 Public meeting slated for April 19th April 14, 2005
A public scoping meeting concerning the proposal is slated for 7 p.m. April 19 at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center's Learning Center, 50 Main Street, in Ketchikan. Quaterra Alaska, Inc., holds a number of federal and state mining claims on Duke Island, which is located approximately 30 miles southeast of Ketchikan. The claims are located within the Tongass National Forest and the Forest Service is responsible for managing surface activities on these claims. The Forest Service is charged with implementing the National Environmental Policy Act while following the laws and regulations that allow for mineral exploration. "As a minimum, surveys would be required to ensure that no cultural sites or sensitive plant species are impacted at the proposed core drilling sites," explained Ketchikan-Misty Fiords District Ranger Lynn Kolund. "We understand that Duke Island is culturally and spiritually important to local Alaska Natives," said Kolund. "We have met with resource committees or tribal councils of our local tribal governments and they have been given a copy of this plan of operations to review." "We also have invited representatives from Quaterra Alaska, the proponent of this project, to come to Ketchikan for the public meeting," he added. "They are in the best position to explain their present and future plans." The purpose of this public meeting is to identify potential issues and concerns associated with Quaterra's proposed plan of operations. "We look forward to comments and participation from members of the public," said Kolund. "Their views and ideas are important and necessary for us to properly manage public lands in Southeast Alaska. I encourage anyone interested to attend this meeting and learn what is and what is not proposed by this project." Mail comments to:
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