Hunters and anglers working together to preserve fish and game habitats and hunting and fishing opportunities on our public lands in Alaska.

Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska

March 3 , 2009 Newsletter and Auction Update

Only being in the office one day this week, this update will be much like last week’s in content. The main difference will be the updated show schedule and auction results and listings. There’s also a fresh news item from the Anchorage Daily News.

Sport Show Schedule
Well, the end is nearly in sight for the winter show season. Pleasanton, Calif., was great last weekend, with help from Mark H. and some fantastic volunteers. Phoenix, Ariz., was also really good – and warm compared to home! The coming weekend has three shows, so hats off to the fine folks volunteering all over the place.

Here’s what’s left for the SAA road show 2009 edition:

Pebble prospect's foes, fans testify at hearing
From the Anchorage Daily News (2/28/2009)

Alaska lawmakers this year are beginning to look deeper into the massive, controversial Pebble project.

The debate over Pebble involves a proposal to build one of the world's biggest hard-rock mines in the headwaters of the world's biggest sockeye salmon fishery. Many consider it a battle on the scale of the duel over oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Read the entire article here.

Organizations and Businesses Signing Letter to Secretary Salazar for Bristol Bay Protections
I recently sent a note to my contacts at angling and hunting groups, lodges and outfitters, fly shops, and manufacturers of fishing and hunting products. The note included text of a letter to the new Secretary of Interior, Ken Salazar, asking him to place priority on the fish and game habitats of Bristol Bay. The BLM announced a plan last November which would lift the restrictions on mineral exploration that have been in place for over 30 years in Bristol Bay. Secretary Salazar has an opportunity to pull the plug on that recommendation and improve the plan with protections for the world’s greatest wild salmon fishery and a sporting destination of global significance. So far, over 100 entities have signed the letter! The initial cutoff date for adding your club or business to this letter is March 5. This will likely be extended for another few weeks. Email scott@sportsmansalliance4ak.org for more info about adding your support.

Dinner and a (Bristol Bay) Movie
OK, so the dinner would be your responsibility. But here’s a special offer to fill in other parts of an evening at home with friends and family. For a donation of $60, receive a copy of the award-winning documentary film Red Gold, a 375 ml. bottle of 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon from Stonefly Vineyards and a limited edition James Prosek sockeye salmon t-shirt. That’s a savings of $10 over the items priced individually, and shipping costs are included. Additional t-shirts are available through this special promotion at $15 per shirt. This offer is limited to the first 12 responses, since I only have one case of the Stonefly wine on hand. Just make your secure online donation here and specify “movie/wine/t-shirt” in the comment box, along with the size(s) for the t-shirt(s).

Bristol Bay Movie Night Events
In last week’s newsletter, I described a showing in Portland where 80 people turned out for an evening of celebrating Bristol Bay. Red Gold and Equilibrium were shown to a standing ovation. Folks made donations to the campaign, signed petitions to decision-makers, and in general had a great time. We want to replicate this event across the country, and I’ve already had a number of people reply to me wanting to put on an event in their area. Thanks very much for the enthusiasm! We are putting the finishing touches on the nuts & bolts guide to hosting one of these events. With show season still going on for a few more weeks, we hope to have this ready for you by March 15. Until that time, please keep contacting me if you are interested in helping promote a Bristol Bay event in your area. You’ll receive details in mid- to late March.

Bristol Bay Online Fundraising Auction Update
The second annual fundraising auction for Bristol Bay is off to a great start, with gross proceeds already topping $17,000. Thank you to the blogs, web sites and magazines who are helping spread the word. The greater the number of people visiting the auction, the better the odds that we can raise some serious money to help fight for Bristol Bay. Last year’s gross was over $50,000 which is helping raise awareness about Bristol Bay all across the country.

This auction is possible due to the very generous contributions of so many companies, lodges and artists. Please support them and support the campaign for Bristol Bay’s future by bidding on an item or two. There’s a great selection, and you should be able to find something you need or want. All starting bids are set below 65% of retail value so you could get a good buy and help a great cause at the same time.

The inventory for the auction is basically set up on a rolling basis, with new items being added every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. All listings run for seven (7) days, so there are always items nearing the end of their run.

To see active listings, click here.

Completed listings:

Items up for bid right now:

Items to be listed in next seven (7) days:

The entire schedule of auction items with opening bid amounts is viewable online at the SAA Web site.

Due to the busy travel schedule over the next few weeks, auction listings might not follow the schedule precisely. Also, bear in mind that items will be shipped on those few days each week when I am at the office. Thanks for your understanding and patience!

IMPORTANT NOTES ON AUCTION TRIP LISTINGS: In a nod to the economic reality of the present time, the Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska is offering what may possibly be the best deals you’ll ever find on a bunch of fine fishing trips. Here’s the deal: The starting price for all trips will be just $500 over the regular price for 1 angler. That’s right. Basically, book a trip for 1 angler at regular price, and the 2nd person comes along for as little as $500 more! Find a buddy, split the cost, and start packing for your dream trip.

If the trips don’t sell on the auction, nobody wins. If the trips do sell, everybody wins. The top bidder will get a fantastic deal on a “trip of a lifetime.” The lodge will host 2 enthusiastic anglers. And the SAA gets a little more in the bank to help fight the battle to save Bristol Bay.

The SAA recognizes the fact that some of these trips, even at discounted prices, may be difficult to pay for in a single lump sum. SAA is willing to work with buyers on a payment schedule if necessary. However, all trips musts be paid for in full at least 60 days prior to the departure date. Please contact me if you have any questions on this policy.

Other Opportunities to Support the Cause

That’ll do it for this edition of the SAA E-News and Auction Update. Throughout the course of the auction, weekly updates will continue to be issued on Tuesdays.

Thanks for all you do for Alaska conservation!

Scott Hed
Director – Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska

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