A Big Victory for an Important Alaskan Watershed

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WINGSPAN NEWSLETTER | JUNE 2025

Chilkat River Valley in Klukwan, Alaska.

Good News! Palmer Mine Project Stopped Thanks to Local Advocacy

The 49,000-acre Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is home to the world’s largest congregation of Bald Eagles and a major migration passage for many bird species. For years, the Chilkat Indian Village of Klukwan and its conservation partners in the community of Haines have opposed the Palmer Project, a proposed mixed-metal mine located at the headwaters of the Chilkat Watershed. In a major win for our community partners, American Pacific Mining Corp. announced plans to step away from the Palmer Project last month. Learn more about how local communities and Tribes banded together to protect this Important Bird Area.

For more information about the harmful Palmer Project, plus interviews with our Tribal partners and videos of the breathtaking region, read the full story here.

Chilkat River Valley in Klukwan, Alaska. Photo: Sydney Walsh/Audubon

In 2024, Feather Friendly glass treatment was applied to McCormick Place's windows in Chicago.

The Bird-Safe Buildings Movement is Growing

Migrating birds face deadly threats from window collisions due to reflective glass and artificial light at night. We’re a part of the Bird Collision Prevention Alliance, a coalition committed to making our built environment safer for birds. Thanks to our network of chapters, centers, and staff, more individuals, property owners, and campuses are adopting bird-friendly practices and joining Lights Out programs. Keep reading for a round-up of our nationwide efforts to make buildings and night skies safer for migrating birds.

In 2024, Feather Friendly glass treatment was applied to McCormick Place’s windows in Chicago. Photo: Paul Groleau/Feather Friendly

Our Work, Powered By Your Generosity

Thanks for reading this month’s Wingspan newsletter! Please consider donating to enable future victories for habitats and birds like those you read about today. Help us give birds their best chance of survival by donating now.

Piping Plover. Photo: Jason Dain/Audubon Photography Awards

Celebrating 10 Years of Climate Watch

Climate change remains the biggest threat to North American birds, and ongoing monitoring is key to knowing how and where to act. For the past decade, Climate Watch volunteers have been monitoring certain bird species like bluebirds, nuthatches, and towhees to learn more about climate change. See how community science efforts like Climate Watch helps scientists learn about how climate affects birds around us.