**Mark new items in this issue.

February 8, 2012Compiled Weekly by Peg TilestonOn behalf of the Alaska Women’s Environmental Network (AWEN), Alaska Center for the Environment (ACE), and Alaska Conservation Alliance (ACA)

CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS, TRAINING

The PALMER MUSEUM is excited to share a great lineup of workshops for the community, scheduled to take place in the coming months. The first series is:February 11 - BASKET WEAVING - TWINED (using techniques of Tlingit, Haida and Aleut weavers) from 3 to 4:30pm with DORRIE DEAN. Cost $25 members, $30 non-members, materials $15.February 18 - BASKET WEAVING - COILED (using Yupik techniques) from 3 to 4:30pm with DORRIE DEAN, Cost $25 members, $30 non-members, materials $15.February 25 - BASKET WEAVING - PINE NEEDLE (using techniques of traditional southeastern weavers) from 3 to 4:30pm with DORRIE DEAN. Cost $30 members, $35 non-members. Materials: 20. DORRIE DEAN is a cultural anthropologist and long time weaving instructor in basket weaving from various cultures. Each class will provide the student with the necessary materials and basic techniques to complete one basket. Sign up for just one or all three! Ages 13+. Materials will be purchased directly from instructor at the beginning of the class. Space is limited and registration is on a first come, first serve basis so don’t wait. For more information and to download a registration form, visit our website at: http://www.palmermuseum.org/workshops/.

February 13 & 14JUNEAU - 2012 ALASKA YOUNG FISHERMEN'S SUMMIT: WEAVING A NETWORK OF FUTURE FISHING LEADERS will be held at St. Ann's Parish Hall. In addition to providing crucial training and networking opportunities for fishermen entering the business or wishing to take a leadership role in their industry, we will also take advantage of the Juneau location by introducing participants to the legislative process, and introducing the fish caucus of the legislature to the issues and concerns of Alaska’s emerging fishermen. The conference will address four main topics: The nuts and bolts of managing the financial aspects of a successful fishing business, Methods for participating in the fisheries regulatory and Alaska legislative processes, The role of Alaskan seafood in the world marketplace, and The science and management of our sustainable fisheries. Limited travel scholarships are available. Complete the application form and send to sunny.rice@alaska.edu by 5:00 pm on January 20. Contact Sunny Rice at 907-772-3381 with questions. Summit information. Agenda is available at http://seagrant.uaf.edu/map/workshops/2012/ayfs/agenda.php. For registration, go to http://seagrant.uaf.edu/map/workshops/2012/ayfs/registration.php For more information, contact Sunny Rice at sunny.rice@alaska.edu or 907-772-3381 or Torie Baker at torie.baker@alaska.edu or 907-424-7542.

February 15 (RESCHEDULED from January 11)The INSTITUTE of the NORTH ARCTIC POLICY FORUM will be held from 5 to 7pm in the Voth Hall, Performing Arts Center featuring a compelling panel DISCUSSION of the HISTORY, CURRENT ISSUES, and FUTURE PLANS of NORAD (NORTH AMERICAN AEROSPACE DEFENSE COMMAND) in ALASKA. followed by a Q&A from the floor. Join us on Wednesday, January 11 when, from 5:00 to 7:00pm, the APF will host panel presentations and discussion, followed by Q&A from the floor. Immediately afterward guests will be invited to a reception, from 7:00 to 8:00pm,

where they will have the opportunity to connect with one another and with the featured speakers in an informal setting. Moderated by Consul PETER TAYLOR (Canada), the program will feature: JOSEPH JOCKEL, author of No Boundaries Upstairs: Canada, the US, and the Origins of the North American Air Defence, 1945-1958 (tentative); COLONEL DANIEL CONSTABLE, Deputy Commander Alaska Region NORAD HQ (confirmed); TREY FULLER, JBER (invited); and CAPTAIN JOEL JUNGEMANN, U.S. Navy, (invited). Cost: $20. To register, go to https://institutenorth.org/calendar/events/january-arctic-policy-forum-norad.

February 17 & 18SOLDOTNA - FIRE IN ALASKA! course will be held at Skyview High School. The exciting, interdisciplinary Fire in Alaska K-12 curriculum is designed to engage and inspire students to learn about all aspects of fire, including fire ecology, fire behavior, and how to live safely in the wildland-urban interface. This intensive workshop includes content, lesson modeling, interactive activities and laboratory simulations. Participants gain their own copies of the curriculum, which is being used all over Alaska. Fire in Alaska workshops are sponsored by the Alaska Division of Forestry and are available for continuing education credit through Kenai Peninsula College Cost is $20 for materials, plus a credit fee of $94. To sign up please contact Lilly Goodman-Allwright at AlaskaInsights@mtaonline.net.

February 21 - 23HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN for ANCHORAGE’S FOUR ORIGINAL NEIGHBORHOODS PUBLIC WORKSHOPS and MEETINGS. will be held on the following dates and locations:

February 21 - DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY COUNCIL AREA PUBLIC WORKSHOP (Businesses and Residents) from 4:30 to 6pm in the Anchorage City Hall,Room 155, Free parking is available behind City Hall.

February 21 - SOUTH ADDITION COMMUNITY COUNCIL AREA PUBLIC WORKSHOP from 6:30 to 8pm in the Denali Elementary School, Multi-Purpose Room, 952 Cordova Street. Free parking is available in the school parking lot.February 22 - NATIVE CULTURAL OUTREACH MEETING from 1 to 3:30pm.at the

Alaska Native Heritage Center, Athabascan Ceremonial House, 8800 Heritage Drive. Please call 907.330.8000 for information or directions. Free parking is available in the Alaska Native Heritage Center parking lot.February 22 - GOVERNMENT HILL COMMUNITY COUNCIL AREA PUBLIC

WORKSHOP from 6:30 to 8pm at the Government Hill Elementary School, 525 Bluff Drive. Free parking is available in the school parking lot.

February 23 -HPP TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING f rom 4:30 to 6pm in the Fairview Community Recreation Center Meeting Room, 1121 East 10th Avenue. Free parking is available in the Center parking lot.

February 23 - FAIRVIEW COMMUNITY COUNCIL AREA PUBLIC WORKSHOP from 6:30 to 8 pm in the Fairview Community Recreation Center, Multi-Purpose Room, 1121 East 10th Avenue. Free parking is available in the Recreation Center parking lot.

You are invited to attend workshops and meetings to review and provide new comments on the draft goals and opportunities developed from over 750 comments received from neighborhoods, Native Cultural groups, agencies and interested parties during public meetings held in October 2011, for the Historic Preservation Plan for Anchorage’s four original neighborhoods (HPP). ALL WORKSHOPS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! For more information, contact: Kristine Bunnell, HPP Project Manager, at 907.343.7993 or bunnellkr@muni.org.

February 23 -26

PALMER - PLANTING BUSINESS SUCCESS: 2012 BUSINESS PLANNING CONFERENCE will be held at the Palmer Train Depot. The conference will give you tools for farming in Alaska , whether you are just starting your farming venture or looking to retire. This conference will cover, step-by-step: • Developing goals, • Business planning for profit, • Putting the plan on paper, • Transfer planning, • Effective decision making, • Retirement planning, • Succession Planning, and • Estate Planning. COST- $35.00 per attendee. After the conference, Alaska Farmland Trust will continue to follow up with you and continue the development of your business or succession plan. This conference is limited to 70 participants, so register early! Contact project director John Collins at 907-745-3336 or 907-715-7497 for more information. or mail registration information to 248 E Dahlia Ave, Palmer, AK 99654.

February 27 & 28HOMER - PLANNING FOR MEANINGFUL EVALUATION will be held from 9am to 5pm at the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. Want to increase your program or project accountability and impact? This 2-day Coastal Services Center class will actively engage participants in creating a comprehensive evaluation plan. This is a follow-up class to ‘Program Design & Evaluation’, however, those who have created & used logic models are also encouraged to participate in this class. For more information or to reserve your seat, contact Megan Murphy at megan.murphy@alaska.gov or 907-226-4659. RSVP by February 13 to reserve your seat.

February 29 & March 1HOMER - FACILITATION & COLLABORATION TRAINING will be held from 9am to 5pm at the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. Want to increase your ability to design and conduct public forum meetings in a manner that ensures a cooperative & participatory outcome? This 2-day Coastal Services Center class will increase participants’ ability to design, conduct, and control public or targeted meetings. Participants will learn techniques to reduce conflict, enhance cooperation, and achieve meeting objectives in a timely manner. For more information or to reserve your seat, contact Megan Murphy at megan.murphy@alaska.gov or 907- 226-4659). RSVP by February 13 to reserve your seat.

March 5-7JUNEAU - AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION - ALASKA CHAPTER ANNUAL CONFERENCE with the theme ALASKA’S WATERS: CHALLENGES and OPPORTUNITIES. Deadline for abstract submission is Feb. 1. Abstract submissions that cover topics of Alaska's water resource policy, research, and management related to: Energy and drinking water, Fish and wildlife habitats, Infrastructure, Basic hydrologic understanding,.Other studies pertinent to Alaska's water resources are welcome. For more information, contact alaskawatersheds@gmail.com or go to http://state.awra.org/alaska/.

March 8HOMER - COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP: MAKING YOUR SCIENCE MATTER will be held from 1 to 5pm at the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center Auditorium will be led by NANCY BARON, author of “Escape from the Ivory Tower: A Guide to Making Your Science Matter”, is designed to help you become a more effective and comfortable communicator. Local news reporters and LA Times writer, Ken Weiss, will provide their perspectives on how you can be more clear and concise when talking to the press, public, and policymakers. The Message Box – a simple yet powerful tool for identifying and streamlining your message – will be presented and put to work during this 4-hr workshop. For more information or to reserve your seat, contact Megan Murphy (megan.murphy@alaska.gov or 226-4659). RSVP by March 1st to reserve your seat. This workshop is part of the 2012 Kachemak Bay Community Science Conference and will be followed by an evening Nancy Baron presentation, “Agents of Change: True Tales from Those Who Dared”

March 8 - 10

HOMER -KACHEMAK BAY COMMUNITY SCIENCE CONFERENCE will be held at the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. The conference will provide an opportunity for researchers to present their findings to each other and to the Kachemak Bay communities who depend upon the diversity of the region’s resources. There are TWO WORKSHOPS in conjunction with the conference that focus on enhancing science communication within our communities. The MARCH 8 WORKSHOP, instructed by NANCY BARON (COMPASS), targets scientists, media outlets, and decision-makers and the MARCH 9 workshop, instructed by MARILYN SIGMAN (COSEE), targets scientists and teachers. Conference Sessions include: Observing the Kachemak Bay Ecosystem (results of long-term monitoring programs, recent directed research, and/or inter-related dynamics of the bay ecology and Kachemak Bay communities), Managing the Kachemak Bay Ecosystem (evidence of trends (and/or the various magnitudes of change within the system) and policy transitions by agencies in the region), and Sustaining the Kachemak Bay Ecosystem (social implications to environmental change are invited and research related to the social-ecological system dynamics of climate science, coastal and watershed issues, and public health). For more information, contact http://kbayscience.org/contact-us.html or call 907) 235-6667 or Fax (907) 235-6668.

**March 9 & 10ALASKA BOTANICAL GARDEN'S ANNUAL MEETING & SPRING GARDEN CONFERENCE theme is EXTEND THE SEASON, EXPAND YOUR MIND. Keynote speaker is organic gardening and season extension expert ELIOT COLEMAN, along with another fantastic array of Alaskan gardening and botany experts, including VERNA PRATT, TIM MEYERS, JULIE RILEY, MARILYN BARKER, MEL MONSEN, and more. Many of the sessions will focus on growing vegetables, fruit, herbs, and successful food production. Registration rates and particulars are posted on our website: www.alaskabg.org (there are discounts for early registration rates before 3/1). Besides online registration, folks can register via phone (907-770-3691) or fax (907-770-0555), or scanned & emailed to garden@alaskabg.org.

**March 10 & 11ANCHORAGE - DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA TRAINING will be held at the IBEW Hall, 3333 Denali Street. Campaign experts from across the country will get you ready for the upcoming election cycle when elected officials and great new candidates need your support. This training will be great for candidates, campaign managers, and volunteers. To get more information and to for more information and to register go to http://democracyforamerica.com/events/35430-dfa-campaign-academy-in-anchorage.

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

WEBINARS, WEBCASTS & TELECONFERENCES

February 10 (TWEETER CHAT)BLM-Alaska to hold Twitter #tweetchat on 2012 Iditarod to discuss the 2012 Iditarod National Historic Trail and its centennial. Musher DAN SEAVEY and BLM Iditarod National Historic Trail Coordinator KEVIN KEELER,BLM Alaska, will host the #tweetchat from 9 to 11am Alaska Time. Tag with #iditarodnht2012. The 2012 Iditarod marks the 40th running of Iditarod on the centennial trail. The

Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance is sponsoring a “Centennial Musher,” Dan Seavey, to highlight the history of the trail, the importance of the communities along the trail throughout the trail’s history, and the importance of stewardship. Dan Seavey has been a steward of the Iditarod Trail for many decades. Dan mushed in the first Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in 1973, started the Seward Iditarod Trail Blazers over 35 years ago, was a member of the Department of Interior’s Iditarod Trail Advisory Committee, a board member of the Iditarod Trail Committee, Inc., and a board member and past president of the Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance. Kevin Keeler is BLM’s “trail-ologist” for the National Historic Trail. During the #tweetchat, Seavey and Keeler will answer questions about the Iditarod Trail and dog mushing on BLM-Alaska land. Members of the public are invited to follow the #tweetchat on www.twitter.com/BLMAlaska with the hashtag #iditarodnht2012. Questions can be submitted to the BLM in advance by email at blmalaska@blm.gov or via direct message on Twitter.com/BLMAlaska.Tolearn more about the Iditarod and dog mushing, go to http://www.blm.gov/ak/st/en/prog/nlcs/iditarod.html.

February 13 (WEBINAR)ALASKA AND THE NATIONAL CLIMATE ASSESSMENT: THE ALASKA TECHNICAL REPORT will be held from 10-11am with CARL MARKON, US Geological Survey; and SARAH TRAINOR, Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy. The National Climate Assessment (NCA) provides a current report of climate change impacts and vulnerability, evaluates the effectiveness of mitigation and adaptation activities, identifies knowledge gaps, and helps the federal government prioritize climate science investments. It provides the science that can be used by communities around our Nation to create a more sustainable and environmentally-sound plan for our future. Alaska will contribute one of eight Regional Assessment to be included in the 2013 NCA. The purpose of the presentation is to present a draft of the 2013 Alaska Technical Report, and seek public feedback. To hear the audio presentation during a webinar: 1) With a regular telephone dial: 1- 877-594-8353; 2) When prompted, enter the Participant passcode: 83847342. Please mute your phone during the presentation and don’t put them on hold. To view the presentation during a webinar: 1) Point your web browser to: http://infiniteconferencing.com/Events/accap/, 2) Enter Participant Code 83847342. 3) Enter the rest of the requested information (The name and organization you enter will be seen by other participants, but your contact information will remain confidential), 4) Click the blue "log-in" button.

February 15 (TELECONFERENCE SEMINAR)COAL'S ASSAULT ON HUMAN HEALTH will be held from 9 to 10am as part of the Alaska Collaborative on Health and the Environment teleconference seminar series. At every stage – from mining, transportation, storage, combustion, and disposal of post-combustion wastes – coal development threatens human health. Pollutants from coal damage all major organ systems in the human body. Coal combustion releases mercury, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and dozens of other substances known to be hazardous to human health. Guest Presenter ALAN H. LOCKWOOD, MD will discuss the growing body of medical evidence linking coal development to human health risks. Dr. Lockwood is principal author of the Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) report "Coal's Assault on Human Health" which takes a new look at the devastating impacts of coal on the human body. For more information, or to join this FREE call and receive the dial-up instructions, please RSVP to ACAT at heather@akaction.org or call (907) 222-7714.

**February 23 (TELECONFERENCE)SPECIAL DENALI SUBSISTENCE MEETING will be held at 1pm by the Denali National Park Subsistence Resource Commission (SRC) to develop SRC comments on the Environmental Assessment (EA) on SUBSISTENCE COLLECTIONS AND USES OF SHED OR DISCARDED ANIMAL PARTS and PLANTS from NPS AREAS IN ALASKA. This document evaluates alternatives for managing subsistence collecting of shed or discarded animal parts and plants to make handicrafts for personal or family uses, for barter, or to sell. The meeting is open to the public and opportunities for public testimony will be provided. Teleconferencing into the meeting can be arranged by calling the

National Park Service (NPS) at 907-683-9544 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Written comments may also be submitted to Amy Craver by February 22 for presentation at the meeting. The EA is posted at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=1&projectID=35955&documentID=45478. For more information, contact Amy Craver, Cultural Resources and Subsistence Manager, at 907-683-9544 or email amy_craver@nps.gov.

GRANTS/AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS/CONTESTS

February 10Deadline for application for the NORTH PACIFIC RESEARCH BOARD (NPRB) GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARDS. These awards are given to encourage students to pursue scientific and scholarly research that addresses management issues in northern seas. In May 2012, NPRB will award up to six Graduate Student Research Awards (GSRAs) of $25,000 each to three qualified masters students and three doctoral students for the opportunity to address scientific, technological, and socio-economic issues relating to the research themes identified in the 2005 NPRB Science Plan. Students must be enrolled in or accepted by a graduate degree program at an accredited university or college by February 10, 2012. There is no US citizenship requirement to be eligible for this award and applications are welcome from students attending US or non-US universities. The graduate research topic must be relevant to the research themes and issues identified in the 2005 NPRB Science Plan and occur in Alaskan marine waters. Please see the 2012 GSRA guidelines at http://nprb.org/education/documents/2012GSRAdetailsandguidelines_14Oct11_final_001.pdf for further details of the application requirements.

February 10 (EXTENDED to MARCH 30)Deadline for nominations for the 2012 BLM RECLAMATION AND SUSTAINABLE MINERAL DEVELOPMENT AWARDS. These awards recognize operations that embody the principles of sustainable mineral development or represent outstanding examples of environmental stewardship through mining reclamation. he five categories are: HARDROCK MINERAL ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD recognizes efforts in environmental stewardship. This category recognizes achievements demonstrating continuous or repeated efforts to successfully meet or exceed Federal, State, or local reclamation requirements with minimal oversight. HARDROCK MINERAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ECONOMIC SECURITY AWARD recognizes projects that show concern for community responsibilities and the economic benefits of mineral development. This award recognizes successful coordination of projects with local and regional stakeholders. Projects that contribute to quality of life or show concern for a community’s long-term health are also eligible. HARDROCK MINERAL SMALL OPERATOR AWARD recognizes efforts in environmental stewardship of operators with fewer than 15 employees. Similar to the Hardrock Mineral Environmental Award, this award recognizes achievements demonstrating continuous or repeated efforts to successfully meet or exceed Federal, State, or local reclamation requirements with minimal oversight. HARDROCK MINERAL DIRECTOR’S AWARD recognizes outstanding achievement in a particular area of sustainable development. The award will recognize an operator whose dedication and commitment to excellence has resulted in the use of a new or innovative design or technique that allows or enhances successful operations in technically challenging conditions or in critical environmental settings. “FIX A SHAFT TODAY!” (FAST!) AWARD recognizes active participation in the FAST! Campaign, which is a partnership initiative aimed at eradicating unsafe abandoned mine land features, especially open mine shafts. To complete the nomination form, go to: http://www.blm.gov/ak/st/en/prog/minerals/reclamation.html, or contact John Hoppe, BLM-Alaska Geologist, at (907) 271-3218.

February 17

Deadline for application for the 2013 NATIONAL SEA GRANT KNAUSS MARINE POLICY FELLOWSHIP for ALASKA GRADUATE STUDENTS. This unique national fellowship provides eligible graduate students with one year of paid experience in Washington, D.C., working on ocean issues with a U.S. Congressional staff or with an executive branch resource management agency. The fellowship has proven to be a great launching pad to exciting careers in government, education, business, and non-profit enterprises. The fellowship is open to graduate students in all disciplines who have a keen interest in the nation’s marine policy and ocean resource management. Included in the 2012 group of fellows are students completing degrees in law, agriculture, public administration, geology, and geophysics, as well as fisheries, oceanography, zoology, biology, economics, policy, and other fields. Soon after the holidays, Alaska Sea Grant will begin recruiting exceptional students from around the state to apply for the 2013 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship. To get the word out, we have produced a YouTube video that features testimonials from former Knauss Fellows. Watch the video at http://seagrant.uaf.edu/research/knauss.html. Alaska graduate students considering applying for the fellowship or seeking more information should contact Dr. David Christie, Director, Alaska Sea Grant Program, University of Alaska Fairbanks, david.christie@alaska.edu or call 907-474-7949.

February 21Deadline for application for CLEAN WATER GRANTS. Up to $495,000 is available for clean water projects through the Alaska Clean Water Actions (ACWA) grants. The funds are granted to local communities and citizens groups for projects that monitor and restore Alaska’s targeted high priority water bodies. For more information about the ACWA grants priorities and the solicitation process, go tot: http://www.dec.state.ak.us/water/acwa/onlineACWAapp.htm. For more information, contact Tim Hoffman, Program Coordinator/Public Outreach, ADEC, at (907) 269-0598 or Fax (907) 334-2415.

February 24Deadline for 2012 HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND GRANTS for project from certified local governments that will provide up to 60 percent matching assistance for the cost of a project. The Alaska Historical Commission encourages applications for projects in the $10,000 to $20,000 federal share range. Projects eligible for HPF assistance include those focused on historic preservation planning, inventories, surveys, National Register nominations, public education, predevelopment, development, and acquisition. Go to http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/oha/grant/akclg.htm for the full application package or contact grant administrator, Jean Ayers at 269-8694.

**March 1Deadline for applications for the FRIENDS OF ALASKA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES $1,000 SCHOLARSHIP for an eligible COLLEGE STUDENT. The winner will be announced on May 1. Applicants must meet a number of eligibility requirements including having worked (including research) or volunteered or currently working or volunteering at one of Alaska’s 16 National Wildlife Refuges. For information on the eligibility requirements and to download a copy of the application form go http://www.alaskarefugefriends.org/. For additional information contact Michelle Michaud at michellemmichaud@gmail.com.

March 9Deadline for Request for Proposal (RFP) for a synthesis of EXISTING SCIENTIFIC and TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE related to marine ecosystem structure and function, including humans (i.e. biological, physical, sociological, traditional, etc.) from the CHUKCHI and BEAUFORT SEAS and the BERING STRAIT NORTH of ST. LAWRENCE ISLAND, as well as an identification of research needs to help plan potential, upcoming research programs by the North Pacific Marine Research Institute, NPRB, NSF, and other organizations. For more information please see http://arctic.nprb.org/.

March 10

Deadline for applications for the 2012-2013 RESEARCHER-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM applicants for two accomplished scientists to conduct research in DENALI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE. Each Researcher-in-Residence will spend a month or more in the park, conducting self-directed fieldwork and sharing their expertise with park staff and visitors. The Researcher-in-Residence program facilitates the sharing of knowledge and resources between academic scientists and Denali resources staff, interpreters, and visitors. The program is designed to provide funding for tenure-track faculty, but may also be appropriate for state and federal agency scientists or private-sector researchers. Up to $10,000 is available per recipient for research, and an additional $8,000 may be available for the subsequent creation of educational outreach products. Fieldwork must take place in 2012, 2013, or over both years. A decision is expected to be made by March 20, or soon thereafter. Information about the Researcher-in-Residence program, including specifics on how to apply and other information helpful to the application process, is available at www.nps.gov/dena/naturescience/research.htm. For more information, please contact Murie Science and Learning Center coordinator Sierra McLane at 907-683-6436 or sierra_mclane@nps.gov.

March 30Deadline for submissions for the ALASKA HUMMINGBIRD FESTIVAL JURIED ART SHOW. "Call for Artists" features opportunities for Alaskan artists of all ages and abilities to showcase their work at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center in Ketchikan from April through May 2012. The mission of the Alaska Hummingbird Festival and this art show is to educate and promote awareness of the spring migratory birds of southeast Alaska. Please review the above attachment for more detail. Submit your work to Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. 50 Main Street, Ketchikan, AK 99901, C/O Hummingbird Festival. Mailed entries must include return postage payable to Alaska Geographic Associations. For more information, contact Leslie Swada at 907.617.7746.

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

DEADLINES

February 13Comments are due on the ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) FOR THE PROPOSED KENNECOTT NHL WATER SYSTEM. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve has proposed to develop a raw water system for the mill town portion of the Kennecott National Historic Landmark. The envisioned system would include gathering, transmission, storage and distribution components. The project would: (1) provide a fire protection utility infrastructure water main with fire hydrants; and (2) replace a non-compliant potable water system with a healthy, code compliant potable water utility infrastructure for visitors and staff. To see the document list, go to http://parkplanning.nps.gov/documentsList.cfm?parkID=21&projectID=40212 For more information, contact Bruce Rogers, Planner, at (907) 822-7276 or email bruce_rogers@nps.gov.

February 13Notice of Availability of a DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR EFFECTS OF OIL AND GAS ACTIVITIES IN THE ARCTIC OCEAN. The purpose of the DEIS is to evaluate the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of implementing the alternative approaches for authorizing the take of marine mammals incidental to oil and gas exploration activities in the Arctic

Ocean pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This DEIS also evaluates the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of implementing the alternative approaches for authorizing geological and geophysical (G&G) surveys and ancillary activities under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) in the Arctic Ocean. ADDRESSES: Comments on the DEIS may be submitted by:Email to arcticeis.comments@noaa.gov or Faxed to Fax: (301) 713–0376. For more information, go to http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/eis/arctic.htm or contact Candace Nachman, Jolie Harrison, or Michael Payne, at (301) 427–8401 or via email arcticeis.comments@noaa.gov.

**February 15WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS NATIONAL PARK - Deadline for comments on the 2012 COMPENDIUM FOR WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS. For a copy of the proposed compendium and other information, go to http://www.nps.gov/akso/management/proposed_compendiums.cfm.

February 17Deadline for proposals for PRESENTATIONS AT THE NATIONAL MARINE EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION’S (NMEA) ANNUAL CONFERENCE to be held in Anchorage on June 24-28, 2012. This year’s conference, North to Alaska’s Seas: a confluence of science and culture, will be held for the first time in Alaska and will bring together formal and informal educators, scientists, students, and resource managers to share ideas about the world of water. Since 1976, NMEA conferences have built a reputation of cutting-edge ideas, presentations, information and experiences. Conference sponsors are the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators (NAME) and the Alaska Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE Alaska). Conference themes include Science and Art, Science and Culture (to include the integration of traditional knowledge and western science), Science and Technology, and Large Marine Ecosystem Science and Education. Go to http://www.coseealaska.net/nmeaconference2012/ for conference information and instructions on submitting a proposal. Submit proposals to Beth Trowbridg, beth@akcoastalstudies.org.

February 17Deadline for comments on the PROPOSED CHANGES in the REGULATIONS of the ALASKA BOARD OF GAME dealing with the use and taking of game.. The subject matter areas to be addressed concern Game Management Unites (12) Upper Tanana-WhiteRiver, (19) McGrath, (20) Fairbanks-Central Tanana, (21) Middle Yukon, (24) Koyukuk, (25) Upper Yukon, (26B & 26C) Arctic Slope; and statewide reauthorization of antlerless moose hunts and brown bear tag fee exemptions. The board will also address additional topics for other Game Management Units and statewide provisions as the definition of bucket foot snare; reauthorization of antlerless moose hunts in all Units; same day airborne assistance for taking bison; taking of game by proxy; permits for hunting black bear and brown bear with the use of bait or scent lures; maintaining bait stations by guides and assistant guides; hunter education requirements; community subsistence harvest hunts, areas and conditions; and reauthorization of brown bear tag fee exemptions. In addition, discretionary trapping permit conditions and procedures including black bear trapping requirements for age, residency, salvage, sealing, evidence of sex and identity, identification and checking bear bait and snare stations; and taking bear with snares and with the use of artificial light. HUNTING AND TRAPPING METHODS & MEANS including, but not limited to: lawful methods of taking game, big game, and furbearers, including taking bear at bait stations the same day airborne; allowing the use of helicopters to access to trapping; and requirements for checking traps; taking cub bears and female bears with cubs; and purchase and sale of game. INTENSIVE / PREDATOR MANAGEMENT for all prey populations and populations having a positive finding as identified big game prey populations. In addition, predation control areas implementation plans for Units 20, 24, (9) Alaska Peninsula, (17) Bristol Bay and 19, including habitat manipulation, population and harvest objections, and related findings. Submit comments by Fax to (907) 465-6094 to the Alaska Board of Game, Boards Support Section. Board of Game will meet in Fairbanks on March 2 - 11.The proposed

regulation changes are available on the Board of Game website www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=gameboard.meetinginfo.

February 17Comments are due on the proposal to REPLACE DEEP CULVERTS between MILEPOST (MP) 174 and 176 of the PARKS HIGHWAY and at MP 27.6 of the RICHARDSON HIGHWAY. The project consists of replacing a total of five culverts at these locations because culverts have been damaged from subsidence and erosion. Failure of these culverts could interrupt travel and pose traffic safety issues. For further information or to submit comments, contact Sarah Schacher, Engineering Manager, at (907) 451-5361 or email sarah.schacher@alaska.gov or Fax (907) 451-5126.

February 18The FEDERAL SUBSISTENCE BOARD is ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS through February 18, 2012 to FILL SEATS ON THE 10 SUBSISTENCE REGIONAL ADVISORY COUNCILS. Council membership appointments are for 1- to 3-year terms. The Councils meet at least twice a year and provide critical advice to the Federal Subsistence Board on subsistence management issues. Council meetings serve as a forum for regional public involvement in Federal subsistence management. Council members must be knowledgeable about the uses of fish and wildlife resources in their region. The application form and information about the application process and the Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils is available http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/rac.cfml. The application form and additional information is also available by contacting Tom Jennings at the Office of Subsistence Management at (800) 478-1456 or (907) 786-3364.

**February 20JUNEAU - Comments are due on the JUNEAU ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS (JAI) PROJECT SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT. The SEIS will fully evaluate a new alternative of improved ferry access using existing assets and will also update information on the reasonable alternatives evaluated in the Final EIS and address changes in current conditions, laws, and regulations since the Final EIS was published. The scoping will help identify changes and new information that should be included in the SEIS. 20, 2012. For more information, visit the project Web site at www.juneauaccess.alaska.gov. Submit comments to Reuben Yost, Project Manager at reuben.yost@alaska.gov or Fax (907) 465-2016.

**February 21CHUGACH NATIONAL FOREST - Comments are due on proposal to DECOMMISSION TWO ROADS and APPROVE MULTIPLE STREAM RESTORATION PROJECT on the GLACIER AND SEWARD RANGER DISTRICTS. Road decommissioning includes 1,300 feet of a road that crosses Explorer Creek in Portage Valley and a 435 foot portion of an existing aces road to East Six-mile Creed that joins the Seward Highway at MP 62. Stream bank and riparian restoration is proposed at the road/stream interface along the decommissioned roads and removal of a 30-foot-long, 3-foot diameter culvert from the Explorer Pond dike and removal al concrete structures from Portage Creek near the Moose Flats day use area. In addition it is proposed to add large woody debris to constructed side-channels in Resurrection Creek and supplemental willow staking at past restoration sites at Lyon Creek and Williwaw Creek adjacent to the Trail of Blue Ice. These projects are intended to enhance aquatic habitat. For more information, contact Mark Chilcote at 908-754-2328. Fax comments to 907-783-2094.

**February 21Deadline for comments on the proposal to STRIPE BIKE LANES ON ARCTIC BOULEVARD, WEST 17TH AVENUE, AND E STREET CORRIDOR between FIREWEED LANE to 10th AVENUE. The project will include bicycle route pavement marking and signs installed on existing sign posts or new sign posts, where necessary. The total length of the bike lane is approximately 1.2 miles,

each side. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2013. For more information, contact Kevin Jackson, Project Manager, at 269-0641 or Mark Boydston, Environmental Impact Analyst, at 269-0542. Submit comments to Brian Elliott at 269-0539 or email brian.elliott@alaska.gov.

**February 23Deadline for comments on the proposed application for STORMY LAKE PESTICIDE USE PERMIT APPLICATION intended to eradicate Northern Pike, an invasive fish species. Treatment is proposed to occur in late summer/fall of 2012. The proposed products include Prentox Prenfish Fish Toxicant Powder, with EPA registration number 655-691; and CFT Legumine, with EPA registration number 75338-2. The active ingredient in both products is rotenone. The presence of invasive northern pike in Stormy Lake has caused the near complete loss of wild rainbow trout and arctic char fisheries in the lake. The connectivity of Stormy Lake to the Swanson River threatens the drainage’s productive wild trout and salmon fisheries should Stormy Lake’s northern pike population disperse. The objectives of this treatment are to completely remove the northern pike population from Stormy Lake and restock the lake with native fish. This will help protect critical wild fish habitat throughout the Swanson River drainage and restore popular angling opportunities for the public. A pesticide use permit is required to apply pesticides to water. Copies of the application are available at http://dec.alaska.gov/eh/pest/publicnotice.htm. For more information, contact Karin Hendrickson at 907-376-1856, Fax 907-376-2382 or email karin.hendrikson@alaka.gov. Submit comments to Rebecca Colvin by Fax at 907-269-7600 or email Rebecca.covin@alaska.gov.

**February 24KENAI - Comment are due on the proposal from BUCCANEER ALASKA LLC for the 30 SQUARE MILE 3D LAND GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY located in and around the City of Kenai and will be a vibroseis/shot hole combination. The preplot has been designed to avoid all rivers and streams. Due to the fact that a cable free recording system will be used, there will not be a need for any river/creek crossings. The receiver lines, which run in a north-south direction, are spaced out at an interval of 1155 feet. The receiver points interval is 165 feet. The source lines run in a NW-SE direction and are spaced at 1485 foot intervals. The source point interval is 368.95 feet. Two (2) 40,000 lb. truck mounted vibrators will be used in areas of culture. The vibrator parameters will be finalized upon completion of field tests. Heliportable drills will be used in those areas where an exiting road network is absent. The shotholes will be drilled to a depth of 25 feet and loaded with a 2.2 lb. charge. The holes will be backfilled with the cuttings generated during the drilling of the shothole. Bentonite will be used if permit requirements dictate it. The estimated total personnel count for this operation will be 80. Approximately 40 % of this program is found in an urban environment, and the remaining 60% is found in a woods environment. The application package is available at http://www.dog.dnr.alaska.gov/Permitting/Permitting.htm#permittingnotices. Submit comments to s22 dog.permitting@alaska.gov,

EVENTS & MEETINGS \ANCHORAGE - EAGLE RIVER & GIRDWOOD

February 9AWEN’s FROST FEST will be held from 6 to 8pm at Middleway Café. Come join us to warm up from the cold! There will be fantastic live music from Back Acres, delicious appetizers, beer from Midnight Sun Brewing, and many door prizes from awesome local restaurants like Bear Tooth, and Spenard Road House. One lucky person will win a tour package from Major Marine Tours! Bring friends and family to this fun evening and support AWEN's mission to cultivate women leaders dedicated to conserving Alaska's natural heritage. Suggested $10 donation will go to developing the AWEN Mentorship Program. Bring your old paint and art supplies for focus:art and keep them out of our streams and rivers! During

Frost Fest, AWEN will collect unused house paint and old art supplies as a benefit for focus: art, a nonprofit dedicated to providing art classes and studio time for adults who experience disabilities.

February 9DARK MATTER will be discussed at the BLM Campbell Creek Science Center’s Astronomy Series at 7pm. It can’t be seen and yet it’s everywhere throughout the universe. What’s more, it has enormous significance to the gravitational infrastructure of the universe. Join MICHELLE KROK from the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the UAA to find out how astronomers have observed the presence of dark matter and are studying its nature. You’ll also find out about the questions astronomers continue to ask about dark matter. Hot drinks provided by Friends of the Campbell Creek Science Center. Stargazing will follow if the skies are clear. Please call 267-1241 for more information.

**February 10MARINE DEBRIS SESSION will be held at the ALASKA FORUM ON THE ENVIRONMENT from 8:30 to 11:30am at the Dena'ina Center. There will be several short presentations from groups across Alaska ranging from operational planning to chemical threats of plastics and debris created by the Japan Tsunami of 2011. Following the presentations, we'll shift into a facilitated audience-participation discussion on questions, ideas and next steps. Registration to AFE is required for the attendance, check at http://akforum.com for more information and to register, go to http://akforum.com/register.html.

February 11SAVED BY SWEETS will be held from 5 to 8pm at the ConocoPhillip's Atrium. Come celebrate the great taste of chocolate and the amazing work done at BIRD TLC. Deserts will be served all evening while you hear how sweet the taste of freedom can be for rehabilitated and released wild birds. Meet our education birds and hear their tales. Buy chocolates to honor the valentine in your life and through your purchase, become a Valentine for an injured bird hoping to be free again. Tickets are $25 per person. Contact the bird TLC office at 562-4852 or office@birdtlc.net.

February12TRENDS in INTENSIVE MANAGEMENT of ALASKA’S GRIZZLY BEARS, 1980-2010 is the topic for the ANCHORAGE SCIENCE PUB at TapRoot at 4pm presented by JOHN SHOEN, Alaska wildlife scientist and bear biologist with 35 years of experience working for wildlife agencies and conservation organizations in Alaska. No admission fee or RSVP, but TapRoot’s seating IS limited, so come early to get a seat and compete in a bit of science trivia while you wait. Then, listen to the featured speaker (30 minutes) and ask a question or just listen to the discussion to follow.

**February 13 (POSTPONED to MARCH 12)Public hearing will be held before the Planning & Zoning Commission from 6:30 to 11:55 in the Assembly Chambers, Loussac Library on the PROPOSED AMENDMENTS to the PROVISIONALLY ADOPTED TITLE 21 REWRITE (PZC Case # 2011-104). The review is not intended to revisit the entirety of the rewrite, which was provisionally adopted by the Assembly in 2010 after an extensive eight-year process. It is instead focused on a specific set of proposed changes consisting of technical edits, substantive amendments and addendum to the proposed amendments. To see the proposed amendments, go to http://www.muni.org/Departments/OCPD/Planning/Projects/t21/Pages/Title21Rewrite.aspx . Submit comments at Title21@muni.org, Fax to 907-343-7927 or through Planning Div. website at http://munimaps.muni.org/planning/home3.htm (insert case number 2011-104). The Community Development Department's Planning Division's recommendation will be available after 1pm on the Friday prior to the meeting.

February 13

NORTH by 2020: PERSPECTIVES on ALASKA'S CHANGING SOCIAL-ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS will be presented from 5 to 7 at the UAA Campus Bookstore. Dr. AMY LAUREN LOVECRAFT, Dr. SHARMAN HALEY and Dr. ANDREW KLISKEY come together to discuss research on Alaska's changing social-ecological systems from the International Polar Year. Dr. Lovecraft (Political Science/UAF) edited the book North by 2020 which covers the scholarship of over 90 authors from different academic disciplines. Topics highlighted are the science of modeling change, indigenous contributions to sustainability, freshwater management, Arctic coastal margins, marine living systems and infrastructure, oil and gas development, the arts and planning for the future. Joining Dr. Amy L. Lovecraft at this event are Dr. Sharman Haley (ISER/UAA) whose focus is coastal and off shore oil & gas development and Dr. Andrew Kliskey (RAM/UAA) whose focus is fresh water in Alaska’s communities. All UAA Campus Bookstore events are free, open to the public, with free parking in the South Lot (just across from the bookstore.) For more information see http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/bookstore or contact Rachel at anre@uaa.alaska.edu.

**February 13 (STREAMED LIVE on the WEB)The FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION will hold a public meeting at 7pm in the Kahtnu Room on the second level of the Dena’ina Center to gather comments on what issues should be covered in its ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW of TRANSCANADA/EXXONMOBIL’S PROPOSED NATURAL GAS PIPELINE PROJECT. The web stream will be available at www.arcticgas.gov, where it also will be available for viewing after the event. The meeting will start with a presentation by FERC on the environmental review process, followed by a description of the project by TransCanada/ExxonMobil, followed by public comment. The Alaska Pipeline Project, a partnership of TransCanada and ExxonMobil, is proposing to build a gas pipeline that would span 803 miles of Alaska – from Point Thomson to Prudhoe Bay to the Canadian border – en route to a terminus at the British Columbia-Alberta border. The proposal calls for construction to start in 2016, with pipeline startup in late 2020. The pipeline would carry 4.5 billion cubic feet a day of natural gas from North Slope fields, targeting Lower 48 markets. FERC will prepare an environmental impact statement on the project, with the public scoping sessions to help define what environmental effects the review will consider. The Anchorage meeting is the last of seven such meetings in Alaska. In advance of the scoping meetings, TransCanada/ExxonMobil filed 11 environmental reports on the pipeline corridor, called draft resource reports. Links to those reports are available at http://www.arcticgas.gov/environmental-review-documents. The reports cover issues such as fish and wildlife habitat, soils, air quality, cultural resources, safety and socioeconomic effects of the multibillion-dollar project. For more information, contact Larry Persily, Federal Coordinator for an Alaska natural gas pipeline, at 202-478-9755.

**February 15ANCHORAGE GREEN DRINKS will be held from 5:30 to 7:30pm at the Alaska Center for the Environment; 807 G Street, suite 100. Drinks and lite snacks will be provided by ACE (21+ only), but bring your own reusable cup. Every month in Anchorage, people who care about sustainability get together at informal gatherings known as Green Drinks. Green Drinks includes a lively mixture of people from NGOs, businesses, academia, government and the local community across political and economic spectra who enjoy the opportunity to chat and network under a broad umbrella is a fun way to catch up with people you know and a great way to make new contacts and learn about organizations and individuals interested in all things sustainable. Everyone is welcome to invite someone else along, so there’s always a different crowd, making Green Drinks an organic, self-organizing network. The Green Drinks committee is currently in need of sponsors for the new 2012 format. To become a sponsor or for updated information regarding events check out http://www.greendrinks.org/AK/Anchorage or follow us on Facebook@Anchorage Green Drinks or contact the Green Drinks committee via e-mail at jason_leppi@tws.org.

**February 16

ANCHORAGE AUDUBON meeting at 7pm at the BP Energy Center. Program to be announced.

**February 16DOUGLAS REYNOLDS, UAF Professor of Oil and Economics, will give a lecture on an ALTERNATIVE PLAN FOR A GAS PIPELINE at 7pm at the Westmark Hotel in the Kenai room. Professor Reynolds also has a new book just out, Energy Civilization. For more information, contact (907) 474-6531 or Fax (907) 474-5219.

MEETINGS & EVENTS OUT OF ANCHORAGE

Now through February 25 (CORRECTIONKETCHIKAN - A FOREST of WORDS: YOUTH VOICES CELEBRATE the TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST is showing at the Tongass Historical Museum. This is an exhibit featuring forest-inspired art and words created by area school children, with works by nature artist ANDIE THRAMS and marvel at the metal sculpture cedar tree designed by Ketchikan artist RICH STAGE. For more information, go to http://www.city.ketchikan.ak.us/departments/museums/Exhibits/ForestofWordsExhibit.html

The FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION (FERC) will be holding public SCOPING MEETINGS as it prepares an environmental impact statement on the ALASKA PIPELINE PROJECT PROPOSED by the JOINT VENTURE between TRANSCANADA ALASKA COMPANY, LLC and EXXONMOBIL ALASKA MIDSTREAM GAS INVESTMENTS, LLC at the following locations:

February 6 – BARROW at 7pm in the Inupiat Heritage Center Multipurpose RoomFebruary 7 – NUIQSUT at 7 pm Kisik Community Center,February 8 – KAKTOVIK at 4:30pm at the Kaktovik Community Center

The format of the meetings will consist of presentations by FERC and the project sponsor, followed by opportunity for public comment. For more information about how to submit comments and background information on the project, go to www.arcticgas.gov or contact Julie McKim at 907-271-5242 or Fax 907-271-5202.

**March 9HOMER - COMMUNICATING OCEAN SCIENCE WORKSHOP A CENTER FOR OCEAN SCIENCES EDUCATION EXCELLENCE (COSEE) WORKSHOP will be held for scientists, educators, and anyone involved in science communication from 9am to Noon at th Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center. Learn strategies for communicating science to students and nonscientific audiences, gain experience with storytelling techniques, and find out collaborative strategies for designing great classroom activities and field trips. Contact Marilyn Sigman at 274-9612 or msigman@alaska.edu for more information.

February 10KING COVE - KING COVE FISH & GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE will meet at 10am at the KC Harbor House. Agenda will include an opportunity for public concerns, discussion of finfish proposals for April 10 comment deadline, and reports of catch status and season quotas for current seasons and upcoming openings. For more info contact Grant Newton at 497-2856. To see the proposals under consideration by the board’s, go to http://www.boards.adfg.state.ak.us/. For more information, Sherry Wright at 907-267-2354 or email Sherry.Wright@alaska.gov.

February 10PALMER - INSIDE AUROVILLE—JOURNEY & SLIDE SHOW will be shown from 7 to 8pm at Good Earth Garden School at Artemisia Acres on Farm Loop Road. Visit the legendary Auroville—the

first and only internationally endorsed and ongoing experiment in human unity and transformation of consciousness. Inspired by founder Sri Aurobindo in 1968, hard-working visionaries from 45 countries have coaxed the parched dryland into a green city of gardening, healing, meditation, and spirituality. This is sustainability at its best. Come drink in MICHELLE WILSON NORDHOFF’S personal experiences in Auroville with slides and stories. To register: please send an email to: information@goodearthgardenschool.com or call 907-745-0758, so we know how many are coming. We’ll send you directions, or see www.goodearthgardenschool.com. Free--Donations welcome. For photos showing Auroville land before and after founding, go to http://www.auroville.org/environment/env_afforestation.htm.

February 13FAIRBANKS - ECOSYSTEM REASSEMBLY on KASATOCHI: TERRESTRIAL ARTHROPODS THREE YEARS POST-ERUPTION will be presented by DEREK SIKES, Curator of Entomology, UA Museum of the North, at 7pm in the Noel Wien Library Auditorium

February 15, 16, & 17COAL'S ASSAULT ON YOUR HEALTH will be presented by Alan Lockwood at following locations:

February 15 - FAIRBANKS - 6:30 reception, 7pm Presentation in the UAF Wood Center BallroomFebruary 16 - PALMER - 6:30 reception, 7pm Presentation ay the Palmer Train DepotFebruary 17 - HOMER - 6:30 reception, 7pm Presentation at the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center.

Dr. Lockwood is Emeritus Professor of Neurology at the University at Buffalo and is board certified in Neurology, a member of the American Neurological Coal's Assault on Human Health Association and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. He is the author of approximately 220 publications on diverse scientific topics ranging from hepatic encephalopathy to environmental toxicants. He has been an active member of Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) for three decades, and was President of PSR National in 1994. For more information, contact Heidi Zimmer at (907) 222-7714 or email heidi@akaction.org or Jamey Duhamel at Mat Valley Coalition, at outreach@foms.net , or (907) 746-0128 .

February 13SLANA - The TOK CUTOFF/NABESNA FISH & GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE. will hold a meeting at 5pm at the Slana League building, mile 64, Tok Cutoff. Agenda items will include results of unit 12 (along Nabesna Rd.) Moose survey presented by Tok F&G staff. New proposal to align season dates between units 11 and 12 will be presented and discussed. For more information contact Ole Bates at 822-3023

February 13HOMER - The HOMER FISH & GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE will meet at 6pm at the NERRS building to discuss proposals to submit to the BOF and/or BOG and any other business that may properly come before the committee. For more information contact Marvin Peters at 235-2468.

February 14FAIRBANKS - RECENT EARTHQUAKES THAT SHOOK THE WORLD will be presented by Natalia Ruppert at 7pm in the Westmark Hotel Gold Room. Descriptions of destructive earthquakes and their effects have been preserved for hundreds of years in oral and written histories of peoples from around the world. Geologic records contain even longer, multi-thousand year records of the ground shaking and its effects. However, the science of studying earthquakes - seismology - is relatively young, only about 100 years old. Destructive earthquakes of the past decade not only shook cities, countries and continents, but also provided unprecedented datasets for scientist to study. This lecture will look at the occurrence and effects of the 2010 earthquakes in Haiti, Chile and New Zealand, 2008 earthquake in

China and 2011 earthquake in Japan. These earthquakes occurred in different socio-economic and tectonic settings. The lecture will also explore similarities and differences with tectonics and earthquakes in Alaska. Natalia Ruppert received a bachelor of science in geophysics from Novosibirsk State University in Russia before coming to Alaska to study at UAF in 1994. She earned a master of science and a doctorate in geophysics from UAF in 1996 and 2001, respectively. For more than ten years, Dr. Ruppert has been a seismologist at the Alaska Earthquake Information Center, located in the Geophysical Institute. She specializes in earthquake monitoring in Alaska and active tectonics. Dr. Ruppert has authored and contributed to nearly 40 published articles and given over 70 presentations at scientific meetings. For more information, contact Stevie Seiber at mailto:stevie.seibert@gi.alaska.edursltstevie.seibert@gi.alaska.edu.

February 18JUNEAU - ONE PEOPLE, ONE EARTH CLIMATE INITIATIVE discussion will be held from 1 to 5pm in the Egan Lecture Hall at UAS. Please join luminary climate SCIENTISTS, Alaska Native ELDERS, and FAITH leaders for an interactive conversation to inspire meaningful action on CLIMATE CHANGE through greater respect for the earth and one another. To view our 3-day agenda in Juneau, and download biographies and event flier, go to http://www.akipl.org/programs/akiplevents. Discussion will include: What steps need to be taken to inspire action in each of our communities (faith, Alaska Native, science); What can we do to help our communities in this process; and How do we help our communities collaborate?

**February 16HOMER - 7th ANNUAL BACKCOUNTRY FILM FESTIVAL will be held at 7pm the Homer Family Theater. Get immersed in the beauty and fun of the winter backcountry experience. The Festival is sponsored by The Kachemak Nordic Sky Club and the Alaska Quiet Rights Coalition. For more information, contact Dan Del Missier at 235-7542.

February 16 & 17JUNEAU -The ALASKA TIMBER JOBS TASK FORCE will meet in , in the Second Floor Conference Room, 410 Willoughby Avenue from 8:30am to 4:30pm each day. The nine-member Task Force was created to develop recommendations for the Governor regarding the management of forested State lands. The purpose is to further economic development and jobs for Alaskans from timber harvest. In 2011-2012, recommendations from the Task Force to the Governor may also address: management of the State's forests, future additions to existing State Forests, creation of new State Forests, changes to State statutes or regulations governing timber harvesting, State land acquisition or exchanges in the Tongass National Forest, and areas of research related to use of the Tongass National Forest and impacts on wildlife. The Task Force will report on current demand for timber in the Tongass National Forest, release quarterly reports on possible timber sales in the Tongass National Forest to meet demand, and report on current wood products and potential new products/uses of timber supplied by the Tongass National Forest. For more information, contact Chris Maisch, State Forester, at 907-451-2666 or chris.maisch@alaska.gov or go to http://forestry.alaska.gov/aktimber_jobs_taskforce.htm.

**February 17CANTWELL - The DENALI FISH & GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE will hold an election meeting at 7 pm at the Cantwell School Library. Also on the agenda will be preparation of comments on the Interior Region proposals, and discussion of proposals to submit for the Southcentral Region. For more information contact Marty Caress at 768-1123

February 17SEWARD - Open House will be held from 10am to 1;30pm at the Breeze Inn to review the ALASKA RAILROAD (ARRC) PROGRAM OF PROJECT (POP). The event will give the public an

opportunity to learn about, and comment on, capital improvements plans along the rail line. Fact sheets, display boards and project managers will be on-hand to answer questions. The capital budget for the upcoming year totals $55.4 million, with more than $31 million allocated to track rehabilitation. Other notable projects funded include $5 million to continue the federally mandated Positive Train Control initiative, $4 million for vehicle and equipment purchases/overhauls, $3 million for bridge work, and $1.2 million for the continuing locomotive overhaul program. Smaller, but no less important, projects encompass everything from construction of a section maintenance facility at Portage, to design and construction of a sewer line for Real Estate tenants, to replacing aging copier equipment.

**February 17JUNEAU - A STEWARDS OF CREATION BROWN BAG LUNCHEON will be held from 11:30am to 1pm at the Northern Light United Church. We are calling upon people of all faiths to attend an inspiring interfaith conversation on solidarity and stewardship, with Alaskan Christian, Jewish, and Muslim leaders, including: IMAM DR. ATAUR CHOWDHURY, RABBI DOV GARTENBERG, REVEREND CURTIS KARNS, and FATHER THOMAS WEISE.

**February 18JUNEAU - ONE PEOPLE, ONE EARTH (INTERACTIVE) CLIMATE CONVERSATION will be held from 1 to 5pm at the Egan Lecture Hall on the UAS Campus. Please join Alaskan interfaith leaders, Alaska Native Elders, and climate scientists for an interactive conversation to inspire meaningful action on climate change through greater respect for the earth and one another. Panelists include: ELDER ELAINE ABRAHAM, ELDER RITA BLUMENSTEIN, Dr. TERRY CHAPIN, IMAM Dr. ATAUR CHOWDHURY, REVEREND CURTIS KARNS, LARRY MERCULIEFF, Dr. FRANZ MUETER, FATHER THOMAS WEISE, Uas Sustainability Students, and LIBBY RODERICK (Moderator)

**February 19PALMER - QUEEN OF THE SUN--WHAT ARE THE BEES TELLING US? Documentary DVD, 82 minutes will be shown at Artemisia Acres, 4700 Farm Loop Road, from 7 to 9pm. This is a profound, alternative look at the global bee crisis. Taking us on a journey through the catastrophic disappearance of the bees and the mysterious world of the beehive, this engaging and ultimately uplifting film weaves an unusual and dramatic story of the heartfelt stuggles of the beekeepers, scientists, and philosophers from around the world, including MICHAEL POLLAN, GUNTHER HAUK and VANDANA SHIVA. Together they reveal both the problems and the solutions to renewing a culture in balance with nature. A look at what the BioDynamics experts are learning. $5 adults; $1 kids. To Register, please email information@goodearthgardenschool.com or call 745 0758 with your name and how many of you are coming. Pay at the door or through PayPal.

**February 21, 22, & 23Public Scoping Meetings for PREPARING AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT EXPLORING the POTENTIAL OF RESTORING SEABIRDS, particularly; Pigeon Guillemots in the Naked Island group (Naked, Peak, and Storey Islands) in Prince William Sound through the removal of introduced American mink will be held in the following locations:.

**February 21 - VALDEZ from 5 to 7pm in the City Council Chambers**February 22 - CORDOVA from 7 to 9pm in the Public Library Meeting Room**February 23 - WHITTIER from 5 to 7pm in the City Council Chambers

The Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphus columba) is now the only marine bird species injured by the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill listed as "not recovering" on the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council's Injured Resources List and they have shown no sign of population recovery. Since 1989, the population of Pigeon Guillemots in Prince William Sound has declined 47 percent and there is no sign of population stabilization. The weight of available evidence indicates the primary limiting factor for guillemot reproductive success and population recovery at the Naked Island group is now predation by a recent

introduction of the American mink. Also, nest predation by introduced mink has likely caused declines in other seabirds nesting at the Naked Island group. Given this steady and long-term trend, restoration action is necessary for the recovery of the Pigeon Guillemot population in Prince William Sound. The Naked Island group is historically the most important breeding location for guillemots in Prince William Sound. The Service is responsible for preparation of this Environmental Assessment. However, the Naked Island group is administered by the Forest Service. As such, this Environmental Assessment must meet all Forest Service requirements and mandates. The State also has an interest in this project in order to ensure their mandate for fish and game management is met.

**February 22DENALI NATIONAL PARK - Public informational meeting will be held from 6 to 8pm at the Murie Science and Learning Center to accept input on PLOWING DENALI PARK ROAD BEYOND HEADQUARTERS IN WINTER. The National Park Service (NPS) intends to evaluate the impacts of plowing the Denali Park Road between park headquarters (Mile 3) and the Mountain Vista Rest Area (Mile 12) during the winter season. The NPS is interested in providing additional opportunities for wintervisitors to the park, while protecting park resources and values. Plowing the road beyond park headquarters would allow private and commercial vehicles to travel further into the park to provide mountain viewing and increased recreational opportunities. Currently the park road is closed to vehicular traffic beyond park headquarters after the first significant snowfall occurs (usually in October). During the winter one lane of the road is maintained so the road crew can manage the overflow ice that occurs between Mile 4-7. The other lane is not plowed. Both lanes are available for use by dog teams, cross country skiers, snowshoers, and other winter recreationalists. Spring road opening begins in mid-March, and the road is generally open to the public as far as the Savage River (Mile 15) by early April, and to the Teklanika River Rest Area (Mile 30) by mid to late April. The NPS invites the public to submit written comments by March 9 to http://parkplanning.nps.gov/dena or Faxed to 907-683-9612. For more information about the proposal please contact Paula Homan,Project Planning Lead, at 907-683-6223 or paula_homan@nps.gov.

**February 23FAIRBANKS - OPEN THE DOOR: STEPS FOR CONVENING CIVIC DIALOGUES IN YOUR LIBRARY will be held at the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center from 9am to 12:30pm led by KARA DILLARD, BILL HALL and JUNE PINNELL-STEPHENS. All of our communities are facing divisive, if not corrosive, issues; the library offers the natural - perhaps the only - space to talk about these problems in a civil discussion. At a time when some communities are closing branches and cutting hours, convening dialogues in the library offers an opportunity to remind everyone that we're more than just shelves of books. Successful dialogues depend on a wide range of activities, from framing the complex issues covered in the discussion to unlocking the door. While those involved with outreach services and programming may want to pursue training in facilitating discussions and developing topics, all staff members, plus trustees and friends, can benefit from learning the basic steps of convening a civic dialogue. For more information, go to http://akla.org/fairbanks2012/index.php.

**February 24FAIRBANKS - A collection of the best short FILMS ABOUT THE BEAUTY AND MYSTERY OF THE OCEANS will be show at 6pm at the Blue Loon.. Join us to reflect on the importance of the oceans’ vital ecosystems and learn new ways to protect them. $8 at the door. Sponsored by the Alaska Center for the Environment, the Northern Alaska Environmental Center, and the Blue Loon Friday.

**February 24 & 25 (TELECONFERENCE AVAILABLE)JUNEAU - CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMISSION ON FEDERAL AREAS (CACFA) will meet from 1 to 5pm on February 24 and from 8:30am to 5pm on the 25th in the House Transportation Committee Room, State Capitol Building Room 17. Proposed agenda items include: U.S. Bureau of Land

Management – Eastern Interior Resource Management Plan; Alaska Federal Lands Long Range Transportation Plan; and Election of Officers. The meeting is open to the public. Periods of public comment are scheduled for 3 pm on February 24 and at 11am and 3pm on February 25. Any person may present oral or written comments to the Commission on any agenda item or other issue related to federal public lands in Alaska. No advance notice is required. Please note that any written comments received become public records and subject to inspection. Portions of the meeting may be recorded. Persons who are unable to attend the meeting in person and who wish to present comments during public comment periods may do so by phone. A teleconference will be set up for this purpose and that number will be posted along with the agenda prior to the meeting. For additional information contact: Stan Leaphart, Executive Director, at (907) 374-3737, Fax (907) 451-2751 or email stan.leaphart@alaska.gov or Commission Assistant, Karrie Improte at (907) 451-2035 or email karrie.improte@alask.gov.

ITEMS OF INTEREST

**100% POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED PAPER AVAILABLE AGAIN at the Alaska Center for the Environment (ACE). It is chlorine- and acid-free paper and works very well in copiers, printers, and fax machines. The paper is available for sale for $55 per case. Using this paper saves trees, reduces energy use, prevents toxic contamination, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Contact Valerie at louisa@akcenter.org or call (740) 975-3441 to reserve your case(s), as there is a limited amount of paper.

**VESSEL TRAFFIC STUDY for the COOK INLET RISK ASSESSMENT (CIRA) is available at http://www.cookinletreskassessment.com/index.htm. The information quantifies the vessel category and typ of oil carried. Vessels under 300 gross tons with fuel capacities less than 10,000 gallons ere not examined other than to note their potential impact on larger vessels transiting the region. For more information, contact Tim Robertson, Nuka Research at 907-234-7821 or Jerry Rombach, Cook Inlet Regional Advisory Council at 907-283-7222.

OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE in ALASKA MARINE CONSERVATION COUNCIL'S DOWNTOWN OFFICE SUITE in the 4th Avenue Marketplace (corner of 4th and C Street) with a similarly minded non-profit or small business. One or two, medium sized individual offices that could accommodate one or more staff in each are available in our large suite that features a kitchen, open conference/meeting area, common area work space and more. There is an opportunity to cut down on other costs by sharing services like wireless internet, copy machine, etc. Cost for rent ranges between $600-$800 depending on number of offices desired. For more information contact Kelly Harrell, Executive Director, at kelly@akmarine.org; or call (907) 277-5357. Serious inquiries only please!

Are you INTERESTED IN WORKING on LEADERSHIP SKILLS, FOCUSING YOUR CAREER PATH, MOVING into the ENVIRONMENTAL FIELD, or INCREASING YOUR ALASKA NETWORK? Then AWEN'S MENTORSHIP PROGRAM may be right for you. Now in its third year, the program matches people in earlier stages of their environmental career or community activism with an experienced female mentor. The nine-month program includes an initial "retreat" day for all participants, followed by opportunities for networking and gaining leadership skills. Applications will be accepted through February 24th, and the mandatory kick-off retreat will be held on March 24th. To apply, visit our website at www.awenalaska.org. If you have any questions, or are interested in being a mentor please contact us at awenalaska@gmail.com or call Melanie at 440-1964.

TWO ALASKA ENERGY REPORTS have been released: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ALASKA ENERGY EFFICIENCY and CONSERVATION PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH, has been prepared for the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) by Information Insights, Milepost Consulting and additional project advisors. The report provides research-based recommendations for the creating of an

education and outreach plan to promote successful energy efficiency and conservation behavior in both urban and rural areas in Alaska. Recommendations include; localizing the message, framing the message and providing a clear direct energy measure. Report is available at http://www.akenergyauthority.org/Efficiency/12-2011_Recommendations-PublicEducationandOutreach.pdf. The second is SOUTHEAST INTEGRATED RESOURCE PLAN (SEIRP) TECHNICAL DRAFT REPORT prepared for AEA by Black & Veatch and HDR Alaska. The SEIRP is a directional plan that identifies the types of resources, including alternative resources that should be developed in the future in the Southeast Alaska region. The report addresses demand-side management/energy efficiency and emerging technologies, such as tidal. The report is available at http://www.akenergyauthority.org/southeastIRP.html. AEA will be accepting comments on the draft until March 19.

PROTECTING SOUTHWESTERN ALASKA FROM INVASIVE SPECIES – A GUIDE IN THE ENGLISH AND YUP’IK LANGUAGES is available at http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5348027.pdf. The people’s strong sense of stewardship, wealth of traditional knowledge, and limited routes of transportation are key components of preventing invasive species from disrupting the ecosystems of Southwest Alaska. Learning how invasive plants, insects and animals spread and interact with their environment, how other communities have worked to prevent or eradicate them, and what resources exist to help control the spread of exotic organisms may be critical to preserving the landscape and culture for future generations.

To see a 5 MINUTE VIDEO that tells the story of the CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT TANGLE LAKES and to prevent it from becoming home to an industrial, foreign-owned mine, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSor9nKgO-8.

INTERNSHIPS

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

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

The ALASKA SEALIFE CENTER is sponsoring AN INTERNSHIP PROGRAM for COLLEGE STUDENTS or RECENT GRADUATES who are interested in gaining an educational experience in a world-class marine facility. ASLC internships offer a well-rounded, educational experience working in a

variety of areas within the Center. Depending on the type of internship, duties may include assisting aquarium, avian or marine mammal staff with animal husbandry tasks; helping with marine-related research projects as well as teaching and/or preparing lessons in our education department. Interns will be required to participate in a variety of areas and all interns are required to participate to some extent in the interpretive aspects of our operation. Please visit our website at, http://www.alaskasealife.org/New/about-ASLC/index.php?page=internship-program.php, for details and to apply.

VOLUNTEERS OPPORTUNITIES

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

**The ALASKA MARINE CONSERVATION COUNCIL, ALASKA YOUTH FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION and RENEWABLE RESOURCES FOUNDATION are searching for more SALMON LOVING PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS to help get a BIG, positive message out there about how fabulous wild, Alaska salmon and Bristol Bay are at this year's FUR RONDY PARADE. Last year was the first annual Celebrate Wild Salmon & Bristol Bay float in the parade and this year we need your help to do it bigger and better. We found the parade was a fantastic way to reach a very large crowd (thousands of people attend the parade) in a positive way with little time and financial investment. It's one of those events that creates good karma amongst the conservation community and the public and helps demonstrate our common values. Last year the crowd cheered like crazy for us and we were definitely a favorite. This year the parade is Saturday, February 25th at 10:30 am (line up begins around 9 am).

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

DENALI EDUCATION CENTER SEEKS NEW BOARD MEMBERS. The Denali Education Center board is composed of a dedicated group of individuals who actively work to fulfill the Denali Education Center’s mission to foster understanding and appreciation of Denali through informative and inspiring programs. A park partner, Denali Education Center offers youth programs in Denali National Park through the Murie Science and Learning Center. The board supports and oversees Denali Education Center operations, finances and staff, and engages in strategic planning that contributes to the organization’s success. People eager to work on furthering the Denali Education Center’s mission are encouraged to apply. Denali Education Center will hold an election for board members in April. To learn more about our programs, visit www.denali.org. To apply, review the Board Member Position Description and submit a completed Board Member Application Form to Toby Smith, Denali Education

Center, P.O. Box 212, Denali Park AK, 99755 or email it to tobydsmith@hotmail.com . For more information, contact Board Chair Toby Smith at (907) 317-5726 or tobydsmith@hotmail.com. The deadline for submitting your name is March 31.

FAIRBANKS - INTERIOR ALASKA GREEN STAR is SEEKING NEW MEMBERS for its BOARD OF DIRECTORS. If you care about promoting green living, recycling, and community sustainability, this is the position for you. We are looking for energetic, creative, and enthusiastic people to support Interior Alaska Green Star’s mission to encourage households and businesses to practice waste reduction, energy conservation and pollution prevention. Benefits of becoming a board member include forming meaningful and lasting connections in the community, contributing to the impact Interior Alaska Green Star makes in our community, and supporting locally-based sustainable practices. If this sounds good to you, we would love to hear from you! For more detailed information about the time commitment and required duties, please visit: www.iagreenstar.org/participate/join-the-board for links to additional information, or email us at info@iagreenstar.org.

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

Applications are currently being accepted for position(s) on the BIRD TREATMENT AND LEARNING CENTER BOARD of DIRECTORS. We are seeking energetic and enthusiastic individuals with financial, engineering and/or fundraising expertise. Candidates will be considered for openings available in December 2011. Please consider joining the Bird Treatment and Learning Center board to support the work of rehabilitating injured, orphaned and sick wild birds and providing experiential, dynamic and science based education programs to the public. This is a working board; so please apply only if you have the time and commitment to be an active participant. To apply send letter of interest and background to execdirect@birdtlc.net.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

**EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR for the JUNEAU WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP (JWP). JWP is a 501 © 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to promote community stewardship and sustainable use of Juneau’s watersheds. The successful candidate will be an energetic and entrepreneurial leader with proven management and fundraising skills, who enjoys working in a collaborative environment, and has a strong commitment to watershed protection and restoration. Major duties of the position includes budgeting, grant writing, fundraising, project management, communications, field work, and coordinating watershed outreach and educational activities. More information about JWP, go to www.juneauwatersheds.org. Submittals for the position should include a cover letter, current resume and writing sample. Only electronic submittals will be accepted. Please email questions to jwp@alaska.net, no phone inquiries please. Salary and benefits DOE. Applications should be submitted to jwp@alaska.net by no later than February 29. However, we will begin screening applicants immediately.

**CLINICIAN for the ALASKA CROSSINGS, A DIVISION OF ALASKA ISLAND COMMUNITY SERVICES. Alaska Island Community Services (AICS), Alaska Crossings Wilderness Programs is seeking masters-level professionals to join our growing clinical team. This is an opportunity for an unparalleled breadth of clinical experience working with a group of dedicated professionals in Alaska’s largest therapeutic wilderness program. We are looking for clinicians with skills in substance use disorders, mental health issues and aftercare coordination. These services are provided in an environment that is unique in terms of both its physical landscape and client cultural composition. Clinicians work with the clinical support team under the direction of the AICS Clinical Director. Together the unit is responsible for client intake and assessment, development of clinical treatment goals, facilitation of treatment team meetings, wilderness guide briefing, crisis field support, weekly participant clinical rounds, and discharge planning. Other duties include: program outreach, guide clinical skills training, and participation in program direction planning. AICS is a non-profit organization that provides comprehensive behavioral health and primary care (medical) services. The program is located in the rural Southeastern town of Wrangell near the mouth of the Stikine River. The Alaskan wilderness--with hiking, kayaking/canoeing, boating, fishing, and camping opportunities--is right outside your door! Wrangell is a beautiful community that has an amazing array of services for a community its size. The community enjoys a laidback lifestyle which includes: low crime rate, short commutes, clean air, andaccess to the wilderness within the largest national forest in the United States. Visit www.wrangell.com for more information on the community and surrounding areas. Applicants must be well-educated in professional ethics, have sound clinical judgment, and be able to document the services they provide. Specific Education, Certification and Skill Requirements: Masters in psychology, social work, or counseling required. Prefer applicants to be licensed or license eligible in Alaska. Applicants must have professional energy and competence in mental health, substance abuse, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills. Solid assessment, organizational, and documentation skills required. In addition to a positive work environment, we offer a competitive salary and benefits package. Start Date: As soon as available. Contact Information: steve.helgeson@akics.org.

**ARCTIC ALASKA AVIAN FIELD BIOLOGISTS for the WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY (1) FIELD ASSOCIATE and (1) CREW LEADER needed from 25 May to 25 July 2012 to participate in two projects with the Wildlife Conservation Society in an oil-developed area near Prudhoe Bay. For Project 1: we will conduct an artificial nest experiment assessing predation rates near and far from oil field infrastructure. For Project 2: we will assess breeding bird usage of rehabilitated sites previously disturbed by oil drilling activity. Duties will include placing artificial nests along transects and monitoring them for nest survivorship. A subset of artificial nests will be monitored with remote cameras. For the rehab project, duties will include nest searching and monitoring, floating eggs to determine age, area search surveys and behavioral observations of all bird species at both rehab and undisturbed sites. Micro-site habitat characteristics will we be measured using a bird-centered vegetation sampling approach. Data entry and proofing will also be required. The crew will access sites in the oilfields using a vehicle and will interact with oilfield personnel on a daily basis. Preferred applicants will have excellent

bird identification skills, solid nest-searching experience, and be familiar with using a compass and GPS. Applicants must be enthusiastic, in excellent physical condition and willing to hike many miles each day in hip boots, and be able to work independently as well as with others for long hours in, sometimes, difficult field conditions. Field conditions will often be wet and cold, then buggy later in the season. tlineApplicants must be comfortable working in bear country. Employees will be paid a monthly stipend of $1200 - 1800 depending on experience. Travel/hotel costs within Alaska will be provided. Room and board (at facilities in the Prudhoe Bay oil field) will be provided. Travel to Alaska will be partially covered ($500 voucher) by WCS. Please send a cover letter, resume and at least three references (with contact information) by email to Joe Liebezeit at jliebezeit@wcs.org. A valid driver's license is required. A B.S. degree in wildlife ecology or a related field is preferred, but not required. *Please send application materials as a SINGLE MICROSOFT WORD DOCUMENT*. Non-U.S. citizen applicants must have (or obtain) a social security number. Include in your cover letter any relevant experience and your interest in applying for this position. Application deadline: April 15 although hiring will begin AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

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

OFFICE MANAGER for the NORTHERN ALASKA ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER (NAEC) in Fairbanks. NAEC offers a great position overseeing the daily operations of our non-profit organization. The office manager is critical to NAEC’s overall functioning—keeping our friendly, informal office organized, and our productivity high. Main areas of responsibility include office administration, finance and records compliance, organizational sustainability, and communications and IT support. The successful applicant will bring strong MS Office and web maintenance skills, be organized, self-starting, familiar with business protocols and light bookkeeping procedures, and will demonstrate an interest in environmental conservation. The Office Manager will start at a flexible 30-35 hours per week, with a clear path to greater responsibility, swankier job title, and full-time employment for the right professional. For more information, go to http://northern.org/about-us/job-opportunities/office-manager-job-announcement-2.

CAMPAIGN MANAGERS for ALASKA PUBLIC INTEREST GROUP (AKPIRG) Work to move Alaska beyond coal by electing pro- renewable energy utility board members. Positions available in Anchorage and The Valley from March to late May. Responsibilities include: Managing day to day campaign activities; Volunteer recruitment and management; Managing candidates call time; Staff and organize candidate events; Work closely will central staff to develop and implement media plan; Create and develop campaign plan; Data management. Qualifications: 1-2 Election cycle experience; Experience recruiting and managing volunteers; Knowledge of Votebuilder. Start Date: March 5 th, End Date: May 25th. Salary: $2,200/per month. Please send resume with three references to Kathleen Cogan at kathleen@akpirg.org. Qualified candidates will be contacted to set up interview.

COORDINATOR of “YOUTH VOTE 2012 for the LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS of ANCHORAGE. Time Frame: March 2012 through November 30, 2012 (intensive time commitment August/September/October/November 2012); Work from home, plus outside meetings; Must have insured vehicle to transport materials and attend meetings; Background check required; Non-partisan. Qualifications: Good interpersonal and communication skills, particularly with young people, Good computer skills, including social applications such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Ability to manage financial matters, set timelines, have a vision for program success, Public relations experience helpful. Job Description: Coordinator position similar to the job duties for a Meeting Planner; Assist League Finance Committee in fundraising, both in-kind donations and monetary; Coordinate Youth Vote 2012 in the Anchorage schools (public and private) with Social Studies Department chairs and League of Women Voters Board – including creation or updating and distribution of pre-election day curriculum materials for grades five through twelve, organizing a live, televised election forum, October 18, 2012, identifying questions for the mock election, coordination of a computer-based mock election, and reporting of results at Election Central on election night, among other activities; Identify, coordinate, and advise student leaders, including volunteers from the Association of Student Governments and/or Spirit of Youth, to set goals and direction and establish committees and guidelines; Coordinate activities with the Anchorage School District, State Division of Elections, Municipal Clerk’s Office as appropriate. Estimated remuneration: $7,500. Send resume with cover letter by February 29 to caroldickason@gci.net or call 274-8477

RURAL ENERGY and SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM COORDINATOR for AMERICORPS VISTA LEADER NOTICE: YOU MUST HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED ONE YEAR OF VISTA SERVICE TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION (AmeriCorps State, National, NCCC, and PeaceCorps programs do not count). The VISTA Leader is stationed in Anchorage and supports 12 VISTA members, who will be spread out across the state, mostly in rural locations. VISTA members are recruited locally and serve to build capacity for their home communities to better address local issues through research, planning and implementation of sustainable projects, educational/outreach events and community engagement initiatives focused around energy efficiency, awareness, renewable development and conservation, cultural preservation, and local self-sufficiency. The VISTA Leader researches energy efficiency, renewable energy, Alaska Native cultural traditions and values, and subsistence/food systems/gardening practices. Leader organizes and facilitates in-service training, creates a VISTA newsletter with input from other AK VISTA Leaders, updates social media, checks in with rural members weekly, holds biweekly teleconferences, and assists in host site troubleshooting and general project planning. The Leader attends conferences and trainings, travels to remote areas of Alaska off the road system, and experiences working cross-culturally with Traditional Councils and Tribal Offices. Applicants should be creative, good communicators, able to manage multiple tasks, be willing to serve as a mentor to others, be willing to travel to rural Alaska, be willing to work with and under multiple constituencies, have an affinity to learning about culture and sustainability, be familiar with Microsoft programs and computer/internet tasks, enjoy project planning & writing & research/resource generation. Please contact Jennifer Kehoe at jkehoe@ruralcap.com and apply on www.americorps.gov..

Two 2012 RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS - The National Park Service and the Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC) are seeking applicants for two research fellowships that are available to INDIVIDUALS WISHING to CONDUCT RESEARCH IN DENALI NATIONAL PARK and PRESERVE and OTHER ARCTIC and SUBARCTIC ALASKA NATIONAL PARKS. The Discover Denali Research Fellowship is for research in or near Denali, and the Murie Science and Learning Center Fellowship is for research taking place in Denali or other arctic or subarctic Alaska national parks. Deadline for both fellowship applications is February 15 and a decision is expected to be made by March 1, or soon thereafter. The fieldwork of fellowship recipients must be arranged before September 1. The Discover Denali and the MSLC Fellowship Programs are designed to assist graduate students, but may be appropriate for college and university faculty, state and federal agency scientists,

undergraduate students, and private-sector researchers. Proposals for research that will help managers make decisions about critical resource issues are particularly encouraged. If an applicant wants to be considered for both funding sources, only one application is needed; however, only one fellowship may be received per applicant. More than one fellow is expected to be selected for each program. Any previous fellow may reapply, but is not assured of additional funding. Applications for 2012 fellowships will be considered for funding requests up to $8000, to be used over one or two years. An information guide about either of the fellowships, which includes specifics on how to apply and other information helpful to the application process, may be downloaded from www.nps.gov/dena/naturescience/discodena.htm. For more information contact Denali’s Research Administrator Lucy Tyrrell at 907-683-6352 or email lucy_tyrrell@nps.gov.

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MANAGER for the WORLD WILDLIFE FUND (WWF) to be located in Anchorage. Full time position to provide key support for the Arctic Field Program’s conservation strategy through communications and development. The ideal candidate is a skilled communications and/or fundraising professional, with experience working in Alaska on natural resource use issues, creativity, and passion for conservation. The Manager will work in a variety of media and with a diverse array of private and public sector stakeholders. The Manager will report to the Managing Director of the WWF-US Arctic Field Program and will work closely with the WWF-US communications and development teams. Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Develop local and regional communications strategies for Alaska’s Arctic Field Program. Identify opportunities to communicate externally about global Arctic issues/events to bolster WWF’s conservation and fundraising efforts in Alaska. Work with the Alaska team to identify key opinion leaders in Alaska on selected issues and develop a strategy to influence those individuals. Develop annual communication plans for WWF projects in the Arctic (including Beaufort-Bering-Chukchi and Kamchatka). Work closely with senior Alaska team members to plan events, timelines, and decision-making processes relative to OCS leasing, Pebble Mine, species, and fisheries management processes. Assist with fundraising and donor communications. Oversee the preparation of special donor reports. Qualifications: 8+ years of experience working in senior-level communications or similar positions; Experience developing and successfully implementing external linecommunications plans; Deep familiarity with environment/natural resources issues in the north Pacific and Arctic; Knowledge of Alaska and experience in community-level education preferred; Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse array of funders and colleagues; Excellent oral communication and writing skills, and a polished and diplomatic style; Ability to thrive in a team setting; Fiscal/budget management skills; Attention to detail and strong organizational skills; Creativity, flexibility, and innovation; Ability to analyze, prioritize, and complete work with minimal supervision; Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines; Willingness to travel occasionally (within the eco-region and to Washington, DC); Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. To Apply, please go to http://www.ceaconsulting.com/what/position_details.aspx?client=CEA&jobId=179 to submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements. Please direct all applications and inquiries to CEA Recruiting. This position will remain open until filled. For more information, visit www.cearecruiting.com.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT for OCEAN RENEWABLE POWER COMPANY (www.orpc.co) to support the Anchorage office and coordinate with the corporate and other development offices, currently in Portland and Eastport, Maine, respectively. Responsibilities: Establish and maintain office organizational systems, general administrative support, word processing, and the willingness to tackle new tasks, learn new skills, and take on new responsibilities as needed in a growing company. Qualifications: §Professional demeanor, demonstrates good communication skills (written and verbal), § Knowledge of office technologies and software, experience with databases, §Experience coordinating meetings and travel arrangements, §Attention to detail and accuracy, §Excellent organizational skills, and §A bachelor’s degree is desirable. Hours and Compensation (may vary according to applicants’ situations): Ideal candidate will be hired at part time, or 20-30 hours/week, High

potential for full time as early as 3 months after date of hire. Benefits: Vacation, Sick, Holidays, Medical, Dental and 401K (varies from part time to full time status). Please send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to kmauney@orpc.co or call (907)-339-7939 between 8am and Noon with any questions.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR for the NORTHERN ALASKA ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER (NAEC) location: Fairbanks seeds an energetic leader and experienced manager with political acumen and broad familiarity with environmental issues. The successful candidate will demonstrate a solid and long-standing conservation ethic and an ability to inspire, collaborate with and supervise a staff of seven; fundraise successfully in a variety of contexts; and communicate effectively with donors, members and the media. Excellent oral and written skills are a prerequisite, as is an ability to develop collaborative, solutions-based outcomes within our local community and with state and national conservation partners. Compensation: Salary: $56,000 - $70,000 per year DOE. Benefits: health insurance, paid vacation and sick leave (after probationary period); exempt status. Negotiable incentives for outstanding performance and/or longevity. Application process: Send resume, cover letter, and complete contact information for three professional references to wdharrison@alaska.edu with subject line: NAEC ED application_Last name_First name. Please convert all attachments to PDF format. Include in your cover letter your qualifications for this position and a statement (1,000 words max) on the following topic: NAEC’s organizational vision states, “We envision a naturally thriving, biologically and culturally diverse, wildlands-rich, sustainable, inspiring and thoughtfully protected northern Alaska, forever.” This vision leaves considerable room for a strong leader, working with the board and staff, to create effective strategies for addressing opportunities and challenges in northern Alaska. What makes you this leader? Start date: May 1, 2012. Review of applications will begin Feb 13, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. In addition to references provided by the applicant, NAEC reserves the right to make additional inquiries or to contact any person listed on the applicant’s resume for a reference. To see the full description and apply here go to http://northern.org/about-us/job-opportunities/executive-director-job-opening.

MANAGER, WESTERN LANDS INITIATIVE for the PEW ENVIRONMENT GROUP to be located in Anchorage to promote policies and practices that protect the global environment, preserve healthy forests and marine ecosystems. Responsibilities: To oversee all aspects of the Western Lands Initiative project including: Collaborate with and assist local, state, and national conservation groups and other stakeholders to formulate and implement strategic land protection campaign plans, strategy and tactics; Advise partner groups on appropriate actions to take in the public policy arena. Coordinate with Pew grassroots outreach, communications, and policy staff, including making tactical judgments and taking appropriate initiative as necessary; Develop, manage and maintain the campaign plan for Pew's engagement in the Integrated Activity Planning process for the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska (NPRB) which will involve close coordination with Pew's Oceans North Campaign; Identify and implement other strategies to accord long-term protections to NPRB-A lands while ensuring subsistence needs are met; Develop, manage and maintain the campaign plan for non-NPRB-A BLM lands; Ensure that Pew, along with its partner groups, are fully engaged in any BLM planning processes and other agency planning processes in Alaska through which we may gain protection for key areas; Represent Pew and partner groups to the Bureau of Land Management leadership and staff in Alaska and Washington, D.C. about Alaska BLM lands protection; Identify and implement other strategies to accord long-term protections to Alaska BLM lands; and Develop a budget and write PAS and contracts to implement our Alaska BLM plan. Requirements: Bachelor's degree with advanced degree preferred; Strong background and experience in grassroots advocacy; Working knowledge and experience with federal public lands issue; Understanding of the policy making process; A minimum of ten years of experience in public education and outreach campaigns in ever increasing positions of responsibility; Available outside normal business hours when essential to organizational priorities; Demonstrated strong analytical skills. Ability to synthesize information and to focus quickly on the essence of an issue/problem, determine whether it is ripe for intervention and identify the means to address it. A strong commitment to producing measurable

results; Excellent written and oral communications skills, including demonstrated ability to summarize issues and means to address them. Strong oral, presentation, facilitation, and written communication skills such that complex ideas, thoughts and concepts are clearly articulated for a general audience. Clear, effective writing style. Travel: Frequent travel for site visits with partner organizations is required for this position. For more information, go to https://jobs-pct.icims.com/jobs/2735/job or contact Christine Dalpino, Manager, Talent Acquisition, at 202.540.6614 or email cdalpino@pewtrusts.org.

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