Lincoln Street Closure
Dear Editor: In regards to the Lincoln Street closure on June 12 designed to help revitalize downtown Sitka we would like to apologize for not doing a better job of informing the community about the event. We are working hard to accommodate Sitkans’ needs in regards to the closure and appreciate all of the feedback we have received.
One of the changes that was made after much feedback was to reduce the hours to 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thus it will be June 19, 26 and July 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Again we appreciate your input and cooperation as we continue to work on the revitalization of our downtown district.
Cyndy Gibson,
Revitalize Sitka: Creating a
vibrant downtown workgroup
Class of 2013
Dear Editor: The parents of the graduating class of 2013 would like to thank the community of Sitka for their support of our kids throughout their schooling. Without the support of the Sitka School District staff and the community of Sitka our kids would not be as successful.
Following graduation on Monday, May 27, parents of the class of 2013 organized a night for their kids to be together and celebrate with their fellow classmates. It was an amazing night with kids participating in a variety of activities. These included dinner at the Channel Club and a variety of games and activities at Mt. Edgecumbe High School. After the game time, they were picked up by Allen Marine and taken out to watch fireworks and enjoy a bon fire until the sun came up the next morning.
The evening could not have been as successful without donations from these fine people and companies. We would like to publicly thank the following: Allen Marine, AC Lakeside, Hames Corporation, Silver Bay Seafoods, Samson Tug and Barge, Halibut Point Marine, Petro Marine, Mt. Edgecumbe High School, Gene and Trudy Prewitt and drivers Gary and Herb, Channel Club (Sydney and Crew), Baranof Elementary School, Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary School, Blatchley Middle School, U.S. Coast Guard Spouses’ and Women’s Association, Sitka Elks Lodge, Karin Cunningham, Kari Sagel, Kay McCarty (amazing signs), Sitka High School office staff and last, but not least, Tim Fulton for being in charge of the security and safety of our kids.
Again, thank you to the entire community for the help you have given our kids. We know you join us in expecting amazing things from this class.
Sitka High School
Class of 2013 parents
So Long, Friends
Dear Editor: Over the years we have read many ‘‘fond farewells’’ of Sitka, and now it’s our turn to say so long to this unique town we have called home most of our lives.
Sitka is one of a kind with beauty unsurpassed, with wildlife so close. We have enjoyed watching whales and eagles, too many to count. Remembering mama brown bear and her four cubs robbing the neighbor’s smokehouse-ready salmon. Our boating trips that took us to many wonderful beaches to build the bonfire that never seemed to have enough wood. Watching the kids hunt Easter eggs in the snow. Standing on the curb to watch the parades and its characters.
We take with us a lifetime of memories, but it is the people of Sitka who we will miss most. So as we head down the road on our new adventure, to all our family, friends and acquaintances, we will not say good bye. It’s, until we meet again.
Darby and Shannon Reid, Sitka
Forest Plan Website
Dear Editor: The Tongass National Forest web site contains the 2012 Annual and Five Year Tongass National Forest Monitoring and Evaluation Report. An annual written summary of forest-wide monitoring programs is specified and a five-year reporting period is referenced in Chapter 6 of the Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plans). This report summarizes specific monitoring that was completed during fiscal year 2012 and reports trends and evaluation of the past five years of monitoring. The report is on the internet at http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/tongass/landmanagement/planning under 2012 Monitoring Report.
The Forest Plan identifies management direction for the Tongass in terms of goals, objectives and standards and guidelines – based on the underlying assumptions of statute, policy, theory, data, technology and public needs and desires. Monitoring involves gathering data and information, and observing the results of management activities as a basis for the periodic evaluation of the Forest Plan. Evaluation is a process for interpreting monitoring data and information to determine whether changes in management direction are needed. The Forest Plan incorporates three types of monitoring and evaluation approaches: implementation, effectiveness and validation.
The monitoring protocols used for the 2012 Monitoring and Evaluation Report reflect the Record of Decision for the 2008 Forest Plan. Protocols continue to evolve as managers receive more information. The forest monitoring plan was written to monitor impacts to old-growth forests at the highest timber harvest level allowed by the Forest Plan. However, timber harvest since Forest Plan implementation has been significantly below the allowable sale quantity. The forest is in transition to lower harvest levels, and impacts are well within the thresholds outlined by the Forest Plan. Most of the monitoring described in this report reflects an overview of annual data collection, monitoring pilots, and protocol development. Potential changes to the Forest Plan and monitoring plan will be considered in the Five Year Forest Plan Review.
If you have questions or comments about this report, please contact Carol Seitz Warmuth at the Ketchikan Forest supervisor’s office, 907-228-6341.
Forrest Cole, Forest Supervisor,
Alaska Region,
Tongass National Forest
Red Dirt BBQ
Dear Editor: First, I would like to say what a wonderful community Sitka is! The 5th annual BBQ was another great success! Thousands of dollars have been raised over the past five years for both Autism Speaks and Sitka’s Outdoor Recreation and Community Access Program (SAIL). I first want to thank everyone who has attended the BBQ over the years. Sitka folks have helped raise money while enjoying BBQ and country music from Texas. What great fun it has been enjoying the dancing music and BBQ food.
I would like to say a huge thanks to all the local businesses that have supported the event. Without their support the event would not be possible. Very special big thanks to the Westmark Sitka with their continued support of lodging and Kingfisher Charters for all the boating and fishing over the past five years.
This year the support from local business was amazing! Thank you, Sea Mart, Ludvig’s Bistro, White’s Pharmacy, Harry’s Specialty, Sitka True Value, Mike’s Floors, Sitka Vision Clinic, Work and Rugged Gear, Baranof Island Brewery, JoAnn Huff, CPA, LLC, Christine Harrington, CPA, LLC, Brenner’s Fine Clothing and Gifts, Schmolck Mechanical Contractors, Pizza Express, Chocolate Moose, Sewing Solutions, Robertson’s Gallery, Orion Sporting Goods, Russell’s, The Cellar, Re:Fresh Salon, Spa and Fitness, Salon 264, State Farm Insurance, Venneberg Insurance, Baranof Realty, Davis Realty, Northern Sales, House of Liquor, Dr. David Pearson, D.D.M., A/C Lakeside, Arrowhead Transfer, Foreign Auto, Silver Basin and Bayview Pub!
Thank you so much to my friends and family who help make this possible – John and Sharron Ferrick, Ted Howard, Dave Galanin, Gary Gouker, Christian Blanco, Josh Miller, Larissa Nellis, Seth Bone, Brian Oberreuter and Colin Herforth. I want to say thank you to the U.S. Coast Guard for the air station tour, Old Harbor Books for ticket sales and the Sitka Sentinel for all the great press! Most importantly, I would like to say thank you to my son, Andrew. He continues to inspire me and brings so much joy in my life!
Thanks so much, Sitka.
Seimeen Bone, Red Dirt BBQ
Wonderful Visit
Dear Editor: Four gentlemen fished with Kingfisher Charters at the end of May.
We loved the public transportation. The seafood chowder at the Dock Shack was much acclaimed. It is a beautiful island. Thank you.
Dutch Postema, Blue Lake, Calif.
