The Arctic is all around us. Every year, birds that begin their lives on the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge journey to all 50 states and across six continents, before heading back to the Arctic, where the cycle of life begins again. The Arctic is the origin of life for more than just birds – numerous species of mammals bear their young on this vast expanse of tundra including polar bears, caribou and more. As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Arctic Refuge, we must do everything we can to be sure that this last wild haven remains protected for generations to come.
- ACTION: S231 (Bill to designate a portion of the Arctic Refuge as wilderness) – There are currently 26 cosponsors. If your senator hasn't already done so, please encourage him/her to become a cosponsor.
- ACTION: HR39 (Udall-Eisenhower Arctic Wilderness Act) – Currently, there are 114 cosponsors. Please check here to see if your representative is a cosponsor. If not, please encourage him/her to sign on now by clicking here!
- UPDATE: U.S. Congress, CONSERVATION Groups call for the strongest possible protections for the arctic national wildlife refuge - 57 Members of U.S. Congress Send Letter to President Obama Calling for the Strongest Protections of the Iconic Arctic Refuge on its 50th Anniversary - In early October, Representative Edward Markey (D-MA) led a letter, signed by 56 other Members of the House of Representatives to President Obama, calling for the strongest possible protections for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge during this historic year – the 50th anniversary of its original creation. Despite numerous battles to open the Refuge for drilling throughout the years, strong bi-partisan support has kept the Refuge protected. The House Members stated in the letter that, “now is the time to grant the Refuge the strong, long-term protections it deserves so that we can pass this unspoiled American treasure to our children and grandchildren.” A recent poll shows that a vast majority of Americans support commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Refuge by granting it stronger protections. The poll showed that more than 60 percent of Americans would like to see the Arctic Refuge recognized at a level on par with other pristine landmarks such as the Grand Canyon, Muir Woods, and Yellowstone. As Representative Markey, chairman of the twin energy committees in the U.S. Congress said, “The BP Deepwater Horizon spill of nearly 5 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico this summer was one of the worst environmental disasters in our nation’s history. The BP spill is a stark reminder that when it comes to oil drilling there is no such thing as ‘immaculate extraction.’ On the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Arctic Refuge, the time has come to grant this unique and pristine American treasure the strong protections that it deserves.”
- UPDATE: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced on September 27 that it would exercise its authority under federal law to conduct a wilderness review for nearly all non-Wilderness areas of the Arctic Refuge, including the Coastal Plain, as part of the Comprehensive Conservation Planning (CCP) process. This will determine if these areas should be designated as Wilderness. While the Arctic Refuge is the only National Wildlife Refuge in the United States that was created specifically for its wilderness values, a full wilderness study of the Coastal Plain has never been conducted.
- UPDATE: Americans Call for Stronger Protections for the Arctic Refuge - October 18 marked 50 days until the 50th Anniversary of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - On October 18, Americans from across the country called on President Obama to ask for the strongest protections possible for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge on its 50th anniversary. Schoolchildren, teachers, and concerned citizens – over 12,000 participants – celebrated the anniversary across the country in the largest nationwide kite flying event. Over 200 events occurred across the country in 32 states.
- MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS: Kit DesLauriers to present “Journey Through The Arctic Refuge”; House Dems push for more ANWR protection; Arctic National Wildlife Refuge 50th Anniversary - A Pictorial Odyssey Amidst Renewed Debate; Consider a wilderness designation; Research rockets rain down on ANWR; Operation “Drill, Baby, Drill” Goes Bust
- RADIO STORIES/ VIDEOS: Indelible images capture ANWR's beauty; PROBLEMS IN THE ALASKAN WILDERNESS
- EVENTS: Steven Kazlowski (The Last Polar Bear photographer) exhibit up in Portland –November 10th at Cheatham Hall & Discovery Museum 7:00 - 9:00pm
As part of our continued efforts to protect special places within the Reserv
