In an era of rising fuel costs and concerns about greenhouse gases, American taxpayers expect federal agencies to be prudent in their use of fossil fuels.  Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge has responded to these expectations by completing a suite of energy- and cost-saving measures at their aircraft hangar in Bethel, Alaska.

At 20 million acres or an area the size of South Carolina, Yukon Delta Refuge needs its four small airplanes to do its work.  Refuge pilots conduct wildlife surveys, transport field crews and gear to remote sites and shuttle staff to and from village meetings.  Given the brutal weather in western Alaska, the refuge requires a secure place to house its planes during the winter months.  Since 1989, the refuge has maintained a 4,200 sq-foot hangar at the Bethel Airport.  In addition to protecting refuge planes, the hangar provided a base for aircraft repair and maintenance.