Registration for arboretum junior naturalist program opens July 8
Friends of the Jensen-Olson Arboretum is hosting a free junior naturalist program Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to noon. The program invites families to unlock their inner naturalist by learning how to make nature journals, draw sound maps and discover new ways to connect with nature.
Register online through the Parks and Recreation registration catalog starting Monday, July 8 at noon. Twenty spaces are available and a waitlist will open once registration is full.
The program is geared to naturalists age 6-12, but all ages are welcome. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
For information about location and access, visit the Arboretum website at https://juneau.org/parks-recreation/jensen-olson-arboretum. For questions about the junior naturalist program contact FJOA Education Coordinator Brooke Field at Brookefield.ak@gmail.com.
Eaglecrest closed to public access July 6-12
Eaglecrest Ski Area will be closed from Saturday, July 6, through Friday, July 12, while major lift maintenance is underway. During this time, access to hiking, biking, or recreating beyond the Fish Creek Lodge base area will be closed for the safety of all. All users must be off the mountain by 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 6.
Pre-authorized overnight cabin stays are permitted in coordination with Eaglecrest staff.
There is a possibility that maintenance will be completed early. The Eaglecrest website will be updated once work is complete. Visit skieaglecrest.com for the latest information.
National Night Out hosts sought
The Juneau Police Department will be participating in the annual National Night Out (NNO) on Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. National Night Out is a community-oriented celebration that aims at crime and drug awareness and prevention. National Night Out also allows citizens to interact with their neighbors, as well as local first responders, in a relaxing and fun environment.
JPD is coordinating police, Capital City Fire/Rescue personnel, and other first responders to visit various block parties and cookouts throughout the community. Anyone interested in hosting such an event in their neighborhood is encouraged to register as a block captain with JPD. Details about how to register are available on the Juneau Police Department website at https://juneau.org/police. For additional information contact JPD’s National Night Out organizer Jennifer Adams at (907) 586-0600.
Celebrate Community Day at Amalga Meadows Park on July 13
A picnic, hike and activities are scheduled at Amalga Meadows Park, 24600 Amalga Harbor Road, from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, as CBJ Parks and Recreation celebrates Community Day. Parks and Recreation, the Juneau Park Foundation, and SAIL/ORCA will offer an afternoon of activities for all ages including lawn games and a high ropes challenge course. The event is free. The challenge course is first-come, first-served.
For more information, RSVP to the Community Day Facebook event, or contact Parks and Recreation at (907) 586-5226 or parks.rec@juneau.gov.
Tongass Forest Plan Revision assessment to resume with wilderness suitability review
A 45-day feedback period will open July 10 for the public to weigh in on Tongass National Forest lands that may be suitable for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. This is part of the ongoing Tongass Plan Revision.
The U.S. Forest Service is beginning a required four-step Wilderness Suitability Process with the release of a draft inventory map that examines all lands within the forest’s boundaries to identify areas for further evaluation. The inventory map will show every parcel of land within the boundaries of the forest that are managed by the Forest Service and do not have: an existing Wilderness designation, roads, power lines, or significant improvements.
Following more evaluation and detailed analysis, the agency uses the data and public insight to determine if the final revised Forest Plan will include any areas of the Tongass to be recommended to Congress for Wilderness designation. The public will have an opportunity to engage at every step of the process. There is no requirement or expectation in the Wilderness Suitability Process for new areas to be recommended for wilderness designation.
“We are fortunate to be surrounded by such a healthy and intact forest with over 10 million acres of undeveloped lands to analyze for wilderness suitability,” said Tongass Deputy Forest Supervisor Barb Miranda. “Staying engaged remains important as broad and meaningful dialogue will influence whether any recommendations are made.”
The feedback period begins with the release of the draft inventory, which will be explained during a Zoom webinar hosted jointly by the Forest Service and Society for Wilderness Stewardship. The webinar is from 5:30–6:30 p.m. July 10.
For more information on the process, details on upcoming public engagements or to sign up for the email distribution list, please visit the plan revision website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/landmanagement/planning/?cid=fseprd1105492.
Chamber of Commerce seeking nominees for annual awards
The Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce is seeking applications for the Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement awards. The submission deadline is Aug. 9.
The prestigious recognize outstanding contributions and achievements within the community. The Business of the Year award honors a company that has demonstrated exceptional business practices and community involvement. The Citizen of the Year award celebrates an individual who has made significant positive impacts through their civic and charitable efforts. The Lifetime Achievement award acknowledges a person whose long-term dedication and service have left a lasting legacy.
For more information visit https://www.juneauchamber.com or email info@juneauchamber.com.
