Take Action

To the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,

I am writing to strongly urge the Army Corps to undertake a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Johnson Tract mine project in Lake Clark National Park. Under the National Environmental Policy Act, any major federal action that may significantly affect the environment requires an EIS.

The Johnson Tract mine is one of the most consequential extractive development projects ever proposed within a National Park. Lake Clark National Park was designated for conservation to protect the scenic beauty of the landscape, including its remarkable volcanoes, glaciers, and wild rivers, as well as all the fish and wildlife that call the park home, from salmon to brown bears and so much more. The abundance of this landscape supports a sustainable bear-viewing ecotourism economy, commercial set-netting families, and the last Cook Inlet subsistence razor clam fishery. Tuxedni Bay is the only known winter foraging habitat for the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale. 

The degradation and destruction of this wild and intact landscape would have long-lasting environmental and economic consequences. The mine’s significant impacts to the National Park and the area’s fish and wildlife warrant a full EIS.

The Environmental Assessment (EA) currently planned by the Corps would be woefully inadequate to analyze the harms of the Johnson Tract mine. An EIS is needed to contemplate the full range of alternatives that could reduce impacts to the park and Tuxedni Bay, including the no action alternative. Ultimately, we call on the Corps to deny all permits for the Johnson Tract mine in order to protect this incredible national park. 

The Johnson Tract Mine threatens one of Alaska’s most intact ecosystems and sustainable economies. I call on the Corps to proceed with an Environmental Impact Statement rather than an inadequate Environmental Assessment.

Thank you,