Airhorn to Sound
In National Park
To Deter Bears
Don’t be alarmed if you hear an “airhorn” coming from within Sitka National Historical Park between 8 and 8:30 a.m.
To help minimize bear human interactions, park staff will be using an airhorn’s non-lethal sound blast in an attempt to have bears associate the airhorn noise with a human presence.
‘‘If successful, the park trails can remain more open for visitor use and we can avoid the lengthy temporary trail closures of recent years from bears who accessed the park at night seeking salmon in Indian River – but stayed instead of their more natural pattern of leaving the area at dawn,’’ the park said.
As the season progresses, the park again will post advisory signs on the trails, as warranted, alerting visitors to known bear presence.
The activity is consistent with Sitka National Historical Park’s Human and Bear Interaction Management Plan and will continue throughout the summer and fall.
For more information contact Natural and Cultural Resources Program Manager Jessica Perkins at 907-747-0140 or Jessica_Perkins@nps.gov.
Indian River
Hike Saturday
Sitka Trail Works invites the public to join a free hike up the Indian River Trail on Saturday, June 11.
Hikers should meet at the trailhead parking area on Indian River Road at 9 a.m. The nine-mile, five-hour round-trip hike will go to the waterfall and back. The trail gains elevation gradually and runs alongside Indian River and then through stands of old growth spruce. Hike leaders will carry first aid supplies and VHF radios. Hikers should take water, snacks and extra layers. For information visit www.sitkatrailworks.org.
Cycling Club Sets
Meeting, Bike Ride
The Sitka Cycling Club will hold its monthly planning meeting noon-1 p.m. Friday, June 17, at the Mean Queen.
New members and anyone interested in promoting cycling in Sitka are welcome to attend.
A monthly open bike ride is planned 1 p.m. Saturday, June 18. Cyclists will meet at the Salty Spoke bike co-op, 1 Lincoln Street, to decide on the route. For information call 966-8674 or go to sitkacycling.wordpress.com.
Bishop’s House Closed
The Russian Bishop’s House will be closed June 12.
St. Peter’s Services
Set for Weekend
St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church has announced a change of service details for June 12.
An in-person service is slated at 8 a.m., and a 10 a.m. service will be via Zoom. Regular in-person services at both 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. will resume the following week, the church said.
All are invited to join in person or on Zoom. For information, contact the church office at stpetersbytheseak@gmail.com or call (907) 747-3977. The church is located at 611 Lincoln Street and is open every day to stop in for quiet, prayer, and rest for the spirit.
