When Jimmy Carter became an honorary national park ranger in 2016, it was a fitting tribute to a former president whose environmental efforts shaped the National Park Service (NPS) and the state of Alaska. Carter’s presidency, though marked by many achievements, will forever be celebrated for his bold conservation policies. By designating vast tracts of land as national monuments and pushing forward landmark legislation, Carter solidified his place as one of the greatest environmentalists to ever lead the United States.
Carter’s Bold Conservation Initiatives
During his presidency from 1977 to 1981, Carter demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting the nation’s natural heritage. His aggressive conservation push in the late 1970s led to the creation of 39 new park sites. Most notably, on December 1, 1978, Carter used his executive authority under the Antiquities Act to designate 13 national monuments in Alaska. This single action federally protected 56 million acres of land, more than doubling the area managed by the NPS.
Former NPS Director Jon Jarvis hailed this move as “incredibly, incredibly bold,” underscoring Carter’s visionary leadership in conservation. The 39th president’s efforts were not only monumental for Alaska but transformative for the entire NPS.
In 1980, Carter secured his most significant conservation victory with the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). This sweeping law protected over 100 million acres, creating or expanding 16 wildlife refuges, 13 national parks, and numerous other protected areas.
The Impact of ANILCA
The ANILCA legislation remains one of the most extensive conservation acts in history. By designating nearly 57 million acres as wilderness, it provided these lands with the federal government’s highest level of protection. This law also created a robust framework for Alaska’s tourism industry, which now generates billions of dollars annually. David Raskin, former president of Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges, called ANILCA “the greatest conservation law passed in this nation, if not the world.”
In a 2022 interview, Carter himself described ANILCA as “the most significant domestic achievement of my political life.” He emphasized the unparalleled scale of preservation it achieved, protecting America’s natural and cultural heritage for generations to come.
Challenges and Opposition
Carter’s conservation efforts were not without controversy. While he received widespread praise from environmentalists, many Alaskans viewed his actions as federal overreach. Carter recalled being “despised” during a visit to a state fair in Alaska. The animosity was so intense that the Secret Service had to double his protection.
Opponents argued that federal land protections would harm Alaska’s economy, with some even burning Carter in effigy. Despite the backlash, Carter’s policies ultimately proved beneficial, fostering a sustainable tourism industry and preserving critical ecosystems. Conservation biologist Rick Steiner noted that without ANILCA, these lands might have been irrevocably altered.
Continued Advocacy in Later Years
Even after leaving office, Carter remained an active advocate for conservation. In 2022, at the age of 97, he joined legal efforts to oppose a controversial land swap that would have allowed the construction of an 11-mile gravel road through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge. Carter’s involvement highlighted his enduring dedication to protecting Alaska’s wilderness.
While proponents of the road argued it was essential for providing medical access to isolated communities, Carter emphasized the importance of preserving the integrity of ANILCA. His advocacy played a crucial role in influencing the legal battle, with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals eventually reconsidering the case.
A Lasting Conservation Legacy
Carter’s influence extended beyond Alaska. His precedent-setting use of the Antiquities Act inspired future presidents to utilize the law to protect large swaths of land. Jarvis, who served as NPS director under President Obama, credited Carter with paving the way for modern conservation efforts.
The former president’s Georgia home became a national historic site in 1987 and was later renamed as a national historic park in 2021. When Carter was named an honorary park ranger in 2016, he called it an honor and expressed pride in his contributions to the conservation movement.
Frequent Challenges in Conservation
Carter’s efforts underscore the complexities of conservation. Balancing environmental protection with economic and community needs often leads to contentious debates. The Alaska Native subsistence rights preserved under ANILCA serve as a model for integrating cultural considerations into conservation policies.
Jarvis recalled the hostility faced by NPS employees in Alaska after ANILCA’s passage, including arson and boycotts of NPS facilities. Despite these challenges, the law’s long-term benefits are undeniable, ensuring that Alaska’s unique ecosystems remain intact for future generations.
Conclusion
Jimmy Carter’s environmental legacy is one of unparalleled vision and determination. From his bold use of the Antiquities Act to the transformative ANILCA legislation, Carter’s presidency redefined conservation in America. Though his efforts faced significant opposition, they ultimately safeguarded millions of acres of wilderness and established a foundation for sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.
As the longest-living former president, Carter continued to champion conservation causes well into his later years, proving that his commitment to protecting the planet was lifelong. His work in Alaska and beyond stands as a testament to the power of bold leadership in preserving the natural world.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was Jimmy Carter’s most significant conservation achievement?
Carter’s most notable achievement was the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980, which protected over 100 million acres of land and created numerous national parks, wildlife refuges, and wilderness areas.
2. Why did some Alaskans oppose Carter’s conservation efforts?
Many Alaskans viewed Carter’s actions as federal overreach, fearing that land protections would harm the local economy. However, these policies ultimately supported a thriving tourism industry and preserved critical ecosystems.
3. How did Carter use the Antiquities Act during his presidency?
Carter used the Antiquities Act to designate 13 national monuments in Alaska in 1978, protecting 56 million acres of land. This bold move set a precedent for future presidents to use the Act for large-scale conservation.
4. What was the impact of ANILCA on Alaska’s Native communities?
ANILCA allowed Alaska Natives to continue subsistence hunting and fishing on public lands, ensuring that their cultural practices were preserved while also protecting the environment.
5. How did Carter’s post-presidency advocacy influence conservation efforts?
Carter remained active in conservation advocacy, opposing policies that threatened protected lands. His involvement in cases like the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge dispute demonstrated his lifelong dedication to environmental protection.