Deborah Williams: Leading Alaska's Environmental Movement.

• Author: KANE, ROGER
• Position: Brief Article

Many Alaskans would argue that the oil industry single-handedly fuels the state's economic engine. Deborah Williams, executive director of the Alaska Conservation Foundation, is not one of them.

"I firmly believe that a healthy environment is the sustainable, economic heart of Alaska," Williams said.

Citing research recently compiled by Steve Colt, from the Institute of Social and Economic Research at the University of Alaska Anchorage, Williams said healthy ecosystems support 26 percent of all jobs in Alaska. Colt found that nearly 84,000 people hold jobs that directly or indirectly support the fishing and hunting, tourism and recreation, and public-lands and resource management industries.

"That's six times more direct jobs than the oil-and-gas industry provides," Williams said. "And all those jobs are sustainable."

The income generated by those jobs amounts to more than $2.5 billion annually. Environmental protection makes economic sense to her, but she also is unwavering in her desire to preserve the wilds of Alaska for their intrinsic value.

"What motivates me most is a strong sense of stewardship. I want to ensure that future generations get to experience the natural wonders we experience now," Williams said. "We truly live in the most special place in the world."

Upon coming to Alaska for a vacation with her family in the 1970s, Williams said she fell in love with what she found here: "A thriving natural environment and a place of great opportunity. I knew this was the place I wanted to spend the rest of my life."

As executive director of the Alaska Conservation Foundation, Williams is working harder than ever to make sure Alaska's ecosystems remain healthy and vibrant and she credits her staff of fewer than 20, and the foundation's 50 or so volunteers, for their tireless efforts.

Last year alone, the ACF awarded 163 grants worth more than $1.2 million. The foundation awarded grants in several essential areas including Initiative for Alaska's Future and Sustainable Community Development and is gearing up for an even bigger year in 2001.

Inspirations Past, Present and Future

Among her inspirations, she counts Celia Hunter, whom she calls "the first lady of environmental conservation in Alaska," and President Carter.

"(Carter) is a man of high morals. A man who really believes our generation has a responsibility to protect the environment and he acts tirelessly on his beliefs.

"But most of all, I am inspired by young Alaskans. They...