On the Alaskan Coast, Seeking Answers for Ailing Trees
Photograph: Lauren Oakes
Lauren Oakes is a PhD student in Stanford's Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources (E-IPER). This summer, she's in Alaska researching a dieback of yellow cedar forests. In the fall of 2013, Lauren will help lead a Sophomore College course in Alaska sponsored by the Bill Lane Center for the American West. The New York Times' Green blog recently published a post from Lauren's blog, an excerpt from which we're happy to post here.
By Lauren Oakes
Along with a meter stick for measuring plants and a laser device for sizing up tree heights, Channel 9 was supposed to be one of my best friends here on the outer coast of Alaska’s Alexander Archipelago. “Before you take off, I’d like to see if I can get my radio to work!” I hollered to our captain, Zach Stenson, over the whir of the boat engine the other day. “Sure, give it a go now!” he replied. “When we hit camp, I’ll drop you all and head back.”
Zach swung the wheel left, then right, and round again, weaving through the dense bull kelp as we rode the swell up and down. I tried to keep my footing as the boat tossed from side to side. Meanwhile, I scanned channels and adjusted settings, knowing that weather reports could be crucial during our summerlong research. I’m here to study what happens after yellow cedars die, a phenomenon linked to climate change here in southeastern Alaska and British Columbia.
Fuzz. Crackle. “Nothing. I’m getting nothing,” I said. “Maybe my radio isn’t good enough.” Zach, a highly experienced fishermen from Juneau, turned some dials on his own more sophisticated setup. “Nah, mine doesn’t even work out here,” he said.
My stomach sank. My mind quickly raced through possible scenarios when the winds would dictate our plans. “Am I crazy?” I asked. “We’re going to do this without updates on wind and swell?”
“I don’t think the weather report is that accurate here anyhow,” Zach said with a smile. “Vancouver didn’t have Channel 9. You’ll make decisions as you go.”
