GET THE FACTS
The History and Development
If approved, the proposed highway and port for the Johnson Tract Mine will directly impact the world famous coastal brown bears of Lake Clark National Park.
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THE BARGIN
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In 1980, Lake Clark National Park was established, protecting 4.2 million of acres of land and preserving the headwaters of the Bristol Bay watershed. Four years prior, in 1976 Cook Inlet Regional, Inc was granted an approximately 21,000 acre land holding to mine gold, copper, and other minerals. As part of the 1976 land exchange, CIRI was granted the right to a transportation easement through the future National Parklands in order to transport the minerals from the Johnson Tract Mine to processing facilities further afield.
THE MINING
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Minimal exploration and engineering efforts began in 1982 and ceased by 1995. The Johnson Tract Mine remained inactive until 2019, when CIRI signed a lease with HighGold to begin more robust exploratory process. In July 2024, Contango ORE acquired HighGold and the Johnson Tract Project to focus on continued exploration and eventual mining.
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Now, CIRI has submitted proposals for two different transportation easements within Lake Clark National Park. In June 2024, the National Park Service (NPS) opened a comment period for two weeks for the public to submit their comments regarding the Johnson Tract Mine's proposed easements. Thousands of people submitted comments opposing the easements and telling the NPS that Lake Clark National Park is no place for a mining port and highway.
The Bear Coast at Risk
Iconic Brown Bears
Wild Salmon
Abundant Biodiversity
Lake Clark National Park is home to one of the densest brown bear populations left on earth. With an estimated 147 brown bears per 1000 square miles, they play an essential role as ecosystem curators and ambassadors for the wildness that defines Alaska.
The beauty and bounty of Cook Inlet's wild salmon are at risk of collapsing due to a multitude of factors which will be exacerbated by the effects of the Johnson Tract Mine's development, highway, and port.
The Johnson Tract Mine looms above the most diverse wildlife corridor within the entire Lake Clark National Park. The Johnson River Valley and neighboring Tuxedni Bay are home to an abundance of charismatic megafauna, migratory bird species, and marine mammals.
Existing Industry
The lodge owners, commercial fishermen, and ecotour operators that have made a living in Lake Clark National Park for decades deserve priority over a shortsighted mining operation that will irrevocably damage the ecosystems that existing economic drivers require to operate.
How Does it End?
The Friends of the Bear Coast are calling on individuals and global organizations to stand with us in our fight to keep the Bear Coast wild. This battle will not be easy, but it is worth fighting. Demanding the highest levels of accountability and protection at every permit proposal is crucial to making sure that our last remaining wildernesses are not bargained away in favor of short term profit. Add your email to our email list so you can help us take advantage of the next upcoming National Park Service comment period.
