Vanessa - thanks for a lucid, meaningful piece on Chuitna River coal prospects and describing the Alaska that I grew up in. 

We have a major producer of coal in Alaska. In my relatively frequent visits to Seward, I've been disappointed to have observed none of the coal exporting activity that was a constant presence just a couple years or so past.  Usibelli Mines has reserves, rehabilitates, and has loading facilities.  Alaska Railroad is perfectly positioned to deliver for shipment to markets worldwide. The market for Usibelli coal has diminished.  Unless and until market demands exceed Usibelli's ability to deliver, future coal development really seems superfluous, even if better quality coal is dangling the carrot.

PacRim devastating a salmon producing stream should be the nail in the coffin for this venture.  If we play our cards right, the salmon will never leave us with only the memory of a depleted resource.

Oh yeah, I'm typically pro development.  Drill ANWAR!