About Audubon Alaska

Beth Peluso

Audubon Alaska Staff, Spring 2011

Audubon Alaska's mission is to conserve the spectacular natural ecosystems of the Great Land, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats, for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations of all Americans. We use science to identify conservation priorities and support conservation actions and policies, with an emphasis on public lands and waters.

Our current priorities include the conservation of:

• Ecologically important watersheds in the Tongass National Forest;
• Wildlife hotspots in Alaska’s Arctic, both on- and offshore, including the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, key sites within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, and internationally significant wildlife resources and habitats in the Bering, Beaufort, and Chukchi seas;
• Important Bird Areas across the state; and
• Alaska WatchList bird species (i.e., at-risk and declining birds).

Since our establishment in 1977, Audubon Alaska has played crucial roles in many landmark conservation victories across the state, from the Alaska Lands Act in 1980 to the recent deferral of oil and gas leasing at Teshekpuk Lake in the Western Arctic. We are directed by a volunteer state advisory board, and our staff has more than 100 years of combined experience in ecological field research and natural resource policy work in the state. You can learn more about our programs by reading our print and online newsletters.

The following principles guide Audubon Alaska's program, priorities, and operations:

• Healthy ecosystems, with their diverse native wildlife and habitats, are fundamental to sustaining the economy and quality of life in Alaska.
• Conservation actions should be based on sound science, ethical principles, and common sense, including consideration of cultural, economic, historical, and political factors.
• Wildlife and ecosystems should be managed for a diversity of uses, consistent with the state, national, and international interests that benefit from Alaska’s wildlife and wildlands.
• Conservation should be promoted, whenever possible, by demonstrations of its benefits.
• Audubon recognizes and respects the history, culture, and traditional ecological knowledge of Alaska Natives and seeks to work cooperatively with them in pursuit of shared conservation objectives.
• Clear and honest communication, constructive dialogue, and collaborative, proactive approaches are critical for solving conservation problems.
• Mutual trust and respect among Audubon staff and members, various public stakeholders, industry and governments are fundamental for achieving our conservation goals.

Support Audubon Alaska

Audubon Alaska is part of the National Audubon Society, but our office is financially self-sustaining. This means we rely on donations from individuals and foundations, within Alaska and across the continent, to support our ongoing conservation work. Please join us!

Donate: Make a Donation to Audubon Alaska