Large-scale industrial development is fundamentally incompatible with the subsistence lifestyle enjoyed by inhabitants of the Chilkat Valley for millennia. Locals here still have the privilege of harvesting wild foods that also contribute to a diverse economy underpinned by commercial fishing. Although small-scale placer mining has taken place in this region since the 1800’s, modern hard rock mining would produce large amounts of acid-generating waste rock with much more potential to permanently impair fish habitat and threaten sustenance and sustainable economic opportunities for the people of this valley. In exchange for a possible five to 15-year economic boost for a segment of the local population, Haines would inherit the ultimate long-term responsibility and cost for safeguarding the community and fisheries against contamination from mining waste. Additionally, Haines would have to pay to rapidly expand its infrastructure (housing, public utilities, schools, police) and government to accommodate a sudden but temporary influx of people. Jeopardizing the food resources and diverse economy that have long sustained the people of the Chilkat Valley in exchange for dependence on one short-lived, volatile industry is not worth the risk.

Dawn Drotos

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