Political Quotes

“there is a standing joke among longtime Alaskans that visitors who come to Anchorage to view our glittering skyline, set off against the grandeur of the Chugach Mountains and the placid beauty of the Cook Inlet, haven't seen the ``real Alaska.'' Whether one agrees with this observation or not, all will agree that one does not have to travel far from Anchorage to experience our unique natural beauty and abundant wildlife. About 45 minutes from downtown Anchorage, easily accessible on paved roads, there is an oasis in Chugach State Park called the ``Eagle River Nature Center.'' The Eagle River Nature Center nestled in the Chugach Mountains is home to interpretive programs all year around. It is the starting point for miles of well-groomed hiking trails from which one can view moose and occasionally encounter bear. It has been described in terms like ``glorious, enchanting and captivating.'' A place to view snow covered mountains in hues of pink and orange illuminated by the alpenglow sunset. It is a place where John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt would feel right at home. Born as the Chugach State Park Visitor Center, the facility was in danger of being lost to budget cuts. By 1996, the budget had dwindled to a mere $14,000 from $185,000 in 1981. The center needed a savior. Then along came a remarkable individual, Richard D. ``Dick'' Lloyd.…”