Bear baiting on federal lands in Southeast may be allowed next year if a proposal by a regional subsistence advisory council is approved. The council also recommended ending a requirement that traps be marked with identifying numbers.
Environment
Geology gets political as federal scientists pursue new ANWR oil assessment
David Houseknecht works for the U.S. Geological Survey, and he’s trying to figure out two key questions: How much oil is in the Arctic Refuge, and where is it? The answers could decide ANWR’s fate, no matter how the politics play out.
Major climate report warns of rapid change, potential tipping points
One climate scientist says the report can be summarized in one sentence: “Climate is changing, humans are responsible, the risks are real, and the window of time to fix this thing is narrowing fast.”
Architecture group tours Alaska with eye on Arctic design
Imported southern design is a common legacy in the far north and so are associated problems.
Chihuahua killed in Lemon Creek wolf encounter
Fish and Game’s switchboard lit up after the wolf attack was posted on Facebook. Encounters with aggressive wolves can be reported to the agency by calling 465-4265.
Higher wolf quota recommended for Prince of Wales Island
The Southeast Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council has recommended increasing the wolf harvest quota to 30 percent of the population on Prince of Wales Island. Its action runs contrary to advice from Alaska Department Fish and Game, conservationists and the council’s own staff.
Talking Trash: Isolated Gustavus deals with national park-sized garbage problem
Gustavus with less than 500 year-round residents is remote. Yet it gets about 20,000 annual visitors who stay at lodges and step off tour boats.To stay on top of this influx, it aggressively recycles.
Can Congress squeeze $1B from ANWR?
The U.S. Senate will hold a hearing today on whether to allow drilling in the refuge as part of the Republican tax plan, and now the environmental argument has shifted.
Entangled: Making the sea safer for whales
More than 30 times this year, the federal government has received reports of whales tangled in fishing gear along the West Coast. Sometimes the whales manage to wriggle free. Other times you see heart-rending pictures on the news or a rescue mission.
Talking Trash: The garbage that doesn’t make it to the dump
About 25 miles out the Haines Highway, there’s a pullout. From the road, a large sand pile obstructs trails leading to the Chilkat River. In the summer they provide a short route down to the water. In the winter, a popular cross-country ski track. Over the years, the area has also become an informal and illegal dump.