Alaska's National Wildlife Refuges (Alaska Geographic) Book

Alaska's national wildlife refuges are some of the greatest treasures in the national wildlife refuge system. All of these public lands have ecological, spiritual, financial, and cultural value, but nowhere is this inheritance so rich as in the refuges of Alaska. Planned to celebrate the centennial of the national wildlife refuge system, this book is a comprehensive overview of Alaska's 16 national wildlife refuges. It includes their history, their major natural resources, their unique geographic features, and the recreational opportunities available on each. More than 100 photographs and dozens of maps illustrate refuge landscapes and habitats from wind-whipped volcanoes of the Aleutians to the floodplains of the Yukon River. Alaska's National Wildlife Refuges profiles men and women whose foresight and energy created the refuges and also people who work "on the ground" to protect and preserve this natural bounty for future Alaskans and Americans. In addition, this book discusses the challenges that refuges face today including chemical contamination, resource development, and increased public use. Wildlife refuges are an American legacy that the richest and the poorest can cherish and pass on to future generations. They represent much of what is best and wisest about this country. Alaska's National Wildlife Refuges is a valuable resource for planning a visit to these wild lands and is a colorful reminder of why our national wildlife refuges are so important.Read More