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Few can argue that a great number of moose are hit by vehicles on Kenai Peninsula roads every year. 042208 NEWS 1 Peninsula Clarion Few can argue that a great number of moose are hit by vehicles on Kenai Peninsula roads every year.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Story last updated at 4/22/2008 - 2:10 pm

City leaders to hear moose plan

Few can argue that a great number of moose are hit by vehicles on Kenai Peninsula roads every year.

The collisions frequently end in the death of the animal, costly damage to the vehicles and often injuries to drivers and their passengers.

On Wednesday, Alaska Moose Federation Chairman Gary Olson plans to address the Soldotna City Council on mitigation efforts being planned around the state designed to reduce the number of collisions by redirecting moose away from roads, particularly in high-incidence zones.

Among the methods in the federation's plan are managing adjacent habitat and managing roadside moose browse, providing safer wildlife crossings using underpasses and fencing and creating moose trails away from highways and highway right-of-ways.

The moose federation is seeking the support of the city.

Council members also are scheduled to hear from a representative of Habitat for Humanity, seeking building lot donations from the city.

In a letter to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Habitat's president on the central Kenai Peninsula, Bill Radtke, said he has been made aware of two city lots, one of which might be available for donation.

City Manager Tom Boedeker on Monday said the lot being considered is on Brentwood Drive off Marydale Avenue near Sohi Lane.

"This is not a final action," Boedeker said. "This is just their presentation."

In advance of the meeting, Radtke provided a copy of the organization's newly adopted covenants to the city. As part of the home purchase, the purchasing family will be bound to the covenants during the mortgage period ? usually 20 years.

Brenda Ahlberg is slated to speak to the council with regard to possible funding for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Kenai Peninsula for its summer youth programs in Soldotna.

Boedeker said Boys and Girls Clubs is seeking $35,000 from the city for the summer recreational activity program.

He also said he will seek direction from the council regarding the possible purchase of Birch Ridge Golf Course.

"Parks and Recreation recommended we go ahead and start pursuing grants ... to see what's available for help with a municipal golf course," he said.

In order to insure Birch Ridge remains a golf course following the planned retirement of owners Pat and Myrna Cowan, the city has considered purchasing the attraction to be owned and operated by the city.

The council meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday immediately following a Committee of the Whole meeting at 5:30 p.m.

Phil Hermanek can be reached at phillip.hermanek@peninsulaclarion.com.


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THE REC GUIDE

WINTER ACTIVITIES

If you think the Kenai Peninsula is beautiful in the summer, you should see it when cloaked under a thick blanket of white with the aurora borealis rippling through the celestial canopy above.

BERRIES OF THE KENAI PENINSULA

Whether intentionally seeking berries for jellies and jams or just out for a casual hike, residents and visitors will find the 50-some varieties of wild berries in Alaska hard to resist.

COMMON SENSE SURVIVAL

There’s adventure and beauty in the wild country, but also an element of risk.



2010 Peninsula Clarion award winners

Best Education Reporting
1st Place – Dante Petri, “All under one roof

Suzan Nightingale Award: Best Columnist

2nd Place – Will Morrow, “Voices of the Clarion”

Best Sustained Coverage

3rd Place – Dante Petri, “Mt. Redoubt Eruption”

Best News Photo

3rd Place – M. Scott Moon, “Bear Rescue

Best Photo Portrait
3rd Place – M. Scott Moon, “Ear Gauger

Best Audio Slideshow
2nd Place – M. Scott Moon, “Learning to ski

Best Use of Story and Photos by a Journalist
2nd Place – Joseph Robertia, “Dipnet disaster averted

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