B.C. Mining
Dear Editor: As I look east from Southeast Alaska, I see a picturesque, pristine landscape of mountain peaks, often snow covered – Canada. I was shocked to see a B.C. development map and learn that just beyond my view are mining developments – old, new, proposed and some vast, that dot the seemingly untouched land beyond.
The mine ‘‘dots’’ become lines when coupled with other projects across the border. Of course these very watersheds that support B.C.’s mining industry also support our fishing communities and way of life here. Being downstream is not the ideal position. Alaskans are coming together to ask British Columbia and Canada to enhance their mining protections so our watersheds will be the highly productive ecosystems of fish, wildlife, water and scenery that we all cherish and wish for future generations.
Alaska Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott hosted a group of officials and staff from British Columbia last week, which included B.C.’s Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett, who, as I understand, is one of two people that make the final decision on B.C. mine development projects. As a representative of our regional commercial salmon gillnet group, United Southeast Alaska Gillnetters, I was invited to meet with the Canadians, where I asked Minister Bennett, “How would our fishing fleet be financially compensated if we experience financial losses due to real or perceived water quality issues?” Minister Bennett replied, “I don’t know.” Although I appreciated his honesty, his answer does not make me feel better about being downstream.
We need assurance that our waters will be protected and that if, in the tragic event something unforeseen does happen in B.C. that affects us downstream, Alaskans will be compensated. No amount of financial compensation would erase or make up for severe habitat losses but we need to have some assurances in place.
Many folks around southeast Alaska are not shocked by the ‘‘dots that turn into lines’’ on B.C.’s development map because they’ve been watching these changes for years, even decades. I sincerely appreciate their dedication and the efforts of Alaska and B.C. officials to come together to talk about our concerns.
We now understand that this transboundary waters issue is an international one that needs to be handled by the federal governments of America and Canada. In order for our federal government to take this on, they need to hear from us. If you are concerned about these mines and our water quality, I encourage you to write our federal delegation and tell them. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Sen. Dan Sullivan and Rep. Don Young each have a contact form on their website that’s fairly easy to use. If they hear from us, they will have more backing to take to Secretary Kerry and others who can help make needed assurances with Canada. I too will be writing them along with other regional groups who are actively working to keep us all fishing and eating. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at usag.alaska@gmail.com.
Cynthia Wallesz
Executive Director
United Southeast Alaska Gillnetters
Math, Science Conference
Dear Editor: We would like to say thank you for the Sentinel article in the Weekender about the 2015 Alaska Math and Science Conference that will be coming to Sitka in October. We appreciated the coverage that you provided and especially Tom Hesse and Shannon Haugland for making this happen.
In the flurry of information, a few key people should be mentioned. Janet Clarke, here in Sitka, has been instrumental in our work and planning. Not only has the family been a great addition to Sitka, her ideas and efforts have been outstanding and appreciated. Kevin Qwinn, our website guru, has been working nonstop to keep up the site and deal with the constant changes needed.
Also omitted were Cheryl Cooper form Delta Junction and Dave Gillam from Anchorage. Cheryl is handling all the exhibitors (over 20 and counting) and Dave is helping us with the program development.
Please keep an eye out for the draft program hopefully this week. Remember the website www.amsc2015.org for all your conference information.
Lyle Sparrowgrove,
Math Co-Chair,
Alaska Mathematics
and Science Conference
