; it has the added benefit of being odor-free. You can either gather llama manure yourself from your own llamas, or order it from a llama farm, then use it as-is to improve your soil and provide plants with much-needed nutrients.</i></div><div><ol><li>Shovel llama manure into a bucket, then moisten the manure so that it is wet, but not flooded. Place the lid on the bucket, and allow the manure to soak for approximately four weeks.</li><li>Check the manure periodically, and add more water when necessary to keep it moist. Fresh manure will not require as long of a soaking period as aged, dried manure.</li><li>Mix the llama manure into your garden's soil, or place it on the soil's surface around your plants; the the manure's nutrients will seep into the ground when it is watered or when it rains."</li></ol><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJ-pKinUGnwoGeiP6XZxiJlVuHhRQFvIG5LRTg5Bs5VkW7Q25nB_2rrlu8U0CduYQ9RtoJGbKKxh2YffCcQvSodXLgutf-Advlot_6Z2FZok8MmFpz8e0syEJyfVgdsRvnB95YVm47gqn/s2048/Lasagna+Garden1.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJ-pKinUGnwoGeiP6XZxiJlVuHhRQFvIG5LRTg5Bs5VkW7Q25nB_2rrlu8U0CduYQ9RtoJGbKKxh2YffCcQvSodXLgutf-Advlot_6Z2FZok8MmFpz8e0syEJyfVgdsRvnB95YVm47gqn/w240-h320/Lasagna+Garden1.jpg" width="240" /></a>I have several neighbors who use llama beans in their gardens, and one has "lasagna" garden. <br /><b><br /></b></div><div><b><u>What is lasagna gardening? </u></b></div></div><div><div><i>Lasagna gardening is a no-dig, no-till organic gardening method that results in rich, fluffy soil with very little work from the gardener.</i></div></div><div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>According to </i><a href="https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-make-a-lasagna-garden-2539877" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">The Spruce</a><i>-</i></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4ck38GM4wArfEniOay8g8c9Yv-ibAUgckWRNLUWZAUFWgsgjf_CSDMuP6fgd5SVBiCvUtNw1xYo5ZIXe5K_7VH_Bqt-xPnM1IOzkYnafgniz8huEuFzDzCLwERx9yaY8wV0hCgmzAhrP/s2048/Lasagna+Garden2.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4ck38GM4wArfEniOay8g8c9Yv-ibAUgckWRNLUWZAUFWgsgjf_CSDMuP6fgd5SVBiCvUtNw1xYo5ZIXe5K_7VH_Bqt-xPnM1IOzkYnafgniz8huEuFzDzCLwERx9yaY8wV0hCgmzAhrP/w242-h320/Lasagna+Garden2.jpg" width="242" /></a><i>The name "lasagna gardening" has nothing to do with what you'll be growing in the garden. Instead, it refers to the method of building the garden: adding layers of organic materials that will “cook down” over time, resulting in nutrient-rich soil that will help your plants thrive. Also known as sheet composting, lasagna gardening is beneficial for the environment because </i></div></div><div><i> you're turning yard waste, kitchen scraps, and anything else you'd add to a normal compost pile into organic fertilizer to grow new plants.</i></div></div><div><div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFYejr3RGwN8yV_0auF2Ns8_5bdMaPt9fY6mbG81u54Q3JwHf20Ex6m4BNsss6-k-42m5YjPplaDKYU2V78SJZVKHAMY6EdkMF7KxrbT_tSI8uBiPh_E-f3Klvvh-JOZU_sRD4BSAUYZ2/s2048/Lasagna+Garden3.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFYejr3RGwN8yV_0auF2Ns8_5bdMaPt9fY6mbG81u54Q3JwHf20Ex6m4BNsss6-k-42m5YjPplaDKYU2V78SJZVKHAMY6EdkMF7KxrbT_tSI8uBiPh_E-f3Klvvh-JOZU_sRD4BSAUYZ2/w150-h200/Lasagna+Garden3.jpg" width="150" /></a></p></div><div><div><p>More reading here:</p><p><a href="https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-make-a-lasagna-garden-2539877" target="_blank">How to make a lasagna garden.</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://mudproject.org/5-ways-to-use-llama-manure-in-your-garden/" target="_blank">5 Ways to Use Llama Manure in Your Garden</a></p><p>Photo credit & description: Dana Pruner-</p>First photo: llama beans placed on top of a layer of straw;<br />Second photo:finished bed with topsoil,seeds & starts planted;<br />Third photo: is a little shot of happily growing veggies!<br /><br />Dana made a video of the whole garden bed layering process below.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwr-EzTyCUUi7ROc66XZgsUh10pRwqSQ8IMAgtAjpQm_TE8b5LijDNf8QCopYOiiV20GCl5o9daKCFSIm5iGQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-87796372686657631572022-12-10T22:44:00.001-09:002022-12-14T08:44:23.190-09:00Llamas, the Ultimate Backcountry Hiking Partner?<div class="post-title" style="background: rgb(14, 85, 63); box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: jaf-facitweb, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 12px 15px 10px;">
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Llamas, the Ultimate Backcountry Hiking Partner?</h1>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em;">Go further, stay longer and hike harder with your 300 pound (llama) hiking partner!</span></div>
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Llamas have been raised in South America for centuries as pack animals. The packing ability of llamas combined with their ease of transport enables them to be utilized in a wide variety of situations and makes them ideal for packing. They are popular with hikers and hunters on longer overnight trips because they can carry most or all of the gear.</div>
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Advantages</h2>
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There are many advantages to using llamas over other types of pack animals.</div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1rem; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px; position: relative;">Llamas do not have hooves. They have two-toed padded feet with a toenail which grows over the top of each toe. This makes them very sure-footed. The pads do much less damage to the environment because they do not tear into and dent the ground the way hooves can. For this reason, llamas are often allowed on trails where horses are prohibited</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1rem; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px; position: relative;">Llamas are browsers, not grazers, and can eat various plants while moving along the trail. This means less time required to stop and graze.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1rem; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px; position: relative;">Llamas also require less feed than other pack animals. This means that less weight in the packs is devoted to llama feed.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1rem; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px; position: relative;">Llamas are more maneuverable and smaller than other pack animals and can go through/over/under/into almost any area that people can. This is not true of other pack animals and gives llamas a tremendous advantage.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1rem; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px; position: relative;">Llamas are easy to transport.</li>
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h2>
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How much can a llama carry?</h3>
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The amount of weight which llamas can carry depends upon their age, condition, the terrain and distance to be traveled. Just like people, llamas need to get into shape before going on long hikes with a lot of weight. Younger llamas and llamas packing over more difficult terrain should carry less weight than when traveling on less difficult terrain.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLB7zS68jkBWSaJZFvugs_sfRTdKnOgfOivcNPddCuxDxj3l8p9Svbtlj08DL18yLVuGXwYBQyAfOnY22FnGqUF8YQNYnZUaQW1mzGxrBxIQoAExRvki1jMTnmNweS9cEXzTycOuF6zh7/s1600/llamas_hiking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="690" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLB7zS68jkBWSaJZFvugs_sfRTdKnOgfOivcNPddCuxDxj3l8p9Svbtlj08DL18yLVuGXwYBQyAfOnY22FnGqUF8YQNYnZUaQW1mzGxrBxIQoAExRvki1jMTnmNweS9cEXzTycOuF6zh7/s640/llamas_hiking.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Based on age, llamas can carry a certain percentage of their lean body weight. You should estimate their body condition before determining if the actual weight of the llama is a good estimate of lean body weight. An overweight llama will not be able to safely carry as much weight as one in good body condition. A one year old llama will be about 125 to 200 pounds. A 2-3 year old llama will be about 175 to 300 pounds. An adult llama can be about 250 to 425 pounds if not overweight.</div>
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<b style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">Approximate Amount of Weight Llamas Can Carry</b></div>
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<tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><th style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.125rem; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5rem 0.625rem 0.625rem; text-align: left;">Age</th><th style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.125rem; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5rem 0.625rem 0.625rem; text-align: left;">Percent of Body Weight</th></tr>
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<tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.125rem; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5625rem 0.625rem;">1 year</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.125rem; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5625rem 0.625rem;">10%</td></tr>
<tr style="background: rgb(249, 249, 249); box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.125rem; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5625rem 0.625rem;">2 to 3 years</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.125rem; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5625rem 0.625rem;">Up to 20%</td></tr>
<tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.125rem; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5625rem 0.625rem;">Adult</td><td style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 1.125rem; margin: 0px; padding: 0.5625rem 0.625rem;">20 to 25%</td></tr>
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Can you ride a llama?</h3>
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Because a llama weighs much less than a horse, it is not an animal that can be ridden by an adult. For example, if a llama weighs 300 lbs., then it could typically carry 60 - 75 lbs., which is 20 - 25% of its body weight. (See above chart.)</div>
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How do you transport a llama?</h3>
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Llamas are easy to transport because they require no specialized equipment. They are smaller than traditional pack stock and lie down once in the transport vehicle. A covered windproof pickup (photo), van, horse or utility trailer all work well. The photo on the right shows llamas being transported in the back of a small pickup truck with an overhead canopy.</div>
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Do Llamas Spit or Bite?</h3>
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Like other camelids, llamas spit at each other to establish their social order, but they rarely spit at humans. And llamas do not generally bite. They have front teeth (incisors) only on their bottom jaw and a dental pad on the top jaw.</div>
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Are Llamas Allowed on Public Lands?</h3>
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Llamas are used to carry equipment and supplies for trail maintenance crews in state and national parks. (See the Sept. 4, 2017 blog - <a href="https://www.alaskallamas.com/2017/09/a-tribute-to-all-those-working-llamas.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #f38a00; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s;" target="_blank">"Llamas Do Heavy Lifting for Chugach State Park Trail Crews"</a> at www.alaskallamas.com.) It may surprise you to find out llamas have been used in Rocky Mountain National Park for some thirty years for trail maintenance and to haul out human waste from privies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVT3YOyCGIYvuE_bEovb4DifjOgtrcrJqcMwi8LIH3D-Ue7O9WAQfCwAJvKr9GANVBoRjbdydT5lAO_6N2Q0o277WPqgucjSnbHXSDnTcbNVfNKwtEgwhiLr4LuuyE2ZS-lA3ybfwCSQhh/s1600/llamas_walking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="690" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVT3YOyCGIYvuE_bEovb4DifjOgtrcrJqcMwi8LIH3D-Ue7O9WAQfCwAJvKr9GANVBoRjbdydT5lAO_6N2Q0o277WPqgucjSnbHXSDnTcbNVfNKwtEgwhiLr4LuuyE2ZS-lA3ybfwCSQhh/s400/llamas_walking.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Each week during the summer months, Beahm and a crew of llamas hike to the outhouses at the Longs Peak Boulder Field, Chasm Junction and Chasm Meadow or Gem Lake. There, Beahm shovels out the waste from the privies, dumps it in black trash bags and hoists them into packs draped over the sides of the llamas. Read the entire article here -</i> <a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2007/08/14/just-a-beautiful-day-gone-to-waste/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #f38a00; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s;" target="_blank">“Just a beautiful day gone to waste”.</a></div>
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Do Llamas Carry Disease?</h3>
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Some government agencies have voiced concerns that pack stock such as llamas and goats may pose a disease threat to wild animals. The weight of scientific evidence and studies to date demonstrate that llamas do not pose a disease threat to any wild animals including wild sheep.</div>
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Horses are not perceived as a disease threat to wild sheep and it seems reasonable for them to be accorded that status based on their taxonomic separation and history. That is the same separation and history that exonerates llamas. Horses are in the family Equidae; llamas are in the family Camelidae; and wild sheep are in the family Bovidae. The taxonomic separation of horses and llamas from wild sheep is important from a disease epidemiological standpoint because strong species barriers make disease transmission highly unlikely between Equidae/Camelidae and Bovidae. For more information on this go to <a href="https://packllamas.org/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #f38a00; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s;" target="_blank">packllamas.org</a>.</div>
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In conclusion, those who use llamas are thankful for their quiet companionship and willingness to "do the heavy lifting" without complaining. I like to think of llamas as a "backpack with four legs." People who have packed with llamas often decide not do it any other way again.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-74308371901419561382022-12-05T06:00:00.000-09:002022-12-08T08:39:48.762-09:00The American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners (AASRP) issues policy statement that opposes banning camelid pack animals on public lands<p>The American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners (AASRP), issued the following policy statement in February 2020. This policy statement comes from a professional association of approximately 1000 U.S. practicing, research, and regulatory veterinarians charged with protecting and guarding the health of the domestic and wild species. They understand better than anyone the disease interactions of each species both within and across species lines. </p><u><div><br /></div><div><u><a href="http://www.aasrp.org/about/policy_statements/Llama_Ban_rev2020.pdf" target="_blank">AASRP Policy Statement Concerning Camelid Pack Animal Disease Risk:</a><br /></u></div></u><div><br /></div><div><i>There exists concern that the entry of camelid pack animals (llamas, alpacas) onto public lands poses a
potential risk of disease to resident endangered or threatened ungulate populations including Boreal
Caribou, Northern Mountain Caribou, Central Mountain Caribou, Southern Mountain Caribou, Bighorn
Sheep, Mountain Goat, Dall’s Sheep, Stone’s Sheep and Roosevelt Elk. The diseases of concern by National
Parks and wildlife managers include: Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, Mannheimia
haemolytica, Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis, Pasteurella spp., contagious
ecthyma, bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and bluetongue virus. Transmission of pathogens from cattle
and sheep to wild ungulates under natural conditions has been well documented in the literature.
Examples include respiratory disease and fatal pneumonia following contact between domestic and
bighorn sheep (Schommer & Woolever, 2008), M. bovis from cattle to elk in Riding Mountain National
Park (Garde et al., 2009), and BVDV from cattle to deer (Passler & Walz, 2010). However, there have been
no peer-reviewed publications documenting pathogen transmission from camelids to wild ungulates or to
domestic sheep and goats for the pathogens of concern. The American Association of Small Ruminant
Practitioners is opposed to banning camelid pack animals on public lands until there is scientific
justification for this action.
Revised February 2020 </i></div><div><div><br /></div><div><div><u>Conclusion:</u></div><div>AASRP policy specifically addresses the disease pathogens cited in all three Canadian "risk assessments" being used by various public agencies as basis to ban pack camelids on public lands and notes there is no peer reviewed publications documenting pathogen transmission from camelids to wild ungulates or to domestic sheep and goats for the pathogens of concern. Therefore, it seems ill-advised to disregard the recommendations of this professional, science-based coalition of veterinarians when formulating public land management policies for National Parks or any public lands.</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-2157836278972842742022-12-04T10:40:00.000-09:002022-12-08T08:57:41.802-09:00Precautionary Principle and Pack Llamas<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZsO1vLji9yUeURC4D6HFq81zNhChuWwZzdDYipm-4GCTP8GTYUEYhV5cBow6hRKZuKRqgYhBDhuQS4IK_dbNdTb-Z5O1VUKLk4p8bnzQKZbLBons0IOqUw9Ln0IQo7KDtI4RgZq7IMa5/s1600/2019-09-23+22.18.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZsO1vLji9yUeURC4D6HFq81zNhChuWwZzdDYipm-4GCTP8GTYUEYhV5cBow6hRKZuKRqgYhBDhuQS4IK_dbNdTb-Z5O1VUKLk4p8bnzQKZbLBons0IOqUw9Ln0IQo7KDtI4RgZq7IMa5/s400/2019-09-23+22.18.35.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
The "precautionary principle" originated as a strategy to deal with possible risks where scientific understanding/study was not yet complete (i.e. nano technology and genetically modified foods.) However, the precautionary principle (precautionary approach) has also been used by policy makers to justify discretionary decisions in situations where there is a possibility of harm from making a certain decision when they deem there is inadequate scientific knowledge.<br />
<br />
<u>Why Should I Care?</u><br />
The danger is that a precautionary (no risk) principle/approach fails to recognize there is no such thing as zero risk. For example, a scientific risk assessment recognizes the existence of "risk" and attempts to quantify it. The objective is to determine the likelihood of something happening and the consequences. Although science can provide a high level of confidence it can never provide absolute certainty. The precautionary principle places an impossible burden of proof on the user group upon which it is imposed.<br />
<br />
A public agency can apply the precautionary argument to arbitrarily block any user group or any activity if there is even the slightest theoretical possibility of harm. Government agencies can then decide what is “safe” and what is “not safe enough” without any accountability as to whether their decisions actually reduce overall risk. “Precautionary” justifications are quick and easy. These justifications don’t require much (if any) research or even a fundamental understanding of the application of scientific principles. They are characteristic of scientific illiteracy. <a href="https://www.hoover.org/research/scientifically-illiterate-america">Scientifically Illiterate America</a> (by the Hoover Institution, Stanford)<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<u><b>Precautionary Principle Applied to Pack Llamas</b></u><br />
In the case of pack llamas, a zero risk policy or "precautionary approach" is not warranted or appropriate for several reasons. There is overwhelming scientific evidence to show llamas pose no more of a disease threat than horses which are the preferred pack stock by government agencies on our pubic lands. Furthermore zero risk/precautionary approach is not being applied equally to all user groups. In terms of disease risk, “the precautionary principle” is not an appropriate policy when it is selectively applied to a user group or activity without taking into consideration the same or similar risks presented by other uses (i.e. horses) and activities that are permitted without such restrictions.<br />
<br />
I will conclude with this poignant quote from Dr. Gregg P. Adams (DVM, MS, PhD, Diplomate ACT) - Professor of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK - <br />
<br />
<i>"In any risk assessment, the objective is to determine the probability of an event happening and the consequences of such an event. There is no such thing as a zero risk policy, and a zero-risk policy is not a legitimate argument to "strongly support a precautionary approach," if for no other reason than this approach is not being applied to all equally.<br /><br />If the BC Wildlife Branch does not prohibit horses, dogs and humans in the BC back country, the onus is on the Ministry to provide documentation for their decision to prohibit llamas. Perhaps they know something we don't. If so fine - let's see the evidence. if not, then the prohibition must be rescinded."</i><b></b><br />
<br />
<u>More reading:</u><br />
<a href="https://www.packllamas.org/pdf/akban/precautionary_principle_paper.pdf" target="_blank">Letter from Dr. LaRue Johnson</a> Professor emeritus at Colorado State University and recognized camelid expert for 30 years. Letter is in response to Canadian llama (camelid) ban based on precautionary principle.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-69578900930455262462022-12-02T09:18:00.000-09:002022-12-08T13:07:51.440-09:00Pack Llamas on Alaska's Public Lands<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOw8ldp1K3jXJuQ-eLDTCKUFfYEhwIBSsP8xbMrw9ewIlPcSRIGyUc6HxSEJ2WQBdFpUcrGi7QCGmJxV22O_ZlVBAEqvwqYJR-mfDFEQHiJUyw0UYUQ3nFXBcRD9o3Oj67JlhFn1j0wNY/w640-h480/Lost+Lake_exit-color+adj.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lost Lake Trail - Chugach National Forest, Alaska</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div><br /></div><div>Pack llamas have historically played an important role on our public lands by both recreational and commercial users. Low environmental impact has long been recognized as the pack llama’s advantage over traditional pack animals. For example, llamas do not have hooves but instead a leathery pad on the bottom of their foot. (The print left in the soil is quite
similar in appearance to that of an elk or deer.) Llama foot anatomy allows it's foot to spread on soft ground, thereby distributing weight over a larger area. Llamas are much smaller than most equine pack stock with the average pack llama weighing between 300-400 pounds.” </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Therefore it comes as no surprise that these sure-footed pack animals are used by public agencies for trail and park maintenance as they are in Rocky Mountain National Park. However, there has been a campaign of misinformation by special interest groups and subsequent proposals by government agencies to ban llamas from our public lands based on a perceived "disease threat" to wildlife that is not scientifically defensible. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>I. Proposed Llama Bans in Alaska by Agency (Past and Present)</b></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><u>Alaska Board of Game (BOG):</u></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;">In 2012, the Alaska Board of Game (BOG) took action to ban domestic goats, sheep, and llamas for use in hunting wild goats and sheep. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) reviewed the science behind the BOG action and recommended against inclusion of llamas. The BOG agreed with ADF&G and removed llamas from that regulation. To this day, pack llamas (camelids) are allowed on all state of Alaska public lands without restriction. </div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu26sjH-OcxT6HgRbDBCbJkOFrJFPcqFDtMA4S_ja9QfAQZCLjNXDB0tOn9n2O9eocl7cdD1ntC-a0qnGuAIiftRMWkT7iKJKKfxjjNOHn4pObjVWBuhJtnaXtsuSAq46ABOXu4YKsu5Ll/s2048/20200529_140959-enh.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu26sjH-OcxT6HgRbDBCbJkOFrJFPcqFDtMA4S_ja9QfAQZCLjNXDB0tOn9n2O9eocl7cdD1ntC-a0qnGuAIiftRMWkT7iKJKKfxjjNOHn4pObjVWBuhJtnaXtsuSAq46ABOXu4YKsu5Ll/w400-h231/20200529_140959-enh.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Arctic Valley, Chugach State Park<br /></i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><u>National Park Service (NPS):</u></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;">In January 2015 the National Park Service proposed a ban on domesticated sheep, goats, alpacas and llamas in all Alaska national park jurisdictions having wild sheep and/or goat populations. After a public comment period ended in February 2015, domesticated sheep and goats were banned, but the pack camelids (llamas and alpacas) were still allowed in Alaska’s national parks with written permission from Alaska’s park superintendents.<span face=""calibri" , sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/alaskadispatchcom/pack-llamas-get-ok-after_b_6968874.html">Pack Llamas Get OK After Proposed Ban in Alaska National Parks</a>.<br /><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><u>U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS):</u><br />In October, 2012, USFWS issued a revised Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP)followed by the 2015 ROD that banned llamas (along with domestic sheep and goats) as a disease threat to Dall’s sheep in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR.) A Canadian hypothetical risk assessment (Garde et al. 2005) was cited as the documentation supporting this action. Up until this point, pack llamas had been recognized as historical domestic pack animals (along with horses and mules) in ANWR. USFWS failed to notify the llama community of their proposal to prohibit pack llamas effectively eliminating any objections from the llama community to ban an historic (pack llama) user group from ANWR. More here on the <a href="https://www.alaskallamas.com/2020/05/response-to-usfws-proposal-to-ban-pack.html" target="_blank">Hypothetical Canadian RAs</a>.</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><br />In April 2020 the USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) put forth a comprehensive regulation package (50 CFR: 50 CFR § 36.39 (k) Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) in which it announced "additions and revisions to station-specific regulations in order to expand hunting and sport fishing opportunities for the 2020-21 hunting and sport fishing season." (As per their website, "the USFWS operates hunting and sport fishing programs on refuges to implement the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 directives to facilitate compatible priority wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities.") This most recent USFWS rulemaking included the ANWR pack llama (camelid) prohibition established in the 2015 ROD-Revised Comprehensive Conservation Plan. (More details here - <a href="http://usfws%20attempting%20to%20ban%20pack%20llamas%20in%20anwr/" target="_blank">USFWS Attempting to Ban Pack Llamas in ANWR</a>) </div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;">The public comment period for the recent comprehensive regulation package (related to hunting and fishing in refuges) ended June 8, 2020. The llama community participated in a public meeting providing expert testimony and comprehensive comments objecting to USFWS's pack llama prohibition.<b> </b>The comprehensive written comments and public testimony clearly demonstrated the USFWS perceived camelid "disease risk" was not supported by science. Furthermore various procedural errors and omissions (dating back to 2012) were documented in the public record. </div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The USFWS elected to ignore science and promulgated a final rule effective August 31, 2020 which prohibited the use of pack llamas (camelids) in ANWR. The llama organizations mounted a legal defense to reverse this decision by the USFWS. Here's a link to the final rule on the Federal Register -<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/31/2020-16003/2020-2021-station-specific-hunting-and-sport-fishing-regulations">https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/31/2020-16003/2020-2021-station-specific-hunting-and-sport-fishing-regulations</a></p></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><u>Bureau of Land Management (BLM):</u></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;">In December 2016, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) approved the Eastern Interior Resource Management Plan (EIRMP) which prohibits the pack llama (camelid) user group from accessing lands in or near Dall’s sheep habitat within the Eastern Interior Resource Management Area (RM)9A). Like the USFWS-ANWR rulemaking that preceded it, the llama community was unaware of any BLM proposed rulemaking concerning llamas so the rule became final without objection. <b>Subunits within the Eastern Interior RMA include Forty-mile, Steese, Draanjik and White Mountain. </b>For more information, read the article published in Alaska Outdoor Council (AOC) 2018 Spring Newsletter (Click on the link and go to page 6.) <a href="https://www.alaskaoutdoorcouncil.org/images/stories/newsletters/newsletter_spring_2018.pdf">Pack Animals Denied on BLM Lands in the Eastern Interior RMP.</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><br /></div><div>The BLM Central Yukon Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) & Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is currently open for public comment ending <b>March 10, 2021. </b><u>At issue is <span>BLM's proposal to hold camelids to a different standard than horses by allowing horses without a permit but requiring a permit for pack llamas in this BLM jurisdiction.</span> </u></div><div><br /></div><div><u>What Can I Do? </u>Submit a comment of objection to BLM by March 10th. Go to this link for information and details on how to submit comment -</div><div><a href="https://www.alaskallamas.com/2021/01/objectionscomments-needed-for-blm.html?m=1" target="_blank">https://www.alaskallamas.com/2021/01/objectionscomments-needed-for-blm.html?m=1</a><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><br /><u>Chugach National Forest (CNF):</u></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;">In 2019, Chugach National Forest (CNF) attempted to ban pack llamas for commercial use based on a perceived "disease threat" to wild sheep and goats. CNF "short circuited" the NEPA process by providing no public notice to eliminate commercial use of pack llamas when their Draft Chugach National Forest Land Management Plan was open for public comment in 2018. The verbiage to ban llamas was added into the Final Chugach National Forest Land Management Plan (CNFLMP) after the public comment period was closed which effectively eliminated comment by the pack llama user group. The pack llama user group was faced with protesting the final CNF decision – a much more onerous task.<br /><br />Also at issue was CNF's ban on commercial use of pack llamas based on the misperception that they pose a disease threat. This opens the door to eliminate them for all uses (including recreational) in the future. The "llama disease" misperception was discussed at length during a public meeting held January 14, 2020. CNF staff were unable to provide credible scientific research (old or new) for their pack llama prohibition based on a camelid disease risk to wildlife. To the contrary, it was apparent that overwhelming evidence exists demonstrating pack llamas pose no more of a disease threat (probably less) to wildlife than horses due to their taxonomic separation. However, CNF (and other federal agencies) place no restrictions on horses based on a hypothetical disease risk. <a href="https://www.alaskallamas.com/2020/01/update-on-cnf-january-14th-objections.html" target="_blank">(Public meeting discussion/details.)</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><br /><b>On January 28, 2020 Chugach National Forest (CNF) announced their decision to rescind the llama ban in Chugach National Forest. </b><a href="https://www.alaskallamas.com/2020/01/victory-cnf-llama-ban-rescinded.html" target="_blank">CNF Llama Ban Rescinded</a>. This was a significant "win" for the pack llama user group. The Record of Decision was signed in April 2020. As stated in an email communication dated 4/17/20 from Jeff Schramm, Forest Supervisor: "After 30 days, the Plan will be implemented and will guide all management decisions and activities on the Forest." The 2020 Land Management Plan and associated documents can be found on the Forest website at: <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/chugach/landmanagement/planning/?cid=stelprdb5408185">https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/chugach/landmanagement/planning/?cid=stelprdb5408185</a>.</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><u>Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G):</u></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;">In 2012, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) looked at the same Canadian studies (upon which BLM, CNF, USFWS and NPS based their decisions) and came to a completely different conclusion. This ADF&G position (llamas are OK in wild sheep and goat habitat) was reaffirmed again in 2018. As stated in the June 11, 2018 <a href="https://www.packllamas.org/pdf/akban/alaska_department_fish_game_to_gala_06-11-18.pdf" target="_blank">ADF&G Letter</a> - "at this time we have no intention to promote or support limiting the use of South American camelids on public land in the State of Alaska”.<br /><br />This decision was made by ADF&G despite the fact that they helped finance a subsequent camelid disease report (<a href="https://www.packllamas.org/pdf/akban/hidden/risk-assessment-for-use-of-camelids-in-backcountry_2017.pdf" target="_blank">CCH-17</a>) authored by the Canadian Centre for Coastal Health (CCH) and completed in 2017. The ADF&G letter states “there is no significant information in the RA. After discussing the document internally and with other biologists from several jurisdictions (including the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agency Wild Sheep Work Group - WSWG), we will continue to focus and enhance our evaluation of disease risk from species other than llamas or related camelids. There is not enough information presented in this report or other current publications to warrant spending additional resources on this issue.” Furthermore, the ADF&G letter states “we understand that the WSWG pulled the RA report from their website partially due to some concerns about the report itself.” It's also worth noting that CCH-17 has not undergone a formal peer review or been published in a scientific journal. A copy of the ADF&G letter is posted at this link: </div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><a href="https://www.packllamas.org/pdf/akban/alaska_department_fish_game_to_gala_06-11-18.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.packllamas.org/pdf/akban/alaska_department_fish_game_to_gala_06-11-18.pdf</a></div><br /><u><b>II.<span> </span>Historical Use of Pack Llamas in Lower 48 States</b></u><br /><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBbXqty3FwweDTZgiAg5cNkgFlccwCm_Iff_ezo3bRtRqBN_7eOH08Za6QWGtOnJCw70xHFXmiXpWKaiPlz4elfG1rL79rsOxloHkHV83RKvdo8AG8P4p9VaUBmcLHqrWw8fRlIBHh1wT/s1600/Llama+sign.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinBbXqty3FwweDTZgiAg5cNkgFlccwCm_Iff_ezo3bRtRqBN_7eOH08Za6QWGtOnJCw70xHFXmiXpWKaiPlz4elfG1rL79rsOxloHkHV83RKvdo8AG8P4p9VaUBmcLHqrWw8fRlIBHh1wT/s320/Llama+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Rocky Mountain National Park</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;">In contrast, pack llamas have a long history in national parks such as Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain which have sensitive wild sheep and/or goat habitat. Park personnel in Rocky Mountain National Park have been using llamas for packing and trail maintenance for over 30 years. For more on this go to this article - <a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2007/08/14/just-a-beautiful-day-gone-to-waste/">Just a Beautiful Day, Gone to Waste </a>(Denver Post). (Photo - RMNP)</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><br />The Shoshone National Forest Land Management Plan Revision FEIS Volume II states “Pack animals that do not pose disease transference issues including llamas, horses, donkeys, and assistance dogs are not restricted for use by elderly forest visitors.” </div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><u><b><span>III. </span>Taxonomic Separation and Disease Epidemiology of Llamas</b></u></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;">Facts concerning taxonomic separation and disease epidemiology of llamas are being disregarded by those advocating llama bans. Llamas are from the family Camelidae while wild sheep, domestic sheep, and goats are from the family Bovidae. Their evolutionary pathways diverged beginning 40 million years ago. Consequently, strong species barriers (similar to horses) make llamas extremely unlikely to transmit disease as compared to goats and sheep.</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;">Furthermore, science has shown that llamas are less likely to transmit disease to wildlife than other traditional pack stock such as horses or mules. Ironically traditional pack stock (horses and mules) are the preferred species by federal agencies. However, horses (equine species) are a greater disease risk to wildlife than llamas as they have a number of endemic disease susceptibilities (equine influenza, equine encephalomyelitis, equine herpesvirus rhinopneumonitis-EHV, Potomac Horse Virus, vesicular stomatitis, strangles, etc.) and are overall less healthy than llamas.<br /><br />On the other hand, llamas have no significant endemic diseases. Both llamas and horses have been pen-tested with wild sheep and demonstrated that they <u>do not carry or transfer</u> the pathogens that are lethal to wild sheep. However, horses are less healthy overall and can carry respiratory infections secondary to their primary endemic infections that could be transferrable to wild animal populations including wild sheep. Additionally, llamas have an exceptionally strong, broad spectrum immunologic system such that their serum is being considered in development of vaccines for humans that give a wider spectrum and more enduring protection. (See <a href="https://edgy.app/llama-gene-may-provide-cure-for-human-diseases" target="_blank">Antibody Derived From Llamas may Provide Cure for Human Diseases</a>.) All current information and history indicate llamas present less disease threat to wild sheep than traditional pack stock that develop zoonotic infections (TB, MAP, and CE) which can be transmitted to wild sheep.</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><u><b>IV.<span> The Llama Community's Response</span></b></u></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;">The North American llama community comprised of 3000+ llama owners and users represented by the Greater Appalachian Llama & Alpaca Association (GALA) formed an ad hoc Public Lands Access Committee to serve as a clearinghouse for camelid (llama and alpaca) disease information. Their website at <a href="http://www.packllamas.org/">www.packllamas.org</a> provides scientific resources concerning the perceived camelid disease issues and also documents the llama community's response to these unfounded proposals. This group of volunteers is fighting hard to retain public access for the llama user group. </div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><b><u>V.<span> Conclusion:</span></u></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;">Some government agencies are prohibiting pack llamas on Alaska's public lands due to a perceived "disease risk" hypothesis which is simply not supported by science. The danger is that these Alaskan government agencies may set a precedent that will ultimately cause a "ripple effect" and be applied on public lands nationwide. Pack llama owners in Arizona and Utah have already been denied commercial packing permits by federal agencies that are perceiving camelids as a wildlife disease threat. Therefore it's imperative that pack llama owners and anyone who uses our public lands remain vigilant. Make your voice heard through the public process to protect your right to access our public lands. If you care to volunteer and provide assistance with this effort, send me a message via the blog contact form or message me on Facebook. </div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;">***(Last Updated 1/14/21)***<br /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSKCGwHlr_xEOysmrFwBkB0busf2Iu_bb1IcMjDhTX4OmoGnI5TuwbqAyUSPNpOyvqZ04UyQKXFi62N7_RocgMukowxzSyeKy4TDfN_bC1LC5MGTKJ0pEWXJ5W-yWzhBw7C3ZuTBZ4fvg/w640-h352/Climb+above+Symph+Lk_resized.jpg" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Chugach State Park, Alaska (Photo by Linda Nuechterlein)</i></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;"><br /><u>Related reading at these links-</u></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;">-<a href="https://wildernessridgetrailllamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Impact-of-Llamas.pdf" target="_blank">The Impacts of Llamas as Hiking Companions</a> </div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;">-<a href="https://www.packllamas.org/pdf/akban/commentary_on_risk_assessment-final-5.pdf">Commentary on the History of Perceived “Llama Disease” Threats</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; tab-stops: 4.75in;">-<a href="http://helenair.com/lifestyles/recreation/article_539800ce-3186-512a-8f41-aecc9f747d97.html">Study looks at why Montana's bighorn sheep are still plagued by die-offs</a></div>-<a href="http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=pressreleases.pr&release=2018_06_15">Respiratory Pathogen "Movi" Documented in Additional Species in Alaska Is Also Implicated in Alaska Caribou Death - ADF&G Press Release </a><div>An earlier version of this article was published in the Llama Association of North America Spring (LANA) Newsletter -</div><div><a href="https://issuu.com/llamaassociationofnorthamerica/docs/lana_2020_spring_newsletter_pdf" target="_blank">LANA Spring 2020 Newsletter<br /></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-23188807103235203452022-12-01T12:37:00.000-09:002022-12-08T08:38:53.868-09:00The Canadian Papers - "Smoke and Mirrors?"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVYBUaOnPDOGRT9-jyZXL77KDwSTysjQCwcP4DNMffKHCvPnTe7c_SCr6N-k8faqWIqW0B2-WGgDFFNAcX2GPyv1iLVFa0932hBPACHxmR4qAHbijPDAaxoF5BVF-bqfKtsVzbQ_mWUx5/s2048/Arctic+Valley+Llama+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsVYBUaOnPDOGRT9-jyZXL77KDwSTysjQCwcP4DNMffKHCvPnTe7c_SCr6N-k8faqWIqW0B2-WGgDFFNAcX2GPyv1iLVFa0932hBPACHxmR4qAHbijPDAaxoF5BVF-bqfKtsVzbQ_mWUx5/w640-h360/Arctic+Valley+Llama+Photo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Canadian hypothetical risk assessments have been and are being used as a basis for banning pack llamas on public lands by various government agencies. Do they "pass muster" and are they based on science? Let's take a closer look.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">It
was stated during </span>the <span face="Calibri, sans-serif">August 5, 2021 BLM Virtual Meeting by BLM biologist (Jim Herriges)
that BLM’s decision to prohibit pack llamas is based on Canadian hypothetical
“Risk Assessments.” I’d like to point out that the authors of these
Canadian papers state (1) “…there is insufficient data available to
clearly assess the role of camelids as a source of disease at this time…..” and
(2) “Risks from camelids to wildlife in British Columbia remain hypothetical
after this risk assessment, as no direct evidence was found to implicate
camelids as sources of significant diseases in wildlife in BC or
elsewhere.” So by their own admission, the
authors conclude camelid disease transmission is hypothetical and based on
conjecture (not science) Furthermore, these papers have not been peer reviewed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">In
the email (below) co-author Helen Schwantje provides some critical insight
about the Canadian papers that further demonstrate why it is inappropriate to use these documents as a basis to ban or restrict the use of camelids based on
a disease risk to wild sheep.</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“The paper was not published and therefore not submitted for peer
review, it was simply a tool to direct decision making in BC.”<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">B.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The reported use of pack llamas in an area where an outbreak of
contagious ecthyma (CE) in mountain goats occurred was<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">anecdotal of course with no names or
records,”</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">C.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Both documents have
repeatedly been reported inaccurately, a disease risk assessment simply
describes risk, its up to the entity that is making a decision on that risk how
they use it.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Text below from an email of public record from Helen Schwantje- April 22, 2020 <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">________________________________________________________________</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">From:
Schwantje, Helen FLNR:EX [mailto:Helen.Schwantje@gov.bc.ca]<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sent:
Wednesday, April 22, 2020 2:32 PM<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Subject: RE:
Camelid Risk Assessment Question</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hi Philip,</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The document
you refer to was developed originally in 2003 in response to questions to me by
wildlife managers in BC who asked if the use of llamas in the backcountry
presented disease risk, to wild sheep in particular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time there was no comprehensive
assessment of camelid diseases and the potential for transmission to wildlife.
Therefore we hired an NGO with that expertise to perform a disease risk
assessment – see this set of guidelines that describe some of the manner in
which these RAs are routinely developed for wildlife health purposes. <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/2014-006.pdf">https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/2014-006.pdf</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The paper was
not published and therefore not submitted for peer review, it was simply a tool
to direct decision making in BC. The
final recommendations guided our management of llama backcountry use in parks
and protected areas and simply provided direction such as describing the degree
of risk and some methods to avoid them, ie permits requiring health inspections
and preventative measures such as worming and vaccination. With time and due to
further concerns as well as an outbreak of contagious ecthyma in mtn goats in a
remote area where reportedly llamas had been used (anecdotal of course with no
names or records), the risk assessment was repeated in 2017, again as a
contract to reassess the risk and to re-examine the literature. It also was not published but was provided as
an RA.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Both documents
have repeatedly been reported inaccurately, a disease risk assessment simply
describes risk, its up to the entity that is making a decision on that risk how
they use it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our case in BC, the RA
was part of the reason that the use of camelids is not allowed for the purposes
of hunting in part of northern BC.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I hope that
this helps.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Regards,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Helen<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Helen
Schwantje DVM, MSc</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Wildlife
Veterinarian/ Wildlife and Habitat Branch British Columbia Ministry of Forests,
Lands, Natural <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Resource
Operations and Rural Development<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2080 Labieux
Road<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Nanaimo, BC<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">V9T 6J9<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">BC wildlife
health website
www.gov.bc.ca/wildlifehealth<http://www.gov.bc.ca/wildlifehealth></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sent: April
22, 2020 2:19 PM</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To:
Schwantje, Helen FLNR:EX
<Helen.Schwantje@gov.bc.ca<mailto:Helen.Schwantje@gov.bc.ca>><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Subject:
Camelid Risk Assessment Question<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hi Dr.
Schwantje,</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I am a llama
owner in Alaska and have a question. Regarding the publication (that was
apparently submitted to the organization that you work for) entitled "Risk
Assessment on the use of South American Camelids for Back Country Trekking in
British Columbia" (Final Report October 24, 2017), was it peer reviewed
and if so what were the standards?</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thank you,</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">-Philip</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></i></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 107%; margin-left: 0.5in;"><b>So what is the significance of this email? </b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 107%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left;">In the above email dated April 22, 2020, Schwantje points out various issues with how her papers are being used by public agencies. She states (in her email) that the “paper” was not published, nor peer reviewed; is simply a tool for decision making in BC, Canada; and that “both documents have repeatedly been reported inaccurately.” <b>And interesting enough, this email reveals (in her own words) that evidence being used that lamas were in the area where an outbreak of CE occurred among wild mountain goats in Canada is merely “anecdotal of course with no names or records.”</b> This email further demonstrates that the basis of the llama disease threat purported in these Canadian papers is merely conjecture (not science) and that these documents should not be used by government agencies as a basis to ban llamas from U.S. public lands. <br /><br />Co-author Schwantje also refers to a follow-up Canadian hypothetical risk assessment that was completed in 2017 (CCH 17) which was partially funded by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). ADF&G concluded that CCH17 did not present any new information or substantiate a camelid disease threat to wild sheep or goats. ADF&G stated in a letter of public record dated June 11, 2018 to the Greater Appalachian Llama and Alpaca Association (GALA) that the Department’s position is as follows: “at this time we have no intention to promote or support limiting the use of South American camelids on public land in the State of Alaska.” ADF&G does not prohibit the use of pack llamas (camelids) for hunting in wild sheep or goat habitat.<br /><br />The American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners (AASRP), issued the following policy statement in February 2020. <i>There exists concern that the entry of camelid pack animals (llamas, alpacas) onto public lands poses a potential risk of disease to resident endangered or threatened ungulate populations including Boreal Caribou, Northern Mountain Caribou, Central Mountain Caribou, Southern Mountain Caribou, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, Dall’s Sheep, Stone’s Sheep and Roosevelt Elk. The diseases of concern by National Parks and wildlife managers include: Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, Mannheimia haemolytica, Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis, Pasteurella spp., contagious ecthyma, bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and bluetongue virus. Transmission of pathogens from cattle and sheep to wild ungulates under natural conditions has been well documented in the literature. Examples include respiratory disease and fatal pneumonia following contact between domestic and bighorn sheep (Schommer & Woolever, 2008), M. bovis from cattle to elk in Riding Mountain National Park (Garde et al., 2009), and BVDV from cattle to deer (Passler & Walz, 2010). However, there have been no peer-reviewed publications documenting pathogen transmission from camelids to wild ungulates or to domestic sheep and goats for the pathogens of concern. The American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners is opposed to banning camelid pack animals on public lands until there is scientific justification for this action. Revised February 2020. </i></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 107%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left;"><a href="Http://www.aasrp.org/about/policy_statements/Llama_Ban_rev2020.pdf">Http://www.aasrp.org/about/policy_statements/Llama_Ban_rev2020.pdf</a></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 107%; margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left;">The Canadian hypothetical risk assessments are at this link -<a href="http://www.packllamas.org" target="_blank">www.packllamas.org</a></p><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></i><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-86696498152265739372022-08-23T16:48:00.006-08:002022-08-26T18:41:00.457-08:00Alaskan Hiking Groups<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocMTkfPexZkvZvhqHz8OK4ksLTt2GdQUaBkM5FJxlrnsnnlBmBpogZGECOsxuuZZwMFkEnB9I4t_u_jb3XJk7VrCuzH_l9dfN1rsSc5IKvvDWeP0cT8h1V-cGA9E5t2MzIylGGvsXV6jA/s1600/Into+the+Mountains-lower.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1180" data-original-width="1600" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocMTkfPexZkvZvhqHz8OK4ksLTt2GdQUaBkM5FJxlrnsnnlBmBpogZGECOsxuuZZwMFkEnB9I4t_u_jb3XJk7VrCuzH_l9dfN1rsSc5IKvvDWeP0cT8h1V-cGA9E5t2MzIylGGvsXV6jA/s640/Into+the+Mountains-lower.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Get out and enjoy Alaska's long summer days with a hike. To find a hiking buddy, here's a list of Alaska hiking groups compiled from various Facebook posts, meetup groups and websites. The groups range from easy family-friendly to more challenging for experienced hikers. Some welcome anyone; others are women only and are geared for various ability levels. I included website and/or Facebook links if available. If you know of others, just send me a message and I will include.<br />
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<div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>FOR EVERYONE, VARIOUS ABILITIES</i></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Anchorage Trail Walkers</u></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u> </u>-</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="https://www.meetup.com/Anchorage-Trail-Walkers/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">https://www.meetup.com/Anchorage-Trail-Walkers/</a><br style="font-family: "Times New Roman";" /></span>Website says: "We get out 2-3 times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the day, usually at 10am."<i><br /></i></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><u>Kenai Peninsula Outdoor club on Meetup</u> (Very active - open to all</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div></div></div><div><u>Alaska Outdoors</u> <a href="http://alaska-outdoors.org/?page_id=222&fbclid=IwAR2_g7EQG9AiAbGgDbh68VsBUHLNSzaYAXlSWhB_5sZHCgVeLB-5j7el-Lg">http://alaska-outdoors.org/?page_id=222</a><br />As per website, hosts 2 hikes on Monday and Thursday year around.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>FOR WOMEN, VARIOUS ABILITY LEVELS</u></div><div><u>Alaskan Wild Women Hiking & Backpacking Group</u></div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.meetup.com/AlaskanWildWomen">https://www.meetup.com/AlaskanWildWomen</a></div>Website states: "This is a group for the ladies of Alaska to get together for all things hiking and backpacking as well as other outdoors adventures too. We will have fun trekking throughout South Central Alaska and also getting together for other planned events such as trip planning sessions, meet and greets, and trail recipe swaps and whatever else we want. All experience levels are welcome."</div><div><br />
<u>Women Who Hike Alaska</u> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/284961021989141/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/284961021989141/</a><br />
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<u> Hike Like A Woman Alaska:</u> Typically women only, but may host “family style” events where everyone is welcome. All skill levels, though the hikes will vary in difficulty <span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<u>Thick Chicks with Hiking Sticks</u> (slower pace) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/thickchickshike2/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/thickchickshike2/ </a><br />
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<u>She Hikes - Matsu / Anchorage</u> (females only, moderate/difficult hikes, faster paced)<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/127009304685202/?ref=gs&fref=gs&dti=1938095049810955&hc_location=group">https://www.facebook.com/groups/127009304685202/</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/127009304685202/?ref=gs&fref=gs&dti=1938095049810955&hc_location=group"></a> (Anchorage) <br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/136053427148202/?ref=gs&fref=gs&dti=1938095049810955&hc_location=group">https://www.facebook.com/groups/136053427148202/</a> (Matsu)<br />
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<u>Women Who Explore Alaska </u>- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/306953139806029/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/306953139806029/</a><br />
Facebook page states: </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><i>"</i>Our mission at Women Who Explore is to inspire every woman to get outdoors, to try something new, to push boundaries and to help check off your bucket list<i>. </i>We are not experts, nor are we superior athletes. We are regular women who love to get outdoors." <i> </i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><u>Women Hiking Here and There</u><i> -</i></span><i style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-sitsrlxw/" target="_blank">https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-sitsrlxw/</a></i></div><div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><i>(Baby Toddler Groups)</i></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><u>Hike it baby </u>- lots of different areas - 5 miles or less, hiking with baby/toddlers</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://hikeitbaby.com/" target="_blank">https://hikeitbaby.com/</a> <br /><u>Anchorage-Matsu Tiny Trekkers </u>- Families with kids of all ages, kid-paced <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/tinytrekkers/?ref=gs&fref=gs&dti=1938095049810955&hc_location=group">https://m.facebook.com/groups/1141463852548308?ref=share</a></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>(General Fitness/Outdoor Activities which may include hiking.)</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><u style="font-family: inherit;">Hiking Groups in Anchorage (webpage)</u></div><div><u style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.meetup.com/topics/hiking/us/ak/anchorage/" target="_blank">https://www.meetup.com/topics/hiking/us/ak/anchorage/</a><br /></u></div><div><u style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></u></div><div><u style="font-family: inherit;">Outdoors & Adventure Groups in Anchorage </u></div><div><u style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.meetup.com/cities/us/ak/anchorage/outdoors-adventure/">https://www.meetup.com/cities/us/ak/anchorage/outdoors-adventure/</a></u></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Buddy Up - Find a Fitness Partner or Group</u></div><div><a href="https://www.meetup.com/buddy-up-find-a-fitness-partner-or-group/" target="_blank">https://www.meetup.com/buddy-up-find-a-fitness-partner-or-group/</a><br /></div>Website states: "Anyone that wants to make fitness part of their life. Anyone that wants to inspire others to stick with it and encourages them to reach their fitness goals."</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><u>AK Outdoor Activities-</u></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-botgfrxc/" target="_blank">https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-botgfrxc/AK Outdoor Activities</a><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><u>Anchorage Adventures</u> -<a href="https://www.meetup.com/AnchorageAdventurers/">https://www.meetup.com/AnchorageAdventurers/</a><br />Website states:<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> "</span></span>We host a wide spectrum of outdoor activities. Many of our events require strong safety awareness, good personal fitness, advanced skills, and quality outdoor gear. Our core participants are older adults (age thirty and up) with a fair amount of outdoor experience. We are not geared toward beginners or those just thinking about getting fit. Our events are generally not suitable for children."</div><div><br /></div></div><div><i><span style="font-family: calibri;">***</span>I am not endorsing these groups - just providing info so you can find the hiking group that's right for you. Happy Trails!*** </i></div><div><i>(Updated 8/23/22)</i></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: calibri;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><b><u>More Reading:</u></b></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/five_ways_hiking_is_good_for_you?fbclid=IwAR08A-e8FdtaolHyvmrIYqbGcLOAH_BSaSTv7G5IPJpCbR3qVhe4Fn_Nb7I#.Xlfdvze9Tic.facebook" target="_blank">Five Ways Hiking Is Good for You</a>.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/trails/benefits-of-hiking.htm" target="_blank">Benefits of Hiking</a></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><a href="https://bearfoottheory.com/benefits-of-hiking/" target="_blank">Eleven Benefits of Hiking...</a></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/hiking-brain-benefits" target="_blank">How Hiking Benefits Your Brain</a></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/29/us/hiking-tips-national-parks.html" target="_blank">Safety Tips for Hikers</a></span><br /></div>
</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-86052222521144248322022-08-06T23:13:00.007-08:002022-08-11T17:58:37.744-08:00Did You Know (DYK) - Llamas Have Fighting Teeth?<div>Because llamas are herbivores, which means they eat exclusively plant materials such as grass, hay, shrubs - their teeth are mainly designed for crushing, grinding, and juicing their food. They do not feed on meat and other tough materials like nuts or shells. </div><div><br /></div><div>Llamas use their teeth the same way goats, cows, camels and sheep do. They cut grass from the ground using their sharp-edged incisors and dental pad, tear them, and push them towards the cheek teeth or the grinding teeth to further be chewed. Llamas are not true ruminants but are “pseudo ruminants” even though they have a similar digestive system as that of ruminants. Like ruminants, llamas are often spotted chewing because they regurgitate their food and chew it repeatedly before digesting.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-Gj3hMA3UCFQvq9RtCUXQ31AH7X_vwLM4bDNN6-gmPruDJ9IaVzv5LFRhbTm-XETmfsMIk4WBMpXkjsVzdG307EAMia6-_gRP3kJnpYCNYgjoDsTAmIlk0VZBN1F96gEbs_tnnez8QzKER_r1P9Fxt-NjzPMJnGqZAGSDY6SpON4hrVtUVjHn8ldiA/s526/Llama%20fighting%20teeth%20photo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="526" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-Gj3hMA3UCFQvq9RtCUXQ31AH7X_vwLM4bDNN6-gmPruDJ9IaVzv5LFRhbTm-XETmfsMIk4WBMpXkjsVzdG307EAMia6-_gRP3kJnpYCNYgjoDsTAmIlk0VZBN1F96gEbs_tnnez8QzKER_r1P9Fxt-NjzPMJnGqZAGSDY6SpON4hrVtUVjHn8ldiA/w400-h400/Llama%20fighting%20teeth%20photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Llamas and alpacas are camelids, and camelids do not have front teeth in their upper jaws. This is why when you take a closer look at a chewing llama, you will notice that only its lower jaw has visible teeth. In place of the upper front teeth is a toothless, rubbery plate or dental pad that aids them in chewing. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Llamas have three pairs of incisors or front teeth located only at their bottom jaw. Followed by these incisors are one to two pairs of premolars, and three pairs of molars collectively called “cheek teeth”. They are located both at the top and bottom mandible. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>What makes a llama’s dental structure unique is a set of fighting teeth that looks like fangs, composed of modified canines and incisors. </b>Intact male llamas possess two pairs of fighting teeth on their upper jaw and one pair at the lower jaw. (See photo above by Alpaca Dental Services.)</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>To prevent injury to other llamas, a male llama's fighting teeth need to be trimmed. The video below by Wilderness Rigde Trail Llamas demostrates how to do this.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vEBx8Wgxy8o" width="320" youtube-src-id="vEBx8Wgxy8o"></iframe></div><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-13642874423164616422022-08-03T08:47:00.062-08:002022-08-04T18:57:01.843-08:00Hike the Root Glacier - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Kinnikinnick.1/posts/pfbid029UDaN4ysi6uUbJFEixcc79Qj2MYLSrJRybzgmRffZPhshnmcgfwpUXnneqa1chWAl" target="_blank"></a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyPPBzlLBeYdlH5HQHSO9Tt5MtnTILtSkYDh-q4nI-3hbXyhPON-LjJpCv__VUUAFzCnCGCYYommpm1u1qj2tn29oumOIhbV3g9LN90zKqRKroN8GxkUENpVeMi3w9gy3eDcuT1v_B1DCyid-uX-yn3gDT2-VRqylUu0tK_fxy2nSvfBU6Zw6UE4x-A/s3771/2019-08-17%2017.53.31.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2121" data-original-width="3771" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyPPBzlLBeYdlH5HQHSO9Tt5MtnTILtSkYDh-q4nI-3hbXyhPON-LjJpCv__VUUAFzCnCGCYYommpm1u1qj2tn29oumOIhbV3g9LN90zKqRKroN8GxkUENpVeMi3w9gy3eDcuT1v_B1DCyid-uX-yn3gDT2-VRqylUu0tK_fxy2nSvfBU6Zw6UE4x-A/w640-h360/2019-08-17%2017.53.31.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><u><br /></u></div><div><u><b>Why I Like This Hike:</b></u></div>Non-technical glacier hike suitable for most skill levels with great views of Mt. Blackburn, Regal Mountain, and Donaho Peak. This trail is generally rated easy / intermediate due to its grade and creek crossings. You can safely hike the glacier on your own with micro-spikes (or take the glacier tour and they will provide crampons.) This is an incredible glacier hike and well worth it if you (and your vehicle) can survive the drive from Chitna,<div><br /><div><b><u>Google Maps Driving Directions</u> - <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir//Kennicott,+McCarthy,+AK+99566/@61.4863882,-142.895165,15z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x56b3822eb1cd8d0d:0x8631e8dc788d4d86!2m2!1d-142.8863888!2d61.4863889!3e0" style="text-decoration-line: underline;" target="_blank">Kennecott-McCarthy</a></b></div><div><a href="https://www.nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/directions-mccarthy-rd-and-kennecott.htm" target="_blank">Directions to McCarthy Road & Kennecott</a></div><div><br /></div><u><b>Note:</b></u><div>This trail departs from Kennecott Mill Town and you must access Kennecott from McCarthy by either walking the road between McCarthy and Kennecott (an extra 4.5 miles), taking the commercial shuttle, or riding a bike. <b> If you plan to take the shuttle (recommended) be sure to check the schedule as it operates seasonally. </b></div><div><br /></div><div>According to the NPS website: <i>There are 3 shuttle companies providing services between the pedestrian footbridge, McCarthy and Kennecott, with multiple stops in between. Each company has its own schedule and pricing and runs approximately every hour to 1/2 hour. Shuttle company contact information can be found on the sign at the footbridge, at the end of the McCarthy Road. </i><i><a href="https://www.nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/shuttle-services.htm" target="_blank">Shuttle Services</a></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><u><b>The Basics:</b></u><div>To access the trail from the Kennecott Visitor Center, walk through the Kennecott Mill Town, north towards the Root Glacier. About a half-mile beyond the visitor center, the road will split. Take the left hand trail. The trail will soon cross over Bonanza Creek and then wind its way through the lateral moraines of the Kennicott and Root Glaciers. After about a mile the trail curves sharply to the right and uphill, follow the trail to cross Jumbo Creek on the footbridge. After approximately another 1/4 mile, the trail reaches the Root Glacier access trail. (Primitive campsites, along with an outhouse and food lockers, are available in this area.) </div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxagWTSp1QPKGdjPbaK6cSg43wezk3lssBKG0hLWYk6sk3n3YBT-xgaqqhLHqIzJ-G3VJDQA2mOgyNVuofQyt__4q3L0mNVy2sIlvwJSl8Kah9p-PGZKuPasIRnSZaeM3VhhF5ycHItfzMqiE8klkFJqASXwEv-bbcN5V0dnvgnVjRlBR5WPvHrSFhA/s5020/20190804_120844_Root%20Glacier.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2974" data-original-width="5020" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxagWTSp1QPKGdjPbaK6cSg43wezk3lssBKG0hLWYk6sk3n3YBT-xgaqqhLHqIzJ-G3VJDQA2mOgyNVuofQyt__4q3L0mNVy2sIlvwJSl8Kah9p-PGZKuPasIRnSZaeM3VhhF5ycHItfzMqiE8klkFJqASXwEv-bbcN5V0dnvgnVjRlBR5WPvHrSFhA/w640-h381/20190804_120844_Root%20Glacier.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div> <br />
To access the glacier, turn left at the sign and follow the trail as it winds down the moraine to the toe of the glacier. If you decide to walk on the glacier, use caution as the ice can be very slippery. The main trail continues past the turn to the glacier paralleling the glacier for approximately 2+ more miles. Near the end, Erie Mine bunkhouse is visible high above on the hillside to the right of the trail, the Root Glacier is below on the left, and the Stairway Icefall is further up valley.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDi8-hWUckevqFt-ypKssDv4Gkzqhl6L2sviB5M5nS4GSsVDansHvEPLRKllE0dNGLCqbKzq60LUQC_KyTsL7Ut7zU75N482VqRooGO7-_xllxiUy6MfS8qazl-0xN9cb1kc1J-b8TCWDyDL8nUTBrFDRB7RUPlLm024J4FKRq1slJ4IcLfdbZZNXRQ/s5312/20190804_143155.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2988" data-original-width="5312" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDi8-hWUckevqFt-ypKssDv4Gkzqhl6L2sviB5M5nS4GSsVDansHvEPLRKllE0dNGLCqbKzq60LUQC_KyTsL7Ut7zU75N482VqRooGO7-_xllxiUy6MfS8qazl-0xN9cb1kc1J-b8TCWDyDL8nUTBrFDRB7RUPlLm024J4FKRq1slJ4IcLfdbZZNXRQ/w640-h360/20190804_143155.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Although the NPS does not require you to hire a guide to explore the Root Glacier, it can be very slippery so it is recommended to wear crampons or ice spikes on your shoes. Otherwise there are guided tours available where crampons will be provided. Avoid crevices and walking along the edge of Root Glacier as rotting ice and swift, cold water are potentially dangerous. </div><div><br /></div><div>For more details on hiking the glacier, check the links below or the guide books. </div><div><a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/root-glacier.htm" target="_blank">Root Glacier</a></div><div><a href="https://www.nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm" target="_blank">Backpacking Wrangell-St. Elias NP</a></div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>Since you drove the 60 miles of rough road from Chitina to McCarthy, you will also want to checkout the historic Kennecott Mine. </b>The road ends at the footbridge so you will need to take the shuttle to the mine (about 4.5 miles.) The NPS has been restoring some original buildings (with interpretive displays inside) which you can now enter at no charge. You can't enter the Mill Building unless you take the tour so don't miss this, it's well worth it. There's a private campground and parking at the footbridge.<b> A</b> <b>word of caution, if you drive the unimproved road from Chitina to McCarthy, be sure to bring at least one good spare and tire repair kit.</b> Flat tires are a common occurrence. </div></div></div></div><div><div class="_5pbx userContent _3576" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-testid="post_message" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 6px;"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_62eb247e88cff3514175860" style="display: inline;"><b>For more on Kennecott, go to links & Facebook page below. (More detailed information with each FB picture.)</b></div></div><div class="_5pbx userContent _3576" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-testid="post_message" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 6px;"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" style="display: inline;"><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/kennecott-mines.htm">Kennecott Mines, Historic Mining Town</a><br /><a href="https://www.nps.gov/wrst/learn/historyculture/kennecott-mines-national-historic-landmark.htm">Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark, Exhibits</a></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="761" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKinnikinnick.1%2Fposts%2Fpfbid029UDaN4ysi6uUbJFEixcc79Qj2MYLSrJRybzgmRffZPhshnmcgfwpUXnneqa1chWAl&show_text=true&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe></p></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-6976668808158668242022-07-15T09:44:00.000-08:002022-09-03T22:15:56.370-08:00FAQ - Do Llamas Attract Bears?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEzqZFb5VF0TRYlJlgmnKcHEZFfGxF4aNf1MxxBKNzpnsdTYPmDzrhaSg1DZYonh4rGOKAPufiaZMLpP5xEaxvywtp__tjAkLRI8wPgCmrKFTyS2eV4RLyZLlowd33HHXu5dIsPRZ-bqo/s1600/Bear+Sign_SF+Parking+lot.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="275" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEzqZFb5VF0TRYlJlgmnKcHEZFfGxF4aNf1MxxBKNzpnsdTYPmDzrhaSg1DZYonh4rGOKAPufiaZMLpP5xEaxvywtp__tjAkLRI8wPgCmrKFTyS2eV4RLyZLlowd33HHXu5dIsPRZ-bqo/s400/Bear+Sign_SF+Parking+lot.jpg" width="343" /></a></div><div><b>Bear Busters!</b></div><div><br /></div>"Do llamas attract bears?" This is a frequently asked question (FAQ), especially during the summer months. Bears have been known to attack llamas but our experience has been that llamas don't attract bears anymore
than other pets or pack stock.<br />
<br />
<b>In fact the llama's "alarm call" may
act as a good deterrent for bears. </b> Llamas are instinctively alert and aware
of their surroundings, and usually draw attention to an intruder by making a startling "alarm call" when it
senses danger. A llama is usually aware of a bear long before we can see or hear it and will let off their "alarm call" when the unwanted intruder is around. Click on the YouTube link to hear our Raul llama making an alarm call - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8VAySdgYwA" target="_blank">Llama Alarm Call</a> <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d8VAySdgYwA" width="320" youtube-src-id="d8VAySdgYwA"></iframe></div><br />
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However, I would not recommend leaving llamas tied out unattended while camping. In that situation llamas would not be able to defend themselves from predators such as bears or even an aggressive dog. Even in suburban areas such as Anchorage, there are both brown and black bears. We have used an electric fence for many years that works well to keep the bears and other predators away.</div>
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<div>
In Alaska hikers and walkers should always be "bear aware" and take some type of bear deterrent, whether that be bear spray or a gun. The debate goes on as to which is more effective against a bear. Here's an interesting article on the effectiveness of bear spray - <a href="https://www.outsideonline.com/1899301/shoot-or-spray-best-way-stop-charging-bear" target="_blank">Shoot or Spray? The Best Way to Stop a Charging Bear</a>. And of course no deterrent is effective if not readily available. So whatever you choose as a bear deterrent, be sure you can easily access it when needed. This ADN article provides helpful information on how to effectively use bear spray<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">. </span><a href="https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2018/05/04/got-bear-spray-heres-how-to-make-sure-you-use-it-right/">How to Use Bear Spray Effectively. </a></div>
<br />
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game website has some good tips on bear safety when traveling in bear country-<br />
<ul>
<li>Make noise so you don't surprise a bear. Stay alert and look for signs of bears. </li>
<li>Never approach or crowd bears; respect their "personal space." </li>
<li>Keep food, garbage and other attractants out of reach of bears. </li>
<li>Stay calm during a bear encounter, talk and wave your arms. Don't run.</li>
</ul><div>For more info, go to the ADF&G website (excerpt below) - <a href="https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=livingwithbears.main" target="_blank">ADF&G website - Living With Bears</a></div><div><span style="font-size: xx-large;">Living With Bears</span></div><div><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; border-color: black; border-image: initial; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"><img alt="brown bear and two cubs" class="imageright width-200-block" height="246" src="https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/species/livingwithwildlife/bears/images/brownbear_and_cubs.jpg" style="border: 1px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; float: right; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 4px 13px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" width="200" /></span></span><i><span style="font-family: times;">One thing that makes Alaska unique is that all three species of North American bears flourish here. It is not uncommon for residents or visitors to Alaska to see bears, usually from a safe distance. But even if you don't see a bear, you will never be far from one; Alaska is bear country.<br /><br />By learning about the lives of <a href="https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=blackbear.main">black bears</a>, <a href="https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=brownbear.main">brown bears</a> (including grizzly), or <a href="https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=polarbear.main">polar bears</a>, you will enhance your enjoyment of these species and help minimize human-bear conflicts. Whether you are learning about bears for the purpose of hunting, viewing, traveling safely, or deterring bears from your property, the more you know the better.</span></i></p></div><div>More Reading:</div><div><a href="http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/?adfg=livingwithbears.bearcountry">The Essentials for Traveling in Alaska's Bear Country.</a></div>
<a href="https://www.adn.com/outdoors-adventure/2018/06/04/afraid-of-bears-there-are-far-more-dangerous-things-in-the-alaska-outdoors/">Afraid of bears? There are far more dangerous things in the Alaska outdoors</a><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-56197574800644528092022-07-08T15:06:00.167-08:002022-08-02T19:20:02.317-08:00Rabbit Lake via Upper Canyon Rd.<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJKWlUQ4COSI7ywI2H4z-J8CIkHw1ONmSI1R-2emjxxGvf4u3MdJIyA9_UCNoU1BWGz1KyHvOvK9ANBxRFyEy3yFrcia57ezbF8HFDzg-Fo1Ipydsmz1Id-tGgvisM8ZHwDvJmEHFxjvxOygasQve-qeuM2jGa5gpjFAAsKO1JzulVxTFd2NJeBV2IQ/s4993/Rabbit%20Lake_Cannon-IMG_2082.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2886" data-original-width="4993" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJKWlUQ4COSI7ywI2H4z-J8CIkHw1ONmSI1R-2emjxxGvf4u3MdJIyA9_UCNoU1BWGz1KyHvOvK9ANBxRFyEy3yFrcia57ezbF8HFDzg-Fo1Ipydsmz1Id-tGgvisM8ZHwDvJmEHFxjvxOygasQve-qeuM2jGa5gpjFAAsKO1JzulVxTFd2NJeBV2IQ/w640-h370/Rabbit%20Lake_Cannon-IMG_2082.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><u>Why I Like This Hike:</u><div>This is a quintessential Alaskan hike, family friendly and suitable for most skill levels. It's about 4.4 miles to Rabbit Lake, a large beautiful alpine lake some 3,000 feet above sea level in the shadow of 5,000-foot Suicide peaks. Once at the lake, the hiker has a number of options including hiking, camping and climbing nearby peaks. This trek is a short drive from Anchorage and can be hiked in all seasons depending on weather.<div><div><u>Google Driving Directions:</u><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"> <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir//Upper+Rabbit+Creek%2FRabbit+Lake+Trailhead,+Canyon+Rd,+Anchorage,+AK+99516/@61.0795745,-149.6802599,17z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x56c8853470619d9b:0x720f0f1766056bb!2m2!1d-149.6780712!2d61.0795745!3e0">Rabbit Lake Trailhead</a></span></div></div><br /><b>This hike is extremely popular during the summer so be advised that parking can be very limited at the Upper Canyon Road trailhead.</b><div> <br /><div><u>Overview:</u></div><div>There are two main routes to <b>Rabbit Lake</b>, the easier is from Upper Canyon Road off DeArmoun. The longer and steeper route starts from the McHugh Creek trailhead. You can hike to Rabbit Lake in a day (out and back) from either trailhead or as a one-way "through" hike. This post will describe the day hike from the Upper Canyon Road trailhead.</div><div><br /></div><div>Click on link for a State of Alaska, DNR <a href="https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/maps/mchughrabbitlakeguide.pdf" target="_blank">Map of Rabbit Lake Trail</a><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkVSnfaXS_8NgmLWIEFMGYkQ4oI8MSsiK1iY-I_N62TW_Y-fpkPOvn0twCP4MeOo5HLWl1qJWZSKvMjFIpBvx9oyHM9A6Rb-JvPPqSUBIdSGGZQoIeNxa5UjatHnssROiDJEgMpzZPOA7OWkYQ7YXyg3B5WirpACwvkavGeXZA9J1HG1iX4v9FH_0Qg/s2650/2022-07-08%2009.24.10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1788" data-original-width="2650" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkVSnfaXS_8NgmLWIEFMGYkQ4oI8MSsiK1iY-I_N62TW_Y-fpkPOvn0twCP4MeOo5HLWl1qJWZSKvMjFIpBvx9oyHM9A6Rb-JvPPqSUBIdSGGZQoIeNxa5UjatHnssROiDJEgMpzZPOA7OWkYQ7YXyg3B5WirpACwvkavGeXZA9J1HG1iX4v9FH_0Qg/w640-h432/2022-07-08%2009.24.10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Nitty-Gritty:</u></div></div><div><div>The trail to Rabbit Lake begins at the end of the steep Upper Canyon Road. <b>The trailhead is located beyond the gate at the upper end of the parking area. You will pass the Flattop Sunnyside Trail. (</b>See graphic below.)</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYikjrj_hR-otZoXmeKLjLx0WJ1u6bcv_yLoGfS3J_isNEm7M45mzETEgtrgG-US6HNMqyd8X1HBA2LfD-7lInJTrXx5m5EnebrvMnwLbVgHxXDYhnd7P3Qh3-NEe00XLUYkXlDqmHKp0HUC4oTUgDtiuapTiXWRuvITimZiNOWvFxaEHR7XZmJs84g/s1301/img_1_1657414131898.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1301" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYikjrj_hR-otZoXmeKLjLx0WJ1u6bcv_yLoGfS3J_isNEm7M45mzETEgtrgG-US6HNMqyd8X1HBA2LfD-7lInJTrXx5m5EnebrvMnwLbVgHxXDYhnd7P3Qh3-NEe00XLUYkXlDqmHKp0HUC4oTUgDtiuapTiXWRuvITimZiNOWvFxaEHR7XZmJs84g/w266-h320/img_1_1657414131898.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>In fact, most of the trail is a continuation of the old road bed as it winds its way up the valley to the lake gradually climbing 1,300 feet. Near the end of this climb, you’ll finally end up on top of a knoll above the last trees. At this point you’ll have a view of Rabbit Lake, still some two miles away. The lake fills almost the entire upper end of the valley below the rock-walled summits of North Suicide Peak (elev. 5065 ft.) and South Suicide Peak (elev. 5005 ft.). </div><div><br /></div><div>Drop onto the flats on the far side of this knoll and follow Rabbit Creek up the valley to reach Rabbit Lake. Be prepared for weather changes along these last few miles. Winds can pour through Windy Gap at the head of the valley between the two Suicide peaks making for very rapid changes in temperature. While relaxing by the lake, take a moment to soak up the views as you now sit some 3,000 feet above sea level in the shadow of two near-sheer faces of the 5,000-foot Suicide peaks.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TXwNlDjUR8n0fq9THTEAXxZdX-OVIUprqkgLMB0aiwPFPxrEDq13GBsCTJewE-ZF7puxbIKBT9Oku3f0hiri4vew2G6QqN0KB6YaHYjVhmHgQnwt4sUznpZT0ZtrR-Shz9FFUJ3ek6aSGnPgT6Od4yv8qk3-4-gIBPfaOrxi18R9TepHg2IcvTGWpw/s1451/2021-08-03%2008.51.24-crop2_MS-best.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1451" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TXwNlDjUR8n0fq9THTEAXxZdX-OVIUprqkgLMB0aiwPFPxrEDq13GBsCTJewE-ZF7puxbIKBT9Oku3f0hiri4vew2G6QqN0KB6YaHYjVhmHgQnwt4sUznpZT0ZtrR-Shz9FFUJ3ek6aSGnPgT6Od4yv8qk3-4-gIBPfaOrxi18R9TepHg2IcvTGWpw/w640-h350/2021-08-03%2008.51.24-crop2_MS-best.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Options:</u></div><div>Just over the low pass on the far side of Rabbit Creek lies McHugh Creek Trail. This leads you a short way down to McHugh Lake, and then all the way down that valley to the McHugh Creek Picnic Area. For other hiking/climbing options in the area, such as the Suicide and McHugh peaks, check the guide books. My "go-to is "<i>50 Hikes in Alaska's Chugach State Park"</i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgaLaPKq9zOf_Yvbm_A7vO43AWgZoiPeM8Ghj_pvHlNBmxaLPM6kPrvnmUJ_U38Xf3lZVqdqZQpjcOpCetJFDLhX6VNYuMlj6DGsveExUGACjdHP10RTgCbkJF--y2C7cBVkXBpELLHTZsrBRgmiQnF8cZPKWbD6ReAm3w4rt_sl4nu13oTZ_6CV6AQ/s3771/2021-08-03%2008.52.58.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><i><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="2121" data-original-width="3771" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgaLaPKq9zOf_Yvbm_A7vO43AWgZoiPeM8Ghj_pvHlNBmxaLPM6kPrvnmUJ_U38Xf3lZVqdqZQpjcOpCetJFDLhX6VNYuMlj6DGsveExUGACjdHP10RTgCbkJF--y2C7cBVkXBpELLHTZsrBRgmiQnF8cZPKWbD6ReAm3w4rt_sl4nu13oTZ_6CV6AQ/w320-h181/2021-08-03%2008.52.58.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></div><p></p><p><i><u style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></u></i></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: right; font-family: "Times New Roman"; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: right; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZ3rfmBi7A3YLuD6VFQYqfpleCfelwha6g4NTY_WxS1b2kJ__kt4fvNr8ZJ6Sddh5HZVnXuc4wz09UgmkvB5uFjPISGR9-Iusf_Ltigp4IMzaaisAte8jiVjPdVu7R8BoEaetvZZP7XqOElGZe0l8bPjz82bBhrvxL7hUqpwSGbe_XNi8ZnIO03ecIg/s2627/2022-07-08%2009.15.33.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1772" data-original-width="2627" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZ3rfmBi7A3YLuD6VFQYqfpleCfelwha6g4NTY_WxS1b2kJ__kt4fvNr8ZJ6Sddh5HZVnXuc4wz09UgmkvB5uFjPISGR9-Iusf_Ltigp4IMzaaisAte8jiVjPdVu7R8BoEaetvZZP7XqOElGZe0l8bPjz82bBhrvxL7hUqpwSGbe_XNi8ZnIO03ecIg/w307-h190/2022-07-08%2009.15.33.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="307" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Time-out for "Llama Selfies"</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-2491950460924174322022-07-03T11:04:00.015-08:002022-07-18T10:29:46.608-08:00Twin Peaks Trail to Eklutna Overlook<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwORnsL6VamTSaWdawUprx0NLMXsbx_A7K925C99bqEcBJV8F2v3ArSWH9AxAIHtInFSQ6OVtddsh8j1K05MePKDQn8kSOSKTPva8wOn7wmf5RFB5uXeMPjW4KbL1vl1UqpEOtTLpq7OJ/s2048/Twin+Peaks_Eklutna+Overlook_MS+Final_Pristina+36.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwORnsL6VamTSaWdawUprx0NLMXsbx_A7K925C99bqEcBJV8F2v3ArSWH9AxAIHtInFSQ6OVtddsh8j1K05MePKDQn8kSOSKTPva8wOn7wmf5RFB5uXeMPjW4KbL1vl1UqpEOtTLpq7OJ/w640-h360/Twin+Peaks_Eklutna+Overlook_MS+Final_Pristina+36.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Hike:<u> </u><b><u>Twin Peaks Trail to the Eklutna Overlook </u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><br /></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Why I like this Hike: </u></div><div>This well maintained trail offers spectacular views of Eklutna Lake and surrounding mountains with the potential for dall sheep viewing. It's family friendly and suitable for various skill levels depending on what hiking option you choose. Located in Chugach State Park about an hour's drive north of Anchorage, the trailhead is easily accessible with good parking. (Parking fee required.)<br /><p></p><div><u>How to Get There:</u></div><div>Google Maps - click <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir//Eklutna+Lake,+Anchorage,+AK/@61.3732601,-149.2043902,11z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x56c8fa0f2af61a27:0xaff1731c055855c1!2m2!1d-149.0349587!2d61.3753858!3e0" target="_blank">Eklutna Lake</a></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Overview:</u></div>Length: Twin Peaks Trail is 2.6 miles one-way, with first bench located about halfway up. Overlook of Eklutna Lake is about another .75-mile, and Pepper Peak at least one additional mile.<br /><br />Elevation: Twin Peaks Trail gains about 1,800 feet in elevation to the second bench. Pepper Peak is 5,450 feet elevation.<div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJP3b8kbDJmqWA5khoCwWQO3PFyGDmFP99DJO2GCuF6UPhXK2v6nwcu_mHmk28lG-8m-nGimmBYgck46x-pk-FjOQHw5r3lAvt7-6N-aDGyw_KKyjAnRnBLUBIWf9V8r5HWV4ghsSUEopD/s541/pepper-peak-topo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="462" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJP3b8kbDJmqWA5khoCwWQO3PFyGDmFP99DJO2GCuF6UPhXK2v6nwcu_mHmk28lG-8m-nGimmBYgck46x-pk-FjOQHw5r3lAvt7-6N-aDGyw_KKyjAnRnBLUBIWf9V8r5HWV4ghsSUEopD/w341-h400/pepper-peak-topo.jpg" width="341" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><div><u>The Nitty Gritty:</u></div>From the day-use parking lot, cross a small footbridge, bear left onto the Twin Peaks trail and start climbing. You’ll begin getting great views down the 8-mile length of Eklutna Lake about a mile or so up the trail. After roughly 30 to 45 minutes of brisk walking you'll come to the first bench (literally a park bench) overlooking the lake which is a great place to take a break and pictures. For some hikers this alone may be destination enough. If you go on to the second bench at the end of the trail (~2700 ft. with 1800 ft. elevation gain), you will have several options. </div><div><br />You could follow the rough trail that drops to the creek below, crosses the creek, and then winds for another mile or so to the saddle that stretches across the skyline some 1,900 feet above. From that saddle you can look out over the entirety of the Palmer-Wasilla Valley. From there you could continue on to climb the summit of Pepper Peak on the right. (Reportedly, there is no easy way to summit East Twin Peak so do not attempt unless you are an experienced mountaineer/climber.) Check hiking books such as <i>50 Hikes in Alaska's Chugach State Park </i>for details and <u>only attempt these hikes/climbs if you are experienced and prepared.</u></div><div><br /><b>To get to the overlook (recommended option), climb the trail directly behind the bench. </b>Here, after circling up and around the south ridge of Pepper Peak, you’ll reach an overlook with breathtaking views of Eklutna Lake (photo above) and the massive 6,000- and 7,000-foot peaks rising above its far end (including 8,004-foot Bashful Peak, the highest peak in Chugach State Park). On an autumn day, the hiker will be rewarded with a view of the entire slope glowing with bright red in the changing tundra. (photo below) Whatever option you choose, enjoy!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihtZLJn4-JhDBE5mTMQF-ut4440nuHOfAYzd4QQ7hFPrZ3RE82q17p4z989-F0cimz9MLVA8A4zGsEO603QP5OrVGYF9VQ56hSQbFY_XBo1q95gsLICjBIoJ2NP3BYjsWpJWJ0hXTt26d/s2048/FB2-2020-10-11+10.01.16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihtZLJn4-JhDBE5mTMQF-ut4440nuHOfAYzd4QQ7hFPrZ3RE82q17p4z989-F0cimz9MLVA8A4zGsEO603QP5OrVGYF9VQ56hSQbFY_XBo1q95gsLICjBIoJ2NP3BYjsWpJWJ0hXTt26d/w640-h360/FB2-2020-10-11+10.01.16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brilliant tundra colors with Twin Peaks in the background.</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-45693075437094581812022-05-31T08:49:00.000-08:002022-08-03T18:42:02.902-08:00Peaks in Chugach State Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83-ubToCatKshOCTuB_2AM-1C4CrsuDNt1igN0PEj00xS_AuoPW1EgFVKVh2l_LZ4BHDWGMa0ihOlNzdbclXVPENWzVX2YmKm9PdfO6YTdJ3LPKuLA5IXeT656Q5KvXlAQO0-sDQa54nu/s1600/2020-08-31+17.56.04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83-ubToCatKshOCTuB_2AM-1C4CrsuDNt1igN0PEj00xS_AuoPW1EgFVKVh2l_LZ4BHDWGMa0ihOlNzdbclXVPENWzVX2YmKm9PdfO6YTdJ3LPKuLA5IXeT656Q5KvXlAQO0-sDQa54nu/s640/2020-08-31+17.56.04.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><b><u>Here's a list of peaks in Chugach State Park *</u></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"This list shows all major summits of Chugach State Park, a massive recreational resource that borders the Anchorage, Alaska metro area on the east. This park is the primary mountain playground for residents of Alaska's largest city..."<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(*From Peakbagger.com)</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>How many will you climb in this summer?</b></span></span><br />
Click here for - <a href="https://www.peakbagger.com/list.aspx?lid=5021&fbclid=IwAR1crw0b_F1L8uJ50vNpCz9XHyBD3DoLhFS49gy1QbGAED7dwct3mcOKR0E">Peaks in Chugach State Park</a><br />
Click here for - <a href="https://www.peakbagger.com/list.aspx?lid=5021&fbclid=IwAR1crw0b_F1L8uJ50vNpCz9XHyBD3DoLhFS49gy1QbGAED7dwct3mcOKR0E#ListMap">Map of Peaks in Chugach State Park</a><br />
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Some hikes here for the non-peakbaggers - <a href="https://www.alaskallamas.com/search/label/Alaska%20Hikes">Alaska Hikes</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-83251094035328180172022-05-16T23:00:00.003-08:002022-07-06T08:15:46.684-08:00Awesome Arctic Valley (Spring Conditioning Hikes)<div><b><br /></b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLr_euvj9DuhwAMH0q-yib-g33KJfDpqU3nd19E6BoXcXv7bgJtWXfzDx6OPik9n9dPzxr6LuVye9-EEyDsfG1R8zM-v3memiPgBARbSXKv8O8mO9N4mQSEH7-TVi5tX-1UK7s1knHCwPY/s1600/SF+Valley%252C+Phil+with+Llamas-4-best.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1011" data-original-width="1600" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLr_euvj9DuhwAMH0q-yib-g33KJfDpqU3nd19E6BoXcXv7bgJtWXfzDx6OPik9n9dPzxr6LuVye9-EEyDsfG1R8zM-v3memiPgBARbSXKv8O8mO9N4mQSEH7-TVi5tX-1UK7s1knHCwPY/w644-h406/SF+Valley%252C+Phil+with+Llamas-4-best.jpg" width="644" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Photo: View of Eagle River Southfork Valley from above the Saddle.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYpJ2rUNqr9ZvAM5U0IUIM1laK39fay9vaKMUXekWXbLLzXdklxeuY0wKanX3wrPdwErfK3BL2DEO7XRcaxJyQPZmduMXuFBiokjc6PqBzMjRAC2cxZQnYjZtsK-P8z2PHelqCRqpSHrp/s1600/gordon-lyons-topo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYpJ2rUNqr9ZvAM5U0IUIM1laK39fay9vaKMUXekWXbLLzXdklxeuY0wKanX3wrPdwErfK3BL2DEO7XRcaxJyQPZmduMXuFBiokjc6PqBzMjRAC2cxZQnYjZtsK-P8z2PHelqCRqpSHrp/s400/gordon-lyons-topo.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><div>The climb to either <b>Mt. Gordon Lyon</b> (elevation 4,134 feet) or <b>Rendezvous Peak </b>(4,101 feet) are shorter less demanding climbs with a breathtaking 360 view of Anchorage, Eagle River, and the South Fork Valley. Starting north: Denali and the Alaska Range (on a clear day) Knik Arm, Highland Mountain, the town of Eagle River (and the river), its surrounding peaks (Magnificent, Baldy, Black Tail Rocks, Harp, Vista & Roundtop), the south fork of Eagle River with Eagle and Symphony Lakes in the distance, Rendezvous Peak, Ship Creek and Indian Valley, Anchorage, Turnagain Arm, and Cook Inlet. You will also get a good view of the Site Summit where Nike Missiles were held years ago. (As a side note, take care not to trespass on the military instillation which borders the trail near the trail head. There may be fines if you are caught.)</div><div>
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<u>Why I like this hike: </u><br />Good for all skill levels, trail is easy to follow with various options, awesome views and easy access near Eagle River and Anchorage.<br />
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<u>Getting there is straightforward.</u> Take the Glenn Highway to the Arctic Valley exit and follow the switch-backing road for about seven miles to the parking area run by the Anchorage Ski Club. (Caution: Dirt and gravel road can be washboard.)The trailhead is at the end of Arctic Valley Road, adjacent to the Alpenglow Ski Area. <b>There is a $5 parking fee at Arctic Valley and the State Park Pass is not valid here.</b><br />
<br /><b><u>The nitty-gritty:</u></b></div><div>For detailed directions, check the online trail guides or books such as "50 Hikes in Alaska's Chugach State Park" but here are the basics. From the parking lot, take the main trail marked "Rendezvous Peak Trail." The trail is easy to follow and there is a small spring fed creek for most of the way up the valley. Hike for about a mile and climb about 900 feet to a broad saddle or pass (elevation 3,460 feet) between Mt. Gordon Lyon and Rendezvous Peak. Once in the saddle, turn left (north) to follow the trail up to the summit of Mt. Gordon Lyon (elevation 4,134 ft.) or turn right (south) to climb to Rendezvous Peak (4,101 feet). I hiked this at the end of May 2020 and there were still a few snow patches.<br />
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A bit of trivia - Mt. Gordon Lyon was named in 1964 by Mrs. Gordon Lyon for her husband, Gordon Miller Lyon (1906-1964), an engineer who spent much of his professional career working on military construction projects in Alaska.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qrF5U9UvYdk4LR10KKY6hMf0svXJSBRMWOdSWmBNpwFppOknmC0qGg4LIhb_H8pcYpm4h62lz7YegDACXSo4WfWuGCuV2Go4C4HsWAsjoSMeMHPK8AhxveFLOrnX9ioc4LsS7jwreduT/s1600/Gordon+Lyon.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="320" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qrF5U9UvYdk4LR10KKY6hMf0svXJSBRMWOdSWmBNpwFppOknmC0qGg4LIhb_H8pcYpm4h62lz7YegDACXSo4WfWuGCuV2Go4C4HsWAsjoSMeMHPK8AhxveFLOrnX9ioc4LsS7jwreduT/s320/Gordon+Lyon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><u>
There are a number of options once you reach the saddle. </u>For a longer more demanding hike (from Gordon Lyon), head over to nearby Highland Mountain (elevation 3606 ft.) You will need to descend about 500 feet along a ridge from Gordon Lyon and then climb back up another 500 feet to reach Highland’s summit.<br />
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I will include yet another option for the more adventurous wishing to get off the beaten path. You will not find this in the guide books but it's possible to traverse from Arctic Valley to Hiland Road. <u>Just be aware there is no established trail and be prepared to bushwack. </u>For this route, climb to the saddle, head north (left) and sidehill under and around Gordon Lyon. Continue hiking north maintaining the same elevation (when possible) until you get to the tree/brush-line beyond Highland Mountain. To descend to Hiland Road, you will need to follow sketchy game trails since there is no established trail. We did this in May, and although we knew a route, we still had some serious bushwacking. It's about 6.5 miles depending on where you come out on Hiland Road with an approximate 3000 foot descent. (Note: I would not recommend this route unless you are adept at orienteering and bushwacking.)<br />
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Although most hikers will prefer to climb Rendezvous Peak, Mt. Gordon Lyon and Highland Mt. during the summer months (depending on weather and snowpack) they can also make an excellent spring hikes. (See photo above taken from the saddle.) Later in the summer, Arctic Valley is prime berry-picking territory.<br />
<br /><u>Quick Facts about Mt. Gordon Lyon and Rendezvous Peak hikes</u>*<br />
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<li>Length: About 1 mile to Saddle, and less than a mile from there to Rendezvous Peak or Mount Gordon Lyon; 3-5 miles round trip.</li>
<li>Elevation gain: About 900 feet to Saddle; another 600-700 feet to Rendezvous Peak and Mount Gordon Lyon.</li>
<li>Parking fee: $5. Chugach State Park and military decals not valid.</li></ul><div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyM8CXy7UjntW208_4rEBAGMMVH8qiDJmi8xQD54hvE6IUWOqyy4jGvMv2xlwTrs1M4Azn2uHdH82Er16w4gGb8KB3ufRObktAn06FstXvnNdUM08V2eHCrZfJEP1XvSrF0oYJTKdJJ2H7/s1600/20200529_140959-enh.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyM8CXy7UjntW208_4rEBAGMMVH8qiDJmi8xQD54hvE6IUWOqyy4jGvMv2xlwTrs1M4Azn2uHdH82Er16w4gGb8KB3ufRObktAn06FstXvnNdUM08V2eHCrZfJEP1XvSrF0oYJTKdJJ2H7/s640/20200529_140959-enh.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-65163390488219785982022-04-24T13:16:00.000-08:002022-07-08T07:45:00.787-08:00Raul Gets a Haircut<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lQwc7C5vrpU" width="320" youtube-src-id="lQwc7C5vrpU"></iframe></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVFYjh3ftLhxLsqAPS7qc_-F4wuAkaY-S2Y5BS6FaakvpdPhQJS5i0ldNPxMF_q6486j2nbzWJjw2RsO8miP-3Gg5wMG9U0-VEeMdJhNd8g89rBRATWFE-yIW2qmK_wwbhheUEv9r_hwXr9X7G626yDP3FQRYATwMus_wRn2ySxIeLnGol0rVQtwTfg/s3264/20190428_144504.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVFYjh3ftLhxLsqAPS7qc_-F4wuAkaY-S2Y5BS6FaakvpdPhQJS5i0ldNPxMF_q6486j2nbzWJjw2RsO8miP-3Gg5wMG9U0-VEeMdJhNd8g89rBRATWFE-yIW2qmK_wwbhheUEv9r_hwXr9X7G626yDP3FQRYATwMus_wRn2ySxIeLnGol0rVQtwTfg/w200-h113/20190428_144504.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>In Alaska we only do a partial shearing of our llamas in the spring. This is because it takes about two years for the wool to completely grow back and llamas need a good coat of wool in the Alaskan winter. First we clean the llamas by using a Circuiteer blower (below) and brushing. Otherwise, the dust in the llamas' wool will dull the shears. <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyc7dPFCGfrLTP7xsFKubcLbGVmvMH5uXTNKNi8HBXUIrAJdaw7PR06g8qcgeZp8Z1wXy0k-MMiZVbBOKR4xTkmTNrEZtyXK4MqKoXYfYEblb_nOKwyaFIkRz6HrqOEkRuv6ejHr-ODH8rD1Vj2D_K6kr8OcvGVTrCWxLZX6O5vP10VYIiZvT4H5SYJQ/s2671/20220514_164901_crop.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2671" data-original-width="2030" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyc7dPFCGfrLTP7xsFKubcLbGVmvMH5uXTNKNi8HBXUIrAJdaw7PR06g8qcgeZp8Z1wXy0k-MMiZVbBOKR4xTkmTNrEZtyXK4MqKoXYfYEblb_nOKwyaFIkRz6HrqOEkRuv6ejHr-ODH8rD1Vj2D_K6kr8OcvGVTrCWxLZX6O5vP10VYIiZvT4H5SYJQ/w250-h320/20220514_164901_crop.jpg" width="250" /></a></p><p></p><p>Notice in the YouTube video, how Phil is using a downward motion with the shears. He is also taking care to keep the shears parallel to the llama's body. Otherwise the shears could injure the llama if they were to shear too close and clip the skin. </p><p></p><p>We have used Stewart Shearmaster shears for many years which have worked well for us. </p><p></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkA6knkHOoyK7FJczbjNBc9h_TfHCFzPbOHIeClcKO8cqcJA8rq26BcBxpr04AT9DKzmQhVtj9IwBpLcUYKt6LO6T2t8XP9_QPCTqAjhVRTJpWQ6M5V0ph_YnyrNt8L8rVFgqJlOVXwaEl1xkhGtEawSSKyyVS1HH7bKiTp4vAUh4OPXklmu2nMsP-cw/s2087/20220514_163432_crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1622" data-original-width="2087" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkA6knkHOoyK7FJczbjNBc9h_TfHCFzPbOHIeClcKO8cqcJA8rq26BcBxpr04AT9DKzmQhVtj9IwBpLcUYKt6LO6T2t8XP9_QPCTqAjhVRTJpWQ6M5V0ph_YnyrNt8L8rVFgqJlOVXwaEl1xkhGtEawSSKyyVS1HH7bKiTp4vAUh4OPXklmu2nMsP-cw/w400-h311/20220514_163432_crop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-59133926203246905022022-04-15T08:55:00.000-08:002022-07-22T17:12:55.823-08:00Baldy and Blacktail Rocks<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxORmLYFVAVg6Hz9EDh4yqSyIVohP_JjaFgPx2VdbHiCg5qpZ9WSPZNxwqR4-0i4hEdn0_Cy_64JubXgYgF4NV70WqgkLv42GdM8Tc0yCUPifKuTN1WHQr41w_VJEfbTXKD2ghNofQF04QClCHW4v_4Mhju7pGqWy-Xffbyt-ZmcAu05jlCwzz8R78Q/s5312/Blacktail-Baldy%20Ridge_20190812_113351.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2988" data-original-width="5312" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxORmLYFVAVg6Hz9EDh4yqSyIVohP_JjaFgPx2VdbHiCg5qpZ9WSPZNxwqR4-0i4hEdn0_Cy_64JubXgYgF4NV70WqgkLv42GdM8Tc0yCUPifKuTN1WHQr41w_VJEfbTXKD2ghNofQF04QClCHW4v_4Mhju7pGqWy-Xffbyt-ZmcAu05jlCwzz8R78Q/w640-h360/Blacktail-Baldy%20Ridge_20190812_113351.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking the ridgeline from Baldy to Blacktail Rocks</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Why I Like This Hike:</b></div>This 3,218-foot mountain overs easy access from Eagle River with outstanding views.<div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>
Overview: </b></div>
Mt. Baldy is a popular day hike overlooking Eagle River that provides outstanding panoramic views of Eagle River Valley and across the Knik Arm. "Baldy" is appropriately named as the top is a round, bare mountaintop. Although very popular during summer months, it can be hiked other times of the year including winter, depending on snow conditions. It's also the starting point for other peaks, such as Blacktail Rocks, Roundtop, and Vista peaks.<div><br /></div>The trailhead is at the top of Skyline Drive in Eagle River. <div>Google Driving Directions:<b> <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir//Mt.+Baldy+Trailhead,+12900+Golden+Eagle+Dr,+Eagle+River,+AK+99577/@61.3380357,-149.513802,17z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x56c8eb88759e040b:0xd5dd95f235b8847e!2m2!1d-149.5116133!2d61.3380357!3e0" target="_blank">Mt. Baldy Trailhead</a></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>The Nitty-Gritty: </b></div>
<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2hSxXNoIa5hDizp6mSFKzdkzxhuhk6rQ1oT8hj1LXrVlgIXTo7WSL6R90saeVS_zojzSDoy9XdfcnqqsXmYa0vEF62cYAunJsbmfHki2QaSMl0R9s-XYrj406k-dyj0TqDu---k0pXkN54uYYHzP6SjauONZzi3WvwK-KgwnZtGy-4c9cYjYST36Og/s5312/20190812_111917.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5312" data-original-width="2988" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2hSxXNoIa5hDizp6mSFKzdkzxhuhk6rQ1oT8hj1LXrVlgIXTo7WSL6R90saeVS_zojzSDoy9XdfcnqqsXmYa0vEF62cYAunJsbmfHki2QaSMl0R9s-XYrj406k-dyj0TqDu---k0pXkN54uYYHzP6SjauONZzi3WvwK-KgwnZtGy-4c9cYjYST36Og/w225-h400/20190812_111917.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>The trail starts from a parking lot at the top of Skyline Drive. A radio antenna is located just a few hundred feet or so from the start of the trail. From the parking lot continue uphill to the trailhead. From here, follow a wide, well-defined trail that begins at nearly 2,000 feet above sea level. The trail winds through alders and meadows as it crosses through treeline into alpine terrain. With a series of switchbacks, the trail rapidly ascends the front slope of Mt. Baldy, climbing above tree-line until about the 2,500 foot elevation. Be advised the trail gets rocky in places and can be steep and slippery, especially when wet so you may want hiking poles. The climb is about 1,300 feet over a distance of two miles. </div><div><br /></div><div>Although rocky and a bit steep, the trip to the summit isn’t difficult, and the trail is generally family and pet friendly. From the summit, you are rewarded with panoramic views of Eagle River, Anchorage, Mt. Susitna and Knik Arm. On clear days you may see Denali and in the distance, the broad expanse of the mountains of Chugach State Park.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Baldy is also a starting point for other peaks such as Blacktail Rocks, Roundtop, and Vista peaks.</div><div><br /></div></div><div>To continue to Blacktail Rocks, descend to the ridge which flattens and widens. You will cross a wide meadow to a ramp rising toward Blacktail Rocks.<span face=""Open Sans", sans-serif" style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #444444; font-size: 14px;"> (</span>The ridge can also be used to connect with Ptarmigan Valley.) </div><div><br /></div><div><div>For details on climbing Blacktail Rocks and other hikes such as Roundtop and Vista, refer to <i>"50 Hikes in Alaska's Chugach State Park" </i>or any of the online hiking apps. </div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJPQ5d6M3nUMV9hpd2hnz7G4NhYSXDLBDEbJuUfuDpappOkmc_8dKm2Z85yM_I6IqEtR_Z7G_BAv4Ew42pMq1c4op3Yxgyia1bfhO_w7-SBvpxOiq_fNaHPuzW6qTxjj2r5DTLPuMy-YhJkaTZbHu3NQlRbIAR6i4ZQcwn9uhCyYv5ExyAlrqtvf3Zw/s5312/20190812_134334.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2988" data-original-width="5312" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJPQ5d6M3nUMV9hpd2hnz7G4NhYSXDLBDEbJuUfuDpappOkmc_8dKm2Z85yM_I6IqEtR_Z7G_BAv4Ew42pMq1c4op3Yxgyia1bfhO_w7-SBvpxOiq_fNaHPuzW6qTxjj2r5DTLPuMy-YhJkaTZbHu3NQlRbIAR6i4ZQcwn9uhCyYv5ExyAlrqtvf3Zw/w640-h360/20190812_134334.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span> Eagle River </span>Steeple Fire on August 12, 2019 observed from the Baldy-Blacktrail Rocks ridge.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-91050904956175999622021-10-08T10:02:00.011-08:002021-11-05T09:14:54.031-08:00Easy Moose Sausage Recipe <p style="text-align: left;">For all the successful moose hunters out there, here is the easiest homemade sausage recipe I have tried. It's very tasty and easy to make. It also makes a great snack on the trail.</p><p><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: center;"><u><i><b>Easiest Moose Sausage Recipe</b></i></u></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRcxFhhgzKu9XZ9qNxFHZAq3_ytBdc5SjNUr4r2qT0f6wp_tOQ7rUILW6h8bwJIw9zi6Wkb3ha8Ww5-fMljejR-2Liat9wWlhzQ7D6zsiyK2-XWUr2ZF16SRWWR_uLrxeaSFBwcjnA1Pz/s2048/2021-10-08+10.14.25.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRcxFhhgzKu9XZ9qNxFHZAq3_ytBdc5SjNUr4r2qT0f6wp_tOQ7rUILW6h8bwJIw9zi6Wkb3ha8Ww5-fMljejR-2Liat9wWlhzQ7D6zsiyK2-XWUr2ZF16SRWWR_uLrxeaSFBwcjnA1Pz/w400-h225/2021-10-08+10.14.25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">1 pound ground pork (or pork sausage)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">4 pounds ground moose (or venison, caribou etc.)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1 Tbsp mustard seed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1 tsp liquid smoke<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1 tsp garlic powder<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2 tsp ground pepper<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1 tsp lemon juice<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">1 tsp cayenne pepper</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2 Tbsp brown sugar<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1/2 tsp onion powder<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2-1/2 Tbsp Morton Tender Quick<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1 cup cold water<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional)</p><p class="MsoNormal">3-5 slices of jalapeno (optional)<br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbMda9ToAi2jMM5kaiIwTW6QA_doUdvufTYRTf9f1tXx9juHxsGVkPxJugcXZn1iNxHpxcWAnoYkDoHp4d5XXUX6eCsxqVjBJbEmjZePAi6u3nNtrJJrNDJjvukBk7VsCVNEkaWN24u0q/s2048/20200121_151126.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbMda9ToAi2jMM5kaiIwTW6QA_doUdvufTYRTf9f1tXx9juHxsGVkPxJugcXZn1iNxHpxcWAnoYkDoHp4d5XXUX6eCsxqVjBJbEmjZePAi6u3nNtrJJrNDJjvukBk7VsCVNEkaWN24u0q/w200-h113/20200121_151126.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Directions:</b> Mix all ingredients well in a glass mixing bowl.
Put in refrigerator for 3-5 days to cure (depending on how much you want the meat to cure.) Mix every day. On the final curing day (3rd to 5th) day
divide meat into 5 equal portions and roll each into a cylinder. Then wrap each
roll in aluminum foil, ensuring that the foil’s shiny side faces inward.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Poke holes in the foil at the bottom of each roll
and place on broiler pan. Bake for about 1-1/2 hours. Internal temperature should be
170 degrees F using a meat thermometer. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal">*After cooking, the sausage does needs to be refrigerated. It can also be frozen for longer term storage.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Note: the recipe calls for up to 5 Tbsp of Morton Tender Quick. However, I reduced curing salt because I like the sausage less salty. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Go here for a recipe to make <a href="https://www.alaskallamas.com/2018/08/homemade-moose-summer-sausage.html" target="_blank">Homemade Moose Summer Sausage</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-55260052588241232982021-09-03T15:03:00.000-08:002022-09-03T22:10:44.597-08:00Eagle and Symphony Lakes Loop <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTL7CuWvBGsiJugpqgcBQsOvWVFX6yILHrM55P6J-Rs5GFV6IxT3zp9XXTqQteXZs38xTyzNUshltg5OpNGu8Dafnm5DiFEcRUEgtVkrRrc5tI6ygOc6xcmlj27GGM-r7jEPCGylj8VzWU/s1600/2018-09-08+09.58.40_resized.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTL7CuWvBGsiJugpqgcBQsOvWVFX6yILHrM55P6J-Rs5GFV6IxT3zp9XXTqQteXZs38xTyzNUshltg5OpNGu8Dafnm5DiFEcRUEgtVkrRrc5tI6ygOc6xcmlj27GGM-r7jEPCGylj8VzWU/s640/2018-09-08+09.58.40_resized.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div><b>Why Do This Hike:</b><div>This colorful fall hike through the South Fork Valley and into Ship Creek offers stunning views of alpine lakes (Eagle and Symphony), tarns and valleys surrounded by rugged, glaciated mountains. During September and early October (until the first snowfall) you will have the added bonus of vibrant fall colors. <br />
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<br /></div><b>How to Get Ttere:</b></div><div>To get started, take the well established trail to Eagle and Symphony Lakes which starts from the South Fork trailhead parking lot. (This section can usually be hiked in October and well into winter depending on snow conditions.) For directions and details on the hike to Eagle & Symphony Lakes go here: <a href="https://www.alaskallamas.com/2020/08/hike-to-eagle-symphony-lakes-september.html">Hike to Eagle-symphony-lakes</a><div><br /></div><div><b>The Nitty-Gritty:</b></div><div>Once you have arrived at Eagle Lake (second bridge), proceed across the boulder field to the west side of Symphony Lake where there are several camping spots if you decide to camp for the night. To take the Ship Creek loop back, you will need good weather and navigation skills. Don't attempt this in the winter or in adverse weather, because you are hiking on ridges where visibility may be limited and there could be avalanche danger.<br />
<br />
Once on the southwest side of Symphony Lake, look to the mountains directly west for a broad mostly tundra slope with a saddle at the top. After a 1600 foot climb you will reach the saddle where you can see the North Fork of Ship Creek. At this point you have two options. The first is to drop about halfway down to Ship Creek to find an old horse trail. However, the horse trail is badly overgrown in sections and can be difficult to follow. Follow the horse/animal trail to Rendezvous Pass where you will climb over into the South Fork. Once over the pass, the trail will take you back to the parking lot.</div><div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZshjkxNmjiTsWrTE2OBTswUql2TiD5nMw6dG-cfEHrMGEg2m1fRRKvFue6_kGNPVFvvaJ-oJiLMM-4FnpnidlqD0iBenXz_u_Hm-4Q9PqROPjuvgpp3yhq7W4oXbcihivPKK6_l4-OY6/s1600/Climb+above+Symph+Lk_resized.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1600" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZshjkxNmjiTsWrTE2OBTswUql2TiD5nMw6dG-cfEHrMGEg2m1fRRKvFue6_kGNPVFvvaJ-oJiLMM-4FnpnidlqD0iBenXz_u_Hm-4Q9PqROPjuvgpp3yhq7W4oXbcihivPKK6_l4-OY6/w367-h231/Climb+above+Symph+Lk_resized.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="367" /></a>The other option is to turn northwest to follow the ridge(s) and eventually drop down into the South Fork Valley. Depending on where you drop from the ridge, you should eventually intersect with the trail to the South Fork trailhead parking lot where you started. There are a number of ways to go. This is a hike for clear weather as you will need to have good visibility to see the route on the ridges. You will need to be adept at route finding and navigation as there are no established trails on the ridge. Happy Trails!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7b17XXAr8tnoXUFa9JzShmherCpePIE49_JBmAnkCgirbrSpVLB4_1TYFNwtbsLx1S6YCxFOwFai3kbtrIkvmE4Ob3eI8c_3Q436nKUE7PSIf_g6GioZwRWJZi8yq17eQJdCm-BwS2ZF5/s2048/2020-08-31+17.56.04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7b17XXAr8tnoXUFa9JzShmherCpePIE49_JBmAnkCgirbrSpVLB4_1TYFNwtbsLx1S6YCxFOwFai3kbtrIkvmE4Ob3eI8c_3Q436nKUE7PSIf_g6GioZwRWJZi8yq17eQJdCm-BwS2ZF5/w640-h360/2020-08-31+17.56.04.jpg" title="Walking the ridges over upper Ship Creek" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> <span> </span></span>Walking the ridges overlooking upper Ship Creek</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-10881304423358516822021-08-03T18:40:00.084-08:002021-08-23T12:50:36.712-08:00Attention Llama Owners & Supporters - Comments Needed!<p></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">The comment period ended August 20, 2021. Check back here for updates. </span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">***Thanks to all who made comments!***</span></h2>The Alaska Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing to restrict/prohibit the use of pack llamas in the Eastern Interior Resource Management Area (EI–RMA) based on a perceived disease threat to wild sheep through their Travel Management Plans (TMPs) for the Steese and White Mountain subunits which are currently open for public comment. The TMPs are part of the proposed rule making process that take their direction from a planning document BLM approved in 2016 called the Eastern Interior-Resource Management Plan (EI-RMP). This EI-RMP (planning document) prohibits/restricts pack llamas in the Steese and White Mountains subunits of the BLM-Eastern Interior Management Area based on an unsubstantiated disease threat to wild sheep. Consequently, we are asking for an amendment to the 2016 BLM approved Eastern Interior RMP (planning document) because this will also be necessary to allow for the use of pack llamas in the TMPs.<div><div> <br />This is an opportunity for the pack llama user group to make comment during the prescribed public comment period associated with Travel Management Plans (TMP’s) in the EI-RMA. Your participation in the public process (by submitting comments) has been very effective because BLM listened to you and subsequently removed proposed language prohibiting/restricting pack llamas in other Alaska jurisdictions. We need and very much appreciate your support again. Unless we can turn the tide during the current public comment period, a ban on the use of pack llamas could set a precedent to eliminate the pack llama user group on public lands in the lower 48 states. Please click on the link below for a sample comment and directions on how to submit. Thanks!<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Comments must be received by Aug 20,
2021</span></b>, and can be submitted as follows:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Online:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/120326/510" target="_blank">https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/120326/510</a></span>
(click on the “Participate Now” button)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->By email: blm_ak_fd_tmp@blm.gov<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->By fax:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>907-474-2281 <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->By mail:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>BLM Eastern Interior Field Office, Attn: Eric Yeager, 222 University
Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99709<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">It’s always best to
craft your own comment and the <span style="color: red;">sample comment</span> below may help get you started.
However, if you do not wish to craft an original comment, you are welcome to
use the comment below verbatim. Please state that your comments are an objection
to the Steese and White Mountains Travel Management Plan
prohibitions/restrictions on the use of pack llamas and that you are also requesting <span style="background-color: #fcff01;">BLM to amend the Eastern Interior Resource Management Plan to allow the
use of pack llamas in Dall sheep habitat. </span><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><u>Sample comment:</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>I object to BLM’s proposed prohibition or restrictions on the use of pack llamas in the Draft Steese and White Mountain Travel Management Plans (TMP’s). I request that BLM allow pack llamas in all areas within BLM’s White Mountain and Steese TMA’s (and all other subunits/TMA’s within the Eastern Interior Resource Management Area). I request these comments be applied to the aforementioned TMPs and planning documents as well as to any existing/approved planning documents pertaining to all subunits in the BLM Eastern Interior RMA. <br /><br /></div><div>It is my understanding that an amendment to the approved Eastern Interior Resource Management Plan (EI-RMP) is necessary to allow for the use of pack llamas (camelids) in the Eastern Interior Management Area and associated TMPs. For the record, I am also requesting that BLM amend the approved Eastern Interior RMP to allow for the use of pack llamas (camelids) in all areas of all subunits including Dall sheep habitat within the Eastern Interior Resource Management Area (EI-RMA).
<p class="MsoNormal">BLM has presented no credible science for their proposed
prohibition on the use of pack llamas in the Steese and White Mountain TMPs
(and planning documents) based on a risk of disease transmission to wild sheep
or other Alaska wildlife:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">BLM’s decision to prohibit pack llamas is
apparently based on Canadian hypothetical “Risk Assessments.”</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">From the following quoted text taken directly
from these papers, the authors admit the following: (1) “…</span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">there is <u>insufficient data available to clearly assess the role of
camelids as a source of disease at this time</u></b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">…..” and (2) “</span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Risks from camelids to wildlife in British
Columbia remain hypothetical after this risk assessment, as <u>no direct
evidence was found to implicate camelids as sources of significant diseases</u>
in wildlife in BC or elsewhere</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.”</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
The above statements are significant because, by their own admission the authors state camelid disease transmission is hypothetical and based on conjecture (not science). (See Executive Summaries of BLM references): Furthermore, these studies have not been peer reviewed.
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">2)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">In
this proposed rulemaking, BLM has lumped domestic pack llamas (camelids) with
domestic sheep (bovids) and domestic goats (bovids) as a common disease threat
to wild sheep (bovids). As pointed out by several widely recognized camelid
experts (including Dr. Murray Fowler and Dr. Larue Johnson), it is
inappropriate for any land management agency to “lump” bovids and camelids
together as a common disease threat to wildlife (as BLM has done in this
proposal). Camelids are widely separated from bovids taxonomically over more
than 40 million years of evolution. This taxonomic separation (camelids as
compared to bovids) is very significant as it relates to disease
epidemiology.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">As stated by Dr. Fowler in
a letter of public record to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (April 9,
2012), </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">it is important for wildlife
management agencies to understand that camelids are not reservoirs of disease
that are common to bovids. The reservoir host (bovid) is where the pathogens of
concern to wild sheep (as identified in BLM references) normally live and
reproduce. Camelids are not a reservoir host for such diseases.</i></p>
3) BLM has assigned horses “disease free” status with access “free gratis.” However, horses have several identified significant diseases that can be transmitted and fatal to wild sheep. (Click here for <a href="https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Region_7/NWRS/Zone_1/Arctic/PDF/PackAnReg%20May13%20transcript.pdf">Dr. Michelle Kutzler/Oregon State University public testimony</a> )<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">In contrast, llamas have no identified significant endemic diseases.
ADF&G has identified M. ovi as a primary pathogen of concern to wild sheep.
Unlike domestic bovids, llamas (camelids) are not known to carry M. ovi (case
in point - see item 3 above relating to taxonomic separation and its role in
the science of disease epidemiology). Other pathogens of concern to wild sheep
as identified by ADF&G such as Johnes’ disease (MAP) and contagious ecthyma
(CE) are extremely rare in llamas (camelids are not a reservoir for MAP and
CE). MAP and CE pathogens are apparently far more prevalent in humans than in
llamas.</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p></o:p></p>
4) The America Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners (AASRP) which represents approximately 1000 veterinarians issued a policy statement in February 2020 that specifically addresses the same pathogens identified by BLM references and disagrees with BLM’s assertion that pack llamas pose a threat of transmitting these diseases to wild sheep. See <a href="http://www.aasrp.org/about/policy_statement.asp">AASRP Policy Statement</a><br /><br />5) The Draft Steese Travel Management Plan 3.1.2.1 erroneously states that State hunting regulations prohibit the use of pack llamas for hunting Dall sheep, caribou, and muskox. <br /><br /><b>Contrary to what BLM states in this proposal, 2021-2022 State of Alaska hunting regulations do not prohibit the use of llamas for hunting Dall sheep, caribou, and muskox (see page 19 of the state hunting regulations - Additional Hunting Restrictions Specific to Big Game). </b>Furthermore, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) openly stated in a letter to the Greater Appalachian Llama and Alpaca Association (GALA) dated June 11, 2018 that the Department’s position is “at this time we have no intention to promote or support limiting the use of South American camelids on public land in the State of Alaska and this letter was made available to BLM. Despite this, BLM published information that misrepresents the official ADF&G (State of Alaska) position on the pack llama “disease issue” on the their website (page 23 under 3.1.2.1 Effects Common to All Alternatives). It is important to note that ADF&G manages the wildlife within the BLM Steese and White Mountain jurisdictions. ADF&G has the staff and the resources to properly evaluate the “pack llama disease issue” yet BLM is proposing to override the State of Alaska position on this matter and misrepresent the State’s position on the use of pack llamas for hunting. This amounts to "federal overreach."<br /><br />In conclusion, BLM has presented no scientific or credible basis for prohibiting pack llamas on the basis of disease transmission to wild sheep. Therefore, by this public comment I request that the BLM change these TMP’s and amend the 2016 Eastern Interior – EI RMP/ROD as follows: <br /><br />1. Allow the use of pack llamas in BLM White Mountain and Steese TMA’s (and all other subunits/TMA’s within the Eastern Interior Resource Management Area including those areas that are Dall sheep habitat. <br /><br />2. Remove all references concerning camelid disease risk to wild sheep, goats or other Alaska wildlife in Eastern Interior planning and or regulatory documents. <br /><br />3. Strike from the record (in same TMAs and planning documents) that State of Alaska (ADF&G) hunting regulations prohibit the use of pack llamas for Dall sheep, caribou, and muskox hunting.</div><div> <br /><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-4293417537005808422021-07-15T08:00:00.000-08:002022-07-04T11:17:43.249-08:00Hike to Williwaw Lakes and Long Lake<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXd6qJP-P-XSaSEtOHOOdHv1AneMpjnigf1RZNXMjUxPHqLBeAwxbQHMMErQv6iAFCD4XBX2YJmvn1lLii_MUwqjGyMSZb_rj3pn4_dmRBd5Z-J8fuZW_-D4OfqXhUjZfj5HTImgEYjEvb/s1600/IMG_3458.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXd6qJP-P-XSaSEtOHOOdHv1AneMpjnigf1RZNXMjUxPHqLBeAwxbQHMMErQv6iAFCD4XBX2YJmvn1lLii_MUwqjGyMSZb_rj3pn4_dmRBd5Z-J8fuZW_-D4OfqXhUjZfj5HTImgEYjEvb/w640-h480/IMG_3458.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walrus Lake (Uppermost Williwaw Lake)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><b><u>Overview:</u></b></div><div><div>The hike to Williwaw Lakes is one of the most beautiful in Alaska's Chugach State Park. This trek which is a short drive from downtown Anchorage, offers a variety of options including day hikes, overnight or multiday adventures so you can make it as easy or difficult as you want. (In the winter, it is also a popular ski trail and can usually be hiked to the lower Williwaw Lake depending on snow conditions.) The trek takes the hiker through alpine tundra amid a variety of alpine flowers, grassy meadows and scrub hemlock. The pristine alpine lakes are situated in a mountainous valley above Anchorage at the base of craggy Mount Williwaw (elev. 5,445 ft.). If you make it to the upper lakes, you will be rewarded with stunning views of surrounding mountains and possible wildlife viewing of dall sheep, moose, coyotes, fox, and various waterfowl. There are plenty of camping opportunities around the Williwaw Lakes (as well as Long Lake if you hike the loop.)<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQTdV7n0L29chMH7mimOaieYz5kr5RolUJpei5SHGn721jaXF7YRe-rVUju4tpXYIC2_JAym9QJu3eSVZ0daguIpkVtW3tGtu9WeArk67_pHZt668bs8cGaP1ZkpdQuK6Wu7LHz3oL2YJ/s1600/Tent+-+End.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQTdV7n0L29chMH7mimOaieYz5kr5RolUJpei5SHGn721jaXF7YRe-rVUju4tpXYIC2_JAym9QJu3eSVZ0daguIpkVtW3tGtu9WeArk67_pHZt668bs8cGaP1ZkpdQuK6Wu7LHz3oL2YJ/s200/Tent+-+End.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walrus Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; float: right; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; orphans: 2; padding: 6px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody style="margin-bottom: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding: 0px;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYVjOubkLbnqebpl1PJq4j3lTRJSINadeHl9UDYvtOCQV8nWlMnu3DVBtX6yW1defYrP4e_gJ6wsXN2VMZzE5qJNDIJ7o_3Q1SKUh3w6AMnmLqSdJBujFNF6vuJmJ4OXOc4a9HBAFz8Jf/s1600/Elevated+view_Long+Lake_Enh.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><br /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="margin-bottom: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;">
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div><div><u>There are several ways to access the lakes.</u><b> </b>For a gentle but longer route, take the Middle Fork Trail from the Prospect Heights Parking lot. For a shorter but more rugged trail, you can start from the Glen Alps parking lot to connect with the Williwaw Lake Trail. For details on access points and driving directions, see hiking guide books "50 Hikes in Chugach State Park" or "55 Ways to the Wilderness in Southcentral Alaska" or the online apps.<br />
<br />
<u>The Loop/Traverse to Long Lake</u><br />
From the pass above Walrus Lake (upper most Williwaw Lake) you can opt for a longer (possibly two day trip) to Long Lake and the valley of North Fork of Campbell Creek. (This option is not described in the older guide books I have.) </div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Why I Like This Hike:</u></b></div><div>The Williwaw-Long Lake traverse/loop is a very accessible "wilderness" hike in Southcentral Alaska right at Anchorage's back door. By the way "Williwaw" means “very windy” so be prepared for high winds, and secure your tent well (if camping.) The weather can change quickly and drastically at these elevations. I have also encountered very windy, wet and wintery conditions while camping around Long Lake in late summer. <b>It is best to do the longer loop option June through early August if you want to avoid adverse weather. </b></div><div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OgplY1WE7pronZrFdbTP-K5Rw58uc71SEo_lYpSty1PWF4tsWHn_T1vbF_RNH6elljHRHxOjJDxZiXljpOVyZ43YZ_JvNW-HN8IsNiq2N0glsHiVM1l6Ix9CyYYhIrnSHv5xHLBSCt1R/s1600/Williwaw+Lakes+%2526+Valley-enh.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OgplY1WE7pronZrFdbTP-K5Rw58uc71SEo_lYpSty1PWF4tsWHn_T1vbF_RNH6elljHRHxOjJDxZiXljpOVyZ43YZ_JvNW-HN8IsNiq2N0glsHiVM1l6Ix9CyYYhIrnSHv5xHLBSCt1R/s640/Williwaw+Lakes+%2526+Valley-enh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower Williwaw Lakes and Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><u>The Nitty-Gritty:</u></b></div><div>
To continue with the traverse/loop once over the pass (above Walrus Lake) to the Prospect Heights trailhead, hike around either side of Long Lake and follow the North Fork of Campbell Creek downstream about 2.5 miles beyond the last lake. At this point look for a distinct trail on your left which climbs about 800 ft. (up the northwest ridge of Wolverine peak) to a notch/saddle on the ridge southeast of Near Point. From here you can connect to a trail that goes back to Prospect Heights by (1) continuing on the trail up and over Near Point or (2) hiking cross-country from the saddle to the trail (that goes back to Prospect Heights.) The second (2) is my preferred option so as to avoid climbing over Near Point. (However, be prepared for some bushwacking as there is no trail on this section.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtLnx3JK1c_6nx8yE74P-DJT5yGuUw25KhytD7AfLB5MF9skafdFGzUmcuNXmI04Nu1pPuOpoPbbbvsHPYuC0Mm5IU5dim2zY7QMX4d2H-pRfbhFbYTrtcdSWVEebiwESUA5NEMsVIMRQ/s1600/Long+Lake_Enh2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtLnx3JK1c_6nx8yE74P-DJT5yGuUw25KhytD7AfLB5MF9skafdFGzUmcuNXmI04Nu1pPuOpoPbbbvsHPYuC0Mm5IU5dim2zY7QMX4d2H-pRfbhFbYTrtcdSWVEebiwESUA5NEMsVIMRQ/s320/Long+Lake_Enh2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long Lake</td></tr>
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*Note: When I do the loop, I prefer to hike in the direction of Near Point and Long Lake (instead of Williwaw Lakes). We will camp at Long Lake and the next day climb the pass between Long Lake and Walrus Lake. Then we hike out to the Prospect Heights parking lot which is mostly downhill from Walrus Lake.</div>
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Click here to download a map of Chugach State Park, <a href="http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chugach/chugachstateparkmap.pdf">Chugach State Park Map - Alaska DNR</a></div>
</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-54958352434335807342021-06-21T12:54:00.000-08:002022-07-20T06:31:10.890-08:00Rendezvous Ridge <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWrTcrIpNMhPc8eXW9bMi-EqX5nrO6v8MQ0z_UazSl9Jx1wFWZE8R359DAerbXfEWT8CiEH0vZ_ZLB44sGk-Q54DLIZ96ZMq9Ht-f7H5Bp0w8BF_FbmXpcS_tNqQP4jcP9XL3WvfMHsPb/s1600/Rondy+ridge-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWrTcrIpNMhPc8eXW9bMi-EqX5nrO6v8MQ0z_UazSl9Jx1wFWZE8R359DAerbXfEWT8CiEH0vZ_ZLB44sGk-Q54DLIZ96ZMq9Ht-f7H5Bp0w8BF_FbmXpcS_tNqQP4jcP9XL3WvfMHsPb/s640/Rondy+ridge-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div><u>The Hike:</u> <b>Rendezvous Ridge </b></div><div><br /></div>
Here's a hike in Chugach State Park (Southcentral Alaska) with spectacular views on a clear day. I prefer to access this hike from the South Fork trailhead although there is also access in Arctic Valley.<br />
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To get to the South Fork trailhead access, take the Eagle River Loop/Hiland Road exit off the Glenn Highway just past the weigh station. Turn right at the traffic light onto Hiland and continue about eight miles up the road. Take a right onto South Creek and follow it to West River Drive and take another right. The parking lot is on your left.<br />
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The trail starts from the Eagle and Symphony Lakes trailhead at the Southfork parking lot and traverses the right side of the South Fork valley as you head away from the parking area. (If you veer left on the main trail, it drops down to a bridge that crosses the South Fork of the Eagle River and continues to Eagle and Symphony Lakes at the end of the valley.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5l_mCcEkmSmfB2lTtBgTlu_Z8l4FnoNDErSSjMEOapuJAeALgEgj-BXaUrikYm6FXlkBA0fmyF8osbzR9v_V5XYC_KDa9QXGwPnAv6U2HnwNUduSuG0H9yGj7qys0NSFbjpMpP-VIyXm/s1600/Sign.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5l_mCcEkmSmfB2lTtBgTlu_Z8l4FnoNDErSSjMEOapuJAeALgEgj-BXaUrikYm6FXlkBA0fmyF8osbzR9v_V5XYC_KDa9QXGwPnAv6U2HnwNUduSuG0H9yGj7qys0NSFbjpMpP-VIyXm/s320/Sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail Sign Post</td></tr>
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<b>However to access Rendezvous Ridge, stay to the right at the junction where the main trail turns left to the river. </b>At this junction there is a sign post that points to the Rendezvous Ridge trail (See photo.)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC5hJPVWOEliB6mQw6i24Vxbmt-SnFhUMuS-2wd5AQ8V_G3sqGZOlXGxVy_gGJNk4KXMcjRkiPd4JRlnFmcMxHZTVUQA8roxzsyHM7PbbIZrnVKXvyxNUevSPKFI-ZkuXpqJA9TfdtNCS/s1600/Rondy+Ridge-1.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><br />
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The trail will climb toward a saddle on the ridge above. Near or at the saddle, take a trail to the left (south) which continues climbing to the ridge. This trail is less traveled and may be faint. (However, if you want to climb Rendezvous Peak, take the trail to the right. For info on climbing Rendezvous Peak and Arctic Valley access, see my post at this link: <a href="https://www.alaskallamas.com/2019/03/mt-gordon-lyon-hiland-mt-from-arctic.html" target="_blank">Awesome Arctic Valley</a></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC5hJPVWOEliB6mQw6i24Vxbmt-SnFhUMuS-2wd5AQ8V_G3sqGZOlXGxVy_gGJNk4KXMcjRkiPd4JRlnFmcMxHZTVUQA8roxzsyHM7PbbIZrnVKXvyxNUevSPKFI-ZkuXpqJA9TfdtNCS/s1600/Rondy+Ridge-1.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC5hJPVWOEliB6mQw6i24Vxbmt-SnFhUMuS-2wd5AQ8V_G3sqGZOlXGxVy_gGJNk4KXMcjRkiPd4JRlnFmcMxHZTVUQA8roxzsyHM7PbbIZrnVKXvyxNUevSPKFI-ZkuXpqJA9TfdtNCS/s320/Rondy+Ridge-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
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Once on the south ridge, there are any number of route possibilities. You can follow the south ridge up valley and ultimately descend to Eagle and Symphony Lakes below. For more on this route see my post "Symphony Lake - Ship Creek Loop" posted 9/30/18. You can also drop from the ridge into the Ship Creek drainage at several points along the way. (For many hikers, these routes would be multi-day hikes.)<br />
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However, if you are just looking for a day hike, stay on the ridge and enjoy the views!<u></u><u></u><i></i><u></u><i></i><i></i><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-76015986111950323242021-06-21T09:10:00.010-08:002021-06-22T08:59:00.879-08:00Celebrate Llamas!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nupauppHxc0" width="480"></iframe>
<h2 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" data-fontsize="18" data-lineheight="27px" style="--fontsize: 18; --minfontsize: 18; background-color: #f8f7e3; box-sizing: border-box; color: #161616; font-family: "Antic Slab"; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0em 0px 1.1em; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">“Humming Along With Llamas”</span></h2><h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" data-fontsize="16" data-lineheight="24px" style="--fontsize: 16; --minfontsize: 16; background-color: #f8f7e3; box-sizing: border-box; color: #161616; font-family: "Antic Slab"; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; text-align: center;">A conversation with previous President of GALA and<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />current Llama Promotion Committee Chair, Dr. Jane Hamilton-Merritt</h3><h3 class="fusion-responsive-typography-calculated" data-fontsize="16" data-lineheight="24px" style="--fontsize: 16; --minfontsize: 16; background-color: #f8f7e3; box-sizing: border-box; color: #161616; font-family: "Antic Slab"; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Why is National Llama Appreciation day June 21?</span></h3><div style="background-color: #f8f7e3; box-sizing: border-box; color: #161616; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: 14px;">Over the centuries the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere has been celebrated as a time of re-uniting with and appreciating the natural world. The summer solstice and the appreciation of llamas is a natural and historical fit.</div><p style="background-color: #f8f7e3; box-sizing: border-box; color: #161616; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">Our summer solstice is the winter solstice in the Andes, ancestral home of our llamas. The Andean June solstice celebration continues today with traditional recognition of the power of the natural world, including attention to llamas.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />What better symbol to acknowledge our summer solstice than to honor and appreciate llamas, one of the world’s oldest surviving animals. And to recognize the gentle nature of these animals who are often referred to as “old souls” as they seem to understand so much about human nature.</p><p>More here:</p><p> <a href="https://galaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/2020-VIRTUAL-NLAD-AD-new.pdf" target="_blank">LLAMA APPRECIATION DAY June 21st</a></p>
<div><br /></div><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="487" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D3985243751588351%26id%3D848472975265460&show_text=true&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-22726409340293951792021-03-11T08:00:00.002-09:002021-03-11T12:16:58.684-09:00BLM's Central Yukon Draft RMP/EIS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left; text-decoration-line: underline;"><u>Attention all camelid owners and friends! </u></b></div><div>The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Central Yukon Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) & Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is currently open for public comment. The deadline for public comment was extended to June 9, 2021. <a href="https://www.blm.gov/press-release/bureau-land-management-seeks-public-input-march-11-draft-analysis-new-central-alaska" target="_blank">BLM Central Yukon</a></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div><u>At issue is <span>BLM's proposal to hold camelids to a different standard than horses by allowing horses without a permit but requiring a permit for pack llamas in this BLM jurisdiction.</span> </u></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div>The "good news" is that BLM is not banning llamas in the Central Yukon Management Area. The "not so good news" is that <b>BLM is holding llamas to a different standard than horses</b>. This doesn't make sense because llamas pose no more disease risk (and less environmental impact) than horses and other traditional pack stock such as mules.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>The specific language we are objecting is as follows. </u></div><div><i><b>Maintain effective separation between domestic animals and Dall sheep (Wild Sheep Working Group 2012; consistent with BLM Manual 1730). Domestic sheep and goats are prohibited in Dall sheep habitat. Use of camelids (including alpacas and llamas) as pack animals would be authorized as appropriate through the normal permitting process. </b></i></div><div><i style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></i></div><div>Note: This language can be found in the Central Yukon Draft Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement: (Volume 1) <u><a href="https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/35315/510" target="_blank">BLM Central Yukon Planning Documents</a></u></div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>What Can I Do?</u></b></div><div><b>Submit a comment of objection to BLM by March 10th.</b> It's best to craft your own original comment but we have provided a sample comment below if you prefer to use that.</div><div><br /></div>In accordance with the BLM website, you may provide comments by mail, fax, email, or in person as follows. <div style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>Mail comments to: BLM Central Yukon Field Office, Attention: Central Yukon Draft RMP/EIS, 222 University Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99709.</li><li>Fax comments to (907) 474-2282 </li><li>Email comments to<span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span></span></span><em style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="mailto:CentralYukon@blm.gov" rel="noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer noreferrer" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #3071a9; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">CentralYukon@blm.gov</a>."</em></li></ol></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Sample Comment:</u></div><div><i>I request that the statement "Use of camelids (including alpacas and llamas) as pack animals..." (page 2-29 CY draft RMP-EIS-volume1) be removed because it holds camelids to a different standard than equids (horses, mules, etc.) and other user groups in this BLM jurisdiction. Apparently BLM is not holding equids to the same standard because no mention of equids is made in this statement and a permit is not required for equids (horses) in this BLM jurisdiction. BLM has not provided any rational or scientific evidence that camelids are a greater disease transmission risk to wild sheep than equids. Both camelids and equids enjoy wide taxonomic separation from wild sheep (bovids) with corresponding strong species barriers against disease transmission to wildlife. The lack of disease in pack llamas is well documented so there is no reason to hold camelids to a more rigid standard than equids. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wr5pKdKZz5QsKcCzfB78KujhBcaYFC5HjPWUQHe0xFVeyxMMPreCJyXa3x-hK60eeNEXwQ5e7-CKoHklWxXxQ7zcjkmdMfY_ZeAA0Ehpxr1Pak42RvYnpGhcbGYbFQJUThjpZvy-GW24/s660/Central+Yukon+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="660" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wr5pKdKZz5QsKcCzfB78KujhBcaYFC5HjPWUQHe0xFVeyxMMPreCJyXa3x-hK60eeNEXwQ5e7-CKoHklWxXxQ7zcjkmdMfY_ZeAA0Ehpxr1Pak42RvYnpGhcbGYbFQJUThjpZvy-GW24/w640-h469/Central+Yukon+map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><b>More Information</b></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For background go to the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/planning-and-nepa/plans-in-development/alaska/central-yukon-rmp">BLM Central Yukon website</a></div></div><div>More info and documents at this link:</div><div><div><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/11/2020-27253/notice-of-availability-for-the-central-yukon-draft-resource-management-planenvironmental-impact">https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/11/2020-27253/notice-of-availability-for-the-central-yukon-draft-resource-management-planenvironmental-impact</a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: red;">PLEASE NOTE- This is RMP/EIS unrelated to the US Fish & Wildlife Service camelid prohibition in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.</span></b></div><div><div dir="auto"><p></p></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-16246325167971220372020-11-30T19:03:00.000-09:002021-03-11T12:22:35.133-09:00Llama Trekking on Public Lands - An Endangered Activity?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDY1z90n3jY0YUy_0q2rpXkKJVtkiHuCPzq-0WoqCtTFeA1py_EV6zqXTfkkcpOQCdt9IL3yNTr8hem94m6HiZkSZbZ9Zc8UwlsE2PVP-vX5Si0JaFlpeODaZejGHqyvJMq7ZHpBlq4zWA/s2040/2020-10-11+09.58.34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1558" data-original-width="2040" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDY1z90n3jY0YUy_0q2rpXkKJVtkiHuCPzq-0WoqCtTFeA1py_EV6zqXTfkkcpOQCdt9IL3yNTr8hem94m6HiZkSZbZ9Zc8UwlsE2PVP-vX5Si0JaFlpeODaZejGHqyvJMq7ZHpBlq4zWA/w640-h488/2020-10-11+09.58.34.jpg" width="640" /></a>Endangered Activity - Llama Trekking on Public Lands </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Photo by Linda Nuechterlein)</span></div><p><u>Background:</u><br />As longtime camelid owners may recall, back in the mid 1990’s Canyonlands National Park (NPS-Utah) had proposed a camelid prohibition that was based on a perceived threat of disease transmission to wildlife. Consequently, the camelid owner/veterinary community at the time felt it had no other option than to initiate a lawsuit. The U.S. Secretary of the Interior was named as a defendant because NPS is a U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) agency. Faced with the lawsuit, NPS quickly changed its position and the disease issue was settled out of court exonerating camelids as a disease threat. Now, more than 20 years later, another DOI agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Alaska has decided to prohibit camelids in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) on the basis that they are a disease threat to wildlife. Nothing has changed since the Canyonlands NPS lawsuit in that no scientific evidence has ever been identified by any DOI agency that would incriminate pack camelids as a disease threat to wildlife. In spite of the camelid community's public comments with supporting scientific evidence, and expert testimony by Dr. Kutzler, the USFWS promulgated a final rule effective August 31, 2020 that prohibits the use of camelids in ANWR. Here's a link to the final rule on the Federal Register https:<a href="//www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/31/2020-16003/2020-2021-station-specific-hunting-and-sport-fishing-regulations" target="_blank">//www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/31/2020-16003/2020-2021-station-specific-hunting-and-sport-fishing-regulations</a></p><p><u>The USFWS ANWR Lawsuit</u><br />Because the August 2020 ANWR camelid prohibition was a final rule with no opportunity to appeal, the camelid community felt it had no other option but to again file a lawsuit. The USFWS final rule is in direct conflict with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) position that does not identify camelids as a disease threat to wildlife. ADF&G has the staff and the resources to properly evaluate any risk. ADF&G manages the wildlife in the ANWR jurisdiction. The ANWR decision is federal overreach in that they are overriding the official State of Alaska position on the camelid disease issue. </p><p>The precedent setting decision in ANWR will undoubtedly trigger more camelid prohibitions in other government jurisdictions. Camelid owners in Arizona and Utah have already been denied commercial packing permits by federal agencies that are perceiving camelids as a wildlife disease threat. With this latest USFWS-ANWR decision, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM – also a DOI agency) may perceive this as a green light to proceed with camelid prohibitions that could be included in planning documents that are forthcoming in 2021. BLM has already revealed their intention to prohibit camelids in some Alaska jurisdictions. This ANWR decision will undoubtedly spread to other Alaska and lower 48 government agencies and harm the entire industry by identifying camelids as a wildlife disease threat. </p><p>The Greater Appalachian Llama and Alpaca Association (GALA) agreed to earmark funds to initiate a lawsuit against the USFWS/DOI. GALA selected a law firm with attorneys having both veterinary expertise and legal experience with federal agencies. The International Llama Registry (ILR) recently contributed funds to GALA toward the lawsuit. The law firm has identified both USFWS procedural errors in implementing the ANWR camelid prohibition as well as the lack of scientific evidence to support a camelid disease threat. </p><p>A funding campaign has been initiated to help pay for legal fees. To contribute go here: <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/llama-defense-fund" target="_blank">Llama Defense Fund</a>. All contributions go directly to GALA. </p><p>The law firm felt that it was important to name Alaska residents as plaintiffs as they are directly affected by the ANWR decision so Phil and Linda Nuechterlein are named as plaintiffs They are Alaska residents that have historically used pack llamas in ANWR since the mid 1980’s. The complaint was filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. on October 28, 2020. </p><p>by Phil Nuechterlein</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-172658040122741136.post-71205342428636962982020-10-30T09:24:00.000-08:002021-02-01T06:58:18.919-09:00 ILR Joins Fight Against Alaska Llama Ban<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCd5rM2tlHClhhVKG_XWDEc8fexI9jsF8JCg1aMDu0DFaLJm8damS2kq3wwx8wTXJYi5mwfRrBpQ2W8xvArM2skYUUvxtVhu2CitxgY_XB83w0EngnkDyAR0CDM7eEyC8Tlj6vJvQ6esD/s265/ILR+image.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCd5rM2tlHClhhVKG_XWDEc8fexI9jsF8JCg1aMDu0DFaLJm8damS2kq3wwx8wTXJYi5mwfRrBpQ2W8xvArM2skYUUvxtVhu2CitxgY_XB83w0EngnkDyAR0CDM7eEyC8Tlj6vJvQ6esD/s0/ILR+image.jpg" /></a></div></div>The International Llama Registry (ILR) has joined with Greater Appalachian Llama and Alpaca Association (GALA)<i> "in a legal challenge to attempt to reverse the recent ban by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service of llamas on the Alaskan Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)." </i><div><br /></div><div><i>Llama owners and organizations have been successful in reversing proposed bans in several other situations beginning in 1996 by demonstrating there is no scientific evidence that llamas pose a disease risk to other species in the wild. We are hopeful that this lawsuit will reverse the decision that has been made in Alaska.<b><br /></b></i><div><i><br />The effects of this Rule are not confined to the ANWR. This Rule also threatens the llama species and industry as a whole because it mislabels llamas as disease vectors, which will serve as the leading statement for the undesirability of llamas as carriers of disease to wildlife and domestic animals. The Rule therefore threatens the continued use of llamas as pack animals throughout the United States because scientifically unsupported llama bans will likely spread to other regions.<br /><br />The ILR Board of Directors allocated a specific amount to support this lawsuit. However, if the case requires continued legal action and goes to court, additional resources will be necessary. GALA has organized a GoFundMe account to encourage contributions from llama enthusiasts throughout the continent." </i><p></p></div></div><div><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/llama-defense-fund" target="_blank">Go Fund Me - llama-defense-fund</a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Go here for more info on the ANWR llama ban and the final rule:</i></div><div><div><a href="https://www.alaskallamas.com/2020/09/final-rule-by-usfws-banning-pack-llamas.html" target="_blank">Final Rule</a><br /></div></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0