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Welcome to Our New Alaska Affiliate!

(National Wildlife Federation)

By: Larry Schweiger, President & CEO

National Wildlife Federation welcomes the Renewable Resources Coalition (RRC) as our newest affiliate and our conservation partner in the state of Alaska.  RRC's mission is "to preserve and protect the ongoing viability of Alaska's abundant fishing and hunting resources and the lands and waters they need to survive." 

Currently, RRC is working to preserve the renewable resources of the Bristol Bay watershed. This area is renowned for its clean water, pristine wilderness, and abundant wildlife, and it is home to the world's largest wild salmon fishery.  Producing almost one third of all Alaskan salmon, this region is critical to local commercial and sport fisheries, as well as native communities.  The salmon and rainbow trout populations attract international attention from anglers, and the watershed's combined renewable resources contribute $400 million annually to Alaska's economy.  However, proposed development of what could be the world's largest open-pit gold and copper mine threatens the integrity of these resources.  The Pebble Mine and its surrounding 1,000 square mile mining district would include major water withdrawals from headwater streams and rivers critical to salmon spawning, potentially devastating ground and surface water pollution, and construction of the largest tailings pond dam on the planet.  Pebble Mine stands to impact water quality and habitat conditions, compromising the health of salmon and trout populations and impacting habitats important to waterfowl and big game species.

RRC and its diverse members raise awareness about the threats of the Pebble Mine and work toward solutions that keep Alaska's natural resources sustainable.  With global warming, we need to protect the last strongholds of our native salmon by protecting the pristine watersheds on which they depend.  We are delighted to join in partnership with the Renewable Resources Coalition in our common efforts to restore and protect wildlife and its habitat, combat global warming and connect people with nature.  See what you can do to help at http://www.renewableresourcescoalition.org/.

I encourage affiliate delegates and others attending our 2009 Annual Meeting to introduce yourselves and get to know RRC's leaders.