Keeping its promise, Interior Dept. gives Ahtna region more say in moose, caribou hunt
In its final days, the Obama administration is forging ahead with a promise to include Alaska Native tribes in the management of fish and wildlife on federal land. Deputy Interior Secretary Michael Connor was in Anchorage today to announce a pilot project giving Native communities in the Ahtna region greater say in managing the subsistence…
Armstrong Oil and Gas has high hopes for another North Slope find this winter
Armstrong and its partner Repsol, a Spanish company, say a development there could produce about 120,000 barrels of oil per day. That’s almost a quarter of the amount currently flowing through the pipeline. Armstrong Energy director Ed Kerr says the company aims to deliver first oil in 2022.
Former Attorney General Richards joins Bering Straits Native Corp.
Alaska’s former attorney general has a new job. Craig Richards will be the vice president and general counsel for the Bering Straits Native Corporation. Richards says he looks forward to serving the Nome region.
Modern ‘warriors’ protect language, water, subsistence, families
What makes a modern warrior? A tribal organization says it’s someone who fights to preserve subsistence rights, Native languages, clean water and families.
Deadline nears for Murkowski’s far-reaching energy bill
Time is running out on one of Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s top priorities: a far-reaching energy bill. Murkowski had hoped the legislation would serve as her crowning achievement after two years as chairman of the Senate Energy Committee.
Before contamination in Skagway harbor is cleaned up, some want another study
Skagway is getting closer to addressing long-standing lead contamination in the harbor. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation is taking a more proactive approach to motivate clean-up of the ore basin.
Sitka Trail Works to get $1.8M grant for Cross Trail completion
Sitka’s Cross Trail has won funding for an extension to the far end of the road system. Sitka Trail Works announced last week that $1.8 million in federal funds have been approved for the final phase of the project – provided the next president signs the federal transportation bill.
Juneau Assembly derails affordable housing plan
In a 5-4 vote, the Juneau Assembly voted to exclude a housing action plan from the city’s comprehensive plan. It was written specifically to be included in the plan.
SHI, UAS and IAIA partner to offer Northwest Coast art education
The initial focus will be for students to complete a two-year program at the University of Alaska Southeast in Northwest Coast arts. Then, those students could transfer to the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe for further study.
Meet the new head of Alaskan Command: Gators fan, fighter pilot, erstwhile Alaskan
Lt. Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach started this August. He’ll oversee the installation of the newest generation of jet fighters to Alaska’s fleet.
What’s school like in Tenakee Springs without a school?
The Tenakee Springs School closed after its enrollment fell under 10 students and the town’s families resorted to home-schooling. The district reopened the school building as an independent learning center to give students and the community some of the school’s resources.
Sockeye fire trial starts Tuesday
The state expects to call scores of witnesses, such as firefighters, homeowners, state troopers and fire investigators.
Officials ban trailers for carrying dogs in Iditarod
Trailers fixed behind the primary sled have grown in popularity as a way to cycle dogs through rest.
Months later, earthquake ‘swarm’ continues in Port Heiden
“You can think of it as like a little cluster of earthquakes that, added together, might be sort of equivalent to a single, larger earthquake,” says seismologist Michael West.
North Dakota Governor Issues Evacuation Order For Pipeline Protest Area
Gov. Jack Dalrymple cited “harsh weather” in his order, noting that “emergency services probably will not be available under current winter conditions.” Protesters have been camped out for months.
Kenaitze tribe promotes traditional values through moose camp
Kenaitze Indian Tribe in Kenai is taking an innovative approach to drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention. The tribe offers culturally relevant, healthy activities through their Yaghanen Youth Center, located in Soldotna.
Army Corps proposes rules for mining company’s treatment of historic sites
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has drafted a set of rules on how mining company Donlin Gold will have to treat historical sites it may encounter if a proposed project is approved.
Ketchikan Borough writes marijuana disclaimer
The Ketchikan Borough has written a statement to distance itself from the state law legalizing marijuana. The assembly hopes to avoid legal entanglements with the federal government.
Trump, Congress and Southeast timber, what are the possibilities?
The Tongass forest plan amendment can still be changed by the incoming president and Congress.
Thief drives off dragging Super Bear employee
An 18-year-old robbery suspect was arrested after using his car to drag a Super Bear employee who tried to stop him.