LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

June 9, 2004

WSEN,

What an interesting sword you wield. The News may be a humble instrument, but hopefully it reaches a few in powerful places who might be interested in the citizen’s side of issues hidden in the shadow of “giants in the land.” Caleb and Joshua would be approving and very proud of your report.

There are articles not only of many contentious struggles, but then the view is lifted to include a panorama of this wonderful place in time and the very common men and women who wish to call it home. This all works very well together, and I wish to commend your efforts.

As a separate page to this brief letter, you will find comments regarding a recent article found in the May & June issue of WSEN.

Yours Truly,

Dan Renshaw

Alpine Kameroff

Thirty-six years ago I stopped at the old Alpine Inn at Sutton for breakfast. I was acquainted with many cafe regulars who worked at the Evan Jones Coal Mine, and I noticed their conversation was more lively than normal for that early morning hour. I listened for the reason. It seems that but a few hours previous, the Alpine Inn had witnessed an unusual event. A couple from the Copper River Valley had lost a race against time and the stork. Their son was born on the pool table right here at the Alpine Inn.

Over breakfast and additional coffee, I was appraised of all the details: this couple had driven for many miles down the Glenn Highway hoping to reach a hospital, the new mother just could not delay the delivery process any longer, the Alpine Inn had become delivery room of last resort. The finale of the story was a parting comment made by the new mother. Her boy would be named “Alpine.”

A friend listening to the story then turned to me in typical dry humor, “sure a good thing they hadn't stopped at the Moos-abou Lodge.” Some readers of the News will remember, many years ago there was such a place. But Alpine was his name. Having no knowledge of a last name, I always hoped one day to meet a man named Alpine, that I might ask how he had obtained such an unusual first name.

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Alpine Kameroff on April 18th. The article on page 16 of the News for May and June of 2004 told me a little about this man of such auspicious beginning. From that article I now understand I am the poorer for never have met Alpine Kameroff in person. Because of the article he now seems an acquaintance of long standing, just not seen or heard from in recent years.

WSEN

Most of us look forward to our golden years. Here in the WRST, by the time we’re in our late sixties, we have to live a careful balance between our Social Security stipends and the costs of running a homestead. It’s not easy in our world of rising fuel costs to keep generators running and vehicles roadworthy.

Well, the NPS just made life quite a bit harder for one of our neighbors in the park. At the age of 68, he has been living in a cabin on what he thought was a native allotment, with the permission of the owner, for 17 years. She wanted no rent from him, but was happy to have him there caretaking the property.

Apparently, while investigating a recent number of land sales on the McCarthy Road, NPS found out that the native allotment was denied by BLM in 1994. The woman failed to tell our friend that the land was never conveyed to her. It didn’t take long for Tom Betts, Chitina District Ranger, and Richard Larrabee, NPS Criminal Investigator from Anchorage to come out and advise him that he had until October 1st to vacate the premises. They were kind enough to mention that they weren’t going to prosecute him for being there!

Now, this kind and generous man must come up with the financial resources to set himself up somewhere else before winter. He must find either a rental in the area or try to purchase a piece of land of his own. His quiet life of solitude and enjoyment of his simple pleasures and animals has been turned upside down. No mention of a lease agreement was even suggested. Just a demand to leave. So much for his golden years.

This same native allotment denial is wreaking havoc with other local residents. They are being told that since their access road crosses a portion of the newly-recognized federal land, they must all pay annual access fees to NPS reach their homes. The road could easily be moved to avoid the 100 yards of federal land. I imagine a simple request from NPS would have probably done that. But instead, the steamroller tactic is used again. More fees to reach our homes.

What’s wrong with this picture? We keep hearing the NPS wants to be our friends. Why can’t they act like friends and treat residents with respect? They have other options that they choose not to take.

The area in question is purposely left out of this account to protect the privacy of the gentleman involved. But the story speaks for itself. It should outrage every one of us.

Concerned Citizen