Northwest Digest
Agriculture agency cites confusion in fisherman assistance
PALMER - In its enthusiasm to sign up beleaguered salmon fishermen for aid, a farm agency cast its net much too wide.
It sent a mailer to all the fishermen in Alaska.
At least one Alaska fisherman participating in six fisheries received six copies of the mailer, said United Fishermen of Alaska executive director Mark Vinsel. "It's an uphill battle with this kind of confusion," he said.
Chad Padgett, executive director of the Alaska Farm Service Agency, apologized Monday, explaining that the mailer was meant only for commercial fishermen who held salmon permits or crew licenses in 2003.
On Oct. 15, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency began taking applications for the Trade Adjustment Assistance program, which provides cash and educational benefits to commercial salmon fishermen. All salmon fishermen were encouraged to apply, but the aid is designed for those who suffered drastic price reductions for their catch because of lower-priced farmed salmon.
According to the agency, its mailer was sent to over 26,000 permit holders and crew members on Oct. 26 and just began hitting Alaska mailboxes.
The mailer also contained incorrect eligibility and contact information. Most importantly, fishermen were directed by the mailer to provide FSA with income statements from the 2002 and 2003 tax years. Fishermen must provide income statements from 2001 and 2003. The mailer is confusing as to where fishermen must send their application and where to apply for benefits.
Fishermen are encouraged to call the Farm Service Agency toll free at 1-866-872-3320 or visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/ak for more information.
Investigation into fatal accident continues
JUNEAU - Police said Monday that they hope to complete the investigation into a Sunday afternoon Glacier Highway accident that killed 19-year-old Brant Cooper, though as of Monday they were unable to interview anyone who had seen it.
"No one has come forward as witnesses," Police Capt. Tom Porter said. He added that because of the severity of injuries to the two other teenagers in the vehicle, officers have not been able to talk with them.
Two girls, both 17, reportedly were flown to a hospital in Seattle. Police described their condition as critical. Porter said Monday he could not yet release their names, but described both as "local."
He said he had no update on the girls' conditions.
The wreckage was reported by passing motorists at about 2:10 p.m. Sunday, about 10 miles north of Tee Harbor. The vehicle struck a rock wall and rolled upside down, police reported Sunday.
Cooper was thrown from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. One of the girls was thrown from the vehicle and one was partially ejected, police reported.
Porter said police could not release the names of the passengers because they are considered victims.
Forest Service allows long-term heliskiing in Chugach
ANCHORAGE - The U.S. Forest Service has granted a Girdwood company a five-year heliskiing permit over the protests of some Kenai Peninsula residents concerned with increased air traffic and possible wildlife disturbances.
Chugach Powder Guides now has access to nearly 160,000 acres of backcountry terrain through 2010, as well as new one-year permits for about another 100,000 acres, said owner Chris Owens.
The company since 1997 had received one-year Chugach National Forest use permits, which carry filing fees of a couple hundred dollars, Owens said.
The five-year permit allows for more business stability and planning, Owens said.
Heliskiing has been a part of Alaska's growing outdoor-adventure economy for more than 10 years, but the industry has been tied to the annual permits.
The heliskiing season runs from February through mid-April, Owens said.
The new conditional permits give guides access to slopes that haven't been commercially skied before.
The Forest Service's Glacier Ranger District trimmed several proposed flying areas and cut three proposed staging areas after public meetings in Moose Pass, Seward, Hope and Girdwood, said Tim Charnon of the district's recreation staff.
The ranger district had a responsibility to Chugach Powder Guides to see whether their request fit with the recreation goals in their forest plan, Charnon said.
Washington, Alaska, Hawaii spared West Nile virus
SEATTLE - Washington may end the year as the only Lower 48 state with no cases of West Nile virus, health officials say.
"It's very bizarre," said Dr. Jo Hofmann, senior epidemiologist for the state Health Department. "We have no idea why we were spared."
Alaska and Hawaii are also West Nile-free.
The virus, spread by mosquitoes to humans from infected animals - mostly birds - has killed 73 people nationwide so far this year.
West Nile infections have been confirmed in more than 2,200 Americans, but because most of those infected don't get sick or show symptoms, the actual number is likely much greater.
The virus attacks the central nervous system.
It was first detected in the United States in 1999 in New York City. Most states now deal with it as an established human health threat.