Dennis A. Cowals (12 May 1945 - 22 October 2004) was a photojournalist who contributed many photos to the United States Environmental Protection Agency sponsored DOCUMERICA project.[1] Hundreds of photos he took of Alaska during the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System have been published. He focused on both ground and aerial photos of geography, flora, and fauna. They are now in the public domain.[2]
Cowals graduated from the Medill School of Journalism with a degree in journalism,[3] and went on to attended the University of Alaska for his post-graduate studies in 1967. He worked as a photographer and news editor at the university starting in 1968.[4] He became press secretary for congressman Don Young in 1971.[3] In 1980, he launched a search for the Kad'yak,[5] and later worked as an author and rescue guide.[6]
Cowals died on 22 October 2004 of lung cancer.[7] He was survived by his son, Dawson.[3]