Author: The Tundra Drums Staff
Alaska Dive Rescue Team Announced a major equipment boost while continuing to seek community support to expand its training and mission response capabilities. The team confirmed it has received a donated, unserviceable aluminum aircraft frame from Sutton Aircraft Salvage, which will be used exclusively for training purposes. The donation is expected to significantly improve hands-on preparedness for complex recovery and rescue scenarios. Despite the progress, the organization says additional resources are urgently needed. For training, the team is looking for an unserviceable or older aluminum boat, with or without a cabin, no larger than 24 feet in length and without…
Schools looking for a hands-on educational experience can now bring students to the William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery Ship Creek Fisheries Center, located in downtown Anchorage. The facility welcomes school groups and offers self-guided audio tours, educational exhibits, and videos that explain Alaska’s fisheries and hatchery operations. Guided tours are also available when booked in advance, giving students a closer look at fish conservation and habitat management. Also Read: Ship Creek Fisheries Center Updates Hours and Operations School tours can be scheduled through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s official booking page.
The Alaska Marine Highway System announced the return of the ferry Aurora to Cordova, restoring a key link in marine transportation for the coastal community. The Aurora’s arrival was shared by officials along with a scenic image of the vessel docked at the Cordova harbor at sunrise, reflecting a bright moment for residents and travelers alike. The ferry’s return supports essential travel and transportation between Cordova and other communities that rely on state ferry service for connectivity during winter months. The Alaska Marine Highway System said it continues efforts to maintain dependable service across its routes, ensuring that passengers and…
A very limited snowmachine corridor has reopened at Hatcher Pass following extensive efforts by the Hatcher Pass Snow Riders and Mat-Su State Parks crews, officials announced. The reopening allows snowmachine access only along the Fishhook Trail corridor, beginning at the Fishhook parking lot and continuing over the pass to Summit Road. Access is restricted strictly to the designated trail and Summit Road. All other areas remain closed, including terrain below the Fishhook parking area, Gold Mint, and the entirety of Archangel Valley. Officials emphasized that this is a soft opening due to thin and fragile snow cover. The corridor is…
Anchorage’s winter cycling community is gearing up for Winter Bike Fest 2026, a month-long celebration of biking culture, safety, and community that will run through late January and February. The festival features a series of events designed to highlight year-round biking in Anchorage. Activities begin January 29 with “Filmed by Bike: Joyride!”, followed by Trail Tales on February 10 and Winter Bike to Work Day on February 13. The celebration continues with the Big Fat Ride on February 28, a popular group ride that brings cyclists together to close out the festival. Winter Bike Fest also includes a raffle with…
Anchorage residents looking for new employment opportunities are invited to attend the Mayor’s 3rd Annual City-Wide Job Fair, taking place today at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center. The event brings together employers and job seekers from across Anchorage, offering opportunities in a wide range of fields. The job fair runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the convention center, located at 600 West Seventh Avenue. Organizers say the city-wide fair is designed to connect job seekers directly with hiring employers and help open doors to new career paths. The event is open to the public, and attendees are…
Alaska State Parks is now hiring campground hosts for the upcoming summer season in Chugach State Park, offering an opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to support visitors while spending the season in some of Southcentral Alaska’s most popular recreation areas. Campground host positions are available at several locations, including Glen Alps Trailhead, Eklutna Lake Campground, Eagle River Campground, and Bird Creek Campground. Hosts assist park staff with daily campground operations such as light maintenance, litter pickup, janitorial tasks, and welcoming visitors. Also read: Alaska State Parks Invites Public to First Day Ski and Snowshoe at Eveline on Jan. 1 According to…
Three young anglers in Interior Alaska landed an impressive first catch while ice fishing at Birch Lake, according to Alaska Department of Fish and Game Sport Fishing Interior Alaska. Jaden Bear, Lyla Galbicsek, and Mira Galbicsek, fishing alongside Jaden’s father, Chad Bear, caught a 12.2-pound burbot on January 19. The fish measured 39 inches and qualified for ADF&G’s Trophy Fish Program, which requires a minimum weight of eight pounds for burbot. Chad Bear said the experience was a true team effort. The children helped drill holes, bait hooks, and clear ice as part of the outing. While they were not…
Road crews continue to make progress along the Road to Tanana as of Wednesday, January 21, 2026. According to the latest update, maintenance crews have cleared the roadway to Milepost 35 and are continuing work toward the river landing. Officials anticipate reaching the landing by the end of the business day, weather and conditions permitting. Crews are expected to remain active along the corridor over the coming days to improve travel conditions. Motorists are advised to use caution, remain alert for maintenance equipment, and expect changing road conditions. Also Read: Road to Tanana Reopens to Yukon River Landing, DOT&PF Says…
The Alaska Marine Highway System has welcomed the return of the ferry Aurora to Cordova, marking a positive development for transportation and connectivity in the community. The vessel’s arrival restores an important link for residents, businesses, and travelers who rely on ferry service for movement of people, vehicles, and goods. The Aurora’s return supports continued marine transportation access and reinforces the state ferry system’s role in serving coastal communities. Officials shared the update alongside a scenic photo captured in Cordova, highlighting the ferry docked against a winter sunrise. The return of the Aurora is part of ongoing efforts to keep…
The Alaska Community Action on Toxics (ACAT) has issued an urgent action alert calling on the public to submit comments to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) regarding proposed actions that could affect the Kigluaik Mountains region. According to ACAT, the comment period is critical for protecting Kigluaik lands, waters, and community health, particularly for communities that rely on the area for subsistence, clean water, and cultural practices. The organization is encouraging Alaskans to make their voices heard as part of the state’s environmental review process. Public comments must be submitted by February 2, 2026. ACAT emphasized that timely…
The following public notice has been issued by the Bureau of Land Management regarding submerged lands in the Kwethluk River, Alaska. Local residents may submit comments by February 6, 2026. This notice is published in the Alaska Life Public Notices section of The Tundra Drums website for the convenience of local residents and stakeholders. Notice is hereby given that on February 20, 2019 the State of Alaska finalized an application with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for a Recordable Disclaimer of Interest (RDI) pursuant to section 315 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.…