The sea otter population in Southeast is growing steadily. Alaska Natives are allowed to work the pelts in traditional ways, but production is constrained by regulations.
Economy
How Juneau grocers are helping families during winter break
Nearly 500 students across the Juneau School District went home Thursday with bags full of food for winter break. All the food was donated, packed up and delivered by local grocery stores.
St. Paul Island fears temporarily losing air service
St. Paul officials are scrambling to extend air service through the holidays. As of Thursday, the isolated island in the Bering Sea will continue to have flights to Anchorage through Sunday.
What does the Dunleavy administration mean for the proposed Pebble Mine?
Officially, Gov. Mike Dunleavy is not taking a position on the mine, unlike his predecessor, Gov. Bill Walker, who opposed it. But the new governor is already making moves that have encouraged the mine’s backers and worried its opponents.
Alaska’s top forester talks timber in Southeast
Dave Schmid is tasked with managing over 22 million acres of federal land. Asked about the balancing act required for managing public lands, he spoke of his office’s commitment to all facets of Southeast Alaska’s economy, including timber.
Donlin Gold signs major wetland mitigation agreement
The company is trying to develop one of the biggest gold mines in the world in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. The mine, if built, would disturb 2,800 acres of wetlands. Because Donlin can’t restore all of those wetlands, it is required to protect wetlands somewhere else.
Waterfront land swap negotiations continue as city reviews passenger fee ruling
The city hopes a proposed land exchange with the owner of a waterfront property on South Franklin Street will help accommodate the continued growth in the number of cruise ship passengers visiting Juneau each year. But a recent court ruling may complicate how the city pays for the project.
Trump administration takes next step towards oil lease sales in ANWR
The Trump administration is releasing the draft environmental impact statement for an oil leasing program in the refuge’s Coastal Plain.
The farm bill’s untold story: What did Congress do for fish sticks?
Even though it’s considered a “Product of U.S.A,” Jim Gilmore of the At-sea Processors Association said up to half of the pollock served in schools now is from Russia. Thanks to the new farm bill, that might change.
Alaska Permanent Fund looks to pay investment managers incentives
The corporation and its board of trustees argue the policy could help recruit talented managers. But it’s up to Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration and the Alaska Legislature to make it happen.