Arctic Refuge 50th Anniversary

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Happy Anniversary to America’s last great wilderness!

To celebrate a milestone in American conservation history, the 50th anniversary of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) created an hour-long, high-definition documentary. It features sweeping views of the Arctic refuge, its wildlife and interviews with the people who know the land the best. Watch the trailer below and be sure to check your local PBS listings to find out when “America’s Wildest Refuge” is airing in your area.

The Arctic Refuge

Fifty years ago, President Eisenhower set aside what is now the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge – arguably the most expansive intact ecosystem in the United States and one of the largest in the world. With its unique wildlife, unspoiled wilderness, cultural heritage and diverse habitats, it is the crown jewel of the Refuge System and vital to protecting America’s wildlife. Among the refuge’s many significant qualities:

  • It is larger than the state of South Carolina, with no roads to interrupt the landscape
  • It is home to more than 250 species of animals, including the threatened polar bear
  • It is a crucial stopping point for 125 varieties of migratory birds from across the world

New Threats

This pristine landscape, and the wild creatures that live there, are threatened by potential oil and gas development. As one of the last expansive wilderness areas left in America, this is the wrong place to drill. Besides destroying habitat, an oil spill in the Arctic could be virtually impossible to contain. Since no technology currently exists for cleaning oil from sea ice in the Arctic waters, oil and other toxic chemicals could stay trapped there for decades, causing catastrophic environmental damage.

How can you help?

Polar Bear Plush | NWRA

DONATE!

For a $50 donation you can choose to receive this beautiful plush polar bear to symbolize your commitment to protecting the Arctic and other refuges around the country. Donate today!

For a $25 donation you can chose to receive this “Protect the Arctic” decal to proudly display your commitment to safeguarding the Arctic and other refuges around the country. Please donate today.

TAKE ACTION!

HOST AN ARCTIC NWR ANNIVERSARY VIDEO VIEWING PARTY!

Invite friends, family and colleagues to watch the Arctic anniversary video together and discuss what an amazing and important place this is to protect. For more information on hosting an Arctic refuge anniversary video viewing party please contact Emily Keller at nwra@refugeassociation.org

Permanent link to this article: http://refugeassociation.org/advocacy/refuge-issues/arctic/arctic-national-wildlife-refuge-50th-anniversary-video/