Federal review of Arctic refuge could lead to more drilling limits
source: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/04/07/91799/federal-review-of-arctic-refuge.html
For the first time in two decades, federal wildlife managers will take a look at how they administer the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, including the possibility of asking Congress to make 1.5 million acres of the long-disputed coastal plain off limits to oil and gas development by designating it as wilderness.
Although the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's announcement comes less than a week after President Barack Obama's decision to halt drilling in some offshore areas in Alaska and allow it in others, the timing is coincidental.
Bruce Woods, the Alaska spokesman for the service, said all U.S. refuges are supposed to revamp their master plans every 15 years, and the ANWR plan is overdue.
"It's been more than 20 years, and it's time to sit back and say 'are we doing this in the most effective way possible?'" he said.
All aspects of the refuge's management are up for discussion, Woods said. The Fish and Wildlife Service will hold public meetings throughout Alaska during the next two months, and it's expected to issue a draft plan in February 2011.
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Although the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's announcement comes less than a week after President Barack Obama's decision to halt drilling in some offshore areas in Alaska and allow it in others, the timing is coincidental.
Bruce Woods, the Alaska spokesman for the service, said all U.S. refuges are supposed to revamp their master plans every 15 years, and the ANWR plan is overdue.
"It's been more than 20 years, and it's time to sit back and say 'are we doing this in the most effective way possible?'" he said.
All aspects of the refuge's management are up for discussion, Woods said. The Fish and Wildlife Service will hold public meetings throughout Alaska during the next two months, and it's expected to issue a draft plan in February 2011.
READ MORE AT LINK
