Haines Borough Assembly passes resolution in support of Stand for Salmon initiative

Two resolutions related to Alaska Ballot Measure 1, known as the “Stand For Salmon” initiative, were on the agenda for the Haines Borough Assembly meeting Tuesday. One resolution expressed support for the ballot measure and the other opposition. In the end, the assembly passed the resolution expressing support for the initiative. 

Ballot Measure 1 would establish new requirements and a new permitting process for any projects or activities affecting bodies of water related to the activity of anadromous fish. Residents across the state will vote on the measure during the general election on November 6.

Over twenty people spoke during the public comment period on the assembly’s resolution. Both supporters and opponents of the initiative testified.

Jessie Badger read a letter from the Haines chapter of the Alaska Miners Association, expressing opposition to the initiative.

“We are choosing to Stand for Alaska by opposing Ballot Measure 1 because mining projects and activities in Haines and across Alaska can be and are being done responsibly; with a strong focus on protecting the environment, including our fish and wildlife; while providing good-paying jobs, quality of life, and opportunities for people to raise families here in Haines. We are not alone in our concern over a ballot measure that would repeal the current science-based permitting process,” Badger read.

Some residents raised concerns that the new permitting process would be costly and time consuming for landowners looking to develop. Others said that the initiative was misguided because the declining salmon returns are related to fish mortality in the ocean rather than rivers and streams.

Many responded that Salmon is a precious resource and Alaska is one of the last places with the habitat necessary to support the fish. Haines fisherman JR Churchill said that the rivers and streams must be protected because it is the only thing that can be done to help ensure the survival of the fish.

“It’s the only thing that we can control,” Churchill said. “Once those salmon as fry leave the mouth of that river and get out in the ocean they’ve got all kinds of predators. They’ve got whales, seals, sea lions, birds. They’re the bottom of the food chain and they’re out there trying to survive. Anything can happen to them and we have absolutely zero control of that. The only control that we have, the only way that we can assure that they keep coming back is to give them a good habitat.” 

Some who attended the meeting felt it was not the responsibility of the assembly to weigh in on the issue. Haines Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tracy Harmon requested the assembly not adopt a resolution supporting or opposing the initiative.

“The Haines Chamber recognizes the diversity of our business membership and encourages all citizens to exercise their right to vote. Due to a lack of local discourse and public discussion on this important issue, the Haines Chamber encourages the borough not to take a position on the ballot measure at the assembly level. We urge the borough assembly to instead join us in supporting our citizens, their voice, and their opinion at the ballot box,” Harmon said.

Assembly Member Heather Lende defended the resolution, saying the assembly had a moral obligation to take a stance on the initiative.

“Saving the last wild salmon runs on earth that also happen to be in our backyard is a moral issue,” Lende said. “It’s the just and proper stewardship of a place we borrowed on a short-term loan from its creator. I want to leave future generations with at least as much. I think we all do. I really do. I don’t think there’s a division here.”

The assembly approved the resolution supporting the Stand for Salmon initiative in a 4 to 2 vote. Assembly members Brenda Josephson and Sean Maidy were opposed.