This Week in Fairbanks: Mining Exploration by Ester Dome, Next Friday's Fahrenkamp Speaker, and more!
Happy Friday!
Lots going on in and around Fairbanks this week. Here are some highlights.
Application for Mining Exploration on Ester Dome
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources recently received an application for hardrock exploration and reclamation on Ester Dome.
This activity could rekindle the old Grant Mine on the eastern slopes of Ester Dome, an area that has seen serious residential and commercial development over the past three decades, including growth in the communities around Happy Creek, Ester Dome, and Henderson roads.
It’s also the home of a plethora of trails and outdoor opportunities, a community single track, and local businesses.
While there was active mining at Grant mine in the 80s, it’s remained inactive since then, due to both local opposition in the area and cyanide contamination from past mining activity.
Thanks to Save Our Domes for the heads up.
You can add your public comment on this application until 5pm next Monday, May 8.
Matt Buxton is the Upcoming Fahrenkamp Speaker next Friday, May 12
After a brief hiatus, the lunchtime speaker series returns at noon on Friday, May 12 with a new coordinator (me!). A longtime event held by the Interior Democrats, the series is free and open to the public and takes place over Zoom.
Past speakers include senators, university presidents, community leaders, and more.
Matt has been covering Alaskan politics for over a decade. He writes the popular The Alaska Memo newsletter and contributes analysis and commentary to The Alaska Current (formerly the Midnight Sun).
A past political correspondent for the Daily News Miner, Matt’s newsletter provides an insightful look into the complicated workings of our state legislature.
We hope you can join us for lunch and a chat with Matt!
Friday, May 12 at noon AK.
Zoom Info: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86033590169?pwd=NkpmQTkxWWpjNHFLZys4ZmtaRzloZz09
Meeting ID: 860 3359 0169
Passcode: 747912
Reminder: Fireweed People Power Party Next Thursday, May 11
Reminder: join Fireweed Collective Fairbanks for a People Power Party on Thursday, May 11th from 5:30-8:30pm at Venue (in the space on the 2nd Ave side).
Fireweed Collective (of which I’m a member, and with which I’ve helped with planning around this event) is seeking the voices of Young Alaskans, ages 21-35, to inform our vision for policy change on a local level. We want OUR voices as young Fairbanksans to influence the future of our community.
There will be food, drinks, music, art, community visioning, and compelling conversations.
Come hear about Fireweed's work to build a policy platform to uplift local work around climate justice, housing, education, and more - and fight for the future we want for Fairbanks.
You can register for the event on Facebook, or drop in at any time.
We hope to see you there!
Ongoing Ask for High School Track and Field Volunteers
It's that time of the year again: time for high school track and field!
The final two meets take place over two days each, and we really need some more volunteers! It’s fun and rewarding, and we’ll teach you what to do.
Interested parties can fill out this quick google form and I’ll be in touch. No experience necessary. Please let me know at kuba@runningclubnorth.org if you have any questions about volunteering.
The meets are:
Saturday, May 6, at the North Pole Track
Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13, at the West Valley Track
Friday and Saturday, May 19 and 20, at the West Valley Track
Lots of perks like free food, it’s fun, and very rewarding! More info available on the google form.
Last Chance to Weigh-in on FNSB Budget
Though the Borough Assembly won’t be taking any more in-person or call in testimony on the budget, you can still email the entire Assembly at assembly@fnsb.gov. Like I wrote earlier this week, a budget that’s informed by our community is stronger than one made in silence.
Have a great weekend, happy Cinco de Mayo for those who celebrate, and congratulations to those in the UA system: today is the last day of their semester!
