Dear Governor-Elect,

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As you prepare to take office, we, the undersigned, urge you to make the closure and cleanup of the long-abandoned Tulsequah Chief mine a priority for your administration. Located just across the Canadian border, the mine has discharged toxic wastewater into the Taku River watershed unabated since 1957. Despite the commitment British Columbia made in 2015 to resolve this problem, the Tulsequah Chief’s pollution continues.  There is as yet no remediation plan, information sharing has been minimal, and there’s no timetable for action.

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The Taku watershed spans 4.5 million acres from the snowcapped peaks and glaciers of northwest British Columbia to the fisheries-rich estuary just south of Juneau. It is one of Southeast Alaska’s most important salmon-producing river systems, supporting Tribal communities, commercial fisheries, and wildlife.

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Pollution from Tulsequah Chief continues to threaten the health of the river and its fish. As salmon populations face increasing pressures, addressing this longstanding source of contamination is critical to preserving one of the most productive salmon producing watersheds on earth and the communities that depend on it.

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This issue transcends political divisions. There is no opposition to the mine’s cleanup and it would benefit all parties. We urge you to press British Columbia to establish a clear timeline and prioritize cleaning up Tulsequah Chief.

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After decades of inaction, meaningful remediation feels within reach. Your leadership could be the tipping point that turns this long-awaited cleanup into a win, protecting Alaska’s waters, fisheries, and communities for generations to come.

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Thank you for your consideration.

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Sincerely,

The Undersigned