The Comeuppance of a Gopher Choker – Corey Rossi Busted for Illegal Bear Hunting
Corey Rossi, director of the Alaska Division of Wildlife Conservation, who has just resigned in scandal after being snared (as it were) engaging in the illegal hunting of bears. Mudflatters may remember past coverage of Corey Rossi, referred to by others as “the gopher choker.” Rossi began his ignominious political career by being friends with [...]
Fedex – When Your Grizzlies Absolutely, Positively Have to be There Overnight
In October, three cubs were orphaned after their mother had what was described as an “encounter with a Wasilla resident.” They have been relocated to Detroit, Michigan via Fedex plane. The trio arrived in the wee hours of Friday morning. “We’re just very excited because the cubs seem to be in good health and they’re [...]
Oyster Roundup!
~Thick and fast they came at last, and more, and more, and more! Derby Day! That’s right. Today with your plate of tasty oyster news nuggets, you can also enjoy a mint julep. (pause while that sinks in) OK, maybe not the best combination, but you understand my metaphorical drift. It should be an interesting [...]
Voices from the Flats – Alaska Expands Extreme Predator Control & Limits Public Participation
Bill Sherwonit has been a freelance nature writer since 1992. His most recent book, “Changing Paths: Travels and Meditations in Alaska’s Arctic Wilderness” is now available HERE. For nearly a quarter-century, Bill has written extensively about wild lands and wildlife. Though he continues to journey into the wilderness each year, he has also paid increasing [...]
Voices from the Flats – Economic Impact of Predator Control
By Stephen F. Stringham, PhD Director, Bear Viewing Association ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF PREDATOR CONTROL According to estimates by the Bear Viewing Association: At its peak, a few years ago, before intensive predator extermination got into full swing, bear viewing brought at least $50 million per year into Alaska — about half from payments to guides [...]
Alaska Wildlife Under Attack, and Science Under the Bus
More bad news for Alaska’s wildlife. Just when we thought that former Governor Sarah Palin had left Alaska alone for greener pastures in Hollywood and six figure speaking engagements across the nation, we here in Alaska still feel the repercussions of her decisions. And the rumors swirl that these “repercussions” may in fact be ongoing [...]
Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game – Vote Early, Vote Often!
I arrived at the School District Building not knowing quite what to expect. Armed with Blackberry, camera and a plate of banana brownies I headed into the unknown. Last year at the election meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, there were 65 people in attendance. I hoped [...]
I’ll Get You My Pretty…and That Little Wolf Too! Palin’s War on Wildlife Continues…
I have used this term in the past, but never before has the phrase ”Palin’s war on wildlife” seemed so chillingly accurate. It is well known that Sarah Palin has stacked the board of game with “harvesters” while shunning conservationists. But, the detailed article in Alaska Dispatch by conservationist and author Bill Sherwonit is absolutely chilling. I [...]
