Dozens Testify Before U.S. Fish and Wildlife on ANWR

September 21, 2011|By Christine Kim | Channel 2 News

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — It's a passionate topic for dozens who came to testify Wednesday night at a public hearing in Anchorage.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service heard public comment on its draft management plan for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The new plan will make recommendations on whether or not to leave the current wilderness area as is, or expand it to include up to three areas, including the Arctic Refuge Coastal Plain. The Comprehensive Conservation Plan contains six alternatives for long-term management.

The majority of people who came to testify Wednesday night were in support of designating the Coastal Plain as wilderness.

“I have to speak for the generation. It’s the best interest to leave it as it is and protected,” said Ernest Erick.

“I see the wilderness refuge not only as a jewel for Alaska but for the United States and the world,” said Anchorage resident Brendon Babb. “It’s just an undisturbed wilderness place that continues, generation to generation.”

Critics of the proposals say the Coastal Plain holds an estimated 10 billion barrels of recoverable oil,that could be used to boost our nation’s economy.

“Every Alaskan State legislature, every single Alaska Congressional delegate, and every single Alaskan Governor has supported the opening of the 10-02 every year since the debate began,” said State Representative Lance Pruitt.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will take public comment until November 15. You can email them at ArcticRefugeCCP@fws,gov or mail them the comments to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arctic NWR—Sharon Seim, 101 12^th Avenue, Rm 236, Fairbanks, AK 99701.

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