REFUGE: Should become monument

The new Congress sure has some crazy ideas for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, but the American people have been keeping it wild for generations. The 50th anniversary of the Arctic Refuge on Dec. 6 presents an historic opportunity to protect this last, vast American wilderness as our newest National Monument.

Big mammals, such as the iconic polar bear, still roam freely in America's Arctic and millions of the world's birds feed and nest on its plains.

They come here each year, seeking refuge from a world of encroaching hazards to receive their most sacred needs: sustenance and safe harbor for bearing their young. The Arctic Refuge remains wild, so the cycle of life continues.

As Americans, we have a moral and civic duty to ensure that this cycle is not broken - not on our watch. Please, President Obama, protect the Arctic Refuge as a National Monument.

CASEY JO REMY

Sandpoint