Today’s Fireside Lecture will feature U.S. Forest Service natural resource specialist Pete Schneider explaining how he created two live video camera feeds that reveal the secret lives of beaver and salmon near the glacier. Schneider’s presentation will be held in the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center tonight at 6:30 p.m. and again at 8 p.m.
Schneider’s dedication over many years has overcome technical and administrative hurdles to allow live action observations of underwater wildlife near Steep Creek on YouTube and on monitors inside the visitor center and outdoor pavilion. First established in 1996 by Eagle Scout Matt Statsny, the Steep Creek fish cam provides a virtual window into the Tongass National Forest.
The Steep Creek fish cam went viral in 2013, its first season on YouTube. A live broadcast showing bright red sockeye salmon, Dolly Varden char, and an occasional black bear captivated viewers worldwide. More than 27,000 people collectively watched 10,314 hours of video.
“The feedback from the public was wonderful, positive, and provided us a real opportunity to educate others about Alaska salmon,” Schneider said in a release. “Alaskans often take salmon for granted and forget how many people don’t know much about them. Natural salmon runs are becoming less common in the Lower 48. It’s not surprising folks get excited to know places like this still exist.”
Another live infrared camera is located inside a beaver lodge. Schneider and Forest Service regional fisheries biologist Don Martin first experimented with a beaver cam in 2004 after locating an active den near Steep Creek.
One thing Schneider noticed with both cameras was how interested visitors were once they realized the video was live. This was a defining moment for him.
“People are simply drawn to watch the natural world unfold right before their eyes and it genuinely captures their attention,” Schneider said.
Free Fireside Lectures occur Friday nights at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center during January, February and March. A schedule of topics can be found at www.mendenhallglacier.net. Doors open at 6 p.m. Elevators are closed for reconstruction, access the Visitor Center via stairs or outdoor ramp. Call 789-0097 for info.
An underwater view of a sockeye salmon near the Mendenhall Glacier. (Pete Schneider | US Forest Service)
