Friday, August 20, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Not Free Time...
...but also a real kick! Myself holding up a nice char with client and friend Kent Creed on a wild Alaskan stream.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Voices Of The People
Cordova Times Article
At meeting with EPA chief, residents united in opposition to Pebble
Published on July 29th, 2010
By MARGARET BAUMAN
One by one, representatives of a dozen Southwest Alaska communities stood to tell the head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of the threat they feel the massive Pebble mine prospect would pose to their way of life.
"If you take away who we are, our natural resources, that would be terminating us as a people," Mary Ann Johnson from the tribal council of Portage Creek told EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson Wednesday, during a listening session at Dillingham High School.
"The salmon have saved people from starvation," said Dennis Andrew, of the village of New Stuyahok, noting the importance of the Bristol Bay watershed's abundance to both people and wildlife. "It is so important that they continue to spawn in our waters."
The event, billed by EPA as a listening session on the massive copper, gold, silver and molybdenum deposit that could be mined at the headwaters of the Bristol Bay watershed, attracted only opponents.
Supporters, including representatives of Iliamna Development Corp., who say the prospect poses a tremendous opportunity for economic development, were not in attendance.
Jackson had met earlier in Anchorage with representatives of the Pebble Limited Partnership, which has said it will invest up to $73 million in Alaska this year as part of its ongoing effort to advance the project. According to the Pebble Partnership, the mine prospect has one of the largest concentrations of copper, gold, molybdenum and silver in the world.
Those speaking to the EPA at the listening session spoke of other riches. They are the sons and daughters of Eskimo families who have inhabited this region for thousands of years, engaging in a subsistence lifestyle dependent upon the fish and sea mammals in the waters of Bristol Bay and a land bountiful in wildlife and berries.
"We lead a very rich lifestyle in a resource-rich area," said Tom Tilden, first chief of the Curyung Tribal Council in Dillingham. "We can continue to live in this area as long as the resources are protected."
"Bristol Bay is a national treasure that we must protect," said Robin Samuelsen, president and chief executive officer of Bristol Bay Economic Development Corp. "Bristol Bay is one of those rare areas where we should not mine."
"We believe," said Kimberly Williams, executive director of Nunamta Aulukestai, Caretakers of the Land, "that our life is just so worth protecting. We are not going to go away; we're going to keep fighting" (to protect the Bristol Bay watershed).
Jackson, who holds a master's in chemical engineering from Princeton University, opened the meeting with greetings from President Barack Obama. She told the group that Obama wants his administration to talk with tribes on a government-to-government basis.
She also told several dozen people gathered in the high school gymnasium "that there is no such thing as a choice between a job and clean water. You are entitled to both."
Jackson, who grew up in coastal Louisiana, said life there was tough "but I will take my hat off to the people who make their living here," a reference to the challenges of living in rural Alaska and the subsistence lifestyle.
The speakers' list ranged from Jason Metrokin, president and chief executive officer of the Bristol Bay Native Corp., to Bella Hammond of Lake Clark, widow of former Gov. Jay Hammond, who received a standing ovation.
Others included former Alaska Senate President Rick Halford, a technical advisor to Nunamta Aulukestai and Trout Unlimited; Dillingham city planner Jody Seitz, and Anchorage attorney Jeff Parker, representing the community of Nondalton.
Major concerns voiced were the importance of maintaining pollution-free waters critical to subsistence and the Yup'ik Eskimo culture, as well as the multi-million dollar commercial and sport fishing industry.
Some focused on potential activities at the proposed mine that they believe could forever contaminate the watershed critical to all life in the region. Others contended that activities during the prospect's exploration phase are damaging king salmon runs and causing many animals in the Mulchatna caribou herd to migrate elsewhere.
"Moose and caribou are an important part of our diet," said Peter Christopher of New Stuyahok. Exploration activities at the mine site have scared off 75 percent of the Mulchatna herd, he said.
"The mine could affect the Nushagak, which is our aquifer," Seitz said.
The city of Dillingham opposes Pebble, she said. "Fisheries are a critical piece of the economy."
Many speakers also addressed a need for a closer relationship between the federal and tribal governments, and said the state does not support the tribes.
The listening session was preceded by a potluck luncheon featuring a number of popular area foods, including moose, salmon, duck, muktuk and fried bread, plus salads and large bowls of akutaq - Eskimo ice cream - filled with berries abundant in the region.
At meeting with EPA chief, residents united in opposition to Pebble
Published on July 29th, 2010
By MARGARET BAUMAN
One by one, representatives of a dozen Southwest Alaska communities stood to tell the head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of the threat they feel the massive Pebble mine prospect would pose to their way of life.
"If you take away who we are, our natural resources, that would be terminating us as a people," Mary Ann Johnson from the tribal council of Portage Creek told EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson Wednesday, during a listening session at Dillingham High School.
"The salmon have saved people from starvation," said Dennis Andrew, of the village of New Stuyahok, noting the importance of the Bristol Bay watershed's abundance to both people and wildlife. "It is so important that they continue to spawn in our waters."
The event, billed by EPA as a listening session on the massive copper, gold, silver and molybdenum deposit that could be mined at the headwaters of the Bristol Bay watershed, attracted only opponents.
Supporters, including representatives of Iliamna Development Corp., who say the prospect poses a tremendous opportunity for economic development, were not in attendance.
Jackson had met earlier in Anchorage with representatives of the Pebble Limited Partnership, which has said it will invest up to $73 million in Alaska this year as part of its ongoing effort to advance the project. According to the Pebble Partnership, the mine prospect has one of the largest concentrations of copper, gold, molybdenum and silver in the world.
Those speaking to the EPA at the listening session spoke of other riches. They are the sons and daughters of Eskimo families who have inhabited this region for thousands of years, engaging in a subsistence lifestyle dependent upon the fish and sea mammals in the waters of Bristol Bay and a land bountiful in wildlife and berries.
"We lead a very rich lifestyle in a resource-rich area," said Tom Tilden, first chief of the Curyung Tribal Council in Dillingham. "We can continue to live in this area as long as the resources are protected."
"Bristol Bay is a national treasure that we must protect," said Robin Samuelsen, president and chief executive officer of Bristol Bay Economic Development Corp. "Bristol Bay is one of those rare areas where we should not mine."
"We believe," said Kimberly Williams, executive director of Nunamta Aulukestai, Caretakers of the Land, "that our life is just so worth protecting. We are not going to go away; we're going to keep fighting" (to protect the Bristol Bay watershed).
Jackson, who holds a master's in chemical engineering from Princeton University, opened the meeting with greetings from President Barack Obama. She told the group that Obama wants his administration to talk with tribes on a government-to-government basis.
She also told several dozen people gathered in the high school gymnasium "that there is no such thing as a choice between a job and clean water. You are entitled to both."
Jackson, who grew up in coastal Louisiana, said life there was tough "but I will take my hat off to the people who make their living here," a reference to the challenges of living in rural Alaska and the subsistence lifestyle.
The speakers' list ranged from Jason Metrokin, president and chief executive officer of the Bristol Bay Native Corp., to Bella Hammond of Lake Clark, widow of former Gov. Jay Hammond, who received a standing ovation.
Others included former Alaska Senate President Rick Halford, a technical advisor to Nunamta Aulukestai and Trout Unlimited; Dillingham city planner Jody Seitz, and Anchorage attorney Jeff Parker, representing the community of Nondalton.
Major concerns voiced were the importance of maintaining pollution-free waters critical to subsistence and the Yup'ik Eskimo culture, as well as the multi-million dollar commercial and sport fishing industry.
Some focused on potential activities at the proposed mine that they believe could forever contaminate the watershed critical to all life in the region. Others contended that activities during the prospect's exploration phase are damaging king salmon runs and causing many animals in the Mulchatna caribou herd to migrate elsewhere.
"Moose and caribou are an important part of our diet," said Peter Christopher of New Stuyahok. Exploration activities at the mine site have scared off 75 percent of the Mulchatna herd, he said.
"The mine could affect the Nushagak, which is our aquifer," Seitz said.
The city of Dillingham opposes Pebble, she said. "Fisheries are a critical piece of the economy."
Many speakers also addressed a need for a closer relationship between the federal and tribal governments, and said the state does not support the tribes.
The listening session was preceded by a potluck luncheon featuring a number of popular area foods, including moose, salmon, duck, muktuk and fried bread, plus salads and large bowls of akutaq - Eskimo ice cream - filled with berries abundant in the region.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Unbearably Fun.
(I couldn't help myself.) It's that time of year again here in Alaska when the large numbers of bears wander the riverbanks searching for fish to catch and eat. Pacing along with eyes focused intently on the water they appear to take little notice of your presence. Meanwhile you cast again with one eye on the big furry creatures. It is thrilling watching them fishing just like you or I but prudent to have etiquette for these fellow fisherman. So we keep our distance, observe from afar, and occasionally one sneaks by.
Rogue Angel Sharon Lee bravely lands a fish with a cautious eye on the opposite bank. (my cautious eye)
Rogue Angel Sharon Lee bravely lands a fish with a cautious eye on the opposite bank. (my cautious eye)
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Judith O'Keefe Heading to Italy!
Local Food Producers and Advocates Chosen to Attend Global Conference in Italy
Slow Food High Desert is kicking off fundraising efforts to send three Central Oregonians to the bi-annual Terre Madre in Torino, Italy in October 2010. An educator and chef, an organic farmer, and a sustainable agriculture advocate and photographer will be joining more than 5,000 representatives from around the world to connect and share their stories and traditions, as well as their innovative solutions for successful small-scale agriculture and sustainable food production.
Bend, OR, July 1, 2010
This Spring Judith O’Keefe, Slow Food High Desert chapter leader, along with two other Central Oregonians submitted lengthy narratives applications to become U.S. delegates of the fourth Terre Madre summit in Torino, Italy. In the heartfelt writings they each described themselves and their work, their community, and their interest and participation in promoting sustainable food practices locally. And on June 15th O’Keefe, Chef Dave Hatfield of Café 3456 at the Bend Airport, and organic farmer Sarahlee Lawrence owner, of Terrebonne’s Rainshadow Organics, learned the exciting news that they had been selected to be a part of Slow Food USA’s 2010 Terre Madre delegation. The three were chosen from thousands of U.S. applicants to attend the conference, in what organizers referred to as an “extraordinarily competitive process”. October 21st through 25th, they will join more than 5,000 farmers, ranchers, chefs, educators, advocates, students, and producers from around the world to share sustainable growing, producing, and food delivery practices.
Slow Food High Desert, the local chapter of the international non-profit, has committed to raising funds to cover the delegates travel and expenses and is calling on the community to support our representatives.
“Slow Food High Desert is very proud to help send these dynamic individuals to Terre Madre 2010. They will bring back new ideas from their global colleagues and be able to share their High Desert successes with the world.” says Rebecca Warner, member of the Slow Food High Desert leadership committee. “We are planning our second annual August Bounty farm-to-table dinner as a kickoff to the fundraising and are asking members and friends to support our delegates with dollars and donated frequent flyer miles”.
On Sunday, August 15th, August Bounty 2010 will bring more than 75 diners to Faith, Hope, and Charity Vineyards in Terrebonne for an afternoon feast created with local and sustainable foods from the regions small farms and ranches. Chef Dave Hatfield will be developing the menu and directing work in the kitchen. Cindy Grossmann, owner of Faith, Hope, and Charity Vineyards, is donating the glorious location and the High Desert chapter is working with many local producers and purveyors to gather the best the harvest season can supply. The three delegates will also be sharing the August Bounty tables to describe their goals for learning at the conference and knowledge they would like to bringing home to Central Oregon.
Slow Food High Desert, the Central Oregon chapter of Slow Food USA, envisions a world in which all people can eat food that is good for them, good for the people that produce it, and good for the planet. The mission of Slow Food is to create dramatic and lasting change in the food system. The organization reconnects us with the people, traditions, plants, animals, fertile soils, and waters that produce our nation’s food. The Slow Food High Desert leadership is committed to education activities regarding food issues in the region and to help determine chapter goals and activities that uphold the mission of the organization. www.facebook.com/slowfoodhighdesert
Terra Madre is an international conference that gathers sustainable food producers, farmers, cooks, educators, and activists from around the world to connect and share their stories and traditions, as well as their innovative solutions for keeping small-scale agriculture and sustainable food production alive and well. Delegates come from more than 150 countries.
www.terramadre.info
Slow Food High Desert is kicking off fundraising efforts to send three Central Oregonians to the bi-annual Terre Madre in Torino, Italy in October 2010. An educator and chef, an organic farmer, and a sustainable agriculture advocate and photographer will be joining more than 5,000 representatives from around the world to connect and share their stories and traditions, as well as their innovative solutions for successful small-scale agriculture and sustainable food production.
Bend, OR, July 1, 2010
This Spring Judith O’Keefe, Slow Food High Desert chapter leader, along with two other Central Oregonians submitted lengthy narratives applications to become U.S. delegates of the fourth Terre Madre summit in Torino, Italy. In the heartfelt writings they each described themselves and their work, their community, and their interest and participation in promoting sustainable food practices locally. And on June 15th O’Keefe, Chef Dave Hatfield of Café 3456 at the Bend Airport, and organic farmer Sarahlee Lawrence owner, of Terrebonne’s Rainshadow Organics, learned the exciting news that they had been selected to be a part of Slow Food USA’s 2010 Terre Madre delegation. The three were chosen from thousands of U.S. applicants to attend the conference, in what organizers referred to as an “extraordinarily competitive process”. October 21st through 25th, they will join more than 5,000 farmers, ranchers, chefs, educators, advocates, students, and producers from around the world to share sustainable growing, producing, and food delivery practices.
Slow Food High Desert, the local chapter of the international non-profit, has committed to raising funds to cover the delegates travel and expenses and is calling on the community to support our representatives.
“Slow Food High Desert is very proud to help send these dynamic individuals to Terre Madre 2010. They will bring back new ideas from their global colleagues and be able to share their High Desert successes with the world.” says Rebecca Warner, member of the Slow Food High Desert leadership committee. “We are planning our second annual August Bounty farm-to-table dinner as a kickoff to the fundraising and are asking members and friends to support our delegates with dollars and donated frequent flyer miles”.
On Sunday, August 15th, August Bounty 2010 will bring more than 75 diners to Faith, Hope, and Charity Vineyards in Terrebonne for an afternoon feast created with local and sustainable foods from the regions small farms and ranches. Chef Dave Hatfield will be developing the menu and directing work in the kitchen. Cindy Grossmann, owner of Faith, Hope, and Charity Vineyards, is donating the glorious location and the High Desert chapter is working with many local producers and purveyors to gather the best the harvest season can supply. The three delegates will also be sharing the August Bounty tables to describe their goals for learning at the conference and knowledge they would like to bringing home to Central Oregon.
Slow Food High Desert, the Central Oregon chapter of Slow Food USA, envisions a world in which all people can eat food that is good for them, good for the people that produce it, and good for the planet. The mission of Slow Food is to create dramatic and lasting change in the food system. The organization reconnects us with the people, traditions, plants, animals, fertile soils, and waters that produce our nation’s food. The Slow Food High Desert leadership is committed to education activities regarding food issues in the region and to help determine chapter goals and activities that uphold the mission of the organization. www.facebook.com/slowfoodhighdesert
Terra Madre is an international conference that gathers sustainable food producers, farmers, cooks, educators, and activists from around the world to connect and share their stories and traditions, as well as their innovative solutions for keeping small-scale agriculture and sustainable food production alive and well. Delegates come from more than 150 countries.
www.terramadre.info
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