Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska - Juneau

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Ed Schoenfeld is Regional News Director for CoastAlaska, a consortium of public radio stations in Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, Petersburg and Wrangell. He primarily covers Southeast Alaska regional topics, including the state ferry system, transboundary mining, the Tongass National Forest and Native corporations and issues. He has also worked as a manager, editor and reporter for the Juneau Empire newspaper and Juneau public radio station KTOO. He’s also reported for commercial station KINY in Juneau and public stations KPFA in Berkley, WYSO in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and WUHY in Philadelphia. He’s lived in Alaska since 1979 and is a contributor to Alaska Public Radio Network newscasts, the Northwest (Public Radio) News Network and National Native News. He is a board member of the Alaska Press Club. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, he lives in Douglas.

New Rule Means Little Immediate Change For The Tongass

The Obama administration last week announced a new planning rule for national forests, and today said the Chugach National Forest will be among the first where the new rule will be used.

Year In Review: Sitka, Anchorage and Juneau

In this last week of 2011, APRN and member station reporters from across the state have been reflecting on the stories of this past year that stood out for them. Some because they were important or difficult to report on, or as in this first story from Sitka because they were fun.

Northern Southeast’s Sea Otter Population Growing Slower Than Southern Region

New research shows northern Southeast Alaska’s sea otter population is growing slower than in the southern part of the region. But it’s still expanding, which continues to worry fishermen and divers.

Leaders Look To Improve Southeast Economy

How do you improve Southeast Alaska’s economy? Business, government, and nonprofit group leaders met in Juneau earlier this month to share and refine their ideas.

Capital Budget Proposes Southeast Boat Harbor Improvements

Governor Sean Parnell’s capital budget proposes improving eight Southeast boat harbors. They’re among dozens of regional projects in the administration’s public-works spending plan for the next fiscal year.

Popular Beach May Have High Mercury Levels

This time of year, the tidal flats of Sandy Beach are mostly used by dog owners trying to wear out their pooches. In warmer seasons, it’s a favorite place for castle-building kids, picnicking parents and the occasional pallet-powered bonfire.

Ship’s Return Pushes Million-Passenger Mark

Norwegian Cruise Line says it will sail another ship in Alaska waters. Company officials this week announced plans to return the Norwegian Sun to northern service two seasons from now. It last sailed here in 2009.

Report Says Sea Otters Hitting Dive Fisheries Hard

A new report says Southeast Alaska’s sea otter boom has cost the region close to $30 million. Most is income lost as otters consume shellfish and crabs that otherwise would be harvested by commercial divers and fishermen.

Juneau Artist Releases Book of Sarah Palin Political Cartoons

A capital city artist has just released a book of his Sarah Palin political cartoons. Tony Newman’s work is as much about Juneau and Alaska as it is about the former governor and vice presidential candidate.

Ketchikan Man Faces APOC Campaign Fine

A Ketchikan House candidate faces a sizable penalty for campaigning without registering.

State Reexamines Alaska Class Ferry Cost

The state is reexamining its cost estimate for the first Alaska Class Ferry. And it’s likely to come in higher than the total allocated to construction.

Ferry System May Make Horse Travel Easier

The Alaska Marine Highway System plans to change a policy that keeps many horse-owners from taking their animals on ferries.

Kookesh Challenging Stedman for State Senate Seat

A pair of powerful Southeast lawmakers will face off in the 2012 election. Angoon’s Albert Kookesh and Sitka’s Bert Stedman will both run to represent a Senate district newly configured by redistricting.

Multi-Talented Jeff Brown Wins Statewide Recognition

What inspires a person to twist a balloon into the shape of a moose? Or take photos of someone vacuuming a glacier? Or run for mayor in a gorilla suit? Those questions come to mind when you’re talking about Jeff Brown. The Juneau artist, musician, author and entertainer was recently recognized for his lifetime achievements as part of the Governor’s Awards for the Arts.

Salmon Virus Fears Voiced, Caution Advised

Scientists and fishermen are following news of a deadly fish virus found in British Columbia salmon. It’s a scary situation, but it may not be as bad as it sounds, at least for now. And it’s not a threat to people who eat salmon.

Federal Cuts Threaten Ferry Repairs

The Alaska Marine Highway System could be another casualty of federal budget battles. Money used to repair and maintain the aging ferry fleet could become much tighter in the near future.

Omnibus Lands Bill Could Include Sealaska Measure

It looks like the Sealaska land-selection legislation will become part of a larger bill that could be easier to pass. At least that’s the case in the U.S. Senate. Meanwhile, opponents continue lobbying against the measure.

Sealaska Defaults on Part of California Casino Land

Sealaska has lost some its California casino land to foreclosure. But the regional Native corporation says it won’t hinder the project.

Timber Task Force Pushing for Jobs

Alaska’s Timber Jobs Task Force is looking for ways to increase logging and milling employment. It recently held its fifth meeting in Coffman Cove, on Prince of Wales Island.

Geothermal Energy Interest Grows in Alaska

Several Alaska communities are making plans for geothermal generation of electricity. They’re also learning from existing projects – and mistakes.