Chapter 5 - Caribou and Oil Fields

摘要: In Alaska, caribou are classified into geographically separate herds for management purposes. Before the discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay in late 1960s, only two arctic were recognized Alaska—the Western Arctic Caribou Herd (WACH) and Porcupine (PCH). Since 1970s, have increased throughout their range. As 1997, among 31 currently Alaskan herds, 9 increasing, 4 either stable or 12 appeared stable, 2 declining, declining. One that dramatically over past 25 years is Central (CAH), which has a summer range includes fields on Alaska's Coastal Plain. Assessment effects oil-field development resulting mitigation measures region important predicting potential other areas Arctic. From standpoint, impacts been inconsequential because herd grown period objectives being met.