Bristol Bay, Alaska

Tell Secretary Salazar to protect 1 million acres of Bristol Bay, Alaska

Care about protecting the biggest wild salmon fishery on the planet? Then contact the Bureau of Land Management and tell them to protect the federal lands in Bristol Bay, Alaska from hard rock mining. Closed to mining for over 30 years, these public lands anchor Bristol Bay’s salmon-supporting habitat with miles of untamed rivers and wild country. A recommendation from the Bureau of Land Management to lift this mineral closure and open the door for a modern-day gold rush was issued in the last days of the Bush Administration. The cumulative impacts from increased development in the area would transform the landscape and over time could devastate the area’s $360 million salmon fishery and the traditional way of life for local Alaska Native communities. Comment today.

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Message Recipients

Bob Abbey

Ken Salazar - Secretary

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Dear (recipient name),

I am writing today to join the thousands of fly fishing and outdoor enthusiasts, business owners and individuals who care deeply about the long-term health and productivity of the Bristol Bay watershed in Alaska.  I am concerned about an attempt by the Bush administration to remove protections for fish and wildlife in the Bay Resource Management Plan (RMP). Much of one million acres covered by the Bay RMP lie adjacent to tributaries of the Nushagak and Kvichak Rivers - two of the most productive wild salmon rivers in the world.  I write to ask that you permanently close this area to new mining claims.

The Bristol Bay watershed supports healthy runs of five species of Pacific salmon, trout, char, grayling, and northern pike, and Dolly Varden The region is home to populations of caribou, moose, waterfowl, and bear which are pursued by both sport and subsistence hunters. From an economic standpoint, the region’s sport, commercial and subsistence fisheries generate approximately $360 million per year and provide jobs for some 12,500 people. Unfortunately, the current RMP fails to account for the natural values in this area and unnecessarily jeopardizes a world class fishery and sporting destination.

I remain convinced that your agency can produce and implement a land-use plan for Bristol Bay that will generate economic opportunities while also conserving sporting and indigenous traditions for future generations.  The first step in achieving this outcome will be to permanently close this area to mining claims.

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