BLM is considering opening 28 million acres of federally protected lands in Alaska lands to fossil fuel, mining and leasing. These lands are currently protected from development under a federal withdrawal.
If the withdrawals are lifted, then the federal subsistence priority in those areas goes away, threatening our subsistence way of life.
Kawerak is opposed to lifting the withdrawals and supports the ‘No Action’ alternative, keeping protections in place.
Nearly half of all Tribal Governments in Alaska have issued comments asking Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to keep the withdrawals in place to protect our lands and way of life. See Kawerak’s statement alongside Tanana Chiefs Conference and Association of Village Council Presidents tribal consortia organizations. Tribal Consortia D-1 Letter
Alongside our voices however, we need yours as well.
IMPORTANT DEADLINE!
The deadline to submit comments is February 14 at 10 pm AK time.
There are 4 ways you can submit comments…
1. Attend a hearing and provide comment:
February 1, 2024 (5:30 to 7:30 pm): Nome in-person meeting at the Mini Convention Center
February 2, 2024 (5:30 to 7:30 pm): Unalakleet in-person meeting, at the Unalakleet Memorial Hall
2. Submit written comments through the BLM comment submission portal: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2018002/530
3. Leave a recorded message on the BLM comment line: 1-907-921-5905
4. Send written comments by mail to:
BLM, Alaska State Office
Attn: ANCSA 17(d)(1) Withdrawals EIS
222 West 7th Avenue, #13
Anchorage, Alaska 99513
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