In this episode, Mary Glaves, Matt Robus, River Gates, Chris Hoon and I discuss the proposed second crossing in Juneau and its potential impact on the Mendenhall Wetlands.

We explore the historical significance and the ecological value of the Mendenhall Wetlands which is a globally important bird area and a critical stopover for migratory birds. 

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In this episode Louie Maurer from Bear Creek Winery in Homer and I discuss how fruits like raspberries, blueberries, and rhubarb are transformed into exquisite wines. We break down wine pairings as well as life in Homer. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

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Jacinda Leighton is a 2018 graduate of Ketchikan High School who earned a degree in economics from Fort Lewis College in Colorado. She is now the business manager for Hump Island Oyster Company in Ketchikan. In this episode we discuss the life cycle of oysters, farming kelp, living with passion rather than waiting to discover a passion, and the satisfaction of having a career in her hometown. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community’s newest newspaper.

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In this episode I preview my latest book, Big Wild Life, which will be released on Friday, May 9. The book is an account of living in Alaska that includes stories from high school, home building, teaching, travel around the state and two major themes: Alaska as a proving ground/setting for adventure and difficult elements of conservation. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

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Zoe Krupa is a resident of Sitka and was recently a lead official at the 1a/2a state basketball tournament in Anchorage. In this episode we discuss growing up in Southeast, coaching vs. officiating, officiating rivalries and the time she gave her dad a technical foul.  

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community’s newest newspaper.

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In this episode, Tyler Freel breaks down the benefits and considerations of using suppressors and answers my questions about fly out moose hunting logistics. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

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Longtime resident Jon Heifetz shares his journey to Juneau, efforts to improve fish spawning habitat, his fishing adventures in Patagonia, and the evolution of techniques and equipment over the years.

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community’s newest newspaper.

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Juneau residents Wyatt and Nani Weimer breakdown their Haul Road hunting program, their most miserable hunts as a couple, guiding fishing trips during the summer and more of their adventures in Juneau. 

In this episode Cory Hansen and I walk around the Alaska Fly Fishing Goods shop and break down everything you need to know about fly fishing gear for  Alaska. From fly rods, shooting heads, reels and waders, to flies, shot, nets and dry bags, we hit it all. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community’s newest newspaper.

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Kevin Maier is an English professor at the University of Alaska Southeast. In this episode we discuss the Outdoor Skills and Leadership Certificate program at UAS. This one-year certificate offers a unique academic approach to outdoor pursuits, integrating academic inquiry with practical skills like swift water rescue and ice climbing.

We then discuss how reading classic outdoor literature, such as works by Thoreau and Hemingway, enriches outdoor experiences and informs our understanding of nature and conservation.

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community’s newest newspaper.

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