Alaska Conservation Solutions

About Alaska Conservation Solutions

Alaska Conservation Solutions was founded in 2005 to draw attention to the pervasive consequences of climate change in Alaska, and also to pursue solutions to the problem. The work of Alaska Conservation Solutions is supported by grants from the Education Foundation of America, Endurance Fund, and the America Conservation Association through National Environmental Trust; and grants from the Hewlett Foundation, the Norcross Foundation, the Ametek Foundation, and individuals such as Ben and Ruth Hammett through The Ocean Foundation; as well as contributions from numerous concerned individuals. If you wish to volunteer or contribute to the work of Alaska Conservation Solutions, please contact Terri Pauls for more information.

Finally, Alaska Conservation Solutions benefits from the outstanding work of Heather Benz, Anna Davidson, Barbara Dey, Margaret Manousoff, Mary Walker, Nancy Wallace, and Ari Zandman-Zeman.

Terri Pauls, Project Director

Terri has been educating on environmental and sustainability issues for 12 years. She received her B.A. in psychology from the University of Minnesota, summa cum laude.  In 1993-94, Terri's worldview was transformed by an 8-month around-the-world study abroad program exploring the impacts of economic globalization on people and the natural world.  Terri received her M.S. in Environmental Studies in 1999 from Antioch New England Graduate School, with an emphasis in environmental education.

Terri founded the Alaska Earth Institute, co-founded Bioneers in Alaska, has taught environmental studies at the University of Alaska Anchorage, and has worked on campus sustainability efforts at UAA.  She has served on the boards of the Alaska Center for the Environment, the Institute for Deep Ecology, and the Alaska Quiet Rights Coalition, and was the founding race director of the Alaska Run for Women. Terri is currently researching and pursuing ecovillage living.

Formerly a nationally-competitive cross-country ski racer, Terri still enjoys cross-country skiing, along with skijoring, hiking, running, whitewater and sea kayaking, cycling, and learning the native plants and bird songs.  Origninally from Minnesota, Terri has lived in Anchorage since 1991.

Deborah L. Williams, Founder

Ms. Williams has been actively involved in conservation and sustainable community issues in Alaska for over 25 years, and is now focusing on global warming. She received her B.A. from Pomona College, summa cum laude, with a concentration in Biology and Economics. Subsequently she was graduated from Harvard Law School, with honors, and was the principal founder of and co-editor-in-chief of the Harvard Environmental Law Review.

After serving in the Department of Interior’s Solicitors Honors Program in Washington D.C., Ms. Williams represented the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Alaska. Between 1981 and 1994, Ms. Williams was the Executive Director of the Alaska Consumer Advocacy Program and of the Alaska Lung Association, while serving on many boards and commissions, including Trustees for Alaska (president of the board) and the Municipal Health Commission (chair of the Environmental Health Committee). In 1994, Ms. Williams received a Presidential appointment, and became the Special Assistant to the Secretary of Interior for Alaska, in which position she advised the Secretary about managing over 220 million acres of national lands in Alaska and working with Alaska tribes and others associated with the Department’s broad natural and cultural resource jurisdiction. She also was a Trustee on the Exxon Valdez Trustee Council and other boards. For over six years, Ms. Williams served as the Executive Director of the Alaska Conservation Foundation, winning many awards in that role.

Deborah Williams is currently the Executive Director of the Alaska Democratic Party. Ms. Williams has published numerous law review and other articles, has been featured repeatedly in the media (including 60 Minutes, the New York Times and BBC), and has taught graduate level courses at both the University of Alaska and Alaska Pacific University. She greatly enjoys backpacking, skiing, gardening, building, and traveling with her family.New layer...