Troublesome black bear forces campground closure

A young, persistent black bear that has repeatedly caused trouble in the Walker Fork campground near Chicken has forced the Bureau of Land Management to close the Walker Fork Campground at Mile 82 of the Taylor Highway.

On July 3, the bear ripped up several tents and tried to get into recreational vehicles. Officials say the bear has become habituated to human food and is dangerous. Hazing efforts failed.

"It's necessary to close this campground in order to ensure the safety of the public," Adam Carr, the BLM's eastern Interior field manager, said in a press release. "Walker Fork Campground will remain closed until we feel it's safe for campers to return."

Silver openings next week

New fishing prospects open to Anchorage area anglers in July, particularly next week.

Beginning Friday, July 14, Campbell Creek and Bird Creek will open to silver salmon anglers. At the same time, popular Ship Creek downtown will close to king salmon fishing.

Anglers looking to combine a vigorous hike with some lake fishing could try Symphony Lake in the Eagle River area, where anglers can take up to five grayling a day, only one exceeding 12 inches. The fishery opened July 1. It requires nearly 6 miles of hiking to reach the lake at 2,650 feet.

New parks director named

The man who helped develop the state's Made in Alaska program will become director of the Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation later this month.

Ethan Tyler has been the economic development manager for the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.

"A key objective for … Alaska is sustaining and protecting our park system by making it less reliant on general funds," Natural Resources Commissioner Andy Mack said in a press release announcing the appointment. "Ethan's skills and experience make him a natural fit."

Tyler worked at Alyeska Resort in 2000 before stints at CIRI Alaska Tourism Corp., the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and the Alaska Community Foundation.