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