Safe and Legal Fish Waste Composting in Alaska

By Alan Sorum | Published: 15 December 2011

Safe and Legal Fish Waste Composting in AlaskaIzetta Chambers, an Extension Agent with the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program in Dillingham, has published a guide to safely composting fish waste, without attracting the attention of local authorities. Major considerations addressed in Safe and Legal Fish Waste Composting in Alaska are the attraction of nuisance bears and control of offensive odors.

Done correctly, the composting of fish waste provides an economical alternative to commercial fertilizer and could help facilities like small craft harbors to deal with this waste stream. Chambers details strategies for wildlife deterrence, legal considerations, the composting process and provides a number references on the subject.

This bulletin is available as a free PDF download from the Alaska Sea Grant Bookstore. Visit the Alaska Sea Grant Bookstore for many other excellent publications from Alaska.

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The Alaska Milepost 2010 Travel Planner 62nd Edition

By Alan Sorum | Published: 28 November 2011

Synonymous with travel in the north, the 62nd edition of the Milepost is valued by visitors to Alaska and nearby areas. The guidebook provides a mile-by-mile highway log for Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories and the Yukon Territory detailing the significant attractions, jumping off points to other forms of transportation and key highway intersections.

The Milepost is regarded as the bible of north country travel. Field editors verify route information provided by the guidebook every year. The 2010 edition holds 784 pages of information that is supplemented with some 800 photographs and more than a hundred different maps. Even those that can only dream of travel north this year will find this guide to be a welcome armchair companion for planning future adventures.

Along with its exhaustive route information, the Milepost offers details how to cross the border with a minimum of trouble, provides hints for erstwhile birders and explains ferry travel options. Read More »

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Rasmuson Foundation Invites Alaska Artists to Seek Grant Funding

By Alan Sorum | Published: 28 November 2011

2492115403ce0d1501aco1The Rasmuson Foundation is well known to Alaskans and was created in May of 1955 by Jenny Rasmuson in honor of her late husband “E.A.” Rasmuson. The goal of the Foundation is to act as a catalyst to promote a better life for all Alaskans through its grantmaking and community initiatives.

Recently the Foundation announced the continuation of its direct grants to Alaskan artists in an effort to support and nurture their creative works. The deadline for the 2009 individual artist award program will be 1 March 2009. To this point, the Rasmuson Foundation has awarded more than one million dollars to 145 talented Alaskan artists. Read More »

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Reduction in Southeast Charter Halibut Catch Proposed

By Alan Sorum | Published: 28 November 2011

The number of halibut caught by the charter fishing industry in Alaska has become the subject of intense debate during the last few years, especially in the southeast part of the state.

NOAA’s Fisheries Service is proposing new limits on the number of halibut that can be taken by anglers on charter boats in southeast Alaska from two to one fish per day. In making the announcement on 22 December 2008, Alaska Fisheries Service Administrator Doug Mecum states, “Sport charter fishing has grown in southeast Alaska while halibut abundance has decreased. We’re proposing to reduce the charter halibut catch to protect the halibut resource.”

Charter boats in southeast Alaska waters have exceeded the guideline harvest level of 1.43 million pounds set by NOAA for the past four years. Annual catch limits are set in part by the International Pacific Halibut Commission that estimates halibut abundance each year. The limit proposed for 2009 is four and a half million pounds that must be shared between sport and commercial fishing interests. Read More »

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Autumn Colors on the St. Elias Range Near Kluane Lake Yukon

By Alan Sorum | Published: 28 November 2011
Fall is Coming to the Elias Range Yukon

Fall is Coming to the Yukon's St. Elias Range (Click on Image for Larger View)

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The Grouse and Ptarmigan of Alaska

By Alan Sorum | Published: 28 November 2011

crop0002“Not simply another field guide, The Grouse and Ptarmigan of Alaska offers an amazing amount of information about these incredible birds.” is the claim made by the Alaska Department of Fish (ADF&G) and Game and the Ruffed Grouse Society. In this case, the statement is certainly true for bird watchers in Alaska interested in these birds.

This publication represents a joint, collaborative effort by a number of organizations to update and reprint the well regarded Upland Game Birds of Forest and Tundra written by Robert Weeden and Laurence Ellison, first printed by ADF&G in 1968.

The text introduces you to the grouse and ptarmigan that live in Alaska. It goes on to describe the role of these birds in the ecosystem and the information will interest others beyond the hunters that pursue them. Naturalists, photographers and bird watchers all enjoy observing these animals. Read More »

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Hiking on the Tongass National Forest

By Alan Sorum | Published: 28 November 2011
Shelter on Rainbow Falls Trail - Wrangell Ranger District Photo: Alaska Vistas

Shelter on Rainbow Falls Trail - Wrangell Ranger District Photo: Alaska Vistas

At more than 17 million acres in size, the Tongass National Forest located in Southeast Alaska is the largest forest administered in the overall national forest system. The Tongass is world renowned for its old growth temperate rain forests covered with enormous Sitka spruce, Hemlock fir, and Yellow cedar. These forests protect watersheds that support some of the most productive fisheries anywhere. Like all national forests, the Tongass is managed for multiple uses and outdoor recreation is a key component among these varied opportunities.

The Tongass National Forest Trail System

One of the best ways to see the special and unique places of the Tongass is to take a day hike or backpacking trip on one of the forest’s many trails. Working from Misty Fiords in the south to Admiralty Island at the northern reaches of the forest, there are no less than 103 developed trails available for public use. Read More »

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Alaska Boating Safety Advisory Council Meeting

By Alan Sorum | Published: 28 November 2011

The Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Office of Boating Safety, announces a meeting of the Alaska Boating Safety Advisory Council (ABSAC) On Monday, December 5, 2011 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Atwood Building, 550 West 7th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska, on the 12th floor in Suite 1270. This meeting is open to the public.

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The state is prepared to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing auxiliary aids when requested. If you are a person requiring special accommodations, auxiliary aid, or services and/or alternative communication format in order to participate please e-mail alicia.haugstad@alaska.gov or call 907-269-8706 prior to the event in order to make the necessary arrangements.

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