WILD ALASKA BLOG

A Timeline of a Shifting Political Landscape in the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska

By Monica Scherer | September 17, 2024

The National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska (Western Arctic) is our nation’s largest single unit of public land, spanning nearly 23 million acres (roughly the size of Indiana) across Alaska’s North Slope. The Western Arctic is recognized for its globally significant habitat that sustains essential wildlife, like migratory birds, caribou, polar bears, walruses, beluga whales and…

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Alaska Wilderness League Urges Biden Administration to Establish Protections for New Special Areas in America’s Arctic

By Sophia Grande | September 16, 2024

Following the completion of the Department of the Interior’s Request for Information (RFI) process on potential new and expanded Special Areas in the Western Arctic, Alaska Wilderness League Executive Director Kristen Miller released the following statement:

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Happy National Wildlife Day: Little-Known Talents of Well-Known Wildlife

By Hilary Stamper | September 4, 2024

Today, we’re giving a grrrrrrrrreat big shoutout to some of the lesser-known talents of well-known creatures relying on the landscapes in Alaska that you help protect. From the wetlands of the Western Arctic to the tips of the trees in the Tongass National Forest, these talon-ted wild wonders have what it takes to survive. Read…

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Secretary Haaland Secures 28 Million Acres of Land Protections for Alaska

By Anja Semanco | August 27, 2024

Today, the Biden administration and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced an order to solidify protections for 28 million acres of Alaska. 

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From Arctic Village to Advocacy: Danica Carey’s Journey to Protect America’s Arctic

By Guest Blog | August 12, 2024

In July of 2023, blog author Danica Carey traveled to the Arctic Refuge with four other women as part of a collaboration between Alaska Wilderness League and Love is King. This blog interview is an account of her experience, both in the Arctic Refuge and then more recently advocating in D.C. It’s been about a…

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What the Chevron Ruling Means for the League 

By Anja Semanco | August 1, 2024

Since 1984 – under what was known as the “Chevron doctrine” – courts in the United States deferred to agency interpretations of ambiguous laws passed by Congress. This gave federal agencies the leniency and power to interpret unclear laws, under the idea that agencies – with expertise in applicable science, public consultation, and a depth…

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Protecting America’s Arctic: Battling Backlash Against Conservation Efforts 

By League Staff | July 16, 2024

In the wake of Earth Day, the Biden administration took a significant step forward for environmental conservation by announcing regulations safeguarding 13 million acres in the Western Arctic. This move not only signified a commitment to preserving vital ecosystems – especially around the Arctic’s five Special Areas – but also set the stage for future conservation efforts. However, the path to progress is not always straightforward, especially when political agendas clash with environmental stewardship. 

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Biden Administration Takes Next Step to Advance Statutory Protections for America’s Arctic

By Monica Scherer | July 12, 2024

Request for information could result in stronger protections for most vulnerable places in Alaska’s Western Arctic

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New Corporate Partner Joins the Ranks

By League Staff | July 3, 2024

Alaska Wilderness League is fortunate to work with an incredible slate of corporate partners and supporters to help advance strong protections for Alaska public lands and waters. Today, the League is excited to welcome a new brand among these ranks: TeamPlanting.   TeamPlanting is the newest partner to join a growing group of businesses and organizations…

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Championing the Western Arctic: A Landmark Conservation Milestone for 2024

By League Staff | July 2, 2024

In the spring of 2024, President Biden took a monumental step in conservation, enacting new protections for over 13 million acres in the Western Arctic — the nation’s largest single unit of public land. This landmark regulation represents a significant victory for Alaska Wilderness League, culminating from thousands of hours of dedicated effort by our staff and supporters. 

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