OU Online is under construction
27 Jul
Archive | Articles RSS feed for this section
Thanks for your patience,
Income loss from the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and how to file a lost income claim
3 Jun
To OWAA Members,
The oil disaster in the Gulf region has affected the economy and will continue to have a devastating impact for many years to come. Tens of thousands of businesses and individuals who rely in part or entirely on the Gulf’s resources and opportunities for their livelihood will suffer economic loss because of this disaster.
After reviewing options and discussing this situation with Bill Powell, legal counsel for OWAA, we determined it would be appropriate to send this letter to OWAA members who will have an adverse economic impact because of this disaster.
Powell did some research and found that several class action lawsuits have been filed already, but none appear to include anyone who makes their living writing or communicating about the Gulf Coast’s outdoor opportunities. But he does say a class action lawsuit might include those individuals at some point in the future.
“If one is filed that purports to be on behalf of people damaged in ways like our members may be damaged, and if it receives certification as a class action, then the rules established for that case will control, as to whether and when and how to file claims or opt out of the class,” explains Powell. “My personal observation is that the two groups that like class actions the best are plaintiffs’ attorneys, who rake off large fees, and the defendants, who are thus relieved of the need to defend numerous claims and suits and ultimately are released by court order from liability for the incident or behavior that caused the claims.”
OWAA members who do experience economic loss due to lost assignments can file a claim directly with BP. The form and instructions are located at:
http://www.bp.com/iframe.do?categoryId=9033722&contentId=7062138.
Claims may be submitted with or without an attorney, and one category of claim is for loss of income.
I vividly remember when the Exxon Valdez ran aground in Prince William Sound. For a short time magazines ran stories about the disasters but then wanted nothing to do with the area until the 10 year anniversary of the incident. Since the Gulf disaster is far worse than the Exxon spill in Alaska, the region will likely have significant loss of opportunity for anyone whose livelihood is derived from communicating about fishing, boating, diving or hunting the coast.
Suggestions for filing claims:
If you are a member who has a history of articles about the Gulf region, I suggest you retrieve your income records for the past five to ten years and add up your yearly income derived from stories, photos, videos, etc., about the Gulf region. This will establish your possible future lost income and help if you decide to file a claim individually or as part of a class action lawsuit.
BP may argue that outdoor writers have a new opportunity to write about the disaster. But some region specific magazines may not survive without the income derived from advertising from boat builders, guides, resorts and other businesses in the region who rely on the outdoor opportunities of the region. And most major newspapers, magazines and other media outlets already have a stable of environmental writers. Magazines not affected by the Gulf will not likely choose to run many stories about the oil spill.
I hope this information is useful to our membership, but want to remind everyone that OWAA is not advocating that members file claims. I simply want the membership to understand what is going on and the opportunities for doing so that have been established and might arise pertaining to the economic losses caused by this unprecedented environmental disaster.
Sincerely,
John L. Beath, OWAA President
Supreme Court says freelancers’ copyrights may have some value without registration
3 May
By Bill Powell, OWAA Legal Counsel
The class action settlement intended “to achieve a global peace in the publishing industry” over copyright infringement of freelance work by initial publishers and electronic databases has been re-instated by the Supreme Court. The effect of this narrow ruling is to restore at least some slight value to copyright owners who have failed to register their copyrights with the United States Copyright Office.
The Supreme Court’s decision was rendered March 2, 2010, in Reed Elsevier, Inc. v. Muchnick.
The court just below the Supreme Court, the federal Court of Appeals, without any party asking it to, had thrown out a $15- to $18-million settlement reached at the trial court level among a large class of freelancers and a large class of defendant publishers and defendant electronic databases. This settlement had been pounded out over a period of years following the Supreme Court’s 2001 decision in New York Times Co. v. Tasini, which found that inclusion of freelancer work in electronic databases by publishers who had purchased only one-time publication rights constituted copyright infringement by both the original publishers and the electronic databases.
Just as no party asked the Court of Appeals to throw out the settlement, no party could be found to defend the Court of Appeals decision before the Supreme Court, so it appointed someone to do so. The basis for the Court of Appeals decision was that the class of freelancers included in the settlement, who were to be paid something for the re-publication infringements they had suffered, included many who had never registered their copyrights with the Copyright Office. A section of the Copyright Act requires that such registration be made before a copyright owner may sue for infringement.
The Court of Appeals had seen this registration requirement as trumping another provision of the Act, which declares that the creator of a work owns the copyright from the moment of creation, and concluded that it left the federal courts without any jurisdiction to deal in any way with unregistered copyrights. Under the Court of Appeals decision all value was drained from unregistered copyrights, since they could never be enforced.
As anticipated in earlier reports of this case in Outdoors Unlimited and in OWAA’s recently published Legal Handbook for Freelancers, this reinstatement of the settlement is a positive development for freelancers and for copyright owners generally. It solidifies the Supreme Court’s position as the only Court consistently making rulings favorable to copyright owners. The actual settlement of the case, however, is not such a favorable thing for freelancers generally, since most do not register their copyrights, and the settlement was constructed on the assumption that the value of an unregistered copyright is nearly zero. Those owning unregistered copyrights, the largest group of plaintiffs, get the least under the settlement. Luckily, the Supreme Court included in its opinion this statement: “In concluding that the District Court had jurisdiction to approve the settlement, we express no opinion on the settlement’s merits.”
There is, no doubt, more to come. In the meantime, freelancers should register their copyrights. It’s easy to do electronically and doesn’t cost much. Go to http://www.copyright.gov/register/. ◊
A mentor’s reward
1 Apr
By H. Ted Upgren Jr.
Many of us have mentored a first-year attendee at one of OWAA’s annual conferences. We hook up with them as a personal GPS for several days, directing them here and there, introducing them to OWAA members – some so near celebrity status that green ribbon jaws often drop in awe. We sit with the “green ribbon” attendees at sessions, accompany them to lunch, and to evening hospitality suites. But as nice as all of this is, and as appreciative as the green ribbons are that they have been welcomed into the OWAA family, it’s often a fleeting relationship.
Last November I became a different kind of mentor when a professor asked me if I’d be interested in mentoring a student at the University of Mary’s Emerging Leaders Academy. She’d found mentors for all but one student, an English major from Helena, Mont., He is a linebacker on the school’s football team, a hunter and fisherman and a guy who wanted to write. I said yes.
I first met Jake at the student union. Beneath a mop of bushy, blonde hair, his eager face set me at ease despite his linebacker swagger. This was an icebreaker meeting. Over a cup of coffee, we shared information about our personal lives: family, education and interests. He is a dedicated outdoorsman who spent the last couple summers as a commercial salmon fisherman in Alaska.
We talked a bit about what a mentee should expect and what a mentor might share. He had written for the school’s paper and shared excitement over possibly writing about his outdoor experiences in his beloved Montana. I sensed that Jake was serious about this required curriculum, and that in turn convinced me to commit time to mentoring him. We scheduled our next meeting
Now, that meant that perhaps I had better brush up on writing fundamentals about which he might quiz me. I reviewed approaches to leads, slants, voice, tone, rhythm, tight writing and making words and ideas show rather than tell. I soon found that I was reviewing my own craft, and, in fact, I reached back to this review as I worked to trim one of my own columns from 900 down to 650 words. Thanks, Jake!
At our next coffee meeting I brought a couple of my wife’s fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies. Jake shared more samples of his writing while we discussed some of his writing ambitions that pointed strongly towards outdoors communications. Nowadays, students carry laptops (I don’t think Jake had a pencil or paper in his backpack), so I asked him to fire up the darn thing so I could show him a Web site that might interest him. He didn’t know what OWAA meant, so he Googled it and up came the home page of the oldest and greatest outdoors communications organization on the continent. Since then, Jake has applied for OWAA membership.
Jake continued to share his writing with me and I finally asked him if he would mind if I edited some of it. Again, I found that effort as valuable to me as it turned out instructional for him. At our next meeting, where Jake bought coffee and I brought a handful of Kaye’s exquisite Christmas caramels, he was even more eager for my reviews to continue.
With my Christmas gift of venison sausage stowed in his pickup, Jake left for the holidays, eager to join his dad and elk camp cronies in the Beaverhead Mountains to fill his elk cow tag. Back at the university, I learned his hunting trip proved unsuccessful, but he said the experience was far from unsuccessful and he wanted to write about it. We talked about tying this effort to one of getting him published. That led to conversation about identifying a suitable publication and about constructing the all-important query letter. I suggested a goal of getting a piece of his work accepted for publication by the end of the school year.
Coffee was on the table when I arrived for our next meeting. I had two blueberry muffins in tow. Jake showed me a draft of the elk hunting article and another piece he was working on for a contest. Both needed work.
And then Jake’s progress improved.
My mentoring sessions with Jake continue. We enjoy each other’s company. I find it gratifying to work with a great young man with whom I share a lot of interests, not the least of which is framing words into tales. I am humbled that he looks to me for advice and some guidance despite my sometimes frank criticism. After one such session, Jake let out a long sigh as if needing a sabbatical and suggested we go fishing. I heartily agreed. When the water gets soft, I said, that we will do.
At times, I think this mentoring exercise is as much about improving my craft as it is helping to develop his. It’s already more than a fleeting relationship. It’s been good gig.
Scholarship Fund receives major gift
7 Jan
By Kevin Rhoades, Executive Director
Right out of the starting blocks the brand-new year and decade brings excellent news to OWAA, including a most gracious gift to the Scholarship Fund. This, along with multiple piles of membership renewals and donations, reminds me how generous and caring our folks are. Thank you.
Over the holidays the Bodie McDowell Scholarship Fund received $27,600 from the estate of Jacqueline E. Knight, who was from Williamsport, Pa., an OWAA member spanning the 1960s through the 80s. Ms. Knight was a columnist for King Features of New York and publisher of Solunar Tables.
She was the daughter-in-law of John Alden Knight, who published a number of hunting and fishing books in the 1930s and 1940s and in 1936 published the original Solunar Tables, which predicted fish behavior via the sun, the moon and tides.
This generous gift will benefit the Bodie McDowell Scholarship Fund and scholarship recipients for years to come. The total value of the Fund is $418,000 and will aid OWAA in fostering the next generation of outdoor communicators.
Headquarters needs your help!
If you have access to media outlets or distribution lists, please let the public know about the events, programs and contests listed below.
Remember you have until the end of January to enter the Excellence in Craft Contest competition. Every year I write checks to several members in excess of $1,000. Some years two or three talented individuals receive $2,000 or more!
As you race along this year trying to fit in all of the various activities, events and outdoor adventures – we at OWAA headquarters wish you a healthy, prosperous and fulfilling year ahead.
Board candidates announced
Board Nominating Committee Chair Tom Stienstra announced five candidates who will compete for three seats on OWAA’s board of directors. The slate, in alphabetical order: Chris Batin, Mark Freeman, Gary Graham, Ben Moyer and Steve Pollick. Candidate profiles and responses to questions will be published in the March issue of Outdoors Unlimited, and ballots will be mailed in April to all Active, Senior-Active and Life members.
OWAA bylaws require the nominating committee to submit seven nominees, but this committee submitted only five. Under the bylaws, additional nominations are permitted if made in writing by February 6, to the executive director, by 20 or more Active members in good standing. Active members in good standing for at least three years may stand for election.
The board election is slated for May 7. Three elected candidates will begin serving three-year terms on the board on June 13.
Continue your education for free
It’s time to apply for the John Madson Fellowship, an annual grant that funds continuing education opportunities for OWAA members. The Fellowship provides funding to attend the OWAA annual conference for free, plus expenses – or a full-ride scholarship to OWAA’s Goldenrod Writing Workshop in August. Only Active and Associate members are eligible for Fellowship. The amount of this year’s Madson Fellowship Fund distribution will exceed $2,000, enough for two members to attend Goldenrod for free, if they so choose. The deadline to apply for the Fellowship is February 1, 2010.
OWAA seeks scholarship applicants
OWAA will award college scholarships in 2010 to budding outdoor communicators. Bodie McDowell scholarships typically range from $1,000 to $5,000. Applicants must be students of outdoor communications fields including print, photography, film, art or broadcasting. The program is open to all college students, undergraduate and graduate, from all disciplines and all schools.
Undergraduate applicants must be entering junior or senior years of study; graduate student applicants must have at least one remaining year of study.
The deadline to apply is March 1, 2010. If you know a student with an outdoor emphasis who might benefit from a Bodie McDowell Scholarship, please ask him or her to apply.
Don’t miss OWAA’s June conference in Minnesota
There’s no better way to improve your professional skills while creating new contacts for future business ventures than through OWAA’s annual conference, this year in Rochester, Minn., Jun 10-13, 2010. Last summer the board of directors agreed to a conference template emphasizing the following disciplines: 25 percent writing; 10 percent photography; 20 percent electronic/technology; 20 percent business and 25 percent broadcasting (movies, radio, television, video and Internet).
Here are a few featured sessions:
- “Blogs: What are they? How to create one and profit from it”
- “The Shift to the Sport Utility Rifle”
- “Little Critters, Big Problems: Crayfish”
- “Time Management”
- “Understanding and Negotiating Online/Electronic Rights”
- “The Driftless Area of Minnesota”
- “Sponsored Blogs and Innovative Web Opportunities”
An overview of this year’s conference as well as the complete meeting agenda and other conference happening can be found at www.owaa.org. Check frequently because updates will be made weekly throughout January.
OWAA to host writing workshop in August
Members and friends are encouraged to attend OWAA’s first Goldenrod Writing Workshop at the University of Montana in Missoula, Mont., August 1-7, 2010. The week-long workshop is designed to improve skills in outdoor, nature and environmental writing in a casual setting with hands-on learning from peer groups and veteran instructors. The curriculum includes assignments, discussions, readings and shared critiques along with time for writing and socializing with others who share a passion for outdoor writing. Enrollment is limited to 30 students, and it’s on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to apply is May 1. If you can’t attend, help spread the word.
$1,700 to be award in Youth Writing Contest
Annually OWAA helps budding writers via its annual Norm Strung Youth Writing Contest. Cash prizes are awarded to winners in grades 6-12 for poetry and prose categories. 2010 awards will total $1,700, thanks to 2010 Youth Writing sponsor Safari Club International. If you know a student who would like to enter the contest, please tell others. Eligible entries must be published during calendar year 2009. The Norm Strung Youth Writing contest deadline is March 15.
Last call to enter the Excellence in Craft Contest competition
OWAA’s Excellence in Craft contests are a lucrative benefit, available exclusively to Active, Senior-Active and Life members. Thousands of dollars in prizes will be awarded this June at our conference in Rochester. Contest rules are available here. You can’t win if you don’t enter! ◊
President’s Column
2 Dec
By John L. Beath
In early November, I spent two and a half days in Santa Barbara, Calif., at the Alaska Media Road Show. The event brought together media from around the country and tourism providers from around the state. The event provided me with some awesome story ideas and allowed me to let everyone know that OWAA will hold its 2012 conference in Alaska.
The Alaska tourism partners enthusiastically welcomed news of our conference and expressed interest in supporting OWAA. They also said they looked forward to working with Karen Lundquist, from the Fairbanks CVB and local chair, Chris Batin. After meeting with the travel partners I have no doubt that this conference will have a plethora of pre- and post-conference trips. Just getting to the event could provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences, especially to those who have never visited Alaska. Once there, members will have the chance to view fall colors, fish for chrome coho, crimson rainbow trout, hunt or enjoy Alaska’s National Park system.
For those with enough time, please consider the Alaska Marine Highway (ferry) from Bellingham, Wash. or Prince Rupert B.C., and then drive to Fairbanks. Or choose an inside passage cruise aboard a Holland America or Princess Cruises cruise ship. Grayline of Alaska and the Alaska Railroad is another option for members to find their way from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Adventure-seekers might want to plan their conference trip around multiple stops combining any of these travel methods.
Anchorage also has a large fleet of RVs for rent. Make your way to Anchorage, rent an RV and then choose your route to and from conference. From your rented RV, you’ll find hundreds of fishing locales and thousands of scenic vistas to fill up digital camera memory cards. You can also rent a car and tent camp or stay at hotels along the way.
Thankfully we have lots of time to save for the 2012 conference at Chena Hot Springs, plan travel methods, stories and adventures. In late July 2012, I’m towing my boat aboard an Alaska Ferry in Bellingham and getting off at several stops along the route, fishing my way to conference. After conference I’ll head south to Whittier, Alaska, to catch a ferry to Cordova, Alaska – one of the best coho fishing locales in the state. I sincerely hope to see you in Alaska. Be sure to watch for updates about the 2012 conference and all of the great trips.
And don’t forget about our next conference in Rochester, Minn., and the 2011 conference at Utah’s Snowbird Mtn. Resort. ◊
John L. Beath is OWAA president and owner of Pacific Lure Communications. He is a writer/photographer and owner/editor of 14 Web sites and 10 online stores. He is also an Internet marketing consultant for several businesses. For more information about getting connected on the Internet, visit his site at www.webuildyourwebsite.net.
Print This Post
November Table of Contents
2 Nov
Craft Improvement
- Electronic tear sheets will better your reputation – By Jim Foster
- A step above multiple submissions – By Tom Watson
- Trying to diversify? Be a general interest columnist – By Pat Wray
- Getting paid: Chasing down those overdue accounts – By W.H. “Chip” Gross
- How to get paid – By Executive Director Kevin Rhoades
Features
Character Sketch
- Nature Photographer Michael Francis ‘hunts with a camera’ – By Amanda Eggert
Conservation Corner
- No child left inside – By Bill Schneider
Technology
- Keeping up with RSS feeds – By OU Editor Ashley Schroeder
- Substance, not code, gets readers to site – By Timothy Kusherets
- I-Tech column – Search engine optimization: The lost and found department – By John Beath
Product Review
- Device reduces glare on camera’s rear LCD screen – By Jonathan Lawton
Conference 2010 Preview
- Rochester, home of May Clinic – By Tim Lesmeister
Portfolio
Departments
- Market Tracker: Destination Fish, Badger Sportsman – By Executive Director Kevin Rhoades
- Outdoor Market
- Feedback: Letter to editor and open discussion
- October donors
- Association update
- Member news and other events
- Supporter spotlight
- Supporting Group news tips
- Bookshelf
Keeping up with RSS feeds
2 Nov
By OU Editor Ashley Schroeder
RSS (Really Simple Syndication) allows you to easily stay informed by retrieving the latest content from Web sites that interest you. Instead of going to every site to see if a new article or blog post has been added or updated, you can use RSS to notify you every time there’s something new.
Paul Queneau told me about how he got the scoop on a photo call when his RSS news reader showed a publication’s blog had just updated with a request for specific wildlife images.
Generally, you need a program called a news reader (or news aggregator) to collect RSS feeds from various sites and display them for you to read. A number of free and commercial news aggregators are available for download.
Here are a few of the available readers:
Personalized homepages, such as iGoogle or My Yahoo! also gather RSS feeds. Some browsers, like Firefox or Internet Explorer 8, support RSS automatically.
Generally speaking, you copy or enter the URL (address) of the RSS feed page into your news reader. Each headline in the reader will link you back to the full article.
You can also read RSS feeds on handheld devices. Viigo is a Blackberry RSS reader that can import subscriptions from Google Reader. Litefeeds also lets you synchronize with your online subscriptions. These are both free applications. For iPhone users, check out Mac’s reader or the free NetNewsWire. A simple Google search will also turn up a variety of other RSS news readers.
And remember, include Outdoors Unlimited (http://owaa.org/ou/feed) in your RSS feed! ◊
Substance, not fluff code, gets readers to sites
2 Nov
Real writers will finally receive the recognition of proper ranking on the basis of craft, skill and technological know-how.
Editor’s note: Here are some common SEO (search engine optimization) terms explained in plain English:
Search engine optimization
- Optimizing a Web site mainly involves editing its content and code to increase its relevance to specific keywords, thus increases its ranking in search engine results.
Web crawler
- A Web crawler, or “bot,” is mainly used to create copies of Web pages for processing by a search engine that will index the pages to provide faster search results.
Meta tags
Meta tags are information inserted into the “header” area of Web pages. Other than the “title” tag, information in the header is not seen when viewing a Web page in a browser. Instead, meta information in this area is used to communicate information with which a human visitor may not be concerned. For example, the text in the title tag is used by Web crawlers to rank your site in search engine results.
By Timothy Kusherets
There is new awakening with today’s search engines. As little as two years ago, sites were created and maintained using meta tags to steer Web crawlers to their sites, thus increasing search ranking and ultimately steering traffic to sites with little to no real substance. All of that is coming to an end. How do we know this? Search engines constantly peruse sites looking for tags that match tangible material found on those respective sites. Web sites that have filler tags and not substantive material receive very low placement in search engine results.
Substance of writing skill will win out over flashy words from here on out. It’s true that Web sites must be aesthetically pleasing, but they must first and foremost provide a tangible service of articles, instruction, photography, videos and services. These Web site elements are easily found within the source code, not visible to your site’s visitors. Web crawlers scour the code and then go through every page of the site to match the material to the code; if the site information and key phrases match, webmasters can expect a better ranking. Sites that don’t match their code to the site material receive a low ranking and are lost in the sea of other sites that do the same thing.
This might not sound good to some, but to real writers this is a boon long coming.
The best way to optimize your site for search engines is to peruse your site description and key phrases. List them in chronological importance, not alphabetical. This makes it easier for bots to correlate them to the material on the site. The easier it is for them, the faster ranks are placed.
Sometimes the list of key words and phrases is daunting, but don’t be dissuaded. If your material on the site is substantial, let all the search engine bots know it. Initially, after adding or deleting material from the source code, expect searches to happen 24/7, and that’s a good thing. The more your site is scrutinized, the better. It will be recognized as a legitimate source of information and the rewards are obvious.
You can increase searches by submitting your site search engines. Yahoo, Google, Bing, AlatVista, MSN, and AOL are the places to start.
This new method of search engine optimization is solely meant to make surfing the Web easier. It streamlines search efforts, makes it fun and puts people at ease when visiting those sites they truly meant to find. It’s the way it should be.◊
Here I’ve stopped to take a daytime shot of Aurora Borealis. The unusual nature of it being so easy to see during daylight hours makes it notable. When uploading images like this you can increase traffic by appropriately naming the JPEG with the article’s title or the theme (i.e. “Auroraborealis_Kusherets”). This will increase traffic by matching words and phrases found in your source code. So long as the image is on the site, named appropriately, and kept up-to-date, search engines can find your site through the photo, translating into more traffic.
Do you have a blog but not a clue about HTML? Don’t fret! Here are tips on optimizing Blogger and WordPress blogs.
2012 conference FAQ
16 Oct
Where is Chena Hot Springs Resort in relation to Fairbanks?
The resort is located 56.5 miles down Chena Hot Springs Road (at the very end of the road). The paved road is maintained all year and the scenic 60-mile drive from downtown Fairbanks only takes a little more than an hour. In 2002, it was voted one of the most scenic drives in the Interior. Frequently, especially in summer, cars are parked on the side of the road to view nearby moose or other wildlife. So any time you are headed out to the resort and you see a few parked cars on the side of the road, pull completely off the road and grab your camera!
- FLY IN
A private 3,000-foot runway is available. For permission to land, first call (907) 451-8104, ext. 2. Pilots must have a minimum of 50 hours in the aircraft they will be flying before given permission to land at the resort. - CHENA SHUTTLE
Shuttle transportation service to and from Fairbanks is provided to hotel guests. OWAA attendees’ conference rate of $45 is based on-round trip transfers. - RENTAL VEHICLES
Cars and RVs can be rented locally for travel to and from Chena and pre- and post-conference trips.
How many conference attendees can Chena Hot Springs handle?
If members share rooms to max out sleeping accommodations (hotel rooms and yurts), filling up the rooms to their capacity, the resort can lodge 372 people, plus the camping and RV accommodations. Minimum capacity is 212 people plus camping and RV accommodations.
How long does it take to fly to Fairbanks from major U.S. cities?
The direct flight from Seattle to Fairbanks is about 3 hours.
What airlines fly to Fairbanks?
Non-stop flights to and from Fairbanks originate in Anchorage, Seattle and, in summertime, Minneapolis. Alaska Airlines offers non-stop trans-continental flights from Boston; Newark, N.J.; Washington, D.C.; Miami, Fla.; Orlando, Fla.; Chicago; Minneapolis; Denver; Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas and Los Angeles direct to Seattle, where passengers may board a non-stop flight to Fairbanks.
Will airfare discounts be offered via Alaska Airlines or other carriers?
Current promotions include: 20% discount through Alaska Airlines if tickets purchased between the last week of September through October (in any given year) for travel anytime. Two-for-one tickets via Alaska Airlines if applying for Alaska Airlines credit card. We are working to secure additional discounts through Alaska Airlines and the other major airlines that serve Fairbanks.
How long does it take to drive from the Seattle area to Fairbanks?
See below for driving information. You may also take the ferry (The Alaska Marine Highway System) from Bellingham, Wash. to Valdez, Whittier, Seward or one of many other towns on the Alaska coast, then drive north to Fairbanks and Chena. Visit the Alaska Marine Highway System to plan your voyage: http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/index.shtml
How long does it take to drive the Alcan Highway to Fairbanks?
The Alcan Highway, from Seattle to Fairbanks, is approximately 2,300 miles. At an average speed of 55 mph, that’s nearly 42 hours of driving. A safe journey will take about five to eight hours days per day – longer if you’d like to stop and smell the pinecones along the way.
What other ways can I get to Fairbanks?
In addition to flying or driving, the Alaska Railroad between Anchorage and Fairbanks is in operation every summer day. They offer packages originating in either city with overnight (or longer) stays in Denali National Park and Preserve. After the wildlife tour and other activities, the travelers proceeds to their destination. On return, the package offers a 45-minute flight back to the originating city. The current cost of such a package is $225.00.
Is Internet service available at the resort?
Yes, wireless Internet is available in the café and activity center. Wireless cards are available for purchase if you’d like to surf the Web outside the public area.
What kind of business services will be available for submitting stories while on-site?
A pressroom will be available at the conference, fully stocked with: copiers, computers, printers, internet access, fax machines and telephones. You will be able to be in touch during your stay at Chena.
What’s the temperature at that time of year? Do I need to bring my parka?!
Absolutely! Snow can fall anytime of year in that part of the country, so cold weather gear is highly recommended. The average temperatures in September are highs around 54 degrees and lows around 36 degrees, with an average one inch of precipitation.
Is there a Wal-Mart, Fred Meyer, or some sort of drug store close by in case I forget to pack something?
Chena is located about an hour northeast of Fairbanks. If you are flying into Fairbanks (or driving through), you’d be best advised to stop at one of these stores when you’re in town. There are no stores or other services in the immediate vicinity of Chena Hot Springs Resort.
Will there be fishing opportunities within walking distance of the accommodations?
The Chena River boasts schools of Arctic Grayling just a short 10 minute walk from the hotel rooms.
What’s the capacity of the RV park at Chena?
There are 48 RV spaces and unlimited tent sites available at Chena Hot Springs. Potable water is available, but there are no power or sewer hook-ups.
Besides yurts and the RV park, what sleeping room arrangements are there?
Chena Hot Springs Resort has two lodges available with standard hotel rooms, plus “family” rooms that sleep up to eight in a condo-style atmosphere. Also, there may also be privately owned cabins available for rent in the vicinity.
How long is the 2012 conference?
The conference itself will run three days: Sept. 4-6, 2012. The three days immediately following Labor Day.
Will there be a Breakout Day and/or Shooting Day in Fairbanks?
We’re going to try something different with the 2012 conference. “Breakout” will be combined with pre- and post-conference trips; you will have the chance to get out in the field and test the gear with our Supporting Groups, as well as local outfitters, fishing guides, suppliers and outdoor specialists.
What sort of pre-and post-conference trips will be offered?
Trips to the Arctic, brown bear photography, bush-pilot flights to native villages and mining communities, fishing for silver salmon and Arctic grayling, caribou and moose hunts, kayaking, outings to Denali National Park – all are being explored at this early stage.
What is there to do in Fairbanks?
There’s so much to do, there won’t be time to take it all in! Be sure to plan a long enough stay to take advantage of all that Alaska’s Interior has to offer. Fairbanks proper features tons of green space with hiking trails, lakes, waterfowl habitat and wildlife sanctuaries. Wildlife viewing. Photography opportunities. A classic car museum, art galleries, fine dining and theaters. The Morris Thompson Cultural Center museum. Aurora viewing, trips to Denali, kayaking and canoeing the Chena River (right from town!), fishing, dog mushing, gold rush and frontier history, and the Alaskan Pipeline. Contact Karen Lundquist at the Fairbanks CVB for a full list of all the exciting activities available in the Fairbanks area at (877) 551-1728, ext. 3775, or visit www.explorefairbanks.com.
Can my Labrador retriever swim in the Rock Lake hot pool?
No, unfortunately your dog may not bask with you in the hot springs at Rock Lake. However, the Chena River runs by the property and your pup is welcome to chase fish and swim in the river. Make sure to watch out for porcupines! (Pets are not allowed in the resort proper, but may camp with you in your tent or RV.)
Is there a bar at Chena?
Yes! There is a full-service bar and restaurant at Chena, along with a snack bar. You can also try appletinis in ice sculpted martini glasses at the Aurora Ice Museum. ◊
