News

Department of the Interior Commits to Protecting NPR-A (Western Arctic)

Special areas and more protective operating procedures will protect bird species and habitat

ANCHORAGE, AK (April 25, 2022) – Today, Audubon Alaska celebrates the Department of the Interior’s announcement of a new Record of Decision (ROD) to strengthen the management of the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska (NPR-A). This decision includes more protective lease stipulations and operating procedures for threatened and endangered species. It also restores Special Area protections for places like the Teshekpuk Lake wetlands complex and the Colville/Kuukpik River.

In response, Audubon Alaska released the following statement from Interim Executive Director, David Krause:

“Today’s announcement is a wonderful first step in better managing the Western Arctic for conservation, climate change, and communities. The Western Arctic has globally significant ecological values and is culturally irreplaceable for the Alaska Native people of the region. If this landscape and its wildlife are going to be resilient in an increasingly warming Arctic, the Reserve’s stewardship needs to live up to the challenge of climate change.”

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Since 1977, Audubon Alaska's mission is to conserve the spectacular natural ecosystems of the state, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats, for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations. Audubon Alaska uses science to identify conservation priorities and support conservation actions and policies, with an emphasis on public lands and waters. Audubon Alaska is a state office of the National Audubon Society. Learn more at www.AudubonAlaska.org.

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Media Contact

Katrina Peavey

katrina.peavey@audubon.org

907-433-5300

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