The Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is the heart of America’s Arctic. Glacial rivers create the arteries that run from the rugged peaks of the Brooks Range, to the rich coastal nurseries of the Beaufort Sea. Birds and mammals travel the world’s longest migration distances to return each year for protection. Even under winter’s quiet rest, the coastal plain remains a heartbeat of life in the Arctic, as water flows from perennial springs, musk oxen seek food on windswept plains, and polar bears rest deep in the drifts, birth their young, and wait for the bounty of spring.
Audubon Alaska synthesizes science to share the stories of the Refuge and highlight the value of its Coastal Plain not just for wildlife, but for all of us. This series of reports will be published over the next six months.
How you can help, right now
Stop the Toxic Pebble Mine from Destroying Alaska's Bristol Bay
Tell the EPA that it is time to protect this vibrant and vital ecosystem using its authority under the Clean Water Act to veto the mine permit.