National Forests

Adventure Activism, Books, Capitol Christmas Tree, National Forests, On Assignment, Public Land, Special Events / 15.12.2016

The Joy Trip Project has published a small book of photographs depicting the events surrounding the 2016 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour. Although many of these images were widely distributed online via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter I am very happy to be able to share the work of this latest project in printed form. This book in two formats (7X7 and 10X8) is available now at Blurb.com as a lasting reminder of the many special people I had the pleasure to meet and photograph on this wonderful adventure. In...

Adventure Activism, National Forests, National Parks, New Century Vision / 06.06.2016

After 16 days of rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon I was still covered in a fine layer of dust and sand. Even having taken a shower eariler that morning I carried that residual film of grime you inevitably accumulate while camping. Noseblind to my own body odor I'm sure that I stank, but with a few hours left to kill before my flight back home to Wisconsin I just had to make a visit to the Canyon Rim for one last look and to begin the...

Capitol Christmas Tree, National Forests, On Assignment, Special Events, Video / 02.11.2015

Sharon Isaak (right) is an elder in the First Nation Kenaitze tribe of Alaska. She and her family were among the many who created original ornaments for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. With great enthusiasm and excitement she made a special trip to Seward Alaska to witness the harvest and preparation of the People's Tree for its long journey to Washington D.C. "With all that goes on in the world," she said "it's just fun to see everyone smiling over a tree." Kenaitze Elder Smiles Over Captiol Christmas Tree...

Capitol Christmas Tree, National Forests, On Assignment / 29.10.2015

On October 27, 2015 the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree​ was harvested in the Chugach National Forest​ near the town of Seward, Alaska​. This spectacular Lutz Spruce will stand on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C. as a timely symbol of peace and unity for the American People. The meticulous process of carefully selecting, cutting and transporting the People's Tree on a journey of more than 3,000 miles over land and sea represents the hard work and dedication of hundreds of men and women across...

Adventure Activism, Capitol Christmas Tree, National Forests, National Parks, On Assignment, Social Media, Special Events / 26.10.2015

I never thought it would come to this. After years of railing on and on about the early arrival of the holiday season I suddenly find myself utterly and completely complicit in its delivery! Even though we have yet to celebrate Halloween today I am excited for the prospects of seeking out an evergreen for decorating. But this is no ordinary spruce. The Christmas tree I aim to acquire will stand on the grounds of U.S. Capitol Building as a symbol of peace for the American People. As an...