Outdoors Update

Ice fishing this weekend at Jewel Lake
For anyone who can't wait to satisfy their urge to fish, the Alaska Sports Fishing Association's annual Ice Fishing Jamboree is taking place this weekend at Jewel Lake Park.

When the lights go out, blame humans
Several years back, I woke my kids in the middle of the night. "Come on, get up, look at the northern lights!" The sky was a brilliant red, from horizon to horizon. They did get up and look, but didn't seem quite as impressed as I. Today they don't remember that night.

Outdoors hotline (2/7/12)
Notices and listings of upcoming outdoors events

Federal subsistence board renews review of Alaska rural designation
The state's federal subsistence board has discarded seven years of work to determine which rural federal lands in Alaska are eligible for subsistence hunting.

Alaska Ski for Women scheduled Sunday
The Alaska Ski for Women 4-K ski race will take place this Sunday at Kincaid Park. Funds raised go toward local charities to fight domestic abuse.

Outdoors hotline (1/31/12)
Notices and listings of upcoming outdoors events

Government can crowd out other forms of working together
New York Times columnist Ross Douthat warns against government that uses its authority to force churches and other groups to toe its philosophical marks.

Kodiak bear guides aim to give guests low-impact adventure
Harry and Brigid Dodge's efforts to reduce the environmental impact of their business have won them several awards. This month, their business, Kodiak Treks, was recertified by Adventure Green Alaska, the sole Alaska organization offering a certification process for ecotourism.