We are stoked to report our second-ever Alaskan Coastal Recreation Hill days! Our entire Kenai Peninsula Chapter Executive Committee turned out to meet with both Senate offices to advocate for our federal priorities. KPC Vice Chair Sara even took a meeting on her lunch break during the middle of a field day, rocking the most Alaskan wardrobe mullet ever - dry suit and Tuffs below, professional shirt above. Alaskans are next-level.
The staffers for both Sullivan and Murkowski’s offices were very receptive to our asks. We had some great conversations about how EPA clean water programs like the BEACH Act benefit Alaskans, emphasizing how local community orgs and agencies are able to stretch every BEACH Program dollar incredibly far, as well as how crucial BEACH program staff are in building local capacity in rural coastal communities, providing training in how to collect and process samples, analyze results, write reports, and manage grants.
Another priority that resonated with our Alaskan offices is recent attacks on NOAA. In a region where many communities are only accessible by boat or plane, and where a huge part of the economy is dependent on fisheries and coastal tourism, cuts to NOAA programs like National Weather Service, Fisheries, and National Estuary Reserve System have a disproportionate impact, not to mention the vital tourism that agencies like the National Park Service and the National Wildlife Refuge system supports.
As the Kenai Peninsula Chapter grows, it’s essential that we continue to develop and maintain relationships with our federal offices so we can advocate for Alaska’s ocean, waves, and beaches and keep Alaskan waters wild and wonderful.
