National Wildlife Refuges

National Wildlife Refuges - Arctic(area 7 a&b)

Purpose

To conserve fish and wildlife populations and habitats in their natural diversity.
To fulfill the international treaty obligations of the United States with respect to fish and wildlife and their habitats.
To provide the opportunity for continued subsistence uses by local residents.
To ensure water quality and necessary water quantity within the refuge.

Management regime

manage to conserve fish, wildlife, and habitats in their natural diversity.
human uses, which are compatible with the purposes of a national wildlife refuge, may be allowed.
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is closed to oil and gas leasing unless authorized by Congress (1002 area).
oil leasing may be authorized on other Alaskan national wildlife refuges if it is in the national interest and compatible with purposes of the refuge.
National Wildlife Refuges are closed to mining except for prior existing rights.