“Endangered Forests, Endangered
Freedoms” Tour Completes First Leg
Ketchikan, Alaska –
The M.V. Esperanza completed the first leg of its “Endangered
Forests, Endangered Freedoms” tour of Southeast Alaska, leaving the
gateway city of Ketchikan today. The ship’s weeklong stay was
marked by controversy as local officials tried to make the ship’s
visit as difficult as possible.
“As an Alaskan and an
American, I’m shocked at the way that Ketchikan has reacted to our
visit,” said Melanie Duchin, Greenpeace Forests Campaigner and
Alaska resident. “In Alaska, we have a tradition of welcoming
visitors whether you agree with them or not, and in America, we
have freedom of speech. This city’s attempts to silence us are not
typical of Alaskans, and they will not prevent us from continuing
on with this tour or our efforts to protect the nation’s endangered
forests.”
Some of the actions
taken against Greenpeace include:
- Ignoring Greenpeace’s 30-year history of nonviolence, a team of
six armed Federal Protective Service officers were flown in to
guard Ketchikan’s federal building, solely because of Greenpeace’s
presence in the area. - In late July, the City of Ketchikan rescinded dock space at the
city’s public dock, despite the fact that permission to dock had
been granted on July 8. A letter notifying Greenpeace of the
reversal stated, “As you are aware, safety and security continues
to be a priority. The U.S. Coast Guard has re-informed us of that
fact and we cannot provide the security your vessel and the cruise
ships would require.” Even after the Coast Guard denied voicing
security concerns with respect to the Greenpeace ship, the City
continued to refuse to accommodate the Esperanza, citing a lack of
space. - The day the ship arrived, the Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Assembly passed a resolution, condemning Greenpeace’s visit and
advising businesses and residents of “their right to not provide
services or supplies to Greenpeace.” Two days later, the Greater
Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce passed a similar resolution. - After being denied a berth at the city docks, the Esperanza
anchored outside Ward Cove, the toxic site of the defunct Ketchikan
Pulp Company mill, which is now owned by the Borough. When
Greenpeace requested to dock at the mill, the Borough agreed. Two
hours later, the Borough rescinded its permission, citing safety
and liability concerns. - Despite these inflammatory moves by local officials, residents
have expressed their support for Greenpeace. Everywhere, the ship’s
crew met residents who said they were embarrassed by the city’s
treatment of Greenpeace. A local day cruise operator offered the
Esperanza use of his dock for transporting people on and off the
ship. Local anglers brought gifts - During their stay in Ketchikan, Greenpeace staff met with the
Tongass Conservation Society, the U.S. Forest Service and members
of the community to discuss logging issues. They also documented
areas of national forest areas that have been clearcut as well as
pristine lands. Throughout the week, Greenpeace staff also welcomed
the public onto the ship.
For regular updates
on the “Endangered Forests, Endangered Freedoms” tour visit:
www.greenpeaceusa.org
CONTACT: Nancy Hwa on board, 202-257-7871 (cell); Carol Gregory in
Washington, D.C., 202-413-8531
The Greenpeace tour
continues on to the Cleveland Peninsula, Cholmondeley Sound,
Kosciusko Island, Anan Creek and Juneau.
