Representative Les Gara PRESS RELEASE • November 18, 2011
http://gara.akhouse.org • Contact: Toby Smith, Aide • toby_smith@legis.state.ak.us
Phone: 269-0106 • Fax: 269-0109 • House District 23
PRESS RELEASE
Gara Calls For Proof that Chuitna River’s Salmon Can Be Fully Restored;
No Response Yet
Alaska has a good track record of responsible mining. But that all changed with the Alaska Department of Natural Resource’s recent decision to allow destruction of eleven miles of prime salmon habitat on the Middle Fork of the Chuitna River.
“Destroying a wild salmon stream to sell coal to China is about the worst idea in Alaska’s proud history of salmon protection. We’ve always promoted responsible mines. But this one is irresponsible,” said Representative Les Gara, of state plans allowing dredging of eleven miles of the Chuitna River’s tributaries to keep moving forward.
Gara has written Governor Sean Parnell and Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources Dan Sullivan seeking proof of any wild salmon streams that have been so badly dredged, and that have fully recovered. He is still waiting for a response.
The letter sent by Rep. Gara, an avid fisherman and published Alaska fishing writer, is available here:
For more information, contact Rep. Gara or aide Toby Smith at (907) 269-0106 or at Representative_Les_Gara@legis.state.ak.us
