WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 15, 2022) - The Bureau of Land Management has announced an informal public scoping comment period to encourage a meaningful review of the Willow Master Development Plan (MDP) in the northeastern part of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). The deadline for comments is March 9, 2022.
In August 2021, the US District Court ruled that the permits issued under the Trump administration were illegal and did not adequately address the impacts the project would have on the environment, wildlife, and climate. A portion of the proposed development would take place within the globally significant Teshekpuk Lake Special Area, a place of profound cultural importance that’s been protected for decades for nesting Yellow-billed Loons, molting geese, and caribou.
“This comment period is a necessary step in fully analyzing and disclosing the true impacts of this proposed development,” said David Krause, director of conservation at Audubon Alaska. “The Willow Master Development Plan poses significant risks to not only one of the most unique and fragile bird habitats in the world, but also to human health and our climate.”
Audubon Alaska encourages your support in telling the Bureau of Land Management to reconsider this misguided project and to protect the Teshekpuk Lake wetlands complex, which is one of the most ecologically important habitats in the entire Arctic and home to over 600,000 shorebirds that breed there each year.
Submit your comments via our Action Alert here: https://act.audubon.org/a/protect-teshekpuk-lake
###
Media Contacts:
Katrina Peavey, Audubon Alaska, 907-433-5300, katrina.peavey@audubon.org
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 has been conserving the spectacular natural ecosystems of Alaska for people, birds, and other wildlife. 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 ak.audubon.org.
