State moves forward with plans to address PFAS contamination in Dillingham
An Anchorage-based consulting firm tested five of six contaminated wells south of the Dillingham airport — it's now moving forward on the next phase of a potential long-term solution.
Broadband will open a host of opportunities for work, health and education in Yakutat, tribe says
The project is called NICEY — that’s an acronym for New Internet Communications for Everyone in Yakutat. The goal is to do just that — connect the town to better internet and cell phone service.
LISTEN: The Nov. 30 earthquake, one year later: what did we learn?
It's been a year since the largest earthquake to shake Alaska since 1964 hit the Southcentral region. Even with millions of dollars in destruction happening in seconds, no one was killed. Was it building codes, epicenter location or just luck?
Mulchatna caribou conservation efforts are just beginning, manager says
A call-in radio show hosted by Bethel-based KYUK gave local subsistence users and federal managers a chance to share local knowledge of the Mulchatna caribou and to discuss how federal authorities plan to manage the hunt.
When drought came to the rainforest, Metlakatla adapted | Alaska Insight
Alaska’s vast geography features dramatic precipitation variation from the relatively dry arctic to the rainforests of the southeast, but a changing climate is causing problems in some unexpected ways.
New report sheds more light on climate change impacts to Alaska Native villages
A recent report compiled by the Army Corps of Engineers and researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks documents erosion and other environmental threats facing communities in rural Alaska.
LISTEN: What should the future of Alaska’s government look like? AFN has a few ideas.
The Alaska Federation of Natives annual convention theme last month was Good Government-Alaskan Driven. How does AFN leadership see their role in driving political change and how do they work with tribal leaders to accomplish it?
Metlakatla, which depends on water, has moved quickly to accommodate the realities of drought
Following a season of drought, the Southeast Alaska community of Metlakatla is navigating a different relationship with water, like a number of other places in the region.
Metlakatla adapts to drought with grassroots conservation efforts
When you think of extremely dry conditions, California wildfires probably come to mind. But in 2018, some parts of...
LISTEN: Toxic algae emerges as possible suspect in some Alaska animal die-offs
A possible emerging, contributing factor to animal die-offs on Alaska's coasts that researchers are looking at is toxic algae, blooming farther north.
Bacteria levels high at Ketchikan beaches, shellfish harvest sites this summer
A dozen common shellfish harvest sites and recreational beaches in the Ketchikan area exceeded safe bacteria levels at least once this summer, according to a coalition of groups that monitor water quality.
Opportunities for Agriculture in Rural Alaska | Alaska Insight
Climate change is changing what Alaskans can expect during the growing season, presenting both new challenges and opportunities for fresh food in rural Alaska. Will residents, even in the arctic, be able to grow enough food for their winter use and sell extra produce to others?
Community Gardening in Anaktuvuk Pass
When most people think of the Arctic, agriculture isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But north of...
LISTEN: Southeast’s “extreme drought” is over, but there are still concerns about water conservation
Southeast communities are working to adapt to a problem they never imagined-- drought. This week on Talkf of Alaska we discuss community health, water conservation in a rainforest and the climate model forecasts for the future.
In Anaktuvuk Pass, a gardener brings new life to ancient foods with Arctic agriculture
Getting started wasn’t easy. Hopson spent time in Northern California when she was young, working in her grandmother’s garden. But when she applied that knowledge in the Arctic, it failed miserably...at first.
What piped water means for residents in rural Alaska | Alaska Insight
Water and sewer infrastructure, something most Americans take for granted as a basic utility service, is lacking in many communities in rural Alaska. Why, more than 60 years after statehood, are there still villages without piped systems?
Bringing Water to Lower Kalskag
Imagine living in a town where only some of the residents have running water. Everyone else has to fetch...
Unprecedented summer heat sparks caribou, climate concerns for Bristol Bay Subsistence Council
At a Bristol Bay Regional Subsistence Advisory meeting, all members expressed concern for subsistence resources in the region following this year’s hot, dry summer.
LISTEN: As the Arctic climate warms, the growing season lengthens. Will rural Alaska become more agricultural?
As winter approaches, farmers and gardeners make plans for spring crops. Climate change effects on the growing season in Alaska means new opportunities and challenges for the future. Will residents, even in the arctic, be able to grow enough food for their winter use?
Judge begins deliberations over ex-refinery owner’s groundwater contamination liability
The state seeks tens of millions of dollars from Williams Alaska Petroleum for contaminating the area’s groundwater, and to help pay for cleanup and expansion of North Pole’s water system.