PEBBLE MINE UPDATE
Pristine rivers that run free and clear are the primary reason salmon thrive in Bristol Bay .
conservationists — support protecting Bristol Bay and its natural resources that rely on clean water and healthy habitat .
The support of hunters and anglers has been a key cornerstone of the campaign to protect Bristol Bay . In fact , more than 900 sporting businesses , groups and organizations across the country have signed a letter to President Obama urging him to stand up and protect the incomparable waters , landscape , recreation and wildlife of Bristol Bay , not to mention the world ’ s largest sockeye salmon fishery and an entire commercial fishing industry that it supports .
The tent of support for Bristol Bay is broad and under it you ’ ll find the many businesses that compete in the marketplace for your fishing gear and expedition dollars . That ’ s because they understand that Bristol Bay is the place where we must draw a line in the sand and they have decided to fight as one . I ’ ve said for years that if a place such as Bristol Bay can be lost to something like Pebble Mine , then I fear that no place is off limits – and everything is on the table .
It ’ s why the Orvis Company has made an incredible commitment to the Save Bristol Bay campaign , by launching a matching funds challenge . The iconic Vermont gear maker and retailer recently pledged a generous dollar for dollar match up to $ 50,000 for all donations received . If people take them up on this offer , that would mean a total of $ 100,000 devoted to fighting for Bristol Bay ’ s people , land , wildlife and way of life . When matched against some of the world ’ s largest mining companies , we ’ re certainly David to their Goliath if we are going to have a battle of bank accounts . But every dollar truly does help , so give if you can . Here ’ s what Orvis has to say about Bristol Bay : “ It continues to support not only the indigenous people ’ s salmon culture that has existed for thousands of years , but is a significant protein source for the world , and the foundation of a food chain that supports not only more than 138 species of wildlife , from grizzly bears and river otters to shorebirds and bald eagles , but the surrounding flora as well . The pristine nature of this ecosystem is extraordinarily fragile and this is a massive gamble — a gamble which has inevitably failed in other salmon-rich drainages now tom rosenbauer photo either seriously degraded or eliminated altogether .”
Clearly , there ’ s a ton of momentum in the outdoor community for protecting Bristol Bay from inappropriate mega mining . We thank folks for this deep well of support and we need to keep building the groundswell to make it happen . We ’ ve come a long way and raised the attention of Congress and the White House , but there ’ s more work to be done . how you can help You are being asked to help , and conservation groups will be looking to each and every one of you to help – and for those of you who are ready , here are a few ways to get involved .
• First , an easy one : Follow along with updates and progress at www . SaveBristolBay . org and be sure to click the Take Action link to fill out a quick , easy form telling President Obama you believe Bristol Bay should be protected now .
• Join our 50,000 plus Facebook fans at www . Facebook . com / SaveBristolBay , or follow us on Twitter : @ savebristolbay .
• Write or call your United States Senators , telling them that you support EPA action to protect Bristol Bay .
• Of course , contributions are always helpful , and a great vehicle right now to maximize your gift is the Orvis donation match ( https :// gifts . tumembership . org / donate / orvis-tu-fund ).
• Finally , you can always consider writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper
“ when matched against some of the world ’ s largest mining companies , we ’ re certainly david to their goliath if we are going to have a battle of bank accouts .”
about this issue and help raise awareness by talking with friends and family .
With your help , Bristol Bay will remain a one of the world ’ s premiere destinations for traveling anglers for many generations to come . ta
Scott Hed is the Director of Sportsman ’ s Alliance for Alaska .
18 www . travelinganglermagazine . com