...we have some difficult news to share |
This week's E-Newsletter is a little bit different and not an easy one to write.
Northern Center staff are attempting to process the fact that our personal chapters with the organization have faced a sudden end. We want to take a moment to sincerely thank our members, partners, and the environmental community for all of your support over the years. With so many new threats facing conservation efforts in Alaska—and across the country—we have not run out of things to say and issues to fight, only the time to do so here.
We care deeply and fervently about this work, the people, and the communities we stand with. And while it is painfully difficult for us to be forced to step away at such a dire and pivotal time, we hope to return to this work. We have compiled a list below of issues that remain important to keep on your radar, as well as resources and other organizations you can look to for information. Thank you again for all of your support. - Emily Hikes, Katie McClellan, Sean McDermott, Emily Mesner, and Lois Barger |
AIDEA’s attacks on the Arctic Refuge -
The state-funded Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority is hoping to start seismic surveying of the Arctic Refuge’s coastal plain this winter. This is a harmful process that involves lots of heavy equipment and will leave lasting scars on the tundra. Look for AIDEA and Arctic Refuge updates from the Gwich’in Steering Committee, Trustees for Alaska, and the Alaska Wilderness League.
Alaska LNG pipeline & oil tax transparency Ambler Road -
Recent backdoor attempts to force through the proposed Ambler Road have come from Alaska’s congressional delegation. Attacks on the Central Yukon Resource Management Plan (more below) are the most recent effort to overturn public will and open vast tracts of land to industrial development over objections from local communities, Tribes, and going against years of scientific research. To keep up with opportunities to take action to prevent reckless attempts to reopen the proposed Ambler Road process, follow the work of Defend Brooks Range and No Ambler Road, and our partners at National Parks Conservation Association, Trustees for Alaska, Tanana Chiefs Conference, and Native Movement.
Central Yukon Resource Management Plan -
The Alaska delegation is working to throw out a management plan that was crafted over a decade through scientific review and direct input from Alaskan communities. They want to promote mining and other extractive projects over subsistence rights and the health of ecosystems Alaskans rely on for hunting, fishing, recreation, and cultural use. Get more info on how to voice your dissent from our friends at SalmonState, Native Movement, or on our website.
Manh Choh -
The hauling of toxic ore from Tetlin to Fairbanks on public roads goes on unabated. There are other mining companies quietly gearing up to execute their own version of this strategy where mines bypass critical safeguards and their profits are subsidized by the state. To hold industry and the state accountable to new or ongoing ore haul issues, you can reach out to Advocates for Safe Alaska Highways. For concerns about the environmental risks at Fort Knox, Save Our Domes can point you in the right direction.
Northeast Alaska Area Plan -
The Department of Natural Resources recently released their proposed area plan for state lands in Northeast Alaska. There will be informational meetings coming up September 25, and October 1 and 8—both virtual and at the Noel Wien library in Fairbanks. It’s important for communities to weigh in on the process to make sure the state isn’t prioritizing extractive industries in sensitive ecosystems.
Save Our Domes -
Save Our Domes has been tracking local Fairbanks mining exploration and proposed developments for the last several years. Recently, major uptick in activity on Ester Dome and Murphy Dome has created cause for concern and renewed efforts to improve transparency and public engagement with mine permitting processes. To keep up with their work, check out their website at saveourdomes.org and sign up for their emails.
Western Arctic -
The Trump administration has targeted our state, and the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska in particular, since day one. Protections are being rolled back across the region, and the red carpet is being rolled out for the oil industry. Stay up to date on these issues with Sovereign Iñupiat for a Living Arctic and Alaska Wilderness League.
Yukon Flats oil exploration -
Hilcorp recently applied for a state license for exploratory oil and gas drilling in the Yukon Flats. The company has an abominable reputation for safety and environmental violations. You can find more information on how to SAY NO to Hilcorp with our friends over at Native Movement—the deadline for comments is October 22.
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Thank you Hazard Hughes for your art and humor! |
Stay informed with these important and fun newsletters! |
It has been such a privilege and highlight of my time at Northern Center to curate, edit, and design this Northern Center bimonthly E-Newsletter. To say that I am heartbroken that this newsletter has been paused is an understatement. I have compiled a few of my favorite newsletters I subscribe to in hopes that you can continue learning about this work, while also carving out time to read fun and interesting stories. -
CNN's Wonder Theory: Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, daring expeditions, breakthrough advancements and more with this weekly science newsletter.
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Inside Climate News: Inside Climate News provides you with several free emails. Choose the email list that is right for you or choose them all.
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Acacia Johnson's Depth of Field: Photography resources and behind-the-scenes stories from a wild photographic life.
- Emily Mesner |
Our favorite reads this week |
A grizzly bear eats berries in Denali National Park and Preserve. NPS Photo by Emily Mesner |
Fat Bear Week dates are set. Prepare for all of the bear cams!
"Fat Bear Week, an online vote conducted via a single-elimination bracket, will take place from Sept. 23 to 30, the National Park Service announced Thursday," reported by Natalie B. Compton for The Washington Post. "Fat Bear Junior, or as NPS called it, the “chubby cubby appetizer,” will take place on Sept. 18 and 19." |
WATCH: World’s largest carnivorous bat loves to cuddle
"A new study found the world's largest carnivorous bat is more social than previously thought," writes CNN. "Commonly known as greater false vampire bats, this rare species was observed hunting and playing together and even appeared to hug family members as a form of greeting." |
Charting whale ‘superhighways’ for conservation
By Teresa Tomassoni for Inside Climate News: "A new digital platform, Blue Corridors, showcases 30 years of tracking data revealing global whale migrations and mounting threats from ships, fisheries and climate change." |
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National Public Lands Day is September 27! This is an annual event on the fourth Saturday of September that has been the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort. Last year, more than 130 national parks hosted events with 7,600 volunteers donating 41,500 hours of service. All national parks that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission.
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MISSION The Northern Alaska Environmental Center promotes conservation of the environment and sustainable resource stewardship in Interior and Arctic Alaska through education and advocacy. |
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