"Biden-Harris Administration Protects Alaskan Lands and Tribes"

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The Biden-Harris administration is taking significant steps to protect Alaska's tribal subsistence and vital ecosystems.

Recently, they finalized a decision to reject the Ambler Road proposal, which threatened these areas.

The Ambler Road project was proposed to run through 211 miles of significant wildlife habitats and pristine waters.

These areas are essential for the subsistence activities of tribal communities in north-central Alaska.

The Department of the Interior released the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Ambler Road project, selecting the No Action Alternative.

This means the road will not be built, preserving critical habitats and resources.

A big relief, many believe.

The analysis showed that the proposed road would have required over 3,000 stream crossings and impacted wildlife populations like sheefish and the Western Arctic caribou herd.

These species are vital food sources for Native communities.

The project also posed a risk to permafrost, making it unlikely the road could be reclaimed if built.

This, along with other environmental impacts, informed the decision to reject the road proposal.

Great step towards safeguarding Alaska Native and rural subsistence!

Alongside rejecting the Ambler Road, the administration recommended continued protection of 28 million acres of public lands in Alaska.

The Department of the Interior emphasized their responsibility to manage public lands for the benefit of all people. This includes considering the impacts on Alaska Native and rural subsistence users.

The BLM's analysis found that revoking protections on these lands would harm subsistence hunting and fishing. It would also negatively impact wildlife, vegetation, and permafrost.

The analysis and decision were informed by extensive public comments and consultations with Tribal Nations, Native Corporations, and other stakeholders. Nearly 90,000 public comments were considered.

The actions build on the administration’s efforts to conserve millions of acres in Alaska. This includes protecting over 13 million acres in the western Arctic and 2.8 million acres of the Beaufort Sea.

President Biden aim(ed) to conserve more lands and waters than any other president in history. These measures ensure that critical areas remain intact for future generations.