He was the only U.S. president to hang a map of Alaska on the wall of the Oval Office. By championing the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, he helped create millions of acres of national parks and refuges across the state.

Across the nation, Carter is remembered as a man who defined what a post-presidency should look like — a prolific writer, humanitarian and diplomat. But in Alaska specifically, he is

Former President Jimmy Carter was honored on Wednesday by the Alaska Wilderness League for his conservation work in the state. The Mardie Murie Lifetime Achievement Award recognized Carter’s role in creating and passing the 1980 Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.