Homer marine biologist and naturalist Conrad Field, whose drawings appear in the Bay Science feature in these pages every other week, was awarded the Walter B. Jones/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Excellence Award for Volunteer of the Year.

Field, who was nominated for the national honor by the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve, said the award was gratifying as recognition for more than 10 years of volunteering on environmental educational and fund-raising projects.

"I think they're looking at what kind of stewardship you gave to the marine environment as well as dedication to research and education," said Field, who was chosen from a group of eight nominees.

The administration will fly Field to Washington, D.C., for a March 26 awards ceremony.

CRPC to hold planning session

The Community Rivers Planning Coalition has scheduled a strategic planning session for 7-9 p.m. today at the Anchor Point Senior Citizens Center.

This session will be an opportunity for all community members and interested parties to voice their comments and concerns regarding the work being done by Community Rivers Planning Coalition, as well as to assist the coalition in the future planning process for the Anchor River, Stariski Creek, and Happy Valley Creek watersheds.

As with all coalition meetings, the organization will use a consensus-based process, and the meetings, as well as membership, are intended to be all-inclusive. Contact Lindsay Winkler at 235-8177, ext. 5, for more information regarding this process. Refreshments and homemade goodies will be provided.

In 2000, after a meeting with more than 85 community members, coalition developed a Sustainable Com-munity Development Plan to set up goals and action steps with respect to several broad program areas, including community development, environment, education, etc. Since then, the organization has attempted to prioritize these needs through a community survey, and with almost 250 surveys returned, community members provided the coalition with direction as to what they wanted to see happen. This year, it has set out to further this goal in two ways: 1) attending other local organizations to receive feedback on it's programs and direction, and 2) to hold a strategic planning session.

CACS workshops coming

The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies will sponsor a series of workshops on topics from currents to owls to crabs. Two workshops are aimed at teachers and are co-sponsored by the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve. Teachers can receive professional credit for participating, but these and other workshops are open to anyone who would like to learn more about the local environment.

The first teacher-training workshop, slated for March 7-9, will focus on principles of physical oceanography and how to demonstrate them with simple lab activities. The instructor will be Phillip Marshall, an experienced teacher currently working with University of Alaska Fairbanks oceanographers. Reserve scientists will present information about current oceanographic research in Kachemak Bay.

A second teacher training will be held April 25-27 with a focus on watershed science and teaching and the salmon-in-the-classroom program.

The center will sponsor three workshops on Tuesdays in March. At 6 p.m. Tuesday, there will be an owling expedition to Wynn Nature Center. Future workshops will feature jellyfish and arthropods.

People interested in volunteering as instructors or naturalists for the organization are encouraged to attend the workshops. For more information, call 235-6667.

Environmental group gets grant

Homer-based Cook Inlet Keeper, a nonprofit environmental watchdog group, has been awarded a $40,000 grant by the Alaska Conservation Foundation.

According to a foundation press release, the foundation's grants recognize exceptional conservation work through a variety of grant-making programs. The foundation provides grants that benefit organizations and communities throughout the state. Grants totaling $600,530 for operation and project support were ratified at a Feb. 22 meeting.

"Throughout the state, a diverse number of groups and individuals are doing tremendous work," said the foundations Executive Director Deborah L. Williams. "We are honored to be able to support the best conservation efforts in the Great Land, for the benefit of present and future generations."

Homer Foundation awards grants

The Homer Foundation recently announced a handful of grant awards to community nonprofits. Grants went to:

* Kenai Peninsula Safe Kids Coalition, $1,000 for child passenger safety seat project;

* Kenai Peninsula College, Kachemak Bay Branch, $1,500 for Kachemak Bay Writer's Conference;

* Homer Community Schools, $271 for toys and equipment for Homer Play Group;

* Mc Neil Canyon Elementary School, $500 for Kachemak Bay Learning Center field trip:

* KBBI, $5,290 for equipment replacement;

* Homer High School, $1,709 for professional camcorder.

Petition rejection sparks complaint

Alaskans for Efficient Government has filed a complaint against the State of Alaska and Lt. Gov. Loren Leman in Anchorage Superior Court asking for an injunction requiring Leman to certify the group's proposed petition to protect the permanent fund dividend.

According to the group, the proposed initiative would do two things: prohibit the Legislature from changing the PFD calculation without a vote of the people; and prohibit the Legislature from using the earnings of the permanent fund for general governmental purposes without a vote of the people.

The group contends that Leman's refusal to certify the proposal on constitutional grounds was erroneous.

For additional information, contact Uwe Kalenka, president of Alaskans for Efficient Government,

at 278-2111.

Board of Game seeks comments

The state Board of Game will consider predator management issues in the McGrath area at its meeting March 6 in Anchorage. The board invites comments, concerns and ideas regarding the approach that should be taken. Written testimony may be submitted through Wednesday. The board will hear oral testimony beginning at 1 p.m. March 6 at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel.

Comments concerning Unit 19D wildlife management can be sent to the Board of Game at the following address: Unit 19D East information, 1300 College Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701.

Residents of the upper Kuskokwim River drainage in Western Interior Alaska are concerned about the moose population in their area, Game Management Unit 19D East.

Residents need about 130-150 moose for food each year and the current harvest is about 80-90.

Biologists with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game found that predation of vulnerable moose calves by wolves bears is the major cause of mortality. Reducing predation could significantly increase the moose population and the availability of moose for hunting.

The Board of Game will consider a number of management options at its March meeting.

For additional information on this issue, see "ADF&G Seeks Comment on McGrath Predator Control" under news and features on the ADF&G Web site at www.state.ak.us/adfg.