Highlighting Author Amy Gulick

“Powerful stories get the attention of decision makers and people they represent” - Amy Gulick, author of The Salmon Way

Hello Braided River Community - the month of June has absolutely flown by, and each day we seem to be facing new obstacles and headlines of horror. It's not easy to keep showing up for the climate and our community when everything may feel like it is falling apart.

Here at Braided River, we believe in the persuasive power of images and stories to lead people to protect the wild and sacred outdoors, and communities that are connected to them. We are here to connect with you - from inspiring words from Braided River author and photographer Amy Gulick, to a chance to share your story on why you care about public lands.

Amy Gulick

Environmental Impact Award Recipient at NANPA

(The North American Nature Photography Association)

Amy Gulick published her first award-winning book with Braided River in 2010, titled Salmon in the Trees: Life in Alaska's Tongass Rainforest. Going on to publish another book with Braided River titled The Salmon Way: An Alaska State of Mind in 2019, she now the recipient of the Environmental Impact Award from the North American Nature Photography Association, the Conservation Voices Award from Washington Wild, and the Voices of the Wild Award from the Alaska Wilderness League. Amy has been one of Braided River’s champions, continuing to share stories and be involved in the fight to protect Alaskan ecosystems. I had the honor of speaking with Amy about the project and what this work means to her.

1. What first inspired you to combine photography with environmental storytelling?

As a kid, I loved telling stories. I would draw pictures to illustrate my stories, and when I figured out what a camera could do then that became my tool of choice. The power of a strong photograph to engage people and draw them into the finer details of a story is paramount to helping people understand an environmental issue.

2. Can you tell me a little bit about the project that led to the Environmental Impact Award?

The Salmon Way: An Alaska State of Mind explores the relationships and ways of life that wild salmon make possible for people in Alaska. These remarkable fish provide a fundamental source of food, livelihood, and identity, and connect generations and communities throughout the state. Yet while salmon are integral to the lives of many Alaskans, the habitat they need to thrive is increasingly at risk from large-scale development that threatens both the fish and valued ways of life.

3. What impact do you hope your photography continues to have on conservation and environmental awareness?

Powerful stories can get the attention of decision makers and the people they represent. I’m always trying to tell stories that inspire people to see the world from a new perspective, because how we see the world is how we treat it. Ultimately, I want people to come away from my stories inspired to take care of what takes care of us and all beings on Earth.

You can find more of Amy Gulick’s work here: amygulick.com

Protect The Arctic Campaign

For decades, Braided River has worked in coalition with many photographers and authors to amplify and protect America’s Arctic. In 2021, our “Protect the Arctic” Campaign led by Campion Advocacy fund recording their award-winning IMAX film titled “The Arctic: Our Last Great Wilderness." This campaign is interwoven into the heart of Braided River's mission.

The threat continues. Among other damaging motions, the Big Beautiful Budget Bill that President Trump is proposing includes a plan to sell off public lands to pay for billionaire tax breaks. This includes the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), and opening up Americas Arctic for oil and gas development. Regardless of Trump’s belief that the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge holds oil potential equivalent to “liquid gold,” the fact of the matter is that industry does not see economic potential in oil and gas development in the Arctic Refuge (ANWR). Multiple legally mandated oil and gas lease sales for the Coastal Plain have resulted in no companies showing up for the sale.

As stated by our colleagues at Alaska Wilderness League, “Public lands cannot be for sale. Not for profit. Not for political cover. And not now or EVER. The Senate budget bill uses land giveaways to offset the cost of billionaire tax breaks, trading irreplaceable landscapes for temporary gains. This is a shortsighted political stunt with permanent consequences.”

Check Protect The Arctic’s Take Action Page | Protect The Arctic’s Instagram