Interview with the Alaska Wildlife Alliance

(Editor's note: This post is the first in a series of interviews we will be doing with our conservation partners and tour operators)

The Alaska Wildlife Alliance is a grassroots organization founded in 1978 to "promote the integrity, beauty, and stability of Alaska's ecosystems, support true subsistence hunting, and recognize the intrinsic value of wildlife.

They are a small organization but have won major

victories against powerful opponents in the state government. SEEtheWILD supports their work by donating 5% of the trip cost of our two trips to Alaska (more info on trips below).

We asked Connie Brandel, Office Administrator for AWA, a few questions about their work:

1. What are some of AWA's biggest accomplishments?

Despite a small budget, we have succeeded in protecting wildlife over the past 30 years, including:

1996: AWA initiated and won a statewide ballot measure to stop airborne wolf hunting. (Unfortunately, per state law, all referendums “sunset” after 2 years, so airborne wolf hunting resumed.)

2000: We succeeded in defeating a ballot measure which would have allowed the State Legislature to amend the State Constitution to take away the right of citizens to use the ballot initiative process to protect wildlife.

2008: We aggressively supported another ballot initiative to ban airborne wolf hunting, but were defeated, largely because the lieutenant governor changed wording of the ballot language so that “no”, not “yes” was a vote to ban the practice.

2010: Rallied with other groups to defeat the legislative confirmation of an anti-wildlife crusader / trapper nominated to serve on the Alaska Board of Game.

2011: Organized and presented a forum entitled “Climate Change: The Plight of Polar Bears and the Phenomenon of Global Warming Denial”. The forum was held in Juneau in April; is available on DVD; and we are hoping to make presentations elsewhere in Alaska and Outside.

2. It looks like the bear trapping issue is the lead priority at the moment, is that right?

Yes, bear snaring is a specific priority at this time. This program of mismanagement includes the killing of sows with cubs in unlimited numbers, destroying at least two generations of bears. However, it is part of our ongoing and vital mission to bring attention to and end the state’s gross mismanagement of its wildlife resources. This includes the increased hunting and trapping of bears, as well as the ongoing intensive predator control programs (i.e. killing) of wolves, both done primarily to increase prey (moose and caribou) for urban and out of state trophy hunters.

Representatives of AWA and other wildlife groups will be meeting with the Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish & Game to open a dialog regarding unscientific wildlife management such as this. Unfortunately, such programs have become the norm in Alaska.

3. Is that an issue where people from the lower 48 can participate and make a difference?

Yes! Alaska’s magnificent wildlife is a unique resource that all Americans, not just Alaskans, should be able to enjoy. Even for those in the Lower 48 who never have or perhaps never will have the opportunity to visit Alaska, there is a benefit to knowing that the state’s wildlife is managed for all user groups. Alaska’s wildlife should be managed for the goal of stable, naturally functioning ecosystems, not the benefit of a few rich trophy hunters.

4. Are there other ways people can get involved?

Join our email list to receive our Alerts (scroll down to see the form). People must let their pro-wildlife views be known wherever and whenever possible. Some suggestions: write letters to the editor to local papers; write to their own and Alaska’s Senators and Representative; write to Alaska’s governor, Commissioner of Fish & Game and Board of Game; become active in AWA and other pro-wildlife groups. You can also email photographs you have taken of Alaska's animals to them at nancy@akwildlife.org.

“AWA is proud to join SEEtheWILD in this innovative partnership. These excursions will provide visitors to Alaska a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about our living ecosystems, and the indigenous wildlife that make them so magnificent. This partnership encourages visitors to become active participants in our vital wildlife conservation efforts. To quote conservationist and author Lois Crisler, ‘Wilderness without wildlife is just scenery’ ”, says Executive Director John Toppenberg.

SEEtheWILD offers two trips to Alaska that benefit AWA's programs:

Alaska By Sail: Get close to wild Alaska's tidewater glaciers, humpback whales, and enter the ancient rainforests aboard the Maple Leaf schooner. From $5,925 pp (including a $300 donation to AWA at no extra charge to you) / July 2012

Glaciers & Grizzlies: Visit some of Alaska's best wildlife habitats, including Denali and Glacier Bay National Parks. From $6,250 pp (including a $300 donation to AWA at no extra charge to you) / June - August 2012

Speak Out For The Environment

As the Congressional Super Committee pores through the federal budget looking for areas to cut, one of the more likely areas for reductions is environmental and conservation programs. Even though these critical programs that protect our air, water, and wildlife have been cut roughly 65% over the past 30 years, there are still those who think we should cut further. The powerful committee is made up of many representatives that have been outwardly hostile to efforts to protect the environment, 5 of the 12 members have environmental scores below 50% from the League of Conservation Voters.

Funding that is at risk includes the Wildlife Without Borders Program of the US Fish & Wildlife Service, which provides millions of dollars to protect endangered species around the world. The soil and habitat conservation programs of the Farm Bill are a big target, even though most of the subsidies go to large commodity farms. There is also a risk that this process will be used to pass legislation that would not pass the regular process such as drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Everyone recognizes the need to cut back on wasteful spending in these difficult times. However, we believe this emergency should be used as an opportunity to reduce the spending that hurts the environment and our citizens, such as the billions in subsidies for profitable oil companies. Cutting small environmental programs that have helped millions is not the way to revive our economy.

Here are a few ways to get involved from our friends at the Nature Conservancy:

Sign the Pledge and proclaim your support for the health of our American wilderness and the creatures that live there.

Speak Up For Nature and call your congressman, write to your senator or attend a town hall meeting to show support for conservation programs.

Share Your Story and inspire others to get involved.