Protect America's wilderness

Last Monday marked 50 years to the day since President Eisenhower established what would become one of America's most beloved natural treasures: the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Big mammals, such as the iconic polar bear, and millions of the world's birds come here each year, seeking refuge from a world of encroaching hazards to receive their most sacred needs: sustenance and safe harbor for bearing their young. The Arctic Refuge remains wild, so the cycle of life continues. As Americans, we have a moral and civic duty to ensure that this cycle is not broken.

This anniversary presents a historic opportunity to finally protect this last, vast American wilderness. I urge our representatives in Washington, D.C., to close the book on a debate settled by the American people long ago: America's Arctic is more valuable for what lives upon the land than what lies under it.

Christopher C. Pierce

Fox Lake