Volunteer at Wrangell St Elias National Park and Preserve

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Copper Center, Alaska-Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve has scheduled a volunteer trail improvement event in the Slana area. The event is scheduled for the weekend of August 26, 27, and 28^th. The project kicks-off with a barbeque on the 26^th at 6:00pm at the Slana Community Corporation building followed by a classroom session on sustainable trails, presented by Kevin Meyer, National Park Service Regional Trails Specialist.

On Saturday, August 27, volunteers will meet at 9:00am at the Copper Lake Trailhead at mile 12.2 of the Nabesna Road for trail maintenance to help with the installation of Geoblock, atrail hardening material to be placed in a wet meadow area approximately ¾ of a mile from the trailhead.Please bring gloves, water-proof boots and a sack lunch.

On Sunday, August 28, at 9:00am meet back at the Copper Lake Trailhead with Kevin Meyer to test your sustainable trail skills and apply the fundamentals in an on-the-ground trail layout exercise.

Volunteers are welcome to participate in any or all of the activities.For more information please contact Bruce Rogers at 822-7276.

Copper River Highway Closed at Mile 36

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The Copper River Highway is closed at mile 36 until further notice. High water and changing flow patterns have cause gravel at bridge approaches and around piles to wash away.

Alaska Department of Transportation is monitoring the site. Checkhttp://511.alaska.gov  for updates.

NPS Invites Public to Meetings on Draft Denali Park Road Vehicle Management Plan

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The National Park Service is holding three meetings on the Draft Denali Park Road Vehicle Management Plan, which is available for review and comment through September 30, 2011. The draft plan describes two action alternatives and a no action alternative for managing vehicle use on the 92-mile Denali Park Road for the next 15-20 years.

During the meetings, which will be done in an open house format, the public will have the opportunity to ask questions of park staff, gather additional information, and provide formal comments.

The meetings are all taking place from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. on the following dates and locations:

• Tuesday, August 23: Murie Science and Learning Center, Denali National Park
  
• Wednesday, August 31: Morris Thompson Visitors Center, 101 Dunkel St., Fairbanks
  
• Wednesday, September 7: Campbell Creek Science Center, 5600 Science Center Dr. Anchorage

The draft document is available online at http://planning.nps.gov.

Comments will be accepted through September 30, 2011 and can be submitted through the aforelinked website, faxed to (907) 733-1465, or mailed to the address below:

Superintendent
Denali National Park and Preserve
ATTN: Vehicle Management Plan
P.O. Box 588
Talkeetna, AK 99676

For additional information on the plan contact Miriam Valentine at (907) 733-9102 or via email.

Wrangell-St Elias to begin Fuels Project in McCarthy

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Copper Center, Alaska- The National Park Service Eastern Area Fire Management Program in cooperation with the BLM Alaska Fire Service, Southeast Alaska Guidance Association (SAGA), Morrison Construction, and the State of Alaska will implement a hazard fuels reduction project on NPS and adjacent lands south of the University Subdivision in wildland/urban interface near the town of McCarthy, Alaska Aug. 22 through Sept. 30.

The goal of the project will be to create a hazard fuels buffer between the McCarthy University Subdivision and the NPS parklands that will allow for greater public and firefighter safety in the event of a wildland fire.Crews will fell and buck some of the black and white spruce trees in the project area, and slash will be chipped or piled for later burning. Firewood quality wood will be set aside for later transport to a staging area.This mechanical/manual treatment will not be a "clear cut" fuel break, but rather a thinning of fuels in order to keep fire behavior to a more manageable level. Creation of this space reduces the risk of property damage in the event of a wildland fire, improves safety forvisitors and residents and provides a safe area for fire suppression crews to work.

The BLM Alaska Fire Service will be providing one or more 20-person Interagency Hotshot Crews, as well as other logistical support. The Southeast Alaska Guidance Association-a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve lives, lands, and communities in Alaska through Service learning-will be providing an 8-person service corps crew. Morrison Construction is a local forestry, landscaping, and log home construction firm that was contracted by the National Park Service to do a portion of this work. The State of Alaska contributed to the project by permitting the fuel break across State lands.

The interagency effort will result in 60 acres of thinned forest south of the McCarthy Creek Subdivision on a mix of National Park Service and State of Alaska lands. The fire break created with this project will supplementthe natural fuel breaks of the Kennecott River and McCarthy Creek reducing the risk of wildland fire to the local community.

For additional information, visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/wrst/index.htm or contact the park's public Information Officer at 907-822-7223.

You to can be prepared for wildfire.Practice outdoor safety and take steps to make your home Firewise. Visit www.firewise.org for more information.

Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve to Burn Debris Piles

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In accordance with the Department of Interior hazardous fuels reduction treatment priorities, the Fire Management staff at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is planning to implement a prescribed burn to reduce hazard fuels. This burn is the continuation of the mechanical hazardous fuels treatment around backcountry cabins. The targeted cabins are: Amphitheatre Creek ARC Shelter Cabin, Peavine Trappers Cabin, Glacier Creek Public Use Cabin, Camel Lake Subsistence Camp, Upper Lakina River Cabin, Three Mile Lake Cabin, Radar Gulch Mining Camp, and Hubert’s Landing. The objective of this project is to remove hazardous fuels around backcountry cabins to provide defensible space around the structures. This will allow for public and firefighter safety in the event of a wildfire.

The burn is scheduled to begin July 31, 2011 and last through August 6, 2011. Ignition of the piles will occur during the morning and last until the afternoon. Smoke may be visible from air traffic in the area. National Park Service Fire Management staff will be on site managing the burn.

For additional information call Wrangell-St. Elias Public Affairs at (907)-822-7223.

2011 Fungus Fair

Image via WikipediaThe Girdwood Forest Fair takes place August 25-28 in Girdwood Alaska. It is all things fungus. Join the FUN by taking part in a run, heading out on fungus walks, learn how to use fungus to dye fabric, eat some marvelous food at the Fungus Fair Formal, or listen to the experts talk about their favorite subject. Some events require pre-registration and payment, so visit www.fungusfair.com for all the details.

Tangle Lakes Campground Renovation Update

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The Tangle Lakes Campground provides access to camping and boating facilities within the Delta Wild and Scenic River corridor. The current campground is in need of renovation and improvements to include road reconstruction, campsite definition, boat launch toilet replacement, creation of a day-use area, the addition of walk-in and group campsites and defined foot trails within the campground to meet the needs and requests of the public. 

The BLM Tangle Lakes Campground will be under construction during the summer of 2011.  During construction, the existing paved boat launch will be available to the public at all times.  Construction will occur Monday - Friday of each week.  Portions of the campground will remain open to the public for limited camping and day-use on a first-come, first-served basis at all times.  Please check this website before you travel for updates on construction.  Thank you for your patience during this renovation project. 

Sitka's Totem Park Offers “An Evening in the Park” Summer Program Series

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Thursday, August 11th
Living with Brown Bears
7:00 p.m.

The bears are out and about in the park!  Join Ranger Joshua Montanari in exploring the
background of our elusive neighbors making their presence known throughout our community as
the salmon draw ever closer to their native streams and rivers.

Sitka National Historical Park Sponsors Photo Contest

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Calling all local photographers! Sitka

National Historical Park will be holding a photo contest to celebrate the role of the Indian River
ecosystem in Sitka’s storied past.  As Park Biologist Craig Smith explains, “Indian River is the
heart of Sitka National Historical Park. The annual pulse of salmon in the river draws people and
wildlife to the area, as it has for generations. Historical events happened where the people were.
Without the Indian River, important things wouldn't have happened here, and ultimately Sitka
National Historical Park wouldn't be here either.”

Participating entries will be featured in a juried exhibit, “Reflections of Renewal on Indian
River” which will be on display from August 26 through September 30 in the lobby of the
Visitor Center.

All ages and levels of experience are encouraged to participate. There will be four main
categories based upon age and level of experience: Youth (ages 12 & under), Teen (ages 13- 17),
Adult (ages 18 &up), and Professional (anyone who makes any income from their photography).
Winners will be chosen in each category by a panel of judges and will be recognized for their
achievement during a reception which will be held on Public Lands Day, Saturday, September
24, 2011.

Entries are to be delivered to the Visitor Center front desk and will be accepted no later than 5:00
p.m. on Saturday August 20, 2011. Entry forms will be available at the front desk.  Only printed
photographs sized 5 x 7 or 8 x 10 will be accepted. Entries will be mounted by park staff and will
remain on display throughout the duration of the exhibit. Depending upon the number of entries
and spatial restrictions, not all entries may be displayed. Entries will be available for pick up
from October 1 through October 7 between 8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. at the Visitor Center.  
The park’s trails are open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The Russian Bishop’s House is open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Tours to the
second floor residence at the Russian Bishop’s House will be offered every half hour beginning
at 9:00 a.m., with the last tour each day offered at 4:30 p.m.

Bear Advisory In Tarr Inlet

 

This notice is to inform campers  of recent bear activity on the east side of Tarr Inlet in the West Arm of Glacier Bay. On the night of July 27th,  four campers noticed a single sub-adult brown bear who investigated their bear cannisters and caused damage to a dry bag containing a book. The bear inadvertently turned on a headlamp that was in the dry bag, which appeared to have scared the bear away.

Campers are advised to use caution in this area to avoid further bear-human conflicts. Campers are reminded that bears range widely throughout the park and that bear-human conflicts can occur anywhere. Two important keys to minimizing the potential for conflicts include storing food and attractants properly and keeping control of gear and property at all times. Please report all bear encounters to the Visitor Information Station. Visitors to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve are advised to contact the park’s Visitor Information Station (907-697-2627) for the most current information regarding bear incidents in the area.

This advisory will remain in effect until August 29, 2011.

Draft Denali Park Road Vehicle Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement Available for Public Comment

Image via WikipediaThe Draft Denali Park Road Vehicle Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be available for public review and comment beginning Monday, August 1, announced Superintendent Paul Anderson. The draft plan describes two action alternatives and a no action alternative for managing vehicle use on the 92 mile long Denali Park Road for the next 15-20 years.

“We have developed a reasonable range of alternatives for consideration that are responsive to the significant issues identified through the public involvement process,” stated Superintendent Anderson. “The goal of this plan is to provide a high quality experience for visitors, protect wilderness resources, wildlife, and scenic values, and maintain the unique character of the park road.”

The National Park Service is hosting a series of public meetings in August and September to discuss the draft alternatives and answer questions. Meetings will be held in Denali National Park, Fairbanks, and Anchorage. The meeting dates and times are being finalized and will be available soon at www.parkplanning.nps.gov/dena. Members of the public are invited to attend and share their suggestions and comments with park staff.

The draft document is available online at www.parkplanning.nps.gov/dena. Comments will be accepted through September 30, 2011 and can be submitted through the same website, faxed to (907) 733-1465, or mailed to the address below:

Superintendent
Denali National Park and Preserve
ATTN: Vehicle Management Plan
P.O. Box 588
Talkeetna, AK 99676

For additional information on the plan contact Miriam Valentine at (907) 733-9102 or at Miriam_Valentine@nps.gov.

Grand Opening of the Crooked Creek Information Site Valdez, Alaska

Image via Wikipedia The City of Valdez and the Chugach National Forest are happy to announce the grand opening of the Crooked Creek Information Site. On August 5, 2011 at 3:00pm, Mayor David Cobb and Teresa Benson, Chugach National Forest District Ranger for Cordova, will be on hand for the official ribbon cutting and to welcome everyone to the new site. Refreshments will be served.

The stylish new log building, which will be open from Memorial Day-Labor Day, replaces a trailer that served as a visitor information site since the late ‘90s. The new structure is more spacious and will accommodate more visitors, exhibits and displays. Located at Mile .5 on the Richardson Highway, a spot known locally as the “salmon turnaround,” the site is a popular and well-situated place to watch wildlife and spawning salmon.

Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, partners to celebrate watershed restoration on Prince of Wales Island

Image via WikipediaCRAIG, Alaska – The U.S. Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, and partners are gearing up to celebrate the completion of a critical watershed restoration project on Prince of Wales Island.

The project, known as the Harris River Restoration Project, is an important large-scale effort by a broad-based partnership of local organizations and stakeholders, state and federal agencies, and conservation groups.

The seven-plus-year project includes more than 11 miles of stream restoration; eight miles of road work to improve fish passage and reduce erosion; over 400 acres of tree thinning for habitat improvement; and extensive trail and recreation enhancements.

Primarily a fish habitat improvement project, the years-long work also created excellent recreation opportunities for the public. These include improved fishing for salmon, dolly varden, and steelhead trout; picnic sites along stream gravel bars; and a half-mile trail with signs detailing the habitat restoration process. The new Harris River trail system also includes the three-mile Harris River Trail, which leads from the Hollis Highway to the Hydaburg Highway and crosses over streams and small bridges to numerous fishing holes.

“When you see salmon in a restored pool on Harris River, you’re seeing the benefits of watershed restoration firsthand,” said Randy Hagenstein, state director of The Nature Conservancy in Alaska. “A lot of dedicated people have worked hard to make this project happen, and I thank them for their long-term commitment to improving forest health.”

Tongass National Forest Supervisor Forrest Cole stressed the importance of collaborating with such a dedicated and diverse collection of stakeholders on this type of large-scale effort: “Working with partners has really become the way we’re doing business. The Harris River Restoration Project shows how partnerships can improve both forest and community health in ways that we could not accomplish alone.”

Cole continued, “We look forward to taking part in more of these collaborative projects.”

On Thursday, August 25, the public is invited to take part in the Prince of Wales Restoration Celebration, a day-long series of activities that will commemorate the completion of the Harris River project. First, a daytime tour of the extensive project site leaves Craig High School at 11:00 a.m. Lunch and transportation will be provided.

Then, at 5:00 p.m. at Craig High School, the evening events will feature dinner and an awards ceremony, followed by a performance by the Klawock Heenya Dancers and a slide presentation by acclaimed photographer Amy Gulick, author of the book, Salmon in the Trees: Life in Alaska’s Tongass Rain Forest. Gulick’s talk also marks the opening of an exhibition of photographs from her book at Craig High School. The entire event is free and open to the public.

For more information about the Prince of Wales Restoration Celebration, contact the Tongass National Forest, Craig Ranger District at (907) 826-3271 or visit www.myalaskaforests.com. Anyone interested in learning more about the Harris River Restoration Project can visit http://nature.org/harrisriver or see the interactive Google map and video at http://go.usa.gov/Kqb.