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© J. Schoen

Audubon contributes to the conservation of natural ecosystems in Alaska by advocating public policies that are based on sound science, ethical principles and common sense. The primary goal of the Public Policy program is the conservation of nationally and internationally significant fish and wildlife populations and their habitats, especially on public lands and waters in Alaska. Historically, Audubon has played key roles in passage of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act in 1980, creation of the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve in 1982, and the defense of the National Wildlife Refuge System, including Alaska Maritime, Arctic and Izembek refuges.

Increasingly, Audubon's role within the Alaskan conservation community is to bring scientific perspective and support to broader, collective efforts to defend or advance conservation-oriented public policies, primarily at the federal level. Audubon maintains the flexibility and capacity to identify and respond to new threats through its Public Policy program.

Ongoing projects include:

• Seek permanent protection for priority areas in the Arctic, including the coastal plan of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and key sites within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (e.g., Teshekpuk Lake, Colville-Utukok uplands);
• Seek permanent protection for priority roadless areas in the Tongass and Chugach national forests; and
• Monitor and defend wildlife populations and ecosystems on public lands, especially in the National Wildlife Refuge System.