October 31, 2015
Saturday PM

I have been a rural Alaskan resident for 40 years, trolling, longlining and oyster farming for a living. Here on Prince of Wales a huge percentage of people benefit from living in a pristine environment. Alaskan salmon, halibut, crab, shrimp, herring, geoducks, and oysters are all high quality foods sold worldwide. Produced in near shore waters, these foods face a new risk: the State of Alaska can undertake large pesticide spraying projects on state uplands and roadsides without permitting or public comment.

This matters because we have reason to believe that pesticides are harmful to human health and the environment. A recent study done by Ian Fleming, a Petersburg high school student, showed 0% survival of coho salmon eggs exposed to glyphosate concentrations that are found in real streams. Glyphosate is one of the world s most widely used pesticides, and is currently approved for use along Alaska s roads. Ian s work won first prize in his category at the National Junior Science Symposium. Congratulations Ian, for doing work the State of Alaska should have already done.

Glyphosate has also been listed as possibly carcinogenic to humans by an affiliate of the World Health Organization, and a Friends of the Earth Europe study found glyphosate residue in the urine of 44% of tested Europeans. We want to trust that our regulating agencies are working hand in hand with research scientists to keep us safe. Unfortunately, US federal regulations allow the companies that manufacture and sell pesticides to conduct their own safety studies.

The State of Alaska, specifically DOT, sprays pesticides to kill weeds alongside roads. After years of waging war against salmonberry, alder, and elderberry in my garden, I know how hard it is to get rid of these plants. We on POW worry that pesticides often just kill off herbaceous plants competing with shrubs, making it even easier for shrubs to take over roadsides while increasing risk of pesticide runoff. This is the sort of local expertise the new pesticide regulations cut out. Road maintenance is indeed a problem, but pesticides are probably not the answer. Taking a look at how succession works in nature, with herbaceous ground cover inhibiting growth of taller shrubs, could hold a better solution.

In 2013 Alaska s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) changed the rules for pesticide use by state agencies on state land and roads. Before the change, if DOT wanted to spray pesticides, they had to apply for a permit from DEC that included identifying affected bodies of water, taking precautions to protect human health, and giving people in the area a chance to comment. After the changes there are no area specific permits required, very weak requirements to inform communities of pesticide use, and no need to post warnings at the site of application. When we found out DOT was planning on spraying on POW it took us all by surprise.

Taken by surprise or not, POW residents rallied. After our public outcry DOT has at least put off its plans to spray on POW. In addition, a total of 14 cities and tribes in Southeast have written letters or resolutions opposing the state s new regulations, including Southeast Conference of Mayors, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Sitka. Back in February of this year I wrote a letter to Gov. Walker voicing my concern about large-scale application of pesticides by state agencies. I received no reply, just this continuation of pro-pesticide policies.

My family trolls for salmon, farms oysters, and harvests everything from beach asparagus to venison here in Sea Otter Sound. It s not always easy, nor convenient, but it is a way of life that many Alaskans treasure. I don't want to have to wonder if this food is going to make my family and friends sick. When Governor Hammond issued a directive back in 1978 banning the use of pesticides by state agencies it was a smart move. It was a mistake for our state government to quietly overturn that decision. Let s keep Alaskans and our food pesticide free.

Cindy Wyatt
Eric Wyatt
Craig, Alaska

About: "I have lived and worked ruraly in SE alaska for 41 years. My family trolls, longlines, and grows oysters for a living. We garden, hunt and harvest for our pantry, and absolutely love the pristine environment surrounding our home. I got a BS in biology from UAJ, and have gone on to become a self taught herbalist. The health of our land and families is of paramount concern to me."

Received October 30, 2015 - Published October 31, 2015

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