Researchers find new non-native species in Prince William Sound
By PWS Regional Citizen’s Advisory Council
TN News Contributor
Last year, researchers from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, or SERC, partnered with the Council to conduct the largest survey of non-native benthic marine invertebrate species in Prince William Sound since 2003.
The work is part of a larger survey being conducted by Dr. Gregory Ruiz and a team of researchers from SERC to document non-native species in ports and bays throughout the United States. The researchers have also recently surveyed in California, southeast Alaska, and other sites along the Pacific coast of the U.S. Researchers anticipate surveying Cook Inlet in 2025.
What are benthic invertebrates?
Benthic: Occurs at the bottom of a body of water.
Invertebrate: An animal with no backbone.
This opalescent nudibranch (left) is an example of a benthic invertebrate that is native to Prince William Sound.
Non-native marine species of interest to the Council’s work
Researchers detected three non-native species during the survey: two crustaceans, Caprella mutica and the Monocorophium acherusicum, and a bryozoan, the Schizoporella japonica.
One of the three, Schizoporella japonica, had been detected previously. The other two are new to Prince William Sound.
Another new non-native species, Ciona savignyi was found by volunteers for the PlateWatch program, a separate monitoring program also sponsored by the Smithsonian. This tunicate has now been reported in both southeast Alaska and Prince William Sound.
Evidence of the Ciona savignyi was found using genetic analysis on a single settlement plate in southwest Prince William Sound. The report noted that this marine worm could be of concern as it has caused damage to oyster populations in locations where it has invaded. Further evaluation is needed to confirm this identification.
This survey brings the total number of non-native benthic marine invertebrate species confirmed in Prince William Sound to seven. The species Schizoporella japonica and Mya arenaria, a clam originally from the east coast of the U.S., are confirmed to be established in the area. Researchers do not know if any of the other five are established.
Read the entire story here:
Cross Country: Native Alaskan Ava Earl stars as squad climbs to new heights
By Henry Frieman, Sports Editor
The Daily Northwestern
Girdwood, Alaska, population estimated at 2,500, sits in a valley at the base of Mount Alyeska, a ski resort in the winter and a hiking destination in the summer. The mountain town has one main road, a two-lane highway surrounded by hemlock and conifer.
There is one elementary school, but the nearest high school is 30 miles away in Anchorage. There is a fire department, but no police station. Further away from the resort, the paved roads turn to gravel.
It was on the gravel paths and dirt trails of the Alaskan woodlands where Northwestern cross country runner Ava Earl, now a senior, fell in love with running.
Read the entire story here:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/ava-earl-carries-alaskan-roots-to-nu-cross-country-stardom
First ever Pickleball Tourney held
By Seth Beaubien
TN News Contributor
Girdwood’s first pickleball tournament was a smashing success as the Girdwood School gymnasium echoed Friday night to the sound of cracking drives, deft dinks and admiring applause.
Four Valleys Community School Executive Director Beks Rumley and Jarrad Griffith aced the planning, and created a competitive round robin and double elimination bracket set that ensured court time and fun was had by all.
“It was incredibly fun all around, and really encouraging to see so many of the Girdwood Pickleball Club members on the courts tonight," Rumley said.
"We had a handful of pals drive in from Fairbanks, Anchorage, and even Homer--a true commitment to the sport, and a great example of its accessibility. We are stoked to have our first ever pickleball tournament completed, and with so much success. We cannot wait to plan for the next one in the Spring!”
(Pictured are Amy (left) and Gus who received award for the Most Improved Players. (Photos by Seth Beaubien)
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/first-ever-pickleball-tourney-held
Girdwood Board reverses stance on Gas Line
Residents appeal State’s approval of controversial project
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
The Girdwood Board of Supervisors recently declined to support an appeal against a contentious gas line proposal, despite previously voting to oppose the pipeline project. This decision comes after the Girdwood Land Use Committee had voted to support the appeal.
Enstar Natural Gas Company proposed a 20-foot-wide, mile-long pipeline through an old-growth rainforest in the valley over a year ago.
The state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) later approved the plan, citing a 52-year-old section line easement.
Although Enstar boasts a "system-wide 99.99 percent reliability rate," a company official stated last year that a new pipeline is needed to serve as a backup for the existing line. The proposed route involves tunneling beneath Glacier Creek from Ruane Road and then clear-cutting a swath to Virgin Creek Road.
In its approval letter, the DNR repeatedly noted that certain concerns were "beyond the scope of the decision." However, the department's approval did not sit well with local residents, some of whom drafted a letter appealing the state's decision.
This letter was presented to Girdwood's Land Use Committee, suggesting an alternative route with a lower environmental impact that aligns more closely with Girdwood's comprehensive plan.
"We were never able to talk with Enstar about alternatives," said Jennifer Wingard, a GBOS member, during the land use meeting. "That conversation never happened."
Jay Rokos, a land manager, stated that the DNR does not propose alternative routes, stating that it is Enstar's responsibility. Enstar has claimed that factors such as cost, safety, and engineering were considered in its routing decision, but it did not clarify whether community concerns and environmental impacts were also taken into account.
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/girdwood-board-reverses-stance-on-gas-line
Glacier City Radio: Pirates and Politicians — the flight through Turnagain Arm’s ‘Hall of Mirrors’
By Hannah Dillon
TNews Associate Editor
Lewis Leonard is the passionate founder of Girdwood’s community radio station Glacier City Radio, KEUL 88.9. Leonard spoke with Turnagain News to elaborate on how his exciting life led to the creation of Glacier City Radio.
Thousands of CDs line the walls behind Lewis Leonard as he sits in the Glacier City Radio studio. Amps quietly play 88.9 behind the table where Leonard shares life experiences that led to the creation of Glacier City Radio. Later, Leonard gave this reporter a tour of his home and the original five-story 88.9 radio tower.
Leonard developed an interest in audio and electronics in junior high and, by high school, his hobbies led him to a job as a sports photographer with Anchorage Times. Leonard expounded on his experience traveling and working with other studios until KEUL’s formation.
Read the entire story here:
Girdwood Fire Department hosts online Silent Auction for water and mud rescue
By Hannah Dillon
TNews Associate Editor
A jet ski ride, artwork and a five-course dinner for six at Birch and Alder were among items in a recent Girdwood Fire Department silent auction.
The online silent auction was held on June 19 through June 26.
According to the silent auction website, bidders were also able to bid on Kenai River scenic rafting, a ride on a fire command vehicle that will lead the Forest Fair parade and a first-hand experience with Kobuk the black bear.
Girdwood Fire Department’s Chief Michelle Weston said the Girdwood Fire Department received around $8,000 worth of donations from over 30 different local businesses.
All donations go towards fire and mud rescue conducted along the Turnagain Arm. Weston said some donations have contributed to the fundraising for a rescue boat as the department does not receive any funding for rescue efforts.
Weston said she has had to fundraise for all of the highway extraction, water and mud rescue equipment over the last five years.
Dry suits and rope bag equipment used for saving those who become trapped in the mudflats have all been replaced using donated money from the community.
Weston said the lack of federal assistance stems from the available range of services the Girdwood Fire Department covers in a vast area. The department’s EMS service area extends further than their fire services, causing issues with the ability to financially support the department.
“We initially had a commitment from the municipality approved by the assembly to donate $20,000 to us but then there came problems in the transferring of the money. So that's why we're now fundraising extra,” said Weston.
Read the entire story here:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/girdwood-fire-department-hosts-online-silent-auction-for-water-and-mud-rescue
Girdwood 2023 Budget Shows Surplus
By: Brooks Chandler
TN Contributor
Girdwood's local government had a surplus of nearly $400,000 in its 2023 budget, savings that are a result of lower than expected costs for road maintenance, lower expenses for parks and the fire department's decision to hold off on buying a new fire truck.
Actual expenses for the Girdwood Valley Service Area in 2023 were $388,288 under budget.
Read the entire story at:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/girdwood-2023-budget-shows-surplus
Getting ‘In The Loop’ for Girdwood’s First Friday Art Walk
By Chase Berenson
TNews Contributor
On the first Friday of every month, six businesses on Girdwood’s Olympic Mountain Loop welcome the new month by opening their doors from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday evening for an art walk titled Girdwood’s First Friday in the Loop.
Typical participants are Alpenglow Coffee House, Girdwood Center for the Visual Arts (GCVA), Jack Sprat, La Bodega, Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, and Powder House Ski and Bike Shop. The businesses are going to try to maintain these events on first Fridays through the summer, and we checked out the event on Friday, April 5, to see what the experience is like.
There is no wrong way to approach the Loop on a first Friday, but we planned on starting at GCVA since it is arguably the most arts-focused of the participants and it’s conveniently located on the top of the Olympic Mountain Loop. We were surprised to see that GCVA was closed and wasn’t participating in this month’s event, and that feeling was shared by many people we ran into throughout the evening.
Read the entire story at:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/getting-in-the-loop-for-girdwoods-first-friday-art-walk
POACHER’S LAST RUN
By Jim Sweeney
TNews Contributor
The helicopter hovers eighty to hundred feet above the valley floor creating a tornado of snow. Each time it tries to land, it is engulfed in white, so that the pilot has to pull back to see.
The helicopter is small, with a blue bottom, a white top and an Alaska State Trooper badge on its side.
The helicopter flies off, circles once and comes back for another try. No cigar this time, either. The obnoxious bird takes off on another loop and this time slows down as it flies over. The garble from the helicopter’s loudspeaker is swallowed by rotor wash but Mark Norquist and Matt Howard get the message. It’s too dark and there is too much snow flying around for the helicopter to land.
Dave "The Poacher" Pettry will spend the night of March 14 next to Tincan Creek.
Read the entire story at:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/poachers-last-run
Girdwood Trails Plan Gets Assembly nod
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
The Anchorage Assembly adopted a trails plan for Girdwood last week that maps out a network of interconnecting trails in the valley.
The decision follows four years of wrangling a continually morphing plan through dozens of public meetings, competing demands of different user groups and a sometimes bitter public process that resulted in ethics questions and charges of harassment.
In the end, the plan comes closer to a future when residents can "leave our cars in our garage," Girdwood Nordic Ski Club President Deb Essex told the Assembly.
Read the entire story at:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/girdwood-trails-plan-gets-assembly-nod
Girdwood Homeless Population Doubles
By Brooks Chandler
TNews Contributor
There are more than 47 persons living in tents, trees, cars, trucks, trailers and campers on the street or in the woods of Girdwood, according to a local survey.
A year earlier the number was 22.
The 2024 “count” was conducted January 29 through in person interviews, Girdwood resident Linda Mankoff told the Girdwood Board of Supervisors at Monday's meeting.
Only persons who volunteered their names were included.
Mankoff, who is a patient assistance program coordinator at the Girdwood Health Clinic, coordinated local participation in conjunction with a nationwide homeless survey.
She estimated another 20-25 unhoused residents declined to be counted.
The official count will be reported to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development by the Clinic. Based on the data, homeless Girdwoodians may qualify for federal assistance later in 2024.
Who are these people? Ms. Mankoff said many are employed in the Valley—in the service industry and as young professionals. She said some of the working homeless told her market rate rents would consume 50 percent of their income.
Mankoff told GBOS many live with some fear of being forced to leave their “spot”.
Three candidates file for open GBOS seats
Three candidates will appear on the ballot for Girdwood Board of Supervisors in the April 2 municipal election.
Well-known locals, Brian "Burntski" Burnett and Brett Wilbanks, have filed for—appropriately—Seat "B", while current GBOS co-chair Jennifer Wingard will run unopposed for Seat A.
Both Burnett and Wilbanks are fixtures in local governance and are running in for a seat left vacant by out-going member Amanda Sassi.
Burnett, who filed for the open seat 11 days after Wilbanks, is the former mountain manager at Alyeska Resort and is currently a ski technician at Powder Hound Ski Shop in Girdwood.
Wilbanks, owner of Polar Marine in Whittier, is serving as chair of Girdwood's Housing and Economic Committee.
Editorial: Bury Holtan Hills
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
Once again, a short-sighted and terrible land use plan comes marching in from a few Anchorage personalities.
And, once again, it must be stopped.
The idea to level a significant chunk of Girdwood rainforest for an ugly eye-sore of subdivisions, many more times larger than "Cabana Land", caught all of us off-guard a year ago.
The plan came from nowhere--a small group of selected "investors"--and was unanimously rejected at every public meeting, in surveys, through hours and hours of testimony, and by our local Land Use Committee and Girdwood Board of Supervisors.
And it wasn't just Girdwoodians who were abhorrent to Holtan Hills. When local volunteers fanned across Anchorage to speak at community councils, the idea was ridiculed. Girdwood was supported by resolutions from 20 community councils.
Read more of the editorial. at:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/editorial-bury-holtan-hills
Public Hearing for Holtan Hills Scheduled for Jan. 9 and 23
By David Nyman
TNews Contributor
Anchorage Assembly Chair Chris Constant and co-Chair Meg Zaletel announced public hearing dates for the controversial Holtan Hills real estate transaction on Jan. 9 and 23.
The press release is as follows:
"Assembly Vice Chair Meg Zaletel introduced a new proposal to dispose Heritage Land Bank (HLB) property in Girdwood to CY Investments for a multi-use residential development, “Holtan Hills," at the December 19 Regular Assembly Meeting. The new version would require the developer to designate a multifamily unit to a future Girdwood housing trust or non-profit entity and the(n) engage the Girdwood Board of Supervisors throughout the project."
Holiday activities in Girdwood and Alyeska Resort
By James P. Sweeney
TNews Contributor
Girdwood and Alyeska are a winter wonderland right now. New Years is right around the corner and this is a list of activities in Glacier Valley for your enjoyment..
On December 29, the Jeffries will be playing the Sitzmark Bar. 9 pm $10, 21+.
On December 30, the Tyson James Band will be shaking the Sitzmark Bar. 9 pm $10, 21+.
Jack Sprat’s and The Spoonline will be serving a New Years Eve dinner with reservations.
On December 31, New Years Eve the annual Alyeska torchlight parade winds its way down the mountain between 9 and 10 pm!
Also on New Years Eve The Roland Roberts Band will be rocking the Sitzmark Bar starting at 10 pm.
Gear Up! Gear Exchange Buys and Sells
Calling all gear lovers! Gather up your gently used outdoor gear and clothing. Girdwood has a new business in town. The Girdwood Gear Exchange opened this past summer giving Girdwoodians an opportunity to buy and sell gear.
It is owned and run by Mara Hall who followed the consignment model when creating her new business. This model benefits the consignor, who makes money by selling used items, while the buyer gets quality gear at a discounted price.
Mara, who loves thrift shopping and clothes, started her career selling women’s clothing at markets. When the commercial space at her current location opened she bought it hoping to expand. Instead of going to Anchorage, her hope is that locals will utilize her store.
The Gear Exchange is located at 599 Alyeska Highway. December hours are: Friday & Saturday 11-5; and Sunday & Monday 11-3.
The Gear Exchange is currently taking winter clothing and gear, but will transition to summer gear when the seasons change.
Go check out the Girdwood Gear Exchange and you might just walk out with a new Patagonia jacket that you didn’t know you needed
CoasT Pizza Goes Bigger
CoasT Pizza is renovating its Old Girdwood location and hopes to serve beer and wine in the future.
The pizzeria has expanded its kitchen, removed walls and scraped away an old, tiled floor to give employees more room to work and customers more room to dine.
For its signature bar, it took owner Amanda Tuttle “months of time and a lot of extremely hard work” to culled and reclaimed lumber from a nearby property.
"The end of the bar is a perfect place to watch the sunset," said CoasT manager Jen Morse. "It's the corner where locals hang out.”
Girdwood hosts Homer Police forum on ‘Parenting in the Digital Age’
On a recent Friday evening in Girdwood, a much anticipated guest speaker came to Girdwood thanks to outreach and support from the Public Safety Advisory Committee and Girdwood Board of Supervisors. Lieutenant Ryan Browning of the Homer Police Department engaged parents and youth in a frank conversation about the real life risks of youth social media usage, cyberbullying, sexting.
Lt. Browning’s time as a police officer, and personal experience as a father of two teens himself, inspired him to create his two hour presentation “Parenting in the Digital Age.” Over the last year Browning has traveled all over the state of Alaska sharing his thoughtful, engaging, and at times provocative, two hour program with the goal of helping parents and teens open up a dialogue about what they’re seeing and experiencing online.
Girdwood's Ava Earl Releases New Album, Helps Power Northwestern U. Running Team
In fourth grade at Girdwood Elementary, Ava Earl had to write a self-reflection on her school performance: "What are you good at? What are your weaknesses?"
Assessing her strengths wouldn't be hard, she was an exemplary student, star runner and already showed a proclivity in music.
But there was one thing she scolded herself on, something that could cause her teachers' "mild frustration", and something, as it would turn out, for which women are typically chided for more than men.
Talking--being--too much.
That accusation became the title of Earl's latest album, her fourth, released Sept. 15