Meet SalmonState’s Guardians Of Alaska And Keeping The State Wild

The following appears in the February issue of Alaska Sporting Journal:

BY TIFFANY HERRINGTON

From South America’s Patagonian high plains to Alaska’s wild expanse, Rachel James has built a life grounded in landscapes that fuel her resolve to protect the natural world.

As Alaska-based SalmonState’s public lands and waters lead, she champions efforts to preserve the Last Frontier’s treasures – a journey shaped by Alaskan roots, experiences abroad and James’ hopes for her son.

Her passion for safeguarding Alaska’s environment was kindled early through her father’s work as a surveyor in the oil, gas and mining sectors. His insights into the ecological effects of development projects left a lasting impression.“

He shared stories about the change she saw in the land,” James recalls, “and the importance of accountability in managing these impacts.”

These formative experiences set her on a path dedicated to environmental protection, a commitment that deepened during nearly a decade spent living off and on in Patagonia, where farmed salmon was often her only option. Returning home to Alaska, James now works to protect wild salmon habitats, driven by the vision that her 13-year-old son – and future generations – can enjoy a lifetime of healthy, wild fish.

Today, James’ leadership at SalmonState is built on fostering unity and collaboration. “We work hard to build relationships that are rooted in trust,” she says, describing an approach often referred to as “moving at the speed of trust.” This philosophy has helped SalmonState cultivate a network of allies across Alaska, uniting diverse communities in the fight to protect sensitive ecosystems. Among their significant achievements, the protection of 28 million acres of D-1 lands stands as a testament to what dedicated conservation work can achieve. It’s a milestone she believes is pivotal in securing these lands for posterity.

In our conversation, James reflects on her personal evolution in conservation, the key challenges her team continues to face, and her enduring hope for Alaska’s landscapes to remain wild and resilient for the generations that follow.

Tiffany Herrington You have an extensive background in environmental policy and advocacy. What first sparked your interest in conservation work, and how did you find your way back to Alaska after working internationally?

Rachel James I first became interested in conservation through my dad, who was a surveyor for various mines and oil and gas projects around the state. He shared stories of the impacts these projects had on the places he surveyed and the need for oversight. In high school, I took a natural resource conservation class with him at Mat-Su College, which inspired me to view land use not just as a passion, but as a potential career. After nearly a decade working and living in Patagonia, I returned to Alaska to raise my son in the place where I grew up and to focus on conservation issues that would ensure a better future for him.

TH Can you tell us more about your role as the public lands and waters lead at SalmonState?

RJ I work with our team and allies in tribal, sport and business communities to create a thriving future for wild Alaska salmon. This often involves ensuring that salmon have what they need to thrive: clean, cold, clear freshwater habitat.

TH SalmonState has led major conservation campaigns in Alaska. What sets your approach apart from other environmental organizations?

RJ At SalmonState, we prioritize time on the ground with allies. Our theory of change is grassroots-focused, rooted in building relationships and earning trust – a strategy we call “moving at the speed of trust.” This has helped us build coalitions across diverse communities, from the fight to stop Pebble Mine to the D-1 lands campaign, where over 140 tribes, 150 businesses and Native corporations testified and united in support.

TH One of your current focus areas is the Defend the West Su campaign (westsuwild.org). Why is that watershed so important to Alaska’s ecosystems and communities?

RJ The Susitna River is the fourth- largest king salmon producer in Alaska and home to all five wild salmon species found in the state. It’s also more accessible and supports a range of outdoor activities that contribute to local economies, including fishing, hunting and tourism. The West Su’s pristine rivers and landscapes are a draw for Alaskans and visitors alike.

TH What are some primary threats to the West Su, and how is SalmonState addressing them?
RJ The biggest threat is a proposed taxpayer-funded road that would cut through pristine areas to speculative mining claims. This road would slice across essential habitats, jeopardizing wild salmon runs and the regional economy built on fishing and outdoor recreation.

TH You’ve been actively advocating for the protection of D-1 lands. Why are these lands significant for Alaska’s salmon populations and communities? 

RJ D-1 lands include some of the last remaining large, intact landscapes in the U.S., from Southeast Alaska’s rainforests to areas north of the Arctic Circle. Keeping these lands free from industrial development is essential for protecting vital salmon habitats and supporting rural communities.

TH The recent decision by the federal government to retain protections for 28 million acres of D-1 lands was a major win for conservation groups. Can you explain what that decision means and the next steps in the process?

RJ The decision means that these 28 million acres of BLM lands, known as the D-1 lands, remain protected from widespread industrial development. This decision, finalized by (Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland) on August 27, 2024, is a critical step in preserving these lands for future generations.

TH What do you think is the most misunderstood aspect of the D-1 lands protections, and what would you like people outside of Alaska to understand about this issue?

RJ The name itself can be off-putting; it sounds technical and complex. These lands have been protected for over 50 years, with the original intent being to keep them in the public interest. I think people outside Alaska may not realize the unique level of support for these protections: Over 140 tribes, 150 Alaskan businesses and even Native corporations submitted letters and testimony at 19 hearings across Alaska. Nationwide, 145,000 people commented to keep the protections in place, along with 200-plus national businesses. Such widespread support is unprecedented.

TH You mentioned your experience in South America, where farmed salmon was common, and your commitment to preserving wild habitats in Alaska for your son’s future. How have these personal experiences shaped your work? RJ Living in Patagonia and witnessing the negative impacts of fish farms on local ecosystems left a deep impression. I came back to Alaska determined to protect the wild habitats that make it unique, especially for my son and future generations.

TH As someone who was raised in Palmer and has lived in remote parts of the state, how do you think your upbringing influenced your perspective on land and water conservation in Alaska?

RJ I grew up in areas historically tied to mining – on Soapstone Road, near an old soapstone mine, and later in Sutton, near an old coal wash. My dad worked at Red Dog, in the Arctic oil fields and other locations tied to industrial development. When I was old enough, I pursued guiding and outdoor education, spending extended time in the wilderness on my own and with clients, sometimes up to 60 days without returning to civilization. Over the years, I’ve hunted, fished and visited nearly two dozen remote communities. My conservation work is informed by decades of experiences with people, places and stories across Alaska, rooted in a deep understanding of people’s place within big, wild, functioning ecosystems.

TH If you could achieve one lasting change for Alaska’s public lands and waters through your work, what would it be, and why?

RJ My top goals would be permanent protection of the Bristol Bay watershed lands and establishing new comanagement and costewardship agreements on Alaska’s BLM lands. ASJ

Editor’s note: To learn more about SalmonState and stay updated on their conservation efforts, visit salmonstate .org and follow them on social media at facebook.com/SalmonStateAK and instagram.com/salmonstate. Tiffany Herrington is a writer based in the Seattle area.