Striking it rich! Finding the mother lode! 'Tis the stuff of miners' dreams. Unlike professional gold seekers, recreational gold panners benefit mostly from the adventure. The entire family can share in the fun of prospecting and gold panning. In this booklet, we explain basic gold panning techniques, how to find gold, discuss mining rights and guidelines, and identify areas available for recreational panning on the Chugach National Forest portion of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. Recreational gold panning on lands withdrawn from mineral entry is not a mining activity-it is a privilege. Be aware that panning, sluicing, and suction dredging can adversely affect water quality, thereby impacting vegetation, fish, wildlife, and ultimately people. During the process of separating soil from minerals, silt may be washed into streams, creating turbid water. Fish, fish eggs, and the aquatic insects have difficulty living in heavily silted water because of its reduced oxygen supply.

When Dave's, who lives in Alaska, dog died he contacted his sister Sharon, who lives in a cattle ranching area to find him a new pet dog. Dave wanted a dog that was active and would chase a Frisbee, similar to Sharon's dog. The next thing Dave knew Sharon called excited about finding the perfect puppy. The puppy, a mixed breed, was bread to heard cattle but ended up in Alaska the "Last Frontier" and became Dave's pet. The story is about the puppy who was named Cosmos and his adventure of flying on a small airplane to a big airport and then on a big plane that took him to Anchorage, Alaska where he was united with Dave and his daughter Jennifer. The story details the trip of this puppy, from the vantage point of a grown dog, to his new home and family on the last frontier.