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”). 
• 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.

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Open Letter to the Governor of Alaska

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