Despite chilly January temperatures, fresh water flows along the Albert Loop Trail at the Eagle River Nature Center in Chugach State Park.

Alaska officials are holding a state parks photo contest to highlight one of the state’s best resources -- its parklands.

The contest by the state Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation is being held to commemorate the anniversary of the division and the establishment of Chilkat, Kachemak Bay, Chugach and Denali state parks. Those parks have been around for 40 years.

Photo entries can be of any state park. The deadline is March 1, and six winning photos will be used to create anniversary posters to be distributed throughout Alaska.

There are no specific categories, but suggestions include: people traveling, playing, resting or working; plants, animals, fish and birds; scenic views; historic structures; aerial or underwater perspectives.

For more information, click here.

Turn in your pictures, I know I will.

-- Steve