...and we need your help keeping up the momentum |
The Brooks Range seen from Galbraith Lake. Photo by Emily Hikes |
In the midst of uncertainty and rapidly evolving legislation, it's important to take a moment to celebrate a win. Northern Center gratefully acknowledges the tireless efforts of those who helped stop Panther Minerals' uranium exploration project near Elim. This victory is a testament to the power of persistent advocacy—join us as we continue to stand with Indigenous leaders and local communities in defending the Western Arctic's five Special Areas, which remain under threat. - Emily Mesner (mesner@northern.org) Communications Coordinator
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Celebrating a big win on the Seward Peninsula |
People demonstrate in Nome against destructive mining proposals at the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race finish line in Nome. Photo by Dawn Wehde |
Advocates along the Seward Peninsula are celebrating as Canadian exploration company Panther Minerals has abandoned its uranium exploration project north of the village of Elim. The proposed project created widespread opposition from folks across the region, who shared concerns about uranium contamination and impacts on water, salmon, and community health.
Congratulations to all who fought this project! We are grateful for the leadership of Emily Murray, Elim resident and vice president of Norton Bay Watershed Council, the students of Elim who organized protests at this year’s Iditarod, and many advocates across the region who worked hard to protect the water, land, and salmon from yet another destructive project. You can read more here.
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It’s a crucial time to speak up for the Western Arctic’s Special Areas |
A red-throated loon. Photo by Ken Madsen |
In early June, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced plans to revoke protections for the Western Arctic’s National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, once again prioritizing oil and gas industry interests.
The Trump administration is ignoring the robust scientific and public process that drew more than 250,000 comments overwhelmingly in favor of new protections, and which led to the Special Area rule change in 2024.
The Department of the Interior’s plan to rescind these new safeguards for the Reserve’s five Special Areas—Teshekpuk Lake, Colville River, Kasegaluk Lagoon, Peard Bay, and the Utukok River Uplands—could have devastating impacts for community subsistence access and critical habitat for fish, caribou, and millions of migratory birds. Tell DOI not to revoke Special Area protections before August 4! |
Yukon Flats oil and exploration license comment period closes next week
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The Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil and Gas (DO&G) is considering a new oil and gas exploration proposal in the Yukon Flats. The public comment period closes Wednesday, July 30.
With Yukon River salmon populations collapsing, this region is already in crisis. The state of Alaska should be doing everything possible to protect the Yukon River watershed, not exposing these sensitive ecosystems to the threat of industry contamination.
We need you to help tell the DO&G just how special the Yukon Flats are, and how irresponsible it would be to allow this proposed oil and gas development.
Follow this link for more information, including how to send comments. And learn more about the Yukon River in this video.
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Run for the Refuge registration is now open—help support Arctic conservation! |
Photo by Atsushi Sugimoto |
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is one of the last intact ecosystems of its kind—it provides traditional subsistence access for Indigenous communities, is the calving ground for the Porcupine caribou herd, and supports essential habitat for polar bears and migratory birds. And, this area is the reason for our annual Run for the Refuge event—to raise awareness for its permanent protection.
Join us virtually August 21-24 to celebrate the Arctic Refuge during the 29th annual Run for the Refuge, sponsored by Earthjustice.
While registration for this year's event is free, we greatly appreciate and humbly accept donations. Anyone who makes a donation (of any amount) will be automatically entered into a door prize drawing, helping us ensure that we can continue this fight for permanent Arctic protections. |
Film series begins Aug. 12 in Fairbanks |
Save Our Domes is planning a three-part screening event of the film Unearth at various locations around Fairbanks. The film documents the fight to protect Bristol Bay from the proposed Pebble Mine, immersing you in the challenges and triumphs of advocates across the Bristol Bay region to protect their culture, local fisheries, and salmon from destructive mining.
The first screening will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, August 12 at Ken Kunkel Community Center in Goldstream and will include a brief overview of relevant mining issues in Interior Alaska. The second screening will be at the Noel Wien Library on September 10. |
This Arctic marathon combines dirt roads, beach, and trail for one epic summer adventure |
Photo courtesy of Hannah Atkinson |
Kotzebue's Cape Blossom Marathon will be held on Sunday, August 24, offering participants a not-so-average summer adventure as Alaska's only marathon above the Arctic Circle. The course features three miles of new road stretching south to Cape Blossom and includes half marathon (13.1 miles) and full marathon (26.2 miles) option.
In September 2021, an informal running of the event had six marathon participants, 10 half-marathon participants, and 11 volunteers. Race day was complicated by a fall storm that brought rain, wind, high water, and temperatures in the low 30s. Fall storms are an increasing occurrence in Northwest Alaska. In September 2022, the town experienced Typhoon Merbok and in October 2024, flooding forcing 80 people to evacuate and caused damage to properties.
The Inupiaq lands have long been known for distance running and lively athletic competition, and this year's marathon celebrates the town’s changing relationship to the land. Organizers are seeking volunteers and racers. You can sign up here, or email Hannah Atkinson, hannah.atki@gmail.com, for more information.
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This week's captivating reads |
A sea lion catches a salmon in Klamath, California. Photo by Emily Mesner |
Your latest laugh from Hazard Hughes
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Do you have GIS skills and access to GIS software? Northern Center is looking for a volunteer to help staff create maps related to mining claims and exploration areas around Fairbanks, as well as landownership and land use in areas across Interior and Arctic Alaska. Please email katie@northern.org if you are willing to volunteer time to help us create these visuals. Thank you!
Alaska Wilderness League is now accepting applications for their Alaska Storytelling Grant, honoring the memory of their late executive director, Adam Kolton. The Storytelling Grant is a merit-based, unrestricted award of $20,000 to a practicing professional storyteller of exceptional talent and ability who has experience living in Alaska and who tells a uniquely Alaskan story. Applications are open until August 24. Click here for more information.
- Alaska Community Action on Toxics is hiring for two positions:
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The 28th annual Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival will be held August 18-24. All events are FREE to the public and will be at Creamer's Field in Fairbanks unless otherwise stated. Donations are appreciated.
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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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