In 1977 oil began to flow south from the Arctic through the controversial Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS). This study considers the TAPS proposal and controversy as an extension (even a culmination) of established processes, policies, and attitudes within Alaska history, American environmental history, and the history of conservation. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

In the 1970s, the world's largest construction companies invaded Alaska in a wild rush to build the 800-mile $8 billion trans-Alaska pipeline. Workers by the tens of thousands headed north, hoping to make their fortunes working on the pipeline, in a stampede that dramatically affected Alaska. With the avalanche of big money and new arrivals came new problems: drugs, prostitution, gambling, and violent crime. Rapid economic and social changes ultimately touched the lives of virtually every Alaskan. Journalist Dermot Cole, dean of the Alaska press corps, recalls the best of the pipeline stories with humor, authenticity, and drama.

The building of the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline, its impact on the Alaskan economy, and its environmental and social effects on the land, the people, and the wildlife along its path.

Armand Spielman had no idea of the overwhelming task before him! It was March 1969 and Armand had accepted a temporary position as a landman for the company that would build the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. His task–acquire the project right-of-way so that crude oil would flow from the oil-producing fields of Prudhoe Bay to the ice-free port of Valdez where it would be shipped to west-coast refineries. Later, realizing the daunting task at hand, Armand recruited his long-time friend Jay Sullivan. Jay assembled an unlikely group of men who proved that ingenuity, perseverance, and a bit of naivety could get the job done. This is their story–the struggles and obstacles overcome to obtain the land needed to build the great Alaskan pipeline.

WALKING MY DOG, JANE is Rozell's tribute to his adopted state and to the travel partner who carried Rozell's heart, and her own backpack, during a summer spent outdoors walking the 800-mile length of the trans-Alaska pipeline.