Stretching from the northern foothills of the Brooks Range, across the coastal plain, and out into the Beaufort and Chukchi seas, is America’s only Arctic ecosystem. America’s Arctic is endangered by the Bush Administration’s full-scale oil and gas leasing plans, which would result in simultaneous development across virtually the entire length and width of the North Slope, both on- and offshore.
The ecological integrity of the North Slope is at serious risk from unplanned, piecemeal and damaging development. The most biologically rich and recognized wildlife and wilderness values of the region are not permanently protected. A balanced approach to the management of these natural resources is needed to protect the most sensitive areas, resources and cultures.
The biological heart of the eastern Arctic is the 1.5 million acre coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The Arctic Refuge offers a unique opportunity to preserve an intact arctic ecosystem from south of the Brooks Range to the Arctic ocean in a single administrative unit. Occupying 5% of Alaska’s North Slope, the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge is the only stretch of coastline legally off limits to drilling.
The core of America’s western Arctic lies in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. Comprising 23 million acres NPRA is the largest expanse of unprotected public land in the nation. In 1976 Congress transferred management of NPRA to DOI and required “maximum protection” of fish, wildlife and other surface values during petroleum exploration in the Reserve. The coastal plain of NPRA is much wider and wetter than in the Arctic Refuge. NPRA’s complex system of coastal lagoons, deep water lakes, wet meadows and rivers are especially important to nesting and molting waterfowl, loons and shorebirds. Alaska’s North Slope is our nation’s only arctic ecosystem. These public lands, gifts of unspoiled grandeur, flourishing lakes and rivers, and ample wildlife are a rare and precious resource. Alaska is our last great chance to do it right, to demonstrate to ourselves and to future generations that we are thoughtful, responsible, and inspired stewards of our natural heritage.
To see a short video on the Arctic Refuge CLICK HERE.
Sign On Letters:Over 250 Alaska Coalition organizations and businesses, 22 faith communities and 77 Alaska businesses signed onto letters to President Obama asking him to give the Arctic Refuge the strongest protections possible:
Alaska Coalition Arctic 50th Anniversary Sign On Letter
