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Read "The Road to Nowhere" and take action today!

NWRA and the Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges have released “The Road to Nowhere,” urging Congress to reject H.R. 2801 and S. 1680, bills which would authorize the construction of a gravel road through the heart of Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, a globally significant Alaskan wilderness area.

This Road to Nowhere is a problem Congress has already solved; further debate is a waste of time and taxpayer dollars.  In 1998, King Cove residents argued they lacked adequate access to medical and airport facilities.  In response, Congress allocated $37.5 million for medical and airport improvements and a 98-foot hovercraft that has successfully provided rapid medical evacuations.

The road would have detrimental effects for the region’s wildlife. Its construction could have devastating impacts on more than half a million Pacific black brant, emperor geese, swans and other wildlife, resulting in fragmentation, disturbance, and pollution.

The road would be built through a congressionally designated wilderness, where by definition, humans leave no mark. Precedent would be set, opening the door for other wilderness areas to be destroyed. Further, the National Wildlife Refuge System’s principles established in the “National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997” would be reversed.

This road would cost American taxpayers additional millions of dollars for building and maintenance costs. The 15 miles of road already constructed as part of the hovercraft initiative cost approximately $26 million. At more than $1.73 million per mile, the newly proposed 9 miles would cost $15.6 million!

Latest News

May 7, 2008 the Senate’s Energy and Natural Resources Committee failed to advance S. 1680; but the measure could still be considered by the committee at a later date. The House Natural Resources Committee approved the measure on April 23rd; the next action in the House could be with the full chamber. Hill insiders tell NWRA the chances of H.R. 2801 being considered as a “stand alone” bill are slim, however, the bill could be attached to something else. NWRA will be watching House actions closely to ensure it is not attached to another bill.

In the Senate, while the measure is stalled, it could still be considered in the Senate Committee at a later date. Read below about how you can help ensure Congress protects the Izembek NWR.

4/26/08 New York Times Article: Mr. Young Wants Another Road

4/24/08 Press Release: House Committee Abandons Common Sense in Favor of the “Road To Nowhere”

4/14/08 Updated Fact Sheet: Fact Sheet Regarding the Proposed Road Through Izembek National Wildlife Refuge

7/23/07 Press Release: Alaska Senator, Congressman Introduce Bills to Build "Road to Nowhere" in Biological Heart of Wilderness Area

Download the Road to Nowhere!

How can you take action to save Izembek NWR today?

You can make your voice heard by utilizing the Refuge Action Network (RAN), a free, fast and easy way to respond to important national wildlife refuge alerts. Using the RAN system, you can send an e-mail or fax (even if you don't own a fax machine) to your elected officials with a click or two of your mouse. Just visit refugenet.e-actionmax.com to learn more about how you can help oppose the Road to Nowhere!

Please visit the NWRA Web site, at www.refugenet.org, and click on "Take Action" for more information.