Intact ecosystems are more precious than gold.
Johnson Tract Mine is a proposed gold mine that would be developed on an inholding owned by Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI) inside Lake Clark National Park. CIRI has agreed to let Contango Ore develop the mine on their land.
Even if the mine itself is developed on private land, its impacts will be devastating to the surrounding National Park and Cook Inlet.
The mine would include a proposed port in Tuxedni Bay, the last known winter feeding ground for endangered Cook Inlet Belugas. Lake Clark and the coast of cook inlet is home to coastal brown bears that people from around the state and world come to view-- these bars have developed a unique trust with local residents and tourists largely due to the ease of living on their mostly undisturbed coast with abundant food options. Things like acid rock drainage, loud noises, large trucks, and other mining development would strain the lives of these bears and the delicate relationship they have with humans. The region is also home to anadromous salmon, migratory birds, and all sorts of wildlife that would be devastated by the mine.
We are working with a group of local conservation organizations, lodge owners, commercial fishermen, photographers, recreators, and all Alaskans who want to protect this wilderness from unnecessary development. You can learn more about these efforts at https://www.wildbearcoast.org/.