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ANCHORAGE, AK - The current land management plan operating in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) is a gold standard for balance between conservation and development in the Western Arctic of Alaska. Yet the Trump administration announced today plans to disturb that balance by launching the redo of the NPR-A plan (known as the Integrated Activity Plan, or IAP).

“Despite its industrial name, wildlife abound in the NPR-A,” said Susan Culliney, Policy Director of Լ����Ƶ Alaska. “The current plan allows for development in some areas, while also protecting ecological hotspots like Teshekpuk Lake. We have significant data that shows how important this area is for molting geese, half a million shorebirds, all four species of eider, tens of thousands of caribou, and denning polar bears. Any new plan must protect this vital wildlife habitat.”

The current plan—finalized in 2013—was the result of a comprehensive multi-year process. That process included extensive consideration of many perspectives and an analysis of the best available science. The existing plan also abides by the 1976 statute governing the NPR-A, which requires that any petroleum development “assures the maximum protection” of surface values such as “subsistence, recreational, fish and wildlife, or historical or scenic value.” Ecologically vital areas like the Teshekpuk Lake wetlands complex is placed off-limits to development, while development in other parts of the NPR-A is allowed.

Recent statements from Department of Interior officials indicate the Trump administration wants to use the new planning process to roll back protections for sensitive areas in the NPR-A that are currently off-limits to oil and gas leasing. This includes Teshekpuk Lake.

“There are only a handful of places in all of North America that are as important for birds and wildlife as Teshekpuk Lake and the surrounding wetlands,” said Sarah Greenberger, Senior VP of Conservation Policy for Լ����Ƶ. “Opening up this special place to more oil and gas drilling is short-sighted and contrary to the collaborative approach that resulted in the existing plan that balances conservation and responsible development.”

By unnecessarily redoing the NPR-A Plan, the Department of the Interior is putting the Teshekpuk Lake area at serious risk of development. Լ����Ƶ plans to participate in the IAP process every step of the way.

“We will contribute the best available science, which will yet again demonstrate that the wildlife habitat at Teshekpuk Lake is just too special to drill,” Culliney said. “Some places, regardless of oil potential, must be maintained for wildlife. Recognizing this proper balance is our shared responsibility for generations to come.”

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Since 1977, Լ����Ƶ 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. Լ����Ƶ Alaska uses science to identify conservation priorities and support conservation actions and policies, with an emphasis on public lands and waters. Լ����Ƶ Alaska is a state office of the Լ����Ƶ. Learn more at www.Լ����ƵAlaska.org.

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Media Contacts

Susan Culliney, Policy Director, Լ����Ƶ Alaska sculliney@audubon.org, 907.276.7034

Rebecca Sentner, Communications Manager, Լ����Ƶ Alaska rsentner@audubon.org, 907.276.7034

Nick Gonzales, Media Relations Manager, Լ����Ƶ, ngonzales@audubon.org, 212.979.3068