Sockeye salmon returned to Haines’ Chilkoot River in strong numbers this summer. The run is winding down, but tracking near the upper end of the escapement goal set by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Southeast
After four day shore leave in Sitka, confused sea lion returned to sea
Biologists successfully returned a Steller sea lion to Sitka’s waters on Monday, after it spent the weekend wandering down roads and into woods. Biologists with NOAA Fisheries Service believe the adult male lost the ocean. They encouraged the sea lion’s return with tranquilizer darts and some patience.
For Tlingit-Unangax artist Nicholas Galanin, first retrospective a lifetime in the making
Nicholas Galanin strives to create fearlessly. The Tlingit-Unangax artist works in multiple mediums and from his home in Sitka, has made a name for himself in the indigenous art world. At 39, Galanin currently has a solo retrospective at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona
Hatchery chum catch sets new Southeast record
The purse seine fleet at Crawfish Inlet south of Sitka caught 900,000 chum salmon on Thursday, a new record chum catch for a one-day opening in Southeast Alaska.
Invasive grass is taking over the Brotherhood Bridge meadow. This biologist is trying to save it.
Biologist John Hudson says reed canarygrass conquers meadows and leaves them sterile. He said it’s like replacing a forest with a parking lot.
Mineral exploration company begins assessment of a possible mine site north of Haines
The assessment is the first of three studies, and assesses at the potential of the site, which is the subject of a lawsuit about future impacts of mine development.
Controversial Greens Creek Mine film now online
The 20-minute environmental documentary takes aim at Hecla Greens Creek Mine. After completing the festival circuit and surviving a legal challenge, it’s streaming online.
New roads in the Tongass? Here’s a chance to weigh in.
The federal agency hopes to have a decision on Tongass road building by 2020.
Kenai and Sitka newspapers misreported voter eligibility before primary
Fewer than 100 votes could have made the difference in two races in the Kenai area.
Sitka police officer files whistleblower lawsuit
Veteran Sitka police detective Ryan Silva alleges that the police department purchased five fully-automatic weapons in November of 2017, in secret, and in violation of department procedures.