Alaska Brief Newsletter – September 2015

Dear Supporter:

Izembek Wilderness Protected!
Court Upholds Decision Against Land Swap and Road

Black brandt stop during migration to feed on the rich eelgrass beds in Izembek Lagoon. Photo by USFWS

The court issued a fantastic ruling to keep the Wilderness of the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge intact. The lagoon complex of the refuge is a globally important ecosystem for migrating birds.

To allow a land swap and road would be the first time designated Wilderness would be stripped of protection for a road. The purpose of Wilderness is to remain “untrammeled.”

Trustees for Alaska represented eight conservation groups in the City of King Cove and the State of Alaska’s challenge to the Interior Secretary’s decision to deny a land trade and road through the refuge. The court found that the Secretary followed the law in all respects.

We hope that now there can be a public debate about a solution to address King Cove’s needs while protecting public lands and Wilderness.

Learn more about the Izembek Wilderness victory

Here’s to Wilderness!

Vicki Clark
Executive Director

READ ALL THE STORIES IN THIS ISSUE:

Read all the stories in this issue:

Protecting Alaska’s Western Arctic: National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska

Arctic Shipping Heating Up: As Ice Retreats Ships Will Come

Chad Carter Joins Trustees’ Staff As Office Manager

Subscribe to the newsletter to receive the Alaska Brief direct in your inbox. Subscribe