Above the Spruce -- Finger Mountain,Yukon-Koyukuk Borough, AK USA
N 66° 21.529 W 150° 27.796
5W E 613488 N 7362208
One of three flora and fauna signs at the Finger Mountain landmark along the Dalton Highway.
Waymark Code: WM1736J
Location: Alaska, United States
Date Posted: 11/30/2022
Views: 0
This sign is one of three placed by the US Bureau of Land Management at finger Mountain, a popular and unique landform along this part of the Dalton Highway, not far from the Arctic Circle.
The sign reads as follows:
"ABOVE THE SPRUCE
Finger Mountain stands above the surrounding boreal forests, marshes and stream bottoms. Although treeless, this Alpine tundra environment is not lifeless.
Hardy but Delicate
Tundra plants grow slowly in the harsh alpine environment. Careless activities can leave scars on the landscape for many years. Please tread lightly as you explore this area.
Struggle to Survive
-80° winters and hurricane force winds to find a community of resilient plants and animals equal to the extremes. Lichens cling to raw or rock while mosses and other tiny plants crowd together to root in the cold, shallow soil.
The margins of survival are narrow here. Resources are scarce and most are available for only a short time. From birth to maturity, the voles, the ptarmigan, and the foxes must work to live and reproduce."
Visit Instructions:
Take a photo of yourself (and others) at the waymark and feel free to share any additional information or that is not contained on the sign or your experience generally.