RDC Member Comment Letter:
Bristol Bay Area Plan

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From: Karl Gohlke
Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 8:52 AM
To: dnr.bbapamend@alaska.gov

Subject: BBAP

Dear Mr. Ray Burger,

DNR has a constitutional obligation to mange state-owned lands for the ”maximum public benefit” based on the directive in Article VIII Section 1 on the Alaska Constitution: “to encourage the settlement of its land and the development of its resources by making them available for maximum use consistent with the public interest.” Sole designation of large sections of the state for wildlife or recreation is contrary to constitutional mandates. Banning certain activities in an area plan ignores constitutional mandates that include development and multiple use.

Multiple uses should include mining (exploration, leasing and development), as well as recreational and other potential uses. With less than one percent of Alaska in conventional private ownership , access should be available on other lands.

Alaska contains known deposits of Rare Earth Elements (REE). Many of these REEs are imported to the United States, often from countries with lesser environmental regulations. According to the Mineral Commodities Summaries 2012 report by the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. depended on imports of 50-100% of needs for 43 minerals in 2011, some of which are found in Alaska. Keeping areas open to mineral extraction in Alaska not only provides the opportunity for future responsible resource development, it may also improve national security, and provide economic benefits to the region, as well as improve or add infrastructure and access to areas for multiple use – example is cheaper energy costs.

The area included in the BBAP should be further evaluate for mineral potential before restrictive land designations are implemented. Sufficient mapping and geological information should be acquired, and until then, the area should be left open to all uses.

Sincerely,
Karl I Gohlke

Karl I. Gohlke
Outside Sales
Frontier Supply Company
981 Van Horn Rd.
Fairbanks, AK. 99701