Archive for category Public Notices
The City of Palmer is conducting a public meeting on Thursday, March 8th to receive public input for the creation of a Downtown Master Plan. Your ideas and input for the future of our community are encouraged! Robert Banghart will facilitate the public discussion. Mr. Banghart is Chief Curator of the Alaska State Museum, Juneau, and the Sheldon Jackson Museum, Sitka, and Acting Deputy Director of the Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums. The City of Palmer is interested in your input as they work to develop a plan to enrich the future of the community and positively affect Palmer residents and businesses. Please consider attending the meeting for this important opportunity to provide your input. To view the public announcement click here.
ANCHORAGE: APRIL 19-20 • DENA’INA CENTER
Join business, civic and government leaders from across Alaska and leading industry experts from around the nation for the 4th annual Business of Clean Energy in Alaska Conference. Clean energy is a $250 billion-a-year business worldwide, and Alaska has the potential to be a world leader in this growing field. Keynote Speakers: Jon Wellinghoff, Chair, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and Retired Vice Admiral Dennis V. McGinn President, American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE). Help create a clean energy future for Alaska! Register by March 12 and save at www.BCEAconference.com or 929.7770.
Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats is sponsoring the 6th Annual Winter Family Fun Day at Reflections Lake on Saturday, February 4th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Come enjoy winter at scenic and accessible Reflections Lake! Cross-country ski, snowshoe, ice skate or walk the loop around the lake. Stay warm with campfires, hot beverages and tasty treats as you soak in the beauty of the picturesque spot. Learn how to use the equipment properly, as well as avalanche safety and awareness. Join us for this National Winter Trails Day event and the opportunity to try healthy winter sports.
For a copy of the event flyer Click Here
For more information contact Alaskans For Palmer Hay Flats
The Alaska Railroad’s proposed use of herbicides threatens salmon streams, drinking water sources, berry-picking areas, farms and neighborhoods along the railroad. This toxic herbicide mixture is harmful to human health and associated with birth defects, damage to DNA, reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, and cancer.
The Alaska Railroad applied to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) for permission to apply herbicides Aquamaster and Agri-Dex along railroad right of ways in areas of Palmer/Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks stretching along 122 miles of track covering 243 acres.
Please consider testifying at the upcoming local hearings and submit written comments.
Local Hearings:
- Fairbanks 1/31/2012
- Palmer/Wasilla 2/1/2012
- Talkeetna 2/2/2012
- Details below.
For Potential Talking Points and to learn more Click Here
Written Comments Due: March 12, 2012 by 4pm.
Important note: You must include the Project Name at the beginning of your comment or your comments will not be considered.
For More Information on the permits and to see maps for the for proposed spraying areas of Palmer, Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks Click Here.
Please copy and paste the Project Name in the subject of your email and as the first line of your email.
Please submit a separate comment for each of the three projects to:
Rebecca Colvin
555 Cordova Street, Anchorage AK 99501
Phone: 907-269-7802, Fax: 907-269-7600
Email: Rebecca.colvin@alaska.gov
Please send a copy of your comments to heather@akaction.org
Hello community members, as you are aware there are several important topics that will be considered and voted on at tonight’s(January 17th) regular MSB Assembly meeting. Perhaps most concerning are proposed changes to the existing ethics code and changes to the guidelines to public participation that will affect all future Assembly meetings. As you guess both of these topics, depending on the outcome, the results will have far reaching effects on the public’s future ability to participate in Assembly meetings,hold our ELECTED OFFICIALS accountable, maintain a fair and transparent public process and ensure that the voice of the public is adequately considered by the mayor and the Assembly.
We feel compelled to remind the Mayor and the sitting Assembly members that they are public servants, elected by the public to serve the public interest. Furthermore, public speech is not a privilege it is a right that is enshrined in First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The changes on public participation being proposed by the Assembly will greatly restrict this right and stifle the public’s ability to have a voice in government decision making by our ELECTED OFFICIALS.
Public Participation Changes: Ordinance 12-002— would set a maximum time limit of 60 minutes for public participation. With a three-minute limit per person already in place, this would restrict initial testimony to the first few dozen people heard. We have seen first hand what this looks like from the Mayor’s coal resolution meeting at the Depot.
Below is an article in the frontiersman written by Assembly member Warren Keogh which highlights what the ramifications could be if it passes.
Ethics Issue- The mayor has been working hard over the past year to dismantle the current Ethics code. First he tried to eliminate the independent ethics board all together and then after much back settled for suggested changes to the current code. One has to ask, what is the Assembly so afraid of and why is is necessary to weaken the code. We are well aware that the Assembly is rife with conflicts of interest when it comes to a variety of issues. Could this be the driver for the changes?
Below is a post from our website highlighting the ethics issue.
Note: Please consider contacting Assembly members and the mayor directly to voice your concerns. If you can, please show up to testify in person at tonight’s meeting. If you are not able to be there please consider sending them an email.
For a list of Assembly contacts click the link below:
http://foms.net/borough-information/borough-contacts
Thank you for participating in our democracy!
There are several important topics up for consideration at the next regular Mat-Su Borough (MSB) Assembly Meeting. Some of these include, revisions to the existing ethics code, changes to public participation and funding decisions that will guide the borough’s upcoming budget process. For a full version of the Assembly packet click here to review pending legislation and
other agenda items up for consideration at the January 17th meeting. The link provided includes the full Assembly packet, or you can view the packet by individual sections in the E-Packet sections listed.
For additional information, please contact the Office of the Borough Clerk at:
745-9683, (MSB Clerk’s main phone)
Ethics Issue Defined
As you will recall ,a while back the Mat-Su Borough Mayor was working hard to eliminate the existing ethics board and the borough ethics code all together. Due to fierce pushback from the community the Assembly decided it would be more appropriate for the ethics board to make suggested edits to the Assembly on the existing code. Fast forward to today.
On Jan. 17, the Mat-Su Borough Board of Ethics will present its recommended ethics code revisions to Mat-Su Borough Assembly. It appears that the suggested changes that will be presented are politically motivated and will further weaken the existing code it’s effectiveness. We feel that the Mat-Su residents deserve an ethics code that is up to date and fully represents the best interests of the public. Taxpayer dollars must adequately serve these interests, as should the service of our elected public officials. Assembly representatives have an obligation to uphold all federal and state laws and borough code, and must take their oath of office seriously. As part of this, the public deserves to the right to what the responsibilities are of our local government and who benefits from the decisions made by our elected officials.
The correct path forward is to allow borough residents the ability to work with the existing Ethics board to produce an ethics code that is up to date, maintains accountability and adequately represents the responsibilities our elected officials have to borough residents.
Bottom line: The assembly should send the code back to the ethics board for further work. It should ultimately adopt a borough code that keeps the ethics board independent, provides emphasis on serving the borough’s best interests, and adequately supplies the education and enforcement to make it happen.
Through a collaborative and transparent public process, we can address the issues that currently divide us and work together to find positive solutions. By using this approach, we can create a strong ethics code that reflects the needs of borough residents for the 21stcentury.
Please consider attending the regular MSB assembly meeting on Tuesday night January 17th at the borough assembly chambers to voice your concerns and urge the assembly to provide a thorough public process to revise the existing ethics code.
If you are not able to attend in person, please consider writing Assembly members to share your thoughts by clicking here.
Please let us know if you need help formulating your comments.
Proposed Regulations for the Hatcher Pass Special Use Area
Comments Due: Friday, Dec. 2 by 5PM
What:
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proposing to adopt new regulations in Title 11, of the Alaska Administrative Code, 11 AAC 96.014(b). The proposed regulations include the restrictions on motorized recreational use as adopted in the 2010 Hatcher Pass Management Plan (HPMP.)
Proposed Regulation Changes
To view the proposed regulations click here
Note: There are 7 pages total and some of the information pertains to regulations for Exit Glacier and Kasilof in addition to Hatcher Pass. Hatcher pass specific regulations are highlighted in bold.
More information including maps click here
Issues with the proposed regulation changes
Below is a list of comments and concerns after review from FoMS members. Our members have several concerns related to the vague nature of the proposed regulation changes and potential issues with future management. Feel free to use the comments listed below to guide your comments to DNR.
Commercial motorized recreation
DNR DMLW is including this activity within the East side designated (all year) non-motorized areas. (Mile 16, Government Peak, Independence, & portions of Reed lakes/Little Susitna and Archangel Units) They also consider allowing winter commercial recreation in the designated non-motorized areas on the East side. (Summit Lake State Recreation Site, the High Glacier Peaks, the Government Peak, the Independence, and portions of the Archangel and Reed Lakes/Little Susitna units) Meanwhile, the West side has no regulations, oversight or lacks adequate management. This will allow commercial motorized recreation to occur through DNR’s administrative permit process without public notice or input. DNR must provide a public process before allowing permitted commercial use.
Why would DNR choose to designate these areas for non-motorized recreation if they will be permitting motorized activities? This potentially leaves the door wide open for future motorized tours and other scenarios. DNR must ensure that there are specific management mechanisms are in place to prevent these activities from happening year round, every day, week or weekend?
In the revised management plan it cites code that states there are “specific stipulations” for managing winter commercial recreation. After review it was found that there are no stipulations. This is poor management. With this action, DNR will basically be creating a multi use designation in the non-motorized areas. DNR must provide greater specificity on what constitutes winter commercial recreation and what stipulations in the code will be used to manage these uses.
Predetermined dates for seasons
This is a problem as seasons and dates vary depending on the year and applying arbitrary dates will create the potential for abuse and to potential future litigation. If motorized recreation occurs on either side of these dates, and the habitat cannot accommodate the use due to insufficient snow cover or other conditions then enforcement would be deemed useless and the motorized recreationist is not held accountable. Under this management scenario, Rangers would have to stand idly by watching damage occur not have the ability to write a citation or issue a warning because it doesn’t occur within the dates? DNR must develop a dates that effectively accommodate seasonal dates variances from year to year.
Another special use
This is not well defined and there is no list that that provides any examples of what constitutes “special use.” Currently there are already issues with oversight for activities in Hatcher Pass of groups picking young ferns, fireweed and other vegetation in the spring. This occurs despite the minimal signage that states it is illegal to pick flowers or plants without a permit. This activity has increased substantially over the years and goes unchecked. DNR must provide greater clarity on how these activities will be managed.
Sufficient snow depth
This is not clearly defined. If the underlying vegetation is going to be protected then set a standard, this should be specified for consistency to be used by land managers and so the public knows what the regulations are. There is already damage occurring each season from motorized. DNR should clarify what constitutes “sufficient snow depth” and this should be clearly defined in the proposed regulations.
Shortfalls in Managing The West Side
DNR focuses on the East side exclusively and fails to address the West side all together. In the past DNR has stated that they lack adequate resources to provide enforcement and management for the West side. DNR must allocate the resources needed to adequately manage the West side.
If you have additional concerns that you think should be addressed please add them to your comments. Please remember that comments should be in your own words are most likely to be taken seriously if they are substantive and focused specifically to the topics listed in the proposed regulations or the Hatcher Pass Management plan.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ARE DUE FRIDAY, DECEMBER, 2nd by 5PM
How to submit your comments:
If sending by email send to both email addresses listed below:
joe.joyner@alaska.gov
dnrmlw@alaska.gov
By Mail
Attn: Joseph Joyner
Division of Mining, Land and Water
550 W 7th Ave., Suite 1070
Anchorage, Alaska 99501-3579
Fax: (907) 269-8904
SUPPLEMENTAL NOTICE REGARDING PROPOSED CHANGES IN THE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently taking public comment on propsed regulation changes in Title 11 of the Alaska Administrative Code (AAC), specifically 11 AAC 96.014(b)(3) and (20) dealing with the Special Use Land, Hatcher Pass and Exit Glacier Road Special Use Areas.
The Department of Natural Resources also proposes to adopt new regulations in Title 11, of the Alaska Administrative Code, specifically 11 AAC 96.014(b)(26) dealing with Special Use Land, Kasilof River Special Use Area.
THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ENDS on Friday, December 2, 2011.
You may comment on the proposed regulation changes, including the potential costs to private persons of complying with the proposed changes, by submitting written comments to the Division of Mining, Land and Water, 550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1070, Anchorage, AK 99501-3579 or by e-mail to dnrmlw@alaska.gov or by fax to 907-269-8904.
For Hatcher specific proposed regulation changes click here.
For more information or a copy of the proposed regulation changes, go to http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/hottopics, or write to the Director’s Office, Division of Mining, Land and Water, Department of Natural Resources, Attention Joseph Joyner, 550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1070, Anchorage, Alaska 99501-3579; or call 907-269-8511.
After the public comment period ends, the Department of Natural Resources will either adopt these or other provisions dealing with the same subject, without further notice, or decide to take no action on them. The language of the final regulations may be different from that of the proposed regulations. YOU SHOULD COMMENT DURING THE TIME ALLOWED IF YOUR INTERESTS COULD BE AFFECTED.
Your Chance to Learn About The Susitna Hydro Project and Speak to Federal Regulators
Mar 16
Posted by foms in Community Events, Conferences and Workshops, Healthy Lands and Waters Program, Public Comments | Comments off
This is your best opportunity to learn about the project, speak to federal regulators and have your voice heard on this project.
About the Sustina Dam Project
The Susitna Dam, if built will become the tallest in the Western hemisphere and cost twice as much as the state of Alaska’s total capital budget. While a hydroelectric megaproject such as Susitna would provide alternative energy to Alaska, it is certain to come with substantial impacts, costs and risks. These impacts must be thoughtfully considered to weigh costs and benefits and the resulting impacts to the Susitna River watershed and the salmon, habitat, water and communities it supports.
To learn more visit http://akcenter.org/climate-energy/susitna-hydroelectric-project
Upcoming Public Meetings Scheduled
There are two important meetings coming up in Palmer and Wasilla where you can learn more about the project, the planning process, ask questions and make your voice heard.
Public Workshop and Film showing at the Palmer Depot with Special guest and well known author Steven Hawley- March 24th
WHAT:
In anticipation of the up-coming Federal Regulatory Commission (FERC) scoping meeting on the Susitna Dam in Wasilla on March 27th members of the Hydropower Reform Coalition and the Coalition for Susitna Dam Alternatives are hosting a fun and inspirational workshop to explain the Susitna Dam project, its potential impacts and benefits, the FERC process and timeline, and how to give effective testimony. In addition, special guest and well-known author, Steven Hawley, author of “Recovering a Lost River” will show the PBS salmon documentary “Running the Gauntlet,” followed by a presentation by Jan Konigsberg of Hydro-Reform Coalition on the upcoming Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s public comment opportunity.
WHERE AND WHEN: March 24, 2012 The Palmer Depot (starting at 6 p.m)
WHY:
To most effectively comment requires a thorough understanding of the project and the process. The following scoping meeting in Wasilla on March 27th will be the last opportunity for the public to meet face-to-face with FERC staff until 2015.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) public scoping meeting- March 27th
WHAT:
FERC has scheduled its “Public Scoping meeting” for the lower Valley and is accepting public comments.
WHERE/WHEN: March 27th at 6pm at the Menard Memorial Sports Center.
For more information on the project or the upcoming public meetings go to:
www.susitnadamalternatives.org or contact Richard at 733-3503