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Wednesday
August 06, 2014
Time to Fly
A juvenile eagle that is just about ready to leave its nest. The nest is located south of Ketchikan.
Front Page Photo By SUSAN HOYT ©2014
(Please respect the rights of photographers, never republish or copy
without permission and/or payment of required fees.)
Ketchikan: Tongass Transition: The Future is Now - The U.S. Forest Service says the future is now for the country’s largest national forest. A new era focused on sustainable young-growth management is underway on the 17-million-acre Tongass National Forest.
A small glimpse of the Tongass National Forest
Photo couresty USFS
The Tongass is the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world, stretching some 500 miles north to south from Yakutat to Ketchikan. Its mammoth landscape of dense forest, glaciers, and mountains is larger than West Virginia and comprises more than 80 percent of the lands of Southeast Alaska.
More than 74,000 residents of Southeast Alaska rely on the forest for their lives and livelihood and the Forest Service perpetually seeks ways to best manage it. Even though 90 percent of the old-growth forests remain as they were more than 100 years ago, these stands are the most contentious component of managing the temperate coastal rainforest.
“For the past several decades there has been significant conflict with harvesting old growth timber and building roads,” said Tongass National Forest Supervisor Forrest Cole. “This struggle has damaged the local timber industry and has negatively affected the Southeast Alaska economy.”
In an effort to move beyond these conflicts and provide for the social, economic and ecological needs of Southeast Alaska, the Forest Service is choosing a new direction for Tongass forest management. The Tongass is transitioning to a timber program that will primarily harvest young-growth forests - areas which have been previously harvested and have now regrown. The goal, Cole said, is to create a diverse and sustainable economy for Southeast Alaska communities.
“Something had to be done to sustain the 32 communities located in Southeast Alaska,” said Cole “In some of the smaller communities a loss of just a few timber-related jobs can shut down an entire school. I visited Kake recently and was told that the unemployment rate there is 80 percent. I can’t sit back and watch these communities suffer and disappear. The majority of Southeast Alaska is public land and we have a responsibility to ensure these communities are part of the management equation. The Tongass is their home.”
Enter the young-growth transition - a process that is bringing together groups which have traditionally been at odds but are now sitting down to plan a more harmonious future.
“The Sitka Conservation Society applauds the framework for transitioning from a focus on old-growth to a future in young-growth management and the long-term responsible stewardship of our natural resources,” said Bethany Goodrich, SCS policy and ccommunications specialist. “We are working on the ground to help hasten the transition and better understand what a healthy timber program on the Tongass looks like for our forest and our communities. We want to find that sweet spot, where natural resources support a vibrant and healthy diversified economy for our communities without compromising the ecological integrity and future of our forest."
This type of support is critical, according to Tongass and Regional Forest Service leaders, as collaboration with Tribes, communities, businesses and nonprofit groups is key for a successful transition.
Local residents are also onboard with the transition. Randy Hughey, a Sitka educator and builder, pointed to the ecological benefits of thinning and harvesting from second-growth stands - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
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Saxman: Saxman sues federal officials over non-rural status - The Organized Village of Saxman filed a lawsuit July 25th in the U.S. District Court to prevent the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture from implementing a 2007 final rule grouping the rural community of Saxman with the non-rural community of Ketchikan stripping away its rural status.
Organized Village of Saxman
Only those residents of communities identified by the Federal Subsistence Board (FSB) as rural are eligible for Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act's (ANILCA's) subsistence priority. By grouping Saxman with Ketchikan, the 2007 final rule removed Saxman's rural status and effectively eliminates Saxman's priority for subsistence uses thus denying residents of Saxman continued access to the subsistence resources they have depended on as a mainstay of their livelihood.
The Organized Village of Saxman, the plaintiff, is asking the Court to declare that the Federal Subsistence Board has violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) by issuing the 2007 final rule and to enjoin the 2007 final rule's enforcement and implementation.
Representing the plaintiff are Heather R. Kendall-Miller, Erin C. Dougherty and Matthew N. Newman of the Native American Rights Fund based in Anchorage, Alaska.
The Organized Village of Saxman is a federally recognized tribe and represents the interests of its tribal members, the majority of who comprise the community of Saxman.
Named as defendants and sued in their official capacity are Tim Towarak, Chairman of the Federal Subsistence Board (FSB); Sally Jewell, Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior; and Tom Vilsack, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Saxman is an Alaska Native village located on the southern end of Revillagigedo Island in Southeast Alaska. The Organized Village of Saxman is a federally recognized Indian Tribe structured under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. OVS’s members are the descendants of the Tlingit clans and kwaans of the Cape Fox and Tongass Tribes, who have resided in Southeast Alaska since time immemorial. - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
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 Ketchikan: Mitchell Files for City Council - Amanda Mitchell was the first candidate to file for one of the three three-year term seats on the Ketchikan City Council. Mitchell filed on August 1, 2014.
Mitchell said in an email statement to SitNews, "I decided to run for city council after much consideration. I want to see our town get out of its extensive debt and see accountability for poor decisions made with our money. Raising taxes is not accountability. It is a permission slip to continue in the same direction. When actively participating in the water issue, I learned a lot about our town and people. I know that many of you are frustrated about what is going on and some of you feel hopeless. I don't think it needs to be that way."
Mitchell said, "So I am standing up and saying enough is enough. I hope you will stand with me by getting active in our local government or supporting me in the upcoming election." - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
 Ketchikan: KJ Harris Files for City Council - KJ Harris has filed for reelection to the Ketchikan City Council. Harris has served three terms on the council and told SitNews, "Three terms and I want to do another one. I care."
When asked why he decided to run for another term Harris said, "I want to keep doing what I'm doing, trying to serve the community." Harris filed for reelection on August 6, 2014.
The filing period opened on Friday, August 1st and ends at 5:00 pm on August 25, 2014.
The local municipal election is October 7, 2014. The Ketchikan City Council seats to be filled are currently held by Marty West, KJ Harris and Dick Coose. - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
Alaska: Seabridge Gold's KSM Environmental Assessment Application Receives Final Approval from British Columbia By MARY KAUFFMAN - The British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office advised Seabridge Gold last week that its application for an Environmental Assessment Certificate for its KSM (Kerr-Sulphurets-Mitchell) Project has received final approval from the British Columbia Ministers of the Environment and Energy and Mines. The Ministers, in their decision, have concluded that the construction, operation and decommissioning of the KSM Project are not likely to result in significant adverse effects.
After a 30-day public comment period, the Federal Minister of Environment will then decide whether to approve the KSM Project. Comments must be submitted by August 20, 2014. Seabridge expects the Federal Minster's decision in the fall.
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The Kerr-Sulphurets-Mitchell project threatens the Unuk River, a notable Chinook salmon producer that flows across Southeast Alaska and empties into the sea near Ketchikan.
Seabridge Gold Chairman and CEO Rudi Fronk said: "I would like to acknowledge the extraordinary dedication of our personnel and the outstanding professionalism of the BCEAO which together have brought us to this successful conclusion. I would also like to thank the Nisga'a Nation, First Nations and local communities who participated in this process, for their expressions of encouragement and support as well as for their thoughtful input which has helped us improve our project design. We are confident that KSM will also be approved at the Federal level within the next several months."
"This decision confirms that KSM is a well-designed, environmentally responsible project which is technically feasible and offers significant economic benefits to both British Columbia and Canada. This decision also affirms the value of extensive public consultation early in the environmental assessment process which helped us to understand the cultural, social, environmental and economic context of the KSM Project. We believe the conditions imposed on the project by the Province are reasonable and we are in full agreement with them. Furthermore, we regard this approval as an expression of trust in us not only to meet the obligations mandated in this approval but also to continue to respond to the ongoing needs of members of the communities in British Columbia's northwest."
According to Seabridge, the KSM Project has been undergoing a joint harmonized federal-provincial environmental assessment review as outlined by the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Act and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. On July 21, 2014, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) released its final Comprehensive Study Report for the KSM Project which concluded that "the KSM Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects taking into account implementation of the mitigation measures described in the report."
Quoting the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency's final Comprehensive Study Report, "the most likely potential accidents and malfunctions at the Mine Site Area were those that would result in contaminated water entering Sulphurets Creek and flowing into the Mitchell Creek/Unuk River watershed."
The Southeast Alaska Conservation Council notes on their website that the site of the proposed mine is just 19 miles from the Alaska border, on Sulphurets Creek, a major tributary of the Unuk River. The Unuk flows into Behm Canal and Misty Fjords National Monument. The Unuk River is among the top salmon producing rivers in Southeast Alaska.
Seabridge proposes to develop a gold, copper, silver, and molybdenum mine in the Kerr, Sulphurets and Mitchell Creek watersheds. The project is located approximately 65 km northwest of Stewart, BC. The Project is expected to have an average ore extraction rate of approximately 130,000 tonnes per day over an anticipated 52-year mine life. - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014 |
Political Cartoon: Palin Channel
By Milt Priggee, www.miltpriggee.com
Distributed to subscribers for publication by Cagle Cartoons, Inc.
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 Machinations, part II By Rodney Dial - I wasn’t going to write another letter again so soon, but couldn’t believe what happened between my last letter on June 24th and the Ketchikan City Council meeting on July 24th.
People who have been reading my letters know that I have been saying for the last ten years that the excess spending, massive buildings, government parties, waste, etc. would lead to massive debt, tax increases and a City too expensive for our children. - More...
Thursday - August 07, 2014
The Importance of Integrated Access to the Performing Arts Center By Janalee Minnich Gage - I am concerned about Ketchikan's support quality integrated access to the performing arts center. I am an active member of the First City Players, which has been an integral part of my life even while I was out of town working for the past 10 years in public service. In many ways it is my refuge, my release and my savior. The arts keep me grounded and involved as a community member; it is my therapy. First City Players has always been about my ability not my disability. They have strived to be inclusive and have gone out of their way to provide a place for anyone and everyone who wants to be a part of the program. I think the City should want to support this. - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
Thanks with meaning! By A.M. Johnson - A couple of things on my mind that warrants following up on. The first is the line crew of the KPU who are installing new poles on North Tongass. I pass these fellows several times a day. What is most noticeable is the intense attitude of the crew. From the foreman and I suppose the safety watch on the operation to the full crew. There is no slack time. Everybody appears professional with no lost movements. I thank them for their diligent and safe work area that they provide for their selves and the driving public. Good job!! - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
Four Friends By Garnet Dima - Four of my friends are running for the House District 36 seat. All four candidates vying for the House District 36 seat are truly wonderful people. They are longtime residents of Ketchikan who want nothing but the best for souther Southeast Alaska. Each of the candidates is smart and hardworking. - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
Moran for House District 36 By Bobbie McCreary - Vote for Moran, the best person to speak for Southeast. I have observed Ms. Moran's ability to speak with a strong voice for issues or projects she has carefully researched and determined appropriate for the Borough to support. She will make sure she is well informed and then will go to bat to lead the charge for what we need in Southeast. - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
TWO OF THE 3 ALASKA REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES FOR THE U.S. SENATE SUPPORT THE FairTax® By Wiley Brooks - An issue that deserves our attention has recently surfaced in the debates between the Republican Party candidates who hope to unseat Senator Mark Begich in the November 4 General Election. That issue is the 100 year old income tax system which can only be described as a ridiculous complex and intrusive mess. It is burdensome to tax filer, destructive to the economy and custom designed to invite political motivated abuse and corruption. It is broken beyond repair and the time has come to correct a 100 year old mistake. - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
Big business & Ketchikan's dock By Bob Brown - Big business is dictating the dock we load and unload , and the City of Ketchikan is going along with it. On July 29th, I brought my bus down for the tour that I was assigned to wait for. We must give our sellers time to sell enough before loading . I normally would have someone come out to back me but instead the Harbor Master came out and tells me I'm too big to be on the dock while Princess buses are there so was told to remove myself for a time while they get to bring more buses down. This has never happened before this year. WE had all been given a space no matter what. They argue that they should bring their buses down first and make us wait and then let us come on the dock. - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
SB21: ?A Bad Deal for Alaska By Hal Gazaway & Barbara Gazaway - In the oil revenue debate we've heard and read misleading statements and distorted facts. As long time Alaska residents, business owners, and grandparents, we are very concerned about Alaska’s future economy. The “Vote No on Proposition One” group paints an “almost too good to be true” picture if SB21 prevails in August. The group repeatedly alludes to Alaska’s partnership with the oil companies, assuring us that this new deal (SB21) will result in more jobs as well as economic growth. - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
Prop 1 By Paul Hovik - Just say No to "Oiligarchy" - Vote Yes on 1! - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
Women Legislators Weigh In On Oil Tax Referendum By Senator Lesil McGuire, Senator Anna Fairclough, Senator Cathy Giessel, Representative Mia Costello, Representative Lynn Gattis, Representative Lindsey Holmes, Representative Shelley Hughes, Representative Charisse Millett, Representative Lora Reinbold, Representative Peggy Wilson & Representative Tammie Wilson - The discussion around oil tax reform and Ballot Measure 1 has benefitted from many informed and passionate voices from across the state. As women who serve in the Legislature and who voted for the bill that created our new tax policy, we want to lend a unique perspective on why we voted to pass Senate Bill 21 and why we will vote NO on 1 this August. - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
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