Avery Ellfeldt
Alaska Desk Reporter, HainesAvery Ellfeldt covers Haines, Klukwan and Skagway for the Alaska Desk from partner station KHNS in Haines. Her coverage touches on issues ranging from mining and conservation to climate change and tourism in the Lynn Canal. Avery joined the Alaska Desk in early 2025 after moving to Haines sight unseen.
Avery has covered climate change for Politico’s E&E News in Washington, D.C. and Denver, Colorado, her hometown. When Avery isn’t at work, you can find her hiking, backpacking and learning new outdoor sports. She also enjoys photography, cooking with friends and occasionally using her bachelor’s degree in Spanish, which she earned from St. Olaf College in 2019.
Reach Avery at avery@khns.org.
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Local officials say the dock could provide a major financial boost and help diversify Skagway’s economy, which relies heavily on tourism. -
Researchers are studying rockslide risk in the tourism-dependent town as part of a regional effort to help seven tribal governments understand and respond to local geohazards. -
No injuries were reported in the crash. A Coast Guard helicopter transported the people to Juneau. -
An AT&T spokesperson said in an email exchange earlier this week that service disruptions were related to flooding in Juneau and a fiber cut caused by a contractor. -
The concern largely revolves around sea otter prey species, like crab and oyster, that are crucial for commercial and subsistence fishermen in Southeast Alaska. -
The project has long divided Chilkat Valley residents over its potential economic benefits — and environmental impacts. -
Inflation and a shrinking number of companies willing to provide coverage have made it harder for commercial fishermen to find and pay for crew and vessel insurance. -
Communities that depend on the route say they need more information, and they’re worried the plan could make it even harder to get to Juneau. -
China’s ban on U.S. log imports has had sweeping effects on companies that harvest logs in Alaska and ship them overseas. -
Haines’ mayor says the results of a survey for residents 40 and under highlight problems that could have major implications for the town’s future.
