Dan Bross, KUAC - Fairbanks
Dan Bross is a reporter at KUAC in Fairbanks.
Army Engineers Expanding Permafrost Tunnel Near Fairbanks
The Army Corps of Engineers is expanding its permafrost tunnel north of Fairbanks. The Corp’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Lab has operated the tunnel, bored more than 350 feet into a hillside near Fox, since the 1960’s. Research civil engineer Kevin Bjella says the Corps. has begun digging a second longer tunnel.
New Computer Models Predict Climate, Ecosystem Changes For Alaska
New computer models predict climate and ecosystem changes for Alaska and western Canada. The “cliomes” models were produced by University of Alaska Fairbanks and U.S. Fish and Wildlife service scientists. One of the primary creators, forest ecologist Nancy Frescoe with UAF’s Scenarios Network for Alaska and Arctic Planning, says the models confirm climate driven change.
Redistricting Challenges Remain In Play
An interim voter district map is in place for this fall’s election, but the state’s redistricting process is far from over. Alaska Redistricting Board chairman John Torgerson says lawsuits challenging the redraw of Alaska voting districts remain in play.
UAF Getting Winter Terrain Park
The University of Alaska Fairbanks will become the nation’s first to have an on campus winter terrain park. It’s midsummer, but plans are in the works for the ski and snowboard facility.
Fire Service Converting To New Lightning Detection System
The Alaska Fire Service is converting to a new lightning detection system. Lightning detection is used to target aerial surveillance of areas where strikes are likely to spark wildfires. The new system which has been tested against the technology it’s replacing has proven to be more accurate and have increased range. Alaska Fire service I,T. section chief John Palmer says it employs sensors around the state to identify individual lightning strikes.
Alaska Teachers Attend National Education Association Conference
Over 50 Alaska teachers are among 10,000 delegates assembled in Washington, D.C. this week for the annual National Education Association representative assembly. The NEA is the union that represents teachers across the country. NEA Alaska president Barb Angaiak says the convention, which wraps up Thursday, is used to decide on the organization’s direction for the coming year, including endorsement of a candidate for U.S. president.
More Fire Crews To Assist With Lower 48 Blazes
About 100 village-based emergency fire fighters deployed Wednesday to work a wildfire in the Lower 48. State Division of Forestry spokeswoman Maggie Rogers says the crews from the communities of Shageluk, St. Michael, Koyuk, Selawik and Scammon Bay are the second group sent out to fight fires in western states this month.
Western Arctic Caribou Herd Continues To Decline
The state’s largest caribou herd continues to decline. The latest population survey estimates the western Arctic herd at 325,000 animals. State Fish and Game biologist Jim Dau in Kotzebue says the latest number shows continuation of a decline which began in 2003, when the herd numbered 500,000. Dau says given the size and massive range of western Arctic caribou, it’s hard to know what’s driving the reduction, but he has some ideas, including winter rain.
Financial Pressure Mounts For Military Downsizing
The Air Force’s decision to delay relocation of Eielson’s F-16’s does not end Alaska’s concerns about military downsizing. The head of a consulting team hired by the state to develop a strategy for protecting Alaska installations, says financial pressure remains on the military.
Park Service Releases New Denali Road Management Plan
There’s a new plan for managing bus and other traffic on the road into Denali National Park. The Park Service has released the plan and an environmental impact statement following 4 years of studies and meetings. The process looked at numbers and schedules for the buses that move visitors along the 92 mile Denali road. Park Service spokeswoman Kris Fister says the preferred alternative allows for some increase in traffic.
Yukon River Communities Cope With Low King Runs
Yukon River communities are getting creative in coping with another poor king salmon return. A fish sharing arrangement between Yukon River fishermen is aimed at protecting the king stock, while still providing some of the prized fish for subsistence.
University of Alaska President Proposes Tuition Hike
University of Alaska president Pat Gamble is proposing a two percent tuition hike for the 2013-2014 school year. The increase, if approved by regents, would be the smallest at UA in over a decade. Associate Vice President for student and enrollment Saichi Oba says the hike reflects increased fixed and labor costs, and the burden of higher tuition.
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Firefighters Respond To Interior Wildfire
A wildfire in the Northern Interior is drawing a major response.
Joe Miller Wins Case Against Fairbanks North Star Borough
A legal dispute between the Fairbanks North Star Borough and 2010 U.S. Senate candidate Joe Miller has been resolved. The borough and former Mayor Jim Whitaker have submitted to a judgment against them, and agreed to pay Miller $5,000. The case revolves around Miller’s past employment as a part time borough attorney.
Former Militiaman Speaks Out Against Verdict
A past member of the Alaska Peacemaker’s Militia says this week’s conviction of leader Schaeffer Cox and two group members is a sign of eroding freedom. Cox and Lonnie Vernon were found guilty Tuesday of plotting to kill government officials and having illegal weapons. A 3rdmilitaman, Coleman Barney was solely convicted of weapons violations. Former Fairbanks militia sergeant Gary Brockman says the guilty verdicts confirm government overreach.
Contractor Demolishes Historic Cabin Near Dalton Highway
A state contractor demolished an historic cabin along the Dalton Highway near Wiseman. Alaska Department of Transportation northern region environmental manager Bruce Campbell says the state had record of the small trapper style cabin, but the information didn’t transfer to the road reconstruction project.
Red Salmon Elude Copper River Dipnetters
A slug of red salmon that moved into the Copper River at the end of May has so far largely eluded dip netters at Chitina. State biologist Mark Somerville attributes poor fishing over the last week to river conditions.
UA Board of Regents To Accept 2013 Budget
The University of Alaska Board of Regents meets in Anchorage tomorrow and Friday. The agenda includes acceptance of the fiscal 2013 budget. The $925 million spending plan is up 4 percent over the current year’s budget. UA spokeswoman Kate Wattum says the $363.7 million operating component includes increased support from the state legislature for Regent’s priority programs.
Fairbanks Housing Program For Chronic Inebriates Moving Forward
A new housing program for chronic inebriates in Fairbanks is slowly getting up to speed. The Tanana Chiefs Conference runs the 47 room facility out of a renovated hotel on South Cushman Street. T.C.C. has been working toward bringing in the first tenants since December.
Fairbanks-Area Residents Ponder Pros, Cons Of Healy Coal Plant
Fairbanks area residents are weighing cost and environmental impacts, as Golden Valley Electric Association pursues start up of the Healy Clean Coal Plant. GVEA members from Delta Junction to Fairbanks and Healy have seen power rates escalate with the price of oil – the fuel more Healy coal could replace. Area residents staged dueling rallies on the issue in Fairbanks yesterday.