Author: Robert Woolsey

The definition of an island recreation cabin will be coming back for another look in two weeks. The assembly last night (Tue 4-14-09) voted down the definition of the structure as proposed by the Sitka planning department. The deliberation was intense, and often confusing. But a later in the meeting, the opposition asked for reconsideration to allow more discussion of the cabins.

Jr. and Sr. Marine Biology Students at Mt. Edgecumbe High School had the opportunity this week (4-8-09) to perform a necropsy on a sea lion that was found floating near Thomsen Harbor. The National Marine Fisheries Service allowed the students to take samples from the animal, for both education and possibly to discover the cause of death.

Alaskans got their first look at “The Spirit of Alaska Statehood” today (Thu 4-9-09). The Boeing 737 was painted with a design created by Sitka high school junior Hannah Hamberg for Alaska Airline’s statewide “Paint the Plane” contest. The airline unveiled the plane in Seattle this morning, and then took Hamberg and her family on board for a private flight back to the state. KCAW's Robert Woolsey sends this audio postcard from the plane's reception in Sitka. For a larger image of the plane, click on this story's title, then on the word "more."

In his first visit to Sitka since being elected, Senator Mark Begich was peppered with questions from Sitka residents, on everything from health care to management of the Tongass to improved benefits for Veterans.

Herring season in Southeast Alaska opens with the sac roe fishery each March and April in Sitka Sound. Fifty permit holders this year competed for a near-record harvest worth millions. The fishery is well known for its intensity… but every day biologists work quietly behind the scenes to try and ensure that everything runs smoothly. The biologist in charge of the fishery is Dave Gordon. KCAW student reporter Ben Gordon spent a day with his Dad on the fishery last Tuesday (3-31-09), and sends this audio postcard:

Waking up to fresh snow every morning this time of year feels like an April Fools’ hoax. It might be Nature’s way of playing a prank on anyone who put a snow shovel away too soon, or even worse, started a garden. NOAA weather forecaster Joel Curtis has checked the climate records for Sitka and discovered that a snowy April is no joke. He spoke with KCAW’s Robert Woolsey about what’s going on with the delayed spring:

Members of Alaska Youth for Environmental Action want the legislature to support renewable energy projects in the state. This week, they hope to present a petition that will get that message across. Photo: Mt. Edgecumbe Senior and Statewide campaign leader Stephanie Thompson.

Seiners harvest the last 900 tons left of the 14,508 ton Guideline Harvest Level in just fifteen minutes.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced yesterday (3-13-09) that the 20009 King harvest quota based on the revised Pacific Salmon Treaty will be 218,800 fish.