Public Comment Deadlines

• Comment Period open for Critical Habitat for Southwest Alaska Sea Otters.
• Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge Land Exchange Delayed.

Current Events Calendar
Public Events and Meetings

New World War 2 National Monument Includes Refuge Lands

The World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument was created by Presidential Proclamation on December 5, 2008 by President Bush. Sites on the Aleutian Islands of Attu, Kiska and Atka, all within the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, were included in the monument; as were other locations in Hawaii and California. Bush said the monument would remind generations of Americans of the sacrifices that were made to protect our country, and of the transformative effect of freedom. More...

Critical Habitat Proposed for Southwest Alaska Sea Otters

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed the designation of a total of approximately 15,000 square kilometers of near-shore, shallow waters in five separate critical habitat units for the southwest Alaska Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of the northern sea otter. Since 2005, this population of otters has been protected as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The proposed rule, which includes the announcement of the opening of a 60-day comment period, was published today in the Federal Register. More... (pdf)

New Rule Unifies Domestic and International Conservation Laws to Manage Polar Bear

Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne announced today that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has finalized a Special Rule under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) providing for the conservation of the polar bear. While implementing important protections provided by the ESA, the special rule, in most instances, adopts existing conservation requirements for the polar bear under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The Service protected the polar bear as a threatened species under the ESA on May 15, 2008. More... (pdf)

Special Rule Questions & Answers (pdf)

Alaska Archaeologist Wins Department Recognition

Deborah Corbett, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service historic preservation officer for the state of Alaska, which is home to 16 national wildlife refuges spanning more than 78 million acres, received one of four Secretary of the Interior Historic Preservation Awards from Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne December 4, 2008.  This is the first year for the annual award program.  Corbett was the single winner in the Federal Preservation Office category.  “I’d like to join Secretary of the Interior, Dirk Kempthorne, in congratulating Debbie on her exemplary work in Alaska.  She has worked hard to conserve Alaska’s rich cultural resources and this recognition is well deserved,” Alaska’s Regional Director Geoff Haskett said today. More...

Kanuti: The Long View, revised long-term managment plan completed

Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge recently completed its long-term management plan, also called a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP). This plan will provide refuge staff with management guidance, including specific goals and objectives, for the next 15 years. The final plan represents the culmination of a four-year effort that included public involvement, consultations with stakeholders, an extensive peer-review of the biological program, writing and analysis, editing and public review. The final record of decision to implement the plan was signed by the Service's Regional Director Tom Melius in August 2008. In late fall 2008 a summary of the plan will be published and distributed to all who participated in the process. Refuge Manager Mike Spindler said he "appreciates the involvement and participation in the planning process by both the local village public and stakeholders throughout Alaska. We view the public involvement process as a valuable 'pulse check' on the work that we are doing." More...

“Get Outdoors - It’s Yours”
Linking People, Health and Nature

Secretary Kempthorne, along with the Jonas Brothers, popular young pop musicians, announced a new initiative “Get Outdoors – It’s Yours” on October 14, 2008, with a video public service announcement.  They encourage people to get outside and enjoy America’s public lands.

In Fairbanks, Alaska, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Friends of Creamer’s Field and the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center began doing just that in June, 2008. The Healthy Walk in the Woods program is an innovative new community partnership to get people outside where they can enjoy nature…and improve their health!  Numerous studies demonstrate the physical and mental health benefits of regular exercise, and an increasing amount of research indicates it is also healthy for adults and children to simply spend time in nature.  More... (pdf)