A 200-foot piece of dirt road that was punched into Katmai National Park and Preserve 10 years ago has been removed so the site can be revert to its natural state, protecting archaeological features there.
The small bit of road near Lake Brooks was built by mistake, without proper consultation with regional Native tribes and Native organizations, the National Park Service said. It wound up covering parts of two underground sod homes, sites known in Alutiiq culture as ciqluaqs and in Russian as barabaras.
Originally intended as tool to shorten an existing service road and help keep vehicles from getting too close to an historic cabin that had been hit a couple of times by buses, the road section was never actually used, said Mark Sturm, Katmai’s superintendent. The problems it caused became apparent shortly after it was built in the summer of 2014, he said.
“It was not appropriate for us to have done that, and certainly not to have done it in the absence of having done our due diligence,” said Sturm, who was not at Katmai at the time. Construction of the road section “upset a bunch of people,” he said.
Advertisement
“The biggest thing that we did wrong was to have done that work without having done proper consultation and without having done proper historic preservation,” he said.
The removal, which was completed last week, required some delicate work, including some hand digging around the two barabara sites, Sturm said. It was also the subject of an agreement between several Native organizations and the park, and a tribal representative monitored the work, according to the park.
Beyond this bit of road, the park has reformed its practices to ensure proper tribal consultation and prevent any similar problems in the future, Sturm said. “We have our ducks in our row,” he said. “We’re doing it right now.”
Katmai National Park and Preserve, which sprawls over 4 million acres, is known for its salmon-eating bears, its lakes and its volcanic landscapes. It is the setting for an annual online event called Fat Bear Week, which has drawn global audiences of people casting their votes for the bears considered to have been most successful at packing on weight in preparation for winter hibernation.
Katmai has been part of the U.S. national park system for more than a century. It was established as a national preserve in 1918, then expanded several times later until it was established in its present form through the 1980 Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The Alaska Supreme Court is set to hear a case Thursday that will decide whether a measure to repeal the state’s new open primary and ranked choice general election system will remain on the November ballot.
The parties arguing the case in Anchorage are seeking a ruling from the state’s high court by Sept. 3.
Three voters who sued to disqualify the measure from the ballot are challenging Superior Court Judge Christina Rankin’s decision in June that the state Division of Elections complied with deadlines and acted within its authority when it allowed sponsors of the repeal measure to fix errors with petition booklets after they were already turned in.
Advertisement
Rankin in a subsequent decision found instances in which the signature-gathering process was not properly carried out by repeal supporters, and she disqualified those booklets. But the appeal focuses on the deadline questions.
Getting an initiative on the ballot requires signature gathering. People who circulate petition booklets must attest to meeting certain requirements and have their affidavits notarized or certified.
The Division of Elections found problems with more than 60 petition booklets — most of which involved a person whose notary commission had expired — and began notifying the initiative sponsors of the problems on Jan. 18, six days after the petition was turned in, attorneys for the state and plaintiffs have said.
The sponsors of the repeal measure ultimately returned 62 corrected booklets before the division completed its signature count in March. Attorneys on both sides have said the measure would not meet the signature requirements to qualify for the ballot if the 62 booklets were thrown out.
The 2020 initiative replaced party primaries with open primaries and instituted ranked vote general elections. Under the open primary system, voters are asked to pick one candidate per race, with the top four vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, advancing to the general election.
Advertisement
The new system was first used in 2022 and is being used again for this year’s elections. Many of this year’s legislative races had fewer than four candidates in the primary.
Supporters of ranked choice voting say it gives voters more choice and rewards candidates who appeal to a broader portion of the electorate. Opponents say it’s confusing and pushes voters to rank candidates they don’t necessarily support.
Get Today in Politics
A digest of the top political stories from the Globe, sent to your inbox Monday-Friday.
Rain puddles reflect late sunlight at the Alaska State Fair Monday night Aug. 19, 2024. (Anne Raup / ADN)
The second weekend of the Alaska State Fair is upon us with lots of fun on tap. Thursday is AARP Day and admission is just $3between 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday is Kids’ Day, and kids 12 and under get in free. Family Day is Saturday, so kids 12 and under get a $2 discount. A donation of two shelf-stable food items is encouraged for those enjoying the special days.
There’s plenty of music, rides, food and much more to enjoy. Here’s a look at some of the highlights, plus information on the main stage Borealis Theatre concerts.
Thursday
Cowboy Olympics Noon at the Events Tent
Advertisement
This family-friendly event is an opportunity to play cowboy games and try some cornhole, horseshoes and roping.
Baby Goat Yoga4 p.m. at Alaska’s News Source Corral
Open to ages 10 and up, yoga doesn’t get any better than this with baby goats trying their best to get some cuddles.
Midnight Sun Cloggers4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Alyeska Pipeline Colony Stage
This all-female dance team is sure to make some noise with an entertaining clogging routine.
These fun races are open for kids ages 6 months to 4 years with prizes for all age categories. Sign-ups start at 12:30 p.m. with races at 1 p.m.
Kids’ Day Games 2 p.m. at Alaska’s News Source Corral
Kids’ Day continues with plenty of games and races for prizes. Open for ages 5-9, there are classics like the wheelbarrow race, frog jump, potato sack race and doughnut eating.
Just For Kids Cookie Contest 7 p.m. at Hoskins Exhibits
Advertisement
The Cabbage Fairies judge this contest. It’s open to kids age 5-12 with one entry per child. Cookies should be based on this year’s theme, “Enjoy the Ride.”
People ride the carousel on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024 during the first day of the Alaska State Fair in Palmer. (Loren Holmes / ADN)
This team of mostly rescued dogs soars in an extreme stunt dog show, which includes agility racing, high jump, freestyle frisbee disc, dancing dogs, and dock diving.
Mullet Mania 4 p.m. at SBS Woodlot
Prepare for a business-in-the-front, party-in-the-back mullet contest. Categories include “Mini Mullet” for ages 0-12, “Speed-Trap Mullet” for ages 13-21, “Neck Warmer Mullet” for ages 21 and over, “The Shullet” for women of all ages, and the “Silver Fox” — must have grey or silver hair.
Advertisement
Rodeo Alaska Champions Tour 2 p.m. at Grandstand
The top cowboys and cowgirls from Alaska and contestants from all over the Northwest compete for more than $30,000. Tickets are $17 for 13 and up and $12 for kids 6-12.
Alaskan chefs do battle in the Throwdown using Alaska seafood. Stop by to sample their creations and place your people’s choice vote.
Pack Goat Demonstrations Noon/2 p.m./4 p.m. at Craig Taylor Farm Exhibits
Advertisement
If you’re interested in using pack goats for hunting or hiking, this is a stop to make at the Fair.
Giant pumpkin growers Keith Malone, left, and Dale Marshall talk during the Great Pumpkin Weigh-off at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer on August 28, 2023. (Marc Lester / ADN)
Monday
18th Annual Alaska Midnight Sun Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off 2 p.m. at Craig Taylor Farm Exhibits
One of the most anticipated events takes place Monday afternoon as an Alaska grower may break the current state record of 2,147 pounds. Entries are processed from 11 a.m. –1 p.m. and the weigh-off begins at 2 p.m.
Horse Costume Contest5 p.m. at the Rance Equestrian Center
Horses are dressed to look their best with a variety of fun and interesting costumes.
Advertisement
Sankofa Dance Theatre3:30/4:30 p.m. at Alyeska Pipeline Colony Stage
Traditional African songs and dance from Sankofa Dance Theatre. The word “Sankofa” is derived from the Twi language of Ghana, and means “Go back and fetch it.”
An enthusiastic crowd cheers for Mt. Joy during their concert at the Alaska State Fair Aug. 19, 2024. (Anne Raup / ADN)
This week’s main stage Borealis Theatre concerts
•Thursday: Country music superstar Wynonna Judd kicks off the second weekend of concerts at the Alaska State Fair. Judd is in the Country Music Hall of Fame and is a five-time Grammy Award winner. Concert at 7 p.m.; doors open 5:30 p.m.; tickets cost $89 for reserved seating/$49 for lawn seating.
•Friday/Sunday: The most popular man at the Fair appears to be Ludacris. The hip-hop legend’s first announced show at the fair sold out within a day, prompting a second date that sold out just as quickly.
•Saturday: Launched by the sister-brother duo of Lzzy and Arejay Hale, Halestorm has evolved into a best-selling rock quartet. Lzzy Hale became the first female to earn a Grammy in the Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance category in 2013. Concert at 7 p.m.; doors open 5:30 p.m.; tickets cost $69 for reserved seating/$59 for lawn seating.
Advertisement
•Monday: NEEDTOBREATHE is the final act during the second weekend of the fair, bringing an alt-rock vibe. The Grammy-nominated rock band has more than 2 billion career streams across all platforms. Concert at 7 p.m.; doors open 5:30 p.m.; tickets cost $79 for reserved seating/$45 for lawn seating.
The small indigenous Yup’ik village of Napakiak has been reeling from a series of powerful storms that have brought catastrophic flooding to the Alaskan community over the past week.
Residents were forced to scramble to secure their homes on Sunday after heavy rains caused the Kuskokwim River to suddenly swell, sending floodwaters rushing into the village.
Vehicles had to be moved to higher ground as currents washed through the town.
The water level rose over 3 feet, trapping numerous people in their homes despite them being elevated above the ground.
Advertisement
The village of Napakiak, Alaska, flooded after heavy rains and erosion over the weekend. Several people became stuck in their homes as the river water encroached on the area, which is home to 350 people. The village of Napakiak, Alaska, flooded after heavy rains and erosion over the weekend. Several people became stuck in their homes as the river water encroached on the area, which is home to 350 people. Job Hale/AP
Residents are rescued from floodwaters in a front loader in Napakiak, Alaska. Local minister Job Hale was on hand to help people get to safety after the Kuskokwim River engulfed the village. Residents are rescued from floodwaters in a front loader in Napakiak, Alaska. Local minister Job Hale was on hand to help people get to safety after the Kuskokwim River engulfed the village. Job Hale/AP
Job Hale, the minister of the local Armory of God Baptist Church, was taken by surprise when flooding occurred outside the usual spring and fall seasons for which the community typically prepares, AP reported.
Using his front-loader tractor, Hale stepped in to rescue several residents who were stranded in their homes by the rising water.
He made several trips, transporting people to safety by having them climb into the bucket of his tractor to be lifted out of the flooded area.
The edge of Napakiak sits less than 50 feet from the Kuskokwim River, and erosion is marching up the banks 25 to 30 feet per year toward the community’s well water source and school building.
The floods forced the cancellation of a farewell party at the village school, which had to be closed due to its perilous location near the rapidly eroding riverbank.
Buildings submerged in Napakiak, Alaska. Three storms in the space of a week, coupled with severe erosion, left the village vulnerable to flooding. Buildings submerged in Napakiak, Alaska. Three storms in the space of a week, coupled with severe erosion, left the village vulnerable to flooding. Job Hale/AP
Buildings submerged in Napakiak, Alaska. The village sits just 50 feet from the banks of the Kuskokwim River. Buildings submerged in Napakiak, Alaska. The village sits just 50 feet from the banks of the Kuskokwim River. Job Hale/AP
The erosion is partially driven by climate change, as warming temperatures cause permafrost—normally frozen soil—to thaw, destabilizing riverbanks.
In response to the urgent threat, Napakiak has secured $25 million from the Department of the Interior’s Voluntary Community-Driven Relocation Program, as well as state funding for the construction of a new school.
Advertisement
This funding will contribute to Napakiak’s ambitious 50-year plan to relocate the entire village to a new site two miles away from the eroding riverbank.
Water from an overflowing Kuskokwim River reaches the sides of buildings in Napakiak, Alaska. A bold 50-year plan is underway to relocate the village to safer ground. Water from an overflowing Kuskokwim River reaches the sides of buildings in Napakiak, Alaska. A bold 50-year plan is underway to relocate the village to safer ground. Job Hale/AP
The total relocation costs are projected to exceed $200 million.
This weekend’s flood was the second storm to hit the Bethel region in recent days, with a third storm—the remnants of Typhoon Ampil—bringing more precipitation and strong winds to western Alaska on Tuesday.
No major injuries or significant property damage have been reported so far.
Residents are now bracing for the possibility of additional flooding as more rain is expected in the next few days.
Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about flooding? Let us know via science@newsweek.com.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/adn/6ZGOV4572ZAV7KGW47P5W7JB6I.JPG "What to check out at the Alaska State Fair’s second weekend")
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/adn/2GVHA2FP45EQ3MT7MNJNWLLBC4.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/adn/VGU7TJGO6JDYBBQHXG5RQF3J4M.JPG)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/adn/6ZGOV4572ZAV7KGW47P5W7JB6I.JPG)
