Defenders of Wildlife Applauds New ‘Special Areas’ Rule

The Biden administration today announced regulations to safeguard "Special Areas" identified for exceptional wildlife and cultural values in Alaska's Western Arctic. Defenders of Wildlife supports this action for the area known as the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska but recognizes this is only one step toward improving the ways we manage the nation's public lands, including the 22-million-acre reserve, in line with national climate and biodiversity goals.

"I can't imagine living in a world without polar bears or other incredible Arctic wildlife and today's announcement is one step closer to ensuring a continued future for all Arctic wildlife species," said Nicole Whittington-Evans, senior Alaska Program Director for Defenders of Wildlife. "BLM must continue to align public lands management with our national goals to address the climate and biodiversity crises, including in the Reserve."