Author: The Tundra Drums Staff
The future of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is again in the national spotlight following renewed discussion around oil and gas leasing on its coastal plain, a region considered environmentally and culturally significant. The coastal plain, covering approximately 1.5 million acres, is home to a wide range of wildlife, including polar bears, seals, walruses, and more than 200 species of migratory birds. The area also holds deep cultural importance for Indigenous communities, including the Gwich’in and Iñupiat, who rely on the region for subsistence and cultural practices. According to advocacy groups monitoring federal land policy, the Trump administration is moving…
Anglers looking for a convenient winter fishing spot near Haines have a reliable option at Mosquito Lake State Recreation Site, the only road-accessible ice-fishing location in the area. Long known as a favorite local destination for freshwater fishing, camping, and family outings, Mosquito Lake remains popular year-round. In winter, its easy access makes it a go-to spot for ice fishing, while summer visitors use the area for boating, picnicking, and camping. The site currently features a small-boat launch suitable for fishing on Mosquito Lake, with additional access to fishing areas in the upper Chilkat River drainage through a connecting slough.…
The Alaska Earthquake Center reported steady seismic activity across the state over the past week, recording around 800 earthquakes. According to the center, six of those quakes were felt by residents, with the strongest measuring magnitude 5.8 on January 24, south of Great Sitkin Island in the Aleutians. While the Earthquake Center’s primary focus is on monitoring seismic activity within Alaska, its work plays a much larger role at the national level. The center is part of the Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS), a nationwide network comprising 15 regional seismic monitoring groups that coordinate with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).…
Federal agencies are inviting public input as they begin a limited review of the Federal Subsistence Management Program, a system that governs subsistence hunting and fishing on federal lands and waters across Alaska. According to information shared by Northern Center, the review is being conducted jointly by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The process is aimed at gathering public perspectives on how the program supports conservation-based management and long-term sustainability. The Federal Subsistence Management Program plays a central role in managing fish and wildlife resources on federal lands in Alaska. It is designed…
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.…
The following public notice has been issued by the Bureau of Land Management regarding submerged lands in the Goodnews River system. 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 December 28, 2017, 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.…
The following public notice has been issued by the Bureau of Land Management regarding submerged lands in the Goodnews River system. Local residents may submit comments by February 6, 2026. Notice is hereby given that on November 2, 2017, 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. 1745), and the regulations in 43 CFR Subpart 1864, which authorize the BLM to issue an RDI. The BLM casefile for the RDI application…
Most Cadillac Lyriq owners assume driving modes are just about comfort or performance. But in reality, they can quietly change your real-world range by up to 15% on a single charge. The battery doesn’t change, but how efficiently that energy is used definitely does. In this guide, we break down exactly how each driving mode affects range, backed by real-world scenarios, efficiency estimates, and practical usage tips. Quick Answer (For Busy Readers) 🗒 ✔ The Cadillac Lyriq battery size remains the same in every mode ✔ Real-world range can vary by 3–15% depending on driving style and condition ✔ Tour…
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…