PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE/2003 ANNUAL REPORT
BY TRISHA HERMINGHAUS, AQRC PRESIDENT
During the last year, the Alaska Quiet Rights Coalition has continued to work toward our mission of protecting the rights of Alaskans to quiet places for recreation.
The Alaska Quiet Rights Coalition:
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- submitted comments to the U.S. Forest Service in response to two proposals by Chugach Powder Guides. The Powder Guides asked for both a one- and a five-year permit to land heli-skiers in areas of the Chugach National Forest and create heli-skiing staging areas for their helicopter guide service.
- monitored and commented on the Chugach National Forest Management Plan.
- conducted Winter and Summer Days of Listening. The responses from the Winter and Summer Days of Listening highlight the noise people encounter as they recreate, as well as their attempts to find quiet places for recreation. AQRC is looking at being more specific in the upcoming year in the kinds of data we collect (see article above).
- has written letters to comment on the Iditarod National Historic Trail requesting that the U.S. Forest Service consider setting aside areas specifically for quiet recreation on this historic trail.
- commented to the U.S. Forest Service regarding granting a permit to land helicopters and conduct dog-mushing tours on the Godwin Glacier near Seward.
- continues to work with our regional contacts to monitor quiet rights issues around the state.
YOUR IDEAS WELCOME FOR CHANGES TO ANNUAL DAY OF LISTENING
BY TRISHA HERMINGHAUS
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For the past three years, the Alaska Quiet Rights Coalition has conducted Winter and Summer Days of Listening. Over the years, we have had a diminishing return on the number of participants in the Day of Listening, so the AQRC board members discussed whether or not we should continue sponsoring this event. Some of the positive benefits from the Day of Listening have been to increase our members level of awareness of both the natural and the disturbing machine sounds, as well as an increased interest in the work of AQRC by our members and the media. The Day of Listening data show interesting results, but perhaps should be modified to give us more precise information. Possibilities: In looking toward the future, we are considering various possibilities for finetuning the way we collect data on the Day of Listening. In the months ahead, look for news about our ideas as we plan for the 4th Winter Day of Listening. |
“QUIET ALASKA” SLIDE SHOW TO BE FEATURED
AT THE AQRC ANNUAL MEETING OCTOBER 9
BY SUSAN OLSEN
Noted Alaskan photographer and author Kim Heacox will make a slide show presentation, “Quiet Alaska”, at the Alaska Quiet Rights Coalition’s annual meeting on Thursday, October 9, 2003. It will be held at the BP Energy Center from 7 to 9 p.m. The annual meeting will also include the:
Light refreshments will be served and the PUBLIC is invited. BALLOT FOR BOARD ELECTIONS 2003-2004
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The Alaska Quiet Rights Coalition is a statewide nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization of approximately 600 members and supporters which is dedicated to protecting the rights of Alaskans to quiet places for the benefit of recreationists, home and cabin owners, wildlife, businesses and future generations. The objective of the organization is to obtain a fair and balanced allocation of Alaska’s public lands for both non-motorized and motorized users. The Alaska Quiet Rights Coalition was started in 1997. |
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REGIONAL CONTACTS: AQRC’s “ears” in their local communities. Each is contacted before the monthly board meeting so that AQRC is made aware of, and can lend support to, local quiet rights issues. The regional contacts appreciate hearing directly from members and supporters in their communities.
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Dear Friends of Natural Quiet, The Alaska Quiet Rights Coalition is entirely supported by your dues and donations. We use your money primarily for printing and postage to keep members informed of issues needing attention. We are all volunteers. Please check your mailing label. Your last donation date is on the label. (Let us know if it is incorrect.) Please join the effort to keep quiet living and recreating an option in your favorite places by sending dues (and donations too) at this time. Thank you. |