Collaborating Organizations
Here are most of the organizations that we have worked with since the founding of Ground Truth Trekking. The opinions and goals of these organizations do not necessarily reflect our opinions and goals and vice versa. See also our Sponsers and Funders.
SkyTruth promotes environmental awareness and protection with remote sensing and digital mapping technology. Currently we are partnering to develop open-source online mapping software called WebMapper. This will be used to build a series of interative maps and articles covering renewable energy in Alaska (also in collaboration with REAP) and to build maps depicting oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico.
Nuka Research is an environmental consulting firm specializing in oil spill prevention and response planning. gtt and Nuka are currently co-developing an open source data management and visualization tool called DataMoose and are involved in WebMapper development as well. In addition, both Hig and Erin occasionally work as consultants for Nuka Research.
Center for Science in Public Participation (CSP2)
CSP2 provides objective research, education and technical advice to grassroots groups, non-governmental organizations, regulatory agencies, businesses, and indigenous communities on natural resource issues, especially those related to mining. They have funded a lot of the fault-hunting work performed by gtt, including our work in 2009 and 2010 on faults near Lake Iliamna. In addition we have worked closely with CSP2 on a variety of mining and coal related projects and articles.
Alaskans for Energy Freedom (AEF, formerly Alaska Coal Working Group, ACWG)
AEF is an umbrella organization encompassing numerous organizations working on coal related issues in Alaska. They are the primary funder for our coal-related articles. In addition, we provide technical and scientific support to other organizations through AEF.
Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP)
Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP) is a coalition of large and small Alaska utilities, businesses, conservation and consumer groups, Alaska Native organizations, and municipal, state and federal entities with an interest in developing Alaska’s vast renewable energy resources. gtt and REAP are currently working with Skytruth on a series of interative maps and articles covering renewable energy in Alaska.
Adventures and Scientists for Conservation (ASC)
ASC is dedicated to establishing connections between adventure athletes and scientists. gtt plans to work with ASC on our upcoming “Life on Ice” trip to collect samples and set up photo points for future re-occupation.
Donlin Creek Working Group (DCWG)
The Donlin Creek Working Group aims to be a transparent, publicly-accessible informational resource and forum to those concerned about the Donlin Creek Mine’s impacts on the region’s land, air, and water. gtt is a member of the working group and has provided scientific and technical assistance in addition to our article on the Donlin Creek Mine and other content on the DCWG site. The gtt supported “Where the Heck is Donlin” expedition received some of its information through the DCWG.
Alaska Center for the Environment (ACE)
ACE is Alaska’s largest home-grown citizen’s group working for the sensible stewardship of Alaska’s natural environment. We are currently collaborating with ACE on a project related to climate change, and climate change education in Alaska.
Alaska Community Action on Toxics (ACAT)
ACAT is a statewide environmental health and justice organization. We helped with technical editing of a 2011 report produced by ACAT detailing potential health risks from coal ash in Fairbanks.
Alaska Conservation Foundation (ACF)
ACF builds strategic leadership and support for Alaskan efforts to take care of wild lands, waters, and wildlife, which sustain diverse cultures, healthy communities, and prosperous economies. gtt has provided technical and scientific assistance to ACF on coal-related projects and ACF helped support gtt’s Long Trek expedition.
Alaska Public Interest Research Group (AKPIRG)
AKPIRG is a non-profit consumer protection group working on a variety of issues in Alaska. gtt and AKPIRG are currently working to produce an interactive white paper on the topic of “Coal’s Influence on the Cost of Electricity”.
Alaskans for Responsible Mining (ARM)
ARM is a newly re-formed group consisting of organizations and individuals working on mining-related issues in Alaska. gtt is part of this group and provides technical and scientific expertise to other members, in addition to our many articles on mining in Alaska.
Bristol Bay Working Group (BBWG)
The BBWG is a collection of organizations and individuals that works to bring sound science to the debate over the Pebble Mine project. gtt contributes scientific advice to this group, as well as performing field work such as fault-hunting and aerial surveys.
Coal Diver is an interactive, fact-based, coal mining website. We have shared both content and website development expertise with the developers.
CoalSwarm (part of SourceWatch)
CoalSwarm is a wiki-based source of information on coal-related topics from around the world. gtt has provided Alaskan content and editing for the site.
Cook Inletkeeper is dedicated to protecting Alaska’s Cook Inlet watershed and the life it sustains. gtt and Inletkeeper have collaborated on a variety of small coal-related projects over the last few years, including production of a series of factsheets and on materials related to the proposed Chuitna Mine.
The May Valley Coalition is an advocacy group opposed to coal development in the Matanuska Valley. We are currently working with the Coalition to produce an interactive map of the Wishbone Hill project and surrounding region.
Northern Alaska Environmental Center (NAEC)
NAEC is dedicated to conserving and protecting habitats in Interior and Arctic Alaska for wildlife, culture, environmental health and future generations. gtt has worked with NAEC as part of the DCWG and on information relating to proposed coal-to-liquids projects in the state. NAEC has provided some support to the “Where the Heck is Donlin” expedition.
Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance (RBCA)
RBCA is a group dedicated to protecting the environment of the area around Seward, AK. gtt has worked with RBCA to install a webcam which monitors the coal stockpiles in town.
The Alaska chapter of the Sierra club helps coordinate a variety of environmental and conservation efforts in the state. gtt has provided them with technical and scientific assistance.
Glacier Change.org is a digital community space for all things “glacier”. gtt is sharing content with them as they develop their site.