The Jim/Swan Wetlands Need Your Help:
DNR is seeking comments on the Draft Knik River Public Use Area Management Plan. This is the final phase of a long process we've been working through with local residents to address the general lawlessness and environmental destruction that had been the norm in this local jewel.
Protecting Jim/Swan Wetlands, sensitive wetlands in the area, has been ACE's top priority during this planning process.
With your help we can ensure that important nesting areas are protected, the Rippy non-motorized trail is recognized, and that fish and wildlife resources are properly managed by the department- in balance with substantial motorized access in the area.
What You Can Do:
A quick comment to DNR using the easy online comment form by Clicking Here:
Email the department by Clicking Here:
Write a letter to DNR:
Knik River Public Use Area Planning (DNR)
550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1050
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Some important points to consider:
- Support DNR’s recommendation to designate the Rippy Trail non-motorized
- Support establishing a non-motorized boating season during nesting, breeding, and rearing season
- Support a fee schedule for the area to help fund management
- Encourage DNR to use the funds established for law enforcement
- Oppose designated shooting ranges without further research into proper range areas
For more information contact Eric 274-3639 or or go to DNR’s website by Clicking Here:
HB 348: An end to citizen initiatives for wildlife management issues
Did you vote NO to aerial wolf hunting in 1996 and 2000? Do you want another chance to send your decision makers the message that you, along with most Alaskans oppose aerial predator control? 56,000 Alaskans have already signed a petition to put the predator control issue back on the ballot (for the third time), but HB 348 seeks to undermine the political process by putting an end to citizen initiatives for wildlife management issues. If HB 348 should pass, then we the citizens will no longer have this tool available to us. Advocates for predator control are pushing hard right now to further their agenda, and those of us who believe that predators are a vital part of a dynamic ecological system need to speak up.
HB 348 attempts to add language to the statutes governing the Board of Games’ use of intensive management programs by changing our wildlife from a public resource to a “public asset” with the following:
“the public asset of game is allocated or appropriated”
What does this language do? As an asset the resource, (in this case our wildlife), is lumped together with oil or minerals, which are out of the reach of public initiatives.
SS HB 348 Board of Game Regulations - Rep Keller (R-Wasilla)
Rep. Keller introduced Sponsor Substitute for HB 348. The bill states that the Board of Game is working with an allocation of an asset when they manage wildlife populations for abundance. The bill was scheduled for a hearing last week in House Finance but not heard.
It has been rescheduled for a hearing this Friday, March 14th in House Finance at 1:30pm. Public testimony will be heard.
What you can do:
You can also listen in by going to: http://www.ktoo.org/gavel/
Chuitna Coal Mine
The EPA is currently conducting a Supplemental Environmental Impact Survey(SEIS) on a proposal to build the largest open-pit coal mine in Alaskan state history. PacRim Coal, a mining conglomerate based outside of Alaska, has applied for permits to develop the Beluga Coal Field located 40 miles west of Anchorage.
Click here to learn more about the proposed mine, view photos of the area, and take action.
|
