July 24, 2014
Thursday

Misty Fjords National Monument, set aside in 1978 to protect one of the most unique wild lands in North America, showcases coastal ecosystems ascending to high alpine lakes and rugged mountains. The monument includes eastern Behm Canal, bisecting Revillagegedo Island and the mainland. Behm Canal is extraordinary for its depth and length, highlighted by the towering granite walls of its fjords and the iconic volcanic plug of New Eddystone Rock.

Having Misty Fjords so close, we send visiting friends to the Monument, joining the many summer tourists who book flights and boat tours. The economic boost to the Ketchikan economy is substantial, involving many local companies. Misty’s incredible scenery creates a sense of awe, yet few realize the threat to the Unuk River, located at the northeastern end of Behm Canal. Nineteen miles from the US border is the KSM site, one of the largest mines ever proposed in North America. Locating a mine in the headwaters of Misty Fjords National Monument in an area of steep terrain, high rainfall and unstable soils is a recipe for disaster, further complicated by less stringent regulations for Canadian mines. The footprint of the mine is enormous, but Seabridge Gold has made assurances there will be no danger to the Unuk River, despite using untested mining technology to contain acid and heavy metals to be stored in the rock storage facility on Sulphurets Creek, a Unuk tributary. Nearby projects are in the planning stages, which could further damage US waters.

Friends of Misty Fjords, a group of local citizens, has formed to advocate keeping Misty Fjords and the waters flowing into it wild and pristine. The group is concerned about the mining proposal and the potential long term damage to our nearby world treasure.

The State of Alaska and our congressional delegation need to hear that people in Southeast demand long term protection for Misty Fjords National Monument. Contact the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Department of Natural Resources or Governor Parnell if you want to see the Unuk River remain a pristine watershed.

Victoria McDonald
Ketchikan, Alaska

Received July 23, 2014 - Published July 24, 2014

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