2 hours ago
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The Biden administration has endorsed a land swap that could pave the way for a gravel road through Alaska's Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, connecting King Cove with a regional airport despite environmental concerns.
Maxine Joselow reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- The proposed road would connect the isolated King Cove community to an airport for emergency medical access, requiring a land swap between federal and tribal lands.
- Environmental and Indigenous groups worry the road would harm vulnerable species and disrupt Native hunting traditions, while Alaska officials argue the road is essential for saving lives.
- Opponents suggest alternatives like ferry or helicopter services, but proponents say weather makes these options unreliable.
Key quote:
“The migratory birds that stop over to rest and feed in the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge could suffer major cumulative impacts from this land exchange and road, which in turn would severely harm our tribe and many others.”
— Edgar Tall Sr., chief of the Native Village of Hooper Bay
Why this matters:
The road proposal, which has been debated by lawmakers for decades, highlights a tension between human safety needs and environmental conservation in remote areas. Construction could set a precedent affecting protected lands across Alaska, raising questions about how public lands balance ecological and community interests.
