*Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act 1980 has been supported and derided by Alaskans, both in 1980 when it was passed and today. Describe three impacts of this landmark legislation.
*Federal Ownership and Conservation of Alaska's Lands
Many citizens of the United States wanted conservation of the beautiful lands and wildlife of Alaska. Many Alaskans had different opinions on how the land of Alaska should be used.
Through ANILCA over 100 million acres of Alaska lands would be federally protected and set aside for conservation. These lands would become national forests, national parks, preserves, monuments and wildlife refuges. Because of ANILCA, the federal government determines what activities occur on the 60% of Alaska that is owned by the U.S.
Tongass National Forest - Christy House 2010
*Subsistence and ManagementInhabitants of the Alaskan region have survived on the abundant resources of the area for centuries. The management of these resources would become a hot topic for debate. Questions would arises such as: Should the resources that are sought out for living a subsistence lifestyle be protected and managed? Who should ensure that these resources are managed and protected? Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act or ANILCA is the bill that would determine the answer to these questions. Because of ANILCA, decisions about uses of the lands owned by the federal government would be given to the federal government. The control forced by the federal government sent many Alaskan citizens into an outrage. Although many were furious about ANILCA, the bill would remain and continues to dictate how, when, where, and what subsistence activities occur in Alaska.
*Natural Resource Development
Because of ANILCA, many areas in Alaska are not open for resource development. Sen. Paul Tsongas, a steady conservation supporter, said that the bill was "a victory for the administration and for those of us in Congress who have worked for so many years to protect the staggering beauty and abundant natural resources, and wildlife of the Alaska wilderness." "No single piece of legislation in our history," he said, "
surpasses this act." (Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Modern Alaska) Debate continues as to whether lands protected by ANILCA should be opened up to resource exploration. Many know of the abundance of those resources in Alaska but realize that little can be done to use these resources.Alaska Oil Pipeline
alaska-in-pictures.com
Explore Alaska Blog
Let's take oil drilling for example. In ANILCA section 1003, Congress stated that the "production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is prohibited and no leasing or other development leading to production of oil and gas from the [Refuge] shall be undertaken until authorized by an act of Congress." Some legislative action brought about during Bush's administration has made it more likely that oil drilling will occur in the future. The debate still continues - to drill or not to drill. Certainly an issue to watch in the future that is influenced by ANILCA.
Examine Question:
*What ANILCA lands are in your area? Identify regulations that affect how that land may be used.
Prince of Wales Island is located in the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the country. This protected forest is made up of 17 million acres and is one of the last temperate rain forests in the world. This forest has abundant resources that are regulated by the US Forest Service. As in any natural system, things are always changing, requiring the regulations to change as well.
Timber is an abundant resource and is strictly regulated by the US Forest Service. Where lumber will be taken, how it will be taken, and how much will be taken is always considered. A plan is created by the U.S. Forest Service that answers these questions and is often reevaluated. The 2008 U.S. Forest Service Plan states clearly that there is a ceiling on the amount of lumber that can be taken from the Tongass. It also includes in the plan that the plan will be reevaluated every 10-15 years. The plan is strict and very dynamic.
Subsistence fishing is a common practice among residents in rural Alaska. The same National Forest Service (NFS) plan explains that certain fish can be harvested within regulations and is preserved through ANILCA. Each year the NFS designates areas for harvest. I have observed on our island that the NFS posts restrictions in the fishing regulations manual as well as at the site of harvest explaining when and how the fish must be taken. It is common for residents to use a net for beach seining as well as dip netting in areas in order to harvest the needed fish. All restrictions are created and enforced by the NFS.
Evaluate:
This was a large module described correctly at the beginning of the module by being full of complex information. As mentioned, I know that I will need to revisit the resources presented in order to truly understand all of the information. Cool stuff though. I really enjoyed the content and look forward to spending more time with it. Blogging is still frustrating though.
Colleague Reviews:
Explore Alaska ClassNiki shared some interesting facts in regard to the pollution created by military activity throughout the war. I did not know that Eagle River had been used as a weapons testing site. Interesting information!
Alaskan HistoryI enjoyed the information that Claire shared about recent activity of the Alaska National Guard. It is always insightful to read about current activites of the military branch that started as the ATG.
Gary's Alaska BlogGary shared some exciting information on the Alaska Scouts. It was nice to read an extension to the minimal information that was shared through the course.
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