Rasmuson Grant
Dear Editor: The Sitka Sound Science Center would like to thank the Rasmuson Foundation for its generous Tier One grant to install a new hatchery work float next to our net pens in Sitka Sound. The work float makes our operation more efficient by making it easier to feed our pink, chum and coho when they are in the netpens before they are released to Sitka Sound.
We released the cohos two weeks ago during our salmon release party. The Rasmuson Foundation has done so much to improve our facilities and move our organization forward. We are grateful that the Foundation supports our science education and science research mission. Thank you also to Holland America for its community grant toward this project and to Alaska Marine Lines for helping with the cost of shipping the float to Sitka. Thank you to Davey Castle on the Eyak for allowing us to use his deck space and crane to load, assemble and install the workfloat. Thank you also to the Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (NSRAA) for storing the workfloat when it’s not needed.
The Sheldon Jackson Hatchery is operated by the Sitka Sound Science Center. It was the first permitted hatchery in the State of Alaska and was constructed by the students of Sheldon Jackson College in 1972. Sitka Sound Science Center is pleased to carry on the legacy of the hatchery which has helped to educate many of our state leaders in aquaculture, fisheries, and natural resource management. Additionally, we are proud to be contributing salmon to the common property fisheries in Sitka Sound providing fishery enhancement for subsistence, sport, guided sport and commercial fishermen.
Thank you again to the Rasmusons, Holland America, Alaska Marine Lines, the Eyak and NSRAA for making this project happen. Best Fishes.
Lisa Busch, Executive Director,
Sitka Sound Science Center
Gilnettings
Dear Editor: Sitka has many heroes and one that is at the top of my list is Gil Truitt – athlete, educator, historian, community leader and author of Gilnettings. Gilnettings captures the history of our town that have made us the special place we are.
His writings are enjoyable as well as important in remembering how much our past has influenced our present community that we all love so much. Thanks, Gil, for your musings, and to the Sitka Sentinel for sharing them with us.
Gary Paxton, Sitka
