Protecting America’s unique Arctic ecosystems
Stretching from the Canadian border to the Chukchi Sea, south to the Brooks Range and north to the edge of the polar ice cap is America’s only high Arctic ecosystem. It is a vast expanse of land that includes a complex network of treeless tundra, coastal lagoons, wetlands, streams and rivers that provide habitat for some of the largest and most unique concentrations of wildlife on the North American continent. LEARN MORE >
Addressing the impacts of global warming on Alaska’s communities and ecosystems
Global warming is devastating ecosystems in Alaska. The Arctic is experiencing warming at a rate much greater than the rest of the country. Coastal communities are eroding into the sea. Animals are changing their seasonal behaviors in ways that make subsistence hunting more challenging. Forest fires are intensifying, bark beetle infestations are devastating forests in Southcentral Alaska, and melting permafrost, which the military used as a storage mechanism to dispose of toxic wastes, is releasing that waste into water sources and wildlife habitats. LEARN MORE >
Protecting Alaska’s vast marine ecosystems
Alaska has more than 38,000 miles of coastline – more than all of the lower 48 states combined. These previously pristine marine ecosystems are now threatened by industrial development and inadequate federal and state planning. Even Alaska’s world-famous fisheries are showing signs of environmental disruption. LEARN MORE >
Protecting Alaska’s spectacular wilderness areas, parks, wildlife refuges, forests, rivers and other public lands and waters
Some of America’s greatest natural treasures are currently protected in Alaska, but many are threatened by increased motorized access, new road construction, oil and gas exploration, mining, and other inappropriate development. Trustees for Alaska provides legal assistance to groups and individuals participating in the appropriate management of these national interest public lands. LEARN MORE >
Assuring clean air, clean water, and continued access to subsistence resources
Alaskans have some of the cleanest air and water in the world. The development pressure on Alaska’s environment, however, has never been greater. Currently there is an unprecedented increase in the number of large mines being proposed throughout Alaska. LEARN MORE >
Promoting biodiversity for Alaska’s wildlife
Alaska still has a rich diversity of wildlife. Trustees for Alaska is taking action to protect species that are on the brink of extinction and to promote responsible fish and game management. Trustees for Alaska will continue to provide legal counselto promote healthy populations of whales, wolves, bears and waterfowl across the state. LEARN MORE >
Preventing the destructive impacts of mining
Mining represents one of the greatest threats facing Alaska's wilderness ecosystems and rural communities. Although the State has seen only a handful of large mines actually developed, more and larger mines are currently in the exploration stages. And the State's regulatory system is completely inadequate to ensure a thorough and fair review of proposed mines, effective monitoring of mine operations, or enforcement of environmental standards. LEARN MORE >