**Mark new items in this issue.
What’s Up
January 28, 2015
Compiled weekly by Peg Tileston
On behalf of the Alaska Center for the Environment (ACE) and Alaska Women’s
Environmental Network (AWEN)
CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS, TRAINING &
SPECIAL EVENTS
February 2 and April 1
PALMER - More CLEAN ENERGY COURSES at Mat-Su College:
February 2 - INTRODUCTION TO SMALL WIND SYSTEMS
April 1 - INTRODUCTION TO SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
Both are 1-credit, 5-week classes on Wednesdays from 4 to 6:45pm. No previous
knowledge required for any class. Register at https://uaonline.alaska.edu or contact Mark
Masteller for more information at 907-745-9784 or email
mamasteller@matsu.alaska.edu.
February 4 (ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
ANCHORAGE - The 2015 ANCHORAGE TRANSPORTATION FAIR will be held
from 4 to 8pm at the UAA Alaska Airlines Center Auxiliary, 3550 Providence Drive. The
event is a "super open house" providing attendees a one-stop showcase of transportation
projects, planning efforts or existing plans concerning all modes of transportation within
the Municipality of Anchorage. Check out the transportation fair website at
http://anchoragetranspofair.blogspot.com/ or go to
http://aws.state.ak.us/OnlinePublicNotices/Notices/View.aspx?id=175324 for a more
complete project list and other information Free parking.
February 9 – 13
ANCHORAGE – The ALASKA FORUM ON THE ENVIRONMENT, 2015 will be
held at the Dena’ina Convention Center from 7:30am to 9pm each day. The Alaska
Forum on the Environment (AFE) is Alaska's largest statewide gathering of
environmental professionals from government agencies, non-profit and for-profit
businesses, community leaders, Alaskan youth, conservationists, biologists and
community elders. The diversity of attendees and comprehensive agenda sets this
conference apart from any other. Each year over 80 technical breakout sessions and
sensational Keynote Events are offered. A full week of sessions on climate change,
energy, environmental regulations, cleanup and remediation, fish & wildlife, solid waste,
and of course much more will be held. For our 17th year event in 2015, we will continue
our expanded content on Marine Debris, Coastal Issues and Tsunami's in order to address
the pressing concerns from Alaska rural coastal communities. For more information, the
agenda and registration information go to http://www.akforum.org/.
February 9 & 10
SOLDOTNA - CERTIFIED EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL LEAD
STORM WATER (AK-CESCL) TRAINING: Who should attend? Anyone working on
Alaska DOT roads, commercial and residential builders, project engineers, natural
resource managers and anyone responsible for creating, maintaining or evaluating a
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. This AK-CESCL training explains erosion and
how to obtain and comply with the EPA NPDES Construction General Permit. NPDES
compliance is required for all projects that disturb a total of 1+ acre of soil. An AK-CESL
trained person is required on all USACE and ADOT&PF projects as of January 1, 2008.
This AK-CESCL class also meets requirements for recertification. For more information,
visit www.kenaiwatershed.org or email Rhonda@kenaiwatershed.org to register.
**February 9 - 12
ANCHORAGE – A series of free workshops will be held at the Cooperative Extension
Service, 1675 C Street, Suite 100, in association with the Alaska Environmental Forum.
**February 9 - ROCKET STOVES from5:15 to 6:45pm. Rocket stoves are the
most efficient and clean biomass-burning option available. Wood gasses and oxygen
mix in insulated chambers that concentrate the fire on the tip of the wood. The result is a
more efficient burn using less wood and producing fewer emissions than traditional
stoves. Rocket stoves are great for cooking and heating in camps and emergency
situations. Register at http://conta.cc/1B70rNp. LOG CABIN EFFICIENCY from 6:45
to 7:30pm. While there are several fail-safe methods to make any home more efficient,
log cabins themselves have some unique mechanics and layouts. Come learn the
differences between heating a log home versus a regular home. Register at
http://conta.cc/1ygRv7y. RADON from 7;30 to 8:15. Do you know how easy it is to test
for that odorless, tasteless gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer? If you find
you have a high level of radon in your home, do you know how to get rid of it? Radon is
a serious danger in Alaska and a concern of the EPA. Understanding where radon comes
from, how to detect it and how to take care of it, if found, are important in maintaining
healthy air quality in your home. Register at http://conta.cc/1ymKjW6
**February 10 – HEATING WITH WOOD from 6 to 8pm. A presentation outlining
concerns and considerations when heating your home or business with firewood. Register
at http://conta.cc/1B7059r.
**February 11 - HEY YOU-GENERATE YOUR OWN POWER from 4 to 6pm.
The sun is always shining (somewhere) and the wind often blowing. Why not look into
harnessing the heat or electrical energy you need from these resources? Come and learn
whether these types of energy will work for you at home or for seasonal-use sites.
Register at http://conta.cc/1BxqIn2. CUTTING YOUR OWN FIREWOOD SAFELY
from 6 to 8pm. Learn how to fell a tree, limb it and buck it up into firewood lengths using
a chainsaw. This PowerPoint presentation will also list the tools needed to cut your
firewood efficiently. Register at http://conta.cc/1C4j4hI.
**February 12 – PRIVATE FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT from 6 to 8pm.
An introduction to managing your back yard forest or larger forested land holdings. In
this two-hour workshop we will discuss the elements and considerations in writing your
own Forest Management or Forest Stewardship Plan and what help is available to the
landowner in forest land management planning. Register at http://conta.cc/1B6Zx3r. For
more information, contact Nina Markossian, UAF CES Anchorage Office, at
907-786-6300.
**February 10
EAGLE RIVER - Two free workshops will be held at the UAA-Chugiak-Eagle River
Campus, 10928 Eagle River Road, Room 150A. BEING READY for the
EMERGENCY WORKSHOP will be held from.6 to 7:30pm. If your home electrical
system became defunct, what devises could you use until power was returned? Which
types of foods would be best to have on hand? What kind of energy source nearby could
you use to cook, sanitize water and stay warm? Join us for a discussion about the role of
canned food, water purifying, rocket stoves and staples that could help you while
emergency responders work to normalize home power. To register, go to
https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eagtfkc2145cd865&
oseq=&c=&ch=. RADON WORKSHOP will be held from 7:30 to 8pm. Do you know
how easy it is to test for that odorless, tasteless gas that is the second leading cause of
lung cancer? If you find you have a high level of radon in your home, do you know how
to get rid of it? Radon (which may contribute to lung cancer) is a serious danger in
Alaska and a concern of the EPA. Understanding where radon comes from, how to detect
it and how to take care of it, if found, are important in maintaining healthy air quality in
your home. To register, go to
https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eagtqqs0baa07e58&
oseq=&c=&ch=. For more information, contact Nina Markossian at 907-786-6300.
**February 13 – 20
WASILLA – BOARD OF GAME will meet at the Best Western, Lake Lucille Inn. The
following additional topics will be addressed at the board’s CENTRAL/SOUTHWEST
REGION meeting: Seasons and bag limit for black bear in Unit 6 (Proposals 209-211);
Controlled Use Area for Unit 6 (Proposal 212); Restrictions to taking sheep with aircraft,
statewide. (Proposal 207); and Retrieval and salvage of wounded game (Proposal 201). In
addition to these topics, the board generated a proposal (Proposal # 208) summarizing
options for sheep hunting regulatory changes. These proposals, and any others scheduled
for the February board meeting, may be deferred by the board to the Southcentral Region
meeting, March 13-17 in Anchorage, for final action. The on-time comment deadline is
January 30 However, written comments may be submitted to the Board of Game at any
time before the proposal is taken up by the board in deliberations via fax to (907) 4656094, or in person, if 20 copies are provided. For more information, contact (907)4654110, or go to www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=gameboard.meetinginfo.
March 4 – 6
ANCHORAGE - ISLANDED GRID WIND POWER CONFERENCE will be held
from 12:30 to 5pm on Wednesday and from 8:30am to 5:30pm on Thursday and Friday at
Alaska Pacific University. Join researchers, operators, manufacturers, military and
government officials, and other stakeholders to learn and share information about wind
systems on island and islanded grid environments through expert panel discussions,
stakeholder dialogue and training sessions. Sessions will cover the state of the
technology, markets and human capacity as well as key topics such as energy storage,
control systems, operation & maintenance secondary loads & more. For more
information and to register, go to
http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07eadndys3a3c98277&llr=h
mdvnysab.
March 5 – 7
HOMER - 2015 KACHEMAK BAY SCIENCE CONFERENCE: SCIENCE TO
MANAGEMENT will be held at the Islands & Oceans Visitor Center. This conference
will be merged with the Kenai Peninsula Fish Habitat Partnership’s science symposium
in an expanded event. The conference focus this year is “SCIENCE TO
MANAGEMENT. The Kachemak Bay Science Conference is a forum for presenting
scientific and traditional ecological knowledge relevant to Kachemak Bay and its
surrounding coasts and waters in order to foster an informed and engaged community of
environmental researchers, educators, and decision-makers. The goal of this conference is
to provide new information and syntheses to the broad community interested in and
working on related issues. The conference program will feature oral and poster
presentations that provide scientific information and ideas relevant to the topic sessions.
Environmental management aims to balance conservation of major ecological services
with the restoration of natural resources, while accounting for the economic, political,
and cultural needs of current and future generations. Supporting this process requires
scientists and managers to make connections to ensure a two-way flow of needs, ideas,
and information. To learn more, go to www.kbayscience.org.
WEBINARS, WEBCASTS & TELECONFERENCES
January 29 DIAL-IN TELECONFERENCE
Teleconference will be held from Noon to 2pm to take comments on the NATIONAL
PARK SERVICE COMPENDIUMS, INCLUDING TEMPORARY WILDLIFE
HUNTING RESTRICTIONS. A compendium, one for each NPS area in Alaska, is a
compilation of all designations, closures and restrictions adopted under the discretionary
authority within the regulations covering national parks. This regulatory tool helps
manage Alaska's national park areas for the public’s enjoyment, use and protection. Only
a handful of changes are proposed in this year’s compendiums. These include: A
prohibition on the use or possession of domestic goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas or related
animals, which are sometimes used for packing or as pets. Wildlife biologists have found
there is a significant risk of disease transmission from these domestic species to Alaska’s
Dall’s Sheep, mountain goat and other ungulate populations. A prohibition on the use of
bicycles in the Valley of 10,000 Smokes in Katmai National Park due to the potential
damage of sensitive soils that are home to cyanobacteria, lichens and mosses. Several
national preserves are incorporating temporary wildlife sport hunting restrictions into
their compendiums. These are generally identical to provisions in earlier compendiums.
These are generally identical to provisions in earlier compendiums. Each park's proposed
2015 compendium is available at
http://www.nps.gov/akso/management/proposed_compendiums.cfm. Copies are also available
at park offices around the state. NPS units which are proposing restrictions on sport
hunting in national preserves will also hold open houses on a wide range of topics;
incorporated into those meetings will be a public hearing where participants can comment
on the proposed sport hunting restrictions. To join the teleconference, dial 1-888-9579843 with the passcode: 6859267.
January 30 & 31 (TELECONFERENCE AVAILABLE)
JUNEAU- The CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMISSION ON FEDERAL AREAS
(CACFA) will be meeting in House Finance Committee room, room 519, at the Capitol
Building. Agenda items are being discussed and there will be ample time provided for
public comment. This information will be posted here and on our website as the meeting
date approaches at http://dnr.alaska.gov/commis/cacfa/. This meeting will be broadcast
on Alaska Legislative TV at AlaskaLegislative.tv. There will also be a teleconference
line available for listening and participation. Call 463-5009 from Juneau and 1-855-4635009 from outside Juneau or the lower-48. For more information, contact the CACFA
staff at 907-451-2035.
February 3 (WEBINAR)
THE CLIMATE HAS CHANGED, HAVE WE? REFLECTIONS on 50 YEARS of
FIRE MANAGEMENT in ALASKA will be addressed by RANDI JANDT, Alaska
Fire Science Consortium, at 10am AKST. Randy will talk about the evolution of Alaska
firefighting practices--field and management--over the past 50 years. We are starting to
be aware of the changes in climate and in Alaskan forests: is the wildfire "problem" the
same one we faced a half-century ago? Have our management approaches and thinking
about wildfire changed during that time? She will combine her background in land and
fire management agencies with input from long-term observers to discuss which changes
might be a response to changing weather, climate, & fire regimes in Alaska. Available
online or in-person in 202H IARC/Akasofu in the Mather Library. To register, go to
https://accap.uaf.edu/AK_Fire?utm_source=ACCAP&utm_campaign=e8c3063589Fire+in+Alaska&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_7a2dda40c5-e8c306358937332889. For more information, go to
https://accap.uaf.edu/webinars?utm_source=ACCAP&utm_campaign=e8c3063589Fire+in+Alaska&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_7a2dda40c5-e8c306358937332889.
February 4 (TELECONFERENCE)
ONLY ONE CHANCE: HOW CONTAMINANTS IN OUR ENVIRONMENT
IMPAIR BRAIN DEVELOPMENT will be held at 9am as part of the Alaska
Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE-Alaska) teleconference seminar
series. The brain is an extremely complex organ that has to undergo a variety of
developmental stages in a particular sequence and at a particular time to develop
properly. What happens when the developing brain is exposed to environmental toxicants
such as lead, mercury, pesticides, PCBs, or PFCs? These and other harmful chemicals
can be present in our household products, air, water, and food. Some environmental
chemicals are known to cause brain damage and many more are suspected of it, but few
have been tested for such effects. PHILIPPE GRANDJEAN, MD, PhD has devoted his
career to studying how environmental chemicals affect children and their brain
development. On this call, Grandjean will present the latest evidence of which
environmental chemicals are considered to be harmful to children and discuss how we
must protect future generations from exposure. For more information or to sign up for the
free call go to http://www.akaction.org/tackling_toxics/alaska/che-ak_info_pages/onechance-contaminants-environment-impair-brain-development.html or call 907-222-7714.
GRANTS/AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS/CONTESTS
February 2
Deadline for submissions for the FEDERAL SUBSISTENCE MANAGEMENT
PROGRAM ANNUAL ART CONTEST for ALL STUDENTS IN ALASKA
GRADES K-12. This year, the theme for the art contest is fish and shellfish. The
winner’s artwork will be published on the cover of the Subsistence Management
Regulations for the Harvest of Fish and Shellfish on Federal Public Lands and Waters in
Alaska book. The art contest offers an exciting opportunity for young individuals to
express their talent and creativity while supporting the value of subsistence in their lives.
The books are distributed statewide. Each entry must be 8.5 by 11 inches and must have a
fish and/or shellfish theme. All artwork must be original. Entries should be submitted to
Office of Subsistence Management, Attn: Deborah Coble, 1011 E. Tudor Rd.,
Anchorage, Alaska 99503. The official rules are available at
http://www.doi.gov/subsistence/news/general/upload/2015-Art-Contest-Rules.pdf and the
entry form is located at http://www.doi.gov/subsistence/news/general/upload/2015-ArtContest-Rules.pdf. Student artwork will be retained for use in brochures, regulation
books and other publications produced by the Office of Subsistence Management.
.
February 3
Deadline for applications for the FIVE STAR & URBAN WATERS RESTORATION
GRANT PROGRAM to develop community capacity to sustain local natural resources
for future generations by providing modest financial assistance to diverse local
partnerships for wetland, forest and coastal habitat restoration, urban wildlife
conservation, stormwater management as well as outreach, education and stewardship.
Projects should focus on water quality, watersheds and the habitats they support. NFWF
may use a mix of public and private funding sources to support any grant made through
this program. Competitive proposals should address each of the five bolded priorities:
On-the-Ground Restoration and Planning; Partnerships; Environmental Outreach,
Education & Training; Measurable Results; and Sustainability Grants for this
program are available nationwide, but additional funding is available for the geographic
priorities listed in the Funding Availability section of this RFP. Eligible applicants
include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments,
municipal governments, Indian tribes and educational institutions. For more information,
go to http://www.nfwf.org/fivestar/Pages/2015RFP.aspx#.VIfkhMksn5B.
February 6
Deadline for applications for the Bureau of Land Management for the ARTIST-INRESIDENCE PROGRAM in the WHITE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL
RECREATION AREA this winter. The Artist in Residence program is open to
emerging or established artists working in nearly any media – including painting,
printmaking, photography, writing, and music. The BLM provides transportation between
Fairbanks and a rustic cabin on the White Mountains trail system. Artists are expected to
donate the use of a piece of artwork inspired by their time in the White Mountains to help
promote public lands. The BLM plans on offering several residencies annually in
different seasons and locations, including one in the Eagle or Fortymile region next
summer. As the new program grows, other public lands will be considered as well. More
information and applications can be obtained from Craig Tanner at ctanner@blm.gov or
907-474-2321.
February 9
Deadline for applications for the ALASKA CLEAN WATER ACTIONS (ACWA) FISCAL YEAR 2016 GRANT - July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. Select projects that have
been identified as high-priority will receive extra bonus points. Other projects have been
identified as 2-year projects (FY16 and FY17). This will allow the grant applicant to
submit a single proposal for a multi-year project. Although the award for the FY17
project will not be officially decided until the FY17 grant cycle, the proposal will not
need to be resubmitted. Grant proposals for projects are being solicited that will address
the following priorities: 1) Stewardship projects that address stewardship actions.2)
Restoration projects on ACWA high priority waters to carry out identified priority
restoration activities. 3) Protection projects on ACWA high priority waters, including
data collection and monitoring. For a step-by-step application process, go to
http://dec.alaska.gov/water/acwa/pdfs/ACWAGrantAppend/ACWA_Application_stepbys
tep.pdf. Applications should be submitted online or you can contact a staff member listed
below if you do not have internet access. For full description of the grant solicitation, go
to http://dec.alaska.gov/water/acwa/onlineACWAapp.htm.
February 13
Deadline for applications for the ALASKA SEA GRANT STATE FELLOWSHIP
PROGRAM. The Alaska Sea Grant State Fellowship Program strengthens the
workforce dedicated to healthy fisheries and coastal environments by encouraging
graduate students to launch careers in Alaska. The state fellowship program provides
a unique professional opportunity for graduate students who are interested both in
marine resources and in the policy decisions affecting those resources in
Alaska. Modeled after the highly successful National Sea Grant Knauss Marine Policy
Fellowship, the state fellowship program provides on-the-job experience in the planning
and implementation of marine and/or coastal resource policies and programs in Alaska.
Highly motivated graduate students are matched with “host” state or federal agencies in
Alaska for a paid fellowship. Graduate students close to completing a degree, or
with a recently earned degree, can apply. Fellows receive a $3,500 monthly stipend
for the twelve-month assignment. In addition $2,000 is available for health insurance
reimbursement and $1,500 for fellowship travel. Fellows may be located in Fairbanks,
Anchorage, or Juneau, with possible start date of July 1. For more about the Alaska Sea
Grant State Fellowship, and how to apply, go to Alaska alaskaseagrant.org/research/statefellowship/index.php.
February 15
SITKA – Deadline for applications for the SITKA SOUND SCIENCE CENTER 3
one-month SCIENTISTS in RESIDENCY FELLOWSHIPS (SIRF) for mid-career
scientists throughout the academic year in Sitka. This program is funded by the National
Science Foundation. The SIRF program brings polar and subarctic scientists to Sitka for
one month mini sabbaticals to allow scientists time to work on completing data analysis,
writing research results, thinking about new research questions and how their work can
be integrated into other scientific work. At the same time the SIRF program will provide
community engagement opportunities for scientists to give educational presentations in
the schools and in a variety of public settings and to participate in science communication
training. The purpose of these outreach activities is to help improve science literacy;
provide opportunities for scientists to explain their research to the public and to give
students insight into the many career paths available in science. Applications may be
found on line at www.sitkascience.org/research/sirf/. For more information, go to
www.sitkascience.org.
February 16
Deadline for applications for the 2015 RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS for the National
Park Service and the Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC). Two research
fellowships that are available to individuals wishing to conduct research in Denali
National Park and Preserve and other arctic and subarctic Alaska national parks. The
Discover Denali Research Fellowship is for research in or near Denali, and the Alaska
Geographic Fellowship is for research taking place in Denali or other arctic or subarctic
Alaska national parks. A decision is expected to be made by March 1, or soon thereafter.
The fieldwork of fellowship recipients must be arranged before September 1, 2015. The
Discover Denali and the Alaska Geographic Fellowships are designed primarily to assist
graduate students, but may be appropriate for undergraduate students, college and
university faculty, state and federal agency scientists, and private-sector researchers.
Proposals for research that will help managers make decisions about critical resource
issues are particularly encouraged. If an applicant wants to be considered for both
funding sources, only one application is needed; however, only one fellowship may be
received per applicant. More than one fellow is expected to be selected for each
fellowship program. Any previous fellow may reapply, but is not assured of additional
funding. Applications for 2015 fellowships will be considered for funding requests up to
$8000, to be used over one or two years. However, typically awarded funds for
fellowships have been $6,000 or less. An information guide about the fellowships, which
includes specifics on how to apply and other information helpful to the application
process, may be downloaded from www.nps.gov/rlc/murie/research-fellowships.htm. For
more information contact Denali’s Chief of Resources, Dave Schirokauer, at 907-6839605 or dave_schirokauer@nps.gov.
February 23
Deadline for applications for the ALASKA HISTORICAL COMMISSION matching
grants TO PLAN AND PREPARE FOR THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
ALASKA PURCHASE IN 2017. The grants are for projects that will contribute to
understanding the history and significance of the event. Projects are encouraged for
historic research and publication projects, restoration of significant historic properties,
and heritage tourism development and information services. A grant request may not
exceed $15,000 and must be matched 50/50 with cash or in-kind services. Projects are to
be done between April 1, 2015 and September 30, 2016. Additional information and the
application are available at http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/oha/index.htm, by calling 907269-8714, sending an e-mail to oha@alaska.net or sending a written request to the Alaska
Historical Commission, 550 West 7th Ave., Suite 1310, Anchorage, AK 99501-3565.
March 20
Deadline for the applications to the ANCHORAGE PARK FOUNDATION
CHALLENGE GRANTS. APF challenges community groups to earn a matching grant
for a municipal park or trail improvement. This year APF will award a total of $200,000
to viable community projects. This is your chance to leverage your neighbors for the park
or trail improvement you wanted to see, with DOUBLE the impact. For every
improvement project $1 raised through cash, volunteer time, donations, grants, or in-kind
services, the Anchorage Park Foundation will match $1. Projects must: take place in an
Anchorage municipal park or on an Anchorage municipal trail be completed by October
1, 2016 and benefit the public. Two workshops will be held to assist groups with their
Challenge Grant Applications:
February 5 from 6:30 to 9pm at the Spenard Recreation Center
February 25 from 6:30 to 9pm at the Fairview Recreation Center
It is strongly encourage challenge grant applicants to attend and receive advice and
scoping assistance from professionals from the Alaska Chapter of the American Society
of Landscape Architects. For more information or assistance contact Alyse Loran at 2741003 or email Alyse@AnchorageParkFoundation.org or go to at
http://anchorageparkfoundation.org/programs/challenge-grants/
March 15
Deadline for submissions for the 2015 ALASKA JUNIOR DUCK STAMP CONTEST
from K-12 students. Participants select a species of North American waterfowl, do
research on this species and its habitat, and then depict their findings through art and
writing. Prizes, cash awards, and national recognition await the winners. Get to know
North America’s waterfowl and enter the contest! Visit this webpage for more
information http://alaska.fws.gov/jrduck or contact Tamara_Zeller@fws.gov/ (907) 7863517.
March 31
Deadline for entries for the STATE-FISH ART CONTEST, a national initiative that
combines art and writing to foster discovery of fish species, behaviors, and habitats and
increase awareness of and respect for aquatic resources. Participating students can draw,
paint, and write their way to free prizes, fishing gear, and national recognition, while
getting to know Alaska's state fish (the Chinook salmon)! The comprehensive State-Fish
Art Lesson Plan, FISH ON! for K-12 students uses art as a springboard into the fascinating
world of fish. The full lesson is available to educators online or in CD format at no charge.
Upon completion of the lesson plan, students will have gained an understanding of a fish's
anatomy, behavior, habitat needs, as well as an increased appreciation of the arts. For more
information, visit http://www.wildlifeforever.org/contest.
DEADLINES
January 30
KETCHIKAN - Comments are due on the proposal to make IMPROVEMENTS TO
BERTH 1 AND BERTH 3 OF THE KETCHIKAN FERRY TERMINAL
FACILITY. Construction is projected for 2016. For more information or to submit
comments, contact Jill Taylor, Environmental Analyst, at 907- 465-4524 or email
jill.taylor@alaska.gov.
January 31
PALMER - TRANSFORM YOUR TURF into FOOD PRODUCTION
WORKSHOP will be held from 10:30 to Noon at VCRS (Valley Community for
Recycling Solutions). Grow your own fresh salads, tasty greens, tender vegetables
Delicious & money-saving--Eat instead of mow! Cost: $18. For more information and to
register, go to http://ellenvandevisse.com/classes/?ee=110.
February 1
KODIAK - Comments are due on the preliminary Environmental Assessment for
KARLUK LAKE NUTRIENT ENRICHMENT PROPOSAL. The project area covers
the Karluk Lake basin, including Thumb and O’Malley Lakes. The Service also released
an analysis of impacts to subsistence uses (called an ANILCA 810 Evaluation). Karluk
Lake is the largest lake in the Kodiak Archipelago, and its watershed supports all five
species of Pacific salmon. It has historically been the largest producer of sockeye salmon
on Kodiak Island. From 2008 to 2011, the early run of Karluk Lake sockeye failed to
meet the Alaska Department of Fish & Game’s minimum escapement goals. In 2012,
Kodiak Regional Aquaculture Association submitted an application for a special use
permit to the refuge to fertilize Karluk Lake to increase lake primary productivity. The
effort is intended to increase juvenile salmon size and survival, and ultimately adult
sockeye salmon harvest. Since 2012 sockeye salmon returns to Karluk Lake have
rebounded, exceeding the minimum escapement goal; in 2014, returns exceeded the
maximum escapement goal. As required by the National Environmental Policy Act this
preliminary Environmental Assessment presents the proposed project, other reasonable
alternatives, current conditions and pertinent science, and related environmental
consequences of each of the alternatives. In addition to the proposed fertilization, the
Service has developed and analyzed three other alternatives for consideration, including a
“No Action” alternative (that would maintain current management), an alternative to
stock Karluk Lake with sockeye fry, and an alternative to combine fry stocking and
fertilization. The ANILCA 810 Evaluation analyzes the potential for changes in the
abundance or availability of subsistence resources as a result of each of the alternatives.
Copy of the preliminary Environmental Assessment is available at:
http://www.fws.gov/nwrs/threecolumn.aspx?id=2147562300 for more information,
contact Anne Marie LaRosa, Kodiak Refuge Manager, at 907-487-2600 or email
annemarie_larosa@fws.gov. Submit comments, to Pete Wikoff at
fw7_kodiak_planning@fws.gov
**February 2
Deadline for comments on two proposed FINAL GENERAL ALASKA POLLUTANT
DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (APDES PERMITS for LOG TRANSFER
FACILITIES in ALASKA. The general permits authorize and set conditions on the
discharge of pollutants from LTFs to waters of the United States in the State of Alaska.
The general permits area of coverage includes marine waters of the U.S. within the State
of Alaska extending west from the Alexander Archipelago through the central Gulf of
Alaska and Prince William Sound to Kodiak Island. The LTF general permits authorize
the discharge of bark and wood debris to marine waters of the U.S. and the State of
Alaska within site-specific project areas at each LTF. The LTF general permits propose
to authorize discharges for each LTF within the area described in a Department of
Natural Resources or other land management authority’s tidelands permit, lease or
easement. The LTF general permits include a zone of deposit for underwater
accumulation of bark and woody debris within the project area at LTFs. The proposed
final general permits and associated documents are available at
http://dec.alaska.gov/water/wwdp/Noticeofreview.htm. For more information or to
submit comments, contact Will Collingwood at (907) 465-6855 or email
will.collingwood@alaska.gov
**February 5
ANCHORAGE – Comments are due on the proposal to dramatically alter the Route 36
People Mover bus service, eliminating approximately 20 stops on Minnesota Drive,
Tudor Road, Taft Street, 48th Avenue, and Northwood Drive. If the change goes through,
there will no longer any bus service to the Spenard Recreation Center or to Northwood
Elementary. Submit comments to transitplanning@muni.org.
February 6
HAINES – Comments are due regarding the preliminary written finding for the BABY
BROWN COMMERCIAL TIMBER SALE, located in the South side of the Klehini
River Valley between Porcupine and Jarvis Creeks 37 miles Northwest of Haines. Access
to the sale area is provided by the Steel Bridge on the Haines Highway at 26 mile and
then the Porcupine Road to the sale area. The units vary in size and encompass a total of
1,000 acres. This volume will be sold as one large sale under AS 38.05.120 or as a series
of smaller sales for commercial use. The sale(s) will be sold by competitive sealed
bid. This decision will set out the facts and applicable policies upon which the Director
bases his determination that the proposed timber sale will or will not best serve the
interest of the State. Copies of the preliminary decision are available at
http://aws.state.ak.us/OnlinePublicNotices/Notices/Attachment.aspx?id=98120. For more
information or to submit comments, contact Roy Josephson at 907-766-2120 or email
roy.josehpson@alaska.gov.
**February 9
Deadline for applications for the WATER QUALITY, WATER QUANTITY and
AQUATIC HABITAT PROJECTS FISCAL YEAR 2016. There are several parts to
this solicitation, see the application for full details at
http://www.dec.state.ak.us/water/acwa/onlineACWAapp.htm. Two types of projects will
be considered for funding through this solicitation for projects occurring during the 2016
fiscal year (July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016): 1) Projects that address identified water
resource protection or restoration activities on ACWA high priority waters. The ACWA
High Priority Waters List is available as Appendix D in the application. The solicitation
will only accept project applications for waters found on the ACWA priority waters list
and the actions identified for those waters. 2) Projects that address identified statewide or
area-wide stewardship activities as described in Appendix C of the application.
February 10
WASILLA - Deadline for comments on the DRAFT TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY
LOAD (TMDL) for IMPAIRED WATERBODIES – COTTONWOOD CREEK in
Wasilla, Alaska for impairment by fecal coliform bacteria. Water quality samples
repeatedly demonstrate exceedances of Alaska Water Quality Standards for fecal
coliform bacteria in a 7 mile stretch of Cottonwood Creek from the Parks Highway
downstream to Surrey Road. A draft TMDL has been developed for the recovery of this
water body and is available for public comment. A TMDL is a “pollution budget”
designed to restore the health of an impaired water body and calculates how much
pollution a water body can sustain and still meet the Alaska Water Quality Standards, and
suggests ways to achieve this goal. The Draft TMDL and Fact Sheet are available at
http://www.dec.state.ak.us/water/wqsar/index.htm. For more information or to submit
comments, contact Laura Eldred, Environmental Program Specialist, at (907) 376-1855
or email laura.eldred@alaska.gov.
**February 10
KENAI - Deadline to submit comments on the DEVELOPMENT of a MASTER SITE
PLAN for the KENAI RIVER RANCH PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE
KENAI RIVER SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA (KRSMA). The Kenai River
Ranch is a former horse and cattle ranch located at mile 32 of the Kenai River and near
mile 12 of the Funny River Road. The property was acquired under the Exxon Valdez Oil
Spill habitat protection program and is cooperatively managed by the Division of Parks
and Outdoor Recreation and the Department of Fish and Game. State managers are
seeking input on how the property should be managed, including whether any recreation
facilities should be developed on the property. Comments from the scoping session will
enable the planning team to include local input in the early stages of plan development.
The website for this project is
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/plans/krsmaplanning/kenairiverranch.htm.For more
information or to submit comments, contact Lucille Baranko at 907-269-7506 or email
Lucille.baranko@alaska.gov
**February 10
Deadline for applications for four seats on the TANANA VALLEY STATE FOREST
CITIZENS' ADVISORY that expired on December 31, 2014. Reappointments will be
reconsidered for members with expired terms. This 12-person committee advises the Div.
of Forestry on plans and proposals for managing the 1.8 million acre Tanana Valley State
Forest and other forested lands managed by the Alaska DNR in the Tanana Valley. The
committee is also a forum for gathering public opinion on management of state forests
and helps build a regional consensus about forestry. These are unpaid, volunteer
positions. Meetings are held about four times each year. More information about the
committee may be found at http://www.forestry.alaska.gov/tvsf_committee.htm.
Descriptions of the available committee seats are: Native Community: Represents both
individual Alaska Natives and Native organizations in the Tanana Basin who use the
forest or will be directly impacted by forest management actions. Environmental
Interests: Represents environmental organizations and individuals with environmental
interests. Forest Industry: Represents businesses involved in harvesting and/or
processing timber resources. Fish & Wildlife Interests: Represents the full range of
interests in fish and wildlife, including sport, and commercial users. If you are interested
in one of these positions please mail a letter explaining your interests and your
qualifications to: Jim Schwarber, Alaska Division of Forestry, 3700 Airport Way,
Fairbanks, AK 99709-4699; fax it to (907) 451-2690; or email to
james.schwarber@alaska.gov by the deadline. For more information, you may call a
Division of Forestry Area Office in Fairbanks: (907) 451-2704; Delta Junction: (907)
895-4225; or Tok: (907) 883-5134.
**February 13
Deadline for comments on AMENDMENT 13 to the 2012-2015 STATEWIDE
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (STIP). Amendment 13
removes the FFY15 funding from the Knik Arm Bridge and Juneau Access projects and
redistributes that funding over many other projects that were previously proposed to be
advance constructed. This amendment also corrects a funding error with the Inter-island
Ferry Authority Vessel Refurbishment project. Links to notice details are available at:
http://www.dot.alaska.gov/stip and http://aws.state.ak.us/OnlinePublicNotices/. For more
information or to submit comments, go to (907) 465-4070, Toll Free: (888) PLAN-DOT
(752-6368), Fax: (907) 465-6984; Free Fax: (888) PLAN-FAX (752-6329) or email
dot.stip@alaska.gov.
**February 14
ANCHORAGE - Comments are due on the proposal to resurface RABBIT CREEK
ROAD from MILEPOST (MP) 0.0 to 4.2; OLD SEWARD HIGHWAY to
HILLSIDE DRIVE. Additional work would include: Providing structural section repairs
to the road, as needed; Upgrading pedestrian curb ramps to comply with Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements; Replacing guardrail and guardrail end treatments,
as needed; Drainage improvements and culvert replacement, as needed; and Replacing
signage and striping, as needed. Construction for the proposed project is anticipated to
begin in summer 2015. For more information, contact Eric Miyashiro, Project Manager,
at 269-0595 or email eric.miyashiro@alaska.gov or Joy McLaurin, Environmental Impact
Analyst, at 269-0529 or email joy.mcllaurin@alaska.gov. Submit comments to Brian
Elliott, Regional Environmental Manager, at (907)269-0539 or email
brian.elliott@alaska.gov
**February 14
HAINES – Deadline for comments on the proposal to construct AN ALASKA
MARINE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (AMHS) END BERTH FACILITY at the HAINES
FERRY TERMINAL. DOT&PF proposes to: Remove the existing 4-pile structure,
dredge to -30 MLLW and place slope protection at proposed new berths and proposes to
install: five 4-pile & one 6-pile mooring and berthing structures; Three 4-pile float
restraint structures; Pile supported passenger waiting shelter; Two steel transfer bridges
and associated abutment and bearing structures; A concrete mooring and vehicle transfer
float; personnel access catwalks and gangways; Electrical components for marine and
uplands; and New pavement and striping in the staging areas. Construction is projected
for 2016. For more information or to submit comments, contact Jill Taylor,
Environmental Analyst, at (907) 465-4524 or email jill.taylor@alaska.gov.
EVENTS & MEETINGS in ANCHORAGE, EAGLE RIVER &
GIRDWOOD
January 28
WHAT’S a FISCAL CRUNCH? WHY SHOULD WE CARE? WHAT CAN WE
DO ABOUT IT? is the first Doing Democracy Dialogue of the New Year to be held
from 6 to 8pm in the Ann Stevens Room, Loussac Library. “Doing Democracy” is a
program in civic dialogue made possible by Let’s Talk Anchorage, Alaska Common
Ground and the Anchorage Library. For more information please visit our website at
www.akcommonground.org or contact infor@akcommonground.org.
January 29
HELP AYEA TEENS FLY” PARTY will be held from 5:30 to 7pm at 1029 West 16th
Avenue, near New Sagaya downtown. The goal is to raise enough airline miles,
companion fare coupons and dollars to provide at least 20 travel scholarships
for teens to fly to Juneau for the Civics & Conservation Summit this year. The Civics
Summit is a life-changing training that brings together 20 Alaskan teens to understand the
legislative process, to study current legislation, and to advocate for critical issues facing
Alaska. Last year the civics summit brought teens together from Kodiak, Seward,
Anchorage, Glennallen, Palmer, Cordova, Arctic Village, Dillingham, and Craig! For
more information, contact Megan McBride, Director of Youth Engagement, at 274-3632
or email megan@akcenter.org.
January 29
LAKE HOOD SEAPLANE BASE MASTER PLAN UPDATE PUBLIC OPEN
HOUSE #1 will be held from 5:30 to 7:30pm with a presentation at 6, in the Millennium
Alaskan Hotel Redington Room, 4800 Spenard Road. The first public open house will
serve to introduce the public and stakeholders to the Lake Hood Master Plan process,
discuss public involvement efforts, and receive public input on Master Plan issues. This
meeting will be broadcast live online. For more information or to join the online
broadcasts go to www.lhdmasterplan.com.
**January 31
SITE TOUR: RAVENS' ROOST NEIGHBORHOOD at 2560 Mountain Brook Court
(park on wooded side of street), from 2 to 5pm. Free. Come see the 6-acre site for more
sustainable living. Ravens’ Roost is custom designed for residents to get to know each
other while maintaining personal privacy. Residents will enjoy their own full-featured
home and private back yard as well as shared gardens, workshop, kids’ play areas, and
lots of green space. The high quality, energy-efficient town homes are oriented to
maximize southern exposure. Close to the Hillside trails, across the street from 400-acre
Ruth Arcand Park, half-mile walk to shops at Abbott & Lake Otis. Perfect for families,
snowbirds, and those looking to reduce their ecological footprint. 20 homes reserved, 15
available. After the land tour, stroll a block to our architect's house, meet more future
residents, enjoy refreshments, see our architectural renderings and a 3-D model of our
site. Kids warmly welcome! 907-399-2051, www.ravensroostcoho.org.
February 2
The following cases will be heard at the PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
beginning at 6:30pm in the Assembly Chambers, Loussac Library.
CASE: 2014-0211 - An ordinance amending Title 21 to PROHIBIT
IMPLEMENTATION of the CHUGACH STATE PARK ACCESS PLAN
THROUGH the LAND USE PERMIT PROCESS and TO ADDRESS PARK
ACCESS DEDICATION SEPARATELY from trail dedication. Petitioner:
Municipality of Anchorage
CASE: 2014-0210 - An amendment to "old" Title 21 to PROVIDE for
IMPLEMENTATION of the CHUGACH PARK ACCESS PLAN
February 3
The ANCHORAGE FISH & GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE will meet at 6:30pm
at the King Career Center, 2650 E Northern Lights Blvd, at 6:30 pm in order to prepare
comment on BOG, discuss Federal Subsistence proposals and prepare comments on any
BOF statewide shellfish & supplemental proposals. For more information contact Joel
Doner at 345-7262.
**February 4 (TELECONFERENCE AVAILABLE)
The EXXON VALDEZ OIL SPILL TRUSTEE COUNCIL’S PUBLIC ADVISORY
COMMITTEE will meet at 1pm in the Endeavor Room of the Hotel Captain Cook, 939
W 5th Avenue. Topic for discussion is the FY 2017-2021 Draft Invitation. To participate
call: 800.315.6338, code 72241. For more information call (907) 278-8012 or (800) 4787745 or go to www.evostc.state.ak.us.
**February 5
THE SYSTEM is the SOLUTION: ENERGY OPTIONS for the 21st CENTURY
will be presented by Dr. DANIEL KAMMEN at 7pm in Room 101, Rasmuson Hall,
UAA. Energy reliability, energy access, climate change, and local and global environmental
sustainability are interlinked challenges. Many ‘solutions’ are posed to these challenges, and
many powerful ideas have emerged. However, these individually beautiful proposals have failed
to launch the transformative change needed to improve the quality of life and the ecological
health of the planet. In this talk we examine a set of examples and propose principles of
‘sustainability science’, where efforts to build resilient approaches to the energy and
environmental needs of families and regions have shown real promise in creating a thriving, clean
energy economy. For more information, contact 786-4748 or go to
www.uaa.alaska.edu/complexsystems.
**February 6
A SYSTEMS SCIENCE for SUSTAINABLE ENERGY will be discussed with Dr.
DANIEL KAMMEN at Noon in Room 143A, UAA Administrative Building. An
evolution is taking place linking the basic science, technology platforms, and policy tools needed
to decarbonize energy systems at the household to global scale. In this talk we detail a number of
analytic and data-intensive tools used to create platforms to model energy use and energy services
delivered across scales. These analytic tools provide open-source mechanisms for data-driven
debate and planning of energy R&D agendas, critically needed pilot programs, and the ultimate
goals of full-scale dialog and deployment of energy and climate management strategies. For
more information, contact 786-4748 or go to www.uaa.alaska.edu/complexsystems.
**February 9
Public hearing will be held on the draft CHESTER CREEK WATERSHED PLAN
(Case 2014-0209) at the Planning & Zoning Commission at 6:30pm. The Commission
will make a recommendation to the Assembly regarding the adoption of this plan as an
element of the comprehensive plan. See the plan at Chester Creek Watershed Plan.
**February 17
Open House meeting will be held from 4 to 7pm at the Campbell Creek Science Center,
5600 Science Center Drive to discuss the GATES OF THE ARCTIC NATIONAL
PARK & PRESERVE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN AMENDMENT that
updates the 1986 General Management Plan. This plan will direct management of park
resources, visitor uses, and facilities for the next 15 to 20 years. It also provides guidance
for stewardship of park wilderness and backcountry recreation. The General Management
Plan Amendment / Wilderness Stewardship Plan / Environmental Assessment identify
and evaluate three management alternatives and their environmental impacts to natural
and cultural resources, wilderness character, and visitor experiences. The NPS preferred
alternative would continue the current management approach. There would continue to be
a strong focus on protecting wilderness character, including maintaining opportunities for
solitude and self-reliance, and the park's wild and undeveloped qualities. No new
infrastructure or visitor facilities would be provided. The preferred alternative also
includes management zoning as well as indicators and standards for wilderness character.
Under all of the alternatives, subsistence use in the park and preserve would continue to
be a priority and supported in accordance with the Alaska National Interest Lands
Conservation Act. Documents are available at
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/documentsList.cfm?parkID=11&projectID=30266. Deadline
for comments is March 13. For more information, go to
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/gaar_gmp.
**February 18
Hear a panel discuss ALASKA'S INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY: APPOINTMENT
and RETENTION at 7pm in the Public Conference Room, Ground Floor, Loussac
Library. Panel Speakers: CHIEF JUSTICE DANA FABE. Chief Justice Fabe has
served on the Alaska Supreme Court for 19 years and on the bench for 26 years, and
Chairs the Alaska Supreme Court’s Fairness, Diversity, and Equality Committee and the
Alaska Court System’s Law Day Steering Committee; SENIOR JUDGE ELAINE
ANDREWS, Director of Appellate Mediation Project for Alaska Supreme Court and
Chairs the Committee for Fair and Impartial Courts for the Alaska Bar Association;
SUSANNE DIPIETRO, JD., Executive Director of the Alaska Judicial Council; and
JUSTICE WALTER L. CARPENETI (Ret.), Co-Chair Justice Not Politics Alaska.
Former Chief Justice, Alaska Supreme Court. Sponsored by the League of Women
Voters of Anchorage and co-sponsored by Alaska Common Ground
**February 18
The Southcentral Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council will hold a public
hearing on the proposed SUBSISTENCE MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS for
PUBLIC LANDS IN ALASKA-2016-17 and 2017-18 SUBSISTENCE TAKING OF
WILDLIFE REGULATIONS at the Dimond Hotel from 7 to 9pm.This proposed rule
would establish regulations for hunting and trapping seasons, harvest limits, and methods
and means related to taking of wildlife for subsistence uses during the 2016-17 and 201718 regulatory years. The Federal Subsistence Board is on a schedule of completing the
process of revising subsistence taking of wildlife regulations in even-numbered years and
subsistence taking of fish and shellfish regulations in odd-numbered years; public
proposal and review processes take place during the preceding year. The Board also
addresses customary and traditional use determinations during the applicable cycle.
When final, the resulting rulemaking will replace the existing subsistence wildlife taking
regulations. This rule would also amend the general regulations on subsistence taking of
fish and wildlife. The Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils have a substantial
role in reviewing this proposed rule and making recommendations for the final rule. The
Federal Subsistence Board, through the Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils.
For more information, contact: Donald Mike at (800) 478-1456 or email
donald_mike@fws.gov. Additional information on the Federal Subsistence Management
Program can be found at www.doi.gov/subsistence/index.cfm or
www.facebook.com/subsistencealaska.
**February 21
ANCHORAGE AUDUBON will hold their annual SEWARD WINTER FIELD TRIP
starting at 10am. Meet in front of the Seward Harbormaster's restrooms, located at the
south end of the small boat harbor. Join AARON BOWMAN and others for a winter
birding excursion to enjoy Seward's great diversity of wintering birds and the possibility
of a few rarities. Come dressed for the weather and the location, prepared for a great day
with great birds. Bring your binoculars and spotting scope (if you have one -.there never
are too many!) and other favorite birding gear. Plan on gathering with the group for a
lunch break in town where you can eat a packed lunch or purchase something locally.
You may also wish to bring walkitalkies to communicate between cars, or donations of
sunflower bird seed for one of our regular feeder stops provided by a local birder. Please
consider carpooling as much as possible to Seward and while birding there. If you are
interested in carpooling (driving or riding) from Anchorage, meet in the Carrs parking lot
(South end, near Huffman) at 7:15am. In the event of a cancellation there will be no
reschedule date for this trip. Contact Aaron Bowman at ampbowman@gmail.com or 9073439947 with any questions.
**February 26
The SOUTHCENTRAL AK TROUT UNLIMITED CHAPTER is hosting their
annual banquet at the Tap Root Public House (3300 Spenard Rd). The banquet will
feature both silent and live auctions, as well as live music from local bluegrass band Hot
Dish. The banquet will run from 6 to 9pm, but be sure to stick around for additional live
music after! Tickets are $20 for members, $25 for non-members (includes free drink,
door prize ticket, and live music). All proceeds benefit the Southcentral AK Trout
Unlimited Chapter and its mission to conserve, protect and restore cold water fisheries in
Alaska. Please contact alaskatuchapter@gmail.com for more information.
MEETINGS & EVENTS OUT OF ANCHORAGE
**January 31
SITKA – DUCKUMENTARY FILM will be shown at 2pm at the Sitka National
Historical Park. From striking iridescent colors, to their complex plumage patterns, ducks
add beauty and color to the world around us. But there is more to ducks than this outer
beauty, there is their charismatic behavior and their fascinating life history. This is a film
that is as much fun and quirky as ducks themselves. Be sure to leave a little room for
snacks, as free popcorn will be provided. Attendees to the film screening will also be
eligible to win door prizes. The winter film festival is being jointly presented by Sitka
National Historical Park, Sitka Conservation Society and the Sitka Sound Science Center.
**February 2
MINTO - The MINTO NENANA FISH & GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE will
hold a public meeting in the Minto Lodge at 10:30am. Agenda includes: Chair Reports
Concerns from AC/members of the public; ADF&G Staff Update; BOG cycle change;
Comment on BOG proposals: Antlerless moose reauthorization; Formulate any BOG
Proposals; Statewide Cycle A & B; due May 1, 2015; Comment on any BOF proposals;
4-A drift gillnet proposal; Fish wheel king retention proposal; Formulate any BOF
Proposals; and Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim; due April 10. For more information, contact
Nissa Pilcher at 907.459.7263 or email nissa.pilcher@alaska.gov.
**February 3
KENAI –The new film CHUITNA: MORE THAN SALMON on the LINE will
premier at the Triumvirate North Theatre from 6 to 8pm. Chuitna chronicles the journey
of a group of fly fishermen as they venture out for a trip of a lifetime in the salmon-rich
Chuitna Watershed. With every cast and conversation with local frontier Alaskans
fighting to protect their homes from the proposed Chuitna Coal Mine, the travelers obtain
a deeper understanding of the mine’s devastating impacts. Food & drink and live music.
Free.
**February 3 & 4 (TELECONFERENCE AVAILABLE)
The OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL TRAILS ADVISORY BOARD will meet from
8:30amd to 4:30pm both days in Suite 31270, Atwood Building, 550 W. 7th Avenue.
During the meeting, the ORTAB will evaluate grant proposals for the Recreational Trails
Program and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The board will provide
recommendations to the director of the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, who
will make final decisions on funding for those applications. The public is welcome to
attend the meeting. For more information or to reserve a free teleconference line, contact
Darcy Harris at 907-269-8699 or darcy.harris@alaska.gov. For more information on the
Recreational Trails Program, go to http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/grants/trails.htm, For
information on the Land and Water Conservation Fund go to
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/grants/lwcf.htm or contact Jean Ayers at 907-269-8694 or
jean.ayers@alaska.gov.
**February 4
SEWARD - The new film CHUITNA: MORE THAN SALMON on the LINE will be
shown at the Resurrect Art Coffee House from 7 to 9pm. Chuitna chronicles the journey
of a group of fly fishermen as they venture out for a trip of a lifetime in the salmon-rich
Chuitna Watershed. With every cast and conversation with local frontier Alaskans
fighting to protect their homes from the proposed Chuitna Coal Mine, the travelers obtain
a deeper understanding of the mine’s devastating impacts. Food, drink and live music
Free.
February 4
FAIRBANKS - POLAR ADVENTURES: THE VOYAGES of the RESEARCH
VESSEL SIKULIAQ will be presented by MICHAEL CASTELLINI, Associate Dean
of UAF Graduate School in the Westmark Hotel Gold Room at 7pm. He will share stories
of the adventures of building, launching and now supporting the newest ship in the
United States research fleet, the R/V Sikuliaq. The Sikuliaq is the only ice-capable ship in
the fleet, and was built especially to operate in polar seas and the ice regions surrounding
them. The ship is owned by the National Science Foundation, and UAF is the operator for
its global missions, from Nome, to Iceland, to the Antarctic.
February 4
JUNEAU - ECOLOGY OF MOOSE IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA will be presented at
7pm in the Thunder Mountain High School Library by KEVIN WHITE, ADF&G
Wildlife Research Biologist. Kevin has done extensive field research in Gustavus and
Berners Bay. Folks who attended his presentation last season on mountain goats in
Southeast will recall that Kevin gives interesting talks with pictures that are very
informative. Wildlife Wednesday: an educational offering by the Southeast Chapter of
Alaska Wildlife Alliance. For more information, contact Patricia Wherry at
wherry.patricia@gmail.com.
**February 4 (TELECONFERENCE AVAILABLE)
KODIAK - The KODIAK FISH & GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE will hold a
public meeting at the Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game Office at 1pm. The purpose of this
meeting is to discuss the proposals to be taken up at the Board of Fish Statewide
Miscellaneous Shellfish Meeting on March 17 – 20. There will be a teleconference line
available for this meeting. If you will be unable to attend in person, and would like to call
in or want more information, call or email Taryn O'Connor-Brito at 907-842-5142 or
email taryn.oconnor-brito@alaska.gov.
**February 5
FAIRBANKS - ALASKA’S MARMOTS: KNOWN KNOWNS AND UNKNOWN
KNOWNS will be presented BY LINK OLSON at 5:30 at the University of Alaska
Museum. The Museum Discovery Series will feature a different curator each month
unveiling new discoveries based on research in the museum’s collections.
February 5
BARROW - The NORTH SLOPE FISH & GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE will
hold a public meeting in the North Slope Borough Management Conference Room at
9am. For further information contact Carmen Daggett. Carmen Daggett at 907-442-1717
or email carmen.daggett@alaska.gov.
**February 6
FAIRBANKS – FIRST FRIDAY with JEFF SCHULTZ will be held from 5 to 8pm at
the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center for an artist’s reception. Jeff is the
official photographer for the Iditarod Race. The exhibit, depicting Iditarod mushers and
their four-legged companions will be on display at the Center from February through
April. For more information, please call (907)459-3730.
February 9 & 11
January 29 DIAL-IN TELECONFERENCE Noon to 2pm, 1-888-957-9843. Passcode:
6859267 Public hearings will be held in the following locations on the NATIONAL
PARK SERVICE COMPENDIUMS, INCLUDING TEMPORARY WILDLIFE
HUNTING RESTRICTIONS:
February 9 – NAKNEK from 7 to 9pm in the Naknek Native Village Council
Building (Dolly's Hall) on THE KATMAI NATIONAL PRESERVE &
ANIAKCHAK NATIONAL PRESERVE
February 11 – KOTZEBUE – from 6 to 7:30pm at the NPS Heritage Center on the
NOATAK NATIONAL PRESERVE
A compendium, one for each NPS area in Alaska, is a compilation of all designations,
closures and restrictions adopted under the discretionary authority within the regulations
covering national parks. This regulatory tool helps manage Alaska's national park areas
for the public’s enjoyment, use and protection. Only a handful of changes are proposed in
this year’s compendiums. These include: A prohibition on the use or possession of
domestic goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas or related animals, which are sometimes used for
packing or as pets. Wildlife biologists have found there is a significant risk of disease
transmission from these domestic species to Alaska’s Dall’s Sheep, mountain goat and
other ungulate populations. A prohibition on the use of bicycles in the Valley of 10,000
Smokes in Katmai National Park due to the potential damage of sensitive soils that are
home to cyanobacteria, lichens and mosses. Several national preserves are incorporating
temporary wildlife sport hunting restrictions into their compendiums. These are generally
identical to provisions in earlier compendiums. These are generally identical to
provisions in earlier compendiums. Each park's proposed 2015 compendium is available
at http://www.nps.gov/akso/management/proposed_compendiums.cfm. Copies are also
available at park offices around the state. NPS units which are proposing restrictions on
sport hunting in national preserves will also hold open houses on a wide range of topics;
incorporated into those meetings will be a public hearing where participants can comment
on the proposed sport hunting restrictions.
**February 10 (TELEPHONIC MEETING)
The NORTHERN SEWARD PENINSULA FISH & GAME ADVISORY
COMMITTEE will hold a public telephonic meeting at 11am. Agenda includes: Caribou
Hunting Regulations. For more information, contact Carmen Daggett at 907-442-1717 or
email carmen.daggett@alaska.gov.
**February 10
HOMER - The HOMER FISH & GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE will meet at
the NERRS building on Kachemak Drive at 6pm. Agenda will include discussion of the
Board of Game proposals pertaining to moose, sheep, and bear and the Board of Fisheries
proposals pertaining to clams, and any other business that may properly come before the
committee. For more information contact Dave Lyon at 399-2340.
**February 10, 18, 24, 25, March 3, 4, 9, 17 (TELECONFERENCE AVAILABLE)
FEDERAL SUBSISTENCE REGIONAL ADVISORY COUNCILS will hold public
meetings in the following locations for comments on the proposed SUBSISTENCE
MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS for PUBLIC LANDS IN ALASKA-2016-17 and
2017-18 SUBSISTENCE TAKING OF WILDLIFE REGULATIONS. All meeting
times are from 7 to 9pm except at Saxman that will be from 11am to 2pm.
**February 10 – KODIAK - Kodiak/Aleutians Subsistence Regional Advisory
Council at the Kodiak Best Western Hotel. Contact: Eva Patton at (800) 478-1456 or
email eva_patton@fws.gov. For teleconference, call 1-866-560-5984; passcode
12960066.
**February 18 – NOME - Seward Peninsula Subsistence Regional Advisory
Council at Old St. Joe's Hall: Contact: Adrienne Fleek at (800) 478-1456 or email
adrienne_fleek@fws.gov. For teleconference, call 1-866-916-7020; passcode
37311548.
**February 24 – NAKNEK - Bristol Bay Subsistence Regional Advisory Council
at the Naknek Native Village Council Hall: Contact Donald Mike at (800) 478-1456
or email donald_mike@fws.gov. For teleconference, call 1-866-916-7020; passcode
37311548.
** February 25 – BETHEL – Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Subsistence Regional
Advisory Council at the Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center: Contact: Adrienne Fleek
at (800) 478-1456 or email adrienne_fleek@fws.gov. For teleconference, call 1-866560-5984; passcode 12960066.
**March 3 & 4 – FAIRBANKS – Western Interior Alaska Subsistence Regional
Advisory Council at Pike's Waterfront Lodge: Contact: Melinda Burke at (800) 4781456 or email melinda_burke@fws.gov. For teleconference, call 1-877-638-8165;
passcode 9060609.
**March 4 & 5 – FAIRBANKS - Eastern Interior Alaska Subsistence Regional
Advisory Council at Pike's Waterfront Lodge: Contact: Karen Deatherage at (800)
478-1456 or email karen_deatherage@fws.gov. For teleconference, call 1-877-6388165; passcode 9060609.
**March 9 &-10 – KOTZEBUE - Northwest Arctic Subsistence Regional
Advisory Council at the Borough Chambers; Contact: Melinda Burke at (800) 4781456 or email melinda_burke@fws.gov. For teleconference, call 1-877-638-8165;
passcode 9060609.
**March 16 – SAXMAN - Southeast Region Alaska Subsistence Regional Council
at the Saxman Community Center. For teleconference, call 1-866-560-5984; passcode
12960066.
**March 17 – SITKA - Southeast Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council
at the Sitka Tribal Community House: Contact: Robert Larson at (907) 772-5930 or
email robertlarson@fs.fed.us. For teleconference, call 1-866-560-5984; passcode
12960066.
**March 17 - BARROW - North Slope Subsistence Regional Advisory Council at
the Inupiat Heritage Center; Contact: Eva Patton at (800) 478-1456 or email
eva_patton@fws.gov. For teleconference, call 1-877-638-8165; passcode 9060609.
This proposed rule would establish regulations for hunting and trapping seasons, harvest
limits, and methods and means related to taking of wildlife for subsistence uses during
the 2016-17 and 2017-18 regulatory years. The Federal Subsistence Board is on a
schedule of completing the process of revising subsistence taking of wildlife regulations
in even-numbered years and subsistence taking of fish and shellfish regulations in oddnumbered years; public proposal and review processes take place during the preceding
year. The Board also addresses customary and traditional use determinations during the
applicable cycle. When final, the resulting rulemaking will replace the existing
subsistence wildlife taking regulations. This rule would also amend the general
regulations on subsistence taking of fish and wildlife. The Federal Subsistence Regional
Advisory Councils have a substantial role in reviewing this proposed rule and making
recommendations for the final rule. Additional information on the Federal Subsistence
Management Program can be found at www.doi.gov/subsistence/index.cfm or
www.facebook.com/subsistencealaska.
**February 11
The NOATAK & KIVALINA FISH & GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE will hold
a telephonic public meeting at 11am. Agenda items will include the following items;
Caribou regulations. For further information contact Carmen Daggett. 907.442.1717 or
email carmen.daggett@alaska.gov
**February 11
FAIRBANKS - The YUKON FLATS FISH & GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE
will hold a public meeting in the Extended Stay Hotel at a time to be announced. Agenda
items include: Discussion of holding Fairbanks meetings vs. local meetings. Board of
Game/Wildlife Issues: Staff Update; Discussion on Board of Game proposals;
Reauthorization Proposals; and Draft any BOG Proposals; Statewide Cycle A & B.
Board of Fisheries/Fisheries Issues: Commercial fisheries update on 2014/ 2015 season;
Discussion on Board of Fisheries proposals; 2 out of cycle proposals on Yukon drainage;
and Draft any BOF Proposals; Arctic Yukon Kuskokwim. Federal Issues: Discussion on
Federal Subsistence Board proposals; Fish and Draft any Federal Subsistence Board
proposals; Game. For more information contact Nissa Pilcher at 907-459-7263 or email
nissa.pilcher@alaska.gov.
**February 11
FAIRBANKS - The FAIRBANKS FISH & GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE will
hold a public meeting in the Yukon Quest Room, Alpine Lodge at 6:30pm. Agenda
includes: Election of one vacant seat to serve a remainder of a term; BOG: SC comments
finalized; and BOF: Statewide Shellfish comments finalized. For further information
contact Nissa Pilcher at 907.459.7263 or email nissa.pilcher@alaska.gov
**February 11
NINILCHIK - The CENTRAL PENINSULA FISH & GAME ADVISORY
COMMITTEE will meet at 7pm in the Ninilchik School Library in order to prepare
comments on statewide shellfish proposals and any other business that may properly
come before the committee. The public is encouraged to attend. For more information
contact David Martin at 567-3306.
**February 12
FAIRBANKS - The TANANA VALLEY STATE FOREST CITIZENS’ ADVISORY
COMMITTEE will meet to discuss forestry issues from 6 to 9pm in the Large
Conference Room in the Dept. of Natural Resources, 3700 Airport Road. This committee
advises the Division on plans and proposals for managing the 1.8 million acre Tanana
Valley State Forest, along with other forested state-owned lands in the Tanana Valley.
The public is invited to attend; public testimony will be accepted during the meeting. The
agenda includes: Elections of Committee Officers; Two Rivers Dog Mushers Association
– Trail / Road Proposal; Delta, Fairbanks, and Tok Area Forestry Updates; and Public
Comments. If you are unable to attend in person and would like to participate by
teleconference, please contact Paul Maki at the Div. of Forestry via email at
paul.maki@alaska.gov or call him at 451-2601. For additional information, go to
http://forestry.alaska.gov/tvsf_committee.htm.
ITEMS of INTEREST
** CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAM’S ALASKAN ANIMALS PRESENTATIONS.
JEN MCGRATH and MARIAN SNIVELY from ADF&G’s Wildlife Diversity
Program will be offering three (free) programs focusing on bats, wood frogs, and loons
and grebes. They are interested in teaching students about unique Alaskan animals and
would like them to become involved in our program by becoming Citizen Scientists.
They have age-appropriate PowerPoint presentations for all grades and fun activities for
younger students. Did you know that we have bats in Alaska? Or that one bat
can eat up to 5,000 mosquitoes in a single night? Or that there is a terrible disease killing
millions of bats in the U.S. and Canada? Learn more about this mysterious mammal by
signing up for a fun and fact-filled presentation (Grades K-12). Sign up for our Loon
and Grebe presentation. Did you know that loons can live up to 30 years? Or that
they can dive over 200 feet underwater? Learn more about these wonderful waterbirds
and what you can do to help us gather important information about them (Grades 6-12).
We also have amphibians in Alaska! Did you know that the wood frog is the
most widely distributed amphibian in Alaska? Or that this frog can freeze solid during
cold Alaskan winters? Learn more about this amazing Alaskan amphibian by signing up
for a wood frog presentation (Grades K-12). Choose and schedule a program(s) for your
class by contacting Jen McGrath at jennifer.mcgrath@alaska.gov.
**To sign a PETITION URGING SENATOR MURKOWSKI to TAKE
CONCRETE STEPS TOWARD ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE in her new
role as Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, go to
http://www.sitkawild.org/petition.
**ALASKA GEOGRAPHIC FIELD COURSES are now open for registration! These
Field Courses allow you to explore Alaska’s parks, forests, and refuges with expert
instructors, and immerse yourself in the solitude of Alaska’s wilderness. The small-group
courses are led by some of Alaska’s best wildlife biologists, wildflower experts,
published authors, and renowned artists. The courses are range from 2 to 5 days - some
are based at a rustic field camp, while others use charter boats, tents, or lodges for
accommodations. Many take place in Denali National Park and Preserve, but we are also
offering courses in the Chugach National Forest and in Glacier Bay National Park and
Preserve. For more information, go to http://www.alaskageographic.org/static/148/learn
or contact Alaska Geographic at 907-274-8440.
** The ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (REFUGE) REVISED
COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN (CCP) and FINAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) is now available. This is your
opportunity to read our responses to public comments on the draft CCP/EIS, understand
how the Refuge used your comments to revise and refine the CCP, and learn about the
preferred alternative. The Regional Director selected Alternative E as the preferred
alternative. Alternative E adopts the management goals and objectives and revised
management policies and guidelines described in Chapter 2 of the CCP. It also
recommends three Wilderness Study Areas for inclusion in the National Wilderness
Preservation System; recommends four rivers for inclusion in the National Wild and
Scenic Rivers System; and implements a series of interim management actions for visitor
use on the Kongakut River pending completion of a Refuge-wide Visitor Use
Management Plan. Please see Chapter 3, Section 3.5 of the CCP for more information
about the preferred alternative. The entire Revised CCP and Final EIS is available at
http://arctic.fws.gov/ccp.htm.
MANAGEMENT PLAN for the LOWER INNOKO/YUKON RIVER WOOD
BISON in WEST-CENTRAL ALASKA has been released and is available at
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static-
f/species/speciesinfo/woodbison/pdfs/management_plan_lower_innoko_yukon_wood_bis
on.pdf.
To see GOVERNOR WALKER’S TRANSITION REPORT, go to
http://gov.alaska.gov/Walker/transition-2014.html
To see a listing of the GOOD EARTH GARDEN SCHOOL’S COURSES FOR 2015, go to
http://www.goodearthgardenschool.com/ .
2015 AOOS (ALASKA OCEAN & OBSERVING SYSTEM) USER SURVEY is
available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AOOS_Stakeholder_Survey. AOOS is
drafting its cyclical 5-year proposal to NOAA for base funding to support ocean
observing activities in Alaska. As part of the process, we would like to assess whether
current AOOS resources are meeting user needs, and seek input on new ideas for projects
and tools that AOOS could pursue. This voluntary survey should take 10-15 minutes.
Based on public comment on the Eastern Interior Draft Resource Management Plan
(RMP)/Draft Environmental Impact Statement, the BUREAU OF LAND
MANAGEMENT (BLM) is CONSIDERING CHANGING the BOUNDARY of the
PROPOSED FORTYMILE AREA of CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
(ACEC) and DESIGNATING a NEW ACEC on the MOSQUITO FLATS, ALSO in
the FORTYMILE REGION. The proposed Mosquito Flats ACEC (30,000 acres)
provides unique wetland and aquatic habitats and supports a variety of wildlife species.
Mosquito Flats is an important moose calving area and summer habitat for the regional
moose population. The area also supports short-eared owls and nesting trumpeter swans.
The proposed ACEC would be recommended to be closed to new mineral entry and
leasing. Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) would be limited by season with no summer use
allowed except by permit. The Fortymile ACEC (685,000 acres) boundary presented in
the Alternatives of the draft RMP/EIS was reconfigured to improve manageability and
maintain effective caribou and Dall sheep habitat and mineral licks. The ACEC would be
recommended to be closed to new mineral entry and leasing and to have a limited OHV
designation with seasonal limitations on uses within one mile of mineral
licks. Comments are due by March 3. For maps and information about the proposed
ACECs, visit the Eastern Interior RMP website at www.blm.gov/ak/eirmp or contact the
BLM at (907) 474-2340 or (800) 437-7021 (within Alaska).
TED STEVENS ANCHORAGE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (ANC) MASTER
PLAN UPDATE which will help guide future airport development has been completed
and is available at www.ancmasterplan.com/library
The MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE is SEEKING CITIZENS TO SERVE ON
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS. Each October, approximately one third (about 150)
of the seats on municipal boards and commissions are appointed. Nearly all appointments
are made for a three-year term. Throughout the year vacancies occur on many of our
boards and commissions. Applications are kept on hand as a resource for those vacancies.
You may apply at any time. For more information, go to
http://www.muni.org/Departments/Mayor/Boards/Pages/default.aspx
VOLUNTEER and BOARD OPPORTUNITIES
ALASKA WOMEN'S ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK, AWEN, is seeking Board
Members to jump start the New Year! AWEN's mission is to establish and maintain a
statewide network of women dedicated to conserving Alaska's natural heritage through
outreach, education and public service. Our vision is to be an organization of women
leaders, heading the charge for environmental issues in Alaska. If interested, please
submit the following to awenalaska@gmail.com with “Board Member 2015 in the email
subject line. Include your Resume; a Brief Statement of Intent/Interest: Why you want to
be a board member; and What would you specifically like to contribute to AWEN in the
year 2015. The statement of intent/interest and contribution should be no more than one
page total.
SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA TROUT UNLIMITED CHAPTER is seeking
a WOMEN'S INITIATIVE CHAIR to join the Board of Directors. Our Chapter
recruited more than 120 members in 2014 and is looking to build on that success through
a new Women's Initiative Chair position. The Women's Initiative Chair will be
responsible for engaging female Chapter members and help develop events,
opportunities, and an inclusive angling community. The Women's Initiative Chair is also
asked to attend monthly Board meetings and Chapter events. If interested please contact
the Chapter Board at alaskatuchapter@gmail.com.
PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND RESOURCE ADVISORY COUNCIL (RAC)
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS to ADVISE the FOREST SERVICE on
PROJECTS THAT PROTECT AND ENHANCE the OUTSTANDING NATURAL
RESOURCES of YOUR NATIONAL FOREST AND SURROUNDING AREA. The
Prince William Sound RAC will work collaboratively to advise the Forest on projects
funded by the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act. There are 8
positions that need to be filled. Individuals who live in the Prince William Sound area
(Cordova, Valdez, Tatitlek, Chenega, and Whittier) and are interested in serving on the
Prince William Sound RAC can pick up an application at the Cordova Ranger District
office at 612 2nd Street or call 907 424-7661 to have one mailed. Contact Nancy O’Brien
or Robert Skorkowsky at 424-7661 for more information.
CLINIC AND OFFICE VOLUNTEERS WANTED for the BIRD TREATMENT
AND LEARNING CENTER (BIRD TLC) are needed. Clinic volunteers provide
rehabilitation and care for sick and injured birds, from chickadees to bald eagles. Office
volunteers will be involved in a variety of activities, including helping with intake
procedures, answering phones, preparing mailings, word processing, database entry, etc.
If you’re interested, please email office@birdtlc.net or call us at 907-562-4852. We look
forward to working with you.
BOARD MEMBERS WANTED for the BIRD TREATMENT AND LEARNING
CENTER (BIRD TLC) whose mission is to present living science education that instills
understanding and appreciation for wild birds and their habitats, and to provide primary
medical treatment, rehabilitative care, and potential release for sick and injured wild
birds. Each year more than 500 wild birds from all over Alaska are treated at the Bird
TLC clinic in Anchorage. Our educational presenters provide 250+ programs every year,
reaching communities and creating awareness for wild birds and their habitats. For more
information, email director@birdtlc.net, call us at 907-562-4852, or visit us at
www.birdtlc.net.
INTERNSHIPS
The ALASKA SEALIFE CENTER has begun RECRUITMENT FOR THEIR 2015
SUMMER INTERNSHIPS. This program is for college students or graduates who are
interested in gaining an educational experience in a world-class marine facility. ASLC
internships offer a well-rounded, educational experience in a variety of areas within the
Center. Depending on the type of internship, duties may include assisting aquarium,
avian or marine mammal staff with animal husbandry tasks; helping with marine-related
research projects as support in our education department. Interns will be required to
participate in a variety of areas and all interns are required to participate to some extent in
the interpretive aspects of our operation. Interns will not be permitted to participate in
ASLC activities on vessels unless specified in the internship. For more information and a
listing of internship opportunities, go to http://www.alaskasealife.org/New/aboutASLC/index.php?page=internship-program.php. To apply, go to
http://alaskasealifecenter.gatherdocs.com/.
February 13 is the DEADLINE FOR APPLYING for the ALASKA
CONSERVATION FOUNDATION’S TED SMITH CONSERVATION INTERN
PROGRAM that connects young adults to summer internships with conservation
organizations across the state. Conservation Intern Program participants dedicate their
summers to gaining invaluable skills through hands-on learning, developing relationships
with leading conservationists in Alaska, exploring a conservation career path, and
building relationships with cohort of other Conservation Interns. The program is
specifically targeted toward students who plan a career path in conservation and are
willing to make a long-term commitment to preserving and protecting the pristine
environment and diverse cultures of Alaska. Internships run for 12 weeks, from June thru
August and undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent grads are encouraged to
apply. Participating conservation organizations for summer 2015 include: Grassroots
Organizer - Alaska Center for the Environment, Anchorage; Environmental and
Community Health Researcher/ Advocate - Alaska Community Action on Toxics,
Anchorage; Fisheries Conservation Intern - Alaska Marine Conservation Council,
Anchorage; MineWatch Coordinator - Castle Mountain Coalition, Palmer; Naturalists
Intern - Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, Homer; Wild Salmon and Climate Change
Intern - Cook Inletkeeper, Homer; Outdoor Youth Educator - Discovery Southeast,
Juneau; Stream Watch Intern - Kenai Watershed Forum, Soldotna; No Road to Ambler
Campaign Intern - Northern Alaska Environmental Center, Fairbanks; and Clean Water
Storyteller - Southeast Alaska Conservation Council, Juneau. For more information about
the application process, contact Anne Remick at aremick@alaskaconservation.org or call
907-276-1917. For more information about the ACF Intern Program, go to
http://alaskaconservation.org/internships/.
STREAM WATCH INTERN for the KENAI WATERSHED FORUM located in
Soldotna. The position will encompass a large portion of the Kenai Peninsula including
Kenai, Soldotna, Sterling, Kasilof and Cooper Landing. Description and Goals of
Assignment: The internship provides an opportunity to learn about ecological restoration
efforts while facilitating environmental education on the Kenai Peninsula through the
Stream Watch program. Stream Watch was founded in 1994 and continues to be an
important river protection presence on local waters. Through peer-to-peer education
Stream Watch volunteers are trained to share information on Leave No Trace, fishing
regulations, bear safety and river protection at popular Kenai Peninsula fishing sites. The
Intern have the opportunity to develop and implement river protection projects via
volunteers as well as train, engage and support volunteers while educating the public and
enjoying the scenic beauty of the Kenai Peninsula. This position will spend
approximately 65% of the time in the field with most of that time working directly with
the public. The main goal of this position is to increase public knowledge on river
protection issues on the Kenai Peninsula. The Stream Watch Intern will focus on
education, outreach and on-the-ground salmon habitat protection projects on the Kenai,
Kasilof and Russian Rivers from May/June through August/September. Intern
Responsibilities: Provide effective on-river education to the general public to increase
awareness of salmon habitat, site-specific rules and regulations and Leave No Trace
principles (45%); Assist with the recruitment, training and support of education
volunteers to increase program breadth and effectiveness across designated Kenai
Peninsula sites (35%); Assist with the development and implementation of volunteer
based river protection projects in conjunction with land managers and supervisory staff
(20%); Other duties as assigned. Intern Qualifications: Background and/or strong
interest in environmental education (formal or informal), restoration ecology or natural
resource interpretation in an outdoor setting. Comfortable being outside in bear country
for multiple hours in varied weather and terrain Strong interest and ability to effectively
work directly with the general public Excellent professional communication and
interpersonal skills; Willingness to learn about the program and study/work; Willingness
and flexibility to work weekends and evenings; Compliance with KWF, program and
partner policies and procedures; Must be able to work outdoors and walk/hike up to 2
miles and have the physical skills necessary to perform restoration activities involving
some lifting (50lbs), bending, digging, working with tools, etc.; Experience in
environmental education, volunteer management, customer service and/or natural
resource/ cultural interpretation a plus. For more information on the Stream Watch
program, visit www.kenaiwatershed.org or find us on Facebook! To review eligibility
requirements and/or start your application, visit www.alaskaconservation.org or call
907.276.1917 today.
SUMMER EDUCATION INTERN with ALASKA GEOGRAPHIC at the MURIE
SCIENCE and LEARNING CENTER in DENALI NATIONAL PARK AND
PRESERVE. Alaska Geographic partners with the National Park Service to offer
education programs and visitor services through the Murie Science and Learning Center.
We are seeking someone interested in an entry level position as an environmental and
science educator at the Murie Science and Learning Center for the summer 2015 Season.
Interns are involved in educational programs, administrative duties, front desk operations,
and program logistics for multi-day seminars. Internship includes room & board and a
weekly stipend. The season begins late April/early May and ends early September.
Application deadline is January 31. For more information visit
http://www.alaskageographic.org/category/24/employment
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
** DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY for the ALASKA CONSERVATION
FOUNDATION to be responsible for the oversight, planning and implementation of its
comprehensive fund development program. Application deadline: Open until filled. For
more information, including access to the application, go to
www.alaskaconservation.org/foundation/jobs
OPERATIONS COORDINATOR for THE NATURE CONSERVANCY for a fullTIME position based in Anchorage who is a highly motivated and competent
administrator and problem solver. Solid IT support and troubleshooting skills are a must
for this position, as well as experience managing multiple projects, having a positive and
helpful attitude and excellent attention to detail. Major responsibilities include running
all administrative aspects of the field office in downtown Anchorage, managing the TNCowned building and providing IT support to the ~10 staff who work out of the Anchorage
office. Other important functions of the job include board of trustee and executive
administration and support. The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation,
401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work
policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional
development opportunities and promote from within. To view the full job description and
to apply, visit www.nature.org/careers and search for job #42790 – Alaska Operations
Coordinator. Position closes 8pm AKST (midnight EST) on February 4. Applicants
must apply online and include cover letter with resume. For more information, contact
Bridget Paule at bpaule@tnc.org / 865-5705.
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR for REAP (Renewable Energy Alaska Project) located
in Anchorage. Key Responsibilities: Develop and expand REAP’s organizational
membership and corporate support; Develop and expand REAP’s major donor program
and other individual giving; Assist with organizational budgeting, grant writing &
reporting; Utilize & manage volunteers. Required Skills and Experience: Superb
organizational skills; Database management & social media experience; Excellent writing
skills; Bachelor’s degree or five years of experience in a relevant field; Proficiency in
Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Additional Preferred Skills and Experience:
Proficiency in NationBuilder, QuickBooks, WordPress and the Adobe Suite; Grant
writing and/or other fundraising experience; Knowledge of Alaska energy institutions and
infrastructure; Experience working with non-profits. Compensation: This is a
permanent, full time position; salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Includes paid personal leave and holidays and retirement benefits.
Application Deadline: February 6. Application Process: Please send cover letter,
résumé, writing sample and at least two letters of recommendation to the following
address: Renewable Energy Alaska Project, Attn: Lydia Darby, 308 G Street, Suite 225,
Anchorage, Alaska 99501 or email in PDF format to: l.darby@realaska.org.
SCIENCE DIRECTOR for the ALASKA SEALIFE CENTER SCIENCE
PROGRAM to lead the development and coordination of new research directions at the
Center involving Center staff, University scientists and scientists with external
affiliations. Education & Experience Requirements: Ph.D. degree in marine biology,
zoology, wildlife biology or a related research field. Fifteen years professional research
experience in a related field, including project budgeting and management, with ten years
at a supervisory level or the equivalent. This is a half-time position; development of an
externally funded personal research program could result in a full-time position. ASLC
offers a competitive wage (DOE) and benefits package. Open until filled: Reviews to
begin February 20. Start Date: Negotiable. To see the complete job description, go to
http://www.alaskasealife.org/New/about-ASLC/ScienceDirector.pdf. Send application
(downloadable at www.alaskasealife.org), CV and a writing sample intended for a public
audience to HR@alaskasealife.org.
ONLINE ORGANIZER for the ALASKA CENTER for the ENVIRONMENT
(ACE) and the ALASKA CONSERVATION VOTERS (ACV) to work with
Communications and Grassroots Fundraising department staff to mobilize ACE and ACV
supporters to grow a grassroots base of activists from across Alaska, increase online
fundraising and engage members on statewide campaigns to elect conservation
champions, and win on critical environmental issues. This is an excellent opportunity for
creative organizer to be a part of an innovative team that runs aggressive online
campaigns to promote environmental policies and candidates - in a fun and supportive
environment! Finally, ACV will work to hold elected decision makers accountable for
their votes and actions on conservation issues. This work will focus on educating the
public about important environmental votes and engaging supporters in election based
activities designed to elect pro-conservation candidates at the local, state and federal
levels. Education and Experience: Degree or coursework in communications-related
field with 6 months related experience. Two years of experience in similar position may
be substituted for education. For full position description please check us out at
akcenter.org and acvoters.org. To apply please send resume and cover letter along with
three references to jobs@akcenter.org with the subject "Online Organizer" in the subject
line.
AMERICORPS VISTA for the ALASKA FOOD POLICY COUNCIL to conduct
outreach, coalition development, grant writing and fundraising to further the structure and
sustainability of the AFPC. This is a one-year position located with the AK Dept. of
Health and Social Services in Anchorage. The AFPC VISTA must be passionate about
improving the local food system for all Alaskans. This person must be capable and
experienced at working independently. This person must demonstrate leadership,
relationship building, written communication, and public speaking skills. Experience and
skills in grant writing and fundraising is critical. Experience working with a non-profit
agency a plus. A comfortable familiarity with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel,
Google, Facebook, and Twitter is needed. Experience in some aspect of the food system
(agriculture, fishing, health, hunger, or food industry) would be beneficial. Alaska offers
many exciting adventures for outdoor enthusiasts (or those who just appreciate nature’s
beauty!) In Anchorage you’ll find all the typical big city amenities with easy access to the
wilderness. Benefits include: Monthly living allowance ($1,222), relocation costs
($0.34/mile up to $1000) and settling in allowance ($550), health benefits, child care
assistance, training, and an Education Award ($5,730). For more information and to
apply for this position, visit:
https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=53164&fromSearch=true.
AMERICORPS VISTA for THE ALASKA FARMERS’ MARKET-QUEST CARD
PROGRAM (AFMQP) to provide funding and assistance to farmers’ markets and farm
stands to help them accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards. This VISTA position will serve as the AFMQP
Coordinator and work to further develop the structure and sustainability of the program.
This is a one-year position located with the State of Alaska Division of Agriculture in
Palmer, Alaska. The AFMQP VISTA must be passionate about improving the local food
system for the benefit of all Alaskans. This person must be capable and experienced at
working independently. This person should be comfortable talking to groups and
individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds, including farmers, SNAP clients, nonprofit agencies and policy-makers. Good writing and communication skills are important.
Any agricultural experience is a plus! Alaska offers many exciting adventures for outdoor
enthusiasts (or those who just appreciate nature’s beauty!) Palmer is located in the heart
of Alaska’s agricultural scene and is a short 40 minute drive from Anchorage, where
you’ll find all the typical big city amenities. Benefits include: Monthly living allowance
($1,222), relocation costs ($0.34/mile up to $1000) and settling in allowance ($550),
health benefits, child care assistance, training, and an Education Award ($5,730). For
more information and to apply for this position, visit:
https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=53159&fromSearch=true.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST (GS-1035-13/14) for the DEPT. OF THE
INTERIOR, BUREAU OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT.
Salary Range: 91,167.00 to $140,051.00 / Per Year. The Bureau of Safety &
Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) works to promote safety, protect the environment,
and conserve resources offshore through vigorous regulatory oversight and enforcement.
For information about our bureau go to: http://www.bsee.gov/ the incumbent works as a
Public Affairs lead for the BSEE Alaska Region located in Anchorage. The incumbent
actively engages in public affairs, constituent affairs, and media relations efforts of BSEE
programs at the international, national, and regional level under the direction of the BSEE
Chief, OPA and in close coordination with the BSEE Alaska region Director. Application
deadline is January 28. For full job description, go to
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/390950300.
SUMMER PROGRAM INSTRUCTORS for the NORTHERN SUSITNA
INSTITUTE (NSI), a non-profit organization providing hands-on learning to students of
all ages, in Talkeetna. NSI is seeking experienced instructors for a diverse summer of
programming, to include day camp and overnight camping for youth, seminars for adults,
and public events. Responsibilities: Deliver hands-on education, emphasizing the unique
qualities of the Northern Susitna Valley. SPIs will coordinate and deliver programs for
youth ages 5-18 (day camps and overnight camping), to include an environmental
education track and an art track. SPIs will also assist NSI staff to develop, coordinate, and
deliver programs for adult learners and/or host public events, to include a lecture series
and a cardboard boat regatta. This position is ideal for a candidate seeking
leadership/management experience while instructing. 30-40 hours per week.
Qualifications: A strong interest in experiential, outdoor, place-based, and/or
environmental education, with demonstrated experience teaching youth in formal and/or
non-formal settings. Demonstrated leadership skills, with an ability to work both
independently and as a team. Strong communication, strong public speaking skills,
positive attitude, and an ability to adapt well to the needs of a diverse program. Current
first aid and CPR certification is required. Successful applicants will be required to pass a
background check. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., work irregular hours, and be capable of
outdoor activities with respect to Alaska’s unique climate and wildlife. Bachelor’s degree
and/or experience instructing youth in a group setting preferred. Applicants that are 21
years or older are preferred. Compensation: $300-$400 per week, DOE. Housing
provided. Employment dates are somewhat flexible, but a commitment from June 8
through August 8, 2015 is required. To Apply: Applications due by February 2. Send
resume and cover letter to: Betsy Smith Northern Susitna Institute, PO Box 46, Talkeetna
AK 99676 or email betsy@northernsusitnainstitute.org.
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT for AUDUBON ALASKA to be responsible for
the oversight, planning, and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising program that
secures significant financial resources from individuals, foundations, and corporations to
support Alaska's conservation goals. S/He will work with the Executive Director to fulfill
other key functions, including budgeting, strategic planning, recruiting new staff
members, enhancing board functions, advising on board recruitment, and other activities
related to organizational readiness and effectiveness. We are looking for someone who
has an entrepreneurial spirit and has had success building or enlarging fundraising
programs. Must have the ability to work independently and to set and achieve
benchmarks, as well as having excellent organizational and communication skills. The
position is full-time with benefits, located in Anchorage, and the salary is competitive.
Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer. A full job
description is available at https://careers-audubon.icims.com/jobs/2247/director-ofdevelopment/job?mode=view&mobile=false&width=900&height=500&bga=true&needsR
edirect=false . For more information, Robyn Langlie at rlanglie@audubon.org.
SUMMER SCIENCE EDUCATOR with ALASKA GEOGRAPHIC at the MURIE
SCIENCE AND LEARNING CENTER in DENALI NATIONAL PARK &
PRESERVE. Alaska Geographic partners with the National Park Service to offer
education programs and visitor services through the Murie Science and Learning Center.
We are seeking highly qualified educators and naturalists for a summer of learning,
exploration, sharing and fun. The primary responsibility of instructional staff will be the
delivery of informative and engaging science-based programs that will leave visitors with
a lasting connection to Denali and an appreciation of scientific research in the wilderness.
Pay rate dependent upon experience, starting at $20 per hour; some housing is available.
The season begins late April/early May and ends early September. Application deadline
is January 31. For more information, go to
http://www.alaskageographic.org/category/24/employment
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