Lecture to detail developing reindeer industry in Alaska
February 6, 2012
907-474-5229
2/3/12
More than 90 percent of food consumed in Alaska is imported from Outside. Even the slightest disruption in food availability can result in dramatic price increases or empty shelves in stores. The obstacles to establishing a stable food source in Alaska range from climate change to limited infrastructure and more. One food industry has emerged that can overcome those obstacles: reindeer. In order to promote food security, some researchers in Alaska have been developing cutting-edge management strategies and technologies for the reindeer industry.
On Feb. 7 at 7 p.m., Greg Finstad will talk about reindeer and the potential for building an industry around farming the ungulate in Alaska. Finstad, assistant professor and manager of the Reindeer Research Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, will present “Reindeer: Tundra Gold” in the Westmark Gold Room. The lecture is the second installment in the 20th annual Science for Alaska Lecture Series.
Science for Alaska 2012 is sponsored by the Geophysical Institute, UAF and Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. The series runs on Tuesdays through March 6, 2012 and is free to the public.
Hands-on activities for all ages begin at 6:30 p.m. inside the Gold Room. Families are welcome.
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Greg Finstad, Reindeer Research Program manager, 907-474-5449 or glfinstad@alaska.edu. Amy Hartley, Geophysical Institute public relations manager, 907-474-5823 or amy.hartley@gi.alaska.edu.
ON THE WEB: www.scienceforalaska.com
SS/2-3-11/150-12