The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is preparing to launch a year-long celebration of a milestone in conservation history ? the 50th anniversary of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

The nine-million-acre Arctic National Wildlife Range was established by the outgoing Eisenhower administration on Dec. 6, 1960. Twenty-years later, with the passage of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, it was renamed the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and expanded to 19 million acres, making it the nation's largest refuge. "The 50th anniversary provides us with a wonderful opportunity to share the Arctic Refuge with the American people and honor those who had the vision to set aside this remarkable place for future generations," said Geoffrey Haskett, director of the Alaska Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The founding of the Arctic Refuge was the culmination of a seven-year campaign by conservation leaders concerned with post-war development and environmental degradation, who saw the vast and remote corner of northeast Alaska as one of the finest examples of true wilderness. Unlike other parks or refuges, which were established solely for public enjoyment or conservation, the Arctic Refuge was set aside for the "purpose of preserving unique wildlife, wilderness and recreational values." Never before had such a vast federal land unit been established to preserve whole ecosystems and unique values.

From boreal forests, to the rugged peaks of the Brooks Range, to the coastal plain and barrier islands of the Beaufort Sea coast, the refuge includes a range of arctic and sub-arctic habitats and a rich diversity of wildlife. It is home to 43 fish species, 45 land and marine mammals, and more than 195 migratory and resident bird species. It is also the only U.S. conservation area that's home to all three North American bears?black, polar, and grizzly.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary, the Fish and Wildlife Service is producing an hour-long documentary, "America's Wildest Refuge: Discovering the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge," which will present an historical and ecological portrait of the refuge. Scheduled for completion this fall, the documentary will feature sweeping views of the refuge landscape, its wildlife, and interviews with those who know it best.

The Service has also commissioned a play, "Wild Legacy," that honors the early conservationists who were instrumental in the establishment of the refuge. Written by award-winning playwright Gloria Baxter and produced by Memphis-based theater company Voices of the South, the play also celebrates the wilderness experiences of contemporary Americans.

"So many people have heard of the Arctic Refuge, but will never have the opportunity to visit," Haskett said. "We think the celebration we have planned is a great way to bring it to them."

The documentary, play, photo exhibit, and interpretive display will be traveling within Alaska in 2010 and are expected to travel throughout the Lower 48 in 2011. For additional information on the Arctic Refuge 50th anniversary celebration, contract coordinator Maureen Clark at (907) 786-3469 or by e-mail, ArcticRefuge50th@fws.gov.

In addition, the Service is sponsoring an exhibit of large-scale photographs of the refuge by photographer Jeff Jones as well as a traveling interpretive exhibit that describes the history, geography, biology, climate and the special significance of the refuge.