Greetings,
The expanded version of the Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska (SAA) newsletter is available at the SAA Web site . The online newsletter includes updates on the Bristol Bay, Tongass National Forest, and Teshekpuk Lake campaigns, as well as action items and a schedule of upcoming SAA appearances. I encourage you to click the link above and read all the news.
This e-mail will focus on some exciting news which will benefit the fight to protect Bristol Bay.
Abel reels has stepped up its support for the SAA and the Bristol Bay campaign. Visit the Abel Web site to learn about the new limited edition “No Pebble Mine” Super 5N trout reel. Only 100 of this beautiful reel will be made, with 99 reels being sold directly by Abel or though Abel dealers. From each of the 99 reels sold by Abel or its dealers, $200 will be donated to the SAA. On top of that very generous support, Abel has donated Reel #1 of 100 to the SAA. That reel will be made available later in the year either by auction or limited-entry raffle. Stay tuned for further news. For now, rush to the Abel Web site and get your hands on one of these special reels before they’re gone.
The SAA is launching a huge online fundraising auction to benefit the Bristol Bay campaign. The auction will last for at least a few months with new items being placed up for bid every few days. Each item will be open for bid for 10 days. The auction is being hosted by eBay, so the format should be familiar to a lot of people. The process to bid and buy is easy, so get ready to raise some money to help protect Bristol Bay!
This auction would not be possible without the generosity and support of so many companies in the sporting products industry. You will find fishing rods, reels, waders, other outdoor gear, artwork, and trips to some fantastic destinations in Alaska as well as Mexico, Chile, Belize, and Canada. The Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska and the campaign to protect Bristol Bay would like to extend a very sincere thank you to all of the donors who contributed to this fundraising effort.
The minimum price for all items and trips has been set at under 75% of retail value, but the hope is that every item or trip will sell for retail value or higher. We are definitely “David” to the mining corporation’s “Goliath” in this fight. Nothing worth saving or no fight worth winning ever comes easy. Much work will be needed to prevail in this fight, and your support is critical. Here’s your opportunity to help save one of the greatest sporting destinations in the world. Bid early and often.
Without further delay, please check out the details for the first listing.
The first item up for bid is an awesome trip for two to Rainbow River Lodge in July of 2008. Rainbow River Lodge has very generously donated this trip, and they are nearly full for 2008 so this is your chance to visit a fantastic lodge in the Bristol Bay region and support the efforts to protect Bristol Bay at the same time. BID NOW!
Details are as follows:
- Dates are set firmly from July 12-18, 2008
- Trip is for two and spots will not be sold individually
- Six days of guided fly-out fishing and six nights lodging
- Rates include: all five-star meals, guiding, use of all boats and motors, use of aircraft, all equipment including rods, reels, flies and leaders, flights between the lodge and Iliamna, and a seven-day non-resident fishing license
- Rates do not include: tips, liquor and commercial air travel between winning bidder’s home and Iliamna
- Note: Guests are required to provide their own beer, wine and liquor as Iliamna is a “dry” village. The lodge has information to assist you in purchasing and shipping your alcohol.
A full schedule and list of items on the auction will be available on the SAA Web site so you can plan your bidding. A running tally of funds raised will also be kept on the same page.
In closing, I’d like to thank all of you for your continued interest in Alaska fishing and hunting, and the efforts to protect the habitats which support some of the greatest fish and game resources in the world. Take time to read the full version of the SAA newsletter. Take action, encourage your friends to learn about Alaska, and get out and enjoy the outdoors this summer. Head north to Alaska for that “trip of a lifetime” you always talk about. Life’s short, so get out and participate!
Finally, if you’ve got any great pictures you’d like to share, I think we’re going to set up a photo gallery on the SAA Web site. Just e-mail them to scott@sportsmansalliance4ak.org with a short description. It can be pictures of you fishing or hunting in Alaska, or it can be from somewhere else. One of the first to be included will be this one, sent to me last week from Brian O’Keefe … no, it’s not taken in Alaska. I guess they don’t care much for Pebble Mine in the Bahamas either!
The next newsletter update will be coming some time in July. Until then, take care, take action, and good luck on the water and in the woods!
Scott Hed
Director – Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska
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Sportsmans Alliance for Alaska
1525 42nd Ave.
Missoula, Montana 59804
