Preface
The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act
of 1980 (ANILCA) was one of the most significant pieces of conservation
legislation in this Nation's history. The nine-year struggle over the
disposition of the public lands in Alaska is, moreover, a fascinating
case study in the American democratic process, where differing views
over the uses of those lands would be presented, argued, and, finally
compromised. Not the least of the complex of forces involved in the
process was the role of the Federal agencies. In the unfolding drama,
these agencies had to respond to congressional mandates, the demands of
the conservation community, and pro-development pressures. The purpose
of this paper is to examine the history of the National Park Service in
Alaska, and in the legislative process that resulted in ANILCA.
The study is not a general history of ANILCA. Rather,
it is a one-sided one that examines the role of one agency whose primary
mission is preservation. It is not, moreover, intended to be definitive
history of the Park Service's role. It is the first step in an analysis
of the Service's role in the process, and is part of the on-going effort
to implement the ANILCA mandate.
I have enjoyed enormous support both from within and
outside the National Park Service in preparing this history. It would be
impossible to even begin to list here all the people who took time for
interviews, loaned me material, answered questions, made helpful
suggestions, and offered encouragement. Their names appear in footnotes
and in the bibliography. This is not, by any means, sufficient
recognition for their contributions, but I hope they know how much I
appreciate their help. I do want to thank present and past Alaska
Regional Directors Roger Contor and John Cook and their staffs for
giving me the fullest possible support in my work. Bill Brown,
particularly, helped formulate ideas and always took time from his busy
schedule to listen to my tales of woe and offer encouragement and
valuable insights. Ted Swem opened his personal files, helped to arrange
interviews, and was always available to answer questions or to clear up
some obscure point. His enthusiasm for and commitment to the Alaska
parklands played no insignificant role in preparation of this history.
John Luzader did yeoman work in assisting with the research. He waded
through an almost frightening amount of material in the Denver Public
Library and in Washington, D.C., and prepared invaluable summaries on
litigation and minerals. Patricia Sachs relieved me of concerns in
preparing most of the maps included. Harry Crandell, Chief of Staff,
House of Representatives Subcommittee on Public Lands and National
Parks, helped me through the intricacies of the legislative process. A
weekend with Bill Reffalt and Christine Enright helped to broaden my
perspective regarding the cooperation and objectives of the National
Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service. Carl Kessler, Chief of the
Law Branch, U.S. Department of the Interior Library, made available
material that I would not have seen otherwise, and always proved willing
to send me a document or answer a question. Linda Greene gave up a
weekend to conduct research in the Alan Bible Papers. I have had several
supervisors over the several years this project has lastedWil Logan,
Betty Janes, and John Latschar. All gave me the fullest support,
relieved me of all responsibilities save preparation of this history
and, to varying degrees, made few comments regarding the condition of my
office. Deciphering my handwriting, I must admit, is a difficult job at
best. Joan Manson did an extraordinary job in doing that to type the
manuscript, and she accepted my nearly innumerable changes with constant
good humor.
This history is, in the truest sense, the joint
effort of many people. If, however, despite the considerable support and
help I received, the history fails to rise to the subject, the fault is
mine alone.
I have come to respect the people involved in the
long years of struggle over the disposition of Alaska's public lands.
Whatever their position, people gave of themselves in a way that must be
admired. In particular I wish to note National Park Service employees
who were killed while on an inspection tour of the proposed Lake Clark
National Park:
Keith Trexler
Rhonda Barber
Carol Byler
Janice Cooper
Dawn Finney
Jane Matlock
Mickect (Clara) Veara
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