In 2004, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and Doyon, Limited (Doyon), an Alaska Native Regional Corporation, agreed in principle to the terms of a proposed land exchange within the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. The proposed exchange would have given Doyon title to some Refuge lands with oil and gas potential. In exchange, the Service would receive quality fish and wildlife habitats owned by Doyon.

The Service prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to address the potential environmental, cultural, and socio-economic impacts that could result from the proposed land exchange and other alternatives. The EIS process will help us decide whether or not to proceed with the exchange, and if so, whether to modify the proposed exchange agreement or proceed as proposed. Based on additional information obtained after the Draft EIS was released and public comments received, we have decided that the Final EIS will identify the “no action alternative,” no land exchange, as the preferred alternative. The selection of one of the alternatives as a preferred alternative is a required component of the EIS process. While selection of a preferred alternative is not the same as a final decision, it does indicate the direction that we are likely heading.

The EIS process is a public process. This website will provide the public with background information on the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge and the proposed land exchange agreement, inform the public of the status of the EIS, and provide the public with another avenue for input and participation in the process. Please see the Site Directory page for what is included in the website and where it is found. The website will be updated periodically as additional information becomes available.