Videographer Captures Essence Of Chugach National Forest Nellie Juan-College Fiord Wilderness Study Area/Prince William Sound

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Contact(s): Alicia F. King, Mona Spargo


Anchorage, AK – January 11, 2017 - Voices of the Wilderness 2016 Artist in Residence, Beau Sylte, created a short film to share information about the Chugach National Forest Nellie Juan-College Fiord Wilderness Study Area and to inspire people to learn more about the value of their public lands. As a Voices of the Wilderness resident artist last summer, Sylte explored and captures the wilderness and the human connection with the natural world through his chosen art medium - film.     

Artists have long contributed to the preservation and interpretation of our public lands. Artists like George Catlin, Albert Beirstadt, and Thomas Moran, whose nineteenth-century paintings inspired pride in America’s wild landscapes and influenced designation of our first public lands. Many artists have used song, photograph, poetry, and other mediums to celebrate America’s public lands. Their art work plays a vital role in connecting people to the natural world.

Every year since 2010, the Voices of the Wilderness Artist in Residence competitive program pairs a resident artist with a wilderness specialist and actively engages in stewardship projects such as research, monitoring, and education. Artists gain a sense of the stewardship behind America’s public lands, fostering an artistic exploration of these natural and cultural treasures. The resulting art communicates the meaning of these lands.

 “During my time there as a volunteer filmmaker, I was able to aim my lenses at some incredible scenery, not to mention hearing the incredible story of the Nellie-Juan Wilderness Study Area.” Says Sylte “After spending almost two weeks in the Wilderness Study Area, I can say without a doubt that it is by far one of the most beautiful places in Alaska. More tidewater glaciers than anywhere else, the farthest North temperate rainforest, and thousands of miles of coastline. When the sun was shining, there was no lack of footage to capture. It is a true gem of public lands, and I hope my film will showcase that.”

Located in south central Alaska on the Chugach National Forest, the Wilderness Study Area’s wild landscape features countless glaciers, the densest concentration of tidewater glaciers in Alaska, some flowing a dozen miles from ice-capped peaks to terminate in cliffs of ice towering hundreds of feet above the water. In addition to experiencing the wilderness area as an artist, Sylte participated in Chugach Children’s Forest activities such as recreation site naturalization, marine debris clean-up efforts, and collecting invasive European black slugs. Along with wilderness rangers Tim and Barbara Lydon, Sylte documented wilderness character monitoring and participated in the outdoor education program “Teach the Teachers”, credited by the University of Alaska and led by the U.S. Forest Service and Alaska Geographic.

In addition to donating a work of art, selected Voices of the Wilderness artists also provide a public presentation within six months of completing their residency, such as a slideshow lecture, demonstration, or workshop that publicizes the program and connects the community to their public lands. Sylte is sharing his video Alaskan Wilderness – The Nellie Juan Story in outdoor and wilderness-themed film festivals, with accompanying talks about his experience in the Chugach National Forest Nellie Juan-College Fiord Wilderness Study Area.  

To view the video click here. For more information about the Artist in Residence program click here.

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