New book chronicles the seasons in Minnesota's only national park
Media contacts: Catherine Dehdashti, U of M Extension, (612) 625-0237, ced@umn.edu; Preston Smith, University News Service, smith@umn.edu, (612) 625-0552
ST. PAUL, Minn. (7/6/2011) —"Voyageur Skies: Weather and the Wilderness in Minnesota's National Park" chronicles the seasons in Voyageurs National Park through University of Minnesota Extension climatologist Mark Seeley's account of how weather and climate has shaped the park's pristine landscape. Retired Extension photographer Don Breneman, co-author of the book, shows the many stunning facets of the park as they appear through his own lens.
"'Voyageur Skies' is educational in that it describes the climate of this unique place, its ecosystem, wildlife, and waters, as well as how all of that is being affected by climate change," said Seeley, who has studied Minnesota's climate for more than 34 years as Extension's climatologist.
Seeley's educational Extension work has brought about progress and better preparedness related to weather/climate impacts on the state's agriculture, transportation, energy, tourism, and natural resources. To many Minnesotans, he is known as the reassuring voice of factual information that makes for better decision-making.
About how he came to write the book, Seeley said: "In the 1990s I did a comprehensive study of the climate in Superior National Forest for the U.S. Forest Service. It gave me insights about the far northern climates in the state and how they are influenced by the great border lakes."
While celebrating the spectacular beauty to be found in Minnesota's only national park, "Voyageur Skies" facilitates wider discussion and understanding of implications for the future if the quality of the state's resources is to be preserved.
Written for general readers and also for classroom use, this book will be the centerpiece for educational programs to be offered jointly by Extension and the University of Minnesota Water Resources Center.
Autographed copies of "Voyageur Skies," signed by both Seeley and Breneman, are available through the University of Minnesota Extension Store. Order online at www.extension.umn.edu/go/1068 or call 1-800-876-8636. Hardcover with dust jacket, 104 pages, 11.5" x 9.5" and more than 80 photographs. $29.99.
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