Protecting Cultural Resources with Climate Resilience

Cultural resources in Alaska are facing many threats due to climate change. Strong rainstorms are eroding streambanks and undermining cultural sites as fast as we can document them. Historic buildings sometimes must be moved to safer ground. Permafrost thaw and coastal storms are eroding long-hidden artifacts and exposing them to looting or being lost to the sea. Ice patches that have protected artifacts from degradation are melting and exposing them to the elements. And wildfire has become more prevalent and has threatened museums and other cultural sites.

Guided by the Department of the Interior’s Restoration and Resilience Framework, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Restoration and Resilience projects in national parks represent broad-scale and impactful resource investments across every corner of our nation—including Alaska. These projects will help build resilience so our park resources will be able to withstand future impacts from climate change or other threats.

About the Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act provides the National Park Service with an historic opportunity to address critical ecosystem resilience, restoration, and environmental planning needs. Projects funded in national parks represent broad-scale and impactful resource investments across every corner of our nation—from Alaska to Florida to Maine.