Anchorage, AK (March 16, 2022) – The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling on Wednesday in support of a Trump-era decision to construct an 11-mile gravel road through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge. The three-judge panel for the court decided 2-1 to reject a district court’s 2020 ruling, potentially resulting in the long-term degradation of Izembek’s designated Wilderness and wetlands.
“This decision not only threatens the irreplaceable Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, but the integrity of our nation’s most important conservation and public land laws,” said David Krause, Interim Executive Director. “Izembek is one of the most unique and important ecosystems on the planet, and we’re fully committed to ensuring its permanent protection.”
More than 82 species of birds are found in the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, located along the Bering Sea. Learn more about the proposed road through Izembek and how it will impact birds, wildlife, and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act here.
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Media Contact:
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.
