Tod Sebens and Nicholas Szatkowski have seen large numbers of humpback whales congregating. Tod saw about 100 near Cape Fanshaw, and Nicholas saw a dozen cows and calves between Sullivan Island and William Henry Bay. This is the time of year that humpback whales swim to Hawaii. It seems most swim south to warmer climes for the winter, […]
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Posted inLetters to the Editor
Town wants road that protects resources
It’s possible for the Haines Highway project to protect salmon, eagles and cultural resources, and enhance safety. The initial design, however, drew serious criticism from the Sealaska Heritage Foundation, National Marine Fisheries Service and others because it did not protect those resources. According to the Nov. 12 interim manager’s report, our assistant manager was tasked […]
Posted inNews
Saturday Stroll set
The Saturday Stroll will be from the 4 Mile Haines Highway eulachon camp, along the Chilkat River, across highway to cemetery and site of Yendeistakye. Meet at the Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center at 1 p.m. or at the 4 Mile pullout just north of the airport at 1:15 p.m. The return should be by 4 […]
Posted inNews
Highway slides challenge DOT
For years, the Alaska Department of Transportation has struggled with what to do about the expensive and unsafe slide areas at 19 Mile and 23 Mile Haines Highway, designated the number one and number nine slope stability hazards in the entire state, respectively. When rain or snowmelt saturates the unstable Chilkat Mountain slopes at 19 […]
Posted inNews
Tourism bounces back after slow start
A cold spring brought a slow start to the 2013 tour season, but the season rebounded in July and August to finish with numbers on par with last year. Below the surface, however, is an undercurrent of change, including some fueled by fear that numbers of independent travelers aren’t rebounding to historic highs. Cruise ship […]
Posted inNews
Fisherman says road work hurt setnet site
Klukwan resident Marvin Willard said dumping of fill by state Department of Transportation crews at 23 Mile Haines Highway has diverted a stream and ruined a downstream subsistence fishing spot just north of the village. A local DOT official said the agency can’t control what happens with water outside the state’s right-of-way. Willard said he’s […]
Posted inNews
Eagle festival nears
Volunteers are needed to help with the 19th Alaska Bald Eagle Festival, Nov. 11-17 in Haines. This year’s event will include a live release of a rehabilitated eagle as well as presentations by Tlingit master carver Wayne Price and by “eagle lady” Doris Mager, founder of Save Our American Raptors, said organizer Cheryl McRobers of […]
Posted inNews
Local DOT unsure about herbicide use
A new Alaska Department of Transportation vegetation management plan which makes it easier for the state to spray herbicides and pesticides on state land and right-of-ways has the local DOT foreman scratching his head over whether and how to use the chemicals. Matt Boron, DOT’s maintenance and operations manager for Haines, said he attended a […]
Posted inNews
Drop in chum price, harvest dampens gillnet year
Reports of record salmon harvests don’t extend to Haines. Lynn Canal gillnetters hauled in fish worth $9.28 million in 2013, down from about $15 million last year, a drop attributed to reduced prices for fish and a smaller harvest. The harvest value roughly matches that of 2011. Fishing ended Oct. 9. Canal fishermen caught 1.8 million […]
Posted inNews, Public Safety
Prohibit ATVs on popular beach?
The Haines Borough Planning Commission is recommending the assembly vote to prohibit motorized recreation – including ATVs and snowmachines – along roughly 9,000 feet of Chilkat River beaches. The stretch of beach is along Mud Bay Road, stretching from River Road to Carr’s Cove. The assembly will take up the commission’s recommended ordinance at its Tuesday meeting. Commission chair […]