Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) is marking its 50th anniversary in 2013 with many special events to occur during the year. Founded in 1963, the AMHS grew out of the efforts of two Haines residents to provide marine transportation for the state. Steve Homer and Ray Gelotte converted a used LCT-Mark VI landing craft into […]
Draft of Alaska Deep-Draft Arctic Port S...
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities and US Army Corps of Engineers have released their draft report covering the first year of a three year study to enhance the deep-draft port system of Arctic Alaska. Port facilities in the north are minimal and range from simple gravel landings to extensive bulk mineral export […]
The Milepost 2013: 65th Edition of Alask...
In Alaska, directions are commonly given in terms of a milepost, as in turn right at mile 10 Richardson Highway or my house is at 3.5 mile Zimovia Highway. It can take newcomers a while to adjust to a land without obvious street numbers. The Milepost 2013 is a publication synonymous with travel in the […]
Lingering Oil from the 1989 Exxon Valdez...
Lingering Oil from the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Seen in 2012: As the issues continue with the Shell Alaska drilling unit Kulluk and Shell’s exploration efforts, it is important to remember than crude lingers for a long time in the arctic environment, heightening the importance of conducting exploration activities right the first time or […]
Arctic Nautical Charts Scheduled for Upd...
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Coast Survey is planning an update of Arctic nautical charts. Nautical charts represent the traditional means mariners use to navigate coastal waters safely. The paper nautical chart reaches back into history with President Jefferson who commissioned the first surveys for charts in 1807. Paper charts vary […]
Alaska Climate Assessment Report 2013
Climate change will change Alaska, as we know it. The United States Global Change Research Program has released its draft Climate Assessment Report for 2013, the third in a series beginning in the year 2000. A large advisory committee contributed to the development of the congressionally mandated climate report authored by more than 240 recognized […]