Protecting Our Land, Protecting Our Future: Why the Central Yukon Plan Matters

Alaska's Interior is facing a tough situation. The Central Yukon Resource Management Plan, finalized in 2024 after 12 years of hard work, is now under threat. This plan is crucial for managing 13. 3 million acres of public lands. It's not just about land; it's about food, culture, and the future of rural Alaskan communities. The plan is a result of collaboration. Tribes, local businesses, and residents all had a say. It balances hunting, fishing, resource development, and wildlife protection. Without it, there's uncertainty about subsistence rights and habitat management. This isn't just a policy debate; it's about putting food on the table and preserving culture. Congress is considering overturning the plan. If they do, it would mean going back to outdated plans from the 1990s. This would create chaos for land managers and tribes. The Congressional Review Act has never been used to undo a resource management plan before. Doing so now would be a big mistake. Alaska's Interior is already in crisis. Salmon runs are collapsing, and caribou migrations are shifting. In times like these, stability in land management is crucial. The BLM-managed lands support subsistence opportunities and cultural practices. Overturning the plan would endanger these opportunities and undermine trust in collaborative planning. It's time for Congress to reconsider. The Central Yukon Plan is a product of deep collaboration. Overturning it would destroy 12 years of hard work. The future, food security, and cultural survival of Alaskan communities depend on this plan. It's time to protect it.