Press Release: Northern Alaska Environmental Center Announces Leadership Transition
The Northern Alaska Environmental Center (NAEC) Board of Directors is announcing a leadership transition that will help guide the organization through its current period of revitalization and renewal. Effective April 2, 2026, Krystal Lapp will serve as Interim Executive Director of the Northern Alaska Environmental Center. As part of this transition, Krystal will step down from her role as President of the NAEC Board of Directors.
The Ambler Road Project Creates Immense Challenges for Wild Salmon – Part 1
Part 1 — April 3, 2026 Gale K. Vick (1) is a 57 year resident of Alaska with a long history of research and commentary on fisheries policy for various organizations. Living in Alaska for over five decades has taught me one true thing – we are at the same time a very...
Speak Up for Wildlife in Alaska’s National Preserves
The National Park Service is considering a rule that could significantly change how wildlife is managed in Alaska’s National Preserves. The proposal, “Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves” (RIN 1024-AE96), would roll back protections established in 2015 and...
Leadership Update: Krystal Lapp to Serve as Interim Executive Director
Effective April 2, 2026, Krystal Lapp will serve as Interim Executive Director of the Northern Alaska Environmental Center. As part of this transition, Krystal will step down from her role as President of the NAEC Board of Directors.
Honoring Our First Director: Jim Kowalsky
When the Northern Alaska Environmental Center first opened its doors in September 1971, it was known as the Fairbanks Environmental Center. At the center of that effort was Jim Kowalsky, the organization’s first Executive Director and one of the people who helped build the foundation for Alaska’s grassroots conservation movement.
Public Comment Opportunity: Hunting and Trapping Rules in Alaska’s National Preserves
The National Park Service (NPS) is accepting public comments on a proposed rule that would change how sport hunting and trapping are managed in national preserves across Alaska. Comments due April 9.
Public Comment Opportunity: Marine Mammal Protections in the Beaufort Sea
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is accepting public comments on a proposed rule that would allow the incidental take of small numbers of polar bears and Pacific walruses during oil and gas exploration, development, and transportation activities in the Beaufort Sea and along Alaska’s North Slope.
The proposal would authorize these activities for a five-year period, while requiring mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures intended to reduce impacts to marine mammals and their habitat.
Comments due April 8.
Speak Up for Subsistence: Federal Review Could Weaken ANILCA Protections
Rachel Ruston-Northern Center The U.S. Departments of the Interior and Agriculture are conducting a limited review of the Federal Subsistence Management Program (FSMP) under Title VIII of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). This review...