The Western Arctic’s formal name, the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, masks the area’s extraordinary wildlife, wilderness, and natural values. The Western Arctic’s extensive network of wetlands supports world-class populations of golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and other birds of prey, along with millions of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, and moose roam the foothills, beluga whales and spotted seals swim freely in icy coastal lagoons, and Arctic poppies and cotton grass dance in the wind. The Western Arctic is an area of untrammeled wildness and peace… but for how long?

The Bush administation announced its final environmental impact statement for oil and gas leasing in the nearly 9 million acre northwest planning area of the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska on November 20. Depite the urging of more than 95,000 Americans and 100 scientists for a more common sense balance between development and conservation of this special wild place, the administration chose to allow leasing on 100 percent of this area. Conservationists had argued for a management plan that would allow oil and gas leasing, but would protect such sensitive and wildlife-rich areas as the Kasegaluk Lagoon, Peard Bay, Dease Inlet-Meade River, Southern Ikpikpuk River, and Colville River Special Area.

We invite you to tour ArcticGems.org and learn more about our Western Arctic wild lands. Click here to learn what is happening right now on this important issue.