…and take a look at some updates and events |
A sea otter wakes up from a nap and washes itself in Seward's Resurrection Bay. Photo by Emily Mesner |
Good afternoon,
As you start wrapping up your week, take some time to read about a quietly-added amendment to HB 122 and how numerous Manh Choh ore haul trucks caused Richardson Highway closure. Also in this edition, watch a short film about some of Alaska's migratory birds and read an op-ed from Kotzebue resident Iva Baker on the proposed Ambler Road. |
Amendment quietly added that could give AIDEA $300 million
|
The House Transportation Committee quietly added an amendment to HB 122 to give the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority $300 million in additional borrowing power. This is essentially a free pass for AIDEA to pursue massive spending projects, like their plans for the hugely controversial West Susitna Industrial Access Corridor, without legislative oversight.
AIDEA has a long track record of squandering public funds on extractive industry. From the failure of their Mustang Road investments on the North Slope to pouring millions of dollars into Ambler Road, AIDEA isn’t working for Alaskan communities. Giving AIDEA unchecked spending authority works against Alaska's best interests.
Share your thoughts with...
Learn more about the amendment and read a new economic report outlining AIDEA spending practices that evade legislative oversight. |
Ore haul trucks cause backup on Richardson Highway |
Six Manh Choh ore haul trucks caused a two-hour closure on the Richardson Highway this past weekend after one truck slid off the road due to snow and slippery road conditions while trying to climb Tenderfoot Hill. This caused five other ore trucks to pull over and await towing assistance. This weather event, which was nothing out of the ordinary for winter or spring conditions in the Interior, posed a clear challenge for the haul trucks.
While this may have been the first backup event of this nature, it certainly will not be the last. The Interior’s roads, environment, and residents should not have to pay the price for industrial activities that primarily benefit private, out of state companies. As such, Northern Center continues to oppose the ore haul. |
Join Adventure Borealis on a snowshoe hike this Saturday. Register here. What to expect: - Beginner friendly and no experience necessary.
- The group will likely cover 2-4 miles of rolling terrain with some inclines through unique boreal habitats.
-
Need to borrow snowshoes? Select "reserve snowshoes" during registration.
About Adventure Borealis:
Launched in Spring 2023, our new program is committed to providing memorable adventures, ecological education, and natural history exploration excursions in the Alaskan Interior for all people regardless of identity, age, ability, or socio-economic status. The programs are focused on inclusivity and accessibility for community members traditionally marginalized in outdoor recreation and adventure spaces. |
Interior Alaska trail lovers... |
A woman hikes in Interior Alaska in 2019 as wildfire smoke lingers in the air.
Photo by Emily Mesner |
The Bureau of Land Management is conducting a study to see if the Alaska Long Trail should be recommended to be added to the list of National Scenic Trails. The agency is hosting a public hearing in Fairbanks Friday, April 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Birch Hill Recreation Area. This is a great opportunity to show support for the trail as well as provide feedback on routes and the potential trail designation.
Find resources and read more about the ALT here. |
Commentary on Ambler Road |
As we await the release of the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision on the proposed Ambler Road, this op-ed from Kotzebue resident Iva Baker reminds us of what is at stake if the Ambler Road is approved. Alaskans deserve clean water, air, land, access to subsistence foods, and continued practice of their traditional lifeways, all of which are threatened by the road. |
The good side Here are some stories that we enjoyed this week. |
|
|
AMERICA'S ARCTIC - TESHEKPUK WETLANDS Birds are starting to arrive in Fairbanks for spring migration! Spend some time exploring their Arctic range with this short film, produced by Gerrit Vyn and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. |
| | |
ADC is hiring a Campaign Director |
This position with the Arctic Defense Campaign will lead collaborative work to defend the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Western Arctic (National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska) from destructive oil and gas development.
The Director must have a desire to authentically engage a diverse group of partners and Indigenous allies. Location: Washington, DC (preferred) Salary: $115,000 - $125,000 (annual), plus benefits.
To learn more and apply, click here. |
| From Alaska Conservation Foundation: |
We are accepting grant applications for the Martha Levensaler Leadership Fund. The deadline for applications is April 30. This fund was created to honor Martha’s legacy and to benefit the people who are involved in improving conservation efforts in Alaska. To accomplish this, the Fund will provide funds for training, skill building, and organization development. Learn about eligibility and apply here. |
|
|
Get your early bird tickets here |
Alaska Opportunities & Updates
|
|
|
MISSION The Northern Alaska Environmental Center promotes conservation of the environment and sustainable resource stewardship in Interior and Arctic Alaska through education and advocacy. |
|
|
Our Contact Information *{{Organization Name}}* *{{Organization Address}}* *{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}* *{{Unsubscribe}}* |
|
|
|
