Outdoor briefs

Parts of Denali National Park close to snowmachines

Denali National Park and Preserve Superintendent Paul Anderson has determined that there is no longer adequate snow cover for the use of snowmachines for traditional activities in the 1980 additions to Denali National Park and Preserve that are north of the Alaska Range. Those park lands that were open for snowmobile use are now closed for the season.

The snow cover south of the Alaska Range is still adequate for the use of snowmachines for traditional activities in the 1980 additions to Denali National Park and Preserve, but riders should anticipate a closure in this area soon. River corridors have open water and the snowpack is diminishing quickly.

Riders are reminded that all lands within the former Mount McKinley National Park on both the north and the south sides of the crest of the Alaska Range are closed to all snowmachine use by federal regulation. Maps with GPS coordinates for the park and preserve boundary are available on the park website at nps.gov/dena/parkmgmt/park-boundary-info.htm.

The Denali Park Road is currently open for travel by private vehicles to the Teklanika Rest Area at Mile 30. The Murie Science and Learning Center at Mile 1.3 on the park road is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for visitor information and backcountry permits.

For more information, call (907) 683-9532, or online at nps.gov/dena.

Spring bear shoot event is Saturday

Spring bear shoot is Saturday at the Curtis D. Menard Sports Center. Signup begins at 9 a.m. and the competition begins at 10 a.m.

Jim Creek cleanup is May 21

A Jim Creek cleanup day is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 21 at the Knik River Public Use Area. Residents are invited to bring gloves, family and friends, sense of humor and favorite way to get around the area. Sign in at the Pavilion parking lot. Bags and trash disposal will be provided.

Everyone who collects a bag of trash will be entered in the Door Prize Drawing and gets a plate at the barbecue. Cleanup starts at 10 a.m., the barbecue starts at 1 p.m. and the door prize drawing is at 3 p.m.

For more information, contact 222-7676 or visit alaskaatvclub.org.

Palmer Hay Flats clean up day is Saturday

Alaskan for Palmer Hay Flats annual clean up day is from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Reflections Lake, turn off the Glenn Highway at the Knik River Access exit. Wear warm clothes and bring boots and gloves. Lunch is provided. For more information, contact Shannon Nathaniel at info@palmerhayflats.org, 357-8712 or visit palmerhayflats.org/calendar.html.

Frog surveyors sought

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Partnership for Citizen Science seeks help surveying for wood frogs now through June. For more information, or to get involved, visit akfrogs.net, or contact Marian Snively at 267-2893 or marian.snively@alaska.gov.

‘Shoot for the Cure’ is May 20

A cystic fibrosis fund-raising event is planned from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., May 20 at the Birchwood Recreation and Shooting Park.

Resource Advisory Committee meets May 21

A meeting of the Kenai Peninsula-Anchorage Borough Resource Advisory Committee is May 21, at the Begich Boggs Visitor Center, 800 Portage Lake Loop, Portage. The meeting is open to the public.

The members of the RAC will discuss and vote on proposals that received from communities of the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage Boroughs. The proposals that may receive funding would enhance forest ecosystems or restore and improve land health and water quality on the Chugach National Forest and other near-by lands including. The RAC is responsible for approving projects with funds made available from years 2008-12.

Committee discussion will be limited to committee members and Forest Service staff. However, public input opportunity will be provided and individuals will have the opportunity to address the committee at specific times.

Persons who wish to bring related matters to the attention of the committee may file written statements with the committee staff before or after the meeting. Public input sessions will be provided and individuals who made written requests by May 20 will have the opportunity to address the committee at those sessions.

Comments may also be sent via email to slatimer@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to (907) 224-3268.

All comments, including names and addresses when provided, are placed in the record and are available for public inspection and copying. The public may inspect comments received at the Seward Ranger District, 334 4th Ave, Seward.

For more information, visit https://fsplaces.fs.fed.us/fsfiles/unit/wo/secure_rural_schools.nsf.

Nordic Ski is subject of third poster contest

The Mat-Su Borough is seeking paintings, drawing, photographs or inspirational views from borough artists depicting the Nordic Ski Trails project at Hatcher Pass. Inspiration could mean a colorful stream of skiers with Pioneer Peak as a backdrop; a memorable sky with trail through spruce; an original take on the area to suggest its future of Nordic competitions, healthy outdoor family fun and increased tourism.

Work should be submitted ready for print on May 25 or earlier.

This is an annual poster contest that highlights a local artist’s or photographer’s work and promotes a Borough Assembly priority project. It’s recommended artists look at a map of the area before working. For more information call Public Affairs Director Patty Sullivan at 745-9577 or e-mail psullivan@matsugov.us.