A new report finds that while so-called "zombie fires" are currently responsible for a small portion of the land scarred by wildfires today in the world's boreal forests, they could become more prevalent as the climate warms.
Another low king salmon run is expected this year. State biologists estimate 94,000 to 150,000 kings will return to the Kuskokwim. That’s similar to last year’s return, which saw low numbers for not only kings, but also chum salmon.
To conserve the kings, federal management will begin June 1 and last until mangers determine that there is no more king conservation concern this season. On June 1, the Kuskokwim River and its salmon-spawning tributaries will close to gillnets and king salmon harvest. During the first half of the month, the mainstem will open for three set-net openings and two driftnet openings.
Federal and tribal managers have set an escapement goal of 110,000 kings reaching their spawning grounds. That’s more than the lower range of the number of kings state biologists forecast will return to the Kuskokwim this year, but forecasts are only educated estimates. Last year, fewer kings returned than initially forecast. The year before, more returned
Credit Katie Basile / KYUK
The Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge has declared federal management of the lower Kuskokwim River king salmon harvest. The refuge, in consultation with the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, has announced gillnet openings for the first half of June for the waters of the lower Kuskokwim that flow through federal land.
Set Net Openings
There will be three set gillnet openings along the Kuskokwim River, from the mouth to the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge boundary at Aniak. Each opening will last 16 hours. During these openings the retention of kings is only legal for rural residents of the Kuskokwim River.
4:05
The black Toyota pickup truck had been stranded on the river ice for multiple weeks. It sat near the Crowley boat launch, one of the main boat launches in Bethel. Spring melt is occurring, and breakup is soon expected. The concern was that if the truck fell in the water, it could become a hazard for boats, tear fishing nets, and leak contaminants in the river.
On the morning of May 2, three groups assembled to remove the truck: Bethel Search and Rescue, Alaska State Troopers, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. By then, a significant amount of water had pooled on the river ice.
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