Have your say in Alaska reserve management

Iowans can make a difference for migrating waterfowl and other birds by commenting on the Bureau of Land Management options to manage the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.

Known as “Alaska's Duck Factory,” tens of thousands of ducks and geese as well as millions of shorebirds and songbirds nest in the reserve. We are connected to the reserve through those migrating wildfowl. Waterfowl hunters and birders especially own a stake in reserve decisions.

At more than 22 million acres, the reserve is the nation's largest single tract of public land. Congress has directed the Department of the Interior to strike a balance between oil and gas exploration/development and protection of critical wildlife habitat there. Input from Iowans is needed to ensure the best management plan. Besides waterfowl and other birds, the reserve is home to two major caribou herds, grizzly and polar bears and wolves. The herds provide recreation for sportsmen and subsistence for more than 40 Alaskan villages.

Iowans, voice your opinions on reserve management. Make your comment by June 1 on the Iowa Wildlife Federation's website, www.iawildlife.org.

Loren Forbes

North Liberty