**Mark new items in this issue.

March 10, 2012Compiled Weekly by Peg TilestonOn behalf of the Alaska Women’s Environmental Network (AWEN), Alaska Center for the Environment (ACE), and Alaska Conservation Alliance (ACA)

CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS, TRAINING

March 13, 14 & 15FAIRBANKS - PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS (March 13) and the SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE (March 14 & 15) will be held at the Princess Riverside Lodge. Review the agenda and register at www.uaf.edu/ces/ah/sare/conference/. The two preconference workshops are Business Planning for Farmers, and Cultivating Mushrooms Workshop. For more information contact Taylor Maida by email at temaida@alaska.edu or call 474-2422.

March 14 – 166th ANNUAL WOMEN'S SUMMIT, coming up March 14-16th.  ARJ is celebrating our 20th anniversary this year with the theme of The Next 20 Years: Achieving Equality for All Alaskans.  Our special guest speakers are Montana State Senator Christine Kaufmann (http://www.ckaufmann.com/) and Jamee Greer of the Montana Human Rights Network.  Senator Kaufmann has a long history of working on equal rights initiatives and Jamee is currently working on these efforts.  In Montana they have succeeded in passing equal rights legislation in several locations.  We can learn from them. Hope you can join us!  For more information, please call 334.3055 or email staff@ajralaska.org.

March 19 - 23JUNEAU - ALASKA YOUTH FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION'S ANNUAL CIVICS & CONSERVATION SUMMIT brings 20 youth leaders to our state capital for a week of high-impact, fun-filled, and adrenaline-pumping civic engagement lessons. During this event, youth will learn the following skills: how to talk with the media, how to communicate with elected officials, how to read a bill, and how to impact decisions our leaders make about our environment and our lives. We also include sessions on the tribal resolution process, environmental justice, and defining sources of power and influence. The training ends with youth-led visits to state legislators to discuss environmental concerns and interests. This is a life-changing training that will give teens skills they can use in any arena.

March 28 - 31DILLINGHAM - 5TH WESTERN ALASKA INTERDISCIPLINARY SCIENCE CONFERENCE AND FORUM: RESILIENCE in a CHANGING WORLD will be held on the UAF Bristol Bay Campus. The South West Interagency-Fish Meeting (SWIM) is being held in conjunction with WAISC. Keynote speaker: RICHARD SEIFERT, Community Sustainability Coordinator and Professor Emeritus, Cooperative Extension Service. Registration: Registration – $20, March 28, Pizza Social – $20, March 29, Keynote Address and Dinner – $30. Online registration is available at https://seagrant.uaf.edu/conferences/ssl/register.php?id=129 . WAISC travel scholarships and discountsAirfare discounts and travel funding are available for this conference. For more information, contact. Adam Kane, Science Educational Liaison, at 907-842-5109 or 1-800-478-5109, of email adam.kane@alaska.edu.

April 2 & 3ANILCA SEMINAR will be held in the Hotel Captain Cook, Endeavor Room from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Anyone who wants to understand Alaska and its future must understand ANILCA - the Alaska National

Interest Lands Conservation Act (1980). Cost (there's a special young professional discount!) includes comprehensive ANILCA Study Guide and CD; lunches and continental breakfasts; as well as lively discussion with expert guest speakers. Cost:$600 Includes tuition, meals, and materials. Lead: North member $400. Young Professional (under 40) scholarships available. For more information or to register, go to www.institutenorth.org or contact Karlin Itchoak at (907) 771-2443 or kitchoak@institutenorth.org.

April 17 - 19JUNEAU - COASTAL TEMPERATE RAINFORESTS: INTEGRATING SCIENCE, RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, and COMMUNITIES will be held at the Centennial Hall beginning at 8am on Tuesday and 9am on Wednesday and Thursday. This event will highlight the science, resource management, and community development of the rainforests of the North Pacific! You are invited to attend and to submit proposal to present a poster. The event is a 3 day look at the history, current use, and future of coastal rainforest management, with great science, dynamic sessions, and exciting keynote speakers. For more information contact 907-796-6146, acrc@uas.alaska.edu or Scott Owen at 703-358-2636 or email: Scott_T_Owen@fws.gov. To register, go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=wrqtfgiab&oeidk=a07e55v49is184c81b1&oseq=.

April 19 & 20ANCHORAGE -  4th ANNUAL BUSINESS OF CLEAN ENERGY IN ALASKA CONFERENCE will be held at the Dena’ina Center. Join business, civic and government leaders from across Alaska and leading industry experts from around the nation. Clean energy is a $250 billion-a-year business worldwide, and Alaska has the potential to be a world leader in this growing field. Keynote speakers: JON WELLINGHOFF, Chair, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and Retired Vice Admiral DENNIS V. MCGINN President, American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE). Help create a clean energy future for Alaska! Register by March 12 and save at www.BCEAconference.com or call 907-929.7770. Exhibitor and sponsor opportunities also available. For more information, contact Stephanie Nowers, Communications Director, 907-929-7770 or 907-229-1982 cell.

April 23 – May 5ANCHORAGE - PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE lays the foundation for understanding and working with natural systems to design sustainable human environments that produce food, shelter, and energy.  During this two-week course, participants will engage in lectures, discussions, hands-on activities, field trips, optional evening workshops, and a group design projects.  This course puts particular emphasis on home-scale and community-scale solutions appropriate to Alaska including neighborhood and intersection repair, place-making, economic and legal issues, and alternative affordable efficient housing.  For more information or to register, go to: http://akpermaculture.wordpress.com/ or contact Saskia Esslinger at 907-563-1119 or alaskasaskia@gmail.com.

**April 25 to May 2ANCHORAGE- ASCA GARDEN DESIGN WORKSHOP 2012 is sponsored by the Alaska Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects This workshop is an opportunity for homeowners to learnabout landscape design as well as innovative design elements and then create a design for their home, cottage or cabin. There are two lectures that will be given by local landscape architects Dwayne Adams of LDN/USKH and M. Elise Huggins of Earthscape and are 6:30-8:30pm on April 25th and May 2nd. The workshop also includes a 2-hour, one-on-one design session with a landscape architect on May 12 th. Walk away with your own landscape plan! This is an annual class that raises funds for a scholarship for Alaskan students studying landscape architecture. It’s the biggest fundraising event for our Chapter, and many of Anchorage’s landscape architects participate in the Saturday session, donating their time. Cost for the

classes and workshop is $225. Call 222-2859 for information, or email gardendesignworkshop@gmail.com. For more information, contact www.akasla.org

May 17 - 20KENAI - RAFTING TRIP REGISTRATION OPEN! The KENAI BIRDING FESTIVAL is full of activities designed for birders of all levels, including young and beginning birders. In addition to local birding experts, BILL THOMPSON, III, world renowned birder, author and Bird Watcher's Digest Editor, will provide workshops and outings as well as rafting trips, films, art shows and more. This 3-day event showcases the beautiful state parks, fantastic wildlife refuge and pristine beaches that draw thousands of birds to the Kenai Peninsula each year. Free and fee activities. For more information including a detailed schedule, visit www.kenaibirdfest.com .

WEBINARS, WEBCASTS & TELECONFERENCES

**March 10 (TELECONFERENCE AVAILABLE)JUNEAU - The MARINE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD (MTAB) will meet at1pm in the AKDOT&PF Commissioner’s Conference Room, 3rd Floor. Agenda includes: Long-Range Planning: A. Old Harbor Service Request, B. Whistle-stop Policy, Southwest Transportation Plan and Southeast Transportation Plan Update; and Board Action/ Approval of Legislative Priorities for FY13. Teleconference Call-in Number: 1-800-315-6338 - Conference Code 3902#. For more information, contact Lisa Shrestha at (907) 465-3902.

March 16 (TELECONFERENCE)Public hearing will be held by teleconference on the PROPOSED WASTEWATER GENERAL PERMITS for OIL and GAS EXPLORATION in the BEAUFORT and CHUKCHI SEA from 10am to 1pm - EPA presentation and public testimony and 2 to 5pm EPA presentation and public testimony. To attend by phone only call 1-866-299-3188 ( code: 2065536524). EPA and the state are preparing the Beaufort and Chukchi General Permits at the same time, combining the statements of basis in one fact sheet, and combining public comment periods and public hearings for both permits. The Fact Sheet describes the types of facilities and proposed discharges; proposed effluent limits and other conditions; maps and descriptions of the proposed coverage areas and restricted areas; and a summary of the supporting technical materials. For more information, go to the following websites: For the Beaufort Sea, go to: Beaufort Draft Permit (PDF), Summary of permits changes (PDF), Beaufort Notice of Intent Information Sheet (PDF), Cooling Water Intake Structure Requirements (PDF), Alaska's Draft Clean Water Act Certification to EPA (PDF), Alaska Application Form 2M - Request for a Mixing Zone (PDF), and Alaska Noncompliance Notification form (PDF). For the Chukchi Sea, go to: Chukchi Draft Permit (PDF), Technical Fact Sheet (PDF), Summary of permits changes (PDF), Chukchi Notice of Intent Information Sheet (PDF), and Cooling Water Intake Structure Requirements (PDF). For more information, contact Hanh Shaw at 206-553-0171 or email shaw.hanh@epa.gov. For state information, contact Adele Fetter at adele.fetter@alaska.gov.

**March 27 (TELECONFERENCE AVAILABLE)The EXXON VALDEZ OIL SPILL TRUSTEE COUNCIL will meet by teleconference from 9:30 to 11am at the EVOS office, 441 W 5th Ave, Ste 500, Anchorage. To participate call: 800.315.6338, code 8205. For more information call: 907.278.8012 or 800.478.7745 or on the web at www.evostc.state.ak.us.

GRANTS/AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS/CONTESTS

March 15

Deadline for submissions for the 2012 ALASKA JUNIOR DUCK STAMP CONTEST from K-12 students. Participants select a species of North American waterfowl, do research on this species and its habitat, and then depict their findings through art and writing. Prizes, cash awards, and national recognition await the winners. Get to know North America’s waterfowl and enter the contest! Visit this webpage for more information http://alaska.fws.gov/jrduck.

March 15Deadline for application for the ARCTIC AUDUBON SOCIETY’S SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM that funds conservation related projects that support our mission to protect Alaska’s ecosystems by encouraging research, education, and management that will contribute to appreciation and good stewardship of our natural heritage. Grant requests up to $2000 will be accepted. Partial funding may be offered. Proposed projects should enhance the understanding and conservation of Northern Alaska’s organisms and/or ecosystems. Projects dedicated to increasing public awareness and knowledge of conservation issues are appropriate, as are projects that develop educational tools. All applications will be reviewed and a decision announced by the end of March. High school and middle school students and teacher are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants will be expected to submit a report of outcomes and may be asked to give a short public presentation. Applicants should submit an application consisting of two pages (maximum: A one page cover letter introducing themselves, their interest in the proposal and contact information (essential) and a one-page project description that includes a budget, timeline, expected outcomes, and how the project relates to the mission of Arctic Audubon. Please submit by email to arcticaudubon@gmail.com or by mail to Arctic Audubon, PO Box 82098, Fairbanks, Alaska 99708. For more information about Arctic Audubon, go to www.arcticaudubon.org. Please direct question to arcticaudubon@gmail.com.

March 30Deadline for nominations for the 2012 BLM RECLAMATION AND SUSTAINABLE MINERAL DEVELOPMENT AWARDS. These awards recognize operations that embody the principles of sustainable mineral development or represent outstanding examples of environmental stewardship through mining reclamation. The five categories are: HARDROCK MINERAL ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD recognizes efforts in environmental stewardship. This category recognizes achievements demonstrating continuous or repeated efforts to successfully meet or exceed Federal, State, or local reclamation requirements with minimal oversight. HARDROCK MINERAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ECONOMIC SECURITY AWARD recognizes projects that show concern for community responsibilities and the economic benefits of mineral development. This award recognizes successful coordination of projects with local and regional stakeholders. Projects that contribute to quality of life or show concern for a community’s long-term health are also eligible. HARDROCK MINERAL SMALL OPERATOR AWARD recognizes efforts in environmental stewardship of operators with fewer than 15 employees. Similar to the Hardrock Mineral Environmental Award, this award recognizes achievements demonstrating continuous or repeated efforts to successfully meet or exceed Federal, State, or local reclamation requirements with minimal oversight. HARDROCK MINERAL DIRECTOR’S AWARD recognizes outstanding achievement in a particular area of sustainable development. The award will recognize an operator whose dedication and commitment to excellence has resulted in the use of a new or innovative design or technique that allows or enhances successful operations in technically challenging conditions or in critical environmental settings. “FIX A SHAFT TODAY!” (FAST!) AWARD recognizes active participation in the FAST! Campaign, which is a partnership initiative aimed at eradicating unsafe abandoned mine land features, especially open mine shafts. To complete the nomination form, go to: http://www.blm.gov/ak/st/en/prog/minerals/reclamation.html, or contact John Hoppe, BLM-Alaska Geologist, at (907) 271-3218.

March 30

Deadline for submissions for the ALASKA HUMMINGBIRD FESTIVAL JURIED ART SHOW. "Call for Artists" features opportunities for Alaskan artists of all ages and abilities to showcase their work at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center in Ketchikan from April through May 2012. The mission of the Alaska Hummingbird Festival and this art show is to educate and promote awareness of the spring migratory birds of southeast Alaska. Please review the above attachment for more detail. Submit your work to Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, 50 Main Street, Ketchikan, AK 99901, C/O Hummingbird Festival. Mailed entries must include return postage payable to Alaska Geographic Associations. For more information, contact Leslie Swada at 907.617.7746. For more information, go to http://ketchikanarts.org/2010/12/alaska-hummingbird-festival-juried-art-show-call-to-artists.

March 31Deadline for submissions for the 2012 ALASKA STATE-FISH ART CONTEST from K-12 students. Educators can download a free curriculum and learn how to use art as a springboard into the fascinating world of fish. K-12 students can draw, paint, and write their way to free prizes, fishing gear, and national recognition while getting to know Alaska’s state fish! Visit this webpage for more information go to http://alaska.fws.gov/fisheries/fish/contest_art.htm.

April 15 Deadline for applications for the AK Dept. of Transportation & Public FACILITIES SECTION 5311 RURAL PUBLIC TRANSIT GRANTS for SFY2013.  Purpose of the grants are to: Encourage communities to identify and address deficiencies in their rural public transportation, and intercity connections; Assist local areas in determining community benefits and support for rural public transportation, or intercity bus connections: Provide funding to preserve or enhance rural public transportation or intercity bus connections where there is a demonstrated need and measurable benefit; Support a sustainable network of services within and between communities: Establish opportunities for local jurisdictions, regional organizations, private sector agencies, state and federal governments, and tribal governments in Alaska to work collaboratively; ensure stakeholders have a voice in project development; and encourage appropriate cost sharing on projects; and Require local agencies to coordinate their services with other transportation providers in their area, as well as programs who may be able to use or purchase the services. For more information, go to: http://dot.alaska.gov/stwdplng/transit/pub/SFY2013Section5311GrantInfoInstruc.doc.

DEADLINES

March 12Federal land management agencies in Alaska, together with the Alaska Dept. of Transportation & Public Facilities (ADOT&PF), are undertaking a pioneering EFFORT to DEVELOP a MULTI-AGENCY LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN (LRTP) for FEDERAL LANDS in the state. This plan will facilitate the strategic identification and prioritization of transportation infrastructure and systems needed. The draft Alaska Federal Lands LRTP is available at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=1&projectID=39393&documentID=43975. This LRTP is being developed to help Federal land managers to make better funding decisions for transportation facilities that provide access to and within public lands in Alaska. This document will serve as a tool to collectively engage the various agencies on how they can work together to set statewide transportation priorities and leverage funds to meet transportation needs for Alaska's Federal public lands. The draft NPS Alaska Region LRTP identifies transportation issues and sets priorities for parks in the Alaska Region in a drop-down plan to the interagency umbrella plan.

March 12

Deadline for nomination for the BLM RESOURCE ADVISORY COUNCIL (RAC) for five open positions which advises BLM Alaska on public land issues. The BLM’s RACs, composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues, help the Bureau carry out its stewardship of 245 million acres of public lands. The five positions open on the BLM Alaska Resource Advisory Council are in the following categories: One vacancy in Category One –Representatives of organizations associated with energy and mineral development, transportation or rights-of-way, off-highway vehicle use, and commercial recreation. One vacancy in Category Two – Representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historical organizations, and dispersed recreation activities. Three vacancies in Category Three – Representatives of state, county, or local elected office; representatives and employees of a state agency responsible for the management of natural resources; representatives of Indian Tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the RAC is organized; representatives and employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural sciences; and the public-at-large. Nomination forms may be found at http://www.blm.gov/ak/st/en/res/rac.html. Nominations may be faxed to (907) 271-5421 or emailed to tjenning@blm.gov. For more information, contact Thom Jennings at 907.271.3335, Fax 907.271.5421 or email: tjenning@blm.gov.

March 12Comments are due on the request for a permit to APPLY PESTICIDES, by the ALASKA RAILROAD CORP. in the PALMER-WASILLA AREA. The ARR want to apply herbicide to a 16 foot wide strip of the railroad right-of-way on twelve miles of track in the Palmer-Wasilla area, including the Palmer branch line and the Wasilla mainline from the Palmer branch line to the Palmer-Wasilla Highway crossing. The proposed products include Aquamaster, with EPA registration number 524-343, with active ingredient glyphosate. This product requires the use of an additive, and the Railroad proposes to use the product Agri-Dex. Aquamaster has the same active ingredient as Roundup and many other home use products, and is approved for both terrestrial and aquatic use. Treatment is proposed for summer months throughout the duration of the permit. Copies of the application are available at http://dec.alaska.gov/eh/pest/publicnotice.htm. For more information or to submit comments, contact Rebecca Colvin at 907-269-7802, Fax 907-269-7600 or email Rebecca.colvin@alaska.gov. For specific information regarding the application, contact: Karin Hendrickson at (907) 376-1856, Fax (907) 376-2382 or email Karin.Hendrickson@alaska.gov

March 13WILLOW - Deadline for comments on the DRAFT WILLOW AREA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - The Willow Area Community Organization requested assistance from the Borough in drafting a comprehensive plan. A planning team was formed in October of 2007. Monthly meetings have been taking place to prepare a draft. The plan is available at http://ww1.matsugov.us/docman/doc_view/3617-willowpublic-review-draft?tmpl=component&format=raw.

**March 14FAIRBANKS - Comments are due on the applications for RESERVATION of WATER in the CHATANIKA RIVER for the purpose of maintaining specified instream flow rates to protect fish and wildlife habitat, migration, and propagation. The Department of Natural Resources proposes to establish six reservations of water for the Department of Fish and Game for the Chatanika River and its associated sloughs and side channels: Reach A – begins from the confluence with Ruby Creek upstream approximately five miles to the confluence with Poker Creek; Reach B – begins from the confluence with Poker Creek and extends approximately 9.9 miles upstream; Reach C – begins from the upstream Reach B boundary and extends approximately 15.7 miles upstream; Reach D – begins from the upstream Reach C boundary and extends approximately 13.5 miles upstream; Reach E – begins from the upstream Reach D boundary and extends approximately 3.5 miles upstream to the confluence with Horse Creek; and Reach F – begins from the upstream Reach E boundary at Horse Creek and extends approximately 3.8

miles upstream to the confluence with McManus Creek. For more information or to submit comments, contact Kimberly Sager at (907) 269-2033 or email kimberly.sager@alaska.gov.

**March 16 (ADDITIIONAL INFORMATION)Comments are due on the proposal to adopt REGULATION CHANGES DEALING with WATERS IMPORTANT for the SPAWNING, REARING, or MIGRATION of ANADROMOUS FISH, including the following: Several revisions are proposed to be made to the Atlas to the Catalog of Waters Important for the Spawning, Rearing, or Migration of Anadromous Fishes and Catalog of Waters Important for the Spawning, Rearing, or Migration of Anadromous Fishes. The list of rivers, lakes, and streams will be updated, including additions, deletions, and changes to the legal descriptions of many of these waters. Minor revisions will be made to the introduction of the Catalog and Atlas, including updates to ADF&G regional contact information. Species-specific information will be used in place of undifferentiated species information wherever possible. The Commissioner must review plans and specifications of any proposed work or use occurring within a specified anadromous river, lake, or stream. If the Commissioner determines that the plans and specifications provide for the proper protection of fish and game the project will be approved and a Fish Habitat Permit will be issued by the ADF&G, Division of Habitat. The Catalog and Atlas identify and list these anadromous waters and are used by the Commissioner to determine whether such a permit is required for any particular project. Several revisions are proposed to be made to the Atlas and Catalog. The list of rivers, lakes, and streams will be updated, including additions, deletions, and changes to the legal descriptions of many of these waters. Minor revisions will be made to the introduction of the Catalog and Atlas, including updates to ADF&G regional contact information. Species-specific information will be used in place of undifferentiated species information wherever possible. Proposed changes for all six regions of Alaska (Southeastern, Southcentral, Southwestern, Western, Arctic, and Interior) are available at http://awc.adfg.alaska.gov.For more information or to submit comments, contact Paul Blanche at paul.blanche@alaska.gov.

March 19Deadline for comments on the SOUTHEAST INTEGRATED RESOURCE PLAN (SEIRP) TECHNICAL DRAFT REPORT prepared for AK Energy Authority (AEA) by Black & Veatch and HDR Alaska. The SEIRP is a directional plan that identifies the types of resources, including alternative resources that should be developed in the future in the Southeast Alaska region. The report addresses demand-side management/energy efficiency and emerging technologies, such as tidal. The report is available at http://www.akenergyauthority.org/southeastIRP.html.

March 19DENALI NATIONAL PARK - Comments are due on the proposal to make improvements and additions to the HORSESHOE LAKE TRAIL. The current trail to the picturesque Horseshoe Lake isapproximately 1.5 miles long, and is very popular with park visitors. The lake provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, and visitors walking on the trail have opportunities to see moose, beaver, and several bird species. The footpath was constructed in 1940 as the park’s first established trail. The trailhead is located at the railroad crossing on the Denali Park road (Mile 1). Sections of the trail are in poor condition. There are steep sections that are difficult for many visitors, and portions are eroding due to inadequate drainage. A network of social trails has developed around the lake and throughout the area, creating additional erosion and damage to sensitive wildlife habitat, including beaver dams and lodges.Proposed changes may include: Rehabilitation of social trails; Reconstruction of the existing Horseshoe Lake Trail to improve trail surface and drainage; Construction of a new loop trail to the Nenana River and around Horseshoe Lake; Extending the trail to the Nenana River and around Horseshoe Lake would provide increased hiking opportunities for visitors and consolidate use, allowing the web of social trails to be rehabilitated. For more information or to submit comments, contact Dan Ostrowski, Project Lead at 907-683-9557 or email dan_ostrowski@nps.gov or Paula Homan, Project Planning Lead, at 907-683-6223 or email paula_homan@nps.gov.

March 19Deadline for comments on the SOUTHEAST ENERGY that recommends that Southeast should significantly increase demand side management and energy efficiency programs in order to reduce the draw on existing hydro resources and improve the quality of life in our communities (and save the region about $137 million in 50 years). It also recommends a number of small hydro projects and two short intertie segments to address high energy costs in our diesel dependent communities. The plan also studied the region-wide intertie plan that has long been pushed by Southeast Conference and a relatively newer plan to build an intertie to Canada. Both were not recommended due to cost and other issues. Space heating was addressed via the plan, and the recommendations focused on wood pellet-based heating. We also think efficient electric heating, such as heat pumps and other technologies, should be included and emphasized in this section. This plan is a huge step forward for creating consensus around a progressive energy plan for Southeast, eliminating distracting and expensive options and focusing efforts on doable ways to solve our energy problems and manage our public resources. SEACC is largely supportive of this plan, but know it always has room for improvement. Please visit http://www.akenergyauthority.org/seirp-comments.html to read the draft plan and submit your comments.

March 19FAIRBANKS – Comments are due on the proposal to issue an AIR QUALITY CONTROL OPERATING PERMIT for the SOUTH CUSHMAN LANDFILL. South Cushman Landfill is a municipal solid waste landfill divided into two solid waste disposal units: (1) the construction and demolition debris Disposal Area; and (2) the municipal solid waste Disposal Area. It also operates 11 oil-fired boilers for building heat. Potential annual emissions of regulated air pollutants will not will not exceed: 2.1 tons of Nitrogen Oxides, 0.5 tons of Carbon Monoxide, 22.4 tons of Particulate Matter, 7.9 tons of Sulfur Dioxide, and 8.6 tons of Volatile Organic Compounds. The total potential emissions of regulated air pollutants are 22.6 tons per year. The potential Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions are 76,600 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions. The draft Operating Permit and Statement of Basis are available at https://myalaska.state.ak.us/dec/air/airtoolsWeb/PublicPermitListings.aspx. For more information or to submit comments, contact Wally Evans at (907)269-7562 or email wallace.evans@alaska.gov.

**March 19DENALI NATIONAL PARK - Comments are due on the proposal to make IMPROVEMENTS AND ADDITIONS TO THE HORSESHOE LAKE TRAIL. The current trail to the picturesque Horseshoe Lake is approximately 1.5 miles long, and is very popular with park visitors. The lake provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, and visitors walking on the trail have opportunities to see moose, beaver, and several bird species. The footpath was constructed in 1940 as the park’s first established trail. The trailhead is located at the railroad crossing on the Denali Park road (Mile 1). Sections of the trail are in poor condition. There are steep sections that are difficult for many visitors, and portions are eroding due to inadequate drainage. A network of social trails has developed around the lake and throughout the area, creating additional erosion and damage to sensitive wildlife habitat, including beaver dams and lodges.Proposed changes may include: *rehabilitation of social trails; *reconstruction of the existing Horseshoe Lake Trail to improve trail surface and drainage; *construction of a new loop trail to the Nenana River and around Horseshoe Lake Extending the trail to the Nenana River and around Horseshoe Lake wouldprovide increased hiking opportunities for visitors and consolidate use, allowing the web of social trails to be rehabilitated. Maps showing proposed routes are available at http://www.nps.gov/.../horseshoe-lake-trail-project.htm. Comments may be submitted online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/dena or faxed to 907-683-9612. For additional information, contact Dan Ostrowski, at 907-683-9557 or email dan_ostrowski@nps.gov; or Paula Homan, Project Planning Lead, at 907-683-6223 or email paula_homan@nps.gov.

**March 19Deadline for comments on the SOUTHEAST ENERGY PLAN. A new plan has been released recommending a number of positive steps for Southeast Alaska's Energy Future. The plan was developed by the engineering firm Black and Veatch and guided by the Alaska Energy Authority and an advisory committee. The draft plan recommends that Southeast should significantly increase demand side management and energy efficiency programs in order to reduce the draw on existing hydro resources and improve the quality of life in our communities (and save the region about $137 million in 50 years). It also recommends a number of small hydro projects and two short intertie segments to address high energy costs in our diesel dependent communities. The plan also studied the region-wide intertie plan that has long been pushed by Southeast Conference and a relatively newer plan to build an intertie to Canada. Both were not recommended due to cost and other issues. Space heating was addressed via the plan, and the recommendations focused on wood pellet-based heating. Please visit http://www.akenergyauthority.org/seirp-comments.html to read the draft plan and submit your comments.

**March 19FAIRBANKS - Comments are due on the proposal to issue an AIR QUALITY CONTROL OPERATING PERMIT for the SOUTH CUSHMAN LANDFILL. South Cushman Landfill is a municipal solid waste landfill divided into two solid waste disposal units: (1) the construction and demolition debris Disposal Area; and (2) the municipal solid waste Disposal Area. It also operates 11 oil-fired boilers for building heat. Potential annual emissions of regulated air pollutants will not will not exceed: 2.1 tons of Nitrogen Oxides, 0.5 tons of Carbon Monoxide, 22.4 tons of Particulate Matter, 7.9 tons of Sulfur Dioxide, and 8.6 tons of Volatile Organic Compounds. The total potential emissions of regulated air pollutants are 22.6 tons per year. The potential Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions are 76,600 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions. Copies of the draft Operating Permit and Statement of Basis are available at https://myalaska.state.ak.us/dec/air/airtoolsWeb/PublicPermitListings.aspx. For more information or to submit comments, contact Mr. Wally Evans at (907)269-7562 or email wallace.evans@alaska.gov.

March 22Deadline for comments on request for permit to APPLY HERBICIDE TO THE SEWARD HIGHWAY NEAR MILE 72 to control Invasive Orange Hawkweed by the AK Association of Conservation Districts (AACD). The proposed products include Milestone Specialty Herbicide, with EPA registration number 62719-519, with active ingredient aminopyralid (trilsopropanolammonium salt of 2-pyridine carboxylic acid). The AACD also proposes to use a non-ionic surfactant additive called Activator 90. Treatment is proposed for the month of June throughout the duration of the permit. The noxious weed Orange Hawkweed (hieracium aurantiacum) has been identified as a priority for eradication in the Chugach National Forest by the Kenai Cooperative Weed Management Area strategic plan. The goal of the proposed treatment is to reduce the spread of this invasive species, and eradicate it over the permit period. For more information or to submit comments, contact Rebecca Colvin at 907-269-7802, Fax: 907-269-7600 or emai: Rebecca.colvin@alaska.gov. For specific information regarding the application contact: Karin Hendrickson at (907) 376-1856, Fax (907) 376-2382, or email Karin.Hendrickson@alaska.gov.

**March 23Comments are due on the proposal to begin engineering and environmental studies on the STERLING HIGHWAY MILEPOST 150-169 AND 169-173 PAVEMENT PRESERVATION: PROJECT The two projects located along the Sterling Highway between Tall Tree Avenue [milepost (MP) 150] and Pioneer Avenue (MP 173) in Homer, would include improvements at MP 150-169 and project 54130 would include improvements at MP 169-173. The proposed work would include: Milling and resurfacing

the Sterling Highway; Making Americans with Disabilities Act improvements to curb ramps and detectable warning tiles; Installing guardrail and guardrail end treatments; Replacing drainage cross culverts where needed; Removing and replacing road sub-base material where needed; Replacing signs and restriping; All proposed work would take place within DOT&PF right-of-way. Construction for the proposed projects is anticipated to begin in summer, 2012. For more information, contact Chris Post, Project Manager at 907-269-0585 or TaraLyn Stone, Environmental Impact Analyst at 907-269-0534. Submit comments to Brian Elliot at 907) 269-0539 or email brian.elliott@alaska.gov.

March 24GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK - Comments are due on the proposal to CONSTRUCT A 3500 SQUARE FOOT REPLICA OF AN 18TH CENTURY TLINGIT TRIBAL HOUSE near Bartlett Cove. The Tribal House concept was included in the 1997 Comprehensive Design Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) for Bartlett Cove to provide park visitors with opportunities to learn about Huna Tlingit history and culture through educational and interpretive displays and to strengthen the Huna Tlingit's ongoing connection to their ancestral homeland by providing a venue for cultural events, workshops, and retreats. To see various components already under construction by carvers in Hoonah, go to http://www.nps.gov/glba/historyculture/huna-tribal-house-project.htm, http://www.nps.gov/glba/historyculture/tribal-house-project-photogallery.htm, and www.facebook.com/glacierbaynationalpark. The structure would showcase traditional design, construction, decoration and furnishings, as well as use of green-certified local forest products and sustainable utilities. The building and access would cover approximately one acre located along the shore northeast of the Glacier Bay Lodge in Bartlett Cove. The environmental effects of several alternative designs will be evaluated through an EA process. Potential impacts on Bartlett Cove shorefront habitats, mature spruce/hemlock forest, wildlife, other park visitor activities, park utilities, cultural resources, and adjacent concession operations will be evaluated. The public review EA is planned for release in June 2012. Construction would begin in 2013. For more information or to submit comments, contact Allison Banks, Environmental Protection Specialist, at 907-697-2611 or go to the NPS comment page at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/.

March 30 Comments are due on the PROPOSED WASTEWATER GENERAL PERMITS for OIL and GAS EXPLORATION in the BEAUFORT and CHUKCHI SEA. EPA and the state are preparing the Beaufort and Chukchi General Permits at the same time, combining the statements of basis in one fact sheet, and combining public comment periods and public hearings for both permits. The Fact Sheet describes the types of facilities and proposed discharges; proposed effluent limits and other conditions; maps and descriptions of the proposed coverage areas and restricted areas; and a summary of the supporting technical materials. For more information, go to the following websites: For the Beaufort Sea, go to: Beaufort Draft Permit (PDF), Summary of permits changes (PDF), Beaufort Notice of Intent Information Sheet (PDF), Cooling Water Intake Structure Requirements (PDF), Alaska's Draft Clean Water Act Certification to EPA (PDF), Alaska Application Form 2M - Request for a Mixing Zone (PDF), and Alaska Noncompliance Notification form (PDF). For the Chukchi Sea, go to: Chukchi Draft Permit (PDF), Technical Fact Sheet (PDF), Summary of permits changes (PDF), Chukchi Notice of Intent Information Sheet (PDF), and Cooling Water Intake Structure Requirements (PDF). For more information, contact Hanh Shaw at 206-553-0171 or email shaw.hanh@epa.gov. For state information, contact Adele Fetter at adele.fetter@alaska.gov. Submit com and include: your name, address, telephone number (so we may contact you if we need to clarify your comment), General Permit number(s), and a concise statement of the basis and facts supporting your comments, to R10arcticpermits@epa.gov or Fax to Hanh Shaw at 206-553-0165

**March 30

Deadline for comments on the proposed WASTEWATER GENERAL PERMITS FOR OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION IN THE BEAUFORT AND CHUKCHI SEAS. EPA is preparing the Beaufort and Chukchi General Permits at the same time, combining the statements of basis in one fact sheet, and combining public comment periods and public hearings for both permits. The Fact Sheet describes the types of facilities and proposed discharges; proposed effluent limits and other conditions; maps and descriptions of the proposed coverage areas and restricted areas; and a summary of the supporting technical materials. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has issued a draft Clean Water Act Section 401 certification for the Beaufort General Permit. Permit Documents are available at http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/water.nsf/npdes+public+notices/arctic-gp-pn-2012. For more general information, contact Suzanne Skadowski at (206) 553-6689 or for technical information, contact Hanh Shaw at (206) 553-0171. For more information or to submit comments on the state certification, contact Adele Fetter at adele.fetter@alaska.gov.

**March 30Comments are due on an application for renewal of an OIL DISCHARGE PREVENTION AND CONTINGENCY PLAN for Hilcorp Alaska, LLC (Hilcorp) for Cook Inlet Production Facilities. This plan was previously operated and owned by Union Oil Company of California (UOCC). Production wells are located onshore (Swanson River Field located in the Kenai Wildlife Refuge) and offshore in Cook Inlet. The plan addresses oil spill prevention and response measures to support their operation for a response planning standard (RPS) of three times the annual average daily oil production volume for the maximum producing well (King Salmon Platform’s K13 well) barrels per day for 3 days to total 2,520 barrels due to K13 being an assisted lift well. The oil terminal RPS is for 11,543 barrels after prevention credit adjustment. Onshore facilities are currently in place on the west side (Trading Bay Production Facility and Granite Point Tank Farm) and east side of Cook Inlet at Swanson River. Offshore platforms located in Cook Inlet, including Granite Point, Anna, Bruce, King Salmon, Dolly Varden, Grayling, Steelhead, Monopod. The Dillon and Baker platforms have been light housed. Copies of the renewal application and plan are available for public review at the department’s Anchorage and Soldotna offices. Submit comments to AK Dept of Environmental Conservation, Div. of Spill Prevention & Response, Industry Preparedness Program, 555 Cordova Street, Anchorage, AK 99501, or call (907) 269-3094.

**March 30Deadline for proposals to the FEDERAL SUBSISTENCE BOARD to CHANGE FEDERAL SUBSISTENCE REGULATIONS for the HARVEST of FISH and SHELLFISH. The Board will consider proposals to change Federal subsistence fishing seasons, harvest limits, methods of harvest, and customary and traditional use determinations. The Board will also accept proposals for individual customary and traditional use determinations from residents of national park and national monument resident zone communities, or those who already hold a subsistence use permit. Federal public lands include national wildlife refuges; national parks, monuments and preserves; national forests; national wild and scenic rivers; and national conservation and recreation areas. These lands also include Bureau of Land Management areas that are not part of the national conservation system. Federal subsistence regulations do not apply on State of Alaska lands, private lands, military lands, Native allotments, or Federal lands selected by the State of Alaska or Native corporations. For more information or to submit proposals, contact Theo Matuskowitz at Office of Subsistence Management, 1011 East Tudor Road, MS-121, Anchorage, AK 99503 or to 800-478-1456 or email subsistence@fws.gov or go to http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/index.cfml.

**March 31Deadline for comments on application for PERMIT TO APPLY PESTICIDES, ALASKA RAILROAD CORPORATION in the CLEAR-FAIRBANKS AREA. The project is proposed and is being reviewed by the appropriate regulatory programs. The Alaska Railroad Corporation has applied to ADEC for a pesticide use permit to apply herbicide to a 16 foot wide strip of the railroad right-of-way on

approximately 60 miles of track beginning near Clear and proceeding north to Fairbanks. The proposed products include Aquamaster, with EPA registration number 524-343, with active ingredient glyphosate. This product requires the use of an additive, and the Railroad proposes to use the product Agri-Dex. Aquamaster has the same active ingredient as Roundup and many other home use products, and is approved for both terrestrial and aquatic use. Treatment is proposed for summer months throughout the duration of the permit. Copies of the application are available at http://dec.alaska.gov/eh/pest/publicnotice.htm. For more information or to submit comments, contact Rebecca Colvin at 907-269-7802, Fax 907-269-7600 or email Rebecca.colvin@alaska.gov. For specfic information regarding the application, contact Karin Hendrickson at (907) 376-1856, Fax (907) 376-2382, or email Karin.Hendrickson@alaska.gov.

April 9Deadline nominations for the 2012 Conservation Achievement Awards. Do you know an individual or organization making a difference for conservation in Alaska? Recognize their passion and contributions by nominating them for a 2012 Conservation Achievement Award. This year Alaska Conservation Foundation (ACF) will present awards in eight categories, including Lifetime Achievement. For more information and the nomination form and guidelines, go to http://alaskaconservation.org/achievement-awards/2012-conservation-achievement-awards/nominate-award/. For additional information, contact contact Leah Doney-Neel at 907-276-1917 or email ldoney-neel@alaskaconservation.org.

EVENTS & MEETINGS \ANCHORAGE - EAGLE RIVER & GIRDWOOD

March 11WILD-SCAPING IN ALASKA will be the topic at 2pm at the Eagle River Nature Center. Wild-scaping is a term used to describe gardening and landscaping for wildlife. This typically includes trees for attracting birds and flowers for attracting bees. And what about keeping moose from eating your newly planted trees? Volunteer BETH BAKER presents information and personal experience in wild-scaping in the Eagle River valley. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.

**March 12WEST ANCHORAGE COMMUNITY COUNCILS CANDIDATES FORUM will be held from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the Spenard Recreation Center Multi-Purpose Room, 2020 W. 48th Ave. Questions from community councils and those attending the event will be asked of Anchorage School Board and Mayoral candidates. Refreshements will be provided. Sponsored by North Star, Sand Lake, Spenard, Taku-Campbell and Turnagain Community Councils. For information, contact TCC Board Member Chris Habicht at 243-6030, or email ChrHabicht@aol.com.

**March 12 and Continued on March 19Public hearing will be held before the Planning & Zoning Commission from 6:30 to 11:55 in the Assembly Chambers, Loussac Library on the PROPOSED AMENDMENTS to the PROVISIONALLY ADOPTED TITLE 21 REWRITE (PZC Case # 2011-104). The review is not intended to revisit the entirety of the rewrite, which was provisionally adopted by the Assembly in 2010 after an extensive eight-year process. It is instead focused on a specific set of proposed changes consisting of technical edits, substantive amendments and addendum to the proposed amendments. To see the proposed amendments, go to http://www.muni.org/Departments/OCPD/Planning/Projects/t21/Pages/Title21Rewrite.aspx . Submit comments at Title21@muni.org , Fax to 907-343-7927 or through Planning Div. website at http://munimaps.muni.org/planning/home3.htm (insert case number 2011-104). The Community Development Department's Planning Division's recommendation will be available after 1pm on the Friday prior to the meeting.

March 14A LIFE AFIELD: CAREERS in WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT and RESEARCH is the topic for MIKE HARRINGTON, research technician with the AK Dept. of Fish & Game, at 7pm at the Alaska Zoo. He will talk about his dream job assisting researchers with work on furbearer and big game species. Learn about what wildlife biologists do and the kind of training required in this special career-focused program. The USFWS and ADFG will provide information on internships and summer jobs. Youth of all ages encouraged to attend! Coffee and tea available at lectures. For more information please contact Stephanie Hartman (Education Director) at (907) 346-2858, or slhartman@alaskazoo.org.

**March 14RENEWABLE BIOMASS DEVELOPMENT IN ALASKA will be presented from 6 to 8pm at the Anchorage Museum FREE Come join us for this exciting presentation on the growing use in Alaska of renewable biomass for electricity and heating from a fish-oil biodiesel powered fish processing plant in the Aleutians to a wood-fired boiler heating the school in Tok. SPEAKERS: DEVANY PLENTOVICH & HELEN TRAYLOR of the Alaska Energy Authority. For a live podcast, go to https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/526105072. For more information, go to www.REalaska.org or ca;; 929-7770.

**March 14 & 15The ADVISORY WATER QUALITY ANTIDEGRADATION WORKGROUP will meet from 10:30am to 5pm on March 14 and from 9am to approximately 5pm on March 15 at the DEC building, 555 Cordova St.. The Workgroup’s function is to provide DEC with various perspectives and inform the department’s development of draft implementation methods for the state’s water quality antidegradation policy All meetings are open to the public. For more information about the upcoming meetings including meeting dates, agendas, and reference material and to join a listserve for notices of future meetings, please see the Antidegradation Workgroup website at http://www.dec.state.ak.us/water/wqsar/Antidegradation/index.html. For more information, contact Jim Powell at jim.powell@alaska.gov or (907) 465-5185.

March 15HOW TO BE A BETTER BIRDER FORUM will be held at 7pm at the BP Energy Center. The Spring Birding Season is right around the corner, and the Anchorage Audubon Society's March program is an exceptional treat. This is an opportunity to go to school with the big guys. When any of us see an expert birder in action, we always seem to ask ourselves the same question: "How the heck did he know That?" This is a chance to answer that question. Moderator White Keys will lead the questioning with the goal of allowing us to learn more about birding in one evening than we would usually learn in a whole week! It'll be just like getting a full scholarship to Harvard, except that the person sitting next to you is likely to have driven in from Wasilla. The Forum will not be based on questions from the audience, but questions for our esteemed panel may be submitted in advance to flybynightclub@gci.net.

March 15Public hearing will be held at the Loussac Library from 4 to 5pm: open house; 6 to 7pm: EPA presentation; 7 to10pm: public testimony on the PROPOSED WASTEWATER GENERAL PERMITS for OIL and GAS EXPLORATION in the BEAUFORT and CHUKCHI SEA. To attend by phone (conference line will open at 6pm) call 1-866-299-3188 (access code: 2065536524). EPA and the state are preparing the Beaufort and Chukchi General Permits at the same time, combining the statements of basis in one fact sheet, and combining public comment periods and public hearings for both permits. The Fact Sheet describes the types of facilities and proposed discharges; proposed effluent limits and other conditions; maps and descriptions of the proposed coverage areas and restricted areas; and a summary of the supporting technical materials. For more information, go to the following websites: For the Beaufort

Sea, go to: Beaufort Draft Permit (PDF), Summary of permits changes (PDF), Beaufort Notice of Intent Information Sheet (PDF), Cooling Water Intake Structure Requirements (PDF), Alaska's Draft Clean Water Act Certification to EPA (PDF), Alaska Application Form 2M - Request for a Mixing Zone (PDF), and Alaska Noncompliance Notification form (PDF). For the Chukchi Sea, go to: Chukchi Draft Permit (PDF), Technical Fact Sheet (PDF), Summary of permits changes (PDF), Chukchi Notice of Intent Information Sheet (PDF), and Cooling Water Intake Structure Requirements (PDF). For more information, contact Hanh Shaw at 206-553-0171 or email shaw.hanh@epa.gov. For state information, contact Adele Fetter at adele.fetter@alaska.gov.

March 16Journalist BRYAN MEALER will talk about his story in THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND at 6:30pm in the Marston Theatre, Loussac Library. As a teenager in Malawi, William Kamkwamba built a windmill to provide power for lights and a water pump, using a book from his village library! His invention inspired people across the world, including the media, scholars and journalists. William’s lecture is part of a week-long tour sponsored by the Malawi Children’s Village Foundation. For more information, contact Clare Stockert at 343-2983 or email StockertCE@ci.anchorage.ak.us.

March 18WHAT IS EARTHWATCH? Join volunteer RUTH FITZPATRICK at 2pm at the Eagle River Nature Center as she shares her many experiences volunteering on expeditions with the Earthwatch Institute, whose mission it is to engage people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Today’s program will highlight her recent experience in the Amazon, as well as opportunities in other locations around the world from the tropics to the arctic. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.

March 19The JOINT PROTOCOL COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF FISHERIES (BOF) and the North PACIFIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL (NPFMC) will meet from 10am to 4pm in the Aleutian Room, Anchorage Hilton Hotel. This committee is made up of three BOF members and three NPFMC members. No regulatory action will be taken at this meeting. The meeting primarily offers an opportunity to exchange information. Agenda topics include: Tanner Crab Rebuilding, Gulf of Alaska Halibut Bycatch, Salmon Bycatch, Gulf of Alaska Pacific Cod, Bottom Gear in Prince William Sound, and miscellaneous state/federal issues. The committee will take oral public testimony during this meeting. The agenda and meeting materials will be available http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=process.main. For information, call (907) 465-4110.

**March 20Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is Hosting a CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING from 6 to- 8pm in the North Terminal Lobby. All interested members of the public are invited to learn about the 2012 Summer Construction Projects. Please park in the North Terminal parking lot and bring your parking ticket to the meeting for validation. For any questions, please contact either: Mike Lee, Chief Engineer, (907) 266-2798 or email mike.lee@alaska.gov or Margaret Tyler at (907) 266-2694 or email margaret.tyler@alaska.gov.

**March 20AWEN'S MARCH SOCIAL EVENT will be held at 5:30pm DINNER & 7:00pm MOVIE. Enjoy delicious Himalayan food at Namaste Sangri La Restaurant on Tudor and then on to Out North for a showing of Revenge of the Electric Car. To see the movie trailer visit http://www.revengeoftheelectriccar.com/.  For more information get in touch with Kate at katherynepowers@gmail.com. 

March 20Public hearings will be held on the PROPOSED STATEWIDE BIG GAME GUIDE CONCESSION PROGRAM from 6 to 8:30pm at Central Middle School. The proposed program will select qualified individuals to conduct big game commercial guiding on state land through an allocation process that would involve registered and master guides submitting an application with supporting documentation to the div. Of Mining, Land & Water. Through this process a limited number of commercial guides will be selected to operate in designated areas throughout the state. The Proposal and supporting documents are available at http://www.dnr.alaska.gov/mlw.gcp. For more information, call 907-269-8587 or email dnr.mlw.gcp@alaska.gov.

March 21BEAVER! is the topic at 7pm at the Campbell Creek Science Center. Ever wonder how beavers chew wood all their lives but don't wear out their teeth? Or why a beaver has such a big, flat tail? Or what beavers eat in the wintertime? Come learn the answers to these questions and much more about beaver from JESSY COLTRANE of the AK Dept. of Fish & Game. You'll also find out where beavers are active in Anchorage and what to do when a beaver is getting "over busy" near you. Hot drinks and cookies provided by Friends of the Campbell Creek Science Center.

March 24BIRD TLC’S “FOR THE BIRDS” LIVE & SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER will be held from 6 to 10pm at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa. Visit with our Live Education Birds while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, a live and silent auction, and a no host bar. Tickets are $60 a person or $1000 for a table (seats 10). This is Bird TLC’s largest annual fundraiser so plan on attending, having a good time, and helping us raise funds! We are always looking for unique items, trips, or artwork to auction off as well. Auction items can be dropped off at the clinic. You can email our auction chairperson, Ginamaria Smith with questions at auction@birdtlc.net.

MEETINGS & EVENTS OUT OF ANCHORAGE

**March 10JUNEAU - Public hearing will be held by the TAKU RIVER TASK FORCE from 10am to Noon in the at Alaska Capitol, Committee Room 124. The purpose of the Task Force is to: 1. view biological health and status regarding Taku River fish stocks, habitat, and game resources. 2. Investigate who is responsible (e.g., Alaska departments of Fish and Game, Natural Resources, Environmental Conservation, and the U.S. Coast Guard) for monitoring industrial vessel traffic on the river and determine if industrial vessel safety and spill response requirements are appropriately met; and 3. Assess current state and federal statutes and regulations and their effectiveness. The Task Force report is available at http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_documents.asp?session=27&docid=9636.

**March 11 & 12HOMER - AGRICULTURE IN BETHEL?: Tim Meyers While Eliot Coleman is in Anchorage, one of Alaska’s most notable entrepreneurs in agriculture is coming to Homer. Tim has made a hugely successful farm in the tundra of Bethel so he indeed is inspiring. He will be presenting at the Bidarka Inn at 2pm on Sunday and there will be a community potluck with him at the Kachemak Community Center out East End Rd. on Monday the 12th starting at 6pm. For more information call 235-6953 or go to http://www.meyersfarm.net/.

March 12POINT HOPE – Open House public informational meeting will be held from 6 to 9pm at the Qalgi Community Center for presentation on the PROPOSED WASTEWATER GENERAL PERMITS for

OIL and GAS EXPLORATION in the BEAUFORT and CHUKCHI SEA. March 13 BARROW – Public hearing will be held in the Inupiat Heritage Center – 4 to 5pm: open house; 6 to 7pm: EPA presentation; 7 to10pm: public testimony on the PROPOSED WASTEWATER GENERAL PERMITS for OIL and GAS EXPLORATION in the BEAUFORT and CHUKCHI SEA. To attend by phone (conference line will open at 6pm) call 1-866-299-3188 (access code: 2065536524). EPA and the state are preparing the Beaufort and Chukchi General Permits at the same time, combining the statements of basis in one fact sheet, and combining public comment periods and public hearings for both permits. The Fact Sheet describes the types of facilities and proposed discharges; proposed effluent limits and other conditions; maps and descriptions of the proposed coverage areas and restricted areas; and a summary of the supporting technical materials. For more information, go to the following websites: For the Beaufort Sea, go to: Beaufort Draft Permit (PDF), Summary of permits changes (PDF), Beaufort Notice of Intent Information Sheet (PDF), Cooling Water Intake Structure Requirements (PDF), Alaska's Draft Clean Water Act Certification to EPA (PDF), Alaska Application Form 2M - Request for a Mixing Zone (PDF), and Alaska Noncompliance Notification form (PDF). For the Chukchi Sea, go to: Chukchi Draft Permit (PDF), Technical Fact Sheet (PDF), Summary of permits changes (PDF), Chukchi Notice of Intent Information Sheet (PDF), and Cooling Water Intake Structure Requirements (PDF). For more information, contact Hanh Shaw at 206-553-0171 or email shaw.hanh@epa.gov. For state information, contact Adele Fetter at adele.fetter@alaska.gov.

March 14FAIRBANKS - Public hearing will be held from 6 to 8:30pm in the FNSB Noel Wien Library on the PROPOSED STATEWIDE BIG GAME GUIDE CONCESSION PROGRAM. The proposed program will select qualified individuals to conduct big game commercial guiding on state land through an allocation process that would involve registered and master guides submitting an application with supporting documentation to the div. Of Mining, Land & Water. Through this process a limited number of commercial guides will be selected to operate in designated areas throughout the state. The Proposal and supporting documents are available at http://www.dnr.alaska.gov/mlw.gcp. For more information, call 907-269-8587 or email dnr.mlw.gcp@alaska.gov.

March 16KETCHIKAN - ALASKA OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL will start at 6pm at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center The Alaska Ocean Film Festival celebrates our ocean bounty for several months each winter. From Alaska’s biggest city, Anchorage, to outposts around the state, the festival brings ocean film to urban and rural residents alike. Short films of all types including narrative, documentary, animation, or experimental will be considered relating to Saltwater Adventure, Marine Science, and Coastal Cultures. Join us for a festival that will take you underwater and around the world!

**March16 & 17FAIRBANKS - INTERIOR ALASKA GREEN STAR's ELECTRONICS RECYCLING DEPOT will be open to collect old and unwanted electronics for recycling on the third weekend of every month – Friday and Saturday. Collections are held at the Alaska Waste Recycling Center, 3050 Phillips Field Road (west of Peger Road) from 10am to 4pm both days. More information about this and other recycling programs can be found at www.iagreenstar.org, or contact us at info@iagreenstar.org or 452-4152. The Electronics Recycling Depot is sponsored in part by Design Alaska.

**March 19FAIRBANKS - THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF THE YUKON DELTA is the topic at the Arctic Audubon meeting from 7 to 9pm at the Noel Wien Library. TORRE JORGENSON and FRANK KEIM will tell a story of climate change on the Lower Yukon Delta. Based on 15 years of scientific studies done

by Torre and thirty years of observations by Frank while living in and visiting the Yukon Delta, both of them have seen profound changes in habitats and landscape patterns related to climate warming, storms, and permafrost degradation. They offer perspectives on how these processes will affect future landscapes, wildlife (including birds), and local residents and their connections with the land.

**March 17 & 18PALMER -COLLECTIBLE DOLL SALE will be held at the Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS) from 3 to 5pm on Saturday and from Noon to 4pm on Sunday at the new recycling facility next to the Mat-Su Central Landfill.  Collectible old-fashioned, porcelain dolls in several sizes and ages, doll clothes and doll furniture are all priced to sell at this two-day event.

March 17TALKEETNA - The SUSITNA FISH & GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE will hold an election meeting at 6pm at the Talkeetna Senior Center. Seats available for the election are the following 3-year seats:  Peters Creek, Sunshine, Big Lake; one 2-year seat for Houston; and up to two 1-year alternate seats.  Also on the agenda will be a discussion of the BOG meeting results and Statewide fisheries proposals. For more information contact Steve Runyan at 495-2697.

March 19NUIQSUT - Open House public informational meeting will be held from 6 to 9pm at the Kisik Community Center for presentation on the PROPOSED WASTEWATER GENERAL PERMITS for OIL and GAS EXPLORATION in the BEAUFORT and CHUKCHI SEA.

March 20KAKTOVIK - Open House public informational meeting will be held from 6 to 9pm at the Kaktovik Community Center for presentation on the PROPOSED WASTEWATER GENERAL PERMITS for OIL and GAS EXPLORATION in the BEAUFORT and CHUKCHI SEA

**March 21RUBY - THE RUBY ADVISORY COMMITTEE will hold a public meeting and election at the Ruby Tribal Council at Noon. Agenda items will include the following items: Discussion of BOG Interior Meeting results. Discussion of Fisheries Issues, including submission of BOF proposal for the 2012-2013 season. For further information contact Nissa Pilcher at 907.459.7263, Fax 907.459.7258 or email nissa.pilcher@alaska.gov.

March 23KETCHIKAN – IN SEARCH of the WILD ORCHID: FROM the NOTES of a BOTANIST is the program at 7 at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Ladies’-tresses, fairy slipper, and coralroot; seventeen different orchids have been recorded in Southeast Alaska. During this program, SHAUNA HEE, Botanist for the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords and Wrangell Ranger Districts, will explore the diversity, special adaptations, distinctive characteristics and fascinating life histories of the local, native orchids.

**March 24JUNEAU - JUNEAU RAPTOR CENTER ANNUAL MEETING/OPEN HOUSE will be held from 11am to 2pm at the Nugget Mall Shopping Center, Juneau, AK

ITEMS OF INTEREST

INTERNSHIPS

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESITEMS OF INTEREST

BLM has released the EASTERN INTERIOR DRAFT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN/ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (RMP/EIS) for public review and comment. When finalized, the plan will provide future direction for approximately 6.7 million acres of BLM-administered public land, including the White Mountains National Recreation Area, Steese National Conservation Area and Fortymile area, three wild and scenic rivers, and lands in the upper Black River and greater Fairbanks area currently not included in a land use plan. Comments are due by July 23. For information about the Eastern Interior planning process, go to http://www.blm.gov/ak/st/en/prog/planning/east_int_rmp.html or contact the BLM at (907) 474-2340 or (800) 437-7021 (within Alaska).

OCEAN ACIDIFICATION AND FISHERIES: ALASKA'S CHALLENGE AND RESPONSE is the topic of the latest ALASKA SEAS AND COASTS PUBLICATION. Author TORIE BAKER, an Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program agent based in Cordova, explains ocean chemistry basics needed to understand the effects of increasing acidity in northern waters. This issue also highlights some of the current research under way aimed at better understanding likely impacts on increasing acidification on Alaska's marine ecosystems. To download this free, must-read, primer on ocean acidification in Alaska, go to Alaska Sea Grant Bookstore at www.alaskaseagrant.org.

FERC just accepted a Preliminary Permit application for a project that would USE WATER LAKE ELVA AND GRANT LAKE WITHIN WOOD TIKCHIK STATE PARK from the Nushagak Electric & Telephone Cooperative, Inc. for a preliminary permit proposing to study the FEASIBILITY OF THE DILLINGHAM AREA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT to be located on Elva Creek and Grant River, near Dillingham. The sole purpose of a preliminary permit, if issued, is to grant the permit holder priority to file a license application during the permit term. A preliminary permit does not authorize the permit holder to perform any land-disturbing activities or otherwise enter upon lands or waters owned by others without the owners’ express permission. The proposed project has two developments. The total installed capacity of both developments would be 3.2 megawatts (MW) and the total estimated annual generation of the Dillingham Project would be 20.057 gigawatt-hours (Gwh). Lake Elva Development project would consist of: (1) a 50-foot-long, 10-foot-high rock-fill diversion dam constructed on the outlet of Lake Elva; (2) a 4,100-foot-long, 4-foot-diameter lake tap pipeline; (3) a 3,200-foot-long, 3- to 3.5-foot-diameter penstock leading from the lake tap pipeline to the powerhouse; (4) a powerhouse containing two 0.75-MW Francis turbine/generator units; (5) a 40-foot-long, 20-foot-wide tailrace discharging flows from the powerhouse into Elva Creek; (6) a 49-mile-long, 34.5-kilovolt (kV) transmission line extending from the project powerhouse to a new substation approximately 5 miles north of Dillingham; (7) an approximately 3-mile-long access road; and (8) appurtenant facilities. The estimated annual generation of the Lake Elva development would be 7.927 GWh. Grant Lake Development would consist of: (1) a 900-foot-long, 20-foot-high rock-fill diversion dam constructed on the outlet of Grant Lake (main dam); (2) a 1-mile-long, 20-foot-high diversion canal excavated approximately 1-mile-north of the main dam; (3) a 300-foot-long, 20-foot-high rock-fill diversion dam constructed at the terminus of the diversion canal; (4) an intake structure on the diversion dam leading to a 5,000-foot-long, 5-foot-diameter pipeline; (5) a 3,100-foot-long, 4-foot-diameter penstock leading from the pipeline to the powerhouse; (6) a powerhouse containing a 1.7-MW Turgo turbine/generator unit; (7) a 40-foot-long, 20-foot-wide tailrace discharging flows from the powerhouse into Grant River; (8) a 46-mile-long, 34.5-kV transmission line extending from the project powerhouse to a new substation approximately 5 miles north of Dillingham; (9) an approximately 2.5-mile-long access road; and (10) appurtenant facilities. The estimated annual generation of the Grant Lake development would be 12.13 GWh. Deadline for comments is April 16.and may be

filed at FERC’s website, http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp or at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ecomment.asp.More information about this project, including a copy of the application, go to http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/elibrary.asp. Enter the docket number (P-14356) in the docket number field to access the document.

INTERNSHIPS

OUTREACH/COMMUNICATIONS and PUBLIC POLICY INTERNS (paid-step) for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Anchorage Office Work with a team (supervisor and two other interns) to create a communications plan for the Service in Alaska. Compile, archive and edit Service video footage and digital libraries. Create outreach products (videos, social media plans and presentations). Assist with natural resource planning, fire ecology, interpretation, environmental education, data base maintenance, technical writing, and more. All projects are meant to expose interns to the diversity of careers available. Most of the work is office based, but there will be periodic opportunities for field days. Depending on experience intern will receive approximately $12.05- $14.65 per hour. The internship will be 12 weeks up to 40 hours week beginning mid May 2012. Housing will NOT be provided. To Apply: Send a cover letter and resume and two references addressing the following items a An interest in the outdoorsand wildlife conservation. Experience working in team oriented environments. Knowledge, skills andexperiences in written, oral, visual communication (video photograph), and new media tools like: Flickr, Facebook Twitter, RSS feeds, and more. Send these items via email to: Kristen_gilbert@fws.gov by March 12. This is a STEP position and you must be: A U.S. citizen; at least 18 years of age; enrolled or accepted school at least half-time in technical school, a two or four-year college or university; and ingood academic standing. For more information, contact Kristen Gilbert at 907-786-3391 or email Kristen_Gilbert@fws.gov.

INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE with ALASKA YOUTH for ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION. AYEA is a youth leadership and civic engagement program for high school students from across Alaska to build skills and take action on issues they care about. We host youth leadership summits focused on project planning, community organizing, and political action, and we support youth-led projects throughout the school year. We are currently looking for volunteer interns to lead a variety of projects in 2012. Gain mad skillz in community organizing, navigating the political system, event planning, communication, and/or fundraising. AYEA staff are super cool and it will probably be the best internship EVER. Rolling deadline. Positions open until filled. Applicants do not have to live in Anchorage to be eligible. http://ayea.org/internship-positions-available.

March 18HOMER - Deadline for applications for the COLLEGE STUDENTS FOR SUMMER VOLUNTEER INTERNSHIP for the KACHEMAK BAY NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE in Homer is recruiting ips. They are looking for 2 MARINE SCIENCE EDUCATION INTERNS to work with Reserve staff from June 11 - August 18, 2012 to enhance the experience of Homer visitors through interpretation, one-on-one assistance, and hands-on demonstration related to a variety of marine/coastal environment themes at KBNERR Discovery Labs, outdoor Estuary Hikes, and special events. Interns will also assist Research Reserve staff on science outreach and research projects. Housing and a food stipend is provided. For more information, contact Jessica Ryan with the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve at 907-226-4657 or email jessica.ryan@alaska.gov.

VOLUNTEERS OPPORTUNITIES

COASTWALK JAPAN TSUNAMI DEBRIS MONITORING - As debris from the tsunami in Japan makes its way to our shores, it is important to learn as much as possible about the issues connected with it

and to stay up to date on the facts as they become known. The CENTER FOR ALASKAN COASTAL STUDIES is a statewide leader in marine debris prevention education and community cleanups through our CoastWalk program, need a few VOLUNTEERS who have experience with our CoastWalk program to begin more regular monitoring of select beaches. Through monthly monitoring we hope to be able to track changes in the debris items and amounts. When confirmed sightings of debris are made in Alaska, we will expand or monitoring and cleanup efforts to include more beaches and more frequent CoastWalks. By comparing incoming data to the past 28 years of data we have collected, we will be able to observe if the type or amount of debris is changing and what the impact of the new debris is. For more information, contact Patrick Chandler at 907-235-6667. For more information about the CoastWalk monitoring program, marine debris, or to report debris items on local beaches, please contact the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies at 907-235-6667 or info@akcoastalstudies.org.

KENAI PENINSULA: STREAM WATCH, an award winning volunteer program founded in 1994, is making a difference on the Kenai Peninsula! Join the team of more than 60 trained Ambassadors to share river stewardship information and complete river restoration projects along the pristine waters of the Kenai, Kasilof and Russian Rivers. Protect world famous fisheries while enjoying the beauty of the peninsula. All of the training and supplies are provided for a great day in the great outdoors. Volunteer camping sites available. For more information, visit our webpage at www.KenaiWatershed.org or email StreamWatch@kenaiwatershed.org.

CENTER FOR ALASKAN COASTAL STUDIES are celebrating their 30th ANNIVERSARY and looking for some help. At this time, we are looking for someone to work about 10 hours/week for about a month. We recognize and appreciate that amount of time and commitment. So… we’d like to offer the person who fulfills this volunteer opportunity for Intertidal & Forest Ecology Exploration and overnight stay at Peterson Bay! We can pay for RT transportation for 3 to the Field Station. Our heated yurts will sleep up to 8 (bunk beds for 6) so you may bring your family/friends if you pay just that transportation fee. The Field Station has a full kitchen with all the amenities so you just have to bring food, sleeping bags and a sense of adventure. If you are interested in ‘applying’ for this, contact Melanie Dufour at (907) 235.6746, FAX: (907) 235.6668, or email melanie@akcoastalstudies.org. For more information, go to www.akcoastalstudies.org.

DENALI EDUCATION CENTER SEEKS NEW BOARD MEMBERS. The Denali Education Center board is composed of a dedicated group of individuals who actively work to fulfill the Denali Education Center’s mission to foster understanding and appreciation of Denali through informative and inspiring programs. A park partner, Denali Education Center offers youth programs in Denali National Park through the Murie Science and Learning Center. The board supports and oversees Denali Education Center operations, finances and staff, and engages in strategic planning that contributes to the organization’s success. People eager to work on furthering the Denali Education Center’s mission are encouraged to apply. Denali Education Center will hold an election for board members in April. To learn more about our programs, visit www.denali.org. To apply, review the Board Member Position Description and submit a completed Board Member Application Form to Toby Smith, Denali Education Center, P.O. Box 212, Denali Park AK, 99755 or email it to tobydsmith@hotmail.com . For more information, contact Board Chair Toby Smith at (907) 317-5726 or tobydsmith@hotmail.com. The deadline for submitting your name is March 31.

FAIRBANKS - INTERIOR ALASKA GREEN STAR is SEEKING NEW MEMBERS for its BOARD OF DIRECTORS. If you care about promoting green living, recycling, and community sustainability, this is the position for you. We are looking for energetic, creative, and enthusiastic people to support Interior Alaska Green Star’s mission to encourage households and businesses to practice waste reduction, energy conservation and pollution prevention. Benefits of becoming a board member include forming meaningful and lasting connections in the community, contributing to the impact Interior Alaska

Green Star makes in our community, and supporting locally-based sustainable practices. If this sounds good to you, we would love to hear from you! For more detailed information about the time commitment and required duties, please visit: www.iagreenstar.org/participate/join-the-board for links to additional information, or email us at info@iagreenstar.org.

MAT-SU/COPPER BASIN AREA CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS are needed. Each member's term is three years, with an option to renew. Board members are recruited from the community at large to represent the various recreational, historical, and cultural resource interests in a balanced manner for the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. The Citizen Advisory Board members fulfill an important role of communication between Alaska State Parks and Mat-Su/Copper Basin communities. In the past year, the board considered issues such as the Hatcher Pass Management Area Plan Revision, the South Denali Project development, Fishhook Hydroelectric Projects, and cell towers in Denali State Park. This year the board will be working on the Nancy Lake State Recreation Area Management Plan update, the Denali State Park Trails Plan, and capital improvement projects in the Mat-Su/Copper Basin Area. Each fall, the board assists with a legislative briefing for the Mat-Su Legislative Delegation. Board meetings are held September through May, on the second Tuesday of each month, at the Wasilla Middle School Library. Members from outlying areas can attend meetings telephonically. The board welcomes the public to attend its monthly meetings. Go to http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/misc/brdappgeneric.pdf for the on-line PDF application. Applications are also available at the state parks office at 7278 East Bogard Road in Wasilla. For more information, contact the Park office at 745-8935.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

** TRAIL CREWS are needed for the AK Dept. of Natural Resources for Nancy Lake, Denali and Hatcher Pass State Park area for summer 2012 season. Park/Area: Hatcher Pass Management Area / Nancy Lake State Rec. Area / Denali State Park. Hatcher Pass is high above tree line in the Talkeetna Mountains and about 60 miles north of Anchorage. The Hatcher Pass road is a high country route between the Matanuska and Susitna valleys. This is gold country, with several mines still in operation and much evidence of past mining activities The area of responsibility includes the 48,000 acre Hatcher Pass East Management area, a mostly alpine, mountainous park. Nancy Lake State Recreation Area is located in Southcentral Alaska, 67 miles north of Anchorage. Located in the community of Willow, with a population of about 1,650, Nancy Lake SRA is situated on the east side of the broad Susitna River Valley. Nancy Lake SRA has the typical geography formed by the retreat of large glaciers - forested, rolling hills of glacial moraine and countless lakes, ponds, and streams. This recreation area is well known for its canoe trail system and public use cabins. The 22,685 acre park is home to moose, beaver, fox, black bear, waterfowl, and many other wildlife species. Summer recreation activities include canoeing, camping, hiking, and fishing. Denali State Park: Just south of Denali National Park, this state park has some of the best views of the Alaska Range and Mt. McKinley. At 325,220 acres, most of it wilderness, it is almost half the size of Rhode Island. A major highway and three large rivers pass through the park providing access to camping, boating, fishing, hiking and climbing. The Byers Creek Ranger Station is a homestead site on Byers Creek at the base of Kesugi Ridge, with nearby spectacular views of the Alaska Range with quick access to wilderness recreation and abundant wildlife. The closest community is Trapper Creek, 30 miles away with a population of 400. Main Tasks: Perform trail improvements and maintenance of summer hiking and winter ski trails.  Work may include trail maintenance, new trail construction, bridge building, retaining walls, brushing, revegetation, and other projects as assigned. Special Projects: May occasionally work with other staff on larger projects. Required Skills: Prefer person with education/experience in resource or recreation management. Experience in hand tool use, backcountry travel/recreation. Desired Skills: Ability to work independently, experience in backcountry conditions, and carpentry skills. Applicants with a valid driver’s license preferred. Internship: May be available with prior arrangements.

Allowance/Housing:  Hourly wage, depending on experience. Time Commitment: 3 months minimum, May 15 – Aug 15. Positions can remain open as long as May 15 to September 15 depending on weather and funding. Note: Applications must include a resume. Applications should be received by APRIL 1: Applications: ACC (Alaska Conservation Corp) application available at: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/vip/apps.htm. For more information please contact: Ranger O’Connor – Hatcher Pass trail crew – (907) 745 8943 email: amy.oconnor@alaska.gov, Ranger Wilber – Nancy Lake trail crew –phone: (907) 495-6210 email: john.wilber@alaska.gov, Ranger Neilsen – Denali State Park trail crew - phone: (907) 495-6210 email: Jason.neilsen@alaska.gov.

**POST-DOCTORAL POSITION IN SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS for the ALASKA CENTER FOR CLIMATE ASSESSMENT AND POLICY (ACCAP) and the ALASKA CLIMATE SCIENCE CENTER (ACSC) to conduct social network analysis in climate science, assessment, delivery and information needs in Alaska. Successful applicant must have a Ph.D. with experience in social network data collection, analysis, and interpretation as well as strong written and oral communication skills and record of peer-review publication. Familiarity with climate science, science outreach and delivery, climate impacts in Alaska, and Alaskan stakeholders is an asset. Application must include a current CV, writing sample, and cover letter. Position open immediately. For more information contact: Sarah Trainor, sarah.trainor@alaska.edu. See full announcement & apply on-line at: www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=76577. Application review begins March 11. The

**Regional Wildlife Education Specialist (Education Associate III) position for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's Division of Wildlife Conservation. This position will design and deliver education and outreach programs and materials for the Region I Wildlife Education Program. This requires working with regional management and research staff to identify and prioritize issues that may be addressed by using education as a tool, identifying target audiences and appropriate education methods for each issue, and developing project budgets and evaluation tools to measure whether educational projects are achieving the desired outcomes. This position works in collaboration with the other Regional Education Associates and the Program Coordinator to assess the wildlife-related educational needs and desires of the public (including teachers, students, and other specialized groups) and assists with developing statewide community education programs (including school-focused education, community lecture series, newspaper articles, publications, and radio and television programming). Also, this Regional Education Associate facilitates teacher training workshops using the Project WILD, the Alaska Wildlife Curricula, and other community workshops that support the Division's biological and educational goals. The position's duties also include assisting the wildlife education area staff and other agency and non-profit organizational partners with outdoor skills program development and delivery. Theposition will be located in Juneau, and some travel will be required. For full notice go to: http://notes4.state.ak.us/wa/PostApps.nsf/0/C0DACAB9E02AB420892579B8006AED5A?OpenDocument. Deadline for Applications: March 27, 2012

**SCA AK CONSERVATION CREW OPPORTUNITIES Enroll now, application deadline is Apr 15.Open to Youth 15 – 19 years of age The SCA Alaskan Youth Conservation Crews are a tuition-free conservation service learning experience. We have 5 Alaska-based crews that will serve our public lands. The crew will consist of 6 crew members & 2 adult leaders. Crew members will camp & work outdoor...s together on conservation and restoration projects. Location: Chugach National Forest –Kenai & Cordova1st Crew: June 11 - July 10, 2nd Crew: July 16 - August 14, Location: Lake Clark National Park – Port Alsworth Crew Date: July 23 – August 11, Location: Talkeetna Lodge –CIRI Crew Date: June 18 – July 9, Contact Jillian Morrissey at jmorrissey@thesca.org or text/call 907.715.2381 for questions. For more information, go to www.thesca.org

** AMERICORPS POSITION CREW LEADER for the term of March 19 – August 17. SAGA’s Mission: SAGA provides service learning to enhance lives, lands, and communities in Alaska. We are dedicated to helping young people make the connection between what they learn and how they live. Program Summary: Serve Alaska Youth Corps (SAYC) is the youth division of the Alaska Service Corps, and is specifically designed to provide leadership, work readiness, and life skills to young Alaskans who have barriers to their education or employment. These skills are gained through the service projects performed and through educational activities on nights and weekends. Position Summary: Serve Alaska Youth Corps (SAYC) Crew Leaders have experience in both the essential technical and interpersonal skills needed to assure projects are completed in a safe, efficient, and team-based manner with high-quality results. Crew Leaders will be selected to co-lead and live with a crew of five to six Crew Members. These AmeriCorps members are 17 to 24 years old, come from a diverse array of backgrounds, and travel from rural and urban communities in Alaska. These young adults may be struggling in school, with prior experience involving chemical dependency, defiance, depleted motivation, or no prior work experience – willing to take the steps to reconnect with a positive lifestyle. Member development and educational activities occur throughout the term of service. These may include organizing volunteer projects, gaining skills in cross-cultural communication and group living, and educational/vocational planning. SAYC Crew Leaders are responsible for developing these activities with the support of the Education Coordinator. Member development and educational activities will take place in the evenings and on weekends. Following a two-month orientation at our facilities in Juneau, which includes Wilderness First Responder and hard and soft skills training needed to work successfully with young adults and disconnected youth, Crew Leaders will work on projects as a crew before meeting the incoming Crew Members and receiving crew and location assignments. Crew Members work on service projects throughout Alaska while living and working with their crew in a field camp setting. Following a weeklong orientation, members receive their crew assignments and project locations before being deployed. Project Summary: Serve Alaska Youth Corps projects are located throughout Alaska. All projects are located outdoors and are completed in all weather conditions. Typical projects include roadside safety projects (tree clearing, brush removal, clearing behind highway guardrails), invasive species removal and train maintenance. Projects such as stream restoration and cabin maintenance are also possible. Project Sponsors: We serve the Alaska Department of Transportation, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Alaska State Parks, local municipalities, trail associations, and Alaska Native groups. Project Locations: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Denali National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, Kodiak Island, Valdez, Yakutat, Juneau, and Prince of Wales Island are representative of project locations. Most projects are front-country, where crews will live in established campgrounds – possibly within a community – and have access to services. Backcountry projects are possible, where access to services will be limited or not present. Our crews are often more than 1,000 miles apart. Education Summary: The SAYC education program connects what your crew members learn with how they live. During the service day, crews travel to some of Alaska’s most beautiful areas. In the field camp at night, you will help them connect with their fellow crew members to learn about these areas, as well as helping them gain effective communication skills, group living skills, and an introduction to the world of work including job searches and resume building. Responsibilities: • Co-lead a crew of AmeriCorps Members while living in field camps; participate in and ensure completion of camp chores and evening and weekend activities, • Perform strenuous physical labor while completing outdoor service projects in all weather conditions, • Ensure projects are completed in a safe and timely manner according to project specifications, • Uphold and follow SAGA’s policies and procedures, • Take action and respond appropriately if emergency situations arise, • Promote safety and positive crew morale by facilitating conflict resolution and addressing dysfunction in crew dynamics, • Serve as the on-site liaison between project sponsors, your crew and SAGA staff, • Complete paperwork related to service projects and member development in a timely manner. Position Requirements: • Must be at least 21 years of age, • U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident alien with current passport for Canadian border crossings, • High school diploma or GED, • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record, • No drug or alcohol convictions in the last three years, • Experience working in a supervisory role or prior leadership

experience, preferably in a team-based model, • Excellent communication skills, • Tolerance for adversity and uncertainty, • Sincere interest in being a healthy role model and leader for disconnected youth, • Must be comfortable co-leading a crew in outdoor settings in extreme weather conditions, • Willingness to maintain a rigorous crew schedule, • Willingness to make team-based decisions that have a positive impact on the crew without jeopardizing project success, • Trail work or comparable experience, • Chainsaw and power tool experience, • Able to provide the gear necessary to live and work for nine months in the Alaskan outdoors, • Must be committed to completing the full term of national service, • Selection is contingent upon passing national criminal background and sex offender checks. Benefits: • Approximately $1,000 monthly living stipend, • AmeriCorps Educational Award of $2,775 upon successful completion of term of national service, • Reimbursement of the partial cost of Wilderness First Responder training, • SAGA’s paid Leadership Training Modules, including: Power Tool Operation and Maintenance, Professional Driving, Alaska Trail Construction and Maintenance, Leadership and more • Living in Alaska’s wild backyard with world-class recreation at your fingertips. Transportation: Travel to & from program: Each Crew Leader is responsible for the cost of travel to SAGA’s orientation site (Juneau or Anchorage). You can make reservations with Alaska Airlines, the Alaska Marine Highway System (ferry), or choose to drive a personal vehicle via the Alaskan-Canadian Highway (note: personal vehicles are to remain parked at SAGA headquarters during the project season). Travel within Program : SAGA provides 15 passenger vans and ferry travel for project-related travel. Interviews: Ongoing Until Positions Filled Term of National Service: 900 hours & 22 weeks. To Apply: Please call or email with additional questions: SAGA Recruiter at (907) 790-6412 or recruiter@servealaska.org or Fax: (907) 789-3118 or go to www.servealaska.org.

** AMERICORPS POSITION TRANSPORTATION SAFETY CREW LEADER for the term of March 19 – October 31, 2012. SAGA’s Mission: SAGA provides service learning to enhance lives, lands, and communities in Alaska. We are dedicated to helping young people make the connection between what they learn and how they live. SAGA is a statewide Service Corps dedicated to fulfilling our mission by providing high-quality services throughout Alaska. Project Summary: Alaska Service Corps projects are located throughout Alaska. For the 2012 project season, SAGA will form two Transportation Safety Crews to serve most of their terms of service in the Interior of Alaska, in service to the Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT). All projects are located outdoors and are completed in all weather conditions. The bulk of the service projects will focus on road safety projects – tree-clearing, brush removal and clearing behind highway guardrails and fences. Project Sponsors: This crew will primarily serve the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities. Some service projects may be done for other public land agencies. Project Locations: This crew will serve on DOT projects in the Interior (Fairbanks, Tok, Healy, Valdez) for most of the season, as well as a few other locations in South Central Alaska (Anchorage, Wasilla, Homer). Position Requirements: • Must be at least 21 years of age • U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident alien with current passport for Canadian border crossings, • High school diploma or GED, • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record, • No drug or alcohol convictions in the last three years, • Experience working in a supervisory role or prior leadership experience, preferably in a team-based model, • Excellent communication skills, Selection is contingent upon passing national criminal background and sex offender checks. Benefits: • Approximately $1,000 monthly living stipend • AmeriCorps Educational Award of $4,243 upon successful completion of term of national service • Reimbursement of the partial cost of Wilderness First Responder training • SAGA’s paid Leadership Training Modules, including: Power Tool Operation and Maintenance, Professional Driving, Alaska Trail Construction and Maintenance, Leadership and more • Living in Alaska’s wild backyard with world-class recreation at your fingertips. Transportation: Travel to & from program: Each Crew Leader is responsible for the cost of travel to SAGA’s orientation site (Juneau or Anchorage). You can make reservations with Alaska Airlines, the Alaska Marine Highway System (ferry), or choose to drive a personal vehicle via the Alaskan-Canadian Highway (note: personal vehicles are to remain parked at SAGA headquarters during the project season). Travel within Program : SAGA provides 15

passenger vans and ferry travel for project-related travel. Interviews: Ongoing Until Positions Filled Term of National Service: 1,350 hours & 32 weeks Please call or email with additional questions: SAGA Recruiter at (907) 790-6412 or recruiter@servealaska.org or go to www.servealaska.org

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR for the TAIYA INLET WATERSHED COUNCIL in Skagway. Primary duties include administration, fundraising, and project management. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic team leader with the proven ability to manage daily operations and programmatic activities while promoting the overall mission of the organization. The E.D. directs and manages the daily and long-range activities of TIWC and is responsible for implementation of the organization’s 3-year strategic plan. Desirable Qualifications: The ideal candidate would exhibit a deep and abiding commitment to the conservation of the Taiya Inlet watershed and the good stewardship of water resources. Compensation and Hours: Compensation is $15-$20/per hour depending on skills and experience. Position is 30-35 hours a week, 10 months a year. Extension of the position beyond the first 6 months requires implementation of successful fundraising efforts through grants and membership fundraising. Salary and benefits can be renegotiated as fundraising benchmarks are achieved. Benefits include a flexible work and vacation schedule. To apply: submit a resume, 3 references and a writing sample to Taiya Inlet Watershed Council, P.O. Box 826, Skagway, Alaska, 99840. We encourage you to contact us with questions and to discuss the position, call (907) 983-2426 or email us at: taiyawatershed@gmail.com. For more information, go to http://www.taiya.org/about_us.html. Position is open until filled. Preferred start date: April 16.

ENERGY DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT for COOK INLET REGION, INC. (CIRI). Position will Ppovide high level administrative and related project support for the Energy Development Department and/or the Company’s affiliated subsidiaries. Prepares materials and packets for Board of Director and Board Committee meetings and project meetings. Plays key administrative role in coordinating energy projects. Handles confidential and sensitive information. Minimum Experience: Two or four years of college in business, finance, natural sciences or related field and three years progressively responsible related experience; or any combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. A high degree of technical and online research skills required. Required Contacts: CIRI executives, management and staff, Executives, management and staff of CIRI subsidiaries, wholly-owned and affiliated non-profit companies, Executives, management and staff of other ANCSA corporations and villages. Local, state and federal government and agency representatives and staff. Community and business leaders and the General public. To apply: contact Katherine Cox, HR Generalist, at 907-263-5123 or go to http://www.ciri.com.

SPORTSMAN'S OUTREACH COORDINATOR for the RENEWABLE RESOURCES COALITION and FOUNDATION is looking for a person with a passion for fishing, hunting and the protection of Bristol Bay to work at sportsmen shows throughout the state. The position involves setting up, taking down and working at the booth during the shows. This is a part time position and would be ideal for someone who works in Bristol Bay or another fishing area in the summer and is in town in the winter. Some travel to the shows is required. For more information and a full job description please visit: www.RenewableResourcesCoalition.org or contact Melissa@RenewAK.org

PART-TIME COMMUNITY OUTREACH ASSISTANT for the COOK INLETKEEPER for a one-year temporary position based in Homer. The Outreach Assistant will oversee the Homer Safe Drinking Water and Electronic Recycling projects, and will work to expand both to communities around the Cook Inlet watershed. Successful applicants will be outgoing, articulate, and motivated. Driver’s license required. Potential for position to become full-time. For more information and to apply, go to www.inletkeeper.org. Applications accepted now with hire anticipated by March 15. Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to rachel@inletkeeper.org.

ARCTIC ALASKA AVIAN FIELD BIOLOGISTS for the WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY (1) FIELD ASSOCIATE and (1) CREW LEADER needed from 25 May to 25 July 2012 to participate in two projects with the Wildlife Conservation Society in an oil-developed area near Prudhoe Bay. For Project 1: we will conduct an artificial nest experiment assessing predation rates near and far from oil field infrastructure. For Project 2: we will assess breeding bird usage of rehabilitated sites previously disturbed by oil drilling activity. Duties will include placing artificial nests along transects and monitoring them for nest survivorship. A subset of artificial nests will be monitored with remote cameras. For the rehab project, duties will include nest searching and monitoring, floating eggs to determine age, area search surveys and behavioral observations of all bird species at both rehab and undisturbed sites. Micro-site habitat characteristics will we be measured using a bird-centered vegetation sampling approach. Data entry and proofing will also be required. The crew will access sites in the oilfields using a vehicle and will interact with oilfield personnel on a daily basis. Preferred applicants will have excellent bird identification skills, solid nest-searching experience, and be familiar with using a compass and GPS. Applicants must be enthusiastic, in excellent physical condition and willing to hike many miles each day in hip boots, and be able to work independently as well as with others for long hours in, sometimes, difficult field conditions. Field conditions will often be wet and cold, then buggy later in the season. Applicants must be comfortable working in bear country. Employees will be paid a monthly stipend of $1200 - 1800 depending on experience. Travel/hotel costs within Alaska will be provided. Room and board (at facilities in the Prudhoe Bay oil field) will be provided. Travel to Alaska will be partially covered ($500 voucher) by WCS. Please send a cover letter, resume and at least three references (with contact information) by email to Joe Liebezeit at jliebezeit@wcs.org. A valid driver's license is required. A B.S. degree in wildlife ecology or a related field is preferred, but not required. *Please send application materials as a SINGLE MICROSOFT WORD DOCUMENT*. Non-U.S. citizen applicants must have (or obtain) a social security number. Include in your cover letter any relevant experience and your interest in applying for this position. Application deadline: April 15 although hiring will begin AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

PRESIDENT and CEO for the ALASKA SEALIFE CENTER in Seward. The President & CEO, under the direction of the Board of Directors of the Company, shall have general oversight and direction of the Company’s operations. Minimum Qualifications, Skills & Knowledge: 15+ years in a senior-level position that has had oversight and management responsibilities of multiple programs. A balance of scientific research and facilities operation a must; aquarium experience preferred; must have demonstrated excellent communication skills with the ability to be a relationship builder. Must have a background in fundraising and development coupled with knowledge of foundations and other donors who have a philanthropic desire to support similarly situated programs and research activities. Education/Training Requirements: While a PhD is desired, an advanced degree is required coupled with an academic and/or scientific background. Travel: The successful incumbent can expect extensive travel within Alaska as well as between Alaska and the lower 48. More information about ASLC and the position is available at http://www.alaskasealife.org/. Please send electronic versions of a letter of application and resume/curriculum vitae to: Cindy L. Ecklund at cindye@alaskasealife.org.

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