for Alaskans. Kara Moriarty: Nagruk, it’s our understanding that BLM has not followed its own consultation rules with tribal entities with the NPR-A rule. Nagruk Harcharek: Correct. We have yet to see formal consultation with any of tribal members. We were told formal consultation can take place after the public comment period closes, so it doesn’t mean that it’s not going to happen. But how far along in the decision-making are you when you get to consultation? Even if there is consultation after the comment periods ends will our concerns, as the only communities within the NPR-A, be incorporated? John Hellen: We wouldn’t have been able to successfully get all the authorizations we need if we didn’t have a commitment to working with local communities and really taking on the concerns they have. We made numerous changes tow the project design in response to those conversations. As part of the wetlands mitigation, we looked for projects that could benefit the community. There are ways that we could work within the regulatory system to benefit the community beyond what was connected to a permit. — COMPILED BY TIM BRADNER — JUNEAU, ALASKA — AVAILABLE STATEWIDE operations@coastalhelicopters.com 907-789-5600 www.coastalhelicopters.com ✓ CONSTRUCTION ✓ EXPLORATION ✓ CONTRACT ✓ SUPPORT ✓ CHARTER Photos by Judy Patrick www.AKRDC.org 35
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