Resolution encourages a wildlife buffer conservation easement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2014
JUNEAU – Today, Representative Andy Josephson (D-Anchorage) introduced a resolution supporting an innovative solution to protecting valuable tourism assets in Denali National Park. The resolution (HCR17) asks the state and federal government to enter in to negotiations over a wildlife buffer conservation easement east of Denali National Park. The easement includes an exchange of state land for federal land of equal value.
Wildlife viewing, especially wolves, is a major attraction for tourists. Denali National Park receives over 400,000 visitors a year and contributes over $140,000,000 annually to the state’s economy. Wolf sightings by visitors have decreased from 44 percent in 2010 to four percent in 2013. Reestablishing a no-take buffer zone will help reverse the decline of wolves present in Denali National Park.
“The wildlife in Denali is iconic. People come from across the world to view wolves and countless other species,” said Josephson. “The easement would protect this vital economic resource and ensure a healthy tourism economy for years forward.”
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