Alaska House Fisheries Committee to hold public hearing on growing threat of transboundary mining

October 6, 2016

CONTACT: Jill Weitz, Salmon Beyond Borders, (907) 957-9504
 
MEDIA ADVISORY

Alaska House Fisheries Committee to hold public hearing on growing threat of transboundary mining

JUNEAU, AK – At the invitation of the Alaska House Fisheries Committee, Alaska commercial fishermen, business owners, municipal and Tribal leaders and concerned citizens will attend a hearing next Wednesday, October 12 concerning threats posed by large-scale mining development near the headwaters of rivers flowing from British Columbia into Alaska. The Committee recognizes Alaskan concerns and requests input on advancing this critical issue.  

Several experts have been invited to give brief presentations at the start of the hearing, including State of Alaska officials, Alaska and British Columbia indigenous leaders, and mining and fishing industry leaders. An analyst from McDowell Group will also present findings from a just-completed analysis of the economic impact of transboundary rivers.
Earlier today, the State of Alaska and British Columbia signed a non-binding agreement focused on transboundary waters. Alaskans now seek a better understanding of how the state plans to ensure that enforceable measures are secured and financial liabilities are identified to protect the clean water, fisheries, jobs, cultures, and ways of life in transboundary watersheds.

WHAT: Public hearing concerning transboundary mining issue
WHEN: October 12, 2016 from 10 am - 4 pm (with a noon-12:30 pm lunch break)
WHERE: Beltz Room 105 of the Thomas B. Stewart Legislative Office Building
206 4th St. Juneau, AK 99801 and on the phone: 844-586-9085
WHO: The Alaska House Fisheries Committee. Alaska leaders and decision makers, including state legislators, Lt. Governor Mallott, and representatives from the Alaska congressional delegation, will be present. Anyone concerned with threats posed by Canadian mining on Alaskan waterways is encouraged to attend and testify.

The following individuals will be available for comment:

• Ephraim Froehlich, Senator Murkowski’s Office, Fisheries Advisor
• Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott, State of Alaska
• Dale Kelley, Alaska Trollers Association, Executive Director
• Dr. David Chambers, Center for Science in Public Participation, Geophysicist
• Dr. Daniel Schindler, University of Washington, Professor of Fisheries Aquatic Sciences
• Kirsten Shelton, McDowell Group, Project Manager
• Bev Sellars, B.C. First Nations Women Advocating Responsible Mining, Chair
• Jacinda Mack, B.C. First Nations Women Advocating Responsible Mining, Coordinator
• Representative Louise Stutes, Alaska House Fisheries Committee, Chair, House District 32
• Representative Dan Ortiz, Alaska House Fisheries Committee, House District 36
• Heather Hardcastle, Salmon Beyond Borders, Campaign Director
• Jill Weitz, Salmon Beyond Borders, Campaign Manager
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 FOR MORE INFORMATION: See official meeting notice from House Fisheries Committee here.

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Salmon Beyond Borders is a campaign driven by sport and commercial fishermen, community leaders, tourism and recreation business owners and concerned citizens, in collaboration with Tribes and First Nations, united across the Alaska/British Columbia border to defend and sustain our transboundary rivers, jobs and way of life. Visit us online at salmonbeyondborders.org and find us on Facebook and Twitter.