Final comments are needed to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to stop a destructive road through pristine waterfowl habitat in Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.  Complete information at http:izembek.fws.gov/EIS.htm  This is another attempt by big oil to put a road next to a priceless waterfowl lagoon.  More information on talking points will follow but it's clear tax payers have already spent enough on the hovercraft.  The road would be impassable in winter.  Phyllis
 

Comments needed by May 7 to stop road through Izembek Wildlife Refuge

 

Your participation is needed! Support a No Action Alternative that preserves the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge Wilderness and its world-class natural resources and to tell decision-makers that it’s in the public interest to protect this national and international treasure.

 

Take this opportunity to oppose a road that would destroy forever the wilderness character of the refuge, remove Wilderness protection, and permanently compromise this fragile landscape and designated Wetland of International Significance and Important Bird Area. The proposed road would bisect the ecological heart of the Izembek Refuge Wilderness.

 

To comply with a Congressional mandate, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service prepared for public comment an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the proposed road through the refuge’s Congressionally-designated Wilderness. The road would be an additional enormous cost to taxpayers and would not meet the stated goal of year-round, reliable transportation access from King Cove to an airport in Cold Bay, Alaska. This problem was solved when $37.5 million in

federal tax dollars was given to King Cove for a state-of-the art hovercraft, road improvements and medical facility upgrades, through Senator Stevens’ 1998 King Cove Health & Safety Act.

 

The EIS includes a No Action Alternative, which Sierra Club and other

organizations support. This approach saves further spending of American taxpayer dollars and protects the natural environment, while saving lives. The No Action Alternative supports resuming operation of the 98-foot hovercraft, which can travel in wave heights up to 10-feet and in winds over 45 miles per hour. It can carry 50 passengers as well as an ambulance and freight. The U.S. taxpayer bought King Cove this vessel in 2008. The $9 million state-of-the-art hovercraft has transported over 30 individuals in a medical emergency with 100% success.

 

Your input is critical. Please let the Fish and Wildlife Service know you

support the No Action Alternative.YES to the No Action Alternative

 

Comments submitted to: Stephanie Brady, Project Team Leader

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service                     Email: [log in to unmask]

1011 East Tuder Rd., MS-231                    Phone 907-786-3357

Anchorage, AK 99593                                 Fax: 907-786-3965 

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