Archive for category Public Comments

Speak up to protect our communities and yourself from toxic herbicide spraying.

Jan 31

Posted by foms in News, Public Comments, Public Notices | Comments off

The Alaska Railroad’s proposed use of herbicides threatens salmon streams, drinking water sources, berry-picking areas, farms and neighborhoods along the railroad.  This toxic herbicide mixture is harmful to human health and associated with birth defects, damage to DNA, reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, and cancer.

The Alaska Railroad applied to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) for permission to apply herbicides Aquamaster and Agri-Dex along railroad right of ways in areas of Palmer/Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks stretching along 122 miles of track covering 243 acres.

Please consider testifying at the upcoming local hearings and submit written comments.

Local Hearings:

  • Fairbanks 1/31/2012
  • Palmer/Wasilla 2/1/2012
  • Talkeetna 2/2/2012
  • Details below.

For Potential Talking Points and to learn more Click Here

Written Comments Due: March 12, 2012 by 4pm.

 

Important note: You must include the Project Name at the beginning of your comment or your comments will not be considered.

For More Information on the permits and to see maps for the for proposed spraying areas of Palmer, Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks Click Here.

Please copy and paste the Project Name in the subject of your email and as the first line of your email.

Please submit a separate comment for each of the three projects to:

Rebecca Colvin
555 Cordova Street, Anchorage AK 99501
Phone: 907-269-7802, Fax: 907-269-7600
Email: Rebecca.colvin@alaska.gov

Please send a copy of your comments to heather@akaction.org

 

MSB Mayor and Assembly Attempt to Restrict Free Speech

Jan 17

Posted by foms in Mat-Su Borough Public Meeting Calender, Public Comments, Public Notices | Comments off

Hello community members, as you are aware there are several important topics that will be considered and voted on at tonight’s(January 17th) regular MSB Assembly meeting. Perhaps most concerning are proposed changes to the existing ethics code and changes to the guidelines to public participation that will affect all future Assembly meetings.    As you guess both of these topics, depending on the outcome, the results will have far reaching effects on the public’s future ability to participate in Assembly meetings,hold our ELECTED OFFICIALS accountable, maintain a fair and transparent public process and ensure that the voice of the public is adequately considered by the mayor and the Assembly.

We  feel compelled to remind the Mayor and the sitting Assembly members that they are public servants, elected by the public to serve the public interest.   Furthermore, public speech is not a privilege it is a right that is enshrined in First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.  The changes on public participation being proposed by the Assembly will greatly restrict this right and stifle the public’s ability to have a voice  in government decision making by our ELECTED OFFICIALS.

Public Participation Changes: Ordinance 12-002— would set a maximum time limit of 60 minutes for public participation. With a three-minute limit per person already in place, this would restrict initial testimony to the first few dozen people heard.  We have seen first hand what this looks like from the Mayor’s coal resolution meeting at the Depot.

Below is an article in the frontiersman written by Assembly member Warren Keogh which highlights what the ramifications could be if it passes.

http://www.frontiersman.com/opinions/be-vocal-whether-assembly-wants-to-hear-you-or-not/article_2414a756-3f52-11e1-a97e-0019bb2963f4.html?cbst=46

Ethics Issue- The mayor has been working hard over the past year to dismantle the current Ethics code.  First he tried to eliminate the independent ethics board all together and then after much back settled for suggested changes to the current code.  One has to ask, what is the Assembly so afraid of and why is is necessary to weaken the code.  We are well aware that the Assembly is rife with conflicts of interest when it comes to a variety of issues.  Could this be the driver for the changes?

Below is a post from our website highlighting the ethics issue.

http://foms.net/archives/1601

Note:  Please consider contacting Assembly members and the mayor directly to voice your concerns.  If you can, please show up to testify in person at tonight’s meeting. If you are not able to be there please consider sending them an email.

 

For a list of Assembly contacts click the link below:

 

http://foms.net/borough-information/borough-contacts

 

Thank you for participating in our democracy!

 

 

Public Comments on Proposed Hatcher Pass Regulations- Due December 2

Nov 29

Posted by foms in Public Comments, Uncategorized | Comments off

Proposed Regulations for the Hatcher Pass Special Use Area
Comments Due: Friday, Dec. 2 by 5PM

 

 

What:
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proposing to adopt new regulations in Title 11, of the Alaska Administrative Code, 11 AAC 96.014(b). The proposed regulations include the restrictions on motorized recreational use as adopted in the 2010 Hatcher Pass Management Plan (HPMP.)

 

 

 

Proposed Regulation Changes

To view the proposed regulations click here
Note: There are 7 pages total and some of the information pertains to regulations for Exit Glacier and Kasilof in addition to Hatcher Pass.  Hatcher pass specific regulations are highlighted in bold.

More information including maps click here

Issues with the proposed regulation changes

Below is a list of comments and concerns after review from FoMS members.  Our members have several concerns related to the vague nature of the proposed regulation changes and potential issues with future management.  Feel free to use the comments listed below to guide your comments to DNR.

 

Commercial motorized recreation

DNR DMLW is including this activity within the East side designated (all year) non-motorized areas. (Mile 16, Government Peak, Independence, & portions of Reed lakes/Little Susitna and Archangel Units)    They also consider allowing winter commercial recreation in the designated non-motorized areas on the East side. (Summit Lake State Recreation Site, the High Glacier Peaks, the Government Peak, the Independence, and portions of the Archangel and Reed Lakes/Little Susitna units)  Meanwhile, the West side has no regulations, oversight or lacks adequate management.  This will allow commercial motorized recreation to occur through DNR’s administrative permit process without public notice or input.  DNR must provide a public process before allowing permitted commercial use.

Why would DNR choose to designate these areas for non-motorized recreation if they will be permitting motorized activities?  This potentially leaves the door wide open for future motorized tours and other scenarios.  DNR must ensure that there are specific management mechanisms are in place to prevent these activities from happening year round, every day, week or weekend?  

In the revised management plan it cites code that states there are “specific stipulations” for managing winter commercial recreation.  After review it was found that there are no stipulations.  This is poor management.  With this action, DNR will basically be creating a multi use designation in the non-motorized areas.  DNR must provide greater specificity on what constitutes winter commercial recreation and what stipulations in the code will be used to manage these uses.


Predetermined dates for seasons

This is a problem as seasons and dates vary depending on the year and applying arbitrary dates will create the potential for abuse and to potential future litigation. If motorized recreation occurs on either side of these dates, and the habitat cannot accommodate the use due to insufficient snow cover or other conditions then enforcement would be deemed useless and the motorized recreationist is not held accountable.  Under this management scenario, Rangers would have to stand idly by watching damage occur not have the ability to write a citation or issue a warning because it doesn’t occur within the dates?  DNR must develop a dates that effectively accommodate seasonal dates variances from year to year. 


Another special use

This is not well defined and there is no list that that provides any examples of what constitutes “special use.”   Currently there are already issues with oversight for activities in Hatcher Pass of groups picking young ferns, fireweed and other vegetation in the spring.  This occurs despite the minimal signage that states it is illegal to pick flowers or plants without a permit.  This activity has increased substantially over the years and goes unchecked.  DNR must provide greater clarity on how these activities will be managed. 


Sufficient snow depth

This is not clearly defined. If the underlying vegetation is going to be protected then set a standard, this should be specified for consistency to be used by land managers and so the public knows what the regulations are.  There is already damage occurring each season from motorized.  DNR should clarify what constitutes “sufficient snow depth” and this should be clearly defined in the proposed regulations.

 

Shortfalls in Managing The West Side

DNR focuses on the East side exclusively and fails to address the West side all together. In the past DNR has stated that they lack adequate resources to provide enforcement and management for the West side.  DNR must allocate the resources needed to adequately manage the West side.

 

If you have additional concerns that you think should be addressed please add them to your comments. Please remember that comments should be in your own words are most likely to be taken seriously if they are substantive and focused specifically to the topics listed in the proposed regulations or the Hatcher Pass Management plan.
                                 

                            PUBLIC COMMENTS ARE DUE FRIDAY, DECEMBER, 2nd by 5PM

 

How to submit your comments:

If sending by email send to both email addresses listed below:
joe.joyner@alaska.gov
dnrmlw@alaska.gov

By Mail
Attn: Joseph Joyner
Division of Mining, Land and Water
550 W 7th Ave., Suite 1070
Anchorage, Alaska 99501-3579
Fax: (907) 269-8904

 

 

 


Comments Due For Proposed Regulations on Hatcher Pass

Nov 23

Posted by foms in Public Comments, Public Notices, Uncategorized | Comments off

SUPPLEMENTAL NOTICE REGARDING PROPOSED CHANGES IN THE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently taking public comment on  propsed regulation changes in Title 11 of the Alaska Administrative Code (AAC), specifically 11 AAC 96.014(b)(3) and (20) dealing with the Special Use Land, Hatcher Pass and Exit Glacier Road Special Use Areas.

The Department of Natural Resources also proposes to adopt new regulations in Title 11, of the Alaska Administrative Code, specifically 11 AAC 96.014(b)(26) dealing with Special Use Land, Kasilof River Special Use Area.

 

 

 

 

THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ENDS on Friday, December 2, 2011.

You may comment on the proposed regulation changes, including the potential costs to private persons of complying with the proposed changes, by submitting written comments to the Division of Mining, Land and Water, 550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1070, Anchorage, AK 99501-3579 or by e-mail to  dnrmlw@alaska.gov  or by fax to 907-269-8904.

For Hatcher specific proposed regulation changes click here.

 

For more information or a copy of the proposed regulation changes, go to http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/hottopics, or write to the Director’s Office, Division of Mining, Land and Water, Department of Natural Resources, Attention Joseph Joyner, 550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1070, Anchorage, Alaska 99501-3579; or call 907-269-8511.

After the public comment period ends, the Department of Natural Resources will either adopt these or other provisions dealing with the same subject, without further notice, or decide to take no action on them.  The language of the final regulations may be different from that of the proposed regulations.  YOU SHOULD COMMENT DURING THE TIME ALLOWED IF YOUR INTERESTS COULD BE AFFECTED.

 


 

Speak Out To Protect The Mat-Su From Coal on November 15th

Nov 8

Posted by foms in Mat Valley Coal, Public Comments | Comments off

Join Mat-Su residents, property owners, local businesses and Mat-Valley Coalition partner groups to protect quality of life in the Mat-Su from the harmful effects of coal development.

The Wishbone Hill Public Hearing is scheduled for November 15th at 6pm at the Sutton Elementary School.

 

This is the last chance to voice your concerns about the proposed Wishbone Hill Strip Mine!  Please join us to send a  strong message to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.  

 

 

 

 

What:   Wishbone Hill Mine Public Hearing – Last Chance to Speak Up!

When:   Tuesday, November 15th at 6pm

Where:  Sutton Elementary School (turn left on Chickaloon Rd. at Mile 62 Glenn HWY.)

 

How You Can Help:

1. Mark November 15th on your calendar and plan to attend the Wishbone Hill Public Hearing!

2. Get at least 3 of your neighbors, friends, or family to attend with you.

3. Volunteer with the Mat-Valley Coalition to phone bank. Contact the Mat Valley Coalition partners via email at outreach@foms.net

4. If you haven’t submitted comments on the mining permit for Wishbone, please click here.  You can always submit additional comments!

What The Mat Valley Coalition Has For You:

T-shirts and signs to make sure our message is loud and clear: Mat-Su  Residents and our quality of life can’t afford  the Wishbone Hill Coal Strip mine!

Get ready to make some noise! This is our chance to show Usibelli and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that the opposition to this project is loud and strong and we will stand up to protect our way of life.

We hope to see you there and thank you for your support!

 

 

Don’t Miss this Community Event on October 11th

Oct 6

Posted by foms in FoMS News, Mat Valley Coal, News, Public Comments | Comments off

Protecting Property, Culture, Health and of the Future of the Mat-Su Valley-Tuesday, October 11 at 6pm at the Palmer Train Depot

Please join Friends of Mat-Su and other members of the Mat Valley Coalition for this free fun-filled event to learn about proposed coal mines in the Valley and how you can make a difference.

The event will feature a shortened version of the award-winning documentary Coal Country by Mari-Lynn Evans and presentations from Mat Valley Coalition members.   Food and refreshments will be served.

Please join us on Tuesday, October 11th from 6pm to 9pm at the Palmer Train Depot.

See you there,

Friends of Mat-Su

Make Your Voice Heard on the Wishbone Hill Coal Strip Mine: Comments Due!

Sep 15

Posted by foms in Mat Valley Coal, Public Comments | Comments off

 

Dear Community Members,

The Wishbone Hill Coal Strip Mine is in the final stages of permitting – but your actions can stop it! The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is now accepting comments on the permit which would allow this coal strip mine to operate in close proximity to thousands of families and drastically impact air and water quality in the Valley.

If permitted, this mine will change the face of the Mat Su Valley forever.  Please take the time to submit your comments today by clicking here.

Your voice is needed to protect the property values, health and waterways of the Mat Su Valley.  It’s time to speak up!

 

The Mat-Su Borough Steamrolls The Public on Wishbone Hill Coal Project

Sep 8

Posted by foms in Mat Valley Coal, Public Comments | Comments off

Dear Mat-Su Community Members,

We  would like to thank you for taking the time to weigh in on Mayor DeVilbiss’s resolution (11-112) that was recently under consideration at the most recent Mat-Su Borough (MSB) Assembly Meeting on September 6th. As you will recall the resolution was submitted by the Mayor to offer support from the borough for Usiblelli Coal Mine Company’s DNR permit renewal for the proposed Wishbone Hill open pit coal strip mine near Sutton.  Coverage from KTUU News

It is fair to say that the pro-coal crowd was out organized as we had over 100 supporters attend to voice their strong opposition to the resolution.

Unfortunately, the Mayor realized this and decided to stifle the public process and steamrolled the public by limiting the amount of time for public testimony in not allowing all who were in attendance to testify.
 
As anticipated, the Assembly decided to vote for the resolution and passed it  with a 5-1 vote.  Special thanks to Assembly member Warren Keogh who stood up for the public by casting the sole dissenting vote.  It was telling in the deliberations when Mr. Keogh asked the rest of the Assembly members “who actually had read the DNR permit application” that they were voting on and the answer was none.

Though this was a set back for those who are concerned about the impacts of the Wishbone project, we encourage you to stay engaged, as there will be many more future opportunities to affect the outcome.  We will be contacting you soon to ask for your comments on Usibelli’s DEC air permit and their DNR mining permit renewal.

Please take a second to make your voice heard today! The Frontiersman Newspaper now has a poll up on their website to gauge public opinion of the Wishbone project.

Usibelli and their supporters have quickly organized to skew the results of the poll. 
 
Please take 15 seconds to register your opposition to the Wishbone Hill Coal Mine by going to www.frontiersman.com and scrolling down to the poll on the left hand side of the page. The results of this poll will likely shape future coverage of the issue so it is very important that everyone with an interest in stopping coal development in Mat-Su take a couple of seconds to vote – www.frontiersman.com and then tell all your friends, neighbors, cousins, family  to vote too.

 

The Mat-Su Borough Supports Coal Strip Mining in a Residential Neighborhood?

Sep 1

Posted by foms in Mat Valley Coal, News, Public Comments, Public Notices | Comments off

On Tuesday Mayor DeVilbiss will be introducing a resolution (11-112) for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough to support an open pit coal strip mine at Wishbone Hill.   Not only do 150 families live within one mile of the proposed coal mine, but studies show that property values throughout the Valley will drop.

Your voice is urgently needed to tell the Mat-Su Borough that this is no place for a coal strip mine! Click here to send an email to the Borough Assembly.

And, please join us at the Assembly meeting on Tuesday, September 6th at 6pm at the Palmer Depot (note – new location due to expectation of large crowd).

 

Mat Valley Coalition Partners at the Alaska State Fair

Aug 29

Posted by foms in FoMS News, Mat Valley Coal, Public Comments | Comments off

The Mat-Valley Coalition is a growing coalition of residents in the Mat-Su Valley and surrounding area, concerned about the  impacts of  coal mining in the Mat-Su Valley from the proposed  Wishbone Hill Coal Mine. To protect our quality of life,  we must take an active stand by saying “no” to large-scale coal development in the Valley.  Our  future health and that of our children are  are at stake if we do not speak out!

 

 

The coalition currently has a booth at the Alaska State Fair, starting August 27th. If you would like more information or would like to volunteer at our booth you will also get a FREE pass to the fair for that day! If interested, please contact Christiana at 775-7544 or 746-0128 for more information.