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.

Proposal to List the Polar Bear as Threatened Under the Endangered Species Act
The Service has proposed to protect the polar bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA.) A proposed rule (pdf) that would add the polar bear to the federal list of threatened and endangered species was published on January 9, 2007, opening a 90-day comment period on this proposed listing.

Climate Change
The effects of accelerated climate change are especially pronounced here in Alaska. The USFWS and USGS in Alaska, where climatic changes are predicted to be severe, are committed to working together to strategically investigate and address these changes.