News

Unsplash.com stock image.

Opinion: Tracking the Outside money in Alaska politics

Since its inception, the Alaska Policy Forum has been guided by a vision of continuously growing prosperity in Alaska. Our work is to support policy… Continue reading

Unsplash.com stock image.
Flyfishing guide Mark Hieronymus speaks during the public comment period for the new Roadless Rule advisory committee at Centennial Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Roadless rule committee questioned at first meeting

More roads may be built on the Tongass National Forest with the creation of a new Alaska-specific version of the national roadless rule. A committee… Continue reading

Flyfishing guide Mark Hieronymus speaks during the public comment period for the new Roadless Rule advisory committee at Centennial Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employees Kim Raum-Suryan, left, Alicia Schuler, middle, and Aleria Jensen speak to Sayeik Gastineau Community School students about ocean conservancy on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. Gastineau is one of two Juneau schools to start an Ocean Guardian program, which will work to clean up local shorelines and advocate for ocean issues. (Kevin Gullufsen | Juneau Empire)

Juneau schools launch Ocean Guardian program to combat marine mess

Students at Sayéik Gastineau Community School rummaged through trash at a school assembly on Friday. A shark, a dolphin, a salmon and a warrior looked… Continue reading

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employees Kim Raum-Suryan, left, Alicia Schuler, middle, and Aleria Jensen speak to Sayeik Gastineau Community School students about ocean conservancy on Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. Gastineau is one of two Juneau schools to start an Ocean Guardian program, which will work to clean up local shorelines and advocate for ocean issues. (Kevin Gullufsen | Juneau Empire)
Gov accepts climate change plan

Gov accepts climate change plan

The non-binding plan calls for carbon tax, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Gov accepts climate change plan
A dead sockeye salmon, dried in an interesting shape, in the Bristol Bay watershed on August 9, 2018. (Mary Catharine Martin | SalmonState)

The Salmon State: “Surfing the salmon wave” in Bristol Bay

By mid-August Bristol Bay’s river systems are choked with fish, but early July, when most of the bay’s sockeye salmon are fighting their way in… Continue reading

A dead sockeye salmon, dried in an interesting shape, in the Bristol Bay watershed on August 9, 2018. (Mary Catharine Martin | SalmonState)
Salmon treaty process was ‘bloody,’ but included some wins for AK, negotiators say

Salmon treaty process was ‘bloody,’ but included some wins for AK, negotiators say

Alaska, Washington and Oregon representatives settled negotiation Monday with Canada on how to share dwindling Chinook salmon harvests through a 10-year international treaty. The agreement,… Continue reading

Salmon treaty process was ‘bloody,’ but included some wins for AK, negotiators say
Opinion: DEC Cruise Ship Program protects Alaska’s air and water

Opinion: DEC Cruise Ship Program protects Alaska’s air and water

Each year over a million visitors travel to Alaska on cruise ships, which are essentially floating resorts. As you’d expect from any resort, they generate… Continue reading

Opinion: DEC Cruise Ship Program protects Alaska’s air and water
Youth take mantle during ocean cleanup day

Youth take mantle during ocean cleanup day

The generation to face the biggest issues with marine debris will take the issue on locally.

Youth take mantle during ocean cleanup day
National Forest System Acting Deputy Chief Chris French speaks at a public informational meeting on Thursday on development of an Alaska-specific version of the national Roadless Rule. (Kevin Gullufsen | Juneau Empire)

Skepticism at first Alaska Roadless Rule meeting

As rulemaking process begins, Juneau meeting draws out public’s skepticism.

National Forest System Acting Deputy Chief Chris French speaks at a public informational meeting on Thursday on development of an Alaska-specific version of the national Roadless Rule. (Kevin Gullufsen | Juneau Empire)
Metro Creative Connection stock image

Local volunteers meeting up Saturday to clean up coastline

This Saturday, people around the world are hitting the beach in the name of taking care of the environment. International Coastal Cleanup Day is Saturday,… Continue reading

Metro Creative Connection stock image
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