Wild Alert News May Update

The Arctic Refuge was named one of the "Seven Wonders of America" by Good Morning America this week. That was welcome news to those of us who have worked to protect this unparalleled place.

Despite its wonders, the Refuge remains a prize coveted by the oil industry. Both President Bush and Sen. Domenici (R-NM) have pushed recently for opening the Refuge to oil development. Gas from the Refuge would do nothing to allay our costs at the pump, but development there would destroy a world-class breeding and nesting ground and sanctuary for more than 250 species of animals.

See below for how you can help fend off this latest threat to the Refuge, and to learn about recent successes we've had, with your help.

Best wishes,
Kathy Kilmer

P.S. To view the GMA broadcast about the Arctic Refuge, click here:
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/7Wonders/Story?id=4795592&page=1

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Arctic Refuge Under Fire, Again
As gas prices continue to rise, the volume is being turned up on demands to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling, expand offshore oil and gas activity, and pursue environmentally hazardous oil shale and tar sands technologies.
Drilling in the Arctic Refuge will do nothing to solve America's energy problems, but could do lasting harm to this place.
Please take a moment to ask your senators to oppose any proposal to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling.
Inside Story
And the Survey Says...
As a WildAlert subscriber, you are passionate about wildlife and the great outdoors. You love to visit wilderness, hike and camp or work in your garden and watch birds. Mobilizing with others to protect wilderness is a winning strategy for you.
That's just a part of what we've learned from this year's WildAlert survey, with its record 24,000 responses. Here's more: Most subscribers have spoken out via email about wilderness issues. A growing number are eager to help by making phone calls, posting information to blogs, and getting involved in other ways.
Your thoughts and opinions help to shape our strategies, and we'll be seeking more from you in the future. Thank you!
News
New Washington Wilderness for the 21st century
America's brand new wilderness, dubbed Wild Sky, can be found on the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest north of Seattle. It's Washington's first newly-designated wilderness in more than 20 years. It includes pristine lowland valleys, large stands of old growth forests and a handful of Washington's famous wild rivers. This is the culmination of a multi-year effort, and the WildAlert community has played an important role in gaining passage for this bill. Truly, this is something to celebrate!
Learn more.
Public Overwhelmingly Opposes Oil & Gas Drilling in Utah's Famed Nine Mile Canyon
Learn more.
House Passes Major Land Conservation Initiative
Bill would make the National Landscape Conservation System permanent.
Learn more.
PBS Features Alaska Wilderness
A new video about Gates of the Arctic National Park in Alaska will be shown on many PBS stations this summer. The park's creation was due in part to the actions of Wilderness Society giants Bob Marshall and Mardy and Olaus Murie. If you'd like to see it, go to your PBS station's web site and search on "Gates of the Arctic."