Dan Bross, KUAC - Fairbanks
Dan Bross is a reporter at KUAC in Fairbanks.
Leaf-mining bug infestation leaving birch leaves brown across the state
Many birch leaves in Fairbanks and Anchorage are going from green to brown as the result of an insect infestation. U.S. Forest Service entomologist Stephen Burr in Fairbanks says a leaf mining bug believed to have come to the state on imported ornamental trees, is to blame. Listen now
Search continues for missing hiker by Chena Hot Springs
A search continues for an overdue hiker in the hills surrounding Chena Hot Springs Resort. Alaska State Trooper spokeswoman Megan Peters says resort employee 19-year-old Anatoliy Balko left on what was he anticipated to be a 2 day hike Friday morning. Listen now
Assembly seeks help for Denali wolves
The Fairbanks North Star Borough assembly passed a resolution last Thursday asking Governor Bill Walker to protect Denali National Park wolves and other predators on state land along the park’s northeast boundary. Listen now
Fairbanks citizens gather signatures to ban commercial marijuana sales
Sponsors of a voter initiative to ban commercial marijuana businesses in the City of Fairbanks submitted over 500 signatures Friday in an effort to get the measure on the fall 2017 ballot. Listen now
Moose and vehicles: Dangerous mix
Increasing darkness ups the chance of drivers hitting wildlife on Alaska roads. Moose collisions present the most common and dangerous hazard, and a few factors are common to most accidents. Listen now
Migratory duck tests positive for bird flu in Fairbanks
A sample taken from a south migrating mallard duck in Fairbanks, has tested positive for bird flu. Avian influence is carried by wild birds, but the disease is far more deadly to domestic poultry. Listen now
Denali celebrates 100 years of the National Park Service
Today is the National Park Service’s 100th birthday. The agency celebrated at 413 parks nationwide, including Denali National Park.
Low sea ice and warm water to drive autumn weather
El Nino has transitioned to below normal sea surface temperatures in the mid latitude Pacific. If that persists, the condition known as La Nina, typically results in a colder than normal winter for Alaska, but National Weather Service climate science and services manager Rick Thoman said low sea ice and remaining warm water around Alaska, will be primary drivers of the state’s autumn weather. Listen now
Eielson Air Force Base has new construction plan for incoming F-35 fighters
$500 million in new construction is planned for Eielson Air Force Base to support the upcoming deployment of F-35 Fighters, and local hire for a portion of that work is a top priority. Listen now
Denali bus employs hybrid technology
Denali National Park is testing 2 new hybrid buses. The vehicles are the final prototypes to be tested by the Park Service at Denali as part of a grant funded effort to reduce pollution. Listen now
Alaskan long jumper misses qualifying in Rio Olympics
Former Eielson High School long jumper Janay DeLoach just missed qualifying at the Rio Olympics. The 2012 long jump bronze medalist barely missed making the final cut during qualifying Tuesday, falling a little over an inch short of the top 12 who advanced. Listen now
Petition sent to Walker asking for predator control reform
A petition signed by 150 Alaskans sent to Governor Bill Walker, asks for changes to state predator control programs. Listen now
Alaska Miners Association to protest BLM plan for Eastern Interio
The Alaska Miners Association will protest a proposed Bureau of Land Management plan for the Eastern Interior. The recently released plan covering 6.5 million acres includes environmental protections that would ban new mining on over a million federal acres, including 2 areas in the mineral rich Forty Mile region. Listen now
Justice Sotomayor speaks at UAF
United States Associate Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor spoke at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Sunday. Sotomayor, the first Latina appointed the nation’s highest court, addressed a capacity audience in Fairbanks. Listen now
BLM plan affects mining, subsistence and recreation
The Bureau of Land Management recently released a proposed plan for over 6 million acres of federal property in the eastern interior. Crafted over 8 years with user input, the management plan offers new resource development potential and environmental protections. Listen now
Kombi Life shows two partners traveling from South America to Alaska
Driving the Americas is a once in lifetime adventure for most who undertake the epic journey from the southern tip of south American to Alaska’s North Slope, but for one couple, who recently completed the trip in a Volkswagen van, travel is a way of life. Listen now
EPA under pressure from air quality advocates in Fairbanks to address air pollution
Air Quality advocates continue to press the Environmental Protection Agency to address Fairbanks area fine particulate pollution. Representing air quality groups, the law firm Earth Justice notified the EPA this week of intent to sue. Listen now
Banner Helath suffers cyber attack potentially affecting millions
The company that runs Fairbanks Memorial Hospital has suffered a cyber-attack. Banner Health reports that the hack potentially compromises financial and personal information of over 3 point 7 million patients, other customers and staff in 7 states where it operates. Listen now
Lower 48 wildfires cause Alaska firefighters to head over and help
More Alaska firefighters have gone to the lower 48, as wildfires in western states there intensify. Listen now
Park Service continues work on repairs following mudslide
The National Park Service continues work to repair a mudslide damaged portion of the road into Denali National Park. A mudslide last Saturday initially blocked the road at mile 67 west of the Eielson Visitor’s Center. The Park Service opened one lane of the road Sunday but passage has been restricted so crews can continue repairs. Listen now