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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Heather Hardcastle, Salmon Beyond Borders, (907) 209-8486 Salmon Beyond Borders statement on joint State of Alaska - Alaska congressional delegation letter calling for international solutions regarding transboundary watersheds JUNEAU, AK – The State of Alaska and the entire Alaska congressional delegation sent a long-awaited joint letter today to the U.S. Department of State concerning threats to the iconic Alaska-British Columbia (B.C.) transboundary salmon rivers. Over a dozen Canadian mines are proposed and operating in the B.C. headwaters of these shared rivers Salmon Beyond Borders statement is as follows: “Salmon Beyond Borders is extremely pleased to see that Alaska leaders are united in calling on the U.S. federal government to utilize all international tools available to support and defend the livelihoods of the peoples and governments of Alaska from Canada’s large-scale mines upstream in British Columbia (B.C.). Salmon Beyond Borders acknowledges that the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the State of Alaska and the Province of B.C. last year was a step toward ensuring and maintaining the productivity of transboundary watersheds. But a complementary process between the U.S. and Canada that ultimately leads to binding protections for Alaskans is essential in seeking an international solution for this international problem. Everyone at Salmon Beyond Borders sends a hearty thank you to Governor Bill Walker, Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott, Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young for standing up for Alaska’s treasured salmon rivers, jobs, and way of life.” ### 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.
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Southeast communities renew push for federal help with B.C. mines while state stands still10/17/2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Heather Hardcastle, Salmon Beyond Borders, (907) 209-848 Southeast communities renew push for federal help with B.C. mines while state stands still Sitka, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Ketchikan update municipal resolutions for federal involvement on transboundary river concerns in advance of upcoming U.S.-Canada bilateral meeting JUNEAU, AK – In recent weeks, four Southeast communities passed resolutions renewing calls for the State of Alaska to explicitly request the involvement of the federal government on the AK-British Columbia (B.C.) transboundary mining issue. The resolutions come a week before an Oct. 23 U.S.-Canada bilateral meeting in Ottawa. Community leaders and many other Alaskans hope this issue will be broached by U.S. officials.
However, under the Walker Administration, the State of Alaska still has not formally requested the involvement of the U.S. State Department. This inaction is in spite of updated resolutions from the assemblies of Sitka, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Ketchikan, and letters and resolutions from dozens of other communities, legislators, and Tribes, as well as Alaska’s entire U.S. Congressional Delegation. “Wrangell is The Gateway To The Stikine, and as such, Wrangell, as well as all Alaskans, need to have enforceable regulations in place to prevent contamination of these shared transboundary watersheds," said City and Borough of Wrangell mayor David Jack. "Enforceable protections and financial assurances can only be secured through a binding federal framework.” Recent resolutions passed by the four communities were centered on the necessity for the State of Alaska to request that the U.S. take action under the Boundary Waters Treaty so that binding protections are secured between the two countries. This is not achievable through the non-binding agreement between the state and B.C. As local assemblies passed formal resolutions this fall, citizens of each community turned out to local events to learn more about the Canadian mines threatening productive salmon habitat in Southeast Alaska. “Commercial fishing is Petersburg’s economic engine and lifeblood and the large-scale mining development in B.C. presents a very real potential threat to our economy. For this reason, Petersburg, along with other Southeast Alaska communities, continue to strongly urge that Governor Walker requests explicit U.S. involvement to protect the interests of Alaskans downstream,” said Petersburg Borough mayor Mark Jensen. “Unfortunately, the State of Alaska has neither the authority nor the fiscal resources to protect our fisheries from Canada’s large-scale mines,” said Ketchikan Gateway Borough mayor David Landis. “The critical next step is for the state to appeal to the United States government to craft enforceable regulations that will protect our interests.” Although members of the Juneau community packed public events in support of federal engagement, the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly members paused to take more time with their updated resolution after a mining executive, Mr. Mike Satre, expressed his personal concerns via email to the Assembly about the federal approach. The Assembly will reconsider the issue later in November once they have had time to more fully understand mining industry concerns with invoking the Boundary Waters Treaty, which applies directly to the governance of international watersheds. Salmon Beyond Borders formally responded yesterday to Mr. Satre’s concerns via an email to the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly. “Senators Murkowski and Sullivan, as well as Congressman Young, continue to elevate this issue and drive federal resources toward securing long-lasting protections for Alaska’s future. The Walker Administration needs to join with the communities it represents and the people who have put trust in this Administration to protect wild salmon and clean water, Alaska’s greatest resources,” said Heather Hardcastle of Salmon Beyond Borders. “We just learned the transboundary mining issue isn’t currently even on the U.S.-Canada bilateral meeting agenda. Governor Walker, please join with your constituents and fellow elected leaders in explicitly calling on the State Department before October 23rd.” ### 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. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 29, 2017 CONTACT: Heather Hardcastle, Campaign Director, Salmon Beyond Borders, (907) 209-8486 Alaskans to Walker and Mallott: defend our wild salmon rivers now JUNEAU, AK – Dozens of organizations, legislators, and concerned citizens have come together once again to call on Governor Walker and Lt. Governor Mallott to request, in writing, the federal government to pursue enforceable protections for the rivers of Southeast Alaska by Aug. 4. The unified request comes the day before the end of a comment period regarding the implementation of the non-binding Statement of Cooperation between the State of Alaska and British Columbia (B.C.), and weeks in advance of the third anniversary of B.C.’s Mount Polley mine tailings disaster. A June 21, 2017 legislative letter, signed by Representative Dan Ortiz, Representative Louise Stutes, Senator Dennis Egan, Representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Representative Justin Parish, and Representative Geran Tarr, states: “We urge you to join with the nearly 10,000 individual Alaskans, numerous commercial and sport fishing groups, tourism businesses, Tribes, mayors, legislators, and our congressional delegation to make an explicit, written request of the U.S. federal government to develop and secure binding, enforceable measures to defend threatened U.S. interests in the Alaska-B.C. transboundary situation. We ask you to do this by August 4, 2017, in honor of the third anniversary of B.C.’s Mount Polley mine disaster.” The statement from Heather Hardcastle of Salmon Beyond Borders is as follows: “Alaskans again beg the State of Alaska to build on the non-binding Statement of Cooperation and specifically ask the U.S. federal government to secure enforceable protections and financial compensations for Alaskans. In their own letter to the Walker administration, Montana citizens who currently face an irreparably polluted transboundary river also strongly advise the State of Alaska to request binding protections from upstream B.C. mining activity. We can only hope the State of Alaska listens to our collective voices this time.” The Statement of Cooperation comment period deadline comes as the state undergoes financial crisis, Alaskans cope with king salmon fishing closures on the Taku, Stikine, and Unuk Rivers, and new large-scale B.C. mines operate in the Stikine and Unuk watersheds. The Red Chris mine, owned by Imperial Metals as is the Mount Polley mine, opened in the Stikine watershed in Feb. 2015. The Brucejack mine, owned by Pretivm Resources, began pouring gold last week at its site roughly 20 miles from the U.S./Canada border in the Unuk watershed. ### 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, Instagram, and Twitter. April 6, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Heather Hardcastle, Salmon Beyond Borders, (907) 209-8486 Salmon Beyond Borders Statement Following Passage of House Joint Resolution 9 Through the Alaska House Fisheries Committee JUNEAU, ALASKA - Today, “House Joint Resolution 9: Canadian Mines on Transboundary Rivers (HJR 9)" successfully passed in the House Fisheries Committee. This resolution, introduced by Representative Ortiz (I - Ketchikan) and sponsored by Representatives Kreiss-Tomkins, Tuck, Tarr, and Parish, “urges the United States government to continue to work with the government of Canada to investigate the long-term, region-wide downstream effects of proposed and existing industrial development and to develop measures to ensure that state resources are not harmed by upstream development in British Columbia.” In response to the passage of HJR 9, Heather Hardcastle of Salmon Beyond Borders stated: “We are pleased to see the Alaska House Fisheries Committee join thousands of Alaskans, and the Alaska congressional delegation in support of an international framework, under which the U.S. and Canadian federal governments can develop enforceable protections and financial assurances to defend Alaska’s valuable resources and way of life. This framework would be complimentary to the State of Alaska’s current non-binding Statement of Cooperation with British Columbia.” HJR 9 will be heard in the House Resources Committee Monday, April 10 at 1:00 p.m. in room 124. ### 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. April 4th, 2017
CONTACT: Heather Hardcastle, Campaign Director, Salmon Beyond Borders, (907) 209-8486 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Salmon Beyond Borders statement regarding April 6th legislative hearing, resolution concerning upstream mining development in British Columbia JUNEAU, AK – From 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Thursday, April 6, the House Fisheries Committee will hear expert and public testimony related to the threats to Alaskans posed by upstream mining development in British Columbia. The Committee will decide how the State of Alaska should address concerns by a growing number of residents and business owners who rely on the imperiled transboundary rivers shared by Alaska and British Columbia. Specifically, Committee members will decide whether to advance House Joint Resolution 9 (HJR 9), which urges the United States and Canadian federal governments to resolve the issue of potential harm to Alaska resources by Canadian mining. HJR 9 states: “BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature strongly urges the United States government to continue to work with the government of Canada to investigate the long-term, region-wide downstream effects of proposed and existing industrial development and to develop measures to ensure that state resources are not harmed by upstream development in British Columbia.” Concerning upstream development threats to Alaskan interests, HJR 9 sponsor, Rep. Dan Ortiz (I-Ketchikan), recently stated the following in a Feb. 22 opinion editorial published in the Juneau Empire: “Therefore, I believe a first order of business is for the state of Alaska to join with our congressional delegation, tribal governments, and thousands of residents in asking the U.S. federal government to secure immediate and enforceable protections and financial assurances for Alaskans who depend on the rivers of Southeast.” The statement from Heather Hardcastle of Salmon Beyond Borders is as follows: “We’re grateful that Rep. Ortiz and the Fisheries Committee are working to ensure these important protections for Southeast Alaska residents and businesses move forward at the federal level as quickly as possible. We’re hopeful that Thursday’s hearing is a step toward to the State of Alaska explicitly outlining how it will work with the United States federal government to secure enforceable protections and financial compensation for impacts related to Canadian transboundary mining projects.” ### 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. December 20, 2016
Contact: Heather Hardcastle, Salmon Beyond Borders, (907) 209-8486 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Salmon Beyond Borders responds to first meeting for AK-BC Statement of Cooperation JUNEAU - In response to a press release today from the Walker administration regarding implementation of the Alaska-British Columbia (BC) Statement of Cooperation on Protection of Transboundary Waters, Heather Hardcastle, Campaign Director of Salmon Beyond Borders, made the following statement: “Alaskans want enforceable protections and financial guarantees for transboundary rivers that are threatened by large-scale mining projects upstream in BC. This was made loud and clear by hundreds of Alaskans at the House Fisheries Committee Transboundary Hearing in October. These protections cannot be established through the Alaska-BC non-binding Statement of Cooperation. It is good to hear that Alaska and BC officials met for the first time to implement the Statement of Cooperation, but we encourage the State to join with the Alaska congressional delegation, Alaska legislators, and thousands of Alaskans to go beyond the Statement of Cooperation, and make the explicit ask of the U.S. government to secure a binding and enforceable international agreement with Canada. Additionally, we are eager to learn how the State of Alaska will respond to the BC government’s recent findings that water samples taken from the Tulsequah Chief mine in the Taku watershed are ‘acutely toxic,’ as this was not mentioned in the State’s press release today, and BC Minister Bill Bennett promised more than a year ago to clean up this pollution.”### 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. Find us online at www.salmonbeyondborders.org or on Facebook. Study finds threatened Southeast Alaska rivers generate an annual $48 million in economic activity11/17/2016 November 17, 2016
CONTACT: Heather Hardcastle, campaign director, Salmon Beyond Borders, 907-209-8486, heather@salmonstate.org Kirsten Shelton, project manager, McDowell Group, 907-419 -5806, kirstensheltonwalker@mcdowellgroup.net FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Study finds threatened Southeast Alaska rivers generate an annual $48 million in economic activity Regional business owners call for international protections to safeguard jobs and livelihoods sustained by Taku, Stikine and Unuk Rivers. JUNEAU, AK – Today, the McDowell Group released an economic study commissioned by Salmon Beyond Borders finding the present value of three transboundary watersheds threatened by British Columbia (B.C.) mining are valued at just under $1 billion, when considering a 30-year horizon. McDowell Group also stated, with appropriate management, Southeast Alaska's transboundary watersheds can generate economic benefits in perpetuity. Alaskans are increasingly concerned about the number, size and scope of large-scale metal mines in various phases of development on the B.C. side of these watersheds, and say this analysis is another reminder of the need for binding, international protections for these iconic watersheds and the livelihoods they sustain. "The statistics of this economic study highlight the robust yet fragile natural systems on which we depend. Securing enforceable protections for their integrity and future generations is of paramount importance,” said Cynthia Wallesz, Executive Director of United Southeast Alaska Gillnetters. The economic analysis completed by the McDowell Group, an Alaska-based research and consulting firm, measures the economic impacts in Southeast Alaska of the Taku, Stikine and Unuk River watersheds. The study also briefly considers economic contributions to Southeast Alaska from the Nass and Skeena Rivers, two rivers systems that also have cross-border economic impacts. To assess these impacts, McDowell Group focused on two key industries in the region: commercial fishing and the visitor and recreation industry. McDowell Group found that, combined, the Taku, Stikine and Unuk River watersheds account for $48 million in economic activity annually, including multiplier effects. This includes $34 million in direct spending, 400 jobs for the Southeast region, and almost $20 million in labor income. The firm also estimates the ex-vessel value and first wholesale value of Nass and Skeena River sockeye that are commercially caught in Alaska waters is approximately $620,000, and over $1.3 million, respectively. “These numbers are huge and very significant, especially when we consider they are so conservative. The analysis looks primarily at fishing and visitor industry potential impacts and isn’t capable of quantifying the full subsistence and lifestyle values of these iconic river systems,” said Brenda Schwartz-Yeager a fourth-generation Alaskan, and owner-operator of Alaska Charters and Adventures, which takes visitors up the Stikine River on jet boats. “Just think, if we can prevent any negative impacts by B.C. mining, these rivers will continue to sustain us both economically and protect a way of life that is tethered closely to these essential rivers.” McDowell Group noted that measuring transboundary watershed-related economic activity specifically is complex because data is scant, and it can be difficult to separate the threatened watersheds from the larger ecosystem and economy that includes all of Southeast Alaska and Canada. “Despite the limitations in the study, there is no question that the bounty from these rivers provides thousands of jobs that contribute to the well-being of communities on both sides of the border,” said Dale Kelley, Executive Director of the Alaska Trollers Association. “These watersheds are economic powerhouses and worthy of international protections.” Last month, the Alaska House Fisheries Committee held a hearing on the transboundary mining issue where hundreds of Alaskans asked how the State will address issues unaddressed by the non-binding Statement of Cooperation on Protection of Transboundary Waters recently signed by B.C. and the State. Specifically, almost all who testified requested financial assurances for liabilities, and enforceable measures that would protect the clean water, fisheries, jobs and ways of life in the transboundary region. The hearing spurred House Fisheries Committee Chair, Representative Louise Stutes (R-Kodiak) to send a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry requesting international agreements on this issue between the U.S. and Canada. The Alaska congressional and Washington State U.S. Senate delegations have sent similar letters to the U.S. State Department. ### 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. October 12, 2016
CONTACT: Dr. Dave Chambers, P. Geop., president, Center for Science in Public Participation, (406) 599-0537 Bev Sellars, chair, First Nations Women Advocating Responsible Mining, (250) 267-6924 Heather Hardcastle, campaign director, Salmon Beyond Borders, (907) 209-8486 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Southeast Alaska public requests state and federal action regarding growing threat of upstream Canadian large mines Fishermen, business owners, scientists and municipal, Tribal and First Nations leaders urge State to do more to protect Alaskan rivers, jobs and fisheries. JUNEAU, AK – The Alaska State House Fisheries Committee today heard the concerns of numerous Alaskans and Canadians about the potential negative impacts of British Columbia (B.C) mining operations on rivers shared by the two countries. “I haven’t eaten fish from the Fraser River in years - that is a loss of our culture. When I hear about B.C. mines, I worry about your culture here,” said Bev Sellars, chair, First Nations Women Advocating Responsible Mining. “We need this issue to be taken up by the International Joint Commission. You’ve got to get a binding agreement in writing.” Commercial fishermen, business owners, municipal and Tribal leaders, world-renowned fisheries and mining experts, concerned residents and B.C. First Nations leaders told the Committee that large-scale mining in the watersheds of transboundary rivers including the Taku, Stikine and Unuk, poses a threat to jobs and livelihoods on both sides of the border. Many who testified asked state leaders to formally request the involvement of United States and Canadian federal governments on this issue. “The value of the transboundary rivers is not just important to Southeast salmon fishermen, but also affects the overall Alaska salmon industry,” said Chip Treinen, commercial fisherman and United Fishermen of Alaska board member. “In order to have binding commitments that protect habitat by encouraging the highest standards of environmental protection, elevation to the International Joint Commission through the Boundary Waters Treaty seems to be a necessary action. I hope that Governor Walker, Lt. Gov Mallott and the legislature will unite in encouraging Secretary Kerry to take this issue to the International Joint Commission.” Late last week, the State of Alaska and B.C. signed a non-binding agreement focused on transboundary waters. At today’s public hearing, many Alaskans asked how the state will fill gaps unaddressed by the document. Specifically, many who testified requested financial assurances for liabilities and enforceable measures that would protect the clean water, fisheries, jobs and ways of life in the transboundary region. “Presently, the B.C. government is not putting safety before economics as recommended by the Mount Polley Expert Panel,” said Dr. Dave Chambers, geophysicist and president of the Center for Science in Public Participation. “Moreover, B.C. is not implementing other key recommendations of the Mount Polley Expert Panel - a body appointed by the province to determine what went wrong at Mount Polley and how to avoid similar tailings dam failures in the future.” According to a recent study from McDowell Group, the Taku, Stikine and Unuk Rivers combined account for $48 million in economic activity annually, including multiplier effects. The present value of the three watersheds combined is just under $1 billion over a 30-year timeframe. McDowell Group also notes that, with appropriate management, Southeast Alaska's transboundary watersheds can generate economic benefits in perpetuity. ### 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 andTwitter. Alaska House Fisheries Committee to hold public hearing on growing threat of transboundary mining10/6/2016 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:
### 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. October 6, 2016
CONTACT: Heather Hardcastle, Campaign Director, Salmon Beyond Borders (907) 209-8486 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE State of Alaska signs non-binding agreement with British Columbia on Canadian mining threats to Alaskan waters Alaskans seek enforceable protections and financial assurances, which are not included in document signed today. JUNEAU, AK – Today, the State of Alaska and British Columbia signed a Statement of Cooperation, a non-binding agreement focused on the protection of transboundary waters. Today’s measure leaves questions of how the state plans to secure enforceable protections and financial assurances for the losses incurred by upstream mining-related activity, including tailings dam failures in British Columbia. The statement from Salmon Beyond Borders is as follows: “It is our hope the State of Alaska will listen to and address Alaskans’ concerns during next week’s House Fisheries Committee transboundary hearing and explicitly outline how the state will work with the United States federal government to secure enforceable protections and financial compensation for impacts related to Canadian transboundary mining projects.” ### 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. |
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