Hal Shepherd

OPINION: Should DNR deny the in-stream water reservations of a citizens' coalition opposed to the proposed Chuitna coal mine, it would result in the irreversible destruction of productive salmon habitat, and could render the right of Alaska citizens to protect water in-stream essentially meaningless.

OPINION: Alaskans need to say "no" again to the taking of water and salmon from public use for private gain.

OPINION: The death of legislation proposing changes to Alaskans' access to water rights proves that loud and sustained public outcry can indeed change the course of government for the greater good. But Alaskans should keep vigilant for the bill's return.

Alaska is no stranger to lessons learned by Gulf of Mexico communities following last year's oil disaster, so and we must not forget them with Cook Inlet drilling projects nearing reality.