Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman tours the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

While visiting Alaska in May, Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman toured the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC), formerly Big Game Alaska, to see first-hand the successful implementation of EQIP and WHIP projects.

The AWCC is a non-profit organization south of Anchorage that provides refuge for orphaned, injured or ill animals that would not be able to survive in the wild. AWCC’s 120 acres are home to many wildlife species including black and grizzly bears, elk, moose, musk ox, porcupines, owls and eagles.

A WHIP contract in 2001 enabled AWCC to install a shallow-water area and goose nesting structures to provide habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other associated wetland species.  The Native Plant Materials Center, a partner in the project, donated and planted emergent and wetland plants for the shallow water area. 

AWCC’s resident moose population seems to have enthusiastically approved the wildlife habitat, and the water area and has been successful in attracting wild ducks and shorebirds each year.

A second WHIP contract in 2003 helped AWCC install a shallow water wildlife area in a newly accessible area where the center can educate visitors about Alaska’s wildlife by viewing species in their natural habitat.

In 2003 an EQIP contract was awarded to implement better grazing management techniques for elk and musk ox through fencing, watering facilities (including a well and pipelines), and nutrient management.  Both native grazing areas and planted grass pastures have drastically improved as a result.  In addition to containing various wildlife species, the AWCC raises both elk and musk ox for food and fiber.

Accompanying Secretary Veneman was State Conservationist Shirley Gammon, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs Mark Weatherstone, Anchorage District Conservationist Crystal Leonetti, landowner Mike Miller, and Anchorage Soil and Water Conservation District Vice Chairman Greg Bell.

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