The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled yesterday that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must correct legal errors with a regulation that allows oil and gas companies to harass Southern Beaufort Sea polar bears on the North Slope of Alaska.
Our 2023 Annual Report!
Another publication! Geographic Origins of Shorebirds Using an Alaskan Estuary during Migration
Geographic Origins of Shorebirds Using an Alaskan Estuary during Migration
Authors: Ulman, Sadie E.G., Van Wilgenburg, Steven L., Morton, John M., and Williams, Christopher K.
Source: Waterbirds, 46(1) : 47-56
Published By: The Waterbird Society
URL: https://doi.org/10.1675/063.046.0107
Abstract.—Chickaloon Flats, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, is an 11,000-ha tidal mudflat complex in upper Cook Inlet, Alaska. One-third (23 of 70) of Alaskan shorebird species use this protected coastal estuary stopover during migration. We conducted an isotopic approach to estimate probable breeding, staging and/or non-breeding origins of six shorebird species, some of high conservation concern, using Chickaloon during spring and fall migration of 2009 and 2010. We analyzed stable-hydrogen (d2H), carbon (d13C), and nitrogen (d15N) isotope ratios from feathers and performed a likelihood-based assignment to infer North and South American origins. Estimated molting distributions for Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) occurred in southwest Alaska, and south-central Alaska for Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus caurinus). Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) likely molted in western Alaska and a latitudinal band across Canada and wintered throughout the contiguous United States. Least Sandpipers (Calidris minutilla) wintered from Oregon and south in North America but showed an isotopically similar possibility in Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. Long-billed Dowitchers (Limnodromus scolopaceus) molted primaries across western United States and Canada. Pectoral Sandpipers (Calidris melanotos) likely molted near Rio de La Plata in southeastern South America. These results highlight the overall value of Chickaloon Flats as a stopover for long-distance shorebird migrants. Received 29 Mar 2022, accepted 7 Aug 2023.
Read the full article here!
We Published! Impact of Climate Change on Alaska Natives in December 2023 Journal of Environmental Health
From the abstract: Alaska, with its unique geographical and ecological characteristics, is experiencing the detrimental effects of climate change at an alarming rate. The Alaska Native (AN) population, deeply connected to the land and its resources, faces disproportionate vulnerability to these impacts. We call attention to climate change impacts on AN food sovereignty, mental and behavioral health, cultural and spiritual practices, resiliency and adaptation, and how local Alaskan organizations are addressing climate change impacts.
This article also highlights the urgent need for environmental public health professionals to engage with AN and Native American communities, address health inequities, and participate in mitigation and adaptation efforts to address the environmental public health threats and consequences of climate change. Increasing awareness of climate- related health impacts on these communities is crucial and immediate actions are needed to support safer, healthier, and more sustainable and climate-resilient communities. Government agencies at all levels should also seek to integrate perspectives from Indigenous Peoples, engage in co-management strategies, and provide equitable funding and support for Indigenous communities. Unity, resilience, and adaptation become attainable goals by joining communities in caring for the environment. This message resonates not only in Alaska but also globally, highlighting the need for collective action in the face of climate change.
AWA Publication: Reimagining large river management
From the abstract, “Anticipating and managing climate-induced ecosystem transformations in large rivers is particularly challenging given their inherently complex socio-ecological dynamics that often cross jurisdictional boundaries. We examine how the Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) framework can facilitate informed decision making and a more cohesive and proactive approach to managing ecological trajectories…”
Breaking News: Victory for Brown bears and other wildlife on the Kenai!
Alaska Wildlife Alliance Receives 2022 Best of Anchorage Award!
Alaska Wildlife Alliance Receives 2022 Best of Anchorage Award
Press Release: Anchorage Award Program Honors the Achievement
ANCHORAGE December 9, 2022 -- Alaska Wildlife Alliance has been selected for the 2022 Best of Anchorage Award in the Community Organizations category by the Anchorage Award Program.
Each year, the Anchorage Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Anchorage area a great place to live, work and play.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose one winner in each category. The 2022 Anchorage Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Anchorage Award Program and data provided by third parties.
About Anchorage Award Program
The Anchorage Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Anchorage area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
The Anchorage Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.
SOURCE: Anchorage Award Program
CONTACT:
Anchorage Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@awardsforbusinesses.com
URL: http://www.awardsforbusinesses.com
2022 Annual Report
AWA receives grant from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s National Coastal Resilience Fund
Publication: A RADical approach to conservation in Alaska
VICTORY! Court upholds prohibition of brown bear baiting in the Kenai Refuge
Alaska Wildlife Alliance and our coalition partners celebrated a U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision today that upheld a 2016 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service rule that enshrines the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge’s long-standing prohibition on brown bear baiting, along with its decades-long approach of managing the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area for wildlife viewing and education.
Publication: Flight plan for the future: floatplane pilots and researchers team up to predict invasive species dispersal in Alaska
BioScience Features Resist, Accept, Direct (RAD) Framework
Our 2021 Annual Report
Victory! Reducing halibut trawl bycatch in the Bering Sea
Our 2020 Annual Report
VICTORY! Court upholds prohibition of brown bear baiting in the Kenai Refuge
“We believe that the Fish and Wildlife Service is obligated to protect Kenai brown bears on the refuge and this opinion recognizes the agency’s authority to do just that,” said Nicole Schmitt, executive director of the Alaska Wildlife Alliance. “At a time when so many of Alaska’s wildlife protections are being rolled back, this ruling comes as a sigh of relief for all those who enjoy the Refuge and its wildlife.”
