Audubon-Alaska is asking us to write letters or e-mails before March 18th on
the following very important issue:

The Bureau of Land Management is considering whether to open to oil and gas
leasing another 8.8 million acres within the 23-million acre National
Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. (This reserve is not part of the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge.) The reserve was established in 1923 as a source of oil
for the U.S. Navy and transferred to Dept of Interior in 1976 by Congress.
Audubon-Alaska is not opposed to additional leasing in the petroleum
reserve, so long as the area's special places and values are protected and
all oil and gas activities are carried out with high environmental
standards. Audubon-Alaska is asking that the BLM preserve five particularly
special areas within the reserve from being developed for oil and gas
leasing:

1. Kasegaluk Lagoon
2. Peard Bay
3. Southern Ikpikpuk River
4. Colville River Special Area
5. Northeast portion of Dease Inlet-Meade River

These areas were selected in an 18-month study by Audubon-Alaska, which
identifies the above areas as "hot spots" where no oil and gas leasing
should occur. These are areas where there are important nesting habitats for
threatened Steller's and spectacled eiders, high densities of peregrine
falcons and other raptors, and molting and staging habitats for Pacific
black brant and other geese. It is also used as nesting areas for many
waterfowl that are on Audubon's WatchList. There are two important caribou
herds, as well as many marine mammals, including beluga whales, polar bears,
and spotted seals. Many of these species, plus fish, are important
subsistence resources for many residents of Native villages.

You can read the EIS and the alternative options the BLM is proposing at
www.ak.blm.gov/nwnpra, where you can also submit your comments on line. My
on-line comment letter was only the 87th submitted so it's really important
that they hear from you. It will make a difference.

Please send your personal supportive comments before the March 18th deadline
either on line or to:

Bureau of Land Management (930)
Alaska State Office
222 W. 7th Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99513-7599
Fax: 907-271-5479





Sue Chickman
Olympic Peninsula Audubon Newsletter Editor
windnrg at olypen.com