roger robinson: the denali story – the clean climb program
TRANSCRIPT
University of Oregon’s Outdoor Program Director Garry Grimm, spearheaded education and clean‐up
climbs in the 1970’s
Denali Rehabilitation and Education Project
1977 Attitudes Research: Human Waste Abandoned Equipment Crowding Rescues Access
The development of the Clean Mountain Can has become a safe method to remove human waste. The American Alpine Club and Access Fund provided financial support to start this project.
Biodegradable bags line the Clean Mountain Can
Clean Mountain Cans are transported with the climbers by aircraft
Clean Mountain Cans are transported with the climbers by aircraft
Successfully removing the human waste through climbers policing each other and enforcement by
Denali Rangers
Over 5000 pounds of human waste is generated each year in the Alaska Range
• What is happening to this waste inside of the glaciers?• How fast are the glaciers moving?• How long will it take for this waste to surface? • Will the waste still be active with pathogens once it surfaces?
Tracking the movement of glaciers and estimating the emergence of human waste.
2016: Research was started to determine the breakdown of waste below the melt line.
The 42 mile long Kahiltna Glacier flows south: red dots are velocity stakes, blue dots are water sample sites
The Kahiltna River flows from the KahiltnaGlacier terminus, trace levels of fecal contamination have been detected.
Composting the waste using worms (vermi‐composting), an alternative management solution
All pathogens destroyed after 2 Alaska years
Stay connected through the Goggle Group: “Managing Human Waste in the Wild”
This international group is interested in the best practices and latest research managing this complex issue in remote areas. The Group is open to new members and appreciate your questions and exchange of information!
The “Exit Strategies” International Conference
<http://groups.google.com/group/managing‐human‐waste‐in‐the‐wild>