The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has the attention of many Alaskans with its notice of intent to designate 200,541 square miles of critical habitat for the Polar bear. This region of proposed refuge would include barrier island habitat, sea ice habitat and terrestrial denning habitat. A 60-day public comment period on the measure started October 22, 2009.
In a press release detailing the announcement, Interior Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks Tom Strickland stated, “This Administration is fully committed to the protection and recovery of the polar bear. Proposing critical habitat for this iconic species is one step in the right direction to help this species stave off extinction, recognizing that the greatest threat to the polar bear is the melting of Arctic sea ice caused by climate change. As we move forward with a comprehensive energy and climate strategy, we will continue to work to protect the polar bear and its fragile environment.”
A Response from the Governor of Alaska
The State of Alaska has made two legal filings to the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. asking that the listing of the Polar bear as “threatened” be receded. Governor Parnell outlined his strategies for addressing the actions of the USF&WS. They are to:
- Support resource development through federal litigation to set aside the listing of the polar bear by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Ensure that the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is not used as a tool to lock up Alaska’s land.
- Continue to work cooperatively with the federal government and Alaska communities to provide economic opportunities while protecting wildlife.
Governor Sean Parnell says of the ESA, “Some are attempting to use the Endangered Species Act as a way to shut down resource development. I won’t let that happen on my watch. I will support resource development and the jobs that are generated for our rural communities by taking strong action in the courts to advocate for Alaska.”
How to Comment on the Polar Bear Critical Habitat Proposal
Comments will be accepted by the USF&WS for 60 days following publication of the proposal in the Federal Register. Comments can be made in the following ways:
- Use the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov
- Use the U.S. mail or hand-delivery to:
The USF&WS will post comments made at http://www.regulations.gov.
