Support Setnetters and be declared UnAlaskan

So apparently if you support the setnetters in the great salmon debate currently being duked out on the Kenai, and you DARE to suggest Anchorage fish IN ANCHORAGE when it comes to Dipnetting, then you are declared a "lower 48 scumbag" who needs to "move back to where you came from". I just got told that several times by internet idiots.

To them I say:

I was born and raised here. The media is reporting that 90% of those that are dipnetting on the Kenai DO NOT LIVE ON THE PENINSULA. Knowing what I know, that means 90% are from Anchorage and the Valley (anyone further North most likely dipnet in their rivers). 15,000 people are reported to be dipping this year ON THE KENAI. Not total in state, but IN ONE LOCATION. To suggest that THAT is not a factor in the smaller salmon runs is to be in denial. The crowds have gotten out of control, when my family dipped it was not HALF this size peoplewise. That was just a decade ago (if that). The numbers are growing exponentially.

Setnets have been around far longer than dipnetting. Between Dipnetters not following the rules, and more guides and commercial fishermen there is going to be a smaller number of fish returning. It's simple math. But as always the setnetters are the ones that the people focus on. Why? Because it's easier.

I am SO done with this debate. Dipnetters need to GO HOME, and ADFG needs to get a grip on the situation. The Kenai King is DEAD because of piss poor management that was more about the dollar than about sustaining ANYTHING. Now look where we are.

Funny River Fire - day 8 - in pictures

I spent most of the day at the church in full on VBS decoration mode. After finishing up I came home, grabbed my camera, and headed down to the beach. The smoke has become incredibly DARK - which has been explained as nothing bad, just the result of the fire crews doing "back burning"... whatever that is. It made for some pretty nice shots.

The current numbers are 176,069 acres, 670 personnel assigned, 0 injuries. No percentage of containment has been listed as far as I know. I'm sure they're waiting until the crews come back in. They're talking about relieving many of them as they've been going for a week now and are in need of sleep and actual rest. They have all been SO AMAZING and the community has really rallied around them. They are our heroes!

Funny River Fire - day 7 - evening pictures

As of 1pm - when the last numbers were given - the acres burned are 156, 041, I cannot find an update on the containment percentage. There has been a significant change in fire patterns and how they are fighting is and it's no doubt MUCH larger now. Today they evacuated much (if not all) of Funny River Road on both sides of the road. With the winds changing direction the fire seems to be moving the opposite direction and has begun to jump the Kenai River near the Kenai Keys area in Sterling.

The officials are reluctant to say that it's jumped, but there are many small fires popping up on the other side of the river. If it hasn't jumped it will. It's a matter of time. They're also not acknowledging that cabins were burned, but reports from those that have cabins in the Keys and were evacuated are reporting otherwise. I typically do not go with something that is unconfirmed, but those reporting it I trust. So we will see what tomorrow holds newswise.

This fire is now, most likely, the largest in state history. If it isn't, it most likely will be soon.

Rain is forecasted to hit sometime Monday night, but most likely not until Tuesday at the earliest. Keep praying.

Funny River Fire - Day 5 - in pictures

I spent most of the day working on Vacation Bible School decorations (we have about a week left for preparation), so I didn't get out to take pictures until later in the evening. The smoke clouds are back as the winds have shifted a bit. Because of the smoke cover they don't have updates on acreage, the last numbers were from this morning at 67,084 with 15% containment. The Pollard Subdivision in Kasilof is under evacuation awareness - meaning they need to be ready at a moments notice to get the heck outta there, but latest reports say they don't expect to have to give that warning soon. We'll see. With the shifty winds anything is possible. Praying they keep it under control. People's lives and homes are at stake.

Funny River Fire - Day 4 - in pictures

I didn't take many pictures today, with all of the haze caused by the smoke and the shifting wind there isn't as much to see. I'm sure if I was a fire chaser I could see it, but that's not going to happen. I don't need to be out there causing the people working the scene anymore worry than what they're already dealing with. Besides, I'm terrified of fire, so the last thing I want to do is actually go TOWARDS it.

I've been asked if I am in any danger where I live of these fires. I am not. Kenai is miles away from where it started and we're on the other side of the Kenai River from it to boot. IF it were to make it's way over here that would mean the City of Soldotna and all of Kenai would be destroyed and pretty much it would be the end of the Peninsula as we know it because it would be a herculean fire.

The fire has consumed just under 45,000 acres. Still hasn't claimed any structures or life (human or livestock anyway). Anchorage and the Valley are covered in the smoke now that winds have shifted. The crews have reported a 5% containment (when I went to bed last night it was at 0% so that's something). Canada sent a few water bomber planes, today was their first day on scene. Looks like they were just what we needed. Thanks Canucks!

Funny River Fire - Day 3 - Pictures

Taken around 1:30 - 2:00pm at the Kenai Beach and Kenai River Bridge... as well as a few of the smoke cloud hanging over my house. A smokey haze has fallen on Soldotna and Kenai, it doesn't smell too bad, but it's obviously in the air because my throat and nose are acting up. Bugs are swarming low and all over, it's crazy bad. All of Central Peninsula is affected and under smoke clouds so it's dark and cold... but it makes for some pretty cool pictures.