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Highlander Magazine

Environmental Activism Through Art: The Bereavement of the North American Forest System

Posted on March 19, 2019March 27, 2019

Bark Beetles have long inhabited forest systems worldwide, and they can have a major impact on the ecosystem. However, in recent years, these tiny insects have caused colossal destruction throughout North America; tens of millions of acres of conifers have been affected. Bark beetle populations have increased drastically due to rising temperatures and drought, which create favorable conditions for the beetle to thrive in.

Alexa Okerlund, a photography student at Utah State University, saw the effects of the bark beetle infestation and became inspired to use her art to raise awareness of climate change. Her projects are primarily centered around the effects the human race has on the environment. I received some insight from Alexa about her work and what she thinks the next step is.

She started photographing natural subject matter last year as she hiked the Uintas. “When I ran across an area affected by bark beetles, I was baffled, so I did some research and went from there. I’ve always loved spending time in the outdoors and photographing, but that was the first time I combined those two interests and I’ve never looked back.” Seeing the effects of the beetle infestation stunned her, and she knew it would impact others too. The fact that global warming could manifest in such an obscure way fascinated her: “to learn that humans were ultimately the cause was incredible, and I wanted the viewer to undergo that same process.”

When asked what she hoped people got from her photo series Alexa said: “I hope that this makes people realize what their actions are capable of. Reducing one’s carbon footprint may seem small, like the actions of one person couldn’t possibly have a big enough effect to make a difference. But change has to start somewhere and others can take inspiration from even one person living sustainably.”

“Do you think artists have the ability to implement change on the human impact on the environment?”

“I know they do. Ansel Adams’ photographs were indispensable in the creation of the Kings Canyon National Park. They worked as evidence of the value that the land has and convinced politicians to protect it. If photographs of the beauty of nature can influence that level of change, then certainly photographs of the destruction thereof can influence people to take interest in the cause and effect. I just hope that these images are able to communicate that and inspire people to adapt their lifestyles and minimize their impact.”

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*photos pre-covid ** this is the opinion of the au *photos pre-covid
** this is the opinion of the author 

Aggie Blue Bikes is a student student-run bike shop that is located right by the Field House. This organization is funded by $2.78 of student fees. Recently, the student board has been discussing a change in student fees. The $2.78 fee pays for 24- hour rentals, open access bicycle tool boards, free and cheap bike parts, community events, and educational classes. 

If you want to help this program, students are hosting a protest on the Quad at 1 p.m. on February 18th. They ask that you wear a mask, ride a bike (if you have one) and bring an attitude for peaceful change.

If you are unable to attend send emails to james.morales@usu.edu, noelle.cockett@usu.edu, president.ususa@usu.edu, and linda.zimmerman@usu.edu. In your email include what Aggie Blue Bikes means to you, and how valuable this program is to students. Please send in your email before 4 p.m. today. 

@usuaggiebluebikes 
@utahstatesman 
@usuaggielife 

Read the article on our website
“We had been looking for housing all summer, we “We had been looking for housing all summer, we spent a lot of money on application fees and still no house. I knew Nick's dad had a wall tent. I called up Nick and said 'dude, does your dad have that wall tent? We should live in that, in logan canyon.’”

Read our newest article at the link in our bio.
Happy last week of school!! We want to celebrate w Happy last week of school!! We want to celebrate with the newest issue of the highlander!! This issue is about survival. We have stories covering ultra light backpacking to mental health to climbing accidents! 

Link is in the bio! 

So go give it a read. And leave us a comment here and share it if you enjoyed it!

happy holidays!
“Over the past 5 years Steelheading has changed “Over the past 5 years Steelheading has changed a bunch, lots more people than there used to be and less fish”

Learn more about Steelhead conservation in @ethanmuhlestein’s article.
“On Thursday last week, the Bureau of Land Manag “On Thursday last week, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) rushed to issue a lease to allow drilling within the soon designated wilderness area. The project will allow extensive construction in the usually quiet Labyrinth wilderness, including road building, well construction, pipelines, infrastructure, and building a 10-acre processing facility on nearby Utah School Trust Lands. This drilling would be for helium, which has similar impacts of oil and gas drilling.

We are writing this Op-Ed to ask you to please reach out and make a comment on or before Wednesday, November 4th. You can make a comment using a premade message, or by writing your own, at  https://p2a.co/V5DN0kO. This process will take less than five minutes, and we ask you to please take the time to preserve this magical canyon.”

@summervaughn_ 
@merwappett
“Women have really amazing and really powerful b “Women have really amazing and really powerful bodies! For some women getting into the backcountry is a way to celebrate that and if you are new to the backcountry don’t let some of the more delicate points of life as a woman prevent you from getting outside.” - @ksburns05 

Read more tips about women in the backcountry on our website. 

Shoutout to all the lovely women who volunteered their photos.

@summervaughn_
“At the end of the day, that moment of realizati “At the end of the day, that moment of realization before swipe, click, and camera is necessary. Why are you actually outside? Why do you actively participate in these sports? Why does the photograph never look as good as the moment? If no answer comes to mind the phone should maybe stay in the car. Take every time spent in the great outdoors with these thoughts of some yogi, “view every moment as if you are seeing it in the crystal clear reflection of water: brand new, fresh, and awe-inspiring.’”

Read more about social media and the outdoor on our website
“When life gives you online school, move to a be “When life gives you online school, move to a beautiful place.”

Read @sareelane’s article about USU students living in a dreamy Hawaiian town on our website.
When life gives you a rock, climb it. When life gi When life gives you a rock, climb it. When life gives you an ocean, slackline over it.

The world is a beautiful place and is there for you to enjoy it. Now is the time to go outside and make the most of it all! Take a break this week to go outside and do something you love.

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