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WASHINGTON — Earlier today that the Department of the Interior has agreed to (but not yet signed) a land transfer with King Cove Corporation in order to facilitate the building of a road through federally designated wilderness and internationally recognized bird habitat in the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).

“The war on wildlife just continues to spread. Izembek and Alaska’s Arctic Refuge are both under attack by the administration and Congress and the justifications are simply not true. Refuges were set aside to care for the most special places in America and what we’re seeing is a methodical dismantling of the wilderness we should be gifting to generations to come,” said David Yarnold, () President and CEO of 51�������.

Except for limited details acquired in October by the Defenders of Wildlife through a Freedom of Information Act Request, the public has mostly been in the dark about the deliberations between Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and the King Cove Corporation. “Considering the potentially devastating ramifications of this decision for birds, other wildlife, and our nation’s public lands, it’s concerning that this transfer was executed behind closed doors,” said Susan Culliney, 51������� Alaska’s Policy Director.

Izembek is recognized as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, and the lagoons at Izembek NWR and the overlapping Izembek State Game Refuge comprise an Important Bird Area (IBA) of global importance for several waterfowl species. “Izembek supports an astounding number of waterfowl,” said Nils Warnock, 51������� Alaska’s Executive Director. “Birds like the Emperor Goose, Brant, and Steller’s Eider rely on Izembek’s vast eelgrass beds where they can go through molt, feed, and fatten up for migration undisturbed by humans.” Many mammals also use the area including caribou, brown bears, wolves, and wolverines.

In 2013, the Interior Department decided against authorizing the road through Izembek, determining that the road would not be in the public’s best interest, a decision supported by several past administrations.

The 51������� protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. 51�������'s state programs, nature centers, chapters and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. Since 1905, 51�������'s vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. 51������� is a nonprofit conservation organization. Learn more how to help at www.51�������.org and follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @audubonsociety.

Since 1977, 51������� Alaska's mission is to conserve the spectacular natural ecosystems of the state, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats, for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations. 51������� Alaska uses science to identify conservation priorities and support conservation actions and policies, with an emphasis on public lands and waters. 51������� Alaska is a state office of the 51�������. Learn more at www.51�������Alaska.org.

CONTACTS:
Nicolas Gonzalez, Media Relations Manager, 51�������, ngonzalez@audubon.org, 212-979-3100.
Liz Gustafson, Communications Manager, 51������� Alaska, egustafson@audubon.org, 907-276-7034.

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