I commend those assembly members and the mayor who maintain civility and open-mindedness when considering public comments. Aggressive, vitriolic, misinformed attacks by any borough representatives against citizens or organizations are unacceptable. Respectful listening and response to all constituents must be the rule.

Recent unfounded diatribes against Lynn Canal Conservation have not met that standard. Rather than vilifying LCC for commenting on potential impacts of proposed activities, we should recognize that this non-profit organization is working to protect our home. 

Without clean waters and intact forests, there can be no sustained health of the valley. Whether mine waste or clearcut logging pollutes local waters, productivity of fisheries will diminish and degradation of habitat for all species will result.

LCC and their allies of 50+ years have: established the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle and the Tatshenshini-Alsek preserves, stopped the Windy-Craggy mine, added strong fishery protections to the Haines State Forest Plan, prevented the east side road to Juneau, minimized habitat damage from Haines Highway reconstruction, protected Alaska Clean Water Standards, preventing a toxic mixing zone at Point Sherman, protected mountain goats and denning brown bears from heliski impacts, stopped a potentially disastrous dam at Connelly Lake, stopped a toxin-spewing trash incinerator.

LCC and allies advocate for all species and are planning a biodiversity conference in Haines this year. 

It is long overdue for all citizens to recognize that we must protect the natural resources upon which our health and economic well-being depend for a sustainable future.

With respect,

Katey Palmer