Caribou, grizzly bear, and moose activity along proposed routes to the Ambler Mining District, Alaska
Joly K, Cameron MD, Sorum MS. 2016. Caribou, grizzly bear, and moose activity along proposed routes to the Ambler Mining District, Alaska. Natural Resource Report. NPS/GAAR/NRR—2016/1283. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) provides for surface access across Gates of the Arctic National Preserve to mineral reserves in the Ambler Mining District. In 2015, the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority applied for a right-of-way to do just that. The filing triggers an environmental analysis which is also mandated by ANILCA. Using existing data, we analyzed the movements of caribou (Rangifer tarandus), grizzly bears (Ursus arctos), and moose (Alces alces) in relation to proposed road routes to the Ambler Mining District. Our analyses reveal that the differences between the routes are minor for the three study species, though the southern route would result in fewer and less severe impacts. Selection of a route hinges upon more than effects to these three species or wildlife in general; however these three species represent critical subsistence resources, sedentary as well as highly nomadic animals, and apex predators. As such, effects to these three species should be an important part of the decision of where to place a road if it is built, determine conditions for road usage, and to serve as baseline data to monitor the impacts of road development and activity.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Joly, Kyle; Cameron, Matthew; Sorum, Matthew
- Date of Issue
- 2016-08
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- ARCN , GAAR , NRSS