NRCS Alaska News

March 2, 2007

In This Issue

Satellite Telemetry Used for Nunivak Island Reindeer

A vacant field office, inclement weather, cancelled flights, and uncooperative reindeer delayed the deployment of two satellite collars destined for the herd on Nunivak Island for five years. Finally, on February 23^rd, the collars were successfully activated and placed on two female reindeer with assistance from Nuniwarmiut Reindeer and Seafood Products (NRSP) employees, Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge Biologist Eric Wald, and a herring net.

The use of satellite telemetry in reindeer management is an innovative application of a new range management tool that has so far only been attempted in Alaska in response to the state’s unique remote and rugged terrain characteristics. NRCS and University of Alaska Fairbanks Reindeer Research Program have partnered since 1999 to bring this technology to herders on the Seward Peninsula and now, Nunivak Island. 

Satellite telemetry provides herders with the locations of their herds in real-time through the internet. The website and map production database are maintained by the Reindeer Research Program. The location retrieval system is independent of weather and terrain and can provide herders with monitoring capabilities that they would otherwise not have in inclement weather situations. Knowledge of current herd locations helps herders enforce management practices such as prescribed grazing and use exclusion. When reindeer stray from their designated grazing area, herders can quickly take action to correct the situation.

On Nunivak Island the collars will be the main tool used to implement and certify the Prescribed Grazing and Use Exclusion practices in NRSP’s 2006 Environmental Quality Incentives Program contract. NRSP is excited about the potential for the collars to save them time, money, and fuel when they round up the reindeer for handling.  Finally, data from the collars (such as seasonal distribution) will be used by NRCS, NRSP, Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game as they work together to develop a new or revised rangeland monitoring protocol for Nunivak Island.

Fourth Graders Wowed by Topography

I remember clearly my son’s fourth grade teacher telling all of us parents on the first day of school that while academics are important, fourth grade is when our kids would become “human.” So years later when that same teacher asked if NRCS would join her class on a field trip, we gladly accepted knowing that we would at least be working with bona fide humans - even if they were inexperienced.

Soil Scientist Trudy Pink and I joined these novice humans to do research for a planning project focusing on the geography, culture and natural resources of five major regions of Alaska.  It would be our job to help them locate and understand a USGS 1:63360 scale topographic map from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institutes map room.  In the process we were to capture their imaginations and instill an appreciation for a finely crafted map product.  The first group was easily won over when overwhelmed by the concept that Trudy was actually capable of creating a map.  With complete faith in her cartographic skills they followed her advice in selecting a map to represent the “Western” region of Alaska.  When asked to identify the Western region they indicated about 75% of the state.  Suddenly it became clear why they needed expert guidance.

By noon, we had assisted each regional group in selecting both a 1:250000 and a 1:63360 map for their region.  We had procured a map key for each group and demonstrated that you could put almost any spatially linked data on a map by introducing them to the Native Peoples and Languages of Alaska map.  (Don’t even try to explain why “peoples” is a real word to newly formed humans.)  We were over budget by about 100% which introduced them to the concept of “Budgetary Constraint.”  Our part of the exercise was completed on schedule but I’m sure they will have ample opportunities to explain to the teacher why the overall project was over budget and behind schedule.  Some things don’t have to be taught.

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Track Soil Survey Progress Online

Soil Survey cooperators have asked for an easy way to stay updated on soil survey progress and activities in their areas of the state.  In response, Soil Survey Manuscript Editor/NRCS Webmaster Pam Taber and the soil survey field staff are working to provide current information on the NRCS Alaska website.  Information on the Nushagak-Mulchatna and Greater Delta survey projects is now online at http://www.ak.nrcs.usda.gov/soils. Information will soon be available for other ongoing or planned soil survey projects.

A primary sponsor of the Nushagak –Mulchatna project is the Nushagak-Mulchatna Watershed Council.  In order to keep their member villages and groups informed, they have put a soil survey page up on their own site with additional information.  Check out http://www.purebristolbay.com/nmwc/soil_survey.asp.

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NRCS To Offer Summer and Year-Round Internships

NRCS is launching an internship program that focuses on Soil and Range Conservation.  The program is open to students who will enter college in the fall. The Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) is a great way to earn money, gain professional experience, and receive hands-on training in natural resource conservation through field and administrative work. To apply students should submit a resume, copy of a school transcript, or verification of enrollment. This is not a degree-specific internship, but an interest or career goal oriented in soil or range conservation is preferred. The internships being offered are in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Kenai and Delta Junction. For more information contact: Nicole Brenton, Human Resources Student Trainee at (907) 761-7748 or by email at nicole.brenton@ak.usda.gov.

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NRCS Launches Online TSP Orientation Course

An online TSP Orientation Course has been designed to increase the likelihood that individuals interested in becoming TSP, as well as those who are currently TSPs, have the skills and information needed to achieve their full potential. 

Throughout the course, there are online exercises which will guide the learner through the TSP process while explaining registration and certification, de-mystifying payment rates, and examining the consequences of decertification.  Upon completion of the course, the learner will be able to:

• Locate technical resources;

• Identify the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to meet certification categories criteria;

• Complete the TSP Certification process; and

• Understand:

• what is needed to deliver an acceptable work product;

• how and when producers are reimbursed for services; and

• the roles and responsibilities of the NRCS, the producer and the TSP.

This course, along with other courses which may be required for specific certification categories, is located at the NRCS AgLearn Web Site.  An individual must be registered on the site prior to accessing the course.  A Web site tour is available online to explain the process.

For questions or more information contact State Resource Conservationist Gene Schock at 761-7715.

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Upcoming Conservation Meeting to Highlight Farm Bill Proposal

The spring meeting of the Alaska Association of Conservation Districts will feature several opportunities for NRCS staff to share information and learn from others as the agenda moves from planning to policy topics. 

• On Friday March 23, Patrick Atagi from the Agriculture Secretary’s office will provide an overview of the Bush administration’s 2007 Farm Bill proposal.  State Conservationist Bob Jones will discuss the conservation title and how it might impact NRCS’ work in Alaska.

• On Thursday March 22, the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance will be on hand to discuss the development, formation, and operation of tribal conservation districts citing successes from the Lower 48 and in Alaska. The Tyonek Tribal Conservation District will be on-hand to answer questions about how the group succeeded in forming the first tribal conservation district in the state.

• The Alaska Association of Resource Conservation and Development Organizations will hold a meeting and training event adjacent to AACD to allow their members to participate in AACD sessions and strengthen relationships with district staff and board members.

• Also on Friday, NRCS and Alaska Village Initiatives will host invited participants from the 13 Native regional corporations for an introduction to NRCS meeting.

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Personnel Actions

Resignation

• Finn Gottschalk, soil survey database manager, effective March 21. Finn is returning to Missouri to take a soil scientist position with the state Department of Natural Resources. He will also focus his energies on operating his sandstone rock quarry.

 Promotion

• Stephanie Schmit, soil scientist, Homer, to GS11.

• Daniel Fisher, soil conservation technician, Delta Junction, to GS8.