Born in Wrangell, I’ve spent 58 of my 67 years in Haines. Our valley has changed and it’ll never be like it “used to be.” But we can keep it the way it is.
I remember: when two lumber mills were operating; the Glory Hole so full of sockeye you could barely see the bottom; catching King Salmon over 60 pounds; cow, bull moose seasons with 1,360 moose bagged from 1962-1974 (I have the F&G records from my time as the Chair of the Upper Lynn Canal Advisory Committee); the Derby allowed six kings per person per day; two goats bagged per year per person; Canadian fishermen staying for weeks canning and processing fish daily; annual brown bear tags; incredible commercial fish seasons; 7,000 plus bald eagles counted in the Preserve; an abundance of five species of salmon which are now on the decline.
My concern for a mine and logging? How much will be local hire? While out-of-town hires would temporarily boost our economy, what happens when the work is done and employees leave town for their next venture? What if there are problems, mistakes, issues that compromise our resources? Will we be left with at least what we started with? Is it worth it?
Our current resources/rivers are Haines’ lifeline. Further deterioration will jeopardize commercial, sport & subsistence fishing, hunting, gathering; eagle food, bear food, tourism and other activities with a domino effect. Think about it.
Craig Loomis