Cook Inletkeeper - ACE'S, Peg Tileston's WHAT'S UP

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WHAT'S UP – July 16, 2008- Compiled Weekly by Peg Tileston
On behalf of the Alaska Women’s Environmental Network (AWEN), Alaska Center for the Environment (ACE), and Alaska Conservation Alliance (ACA)

WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS, TRAINING & STATEWIDE TELECONFERENCED EVENTS

July, Tuesday evenings (space still available)
A NATURALIST'S INTRODUCTION is continuing at the BLM Campbell Creek Science Center on Tuesday evenings during July. Interested in learning more about Alaska’s plants, animals, and other living things? Wish you had the skills to observe and record the things you see outside? A Naturalist's Introduction is designed to teach adults basic naturalist skills. Sign up for as many of the remaining classes as you like--insects, plants, mammals, mushrooms--for $20/class. For more information, please call 267-1247.

**July 15 -18
CORDOVA - The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council is sponsoring an INTEGRATED HERRING WORKSHOP in the Masonic Hall, 400 First Street. Daily Sessions begin at 9:00 a.m. The public is welcome to attend.

July 29 & August 12 (Teleconferences)
Informational teleconferences will be held from 1:30 to 3:30pm on the above dates to gather comments to IDENTIFY and DEVELOP CHANGES to the ALASKA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (ACMP) that will strengthen the ACMP as a State program, that will benefit applicants and the public in the coordination of projects, and that will enhance the coastal district participation and input into State decision-making regarding activities occurring in the coastal area and on the outer continental shelf. DNR will host these teleconference meetings to allow ACMP participants to gather information, share ideas, and ask questions about the ACMP laws and/or revision process. However, DNR WILL NOT BE TAKING PUBLIC COMMENT at these meetings - you must submit your comments in writing by AUGUST 15 deadline. The teleconference call-in number is 1-800-315-6338, code 1237 #. If you intend to participate, please call (907) 465-3562 to RSVP at least 24 hours in advance of the teleconference. For more information or to submit comments, Contact Randy Bates at (907) 465-8797 of FAX (907) 465-3075. Additional information on this effort, including the ACMP laws, solicitation letter, and relevant material, can be found on the ACMP web site at http://alaskacoast.state.ak.us/.

July 24 - 26
SEWARD - ALASKA BUILDING SCIENCE NETWORK SUMMER SYMPOSIUM Join Alaska's and North America's Building Science experts as we learn about and discuss Weatherization, Energy Retrofits and ways to move Alaska's Building Sciences ahead of the game. This years Conference theme is Weatherization & Energy Retrofits. Speakers include Bruce Manclark, Linda Wigington, John Davies, Cal Steiner, Betsy Pettit (invited), Terry Brennan (invited), and Barbara Miller (invited), AHFC (invited). Topics include: Wxn Program Development-What Makes a Good Wxn Program; Running Weatherization Crews; Wxn & Pressure Diagnostics; HVAC-Sealing & Fixing Duct Systems; IAQ Considerations in Wxn; Cold Climate Housing Research Center Update; Alaska's Statewide Energy Efficiency Plan Update; Beyond Business as Usual-Deep Energy Reductions of Existing Homes. Registration form and additional information are available at: http://www.absn.com or call 800.563.9927. For information concerning Seward, go to http://www.sewardak.org/directory.htm and http://www.sewardak.org/directory.htm.

July 26
ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP will be held from 4 to 8pm at the Eagle River Nature Center. CHRIS ERICKSON will teach hands-on techniques for Astrophotography. Participants should have a digital SLR (Canon or Nikon preferred) and bring their laptop computer with software for photo editing, image processing software (Adobe, Phase One LE, or other). Participants will receive complimentary astrophotography tools and software. Limited to 10-15 participants (minimum of 3 required). $25 fee; Registration required. Call 694-2108 for more information or to register.

July 28 – 30
DENALI NATIONAL PARK - FIELD COURSE – DENALI FIELD JOURNALING will be offered by the Murie Science and Learning Center. In any season and any weather, a journal offers people the opportunity to slow down, observe, reflect, and renew their connection to the living world. Join long-time Denali resident and writer Tom Walker for field-based journaling in one of the most pristine natural landscapes and ecosystems in the world. While exploring Denali, we will learn how to make detailed observations in the field and capture these dramatic scenes as they occur. Participants will stay at a field camp located 29 miles inside Denali National Park along the Teklanika River. The Field Camp includes rustic tent cabins and a common dining tent. All meals, accommodations, transportation, and instruction are included in the $330 course fee. For more information or to register, go to www.murieslc.org, email courses@murieslc.org, or call 1-888-688-1269.

**September 3 - 5
ANCHORAGE - NATIONAL RURAL ITS CONFERENCE will be held at the Captain Cook Hotel and is sponsored in part by the Alaska University Transportation Center, Cambridge Systematics, Inc., ITS Alaska, ITS America, Quixote Transportation Technologies, Telvent, USDOT ITS Joint Program Office, and Western Transportation Institute. For more information, go to http://www.nritsconference.org/.

**September 12 & 13 (Overnight)
STERLING - ALASKA’S BOREAL FOREST- A FIELD BASED COURSE will be held at the USF&WS EE Center on Swan Lake Rd near Sterling. This course provides teachers with two dynamic sets of curriculum, Projects Learning Tree and Project WILD. Using lessons from the both K-8 and secondary guides, the instructors will demonstrate how the natural world provides a hook to catch children’s interest. This is an advanced workshop that provides hands-on field based experiences that emphasize role playing, modeling, sampling, data collecting, observation and interpretation. Three core content areas are: Forest sampling, Stream sampling, and Habitat analysis using GPS. 1 Credit through KPC. Cost: $30 for materials. Instructors: Matt Weaver matt.weaver@alaska.gov and John Tyson john.tyson@alaska.gov. To Register contact Matt Weaver 907-269-8481, Fax 907-761-6233 or email Matt.weaver@alaska.gov.

**September 26 & 27
SOLDOTNA - FIRE IN ALASKA course will be presented at from 4:30 to 8:30pm on the 26th and 8am to 4:30pm on the 27th at Skyview High School sponsored by Western State Fire Managers. The course, ED 580R, features dynamic curriculum that provides educators with the knowledge and materials to teach fire ecology, fire behavior, and fire safety. The class is hands on and completion entitles participants to check out fire trunks loaded with teaching materials. Fire in Alaska is certified for salary schedule placement and qualifies participants DOE recertification. Limited to 16. Cost: Credit free/materials $20.00. Credit: UAA/1/graded. Instructors: Matt Weaver matt.weaver@alaska.gov and John Tyson john.tyson@alaska.gov. To Register. Contact Matt Weaver at 907-269-8481, Fax 907-/761-6233 or email Matt.weaver@alaska.gov.

**September 24 - 27
ANCHORAGE – The NORTHERN COMMUNITY in the 21st CENTURY: SEEKING THE BALANCE in a CHANGING NORTH is sponsored by the Northern Research Forum, together with the Fifth NRF Organizing Committee representing the Alaska Native Science Commission, Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau, Anchorage Museum of History and Art, Chickaloon Village Traditional Council, Cinza Research, Institute of the North, Inuit Circumpolar Council, Office of the Governor of Alaska, The Northern Forum, University of Alaska Anchorage, and US Arctic Research Commission. The program will have several integrated sub-themes and regional case studies. Discussions are expected to highlight in particular the matters of the role of research and the social relevance of science in addressing The Accessible Arctic - Linking the North, within and without, in the Global Economy; The Future of Northern Cooperation; Leadership under the Conditions of Uncertainty - How do we sustain and build a healthy Northern Community?; and The New Geography of a Warming North. Deadline for early-bird registration: August 15. For For more information, go to www.nrf.is.

GRANTS & AWARDS

August 1
Deadline for requests for the TRAILS AND CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM GRANTS for outdoor recreation and natural resource conservation projects statewide. A signed hard copy of the application and letters of support should be sent to Lisa Holzapfel, Program Manager, National Park Service, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, 240 West 5th Ave., Room 114, Anchorage, Alaska 99501. It can be followed up with an email back up. Since RTCA staff will be out in the field a lot during June and July, you want to be sure a hard copy is received by August 1, as email boxes may be full when you attempt to send in email. To learn more about RTCA, go to www.nps.gov/rtca. To scope out potential Alaska projects, please talk with Alaska RTCA staff to discuss your project in more detail prior to applying:
Lisa Holzapfel 907-644-3586, Heather Rice 907-644-3587, and Cassie Thomas 907-644-3590.

August 15
Deadline for applications for HIKING TRAIL ENHANCEMENTS GRANTS from the American Hiking Society: National Trails Fund. The National Trails provides support to grassroots nonprofit organizations working toward establishing, protecting, and maintaining foot trails in America. Grants help give local organizations the resources they need to secure access, volunteers, tools, and materials to protect America's public trails. Support is provided for projects that increase trail lands, including the cost associated with the acquisition of trails, trail corridors, and conservation easements. In addition, projects that will result in visible and substantial ease of access, improved hiker safety, and/or avoidance of environmental damage are considered. Higher preference is often given to projects with volunteer labor. For more information, grant guidelines, and application form, go to http://www.americanhiking.org/NTF.aspx.

August 15
Deadline for applications for grants from the AMERICAN HIKING SOCIETY 2009 NATIONAL TRAILS FUND. The National Trails Fund is an ambitious effort to preserve community hiking trails across the nation. This year, Nature Valley's Save the Trails program donated $50,000 to double the size of the 2009 National Trails Fund. This means that 10 applicants will each be awarded $5,000. Non-profit organizations may apply by visiting www.wheresyours.com or www.americanhiking.org. In addition to the written proposal, applicants are required to upload video or images. On Sept. 30, 2008, the American Hiking Society will post its top 20 submissions on www.americanhiking.org for public voting during the month of October. The top 10 entries, announced in April 2009, will each receive $5,000 to repair their respective trails. Video and photos are available on the following news release to help tell the story: http://prnewswire.com/mnr/naturevalley/33439/.

September 1
Deadline for grant preproposal applications for the ConocoPhillips SPIRIT of CONSERVATION MIGRATORY BIRD PROGRAM, which is administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The program provides grants for MIGRATORY BIRD HABITAT CONSERVATION PROJECTS in areas where ConocoPhillips has an operating presence. A total of $600,000 will be distributed with a minimum grant size of $25,000. Invited full proposals must be submitted by November 1. Program details and application instructions are available on the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation website at http://www.nfwf.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Search&template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=9175.

September 5
Deadline for applications for the NATIONAL FISH AND WILDLIFE FOUNDATION REFUGE SYSTEM SUPPORT GRANTS to help organizations be effective co-stewards of important natural resources within the National Wildlife Refuge System. The support grant program provides competitive seed grants of $1,500 to $5,000 to creative and innovative proposals that seek to increase the number and effectiveness of organizations interested in assisting the Refuge System nationwide. Eligible organizations include refuge Friends organizations, cooperative and interpretive associations, Audubon chapters, and other citizen support organizations. Start-up grants will help start other refuge Friends organizations with formative and/or initial operational support. Capacity building grants strengthen the capacity of existing refuge Friends organizations to enable them to be more effective. Project specific grants support a specific project such as conservation education programs for local schools, habitat restoration projects, building an observational tower, developing and providing interpretive materials and programs, or watchable wildlife programs. Grant Range: $1,500 To $5,000. For more information, contact Ellen Gabel, Program Director, at 202-857-0166 or Ellen.Gabel@nfwf.org.or go to http://www.nfwf.org/am/template.cfm?section=search&template=/cm/htmldisplay.cfm&contentid=9473.

DEADLINES

**July 23, 24, 28
Deadline for comments of the following MULTI-AGENCY (STATE AND FEDERAL) APPLICATIONS for PLACER MINING in the following locations:
   FAIRHAVEN MINING DISTRICT near the town of NORTHWEST ARCTIC       BOROUGH Northwest Arctic Borough: APMA F20087388 (7/23)
   KOUGAROK MINING DISTRICT near the town of MARYS IGLOO Bering Straits CRSA: APMA F20089778 (7/23)
   KOUGAROK MINING DISTRICT near the town of COUNCIL. Bering Straits CRSA: APMA F20089053 (7/24)
   **YENTNA MINING DISTRICT in the TALKEETNA C-2 QUADRANGLE        APMA A20086027 (7/28)
The Mining Section of the Div. of Mining, Land & Water proposes to issue a MISCELLANEOUS LAND USE PERMIT for MINING and/or EXPLORATION ACTIVITY on state mining claims as well as reclamation approval on state or private lands. WINTER CROSS COUNTRY TRAVEL on state lands not within state mining claims may also be authorized. WATER RIGHTS or TEMPORARY WATER USE PERMITS may be issued and state land use beyond the mining claims will be adjudicated by DNR. Applications for mining-related activity within the Coastal Zone require a Consistency determination by the Division of Coastal and Ocean Management (DCOM). Additional information may be found at the Alaska Coastal Management Program (ACMP) at http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/acmp/ since the proposed activity does not include the disposal of a state interest and the authorization is a revocable permit. Your comments about this activity will receive consideration even though THIS IS A COURTESY NOTICE provided they are received within 14 days (21 days for locations within the Coastal Zone) from the posting date of this notice. Other State Agencies which use this application include the Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Fish and Game (ADF&G) and Revenue (DOA). Federal Agencies include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), and U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) also reviews this application. These agencies adjudicate this application for the permits they require for mining related activities. Their adjudication may include additional separate notice and there is the opportunity to comment on the same activity to each of the agencies. Mining Fact Sheets about the Agencies which receive the application can be found at http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/mlw/factsht/mine_fs/apmathru.pdf and http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/mlw/factsht/mine_fs/fed_permits.pdf. A more detailed discussion of the agencies that use this application is given in the application itself http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/mlw/forms/08apma/placer.pdf. For more information or to submit comments, contact Jack Kerin by phone at (907) 451-2736, by fax at 451-2703, by email at jack.kerin@alaska.gov for the Northern Region and Linda Books by phone (907) 269-8647, by fax at 269-8949, by email at linda.books@alaska.gov. for the Southcentral or Southeast Region.

July 17
Deadline for comments on the AIRCRAFT DE-ICING PLAN at the ANCHORAGE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. Jet Enviro De-Icing wants to improve aviation safety and keep toxic antifreeze chemicals out of Cook Inlet by leasing land at the airport for an FAA-approved infrared de-icing hangar. Currently, all the carriers at the Anchorage International Airport use thousands of gallons of ethylene glycol-containing antifreeze to defrost planes every winter, and during bad weather, the levels far exceed permit limits with the EPA. Untreated glycol goes into Lake Hood and Cook Inlet and sucks the oxygen out of the water. In November, the EPA is coming out with new draft regulations that will be much stricter, and it would cost $100 million to build an antifreeze treatment facility. For more information http://www.akcenter.org/documents/programs/anchorage/transportation/JEDI_Brochure1.pdf. Send comments to Teresa Ressler, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Leasing, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, P.O. Box 196960, Anchorage, AK, 99519-6960

July 17
Deadline for comments on INCIDENTAL HARASSMENT AUTHORIZATION (IHA) of MARINE MAMMALS from SPECIFIED ACTIVITIES; SEISMIC SURVEY in the BEAUFORT SEA during the summer 2008 associated with exploratory three-dimensional (3D) marine seismic survey. For more information, go to http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications.A copy of the 2006 Minerals Management Service’s (MMS) Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) and/or the NMFS/MMS Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement(DPEIS) are available on the Internet at: http://www.mms.gov/alaska/. For further information contact Candace Nachman, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, (301) 713–2289 or Brad Smith, NMFS, Alaska Region, (907) 271–3023.

July 21 (Additional Information)
Deadline for comments on the request for an ADJUDICATORY HEARING on the PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND TANKER OIL SPILL RESPONSE and CONTINGENCY PLAN. Copies of the hearing request may be obtained by contacting Gary Mendivil at 907- 465-5061, Fax: (907) 465-5070, or e-mail: Gary.Mendivil@alaska.gov Additional information is available at the PWS RCAC website: http://www.pwsrcac.net/committees/ospr/documents/LakoshTanker.html or from Tom Lakosh at lakosh@gci.net.

July 21
NOME - Comments are due on proposal to REISSUE THE WASTEWATER DISCHARGE PERMIT for CRAIG COGGINS and ISSUE PERMITS for WESLEY DEVORE and JIM GRIBBEN. The NPDES permits regulate the discharge of wastewater from SUCTION DREDGE OPERATIONS in Norton Sound. Send comments to Cindi Godsey at godsey.cindi@epa.gov or faxed to (206) 553-0165. All comments should include name, address, phone number, a concise statement of basis for the comment and relevant facts upon which it is based. A request for public hearing must state the nature of the issues to be raised as well as the requester’s name, address and telephone number. Persons wishing to comment on State Certification should submit written comments to AK Dept. of Environmental Conservation (ADEC), Div. of Water, ATTN: Shawn Stokes, 555 Cordova Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501. Copies of the documents are available at http://www.epa.gov/r10earth/waterpermits.htm.

July 22
Comments are due on the INNOKO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE DRAFT REVISED COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN and DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT. These documents, information on meeting, and how to comment are available at http://alaska.fws.gov/nwr/planning/innpol.htm. For more information or to submit comments, contact Rob Campellone, Planning Team Leader at 907-3982 or email fw7-innoko-planning@fws.gov or go to http://innoko.fws.gov.

July 23
Deadline for comments of the following Multi-Agency (State and Federal) applications for HARDROCK MINING EXPLORATION in the following locations:
       VALDEZ CREEK MINING DISTRICT in the Healy A-6 Quadrangle APMA A20085661 (Comments are due 7/23)
Div. of Mining, Land & Water proposes to issue a MISCELLANEOUS LAND USE PERMIT for mining and/or exploration activity on state mining claims as well as reclamation approval on state or private lands. WINTER CROSS COUNTRY TRAVEL on state lands not within state mining claims may also be authorized. WATER RIGHTS or TEMPORARY WATER USE PERMITS may be issued and state land use beyond the mining claims will be adjudicated by DNR. Applications for mining-related activity within the Coastal Zone require a Consistency determination by the Division of Coastal and Ocean Management (DCOM). Additional information may be found at the Alaska Coastal Management Program (ACMP) website at http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/acmp/. DNR authorizations include Alaska Coastal Zone Consistency, Water Use Permits, Miscellaneous Land Use Permits, Approved Plan of Operations, and Reclamation Plan of Approval for a Mining Operation. Comments about this activity will receive consideration even though this is a COURTESY NOTICE provided they are received within 14 days (21 days for locations within the Coastal Zone) from the posting date of this notice. Other State Agencies which use this application include the Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Fish and Game (ADF&G) and Revenue (DOA). Federal Agencies include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), and U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) also reviews this application. These agencies adjudicate this application for the permits they require for mining related activities. Their adjudication may include additional separate notice and there is the opportunity to comment on the same activity to each of the agencies. Mining Fact Sheets about the Agencies which receive the application can be found at http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/mlw/factsht/mine_fs/apmathru.pdf and http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/mlw/factsht/mine_fs/fed_permits.pdf. A more detailed discussion of the agencies that use this application is given in the application itself http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/mlw/forms/08apma/placer.pdf. For more information or to submit comments, contact Jack Kerin by phone at (907) 451-2736, by fax at 451-2703, by email at jack.kerin@alaska.gov, Linda Books by phone (907) 269-8647, by fax at 269-8949, by email at linda.books@alaska.gov for Southcentral or Southeast Regions.

July 25
Deadline for comments on INCIDENTAL HARASSMENT AUTHORIZATION (IHA) of MARINE MAMMALS FROM SPECIFIED ACTIVITIES; SEISMIC SURVEY IN THE BEAUFORT and CHUKCHI SEAS while conducting marine geophysical programs, including deep seismic surveys, on oil and gas lease blocks located on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) waters in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas during the Arctic Ocean open-water seasons between August 1, 2008 and July 31, 2009, incidental to conducting these seismic surveys. For more information, contact Kenneth Hollinghead at 301-713-2289 or Brad Smith at 907-271-3023. Written comments should be addressed to Mr. P. Michael Payne at PR1.XD76@noaa.gov. A copy of the application (containing a list of the references used in this document) may be obtained at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#iha. A copy of the Minerals Management Service (MMS) Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment (Final PEA) and the NMFS/MMS Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (Draft PEIS) are available at: http://www.mms.gov/alaska/.

July 28
Comment are due regarding consideration of NEW FEDERAL STANDARDS proposed to AMEND the PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY ACT (Regulatory Commission of Alaska Docket R-06-5) on three of the new standards proposed by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPA) (NET METERING, FUEL SOURCE DIVERSIFICATION, and FOSSIL FUEL EFFICIENCY). The standards would apply to electric utilities with total annual retail sales greater than 500 million kilowatt hours. EPAct NET METERING STANDARDS require an electric utility to make net metering service available to any of its customers upon request, and define ‘net metering service’ as service whereby electric energy generated by an electric consumer from an eligible on-site generating facility and delivered to the local distribution facilities may be used to offset electric energy provided by the electric utility to the electric consumer during the applicable billing period. The Commission tentatively decided to implement the federal net metering standard, and to open a docket to craft specific net metering and interconnection regulations. In that docket, the Commission will also consider whether to require electric utilities to adopt a SUSTAINABLE NATURAL ALTERNATIVE POWER (SNAP) program. EPA FOSSIL FUEL GENERATION EFFICIENCY STANDARDS require each electric utility to develop and implement a 10-year plan to increase the efficiency of its fossil fuel generation. The Commission tentatively decided to decline to adopt the federal fossil fuel generation efficiency standard. EPA FUEL DIVERSITY STANDARDS require each electric utility to develop a plan to minimize dependence on one fuel source and to ensure that the electric energy it sells to consumers is generated using a diverse range of fuels and technologies, including renewable technologies. The Commission tentatively decided to adopt the federal fuel diversity standard, but intends to refine the federal standard so that cost efficiency may be considered when establishing fuel diversity requirements. For more information, go to http://rca.alaska.gov/RCAWeb/home.aspx and go to “All Open Rule-making Dockets” under “Top Searches”, and choose matter number R-06-005. Send comments to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska at 701 West Eighth Avenue, Suite 300, Anchorage, Alaska 99501.Please reference Docket R-06-5 in comments.

**July 28
Comments are due on the proposal to CONVEY APPROXIMATELY 24,821 ACRES from the state to the DENALI BOROUGH. A portion of the conveyance is currently classified as WILDLIFE HABITAT IN THE NENANA CANYON. Conveyance will remove the “wildlife habitat” status from the Northern Nenana Canyon in the area between Moody Bridge and Iceworm Gulch. The AK Dept. of Fish & Game recommend retaining these lands in state ownership because they are important habitat for moose, grizzly bear, black bear, and various birds of prey. The agency also indicated the area was one of the most important recreation areas in the state north of Denali. For more information, go to http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/mlw/muni/index.htm. To submit comments, contact Merry Johnson at (907)269-8129, Fax: (907)269-8915 or email merry.johnson@alaska.gov.

July 29
Comments are due on proposal for GOODNEWS BAY AIRPORT RECONSTRUCTION. This project is being reviewed for consistency with the Alaska Coastal Management Program. Comments about inconsistency must identify the relevant enforceable policy and explain how the project is not consistent with that policy. The proposed project is to expand the Goodnews Bay, Alaska airport to improve airport safety and to bring the facility into compliance with the Alaska Statewide Transportation Plan and current Federal Aviation Administration standards. The project would rotate the runway two degrees clockwise and expand its length and width. The new runway would be 75' x 3,300' with a 150' x 3,900' safety area and ancillary pads for navigation lights. The project also includes a 275' x 480' apron, a 35' x 283' taxiway with a 79' safety area, a 20' by 1,271' access road, and a 120' x 120' pad for wind cone, segmented circle and beacon. The project subject to this consistency review is the placement of 150,000 cubic yards of clean fill material in 13.92 acres of wetlands. Fill material would be obtained from the old runway, apron and taxiway as well as existing upland material sites. Construction of the airport embankment would occur in the winter. Slopes would be staked prior to construction to prevent fill from encroaching onto adjacent wetlands. Erosion and sediment control measures would be employed to prevent siltation of adjacent wetlands. To compensate for lost fish rearing habitat and channels, the applicant proposes to create 0.25 acre of rearing habitat and 1,000 feet of fish passage channels adjacent to those that would be filled. To compensate for unavoidable impacts to 13.92 acres of wetlands, the applicant would deposit $33,255 into the Alaska Wetlands Conservation Fund prior to construction. For more information or to submit comments, contact Jim Renkert, Project Review Coordinator Alaska Coastal Management Program, at 907-269-0029, Fax: 907-269-3981 or email: jim.renkert@alaska.gov. For information about the ACMP, go to http://www.alaskacoast.state.ak.us/.

July 30
DELTA JUNCTION - Deadline for comments on a Corps permit request to REPLACE the SHAW CREEK BRIDGE and reconstruct approximately 1,800 feet of the Richardson Highway approaches on the existing alignment. The project is located approximately 22 miles northwest of Delta Junction. The project proposes to excavate approximately 9900 cubic yards (cy) of material for, and discharge about 7800 cy fill into .81 acres of waters, including wetlands. The purpose of the project is to accommodate oversized loads and those in excess of standard legal weights to accommodate the transport of larger loads between Fairbanks, Delta Junction, and Valdez. The new bridge will be 180 feet longer than the current bridge. The banks beneath would be graded to a 2:1 slope and riprapped. For more information or to submit comments, contact Sharon Seim at 907-47402166, 907-474-2164 FAX or email Sharon.G.Seim@usace.army.mil. Please refer to POA-2006-1393.

July 31
Deadline for comments on the DRAFT TANANA BASIN AREA PLAN AMENDMENT. The purpose of the Amendment is to reassess plan classifications and guidelines that determine which state lands may be conveyable to the Denali Borough. The borough has a remaining municipal entitlement of approximately 29,000 acres. While the Denali Borough has selected its lands, they cannot be conveyed under the classification in the 1991 plan without amending the plan. Concurrent with this amendment, the Dept. of Natural Resources has issued a Preliminary Decision to convey approximately 24,821 acres to the Denali Borough. The plan amendment and land conveyance are proposed in separate, but related, decision documents and are available at http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/mlw/muni/index.htm. For more information or to submit comments, contact Merry Johnson at (907)269-8129, Fax: (907)269-8915 or email .merry.johnson@alaska.gov.

August 1
Deadline for APPLICATIONS for the 2008 AYEA ART in ACTION TRAINING: TELLING OUR STORIES. Do you enjoy music, art, and media? Are you a teen interested in environmental issues? Then you should apply to participate in Alaska Youth for Environmental Action’s (AYEA) Art in Action Training: This year, AYEA is partnering with Art in Action, a Youth Leadership Program from Oakland, California, to train 20 Alaskan youth in art, media, and leadership skills. The AYEA Art in Action Training will focus on music, spoken word, poetry, dance, theater, and digital storytelling; as well as environmental issues important to the young people of Alaska. Participants will learn skills that encourage the youth voice through use of socially relevant popular education, community-building, and creative expression. This training opportunity promises to be uniquely inspiring as AYEA partners with Art
in Action for a one-time only Training event! Dates of event: September 11- 14th in Anchorage. Ages 13-18 can apply. Tuition: $50, includes accommodations, training, materials, and meals for the entire week. Does not include travel, but SCHOLARSHIPS are available! For more information, go to www.ayea.org or email Anna Barnwell at akintern5@nwf.org, or call 907-339-3903. APPLICATIONS available at www.ayea.org.

August 1
Comments are due on Draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) GENERAL PERMITS for DISCHARGES INCIDENTAL to the NORMAL OPERATION of a VESSEL to cover discharges incidental to the normal operation of COMMERCIAL VESSELS and recreational vessels greater than or equal to 79 feet in length and an NPDES RECREATIONAL GENERAL PERMIT (RGP) to cover discharges incidental to the normal operation of RECREATIONAL VESSELS LESS THAN 79 FEET in LENGTH. For more information, go to the Federal Register notice at http://www.epa.gov/npdes/regulations/vessel_frnotice.pdf.. Send comments to ow-docket@epa.gov or http://www.regulations.gov: Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. Comments should be identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OW–2008–0055 for the VGP (Commercial Vessel General Permit) or Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2008–0056 for the RGP( Recreational General Permit).

August 1
Deadline for submitting nomination for the Appointment of 2008-2010 Members
EXXON VALDEZ OIL SPILL PUBLIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE. The term for all 15 members of the Public Advisory Committee (PAC) ends October 2008. The PAC Charter will be renewed as of October 2008, and it is desirable to have the two-year membership synchronized with the two-year Charter period. The process for selecting PAC members for the next two-year session follows the process the Trustee Council used for past membership selection. Current members of the PAC are eligible for re-nomination and reappointment. The Trustee Council will review the nominations and recommend membership to the Trustees, and upon their approval, to the Secretary of the Interior for official appointment. For more information, go to http://www.evostc.state.ak.us/People/PAC.cfm.

**August 6
Deadline for comments on the 2008 ABC LIST REVISION for the ALASKA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. The Div. of Coastal and Ocean Management (DCOM) has initiated a comprehensive revision of the "List of Expedited Consistency Reviews and State Authorizations Subject to the Alaska Coastal Management Program (ACMP)", otherwise known as the "ABC List". DCOM will be conducting a statewide ACMP consistency review of the A List and the B-I List revisions and is requesting consistency comments on those two components of the ABC List. The B-II list and the C List are also being provided for technical review and DCOM is requesting public comments and recommendations on the technical changes completed on the B-II List and the C List. Alaska Statute 46.40.096(m) directs DNR to establish a list of resource agency authorizations that are subject to a consistency review and develop a list of activities that are categorically or generally consistent with the ACMP. This list is entitled the List of Expedited Consistency reviews and State Authorizations Subject to the ACMP also known as the "ABC List". By statute DNR is to broaden the categorically consistent and generally consistent determinations as much as possible in order to minimize the number of projects that are subject to an individual review. The ACMP consistency review will provide a coordinated process for both public and State agency review and comment on the revised version of the ABC List. The objectives of any ACMP consistency review are to evaluate proposed projects against a set of standards and policies designed "to coordinate planning and decision making in the coastal area among levels of government and citizens engaging in or affected by activities involving the coastal resources of the state". The DCOM "ABC List Revision Working Page" site is available at: http://www.alaskacoast.state.ak.us/Clawhome/ABClist/ABClistRevision.htm. For additional information, go to http://www.alaskacoast.state.ak.us/Enews/Re-eval2008/index.html and http://www.alaskacoast.state.ak.us/. Send comments to Joe Donohue, Project Coordinator, at 907-465-4664, Fax: 907-465-3075 or email joe.donohue@alaska.gov or use the comment sheet at http://www.alaskacoast.state.ak.us/Enews/Re-eval2008/Comment_Template.doc.

**August 8
NOME - Comments are due on proposed NOVA GOLD DRIVE CONSTRUCTION located in the Nome 21st Century Subdivision Phase 2, east of the Nome municipal airport, north of the Nome Bypass, and east of the Nome-Teller Highway and within the City of Nome Coastal Resource District. Except for the water quality issues addressed through the DEC 401 Certification process, the project subject to this consistency review is the construction of Nova Gold Drive, which would be a cul-de-sac road 1300 feet in length and provide access to the Nome 21st Century Subdivision Phase II. The road would provide access to proposed residential/commercial lots along the municipal airport. Approximately 10,512 cubic yards (CY) of fill would be placed in 1.62 acres of wetlands. Fill would be obtained from existing local sources. The road would be 32 feet wide at the top with 2:1 side slopes, within a 60 foot right-of-way. The cul-de-sac portion of the road would be 46 feet wide at the top with 2:1 side slopes. Equipment to be used would include a backhoe, bulldozer, and grader. Silt fences would be installed along the road. The project would start in late summer or fall of 2008 and be completed by September of 2009. For more information or to submit comments, contact Ashley Kalli at 907-269-7475, Fax: 907-269-3981 or email: ashley.kalli@alaska.gov.

EVENTS & MEETINGS \ANCHORAGE - EAGLE RIVER & GIRDWOOD

July 19, 23 and August 21
PARK INVASIVE WEED PULL CALENDAR is as follows:
July 19, Foxtree Park Noon-2pm
July 23, Northwood Park 6-8 pm
Aug. 21, Westchester Nature Trail 3-5 pm
Please report invasive weed sightings in an Anchorage park at http://www.anchorageparkfoundation.org/projects/weedswarriors_report.htm. Identify weeds at www.uaf.edu/ces/cnipm/plants.html. To see an informative flyer on Purple Loosestrife, go to http://www.anchorageparkfoundation.org/pdf/projects/PurpleLoosestrifePoster.pdf.

July 18
FRIDAY NIGHT BIRDING ON THE COASTAL TRAIL will be held from 8 to 10pm beginning at the Westchester Lagoon parking lot. Migrant shorebirds are on the move and can be easily seen on the tideflats along the Coastal Trail. A high tide at 9:00 pm will force the birds closer to the trail where we can easily observe dowitchers, godwits, surfbirds, yellowlegs, and other shorebirds as they fuel up for their southward migration. Many rarities have been observed along this stretch of Coastal Trail during July and we will be on the watch for them. Leader: Sirena Brownlee. For more information, contact Sirena at 907-644-2070, Fax 907-644-2022 or email Sirena.Brownlee@hdrinc.com.

July 19
Information on the SEWARD HIGHWAY TO GLENN HIGHWAY CONNECTION PROJECT will be presented at the FAIRVIEW COMMUNITY PICNIC from 11am to 3pm at the Fairview Lyons Park. The environmental review process is beginning.

**July 21
CLEAN WATER INITIATIVE, BALLOT MEASURE NO. 4 is the topic for the Anchorage Chamber "Make it Monday" forum in the Egan Center at noon (doors open at 11:30). Cost: $19.50 for members, $26 for non-members. RSVP Online at http://www.anchoragechamber.org/cms/Default.asp?Page=36 or call (907) 272-2401.

July 21
HOUSEHOLD ELECTRONICS RECYCLING EVENT will be held at East High School, 4025 E. Northern Lights Blvd., from 10am to 3pm. For more information, contact Total Recaim at 561-0544 or for more details go to http://www.greenstarinc.org/electronicsrecycling2008.php.

July 23
Educational meeting will be held from 4 to 6pm and public hearing from 7pm until testimony at the over, or which ever comes first, at Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel, 239 W. 4th Avenue, on the REQUEST by the STATE to TAKE OVER the NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) PROGRAM. The State’s request includes an implementation plan that transfers the administration of specific program components from EPA to the State over a three year period from the date of program approval. If the transfer is approved, the state will administer the program, subject to continuing EPA oversight and enforcement authority. If approved, EPA will retain NPDES permitting authority and primary enforcement responsibility for the bio-solids program; over facilities operating in the Denali National Park and Preserve; over facilities discharging in Indian Country; over facilities operative outside state waters (three miles offshore); and over facilities in Clean Water Act Section 301(h) waivers. The application is available at http://www.epa.gov/r10earth/waterpermits.htm. For more information, contact Nina Kocourek at kocurek.nina@epa.gov or Greg Kellogg at kellogg.greg@epa.gov.

July 23
RAVENS is the topic beginning at 7pm at the Campbell Creek Science Center. If you’ve spent any time in Alaska you’re sure to have seen ravens. These birds are the biggest songbirds and one of the most widely distributed birds in the world. Come meet a captive raven up close and learn more about these intelligent birds from DEANN SABOL of the Bird Treatment and Learning Center. For more information, please call 267-1247.

July 26
POTTER MARSH GRAND OPENING EVENT will start with an EARLY MORNING BIRD WALK at 7am. The Potter Marsh Grand Opening Ceremonies will be held from 12 to 4pm with a Falconry demonstration will be held at 12:30pm. Anchorage Audubon volunteers will lead early morning bird walks at Potter Marsh in celebration of the grand opening of the new boardwalk. Birding stations will be set up on the board walk from 12-4 and other family friendly activities will take place during this time. Potter Marsh is much improved. Help celebrate the $3.1 million improvements to Anchorage’s popular wildlife viewing area. This family-friendly event brings you nature-related games and prizes, invertebrate sampling, birding stations along the boardwalk, shuttle tours for wildlife viewing around the marsh, birds from Bird TLC, educational animals from the Alaska Zoo, a rehabilitated eagle release, ADF&G Mobile Aquatic Classroom and more The event is sponsored by Fish and Game, US Fish and Wildlife, Alaska Zoo and Bird Treatment and Learning Center. For more information contact Megan at 562-4852.

**July 28
STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS will be given by MAYOR MARK BEGICH at the Anchorage Chamber "Make it Monday" forum in the Egan Center at noon (doors open at 11:30). Cost: $19.50 for members, $26 for non-members. RSVP Online at http://www.anchoragechamber.org/cms/Default.asp?Page=36 or call (907) 272-2401.

**July 28
The ALASKA BOTANICAL GARDEN presents renowned horticulturist DR. ALLAN ARMITAGE at 7pm at the Anchorage Museum. Cost for lecture, $10. For more information, contact the ABG Office at 907-770-3692 or go to www.alaskabg.org.

July 29
Assembly public hearing will be held on the COMPREHENSIVE PLAN USE REGULATIONS. Public hearings begin at 6pm in the Assembly Chambers, Loussac Library.

**July 29 & 31
Two public scoping meetings will be held from 5 to 8pm with presentations at 6 and 7pm to identify project issues and gather input on the SEWARD HIGHWAY TO GLENN HIGHWAY CONNECTION (H2H).
   **July 29 at the Mountain View Community Center, 315 Price St.
   **July 31 at the Fairview Elementary School,1327 Nelchina St.
For more information or to sign up for the project e-newsletter, go to www.highway2highway.com or contact Julianne Hanson at (907) 865-2202 or email contact@highway2highway.com.

**July 30
The CITIZENS & HIGHWAY USERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CHUAC) will hold their inaugural meeting from6 to 8pm at in the 1st Floor Conference Room, CIRI Building, 2525 C St..The committee will provide citizen input to the SEWARD HIGHWAY TO GLENN HIGHWAY CONNECTION (H2H) project. The agenda includes discussion of the committee’s role and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The meeting is open to the public.

MEETINGS & EVENTS OUT OF ANCHORAGE

**July 16
FAIRBANKS - RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICY for ALASKA: SUCCESSES and CHALLENGES will be presented from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the Noel Wien Library Auditorium. Join Presenter CHRIS ROSE of the Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP) as he presents on energy policy in Alaska. For more information please contact Jill Maynard at 907-750-1365 or fsjem13@uaf.edu.

**July 17
FAIRBANKS - The FAIRBANKS METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM (FMATS) is holding a POLICY COMMITTEE meeting from10am to Noon at the DOT & PF Office, 2301 Peger Road. Main Agenda Items Include: Context Sensitive Solutions in the 2009 – 2010 Unified Planning Work Program, Rail Study Eligibility, Highway Trust Fund Shortfall, Obligation Status Report, Illinois Street Cost Increase, 2007 – 2008 UPWP Reporting Summary, 2009 – 2012 TIP Development – Scoring Summary, Chena Pump/Chena Small Tracts Scope Change, and Construction Project Status Report: 2nd and Wilbur, Van Horn Road. For more information, please contact: FMATS, MPO Coordinator, Attn: Donna Gardino at (907) 459-6786, Fax: (907) 459-6787 or email djgardino@ci.fairbanks.ak.us.

**July 19
PALMER - ALASKANS FOR PALMER HAY FLATS will celebrate summer on the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge at Reflections Lake (Glenn Hwy. MP 30.6) from 10am to 5pm. Enjoy canoeing, rafting, kayaking, swimming - bring picnic, and walk the woodland trail along the river and around the lake. Free lemonade and cookies all day. Mat-Su Borough Water Rescue Team divers with rescue demonstrations, ADF&G Wildlife Enforcement Officer to answer Refuge questions, Tips on minimal impact recreation, National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) gear and water safety information, and Eagle Scout William Elliott will be there to sign off on Boy Scout Boating Merit Badges.

**July 19
DENALI NATIONAL PARK - DENALI CITIZEN’S COUNCIL will hold it’s 34TH ANNUAL MEETING at the McKinley Park Community Center beginning at 6:30pm with a dessert buffet; 7pm Denali Citizen Council updates by NANCY BALE; and at 7:30 WILLIE KARIDIS, Executive Director of Denali Education Center, will present WILDERNESS OF DENALI 100, where he shares his winter journey from January 21 through March 21 on the Toklat River. Hoping to gain an insight into the life of Charles Sheldon, the inspiration for this trip, Karidis discovered a rich connection to the meaning of wilderness and common themes we all share. For more information, please contact Julia Potter at mail@denalicitizens.org or call (907) 750-0023.

July 21
FAIRBANKS - Educational meeting will be held from 4 to 6pm and public hearing from 7pm until testimony at the over, or which ever comes first, at the Regency Fairbanks Hotel on the REQUEST by the STATE to TAKE OVER the NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) PROGRAM. The State’s request includes an implementation plan that transfers the administration of specific program components from EPA to the State over a three year period from the date of program approval. If the transfer is approved, the state will administer the program, subject to continuing EPA oversight and enforcement authority. If approved, EPA will retain NPDES permitting authority and primary enforcement responsibility for the bio-solids program; over facilities operating in the Denali National Park and Preserve; over facilities discharging in Indian Country; over facilities operative outside state waters (three miles offshore); and over facilities in Clean Water Act Section 301(h) waivers. The application is available at http://www.epa.gov/r10earth/waterpermits.htm. For more information, contact Nina Kocourek at kocurek.nina@epa.gov or Greg Kellogg at kellogg.greg@epa.gov.

July 22
JUNEAU - Educational meeting will be held from 4 to 6pm and public hearing from 7pm until testimony at the over, or which ever comes first, at Centennial Hall on the REQUEST by the STATE to TAKE OVER the NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) PROGRAM. The State’s request includes an implementation plan that transfers the administration of specific program components from EPA to the State over a three year period from the date of program approval. If the transfer is approved, the state will administer the program, subject to continuing EPA oversight and enforcement authority. If approved, EPA will retain NPDES permitting authority and primary enforcement responsibility for the bio-solids program; over facilities operating in the Denali National Park and Preserve; over facilities discharging in Indian Country; over facilities operative outside state waters (three miles offshore); and over facilities in Clean Water Act Section 301(h) waivers. The application is available at http://www.epa.gov/r10earth/waterpermits.htm. For more information, contact Nina Kocourek at kocurek.nina@epa.gov or Greg Kellogg at kellogg.greg@epa.gov.

July 22
KETCHIKAN - Public meeting will be held from 11am to 1pm and from 5 to 7pm at the Ted Ferry Civic Center to take scoping comments on the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the GRAVINA ACCESS PROJECT. For more information, go to www.gravina-access.com. For more information, contact Deborah Holman, Special Projects Administrative Coordinator, at (907) 465-1828.

July 23
FAIRBANKS - JOHN WHITEHEAD will present REMEMBERING THE STATEHOODERS—THE LEGACY OF ALASKA’S “GREATEST GENERATION at 7pm in the Schaible Auditorium. Former UAF historian and author of “Completing The Union,” John Whitehead will share his interviews with many of the delegates to the Alaska Constitutional Convention of 1955-56, and highlight their accomplishments, particularly the Alaska Constitution, the Tennessee Plan, and their adroitness in maneuvering the U.S. Congress to approve the Alaska Statehood Bill in the summer of 1958. Admission is free.

July 23
PETERSBURG - Open House/Public workshop will be held from 3 to 7pm at the Scandia House to concerning the MOUNTAIN POINT LIGHTHOUSE SUBDIVISION located approximately 5 miles south of Petersburg. This project includes the subdivision of approximately 76 acres on the west side of the Wrangell Narrows. For more information, contact Laurie Swartz, University of Alaska Land Management, at (907) 450-8133.

**July 23
BARROW - DALTON HIGHWAY SCENIC BYWAY CORRIDOR PARTNERSHIP public meeting will be held from 4 to 8pm (formal presentation 5 to 7pm) in the Inupiat Heritage Center to discuss the Dalton Highway State Scenic Byway Corridor Partnership Plan (CPP) planning process. The purpose of this meeting is to engage the public, government agencies, businesses, and other stake holders in developing the Corridor Partnership Plan, which can be used to apply for grant funding for corridor improvements, educational displays, public outreach, and more. The public meeting will include an introduction to the State Scenic Byways program and the CPP planning process, and provide participants an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. All interested parties are encouraged to participate. For more information contact Aneta Synan at 907.465.8769 or Kathlene Rowell 907.269.8742.

July 24
BIG LAKE - PLANNING TEAM WORKSHOP #6 will be held from 6 to 9pm at the Big Lake Elementary School. The raft Big Lake Trail Plan is available at http://www.agnewbeck.com/pdf/matsu/Big_Lake/TrailsPlan_Draft.pdf

July 30
FAIRBANKS - GARY LAURSEN will talk about MUSHROOMS of ALASKA at 7pm in the Schaible Auditorium at the Discovering Alaska: A Summer Lecture Series. With unbridled enthusiasm mycologist Gary Laursen will share with you his expertise on the critical role that fungi play in the northern environment. He will be showing slides of Alaskan mushroom species. Admission is free.

July 31
FAIRBANKS - REEL HISTORY -DOCUMENTING ALASKA: THE ODYSSEY OF CAPTAIN HEALY will be shown at 7pm in the Schiable Auditorium. From slave to Revenue Cutter Captain Mike Healy influenced change in Alaska representing the U.S. government and its justice in the Arctic. He charted and patrolled the treacherous waters of the Bering Sea, confronted rum-runners and poachers and foresaw the extermination of marine animals caused by unrestrained harvesting.

**August 1
SOLDOTNA - Public meeting will be held from 5 to 8pm at the Kenai River Center to take comments on the KENAI NWR DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN AND DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT. Once finalized, the plan will provide overall guidance and direction for management of the Refuge for the next 15 years. The documents are available at http://alaska.fws.gov/nwr/planning/kenpol.htm. For more information, contact Rob Campellone at 907-786-3982 or email fw7_kenai_planning@fws.gov.

ITEMS OF INTEREST

**BLM is preparing to revise the DELTA NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVER MANAGEMENT PLAN and is requesting scoping comments. The Delta River Management Plan will contain three parts: (1) a revision of the 1983 Delta National Wild and Scenic River Management Plan (NWSR Plan), (2) a Delta River Special Recreation Management Area Plan (SRMA Plan), and (3) an associated Land Use Plan (LUP) Amendment to the East Alaska Resource Management Plan (EARMP The Delta National Wild and Scenic River corridor and the Delta River SRMA comprise exactly the same boundaries, and this boundary represents the planning area for the Delta River Management Plan. The revised Delta NWSR Plan is an update of the 1983 Delta River Management Plan, and is a broad plan that addresses management actions for all of the resources within the planning area. The Delta River SRMA Plan focuses on recreation management decisions within the planning area. The SRMA Plan process requires the BLM to use a Benefits Based Management approach to recreation resource management within the river corridor. The LUP Amendment is necessary because changes have been proposed to some of the recreation management decisions that were made in the EARMP. Comments are requested that identifies resources, resource values, issues and concerns, and LUP Amendment planning criteria. Additional information on the Delta River Management Plan efforts, including the associated planning bulletin and maps, can be found at http://www.blm.gov/ak/st/en/fo/gdo/delta_wild_and_scenic.html. For more information, contact Marnie Graham, Public Affairs Specialist, at 907-822-3217 or email marnie_graham@blm.gov.

**CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMISSION ON FEDERAL AREAS (CACFA) has opened an office in Fairbanks. STAN LEAPHART has been selected as the Executive Director. The Commission's Executive Committee, headed by Chairman Rick Schikora selected Leaphart to administer the activities of the 12 member Commission. The Commission was reestablished last year. The Commission was originally created in 1981 following passage of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) and operated successfully until 1999 when its state funding was eliminated. The Commission is charged with researching issues and determining the impact of federal statutes, regulations and management decisions on the citizens of Alaska in order to minimize or resolve potential conflicts. The appointment returns Leaphart to the same position he held with the Commission from 1984 to 1999. He began working for the original Citizens Advisory Commission in 1982 following 7 years of military service and graduation from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. For more information visit the CACFA web site at http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/commis/cacfa/ or contact Stan Leaphart at Stan.Leaphart@alaska.gov or 907.374.3737.

**ANCHORAGE PARKS & RECREATION is offering a wide selection of activities for July and early August, including Kite Skills for Kite Boarding/ Kite Skiing (July 25); Nordic Walking (periodic introduction class, and ongoing workouts Tues & Thurs), Landscape Photography (July 25-31); Mid Eastern Dance (starts July 22); Rock Hounding (July 21 & 23); GPS Operations & Navigation skills clinic (Aug 1, 5, & 9); Outdoor Art (Plein Air) classes (Quick Draw Bragaw - July 17 & 19 and Pioneer’s Perspective - Aug 8 & 10); Mushroom Vroom – learnin’ the ‘shrooms walk (Aug 6); and many more programs, events and activities throughout the year. For more information go to http://www.muni.org/iceimages/parks/RPNewsletter.pdf for the biweekly newsletter, http://www.muni.org/parks for their home page, find a Nordic Walking schedule at http://www.muni.org/iceimages/parks/NordicWalkingSnowshoeing%20.pdf, or contact Ronn Randall, Outdoor, Adventure and Fitness Programmer, at 343-4260, Cell 350-1692, Fax 561-0116 or email randallr@muni.org. Volunteers needed!

RASMUSON FOUNDATION EXPANDS SABBATICAL PROGRAM so that executives from tribes and all nonprofit sectors will be eligible to apply for the 2009 Rasmuson Foundation Sabbatical Program that is designed to provide time away from the office for rest, personal renewal and professional growth. Those who hold the positions of CEO, president, executive director or tribal administrator can apply by downloading application materials from the Rasmuson Foundation website at http://www.rasmuson.org/index.php?switch=viewpage&pageid=112. In addition, anyone knowing a nonprofit or tribal leader that would benefit from a Sabbatical can nominate that person online at the website, and an application package will be mailed to their nominee. There have been 20 sabbatical recipients since the program began in 2004. Sabbaticals can run from two to six continuous months. Each grant awarded can total up to $30,000 to cover salary and expenses incurred during the sabbatical. The application requires a written plan for how the organization will be managed in the leader's absence and a letter from the organization's board endorsing their executive's decision to apply for the sabbatical. Personal interviews with finalists play a major role in the decision process. Guidelines and application materials are available at the Foundation's website or by calling (907) 297-2700 or toll free (within Alaska) at 1-877-366-2700. Deadline is October 31.

Alaska Native DUNE LANKARD will be speaking at the Bioneers Conference on October 18. His presentation, SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS OVER CENTURIES: A NEW BUSINESS MODEL will be broadcast all over the country. This Eyak Athabaskan native from the Copper River Delta region of Alaska and lifelong commercial fisherman became a community activist and preservationist when the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill desecrated his homelands and waters. He describes the preservation of ecosystems and people as the way to maintain healthy thriving economies for businesses and communities into the future.

Save the date. ALASKA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION'S ANNUAL CONSERVATION ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS BANQUET will be held on September 19 at the Anchorage Sheraton Hotel. Each year a group of thoughtful, energetic and dedicated individuals who have made long-term, outstanding contributions to the conservation movement in Alaska are selected to receive special recognition. Please plan on joining in honoring these wonderful people! Price: $25.00 per ticket. Please RSVP to ACF by phone at 907-276-1917 or by email at acfinfo@akcf.org by September 12 (specify if a vegetarian meal is requested).
2008 Winners
2008 Lifetime Achievement – THOMAS MEACHAM
Celia Hunter Award for Outstanding Volunteer Contributions – ANDREW KELLER
Olaus Murie for Outstanding Professional Contributions – JAMES STRATTON
Lowell Thomas, Jr. Award for Outstanding Civil Service – JUDY ALDERSON
Jerry S. Dixon Award for Excellence in Environmental Education – MARILYN SIGMAN
Denny Wilcher Award for Young Environmental Activists – BRYCE TIMM
Daniel Housberg Wilderness Image Award for Excellence in Still Photography – AMY GULICK

To sign up for Anchorage CURBSIDE RECYCLING PICKUP in the Solid Waste Services area (the red trucks) you don't need to do anything. , but see the map at http://www.adn.com/anchorage/story/431685.html. The dark blue areas get curbside this fall; all the other colored areas will get curbside in a few short months. If you are an Alaska Waste customer, sign up for curbside immediately on-line with Alaska Waste for delivery of your recycling cart as early as July 7 at http://www.alaskawaste.net/. Service is $6 per month. For both services, the recycling roll cart can accept: mixed paper, paperboard, newspaper, magazines, corrugated cardboard, aluminum cans, steel cans, #1 PET plastic bottles and #2 HDPE plastic jugs. The drop-off location on Rosewood (off Dowling) and at Carrs stores can still be used. Evergreen Nursery, at 760 East 120th (off the Old Seward Hwy in South Anchorage) is now accepting leaves, grass clippings, tree limbs and horse manure at its location for composting.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) AND FINDING of No SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FONSI) for a proposal to extend and make road improvements to WEST DOWLING ROAD is available at http://www.dowlingroad.com. For more information, contact Brian Elliott, Environmental Team Leader, at 269-0539 or Miriam McCullough, Project Manager, at 269-0546.

HOME ENERGY REBATE AND WEATHERIZATION PROGRAMS - AK Housing Finance Corp. now has two programs to help Alaskans reduce energy bills to make homes more energy efficient. Under the HOME ENERGY REBATE PROGRAM homeowners who want to make their own energy efficiency improvements on their home can receive a rebate for some or all of their expenditures. The Home Energy Rebate Program has no income requirements. See more below. The expanded WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM is available to Alaskans who meet certain income and eligibility guidelines. General information on both of these programs is also available by calling The Home Energy Rebate & Weatherization Hotline at 1-877-325-2508 (statewide except Anchorage). In Anchorage call 330-8300. To view AHFC Energy-Efficiency Programs Overview go to http://www.ahfc.state.ak.us/iceimages/energy/energy_efficiency_retrofit_program_dan_fauske.pdf.

VOLUNTEERS OPPORTUNITIES

July 26
VOLUNTEER TRAIL DAY will be held from 10am to 3pm at the Eagle River Nature Center. Spend a couple of hours on trail improvement. Sponsored by REI. To sign up, contact REI at 272-4565 and let them know you'd like to sign up for the REI Trail Service Project at the Eagle River Nature Center.

July 19- 27
KODIAK - Volunteers Still Needed for MARINE DEBRIS CLEANUP AROUND SHUYAK ISLAND in the Kodiak Archipelago. The MV Island C, an 83’ charter vessel will provide meals, accommodations, transport to Shuyak for 11 guests and 4 crew, each of whom will participate on a clean-up of Dead Bird Beach at Shuyak Island. Marine debris education and naturalist programs will take place in the vessel’s classroom in the main salon. Hiking and world-renowned kayaking opportunities at Shuyak will also be offered. With a target of 30 super sacks and 133 cubic yards of debris collected, this will be the largest marine debris operation in Kodiak to date. On-scene project management provided by ITN. Funding provided by Marine Conservation Alliance Foundation and NOAA. Proceeds from the sale of berths on this trip will benefit Island Trails Network and future marine debris clean-ups. To find out more about the Shuyak event, go to: http://islandtrails.org/shuyak.htm.

**The NORTHERN ALASKA ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER needs volunteers to help at our booth during the TANANA VALLEY FAIR, August 1 to 9. If you are available and interested, please contact Lori at 452-5021 x27 or lori@northern.org.

INTERNSHIPS

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

**ALASKA REPRESENTATIVE for DEFENDERS of WILDLIFE. This is an Anchorage-based professional-level position responsible for assisting in promoting and expanding the Field Conservation Program and operations, and implementing assigned work plans for the Alaska field office. The primary responsibilities are to develop conservation objectives and strategies and work with other staff in implementing the overall goals of Defenders. Current Alaska initiatives focus on conservation of wolves, bears, and other indicator species, ecosystem management, and the conservation of biodiversity. For a full job description go to http://www.defenders.org/about_us/jobs/index.php or go to http://www.defenders.org. No calls please.

**EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR for the NORTHERN ALASKA ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER in Fairbanks. The NAEC addresses Arctic and sub-Arctic public land and resource issues of regional and national significance, including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The Executive Director is the spokesperson for the membership and is conservation’s northern representative in a statewide network committed to environmental quality and community sustainability. The successful candidate will bring commitment to conservation and a record of nonprofit leadership, financial development experience, collaborative management and communication skills, and, preferably, knowledge of Alaskan issues. Salary: $56 – 65K DOE, with benefits. To APPLY: Send application letter addressing job description specifics, resume, references and writing sample by August 15 to sara@northern.org.. For more information call (907) 452-5021. For full job description http://www.northern.org/artman/publish/index.shtml and click on “Job Openings.”

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR for ALASKA PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH GROUP (AkPIRG), a non-profit, consumer, good government and public health watchdog - full-time in Anchorage. The AkPIRG Director is responsible for fundraising and budgeting, program work, board interface, member communication, media relations as well as day to day management of the AkPIRG office. Salary DOE. The position will begin in September of 2008. Interviews will be conducted in July. Send (e-mail preferred) cover letter, resume and references to Steve Cleary, AkPIRG, PO Box 101093, Anchorage, AK, 99501. e-mail: akpirg@akpirg.org or Fax (907) 278-9300. For further information about AkPIRG, see: www.akpirg.org.

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS and OPERATIONS for the CENTER FOR ALASKAN COASTAL STUDIES (CACS) located at HOMER. Job responsibilities include coordination and expansion of coastal science and environmental education programs for K-12 and general audiences; community outreach, recruitment and supervision of seasonal instructional staff; and oversight of facility maintenance and land management. CACS manages a land base of 145 acres on both shores of Kachemak Bay and provides statewide outreach. Facilities include the residential Peterson Bay Coastal Science Field Station, and the upland Carl E. Wynn Nature Center. Qualifications: Experience developing and managing environmental education programs, knowledge base relevant to the ecology and cultural history of Southcentral Alaska, and instructional experience with mixed audiences. More information at our website: http://www.akcoastalstudies.org and full job description at http://www.akcoastalstudies.org/jobs. Salary DOE. To apply, please submit your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to Fax: (907)235-6668 or E-mail: jobs@akcoastalstudies.org. July 20 deadline for applications.

CANVASS DIRECTOR for SOUTHEAST ALASKA CONSERVATION COUNCIL to lead door-to-door outreach in Southeast during the fall months. This is an exciting opportunity based in Juneau to work with a dedicated team on Tongass issues. Must have canvass experience, be highly motivated, have strong organization and communication skills and be a team player. Send resume and references by July 31 to laura@seacc.org or call (907) 586-6942.

TWO (2) FISH AND WILDLIFE TECHNICIAN III POSITIONS with the DEPT. of FISH AND GAME, DIVISION of SPORT FISH located in HOMER and SEWARD. The main duties of these positions are the collection of data and biological samples from recreational anglers participating in the marine fishery for halibut and groundfish in southcentral Alaska. As a dockside sampler, you will be working directly with the public on a daily basis, sampling their catch and interviewing boat captains to obtain miscellaneous fishery data. This is a high profile position and you will be a main point of contact between recreational anglers and the Department of Fish and Game. You will be expected to provide verbal or printed information to the public regarding fish identification, fish biology, management and research programs of the Department, as well as fishing regulations. You will work closely with the local Alaska Wildlife Trooper staff on issues pertaining to enforcement of regulations. Salary is $2,652 per month with benefits. For more information visit Workplace Alaska at www.state.ak.us (follow the "Jobs in State Government" link) or contact Willy Dunne at willy.dunne@alaska.gov or 907- 235-8191.

ALASKA GEOGRAPHIC is seeking a dynamic and creative individual to COORDINATE a NEW PROGRAM in PARTNERSHIP with the CHUGACH NATIONAL FOREST. It will grow to be a multi-faceted campaign with several key components, including experiential education, volunteerism, community outreach, and the dedication of the Chugach as a “children’s forest” for youth engagement and climate change monitoring. The position description is available at http://www.alaskageographic.org/static/974/chugach-coordinator. Application deadline is July 25th.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR for the ALASKA CENTER for the ENVIRONMENT in Anchorage. The applicant must have a passion for Alaska conservation who is politically savvy and has a broad familiarity with environmental issues. The person will be a strong leader and manager who will build the organization while honoring its grassroots nature and maintaining its strong reputation and dedicated staff. The successful candidate will bring a demonstrated ability to establish a strategic vision, communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and establish and meet benchmarks over time. A keen understanding of fundraising and grassroots campaigns, strong writing and editing skills, and positive energy and a sense of humor required. Key responsibilities include: 1) Fundraising and External Relations,; 2) Operations Management; 3) Board Development; and 4). Staff Development. QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and at least three years professional experience in a related field; Demonstrated success managing, developing, and implementing fundraising plans, including foundation grant seeking and individual and corporate donor development; Experience in developing and implementing strategic planning; Working knowledge of Alaska’s social and political context for ACE’s work preferred; and Experience with non-profit financial management and planning..Salary is $60,000 to $70,000 with health and dental, generous paid vacation, a dynamic, nurturing workplace, and the satisfaction of making a positive impact on your community. TO APPLY: Send resume, cover letter, and writing sample to Transition Committee via email at: karol.fink@gmail.com or to 807 G Street Suite 100, Anchorage Alaska 99501. For information about the Alaska Center for the Environment, go to http://www.akcenter.org/ The position will be open until filled,

MANAGING DIRECTOR for ALASKA COMMUNITY ACTION ON TOXICS (ACAT) Full-time to oversee the organization’s operations and to work with ACAT staff and board on fundraising tasks. ACAT was founded ten years ago, and we are seeking ACAT’s first Managing Director as the organization expands to meet the growing needs of our constituents. See career opportunity at their website www.akaction.org. No phone calls please.

PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHER for the PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND SCIENCE CENTER (PWSSC), in Cordova to conduct basic and applied research to focus on understanding the physical and biological mechanisms and linkages affecting diversity and productivity in Prince William Sound and how they vary in space and time. The research area includes the Sound, the Copper River Delta and the adjacent Gulf of Alaska. This position will provide a broad range of experience with a developing ocean observing system in a geographic area with unlimited research opportunities. This position is substantially funded by a grant from the Oil Spill Recovery Institute www.pws-osri.org to conduct routine oceanographic transects, maintain fixed moorings and meteorological arrays, and telemetry networks as part of the PWS Ocean Observing System http://ak.aoos.org/pws/. This position will be responsible for participating in research and monitoring programs, including the acquisition and analysis of hydrographic, acoustic doppler current profiler, and drifter data; and publication in peer reviewed journals. The position is expected to assume a lead role in securing external funds to develop oceanographic studies to further our understanding of how Prince William Sound, the Gulf of Alaska, and the surrounding watersheds interact. REQUIREMENTS:: A Ph.D. in oceanography OR documented experience relevant to the duties for conducting oceanographic research projects is required. Experience in programming (IDL and/or MatLab), quantitative analyses of oceanographic and meteorological time series data, and visualization of complex multivariate data is essential. The candidate must be able to participate on a minimum of four seasonal oceanographic cruises of up to one-week duration per year. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in coastal and nearshore circulation dynamics, oceanographic instrumentation (CTDs, ADCPs, wave gauges, CODAR, meteorological arrays), ocean observing systems (including real time data relay networks), and a working knowledge of numerical circulation modeling. All candidates must either be U.S. Citizens or Canadian or Mexican nationals eligible for a TN visa. Position is open until filled. Starting date: September 1.To apply, send a one-page cover letter with research interests, and the names and contact information of three references, along with a curriculum vita by email to: Nancy Bird, PWSSC President at nbird@pwssc.org or 907-424-5800 ext. 225). Inquiries about this position may also be directed to Scott Pegau, the OSRI Research Program Manager, at wspegau@pwssc.org or 907-424-5800 ext. 222. For full job description, go to http://www.pwssc.org/whatsnew/Oceanographer%20Job%20Announcement%20-%20June%202008.pdf.

FIELD BIOLOGIST/LAB TECHNICIAN for the PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND SCIENCE CENTER (PWSSC), in Cordova.. Regular, full-time, salaried. The biologist/lab technician will assist both in the lab and on research cruises collecting data related to a herring forage contingency project. The majority of work involves preparation and analysis of laboratory samples, sample management, and data entry. Some of the lab samples are prepared for staple isotope analysis at labs outside of Cordova, and additional lab and field duties may be prescribed by the supervisor. Presently, the field work requires 7-14 day cruises approximately four times each year. When not in the field (on cruises), the work week will be a regular 40-hour week, although the hours may be worked on a flexible schedule (i.e., four 10-hour days or five 8-hour days); when in the field (on cruises), the workload will require more than 40 hours and often more than eight hours per day. As a salaried employee, the biologist/lab technician’s work days in the immediate pay period following a cruise will be adjusted to approximate a regular work schedule. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Associate degree with biology course and basic computer skills. Bachelor’s degree and zoological taxonomic experience preferred. Salary range: $2,464 – 3,036 monthly and includes full benefit package (medical/dental/vision, paid time off and pension plan. TO APPLY: submit a cover letter explaining your interest in this position and a resume including your educational background, degrees earned and your work experience. Please also include at least two references with contact information. Submit these documents electronically to Dr. Thomas Kline at tkline@pwssc.org with a copy to Dr. Robert Campbell at rcampbell@pwssc.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For more information about this position, contact Dr. Thomas Kline, tkline@pwssc.org, or call Dr. Robert Campbell, (907) 424-5800 x 239 or rcampbell@pwssc.org For further information about the Prince William Sound Science Center, visit their web site: www.pwssc.org.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR for the SOUTHEAST ALASKA CONSERVATION COUNCIL (SEACC), Juneau. SEACC is one of America’s premiere grassroots conservation organizations whose mission is to protect key wildlands on Tongass National Forest. Must have political acumen, effective team management skills, excellent rapport with diverse people, willingness to travel. Salary DOE + benefits. Contact 907-586-6942 or www.seacc.org for detailed job description. Send resume, references and brief writing sample by August 1 to russell@seacc.org.

The Alaska Women's Environmental Network is a program of the National