Friday, 2 Jun 2000

ANCHORAGE, Alaska

Began today by working in the garden outside the ACAT office. We are trying to create a small demonstration organic garden here. Lots of people walk by because we are downtown and near the coastal trail. So far, I’ve planted peas, lettuces, spinach, cilantro and other herbs, and flowers — forget-me-nots, shooting stars, lupine, iris. Very satisfying. The crab-apple tree and mountain ash are in full bloom.

We’re getting ready for the release of our investigative report on Fort Greely, a place where the Department of Defense operated a nuclear power plant during the ’60s and ’70s. We suspect that the purpose of the reactor was more than just power generation. Tuesday, June 6 is the day. I’m making a few press calls to key reporters today. Preparing the press release for review by the coauthors of the report. Sending advance copies out to people who helped us out along the way and who have a direct connection with what has happened there.

I’m trying not to panic when I look at all of the work that needs to be done. We’re late on getting a newsletter out. Finding some quiet time for writing seems to be one of the greatest challenges of working in a busy nonprofit office. Foundation proposal due dates looming — relentless. Lots of research and strategy development needed on virtually all of our campaigns — water quality, POPs (persistent organic pollutants), military toxics, pesticide right-to-know. We’ve been hampered by a failing computer, a broken fax, and a broken copier — Liz and I are just getting these cantankerous machines back on line. Travis from Online Networking for the Environment (ONE/Northwest) has been in here sorting out our Internet access difficulties — what a marvel! We’re having some growing pains as we transition from one full-time staff person to four — we don’t yet have the necessary computers and office space to support everyone.

I am thankful for the people I work with, such smart and thoroughly dedicated people. Such a privilege to work with Sterling, Lydia, Liz, and Geran. Our new intern, Felicien Poncelet, is an Alaska Pacific University student in biology from France. He has good GIS skills and is using his time with us this summer investigating the military Superfund sites in Alaska. We have a small grant from the EPA Environmental Justice Program to synthesize information and prepare maps showing downstream impacts and potential exposure pathways. We’re planning community meetings and some field investigations this summer. A canoe trip along the Chena River will provide an opportunity to look at downstream impacts from Fort Wainwright.

Arlo is calling me. He is Geran’s dog and I’m on walking duty this afternoon while she is at a workshop. Walking with Arlo will give me a new perspective on life, so out we go!

It has been fun to write this daily journal during the past week. Please drop me an email message at pkmiller@akaction.net.