Target: Mike Dunleavy, Governor of Alaska
Goal: Preserve important habitat for salmon and bald eagles and do not give go-ahead to copper mining.
The Chilkat River of Alaska is an ecological wonder. This waterway hosts a salmon population that has sustained communities like the town of Haines for decades. The river is also home to the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve: the biggest gathering place for bald eagles on the entire planet. Now, this burgeoning population (numbering up to 4,000 individual birds) is under renewed threat.
A copper mining company was recently given the green light to “explore” copper extraction in the region. If this project goes forward, it could create toxic runoff that pollutes the river, kills salmon, and kills an important way of life for nearby human populations. And the domino effect on the bald eagles that depend on salmon for sustenance could be equally catastrophic.
Sign the petition below to urge Alaskan leaders to rethink a plan that could seriously damage the state economically and environmentally.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Governor Dunleavy,
Native Alaskans living in the proximity of the Chilkat River have the most direct knowledge of this region and its value. They have reported already-dwindling salmon populations. These fish provide an economic boon to communities with a deep fishing heritage, and they maintain this part of the state’s distinction as a world-leading ecological mecca for beautiful bald eagles.
The proposed copper mining project you are considering would put the economic and environmental benefits of this region under direct threat. Mining has already strongly contributed to contamination in nearly half of America’s rivers. Do not let this latest proposal become the next ecological disaster. Keep mining special interests away from this irreplaceable haven.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: U.S. Army
