text: Izembek is critical habitat for the entire planet's migrating  population of Pacific Black Brandt and other of the world's waterfowl as well as land mammals.  Tt's function helps meet US  International Waterfowl Treaty obligations. Izembek supports subsistence waterfowl harvest for the Yukon Kuskowim Delta.  Designation as wildlife refuge was not a careless, meaningless action. Same to be said as critical refuge by those responsible for its care and by Alaskans who speak to defend its dedicated purpose. This should be the  missing part of the discussion. Be mindful of the $30 million plus US taxpayer's cash that purchased the hovercraft now discarded that was to serve for medical emergencies. Be mindful that the real original road proposal was cast as a means to cheaply ship processed fish to Cold Bay. Not forgotten!  Imagine an emergency vehicular medical evacuation on that road in a raging Aleutian blizzard. A more honest discussion of alternatives is in order.