Statement by Jim Stratton, Deputy Vice President of Regional Operations for the National Parks Conservation Association
Background: On July 9, the Senate successfully passed a package of public lands bills including the Huna Tlingit Traditional Gull Egg Use Act. The legislation was championed by Senator Lisa Murkowski and Representative Don Young. After favorably passing both chambers of Congress, the legislation now heads to President Obama’s desk for him to sign into law.
“In preserving traditional practices while preventing negative impacts to the wildlife found in Glacier Bay National Park, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) applauds the leadership of Senator Lisa Murkowski and Representative Don Young for stewarding the full Congressional passage of the Huna Tlingit Traditional Gull Egg Use Act. When signed into law by President Obama, members of the Hoonah Indian Association will be allowed to resume the traditional gathering of gull eggs for cultural purposes in Glacier Bay National Park.”
“Environmental impact reports conducted for this legislation, which NPCA has followed for more than a decade, found that gathering gull eggs can occur without negatively impacting the gulls and other nesting sea birds that call the national park home. This careful collection, conducted in accordance to the National Park Service’s annual harvest plan, will help connect the Huna Tlingit to their ancestral homeland and enhance their physical, cultural, and spiritual well-being.”
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About National Parks Conservation Association
Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than one million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.
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