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Alaska News

Monday, October 27, 2008

(National Wildlife Federation)

The Renewable Resources Coalition, Alaska’s leading conservation organization dedicated to protecting the clean water and wild salmon of the Bristol Bay watershed, has been selected as the Alaska affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. The decision was made final at the most recent National Wildlife Federation’s board of directors meeting.

 

The Renewable Resource Coalition represents native subsistence users, commercial fisherman and sportsmen working to preserve the renewable resources of Bristol Bay. The coalition was formed in response to the proposed 1,000 square mile mining district and the proposed Pebble Mine project, which threaten Bristol Bay’s legendary wild salmon population, as well as populations of rainbow trout, waterfowl and big game throughout the watershed.

 

“We are extraordinarily pleased to accept the responsibilities as the Alaska affiliate to the National Wildlife Federation,” says Richard Jameson, president of the Renewable Resource Coalition. “We look forward to working in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation to protect Alaska’s fish and wildlife, particularly against the threat of the proposed Pebble Mine.”

 

As the newest affiliate, the Renewable Resource Coalition becomes the 48th state and territorial affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.

 

“We are delighted to join in partnership with the Renewable Resource Coalition in our common efforts to restore and protect wildlife and its habitat, combat global warming and connect people with nature,” says Larry Schweiger, National Wildlife Federation president.

 

The National Wildlife Federation, founded more than 70 years ago, has four million members and supporters nationwide. Affiliate representatives elect the National Wildlife Federation’s board of directors and set the organization’s policy objectives in the form of resolutions.

 

Alaska’s wild salmon is a national treasure,” said Jameson. “We hope our affiliation with the National Wildlife Federation will help increase awareness of the threats wild salmon face from the proposed Pebble Mine.”

 

The Renewable Resource Coalition was formed in 2005 and is based in Anchorage, AK. The mission of the Renewable Resources Coalition 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. The National Wildlife Federation was one of the first national organizations to support the efforts of the coalition to protect Bristol Bay salmon and wildlife habitat from the threat posed by Pebble Mine.

 

“Renewable Resource Coalition’s mission of protecting Alaska’s hunting and fishing resources and the habitat they need is a perfect match for the National Wildlife Federation’s mission of protecting wildlife for our children’s future,” said Jameson.