The proposed Pebble Mine, an enormous open pit mine at the mouth of Bristol Bay, Alaska, could be catastrophic to one of the world’s last natural salmon habitats (46% of the world’s remaining stock), the communities of the region that depend upon it, the fishing economy, tourism and the natural beauty we all enjoy. 

Monica Zappa and her race dogs have been working tirelessly to stop the Pebble Mine. Her efforts have been recognized throughout Alaska by a coalition of activists. The picture above was from an ad on the back of Alaska Magazine by RRF that featured Monica’s campaign to protect Bristol Bay.

If built, Pebble would be the largest open-pit mine in the world.  Located in the headwaters of the Kvichak and Nushagak Rivers, the Pebble Mine would likely destroy two of the pristine major rivers that feed Bristol Bay, and pollute the bay itself. That's why we've joined with Team Zappa to spread the word about this important issue. 

The Alaskan Iditarod receives worldwide media attention.  Monica Zappa and her dogs will race under the banner “No Pebble Mine!”  The race start is broadcast nationally on major television networks, where we'll highlight the struggle against Pebble. Then, during the race, musher, dogs, sled and truck will be living billboards, decorated with the “No Pebble Mine” logo and using every moment of media exposure to carry the message to the world - No Pebble Mine!  In a great partnership of sport and culture, Musicians United to Protect Bristol Bay will give Monica and her team a rousing public send-off concert, musical encouragement along the way and social media support from the network to help the campaign go viral.  

How Does This Help?

Iditarod mushers are community icons and get lots of attention.  Monica chooses to capitalize on this opportunity to share a message with the world – No Pebble Mine!  The more people who become aware of this issue, the more the balance tips in our favor to stop the mine. 

In January 2012, Monica Zappa and her partner Tim Osmar kicked off their campaign against the proposed Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay, Alaska. They participated in four races in the Midwest and Canada as a part of their Mushing to Save Bristol Bay Tour to help raise awareness of the dangers to Bristol Bay from a huge open pit mining proposal.  Their sled, gear, truck and dog coats were decked out in No Pebble Mine logos.  They gained widespread attention and media coverage wherever they went.  The dogs were great ambassadors!  Now they are gearing up to do the same for Iditarod 2014.

Musicians United To Protect Bristol Bay launched in January of 2013.  Dedicated to using the power of music and musicans’ networks to fight the Pebble Mine, Musicians United has already:

• signed up close to 400 members, who are writing original music and using their concerts, appearances, newsletters and social networks to spread the word about the fight. 
• produced an original CD Bristol Bay, with songs by legendary singer songwriter Si Kahn.  In July Bristol Bay hit #1 Folk CD and #1 Folk Artist based on international folk dj playlists. 
• (this year) garnered 6 print articles, 1 hour long international tv special, 10 radio interviews, 14 concerts in the lower 48 and 8 concerts in Alaska. 

Now, together, we are ready to step up the game, by carrying this message to the Iditarod 2014 and onto the global stage.  Please donate to help Monica carry her message to the Iditarod!