News

The Holland America Line ship Amsterdam sits at port in Juneau on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018. The Amsterdam is one of eight ships that have received Notice of Violations for air opacity issued by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Air violations issued to eight cruise ships

It’s the highest number of violations handed out in all but four years.

The Holland America Line ship Amsterdam sits at port in Juneau on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018. The Amsterdam is one of eight ships that have received Notice of Violations for air opacity issued by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Resolving the long-running conflict between state and federal governments over the “Roadless Rule” in the Tongass National Forest is the purpose of a memorandum of understanding announced Aug. 2. (AP Photo | Juneau Empire File)

Meeting looks to spur feedback about Roadless Rule

The first of two Juneau meetings asking for public feedback on the Roadless Rule is taking place this Thursday. The U.S. Forest Service is looking… Continue reading

Resolving the long-running conflict between state and federal governments over the “Roadless Rule” in the Tongass National Forest is the purpose of a memorandum of understanding announced Aug. 2. (AP Photo | Juneau Empire File)
The Norwegian Pearl cruise ship, seen docking in Juneau on Tuesday in a screenshot from an Empire video. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Video

Ship exhaust generates flurry of complaints

As exhaust emissions poured from the Norwegian Pearl’s exhaust stack, so too did complaints to the Department of Environmental Conservation.

The Norwegian Pearl cruise ship, seen docking in Juneau on Tuesday in a screenshot from an Empire video. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Video
About 200 protesters attended a rally for climate change action at the Alaska Capitol on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018. (Kevin Gullufsen | Juneau Empire)

Conserve, convert, cooperate: Lead Obama climate scientist rallies Juneau

Dr. Don Wuebbles, a former climate scientist for the Obama administration, led a chant outside the Alaska Capitol building on Saturday morning. Before him on… Continue reading

About 200 protesters attended a rally for climate change action at the Alaska Capitol on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018. (Kevin Gullufsen | Juneau Empire)
Begich comes out for salmon measure

Begich comes out for salmon measure

Stand for Salmon measure backed by candidate and at public testimony.

Begich comes out for salmon measure
Flowers bloom at the Jensen-Olson Arboretum in July 2018. The Arboretum is closed until further notice due to excessive on-site bear activity. The closure is expected to last approximately two to three weeks. Visitor access will not be allowed during this time and no exceptions will be made. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Bears edge out humans at Arboretum

Ursine interest in the city’s botanical garden has made visits too dangerous

Flowers bloom at the Jensen-Olson Arboretum in July 2018. The Arboretum is closed until further notice due to excessive on-site bear activity. The closure is expected to last approximately two to three weeks. Visitor access will not be allowed during this time and no exceptions will be made. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
A male pink salmon makes its way upstream to spawn in August of 2010. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Pink harvest lowest in 40 years

This year’s pink salmon harvest has been dismal.

A male pink salmon makes its way upstream to spawn in August of 2010. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
More permits filed to develop Field of Fireweed

More permits filed to develop Field of Fireweed

Plans are progressing to develop the Honsinger Pond area, home to a scenic patch of wildflowers called the Field of Fireweed and an 83-acre patch… Continue reading

More permits filed to develop Field of Fireweed
Doc on local mine pollution released online

Doc on local mine pollution released online

A documentary critical of the environmental practices of Hecla Greens Creek mine will debut online today. “Irreparable Harm” claims that contamination from mining at Greens… Continue reading

Doc on local mine pollution released online
Alaska roadless rule opens for public comment

Alaska roadless rule opens for public comment

More timber may soon be harvested on the Tongass National Forest and the U.S. Forest Service wants to know what the public thinks about that.… Continue reading

Alaska roadless rule opens for public comment