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Tips For Writing An Effective Letter

The legislature shall provide for the utilization, development, and conservation of all natural resources belonging to the State, including land and waters, for the maximum benefit of its people. (Alaska Constitution Article 8 sec.1)

We will use these letters to demonstrate public sentiment, support the arguments we have made in the appeal, to introduce topics not included in our legal appeal asking them to be considered, and to build the record for higher appeal and for when this arises in the future. For example, we will submit letters that were written 2 years ago in opposition to the quarry, and DNR's disregard of the community, to demonstrate the history of conflict that has not been resolved by any efforts DNR has made.

Think about how your comment might help us meet the above objectives. A purely opinionated public comment or letter of support might help demonstrate public sentiment, but it will not necessarily be effective for change unless it is substantive. The Alaska Wildlife Alliance suggests the following:

Substantive comments, in general;
  • question, with reasonable basis, the accuracy of the information in the document;
  • question, with reasonable basis, the adequacy of analysis;
  • present reasonable alternatives other than those presented in the document; or
  • cause changes or revisions in the proposal.
As such, when commenting, do not solely state whether you agree with the proposed action, rather, explain specifically why you disagree and what part(s) of their analyses are in question or what else needs to be considered (e.g., was there a typo in the report they used which led to a flawed analysis; was a recent scientific report overlooked that contradicted the report upon which a conclusion was based; was a statement made in the analyses contradicted by commonly held expert opinion; is the proposed decision in violation of a specific statute in another applicable law).
Any comments deemed “non-substantive” are in danger of not being included in any additional analyses, and thus will not influence a decision. They essentially may be dismissed.

There are a lot of issues we would like brought out so we can enter them in the record, but you don't need to hit them all.

  • Pick a couple you feel strongly about.
  • Raise issues that need to be addressed.
  • Point out lapses in the decision making and add additional information that you think they should consider.