| Conserving the Environment - How the Arctic | | | | the climate of northern Alaska and the Arctic |
| National Wildlife Refuge is Preserving Our | | | | Circle- the extreme temperatures and high |
| Future | | | | amounts of snow have kept humans and animals |
| | | | alike from setting up camp. However, with |
| All over the world various species of | | | | recent oil projects starting up in Alaska, |
| animals, insects, and plants are being slowly | | | | the ANWR's role will become more important |
| wiped out. Some may argue that it is the | | | | than ever as it strives to maintain the |
| natural order of things, but human | | | | unspoiled solitude that the wildlife has |
| involvement has certainly exasperated the | | | | enjoyed for thousands of years. |
| issue, causing untold amounts of damage to | | | | |
| the worlds ecosystems. All of the world, that | | | | The results of this untainted lifestyle are |
| is, except for the Arctic Circle and Alaska. | | | | easy to see: the fish are healthier and |
| | | | larger, the land animals graze in packs, and |
| The Arctic is home to many different species | | | | the hunters stalk without fear of reprisal. |
| of birds, bears, fish, and other animals. | | | | There is no pollution, no noise, and no |
| Much of the Arctic is still unspoiled, and | | | | intervention. Just nature doing what it was |
| the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) | | | | always intended to do. |
| intends to keep it that way. This | | | | |
| organization and reserve sees the value in | | | | See the Refuge |
| unspoiled landscapes and thriving wildlife. | | | | |
| | | | Close your eyes for a moment and picture the |
| The ANWR reserve spans over nineteen million | | | | sun setting over the hills. A stream runs |
| acres, and within its boundaries there are | | | | through the valley that you are standing in, |
| over 500 different species of recognizable | | | | and the few remaining rays of sunlight |
| wildlife, and many more that have yet to be | | | | reflect off of the water, giving it a golden |
| discovered. Some of the world's most | | | | edge. A flock of Geese fly overhead, their |
| succulent fish find their way in and out of | | | | call echoing unchallenged throughout the |
| this reserve, and many native tribes continue | | | | landscape. A few Moose stand at the base of |
| to live here. | | | | the stream, drinking the golden water. You |
| | | | sense peace, and feel as if the world has all |
| Life, Untainted | | | | but disappeared, if only for a few fleeting |
| | | | moments. |
| Life continues to exist and thrive without | | | | |
| human intervention. In fact, it could be said | | | | You can open your eyes. Nowhere else in the |
| that the biggest attraction of the ANWR is | | | | world will you be able to see or experience |
| the continuation of life cycles before the | | | | something as tranquil and serene. Tourists |
| recent intervention of man. The wildlife | | | | are able to see certain areas of the ANWR and |
| continues to raise their young, hunt and | | | | experience some of the magic themselves. But |
| forage, and evolve in peace. | | | | remember, life here is how it was meant to |
| | | | be, you may find that you won't want to |
| This situation is particularly unique due to | | | | leave. |