Alaska's KATMAI, Lake Clark, Alagnak

The Katmai National Park and Preserve is one of the best places in the world to observe brown bears. Situated at the mouth of the Brooks River, along the shore of Naknek Lake, Brooks Camp has special platforms for incredible brown bear viewing as they hunt for food in and near the river. Bears and humans have been in harmony at Brooks Camp for over 30 years and is one of the finest examples in the world of peaceful human / animal coexistence. Sockeye Salmon The life blood of the Brooks River Ecosystem. Just about every living thing here benefits from the presence of salmon, including world-class sport fishing for anglers!

Katmai National Park and Preserve is also famous for the Novarupta Volcano, site of the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century, resulting in the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve Remote, undeveloped, beautiful and vast. The tallest mountains in the park,Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna, are both active volcanoes. The park includes many streams and lakes vital to the Bristol Bay salmon fishery. Alagnak Wild River The most popular fly-in fishing location in all of southwest Alaska. Anglers pursue all 5 species of salmon plus rainbow trout, char and grayling!

REVIEW: The Midwest Book Review
Two new DVDs in the Discoveries America National Parks series take the viewer on a glorious, high-definition tour of scenic views and wildlife activity. "Alaska's Katmai, Lake Clark and Alagnak" (9781604901689, 50 min.) shows Katmai's special platforms for observing brown bears as they hunt for food, Lake Clark's streams and active volcanoes, and the popular pastime of fly-in fishing at Alagnak wild river.

"Ohio's Cuyahoga Valley and Other National Park Service Units" (9781604901658, 50 min.) explores Ohio's one and only national park, including its marshland hosting beavers, turtles, herons, and amphibians; its stunning Brandywine Falls and Tinker's Creek Gorge; and the Greenfield Berry Farm, a triumph of sustainable agriculture. Both panoramic DVDs are absolutely captivating to behold, and the next best thing to visiting these beautiful national parks in person. Highly recommended, especially for public library DVD collections. Both programs are also available in Blu-ray format.

REVIEW: Video Librarian
This beautifully shot high-def production from filmmakers Jim and Kelly Watt-part of the Discoveries...America National Parks series-showcases some of western Alaska's most striking natural wonders. The spectacular footage opens with the many attractions of Katmai National Park and Preserve, a four-million-acre domain that includes the Novarupta volcano, whose massive eruption in 1912 created the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes; and Brooks Camp, one of the best places in the world to safely view and photograph brown bears as they fish for salmon, eat, and play.

Rangers offer ursine guidance for shutterbugs, including how to read the bears' comfort level (they're dangerous!) and pointing out exactly how far 50 yards is (the minimum safe distance). Next, it's on to Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, a remote wilderness covering two million square acres that relies on boats and small aircraft (mostly float planes) to bring in visitors, who marvel at craggy volcanic mountains reflected in gorgeous lakes and enjoy fishing for a variety of species in rushing streams.

Angling receives lots of attention in sequences shot at the Alagnak Wild River, whose headwaters lie within Katmai (and here the camera crew step into the frame to do a little fly-fishing with friends). For those planning a trip or just up for some enjoyable armchair traveling, this is highly recommended.

[Note: also newly available from Bennett-Watt is the companion title Fly Fishing Adventure: Fish and Bears on Alaska's Alagnak River.] Aud: P. (C. Block)