Two Coming Sustainability Events

Friday evening, February 22- Open to the Public
At Kodiak College

Sounds of Sustainability: A journey of passion, music, academics, and activism

An evening of discussion, lecture, and music by singer, song-writer, author, and educator Libby Roderick. http://www.libbyroderick.com/bio.html

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Saturday morning, Feb 23

Please join the Kodiak College teaching community to explore Difficult Dialogs and Sustainability with UAA CAFÉ’s Associate Director Libby Roderick on February 23!

RSVP by February 18 to reserve your spot, (907) 486-1215.

http://difficultdialoguesuaa.org/

Author Charles Wohlforth Speaks at College tonight

Nature and Human Nature: Are we capable of the cooperation needed to save the Ocean?
Charles Wohlforth, author of The Fate of Nature, explores how culture, not technology, holds the key to humankind's ability to solve global environmental problems, including climate change, ocean acidification, overfishing, and oil spills. He uses Alaska as a microcosm of conflicting world views in a talk that includes dozens of spectacular photographs. http://fateofnature.com

7:00 pm-9:00pm, Benny Benson Building Room 130

Not to be Missed!

Village Chickens and Community Gardens Thriving in Igiugig

Truly Inspiring!
Village Chickens and Community Gardens Thriving in Igiugig
27th September
2011

(With thanks to Alan Austerman's blog http://www.alanausterman.com/?p=1838)

For the last few years we have been learning about some really amazing projects in Igiugig, one of the westernmost villages in District 36. The 64 residents of the village on the southwest tip of Iliamna Lake have been developing a community food system bit by bit… beginning with community chickens nearly a decade ago. At this point, they have a community greenhouse with power and heat to extend the growing season; a wonderful egg program; and access to significant quantities of delicious vegetables and fruit that were impossibly expensive just a few years ago. Some of the ideas and lessons from their projects are absolutely inspiring, and may be instructive for villages all around District 36 and the rest of Alaska.

Staff in our office had a good chat with AlexAnna Salmon, president of the Igiugig Village Council, and learned more about the projects.

The Egg Program

Like most fresh food items in Igiugig, eggs used to arrive via plane from Anchorage, and would often arrive broken. In 2002, when AlexAnna’s father Dan was the administrator for the Igiugig Village Council, they initiated an egg program. Eggs were expensive, says AlexAnna, “but keeping chickens themselves are not.” In the beginning, friends of some of the residents sent chickens to the village. They were kept in a private coop, and people could go by and grab eggs as they wanted. As demand grew, they took the next step to grow the operation. With a mini grant from the Alaska Food Coalition and a considerable local match they were able to procure freezers, a fridge, and an egg incubator. This allowed them to “produce” new chickens when they needed them, and to freeze excess food scraps for the chickens for future use. They also built a larger coop.

Today the coop and its 30 chicken residents are located at the landfill, and is incorporated into the town’s solid waste program. Residents and seasonal lodges in the area separate food scraps from their regular waste. Some of that food scrap is used to feed the chickens. (More on other food scrap uses in just a minute.) The chicken area is located within the gated landfill area, where they’re safe from the region’s bears.

Eggs were initially free, but with growing demand from the lodges in the region an honor-system fee was implemented–a $3.50 donation for a dozen fresh, local eggs! Elders in Igiugig still get their eggs free of charge.

The program is very popular, and provides a nutritious food source for the residents. With a decade in operation, it’s still going strong!

Growing Food

With the chicken program in place and popular, the community started looking to other food items. The next step was a community potato garden. With seed potato obtained from the long-running farm at the community of Port Alsworth on Lake Clark, they were able to plant the first potato plants. The potato garden also took off. The community embraced the project, and responded to the gardening successes by creating a potato festival and potluck at harvest time.

Igiugig's community greenhouse complex.

As often happens, more ideas grew from there. During the community’s planning process residents identified a community greenhouse as something that would be valued in Igiugig. The village council picked up the project and ran with it. They developed a business plan for the concept, envisioning the operation as a profit generator with potential sales to the 24 nearby lodge operations. They applied to the Alaska Federation of Natives’ Alaska Marketplace competition, which provides seed funding for innovative business ideas. The Kvichak Organic Produce plan won one of the top prizes, taking away just under $40,000 to initiate the project. With that money in hand, Igiugig was able to leverage additional funding support, including $60,000 from the Pebble Fund for three wind generators, a USDA grant related to farmer’s markets, and smaller grants from the Alaska Food Coalition (for starter seeds) and the Division of Agriculture (for innovative equipment).

A Labor of Love

Keilan Wassillie (left) and Kaleb Hill enjoy the tropical jungle of the Iliamna community greenhouse.

Today the Igiugig community greenhouse is largely supported by the volunteer labor of community residents. In addition, AlexAnna has been able to bring in volunteers from out of state who work in the greenhouse in exchange for an amazing summer experience in Alaska. By starting small and taking small steps, the project has been able to grow, to the point where today the community has:

* A 24′x48′ indoor polycarbonate green house
* A 10′x20′ outdoor cold house
* Space in the greenhouse for all the families in the community to have plots
* Space for growing food for local lodges that generates revenues for the project
* A wood boiler that will be used for the first time this year to extend the growing season.
* Locals saving seeds so that seeds won’t have to be purchased from outside the community.
* A community food scrap program that takes scraps from residents and lodges and transforms them into either chicken food or compost for the garden projects.

In addition, they’ve been able to offer a greenhouse growing class through UAF, with instruction right in the community. Participants earned college credit.

AlexAnna estimates that the total costs in the greenhouse project, including the wind generators, is about $300,000. Much of that came from community match, she said, but it also went together bit by bit. With the increased focus on community agriculture and sustainability, a number of funding options have been available along the way.

Challenges

AlexAnna reports that the volunteer labor in Igiugig is tremendous, but people’s seasonal obligations mean that having a full time greenhouse coordinator makes a big difference. With so much going on, she says it’s really needed! The village council has had luck bringing in people from outside for a summer adventure.

They’re also hoping to improve the watering system. Gutters currently collect some of the rainwater that fall on the building, but AlexAnna says the system could be expanded, and she hopes that a misting system can be built in the greenhouse to make the watering more efficient and less labor intensive.

Sustainable?

Today, the inputs that keep the community greenhouse going are minimal. In the beginning, soil was flown in from outside the community as they worked to get their composting system going, but that should not be a need in the future. In addition to using food scraps to feed the chickens, as described above, the community landfill now includes composting of other food scraps and compostable items. Specialty items such as blueberry bushes or other plants could be brought in, but the only significant remaining input from outside the community is organic fertilizer. AlexAnna notes that the community could produce its own fertilizer from fish scraps and other items, but they’re not there yet.

For the chickens, the community continues to order chicken feed via barge. Though chickens are happy on scrap food, they also need nutrients that the feed provides.

An Inspiration for Other Communities

All in all, Igiugig’s accomplishments are admirable, and show what is possible with some passion and a dream. And the benefits–greater self-reliance, healthful food, and a sense of participation and volunteerism–far exceed their costs.

AlexAnna said that potlucks in Igiugig now feature big salads and vegetables grown in their own earth. These never would have been on the menu before–the cost and the lack of availability meant they just weren’t part of the community fare. Nowadays, a big bowl of salad can be the feature dish!

Alaska Climate Change Compact

For your consideration: Should Kodiak join this statement?

Alaska Coastal Communities Global Climate Change Compact

Alaska has more miles of coastline than all the rest of the United States. The vast majority of our state’s residents call our coastal communities home. These communities generate billions in economic activity. From Metlakatla to Kaktovik, people have lived along Alaska’s vast coast for thousands of years and depended on rich biological ocean resources for survival. Today, the cultural identity and survival of Alaska’s coastal communities still depend on the ocean resources that support commercial fishing, tourism, recreation and subsistence.

We, the undersigned Alaskan local and regional governments and elected officials, express our deep concern about human-induced global climate change and ocean acidification and issue a call to policymakers to take strong and immediate action to prevent catastrophic impacts from greenhouse gas emissions. We recognize the validity of the following statements:

1. Global climate change represents one of the greatest threats of our time. The Intergovernental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the world’s leading scientific body on this subject, has presented compelling evidence of climate change’s dangerous effects and has recommended steps to avoid them. The IPCC has called on nations to collectively curtail greenhouse gas emissions to ensure that atmospheric concentrations peak no later than 2015 and decline 80 percent by 2050, compared to 2000. The IPCC has concluded with 90 percent confidence that today’s climate changes are attributable to human activity, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels.

2. Ocean acidification is caused by increased carbon dioxide concentrations from the burning of fossil fuels and is accelerating. The daily uptake of over 22 million tons of carbon dioxide into the ocean is causing ocean acidification and threatens many forms of marine life by decreasing the ability of certain organisms to build their shells and skeletal structures. Ocean acidification has the potential, within decades, to severely affect marine organisms, food webs, biodiversity and fisheries.

3. Global climate change and ocean acidification threaten communities in Alaska. Because high latitude regions of the earth are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of global climate change, Alaska has been described as “ground zero” for climate change. Coastal erosion, thawing permafrost, and spruce bark beetle infestations are evidence of climate change in Alaska. In addition, ocean acidification threatens the fisheries that provide food, jobs, and cultural identity to many Alaskans, particularly in coastal communities.

4. Alaskan coastal communities are important to the nation, and Alaska can play a role in addressing climate change and ocean acidification. Alaska produces more than half of the seafood caught in the United States. Alaska also has potential to mitigate climate change and ocean acidification, through development and export of renewable energy technologies that can be used throughout the developing world.

5. There are compelling economic arguments to act now. Positive economic development and diversification of Alaska’s economy will be associated with addressing climate change in the state. Furthermore, the economic costs of inaction will be far greater than the costs associated with immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with IPCC recommendations.

6. The United States has an obligation to take a leadership role in addressing global climate change. With only 5 percent of the world’s population, the United States produces approximately 25 percent of the world’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.

7. For the well-being of current and future generations, immediate action must be taken at all levels of government and throughout society to address global climate change and ocean acidification. Given the seriousness of these problems, policies and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions must constitute a priority when allocating government resources.

We hereby express support for the following policies, actions and initiatives:

1. At the national level, immediately enact climate legislation that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet or exceed the goals recommended by the IPCC; e.g., 80 percent reduction from 2000 levels by 2050.
2. Reengage at the national level in the international process of dealing effectively with global climate change.
3. At the national and state levels, enact legislation and fund initiatives that will dramatically increase energy efficiency and the production of renewable energy.
4. Utilize a significant portion of the proceeds from national cap-and-trade legislation, carbon tax, or other sources to fund initiatives in Alaska that will:

- develop renewable energy resources, improve energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, etc., in all sectors of the economy
- increase public knowledge of issues related to greenhouse gas emissions,
- create a skilled workforce for a new clean-energy economy
- help vulnerable communities adapt to unavoidable climate-related impacts
- protect or rebuild infrastructure that is threatened by climate impacts
- enhance research in the area of ocean acidification
- enhance research in the areas of energy efficiency and renewable energy.

We further express our commitment to:
1. network with other Alaskan coastal communities on the issues of climate change and ocean acidification;
2. encourage actions within our own communities to mitigate climate change and ocean acidification and adapt to unavoidable changes;
3. make wise and effective use of resources provided by the state and federal governments for such actions; and
4. support community efforts to educate the public on these issues.

Signatories:
City and Borough of Sitka
City of Homer
City of Petersburg
City of Dillingham
City of Gustavus
Kenai Peninsula Borough

Eco-tourism in Kodiak

Local tour operators Harry and Brigid Dodge have qualified! They will be reporting briefly at the Sept. 25 Sustainable Kodiak meeting (6:30 pm at Kodiak College) on eco-tourism certification and encouraging anyone who does charters, tours, and trips to certify their own businesses.

Here are some excerpts: Adventure Green Alaska: Tourism Certification Program
Your guide to sustainable tourism in Alaska! http://www.adventuregreenalaska.org/

"Are you thinking about a trip to Alaska but want to use tourism businesses that care for the environment, are sensitive to Alaska's Native cultures and rural way of life, and are good community citizens? Are you confused by the multitude of companies that describe their business as "green" or "ecotourism"? We created Adventure Green Alaska (AGA) for people like you."

Business Spotlight

Kodiak Treks, owned and operated by Brigid and Harry Dodge

The key to Kodiak Treks success has been maintaining a focus on the health of the environment and wildlife species that attract our guests. Balance is critical since we aim to share the beauty of Kodiak Island with nature enthusiasts from around the world while minimizing impact on bears, other animal species, and the entire ecosystem that supports them. We strive to instruct guests how to behave respectfully in bear country as opposed to trying to train bears to accept human presence for our own economic gain.

By offering a small-group experience (6-guest maximum) we are able to closely manage each group and spend time with our guests in a personal setting. The small group design also allows us to run the lodge on solar power and minimize fossil fuel consumption.

Kodiak Treks Sustainability Principles:

* Minimizing impact on wildlife
* Small group and staff size
* Education-based program
* Investment in local community
* Relationships with land managers

Congratulations and thanks to the Dodges for leading the way to a new area of sustainable business and life in Kodiak!

Homer Event : Voices for the Ocean Sept. 6

“Voices for the Ocean”

Alaska Fishermen Send Urgent Aerial Message made of Boats & Buoys:
Protect oceans and fisheries from acid impact of fossil fuel exhaust.

Interviews, photos & video available, contact:
Celia Alario, Voices for the Ocean Event Media, 310.721.6517, celiaalario@gmail.com
Alan Parks, AMCC Homer Outreach Coordinator, 907.399.3096, alan@akmarine.org
Brad Warren, Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, 206.579.2407, brad.warren@sustainablefish.org

The “Voices for the Ocean” event will bring together commercial fishermen and other mariners in Homer, Alaska, on Sunday, September 6, 2009 to celebrate the ocean’s bounty and defend it from harmful fossil fuel emissions.

International Aerial Artist John Quigley (www.SpectralQ.com) will create the aerial image in collaboration with the AMCC, SFP and representatives from Alaskan coastal fishing communities.
Boats & buoys will form the message on the water. They will be photographed & videotaped from the air and the resulting images will circulate worldwide through media and allied organizations.

Afterward, participants and community members will gather in Homer for a community seafood feast. Speakers and participants will call on state, national, and international leaders to protect the ocean from the acidifying, oxygen-depleting, and climate-altering impacts of uncontrolled fossil fuel emissions.

The after-party will include expert speakers on ocean acidification, climate change, and practical steps that fishermen, seafood lovers, and other citizens can take to protect the oceans that supply food for 3 billion people. The seafood industry is Alaska’s largest private-sector employer, generating more than 56,000 jobs (not counting “indirect” jobs in related sectors).

“Fishermen and others who depend on Alaska’s rich marine resources are coming together as one voice in support of reducing fossil fuel consumption and moving to a renewable energy future. This is the only real solution to ocean acidification and the time to act is right now,” said Alan Parks.

Fishermen and ocean advocates have a limited time to press for deep emissions-reduction targets. The U.S. Senate is expected to enact climate legislation during late 2009, aiming to have a law passed in time for a United Nations treaty conference in December. At that conference nations will gather to approve the next-generation climate treaty to strictly limit global CO2 emissions in order to avoid catastrophic climate and ocean impacts. Scientists have warned repeatedly that failure to agree on dramatic emissions reductions at this time will likely push Earth’s climate and oceans past “tipping points” that may commit human civilization to irreversible harm.

The initiative brings together fishing and conservation groups that are often at odds on other issues.
“Many of us have different views about how to govern fisheries,” said Brad Warren, former editor of the trade journal Pacific Fishing, who now runs a program on ocean health for the Sustainable Partnership. “But everybody can agree we need an ocean can continue to produce abundant harvests. That’s why we’re involved.”

Participants in the Homer event are urging Alaska’s political leaders to take a strong stand against acidification, which some scientists have dubbed the “evil twin” of global climate change.

Acidification is caused by billions of tons of carbon dioxide that rise from smokestacks and tailpipes every year and mix into the sea. In seawater, the gas forms an acid that attacks the foundation of marine food webs. Thus the same pollution that drives climate change also undercuts fisheries around the world, especially in the vulnerable North Pacific off Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, which produce more than two thirds of the U.S. seafood harvest. The North Pacific is a global repository for carbon dioxide in the oceans.

Quigley said, “This ‘Message from the Sea’ is a call for people around the world to join in a visual declaration to urge leaders to immediately adopt a treaty that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, stabilizes the climate, and protects the ocean.”

"Alaska's senators know that ocean acidification is a looming danger to our fisheries,” said Parks. “This message from fishermen is intended to support our leaders in taking the necessary action now to reduce carbon emissions. Time is of the essence.”

(Thanks to Switgard Duesterloh for this notice!)