Leading UK Jewelers Say “No” to Dirty Gold

Leading UK Jewelers Say “No” to Dirty Gold from Alaska Mine
Pledge Support for World’s Greatest Wild Salmon Fishery

London, England—Six prestigious UK jewelry retailers and designers representing 260 stores today pledged their support for Bristol Bay, Alaska, by announcing that they will not buy gold from Anglo American’s proposed “Pebble” mine, a massive open-pit operation being considered in the bay’s headwaters. The Bristol Bay watershed supports the world’s most productive wild sockeye salmon fishery, which is critical to the state’s economy and to the livelihoods of many Alaska Native communities. The UK is the largest consumer of Bristol Bay canned sockeye salmon.

UK jewelers Goldsmiths, Beaverbrooks, Mappin & Webb, Watches of Switzerland, Fifi Bijoux and April Doubleday took this step at the invitation of local Alaskans who seek to protect wild salmon, clean water and their traditional ways of life from the damaging effects of industrial metal mines.

"We at Beaverbrooks support the protection of Alaska's Bristol Bay watershed from large scale mining,” said Mark Adelstone, managing director of Beaverbrooks the Jewellers. “We need to be mindful and respectful of the Bristol Bay salmon fishery and the communities that depend on it. We feel that the precious metals that we sell need to be mined responsibly and in environmentally friendly ways and if this means looking to other places to source gold, then so be it."

In pledging not to source gold mined at Pebble, the UK jewelers join eight U.S. retailers who endorsed the pledge last year, including Tiffany & Co. (which has seven stores in the UK), Helzberg Diamonds, and Ben Bridge Jeweler. The threat to the Bristol Bay fishery has generated an unusual and diverse array of allies, including Alaska’s commercial fishing industry, over 140 sportfishing businesses, the Alaska Intertribal Council (a consortium of 231 Alaska Tribes), and numerous conservation groups.

“The support demonstrated by these respected UK jewelers is greatly appreciated and will help us to protect the wild salmon fishery that has sustained our economy and people for generations,” said Thomas Tilden, board member of the Choggiung Native Corporation.

The proposed Pebble gold-copper mine is a project of UK-based Anglo American, one of the world’s largest mining companies, and Northern Dynasty Minerals of Canada. The mine is projected to generate an estimated 9 billion tons of waste, much of it containing acids and toxic metals to be stored on site in what is now pristine Alaska wilderness.

“Sustainable development is surely a necessary value which is core to any 21st century business,” said Vivien Johnston of Fifi Bijoux. “I am surprised that Anglo American would pursue a programme in Bristol Bay which is clearly not in the best interests of the long term sustainability of the local community or the conservation of important ecosystems. I would ask them to revise their strategy and review their CSR standards to ensure that any new mining site need not compromise their vision of environmental integrity and community consultation.”

Alaska Native communities’ way of life, and Alaska’s largest private sector employer – the fishing industry – are heavily dependent on the continued health of Bristol Bay. Bristol Bay’s commercial fishery generates $320 million a year and 12,500 jobs. Bristol Bay residents harvest and consume an average of 315 pounds (143 kilograms) of fish per person per year, making the salmon a primary source of food. Unlike many of the world’s wild salmon populations, which are in serious decline, the pristine rivers and undeveloped landscape of the Bristol Bay watershed continue to support a sustainable world-class salmon fishery that supplies healthy seafood to consumers around the world. A third of the world’s commercial sockeye salmon are harvested there, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

These UK and U.S. retailers who have signed on to the Bristol Bay protection pledge have also endorsed the “Golden Rules” of the No Dirty Gold consumer campaign spearheaded by EARTHWORKS, which has called on mining companies to meet environmental and social standards. So far, some 55 retailers worldwide have endorsed the Golden Rules. A complete list can be found on the No Dirty Gold website. More than 100,000 consumers in over 100 countries have also signed the No Dirty Gold pledge, urging mining companies to provide alternatives to “dirty” gold.

“The Pebble mine would imperil one of the world’s most pristine and productive ecosystems,” said Bonnie Gestring of international mining reform group EARTHWORKS. “We applaud the jewelry retailers for signing on to the Bristol Bay protection pledge, and demonstrating their commitment to responsible sourcing.”

Do you want your fishing hole to look like this?

I just got off the plane from New York state and hadn't planned on posting tonight. However, when I got home I found this important email from Scott Hed of the Sportsman's Alliance for Alaska. Scott is a dedicated angler and conservationist and is one of the key players leading the fight against the Bristol Bay Mine. He has asked us to pass his email along to you:

Greetings fly fishing enthusiast,

Thank you for your support for the world’s greatest wild salmon and trophy rainbow trout fishery! Over the early months of 2007, the Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska attended 11 fly fishing shows across the country. You joined several thousand conservation-minded anglers in signing the Fly Fishing Petition for Bristol Bay which is now available online at http://www.sportsmansalliance4ak.org/FlyFishingPetition_BristolBay.html.

Please forward this message to all of your fishing friends so they can become involved too. If each one of you asks a couple friends, we can easily add thousands more anglers in support of Bristol Bay’s renewable resources.

Individual anglers such as yourself are being joined by the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) and over 40 of its member companies, Trout Unlimited, the Federation of Fly Fishers, Dallas Safari Club, commercial fishermen and organizations, native villages in the region, and others in the campaign to keep Bristol Bay from being developed into a massive mining district, anchored by the proposed Pebble Mine project located north and east of Lake Iliamna. A major strength of this campaign is the diversity of individuals and groups standing up and stating “No Mines in Bristol Bay.”

Things you can do:

1) Encourage all of your fishing friends and fellow club members to sign the Fly Fishing Petition for Bristol Bay online. http://www.sportsmansalliance4ak.org/FlyFishingPetition_BristolBay.html

2) Visit www.tu.org/bristolbay and click on the “New Project” to learn about RED Gold: The Southwest Alaska Salmon Treasure. The award-winning fly fishing filmmakers at FeltSoul Media are spending two months in Alaska this summer to produce a documentary on Bristol Bay’s world renowned fisheries and pristine waters, focusing on the mining development that threatens these critical resources. This project needs your support!

3) Visit www.sportsmansalliance4ak.org to learn more about the threat to Bristol Bay. You can view the AFFTA industry support ad that has run in most of the major fly fishing publications under the “Latest News” tab, and you can join the Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska by clicking the “Join Us” tab. There is no cost to join, however you will be kept up to date on Alaska issues of importance to sportspersons. Presently, the Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska is working on the Bristol Bay campaign and the efforts to protect the remaining highly productive watersheds of the Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska.

Again, thank you for taking action to keep mining out of Bristol Bay. Please forward this message to your friends to make the campaign even stronger.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

With sincere gratitude,

Scott Hed
Outreach Director
Sportsman's Alliance for Alaska
(605) 336-6738 office
scott@sportsmansalliance4ak.org
www.sportsmansalliance4ak.org
NOTE: If you get an error replying to this email address, please send your message to scotthed@hotmail.com. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Take a few moments this Friday morning and follow Scott's suggestions. Be sure to sign the petition against the Bristol Bay mine. This is a simple step that every angler can take to help protect a great resource.

Brother let me tell you it's a long hard ride...

News from Trout Unlimited:

Brothers Bicycle from Alaska to Argentina to Protect Bristol Bay

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, August 5, 2009 – Two brothers are bicycling from Alaska to Argentina to draw attention to Bristol Bay wild salmon and the threat the fishery faces from a proposed open-pit copper and gold mine.

Seth and Parker Berling, of San Francisco and San Diego, Calif., left Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, in early July to begin a 17,000-mile journey to Tierra del Fuego, at the southernmost tip of South America. The Berling brothers are making the trip to raise awareness about the proposed Pebble mine and how it could harm the world’s largest sockeye salmon fishery, located in Southwest Alaska’s Bristol Bay. The Pebble deposit is located in the headwaters of the Nushagak and Kvichak Rivers, two of the major salmon-producing rivers of Bristol Bay. If developed, Pebble would be one of the world’s largest open-pit mines. A diverse coalition of commercial and sport fishermen, Alaska Natives, lodge owners, guides, outfitters, scientists and others say the project is likely to expose the region to acid mine drainage, industrial discharges and habitat destruction.

The self-described “Pebble Pedalers” first became aware of the mine project and the threat it poses to Bristol Bay from watching a trailer of the award-wining documentary, Red Gold (www.redgoldfilm.com.) The movie depicts the vital role that wild salmon play in the Bristol Bay region and how the fish are a cornerstone of Alaska Native culture. The film illustrates what how Alaska’s most valuable fishery, and one of the world’s last remaining wild salmon runs, could be lost if the massive open-pit mine gets built.

“Our Dad raised us fly-fishing and we’d always hear about California rivers and how great they once were before the salmon runs were destroyed. In Alaska, you still have an untouched working ecosystem right at your doorstep. It’s unsurpassed for wild salmon. Why would you possibly consider jeopardizing it?” said Seth.

The bicycle journey is also a fundraiser for Trout Unlimited Alaska, a non-profit conservation organization based in Juneau that is organizing efforts to stop the Pebble mine and to protect the Bristol Bay watershed.

“We’ve fished all around the world but we had never been to Alaska before this summer. Bristol Bay blew us way. It totally surpassed our expectations. We caught huge rainbow trout, arctic char, Dolly Varden and grayling. We were a little early for the salmon but we plan to go back,” said Parker.

The brothers hope to complete the bike journey across 15 countries, two hemispheres and two continents in one-and-a-half to two years. As avid fishermen, their arrival in Argentina will depend on how much time they take to catch and release along the way.

“We’re already a little behind schedule because of the fishing trips we did in Bristol Bay and in the Tangle Lakes area along the Denali Highway,” Seth said.

For more information about the Pebble Pedalers, go to: http://pebblepedalers.com.

Learn more about Bristol Bay and the Pebble mine at: www.savebristolbay.org.

Join Trout Unlimited at: www.tu.org

BLM Still Pushing for Bristol Bay Mining District

Editor's Note: The following information comes from Scott Hed, Outreach director for the Sportsman's Alliance for Alaska:

ACTION ALERT: BLM Still Pushing for Bristol Bay Mining District!

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) accepting public comments on its Draft Resource Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (RMP/EIS) for 2.5 million acres in the Bristol Bay and Goodnews Bay region over the next couple of weeks with a comment deadline of Friday, January 5.

As many of you know, the State of Alaska is currently reviewing permits for the proposed massive Pebble Mine north of Lake Iliamna. To compound the potential problem for Bristol Bay’s magnificent fish and game resources, BLM's "preferred" alternative recommends that the agency create a major mining district in Bristol Bay by taking the following actions:

*OPENING another 1 million acres of Bristol Bay lands to mining development, including tributaries of the Nushagak, Mulchatna, and Kvichak Rivers.

*REJECTING public nominations for a special management designation that would recognize the threats posed by the proposed Pebble Mine, and apply protections to the area's fish and wildlife habitat.

*ADOPTING changes to allow the permitting of new mining operations, which could ultimately become "sources of irretrievable loss of wildlife habitat and subsistence resources" (dRMP at 4-118)

What’s at Stake?
- World class salmon and rainbow trout fisheries within tributaries of the Kvichak, Mulchatna, and Nushagak Rivers.
- Critical big game migration corridors, calving and winter grounds for the Mulchatna caribou herd, as well as forage for trophy brown bear and moose.
- A thriving sport fishing and hunting industry in this remote corner of southwest Alaska.

What are the Alternatives?

Alt. A (No Action) - maintain current management direction that is keeping BLM lands closed to mineral development and providing untarnished habitat for wildlife habitat.

Alt. B (Pro-Resource Development) – all BLM lands would be opened to mining.

Alt. C (Pro-Resource Conservation) – designate an Area of Critical Environmental Concern for BLM lands. They would be opened to mineral development, but a special Fish and Wildlife habitat management plan would be created to limit negative impacts.

Alt. D (BLM’s “Preferred” Alternative) – mirroring Alt. B, this choice would open ALL one million acres of federal public lands in the Bristol Bay watershed to mineral entry and development. No special management plan would be created for fish and wildlife.

What are the Potential Impacts?
Privatization of federal lands for mining operations and the construction of roads, bridges, and infrastructure to support commercial developments would likely lead to:

• Habitat fragmentation • Increased road access into wildlife habitat
• Increased competition • Disturbance to wildlife behavior and migration
• Increased poaching and trespass • Concentrated hunting along new road corridors
• Decrease in water quality • Decline in fisheries and spawning habitat


Submit written comments via

BLM Anchorage Field Office
Attn: Bristol Bay draft RMP
6881 Abbott Loop Road
Anchorage, Alaska 99507-2599
akbayrmp@blm.gov

View the draft plan at: http://www.blm.gov/ak/ado/BayRMP01.html

Scott Hed
Outreach Director
Sportsman's Alliance for Alaska
(605) 336-6738 office
scott@sportsmansalliance4ak.org

Sage, Redington, Rio unite to help save Bristol Bay

Big names in the world of fly fishing gear have announced their next step in the fight to save Bristol Bay, Alaska from the peril of open pit mining. Press release follows:

Bainbridge Island, Washington - The threat of a massive hard rock and open pit mining district in Bristol Bay has sparked three of the most recognizable names in fly fishing to come together for a fundraiser for Trout Unlimited Alaska.

Sage Manufacturing, Redington Tackle & Apparel, and RIO Products International are creating a special ready-to-fish outfit that will be released by April 2008. Only 300 limited edition outfits will be produced.

The outfit will come with a Sage Z-Axis 9-foot 8-weight rod and a Redington moss-colored CD 7/8 reel pre-spooled with RIO Gold fly line. A case will also be included, which will be embroidered with a unique graphical slogan, “More Precious Than Gold – Save Bristol Bay”. Purchased separately, this outfit would retail for more than $875. The companies plan to retail this special outfit for $600. It will be available to purchase directly from Sage, through Redington.com, and through their authorized dealer network.

From each outfit sold, Sage, Redington and RIO will donate $200 to Trout Unlimited Alaska. Through a special dealer program, any authorized dealer will have the opportunity to match the corporate donation. Total anticipated donation, which will be earmarked for campaign activities dealing with the Bristol Bay mining district as well as production, marketing and distribution of the film Red Gold, will be between $60,000 – $120,000.

The 9-foot 8-weight Z-Axis is one of the most popular and sought after rods Sage currently produces. Because of this, Sage will commit one entire production day to manufacture the 300 rods for the outfits. Redington reels will be spooled with RIO fly line in-house by distribution staff, and a special informational brochure will be developed and inserted by the marketing & sales staff.

“We’re dedicating one day for this cause so our entire company will feel involved in the campaign. Employees on the production floor don’t often get the opportunity to get involved on a public level, so this is an opportunity for them to do so. They will know that every rod, reel or case they touch that day will be for a great cause, and that sales will help Trout Unlimited Alaska fight mining development in this special region,” states Marc Bale, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, “The health and vitality of sport fishing in Bristol Bay, Alaska is important for our businesses. Keeping this ecosystem intact is important to our industry.”

Sage, Redington and RIO are appropriately calling this event “One Day For Bristol Bay”

To date, Sage, Redington and RIO have donated more than $10,000 for public and media awareness and the production of a new documentary about the region, entitled Red Gold, about the Bristol Bay fishery.

For More Information: www.savebristolbay.org

Sage, Redington, Rio Bristol Bay Outfit Pre-Order

From their joint press release:

Bainbridge Island, Washington - The threat of a massive hard rock and open pit mining district in Bristol Bay has sparked three of the most recognizable names in fly fishing to come together for a fundraiser for Trout Unlimited Alaska.Sage Manufacturing, Redington Tackle & Apparel, and RIO Products International are creating a special ready-to-fish outfit that will be shipped to customers in April 2008. Only 300 limited edition outfits will be produced.

This special outfit will come with a Sage Z-Axis 9-foot 8-weight rod and a Redington moss-colored CD 7/8 reel pre-spooled with RIO Gold fly line. A case will also be included, which will be embroidered with a unique graphical slogan, “More Precious Than Gold – Save Bristol Bay”. Purchased separately, this outfit would retail for more than $875. The companies plan to retail this special outfit for $600.

From each outfit sold, Sage, Redington and RIO will donate $200 to Trout Unlimited Alaska. Total anticipated donation, which will be earmarked for campaign activities dealing with the Bristol Bay mining district as well as production, marketing and distribution of the film Red Gold, will be between $60,000 – $120,000.Outfits may be pre-ordered beginning Thursday, January 3rd, 2008.

Pre-orders will be taken in two ways: By calling Sage Customer Service at (800) 533-3004, or by simply ordering online at www.redington.com. At the time of purchase, customers can extend their support even further by choosing to donate additional funds to Trout Unlimited Alaska. Sage & Redington are set up to accept additional donations in $50 increments up to a matching donation of $200. Dealers who wish to carry the outfit will also have the opportunity to do a matched donation. Everyone who places an order with a matched donation will have their name listed in press releases, on Redington.com, Sageflyfish.com, and the Trout Unlimited official site.

To date, Sage, Redington and RIO have donated more than $10,000 for public and media awareness and the production of a new documentary about the region, entitled Red Gold, about the Bristol Bay fishery
For More Information:
• www.savebristolbay.org & www.redington.com/bristol.php
• Marc Bale (mbale@sageflyfish.com), Bruce Kirschner (bkirschner@sageflyfish.com) or Karen Curry (kcurry@redington.com), Company Representatives, 1-800-533-3004
• Lauren Oakes, Conservation Programs Officer, Trout Unlimited Alaska, loakes@tu.org (907) 321-3725

Bristol Bay Salmon Plan Massive Suicide Protest

(Iliamna, AK) Insider sources within the piscatorial community recently revealed plans for a massive protest against the proposed Pebble Mine project within the Bristol Bay region of Alaska. The source, who for the sake of anonymity we shall refer to as "Hookjaw", and who is a member of a group known as the "Bristol Bay Reds" revealed a highly coordinated plan in which millions of Sockeye and other specie of salmonid plan to give their lives later this year. The mass suicide is intended as a means of protesting the possible fouling of their birth waters by what they refer to as the "Pebble Mine disaster."

Our insider further revealed that massive numbers of the fish are planning to gather off of the Alaska coast before starting the long journey upstream to the home of their youth. Once they have made the perilous trek past commercial fishing vessels, recreational anglers, grizzly bear, and other threats, their plan is to locate a member of the opposite sex for one last fling. The female salmon will then go about the business of laying their eggs while the males stand watch and skirmish among themselves and the region's massive rainbow trout (who hope to make a meal on the salmon's eggs).

Those who survive and complete their procreation will gather one last time and die together in what they hope the world will view as a huge show of solidarity for the cause of fish everywhere. "We will be giving our lives so that both our fry and the very lifestyle of the Bristol Bay region can continue to exist" said one participant. "We only hope that the land dwelling people will take notice and stop this before it all comes to an end."

A spokesperson for company behind the mining project said, "We hear rumors of this sort of thing every year." "While we sympathize with the effect this has on the land dwelling people of Bristol Bay, we really can't concern ourselves with the actions of a radical fringe group such as the Sockeye."

SAA Auctions: Save Salmon - Get Gear & Trips

The Sportsman's Alliance for Alaska continues with their eBay auctions to benefit the fight against the proposed Pebble Mine project slated for Alaska's Bristol Bay. The Bristol Bay area of Alaska is home to the world's largest salmon run and the proposed gold mine would pose a serious threat to the ecosystem.

Items for bid are listed at 70% of retail so you have a chance at getting a real deal while at the same time helping support an excellent cause.

Auction items ending soon:

St. Croix Legend Elite 6-weight fly rod (ends Thursday, May 8)
Trip for two to No See Um Lodge (ends Friday, May 9)
Trip for two to Bristol Bay Lodge (ends Friday, May 9)
Galvan R-5 Rush Large Arbor fly reel (ends Saturday, May 10)
Abstract rainbow trout print by Derek DeYoung (ends Saturday, May 10)
Set of two signed Bob White/John Gierach prints (ends Sunday, May 11)
Trip for two to Bear Bay Lodge (ends Monday, May 12)
Patagonia full gear system – waders, boots, jacket, etc. (ends Monday, May 12)

Newly listed items:

Trip for two to Alaska’s Rainbow Point Lodge
Simms Dry Creek bag
March Brown Hidden Water 8-weight travel fly rod
Trip for one woman with Women’s Flyfishing Alaska
Scott G2 2-weight fly rod
Scierra CTC #9/11 fly reel
Leupold & Stevens Katmai 8x32 binocular
Islander Precision Reels LX3.8 fly reel

Check out all the items by following this link to the SAA Website's auction page.

Spin

From an article in the San Francisco Chronicle about the battle to stop the Pebble Mine in Alaska's Bristol Bay area:

Spin

Northern Dynasty officials scoff at what they call an alarmist campaign. "We know Bristol Bay is a sensitive area," said Sean Magee , vice president for public affairs. "But there've been tremendous changes in the mining industry in the past 25 years. These projects can be done safely now: Mining and fishing can coexist."

Common Sense:

"Most Americans will never get to Bristol Bay," said Brian Kraft , who owns a local fishing lodge and works for the conservation group Trout Unlimited. "But they see our bears playing in waterfalls on the Discovery Channel. They can experience the taste of wild salmon.
"They know that we can destroy places like this, but we can't create them."

Sportsman's Alliance for Alaska Ebay Auctions

Scott Hed, the Director of the Sportsman's Alliance for Alaska and a leader in the fight to stop the proposed Pebble mine has announced a series of eBay auctions to raise money for the cause.

The SAA is launching a huge online fundraising auction to benefit the Bristol Bay campaign. The auction will last for at least a few months with new items being placed up for bid every few days. Each item will be open for bid for 10 days. The auction is being hosted by eBay, so the format should be familiar to a lot of people. The process to bid and buy is easy, so get ready to raise some money to help protect Bristol Bay!

This auction would not be possible without the generosity and support of so many companies in the sporting products industry. You will find fishing rods, reels, waders, other outdoor gear, artwork, and trips to some fantastic destinations in Alaska as well as Mexico, Chile, Belize, and Canada. The Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska and the campaign to protect Bristol Bay would like to extend a very sincere thank you to all of the donors who contributed to this fundraising effort.

The minimum price for all items and trips has been set at under 75% of retail value, but the hope is that every item or trip will sell for retail value or higher. We are definitely “David” to the mining corporation’s “Goliath” in this fight. Nothing worth saving or no fight worth winning ever comes easy. Much work will be needed to prevail in this fight, and your support is critical. Here’s your opportunity to help save one of the greatest sporting destinations in the world. Bid early and often.

The first item up for bid is a week for two at the Rainbow River Lodge. The bidding starts at $8,000. Keep up with items as they are posted by searching for eBay user sa4ak.

Native Alaskans file Suit to Stop Pebble Disaster

Bristol Bay Residents Assert Pebble Exploration Violates State Constitution
Exploration permits could be suspended as a result of lawsuit filed today

Anchorage, Alaska—A Bristol Bay Alaska Native organization and several individuals, including former Alaska First Lady Bella Hammond and Alaska Constitutional Convention delegate Victor Fischer, filed a civil suit in Anchorage Superior Court today asserting that the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) repeatedly violated the Alaska Constitution in granting permits for Pebble mine exploration. The lawsuit asserts that the agency failed to consider the public’s interest in sustaining the region’s rich salmon, wildlife, and subsistence resources, which are negatively affected by exploration activities. Plaintiffs are asking the court to halt exploration until the case is resolved.

“DNR has neglected its legal and moral obligation to protect Bristol Bay’s subsistence resources,” said Bobby Andrew, spokesman for Nunamta Aulukestai, a lead plaintiff. “Current exploration is having a serious impact on water and wildlife, yet the agency continues to rubber stamp permits and ignore the public interest.”

The lawsuit filed today asserts that DNR has violated multiple sections of Article VIII of the Alaska Constitution in repeatedly issuing exploration permits without public notice and without analyzing whether exploration or the mine itself are in the public interest.

Plaintiffs have asked the court for a preliminary injunction prohibiting the State from granting or extending permits for exploration and water use on mining claims held by the Pebble Limited Partnership, effectively stopping further exploration until the court makes a final decision – or until the State Legislature enacts a new regulatory framework for onshore mining exploration. The injunction would not apply to mining activities elsewhere in the state. Plaintiffs have also asked the court to void all exploration permits already issued by DNR to the Pebble Limited Partnership, Pebble East Corp., and Pebble West Corp.

Public interest law firm Trustees for Alaska filed the six-count civil action on behalf of Nunamta Aulukestai, an organization comprising eight Native village corporations, including Ekwok, Koliganek, New Stuyahok, Clarks Point, Aleknagik, Togiak, Manakotak and Dillingham. Joining in the suit as co-plaintiffs are Nondalton resident Jack Hobson, Nondalton resident Ricky Delkittie, Sr., Naknek resident Violet Willson, former Alaska First Lady Bella Hammond, and former Alaska legislator and Alaska Constitutional Convention delegate Victor Fischer.

Pebble Mine Update

The spin doctors are hard at work in the battle to establish a fish refuge in the Bristol Bay drainage around the proposed Pebble Mine. The State Board of Fisheries voted to create a panel to evaluate a possible refuge. Both sides claimed the decision as a victory.

"Board of Fisheries resists pressure to establish fish refuge in Bristol Bay," crowed a statement from Northern Dynasty Mines Inc., the company exploring Pebble.

Meanwhile:

Trout Unlimited, a sportfishing group that supports the refuge concept, proclaimed: "Alaska Board of Fisheries sends message that fish come first in Bristol Bay!"

The real story no doubt lies in a smoke filled room somewhere. The battle continues.

FeltSoul Media Announces New Website / Projects

Travis Rummel aka "The Boss" from FeltSoul Media e-mailed us to announce the launch of their new and improved website. You might remember the guys at FeltSoul Media as the talented creators of the excellent fly fishing videos "The Hatch" and "Running Down the Man."

Here is the text of Travis' announcement with info about their latest project in Bristol Bay:

Ben and I are really excited to announce that after months of designing, multiple web programmers, and weeks of toil - we have launched our new and very much improved website - www.feltsoulmedia.com. Please check it out and let us know what you think. We could not be happier to be sharing our work with you and it is a wonderful feeling to be doing so through a site that we designed.

We are less than a month away from heading up to Bristol Bay to begin work on our biggest film project to date. For more info and to lend your support please check out The Horizon section of the site. We will be giving updates through out the project, so please keep an eye on our "Wire" feature to see what we're up to in the coming months.

We are also happy to announce the World Theatrical Premier of the HD version of Running Down the Man – Friday, May 25th at the Telluride Mountain Film Festival (mountainfilm.org). We hope you can join us in Telluride for this special screening. Along with Running Down the Man will be Roam and Nine Winters Old, both come with rave reviews and will leave lasting impressions. See you in T-ride.

Best, Travis
feltsoulmedia.com

Bristol Bay Artist and Guide: Tim Pearson

"The Chase" by Tim Pearson

Tim Pearson is a hard working Alaskan fishing guide who is also a talented artist. Both of these skills come in handy when you spend your summers taking people fishing for big rainbow trout around Alaska's Bristol Bay Drainage. Tim was my guide in Alaska and I can say first hand that he has a passion for fly fishing, art, and the environment that shows up in his work. Visit Tim's website TSP Nature Art and pick out a last minute holiday wall hanger for the angler on your list. We think you will find his work to be an excellent value.

Editor's Note: We keep in touch with Tim, so look for more from him in the near future.

A Bristol Bay Update from FeltSoul Media

Fly fishing video Guru Travis Rummel writes us with an update about FeltSoul Media's current project that features Alaska's Bristol Bay.

Ben and i have been hard at work for the last two weeks up here, with 50 or more days to go this is looking like it is going to be our best effort yet. it is incredible up here.

best,

travis

To say that Travis and Ben are adventurers would be a pretty big understatement. Their current base of operations for the Alaska project is a shipping container in a place called Gypsy Corner. Visit the FeltSoul blog "The Wire" for regular updates from the guys who put the "new" in new media!

Castaway Films: Equilibrium, The Last Frontier

The good folks at Castaway Films dropped us a note to let us know that a copy of their soon to be released film, "Equilibrium, The Last Frontier" was heading our way. We are looking forward to seeing their take on the development of the Pebble Mine in Alaska's Bristol Bay area.

In this short film, Gary Borger, Gary Loomis, and others discuss the central role of the Pacific Salmon and the threatened Bristol Bay ecosystem. Equilibrium has been adopted by the FFF and will be touring with AEG Media's Fly Fishing Film Tour this winter and spring. In addition it will be shown at The Fly Fishing Shows, ISE, and multiple venues across the country and abroad.

For a quick preview of the film please check out http://www.castawayfilms.com/

Wolves in Salmon's clothing?

We received an interesting heads up from the folks fighting against the Pebble Mine project at the Sportsman's Alliance for Alaska. It's a copy of an ad allegedly being shopped to outdoor publications. The ad is sharp looking with pretty fish and a conservation message. However, anyone giving it more than a glance will notice that it is not all that it appears to be. It seems the folks behind the project are taking a page from the SAA's media playbook and attempting to purchase pro-Pebble ad space in publications aimed directly at hunters and anglers.

The purported ad (see the leaked photo above) states that Alaska is home to healthy fish and wildlife populations and also to one of the world's most important mineral (be sure to get enough vitamins and gold in your cereal boys and girls) discoveries. It also goes on to say that any final decisions on the project are years away but their commitment to fish and wildlife is already firmly in place.

Scott Hed, Director of the Sportsman's Alliance for Alaksa, wasn't exactly surprised by this latest development. "They understand the clout that sportspersons have, and they are obviously concerned that we’ve been doing such a good job bringing this issue onto the radar screens of so many hunters and anglers." Mr. Hed continued to remind his fellow sportsmen and women that, "We must counter any attempts to cloud the fact that what is being proposed in Bristol Bay would forever change one of the most incredible places for fish and game on the planet – and not for the better."

In our opinion, the real story here will be which, if any, "outdoor" publication chooses to accept the ad.

Be sure to remember the Sportsman's Alliance for Alaska's Bristol Bay charity ebay auction. Lots of great gear, great prices, and a worthy cause.

Link to our previous coverage of this issue

Take two minutes to protect the Bristol Bay salmon run

Protect the Bristol Bay salmon run, and the way of life of the people who rely on it. Comment to the Army Corps of Engineers about the Pebble Mine project. This won't go away. https://t.co/RS4JCsYUaO … #nopebblemine pic.twitter.com/Vbm8ImDG1m

— flyfishmagazine (@flyfishmagazine) April 3, 2019

Protect Bristol Bay

This week, April 16 – 18, 40 sportsmen representing 17 states are traveling to the nation’s capital to let their elected officials and the President know that protecting Bristol Bay, Alaska is a top priority for sportsmen.

Learn more about next week’s Sportsmen Summit here from the director of the Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska: http://ow.ly/acglL

 

Bristol Bay: Checking it out First Hand...

I'll be heading for Alaska this weekend to spend a few days at the Rainbow Point Lodge where I plan to do just as much fishing for Rainbow trout as the Editorial Trophy Wife will allow. One part of the trip I am excited about is getting a first hand look at the fishery that stands to suffer most at the hands of the forces behind the Pebble Gold Mine. If things go against those who are trying to protect the fishery such as the Sportsman's Alliance for Alaska, this may turn out to be a true "once in a lifetime" trip. I am bring along a few gigs of digicam memory and an ample supply of Mini DV tapes in hopes of documenting what I find.

Don't expect much in the way of blogging while I am in the area. The laptop will be left behind in Carolina (my 70lb float plane allotment being taken up with more important things) and the crackberry should be well out of its operational range. I asked the proprietor about Internet access and he mentioned that they might be able to make something work with the satellite phone. I wisely told him not to worry about it.

By fortuitous coincidence we might even run into FlyFishMagazine.com's Western Correspondent, Ali Hassan as he has rescheduled his "work" trip so that our paths might cross on Sunday night. He will be refining processes and trying to get his allotment of Silver Salmon. Me, I am looking for big bow's on mouse flies (however, eggs are more likely this time of year). The trophy wife wants to see glaciers, Moose, Elk, and Grizzly Bears. Hopefully all will be successful.

With all that said, Here is a dispatch we received from the American Fly Fishing Retailers Association that calls for action by Alaskans and concerned fly anglers.

VOTE YES ON BALLOT MEASURE #4

AFFTA and the fly fishing industry are adamantly opposed to the development of The Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay, Alaska. All Alaska residents need to stop this potential environmental boondoggle next week by voting YES on Ballot Measure #4. If you are not a resident of Alaska but you know someone who is, urge him or her to vote YES on Ballot Measure #4 on August 26.

Robert Kaplan with Alaskans for Clean Water asked AFFTA to forward the following information to all fly fishing enthusiasts

The mining industry has just dropped another $3.5 million into the campaign to defeat Ballot Measure #4. They have pulled out all the stops and are saying and doing whatever they can to defeat us. The result of this unprecedented onslaught of lies is that voter support for Ballot Measure #4 has started to slip.

If we are to stop the slide, and undertake additional efforts in the face of this unprecedented onslaught, then we now must raise money NOW to ensure we are competitive with our media and mail, and to turn out our voters on election day. Because our message is stronger, we still don't need to match the mining industry dollar-for dollar, we just need to remain competitive with our message. If we cannot do that, then we will lose the election. There are no limits on how much anyone can contribute and corporate contributions are acceptable. Contributions of $1,000, $2,500, $5,000 or more are urgently needed and would be greatly appreciated. Checks can be payable to "Alaskans For Clean Water" and sent via overnight mail to 1503 W. 31st Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99503. Contributions can also be made online at www.alaskansforcleanwater.com.

The website also has updated information on the campaign, including several of our recent television commercials. Without a change of law by a vote of the people, change is slow... if it ever comes. In the fight to stop Pebble Mine, time is not on our side. Passage of Ballot Measure #4, creates the change we all want...now.