HISTORICAL PHOTO

Cross-border news sources impact Skagit headwaters mining threat, Mount Baker Experience cited as source in research

New research published by Western Washington University’s Border Policy Research Institute (BPRI) shows cross-border news sources and advocacy groups’ impact on efforts to prevent mining in the Skagit River headwaters.

Derek Moscato, BPRI faculty fellow and associated professor of journalism at Western, looked at media outlets’ — in Washington and B.C. — focus on the Skagit watershed due to B.C.-based Imperial Metals pending application since 2019 to gold mine in an area that became known as the “Donut Hole.”

Mount Baker Experience was one of the nine sources cited in the research.

The Donut Hole, which the Skagit River runs through before crossing into Washington, is a Manhattan-sized chunk of unprotected land in B.C. sandwiched between E.C. Manning Provincial Park and Skagit Valley Provincial Park 15 miles from the U.S. border. It was subject to clear-cutting in 2018 but saved after an outpouring of public concern.

In January 2022, B.C. government announced it had halted mining in the Donut Hole following an agreement between it, Imperial Metals and Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission. The agreement came after an international coalition of U.S. and Canadian stakeholders banded together to petition against the proposed mining. A total of 280 local and state governments, tribes, businesses and other communities downriver and in B.C. signed on against the pending mining contract.

Moscato finds in the research that media, environment groups and nonprofits on both sides of the border were an influential force in shaping public opinion and formed a critical alliance.

“For policymakers, the Skagit River donut hole saga suggests that such environmental media is increasingly strategic, fluid, and aligned with broader global discourses,” Moscato writes. “At the same time, for all involved parties it suggests the value of early and sustained public engagement, media outreach, and cross-border dialogue.”

SUMMER 2021 Mt. Baker Art Gallery

Local foothills artists now have a permanent space in which to showcase their work. The Mt. Baker Art Gallery, inside of the Mt. Baker Visitor Center office in Maple Falls, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Currently the work of eight artists is on display, and for sale, ranging from fine woodworking, pottery, jewelry, photography and paintings to hats, cards and stickers. Now is the perfect time to check out the gallery for holiday gifts. For more info: mtbakerchamber.org/art-gallery

ADVENTURES IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST FREE

ROMANCING THE SEAS EVENTS ARE BACK! SUMMER HIKES SNORKELING ALASKA

Other humble brags and shameless plugs…

Mount Baker Experience and its contributors won awards at Washington Newspaper Publishers Association’s Better Newspaper Contest for special section covers and stories.

Mount Baker Experience summer 2021 issue took first place in the special section covers group with a photo from photographer Matthew Tangeman. Judges wrote it was a great photo choice and everything worked well together with no distractions. Mount Baker Experience fall 2021 issue followed up in third place with a photo from Grant Gunderson.

“This would have placed higher had the text been lowered rather than in the middle of the page,” judges wrote. “That leaves an unbalance in the image with a lot of empty space on the bottom of the page.” Apologies Grant. Thanks to all contributing photographers who send in photos, and special thanks to designer Doug De Visser, who makes each issue — front, middle and back — look oh so good. Writer Nick Belcaster won first place environmental story category for his story on grizzly bear repopulation efforts in the North Cascades. Editor Ian Haupt won first place in the personality profile for a feature on stand-up paddleboarder Karl Kruger planning to paddle 2,000 miles across the Arctic.