NRCS Alaska News

November 20, 2008

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Photo: Night construction on Kongiganak's Emergency Watershed Protection project. Photo by Brant Dallas

Kongiganak Emergency Watershed Project

Brant Dallas, Civil Engineering Technician & Brett Nelson, State Conservation Engineer

NRCS awarded a construction contract for a streambank protection project in Kongiganak, AK under the Emergency Watershed Program.  The design called for 9,450 cubic yards of rock riprap to protect 1,000 feet of streambank from river erosion.  The contract was awarded to Quality Asphalt Paving (QAP) for 4.7 million dollars and they began work on July 24, 2008. 

By the time QAP started work, the bank was within 100 feet of the nearest house and less than 20 feet from the main electrical line that services a portion of the village.  The residents of Kongiganak were very happy to see work begin on the project.  As the project was getting close to final grade, villagers were ecstatic to see how good it looked and functioned.  Throughout this process, Oscar Active, the Village Administrator, provided us excellent assistance with the logistics related to sponsorship, community support and living arrangements.

QAP opted to deliver rock materials produced in Dillingham.  The materials were transported to a location offshore from Kongiganak via 2 ocean going barges and then transferred to a series of lighterage barges used to haul the material up the Kongnignanohk River.  Finally, the material was offloaded and placed at its final location.  This final step was complicated by tidal fluctuations and a small, shallow river that allowed just enough water to float the loaded barges once a day.  Work progressed at all hours of the day and night so QAP could make maximum use of available water.  The onsite construction crew is top notch and did an excellent job of constructing a project that meets plans and specs.

There were several hurdles to overcome during this season’s construction.  QAP had also won the contract to upgrade the village airport and spent the first seven weeks of the construction season on that project.  This put them behind schedule on the EWP project.  Additional interruptions occurred during construction when the contractor switched operations to the runway site and completely stopped work on the EWP project for several weeks at a time.  During such delays, substantially increased barge traffic and the manner in which the barges were operated caused significant erosion to the EWP project site. 

NRCS conducted two gradation tests on the riprap in early September and found the rock to be undersized.  Contract language requires the contractor to completely remove and replace all rock riprap that does not meet specifications.  Currently, QAP is putting together a plan to correct the situation.  Because we had excellent documentation and a good contract, we were able to work through many of these issues with only a letter to the contractor explaining their contractual responsibilities.  By following the contract and contracting law, all items were addressed with no additional cost to NRCS.  Unfortunately, the project was not completed by the contract deadline.  Now that winter is upon us, the fix will have to occur next summer.  Because QAP did not finish by the contract deadline date, they will be charged damages for each day they go past the completion deadline.

Remote construction work is complicated by a variety of factors including logistics, weather, availability of material and equipment, etc.  Kongiganak has proven to be an especially difficult place to work due to the extraordinary logistical challenge of getting material to the construction site.  The people of Kongiganak have been very patient and understanding with the contractor and we appreciate their active involvement and efforts to help us feel welcomed and appreciated in the village.

Photos:  (Above) Oscar Active, Village Administrator with the project in the background.  (Below)  EWP site as QAP left it in October.  Photos by Brant Dallas.   To see additional photos of life in Kongiganak take a look at Brant’s Flicker Site.

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Snow Survey Update 

Two new SNOTEL (SNOw TELemetry) sites were installed in the summer of 2008 by the Snow Survey Staff.  Jim Helm assisted the Snow Survey staff (Dan Kenney, James Montesi and Rick McClure) with many of the summer site installations and upgrades.

In July, the Wrangle-St. Elias National Park Chisana snow course was installed.  The site is located in the northeast side of the National Park 48-miles southeast of Nabesna and was installed in cooperation with the Denali National Park Service, Central Alaska Network (CAKN).  The site is reporting current, maximum, minimum and average air temperature as well as snow water content, snow depth, precipitation (storage and tipping bucket), and solar radiation.

During the third week of August, a second site was installed at Monahan Flat.  This site was upgraded from an on-site recorder to telemetry and was installed in cooperation with the National Weather Service River Forecast Center (RFC).  The site reports hourly current air temperature along with daily maximum, minimum, and average air temperatures, precipitation (storage), snow water content, snow depth, solar radiation and soil temperature and soil moisture from 3 probes at 5, 20 and 50 cm.

Site upgrades occurred at Point MacKenzie with the installation of a new shelter, foundation for the shelter and precipitation gauge.  Susitna Valley High and Kenai Moose Pens received new foundations for their precipitation gauges.  Wind anemometers were added to the Moraine and Anchorage Hillside SNOTEL sites.

Snow Suvery staff also installed 3 soil probes and conducted a soils characterization at the following sites this year:  Anchor River Divide, Rocky Point and Imnaviat Creek (117 miles south of Deadhorse).  Monument Creek received 2 additional sets of 3 soil probes bringing its total to 9 probes.  There are now 20 SNOTEL sites reporting soil moisture/soil temperature data that have had the soils described and soil samples collected to help calibrate the soil probes.

The 53 SNOTEL sites and 3 SCAN sites are sending hourly data to http://www.ak.nrcs.usda.gov/Snow/ and to the National Water and Climate Center (NWCC).  The daily data is edited for quality-control and stored.

Photos: (Left) Chisana SNOTEL site installers:  left to right - Jim Helm, Dan Kenney, James Montesi, Pam Sousanes (National Park Service).  (Middle) Park Service helicopter taking off from the Chisana Airstrip, near the new SNOTEL site.  (Right) Mark Clark describing the soils and looking at the interesting charcoal layer, a result of fire 60 to 70 years ago, at the Rocky Point SNOTEL site.  Photos by Rick McClure. 

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Updating the Wetland Plant List:  Twenty Years Later

Michelle Schuman, State Ecologist

…Darkness spreads across the sky like thick, dark molasses swallowing the last glimmer of light.  The streets are empty, quiet except for the crunch of each footstep on the freshly fallen snow.  A glimpse of movement, ever so slightly, as a shadow lurks behind, waiting patiently like a cat, muscles taut, quivering, until just the right moment.  The pace quickens with each heart beat, pounding louder and louder like the cadence of an African war dance.  The stillness is broken by a slight breeze, a whisper, and then…

The Plant List comes back to haunt me 20 years later.  Okay, I exaggerate, but it recently was St. Hollow’s Day and the Plant List has always been like a dark shadow lurking until now.  The National Wetland Plant List, last updated in 1988 (List 88) is being revised by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  The list is used as part of the wetland delineation process, in the restoration of wetlands, and as a resource of botanical information about wetland plants.

In the early 1980s, the above four primary Federal agencies involved in wetland delineation realized the potential utility of the plant and soil lists for wetland delineation purposes in conjunction with wetland delineation manuals that were under development at that time.  Therefore, all wetland delineation manuals produced at the Federal level during the 1980s cross-reference these plant lists in relation to defining what constitutes hydrophytic vegetation.  The four agencies also agreed to participate cooperatively on Regional Interagency Review Panels and a National Panel composed of wetland ecologists to further revise the various plant lists and review the fidelity rating system established earlier by the FWS.  This rating system, based on each taxon’s frequency of occurrence in wetlands versus uplands, eventually led to the five indicator categories listed in List 88.  Since the publication of List 88, a considerable number of proposals have been submitted for additions, deletions, and changes in indicator statuses.  Similarly, changes are continually occurring in botanical nomenclature.  Although the plant list (List 88) was updated in 1998, it was never finalized and remains the only approved list of plant indicator statuses today. 

In December 2006, the administration of the List was transferred from the FWS to the COE.  Representatives of each of the four agencies were chosen to direct the further development of the List as members of the National Panel.  They guided work to update the scientific names and wetland indicator statuses of wetland plant species nationwide.  Regional panels established with agency representatives to meet certain minimum botanical and wetland experience and expertise were then nominated and selected by the National panel. The Alaska Panel consists of Mary Plumb-Mentjes and Christy Everett (alt) COE; Phil North, EPA; Jerry Tande, FWS, and I, your Alaskan NRCS representative.

Unlike 20 years ago, panel members will be voting using a web based system developed by the Corps of Engineers, Research and Development Center (CREEL).  Each member will have less than 60 days to review the indicator status of over 2,000 plant species, and possibly propose new species.  This process is inclusive of 19 steps, providing several opportunities for public comment.  After approval of the final National Wetland Plant List by the respective agencies’ headquarters, a notice of the final National Wetland Plant List will be published in the Federal Register and available online.

If any plant experts have an overwhelming need to change a species status or add a new species not already on the List, please let me know as soon as possible.  Since everyone will be anxiously awaiting the new and much anticipated 2009 List, please look out for the rest of the story.

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What is H204?

Dennis Moore, Soil Data Quality Specialist

Dennis Moore made his annual pilgrimage to Wasilla High School this year. He taught Cheryl Wilson’s advanced student classes about soils, the environment, and water quality.   Dennis once again challenged students to think of something that they use in everyday life that doesn’t come directly or indirectly from soil, with the exception of the moon, sun, stars, and heavenly bodies.  He offered free extra credit points and a “get out of class free” card to anyone that could answer the question.  Free extra credit points replaced the initial offering of free fast food coupons for health concerns.  Dennis assured the students that if they continue to eat tons of pizza, cheese burgers, french fries, and gallons of soda pop for 40 more years they will turn into a grey haired, potbelly, lard butt, old buzzard just like he is. After eighteen years the answer remains the same: “Everything we use in everyday life comes directly or indirectly from soil.” Upon hearing this, students realized that soil was now a little more important then it was at the beginning of class.  Without soil and water, our planet would be a bare desolate lifeless mass.  With only 1/32 or 3 percent of our earth’s land suitable for sustained agriculture and the loss of approximately 1,000,000 acres of agriculture land to urban development every year, soil conservation is important.  Dennis highlighted the loss of Mat-Su farmland around the state fair grounds as an example and then entertained students with a brain teaser question: “If H20 is water, what is H204?”  Only one student was able to answer the question.

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Honoring Arlene Rosenkrans for Environmental Stewardship

By Mary Odden, Copper Valley RC&D

Several times a year, Copper Basin land managers of various agencies and community organizations get together to informally address issues and projects in a “round table” discussion. Normally, there’s no agenda – but the October 8 gathering included a surprise presentation for Arlene Rosenkrans of Kenny Lake.

Rosenkrans has spent much of her time over the last four years – both as coordinator of the local Resource Conservation and Development Program in the Copper Valley Development Association (CVDA) office and as a volunteer – getting rid of abandoned vehicles and hazardous materials.

Arlene was completely caught off guard by the presentation of the award. Noting that a number of neighbors and friends had joined the land managers meeting as it was about to close, and carrying covered dishes and containers, she joked that it “Looks like a lot of people are coming for lunch!” The group was delighted to witness Arlene’s surprise as Bureau of Land Management’s Will Runnoe invited her forward and presented her with a large plaque.

It read: “Presented to Arlene Rosenkrans for Environmental Stewardship and Community Service Excellence 2004-2008. The people, state and federal agencies, Native villages and corporations, community organizations and businesses of the Greater Copper River Basin Thank You for your dedication and multi-year commitment to our health, safety, and environment through the orchestrated removal of the following hazards from the Copper River Watershed:

• 1200 vehicles
• 196 tons of scrap metal
• 500 refrigerators, 1399 lead-acid batteries
• 3462 tires
• Hundreds of gallons of anti-freeze
• Thousands of gallons of motor oil

Because of her environmental cleanup efforts in the Copper Basin and her long-time association with the successful recycling efforts of the local Recycling Our Area’s Resources (ROAR), Arlene has become a spokesperson for community clean-up initiatives and is often invited to speak to groups in other parts of the state.  Congratulations Arlene!

Photo:  Arlene Rosenkrans of Kenny Lake, honored for her abandoned car and hazardous material cleanup work in the Copper Valley.  Photo by Copper Valley RC&D Staff.

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Trapper Creek Farmer’s Market

The Upper Susitna Soil and Water Conservation District (USSWCD) received funding to establish a Farmers Market in the Upper Susitna area.  Al White of the Natural Resources Conservation Service RC&D office worked with Mat-Su RC&D council and the Wasilla Wal-Mart to secure and purchase signs, tables and canopies.  The Trapper Creek farmers got together and started their market in June.  This winter the USSWCD will hold meetings with farmers to determine if an interest in starting a Farmer’s Market next year in the Talkeetna and Sunshine areas exists.

Photo:  Trapper Creek Farmer’s Market.  Photo by Al White.

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Copper Valley RC&D Outstanding Youth Involvement Award

The Copper Valley Development Association (CVDA) recently received the Outstanding Youth Involvement Award for the Kenny Lake School Trail Project from the Pacific Rim Association of RC&D Councils.  The plaque that CVDA received was presented to this small K-12 school at their awards assembly on October 30^th and will be kept there on display. 

Students traditionally take hikes out in the forest behind the school for interpretation of biology and geology, writing and sketching classes and outdoor programs. There was concern for protection of a long-term access route for students and local residents as the traditional route passed through an active gravel pit.  Because of this project, there is a new trail and easement to the Tonsina River bluff, with spectacular views of the river and Chugach Mountains. 

The project involved students in the construction of the new trail, along with teachers and a consultant who worked on the development of interpretive materials for signage based on research, writing, poetry and artwork.  Along with trail construction, youth crews installed benches for outdoor classrooms and hikers.

The trail project fostered both environmental and vocational education, and teachers once mentioned that even if the signs had never been produced, the process of their development had been an invaluable educational success.  Students now have ownership of the trail and its interpretive information as well as a connection to their Outdoor Classroom.

The project’s base-funding came from a $19,300 State of Alaska, Recreational Trails Grant, which required a match that was far exceeded during this project.  The RC&D council administered the funding, coordinating project logistics and overall management.   Kenny Lake Soil and Water Conservation District Youth Work Crew constructed trails and installed benches over two different summers.  Natural Resources Conservation Service GIS supplied ortho-photography technical advice, while local youth and adult volunteers served as Earth Team members, helping with sign installation.  Other agencies involved were the National Park Service, both locally and regionally, and the Bureau of Land Management.

This project could not have been completed without either of the two components of youth involvement and RC&D Council involvement.  It is an excellent example of how RC&D Councils can leverage funds and develop community partnerships to make things happen in their communities.

Photo:  Kenny Lake School Trail Crew.  Photo by Arlene Rosenkrans.

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November is American Indian Heritage Month

Ever year NRCS recognizes and celebrates the many different cultures we have the opportunity to offer our services and programs to; including American Indians. November has been designated as “American Indian Heritage Month.” This provides an opportunity to provide awareness on the history of American Indians and their contributions to the world. One of the ways NRCS nationally celebrates American Indian Heritage Month is by distributing a poster created by an American Indian artist. Each year artists from selected states have the opportunity to exhibit his/her talents and heritage on a national level. For 2008, the South Central Region, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas, was chosen for the 2008 American Indian Heritage Month poster competition; with NRCS Arkansas the lead state to oversee the poster contest.

The winning artist for the 2008 American Indian Heritage Month poster is Kathy Sturch. Kathy is a member of the Choctaw Nation from Durant, Oklahoma. The poster theme for this year’s poster is “Conservation…..Our Passion….Our Heritage.”  Kathy Sturch titled her painting “Touch of Earth” and she illustrated the connection the theme has with Choctaw’s kinship with all creatures, earth, sky, and water.  The Indian Paintbrush in the foreground is symbolic of American Indians who are natural, sturdy, proud and beautiful.

In Alaska, the following website shows upcoming events scheduled by the local Alaska Native Heritage Month committee: http://www.alaskanativeheritagemonth.org/events.htm

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If You Give a Moose a Muffin

If you have not read that story to a child (approximately 647 times) then the title of this article might seem rather bizarre.  The gist of the children’s story is that if you give your guest, the moose, a little it will want more and more; and it is your job, as the host, to comply with the moose's demands.  Now, change the muffin mix for dormant willow cuttings and we are talking about the moose habitat project on Tyonek Native Corporation lands.  NRCS and Tyonek Native Corporation are busy in the kitchen cookin' up some tasty willows.  Now for the rest of the story.

In 2008, 60 acres were treated to improve moose habitat by scarifying patches of soil and planting dormant willow cuttings in an area where willows are few.  What willows there were in the treatment area were crushed to encourage dense regrowth.  Prior to willow planting, birch were thinned and the slash removed.  The birch were then delimbed, to spread birch seed in the scarified areas for additional browse.  A field check last summer indicated that survival of willow cuttings is adequate and will contribute to available browse.

An 85 acre treatment area was delineated for 2008-2009 field work.  Tyonek Native Corporation has a source of Barclay willow.  And so, the process continues for a few more years.  You know, more moose, more muffins, and so on.  Now what if something is preying upon your guest?  Different fairy tale altogether.

Photo:  Mitch Michaud delineating the 2008-2009 early successional habitat development treatment area.  Photo by Meg Muller.

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2008 Federal Benefits Open Season

The 2008 Federal Benefits Open Season for the 2009 plan year begins on Monday, November 10, 2008, and runs through Monday, December 8, 2008.  Employees may make four benefit choices during the upcoming Open Season.  Employees may:

• Sign up for a flexible spending account for health or dependent care under the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS). Current enrollees MUST re-enroll if they wish to participate in the 2009 Benefit Period. Enrollments do NOT carry over year-to-year. ;
• Enroll in or change an existing enrollment in a dental plan under the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP);
• Enroll in or change an existing enrollment in a vision plan under the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP); and 
• Enroll in or change an existing enrollment in a health insurance plan under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) changed the focus and name of the annual FEHB Program Open Season to the more inclusive Federal Benefits Open Season.  Since two benefit programs, FSAFEDS and FEDVIP, have been added, employees need to understand the relationship among the four choices before making decision during Open Season.

For additional information concerning the Federal Benefits Open Season, please go to OPMs Web site at:  www.opm.gov/insure or contact Kristi Hicks at 761-7743.

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Personnel Actions

Detail

• Arlene Rosenkrans – to Pacific Islands Area – Guam as Assistant Director for Field Operations – November 9, 2008 – January 10, 2009

Job Selections

• Tom Gould (NRCS Iowa) – Aniak/Bethel DC – will arrive in Aniak on or after November 20th
• Diego Ayala (NRCS Nebraska) – Nome DC – will arrive in Nome on or after January 8^th

Winter Hiatus (Like the geese, he’ll return in the spring!)

• DallasGlass – Soils – Fairbanks

Departures

• Alicia Kelley – Soils – Homer

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