Juneau, AK – This week, Representative Les Gara introduced legislation (HB 201) which, if passed, would protect salmon streams and drinking water sources from toxic pesticides by establishing buffer zones. HB 201 would establish important buffer zones to prevent the
Alaska Backwoods Lawyer
Alaska Backwoods Lawyer, published by the Law Office of Paul H. Bratton, focuses on legal issues related to environmental protection, natural resource management, and public health in Alaska. The blog covers topics such as legislation and litigation affecting salmon streams, water quality, pesticide use, and habitat conservation. It also addresses local government regulations, wildlife and fisheries law, and community impacts of infrastructure projects like rail expansions. The blog highlights the intersection of environmental law with indigenous rights, public participation in environmental decision-making, and the balance between development and conservation in rural and wilderness areas of Alaska.
Latest from Alaska Backwoods Lawyer
9th Circuit Panel Halts PortMac Rail Extension
By Publisher
Anchorage, AK- Alaska families and salmon fisheries won a major court victory this week when the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that all construction related to the controversial Port MacKenzie rail project is to be halted pending full review…
Alaska Agency to Block Public Review of Public Pesticide Projects
By Publisher
Go to Commentary to see the Alaska Dispatch op-ed on the Parnell administration’s latest move to facilitate more herbicides in our salmon streams and families bodies.
Borough Animal Restraint Code & Feral Cats
By Publisher
Humans and cats, much like humans and dogs, have evolved together over thousands of years. Each species has gained from this relationship. Today, in our predominately rural/wilderness borough, these companion animals continue to provide many of us companionship and a…
Washington and Oregon Move to Protect the Health of Residents
By Publisher
SEATTLE (AP) — Randy Kinley, a Lummi tribal member, harvests salmon, clams and oysters innorthwest Washington, and eats what he catches about three or four times a week.Washington waters are supposed to be clean enough to protect people who eat…
DNR's Susitna Area Plan Challenged in Lawsuit
By Publisher
I’m representing the citizen’s group in this litigation that seeks to hold the state agency accountable for failing to abide by Alaska statutes that require compliance with borough land use plans “to the maximum extent consistent with state interests.” BY…
A dam poor idea – Anchorage Press: News
By Publisher
A dam poor idea – Anchorage Press: News: Cheap green electricity! For a hundred years! No risk, nohassle. Yes, my friend, you are a winner. Everyone’s awinner, especially Anchorage.
ALASKANS FIGHT TO PROTECT SALMON STREAMS FROM TOXIC SPRAYING
By Publisher
(Talkeetna, AK) — Alaskan residents have been forced to file an appeal in state Superior Court after the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) reversed long-standing precedent by deciding to allow toxic herbicide spraying along Alaska Railroad rights-of-ways that threatens…
Krugman on the Mortgage Morass- Will Courts Hold Banks Accountable?
By Publisher
Friday’s New York Times online carried Paul Krugman’s analysis of the developing housing mortgage crisis. As the Nobel-prize-winning economist explains, it is becomes clear that no arm of government– not the regulators, the courts, or the White House– are fully
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Consumer Law Conference Held at Fort Richardson on September 9
By Publisher
We had the honor of participating in a consumer law conference at Fort Richardson’s National Guard Armory on September 9. Judge advocates, paralegals and civilian attorneys with all military services based in Alaska came together in a one day CLE
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