USFWS
Alaska Region
Conserving the Nature of America

“Get Outdoors - It’s Yours”
Linking People, Health and Nature

Secretary Kempthorne, along with the Jonas Brothers, popular young pop musicians, announced a new initiative “Get Outdoors – It’s Yours” on October 14, 2008, with a video public service announcement.  They encourage people to get outside and enjoy America’s public lands.

In Fairbanks, Alaska, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Friends of Creamer’s Field and the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center began doing just that in June, 2008. The Healthy Walk in the Woods program is an innovative new community partnership to get people outside where they can enjoy nature…and improve their health!  Numerous studies demonstrate the physical and mental health benefits of regular exercise, and an increasing amount of research indicates it is also healthy for adults and children to simply spend time in nature.  More... (pdf)
Participants in the Healthy Walk in the Woods program in Fairbanks, Alaska wind through a forested section of trail at Creamer's Field in August 2008. Photo Credit: Shannon Nelson/USFWS

Participants in the Healthy Walk in the Woods program in Fairbanks, Alaska wind through a forested section of trail at Creamer's Field in August 2008. Photo Credit: Shannon Nelson/USFWS

Current Events Calendar
Public Events, Meetings and Comment Deadlines

The Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Workshop, Supporting Science in a Changing Arctic
A wide-ranging partnership of international experts and others with a stake in the changing arctic, the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Workshop recently met to lay the foundations for informed research into, and management of, natural resources in this changing portion of the globe.

Service Removes Bald Eagle From Endangered Species List
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced it will remove bald eagles in the lower 48 from the list of threatened and endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  Bald eagle populations in Alaska are healthy at between 50-70,000 birds, and they have never been listed under the ESA.  Bald eagles nationwide, including those in Alaska, are still protected by other laws including the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act.  The Service recently published guidance (pdf) to help individuals and landowners avoid disturbing bald eagles. 

Avian Influenza-related Activities in Alaska
Links, files and public information portals for Alaskan communities, waterfowl hunters, and the general public.

 

Last Updated: October 15, 2008