The 91-year-old Chugach, the last wooden ranger boat in the U.S. Forest Service's southeast Alaska fleet, is being taken out of service — and the Forest Service is seeking suggestions on what to do with it.
The 62-foot-long, 40-ton Chugach, designed by Seattle boat designer L.H. Coolidge, launched in 1925. Since then, it has transported scientists, government officials and guests through Forest Service lands in Southeast. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
Today, it's being repaired in Wrangell.
The Forest Service is seeking proposals to lease, reuse and preserve the vessel. Suggestions that preserve the boat's historic integrity will be given particular weight.
Proposals will be accepted through July 27. Send email proposals to rangerboat@fs.fed.us. Include your name, the name of your organization, your alternative use idea or feasibility plan. Details are available from Keri Hicks in the Forest Service's Juneau office.
Stay safe around water
Drowning in Alaska is much higher, on a per-capita basis, than other states — in part due to the 49th state's 3 million lakes and 33,000 miles of coastline. So AARP Alaska is hooking up with Avalanche Information Center to host a half-day water safety workshop July 16 at the Fox Run Lodge and RV Park on Matanuska Lake.
Instructors who are search-and-rescue responders will talk about water crossings as part of hiking, climbing, hunting, fishing and other outdoor pursuits.
All ages are welcome, but children less than 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Sign up at www.alaskasnow.org
163-pound halibut seizes third place in derby
A Montana woman added her name to the Valdez Halibut Derby leaderboard on Thursday when she landed a 163-pound flatfish.
That puts Congetta Betson of Seeley Lake, Montana, in third place behind Jeff Leaverton of Madisonville, Louisiana, (174 pounds) and David Jamison of Fairbanks (253 pounds).
For more information on the Valdez derbies, visit: www.valdezfishderbies.com
Birch, Chena lakes gain recognition
Two Alaska lakes have been recognized as good bets for recreation, earning spots in this year's "Top 100 Family Places to Boat and Fish in the U.S.," according to the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation's Take Me Fishing campaign.
Birch Lake, at Mile 306 of the Richardson Highway, was ranked 56th. It offers 17 spots for motor homes and five tent-camping sites, fireplaces, tables and a boat ramp. Rainbow trout, arctic char and king salmon are stocked in the lake.
Chena Lake, checking in at No. 79, is on Laurance Road near North Pole. Among its offerings are two designated swimming areas with sandy beaches, boat rentals, campsites and volleyball courts. Anglers can pursue rainbows, arctic char and king salmon.