Editors note: Distribution of What’s Up may be a bit erratic for the next three weeks since I will have spotty internet access. Please continue to send notices. **Mark items that are new in this issue. September 26, 2011 Compiled Weekly by Peg Tileston On behalf of the Alaska Women’s Environmental Network (AWEN), Alaska Center for the Environment (ACE), and Alaska Conservation Alliance (ACA) CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS, TRAINING Now through September 30 The ALASKA PLANT MATERIALS CENTER (PMC) is announcing its ALASKA NATIVE FLOWER AND GRASS SEED SALE. The list of the available seed lots, including quantities, varieties, and prices is posted on the Division of Agriculture and Plant Materials Center's web pages at http://dnr.alaska.gov/ag/ and http://plants.alaska.gov. .The seed is available at the PMC located at 5310 South Bodenburg Spur in the Butte. Fourteen different species of flowers are being offered this fall. All of these grow best if they are planted in the fall and allowed to remain in the outside soil for our winter's freezes and thaws. By planting these seeds now, you should have healthy plants next summer and vigorous, seed producing plants in 2013. To order seed, either fill out the order form on-line. You can also email Peggy Hunt or call 745-8721. Orders can also be faxed to 746-1568. Payment and pickup of seeds is expected within two weeks of notification. September 27 - 29 JUNEAU - 7th ANNUAL ALASKA RURAL ENERGY CONFERENCE: entitled ENERGY PATHWAYS TO ALASKA'S FUTURE will be held in Centennial Hall. In addition to the conference sessions, new this year we will offering a basic Energy 101 course on Monday, Sept 26 as well as field trips to successful Juneau-area energy projects on Friday. The Conference is offering a large variety of technical sessions covering new and ongoing energy projects in Alaska, as well as new technologies and needs for Alaska's remote communities. With 24 technical sessions and many additional breakout sessions, the conference provides important information for all sectors of the Alaskan community. brings energy experts together to provide practical information and energy projects, ideas, and solutions for Alaska's Communities. For more information, go to http://www.uaf.edu/acep/rec/. September 29 HOMER – NATURAL TEACHER WORKSHOP for classroom teachers will be offered from 4 to 6pm at the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies on Smoky Bay Way. All classroom teachers are invited to join three of Homer’s most experienced classroom Natural Teachers - CAROLE DEMERS, KIM FINE, SHERYL SOTELO – for a an interactive panel discussion focused on student learning opportunities in the outdoors. Participants will hear success stories about outdoor classroom learning and gather tips for taking field trips with students, how to work with school district administrators, identify nearby nature locations for student learning, and more. There is no cost or registration for this Take A Child Outside Week workshop, and chocolate will be provided. For more information contact Carmen Field at 226-4659 or carmen.field@alaska.gov. September 30 FAIRBANKS - ALASKA STRATEGIC AND CRITICAL MINERALS SUMMIT from 8:30am to 5:15pm at the Princess Riverside Lodge with an with a reception and investor networking at 6:00 at the University of Alaska Museum of the North. No registration fee; buffet lunch available to purchase at the lodge. This all-day event will focus on Alaska’s potential for exploration, development and processing of strategic minerals, which include rare-earth elements (REEs). The agenda includes presentations by experts from the minerals industry, government agencies and UAF. A press conference is planned midday. For more information and to register, go to http://alaskastrategicminerals.eventbrite.com/. October 4 & 5 ANCHORAGE - IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF MID-20TH-CENTURY BUILDINGS SEMINAR presented by the National Preservation Institute in cooperation with the National Park Service, Alaska Support Office. Discuss how post-World War II structures fit into today’s and tomorrow’s historic preservation patterns. With an emphasis on the 1950s and 1960s, examine eraspecific factors that help to identify and evaluate post-war buildings in terms of their significance for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, with consideration of Section 106, Section 110, and Section 4(f) issues. An agenda is available online at http://www.npi.org/sites/default/files/files/ag20th1210.pdf. Instructors. JAMES C. MASSEY, architectural historian and planner, former HABS chief, contributing editor to Old-House Journal, and historic preservation consultant with a particular interest in the mid-20th century and SHIRLEY MAXWELL, historian, historic preservation consultant, contributing editor to Old-House Journal, and co-author of House Styles in America and other publications. AIA/CES. This seminar meets the criteria for programs in the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System and AIA members will receive 6 learning units each day. Registration. A registration form is available online at http://www.npi.org/register.html. Advance registration rate is available through August 31 for $450 (2days). The regular registration rate after that date is $500.For more information, go to http://www.npi.org/sem-20th.html or contact Jere Gibber, Executive Director, at 703/765-0100; 703/7689350 fax or email info@npi.org. October 5 ENERGY TODAY IN ALASKA: A FORUM ON TIDAL ENERGY will be held from 6 to 7pm at 3400 Spenard Road, Suite 9. Celebrate October's Energy Awareness Month with DOUG JOHNSON from Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC). ORPC is currently developing and implementing tidal turbine technology throughout the Cook Inlet, the second highest tidal range in North America. Join us to find out more about tidal energy in Alaska. Free refreshments provided. RSVP by September 28 at 907.258.2247 or email alicia@achpalaska.com. October 5 & 6 ANCHORAGE - Two LEED workshops will be held - LEED 201: CORE CONCEPTS & STRATEGIES will be held on October 5 from 8am to 5pm in the Captain Cook Hotel, Club Room, 939 West 5th Avenue. This workshop is intended for anyone who wants more than a basic understanding of LEED - including those with a stake in their company's or community's building practices, those directly involved in green building projects, and those pursuing GBCI's LEED Green Associate credential. For more information, go to http://cascadiagbc.org/events/2011/october/leed201-coreconcepts-workshopalaska/. LEED 301: BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION WORKSHOP will be held on October 6 from 8am to 5pm in the Captain Cook Hotel, Club Room, 939 West 5th Avenue. The workshop addresses LEED tools and unique aspects of the New Construction rating system. Workshop participants will discuss the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders in the LEED process, as well as strategies for communicating with team members at various stages of that process. Official USGBC LEED Faculty who are LEED and facilitation experts will walk the class through the phases of a typical project, including key decisions that project teams must make and guidance on how to make them. Throughout the day, you will engage with other participants in interactive activities using case examples to enable you to work hands-on with LEED implementation strategies and Rating System tools, including project forms from LEED Online v3. At the end of this workshop, you should be able to apply your newfound knowledge to real-life LEED projects. For more information, go to http://cascadiagbc.org/events/2011/october/leed-bdc301-workshop-anchorage/. October 6 & 7 SOLDOTNA - The KENAI PENINSULA WATERSHED SYMPOSIUM: HEALTHY WATERSHEDS: THEIR IMPORTANCE to the KENAI PENINSULA and its ECONOMY will be held at the Solid Rock Camp. The Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation partners with Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, the Kenai Peninsula Borough, the Kenai Watershed Forum and the Kenai Peninsula Fish Habitat Partnership tp bring. experts from Oregon State University to explore the role of watersheds in local, regional and state economies. The symposium has three major objectives: 1) Provide an in-depth presentation of the major watershed functions and processes at work on the Kenai 2) Peninsula and why these watersheds are important to our communities. 3) Show how to strategize, prioritize and implement watershed assessments within the Kenai Peninsula watersheds and how to develop a strategic, coordinated plan for accomplishing meaningful work within the Kenai Peninsula watersheds, including an organizational structure for working together to achieve initial goals. Guest speakers include: an economist from ECONorthwest, the northwest’s largest financial consulting firm and MARK WIPFLI, Professor at the Institute of Arctic Biology, UAF. The symposium includes two lunches, a symposium information packet and a Thursday night banquet with guest speakers. Registration is $50; after 9/22 it will be $100Anyone interested in attending should contact the Kenai Watershed Forum at 907-260-5449. More information go to www.alaskastateparks.org or call 714-2471. **October 6 & 7 FAIRBANKS - PROJECT WET AND PROJECT LEARNING TREE WORKSHOP are hands-on, interdisciplinary, supplementary activities that focus on the natural world. Through water and the forest, participants learn concepts and gain skills in core subject areas. Cost is $50.00. This workshop is available for C.E.U credit via UAA (*additional fee for credit). Registration deadline September 28. To register email: Tami Seekins at education@gci.net. **October 7 & 8 WASILLA - ON THE PATH TO NET ZERO ENERGY will be presented by JOE WHEELER, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. LUMENHAUS is the third solar house designed and built at Virginia Tech as part of a research program begun in 2002. An innovative design integrating architecture and technology, the project won the international Solar Decathlon Competition in Madrid, Spain in June of 2010. Where most energy-conscious houses are closed with strategic openings to resist heat transfer, LUMENHAUS has open, flowing spaces linking occupants to each other within the house and to nature outside. LUMENHAUS epitomizes a “whole building design” construction approach, in which all the home’s components and systems have been designed to work together to maximize user comfort with environmental protection. LUMENHAUS is a zero-energy home that is completely powered by the sun. Friday’s program on October 7 will be held from 6 to 7 at Agate Inn and will consist of a short description of the project. Saturday, October 8 will provide more detail and depth about the technical aspects, including an engaged question and answer session and will be held from 2 to 6pm at the Agate Inn. For more information or to reserve a seat, contact 907-373-2290 or email admin@acat.org. Cost: Friday:$10 General Admission (ACAT Members free) Saturday: $40 General Admission $20 ACAT Members $75 Continuing Education Certificate. October 7 & 8 PALMER - FIRE IN ALASKA WORKSHOP FOR EDUCATORS - The exciting, interdisciplinary FIRE in Alaska K-12 curriculum is designed to engage and inspire students to learn about all aspects of fire, including fire ecology, fire behavior, and how to live safely in the wildland-urban interface. This action-packed workshop includes content, lesson modeling, interactive activities and laboratory simulations. Participants gain their own copies of the curriculum, which is being used all over Alaska. Fire in Alaska workshops are available for continuing education credit through UAA. Space is limited, sign up now by emailing Lilly Goodman-Allwright at Alaskainsights@mtaonline.net. (Another FIRE in Alaska workshop will be held in Anchorage November 4 & 5.) October 11 - 14 JUNEAU - CERTIFIED ENERGY AUDITOR TRAINING will be held to help Alaskans to become qualified to do energy audits of both public and private commercial buildings. Alaska Housing Finance Corporation is subsidizing this CEA training class to help qualified Alaskans get this certificate at a reduced rate. For more information and to register, go to http://cascadiaaeetraining.eventbrite.com/. October 14 -16 (ADDITIONAL INFORMATION) Registration is now open for the 8TH ANNUAL BIONEERS IN ALASKA CONFERENCE to be held at UAA. This year's theme is RESILIENCE: ADAPTING TO A CHANGING PLANET, with a special emphasis on our own neighborhood of change, right here in Alaska. Registration is now available online at www.bioneersinak.org. Meal tickets will be available online, at a later date. Arraignments are being made for local, organically-grown lunches on both Saturday and Sunday, and dinner Saturday only. PAUL STAMETS, GLORIA STEINEM, and AMORY LOVINS are just a few Plenaries whose talks will be telecast from Bioneers' main stage at the national conference. More details re: this year's Plenaries are available at www.bioneersinak.org. In addition, we are excited to bring 2 national keynotes to Alaska this year. Tamarack Song and Tom Elpel will both join us this year. Both are experts in wilderness training, storytelling from an indigenous perspective, natural building, and wild edibles. This year's workshops include topics such as Solar Design and Net Zero Buildings, Urban Homesteading, Transition Towns, Alaska Cooperatives, Rocket Mass Heaters, Natural Building, and many more. Again, information is available at www.bioneersinak.org. Watch for frequent updates as the conference approaches. This has been a year of change for Bioneers in Alaska. Many new, talented volunteers answered our call to help organize this year's conference. Green Star is our new fiscal agent. We thank ACAT for its 7 year partnership, and look forward to working with Green Star, as new systems are set in place. (One suchchange is that all checks will now be written to Green Star, with Bioneers in Alaska written on the notation line.) This year, our conference coordinator will be Debbie Rinckey, of MarketWise, assisted by Merry Braham. Together, they will provide invaluable help and expertise coordinating this year's conference. We also have a new website; please note this has changed to www.bioneersinak.org or check the voicemail phone at 644-0466.Workshop applications are being accepted. Workshop applications are being accepted. Check the website for an application, or contact Terri Brown at terrib@artlover.com for information. October 17 ANCHORAGE - Public forum will be held from 5:30 to 7pm in the UAA Fine Arts Building Recital Hall (Room 150) on what could be done to help the ECONOMICS of a LARGE PIPELINE FROM the NORTH SLOPE to the LOWER 48 STATES, while also supporting a smaller in-state spur line to serve Alaska’s needs. The Office of the Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects will bring together panelists knowledgeable about the state’s economy and the economics of large energy projects to discuss the state’s fiscal options for assisting in any gas line development. The panelists will discuss potential financing options and how the two projects could benefit by working together. Panelists will include WILLIAM GARNER, senior counsel at Dewey & LeBoeuf in Houston, who has extensive experience in energy projects worldwide; GREGG ERICKSON, a longtime Alaska economist; and DAN FAUSKE, president of the state-run Alaska Gasline Development Corp. The forum is open to the public, and there will be time for questions. Seating will be limited, though overflow space will be available in a room down the hall. The forum also will be available via live Internet streaming Oct. 18 and will be available online after the event, too. Streaming information and other forum details, including biographies of the speakers, supplemental materials and a link to electronically submit questions during the forum, is available at www.arcticgas.gov. October 24 & 25 COMMUNITY BUILDING for ALASKA will be held in the Atwood Center, Alaska Pacific University facilitated by LOUISE VAN RHYN. Van Rhyn is a passionate social entrepreneur and South African citizen. She see the Community Building Sessions as an opportunity to mobilize citizens to contribute to an alternative future for their communities, states and nations, “one conversation at a time.” The Community ‘building Sessions are based on the methodology and work of Peter block expressed in this books, Community: The Structure of Belonging and Abundant Community. To sponsor the event or for more information, contact Babbie Jacobs at bjacobs@Alaskacf.org or 07-344-6700. **October 25 - 27 ANCHORAGE - 2011 SHOREZONE ANNUAL MEETING will be held at the National Park Service office, 240 West 5th Ave., Anchorage Alaska. Over the past several years, the annual meeting has been a great opportunity to inform and educate interested individuals, local/state/federal government agencies and tribes about what the program has to offer; provide updates on what is new in the program; and to set priorities for the coming year. A detailed agenda should be available soon. For more information, got to http://conserveonline.org/workspaces/shorezone/blog/2011-shorezone-annual-meeting-date-isset/view.html **November 3 DILLINGHAM - The BRISTOL BAY REGIONAL VISION SUMMIT will bring together representatives from communities across the region together with staff of local, state and federal agencies to learn about the Bristol Bay Regional Vision. Participants will discuss how governments, agencies, communities, and residents can work together effectively to implement the Vision. Topics will include how to determine projects, implement policies, and recognize partnership opportunities that will further the Vision of Bristol Bay Region residents. The summit is open to the public. The summit will be held in the Elementary School Gym. For more information, go to http://www.bristolbayvision.org/comments/. **November 4 & 5 ANCHORAGE - FIRE IN ALASKA WORKSHOP FOR EDUCATORS - The exciting, interdisciplinary FIRE in Alaska K-12 curriculum is designed to engage and inspire students to learn about all aspects of fire, including fire ecology, fire behavior, and how to live safely in the wildland-urban interface. This action-packed workshop includes content, lesson modeling, interactive activities and laboratory simulations. Participants gain their own copies of the curriculum, which is being used all over Alaska. Fire in Alaska workshops are available for continuing education credit through UAA. Space is limited, sign up now by emailing Lilly Goodman-Allwright at Alaskainsights@mtaonline.net. WEBINARS, WEBCASTS & TELECONFERENCES September 29 (SKYPE MEETING) ALASKA SUSTAINABILITY GROUP STATE-WIDE GROUP Skype meeting will be held at 8pm. Robert (from Fairbanks) will discuss the TerraCycle program and will also facilitate the discussion. There should be time to chime in about what's happening in your area regarding sustainability. To participate, email Triena at uniquers3@gmail.com with your name, skype address, & phone number .Please have your skype fired up 15 minutes before the meeting. Alaska Sustainability Group Skypers" are on Facebook. If you are an active Facebook user & "like" this page, then you'll get updates on upcoming meetings in your news feed. These meetings are free and open to the general public. **September 28 (TELECONFERENCE) JUNEAU - The GOVERNOR’S COORDINATED TRANSPORTATION TASK FORCE (CTTF) will hold a meeting by teleconference from 9:00 am to 11:00 am Alaska time. Purpose of the meeting is to: 1. Review and update action items from Aug 29 teleconference and 2. Prepare for October meeting and transit conference. The CTTF is charged with helping to coordinate and integrate community-based public transportation services to benefit persons with special needs. The task force will also advise the governor on developing policy for the state's existing special-needs transportation programs, develop an action plan and make a report of recommended actions to the Governor, due January 2012. Members of the public may listen in by calling the number listed in the meeting agenda. Meeting agenda can be downloaded at http://dot.alaska.gov/cttf. For more information, contact Eric Taylor, Transit Programs Manager, at (907) 465-8958, Fax (907) 465-6984, or email eric.taylor@alaska.gov. September 29 (TELECONFERENCE SEMINAR) THE ROLE of HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENTS (HIAs) in DECISIONS THAT AFFECT COMMUNITIES: A CASE STUDY of PROPOSED COAL MINING in the MATANUSKA VALLEY will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM as part of the Alaska Collaborative on Health and the Environment teleconference seminar series. Federal environmental review typically focus on impacts to plants and animals, with less thorough assessment of the human health impacts of a proposed development project. A health impact assessment (HIA) is a process that uses scientific evaluation, professional expertise and stakeholder input to study health effects. HIAs have been used internationally and are gaining traction in some states, including Alaska, as a voluntary process for assessing health effects among potentially affected communities. The State of Alaska is working on an HIA for the proposed Wishbone Hill coal project in the Matanuska Valley. Join this call to learn more about the need for comprehensive health impact assessments in policy decisions, opportunities and limitations of HIAs, status of the Wishbone Hill coal project HIA, and a community perspective and concerns about Hias. Guest Presenters: SHAWNA LARSON, Alaska Program Co-Director, Pacific Environment and LIZ SNYDER, Assistant Professor of Public Health in the Department of Health Sciences at UAA. For more information, or to join this FREE call and receive the dial-up instructions, please RSVP to ACAT at diana@akaction.org or (907) 222-7714 GRANTS/AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS/CONTESTS September 28 Deadline for submissions to the REVAMP RECYCLE RESTORE: A JURIED RECYCLED ART EXHIBITION sponsored by Green Star, with MOA Solid Waste Services, ALPAR, and Central Recycling Services, in celebration of American Recycles Day - November 15, 2011. The event is seeking both amateur and professional artists, craftspeople, and recyclers to create art using found objects. You may use whatever you like but each piece must be at least 90% recycled/reused materials. Visit revAmp Recycle resTore at http://revamp-recycle-restore.blogspot.com/ for all the details. Application and photos of entries due via email to MACROBUTTONHtmlResAnchorrecycle@muni.org. File format JPEG. Submit two copies, one 800x600 pixels and one up to 3 MB file size. Artists may submit up to three pieces. There is no fee for submissions. All accepted pieces will be featured in an online catalog and selected pieces will be featured in a print catalog. The jurors will be looking for at the following: Materials recycled, Construction, Creativity, Finished piece as ART. September 30 Deadline for preproposal applications for The SPIRIT of CONSERVATION MIGRATORY BIRD PROGRAM FUNDING. The program is a partnership between ConocoPhillips and the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation that annually provides support for BIRD HABITAT CONSERVATION PROJECTS in areas where ConocoPhillips has an operating presence. To be eligible for funding, a project must benefit migratory birds and their habitats. The program supports projects that protect, restore, or manage habitats for migratory birds; benefit declining, threatened, or endangered species; generate measurable outcomes; and provide opportunities for ConocoPhillips employee participation and volunteerism. Grant funds cannot be used for political advocacy, lobbying, litigation, fundraising, or legally mandated mitigation projects. Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501© organizations, educational institutions, and local and state units of government. The program makes $600,000 in grants available annually. Typical grant awards range from $25,000 to $200,000. Awards made through the program typically will be a mixture of private funds from ConocoPhillips and federal funds. All grants require a minimum 1:1 match of cash or contributed goods and services, of which at least 50 percent should be from non-federal sources. Projects should be completed within two years. For more information, go to http://www.nfwf.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Charter_Programs_List&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDi splay.cfm&CONTENTID=20408 September 30 DENALI NATIONAL PARK - Deadline for applications for the 2012 ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM from visual artists and, for the first time, writers for the 2012 Artist-in-Residence Program. The program is in its eleventh year at Denali, and many of the works created by artists-in-residence from previous years are on display in the Denali Visitor Center and the Eielson Visitor Center. Selected artists reside in the historic East Fork cabin, located 43 miles into the park, for a ten day period between June and mid-September. In return for their residency, each artist donates a piece of artwork or written piece that was inspired by their time in the park, to the park’s collection. Artists also offer a public presentation for visitors at the end of their residency. A link to the online application and more information about the program is available at http://www.nps.gov/dena/historyculture/arts-program.htm. Notification letters will be sent out by December 15, 2011. October 1 Deadline for applications or nominations for the SABBATICAL AWARDS: ALASKAN NONPROFITS AND TRIBAL LEADERS. Executives of Alaska's tribes and nonprofits are eligible to apply for the 2012 RASMUSON FOUNDATION SABBATICAL PROGRAM, which is designed to provide time away from the office for rest, personal renewal, and professional growth. Sabbatical awards provide up to $30,000 to cover salary and expenses incurred during a two- to six-month sabbatical. The application requires a written plan for how the organization will be managed in the leader's absence and a letter from the organization's board endorsing their executive's decision to apply for the sabbatical. The two primary criteria for selection are the benefit of the sabbatical to the individual leader and his or her organization, and the demonstrated ability of the organization to sustain itself in the executive's absence. Individuals who hold the positions of CEO, president, executive director, or tribal administrator are eligible to submit applications for the program. More Information at http://www.rasmuson.org/index.php?switch=viewpage&pageid=112. October 3 Preliminary applications are due for the TIGER III GRANTS, a competitive grant program for transportation projects, including rail, transit buses and streetcars, bicycles, walking paths, etc. All state, local, and tribal governments, transit agencies, metropolitan planning organizations, other political subdivisions can apply. For more information, see the Federal Register announcement at http://www.dot.gov/tiger/docs/FY11_TIGER_IntNOFA.pdf or go to http://www.dot.gov/TIGER or contact the TIGER Discretionary Grant program manager TIGERGrants@dot.gov, or call Robert Mariner at 202-366-8914. October 7 ANCHORAGE - CAULKING ART CONTEST will be held at CAULKING AND COCKTAILS from 3 to 7pm at Bernie’s Bungalow Lounge, 626 D Street. Participate in the contest. Watch a caulking demonstration, and Learn about best practices in energy efficiency. Prizes for the Caulking Art Contest: 1st Place - $100.00, 2nd Place - $50.00, 3rd Place - $25.00. RULES: -Artwork must be primarily (75%) made from drywall and caulk. -Registrants/Artists must create their artwork at Bernie's Bungalow between 3-5pm on October 7, -Caulk, caulk gun and drywall will be provided. -Artwork must be nonoffensive (PG-13). And -Artwork that includes energy efficiency components will be ranked higher by judges. Event Schedule: • Creating Caulk Art: 3:00-5:00pm, • Judging: 5:00 to 5:30pm., Caulking Demonstration: 5:30 to 6:15pm, and • Prizes: 6:15 to 7pm. Celebrate ENERGY AWARENESS MONTH and have a cocktail at Bernie's! For more information, contact kate@akvoice.org or go to http://akvoice.org/energy-awareness-month-2011/caulking-and-cocktails November 1 Deadline for submission for the 1ST ANNUAL ALASKA FISH PHOTO CONTEST sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in partnership with Stewart’s Photo Shop in Anchorage. We need your help taking great photos that can be used in educational materials to celebrate the diversity of Alaska’s native fishes, their seasonal movements and behavior, and their importance to people and ecosystems in Alaska and beyond. In particular, we are looking for high resolution photos taken in Alaska that: convey information about the natural seasonal behaviors and habitats of Alaska’s fishes; depict fish that are alive (ideally under water or held partially/fully submerged in the water); depict their different seasonal behaviors/habitats/life cycle stages; capture the unique nature of subsistence, personal use, recreational, & commercial fisheries. (Photos submitted after November 1 will be entered into the 2012 contest). First prize is a Kodak Easyshare Sport waterproof camera donated by Stewart’s! Contest details, rules and entry form are at http://alaska.fws.gov/fisheries/fish/index.htm. For more information, contact katrina_mueller@fws.gov. November 1 Deadline for applications for the NOAA MARINE DEBRIS PROGRAM that provides funding to catalyze the implementation of locally driven, community-based marine debris prevention, assessment, and removal projects that will benefit coastal habitat, waterways, and NOAA trust resources. The funding is, in part, administered through a grant competition with the NOAA Restoration Center's Communitybased Restoration Program. Projects awarded through this grant competition have strong on-the-ground habitat components involving the REMOVAL OF MARINE DEBRIS AND DERELICT FISHING GEAR, as well as activities that provide social benefits for people and their communities in addition to long-term ecological habitat improvements for NOAA trust resources. Through this solicitation NOAA identifies marine debris removal projects, strengthens the development and implementation of habitat restoration through community-based marine debris removal, and fosters awareness of the effects of marine debris to further the conservation of living marine resource habitats. Successful proposals through this solicitation will be funded through a cooperative agreement. Funding of up to $2,000,000 is expected to be available for Community-based Marine Debris Removal Project Grants in FY2012. Typical awards will range from $15,000 to $150,000. For more information, contact Erika Ammann, NOAA Restoration Center, at erika.ammann@noaa.gov or Peter Murphy, NOAA Marine Debris Program, at peter.murphy@noaa.gov or 206-526-466. **November 1 Deadline for nominations for the ALASKA WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME of women who have made significant and enduring contributions to their communities, their state or their nation. People may nominate any woman who is at least 65 years of age by November 1 or is deceased, and who has lived in Alaska at some point during her life. Nominations must be submitted electronically to the Hall of Fame on the form contained on the website at http://alaskawomenshalloffame.org/ They will be reviewed and considered for selection by a panel of independent judges, and honorees’ names will be posted in March 2012 to coincide with National Women’s History Month. An induction ceremony for those honorees will also be held in March. March 31 Deadline for submissions for the 2012 ALASKA STATE-FISH ART CONTEST from K-12 students. Educators can download a free curriculum and learn how to use art as a springboard into the fascinating world of fish. K-12 students can draw, paint, and write their way to free prizes, fishing gear, and national recognition while getting to know Alaska’s state fish! Visit this webpage for more information: http://alaska.fws.gov/fisheries/fish/contest_art.htm. DEADLINES **September 28 FAIRBANKS - Deadline for registration for PROJECT WET AND PROJECT LEARNING TREE WORKSHOP to be held on October 7-8- PLT/WET are hands-on, interdisciplinary, supplementary activities that focus on the natural world. Through water and the forest, participants learn concepts and gain skills in core subject areas. Cost is $50.00. This workshop is available for C.E.U credit via UAA (*additional fee for credit). To register email: Tami Seekins at education@gci.net. September 30 Deadline for applications for the KENAI RIVER SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA ADVISORY BOARD. Landowners, sport and commercial fishermen, recreational boaters and other individuals interested in Kenai River habitat, fish or wildlife resources and recreation are urged to apply for seats on the Kenai River Special Management Area (KRSMA) Advisory Board. Three board seats designated for public representatives are open and the board is accepting applications. The 17-member advisory board is comprised of nine members representing a broad spectrum of public interests and eight members representing state, federal and local government. Board incumbents whose terms are expiring this year may ask to be reappointed. All board terms are for three years. The advisory board meets monthly except during summer and advises the Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on issues related to the management of the Kenai River Special Management Area. The board will work on the continuing implementation of the recommendations in the Kenai River Comprehensive Management Plan. In addition, the board will coordinate a watershed planning symposium for the public, review results from the 2009 Recreation Use Study on the Kenai River and make recommendations to the DNR Commissioner on how to implement the study's findings and conclusions. Electronic submissions may be sent to dnr.pkskenai@alaska.gov. Please contact Alaska State Parks at 262-5581 or the Kenai River Center at 260-4882 for more information or to request an application form. September 30 HEALY - Deadline for comments on the request to renew a COAL EXPLORATION PERMIT by the LINC ENERGY OPERATIONS, Inc. located approximately 4 miles north of Healy and approximately 2 miles east of Anderson. A total of 60,270 acres of land are within the exploration area in which the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority is the owner of both the surface and subsurface rights. The proposed exploration activities consist of drilling up to 2 exploration holes. All drill sites would be reclaimed and all drill holes will be plugged immediately upon completion of work at the site. All equipment used on site would be removed upon completion of the exploration program. The Division has determined that the reclamation bond in the amount of $71,491.99 is sufficient to cover the associated reclamation liability of sealing 2 exploration drill holes and cleanup of associated drill sites. Copies of the exploration application, preliminary findings, and supporting documents are available at www.dnr.state.ak.us/mlw/mining/index.htm. For more information or submit comments, contact Russell Kirkham russell.kirkham@alaska.gov. September 30 TYONEK - Deadline for comments on the request to renew a COAL EXPLORATION PERMIT by the LINC ENERGY OPERATIONS, Inc. located approximately 7 miles north of Tyonek. A total of 107, 497.00 acres of land are within the Tyonek and Kenai exploration area in which Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority is the owner of both the surface and subsurface rights. The proposed exploration activities would consist of drilling up to 3 exploration holes. All drill sites would be reclaimed and all drill holes not retained as monitoring wells would be sealed immediately upon completion of work at the site. All equipment used on site would be removed upon completion of the exploration program. The Division has determined that the reclamation bond in the amount of $97,608.89 is sufficient to cover the associated reclamation liability of sealing 3 exploration drill holes and cleanup of associated drill sites. Copies of the exploration application, preliminary findings, and supporting documents are available at www.dnr.state.ak.us/mlw/mining/index.htm. For more information or submit comments, contact Russell Kirkham russell.kirkham@alaska.gov. September 30 (EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 31) See http://www.nps.gov/dena/parknews/vmpcomment-period-extended.htm. Deadline for comments on the DRAFT DENALI PARK ROAD VEHICLE MANAGEMENT PLAN. The draft plan describes two action alternatives and a no action alternative for managing vehicle use on the 92-mile Denali Park Road for the next 15-20 years. The range of alternatives for consideration are responsive to the significant issues identified through the public involvement process. The goal of the plan is to provide a high quality experience for visitors, protect wilderness resources, wildlife, and scenic values, and maintain the unique character of the park road. The draft document is available online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=22494. For additional information on the plan contact Miriam Valentine at (907) 733-9102 or at Miriam_Valentine@nps.gov. October 3 Deadline for the 2012 ALASKA MARINE SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM REGISTRATION that will be held January 16 - 20 at the Hotel Captain Cook and Dena’ina Center. For more information, go to www.alaskamarinescience.org or contact Crystal Benson-Carlough, Chair, Alaska Marine Science Symposium Organizing Committee, at crystal.benson@nprb.org or go to www.nprb.org. October 4 NORTH SLOPE - Comments are due on the proposal to issue a COMPREHENSIVE SOLID WASTE TREATMENT PERMIT to ENI PETROLEUM to operate TWO DRILLING WASTE GRIND AND INJECT (G&I) FACILITIES: one, an existing facility at the NIKAITCHUQ PRODUCTION FACILITY, OLIKTOK POINT and the second a new facility at THE SPY ISLAND DRILLSITE approximately three miles north of Oliktok Point, along the coast of the Beaufort Sea. The applicant proposes operating G&I facilities, which will be used to grind Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)-exempt Oil and Gas Exploration and Production (E&P) waste (drilling waste) and RCRA nonexempt, non-hazardous waste, generated at the ENI Petroleum oil and gas production facilities, prior to injection in an approved Class I injection well. For information or to submit comments, contact Nathaniel Emery at (907) 269-7590, Fax 907-269-7600 or email nathaniel.emery@alaska.gov. October 7 Comments are due on the ANCHORAGE I/M PROGRAM. EPA is proposing to approve revisions to Alaska's State Implementation Plan (SIP) relating to the motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program (I/M) for control of carbon monoxide (CO) in Anchorage. The State of Alaska submitted two revisions to the Alaska SIP that include a revised a CO emissions inventory and motor vehicle emissions budget. EPA is proposing to approve the 2010 submittal because it satisfies the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act). Submit comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R10-OAR-2010-0917, to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. For more information, contact Claudia Vergnani Vaupel at (206) 553-6121 or email vaupel.claudia@epa.gov or Krishna Viswanathan at (206) 553-2684 or email viswanathan.krishna@epa.gov. October 10 Deadline to submit APPLICATIONS to SERVE on the ALASKA CENTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT BOARD of DIRECTORS. A high-performing board of a dynamic organization has three openings beginning in Jan. 2012. Please consider joining the work to enhance Alaskans’ quality of life by protecting wild places, fostering sustainable communities, and promoting recreational opportunities. The board specifically seeks applicants with the following backgrounds: 1) CPA or financial management, 2) nonprofit/organizational development, and 3) small business management. However, applicants of all skill sets will be considered. This is a working board; so only apply if you have the time and commitment to be an active participant. Download the application at http://akcenter.org/2012-ace-bod-application. To apply, submit the application to clare.stockert@gmail.com. **October 10 Deadline for comments on the application for a PRELIMINARY PERMIT FROM FERC to study the feasibility of the CONNELLY LAKE HYDROPOWER PROJECT located on Connelly Lake and an unknown tributary to the Chilkoot River. The sole purpose of a preliminary permit, if issued, is to grant the permit holder authority to file a license application during the permit term. More information about this project, including a copy of the application, is available at http://www.ferc.gov/docsfiling/elibrary.asp. Enter the docket number P-14229-000 in the docket number field. Submit comment so FERCOnline.Support@ferc.gov. **October 14 SUTTON - Deadline for comments on the proposal to RENEW the WISHBONE HILL MINE PERMIT. The Wishbone Hill Mine is on State, Mental Health Trust, and Private Land approximately 5 miles west of Sutton, Alaska. This renewal request is for an additional five-year term and includes the permit areas previously approved in the existing permits. No additional mining areas or revisions to the existing boundaries are proposed. Parts of the permit application have been revised to provide current information. No changes or modifications to the operation or reclamation plan are being proposed. The application is currently being reviewed to determine if it meets the technical requirements of the Alaska Surface Coal Mining Program. Copies of the application and preliminary decision are available at www.dnr.state.ak.us/mlw/mining/index.htm. For more information or to submit comments, contact Russell Kirkham by fax at (907) 269-8930, or email russell.kirkham@alaska.gov.October 14, 2011. **October 15 HOMER - ALASKA MARINE CONSERVATION COUNCIL”S OCEAN BOOGIE FUNDRAISER will be held at Alice's Champagne Palace from 4:40 to 11:40pm. The 14TH ANNUAL CASH RAFFLE winners will be drawn. If you haven’t gotten you raffle ticket yet,.call (907) 277-5357 or email amy@akmarine.org. **October 16 GIRDWOOD - Comments are due on the proposal to REHABILITATE APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES of the SEWARD HIGHWAY between MILEPOST (MP) 75 NEAR INGRAM CREEK and MP 90 near GIRDWOOD. The scope of the project is to improve safety by improving roadway geometry, replacing aging bridges and drainage structures, and facilitating safer passing opportunities along the existing alignment. The project is currently classified as a “3R” improvement, which stands for “Resurfacing, Restoration and Rehabilitation.” For more information, go to http://www.sewardhighway75-90.net/ or contact Kelly Petersen, P.E. at (907) 269-0546 or email kelly.petersen@alaska.gov or DOT&PF Environmental Team Leader, Holly Sanders, at (907) 269-0528 or email: holly.sanders@alaska.gov. To submit comments, go to http://www.sewardhighway7590.net/form.htm. **October 15 Deadline for comment on the Environmental Assessment (EA) on CLIMBING ALLOCATION FOR MOUNT MCKINLEY at allocates climbing permits between commercial guided climbing operators and independent, non-guided climbers on Mount McKinley. The 2006 Backcountry Management Plan allocated 25% of the permits for commercially guided groups. The National Park Service (NPS) is considering an adjustment to the number of permits allocated to guided climbing operators. Concessioner guided climbs are a longstanding tradition in the park, and there is an increasing demand for guided climbs. The NPS must determine if this demand can be accommodated, while assuring that independent climbers are not displaced, and that wilderness resource values, visitor experience, and other park resources are protected. The Backcountry Management Plan also established a seasonal (April 1 to August 1) limit of 1500 permitted climbers for Mount McKinley. The limit of 1500 permits is not being reviewed in this planning effort. The NPS has developed a range of alternatives to be considered: · Alternative 1 is a no action alternative which would enforce the annual limit of 25% (375) of 1500 climbers for commercially guided climbing set by the Backcountry Management Plan. · Alternative 2 guarantees commercially guided climbing of 25% (375) of 1500 climbers , and also allows commercially guided climbing to utilize any remaining unused permits up to 50% (750) of 1500 climbers, providing no independent climbers are displaced. · Alternative 3 guarantees commercially guided climbing of 25% (375) of 1500 climbers, and also allows commercially guided climbing to utilize any remaining unused permits providing no independent climbers are displaced. The EA is available at http://parkplanning.nps.gov. For more information, contact Paula Homan, Project Planning Lead, at (907) 683-6223 or paula_homan@nps.gov or Martha Armington, Project Lead, at (907) 683-9529 or martha_armington@nps.gov. Submit comments to http://parkplanning.nps.gov or fax to (907) 683-9612. **October 16 PALMER - Deadline for request for public hearing are due on the DNR decision to renew the JONESVILLE UNDERGROUND MINE PERMIT for an additional five year permit term. The decision to renew the permit was originally issued on May 18, 2011. The renewal decision was withdrawn on July 7, 2011 to address a procedural error in the review process. In its revised Findings of Facts and Decision, the Division has addressed comments that the decision to renew the permit did not provide adequate response to concerns raised that the operators of the Jonesville Underground Mine had met all the requirements of AS 27.21.070(b).The Jonesville Coal Mine is located in the Matanuska Valley approximately 11 miles northeast of Palmer. The mining area is approximately 2 miles northwest of Sutton, near the southeast portion of Wishbone Hill. The Permit and Final Findings of Facts and Decision are available at www.dnr.state.ak.us/mlw/mining/index.htm. A request for a hearing may be faxed to Daniel S. Sullivan, Commissioner, DNR at 907.269.8918; or emailed to dnr.appeals@alaska.gov. **October 17 Comments are due on the proposal to reopen Air Quality Control Operating Permit for the UAF POWER PLANT, an electric power generating facility that provides electricity and heat to the University of Alaska, Fairbanks Campus. On March 29, 2011, DEC notified UAF that the permit would be reopened to incorporate elements of UAF’s compliance assurance plan. This public notice is for the changes proposed in this draft operating permit revision only. The significant emission units are the two coal fired boilers, two dual fired (gas, liquid, or coal slurry) boilers, one 113,226 hp diesel generator, two backup 125 kW diesel generators, one backup oil-fired boiler, and one diesel fired incinerator. The potential annual emissions will not exceed: 17 tons of Particulate Matter, 637 tons of Nitrogen Oxides , 858 tons of Sulfur Dioxide, 252 tons of Carbon Monoxide, and 11 tons of Volatile Organic Compounds. Total emissions are 1,775 tons per year. Copies of the draft Operating Permit Revision and Statement of Basis are available at http://www.dec.state.ak.us/air/ap/calendar.htm. For more information or to submit comments, contact Wally Evans at wallace.evans@alaska.gov or (907) 269-7562. **October 17 JUNEAU- Comments due on the proposal for the THANE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. The proposed project at the intersection of the Thane Road-Snettisham Electrical Substation entrance and continues to the Sheep Creek Bridge. The proposed project would realign two curves on Thane Road located immediately northwest of the Sheep Creek Bridge. Work would involve moving rock from the upland side of the road to the downhill side to flatten the curve’s radius and increase site distance. Blasting may occur. Road improvements also include increasing the shoulder widths to establish paved and unpaved shoulders on both sides of the road, relocation of utility poles, culvert replacement, and storm water drainage improvements. The proposed project is partially within the State of Alaska Right-ofWay (ROW); however additional ROW would need to be acquired through acquisitions and easements. The project is located in an area that contains properties that are listed in the Alaska Office of History and Archaeology (OHA), Alaska Historic Resources Survey (AHRS) database. DOT&PF is currently evaluating the social, economic, and environmental impacts of this project. In order to ensure that all issues are considered, we request your comments on the proposed action. For more information or to submit comments, contact Keith Karpstein at (907) 465-1796 or email keith.karpstein@alaska.gov. **October 18 Deadline for comments on the permit application from Pioneer Natural Resources Alaska Inc.(PNRA) to DRILL TWO WINTER EXPLORATORY WELLS on state of Alaska lands and ice onshore and offshore between November of 2011 and May 2012. PNRA plans to construct ice roads under existing authorizations issued by the Div. of Mining, Land and Water, and ice pads to conduct the exploration. The onshore test well may be evaluated for future development pending DO&G approval. The application package is available for review at http://www.dog.dnr.alaska.gov/Permitting/Permitting.htm. For more information or to submit comments, contact Thomas Barrett at thomas.barrett@alaska.gov, **October 21 Deadline for comments on the Draft DETERMINATION OF NEPA ADEQUACY AND MAP FOR THE NPR-A LEASE SALE. The draft determination and map link will be posted to the BLM-Alaska website at http://www.blm.gov/ak. On June 21, 2011, the BLM published a Call for Nominations and Comments in the Federal Register. The notice included all lands in the Northeast and Northwest NPR-A planning areas that were not currently leased or deferred from leasing. The Call for Nominations and Comment period ended July 21, 2011. In selecting tracts, the BLM evaluated the information received and considered natural resource information, multiple-use conflicts, resource potential, industry interest, and subsistence values. The public may comment on the draft DNA by sending comments to: NPR-A Draft DNA Lease Sale Comment; Attn: Jim Ducker; 222 W. 7th Ave. Ste. 13; Anchorage, Alaska, 995137504 or through the BLM-Alaska website. **October 31 Deadline for nominations and applications for the TWO PUBLIC MEMBER POSITIONS on the FEDERAL SUBSISTENCE BOARD. The public members of the Board are private citizens who are paid on a part-time, per-hour basis for conducting the official business of the Board. The Board typically meets 4-5 times yearly for 1-3 days. The Secretary is seeking public members who have: • “Personal knowledge of and direct experience with subsistence uses in rural Alaska,” • Experience with and knowledge of the federal subsistence management program; • A commitment to the purposes and goals of the subsistence provisions (Title VIII) of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA); • An ability to listen to and understand competing views; and • An ability to make fair and objective decisions on complex biological and allocative issues. For more information, call 907-271- 5485, fax 907-271-4102 or email subsistence@ios.doi.gov or go to http://www.doi.gov/whatwedo/subsistencereview/index.cfm or http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/index.cfml. **October 31 Deadline for comments on the TERRA- NORTHWEST BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA). The EA addresses Right-of-Way applications submitted by Unicom, Inc. (a subsidiary of GCI) to the BLM. The proposed project would install mountain-top microwave repeater towers and fiber optic cable buried along a roadway. Materials about this project can be requested from Tom Sparks by email: tsparks@blm.gov or (907) 443-2177. Public comments may be submitted to Tom Sparks or Stephen Fusilier through October 31, 2011 by email: SFusilie@blm.gov or mailed to: 4700 BLM Road, Anchorage, AK 99507-2599. EVENTS & MEETINGS \ANCHORAGE - EAGLE RIVER & GIRDWOOD September 27 & 28 The ALASKA MIGRATORY BIRD CO-MANAGEMENT COUNCIL will conduct its fall meeting beginning at 9am at the Kaloa Bldg., 1689 C Street. The purpose of the meeting is to identify any conservation concerns that may be addressed for the 2013 season. Members of the public may comment on agenda items at the beginning and end of the session. Copies of the meeting agenda will be available at the meeting. For additional information call Kay Larson-Blair at 907/786-3853 or toll free at 1-877-2292344. **September 28 ALASKA'S INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ROADMAP is the topic at the CommonWealth North presentation from Noon to 1 at the Egan Center. NILS ANDREASSEN and JEFF STASER, will describe why transportation and energy infrastructure development in Alaska is at a crossroads and why a comprehensive plan is needed. KATHIE WASSERMAN (Alaska Municipal League), JIM DODSON (Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation) and RACHAEL PETRO (Alaska Chamber of Commerce) will speak to their organizations similar infrastructure goals for Alaska. Transportation and energy infrastructure development in Alaska is at a crossroads. A comprehensive plan is needed. This requires a vision greater than a single road, port, or pipeline. It requires a plan that looks at opportunities, resources and geography concurrently and applies an integrated approach in planning. Commonwealth North recommends that the State of Alaska should; 1. Create a comprehensive statewide Transportation and Energy Infrastructure Plan; 2. Establish and provide long-term funding for a Transportation and Energy Infrastructure Commission to oversee the implementation of a statewide Infrastructure Plan; 3. Create a fund for transportation and energy infrastructure planning, development, and maintenance; and 4. Fund currently deferred transportation and energy infrastructure maintenance needs to support and sustain its communities Members Free, Guests $30. September 28 ANCHORAGE WATERSHED & NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY COMMISSION will meet from Noon to 1pm in Room 155, City Hall, 632 W. 6th Avenue. For more information, contact Thede Tobish at 343-7918, 343-7921 or email TobishTG@muni.org. September 28 GIRDWOOD - Public Scoping Meeting/Open House will be held from 6 to 8pm at the Girdwood School to discuss a proposal to REHABILITATE APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES of the SEWARD HIGHWAY between MILEPOST (MP) 75 NEAR INGRAM CREEK and MP 90 near GIRDWOOD. The scope of the project is to improve safety by improving roadway geometry, replacing aging bridges and drainage structures, and facilitating safer passing opportunities along the existing alignment. The project is currently classified as a “3R” improvement, which stands for “Resurfacing, Restoration and Rehabilitation.” For more information, go to http://www.sewardhighway75-90.net/ or contact Kelly Petersen, P.E. at (907) 269-0546 or email kelly.petersen@alaska.gov or DOT&PF Environmental Team Leader, Holly Sanders, at (907) 269-0528 or email: holly.sanders@alaska.gov. September 29 ALASKA CENTER for the ENVIRONMENT 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION will be held from 5 to 8pm at the ACE Office, 807 G Street, Suite 100. Reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, enjoy wine, beer, and good food. Let's celebrate a fun and successful 40 years together! Honored Hosts: Peg Tileston, Tony Knowles, Randy Virgin, Jim Stratton, Sharon Cissna, Deborah Williams, Anne Wilkas, Helen Nienheuser, Eric McCallum, Lanie Fleischer, ACE Board. For more information, email Jessica Cler at Jessica@akcenter.org. October 4 The ANCHORAGE FISH & GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE will hold its regular meetings at the King Career Center in Room #1, 2650 E Northern Lights Boulevard. Agendas to be announced. For more information contact Bruce Morgan at 346-4855. **October 10 Public hearing will be held at the Anchorage Planning & Zoning Commission beginning at 6:30pm on the COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT TO THE U-MED PLAN UNIVERSITIES AND MEDICAL DISTRICT FRAMEWORK MASTER PLAN. **October 11 Open House will be held from 5 to 8pm in the lobby outside the Assembly Chambers of the Loussac Library to share information concerning DRAFT REVISION of the OFFICIAL STREETS AND HIGHWAYS PLAN (OS&HP). The OS&HP establishes the location, classification, and minimum right-of-way width for major streets and highways within the municipality, in order to plan for future transportation needs. The revision is available at http://www.muni.org/Departments/OCPD/Planning/AMATS/Pages/OSHP.aspx. The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the OS&HP on November 7 (meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.) in the Assembly Chambers. For more information, contact amatsinfo@muni.org or call 343-7991. October 13 Public forum will be held from 6 to 8pm in the Atwood Bldg Conference Room 240 to gather public feedback to state resource agencies as they seek ways to STREAMLINE THE PERMITTING PROCESS. To learn more about this process or to submit ideas online, go to http://dnr.alaska.gov/commis/Priorities/Permitting_Reform.html. **October 14 Public hearing before the Planning & Zoning Commission beginning at 6:30pm at the Loussac Library on the Title 21 Rewrite. **October 27 Public Forums will be held from 6 to 9pm at The Commons at UAA Room 106 on the KENAIRUSSIAN RIVER COLLABORATIVE PUBLIC PROCESS: WORKING to REDUCE HUMANBEAR CONFLICTS,. The purpose of the meetings is to hear comments on the wide range of management actions proposed by involved agencies developed from suggestions made at public meetings in April including; options for management of fish waste, continuing and improving visitor education, temporal and spatial closures, changes in management of bears, regulating bear attractants, enforcement, new or improved facilities and infrastructure, and other topics. To read the summaries of April meetings, go to https://projects.ecr.gov/kenai.../KRRC_Public_Forum_Summary_final.pdf. For more information, contact Jan Caulfield Consulting at janc@gci.net or 907-523-4610. You are also invited to email your comments to: comments-alaska-chugach-seward@fs.fed.us. Please put "Kenai Russian River Comment" in the email's subject line. MEETINGS & EVENTS OUT OF ANCHORAGE Now through September 30 FAIRBANKS - ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE MIGRATIONS will be displayed at the Noel Wien Library. Learn more about migrations of birds, Porcupine caribou herd, and bowhead whales at the Library! Books by Alaskan authors about Arctic Refuge conservation, wildlife, and people are highlighted. For more information email Pam Miller at .pam@northern.org **September 26 FAIRBANKS - FAIRBANKS METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM COORDINATOR'S AUTHORITY SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING will meet from 10 to 11am in the FMATS Office, Second Floor City Hall, 800 Cushman Street. The purpose of the FMATS Coordinator’s Authority Subcommittee meeting is to review the authority limits for possible changes/amendments of the FMATS’ Coordinator during the construction season. For more information, contact: FMATS, MPO Coordinator, Donna Gardino, at 459-6786, Fax 459-6783, or email djgardino@ci.fairbanks.ak.us September 26, 29, & 30 Public meetings will be held in the following locations on the proposed passenger accessibility surveys concerning the AK Marine Highway System vessels Aurora, Le Conte, Columbia, Matanuska, Malaspina, Taku, Tustamena and Kennicott because of their age and time these vessels were built. The surveys were based on the forthcoming accessibility guidelines for passenger vessels being considered by the US Access Board. These surveys will become a part of the AMHS Fleet Survey and will guide future accessibility improvements on these vessels as funding becomes available. September 26 - VALDEZ from 1 to 4pm at the Mountain Sky Hotel & Suites September 29 - KETCHIKAN from 1 to 4pm at the Ted Ferry Civic Center September 30 - JUNEAU from 1 to 4pm at Centennial Hall, Hickel Conference Room For more information, contact Jon Dunham, Civil Rights Manager, at 907-269-0851, Fax (907) 269-0847, or email: jon_dunham@alaska.gov. September 26, 28, Oct. 6, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20 & 24 Public meetings will be held at the following locations from 5:30 to 8:30pm with Open House from 5:30 to 6:30 and public meeting from 6:30 to 8:30pm (with the exception of Angoon) to discuss the SOUTHEAST ALASKA TRANSPORTATION PLAN September 26 - JUNEAU in the Centennial Hall Hickel Room September 28 - GUSTAVUS in the Gustavus City Hall October 4 - YAKUTAT in the High School Auditorium October 5 - SKAGWAY in the Skagway Assembly Chambers October 6 - HAINES in the Haines Assembly Chambers October 6 - HOONAH in the Hoonah City Hall October 11 - KETCHIKAN in the Ted Ferry Civic Center October 12 - CRAIG in the Craig City Hall October 18 - WRANGELL in the Nolan Center October 19 - SITKA in Centennial Hall, Maksoutoff Room October 20 - PETERBURG in the Petersburg City Council Chambers October 24 - ANGOON from 10:45am to 1:45pm (open house from 10:45 to 11:45, public meeting from 12:30 to 1:45pm. The Southeast Alaska Transportation Plan (SATP) is a regional multimodal transportation plan that provides a framework for improving transportation connections between communities within the region. The plan looks at Southeast Alaska’s network of roads, ferries and airports, and at the operating and maintenance costs of the network. The update to the 2004 plan will consider changes in Southeast Alaska’s industries, economy, population, and infrastructure, as well as current fiscal outlook and costs. This update began in 2008 when a Mission Statement and Goals were developed with public input. Most recently, ADOT&PF released a Scoping Report for the 2011-2012 SATP update, with six preliminary alternatives. The six preliminary alternatives are: 1: Maintain the Existing System - Alternative 1 identifies the costs to maintain the existing ferry system. It is thus a “baseline” alternative against which other alternatives are compared. 2: Fleet Capacity Management Alternative 2 identifies the costs, benefits, and impacts to manage fleet capacity in a way that more closely matches current and projected future traffic demand. 3: Maximize Use of Existing Roads Alternative 3 identifies the costs, benefits, and impacts of discontinuing ferry service to Bellingham and across the Gulf of Alaska, including Yakutat. 4: Alaska Class Ferries - Alternative 4 identifies the costs, benefits and impacts to replace the three aging mainline ferries with three 350 foot “Alaska Class” ferries and a new mainline ferry. 5: Continue to Build Highway Route 7 - Alternative 5 identifies the costs, benefits, and impacts of replacing the existing mainline ferry system with a system based on road segments connected by shuttle ferries. 6: No Action - Alternative 6 evaluates what happens to the transportation system if no action occurs to replace the three aged mainline ferries. For more information, email dot.satp@alaska.gov, or Fax 907-465-2016. **September 27 FAIRBANKS - NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION PLAN: DESIGN SOLUTIONS ADVISORY GROUP will meet from 10 to 11:30am in the City Council Chambers, Second Floor City Hall, 800 Cushman Street. As part of the FMATS Non-Motorized Transportation Plan, design solutions for bicycle and pedestrian facilities are being developed. This meeting will be an opportunity to review and discuss the draft design solutions toolkit. For more information, please contact: FMATS, MPO Coordinator, Attn: Donna Gardino, at 459-6786, Fax 459-6783, or email djgardino@ci.fairbanks.ak.us. **September 27 JUNEAU - BEAUTIFUL BULBS will be held from 6 to 7:30pm in the Bill Ray Center, Room 110, 1108 F Street with a presentation by MERRILL JENSEN, CBJ Horticulturist. The presentation/workshop will highlight bulb varieties available through the Rotary Bulb Sale along with other choice recommended varieties for the Juneau area. Enjoy Beautiful Bulbs, get information, gain inspiration, and grow your anticipation for next Spring. Contact the CES office for more information. 796-6221 or email dewainwright@alaska.edu. September 28 - October 4 DUTCH HARBOR - NORTH PACIFIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL will meet in the Grand Aleutian Hotel, Makushin Room. The agenda is available at http://www.alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/npfmc. **September 29 FAIRBANKS - SEASONAL MOBILITY TASK FORCE will meet from 9:30 to 11am in the FMATS Conference Room, Second Floor City Hall, 800 Cushman Street. This meeting will cover the changes that have been made over the past two years to seasonal mobility in the FMATS area, including updates on the 2009 – 2010 recommendations, new agency policies, and equipment and manpower changes. For more information, contact: FMATS, MPO Coordinator, Attn: Donna Gardino, at 459-6786, Fax 459-6783 or email djgardino@ci.fairbanks.ak.us. **September 29 WASILLA SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT BOARD will meet at 9:30am at the Wasilla SWCD Office. Cooperators and the public are encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact Carolyn Weimer, District Manager, 357-4563 ext. 103, or email carolyn@wasillaswcd.org. September 29 Public forums will be held in the following location to gather public feedback to state resource agencies as they seek ways to STREAMLINE THE PERMITTING PROCESS. All forums will be held from 6 to 8pm. September 29 - FAIRBANKS - Copper Room, Princess Fairbanks Hotel October 5 - WILLOW - Willow Area Community Center October 6 - BARROW - Barrow High School Auditorium October 12 - JUNEAU - Ballroom 3, Centennial Hall To be announced - BETHEL October 19 - NOME - City Hall Council Chambers October 20 - KENAI - Kenai River Center To learn more about this process or to submit ideas online, go to http://dnr.alaska.gov/commis/Priorities/Permitting_Reform.html. **October 1 MAT-SU VALLEY SOLAR TOUR - Please respect the open hours set by the homes and businesses. 9 to 11am - Lazy Mountain area (off grid, PV and wind), Sykes home; Post home; Peabody home; 11 to Noon - Palmer-Wasilla Highway (grid tie PV) and Valley Recycling Center 4.3kw PV; Noon to 1pm Parks Highway (grid tie PV) and Northstar Electric 5.1kw PV; 1 to 3pm -Between Parks and PW Hwys (grid tie PV and Solar Thermal), and Bowers home; 3 to 5pm - Buffalo Mine Road (off grid solar, wind) and Praetorius home. For more information, contact info@acat.org. **October 3 TOK - The UPPER TANANA FORTYMILE FISH AND GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE will hold a public meeting in the Tok EMT Clinic Conference Room at 7pm.. Agenda items will include the following items: Discussion of Federal Wildlife Proposals and Discussion of draft Fortymile Caribou Management Plan. For more information contact Nissa Pilcher at 907.459.7263. Fax: 907.459.7258, or email nissa.pilcher@alaska.gov October 5 KOTZEBUE - The KOTZEBUE SOUND FISH & GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE will meet on beginning at 7pm in the Northwest Arctic Borough Assembly chambers. October 4 MANLEY - TANANA RAMPART MANLEY FISH AND GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE ELECTION will be held at the Post Office at 2:30pm. If you are from the area and would like to serve on this committee, or know someone who would, please come to the meeting. For more information, contact Linda Johnson in Manley or Nissa Pilcher at 907-459-7263, toll free at 1-866-459-7263, Fax 907459-7258 or email missa.pilcher@alaska.gov. All persons of legal voting age are eligible to vote and serve on the committee. October 5 FORT YUKON - The YUKON FLATS FISH & GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE will hold a public meeting at a time and place to be announced. This AC meeting will also hold an election for 2 Fort Yukon seats, one Birch Creek seat, and 1 undesignated seat. If you are from the area and would like to serve on this committee, or know someone who would, please come to the meeting. Names will be collected at the meeting. All persons of legal voting age are eligible to vote and be elected. Agenda items will include: Update on GMU 25, Comment on Interior BOG Proposals, Discuss AYK BOF Proposals due by 2012, Schedule Teleconference, and Election for Fort Yukon and Birch Creek seats. For further information contact Nissa Pilcher at 907.459.7263, Fax 907.459.7258 or email nissa.pilcher@alaska.gov. **October 6 HOMER - CENTER FOR ALASKAN COASTAL STUDIES will hold an EVENING OF FUN featuring music, delicious food and beverages and a chance to bid on adventures and art. The event will be held from 6 to 9pm. Reservations are required. Contact info@akcoastalstudies.org for more information or to make reservations. October 6 & 7 NORTHWAY & TANACROSS - The next regular meeting of the WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS SUBSISTENCE RESOURCE COMMISSION WRST SRC will meet on October 6 in NORTHWAY from 9:30am to 5pm with an evening session at the call of the chair. On October 7, the meeting will take place in TANACROSS, from 9am to 4pm or until the completion of business. Commission business will include a review of the 2012-14 federal subsistence wildlife proposals that would affect Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve as well as an update on the Nabesna Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement. The wildlife proposals to be discussed include proposals to establish seasons and harvest limits for the Mentasta and Chisana caribou herds; to modify the season dates, permit requirements, and harvest limits for moose in portions of Units 11 and 12; to modify the customary and traditional use determination for goat in Unit 11; and to revise requirements regarding the sale of handicrafts incorporating brown bear claws. The meeting is open to the public, and public testimony opportunities are provided. Written comments may also be submitted through the park subsistence coordinator by September 30 for presentation at the meeting. A draft agenda for the meeting is available at http://www.nps.gov/wrst/parknews/upload/WRST-SRC-agenda-October-2011DRAFT3.pdf. For those who are interested in analyses of the federal subsistence wildlife proposals to be reviewed at the meeting,all but one can be found in the meeting books for the Southcentral and Southeast Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils at Southcentral: http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/racdetail.cfml?rac=02 and Southeast: http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/racdetail.cfml?rac=01. For more information, contact Barbara Cellarius at 907822-7236 or email barbara_cellarius@nps.gov. October 7 NOATAK/KIVALINA - NOATAK/KIVALINA FISH & GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE will meet beginning at 1pm in the Noatak IRA meeting room. October 8 TOK - UPPER TANANA WOOD BIOMASS FORUM & YOUNG'S TIMBER INC OPEN HOUSE will be held at Milepost 1308 Alaska Highway from Noon to 3pm. See the Young’s Timber Inc.’s NEW sawmill in operation. Some topics that will be covered include: Wood Fired Electrical Power Plant Plans, Pellet and Fuel Log Plant Plans, Tetlin Village Council’s Biomass Plant, Tetlin Village Council’s Moose Management Program, Division of Forestry’s Wildland Fire Academy, Division of Forestry’s Tok Area’s Fire Management Plan, Alaska Gateway School District’s Combined Heat and Power (Co-generated) Plant, and Agriculture and Green House Plan. Refreshments. Provided Everyone Welcome!! Free Event. For More Information Contact: Joe Young at (907) 883-5060, Fax (907) 883-5060, or email joeyoung@aptalaska.net. **October 11 The NORTHERN NORTON SOUND FISH & GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE will meet beginning at 9am in the Ublugiaq Board room. **October 12 KASILOF - Public workshop will be held at the Tustumena Elementary School from 6 to 8pm. to get input on the criteria that will be used to select a BOAT RETRIEVAL SITE ON THE LOWER KASILOF RIVER and to learn more about POTENTIAL SITES ALONG THE RIVER. To learn more about the project or access the questionnaire, visit: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/kasilof/kasilofboatretrieval.htm **October 13 COOK INLET RISK ASSESSMENT ADVISORY PANEL will meet. For more information, contact Tim Robertson at 234-7821 or Jerry Rombach at 907-283-7222 or email JerryRombach@circac.org or go to www.circac.org. The agenda will address the Advisory Panel’s Charter, protocol, and the presentation of the Vessel Traffic Analysis. **October 19 FAIRBANKS - Public hearing will be held on DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN (CCP) FOR THE ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. The draft plan outlines a 15year management plan for the refuge. Conservation plans are revised periodically for every refuge around the country, as a matter of course. The draft plan contains six alternatives for long-term management, ranging from the continuation of current practices to the designation of three geographic areas (including the Arctic Refuge coastal plain) for potential inclusion within the National Wilderness Preservation System, and the potential designation of four additional Wild and Scenic Rivers on the refuge. The draft plan does not identify a preferred alternative among the six presented today; all of the options remain under active consideration and the Service is conducting a series of public meetings and reviewing public comments before finalizing the plan, which will ultimately identify a preferred alternative. None of the alternatives would change existing protocols for subsistence harvest. In conducting a wilderness review for each geographic area under consideration, the Service evaluated whether a recommendation to designate wilderness would assist in achieving the purposes for which the refuge was established, and to determine the suitability for inclusion into the National Wilderness Preservation System. As part of the analysis, the Service assessed the areas’ ecological, recreational, cultural, and symbolic values; their wildlife, water, vegetation, mineral, and soil resources; and their public uses and refuge management activities. The Service also addressed whether the refuge could effectively manage each area to preserve its wilderness character – meaning the benefits and impacts of managing each area as wilderness were compared to the benefits and impacts of managing the area under an alternate set of goals, objectives, and strategies not involving a wilderness designation. The Draft CCP is available at http://arctic.fws.gov/ccp.htm. **October 21 WASILLA - SUPPORT RECYCLING AND THE ARTS by attending the 2ND ANNUAL “HELLO DOLLY” FUNDRAISING EVENT. Tickets are available online at http://www.valleyrecycling.org/helloDolly.htm. **October 25 & 26 Public Forums will be held at the following locations on the KENAI-RUSSIAN RIVER COLLABORATIVE PUBLIC PROCESS: WORKING to REDUCE HUMAN-BEAR CONFLICTS **October 25 - SOLDOTNA from 6 to 9pm in the Gilman River Center, 514 Funny River Road **October 26 - COOPER LANDING - from 4 to 9pm in the Cooper Landing Community Center The purpose of the meetings is to hear comments on the wide range of management actions proposed by involved agencies developed from suggestions made at public meetings in April including; options for management of fish waste, continuing and improving visitor education, temporal and spatial closures, changes in management of bears, regulating bear attractants, enforcement, new or improved facilities and infrastructure, and other topics. To read the summaries of April meetings, go to https://projects.ecr.gov/kenai.../KRRC_Public_Forum_Summary_final.pdf. For more information, contact Jan Caulfield Consulting at janc@gci.net or 907-523-4610. You are also invited to email your comments to: comments-alaska-chugach-seward@fs.fed.us. Please put "Kenai Russian River Comment" in the email's subject line. **October 28 BUCKLAND - The NORTHERN SEWARD PENINSULA FISH & GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE will meet on Monday, October 28, 2011 beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Buckland IRA Office. ITEMS OF INTEREST **The DRAFT MATANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH WETLANDS MANAGEMENT PLAN is now available for public review at http://www.matsugov.us/planning/prd. Review copies are also available at public libraries. Please review the draft and submit your comments, suggestions or corrections by November 18 to planning@matsugov.us. For further information, please contact the Planning Department at 907-745-9833. **ANCHORAGE SCHOOL BOARD president Gretchen Guess has initiated an E-NEWSLETTER that will recap actions and discussion that take place at each board meeting. This is a great way to stay in touch with what is happening in the Anchorage School District. Sign up at http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin. **SPREAD SHEET MODEL COMPARING COOK INLET ALTERNATIVES GAS PIPELINES AND OTHER ENERGY CHOICES is a “live” excel model to allow you to change assumptions, calculations, and values. The current “cell” values are referenced through the 35 footnotes included on the last pages. Comparisons are based on summing the components to the Cook Inlet retail energy consumer cost expressed in $/mmbtu. Oil price range of $40- to $140-per barrel is for West Texas Intermediate crude oil. Upstream gas prices in $/mmbtu (in 2011 dollars) are for the Alberta settling point (AECO Hub) or the wellhead at Prudhoe Bay. The spread sheet is available at http://www.angda.state.ak.us/DOCS/Detailed_Comparison_of_Cook_Inlet_Alternatives-091311.pdf. Institute of Social & Economic Research has just release a report on HIGH OIL PRICES GIVE ALASKANS A SECOND CHANCE: HOW WILL WE USE THIS OPPORTUNITY? available at http://www.iser.uaa.alaska.edu/Publications/secondchance09192011.pdf. For more information, contact Scott Goldsmith at afosg2@uaa.alaska.edu or 907-786-7720. VALLEY COMMUNITY FOR RECYCLING SOLUTIONS (VCRS) is now ACCEPTING ANY PLASTIC WITH A RECYCLING SYMBOL. All odd shaped plastics can be combined but #1 bottles and #2 jugs need to be kept separated. For more information, call 907-475-5544. Nominations and applications for the TWO PUBLIC MEMBER POSITIONS ON THE FEDERAL SUBSISTENCE BOARD are now being solicited and welcomed through October 31. The public members of the Board are private citizens who are paid on a part-time, per-hour basis for conducting the official business of the Board. The Board typically meets 4-5 times yearly for 1 to 3 days. The Secretary is seeking public members who have: • Personal knowledge of and direct experience with subsistence uses in rural Alaska, • Experience with and knowledge of the federal subsistence management program; • A commitment to the purposes and goals of the subsistence provisions (Title VIII) of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA); • An ability to listen to and understand competing views; and • An ability to make fair and objective decisions on complex biological and allocative issues. Please submit nominations or applications via mail, fax or email to subsistence@ios.doi.gov or Fax 907-2714102. Background information on the federal subsistence program, the Federal Subsistence Board, the Secretary’s subsistence review and other agency information is available at http://www.doi.gov/whatwedo/subsistencereview/index.cfm or the Office of Subsistence Management’s website at http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/index.cfml. FEDERAL COORDINATOR RELEASES NEW PERMITS MATRIX to help the public better understand the complexities, the data needs and schedules of the multiple federal approvals required for the Alaska North Slope natural gas pipeline. The revised permits matrix is available at http://www.arcticgas.gov/permits-matrix. The new matrix provides detailed information on major federal authorizations and permits that may be required for construction of the gas pipeline project, from the Bureau of Land Management's right-of-way to U.S. Coast Guard’s bridge permits. The information includes the permit, its supporting laws and regulations, the data required with each application, timing and scheduling requirements, public comment periods and an agency contact for each permit. Turning the matrix into a searchable database allows users to query for specific permits, retrieve all permits from a given agency, find permits associated with a particular law, pull up permits that deal with specific resource issues or pinpoint authorizations or permits required for a specific portion of the pipeline project. Users can view their search results on the website or use another feature to produce a printable report. The report A LARGE AND PERSISTENT CARBON SINK IN THE WORLD’S FORESTS, is available at http://www.sciencemag.org/content/early/2011/07/13/science.1201609 . Until now, scientists were uncertain about how much and where in the world terrestrial carbon is being stored. In the July 14 issue of Science Express, scientists report that, between 1990 and 2007, the world’s forests stored about 2.4 gigatons of carbon per year. Their results suggest that forests account for nearly all of the world’s land-based carbon uptake. Boreal forests are estimated to be responsible for 22 percent of the carbon stored in the forests. A warming climate has the potential to increase fires and insect damage in the boreal forest and reduce its capacity to sequester carbon. The results imply that clearly, forests play a critical role in Earth’s terrestrial carbon balance, and exert considerable control over the evolution of atmospheric carbon dioxide. A. DAVID MCGUIRE, professor of ecology at the UAF Institute of Arctic Biology, is co-author of the report The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is launching an outreach effort to gather public FEEDBACK FOR STATE RESOURCE AGENCIES as they SEEK WAYS TO STREAMLINE THE PERMITTING PROCESS. The departments of Natural Resources, Fish and Game and Environmental Conservation are evaluating their permitting processes for efficiency improvements at the request of Governor Sean Parnell. DNR has launched a Web page at http://dnr.alaska.gov/commis/Priorities/Permitting_Reform.html that provides information about some of the major issues under review by the agencies. The Web page includes a feedback form for the public to submit their comments and ideas electronically. At this point, the agencies have not begun a formal comment period as they have yet to propose any revisions to statutes or regulations. DNR is planning to host a series of public forums throughout Alaska this fall to gather additional public input on the permitting review. The meeting schedule will be posted on the Web page, in addition to other methods of notification. To see an interesting ARTICLE on BEARS by RICK SINNOTT from Alaska Dispatch, go to http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/does-science-back-alaskas-policy-killing-grizzly-bears. ALEUTIAN ISLANDS RISK ASSESSMENT: FIRST PHASE has released PHASE A SUMMARY REPORT available at http://www.aleutiansriskassessment.com/. The summary report synthesis’s a culmination of two years of research, discussions and recommendations for mitigating the risks posed by maritime traffic through the Aleutian Islands Region. Six accompanying Technical Reports were developed for this project, are posted at http://www.aleutiansriskassessment.com/documents.htm. Each Technical Report built upon the others to frame the current and future issues associated with identifying the risks posed by maritime activities in this region. A key outcome from the project was the development of risk reduction options. The guiding principles applied to risk reduction option analysis were that prevention measures take priority over response measures and all measures should be realistic and practical. Phase B of the Aleutian Islands Risk Assessment will be initiated by the management team in late 2011. Take a few minutes and fill out the MAYOR'S BUDGET POLL to let him know where you think the City's money should be spent at http://www.munibudget.org/?q=Formbudget-poll. Go to the Anchorage's City Budget page at Ghttp://www.munibudget.org/. There at many informative sections including:Finding Efficiencies to Save Money, - How we Pay for Capital Projects, - A Poll asking for your Opinions about Revenues and Expenditures, - What are Service Areas? - What is the Money Spent On? Citizen Tax Saving Suggestions - and the opportunity to Donate to City Services. You can also sign up to receive a MOA budget newsletter. The Alaska SeaLife Center, with the support of the Kenai Peninsula Borough, is undertaking an ORAL HISTORY PROJECT TO DOCUMENT THE DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE AND USE OF HABITAT BY COOK INLET BELUGA WHALES over the last century and are most interested in the period before 1994 when scientific surveys of belugas began. This project will compile public observations of belugas in rivers, lakes and marine waters adjacent to the Kenai Peninsula. In future years we hope to expand this research to cover other areas of Cook Inlet. If you would like to contribute to this oral history project and live in the Homer to Ninilchik areas, please contact Janet Klein at (907) 2358925. For all other residents of the Kenai Peninsula, or if you live outside the Peninsula and have information to share about belugas in Kenai waters, please contact Casey Schulke at (907) 224-7903 or by email caseys@alaskasealife.org. If you would prefer to provide information via an online survey, please log onto http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BelugaSightingsinKenaiWaters. Results from this project will be made available online and in educational displays. Please note that any information you share or material you provide will only be made public with your express permission. Alaska State Parks begins PLANNING FOR LOWER KASILOF RIVER BOAT RETRIEVAL PROJECT and requests response to a SHORT QUESTIONNAIRE to gain public input on where a retrieval site should be located, what criteria should be used to evaluate potential locations, and what type of facilities should be constructed. Currently, most boaters access the Kasilof at the Alaska State Parks public boat launch at mile 109.4 of the Sterling Highway; however, there is no publicly-owned exit point for boaters on the lower portion of the river. The questionnaire and additional project information is available at: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/kasilof/kasilofboatretrieval.htm OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE in ALASKA MARINE CONSERVATION COUNCIL'S DOWNTOWN OFFICE SUITE in the 4th Avenue Marketplace (corner of 4th and C Street) with a similarly minded non-profit or small business. Two, medium sized individual offices that could accommodate one or more staff in each are available in our large suite that features a kitchen, conference area, common area work space and more. Opportunity to cut down on other costs like wireless service and copy machine rental fees. For more information contact Kelly Harrell, Executive Director, at kelly@akmarine.org or call (907)277-5357. Serious inquiries only please! VOLUNTEERS OPPORTUNITIES **NORTH SLOPE SCIENCE INITIATIVE SEEKS SCIENCE TECHNICAL ADVISORY PANEL MEMBERS. The 15-member panel of scientists and technical experts plays a critical advisory role for the NSSI and its Oversight Group by assisting with resource inventories, monitoring, and research needs for Alaska’s North Slope. Panel membership is diverse and may represent the oil and gas industry, subsistence users, traditional ecological knowledge, conservation organizations, academia, and other entities. Panel members may come from disciplines such as landscape ecology, petroleum engineering, civil engineering, geology, botany, hydrology, limnology, habitat biology, wildlife biology, biometrics, sociology, cultural anthropology, economics, ornithology, oceanography, fisheries biology, climatology, or North Slope traditional and local knowledge. Panel member are appointed for three year terms. While serving on the panel, members will be reimbursed for official travel (airline tickets, lodging and per diem) to participate on the panel. The Federal Advisory Committee Act does not permit salaries, benefits or honorariums for appointees. For information, instructions, and the nomination form, go to http://www.northslope.org/. WINTER CARETAKER: ALASKA STATE PARKS – HATCHER PASS and INDEPENDENCE MINE, near Palmer. Main Tasks: Live at Independence Mine and perform daily maintenance and/or monitoring of a diesel power plant, furnace system, radio, phone, water system and three latrines in the area; remove snow in the vicinity of the visitor center using snowblower and snow shovels, assist in shoveling snow from roofs; perform maintenance as; record daily weather, conditions, and observations; host groups using the visitor center; assist the ranger in snowmobile and ski trail development, maintenance, patrols, road patrol, visitor contacts and general area maintenance. Required Skills: Must be able live independently in a semi-remote location; enjoy winter and winter sports; able to crosscountry ski, snowshoe, and ride snowmobiles (or be willing to learn) in steep country with deep powder snow; good public speaking skills and enthusiasm working with the public; good health, good physical condition and be a high energy person. Must be familiar with operating and maintaining a diesel generator, furnace and electrical systems, a variety of snowmobiles, and a snowblower. Desired Skills: First aid and CPR, avalanche and winter survival training; ability to use basic carpentry tools, use of two way radio and camera; driving in snow and ice. Allowance/Housing: One $500 subsistence payment per month is available, though couples are welcomed to apply. A modern, furnished, efficiency apartment in the upper floor of the parks visitor center, formerly the mine manager's house; must be flexible and adaptable with living conditions as several other staff or groups may be utilizing the kitchen and bathing facilities in this apartment occasionally. The winter plowing ends 1.5 miles short of the visitor center. Access to and from the building is via skis, snowshoes or snowmobile. Pets are not permitted. Time Commitment: 6 months, generally from mid October until mid April (flexible). Applications are available at http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/vip/vipapplication.htm. For more information or to submit an application with cover letter and resume, contact Amy O’Connor, Park Ranger, at amy.oconnor@alaska.gov or call (907) 745-8943. Seeking PRESENTERS: FOR THE ANCHORAGE SCIENCE PUB (ASP) to be held at 4pm starting on Sunday, January 8, 2012, at TapRoot and will continue on second Sundays thereafter. In the tradition of similar long-running science pubs in Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and other states, ASP’s coordinating committee is currently seeking presenters who will help Alaskans quench their thirsty minds and bodies with brief, plain-language PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSION OF RELEVANT SCIENCE TOPICS. Welcome are those with little science background, self-identified “science geeks,” and everyone in between but most especially those with curiosity and a sense of humor! No admission charge or RSVP but seating is limited. Presentations are 30 minutes in length followed by questions/answers and discussion. Presenters earn beverage/dinner token and the adulation of their audience. For more details and to request a Presenter Application, contact ASP at anchoragesciencepub@gmail.com. CENTER FOR ALASKAN COASTAL STUDIES (CACS) in Homer needs a mechanically- and electrically-minded volunteer to complete two underwater ROV projects for CACS. When complete, these Remotely Operated Vehicles will be able to be driven underwater and allow participants of some CACS program to practice using these amazing research devices. Our newest ROV comes complete with a light and underwater camera! The catch is that we need a talented individual to donate some time to put together these robots. Wire soldering and some skill saw use required. You can check out this YouTube video of one of these ROVs in action at http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4761076111111865377. Contact Jenni Medley, 903-235-6714 for more information. Volunteer opportunity in PARTNERSHIP WITH AMERICORPS. Join thread's AmeriCorps Alaska Strengthening Families Project - thread is Alaska's Child Care Resource & Referral Network seeking 10 AmeriCorps members to serve at selected early care and education host program sites around Anchorage. The successful candidate will serve in an early care and education program (host program) to support the families whose children are enrolled in the program as well as the staff working at the program. A monthly living allowance of $1008.00, A Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $5550.00 per full-time completed service year, Health insurance for the term of the service year, Child Care Assistance, if necessary, Valuable experience and training in the growing field of Early Care and Education. A supportive and caring professional environment. For more information and a complete volunteer service description, please visit www.threadalaska.org or call 907.265.3100. FAIRBANKS – JOEL’S PLACE SEASONS OF SERVICE AMERICORPS is currently recruiting for short term fall positions.. Check out www.jpsos.wordpress.com for more information. All positions are provided a monthly living stipend and Education Award. ALASKA MARINE CONSERVATION COUNCIL NOW RECRUITING NEW BOARD MEMBERS for 3 year terms that would begin in the fall of 2011.AMCC is looking for board members from across Alaska (must be a resident) who know their communities and local fisheries, are passionate about fisheries conservation and working waterfronts, have financial/accounting experience, have a legal background, or possess fundraising, communications and organizational management experience and skills, and have time, energy, and knowledge to dedicate to ensuring that we effectively carry out our programs and run the organization. To learn more and to apply, go to http://www.akmarine.org/. INTERNSHIPS POSITIONS AVAILABLE **ALASKA CENTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENTS is currently hiring ARTICULATE, ENERGETIC PEOPLE to help with our ANNUAL FALL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE and let our members know how they can take action. Experience is not required and paid training is included. Hours are Monday - Thursday 5:15 to 9:15pm. The position lasts approximately 2 months starting October 10th. For more information call Jessica at 274-3647 or email bonnie@akcenter.org. **EPA REGION 10 is SEEKING CANDIDATES for an INTERGOVERNMENTAL PERSONNEL ACT (IPA) ASSIGNMENT IN THE OFFICE OF AIR, WASTE AND TOXICS(OAWT), stationed Anchorage to serve as the Alaska Tribal Air Liaison to work with EPA in its support for tribes in Alaska to better identify, understand and begin to address their air pollution concerns. Through this work the liaison will facilitate better coordination and understanding between EPA and the tribes, as well as partner agencies, on Clean Air Act implementation in the tribal communities of Alaska. This is a one year assignment which may be extended for a second year depending on funding and program needs. Required Qualifications: Strong cross-cultural communication skills, sufficient to establish rapport with Alaska Federally Recognized Tribes and other rural Alaska residents and organizations. Minimum 1 year, ideally 2 year or more years working in Alaska on rural air quality, environmental, health or housing issues or programs. Education may be substituted for all but three months of the minimum requirements with one year of relevant university level studies equivalent to three months of experience. Demonstrated success in project development, implementation, completion, and reporting. Strongly Desired Qualifications: Ability to explain technical subjects to non-technical audiences. Demonstrated ability to establish networks or teams of individuals, tribes or organizations that work together to solve a common problem. Ability to prepare written reports or briefings for EPA senior officials and Tribal leaders. IPA Process and Requirements: The Intergovernmental Personnel Act MobilityProgram provides for the temporary assignment of personnel between the federal government and tribal, state and local governments, colleges and universities, federally funded research and development centers, and eligible non-profit organizations. To be eligible for this position you must be currently employed by one of these agencies or organizations. EPA will reimburse the supplying agency according to an Intergovernmental Personnel Act Agreement which must be negotiated and approved by EPA and the supplying agency after EPA has selected a candidate for this position. If Interested: Individuals interested should submit a resume and a statement covering why this position would be of interest and how their skills and experience would help to effectively fulfill the objectives of the position. For more information or to submit these expression of interest, contact Mary Manous at manous.mary@epa.gov. Closing date: October 31. **DROP OFF FOREMAN for the VALLEY COMMUNITY FOR RECYCLING SOLUTIONS (VCRS). This position is responsible for safe, accurate and efficient handling of recyclable materials received at the Recovery Center outside drop off section and is the assigned team leader of those working out of doors at the Center, under the direct supervision of the Operations Manager. Primary duties include the following: Acts as team leader for staff and volunteers assigned to the outside portion of the Resource Recovery Center, Primary greeter for recycling customers, Safely and effectively direct in-coming traffic of recyclers as necessary or requested, Work in tandem with the Marketing specialist, Education specialist and Community Outreach Manager to become self-educated in all aspects of VCRS recycling and keep current in recycling education and opportunities, Educate customers of recycling information as necessary or requested, Assist in offloading recycle materials of up to 50 pounds, Keep daily tally of recycling traffic at the drop off site, and Maintain the 24 hour recycling roll off containers. Work Schedule: 25 hour work week: Wednesday through Friday 11:30 pm to 6 pm and Saturday 9:30am to 3 pm. For more information or to apply, contact 907.745.5544, fax 907.745.556 or email community@valleyrecycling.org. ** TRAINING and OUTREACH COORDINATOR and ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST for ZENDER ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND RESEARCH GROUP, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, that assists underserved communities in developing programmatic capacity and community resiliency in environmental health issues. For more information, go to www.zendergroup.org. Application review begins October 1. For complete job description, go to http://www.zendergroup.org/job.html. For more information, contact Autumn Bryson at (907) 277-2111, Cell (907) 444-1276, (free call for rural Alaska GCI cell phones), Fax (efax): (877) 335 6780 or email abryson@zendergroup.org. **HEALTH PROGRAM MANAGER III for the ALASKA DEPT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES, DIV. of PUBLIC HEALTH, SECTION of EPIDEMIOLOGY, ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM responsible for managing and supervising the activities and staff of the Environmental Public Health Program. This program evaluates the possible hazards to human health associated with toxic substances in the environment. Primary responsibilities: *Evaluating the health significance of chemicals in the environment in Alaska, considering the chemical and physical nature of the chemicals, site conditions, toxicological properties, and relevant exposure pathways; *Providing toxicological expertise to the department, other state and federal agencies, public health partners, health care providers, and the public; * Performing health assessments for communities impacted by contaminated sites; *Conducting follow-up investigations and surveillance activities related to contaminant exposures, and responding to a variety of other environmental health concerns; *Formulating environmental public health policy and responding to legislative requests; *Serving as a media spokesperson for issues related to environmental contaminants; *Designing and directing epidemiologic investigations to identify the cause and extent of adverse health effects from exposure to toxic chemicals; *Pursuing funding opportunities for the program; *Preparing program budgets, progress reports, and position papers; and *Supervising and directing the activities of Program staff. We are looking for candidates with the following Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Experience: *Doctoral degree in epidemiology, toxicology, or related health science;*Demonstrated knowledge of environmental toxicology principles, including the fate and transport of chemicals in the environment; *Four years experience investigating exposures to environmental contaminants and evaluating human health risks; *Two years experience in program planning, budget development, and supervision; *Experience communicating the results of scientific information to peers, both through oral presentations and publication in peer-reviewed scientific literature. For more information, and to apply for the position, go to Workplace Alaska at: http://notes3.state.ak.us/wa/postapps.nsf/997aaae09c093ddd8925643e0063742b/416db3ead69ad0408925 7906005977c6?OpenDocument&Highlight=0,health,program. MAT VALLEY COALITION CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR for FRIENDS OF MAT-SU (FOMS) a local non-profit organization located in Palmer that works to promote and develop initiatives that enhance quality of life and ensure the sustainability of communities throughout the Mat-Su Borough. FoMS is an active member of the Mat Valley Coalition, a diverse coalition of conservation groups, tribal organizations, business owners and community members who are working collaboratively to prevent coal development in the Matanuska Susitna Borough. Duties of the Mat Valley Coalition Campaign Coordinator include: Providing leadership and vision for the campaign; Directing, overseeing and coordinating internal and external communications between campaign partners and the community: Coordinating public outreach to educate businesses and organizations about the impacts of coal development; Building the coalition membership including recruiting new community groups to the coalition and expanding the list of active volunteers and advocates; Establishing and maintaining relationships with media; Identifying and pursuing media opportunities that will advance the campaign’s message; Mobilize volunteers and coalition partners through email alerts, phone-banks, tabling events, petitioning, canvassing; and Track and monitor issues related to coal development in the Matanuska Valley. Salary: Commensurate with Experience. Skills Desired: *Excellent verbal and written communication skills; *Track record of successful grassroots organizing and/or managing advocacy campaigns; *Demonstrated ability to build relationships with a broad range of coalition partners, and work with diverse stakeholders; *Excellent listening, retention and presentation skills; *Demonstrated ability with planning and coordinating large events. Qualifications: *3 or more years of experience working on environmental, political, or grassroots advocacy campaigns; *Knowledge of Alaska politics or mining issues a plus; *Proven leadership ability and experience with bringing diverse groups to consensus or overcoming disagreements; *HTML, social media and database skills are strongly desired; and *Ability to perform occasional, long hours on evenings or weekends. To apply, submit a cover letter outlining your interest in the position and experience, a resume and a writing sample. Applicants selected for an interview will be asked to provide three current references. Submit application documents to Jeremiah Millen at director@foms.org by October 10. We will confirm receipt of your submission by email. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER for SAGA in Juneau. This position will include recruitment and hiring for 19 employees and about 100 National Service members, as well as the management of the human resource department. Duties include but are not limited to: Responsible for local, state and national recruiting for all SAGA positions, traveling across the state when needed; Maintain contact with a broad network of organizations to ensure the creation of a diverse pool of applicants; Develop and update recruitment and application materials to include but not limited to: applications, brochures, display boards, flyers, website, Facebook page, and media ads; Assist managers with assessing hiring needs in their departments; Coordinate job postings to include but not limited to: on-line postings, school postings, media outlets, partner organizations, and local postings; Responsible for all preparation for hiring at SAGA including but not limited to: writing job descriptions, reviewing applications, scheduling interviews, writing interview questions, conducting interviews, references, approved offers and all correspondence with applicants; Responsible for the oversight of all hiring paperwork (welcome letters, pre-term paperwork, parent signatures, criminal history checks, in-take and exit forms, and discipline forms); Responsible for remaining updated on AmeriCorps criminal history check regulations, updating criminal history procedures as needed; Act as the liaison for AmeriCorps program regulations – keep updated on new regulations, change forms and policies as needed, inform staff about new regulations; Preparation for and conducting orientations for incoming staff and members; Responsible for oversight of staff and member files. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field required (experience may substitute); Four years professional experience in human resources and recruiting; One year experience managing programs and staff; Ability to speak in front of large groups of people with energy and enthusiasm; Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds; Extensive knowledge of recruitment and hiring policies/laws; Experience with human resource laws and policies and ability to communicate those laws and policies to staff and Director’s; Experience with human resource tasks such as interviewing, writing and upkeep of personnel policies, employee problem resolution, salary comparisons, employee retention, and employee benefits; Ability to maintain confidentiality; Ability to pass a criminal history investigation. This is a full-time position scheduled to begin as soon as possible. Health insurance, paid annual leave and government holidays are provided to successful candidate. This position will remain open until filled. Please see full job posting at www.servealaska.org. To apply send a cover letter and resume to admin@servealaska.org or to SAGA, P.O. Box 33037, Juneau, AK 99803. For more information, contact the Director of Programs at 907-789-2218. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF EXTENSION AGENT for the UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE. This tripartite faculty position will serve as the Energy Specialist for the state of Alaska and will be linked to the Health, Home, and Family Development program area. The successful applicant will work cooperatively with other extension agents and specialists to develop and deliver educational programs appropriate to the target audiences. Evening and weekend work will be necessary as well as overnight travel to communities throughout Alaska to deliver programming. This union represented position is a tenure-track position. This position is a based on a 9-month academic year plus 0-2 months faculty position of the UAF Cooperative Extension Service. The extension faculty member will serve as the Energy Specialist for Extension and will be housed in the Fairbanks State Office. Minimum Qualifications: Education: Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, Engineering or other related field such as Education, Health, Healthy Housing, Building Science, Family and Consumer Sciences, with a minimum of three years working in a related field. For full position description and application form, go to http://alaska.jobing.com/assistant-professor-of-extensionagent-fairbanks/job/employment/27506744. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR for the ALASKA CENTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Location: Anchorage. Key responsibilities include: 1.Fundraising and External Relations; 2.Operations Management; 3.Board Development; and 4.Staff Development. Qualifications: *Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and at least three years professional experience in a related field. •Demonstrated success managing, developing, and implementing fundraising plans, including foundation grant seeking and individual and corporate donor development. •Experience supervising and successfully leading teams and staff of varying sizes. •Experience in developing and implementing strategic planning. •Working knowledge of Alaska’s social and political context for ACE’s work preferred. •Experience with non-profit financial management and planning. •Demonstrated success building strategic partnerships and relations. •Experience with Board relations and development. •Demonstrated commitment to conservation values. Salary depends upon experience, with health and dental insurance, employee-directed retirement plan, and generous paid vacation and health leave provided. Application Process: Send resume, cover letter, and writing sample to Board President Karol Fink via email at karol.fink@gmail.com. In the subject line of your email, please write: ACE ED application – Last name_First initial. Please convert all attachments to PDF and name the attachments as follows: Lastname_Firstinitial resume, Lastname_Firstinitial cover letter, Lastname_Firstinitial writing sample. For more information, go to d HYPERLINK "http://akcenter.org/about" http://akcenter.org/about. For full job description, go to http://akcenter.org/files/executive-director-job-announcement. RESEARCH FISH BIOLOGIST for GEOLOGICAL SURVEY ALASKA-FAIRBANKS permanent, full-time position. Closes September 14. Salary: $70,195.00+ Position open to the public. For full position information, go to http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=100337312&JobTitle=Research+Fish+Biologist%2c+GS0482-12%2c+CLMDEU&jbf574=IN*&lid=317&jbf522=&salmin=&salmax=&FedEmp=N&sort=rv&vw=d&ss=0&brd=38 76&FedPub=Y&caller=%2fagency_search.asp&SUBMIT1.x=78&SUBMIT1.y=17&SUBMIT1=Search+ for+Jobs&AVSDM=2011-07-12+01%3a13%3a00.. EDUCATION SPECIALIST for the ALASKA SEALIFE CENTER in Seward. The position is responsible for designing and presenting education programs for schools and public audiences. Variable hours, including mornings, evenings and weekends as needed. May include national and state-wide travel for professional development and urban/rural outreach. Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a field complementary to the Center’s mission, two years experience in a similar setting or the equivalent. Experience in curriculum writing and development, understanding of state/national standards and program coordination is preferred. The specific skills and abilities of the employee in this position and the needs of the department will dictate which of the primary responsibilities are performed by the employee. This is a regular, full-time position. ASLC offers a competitive wage (DOE) and benefits package. To see the full position description, go to http://www.alaskasealife.org/New/about-ASLC/Education%20Specialist%2008-18-2011.pdf. Open Until Filled. Start Date: As Soon As Possible. Send resume & application available at www.alaskasealife.org to ASLC, Human Resources, P.O. Box 1329, Seward, AK 99664, fax 907-224-6320, or email HR@alaskasealife.org. OFFICE MANAGER for RENEWABLE ENERGY ALASKA PROJECT (REAP) located in Anchorage. Key Responsibilities: Answer phones, Maintain donor and contact database, Take notes and prepare draft minutes from all REAP meetings, Create/update paper filing system and archive documents, Maintain server-filing system, Prepare & submit timesheets, Assist with event logistics, and Stay abreast of current news related to energy policy, renewable energy and energy efficiency. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or five years of experience in a relevant field, Excellent written and verbal skills, Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Compensation: This is permanent full time position; salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Includes paid personal leave and holidays and retirement benefits. Application Deadline: Applications for this position will be accepted until September 9.Application Process: Please send cover letter, résumé, 3 letters of recommendation and writing sample to the following address: Renewable Energy Alaska Project, Attn: Amanda Weglin, 308 G Street, Suite 207, Anchorage, Alaska 99501 or email to a.weglin@realaska.org. OFFICE MANAGER for AGNEW:BECK Agnew::Beck is a bustling, 15-person multidisciplinary planning and community development firm based in Anchorage since 2002. We are hiring to fill our Office Administrator position. This position is critical to overall functioning of Agnew::Beck, keeping the office organized and work production flowing smoothly. The Office Administrator works under the direction of the firm’s principals and project managers. Main areas of responsibility include office administration, organization, management and project support. A more detailed job description can be found on our website: www.agnewbeck.com. Open until filled. Please submit a resume and cover letters to Beth McLaughlin at beth@agnewbeck.com. HEALTH ASSESSOR (Public Health Specialist II) for the AK DEPT. of HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, DIV. of PUBLIC HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM (EPHP). This position is responsible for evaluating the health significance of chemicals in the environment in Alaska, considering the chemical and physical nature of the chemicals, site conditions, toxicological properties, and relevant exposure pathways. The incumbent will evaluate contaminants in fish and other subsistence foods, perform health assessments for communities impacted by contaminated sites, conduct lead exposure surveillance, and respond to a variety of other environmental health concerns. This position provides a unique opportunity to improve the health status of Alaskans by reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals. This recruitment seeks an environmental and/or public health scientist with formal education and experience in the field of toxicology. For more information and to apply on Workplace Alaska, go to: http://notes4.state.ak.us/wa/postapps.nsf/997aaae09c093ddd8925643e0063742b/8a3ba8665d8acf1f89257 8d100605df7?OpenDocument&Highlight=0,public,health%20. ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM SPECIALIST (EPS) IV for the DEPT of ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION (ADEC), DIVISION of SPILL PREVENTION & RESPONSE, CONTAMINATED SITES PROGRAM. This position will serve as the Contaminated Sites Program's technical expert on human health and ecological risk assessments and provides authoritative decisions and/or recommendations relative to the entire risk assessment process and assists program staff and the public with interpreting risk assessment results. Please see the Workplace Alaska job posting at: http://notes4.state.ak.us/wa/PostApps.nsf/0/7F0B9BF237159C9B892578F1006C3C55?OpenDocument EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR for the CENTER FOR ALASKAN COASTAL STUDIES (CACS). Location: Homer. Job responsibilities include all aspects of non-profit management in developing and sustaining relationships and networks to support the on-going mission-related work of CACS. Skills and experience in staff leadership, fundraising, financial management, planning, organizational outreach, and facility maintenance & land management oversight are needed to support a comprehensive offering of coastal science and environmental education programs for K-12 and general public audiences. CACS manages a land base of 145 acres on both shores of Kachemak Bay, one of the most scenic and ecologically-diverse places in Alaska. Facilities include the residential Peterson Bay Coastal Science Field Station, the upland Carl E. Wynn Nature Center, a Headquarters Building in downtown Homer, and a seasonal facility in the Homer Harbor. Salary DOE. For more information, go to http://www.akcoastalstudies.org. Full job description is available at http://www.akcoastalstudies.org/Pdf/CACS_EDjobdescription.pdf. To apply, send cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to jobs@akcoastalstudies.org or fax to (907) 235-6668. Open until filled. DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT for AUDUBON ALASKA Location: Anchorage. Full time. Director of Development will work with the Executive Director to raise restricted and unrestricted contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other funders to meet Audubon Alaska’s annual budget (in 2011, roughly $1.1 million) in support of Audubon’s mission. The successful candidate will be able to manage multiple priorities, produce well-written work under short deadlines, coordinate and oversee the fine details of events and mailings, maintain accurate records of donor contacts using a Millennium database, represent Audubon’s mission and programs effectively to supporters, and converse easily in person or by telephone with donors and donor prospects, board members, volunteers, chapter leaders, and members of the public. S/he will have a passion for Audubon's conservation mission and the desire to contribute to the effectiveness of its program and staff. Occasional evening and weekend work is required. There will be need and opportunity for travel within Alaska and out of state; the Audubon Alaska Board convenes twice a year for three-day, retreat-style meetings in rotating locations around the state, and many donors live out of state. Qualifications: A bachelor's degree is required, and a minimum of five years of experience in a related field, with at least three years of experience in major donor and foundation fundraising. Requires an individual who is able to think strategically and creatively, manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and operate in a dynamic work environment. Applicants should have strong interpersonaland social skills and the ability to persuasively communicate Audubon’s mission and Alaska’s nuance conservation issues., The ideal candidate is familiar with Alaska, its unique natural resource issues, and the community of people, inside and outside the state, who support its conservation. Equipment and Software: Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office software, the internet, and email. Training for Sage Millennium (donor database) will be available. Should be willing to take advantage of professional development and training opportunities, as needed. For full job description, go to https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/1109/job Please apply online at https://careersaudubon.icims.com/jobs/1109/login. Submit resume and cover letter with online application. SCIENCE EDUCATION DIRECTOR for the PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND SCIENCE CENTER to grow their education program and join a team of enthusiastic educators who implement science, environmental and experiential education programs. The Science Education Director will help oversee delivery of our current portfolio of education programs including: Community outreach, Classroom-based “Discovery Room” for grades K-6, Underwater Robotics for middle school, and summer camps and outdoor “experiential” education programs in oceanography and conservation for teens. The full position announcement is located at: http://www.pwssc.org/whatsnew/employment.shtml. To Apply, Submit letter of interest, resume and three references electronically to Nancy Bird, PWSSC President at nbird@pwssc.org. Position Open until filled (applications will be accepted until an appropriate candidate is found). MAJOR GIFTS OFFICER for the ALASKA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION in Anchorage. Major Gifts Officer (MGO) will be responsible for increasing financial support among top level donors. This position serves as the central organizer for personal communications with ~300 stewarded donors by Alaska Conservation Foundation (ACF) staff and trustees. Strategies include stewardship, cultivation, and solicitation. The MGO will also be responsible for organizing a range of events and other activities geared toward building ongoing support from major donors. Position will be a contributing member of the Philanthropy and the Communications team. Qualifications: A passion for Alaska and protecting its environment; Bachelor’s Degree required; 5 to 7 years fundraising experience with demonstrated success in securing major gifts; Experience in event planning and execution; Experience with moves management is a plus, as is track record of building donor relationships; Familiarity with Salesforce database and Wealth Engine to optimize fundraising outcomes; and Ability to travel. Salary and Benefits: This opportunity is an at-will position, where the Major Gifts Officer will be an employee of Alaska Conservation Foundation, and subject to ACF’s personnel policies, benefits, and its hiring and termination decisions. The position will report to the Director of Philanthropy. ACF’s salary and benefits are highly competitive within the nonprofit field. We offer substantial retirement benefits, including 403(b) and SEP/IRA retirement, health and dental coverage. ACF is committed to sustainability, both in making business decisions, and ftlinemaintaining a healthy work-life balance. To Apply: Please provide an Employment application, cover letter outlining your interest and experience, plus a resume. Applicants selected to receive an interview will be asked to submit three references. Submissions must be emailed to acfjobs@alaskaconservation.org with ‘Major Gifts Officer’ typed the subject heading. We will confirm receipt of your submission by email. Hire Date: Position open until filled. To RECEIVE What's Up, or to ADD meetings, events, publications, deadlines, websites, or CHANGE EMAIL ADDRESS OR UNSUBSCRIBE, contact Peg Tileston at 907-561-0540, FAX 907-563-2747 or pegt@gci.net.