Proposed Canadian mining projects on several shared rivers in Southeast Alaska has alarmed tribes, fishermen and environmental groups for years.
They say lack of Canadian mining regulation and a track record of harm to the environment have made them fear for the future of Southeast salmon stocks and subsistence and commercial fishing in the area.
Six months ago, in an effort to increase cooperation between the State of Alaska and British Columbia, Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott was tasked with drafting a Statement of Cooperation with B.C. over these proposed mining projects.
In a public meeting today at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall, Mallott wants to update the public on the SOC’s progress.
The meeting lasts from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. with an unscheduled break for lunch. Mining officials will make presentations, followed by question and answer sessions. There will also be time for dialog between attendees.
Find a draft agenda, the SOC and a map of the transboundary region at http://ltgov.alaska.gov/services/transboundary-relations/.
