Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska

April 23, 2014 Newsletter

Welcome to the latest edition of the SAA News. I hope you had a good winter and your spring is off to a great start. I’ll try to do a better job of getting a newsletter out on at least an every-other-month basis. Some big happenings from the past few months with the Bristol Bay campaign highlight the news, and you’ll also find some great video clips, and opportunities to show your support for Alaska conservation while getting some great rewards at the same time.

Bristol Bay: EPA Begins Process to Protect Bristol Bay!

The first quarter of 2014 has been an eventful one for the campaign to protect Bristol Bay and the world’s most productive wild salmon fishery.

On January 15, the EPA released the final Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment after three years of study. The sporting community issued a press release praising the report.
On February 28, the EPA announced it was initiating a process under the Clean Water Act that could lead to Bristol Bay being protected from the proposed Pebble Mine. There are several steps in the Clean Water Act Section 404(c) review process, and public involvement opportunities are part of the process. At present, the project’s proponents have until April 29 to respond to EPA’s concerns. Stay tuned as this process moves forward.
One thing you can do RIGHT NOW is send a quick message to the EPA, encouraging the agency to stay the course and complete the process to protect Bristol Bay. Your U.S. Senators will also receive a copy of the message – important due to news item below.

Credit: Tosh Brown

Bristol Bay: Major Investors Leave Pebble Project

The past six months have seen two of the world’s largest mining companies exit the proposed Pebble Mine project.

In September 2013, Anglo American pulled out, taking a $300 million charge to walk away.
On April 7, Rio Tinto decided to donate its 19% stake in Northern Dynasty Minerals to a pair of Alaska charitable foundations.

Bristol Bay: Alert! Attempt in Senate to Stop EPA from Protecting Bristol Bay

Credit: Jeff Pierce

While things are moving ahead with the EPA’s work to protect Bristol Bay, there is an effort afoot in the Senate to thwart EPA’s ability to use the Clean Water Act to protect Bristol Bay.

On April 16, fourteen leading sportsmen’s and conservation groups expressed their strong opposition to the Regulatory Fairness Act. See the press release.
KDLG radio interviews SAA about the sportsmen letter on SB 2156.
A Bristol Bay native leader calls on Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to stand up for Bristol Bay and not try to restrict EPA’s work to protect the region and its fishery, in this Anchorage Daily News opinion editorial.

Forests: National Forests Contribute to 2013 Record Salmon Harvest

The U.S. Forest Service reports that Alaska’s Tongass and Chugach National Forests played large roles in Alaska’s 2013 record salmon harvest.

Watch: Great New Video from Fly Out Media – Long Live the King

This new short (15-minute) film explores the Alaska king salmon decline from an angler's perspective - advocating cooperation in preserving Alaska's salmon runs, conservative management, and a "resource first" mentality among all user groups.

http://www.alaskaflyout.com/llk2

Miscellany: Retail Titans + Video Clips + Prize Winners + Podcast

Two of the nation’s largest outdoor retailers are opening their first stores in Anchorage.

Cabela's opened a few weeks ago and Bass Pro Shops is scheduled to open this summer.

Here are a few short video clips that you might enjoy.

Hank Patterson shares his profound thoughts on the proposed Pebble Mine near Alaska's Bristol Bay.
Bowhunter Donnie Vincent has a trailer for a new film that includes what looks like it’ll be some great Alaska action.
Camille Egdorf, who’s grown up and spent each summer at her family’s camp on the Nushagak River, has a new film – see the trailer for Unbroken.

Thanks to the Fly Fishing Show and everyone that signed a postcard to the EPA during the 2014 tour. Congrats to the following door prize winners and thanks to these sponsors:

Noel L. won a Sage ONE fly rod
Harry H. won a Redington Rise fly reel and RIO Perception line & backing
Richard C. won Patagonia Rio Gallegos waders and Rock Grip boots
Carter A. won a Simms Slick jacket
Paul M. won a Vedavoo Tightlines pack and Costa Jose sunglasses

SAA Director Scott Hed was interviewed on April 22 with a Bristol Bay update on The Open Fly podcast.

Other Ways to Support SAA and the Fight for Fishing and Hunting in Alaska

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. Make your donations online at the secure online donation page; all amounts are accepted and appreciated – SAA is a lean, mean, one-man operation but it takes funding to do this work. For donations of the following amounts, please include “SAA” and indicate what item you’d like to receive in the “comment” box on the donation page.

BONUS: All donations of $100 or more will receive a copy of Equilibrium on DVD by Castaway Films!

$25 Waypoints DVD from Confluence Films ($30 value)
$50 Simms Ultralight Shirt with Sportsmen for Bristol Bay logo ($100 value)
Blowout price – only 4 remain (1 each for M, L, XL, XXL)
$125 4-in-1 Alaska or Fab Four - Alaskan September giclee print by Derek DeYoung (13” x 19”) ($120 value)
$200 Abel "No Pebble Mine" nippers with lanyard ($125 value)
Note: Abel will produce a run based on how many we need, so time lag involved.

$25 – DVD

$50 - Simms shirt

$200 - Abel Nippers

Alaska by Derek DeYoung
$125 - “4-in-1 Alaska” by Derek DeYoung

$125 - “Fab Four – Alaskan September” by Derek DeYoung

(If you have any questions on how to donate, email scott@sportsmansalliance4ak.org.)

Thanks for caring about Alaska conservation. Your support and actions will ensure a future for Alaska’s fish and game and for coming generations of sportsmen and women to enjoy them.

Sincerely,

Scott Hed
Director – Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska

Chloe and Maggie with Scott Hed
Chloe (L) and Maggie (R) – Read an account
of a near-fatal accident Maggie had recently
on the Fishpond blog.