Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act

The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980 significantly expanded protected areas in Alaska. This act designated millions of acres as national parks, preserves, wildlife refuges, and national forests, preserving vast wilderness and critical habitats.

Two examples of areas protected under this act are:
* Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve: Located in southwestern Alaska, this area includes a large volcanic caldera and the Aniakchak River, designated as a national wild river. It was proclaimed a national monument in 1978 and saw boundary changes in 1980 when the preserve was established.1
* Noatak National Preserve: Situated in northwestern Alaska within the Brooks Range, this preserve protects an intact river basin north of the Arctic Circle. It is a vital ecosystem and migration route, home to diverse wildlife and numerous archaeological sites. It was also proclaimed a national monument in 1978, with boundary and name changes occurring in 1980.2