#Alaska Wildlife Conservation Reserve

[shutterbulky]

From Dogs Sledding to Glacier Hiking: Explore Alaska’s Wilderness

Looking for a place to get away from the scorching summer? Well, How about planning a getaway to the winter wonderland : Alaska. The supposedly remote place is actually bustling with activities. From rock climbing to exploring restaurants, Alaska offers a wide range of activities to entertain everybody. We have made a list of things to do in Alaska for your convenience so that you can enjoy it…

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this press release from the Department of the Interior:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is awarding more than $6.4 million to federally recognized Native American and Alaska Native Tribes to benefit fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. This year’s funding will support 35 Tribes for conservation projects across 15 states, benefiting a wide range of wildlife and habitat, including species of cultural or traditional importance to Indigenous communities. 

Examples of projects approved this year include:

Sitka Tribe of Alaska (Artificial Intelligence for Subsistence Salmon Monitoring and Management) - $200,000 to install artificial intelligence enabled video that will produce automated real-time counts of Redoubt Lake sockeye salmon, reducing real-time monitoring costs.

Navajo Nation (within Arizona, New Mexico and Utah)(Estimating Abundance, Preserving Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and Resolving Human-Bear Conflict of Black Bears on the Navajo Nation) - $100,000 to assess black bear population on Navajo Nation lands, preserve Traditional Ecological Knowledge in effective habitat management and minimize human-bear conflicts. 

Mooretown Rancheria of Maidu Indians of California (Tribal Wildlife and Postfire Restoration for Habitat Connectivity, Pollinator Species and Traditional Ecological Knowledge Plants around Feather Falls) - $197,300 to restore and manage ancestral lands which were devasted by the 2020 North Complex fire, including hiring staff, expanding the Tribal youth program and developing a restoration plan that incorporates Traditional Ecological Knowledge to prioritize culturally significant and endangered species such as the California spotted owl, bald eagle, Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog and California red-legged frog.

Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians (within Minnesota) (Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians White-tailed Deer and Golden-winged Warbler Critical Habitat Restoration Project: Setting Back Forest Succession to Promote Early Successional Wildlife Species) - $199,872 to create 350 acres of early successional forest habitat, supporting deer population recovery and increasing habitat for golden-winged warblers during breeding season.

Omaha Tribe of Nebraska (Tallgrass Prairie Resource Management) - $199,965 to hire staff to restore, maintain, and enhance habitat for ecologically and culturally significant wildlife species within the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska reservation, including invasive species removal and buffalo management.

Seneca Nation of Indians (within New York) (Seneca Nation Wood Turtle Survey) - $42,713 to tag wood turtles, a culturally important species, with GPS transmitters to track and map home areas and nesting grounds. 

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (within North Carolina)(Leveraging DNA Sampling to Understand and Manage Resources) - $200,000 to continue cutting-edge non-invasive resource management techniques and use environmental DNA (eDNA) and a variety of non-invasive methods (camera, trapping, acoustics, etc.) to evaluate and manage bear populations, sicklefin redhorse, native brook trout, bats, otters, fish, aquatic communities, birds, and amphibians.

Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe (within Washington) (ESA Species Critical Coastal Habitat and Traditional Fisheries Restoration and Monitoring) - $198,928 to continue improving the conservation status of the western snowy plover and streaked horned lark and implement essential fish habitat assessments, eDNA and visual monitoring and restoration actions to support climate resilience and adaptive capacity of these species on Tribal lands.

[bouncinghedgehog]

Alt National Park Service

People often ask, “What exactly are we resisting?” So, we decided to keep a detailed list. From 2017 to 2021, the Trump administration reversed over 100 environmental regulations, affecting climate policy, air, water, wildlife, and chemical safety. Additionally, more than a dozen other rollbacks were in progress but not finalized by the end of the term, prompting questions about the potential impact of another four years. You might wonder what another four years could look like. Here's a summary of Trumps last four years in office:

- Weakened fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards.

- Revoked California's stricter emissions standards.

- Withdrawn legal basis for limiting mercury from coal plants.

- Exited the Paris climate agreement.

- Altered Clean Air Act cost-benefit analysis methods.

- Canceled methane emissions reporting for oil and gas companies.

- Revised rules on methane emissions from drilling on public lands.

- Eliminated methane standards for oil and gas facilities.

- Withdrew rule limiting toxic emissions from industrial polluters.

- Eased pollution safeguards for new power plants.

- Changed refinery pollution monitoring rules.

- Reversed emissions reduction during power plant malfunctions.

- Weakened air pollution rules for national parks and wilderness areas.

- Loosened state air pollution plan oversight.

- Established minimum threshold for regulating greenhouse gases.

- Relaxed pollution regulations for waste coal plants.

- Repealed hydrofluorocarbon leak and venting rules.

- Ended use of social cost of carbon in rulemaking.

- Allowed increased ozone pollution from upwind states.

- Stopped including greenhouse gas emissions in environmental reviews.

- Revoked federal greenhouse gas reduction goal.

- Repealed tailpipe emissions tracking on federal highways.

- Lifted ban on higher ethanol gasoline blends in summer.

- Extended deadlines for methane emissions plans for landfills.

- Withdrew rule reducing pollutants at sewage plants.

- Dropped tighter pollution standards for offshore oil and gas.

- Amended emissions standards for ceramics manufacturers.

- Relaxed leak monitoring at oil and gas facilities.

- Cut two national monuments in Utah.

- Ended freeze on new coal leases on public lands.

- Permitted oil and gas development in Arctic Refuge.

- Opened land for drilling in National Petroleum Reserve, Alaska.

- Lifted ban on logging in Tongass National Forest.

- Approved Dakota Access pipeline near Sioux reservation.

- Rescinded water pollution rules for fracking.

- Withdrawn rig decommissioning cost proof requirement.

- Moved cross-border project permits to presidential office.

- Altered FERC's greenhouse gas considerations in pipelines.

- Revised ocean and coastal water policy.

- Loosened offshore drilling safety regulations post-Deepwater Horizon.

- Weakened National Environmental Policy Act.

- Revoked flood standards for federal projects.

- Eased federal infrastructure project environmental reviews.

- Ended financing for overseas coal plants.

- Revoked directive to minimize natural resource impacts.

- Revoked climate resilience order for Bering Sea.

- Reversed public land-use planning update.

- Withdrawn climate change consideration in national park management.

- Limited environmental study length and page count.

- Dropped Obama-era climate change and conservation policies.

- Eliminated planning system to minimize oil and gas harm on sensitive lands.

- Withdrawn policies for improving resources affected by federal projects.

- Revised Forest Service project review process.

- Ended natural gas project environmental impact reviews.

- Rolled back migratory bird protections.

- Reduced habitat for northern spotted owl.

- Altered Endangered Species Act application.

- Weakened habitat protections under the Endangered Species Act.

- Ended automatic protections for threatened species.

- Reduced environmental protections for California salmon and smelt.

- Removed gray wolf from endangered list.

- Overturned bans on lead ammo and fishing tackle on federal lands.

- Reversed ban on predator hunting in Alaskan refuges.

- Reversed rule against baiting grizzly bears for hunting.

- Amended fishing regulations.

- Removed commercial fishing restrictions in marine preserve.

- Proposed changes to endangered marine mammal injury limits.

- Loosened fishing restrictions for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna.

- Overturned migratory bird handicrafts ban.

- Reduced Clean Water Act protections for tributaries and wetlands.

- Revoked stream debris dumping rule for coal companies.

- Weakened toxic discharge limits for power plants.

- Extended lead pipe removal time in water systems.

- Eased Clean Water Act for federal project permits over state objections.

- Allowed unlined coal ash ponds to continue operating.

- Withdrawn groundwater protections for uranium mines.

- Rejected chlorpyrifos pesticide ban.

- Declined financial responsibility rules for spills and accidents.

- Opted against requiring mining industry pollution cleanup proof.

- Narrowed toxic chemical safety assessment scope.

- Reversed braking system upgrades for hazardous material trains.

- Allowed liquefied natural gas rail transport.

- Rolled back hazardous chemical site safety rules.

- Narrowed pesticide application buffer zones.

- Removed copper filter cake from hazardous waste list.

- Limited use of scientific studies in public health regulations.

- Reduced corporate settlement funding for environmental projects.

- Repealed light bulb energy-efficiency regulation.

- Weakened dishwasher efficiency standards.

- Loosened efficiency standards for showerheads and appliances.

- Altered energy efficiency standard-setting process.

- Blocked efficiency standards for furnaces and water heaters.

- Simplified appliance efficiency test exemption process.

- Limited environmentally focused investments in 401(k) plans.

- Changed policy on using sand from protected ecosystems.

- Halted contributions to the Green Climate Fund.

- Reversed national park plastic bottle sale restrictions.

[mariacallous]

In an online conversation with Elon Musk on Monday,former PresidentDonald Trump said he’d swiftly reopen the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling if he’s elected again.

Trump also suggested that the refuge in northeast Alaska could become one of the world’s top oil producers, even rivaling Saudi Arabia.

But the oil potential in the 19-million-acre refuge is not at all comparable to Saudi Arabia, though an official with the U.S. Geological Survey said Tuesday the Arctic Refuge coastal plain does contain significant pools of oil.

Trump, in the conversation on X, also blasted President Joe Biden’s administration for halting oil activity in the refuge, after the Trump administration issued exploration leases there in a lease sale in 2021 — though that sale generated few bids, including zero from major oil companies.

Before that, Alaska leaders and congressional Republicans long dreamed of seeing oil development in the refuge’s coastal plain, but conservation groups and many Democratic leaders successfully fended off those efforts for decades.

In the conversation with Musk, Trump said the refuge “could be bigger than Saudi Arabia. But they went in and they terminated it.”

“And I’ll get it going very quickly,” he said. “Because not only is it big for Alaska. I mean, you talk about economic development. That for the United States, I mean, that is, they say, bigger than Saudi Arabia or the same size, and pure, really good stuff.”

However, OPEC estimates put Saudi Arabia’s proven oil reserves at well over 200 billion barrels of oil. It has produced well over 150 billion barrels of oil over time, OPEC figures show.

The refuge’s coastal plain, where the lease sale was held, contains an estimated fraction of that amount, or 10.4 billion barrels of “technically recoverable oil” on average, the Congressional Research Service reported this summer.

Dave Houseknecht, senior research geologist for the U.S. Geological Survey and a leading expert on the topic, said ANWR’s oil potential is nowhere near Saudi Arabia’s.

“There’s no way,” Houseknecht said in an interview on Tuesday. “Not by any imagination.”

The Arctic refuge coastal plain estimates are based on a 1998 USGS report that Houseknecht helped develop. The USGS report was based on old 1980s seismic data that has not been updated by the federal government, he said.

Though it’s no Saudi Arabia, the report estimates that the refuge contains pools of oil that are comparable to large discoveries made in recent years in Alaska, far west of the refuge, Houseknecht said.

Some pools of oil could hold between 500 million to 750 million barrels of oil, Houseknecht said.

That puts them about the size of Willow, the controversial ConocoPhillips oil development that the Biden administration approved last year, and that climate activists called a “climate bomb.”

The biggest pools in the refuge might hold about 2 billion to 4 billion barrels of technically recoverable oil, Houseknecht said.

That’s about the size of a pool of oil associated with the Pikka field, which is largely located on state land, he said. The Pikka discovery hasn’t generated the same national attention as Willow.

Oil production in the refuge would nonetheless face economic hurdles, Houseknecht said.

While some of the oil accumulations there are big, they’re not all connected, he said.

“The simplest way to think about it is it’s not all one big pool (in the refuge) that can be readily developed from a single location,” he said. “So that would ding the economic aspects.”

“But it’s still economically viable because the 1002 area is not a big area. It’s 1.5 million acres,” he said, referring to the refuge’s coastal plain that’s often called the 1002 area.

Trump in 2017 took a major step toward potential drilling in the refuge.

He signed the Tax Cut and Jobs Act after Alaska’s Republican delegation managed to add a provision for at least two lease sales in the refuge, a first.

But the federal government’s first-ever lease sale in 2021 indicated that — at least at the time — the oil industry had little interest in exploring the controversial area.

It came during a time of low oil prices, with many major banks saying they would not finance new Arctic oil and gas projects. And Joe Biden, the president-elect at the time, had said he opposed drilling in the refuge, another obstacle.

The sale produced a paltry $14.4 million in bids. That was a poor start to the federal government’s estimate that the two lease sales could generate $1.8 billion in revenue.

Only two small private companies submitted bids and later relinquished their leases under the Biden administration.

That left the main bidder, the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority. The state agency is suing after the Biden administration canceled its leases last year, saying the federal government did not properly conduct an environmental review before the lease sale.

Under the 2017 law, a second lease sale must be held before Dec. 22 of this year.

The Biden administration has said it will determine by the end of September how the refuge oil program will proceed.

Will the administration hold a lease sale in time?

“We will follow the law,” said Melissa Schwartz, a spokesperson with the Interior Department, in an email on Tuesday.

[plethoraworldatlas]

The Interior Department finalized sweeping drilling restrictions in the western Arctic on Friday that could thwart future oil development in Alaska, a move aiming to bolster President Joe Biden’s environmental legacy ahead of the November presidential election.

The department also rejected a proposed mining road through the Alaska wilderness that would have allowed access to undeveloped mineral deposits, including copper and zinc. In a final supplemental environmental analysis, Interior suggested “no action” for the 211-mile-long Ambler Road, which mining interests and Alaska’s delegation have championed for years. The administration concluded the road would significantly and irrevocably affect wildlife and other resources in a way that cannot be mitigated.

Both the Ambler Road decision and the final rule restricting oil and gas development in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) underscore the Biden administration’s attempt to curb mining and drilling on public lands and shrink industry’s footprint in favor of wilderness, recreation and wildlife habitat.

John Podesta, senior adviser to the president for international climate policy, said the pair of decisions would conserve Alaska lands for generations.

“The Biden-Harris administration has now protected more than 41 million acres of lands and waters across the country, leaving a huge mark on the history of American conservation,” Podesta said in a statement.

Both decisions target developments that are backed by political leaders in Alaska, which relies heavily on oil and minerals extraction for revenue.

The final rule for the NPR-A lays out “maximum protections” for oil development on roughly 13 million acres of protected lands in the 23-million-acre reserve. The proposed rule was first announced last year to soften the Biden administration’s approval of ConocoPhillips’ Willow project — a divisive 30-year drilling project also in the NPR-A.

Under the final plan, drillers will likely face new hurdles and regulatory hoops to get projects approved. For example, the Bureau of Land Management will make companies offset “reasonably foreseeable and significantly adverse effects” of drilling proposals, a difficult to quantify standard, according to some observers. BLM will also be allowed to regularly update boundaries of “special areas,” which are regions where oil and gas development is most restricted

[diecisblog]

STOP THE WILLOW PROJECT

The US Department of the Interior has approved the Willow Project, a disputed hydrocarbon drilling license advanced by ConocoPhillip on Alaska's North Slope. Under the plan approved by the Biden administration, ConocoPhillips will be allowed to develop three wells (it had requested 5), in one of the largest oil and gas projects on federal public lands and could emit about 287 million tons of pollution emissions over the next 30 years, equivalent to reactivating one-third of all coal-fired plants in the United States. The decision comes after that, the day before. the Biden administration had announced new protections for Arctic lands and waters, banning oil and gas drilling on millions of acres of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska and the Arctic Sea. Environmental groups, indigenous communities and several Democratic parliamentarians had opposed the controversial Willow project, a "carbon bomb" that would block US efforts to get out of fossil fuels for decades. Ben Jealous, executive director of the Sierra Club, the largest US environmental association (very close to the Democrats) harshly criticized the decision: «We cannot drill our way towards a sustainable future. We must conserve public lands, not sell them off to polluting corporations. The damaging effects of President Biden's decision cannot be underestimated. By allowing ConocoPhillips to do this, he and his administration have made it nearly impossible to achieve the climate goals they set for public lands. Willow will be one of the largest oil and gas operations on federal public lands in the country, and the carbon pollution it will release into the air will have devastating effects on our communities, wildlife and climate. We will suffer the consequences for decades to come. As we celebrate the administration's unprecedented protections for Alaska's land and waters, the decision to approve Project Willow could very well wipe out many of these climate and ecological benefits. And as you approve one of the largest oil and gas projects on federal public lands, one must ask the question of what the Biden administration has in store for the Arctic Refuge. For People vs. Fossil Fuels, “The Willow Oil Project locks us into decades of fossil fuel pollution at a time when we desperately need to shut down all new fossil fuel projects and quickly begin phasing out existing production. The approval is a denial of climate science and directly contradicts the administration's commitment to protect Alaskan wilderness from resource extraction and Biden's stated climate goals. The coalition of which Greenpeace USA is also part highlights that «Global scientists have been absolutely clear: we must end the expansion of fossil fuels if we are to avoid irreversible climate devastation and immediate damage to frontline communities. The approval of a massive new oil drilling project estimated to release 280 million tons of greenhouse gases when we are already in a climate emergency is shaping our future. Biden's presidential powers allow him to reject all new fossil fuel projects and declare a climate emergency that would ensure the survival of our communities and our planet. Instead, it is choosing to fatten the wallets of oil CEOs by expanding the fossil fuel infrastructure that will push us further into climate chaos. The fight for #StopWillow and all new fossil fuel projects is not over. Our movement to fight fossils continues to grow and we will continue to fight for a livable future aligned with science and justice."

from: green report.it

[sciencespies]

Corridors between Western U.S. national parks would greatly increase the persistence time of mammals

https://sciencespies.com/nature/corridors-between-western-u-s-national-parks-would-greatly-increase-the-persistence-time-of-mammals/

Corridors between Western U.S. national parks would greatly increase the persistence time of mammals

National parks are the backbone of conservation. Yet mounting evidence shows that many parks are too small to sustain long-term viable populations and maintain essential, large-scale ecological processes, such as large mammal migrations and natural disturbance regimes.

A new study published on Jan. 11, 2023, in Scientific Reports found that enhancing ecological connectivity, known as “corridors” or “linkages,” among several of the oldest and largest national parks in the Western United States would greatly extend the time that many mammal species populations can persist. The authors analyzed the value of establishing ecological corridors for large mammals between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks and between Mount Rainier and North Cascades National Parks. Their findings show that these corridors would not only enlarge populations, but also allow species to shift their geographic ranges more readily in response to climate change.

“Eliminating barriers of movement between parks and more carefully managing land-use along these pathways are crucial for the survival of many mammal species,” said William Newmark, research curator at the Natural History Museum of Utah and lead author of the study. “Establishing an expanded protected area network based on identified mammal pathways and incorporating adjacent wilderness areas would greatly enlarge available habitat for mammal species. And this would have a very positive effect on species persistence time.”

The authors found that linking Yellowstone National Park with Glacier National Park, and Mount Rainier National Park with North Cascades National Park would increase the long-term persistence time of mammal species by a factor of 4.3 relative to the persistence time of species in fragmented, individual parks.

The proposed corridor network would cross two- and four-lane highways, which would require multiple ecological bridges over and under the roadways. Fortunately, highway authorities in the Western U.S. and Canada are beginning to construct such over- and underpasses for wildlife.

“However, a much greater effort will certainly be required if we are to reduce the known adverse impacts of highways on species movement and dispersal,” said Paul Beier, professor emeritus of Northern Arizona University and co-author of the study.

It’s well supported that ecological corridors enhance population persistence of species, but most studies have been small-scale experiments. There are few assessments of the value of ecological linkages at large spatial scales. This study’s analysis drew heavily upon patterns of species loss over time in habitat fragments around the world.

“The analytical approach presented in this paper can provide conservation planners and practitioners with a powerful method of prioritizing and quantifying the value of ecological linkages between protected areas,” said John Halley, professor at the University of Ioannina and co-author of the study.

Over the past two decades, there has been worldwide efforts to establish networks of reserves interconnected by protected corridors. One of the boldest visions was first articulated a quarter century ago by co-author Michael Soulé, professor emeritus at the University of California, Santa Cruz, who passed away before this paper was completed. Soulé advocated to establish a protected area network that would extend from the top of Alaska down to the southern tip of South America at Tierra del Fuego. A more regionally-focused initiative to connect Canada’s Yukon territory to Yellowstone National Park in the northern Rocky Mountains has made considerable progress.

The study’s analysis highlights the positive effects that large-scale conservation initiatives can have on biodiversity conservation. The authors note that enhancing ecological connectivity between protected areas in Western U.S. and Canada could serve as an important template for large-scale biodiversity conservation both nationally and worldwide in the 21st century.

Other authors on the study include Phoebe B. McNeally of the University of Utah and Samuel A. Cushman of the U.S. Forest Service.

#Nature

[spiced-wine-fic]

During the 1st Trump administration, the national parks were commenting negatively on his Park plans. They were informed they couldn't post on their official pages without getting permission from him first. They made alt pages instead.

“What exactly are we resisting?” So, we decided to keep a detailed list. From 2017 to 2021, the Trump administration reversed over 100 environmental regulations, affecting climate policy, air, water, wildlife, and chemical safety. Additionally, more than a dozen other rollbacks were in progress but not finalized by the end of the term, prompting questions about the potential impact of another four years. You might wonder what another four years could look like. Here's a summary of Trumps last four years in office:

Weakened fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards.

Revoked California's stricter emissions standards.

Withdrawn legal basis for limiting mercury from coal plants.

Exited the Paris climate agreement.

Altered Clean Air Act cost-benefit analysis methods.

Canceled methane emissions reporting for oil and gas companies.

Revised rules on methane emissions from drilling on public lands.

Eliminated methane standards for oil and gas facilities.

Withdrew rule limiting toxic emissions from industrial polluters.

Eased pollution safeguards for new power plants.

Changed refinery pollution monitoring rules.

Reversed emissions reduction during power plant malfunctions.

Weakened air pollution rules for national parks and wilderness areas.

Loosened state air pollution plan oversight.

Established minimum threshold for regulating greenhouse gases.

Relaxed pollution regulations for waste coal plants.

Repealed hydrofluorocarbon leak and venting rules.

Ended use of social cost of carbon in rulemaking.

Allowed increased ozone pollution from upwind states.

Stopped including greenhouse gas emissions in environmental reviews.

Revoked federal greenhouse gas reduction goal.

Repealed tailpipe emissions tracking on federal highways.

Lifted ban on higher ethanol gasoline blends in summer.

Extended deadlines for methane emissions plans for landfills.

Withdrew rule reducing pollutants at sewage plants.

Dropped tighter pollution standards for offshore oil and gas.

Amended emissions standards for ceramics manufacturers.

Relaxed leak monitoring at oil and gas facilities.

Cut two national monuments in Utah.

Ended freeze on new coal leases on public lands.

Permitted oil and gas development in Arctic Refuge.

Opened land for drilling in National Petroleum Reserve, Alaska.

Lifted ban on logging in Tongass National Forest.

Approved Dakota Access pipeline near Sioux reservation.

Rescinded water pollution rules for fracking.

Withdrawn rig decommissioning cost proof requirement.

Moved cross-border project permits to presidential office.

Altered FERC's greenhouse gas considerations in pipelines.

Revised ocean and coastal water policy.

Loosened offshore drilling safety regulations post-Deepwater Horizon.

Weakened National Environmental Policy Act.

Revoked flood standards for federal projects.

Eased federal infrastructure project environmental reviews.

Ended financing for overseas coal plants.

Revoked directive to minimize natural resource impacts.

Revoked climate resilience order for Bering Sea.

Reversed public land-use planning update.

Withdrawn climate change consideration in national park management.

Limited environmental study length and page count.

Dropped Obama-era climate change and conservation policies.

Eliminated planning system to minimize oil and gas harm on sensitive lands.

Withdrawn policies for improving resources affected by federal projects.

Revised Forest Service project review process.

Ended natural gas project environmental impact reviews.

Rolled back migratory bird protections.

Reduced habitat for northern spotted owl.

Altered Endangered Species Act application.

Weakened habitat protections under the Endangered Species Act.

Ended automatic protections for threatened species.

Reduced environmental protections for California salmon and smelt.

Removed gray wolf from endangered list.

Overturned bans on lead ammo and fishing tackle on federal lands.

Reversed ban on predator hunting in Alaskan refuges.

Reversed rule against baiting grizzly bears for hunting.

Amended fishing regulations.

Removed commercial fishing restrictions in marine preserve.

Proposed changes to endangered marine mammal injury limits.

Loosened fishing restrictions for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna.

Overturned migratory bird handicrafts ban.

Reduced Clean Water Act protections for tributaries and wetlands.

Revoked stream debris dumping rule for coal companies.

Weakened toxic discharge limits for power plants.

Extended lead pipe removal time in water systems.

Eased Clean Water Act for federal project permits over state objections.

Allowed unlined coal ash ponds to continue operating.

Withdrawn groundwater protections for uranium mines.

Rejected chlorpyrifos pesticide ban.

Declined financial responsibility rules for spills and accidents.

Opted against requiring mining industry pollution cleanup proof.

Narrowed toxic chemical safety assessment scope.

Reversed braking system upgrades for hazardous material trains.

Allowed liquefied natural gas rail transport.

Rolled back hazardous chemical site safety rules.

Narrowed pesticide application buffer zones.

Removed copper filter cake from hazardous waste list.

Limited use of scientific studies in public health regulations.

Reduced corporate settlement funding for environmental projects.

Repealed light bulb energy-efficiency regulation.

Weakened dishwasher efficiency standards.

Loosened efficiency standards for showerheads and appliances.

Altered energy efficiency standard-setting process.

Blocked efficiency standards for furnaces and water heaters.

Simplified appliance efficiency test exemption process.

Limited environmentally focused investments in 401(k) plans.

Changed policy on using sand from protected ecosystems.

Halted contributions to the Green Climate Fund.

Reversed national park plastic bottle sale restrictions.

[indiatourpackages]

Explore the Untamed World with These Wildlife Packages

Nothing is more thrilling than exploring the world’s wildest and most untouched landscapes. Wildlife tour packages offer travelers a unique opportunity to experience nature in its purest form, from the vast savannas of Africa to the dense jungles of the Amazon. These curated wildlife package holidays are designed for adventurers, nature lovers, and those looking to witness the beauty of wildlife up close while supporting conservation efforts. Here are some handpicked wildlife holiday packages for every type of explorer.

Why Choose Wildlife Packages for an Unforgettable Adventure

Wildlife packages provide more than just sightseeing; they offer a deep connection to nature. Unlike typical vacations, wildlife tour packages take travelers off the beaten path, immersing them in natural environments where animals roam freely.

These packages are ideal for those who seek both adventure and education. With expert guides and conservation-focused itineraries, travelers learn about the ecosystems they are exploring and the wildlife that inhabits them. Whether you're trekking through the rainforest, cruising along a river, or observing wildlife from a luxury lodge, wildlife holiday packages offer a perfect blend of excitement and responsible tourism.

The Thrill of Experiencing Wildlife in Their Natural Habitat

One of the greatest appeals of wildlife package holidays is the opportunity to see animals behaving naturally in their native environments. Whether it’s a lion hunting in the African savanna, a jaguar stalking its prey in the Amazon, or a whale breaching off the coast of Alaska, these wildlife encounters are unpredictable and exhilarating. Each moment brings something new, and every tour offers a unique experience that cannot be replicated.

Top Wildlife Packages for Adventurous Travelers

If you're looking for a thrilling wildlife adventure, several wildlife tour packages are tailored to deliver unforgettable moments. From safaris in Africa to trekking through the Amazon, these tours offer the ultimate in excitement and adventure.

African Savanna Safaris

Africa’s wildlife is legendary, and wildlife package holidays to this continent are among the most popular for adventurers. Whether you're exploring the vast plains of the Serengeti, the savannas of Kenya, or the wilderness of Botswana, these safaris offer up-close encounters with the "Big Five"—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes.

Premier African safaris often take place in private game reserves, where travelers can experience more intimate wildlife encounters. These tours include guided game drives led by expert naturalists who know the best spots for viewing animals. Some safaris even offer walking tours, giving adventurers the chance to explore the wilderness on foot, accompanied by experienced rangers.

Rainforest Adventures in the Amazon

For travelers seeking to immerse themselves in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, wildlife tour packages in the Amazon provide the perfect adventure. This region is home to thousands of species, from jaguars and sloths to exotic birds and reptiles. Amazon wildlife tours typically involve trekking through dense jungles, navigating rivers by boat, and camping under the stars.

Multi-day expeditions offer a deeper dive into the rainforest, allowing travelers to visit remote areas that are home to indigenous communities. These wildlife holiday packages often include night treks, where travelers can witness nocturnal wildlife like frogs, bats, and other creatures that come to life after dark.

Exploring the Arctic Wilderness

For those looking for an extreme adventure, Arctic wildlife tours offer the chance to explore one of the most remote and untouched environments on Earth. These tours provide the opportunity to see polar bears, walruses, and whales in their natural icy habitats.

Travelers can embark on boat expeditions to witness these incredible animals or participate in glacier hikes and ice trekking to explore the frozen landscape up close. Wildlife tour packages in the Arctic are ideal for adventurers who want to experience the raw, rugged beauty of the polar wilderness.

Wildlife Tours for Nature Lovers and Conservationists

For eco-conscious travelers, wildlife holiday packages are more than just an opportunity to observe animals; they offer a way to contribute to conservation efforts. These tours are designed to protect the habitats and species they showcase, ensuring that tourism has a positive impact on the environment.

Eco-Friendly Wildlife Packages

Many wildlife package holidays emphasize sustainability, promoting responsible travel that minimizes the impact on fragile ecosystems. These tours often work in collaboration with local communities and conservation projects, ensuring that a portion of the tourism revenue goes back into protecting the environment.

Accommodations on these tours are often eco-friendly, with lodges and camps built using sustainable materials and practices that reduce waste and energy consumption. For travelers who want to explore the wild while supporting conservation, eco-conscious wildlife tour packages are the perfect option.

Educational Wildlife Experiences

In addition to enjoying breathtaking wildlife encounters, many wildlife holiday packages include educational components. Expert guides teach travelers about the animals they are observing, the challenges they face, and the efforts being made to protect them. Some tours even offer hands-on opportunities to participate in conservation activities, such as wildlife tracking, habitat restoration, or assisting with animal monitoring.

Luxury Wildlife Packages for Discerning Travelers

For adventurers who want to explore the wild without sacrificing comfort, luxury wildlife tour packages offer high-end experiences in some of the world’s most remote and beautiful locations.

High-End Safari Lodges and Eco-Luxury Retreats

Luxury wildlife package holidays often include stays in opulent lodges or eco-luxury retreats located in prime wildlife viewing areas. These accommodations offer modern amenities, stunning views, and gourmet dining, all while being immersed in nature. Guests can enjoy guided safaris, private tours, and other exclusive wildlife experiences, all with the convenience of high-end services.

For example, luxury safaris in Botswana or Kenya offer private game drives with personal guides, ensuring that travelers get the most out of their wildlife adventure. These tours also include spa treatments and fine dining, providing the ultimate blend of adventure and comfort.

Private Guides and Custom Itineraries

One of the biggest draws of luxury wildlife tour packages is the personalized experience they offer. With private guides and custom itineraries, travelers can tailor their wildlife adventure to their preferences. Whether it's focusing on a specific species, extending time in key viewing locations, or exploring lesser-known areas, these tours provide flexibility and exclusivity.

Wildlife Photography Packages for Enthusiasts

For photographers, wildlife package holidays offer the chance to capture the beauty of nature in stunning detail. Several wildlife tours are specifically designed for photographers, providing access to prime locations and expert guidance.

Best Destinations for Wildlife Photography

Some of the best wildlife photography tours take place in iconic destinations like the Galápagos Islands, the Serengeti, and India’s tiger reserves. These tours allow photographers to get up close to animals in their natural habitats, capturing images of rare and endangered species.

Photography-focused wildlife tour packages often include early morning or late afternoon excursions, ensuring optimal lighting conditions for capturing breathtaking shots. Travelers can also benefit from the guidance of professional photographers who offer tips on how to perfect their wildlife photography skills.

Photography Workshops with Professionals

In addition to guided tours, some wildlife holiday packages offer photography workshops led by experts. These workshops cover everything from camera settings and composition to timing and patience, helping photographers capture stunning wildlife shots. Whether you're an amateur or a seasoned professional, these tours provide a great opportunity to improve your skills while exploring nature.

Family-Friendly Wildlife Packages

For families looking to introduce their children to the wonders of the natural world, wildlife holiday packages designed for all ages offer fun and educational experiences. These tours provide safe, engaging activities that allow children to learn about wildlife in an interactive way.

Wildlife Tours for All Ages

Family-friendly wildlife tour packages include activities such as nature walks, animal tracking, and interactive learning sessions that are suitable for children. Many tours also offer junior ranger programs, where kids can learn about wildlife conservation and participate in activities that teach them about the importance of protecting nature.

Top Family Wildlife Destinations

Destinations like South Africa’s malaria-free reserves, Costa Rica’s rainforests, and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef are perfect for family wildlife adventures. These locations offer a mix of exciting wildlife encounters and family-friendly accommodations, making them ideal for parents and children alike.

Solo and Group Wildlife Travel

Whether you're traveling alone or with a group, there are wildlife package holidays tailored to your needs. Solo travelers can enjoy intimate wildlife encounters with small groups, while groups of friends or wildlife clubs can embark on customized adventures together.

Solo Wildlife Adventure Packages

Wildlife tours for solo travelers often include small groups, allowing for a more personal experience. These tours give solo adventurers the chance to connect with nature and fellow travelers who share a passion for wildlife.

Group Wildlife Tours

For groups, customized wildlife tour packages provide the flexibility to create a tailor-made itinerary. With private guides and exclusive access to wildlife areas, groups can enjoy shared experiences and create lasting memories together.

[mywisdomexchange]

A Wildlife Lover's Guide to the World

As a seasoned traveler and wildlife enthusiast, I've had the privilege of exploring some of the most breathtaking destinations on Earth. From the vast plains of Africa to the lush rainforests of the Amazon, each place has offered unique and unforgettable encounters with the animal kingdom. In this post, I'll share my top picks for wildlife-rich destinations, along with tips and insights to help you plan your own adventure.

Africa: The Motherland of Wildlife

Africa, a continent renowned for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is also a wildlife lover's paradise. Here are a few of my favorite destinations:

Kenya: Known for its iconic Great Migration, Kenya offers unparalleled opportunities to witness herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traversing vast plains. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a must-visit for any safari enthusiast.

Tanzania: Tanzania's Serengeti National Park is another world-famous safari destination, boasting incredible wildlife diversity and stunning scenery. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a wide range of animals, including lions, elephants, and rhinos.

Botswana: For a more intimate and exclusive safari experience, consider Botswana. The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a unique wetland ecosystem teeming with wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.

South America: A Biodiversity Hotspot

South America is home to some of the world's most diverse ecosystems and incredible wildlife. Here are a few highlights:

Amazon Rainforest: The Amazon is the largest rainforest on Earth and a biodiversity hotspot. Explore the dense jungle and encounter exotic creatures like jaguars, monkeys, and colorful birds.

Galapagos Islands: Located off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are renowned for their unique and endemic species. Witness sea lions, giant tortoises, and marine iguanas in their natural habitats.

Pantanal: This vast wetland in Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay is a great place to spot jaguars, caimans, and a variety of bird species.

Asia: A Land of Extremes

Asia offers a wide range of wildlife experiences, from dense jungles to snow-capped mountains. Here are a few destinations to consider:

India: India is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses. Visit national parks like Jim Corbett, Ranthambore, and Kaziranga for the best chances of spotting these magnificent creatures.

Borneo: This island in Southeast Asia is known for its orangutans, as well as other primates, reptiles, and birds. Explore the dense rainforests and support conservation efforts to protect these endangered species.

Siberia: For a truly unique experience, head to Siberia to witness the incredible wildlife of the Russian Far East. Spot polar bears, reindeer, and other arctic animals in their natural habitat.

North America: A Continent of Wildlife

North America offers a variety of wildlife experiences, from the rugged mountains of the west to the coastal forests of the east. Here are a few destinations to consider:

Yellowstone National Park: This iconic park is home to grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and other large mammals. Explore the geysers, hot springs, and stunning landscapes while keeping an eye out for wildlife.

Alaska: Alaska is a wildlife lover's paradise, with opportunities to see bears, moose, whales, and other marine mammals. Take a cruise to the Inside Passage or explore the wilderness by land or air.

Canada: Canada's national parks offer a variety of wildlife experiences, from polar bears in the Arctic to grizzly bears and moose in the Rockies. Visit Banff, Jasper, and Yoho National Parks for breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters.

Australia: A Land Down Under

Australia is home to a unique and diverse range of wildlife, including many species found nowhere else on Earth. Here are a few highlights:

Great Barrier Reef: The world's largest coral reef system is home to a dazzling array of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and sharks. Snorkel or dive to explore this underwater wonderland.

Uluru (Ayers Rock): This iconic sandstone monolith is surrounded by a vast desert landscape and is home to a variety of kangaroos, wallabies, and birds.

Tasmania: This island state offers a unique wilderness experience, with opportunities to see wombats, Tasmanian devils, and other endemic species.

Tips for Wildlife Travel

Research your destination: Learn about the local wildlife, their habitats, and the best time of year to visit.

Choose reputable tour operators: Support companies that prioritize wildlife conservation and ethical practices.

Respect wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and avoid disturbing their natural behavior.

Pack appropriately: Bring comfortable clothing, sturdy footwear, and essential gear for your chosen activities.

Support conservation efforts: Donate to organizations working to protect wildlife and their habitats.

Wildlife travel offers the opportunity to connect with nature and experience the wonders of the animal kingdom. Whether you're seeking a safari adventure in Africa, a rainforest exploration in South America, or a polar expedition in the Arctic, there's a destination out there to suit your interests and preferences. By following these tips and choosing responsible travel practices, you can help ensure the future of wildlife and protect these precious ecosystems for generations to come.

[focusedmarketinsights]

Rise in Eco-conscious Travelers Pushing the Demand for U.S. Sustainable Travel Market, More than $50 Billion Opportunities

According to the latest report focus insight reports by Arizton, the U.S. sustainable travel market 2024 – 2029 sheds light on the dynamic and rapidly evolving industry. The comprehensive report unveils valuable market trends, growth opportunities, and the competitive landscape of the business. With in-depth analysis and meticulous research, this report serves as a strategic guide for industry players, investors, and decision-makers, offering a comprehensive understanding of the current U.S. sustainable travel market dynamics and prospects.

To know more, https://www.focusreports.store/report/us-sustainable-travel-market-focused-insights

The U.S. sustainable travel market was valued at $66.22 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $116.46 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 9.87% during the forecast period. The market has seen remarkable growth and transformation in recent years, reflecting an increasing awareness and concern for environmental and social issues. Sustainable travel encompasses a range of aspects, including eco-friendly accommodations, responsible tourism practices, and eco-conscious transportation options. Additionally, travelers can opt for eco-friendly lodgings like ecolodges, treehouses, and sustainable resorts that aim to provide a low-impact, immersive experience in nature. Responsible tourism practices are also central to the U.S. sustainable travel market.

Travelers are increasingly interested in supporting local communities and preserving cultural heritage. This has led to a rise in community-based tourism initiatives, cultural exchanges, and volunteering opportunities. Sustainable travel encourages travelers to engage with and respect the destinations they visit.

Surge in Eco-Conscious Travelers Fueling Expansion of Ecolodges, Driving the Market Growth

The number of eco-conscious travelers is on the rise in the U.S. According to research by the World Economic Forum, 76% of respondents need to travel sustainably over the next 12 months. Travelers are informed about the impact of their choices and actively seek destinations and experiences that prioritize sustainability and responsible tourism. They are willing to pay a premium for travel options that align with their values. This surge in eco-conscious travelers is reshaping the market as businesses must cater to these preferences. This trend also encourages innovation in eco-conscious travel offerings to capture a growing market segment.

Ecolodge is a sustainable stay for eco-conscious tourists traveling to their favorite destinations, and the ecolodge segment is growing exponentially, with a CAGR of 11.28% during the forecast period. There is an increasing demand for ecolodges that follow ecotourism principles, such as minimizing negative impacts, conserving biodiversity, supporting local communities, and educating visitors. For example, Natural Habitat Adventures, a travel company specializing in nature and wildlife tours, operates several ecolodges in the U.S., including the Tundra Lodge in Alaska, Base Camp Greenland, and Safari West in California. These ecolodges are designed to blend with their surroundings, use renewable energy sources, and provide educational and conservation programs for guests. With their limited supply, Ecolodges are often located in remote, fragile areas with low accessibility and carrying capacity. For example, The Lapa Rios Ecolodge in Costa Rica is situated on a 1,000-acre private rainforest reserve with only 17 bungalows accommodating up to 40 guests. The lodge is accessible by a four-hour drive or a 50-minute flight from the capital city and requires reservations and deposits. The lodge restricts the number of visitors and activities to minimize environmental and wildlife impacts.

The regulations and certifications of ecolodges ensure compliance with sustainability and quality standards. For example, The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) is a non-profit organization that promotes ecotourism and provides certification and accreditation for ecolodges. TIES has developed a set of principles and guidelines for ecolodges, such as environmental, social, cultural, and economic sustainability, and evaluates and recognizes ecolodges that comply with them.

Millennial Desire to Travel Drives Sustainable Travel Market Expansion in the U.S.

Millennials travel more as they are motivated by experiential and authentic travel to seek alternative and responsible travel options, such as ecotourism, voluntourism, and cultural immersion. The growing use of technology and social media enables millennials to access information, reviews, and recommendations on sustainable travel, share their travel experiences, and inspire others. Also, the rising demand for personalized and customized travel encourages millennials to look for travel providers and platforms that offer tailored and flexible solutions, such as all-inclusive packages, online booking, and mobile apps. For example, &BEYOND specializes in a sustainable tourism model that includes conservation, community, and culture and has created various positive impacts, such as protecting endangered species, empowering local people, and preserving heritage sites.

About Focus Reports by Arizton 

Welcome to Focus Reports, an esteemed Arizton Advisory & Intelligence subsidiary committed to delivering precise and insightful market research reports across all key geographies. Our unique selling proposition lies in our affordable pricing, accurate data, in-depth research, and presentation-ready reports. With us, expensive market research is outdated. We aim to be strategic, providing valuable data. 

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[xtruss]

Polar bears are a common sight in the western Hudson Bay in Manitoba, Canada. Photograph By Roy Toft

Polar Bears are Trying to Adapt to a Warming Arctic. It’s Not Working.

The Bears Can’t Thrive on Land, a Concerning Discovery as Sea Ice Continues to Disappear at a Rapid Pace, a New Study Says

— By Stefan Lovgren | February 13, 2024

For the polar bears of Manitoba, Canada, the sea ice that envelops western Hudson Bay for most of the year is the ideal hunting ground for a feast of blubber-rich seals. But then come the dog days of summer, when the ice melts and the bears are forced onto land. There, life is no picnic for these giant creatures.

Deprived of adequate food supplies, the bears must live off their fat reserves for several months. Now, climate change is causing that wait to grow even longer, as warming temperatures melt the sea ice earlier in the spring and solidifies it later in the fall. The Arctic, research shows, is warming twice as fast as the rest of the world. The question is: How will polar bears adapt to more time spent on land?

The answer, according to a new study published in Nature this week, is not very well. The study shows the carnivores forage for food, such as birds and berries, rather than resting, which is what scientists thought most bears did while on land. But the study also concludes that doing so causes the bears to spend as much extra energy as they gain from eating the food. During the study's three-week research period, bears lost an average of more than three pounds of weight each day while waiting for the ice to form again.

“There’s no winning strategy” for the bears, says study leader Anthony Pagano, a research wildlife biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Anchorage, Alaska. “They will not be able to find the food they need on land.”

Forced to spend longer periods on land without sufficient food could cause vulnerable individuals, especially young bears, to suffer from starvation, scientists warn, eventually endangering the survival of entire populations.

With polar bears increasingly moving into new land spaces in search of food, dangerous confrontations with humans are also likely to increase, researchers say.

Today is International Polar Bear Day … and we are discovering how the animals (above) are adapting to a warming environment. In Manitoba, Canada, the sea ice that covers western Hudson Bay for most of the year serves as their hunting ground and haven. However, as the months become warmer and the ice melts, polar bears are forced to live longer periods of time with less food. Photograph By Norbert Rosing, National Geographic Image Collection

Surprisingly Active

Polar bears live in 19 regions across the Arctic, from Canada to Greenland to Russia. While some populations live on permanent ice, others inhabit seasonal ice. Climate change has caused ice loss to some degree in all the regions, leading to drastic population declines. As a result, the International Union for Conservation of Nature lists polar bears as vulnerable to extinction.

Between 1979 and 2015, the length of time without ice in western Hudson Bay has risen by three weeks, according to the study. About 800 polar bears dwell in the western side of Hudson Bay, a decline of 30 percent since 1980. Those bears now spend an average of 130 days on land a year, a number expected to increase by 5 to 10 days per decade in the future.

To glean how the polar bears spend their time on land, Pagano and his team placed GPS-enabled video trackers on 20 Hudson Bay bears for three-week periods in the summers between 2019 and 2022. The scientists tracked the animals’ diet, movement, behavior, changes in body mass, and how much energy they exerted each day.

“Previously we only had snippets [of information] on what the bears do on land,” says Pagano, who led a similar study several years ago focusing on the bears’ activity on sea ice.

The behavior of the bears varied wildly. Three made long swims in open water, with one female swimming over a hundred miles. Video footage revealed the bear finding a dead beluga whale during her swim, but that she was unable to feed on it. “It highlighted how the bears are not able to eat in open water,” says Pagano.

He says the findings surprised him and his colleagues, who had thought polar bears mostly minimized their activity while on land to conserve energy.

While adult males did indeed spend almost all their time resting—reducing their energy expenditure on land to levels similar to hibernating bears—70 percent of the bears were shown to actively move around in search of food sources, which included berries, grasses, and bird and caribou carcasses. Those foods are far less energy rich than a seal's blubber.

Nineteen of 20 bears—regardless of age, sex, or size—lost weight.

The study predicts that a quarter of adult males, the largest and most resilient individuals that can weigh up to 1,700 pounds, would start running into starvation issues after 180 days on land. But more vulnerable individuals, such as young bears, would get to such a point far sooner.

Survival of the Fattest

Andrew Derocher, a Biology Professor at the University of Alberta in Canada who has long studied polar bears, points out that some individuals are in better shape than others.

“Some animals can go many, many months before they’re in trouble, while others may run out of energy in a matter of weeks,” says Derocher, who wasn't involved in the study. He says the fatter a bear is from the months of feeding on the sea ice, the better it can deal with the ice-free period. “I call it survival of the fattest,” he says.

With polar bears spending more time on land and actively moving about the landscape in search of food, “there’s an element of desperation that goes on with some of these individual bears that puts them into potential conflict with people."

In the past, the polar bears have usually come to shore and congregated near the town of Churchill in Manitoba, which has a long history of managing polar bears, including maintaining a holding facility known as “polar bear jail” where dangerous bears are held before being relocated far from town.

But there are now signs that more polar bears may be migrating farther north in search of sea ice, potentially moving into communities that are nowhere near as well set up to deal with problem bears as Churchill is.

“These bears may smell some dog food and go right in,” says Derocher. “It’s not like they want to feed on our garbage. They want to go out on the ice and start hunting seals. But increasingly they’re stuck on land.”

[christian-homeschools-alaska]

Exploring the Best Homeschooling Opportunities in Anchorage

Homeschooling has recently become incredibly popular as a substitute for regular education. The largest city in Alaska, Anchorage, has a wealth of alternatives for families looking to start homeschooling. Anchorage offers the perfect atmosphere for parents and students to thrive in a personalized learning environment because of its active community, numerous resources, and breathtaking natural surroundings. • Supportive Homeschooling Community Anchorage boasts a robust homeschooling community that provides support, resources, and a sense of belonging. Local homeschooling in Anchorage associations organizes regular meet-ups, workshops, and events, enabling families to connect, exchange ideas, and create lasting friendships. Through these networks, parents can tap into a wealth of experience, receive guidance on curriculum choices, and find co-learning opportunities for their children. • Flexibility in Curriculum One of the critical advantages of the best homeschool in Anchorage is its flexibility in designing and implementing a customized curriculum. Anchorage provides ample resources, including libraries, museums, science centers, and art galleries, which can be seamlessly integrated into the learning experience. Families can tailor their curriculum to suit their child's unique interests, learning styles, and academic goals. The city's rich cultural heritage and proximity to breathtaking natural landscapes open up endless possibilities for interdisciplinary and hands-on learning opportunities. • Access to Nature and Outdoor Education Anchorage's unparalleled natural beauty and proximity to wilderness areas make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a paradise for homeschoolers. Families can use the city's extensive trail system, national parks, and wildlife reserves to incorporate outdoor education into their best homeschool Anchorage routine. From hiking and camping to studying local flora and fauna, these experiences foster a deep connection with nature, nurture a sense of environmental stewardship, and provide a unique avenue for learning about science, ecology, and conservation. • Enrichment Programs and Extracurricular Activities Anchorage offers enrichment programs and extracurricular activities that supplement homeschooling and promote holistic development. Various organizations provide music, dance, martial arts, sports, and fine arts classes, allowing children to explore their passions and develop well-rounded skills. Additionally, the city's museums, theatres, and community centers host workshops, performances, and events specifically catered to homeschooling families, further enhancing the cultural and educational experiences available. • Dual Enrollment Opportunities Anchorage stands out for its dual enrollment opportunities, allowing homeschooled high school students to earn college credits simultaneously. The city is home to several reputable colleges and universities that offer programs specifically designed for high school students. Through dual enrollment, homeschoolers can take advantage of advanced coursework, access specialized resources, and experience the college environment before officially enrolling. This unique opportunity enhances academic rigor and provides a head start on higher education, enabling students to transition seamlessly into college or pursue their career goals with confidence. Homeschooling in Anchorage provides families with a supportive and vibrant community, unmatched natural surroundings, and a wealth of resources to create a truly exceptional educational experience. The flexibility to tailor the curriculum, combined with the city's diverse enrichment programs and extracurricular activities, ensures a well-rounded education that nurtures each child's unique talents and interests. Whether exploring the great outdoors, engaging with local museums and cultural institutions, or forging lifelong friendships within the homeschooling community, Anchorage offers an ideal setting for families seeking an enriching and personalized homeschooling journey.

[tabarronauthor]

Today is a very sad day for America. For today Republicans in Congress will pass the tax bill that opens the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska to oil and gas development. This is a sacred place, where the world's largest caribou herd has grazed in peace for thousands of years, and it deserves protection for all time. But it fell to the Trump administration's goal, backed by Republican leaders, to sell out our most cherished public lands to the highest bidder. 

This vote breaks with a 150-year tradition of protecting America’s most iconic wild places -- from President Lincoln’s establishment of Yosemite National Park, to Theodore Roosevelt’s setting aside millions of acres for conservation, to Eisenhower’s establishment of the Arctic Range in 1960.

This fight is about something much greater than oil and gas. It's about WHO WE ARE as a people -- what we truly value most. One of America's greatest conservationists, Mardy Murie, who was a dear friend of mine, put it this way: "I hope that the United States of America is never so rich that she can afford to let these wildernesses pass by. Or so poor that she cannot afford to keep them." 

There's still hope. Groups like The Wilderness Society and Earthjustice are fighting hard to reverse this policy before drilling ever gets started. So don't lose heart. We can and will fight hard to protect again these sacred lands. Please join the fight and help however you can! 

 In the words of my friend Jamie Williams of The Wilderness Society: "What we do with the Arctic Refuge says everything about the soul of America... What we must do is turn the political will towards saving the last remaining wild places on earth – for people, for wildlife and for our climate. That's true nowhere more than the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge."

[typhlonectes]

Protect the Arctic Coast

The Trump administration unveiled a new management plan that, if adopted, will slash protections and open more than 80% of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska to oil and gas operations. 

Please join us in taking action today.

Current protections for the Reserve allow some oil and gas operations while at the same time protecting important wildlife areas. But this new plan will make more than 80% of the Reserve available to the oil industry—even coastal habitat that is important to birds, fish and marine mammals.

The Reserve is the largest single tract of public land in the nation. Located in the United States Arctic, the Reserve is bounded by the Chukchi Sea to the west and the Beaufort Sea to the north. The Reserve is more than ten times the size of Yellowstone National Park and provides habitat for an astounding array of wildlife, including an abundance of marine mammals and seabirds. Indigenous residents of Alaska’s North Slope use areas within the Reserve to hunt, fish and gather subsistence resources.

Join us in championing for the Arctic by telling the Secretary of the Interior not to move forward with this proposed plan.

via: Ocean Conservancy

[mypubliclands]

Happy Birthday to the National Petroleum Reserves in Alaska!

On this day in 1976, the administration of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A) was transferred to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) by authority of President Gerald Ford.The NPR-A, a vast 22.8 million acres on Alaska’s North Slope, was initially identified for emergency oil supply for the U.S. Navy by President Harding in 1923 and named the Naval Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. It is nearly the size of Indiana and is the largest single block of federally managed land in the United States.

Under the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976, the BLM is required to balance the exploration and development of oil & gas resources with the protection of wildlife, habitat, and the subsistence values of rural residents and Alaska Natives.

BLM Alaska manages 72 million acres of public lands, including the NPR-A, and its oil and gas programs generated $475.7 million in Fiscal Year 2015, contributing to a total output of $528.7 million for BLM across the state.