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

February 12, 2013 Newsletter

I hope that your holiday season was a good one, and that 2013 is off to a great start for you and yours. SAA continues to play a leading role with the hunting and angling communities in efforts to protect Bristol Bay, spending time with allies at a few major industry events already in 2013. There is some very current news on the EPA front which you’ll find below.

You’ll also see some news about the Tongass National Forest and the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska. For a comprehensive list of news items, you can always visit the Latest News page on the SAA Web site.

This newsletter will hit the major highlights and let you know about some great ways you can support SAA and the efforts to protect some of Alaska’s most productive fish and game habitats. But before we get started, in honor of those of us in the Midwest and New England who’ve endured a blizzard the past few days…a bit of inspiration.

Brian O’Keefe photo
Spreading the good word somewhere warm.
Credit: Brian O’Keefe

Latest with the EPA and Bristol Bay
Agency intends to complete Final Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment in 2013

On Feb. 5, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it is planning for the 12 original Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment peer reviewers to evaluate the revisions the agency has made to the draft Bristol Bay Assessment. EPA’s goal is to determine if these revisions reflect the peer reviewers’ feedback, which EPA received in fall of 2012. This peer review follow-up will be conducted in spring 2013. The agency intends to hold a public comment period on the revised assessment concurrent with the peer review evaluation. EPA’s stated primary objective is to make sure the agency is using the best available science. EPA intends to finalize the assessment in 2013 after carefully considering the scientific peer review and public comment. Stay on top of EPA developments through the agency’s official Bristol Bay Web site.

Read coverage of and reaction to the EPA’s announcement:

It is obvious we will need to continue to press the President and the EPA to take action to protect Bristol Bay. SAA has led the effort to secure the support of now over 850 hunting and angling groups and businesses asking for the EPA to act, one of the largest and most diverse collections of hook and bullet signatories to any conservation advocacy letter. On top of the support from the hunting and angling community, this campaign continues to be bolstered by the vast majority of Bristol Bay residents, the commercial fishing industry in Alaska and other parts of the country, over 50 major jewelry brands, chefs, restaurants, food retailers, socially responsible investment firms, and more.

When the EPA announces the public comment period for the revised assessment, you will be notified how you can take part and make your voice heard for Bristol Bay – STAND BY!

SAA Director Scott Hed visiting about Alaska with well-known hunting personality Craig Boddington (left) at the SHOT Show.
SAA Director Scott Hed visiting about Alaska with well-known hunting personality Craig Boddington (left) at the SHOT Show.

Bristol Bay: State of Alaska releases proposed amendments to 2005 Bristol Bay Area Plan

The amended land use plan is the result of a 2009 joint lawsuit filed in state court by Trout Unlimited, the Alaska Independent Fisherman’s Marketing Association and five Bristol Bay area village and tribal councils against the Department of Natural Resources. A public comment period is open until April 4 for Alaskans to weigh in on the revised Bristol Bay Area Plan, which still has much room for improvement. See coverage and reaction:

Brendan Burns photo
The AK Dept. of Natural Resources Bristol Bay Area Plan still does not classify caribou calving and wintering areas as “habitat" ...um, what?
Credit: Brendan Burns

Tongass National Forest: Public Comment Period Open

Visit the American Salmon Forest web site today. Learn about the Tongass 77 campaign, and sign on to support this proposed legislation to protect the best fish-producing watersheds on America’s largest national forest.

Random Shots: News and Notes from Around Alaska

Other Ways to Support SAA and the Fight for Fishing and Hunting in Alaska

SAA is grateful for the generous support of individuals, businesses, and foundations. Your donations allow SAA to continue to work on efforts to protect prime fishing and hunting habitats in the Last Frontier for the benefit of current and future sportsmen and women. Make your donations online at the secure online donation page; all amounts are accepted and appreciated – SAA is a lean, mean, one-man operation but it takes funding to do this work. For donations of the following amounts, please include “SAA” and indicate what item you’d like to receive in the “comment” box on the donation page.

(If you have any questions on how to donate, email scott@sportsmansalliance4ak.org.)

Derek DeYoung print
“4-in-1 Alaska” by Derek DeYoung

Pro Guide Direct – Your Gear Purchases Yield 15% for SAA

Special Promotion from Pro Guide Direct to Benefit Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska

We invite you to ‘shop with a cause’ from over 180 of the top brands and check out the outdoor gear selection at Pro Guide Direct.

The gear experts at PGD love to fish and play in the outdoors, and they put their gear to the test every day. PGD will donate 15% of the total purchase price of your order to the Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska.

Pro Guide Direct

And…An Easy Online Shopping Portal to Support SAA

iGIVE

Turn your online shopping at over 1,000 stores into much-needed donations to support SAA’s work. A few percent on each sale adds up! (Click image at left.)

Thanks for caring about Alaska conservation. Your support and actions will ensure a future for Alaska’s fish and game and for coming generations of sportsmen and women to enjoy them.

Scott Hed
Director, Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska

Carol Hed
My mother visited Alaska once, and she always said
“Once you visit Alaska, you never come all the way back.”
How true. We’ll miss you. (Carol Hed, 1947 – 2013)

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