Hi everyone -
I haven't updated in a while, so I figured it was time to share what we have going on with everyone, as well as put forth calls for action.
First, I wanted to share the KTUU/Alaska's News Source interview that I was involved in. The reporter is originally from Nome and his family is still in the region, so this is something that is important to him. He also interviewed our local muskox expert Claudia Ihl, who brought up an interesting point about how mining activities have contributed to the abundance of muskox around Nome. It would also explain why, compared to other rural communities, we seem to be having so many more issues with them.
I also wanted to put out to you a couple of calls for action. First, please keep sharing the petition for signatures. The more we have, the better. We'll keep collecting them until a change is made in how muskoxen are managed.
Second, for those of you that are in rural Alaska, the Board of Game has put out a proposal to ask for feedback on hunting and trapping regulations. This is a good opportunity for our voices to be heard. I just ask if you submit a proposal, that you keep it as factual and unemotional as you can. None of the Board of Game members live in Western or Northern Alaska, so they do not have the emotional attachment to this issue that so many of us do. We have until May 1st to get our proposals in.
My next steps are to revisit the list of those I've sent the dossier and start reaching out to them again. Now that our legislature is in session in Juneau, there has been some discussion between myself, Sarah, and Kamey about going to Juneau in person. I'll keep you posted on any updates regarding travel.
If you or anyone you know has questions about this issue, please have them email us at rramm@gmail.com.
-Miranda