Environment

A controversial ballot initiative that would strengthen protections for salmon habitat will be on the ballot this November. 

A state agency, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, will host a public hearing at the end of August about the proposed Donlin mine’s draft reclamation plans. The hearing will also address how Donlin Gold, the company developing the mine, plans to pay for the clean up.

Chefornak is the 10th tribe to pass an anti-Donlin resolution. Its council passed the measure opposing the proposed Donlin gold mine on Tuesday.

A state agency is extending the deadline for the proposed Donlin mine’s draft reclamation plans. The project would be one of the biggest gold mines in the world. 

The Yukon-Kuskokwim River Alliance wants the deadline extended for commenting on the proposed reclamation plans for the Donlin Mine. Currently, the deadline is set for August 7.

Another tribe in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta does not support the proposed Donlin mine. Eek’s Tribal Council passed its anti-Donlin resolution on July 18. Four members voted in favor of the resolution and one was absent.

Before it's finalized, a group of young Alaskans got to weigh in on Governor Bill Walker’s draft climate policy in Anchorage this week. And one of them, Kate McWilliams, is from Bethel. 

The Bethel ONC Tribe is changing its rules on recycling. Residents can no longer just drop off recycling at its office building. Now, they have to call ahead.