Essential: Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act 1980 has been supported and derided by Alaskans, both in 1980 when it was passed and today. Describe three impacts of this landmark legislation.
In 1980, United States Congress passed the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). ANILCA was a compromise that set aside 104 million acres of federal land in Alaska under the status of monuments, preserves, and wildlife refuges as well as adding to the national park and national forest systems (Modern Alaska: ANILCA).
After decades of disputes over Alaska’s pristine land, a compromise was finally reached. Under ANILCA, the federal government owns sixty percent of Alaska. Regulations of mining, cabin building, road/trail building, use of motorized vehicles, use of tools such as chain saws, hunting, fishing, recreational activities were put in place (Explore Alaska).
ANILCA was called "the most important environmental legislation in the history of the nation” (Modern Alaska: ANILCA).
In Module V, we discussed the history of Alaska’s mining. While mining enticed prospectors to settle in Alaska and build communities, it also had many harmful effects on the environment. ANILCA brought protection to a significant area of the state that was previously open to mining and other kinds of entry.
Another part of ANILCA that is near and dear to Alaskans is a federal guarantee of a rural preference for the subsistence harvest of traditional resources, fish, and game. Subsistence is both a cultural way of life and an economic necessity in many Alaska villages. People must hunt and fish in order to survive.
Unfortunately, the rural preference in ANILCA is in conflict with the state constitution. As a result of the state being out of compliance with ANILCA, the federal government took over management of subsistence hunting on federal lands (Modern Alaska: Subsistence).
ANILCA has continued to be a source of controversy since it was passed in 1980.
Examine: Describe the major periods of Alaska governance.
Following the purchase of Alaska in 1867 were four distinct periods called Era of Neglect, District, Territory, and State.
The Era of Neglect started in 1867 and ended in 1884. During the first ten years of this period the United States Army had a presence in Alaska. The army made an attempt to cut off the sale of liquor to Natives and protect them from non-Native abuse. The Sitka Tlingits became hostile once the army was gone and Americans requested federal assistance. Finally in 1879, the navy sent in a ship with powerful guns and the Sitka Natives became less hostile. Southeast Alaska was essentially the only part of Alaska to received any aid during the first period. With a state the size of Alaska it is obvious why this period is called the Era of Neglect (Alaska’s Heritage).
The District period began in 1884 and ended in 1912. During the second period Alaska began to create a government. In 1884, US Congress established a civilian government for Alaska under the First Organic Act. “It authorized a district governor and a court system for Alaska. The First Organic Act also applied the laws of the State of Oregon to Alaska ‘so far as they may be applicable.’ It extended federal mining laws to Alaska so that miners could legally file claims on mineral-rich land. In addition, a federal land office opened at Sitka to administer a land district that included all of Alaska” (Alaska’s Heritage). Alaskans were still not satisfied so in 1900 Congress approved a Civil Code which revised the First Organic Act resulting in more laws for Alaska.
The Second Organic Act established Alaska as a territory, rather than a district. The Territory period started in 1912 and ended in 1959. Alaska was allowed to vote for a representative of their territory. The territorial legislature had 24 members, two senators and four representatives from each of the four judicial districts. Alaskans finally had the ability to pass laws that governed their communities (Alaska’s Heritage).
The final period of Alaska governance, the State period, began on January 3, 1959 when Alaska became the 49th state of the United States. Becoming a State meant Alaskans were given voting representation in Congress. The Alaskan presence in Congress led to new federal policies, programs, and services (Alaska’s Heritage).
Extend: How might you use content from this module in your professional practice?
Much of the information in this module could be used in a science classroom. I am specifically drawn to the current issues list at the end of the lesson. In my Biology classes we are currently focusing on Human Impact on the Environment. As part of a place-based experience, we are focusing on what is going on in Wrangell. This list gives me great ideas for current issues in our home state as well!
Evaluate: Write a brief paragraph reflecting on the content, style, and usefulness of this first module.
Module IX was full with SO MUCH great information! I really enjoyed the resources about the Alaska PFDs. As a newcomer to Alaska, I was excited to fill out my application for next years PFD and I had not thought too much about where the money comes from or what else it could be used for. The prospect of getting money for simply existing is exciting, but also pretty silly. Thank you for the excellent resources and thought provoking module about Alaska’s PFD and other current issues.
Resources:
Colleague Blogs:
Excited About Alaska: Kelley has presented great information about Native Corporations, a topic I know very little about. I enjoyed reading her blog and look forward to learning more about the Native Corporation in my region of Alaska.
Latitude 61: I enjoyed reading about the government officials and tribal government. I thought about answering this question, but did not know where to start. Crystal did a great job including links and other helpful information.
Explore Alaska Class: This week was the first time I had heard of the Native Youth Olympics (NYO). Nikki also mentioned NYO in here blog and had a link to the website. I am excited to take a closer look into this awesome celebration of heritage and community!
