March 2024 Landscape Update from Alaska Conservation Foundation

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Dear [not,

We’re thrilled to present the third edition of Landscape Update, our monthly newsletter.

Here, we'll delve into crucial conservation developments, curate top stories, share ACF updates, highlight the work of our partners and grantees, and offer ways to engage in Alaska's conservation movement.

We hope Landscape Update becomes your go-to resource for staying informed about conservation in Alaska. Your thoughts are valuable; feel free to reach out at [email protected] or reply to this email.

What we're monitoring this month:

Investing in Youth Leadership: The Arctic Youth Ambassadors Program Update

Investing in youth leadership is crucial for addressing climate change and fostering resilient communities for generations to come. Alaska Conservation Foundation understands the importance of empowering young individuals to tackle environmental challenges, which is why we host the Arctic Youth Ambassadors (AYA) program. This initiative not only raises awareness but also empowers young leaders who intimately understand the Arctic's challenges. These ambassadors bridge traditional and modern ways of life, bringing crucial insights to the forefront of international discussions. From tackling the loss of local foods to advocating for sustainable energy development, their initiatives address pressing issues with innovative solutions. Moreover, their involvement in policy-making spaces ensures that decisions reflect the realities of Arctic communities and wisdom of younger generations. By involving them in conversations today, we can take a more holistic approach to conservation, ensuring that the solutions we develop are sustainable and inclusive, and that the voices of the younger generation are heard and valued. We choose to invest in these young leaders to continue to grow their skills so they will be well equipped once they enter positions of leadership later in their lives.

Since its inception in 2015, the AYA program has been instrumental in empowering Alaska's youth to become advocates for their communities and the environment. The current cohort, consisting of 15 Arctic Youth Ambassadors from diverse communities across Alaska, began their journey in January 2023. Each ambassador brings invaluable knowledge and experiences from living in the Arctic, contributing to a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of the region's environmental and social issues.

In April 2023, our ambassadors attended and hosted a panel discussion at the Arctic Encounter Symposium in Anchorage, Alaska. They addressed topics such as mental health, environmental observations, and the importance of youth inclusion in decision-making processes. This engagement continued in August 2023 when the ambassadors traveled to Unalaska, Alaska, to participate in the Community-Based Environmental Management in the Arctic Workshop. Here, they learned about waste management strategies and made valuable connections with other participants.

In October 2023, our ambassadors represented Alaska at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik, Iceland, hosting a panel focused on integrating youth voices into policymaking and international forums. Their advocacy for inclusive spaces has been echoed in various conferences, including the recent Arctic Frontiers in Tromso, Norway, where four ambassadors networked with other youth and engaged in discussions on pressing Arctic issues.

Additionally, the AYA program has embarked on the first phase of a new project that is being funded by the Denali Commission. The grant was secured by program staff, with Arctic Youth Ambassadors providing guidance and details for the project. The first phase includes storytelling from some of the communities that the Ambassadors represent. In mid-March, Ambassadors traveled to Bethel to complete their first trip where they collected interviews and recorded footage of the community and the Cama-i Dance Festival.

Alaska Conservation Foundation is a proud host organization of the Arctic Youth Ambassadors (AYA) program. Current partners include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and World Wildlife Fund.

What else you need to know

Trees are expanding north in Alaska’s Arctic as a result of sea ice loss [[link removed].]

Climate change is expanding tree growth in Alaska's Arctic due to sea ice loss and permafrost thaw. Thick snow cover protects seedlings, aiding survival. Satellite imagery confirms the advancing tree line across the region, affecting ecosystems and wildlife distribution. While some communities benefit from increased resources like salmon, others face challenges such as declining caribou populations. The long-term climate impact of expanded tree cover is uncertain; trees absorb CO2 but may contribute to warming by absorbing more sunlight due to their darker color.

Pebble sues EPA to revive Southwest Alaska copper and gold mine prospect [[link removed]]

Pebble and its parent company are challenging the EPA's veto, claiming violations of the Clean Water Act and property rights. Despite opposition from our partners at United Tribes of Bristol Bay and other groups, Pebble seeks compensation for the halted prospect. The State of Alaska also filed a takings claim, arguing breach of contracts. Legal battles continue despite past Supreme Court rejection. Our friends at Trustees for Alaska published a helpful explanation [[link removed]] about all three lawsuits.

Federal attorneys: Final impact report on Alaska’s Ambler road to come in year’s second quarter [[link removed]]

A final decision on the Ambler Access Project is expected by midyear. This project involves a proposed 211-mile road through Alaska's Brooks Range foothills to facilitate commercial mining. However, opponents, including our partners at Native Movement [[link removed]], argue that the road would disrupt traditional subsistence hunting and fishing and damage the region's permafrost. Native Movement, a member of the Defend Brooks Range Coalition [[link removed]], is actively working to prevent the construction of the Ambler road. We are proud to have supported the coalition in funding the creation of campaign materials to raise awareness and engage supporters [[link removed]] in defending the Brooks Range.

U.S. Forest Service cuts back Southeast Alaska timber sale after public comments [[link removed]]

Timber sales in Alaska's Tongass National Forest often spark conflict, but a new sale focusing on second-growth trees near Petersburg received some praise from our partners at Southeast Alaska Conservation Council. The shift from old-growth to young-growth timber sales aims to sustain local industry while preserving old-growth stands. The sale, after years of public process, emphasizes a balance between providing timber and preserving wildlife habitat. Comments from the public process influenced the sale's design, catering to smaller sawmills and promoting local processing.

Interior Department Invests Nearly $11 Million from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda to Restore Lands and Waters [[link removed].]

The Department of the Interior announced an $11 million investment for landscape-scale restoration projects across 18 states and D.C., part of President Biden’s initiative to conserve and restore 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. Over half a billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has now been committed for ecosystem restoration under the administration. Some of this funding will support projects like salmon conservation in Alaska.

How to get involved

AWARDS 🏆: Do you know an individual or organization that deserves recognition? ACF is looking for another incredible cohort of conservation heroes. You can learn more here [[link removed]]. Nominations will be accepted through April 26, 2024.

GRANT OPPORTUNITY 💰: Alaska Conservation Foundation is now accepting grant applications for the Martha Levensaler Leadership Fund. This fund was created to honor Martha’s legacy and to benefit the people who are involved in improving conservation efforts in Alaska. To accomplish this, the Fund will provide funds for training, skill building and organization development. The deadline for applications is April 30, 2024. Learn about eligibility and apply here. [[link removed]]

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This newsletter offers a concise, monthly compilation of essential news articles and trending insights sourced from prominent daily publications, trade journals, newsletters, and other reputable outlets. Click on the headlines to access the complete articles, with some requiring a subscription. While we provide valuable recaps and insights, please note that the articles and information presented are for informational purposes and may not necessarily reflect the perspective of Alaska Conservation Foundation.

Alaska Conservation Foundation

1227 W 9th Ave, Suite 300

Anchorage, Alaska 99501

AlaskaConservation.org

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