The management of salmon fishing on the Kuskokwim River has become as controversial as ever as the the numbers of kings have, on average, dropped in recent decades but most dramatically in the last few years. Last season historic restrictions were implemented by fish managers in an effort to save future runs of kings. This year the numbers are expected to be similar but managers have a very different management strategy. It will mean more early season fishing for your family but it could also mean less fish make it to their spawning grounds.

In this show we take a look at management decisions last year and get an explanation of the forecast and management plan for this year. As always the phone lines are open for local fishers to wade into the conversation.

Part 1:
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Part 2:
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

5.17.13 Engl Even News WEB

KYUK listeners were able to get the latest on Calista happenings for their monthly call-in show. Board Vice Chairmen George Guy and Communications Manager Thom Leonard joined Fran Reich to get the latest updates including the upcoming golf tournament that has helped raise over $3,000,000 for scholarships and some of the topics discussed in the most recent board meeting. Leonard was able to expand on how Calista was able to reach their hefty $350,000,000 revenue goal two years early, while Guy reminded shareholders to keep an eye out for the annual report that will be mailed out by June 30. Listen to the concerns shareholders brought to the table and the show in its entirety below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

The River Watch program started Thursday on the Kuskokwim. The program conducts daily aerial surveys of the river ice and is a joint venture between the state and the federal governments. The program flew the middle river area May 16, from Stony River down to Birch Crossing below Aniak. Karl Edwards was on the flight. He’s an emergency management specialist with Homeland Security and Emergency Management. He says there’s still a lot of ice on the middle river.
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

There is a moderate chance for flooding on the Kuskokwim this year as there is still thick ice present and some snow left in the mountains. If temperatures warm up quickly, there could be a dynamic breakup with flooding. But if temperatures remain cold, breakup could stretch out for days creating a thermal breakup and little flooding.

Zach Fansler and Fran Reich created a dynamic duo as they fielded questions and comments for this week’s Talk Line. From remembering “old timers” like Dr. John White to laying the ground for an overdue basketball reunion the hosts juggled a slough of topics. There was much speculation of the highly anticipated break up of the Kuskokwim River and Reyne Athanas shared many local events in Bethel that will certainly keep the community busy until the river finally does break up. Other topics included the tobacco tax, the Yukon Lodge and new fuel policies.

Part 1:
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Part 2:
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Bethel’s tribe Orutsararmiut Native Council held its annual meeting on April 27. There, tribal members re-elected Gregory Hoffman and Glen Watson to serve on the tribal council. Two other people were newly elected to serve on the council. They are Robert Lekander and Bing Santamour.

On May 15, the ONC council met at a special meeting to elect officers.

The newly elected officers are:
Gloria Simeon as Chair;
Henry Hunter as Vice-Chair,
and Bing Santamour as Secretary.

According to a written statement, ONC is committed to serving the Native Community of Bethel and building on their partnership with the City of Bethel, as well as other agencies, to make the community a better place.

5.16.13 Engl Even News WEB

After a year and a half, I am leaving KYUK and Alaska. I am going downstates to be with the woman I love in Ohio. [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

After too-short a time here, I say goodbye to this place that truly changed me.

I have seen some tough stuff as most in the region have–long cold winter and days that dwindle and smolder like a matchstick burnt to its end.

But for every day with just an hour of half-light, I have seen ten with a sun that shines brighter than any I have ever known.
Thank you all for letting me be a part of your story. You have really affected this reporter.

And not just because of that time I ate way too much seal oil…

It is with a heavy-heart that I say goodbye to you, the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta.

I hope to return soon. My heart surely wants to.