The Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska is one of the most important migratory bird staging and wintering habitats in the world—and it is under threat. 

Take action to reject a land exchange that would permanently damage the Refuge by allowing the construction of a privatized road through a designated Wilderness area. 

Izembek is a crucial stopover for many birds migrating to and from Arctic breeding grounds. The area supports virtually all the world’s Pacific Brant, more than half the world population of Emperor Geese, and a tremendous portion of Steller's Eiders and Taverner's Cackling Geese. In addition, the Refuge provides a migration corridor for caribou and bears, and is a vital habitat for a host of other wildlife.  

Building a road through the Refuge would cause permanent damage to globally important wetlands. More than 75 Alaska Native Tribes have submitted formal resolutions opposing a potential road or land exchange in Izembek. This proposed federal land exchange undermines the protection of almost all of the 150 million acres in Alaska covered by one of our nation’s most important conservation and public land laws—the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA).  

The Secretary of the Interior does not have the authority to trade away Wilderness lands, and doing so would set a dangerous precedent endangering National Wildlife Refuges and Wilderness areas across Alaska.  

Access to services and economic development does not need to come at the expense of irreplaceable habitat. There are better, more reliable alternatives to building this road that will not irreparably harm Izembek, undermine bedrock conservation laws, and set dangerous precedent. 

Please tell the Department of the Interior to reject the privatized road and support proven, win-win solutions for people and wildlife. The deadline to send your letter is December 30.