Ever since exposed to the works of Jim Brandenburg while working as a canoe guide in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of northern Minnesota, Carl has desired to use his photography to further conservation. The following highlights his efforts with specific conservation groups and some longterm projects. 

Arctic Light and Life

Beginning with an artist residency in Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, Alaska in 2007, Carl has developed a fascination for the Arctic. Learn more his goal to photograph the diverse landscapes and cultures of the circumpolar Arctic.

Where Water is Gold

Carl did fieldwork for five years in all seasons to document the landscape and way of life in the Bristol Bay region, resulting in the award-winning book, Where Water is Gold: Life and Livelihood in Alaska's Bristol Bay. The goal of the book was to show what was at stake if the Pebble Mine were developed. Learn about this project and his ongoing efforts to support the region and protect it from large scale hard rock mining. Learn more about this project.

Great Land Trust

In 2008, Carl started volunteering to take photos for the Great Land Trust, a non-profit organization based in Anchorage, Alaska. Their goal is to purchase private lands in key watershed habitat and transfer those lands over to state or local governments for permanent protection. Learn more about Carl's efforts with GLT.