In the far northeast corner of Alaska lies one of America’s great natural treasures, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Its 19 million acres comprise one of the last places on earth where an intact expanse of arctic and subarctic lands remain protected. It is considered the crown jewel of America’s National Wildlife Refuge System. And yet this truly undisturbed wilderness -- a last vestige of the American frontier that helped shape and define our national identity -- is today in grave danger of being destroyed by those seeking short-term oil profits at the expense of this spectacular national treasure.

While the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance primarily focuses on local issues, we have been engaged with the Arctic Refuge campaign for several years.  Many people believe that the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is the last great wilderness in America and that if we lose this area we will ultimately lose a piece of ourselves. That is why our organization has written articles, given presentations and continues to talk to our members about this wild landscape.

In 2005, long-time Arctic activist, Ken Madsen presented "Malkom the Birder Boy" at NMWA's Public Lands Rally. Since then he has become a friend of NMWA, presenting at the 2006 Wilderness Conference, and has worked with activists in NM to help create more awareness for the Refuge throughout New Mexico.

In June of 2007 he and his family will begin a 10,000 mile fossil-fuel-free bicycling journey from Whitehorse, Yukon to Florida. Their purpose is to promote the idea of reducing one's use of fossil fuels in the pursuit of wild birds. Traveling from the Arctic Refuge to six continents and all fifty states, migratory birds give us a personal connection and a reason to be invested in habitat conservation efforts in North and Central America.

Funding their trip out of their own pockets, they are hoping to raise money for preservation and restoration projects. NMWA is helping them to do this by fielding donations from their sponsorship web page and sending them on to the projects they have chosen. You can make a secure online donation here: https://secure.ga1.org/05/BirdYear

To learn more about Ken Madsen, Wendy and Malkolm Boothroyd and their Bird Year project, go to: www.BirdYear.com

Timeline:

As of this date, the fate of the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is uncertain.  The Bush administration’s current budget proposal includes provisions to allow drilling and has little chance of getting through Congress.

On January 4 , 2007 Congressman Ed Markey (D-Mass) and Congressman Jim Ramstad (R-Minn) introduced HR 39, the Udall-Eisenhower Arctic Wilderness Act.  Passage of this bill would designate the 1.5 million acre Coastal Plain as wilderness.  So far 128 members have signed on to sponsor the bill, including Rep. Tom Udall.  They should all be commended.  Recent contacts with Rep. Heather Wilson’s office indicate she has no interest in supporting the bill, citing “state sovereignty.”

On February 7 the bill was referred to the House Natural Resources subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands. It is in the first stage of the legislative process where the bill may undergo significant changes in markup sessions.

We are hopeful a similar bill will be introduced in the Senate.  Senator Jeff Bingaman, as chairman of the Energy & Natural Resources committee, is in a unique position to help move such legislation forward.  Recent contacts with his office indicate he might be supportive of such a bill, but it would depend on how it is written.

Legislation in support of wilderness designation would most likely be vetoed by President Bush.  We are hoping to gain momentum in the House and Senate with an optimistic look at a more receptive administration in the future.