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Former President Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100, leaving a legacy in Alaska that shaped the state’s future. Carter, the only president to prominently display a map of Alaska in the Oval Office, signed the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act in 1980, protecting vast wilderness areas.

Although met with opposition from business interests at the time, the law doubled the size of national park and refuge systems, preserved wild rivers, and designated millions of acres as wilderness. Carter’s deep love for nature, evident through his frequent trips to Alaska for fishing and birdwatching, underscored his commitment to conservation.

Despite initial resistance, Carter’s law eventually reshaped Alaska’s economy, boosting tourism revenues significantly. Many of the controversies surrounding the law have subsided over time, with only a fraction of current Alaskans having been involved in the fight against it.

Carter’s preservation efforts continue to resonate today, as ongoing debates over issues like predator control and the proposed road through Izembek National Wildlife Refuge highlight the enduring impacts of his legislation. Carter’s dedication to balancing conservation with development resonates through these discussions, ensuring that his legacy remains a vital part of Alaska’s identity.

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