The Council will hold a Board meeting in Valdez on Thursday and Friday, May 7-8, 2026.
In conjunction with the Board meeting, the Council will be launching its new book, “Protectors of Prince William Sound,” with author and artist Tom Crestodina. This illustrated book explores the equipment, technology, local expertise, and skilled personnel that make our region’s maritime oil spill prevention and response system one of the best in the world.
Public reception & book launch: Wednesday, May 6
In conjunction with the Board meeting, the Board of Directors for Alaska Tanker Company, Hilcorp and the Council will be co-sponsoring a public reception on Wednesday, May 6. The reception will be held outdoors from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at the Kelsey Municipal Plaza, at 412 Ferry Way (in the event of poor weather, the reception will be moved to the Valdez Civic Center).
At the reception, the Council will be offering free copies of “Protectors of Prince William Sound” to those who reside in the Exxon Valdez oil spill region (one per household while supplies last). Author and artist Tom Crestodina will be available to meet community members and sign books.
Protectors of Prince William Sound Author Events: Thursday, May 7
Crestodina will be available at different locations on Thursday to engage with the public. Free copies of the book will be available, similar to the reception (one per household while supplies last).
- Additional book signing: Crestodina will be available to sign copies of the book at the Valdez Civic Center from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., as part of the Council’s Board meeting.
- Interactive presentation for homeschoolers: At 1 p.m., Crestodina and Council staff will do a school age presentation at the Valdez Consortium Library (212 Fairbanks Dr.). A short presentation will provide information about the book and then Crestodina will lead a drawing activity.
- Author Talk with Crestodina: At 6 p.m., Crestodina will do an author talk at the Valdez Consortium Library. Attendees will learn about his art and work in commercial fishing, and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Council staff will also give presentations for students at Hermon Hutchens Elementary School on Wednesday, May 6.
The Council will launch and distribute the new book to other communities in our region during regular outreach activities in the coming year. Those with questions about the book or its distribution can contact Brooke Taylor.
Board meeting: Thursday and Friday, May 7-8
The meeting will be held in the Valdez Civic Center, at 314 Clifton Drive. Those interested in attending the Board meeting can do so in person, by teleconference (1-888-788-0099 Meeting ID: 818 2689 3614) or videoconference (link to be added). Visual presentations given during the meeting can be streamed live through the Zoom link or download from the Council’s website when available.
The tentative schedule for the Thursday session is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:35 p.m. On Friday, the meeting is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The meeting is open to the public, except for executive sessions. Public comments are scheduled to be taken on Thursday starting at 9 a.m. Those wishing to speak during public comments are highly encouraged to sign up ahead of time by emailing Jennifer Fleming.
More details on the agenda will be distributed in a press release to be sent out a week ahead of the meeting.