Below is a thank you letter written by David Raskin, Officer of Friends
of Alaska Refuges,  who has been instrumental in providing scientific
information to those of us who are not scientists to aid us in writing
letters to USFWS with reasons to deny this road--like other issues this
had gone on for years!!!.  He has worked tirelessly with the Alaska
coalition, at times with meetings of all the CEOs of Environmental
groups--at the end they were weekly and I was able to attend some by
conference call.  This is the best example of science proving a road was
not necessary with all the damage it would do to global, prime habitat
for so many waterfowl, resident, migratory, and eel grass beds--science
and facts never stopped big business as now we have drilling in the
arctic ocean above the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge--SO I CONSIDER
THIS WIN HUGE.

Sierra Club was involved and we in Iowa need to write Sally Jewell a
thank you letter too.  Her address is listed and in David's letter are a
number of facts you can rely on to be right.  Hope every IA Sierran will
celebrate this win for pristine wilderness and thank her.  Phyllis



The Honorable Sally Jewell
Department of the Interior
1849 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20240
 
Dear Secretary Jewell:
 
On behalf of the Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges, I would
like to express our heartfelt thanks for your courageous decision to
support the scientifically-based recommendation of the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service to reject the proposed road and land exchange in Izembek
National Wildlife Refuge. Your leadership and foresight in protecting our
special public lands and wildlife is greatly appreciated by our
volunteers who work closely with the dedicated Fish and Wildlife
personnel by assisting their efforts to preserve and enhance all of the
16 magnificent Alaska Refuges.
 
Your action not only serves to maintain this special habitat and its
abundant wildlife, but it also protects the traditional subsistence
activities of Alaska Natives and other Alaskans who depend on its
resources. By rejecting the proposed road and land exchange, you have
prevented the first ever de-authorization of congressionally-designated
wilderness that could open the door to additional incursions into our
National Wilderness System.
 
We look forward to further opportunities to work with you on the Obama
Administration’s programs to protect our environment and preserve our
wonderful natural resources for the fish and wildlife that depend on them
to the benefit and enjoyment of all Americans. 
 
Sincerely yours,
 
 
 
David C. Raskin
Past President and Advocacy Chair
 

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