The protection of habitat is an important component of the Exxon Valdez oil spill restoration program. The acquisition of private lands or partial interests in private lands promotes the natural recovery of spill-injured resources and associated services into the future by ensuring that the highest priority habitat for injured species in the spill area is permanently protected. The program is implemented by state and federal resource agencies, often in partnership with non-governmental organizations and with willing Sellers. The habitat program has protected approximately 650,000 acres of valuable habitat through a variety of purchases of various property rights, ranging from fee simple acquisition to conservation and timber easements. Resource and land management agencies, such as the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, continue to receive parcel recommendations for Council consideration for acquisition of interests in high priority habitat. For additional information, see Habitat Protection.
