Photo courtesy of Boyd and Patsy Lipps.
Wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers were shocked at the site of an injured swan at Tern Lake. The return of the swans is a highlight of the fall for many who stop at the wildlife viewing area during the short time the swans are at the lake. Wildlife officials were successful in capturing the swan and removing the arrow. The bird was released back into the wild.
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By Willow Hetrick
Turnagain Times
Moose Pass Correspondent
Swan injured with arrow at Tern Lake
Several attempts have been made to rescue the trumpeter swan, the Alaska Sea Life Center attempted to capture the bird on Friday, Aug. 28, with little luck. The USFS, USFWS and the ADF&G are also aware of the condition of the swan. Viewers have said that the swan appears to be eating and can swim just fine, but will not be able to fly, as the arrow has pierced right through its wing. Community members have also stated that it does not appear to be a lost arrow that shot the swan, rather, an intentional shooting. It is a federal offense to shoot trumpeter swans, and all regulatory agencies are still asking for information about this incident.
Moose Pass School Begins!
Moose Pass School began on Monday, Aug. 24. The school bus will be running, and children will be along-side the road. The community asks that drivers pay extra special attention while driving through the community (from Tern Lake to Primrose) and abide by the speed limit.
Moose Pass School and Kenai Borough work to create a safety corridor
The Moose Pass School with the Kenai Peninsula School District/Borough are currently working on a creating a Safety Corridor on the west side of the Moose Pass School. When the project is completed, the safety corridor will be the primary service road for fuel, freight, and solid waste pick up.
When completed, the trucks will no longer cross the playground and pass in front of the classrooms. The goals of the project, is to ensure the safety of the school children. The Borough and the School District have been working very hard to protect Moose Pass’s interests, and they need community support to continue this effort. More information can be found on the project at the Kenai Borough’s web site: www.borough.kenai.ak.us.
Open Mic Night at the Trail Lake Lodge
The First Friday of every month, the Trail Lake Lodge hosts an open mic night for local residents and visitors to get together to hear each other’s music. The next open mic night is Aug. 7, beginning at 8 p.m. in Moose Pass. 21 and over welcome.
Alaska Railroad Herbicide Spraying still taking public comments
On July 15, 2009, the Alaska Railroad Corporation applied to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation for a permit to spray herbicides along 90 miles of the railway system from the rail yard in Seward to Indian. Public comments will be taken no later than Sept. 15 to Stephanie Stewart, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. Email: Stephanie.Stewart@alaska.gov; Phone: (907) 269-7644; Fax: (907) 269-7654.
Resurrection River Trail cleared of brush
Resurrection River Trail is clear of trees and the brushing contractor finished brushing from Boulder Creek and the Upper Russian trail junction. The main channel of Upper Summit Creek is causing travel to be difficult because the creek washed out a few hundred feet of trail. This washed out path is making it easy to get lost. Martin and Boulder Creek drainages are also difficult to cross. The Forest Service advises hikers to plan for wet weather.
Moose Pass Food Bank
The Moose Pass Food Bank is located at the Moose Pass Community Church. The food bank does not have regular hours, but please call Bill or Mona Casselman at 288-5101 for assistance.
