Alaska Wilderness League continues to oppose the “Sealaska bill” (S. 881/H.R. 2099) which would transfer to private ownership some of the richest and most biologically productive lands in the Tongass National Forest. These lands are targeted for clearcut logging, threatening the intricate ecosystem and its small forest-dependent communities and thriving local industries. This bill has sparked widespread controversy and may undermine the ongoing collaborative dialogue on the future of the Tongass. The Sealaska bill only serves to reaffirm the old, divisive way of doing business. Any congressional action on the Tongass must include the strongest protections possible for valuable, intact old-growth and restore important fish and wildlife habitat damaged by past logging.
· ACTION: Contact your Members of Congress and urge them to oppose the "Sealaska bill!" Send a message to Congress that any action on the Tongass must include the strongest protections possible for America’s rainforest!
· ACTION: In an effort to protect the wildlands of the Tongass, we would love for you to pass along the attached Chef sign on letter to any chefs you know who care about supporting the use of wild Alaskan salmon and protecting the Tongass. Please pass chefs onto me at: anna (at) alaskawild.org.
· UPDATE: The Sealaska Bill had hearings in the House Natural Resource Committee (March 2010) and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (October 2009). Additionally, Senator Murkowski’s Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee staff has held a series of listening sessions across Southeast Alaska that highlighted the conflict in the region. Later this Spring, the Senate Committee is expected to mark-up the legislation.
· UPDATE: On May 26, 2010 the US Forest Service released its long awaited ‘transition framework’ for the Tongass National Forest. Realizing the importance of an intact Tongass, the Obama administration has made a serious commitment to transitioning the economy of Southeast Alaska away from reliance on unsustainable old growth harvest, and towards a more economically and ecologically sound future. By putting people to work restoring the forest, this plan not only creates jobs in the woods but will also serve to protect and enhance valuable fish and wildlife habitat. Alaska Wilderness League looks forward to working with the Obama administration to make this transition framework a successful reality.
· EVENTS: Alaska Wilderness League and Braided River Books will be having holding events with Amy Guilick to talk about her book, Salmon in the Trees during June and August. Please see here for more on events in Portland, Washington, D.C. and Juneau.
· MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS: Former Fish and Game officials oppose Sealaska lands bill; Letter warns Alaska governor about Sealaska lands bill; Tongass logging 'would harm rare species'; Deadline approaches for Sealaska-SEACC talks; Trees grow salmon and salmon grow trees in the Tongass; Salmon in the Trees: Life in Alaska’s Tongass Rain Forest ; Book shows Tongass Forest fed by nutrients of fish; New course charted for Alaska's Tongass National Forest; Feds Announce Timber Program for Tongass Forest; Private Sealaska meetings on land bill yield nothing
· FREE VIDEO: We have a Tongass video that we would love to have Alaska Coalition groups use and show to your members. If you're interested in receiving a copy of the video, please email me at anna (at) alaskawild.org.
