|
Fireside Lecture reveals a hidden underwater world at the glacier Juneau, Alaska,
Jan. 17, 2017–On Friday, Jan. 20, US Forest Service Natural Resource Specialist Pete Schneider explains how he created two live video camera feeds that reveal the secret
lives of beaver and salmon near the glacier. Schneider’s presentation is the third Fireside Lecture of 2017 and will be held in the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center at 6:30 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. Hidden cameras provide live video during summer months via monitors located inside the visitor center and the outdoor pavilion. Video is also posted to the internet
for viewers around the world to spy on wildlife near Steep Creek. Observing life underwater allows viewers the unique perspective of salmon spawning at the culmination of their long journey. Schneider’s dedication over many
years has overcome technical and administrative hurdles to allow the live action to be seen via the internet. First established in 1996 by Eagle Scout Matt Statsny, the Steep Creek fish cam now provides a virtual window into the Tongass National Forest. The Steep Creek fish cam went viral in 2013, its first season on YouTube. A live broadcast showing bright red sockeye salmon, Dolly Varden char, and an occasional
black bear captivated viewers worldwide. The underwater webcam beamed live video from the visitor center to the Forest Service’s YouTube site. More than 27,000 people collectively watched 10,314 hours of video. “The feedback from the public was wonderful, positive, and provided us a real opportunity to educate others about Alaska salmon,” said Schneider. “Alaskans often
take salmon for granted and forget how many people don’t know much about them. Natural salmon runs are becoming less common in the Lower 48. It’s not surprising folks get excited to know places like this still exist,” he added. Another live infrared camera is located inside a beaver lodge. Schneider and Forest Service Regional Fisheries Biologist Don Martin first experimented with a
beaver cam in 2004 after locating an active den near Steep Creek. One thing Schneider noticed with both cameras was how interested visitors were once they realized the video was live. This was a defining moment for him. “People
are simply drawn to watch the natural world unfold right before their eyes and it genuinely captures their attention,” Schneider explained. Free Fireside Lectures occur Friday nights at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center during January, February and March. A schedule of topics can be found at
www.mendenhallglacier.net. Doors open at 6 p.m. The visitor center is
open in winter Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Elevators are closed for reconstruction. Access is via stairs or an outdoor ramp only. Call 907-789-0097 for more information.
US Forest Service Natural Resource Specialist Pete Schneider explains how he created two live video camera feeds that reveal the secret lives of beaver and salmon
Friday night at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. -USDA- This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. To manage your subscription visit http://www.fs.fed.us/news/subscription.shtml |
