Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska

December 22, 2010 Newsletter

Christmas is nearly upon us, and soon enough 2010 will be in the rear-view mirror. The Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska would like to thank all of you for taking an interest in Alaska conservation. Your support is critical as we go about the business of ensuring places like Bristol Bay and the Tongass National Forest remain healthy and productive ecosystems that support fish, game, and the opportunity to fish and hunt on public lands. I hope you have a terrific holiday season and are able to spend some quality time with family and friends.

Here are some of the highlights from the past month. As always, there’s much more found at the Latest News page on the SAA site.

The SAA Needs YOU:
Call for Volunteers – Sport Show Appearances in 2011

SAA will be exhibiting at the following sport shows in early 2011. If you are interested in lending a hand, we’ll take whatever time you could spare to volunteer.

It’s our best chance each year to talk with people about Alaska and how they can help protect places like Bristol Bay. The show schedule along with links to the show  Web sites is on the SAA On The Road page.

• Jan. 6-9, Denver, CO
  International Sportsmen ’s Exposition
• Jan. 6-9, Dallas, TX
  Dallas Safari Club convention
• Jan. 20-23, Sacramento, CA
  International Sportsmen’s Exposition
• Jan. 26-30, Puyallup, WA
  Washington Sportsmen’s Show
• Jan. 28-30, Bozeman, MT
  Great Rockies Sportshow
• Feb. 9-13, Portland, OR
  Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show
• Mar. 3-6, Reno, NV
  Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Convention

Please contact Scott@SportsmansAlliance4AK.org for details.

Fish in Bristol Bay with Artist Derek DeYoung and The Drake magazine Senior Editor

Acclaimed fish artist Derek DeYoung of CanvasFish.com fame and Geoff Mueller from The Drake magazine are headed to Bristol Bay in June 2011. Check out the full details here.

This trip will split time between Copper River Lodge and Royal Coachman Lodge. Cost is $5,800 per person, and there is room for up to five anglers to join Derek and Geoff for what should be a terrific time.

Bristol Bay: Tiffany & Co. Advertises in National Geographic Magazine

The December issue of National Geographic magazine has a tremendous 25-page feature on Bristol Bay and the Pebble Mine controversy. On the page facing the table of contents, Tiffany & Co. placed this full-page ad stating the company’s thoughts about Bristol Bay. In case you still need to buy some Christmas gifts … remember that Tiffany and dozens of other jewelers have signed the Bristol Bay Pledge. Go forth and spend accordingly.

Bristol Bay: Pebble Partnership Hires “Independent” Firm to Conduct Panels

The Pebble Partnership has contracted with the Keystone Center to host a series of “public dialogues” regarding the proposed Pebble Mine.

Read this opinion piece from the Anchorage Daily News that challenges the Keystone process, and says the obvious question is not even part of the process: should a mine like Pebble even be build in Bristol Bay?

Bristol Bay: The Campaign Responds to Use of Word “Terrorism”

If you recall last month’s news, The Pebble Partnership’s CEO used some very inflammatory language at a recent gathering of the Resource Development Council, likening those opposed to the proposed Pebble Mine to terrorists. Naturally, opponents of the project objected to the use of the phrase “legal terrorism.” Read the article about the response in the Anchorage Daily News. You can also view the ad which ran in the Anchorage Daily News and Bristol Bay Times, asking for a public apology for this unfortunate choice of words.

Bristol Bay: State Lawsuit Under Way

An Alaska Superior Court judge dismissed a request by the Pebble Partnership to delay the court trial over the constitutionality of Pebble’s exploration permits. The judge ordered the Pebble Partnership to turn over exploration work documents that had been requested over six months ago. The state trial over the legality of the exploratory work done by the Pebble Partnership began in early December. Read the account in the Anchorage Daily News.

Bristol Bay: Former Alaska Senate President Speaks Out Against Pebble

The Anchorage Daily News ran an opinion editorial from Rick Halford, former Alaska state Senate president as well as a licensed guide and bush pilot, about the long-term liability the proposed Pebble Mine would become to Alaska if it were ever approved and built.

All Quiet on the Tongass Front

SAA will keep you informed of possible legislation in Congress, both good and bad, influencing the Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska.

At the moment, there’s nothing big to report. So, just take a minute to learn about the Tongass at the official U.S. Forest Service Web site.

Another Mine Proposal, This One Coal, Attracting Attention

The co-chair of the Alaska chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers penned a very good opinion editorial in the Anchorage Daily News about a lesser-known threat facing salmon streams in Alaska – a proposal to allow a coal mining operation to destroy a salmon stream by strip mining for coal. The Chuitna River watershed, across Cook Inlet west of Anchorage, is the area facing this threat.

Interview with SAA Director

SAA Director Scott Hed was recently profiled on the site IdeaMensch.com whose motto is “Passionate People Bringing Ideas to Life.”

Alaska Conservation Foundation Internship Program

SAA is a project of the Alaska Conservation Foundation (ACF). ACF’s Conservation Internship Program provides paid internship experiences to undergraduate and graduate students as well as recent college graduates who plan a career in conservation, environmental justice or another closely related field and are willing to make a long-term commitment to preserving and protecting Alaska’s pristine environment and diverse cultures. Learn more and apply for one of the 16 internships available in 2011 here.

Donate to SAA – Beat the End of the Year for Tax Deductions!

SAA is grateful for the generous support of individuals, businesses, and foundations. Your donations allow SAA to continue to work on efforts to protect prime fishing and hunting habitats in the Last Frontier for the benefit of current and future sportsmen and women. We’re still running a few special donation promotions with the following items available, although supplies are dwindling on some items. Make your donations online at the secure SAA donation page; all amounts are accepted and appreciated! For donations of the following amounts, please indicate what item you’d like to receive in the “comment” box on the donation page.

• $15 – Abel “No Pebble Mine” coaster for your favorite beverage (8 remaining)
• $20 – Equilibrium 20-minute documentary on DVD
• $25 – Red Gold documentary on DVD (recently named one of the Top 25 nature documentaries of all time by Outside magazine)
• $50 – Salmon in the Trees coffee table Tongass picture book (only two available)

Thanks for whatever you’re able to contribute to help secure a future for fishing and hunting on Alaska’s public lands!

Thanks for caring about Alaska conservation.

Best wishes for a safe and joyous holiday season.

Scott Hed
Director – Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska

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