Wilderness Protection for the Arctic Refuge
In 2007, we witnessed the introduction of two pieces of legislation that would protect the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.  In the House, Representatives Markey (D-MA) and Ramstad (R-MN) introduced HR 39, the Udall-Eisenhower Arctic Wilderness Act.  Since January, 148 members of Congress have cosponsored this bill, officially demonstrating their support for this important legislation.  Urge your member of Congress to join this group of courageous representatives and help build momentum toward permanent protections for the Arctic Refuge.

In the Senate, Senator Lieberman introduced the Arctic Wilderness Act.  Sen. Lieberman was supported by 25 senators in submitting the Wilderness legislation.  Like the House bill, the Arctic Wilderness Act would end the decades old debate over oil drilling and would permanently protect the most biologically rich and culturally significant portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.  Contact your senators and ask them to support this important bill.

Wilderness Protection for the Tongass National Forest
This fall, Representative DeLauro (D-CT) introduced the Alaska Rainforest Conservation Act, a bill that would designate as Wilderness or otherwise protect much of what remains wild in the Tongass National Forest.  Over the years, the Tongass has suffered from excessive clearcut logging practices. More than half of the most important old growth trees in the Tongass have been lost to clearcutting, fracturing critical wildlife habitat and scarring the land.  With the Alaska Rainforest Conservation Act, Congress now has the opportunity to protect what remains of these old growth stands.  Forty-four members of Congress have already signed on to the bill as cosponsors.  Take action for the Tongass and ask your representative to take to stand to protect the Tongass’ ancient trees.