Update on the
Bristol Bay Alaska Mining Threat
By Scott Hed, Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska
December 2007
You’ve likely heard that a Canadian company called
Northern Dynasty is proposing to build North
America’s largest open-pit gold and copper mine
between Lake Iliamna and the Mulchatna River. The
permitting process began in July 2006, as Northern
Dynasty applied for water rights from Upper Talarik
Creek and the North and South Forks of the Koktuli
River.
In August 2007, Northern Dynasty announced it was
forming a partnership with Anglo-American, the
world’s third-largest mining company. Despite its
name, Anglo is not an American company – it is based
in London. So, now that 2 foreign companies are
trying to lay claim to some of the world’s most
productive salmon and trout waters, what’s next?
The developers are still asking everyone to take a
“wait and see” approach, but they continue their
exploratory work in the region. Aside from the
proposed Pebble project, other mining interests are
developing plans for other lands in the greater
Bristol Bay area. The mining industry views Bristol
Bay as a potential massive mining district.
Support for Bristol Bay conservation continues to
grow around the country and the globe. While Trout
Unlimited and the Federation of Fly Fishers have
been engaged for a while, new opposition to Pebble
has been registered by the Izaak Walton League of
America, Dallas Safari Club, and Wildlife Forever
(the conservation affiliate of the North American
Hunting Club and North American Fishing Club).
Nearly 100 companies in the fly fishing industry
have gone on record as opposing mining plans in
Bristol Bay, and fishing publications continue to
give the subject coverage.
Perhaps of most immediate importance is an effort to
place several initiatives on the 2008 election
ballot in Alaska that would protect the clean water
resources of the State from new large mining
projects. Signature gatherers have been working
since late October to acquire over 23,000 valid
signatures, the amount required to put the
initiatives up for a vote in November 2008. The
signatures must be submitted to the State by
mid-January, so there is a lot to do in a short time
in Alaska.
In coming months, there will be several
opportunities to learn more and do your part to help
protect Bristol Bay.
-
Look for new documentaries from FeltSoul
Media (“Red Gold”) and Castaway Films
(“Equilibrium”). Think about hosting a
showing in your area.
-
Sign the Bristol Bay conservation
petition online at
www.sportsmansalliance4ak.org.
-
Watch for an online fundraising auction
featuring trips and gear from the
biggest names in fly fishing. Funds
will be dedicated to supporting the
campaign to protect Bristol Bay.
-
Attend any of the fly fishing shows and
the fly fishing film tour. Information
on Bristol Bay will be present at these
events.
-
Discuss Bristol Bay at your next club
meeting.
-
Write or call your members of Congress.
There’s only one Bristol Bay. If you’ve been there
you know how incredible the land and the fishing
are. If you dream of fishing there someday, or if
you dream of returning, now is the time to get
involved.
Visit
www.savebristolbay.org,
www.sportsmansalliance4ak.org, and
www.renewableresourcescoalition.org to learn
more.
