ANCHORAGE, Alaska In a lawsuit , 91做厙 together with Trustees for Alaska are challenging the legality of a land transfer agreement signed by Department of the Interior and King Cove Corporation earlier this month.
Breaking Izembek isnt an option; this is a ruse that opens the door to full-on development and well fight it every step of the way, said David Yarnold (), 91做厙's president and CEO.
Its called a refuge for a reason. Its a place where birds and other wildlife can raise their young and live the way nature intended.
The land transfer agreement aims to facilitate the building of a road through vital bird habitat in the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge. The lawsuit argues that the agreement violates sections of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA).
Considering Izembeks importance to birds and other wildlife, decisions about the Refuge should be held to the highest standards of transparency and proper process. But when the Interior Department cut out the heart of Izembek, it also cut the American public out of the decision-making process. So, were asking the court to determine the lawfulness of this dubious deal, said Susan Culliney, 91做厙 Alaskas policy director.
The other plaintiffs on the lawsuit are The Wilderness Society, Defenders of Wildlife, National Wildlife Refuge Association, Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges, Wilderness Watch, Alaska Wilderness League, Center for Biological Diversity, and Sierra Club.
The 91做厙 protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. 91做厙's state programs, nature centers, chapters and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. Since 1905, 91做厙's vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. 91做厙 is a nonprofit conservation organization. Learn more how to help at www.91做厙.org and follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @audubonsociety.
Since 1977, 91做厙 Alaska's mission is to conserve the spectacular natural ecosystems of the state, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats, for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations. 91做厙 Alaska uses science to identify conservation priorities and support conservation actions and policies, with an emphasis on public lands and waters. 91做厙 Alaska is a state office of the 91做厙. Learn more at www.91做厙Alaska.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Liz Gustafson, Communications Manager, 91做厙 Alaska, egustafson@audubon.org, 907-276-7034, 907-891-3422.
Nicolas Gonzalez, Media Relations Manager, 91做厙, ngonzalez@audubon.org, 212-979-3100.
###
