Tim and Michelle joined us for our second annual Salmon
Stock Festival. It’s a three day gathering of musicians and supporters of the
Alaskan fishing and environmental community. The original goal of the Festival
was to create awareness of the Pebble Mine and its potential impact on our
Salmon fishing industry. Employment in the fishing industry in Alaska comprises
close to half the states private sector employment. The proposed mine would be located
in the headwaters of several of Bristol Bay’s most prolific salmon streams. The
Pebble Project has spent millions of dollars to lobby Alaskans and federal
officials for approval (last year Anglo American and Northern Dynasty spent
more then $500,000 lobbying Congressional members)
Alaskan fishing is a major industry here but it lacks the
deep pockets of a multi-national mining corporation. The Salmon Stock festival
is one of a number of grassroot efforts made to create awareness of Pebble and
its potential impact on a industry that has sustained Alaskans for centuries.
A week ago (9/16) we received great news, Anglo American pulled out
of the Pebble Project. The issue isn’t
over, the size of the copper deposit will attract others but today we can
celebrate a small victory for sustainability.
We had three days of fantastic music and fun knowing we were supporting a good cause. We'll be back next year.
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