**Mark new items in this issue.

What’s Up

April 15, 2015Compiled weekly by Peg TilestonOn behalf of the Alaska Center for the Environment (ACE) and Alaska Women’s Environmental Network (AWEN)

CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS, SPECIAL EVENTS

**To see the list of extraordinary FIELD COURSES OFFERED by ALASKA GEOGRAPHIC this summer, go to http://www.alaskageographic.org/static/148/learn?utm_source=Break+up+Bonfire+in+the+backyard.++Local+conservation+events&utm_campaign=aprl9+2015&utm_medium=email. Explore Alaska’s parks, forests, and refuges with expert instructors, and immerse yourself in the solitude of Alaska’s wilderness. Our small-group courses are led by some of Alaska’s best wildlife biologists, wildflower experts, published authors, and renowned artists.

April 17Deadline for applications for the ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM TRAINING, a 2-week program sponsored by the Alaska Forum and the US Department of Labor to be held beginning May 26. An Environmental Technician Apprentice will receive specific classroom instruction and work 4,000 hours of on-the-job training to develop skills as a proficient and versatile worker. Applications are being accepted for participation in the two week initial Core Training. For more information about the program, go to http://www.akforum.org/apprenticeship/. To apply online, go to http://www.akforum.org/apprenticeship/application/. To learn more how you can join this program as an employer or Apprentice, please call us at (907) 331-0271 ext 2, or email info@akforum.org.

April 17 & 18ANCHORAGE - PROJECT LEARNING TREE/PROJECT WILD WORKSHOP will be held on the UAA campus from 4:30 to 8:30pm on Friday and from 8:30am to 4:30pm on Saturday. The hands-on, interdisciplinary workshop introduces educators to dynamic activities and content for teaching forest ecosystems, plants, wildlife habitat and wise use of natural resources. The intensive workshop includes content, lesson modeling, interactive activities, and opportunities for planning and exchange of teaching ideas. Participants gain their own copies of the Project Learning Tree and Project WILD activity guides. Activities and content are correlated to Alaska State Content Standards. The workshop can be taken for one graded UAA ED 580 credit. Optional credit cost is $74. Material fee is $50. The course meets Friday April 17 from 4:30 to 8:30 PM, and Saturday April 18 from 8:30AM to 4:30PM. Sign up by e-mailing Alaskainsights@mtaonline.net or ASD educators can sign up through .mylearningplan.

April 17 & 18

WASLLA - SCHOOLYARD HABITATS will be held from 4 to 9pm on April 17 and from 9am to 5pm on April 18 at the Machetanz Elementary School. This is a Project WILD, Alaska Wildlife Curriculum Workshop for K-8 Educators. The workshop is tailored for teachers interested in developing outdoor learning opportunities. This one-credit workshop will provide educators with background knowledge and hands-on activities to incorporate outdoor learning at a schoolyard habitat and into your classroom plans. We will familiarize participants with a variety of curricula and resources to support and foster outdoor, place-based learning. This workshop will be fun, active and informative. Come prepared to share with your colleagues and spend time outside. Contact Brenda Duty at 907-267-2216 or email Brenda.duty@alaska.gov for more information or to register.

April 18 – 25ALASKA'S NATIONAL PARKS urges you to join the FIND YOUR PARK MOVEMENT and tell your park stories online at FindYourPark.com, a public awareness and education campaign to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016 and setting the stage for its second century of service. Find Your Park invites the public to see that a national park can be more than a place -- it can be a feeling, a state of mind, or a sense of American pride. Beyond vast landscapes, the campaign highlights historical, urban, and cultural parks, as well as the National Park Service programs that protect, preserve and share nature, culture, and history in communities nationwide. “National Park Week in Alaska will have a number of events taking place. SITKA NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK celebrates Spring and Junior Ranger Day on Sunday, April 19 from 1 to 3pm. Kids and families are invited to join an afternoon an exploration of all things creepy crawly (moles, voles, shrews and slugs!) and get muddy as we PREPARE THE RUSSIAN BISHOP'S HOUSE GARDEN for spring planting. Craft projects, snacks, plants to take home and real-live slug viewing will make for a memorable spring time afternoon at the park. DENALI NATIONAL PARK invites visitors enjoy unique spring recreation opportunities during National Park Week by exploring the park road between the park entrance and Teklanika Rest Stop at Mile 30, depending on weather conditions. Additionally, Denali staff will join the community of Talkeetna' to celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 25 at Northern Susitna Institute in downtown Talkeetna. Festivities will be open to the public from 11am to 3 p.m. For more information about Alaska’s National Parks, go to www.nps.gov/alaska.

April 22 & 23 GLENNALLEN – ALASKA TOUR GUIDE TRAINING WORKSHOP will be held from 8:30 am to 4:30pm on April 22 & 23 and from 8am to Noon on April 24 at the Prince William Sound Community College. The course is being offered for Professional Development 18 credit; Cost: $75, College fee: $25. Successful completion will earn students an Alaska Tour Guide Training Certificate, certified by the State of Alaska Dept. of Commerce, Community and Economic Development. This course introduces key elements in tour guiding. Participants will learn how to create great experiences for visitors, regardless of location or type of tour. Students will gain skills for possible employment as guides in tourism related industries. This is an interactive training; Students should be prepared to participate and interact in a group setting. Students will explore skills in interpretation, group dynamics, motivational techniques, risk management, and human interaction in order to become successful guides of tour groups. The course will encourage students to explore their own perspective and attitudes towards guiding.

Participants will develop an ability to assess their own techniques in relation to delivering a meaningful and enjoyable experience. Each student will develop an understanding of interpretation as it is used in guiding and experiment with unique techniques that make tours interesting and fun. Students will individually develop an informal presentation of a guided tour. Instructor: JANELLE EKLUND and DAN WETZEL For more information call Janelle at 822-3282 or email jeklund@cvinternet.net or Dan Wetzel at 907-488-3746 or email:dwetzel@alaska.net, Sign up by contacting Prince William Sound Community College at 907-822-3673 or email Gail Kildal at gkildal@pwscc.edu.

April 23 – 25WASILLA – 2015 ALASKA TRAILS STATEWIDE TRAILS CONFERENCE will be held at the Wasilla Sports Complex. More details to follow soon including: pre-conference sessions, agenda, speakers and more. MIKE SHIELDS is teaching a TWO-DAY PRE-CONFERENCE TRAIL LAYOUT and DESIGN CLASS APRIL 21-22. For more information or to register, go to http://alaska-trails.org/trail_teachers/2015/conf.shtml or contact Alaska Trails at 907-334-8049 or office@alaska-trails.org .

**April 24HOMER - 2015 KENAI PENINSULA COOPERATIVE WEED MANAGEMENT AREA (KPCWMA) INVASIVE SPECIES WORKSHOP will be held from 9am to 4:30pm at the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center. This event is free to attend. The first half of the day will be a series of presentations with Q&A covering invasive management in right-of-ways. The second half of the day will be an Invasive Species Identification and Prevention Certification. This certification will be of use for many people, but will be targeted towards people who work outdoors in the summer (field technicians, guides, maintenance workers). The focus will be identification of terrestrial, freshwater aquatic and marine invasives, followed by some Best Management Practices in the field. There is an online registration site located at http://www. kenai-is-training2015.eventbrite.com. We encourage all participants to register to give us an idea of who will be attending and assist us in planning. Lunch provided for attendees. Check out our website at www.kenaiweeds.org for additional information.

April 29VALDEZ - ALASKAHOST CUSTOMER SERVICE will be held from 8am to 5pm at Prince William Sound Community College and also could be available via distance delivery. Understand the importance of providing quality customer service. Recognize and anticipate customer needs and expectations. Understand the economic value of the visitor industry to Alaska. Learn how to deal with dissatisfied customers in a professional, helpful manner. Understand how to work with disabled visitors. Learn about customer service on the telephone. Promote Alaska in your back yard. Receive State of Alaska AlaskaHost Certificate upon completion. Cost: $81. Advance registration required. .5 credit class. Stop by the college or call 834-1600 to register or contact www.pwscc.edu.

May 1 & 2WASILLA - FIRE in a CHANGING CLIMATE for EDUCATORS will be held at the Mat-Su Experimental Farm from 4:30 to 8:30 on Friday and from 8:30am to 4:30pm on Saturday. All educators are invited to attend the hands-on, interdisciplinary workshop, which introduces

educators to wildland fire and climate change science; including fire ecology, fire behavior, FIREWISE, carbon cycling, climate modeling and scientific methods for investigating changes in climate. The intensive workshop includes content, lesson modeling, interactive activities, laboratory simulations and connections to on-going research. Participants gain their own copies of the FIRE in Alaska curriculum guide. Activities and content are correlated to Alaska State Content Standards, and the Next Generation Science Standards. The workshop can be taken for one graded UAA ED 580 credit. Credit cost is $74 Material fee is $20, (which includes a grant of $30 from Alaska Division of Forestry to reduce the regular fee of $50). The workshop is sponsored by the Alaska Division of Forestry and the Alaska Natural Resources and Outdoor Education Association (ANROE); funding is made possible by a partnership with the USDA Forest Service. To sign up or for more information contact Lilly Goodman-Allwright at Alaskainsights@mtaonline.net.

May 1 & 2PRINCE of WALES ISLAND - CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECT WORKSHOP: PRINCE OF WALES WOLF RESEARCH and the ALASKA WILDLIFE CURRICULUM will be held from 5 to 9pm on May 1 and from 8:30am to 5 on May 2 at Craig Middle School. When students get an early start doing “real” science, they begin to see science as a way to examine the world by asking questions. Empowering students to contribute to the body of scientific knowledge also helps them develop a personal, vested interest in science and their community. ADFG and the Southeast Small Schools Math Grant want to get students involved in “real” science. Classes will collect photos using trail cameras, DNA from hair boards, and location data and send the information to ADF&G for analysis. The more information we get, the better we will understand the wolves on Prince of Wales Island. The data that schools collect during the study will also be used in classrooms to teach math, science, social studies, civics, language arts and much more. The combination of field studies, technology, mapping using ArcGIS Online and lessons from the Alaska Wildlife Curriculum presented in this workshop will provide teachers with the skills and equipment necessary to take learning to a whole new level. 1 or 2 CE credits through UAA, $100 stipend and research materials paid for by the Southeast Small Schools Math Grant.

**May 5 – 19FAIRBANKS - The COMMUNITY TREE STEWARD COURSE will be offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5:45 to 9pm at the UAF Cooperative Extension Service Office. Join a special volunteer corps trained to care for Alaska's community trees and forests. If you want to learn about urban trees and forests and want to volunteer to improve your community, this course is for you... Registration is limited to the first 25 people who apply. Applications are due by April 28. A flier, application, and the class syllabus are available online at: http://forestry.alaska.gov/community/news.htm or at the Division of Forestry office at 3700 Airport. A $25 fee helps cover the costs of materials, publications, and refreshments. For more information, contact patricia.joyner@alaska.gov or 907-269-8465.

**May 7CORDOVA - The Eyak Preservation Council will host the WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL at the Cordova Jr/Sr High School. Considered one of the nation’s premiere environmental and adventure film festivals, the films inspire and ignite solutions and possibilities

to restore the earth and human communities while creating a positive future for the next generation. This year’s theme is “A WILD LIFE” and will honor those who live “wild lives” and pick not-so-mainstream choices; those often thought to be a little on the wild side. Doors open at 7pm, films start at 7:30 pm. In addition to the films there will be music, a silent auction, a wild edible foods table, and concessions. The event will be MC'ed by PHILLIP BLANCHETT of PAMYUA! Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and FREE for kids 12 & under. For more information and a list of films, check out http://www.eyakpreservationcouncil.org/events/wild/.

May 7 - 10HOMER - KACHEMAK BAY SHOREBIRD FESTIVAL activities continue to expand: this year features more Family Bird Walks, new field excursions, and additional science talks, all led by expert guides, naturalists, and speakers. Keynote Speaker Dr. DAVID BIRD (McGill University) and Featured Speaker NEIL HAYWARD are joining in the celebration and offering a handful of entertaining talks. KIM MCNETT, our Featured Artist, used her naturalist background to create a stunning exclusive design for 2015 T-shirt and poster. To register of for more information, go to http://www.homeralaska.org/events/kachemak-bay-shorebird-festival/2014-shorebird-festival/shorebird-registration.

May 7 – 10CORDOVA - COPPER RIVER DELTA SHOREBIRD FESTIVAL will show off the millions of shorebirds passing through the Copper River Delta this spring. The Cordova Festival is always a stunning experience. Highlights of this 25th anniversary of the Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival will be learning about rehabilitated birds with Bird TLC (Bird Treatment and Learning Center), guided field trips and Birding 101 classes, as well as classes, workshops and talks with illustrator, author and naturalist MARYJO KOCH. To celebrate such a milestone as our 25th year, the organizers of the festival are excited to present to you THE WETLAND BALLET: THROUGH THE SEASONS. For full details, go to http://www.cordovachamber.com/events/copper-river-delta-shorebird-festival.

May 8ANCHORAGE - ALASKA CENTER for the ENVIRONMENT (ACE) will hold their ANNUAL SPRING AUCTION from 6 to 9pm at the Downtown Marriott. Join hundreds of community member to celebrate and support their work to protect salmon, promote clean energy, and build the next generation of leaders. There will be a silent and live auction, hors d’oeuvres, wine and beers. Tickets: $45 per person. Purchase at www.akcenter.org. For more information, go to www.akcenter.org or call 907-274-3647.

May 13 & 14FAIRBANKS - AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION ALASKA CHAPTER presents: REMOTE SENSING APPLICATIONS FOR WATER RESOURCES WORKSHOP at Pikes Waterfront Hotel. Workshops and Keynote speakers include: REGINALD MUSKETT (UAF), JESSICA CHERRY (UAF), DAVID SWANSON (NPS), PAM SOUSANNES (NPS), JORDI CRISTOBAL ROSELLO (UAF), KEITH CUNNINGHAM and others. Submit an abstract to present a poster of your work related to Remote Sensing and/or Water Resources.

Poster awards will be given on May 14. Please visit this website for new updates about the conference. Limited travel scholarships are available for students located outside of Fairbanks. To submit an application, go to http://state.awra.org/alaska/ameetings/2015am/travel_grants.shtml. Poster Sessions will be from 6 to 8pm on 5/13 and 5/14 with appetizers and cash bar. There will be four poster awards ($250/awardee) (two students/ two members). For more information contact Ryan Toohey at rtoohey@usgs.gov.

May 13 & 14ANCHORAGE - The DEC Division of Water (DOW) is holding a workshop in Voth Hall, Performing Arts Center from 1 to 5pm on May 13 and from 8am to 5pm on May 14 to discuss key issues identified during the initial public comment period on the DRAFT ANTIDEGRADATION IMPLEMENTATION METHOD REGULATIONS. Antidegradation is a tool used to protect the water quality in the State of Alaska. Antidegradation implementation is the method or process for determining whether and to what extent the water quality may be lowered. The Federal Clean Water Act requires states to have an antidegradation policy and implementation methods. Federal regulation at 40 CFR 131.12 specifies States must have an antidegradation policy that: Protects existing uses; Authorizes the lowering of water quality in high quality waters, where necessary for social or economic importance; and Provides mechanism to provide additional protection for water of exceptional ecological or recreational significance. These are often called OUTSTANDING NATIONAL RESOURCE WATERS or ONRWS. Alaska's current antidegradation policy, adopted in 1997, is found in the Water Quality Standards regulations at 18 AAC 70.015. EPA approved Alaska's policy with the stipulation that Alaska write implementation guidance. DEC adopted interim implementation methods in July 2010, and has initiated to develop and adopt final implementation procedures. Agenda is available at http://dec.alaska.gov/water/wqsar/Antidegradation/docs/DraftWorkshopAgenda.pdf. Additional information is found at http://dec.alaska.gov/water/wqsar/Antidegradation/index.html.

May 28 – 31YAKUTAT – 5th ANNUAL YAKUTAT TERN FESTIVAL is a celebration of the natural and cultural resources of Yakutat. The festival is family friendly and offers activities for birders as well as non-birders, including field trips, seminars, kid’s activities, evening banquets and other programs, bird banding demonstration, and an art exhibit. This year's keynote speaker is JOHN MARZLUFF, Professor of Wildlife Science at the University of Washington, and author of five books including; In the Company of Crows and Ravens, Dog Days, Raven Nights, and most recently Welcome to Subirdia. Our featured artist, ALISON BREMNER, uses a variety of mediums and traditional techniques with contemporary Alaskan Native Tlingit design. She will be leading both youth and adult workshops and exhibiting her art during the festival. Following our keynote presentation, the MT. ST. ELIAS DANCERS will perform traditional native dance at the Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall. Alaska-based performing artist ELIZABETH WARE will conduct youth and adult workshops and perform in a production of Macbeth on Saturday. Other area activities include sight-seeing, hiking, fishing, surfing, canoeing and kayaking, wildlife viewing, and beach-combing. Please see www.yakutatternfestival.org, visit us on Facebook, or call (907) 784-3359 for more information.

May 30KOTZEBUE -INFORMING PUBLIC POLICY AND CULTIVATING AN ENGAGED CITIZENRY: ALASKA DIALOGUE: COMMUNITY will be held from 9am to 8pm. The session is designed to have both a learning element and an opportunity for dialogue, with expected participation from aspiring and established civic and political leaders. Topics that will be covered include: Intergenerational transfer of knowledge and leadership; Developing cultural competency and application of traditional values; Community governance and public engagement; and Tribal government as part of a system of rural governance. Registration of $75 includes Dialogue materials and meals. Register online at www.institutenorth.org. Participants from outside Kotzebue are encouraged to make arrangement early. There is no scholarship or travel funding currently available. Plans are in place to have satellite sites in Anchorage and possibly Juneau for those who want to participate but cannot travel. For more information, go to http://www.institutenorth.org/calendar/events/alaska-dialogue-on-community/.

WEBINARS, WEBCASTS & TELECONFERENCES

April 17 (WEBINAR)RICK THOMAN, Climate Science and Services Manager for the National Weather Service Alaska Region, will present the APRIL NWS ALASKA CLIMATE FORECAST BRIEFING from 12-1pm. Do you lay awake at nights wondering what the upcoming season will be like? Want to place bets with friends and family on next month's weather? If so, good news: The tools and techniques for making monthly and season scale climate forecasts are rapidly changing, with the potential to provide useful forecasts at the month and longer range..Online registration available at: http://accap.adobeconnect.com/nws_april_2015/event/event_info.html. Recordings of past briefings and more information available at: https://accap.uaf.edu/NWS_Briefings.

April 23 (WEBINAR)ECOSYSTEM-BASED MANAGEMENT & THE NATIONAL OCEAN POLICY: THE PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE OF FEDERAL EBM IMPLEMENTATION will be held at Noon AKT. In the United States, management of ocean and coastal resources is moving towards ecosystem-based management (EBM), an integrated approach to management that considers the entire ecosystem, including humans. On July 19, 2010 President Obama issued Executive Order 13547. It established the National Ocean Policy (NOP), which calls for the federal government to adopt EBM as a foundational principle for ocean management. An interagency subgroup, under the National Ocean Council, was established to advance this goal and has been working to understand current EBM practices and further integrate the use of EBM by federal agencies. The EBM Subgroup recently completed analysis of a questionnaire that provides the NOC with a baseline inventory of federal EBM implementation. Speakers: MARGARET M. (PEG) BRADY, NOAA’s representative and chair to the National Ocean Policy Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) Subgroup since 2010 & currently the NOAA Fisheries Planning Chief. FRANK SCHWING, director of the Science Information Division in the NOAA Fisheries Office of Science and Technology, where he oversees the development and application of environmental data services, analyses, and information critical to sustaining fisheries and protecting sensitive species. Frank was Senior Advisor for Ocean Policy to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, where he developed and implemented marine policies, strategies, and plans, including the first comprehensive National Ocean Policy (NOP). ADAM

FULLERTON is a key member of the National Ocean Policy EBM workgroup and helped coordinate the collection and analysis of the federal questionnaire on EBM implementation. Adam joined NOAA in January 2014 after completing master’s degrees in environmental policy, focusing on ocean and coastal resource management, and business administration at the Monterey Institute of International Studies. Register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/288731019536431362.After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar

GRANTS/AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS/FELLOWHIPS/ CONTESTS

**GRASSROOTS ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION INITIATIVES are funded by the NORCROSS WILDLIFE FOUNDATION. The Norcross Wildlife Foundation provides support to local grassroots organizations throughout the United States that work to protect wild land. Priority is given to organizations that have difficulty raising the modest funds they need to do their critical work in the trenches of environmental conservation. Grants averaging $1,000 to $5,000 are primarily provided for program-related office and field equipment, and public education and outreach materials. The Foundation also provides no-interest loans to local organizations to help them acquire land they have prioritized for conservation. Applications for both grants and loans may be submitted at any time. Visit the Foundation’s website to review the application guidelines. For more information, go to http://www.norcrossws.org/Foundmain.html.

ALASKA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION (ACF) is accepting applications for the RAPID RESPONSE GRANT PROGRAM. Rapid Response grants provide support for direct conservation action to address unforeseen opportunities or threats of statewide significance, leading to more robust environmental policy and enduring conservation impact. Rapid Response grants range from $2,500 to $10,000 for a project period of no more than six months. The Rapid Response Program accepts Letters of Inquiry on an ongoing basis through ACF’s online application system. For more information about the selection and eligibility criteria and how to submit an application, please go to http://alaskaconservation.org/grant-opportunities/rapid-response-2/.

April 30Deadline for applications for the ALASKA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION (ACF) ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY GRANT PROGRAM. Organizational Capacity grants support organizations working to strengthen and expand Alaska’s conservation movement. To read more about the selection and eligibility criteria and how to submit an application, please go to http://alaskaconservation.org/grant-opportunities/organizational-capacity/.

April 30Deadline for the 2015 ALASKA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS nominations. Do you know an individual or organization making a significant difference in their efforts to preserve and protect Alaska? ACF wants to know! Do your part to recognize their amazing contributions by nominating them for a Conservation Achievement Award – today! Find all the details, including the nomination packet, go to http://alaskaconservation.org/achievement-awards/achievement-award-categories/. For more information, contact ACF at 907-276-1917 or email aremick@alaskaconservation.org

**May 10Deadline for VALLEY GARDEN CLUB GRANTS for projects which BEAUTIFY the MAT-SU VALLEY. Applications for grants from $500 to $2000 must be mailed by May 10 and received by May 15. Grant recipients will be notified by June 1. A one-page application form is available on the Valley Garden Club website at http://www.valleygardenclub.com/grants.html. For information about the Club, go to www.valleygardenclub.com.

DEADLINES

April 17Deadline for comments on the MAT-SU CONCEPTUAL REGIONAL TRAIL CONNECTION PROPOSAL. At the recently held Mat-Su Trails Workshop participants worked on identifying regional trails throughout the Borough. Following are the regional trail connections identified during the workshop: Bluff Coastal Trail is envisioned to be a non-motorized, all season trail; Chickaloon River to Talkeetna trail is suitable as a year-round hiking trail; Faultline Trail is envisioned to be an all season multi-use trail; Lake Louise to McLaren River Trail is a winter trail; Metal Creek to Chickaloon could be a year-round hiking trail; Montana Creek to Hatcher’s Pass is envisioned as a year-round hiking trail; Palmer to Sutton trail is a possible paved pathway along the Glenn Highway; and Pt. MacKenzie to Carpenter Lake trail is a possible paved pathway along Pt Mac Road. Maps of these trails and some information are available at www.matsugov.us/regional-trail-connections. Submit comments to ekrueger@matsugov.us.  April 20Comments are due on the AMATS BICYCLE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT on DOT&PF ROADWAYS and MOA ROADWAYS to improve commuter biking facilities on the following roadways within the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA): C Street: 10th Avenue to O’Malley Road; Old Seward Highway: Rabbit Creek Road to Hamilton Drive; DeArmoun Road:; Seward Highway to 140th Avenue; Hillside Drive, Clark's Road to Abbott Road; Arctic Boulevard,: Benson Boulevard to Fireweed Lane; Wisconsin Street:, Spenard Road to Northern Lights Boulevard; Turnagain Parkway,: Northern Lights Boulevard to Iliamna Street; Elmore Road, DeArmoun Road to O'Malley Road; Pine Street: Debarr Road to Klondike Street, and McCarrey Street: Klondike Street to Mountain View Drive. On each road segment listed above, the projects will designate bicycle facilities consisting of shared roads, bicycle lanes, roadway shoulders, or a combination thereof. Bicycle facilities may be designated by use of pavement marking, installation of signage (on existing or new sign posts), and/or construction of bike access ramps. The projects will occur within the existing, paved roadways and road rights-of-way. Construction for each of the listed projects is anticipated to begin in spring of 2016. For more information, contact Kevin Jackson, Project Manager, at 269-0641 or email kevin.jackson@alaska.gov or Mark Boydston, Environmental Impact Analyst, at 269-0524. mark.boydston@alaska.gov. To ensure that all possible factors are considered, please send written comments to Brian Elliott, Regional Environmental Manager, at brian.elliott@alaska.gov.

April 20

Deadline for CALL for NEW INFORMATION, OIL & GAS LEASES, 2015 BEAUFORT SEA, NORTH SLOPE, NORTH SLOPE FOOTHILLS AREAWIDE. DO&G requests substantial new information that has become available over the past year concerning these areas. Based on the information received, DO&G will either issue supplements to the findings or decisions of no substantial new information for these lease sales. The most recent Beaufort Sea Areawide final best interest finding was issued in 2009. The most recent North Slope Areawide final best interest finding was issued in 2008. The most recent North Slope Foothills Areawide final best interest finding was issued in 2011. The latest supplement to the Beaufort Sea Areawide and the North Slope Areawide findings was issued July 14, 2011. No supplement has been issued for the North Slope Foothills finding. The findings and supplements are located at dog.dnr.alaska.gov/Leasing/BestInterestFindings.htm. DO&G generally considers “substantial new” information to be published research, studies, or data directly relevant to the matters listed in AS 38.05.035(g) that have become publically available over the last year. For more information and maps, go to http://dog.dnr.alaska.gov/Leasing/BestInterestFindings.htm. Send substantial new information to Best Interest Findings at dob.bif@alaska.gov.

April 21Comments are due on the application for a NEW MARINE VESSEL OIL DISCHARGE PREVENTION and CONTINGENCY PLAN (PLAN) for PETRO MARINE SERVICES in SOUTHEAST ALASKA Maximum Cargo Capacity: 120,000 barrels. Copies of the application are available for review at the department’s Anchorage office at 555 Cordova Street and the Valdez office at 213 Meals Avenue, RM 17. Please call (907) 269-7566 to schedule an appointment. If determined necessary by public comments received, the department will announce and hold public hearing(s) on the above referenced plan. Residents in the affected areas or the governing body of an affected municipality may request a public hearing by writing to the department of Environmental Conservation, at the above address, within 30 days of publication of this notice. For more information, contact John Henry at 907-269-7687 or email john.henry@alaska.gov.

April 21Deadline for comments on AMENDMENT 14 of the STIP (STATE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PLAN). Amendment 13 removed the FFY15 funding from the Knik Arm Bridge and Juneau Access projects and redistributed that funding over many other projects that were previously proposed to be advance constructed (AC). This amendment also corrected a funding error with the Inter-island Ferry Authority Vessel Refurbishment project Amendment 14 addresses scope, funding and scheduling issues on various projects around the state. The comment period has been extended to April 21 due to an administrative omission. For more information, go to http://dot.alaska.gov/stwdplng/cip/stip/index.shtml. Submit comments to dot.stip@alaska.gov or Fax 888-752-6329 (Toll free).

April 21AKUTAN - Comments and request for public hearing are due on the proposed issuance of an OCEAN DUMPING RESEARCH PERMIT FOR TRIDENT SEAFOODS CORPORATION to the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act. The proposed research project includes: Removal of approximately 1,600 cubic meters of seafood processing wastes, sediment and seawater from the bottom of Akutan. Transportation of the material from

the removal site in Akutan Harbor to the proposed disposal site in Akutan Bay, using two tugs and two different types of barges (the flat deck barge “Seabeck” and the split hull barge “Ken Clark”); Dumping the material in the proposed disposal site in Akutan Bay, using controlled release methods to spread the material throughout the disposal site; and Disposal site water quality monitoring and benthic assessment surveys before, during and after the dumping to determine the effects on the marine environment. Proposed effective date of the permit: May 1, 2015 (or as soon as possible thereafter) to October 31, 2016 (or 18 months after the effective date). Proposed time periods for dumping: begin on or about May 7, 2015; end on or about June 7, 2015; between 8am and 8pm.Proposed Rate of Discharge: 150 to 600 cubic meters per day (one disposal event per day for five to twelve days, depending on the weather and sea state). Flat deck barge Seabeck: 60 minutes or more per disposal event; maximum discharge rate of 10 cubic meters per minute. Split hull barge Ken Clark: 15 to 45 minutes per disposal event; maximum discharge rate of 40 cubic meters per minute. Proposed dumping Site: The proposed disposal site is located in Akutan Bay, Alaska, between Akutan Island and Akun Island. The site is more than one nautical mile from the nearest land and the water depth within the site ranges from 65 to 95 meters (about 210 to 310 feet). The surface area of the site is about 1.8 square nautical miles. Factors ConsideredThe EPA considered the following factors in reaching these tentative determinations: the Ocean Dumping Criteria (40 CFR Parts 227 and 228) including the need for ocean dumping, alternatives to ocean dumping, alternative ocean disposal sites, impacts of the proposed dumping, and disposal site management, monitoring and assessment; Alaska water quality standards (18 AAC 70); and the effects of the proposed transportation and dumping on marine fish and wildlife (e.g., endangered or threatened species and critical habit, fish and shellfish, essential fish habitat, marine mammals, seabirds, etc.). The EPA will also consider issues that may be raised in consultation with the Native Village of Akutan. Hearing Requests: Any person may request a public hearing to consider the issuance or denial of, or the conditions to be imposed upon, the proposed permit. Any request for a hearing shall be in writing and Identify the person requesting the hearing; State any objections to the proposed permit; and State the issues which are proposed to be raised at a hearing. If the Regional Administrator determines to hold a hearing, the EPA will publish notice of the time and place of any hearing. To request a hearing, please contact Chris Meade at meade.chris@epa.gov or (907) 586-7622. Documents:Trident Seafood Corporation MPRSA Application Package Cover Letter, Trident Seafood Corporation MPRSA Application Package, Trident Seafood Corporation MPRSA Application Package Amendment, EPA Confirmation of Completion of Application Letter to Trident Seafood Corporation..

April 22Deadline for comments of the proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to amend the requirements in the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) that govern the USE of DISPERSANTS, OTHER CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL AGENTS, and OTHER SPILL MITIGATING SUBSTANCES when responding to oil discharges into waters of the U.S. for the first time in 21 years. There are several reasons to be stated https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/01/22/2015-00544/national-oil-and-hazardous-substances-pollution-contingency-plan at on this plan. Below are some gaps that have been identified in the proposal. Dispersants & Other Chemicals - In recent cases the clean-up of oil

spills in water have been as or more damaging to ecosystems than the spill itself. Define regional stipulations to determine specific chemical types and amounts tolerable in ecosystems. Test specific chemicals, by external agencies, to ensure safety to ecosystems as well as human populations. Establish locally appropriate dispersants and chemicals for use during response.Pre-authorization Planning - Currently there are three levels of oils spill response planning: national, regional, area. Each of these are comprised of EPA, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as well as level appropriate agencies. Include human health protection agencies: Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) at all planning levels to ensure the public and workers are safe during responses. Establish public notification process when staging and storing chemicals and dispersants in communities. Responder training criteria should be locally framed and documented. Identify sensitive areas such as water supplies and schools to ensure chemicals are sparsely used during response in these areas. Clarify which agency is in charge during the response, this should never be the spiller, instead it should be the EPA or USCG. Response - As stated above there are many agencies involved in planning an oil spill response, each response should be developed for the local context. On scene commander (OSC) should not have unlimited authority to direct any chemicals or dispersants unless previously established in pre-authorization plan. OSC must have authority to immediately revisit response actions if harm to ecosystem, workers or public is identified. Report to public daily, not monthly on response status. Highlighting these through the EPA public comment process will help close these gaps. Send comments to website listed above.

**April 29Deadline for applications to fill SIX SEATS on the Alaska COMMUNITY FOREST COUNCIL. The council is a nonprofit organization and advisory body to the Division of Forestry that works to improve Alaskans’ quality of life by expanding and caring for urban and community forests. The council promotes the management of trees and forests within communities to maximize the many economic, environmental and social benefits that they provide. Seats are open in the following categories: Seat C - Municipal Planner (partial term due to vacated seat), Seat D - Landscape Architect, Seat F - Construction/Right of Way, Seat H - Community Forestry or Beautification, Seat J - Cooperative Extension Agent, Seat O - Member at Large. Council members are asked to attend all-day meetings four times each year, usually in Anchorage. Members serve on working committees, handle the normal business responsibilities of a nonprofit, and support the care of trees and forests in the towns where they live. Members attend orientation before the first meeting and are provided educational opportunities and hands-on training. Council members are reimbursed for travel expenses if applicable. Applications and information about the council and the Division of Forestry’s Community Forestry Program are available on the web at: http://forestry.alaska.gov/community/council.htm. For more information, contact Stephen Nickel at 907-269-8466 or email stephen.nickel@alaska.gov. New appointees will be notified in late May and the terms begin on July 1.

**April 29Deadline for comments on the DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) for the US Navy’s proposal for COLD WEATHER MARITIME TRANING for current and future activities on and around Kodiak Island, including nearshore areas. The EA is available at http://go.usa.gov/kQ6e. Send comments to Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest;

Attn: Cold Weather Maritime Training Project Manager; 1101 Taulog Circle, Mail Code: EV21.ce; Silverdale, WA 98315-1101

**April 30Comments are due on the proposal to RENEW AIR QUALITY CONTROL OPERATING PERMIT TO HILCORP ALASKA, LLC, the off-shore oil and gas production Anna platform. The significant emission units at the stationary source consist of three natural gas-fired turbines, one dual fuel-fired turbine, seven natural gas-fired reciprocating internal combustion engines, five diesel-fired reciprocating internal combustion engines, a flare, and a TEG dehydration unit. Drill rig emission units also operate at the platform. The potential annual emissions of regulated air contaminants at the facility are: 15 tons of particulate matter (PM-10), 347 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOX), 21 tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2), 339 tons of carbon monoxide (CO), and 22 tons of volatile organic compounds (VOC). The total potential emissions of regulated air contaminants are 744 tons per year.Copies of ADEC’s draft operating permit and statement are available at http://dec.alaska.gov/Applications/Air/airtoolsweb/AirPermitsApprovalsAndPublicNotices/. For more information or to submit comments, Scott Faber by Fax at (907) 269-7508 or email scott.faber@alaska.gov.

**April 30Deadline for comments on the DRAFT of the SOUTHEAST STATE FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN (SESF) that contains approximately 48,000 acres in 33 units that are located on 12 different islands and the adjacent mainland of southern Southeast Alaska. The island units are located on Dall, Gravina, Heceta, Kosciusko, Kuiu, Mitkof, Prince of Wales, Revillagigedo, Suemez, Tuxekan, Wrangell, and Zarembo islands. The mainland units are located in Bradfield Canal and surrounding Crittenden Creek located to the east of Wrangell Island. The primary purpose for the SESF is timber management. For more information, contact Clarence Clark, Southeast Timber Sales Program Manager, at 907-225-6619 or email clarence.clark@alaska.gov or Jim Schwarber, Forest Planner, at 907-451-2704 or email james.schwarber@alaska.gov or go to http://www.forestry.alaska.gov/stateforests.htm#sesf. Comments also may be submitted by email to dnr.forsesf@alaska.gov or by using the online comment form link on the SESF Planning webpage at http://www.forestry.alaska.gov/stateforests.htm#sesf.

**April 30Comments are due on the notice proposed GLENN HIGHWAY PAVEMENT PRESERVATION that would: Resurface the Glenn Highway from Airport Heights Drive to the Parks Highway Interchange; Resurface Glenn Highway on/off ramps and interchange ramps, as needed; Replace bridge waterproof membranes, as needed; Replace guardrail, end treatments, and transition rails; Clear vegetation within DOT&PF right-of-way (ROW); and Replace, repair, or improve the following, as needed: storm water drainage facilities; lighting; signals; signage and striping; and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) facilities. Construction for the proposed project is anticipated to begin in summer 2016. For more information, contact Cynthia Ferguson, Project Manager, at 269-0589 or email ynthia.ferguson@alaska.gov or Kim Campo-Allen, Environmental Impact Analyst, at 269-0533 or email kim.campo-allen@alaska.gov. Submit comments to Brian Elliott, Regional Environmental Manager, at

brian.elliott@alaska.gov.

**May 1Deadline for proposed CHANGES to STATEWIDE REGULATIONS PERTAINING to HUNTING, TRAPPING, and the USE of GAME for the Alaska Board of Game 2016 Statewide Regulations Meeting scheduled for March 18 to 28, 2016, in Fairbanks. Statewide regulations open on the Call for Proposals include: permits; licenses; harvest tickets, tags and harvest reports; methods and means; possession, transportation and use of game; intensive management and predator control; definitions; emergency taking of game; and descriptions of game management units. The board also will accept proposals concerning areas of jurisdiction for reauthorization of antlerless moose hunts. The board will only accept proposals requesting changes of statewide applicability. Proposed changes to sheep hunting seasons and bag limits statewide are not open to the Call for Proposals. However, proposals requesting changes with statewide applicability (special provisions for Dall sheep and mountain goat drawing permit hunts) is open. The lists all regulations open to change, is available on the board’s webpage at: www.boardofgame.adfg.alaska.gov. The public is encouraged to submit proposals online at: www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=gameboard.proposal. For more information, call the Boards Support Section at 465-4110.

**May 1VALDEZ - Deadline for comments on the proposal to issue AIR QUALITY CONTROL OPERATING PERMIT to the PETRO STAR, INC., PETRO STAR VALDEZ REFINERY that processes crude oil from the Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) and produces kerosene and diesel. The potential annual emissions of regulated air pollutants, other than greenhouse gases (GHG), at the facility are: 162 tons of nitrogen oxides, 49 tons of carbon monoxide, 18 tons of particulate matter, 36 tons of sulfur dioxide, and 63 tons of volatile organic compounds. The total emission of regulated air pollutants is 328 tons per year. The potential annual emissions of GHG are estimated at 4,189,056 tons of CO2 equivalent per year. Copies of ADEC’s draft operating permit and statement of basis are available at http://dec.alaska.gov/Applications/Air/airtoolsweb/AirPermitsApprovalsAndPublicNotices/. For more information or to submit comments, contact Scott Faber by Fax at (907) 269-7508 or email scott.faber@alaska.gov.

EVENTS & MEETINGS in ANCHORAGE, EAGLE RIVER & GIRDWOOD

April 16BEGINNING BIRDING CLASS is the program for the Anchorage Audubon meeting at 7pm at the BP Energy Center. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about Birds and Birding from the beginning, and it's just in time for our Spring Migration arrivals. W. KEYS, AARON BOWMAN, and the AUDUBON BOARD will attempt to cover it all in one evening: What you need to begin, How to use a field guide, What to look for in the field, Where to find birds in Anchorage, How to use binoculars, How to hear birds, What is migration all about, as well as basic bird identification and behaviors. Everyone is welcome.

April 17RIVER OF BEARS' will be presented by MATTHEW ROGERS from 8 to 9pm at the UAA

Planetarium & Visualization Theater, 3101 Science Circle. See the largest gathering of bears in the world. Shot in stunning 4K full-dome video, "River of Bears" takes you to the legendary McNeil River State Game Sanctuary, where more than 100 brown bears congregate each summer to fish, mate and prepare for the harsh Alaska winter. Immerse yourself in this wild setting and learn how the bears navigate one another with remarkable intelligence in order to survive. You will never see these iconic animals the same way again. Located in ConocoPhillips Integrated Science Building, Room 220.

April 18SCOOP the POOP DAY will be held from 11am to 3pm at the University Lake Dog Park and Connor's Bog Dog Park. Come on out after winter and help spiff up our great dog parks with your fellow pet owners. Anchorage Waterways Council and the Scoop the Poop Committee will be out beginning at 11 am with tools, bags, gloves, hand sanitizers, thank you gifts, and more. Those going to Connor's Bog will be eligible for a drawing to win a free training class from Alaska Dog Sports! For more information, email cherie@anchoragecreeks.org or call 272-7335.

April 20Open House and public hearing will be held at the Dena’ina Center from 4 to 8pm with the public hearing from 6 to 8pm on the DRAFT SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (SEIS) on the STERLING HIGHWAY MP 45 TO 60 PROJECT. The project examines ways to improve the Sterling Highway from its intersection with Quartz Creek Road to its intersection with Skilak Lake Road n the Cooper Landing area. For more information, go to www.sterlinghighway.net. Comment period ends May 26.

April 21STEVE HEIMEL will present MY FIRST 50 YEARS IN BROADCASTING (1961-2011) from 5 to 7pm at the UAA Campus Bookstore, 2905 Providence Drive. Steve Heimel has been a senior reporter and producer for the Alaska Public Radio Network and host of its call-in show, "Talk of Alaska." At this event, he'll discuss his memoir-in-progress and share his insights about life, journalism and people. All UAA Campus Bookstore events are informal, free and open to the public. There is free parking for bookstore events in the South Lot, West Campus Central Lot (behind Rasmuson Hall), Sports Lot and Sports NW Lot. For more information, call Rachel Epstein at (907) 786-4782 or email repstein2@uaa.alaska.edu. Note: UAA Campus Bookstore podcasts are posted in iTunes or iTunes U–just search UAA or UAA Campus Bookstore.

**April 21Meet author and filmmaker JEAN ASPEN as she talks about and signs her spellbinding story of self-discovery, survival, and courage in a harsh and beautiful land, ARCTIC DAUGHTER from 11am to 1pm at the Alaska Geographic’s Ship Creek Store, 241 No. C Street. In Arctic Daughter, Aspen describes her journey down the Yukon to the Chandalar River with her childhood sweetheart, recounting their experiences living off the land for four years in the remote Brooks Range. For more information, call 907-274-8440.

**April 21RAVENS' ROOST COHOUSING GROUND-BREAKING CELEBRATION will be held at our site off of Little Brook Street in southeast Anchorage at 5:30pm. All supporters of this

environmentally and socially more-sustainable neighborhood are invited! After 3 years of countless volunteer hours by its future residents, Ravens' Roost has 23 households and has signed a commitment letter for a construction loan from First National Bank Alaska! The Petersen Group is our builder and development partner. Bring the whole family! Our member Alden will provide live music and Jim Kerr will juggle. Come see our displays, meet our members and enjoy refreshments, rain or shine. Guest parking is available at Abbott Loop Community Church. For directions, map and more details: www.ravensroostcoho.org or 907-399-2051.

April 22EARTH DAY

**April 22TED STEVENS ANCHORAGE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (TSAIA) will hold the next ANC STAKEHOLDERS MEETING from 3. to 5pm at the Anchorage Airport Manager’s Conference Room, 5000 West International Airport Road, 4th floor. The meeting will provide an update to community members on the airport’s current business outlook, construction projects, the Lake Hood Master Plan Update, concessions news, public involvement and upcoming events.

**April 22CHICKENS in the CITYCLASS will be held from 4 to 5:30pm at the Cooperative Extension Center,1674 C Street. Cost: $10. The class will be taught by STEVE BROWN, the poultry tough guy and Dr. CLUCK NORRIS, Dean of Chicken University. Learn what it takes to keep your chickens healthy and productive and your neighbors from complaining. Egg handling, storage, nutrition and cooking will be covered. To register, go to http://bit.ly/anchurbanfarm.

April 22 (CORRECTED TIME)COMPOSTING TECHNIQUES CLASS will be held from 7 to 8:30pm at the Cooperative Extension Center, at 1674 C Street. Cost: $10. Turn your yard and kitchen waste into “black gold.” Includes information on vermicomposting with red wigglers. To register, go to https://epay.alaska.edu/C21563_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=1176.

April 22CLIMATE MODELS: NEW METHODS and APPLICATIONS will be presented by JON ALLEN from 5 to 7pm at the UAA Campus Bookstore, 2905 Providence Drive. Since the development of the first general circulation model and the advent of computing in the 1950s, climate modeling has evolved rapidly in complexity and accuracy, as well as breadth of application. Current models track the movement of fluids and energy transfer between the atmosphere, land and ocean to most commonly output either short-term weather forecasts or long-term climate change predictions. In this talk, Allen will briefly review the evolution of climate modeling; explore complex modeling concepts, such as positive feedback; and objectively look at the current state of models and what they tell us. Allen will close with an application of modeling to storm surge on the Western Alaska coast being developed at UAA. Guest speaker Jon S. Allen is a current engineering Ph.D. student at UAA/UAF. He earned his Master of Science in ocean engineering from Texas A&M.

April 23AMATS POLICY COMMITTEE will meet from 1:30 to 3:30pm in the City Hall Mayor’s Conference Room. Agenda includes: 1. Interim 2035 MTP Financial Plan: 2. Informational Reports: a. 2015-18 TIP Administrative Modification #2; b. 2014 AMATS Certification Review; c. Freight Mobility Update; d. Alaska Railroad Corporation Update; e. Coordinated Transportation Plan Update. The AMATS Operating Agreement is out for comment and is available at http://www.muni.org/Departments/OCPD/Planning/AMATS/Documents/2015%20Docs/022615%2030%20DAY%20COMMENT%20OP%20AGREEMENT/2002_Op_Agreement_2015_edits%20%28Public%20Review%20Draft%29.pdf. AMATS by-laws are available at http://www.muni.org/Departments/OCPD/Planning/AMATS/Documents/2015%20Docs/022615%2030%20DAY%20COMMENT%20OP%20AGREEMENT/2002_Op_Agreement_2015_edits%20%28Public%20Review%20Draft%29.pdf. For more information or to submit comments, contact Craig Lyon, AMATS Coordinator at 343-7996 or email lyonch@muni.org.

April 23AMATS POLICY COMMITTEE will meet from 1:30 to 3:30pm in the City Hall Mayor’s Conference Room. Agenda includes: 1. Interim 2035 MTP Financial Plan: 2. Informational Reports: a. 2015-18 TIP Administrative Modification #2; b. 2014 AMATS Certification Review; c. Freight Mobility Update; d. Alaska Railroad Corporation Update; e. Coordinated Transportation Plan Update. The AMATS Operating Agreement is out for comment and is available at http://www.muni.org/Departments/OCPD/Planning/AMATS/Documents/2015%20Docs/022615%2030%20DAY%20COMMENT%20OP%20AGREEMENT/2002_Op_Agreement_2015_edits%20%28Public%20Review%20Draft%29.pdf. AMATS by-laws are available at http://www.muni.org/Departments/OCPD/Planning/AMATS/Documents/2015%20Docs/022615%2030%20DAY%20COMMENT%20OP%20AGREEMENT/2002_Op_Agreement_2015_edits%20%28Public%20Review%20Draft%29.pdf. For more information or to submit comments, contact Craig Lyon, AMATS Coordinator at 343-7996 or email lyonch@muni.org.

**April 24 WRANGELL MOUNTAINS CENTER ANNUAL SPRING BREAK UP PARTY and FUNDRAISER from 6:30 to 11:30pm at 11101 Magnolia. Join us for food, drink, good conversation, music by the Pilot CRACKER PLAYBOYS, and a silent auction of arts, crafts, and one of a kind treasures. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the auction closes at 9:30. $15 Suggested donation. Check out our Facebook event page: www.facebook.com/events/810264375719972/ to learn more.

 April 25 & 29NONTOXIC CLEANING WORKSHOPS will be held from 6 to 7pm at the Selkregg Chalet/Russian Jack Springs Park on the following dates:

April 25 – Topic: Kind Hand Cleaners

April 29 – Topic: mold RemovalReady for spring cleaning, but dreading the toxic fumes? Learn how to make nontoxic, effective alternatives to commercial cleaning products using inexpensive ingredients such as white vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda. Many common household cleaning products come with side effects such as asthma, skin irritation, reproductive problems, and even cancer. In this workshop you will learn the basics of which chemicals to avoid—and why—as well as how to quickly read product labels to make healthier choices. You will then mix up a jar or bottle of nontoxic cleaner to take home with you. All materials provided. Register on line at www.muni.org/Active. Drop-ins welcome! Fee: $5 per day. Instructor: Heidi Zimmer. For more program information view http://www.muni.org/Departments/parks/Pages/ActivityGuide.aspx

**April 28Take a fascinating voyage into the WORLD of SEA TURTLES by wildlife biologist NANCY TANKERSLEY from 6:30 to 8pm at REI, 1200 West Northern Lights Boulevard. Nancy is a volunteer for SEA TURTLES FOREVER, which monitors nesting populations, and protects endangered sea turtle eggs from being taken illegally and sold as aphrodisiacs in Costa Rica. Her talk had Standing Room Only last year! Come hear some fascinating updates. In honor of Mother’s Day or someone you love, you can “ADOPT” AND NAME ONE of the NESTING TURTLES, complete with a certificate and nesting history, for a $100 tax-deductible donation. General donations to Sea Turtles Forever are also welcomed. All proceeds support anti-poaching patrols.For more information go to www.seaturtlesforever.org or Facebook at Sea Turtles Forever

**April 28MCNEIL RIVER SUMMER of 2014: THE GOOD, THE BAD and THE BEARS will be presented by the Friends of McNeil River from 6:30 to 9pm in the auditorium of the Anchorage Museum. TOM GRIFFIN, ADF&G Manager and DREW HAMILTON, ADF&G Specialist, staffers of McNeil River State Game Sanctuary will show photos and videos of their 2014 summer in the home and sanctuary for the Alaska's largest concentration of brown bears. They'll speak on the habits, fishing techniques, social intricacies and interactions of the bears and their tolerance of their human visitors within their natural habitat. It should be a great evening with the bears, but really young ones might not enjoy some of the more gory details of the bear’s consumption of their fill of salmon from the waters of Mikfik Creek and McNeil River. No food or drinks allowed in the auditorium. McNeil hats, "River of Bears" DVDs and McNeil Photo ID books will be available for sale in the lobby.

**April 29FOOD PRESERVATION OVERVIEW will be held at the Cooperative Extension Center, 1674 C Street from 4 to 6pm. Cost: $10. Freezing, canning, and drying the fruits of your labor. To register: http://bit.ly/anchurbanfarm.

**April 30The ALASKA HISTORICAL COMMISSION will meet at 3:30pm following a meeting of the U.S. BOARD on GEOGRAPHIC NAMES, which is convening in Alaska for the first time. The two meetings will be held at the Captain Cook Hotel. The Alaska Historical Commission is the state organization responsible for reviewing nominations for names of lakes, streams,

mountains and other geographic features in Alaska and it coordinates with the Board on Geographic Names for name decisions for federal maps. The commission’s meeting agenda includes a discussion among members of both boards, followed by a review of the Historical Commission’s guidelines for geographic names. In other business, the commission will discuss commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Alaska Purchase. A preliminary meeting agenda is posted at www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/oha/index.htm. Any person or group wishing to address the commission on matters relating to history, archaeology, or historic preservation is invited to participate in the public comment session starting at 3:55pm. Those wishing to comment by phone need to make arrangements in advance and should call the Office of History and Archaeology at 907-269-8714. More information about the commission is available at www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/oha/index.htm. More information about the federal board is at http://geonames.usgs.gov/index.html.

May 2HOMER - Join COASST (Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team) staff for a 6-hour COASST training from Noon to 5pm at the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. Hear about how COASST started, learn how to use the custom Beached Birds field guide, and try out your new skills with some actual specimens. Training activities will take place indoors. Please pack a lunch. As always, COASST trainings are FREE to attend, but plan to provide a $20 refundable deposit if you would like to take home a COASST volunteer kit. Reserve your training spot by emailing coast@uw.edu or call 276-221-6893. 

MEETINGS & EVENTS OUT OF ANCHORAGE

**April 16DELTA JUNCTION Open House will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 at the Delta Community Center to discuss the proposal for the RICHARDSON HIGHWAY MP 257-265 REHABILITATION PROJECT.Planned improvements include replacing the existing Jarvis Creek Bridge, grade raises to reduce drifting, roadway widening to include 8’ shoulders, resurfacing the full length of the highway, new signage, striping and edge line rumble strips. This project is expected to be complete by fall 2015. For project status and information, visit www.alaskanavigator.org.

April 16JUNEAU - FLIGHT TO ADVENTURE will be presented at 7pm in Egan Room, Centennial Hall. Southeast Alaska Birding Festivals Audubon's final evening program of the season will discuss Southeast Alaska's birding events: Ketchikan's Rufous Hummingbird Festival, Wrangell's Stikine River Birding Festival and the Yakutat Tern Festival. Learn more about how you can take advantage of the world class birding opportunities close to home, from the folks who have organized and attended the festivals; and enjoy Bob Armstrong's nature photos from these communities.

April 16WASILLA The new film CHUITNA: MORE THAN SALMON on the LINE will be shown at 6:30 at the Rock on Climbing Gym. Chuitna chronicles the journey of a group of fly fishermen as they venture out for a trip of a lifetime in the salmon-rich Chuitna Watershed. With

every cast and conversation with local frontier Alaskans fighting to protect their homes from the proposed Chuitna Coal Mine, the travelers obtain a deeper understanding of the mine’s devastating impacts. Food & drink and live music. Free.

**April 18HOMER – HOMER PARKS, RECREATION and TRAILS SYMPOSIUM will be held from Noon to 4pm at the Homer High School. The goal of this symposium is to connect community members, user groups and organizations (such as biking club, running club, moms with strollers) for an afternoon dedicated to networking, sharing, promoting, planning and advocating for safe, accessible trails, sidewalks, and roadways. For more information contact Deb Lowney at 299-0344 or email dlowney@acsalaska.net.

April 18 & 19MP 118.8 GLENN HIGHWAY - The GUNSIGHT MOUNTAIN HAWKWATCH WEEKEND will be held at Mile 118.8 on the Glenn Highway. Celebrate the return of spring migrating raptors with this annual Anchorage Audubon first field trip of the spring. Migrating raptors that can be seen along the ridgeline near MP 118.8 include golden eagle, red-tailed hawk, rough-legged hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, northern goshawk, American kestrel, peregrine falcon and merlin. Swainson's hawk and osprey have also been seen migrating through this area. Bring warm clothing, binoculars, spotting scopes, lunch, snacks, and lawn chairs and sit back while you watch migrating raptors glide over the nearby ridge. The Hawkwatch is a spectacle that is unrivaled in Alaska. It's a great gathering, a fabulous party, and the birds are astounding. Meet at 10am on Saturday at the wayside at Milepost 118.8, Glenn Highway. A short raptor identification talk will take place at 10:30am. On Sunday, the Mat-Su Birders will host their annual Hawk Watch Potluck BBQ at the same location. For details on the Mat-Su Hawk Watch - www.matsubirders.org/html/calendar.html.

April 21 & 22Open House and public hearing will be held at the following locations Dena’ina to take comments on the DRAFT SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (SEIS) on the STERLING HIGHWAY MP 45 TO 60 PROJECT:

SOLDOTNA from 4 to 8pm at the Soldotna Sports CenterCOOPER LANDING from 4 to 6 pm in the Community Hall.

The project examines ways to improve the Sterling Highway from its intersection with Quartz Creek Road to its intersection with Skilak Lake Road n the Cooper Landing area. For more information or to go to the online open house, go to www.sterlinghighway.net. Comment period ends May 26. Comments may be submitted via the online comment form, located at www.sterlinghwy.net or emailed to sterlinghwy@hdrinc.com.

April 22CORDOVA - 26TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION of the PRINCE WILLIAM SCIENCE CENTER will be held in the Mt Eccles Elementary School Commons. Enjoy evening of gourmet cake, punch, popcorn and PEOPLE of a FEATHER, a film about survival in a changing Arctic. Featuring stunning footage from seven winters in the Arctic, People of a Feather takes you through time into the world of the Inuit on the Belcher Islands in Canada's Hudson Bay. Connecting past, present and future is a unique relationship with the eider duck.

Eider down, the warmest feather in the world, allows both Inuit and bird to survive harsh Arctic winters. Traditional life is juxtaposed with modern challenges as both Inuit and eiders confront changing sea ice and ocean currents disrupted by the massive hydroelectric dams powering New York and eastern North America. Inspired by Inuit ingenuity and the technology of a simple feather, the film is a call to action to implement energy solutions that work with nature. Doors open at 6pm and the movie begins at 6:30. Everyone is welcome for this free event.

**April 22 (DATE CHANGE)PALMER - COTTONWOOD CREEK ATV TRAIL PUBLIC MEETING will be held at 7pm in the Mat-Su College, Fred & Sara Machetanz Bldg, Room 205. 8295 E. College Drive for a presentation and discussion on the use, concerns, and management options for the COTTONWOOD CREEK ATV TRAIL IN THE PALMER HAY FLATS STATE GAME REFUGE. For more information, contact Joe Meehan at (907) 267-2281 or email joe.meehan@alaska.gov.

April 22VALDEZ - UPCYCLED: FASHION & ART SHOW will be held at 6pm in Prince William Sound Community College Atrium. Enter your Wearable, Functional, or Visual creations. There are three age groups in which to enter: Apprentice (5-12), Junior Artist (13-17), and Master Artist (18+). Entry forms are available at the PWSCC Help Desk. Entry forms are due to PWSCC no later than Friday, April 17. Contact Student Services at 834-1600 with any questions.

April 22, 23 & 24Public hearings will be held in the following locations on the DRAFT of the SOUTHEAST STATE FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN:

April 22 - WRANGELL from 6 to 8pm in the City HallApril 23 – Edna Bay from 6 to 8pm at the Edna Bay SchoolApril 24 – Coffman Cove from 6 to 8pm in the Coffman Cove Ferry Terminal

The Southeast State Forest (SESF) contains approximately 48,000 acres in 33 units that are located on 12 different islands and the adjacent mainland of southern Southeast Alaska. The island units are located on Dall, Gravina, Heceta, Kosciusko, Kuiu, Mitkof, Prince of Wales, Revillagigedo, Suemez, Tuxekan, Wrangell, and Zarembo islands. The mainland units are located in Bradfield Canal and surrounding Crittenden Creek located to the east of Wrangell Island. The primary purpose for the SESF is timber management. For more information, contact Clarence Clark, Southeast Timber Sales Program Manager, at 907-225-6619 or email clarence.clark@alaska.gov or Jim Schwarber, Forest Planner, at 907-451-2704 or email james.schwarber@alaska.gov or go to http://www.forestry.alaska.gov/stateforests.htm#sesf.

April 23NIKISKI - The ALASKA LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS (LNG) PROJECT TEAM will host a COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE at the Nikiski Recreation Center. Please join us anytime between 6 and 8 p.m. for recent information about the Project and 2015 field work. Refreshments will be provided.

**April 25

HOMER - The 10th ANNUAL HOMER ELECTRONICS RECYCLING EVENT will take place on at Spenard Builders Supply in Homer between 10am and 3pm. Most types of electronics are accepted. New for 2015, MOST RECYCLING IS FREE! Households get FREE e-cycling of everything except computer monitors ($15), LCD TVs ($15), and CRT TVs ($15-$35, depending on size. Businesses, Government Agencies, Non-Profits, and Tribes get FREE e-cycling of everything except TVs and computer monitors, which are $0.30/pound. $10 donation is suggested to Cook Inletkeeper to help offset costs. For more information, contact Cook Inletkeeper at dorothy@inletkeeper.org.

April 252015 MAT-SU SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TOUR is a self-guided tour of homes and businesses using solar electricity, solar hot water, wind turbines, ground-source heat pumps, masonry heaters and super-efficient building construction. Tour sites between 10am and 6pm. For more information visit http://www.alaskasolartour.org/ or contact Mark Masteller: 907-745-9784, mamasteller@matsu.alaska.edu. In addition see an on-line Facebook event page on the tour at https://www.facebook.com/events/881316695265733/.

**April 28TALKEETNA - The new film CHUITNA: MORE THAN SALMON on the LINE will be shown from 6 to 8pm at The Hanger. Chuitna chronicles the journey of a group of fly fishermen as they venture out for a trip of a lifetime in the salmon-rich Chuitna Watershed. With every cast and conversation with local frontier Alaskans fighting to protect their homes from the proposed Chuitna Coal Mine, the travelers obtain a deeper understanding of the mine’s devastating impacts. Food & drink and live music. Free.

**April 29 (CORRECTED DATE)PALMER - MCNEIL RIVER SUMMER OF 2014: THE GOOD, the BAD and the BEARS will be presented by DREW HAMILTON from 7 to 7pm at the Wildlife Wednesday lectures are held at Mat-Su College FSM Room 205. In early July through mid-August, chum salmon congregate between a series of rocks and boulders that form McNeil River Falls. Since there are only a few rivers in the area with similar fishing sites, brown bears congregate here in numbers that have brought McNeil River worldwide fame. Drew has spent several field seasons at McNeil and will share his impressive photographs and amazing tales!

**April 29PAXSON – The PAXSON FISH & GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE will have an election meeting at Meier’s Lake Lodge at 6:30pm. Also on the agenda will be preparing any statewide game proposals and any other business that may properly come before the committee. For more information contact John Schandelmeier at 750-2619.

**April 29 WASILLA - Mat-Su Free Lecture Series presents MCNEIL RIVER BROWN BEARS with DREW HAMILTON of ADF&G from 7 to 8pm at Mat-Su College in the FSM Building Room 205. Sponsored by AK Dept. of Fish & Game, Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats and USGS. For more information, contact Sierra Rose Doherty at 907-861-2104.

**May 1FAIRBANKS - Stop by the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center from 5 to 8pm for a FIRST FRIDAY RECEPTION featuring ARTISTS MARY MATTHEWS and JEANNE CANNON. Using the most unconventional of natural fibers, artist Mary Matthews has created a dress made entirely of bird and wasp nests, mud and birch bark. Her larger-than-life masterpiece is meant to be seen up close. The all-natural gown will be on display throughout the summer. Jeanne Cannon will be showing paintings from Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, and Denali National Park & Preserve. Her art describes the mountains and rock faces of the Alaskan wilderness. For more information, please call the Alaska Public Lands Information Center at 907.459.3730.

**May 9HAINES - EARTH DAY and FARMERS’ MARKET PLANT SALE will be held from 10 to Noon at the school cafeteria, sponsored by the Haines Friends of Recycling. For more information, contact Melissa Aronson at aronson@aptalaska.net or call 766-3000. 

 ITEMS of INTEREST

**McCARTHY - REGISTRATION is OPEN for 2015 WORKSHOPS at the WRANGELL MOUNTAINS CENTER. Learn more about programs in Natural History Field Sketching, Bookmaking, the Wrangell Mountains Writing Workshop, the McCarthy Family Music Camp, and more. Go to wrangells.org to learn more or call Kristin at 907-554-4464... 

REGISTRATION and a CALL FOR ABSTRACTS is now open for the AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION-ALASKA CHAPTER'S CONFERENCE, "WATER RESOURCE REMOTE SENSING APPLICATIONS in ALASKA". The conference will be held in Fairbanks on May 13-May 15. Please see the conference website for more details: http://state.awra.org/alaska/ameetings/2015am/index.shtml. The conference will be a mixture of Keynote Speakers, hands-on workshops, catered poster sessions, and field trips. A number of field trips have also been organized to sites around Fairbanks hosted by experts in water resources and remote sensing. There will be a limited number of travel scholarships and poster awards! Remote sensing has tremendous application in Alaska! This conference will provide great information for all levels of interest and application.

The RECORD OF DECISION (ROD) for the ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN and FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (CCP/FEIS) has been signed by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Regional Director, GEOFFREY HASKETT and can now be implemented. The Agency’s decision adopts the Preferred Alternative in the Ccp/Feis, Alternative E. Alternative E recommends the three wilderness study areas be designated as wilderness and recommends four rivers for designation as wild and scenic rivers. To view the Record of Decision, go to http://www.fws.gov/home/arctic-ccp/. For more information, contact Stephanie Brady, Project Lead at (907)306-7448 or email Stephanie_Brady@fws.gov.

To better understand and identify the CURRENT DEMAND FOR COMMUNITY GARDENS in the city, UAA faculty and student researchers will work with the MOA to

conduct a needs assessment which will inform the development of a strategic plan. As part of this project we are asking you to participate in a survey that will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Your participation in the survey will be anonymous and voluntary but the information you provide will assist in crafting future community garden plans for the city. We hope you will consider participating in this study! To respond to the survey, go to http://uaa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_abApcddCCT7qc3H.

If you live in Anchorage, please TAKE THE LIVE. WORK, PLAY. SURVEY TODAY! The survey is composed of two main questions: Why do you live in Anchorage? and Why would you leave Anchorage? To respond to the survey, go to http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07eae56x4ri4pxqknc/a01c3i7zijzmp/greeting.

FUR, FINS, FEATHERS, FLOWERS AND FUN, AN ENVIRONMENT SUMMER CAMP for kids ages 6-12 (must have completed kindergarten,) is being offered by the Kenai Watershed Forum in SOLDOTNA starting June 22. Camps are Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm and each week has a designated age group and theme. Please see the KWF website for more information at http://www.kenaiwatershed.org/education/camp.html.

MAT-SU SUMMER SCIENCE CAMPS will be sponsored and held at Mat-Su College.June 22 -26 from 8:30am to Noon – Mini-Med School - Campers will explore body

systems, manipulate human muscle models, assemble a skeleton, and perform hands-on dissection of animal organs. Entering grades 6-8.

July 13 -17 from 8:30am to Noon – Grossology - Campers will explore the gross side of our bodies making "snot" and "poop" in order to understand how these processes function to keep us healthy. Entering grades 6-8 July 20 – 24 from 8:30am to Noon - Crime Scene Investigation - Campers will become forensic investigators, learning about forensic science and the tools and techniques that scientists use to solve a crime. Entering grades 6-8Cost to attend: $139 (early registration by June 1); $159 (after June 2). To register, go to http://matsu.alaska.edu/summer-science-camps/. For more information, call 907-745-9775 oremail summer@matsu.alaska.edu.

ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC POLICIES THAT UNINTENTIONALLY ENCOURAGE AND SUBSIDIZE SPRAWL (http://bit.ly/1EvGtIN ) reports that urban sprawl costs the American economy more than US$1 trillion annually, according to a new study by the New Climate Economy. It estimates that Americans living in sprawled communities bear at least $625 billion in direct incremental costs and impose an extra $400 billion in external costs on governments, businesses and other households. It identifies planning and market distortions that foster sprawl, and describes policy reforms that can help correct these distortions. These smart growth policies can lead to healthier, safer and wealthier communities in both developed and developing countries.

SEWARD HIGHWAY ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PLAN SURVEY REQUEST. The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is planning future development of the Seward Highway between Anchorage and Girdwood and we need your input. In order to design a corridor to reflect current and future priorities of the users of the roadway,

tell us how you use the road and what you would do to improve the corridor. Please complete the short questionnaire at Seward RDP Survey to share your with the project team. For more information, go towww.sewardhighwayplan.com or contact Anne Brooks, Public Involvement Coordinator, at 1-866-535-1877 or email comments.brooksalaska@gmail.com.

THE ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (REFUGE) REVISED COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN (CCP) AND FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) is now available. This is your opportunity to read our responses to public comments on the draft CCP/EIS, understand how the Refuge used your comments to revise and refine the CCP, and learn about the preferred alternative. The Regional Director selected Alternative E as the preferred alternative. Alternative E adopts the management goals and objectives and revised management policies and guidelines described in Chapter 2 of the CCP. It also recommends three Wilderness Study Areas for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System; recommends four rivers for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System; and implements a series of interim management actions for visitor use on the Kongakut River pending completion of a Refuge-wide Visitor Use Management Plan. Please see Chapter 3, Section 3.5 of the CCP for more information about the preferred alternative. The entire Revised CCP and Final EIS are available at http://arctic.fws.gov/ccp.htm... . VOLUNTEER and BOARD OPPORTUNITIES

VOLUNTEERS are welcome at the ALASKA WILDBIRD REHABILITATION CENTER in Houston. Volunteers will assist with care of our resident wild birds, cleaning, feeding and routine facility maintenance. No experience needed, age 18 years or older preferred. A normal work shift is about 4 hours one day a week; volunteers are needed 7 days a week. Visit www.akwildbird.org for more information and to access the volunteer information or contact form, or e-mail us at email@akwildbird.org.

ALASKA WOMEN'S ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK (AWEN) is seeking Board Members to jump start the New Year! AWEN's mission is to establish and maintain a statewide network of women dedicated to conserving Alaska's natural heritage through outreach, education and public service. Our vision is to be an organization of women leaders, heading the charge for environmental issues in Alaska. If interested, please submit the following to awenalaska@gmail.com with “Board Member 2015 in the email subject line. Include your Resume; a Brief Statement of Intent/Interest: Why you want to be a board member; and what would you specifically like to contribute to AWEN in the year 2015. The statement of intent/interest and contribution should be no more than one page total.

SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA TROUT UNLIMITED CHAPTER is seeking a WOMEN'S INITIATIVE CHAIR to join the Board of Directors. Our Chapter recruited more than 120 members in 2014 and is looking to build on that success through a new Women's Initiative Chair position. The Women's Initiative Chair will be responsible for engaging female Chapter members and help develop events, opportunities, and an inclusive angling community. The Women's Initiative Chair is also asked to attend monthly Board meetings and Chapter events. If interested please contact the Chapter Board at alaskatuchapter@gmail.com.

PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND RESOURCE ADVISORY COUNCIL (RAC) ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS to ADVISE the FOREST SERVICE on PROJECTS THAT PROTECT AND ENHANCE the OUTSTANDING NATURAL RESOURCES of YOUR NATIONAL FOREST AND SURROUNDING AREA. The Prince William Sound RAC will work collaboratively to advise the Forest on projects funded by the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act. There are 8 positions that need to be filled. Individuals who live in the Prince William Sound area (Cordova, Valdez, Tatitlek, Chenega, and Whittier) and are interested in serving on the Prince William Sound RAC can pick up an application at the Cordova Ranger District office at 612 2nd Street or call 907 424-7661 to have one mailed. Contact Nancy O’Brien or Robert Skorkowsky at 424-7661 for more information.

CLINIC AND OFFICE VOLUNTEERS WANTED for the BIRD TREATMENT AND LEARNING CENTER (BIRD TLC) are needed. Clinic volunteers provide rehabilitation and care for sick and injured birds, from chickadees to bald eagles. Office volunteers will be involved in a variety of activities, including helping with intake procedures, answering phones, preparing mailings, word processing, database entry, etc. If you’re interested, please email office@birdtlc.net or call us at 907-562-4852. We look forward to working with you. BOARD MEMBERS WANTED for the BIRD TREATMENT AND LEARNING CENTER (BIRD TLC) whose mission is to present living science education that instills understanding and appreciation for wild birds and their habitats, and to provide primary medical treatment, rehabilitative care, and potential release for sick and injured wild birds. Each year more than 500 wild birds from all over Alaska are treated at the Bird TLC clinic in Anchorage. Our educational presenters provide 250+ programs every year, reaching communities and creating awareness for wild birds and their habitats. For more information, email director@birdtlc.net, call us at 907-562-4852, or visit us at www.birdtlc.net.

INTERNSHIPS

** The USDA FOREST SERVICE HAS ANNOUNCED TWO EXCITING INTERNSHIP opportunities in natural resource management. The internships are being offered through the Student Conservation Association (SCA) in partnership with the Alaska Region of the Forest Service Regional Partnership Office and the Juneau Forestry Sciences Lab. Both positions are for 12 weeks, beginning June 1, 2015 and are eligible for: $100/week stipend and $25/week commuting allowance. Government housing and/or housing allowance may be available.U.S. FOREST SERVICE PARTNERSHIP & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT INTERNSHIP will have the opportunity to work with dozens of organizations across Alaska, helping expand the Forest Service’s capacity to work with partners. This position will be eligible for an AmeriCorps education award of $1,493 upon certification of successful completion. The partnership position may include coordinating training events; conducting surveys of current and potential Forest Service partners in Alaska; collaborating with Forest Service Public Affairs staff on a range of digital media products, including video shorts profiling successful partnerships in the Alaska Region, blogs, and social media campaigns. Specific responsibilities will reflect the incumbent's specific experience, training, and interests. For more information on this position, contact George Schaaf at 907-957-0904. To apply, send a resume and cover letter to gschaaf@fs.fed.us with “SCA Application” in the email subject.

The JUNEAU FORESTRY SCIENCES LAB RESEARCH INTERNSHIP is a rare opportunity to work with social and biophysical scientists on studies that combine natural, social and cultural sciences to explore the human effects of climate change. The research position may include coordinating and assisting with summarizing research reports, conducting internet searches, reading journal articles and research reports and organizing and reporting findings. There may also be an opportunity to assist a graduate student in collecting data by interviewing visitors to various sites around Juneau. For more information on this position, contact Linda Kruger at (907) 586-7814. To apply, send a resume and cover letter to lkruger@fs.fed.uswith “SCA Application” in the email subject.

WRANGELL MOUNTAIN CENTER is hiring for the following internship or work-trade opportunities:

GENERAL INTERNSHIP - Help out with all aspects of operations. Intern will be responsible for cooking for large groups of people; helping to maintain organic garden; assisting with manual labor including cleaning, composting, and water pumping; ensuring a warm and well-organized environment for staff and program participants; providing administrative support including program marketing; orienting participants, guests, and students to the systems and customs of the WMC.

GARDEN INTERNSHIP - The Garden Intern is responsible for managing the food production and harvest from the WMC gardens and greenhouse. He/she will be coordinate planting, growing, harvesting, and preparing food (when applicable). He/she will work under the guidance of local expert gardeners. In exchange the Garden Intern will travel approximately bi-monthly to the mentor's property to assist them. The season runs from approximately May 10 - September 10. Interns are expected to work approximately 30 hours a week in exchange for room and board. The Wrangell Mountains Center is an equal opportunity employer. For full job descriptions, go to http://www.wrangells.com/employment.

SPRING CREEK FARM INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES for SUMMER 2015 a project of Alaska Pacific University located in Palmer. The position runs from the beginning of May to the end of September. Flexibility around a university schedule is possible for the right applicant. Interns are required to work 32 hours per week. During this time they will participate in all aspectsof small scale sustainable farming, from greenhouse propagation to selling our produce at market and everywhere in between. Compensation: Private 8x10 wall tent, farm veggies, and a $300/ month educational stipend. Accommodations: Interns are housed on the farm, in wall tents, and supplied with a cot or air mattress. Interns will have full access to a shared house with bathrooms, kitchen, computer lab, washing machine/dryer and indoor living space. Everyone is expected to share in the routine clean-up and care of the house. The farm is 3 miles from downtown Palmer. Regular trips to town are made for supplies and socializing. Requirements: The ideal candidate is passionate about the food movement, can lift 50 pounds, and has a willingness to work hard in the field rain or shine. Some farming or gardening experience is preferred but not required. Preference will be given to Alaskans with a bachelor's degree. Application: Please send three references, a resume and cover letter to: Megan Talley at megan.talley@alaskapacific.edu. For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/springcreekfarmalaska

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

**CONSERVATION PRACTITIONER for The NATURE CONSERVANCY in Juneau (Job ID: 43049) to develop, manage and advance conservation programs, plans and methods for large-scale geographic areas and is a skilled collaborator with a wide variety of partners and stakeholders. Minimum Qualifications: BA/BS, forestry, natural resources, or related sciences, and 5 years of experience in natural resource management, natural resource-related business or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience negotiating complex agreements. Experience in forestry, natural resource management, sustainable management businesses, or related activities. Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally. Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers. Experience developing partnerships (government, Native entities, communities, and others). To see the complete job description and to apply, go to http://jobs.nature.org/juneau-ak/conservation-practitioner/B360DE4267D84E57972C5E597DB76520/job/. Application deadline is May 8. For more info, contact the SE Program Director, Norman Cohen, at 907-789-1791.

**PART-TIME, TEMPORARY EMPLOYEE for a GIS PROJECT to map a city’s water, sewer, and stormwater systems in ArcGIS at Solstice Alaska Consulting, Inc. (Solstice. The employee would work for no more than 4 hours per day for a period of approximately 2-3 months, depending on the final scope of the project. This position would begin immediately or as determined upon the applicant’s availability to begin. Work would be conducted onsite in Anchorage, and all equipment would be provided. Some training would be provided. This is a paid position. Compensation will be discussed upon application. Requirements: Demonstrated ArcGIS experience and/or coursework. Third year/junior level coursework completed, including ArcGIS 268 or equivalent (preferred). Ability to travel to an Anchorage-based office location. The applicant is expected to provide his/her own transportation to the office location. Availability to work no more than 4 hours per day for 2-3 months. To Apply: Applicants will be evaluated on a rolling basis. Interested applicants should apply by email to Robin Reich at robin@solsticeak.com with the following information. An email that details your interest in and availability for this work and a résumé that includes ArcGIS qualifications. Note to Interested Students: Applicants are not required to be current students in order to apply for this position; however, students are encouraged to apply. If the applicant is a student, the employer is open to this position being leveraged as an internship or career-building experience if the student works independently with its associated college or university to seek credit as required by the individual school’s policies or career service center. See www.solsticeak.com for additional information.

**SEASONAL SUMMER CAMP ASSISTANT for the Alaska Zoo Education Department. This seasonal, full-time position involves aiding the Camp Coordinators in the smooth running of Summer Adventure camps. Candidate must possess the ability to work well individually and as a team, and must be comfortable working with and around all age groups, especially children. Excellent communication, organization and time management skills are a must. Candidate must have a clean background and submit to a full background check, in addition to

holding a valid Alaska driver’s license. Work hours will vary with some evenings and weekends required based on program schedules. This position will be hired to work through the end of August and the pay is $10/hour. Interested parties should email a cover letter and resume to Stephanie Hartman at slhartman@alaskazoo.org.

**DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR for the Alaska Center for the Environment (ACE) and Alaska Conservation Voters (ACV) to design and implement ACE & ACV donor engagement strategies, leveraging investments to advance our vision and build a powerful Alaska conservation movement. To see the full job description, go to http://akcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ACE-ACV-Development-Coordinator-3.26.15.pdf. This is a full‐time position based in Anchorage. Salary DOE with competitive benefits. Supportive work environment with excellent incentives. ACE is an equal opportunity employer. To apply, email your resume and cover letter to jobs@akcenter.org . Position open until filled. First review of applications will be May 18. No phone calls please.

**YOUTH TRAINING COORDINATOR for the Alaska Center for the Environment to lead the award-winning Alaska Youth for Environmental Action (AYEA) program, supporting passionate, creative youth from across the state. This position will coordinate exciting and transformative training events to build advocacy skills, organizing skills, and strong relationships among rural and urban youth leaders to support the teens’ leadership development and community organizing and policy advocacy efforts. To see the full job description, go to http://akcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ACE-Youth-Training-Coordinator-job-description.pdf. To apply send your resume and cover letter to jobs@akcenter.org. Questions may be directed to the same address. No phone calls please. Position is open until filled.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE at WRANGELL INSTITUTE for SCIENCE and ENVIRONMENT (WISE) (www.wise-edu.org)

EDUCATION PROGRAM ASSISTANT: Salary $10/hr. Position will assist the Executive Director and our participating Partners in conducting outdoor education programs, primarily K-12 age group. Responsibilities include: 1. Assist in planning and implementing a variety of summer activities including day hikes, skills workshops, outdoor art projects, science-themed overnight camps, citizen science projects, and volunteer work parties. 2. Plan and present lessons on topics such as boreal forest ecology, salmon life cycle, map reading, plant identification, skins and skulls, etc. 3. Do community outreach and partnership building with native villages, state and federal agencies, other area non-profits, and schools. 4. Program logistics including taking care of equipment, menu planning and food preparation, participant paperwork, land use permissions, and risk management. 5. Assist with citizen science and community based research, including Salmon Blitz and the Willow Creek Research Project. 6. Plan and complete special projects such as: o Develop new lesson plans, curriculum, or activities; o Assemble collections of resources for specific topics; o Write newsletter or newspaper articles  SUMMER TOUR GUIDE/ NATURALIST -Salary will be $17-$20 per hour depending on experience, and tips. Work will be part time to full time, depending on bookings. Naturalist is responsible for conducting Copper River Country Nature Tours (see http://www.copperrivertours.org) for additional details). The tour consists of a van ride and nature walks, including subjects on the natural and cultural history of the Copper River Valley. Duties include: 1. Conduct tours, including group presentations, campsite preparation, and

equipment maintenance and inventory. Tour group size will be between 2-12 clients. 2. Prepare and deliver unique presentations on the subjects listed above. 3. Drive the tour van between Princess Lodge and the campsite location. 4. Lead clients on nature walks of up to 1.5 miles round trip. 5. Inform clients about safety issues at appropriate points during the tour, including issues relating to the van ride, stops, campsite activities, and the walk. 

WILLOW CREEK RESEARCH ASSISTANT Salary $10/hr. The research assistant will work in the Willow Creek Research Project in an effort to determine factors affecting quality and quantity of water in the Willow Creek watershed. The assistant will help in the placement and operation of research equipment and in the gathering and recording of data. Much of the work will take place outdoors, often in wet settings or while standing in flowing water. This position will provide direct experience and training in biological, hydrological, and ecological field research and may prove beneficial should the assistant decide to pursue these or related careers.Please submit letter of interest to Robin Mayo, WISE, HC60 Bocx 338A, Copper Center, AK 99573. For further details, contact 907-822-3575 or email runderwood@wise-edu.org.

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER/DIRECTOR for the ALASKA SEALIFE CENTER (http://www.alaskasealife.org) to be responsible for marketing, sales, communications, advertising and events at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Serves as co-chair of the cross-functional Visitor Team. Must believe in the core values of the ASLC and be driven by the mission. This position is based in Seward. Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a related field and seven years’ experience in similar position (ten years preferred) with a minimum of three years supervisory experience (five years preferred) or the equivalent. Responsibilities (include but are not limited to): Serves as the Center’s lead on marketing and sales activities with various professional tourism companies and marketing associations. Develops annual sales initiatives, visitor projections and makes presentations to potential customers, both at the ASLC and in external venues. Monitors and provides analysis of marketing and sales effectiveness. Implements corrective measures, when necessary. Oversees the creation, placement and tracking of advertising as well as develops strategic plans, policies and advertising strategies. Manages the “public face” of the Center and key interactions with media, members and friends - leads development of written materials for public relations events, press releases, feature articles, annual reports and all media-related requests. Communicates to the media and general public in a timely and positive manner. Oversees the Center photo and presentation database. Oversees the ASLC Facebook account and other social media programs (e.g. Twitter); establishes protocols for their use and limitations. Enhances branding and manages the use of the Center’s logo. Works with ASLC staff, within their areas of expertise, to help provide supporting materials for web updates, proposals, exhibits and communications. Ensures accuracy in all written and media representations of the Center’s work and operations. Coordinates with all departments to facilitate events, including fundraising events, member events, staff events, and facility rentals. Works closely with the Development Department to create a seamless plan for all fundraising events, maintaining primary responsibility for decorations, logistics, food & beverage, venue, and staffing. This is a full-time position. ASLC offers a competitive wage (DOE) and benefits package. Apply by: Open until filled. Start Date: Negotiable. Attach a cover letter, resume and a related writing sample to your application located at https://www.gatherdocs.com/apply?listing_id=1296

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST with the YUKON RIVER INTERTRIBAL

WATERSHED COUNCIL the ideal candidate will be interested to work on a variety of our science projects across the whole Yukon River Watershed. Experiences with GIS software and community work are a must. The environmental Scientist will be working out of the Anchorage or Fairbanks office of the YRITWC under the supervision of Alaska Region Director Rob Rosenfeld, Alaska Region Assistant Director Karla Brollier, Science Manager Edda Mutter, and in frequent communication with other staff. Job Requirements: A bachelor degree in a Science related field (MS would be preferred, PhD is ideal). Experience in GIS mapping and statistical analysis. Experience working on small community projects. Experience with conducting workshops and resulting data analysis. Experience with Social Science (Qualitative and quantitative) data collection and analysis. Experience in data management. A valid driver's license and passport. Using a canoe with an outboard motor to conduct water sampling. Driving in less than ideal conditions (dirt roads, snow, etc). Hiking, lifting 50 lbs, and working in less than ideal weather conditions (rain, snow, heat, etc.). Travel in small planes throughout Alaska and Canada. Compliance and signature of the YRITWC personnel policy. Salary: contingent upon experiencePosition Start Date: Tentative: April, 20. To apply for this position, please send a Cover Letter (max 1 page), a Resume and 3 Professional References to info@yritwc.org. If you have any additional question about the position feel free to call YRITWC at: 907-258-3337.

MARINE MAMMAL TECHNICIAN - One (1) temporary position is available with the CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT of MILITARY LANDS (CEMML) at the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) in Anchorage. The technician will assist with monitoring and management of marine mammals (primarily the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale) in Knik Arm and Eagle River. Minimum Qualifications: U.S. citizenship. BS/BA degree in marine biology, biology, ecology, natural resources, wildlife, fisheries or related field. Ability to traverse rough terrain and work outdoors in weather extremes. Valid driver’s license. Appointment is contingent on successful completion of a background check. Desirable QualificationsFlexibility in work hours, including weekends. Experience working with endangered species. Experience monitoring marine mammals, especially land-based visual monitoring. Experience conducting behavioral observations of cetaceans. Experience operating a small boat in coastal Alaskan waters (or similar cold water, extreme tide environment). Experience working with passive acoustic monitoring equipment (dipping hydrophones, C-POD, Decimus, etc). Experience working with active sonar (DIDSON). Ability to work extended hours alone in bear country. Experience performing data entry and management. Experience working on a military installation. Duration: Temporary positions with Colorado State University – CEMML are limited in duration and the availability of funding. Seasonal positions will last approximately 5.5 months, starting early June 2015(dates are somewhat flexible and coordinated with JBER marine mammal lead). Pay Rate: Pay rate is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Range: $17 - $20.71/hr and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Continuation of the position is dependent on the receipt of funding from the sponsor for marine mammal efforts at JBER. To Apply: Email a resume, contact information for three (3) references, college transcripts (unofficial OK), and a brief cover letter describing your qualifications for this position to ATTN: Ms. Cassandra Schoofs,Research Associate, at Cassandra.schoofs@colostate.edu. For more information concerning the position, contact Christopher Garner at christopher.garner.9@us.af.mil. Position closes on May

1.PLEASE NOTE: Travel expenses to Alaska will NOT be paid. NO housing will be provided. Duration of position is dependent on continuation of funding for marine mammal projects. Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule a telephone interview. If selected, applicants will need to undergo and pass a background check online or by mail before they can officially be offered the position.

DATA COORDINATOR for the AOOS DATA TEAM at Axiom Data Science. The data coordinator will work with research program managers to assess the data management needs of research programs and individual scientists, will plan and host in-person or remote meetings with scientists to help document their data, and will provide support to users of Axiom’s data portals and data management tools. Position description is located at http://www.aoos.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Axiom_DataCoordinator.pdf. To Apply: Please submit a resume and three references to Chris Turner at chris@axiomdaatascience.com.

ALASKA CENTER for the ENVIRONMENT (ACE) is hiring FULL-TIME, SUMMER POSITIONS for a CANVASS TEAM. We will be working on high energy, faced paced conservation campaigns throughout the state alongside volunteers, organizers, and conservation leaders! Must be outgoing and willing to talk to a wide range of Alaskans about controversial issues and have the ability to work evenings. Pay is dependent on experience. Interviews and hiring will occur on a rolling basis. Please email ACE's Canvass Director, Kati Ward, at kati@akcenter.org with questions. To apply, send your resume and cover letter to kati@akcenter.org. 

OFFICE MANAGER for the ALASKA NANUUQ COMMISSION to help establish and steady fiscal and administrative functions within a small workplace. This individual will be offered formal training and support to eventually be able to work closely with our public accountants to ensure internal ANC accounting, expenses, and grant reporting are within allowable federal non-profit guidelines and procedures. Some accounting and office experience is necessary, but we will also provide on-the-job training to the right applicant. The individual must also be able to perform as an executive assistant within an office of the Alaska Nanuuq Commission based in Anchorage. Duties include serving as the senior clerical and technical administrative support person, preparing check requests and purchase orders, arranging annual meetings of the Commission, and arranging staff and board travel arrangements. This person shall also be the point of contact for telephone, email, and in office visits. This position will not have any supervisory responsibilities. Knowledge Required: General knowledge of the organization and its function; Understanding of how the office’s various administrative services relate to one another and how they relate to the organization’s mission; and Broad understanding of budget, purchasing, personnel, travel documents, and time keeping.

COPPER RIVER WATERSHED PROJECT is seeking an AmeriCorps Volunteer or an Operations Manager. Applications are available at www.copperriver.org.

To see the POSITIONS AVAILABLE at CALYPSO FARM AND ECOLOGY CENTER in Ester, near Fairbanks, go to http://www.calypsofarm.org/contribute/positions/.

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT JOBS IN ANCHORAGE PARKS are now hiring for the summer of 2015. Positions include: YEP Program Assistant (1 position); YEP Project Crew Leader (4 positions); YEP Senior Crew Member (5 positions); and YEP Crew Member (21 positions). For more information about the YEP program, positions, and how to apply, go to http://anchorageparkfoundation.org/programs/youth-employment-parks/yep-jobs All jobs are located in Anchorage.

AMERICORPS VISTA for the ALASKA FOOD POLICY COUNCIL to conduct outreach, coalition development, grant writing and fundraising to further the structure and sustainability of the AFPC. This is a one-year position located with the AK Dept. of Health and Social Services in Anchorage. The AFPC VISTA must be passionate about improving the local food system for all Alaskans. This person must be capable and experienced at working independently. This person must demonstrate leadership, relationship building, written communication, and public speaking skills. Experience and skills in grant writing and fundraising is critical. Experience working with a non-profit agency a plus. A comfortable familiarity with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Google, Facebook, and Twitter is needed. Experience in some aspect of the food system (agriculture, fishing, health, hunger, or food industry) would be beneficial. Alaska offers many exciting adventures for outdoor enthusiasts (or those who just appreciate nature’s beauty!) In Anchorage you’ll find all the typical big city amenities with easy access to the wilderness. Benefits include: Monthly living allowance ($1,222), relocation costs ($0.34/mile up to $1000) and settling in allowance ($550), health benefits, child care assistance, training, and an Education Award ($5,730). For more information and to apply for this position, visit: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=53164 & fromSearch=true .

To RECEIVE What's Up, or to ADD meetings, events, publications, deadlines, websites, or CHANGE EMAIL ADDRESS or UNSUBSCRIBE, contact Peg Tileston at pegt@gci.net.