Bristol Bay has been in the news a lot lately- we've seen high profile tweets, segments on mainstream national media platforms, and critical statements in Pebble’s permitting process. Together these events have built momentum for the case opposing the proposed copper and gold mine, and important themes in the fight for southwest Alaska have re-emerged.
Perhaps one of the biggest takeaways thus far: Bristol Bay is an issue of national importance where people from across the political spectrum find common ground. In this day, that’s rare. It shows what we can accomplish when we put differences aside to unite around conserving uniquely wild places.
Last week, FOX News aired another segment on Tucker Carlson Tonight. In the segment, Carlson again highlighted the problems of the proposed Pebble mine that scientists and hunters and anglers have argued for years. In August, he brought Johnny Morris, CEO of Bass Pro Shops, on his show to talk about the Canadian mining company pushing forward its risky and incomplete plan.
But the Friday segment shared a different perspective. Carlson interviewed Brian Kraft, a Bristol Bay business owner. Brian is the President of Katmai Service Providers, and one of his lodges is just downstream of the proposed mine site.
Tucker Carlson hosts Bristol Bay business owner Brian Kraft on Sept. 11, 2020.
15 years ago, partnering with Ekwok Tribal Chief, Luki Akelkok, Brian started ringing the bell in Bristol Bay communities about what Pebble proposed in the region. At that time, Pebble had been sniffing around with talk of a massive mine in the region, looking to build community support through promises the project could coexist with the powerful Bristol Bay fishery.
Brian initially thought more jobs would be good. But after taking a closer look, his enthusiasm was replaced with skepticism – it turns out, for good reason. Peer-reviewed science has since showed irreparable harm to the fish and the fish-based industries of the region if Pebble were to go through. That science is what led to the Army Corps’ latest conclusion that the current proposed Pebble mine should not be permitted in the region.
For nearly two decades, Trout Unlimited has stood next to Brian as he advocates relentlessly for his business, his neighbors, and the communities that depend on clean water and healthy habitat to support their families.
Tucker Carlson and the other prominent national figures that have come out recently against the mine have given Bristol Bay residents the platform and microphone they need to reach the highest office to safeguard Bristol Bay – the Trump administration. Opposition to the mine among local residents has consistently sat at about 80%, and sportsmen and women remain loud asking the President to deny the Clean Water Act permit for Pebble.
This effort has come full circle. Twenty years ago, it began in Bristol Bay with people like Brian and Luki who spoke up against something they knew was wrong. Over the years, they’ve been joined by Trout Unlimited, commercial fishermen, scientists, mining experts and millions of Americans across the country, all standing behind the local Tribal organizations, who all know that Bristol Bay is not the place for the proposed Pebble mine.
We are grateful for those who are using their platforms to help elevate the voices of the people in Bristol Bay. Thank you to the individuals in Alaska and beyond who stand strong in their vocal opposition to this project again and again.
Show your continued support for Bristol Bay by donating to TU's Save Bristol Bay campaign today.