Happy River, Alaska

Daryl Moistner was hired by Geonex Itech as a surveyor to help in the subdivision of eight sections of land in the Happy River area near Rainy Pass in the Alaska Range. Mr. Moistner was one of a three man initial scoping crew. They flew to Happy River one week prior to the start of survey to scope the project site and establish a campsite. Lumber, building supplies, and ATV’s were flown in by two separate air cargo companies. A platform was built to accomodate seven wall tents and a kitchen weather port tent. The crew was responsible for all carpentry and electrical wiring of the campsite. Wood stoves were installed in the tents as the heat source and water was hauled by ATV from the river and boiled for drinking and cooking. After the initial scoping and camp setup, Mr. Moistner moved into a Party Chief position for the survey itself. The survey was projected to go four weeks through the entire month of November. Section lines had to be cut and cleared of vegetation. Tree’s had to be blazed throughout all lines and angle points monumented. A Bell 206 helicopter was hired to assist with establishing control and to move crews across the rapidly freezing Happy River. Besides the surveying work, logistical problems associated with the camp itself had to be addressed. Cutting and collecting of firewood, hauling and purifying the water supply and maintenance and repair of chainsaws were accomplished on a daily basis. The project was completed on time and under budget even though daily high temperatures averaged –15°F and 2-3 feet of snow covered the ground.