We’ll be traveling  as a party of two in a Klepper kayak along the Nigu River to the Etivluk River, and ultimately to the Colville River in the Western Arctic. The trip starts in the edge of Gates of the Arctic National Park- the second largest national park in the country and inaccessible by any road- then heads out into the Western Arctic, officially called the National Petroleum Reserve of Alaska. The NPR-A is the largest block of public land in the nation, and also the most remote- an hour and a half bush plane flight from the nearest road. These millions of acres are home to two different caribou herds, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, as well as sensitive areas for thousands of migratory birds from around the world. North of our trip is the sensitive Teshekpuk Lake area (see our page on Journeys of the Alaskan Wild). Last year the BLM deferred any oil and gas leasing in this environmentally sensitive area, one of the most important wetland complexes in the world which has been protected by every U.S. administration in the past 30 years.

We were lucky to talk to several people who have spent time in the Western Arctic, with reports of caribou from the largest herd in Alaska- the Western Arctic herd- wolves, grizzly and the well-known raptor populations. We’ve also heard that it is the worst mosquito year anyone remembers. But the Nigu is particularly known for its extensive archeological sites from early man migrations onto the continent. The best known is the Mesa Site but many others sit on ridges and lakes throughout the area. We will and do lots of exploring by foot in addition to about 110 river miles.

Please join us! And in the meantime, add your voice to the petition to President Obama to protect all of America’s Arctic. If you haven’t already, it’s a great time to join the Alaska Wilderness League, or make a contribution, as well! We look forward to bringing you a story from one of the most beautiful and remote areas on our continent and in the world!