, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Togiak and welcome to Togiak National Wildlife Refuge. This southwestern corner of is the ancestral home of Yup 'ik Eskimos and the abundant fish and wildlife that continue to support the people of the region. Jotldik Creek' i 290] wxvw.rulK'rtKli'iinkiulmm.com Circle of Life Togiak Refuge is home to at least 283 species of wildlife, including 33 kinds offish, 201 birds, 31 land mammals, 17 marine mammals, and 1 amphibian — the wood frog. Not everyone lives here all year, however.

Only the most hardy or those that can hibernate are found on the Refuge when snow blankets the land and temperatures fall to -30"F, making food scarce. Sportfishing opportunities The Bering Sea of the North Pacific In April and May flocks of migratory attract anglers Ocean washes the shores of Togiak birds arrive by the tens of thousands from around National Wildlife Refuge while and hibernating wildlife awaken to search for new plant growth in the the world. clouds catch in the glacier-carved inland peaks. Great migrations of longer daylight hours. salmon fight their way upstream in the many rivers that flow from As the rivers thaw, the first of the mountains, providing a nutrient- more than a million salmon begin rich link between ocean and land- to migrate up Refuge rivers to based ecosystems. spawn. Wildflowers bloom in a changing panorama of colors. Togiak Refuge covers 4.7 million New life is everywhere. acres, which is a land and water area about the size of Connecticut and Animal activity soon shifts to intense Rhode Island combined. Congress feeding in preparation for migration in 1980 designated the north half of to milder climates or for winter the Refuge (2.3 million acres) as the survival on the Refuge. As the days Thisflying Togiak to preserve the grow shorter, the tundra turns "HItie Goose" pristine character of the land and brilliant hues of reds, juicy berries (a stglized the animals who make it their home. are abundant, and frost finally Canada goose) silences the hordes of insects. was designed Togiak Refuge is part of the by renowned National Wildlife Refuge System, cartoonist and a national network of lands and eonserrationist waters administered for the Young brown bear J.N. "Ding" conservation, management and, Darling in 1935. where appropriate, restoration of the It has become fish, wildlife and plant resources and the symbol of their habitats within the United the National States for the benefit of present and Wildlife Refuge future generations of Americans. System.

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/ rnderwater ' Greg Syverson Top: Dolly sockcpc salmon Fish Enrich the Refuge Varden, Above: Togiak Refuge has more than 1,500 Arctic Char Dolly Varden, a close relative of the miles of streams and rivers and many brook trout, also move between deep, clear lakes providing abundant saltwater and the freshwater streams fish habitat. of the Refuge where they spawn and spend the winter. Five species of Pacific salmon return from the ocean to the streams where Many other kinds of fish spend their they hatched within Togiak Refuge. entire lives in Refuge waters, Chinook arrive first, starting in April including rainbow trout, arctic char, or May. Coho close the season with arctic grayling, northern pike, lake a last run in October. More than a trout, Alaska blackfish, sticklebacks million salmon spawn here each year. and several kinds of whitefish. Rainboic trout i. Salmon in all forms — from eggs I Greg Syverson 7 to spawned-out adults — provide important food for other life on the Refuge. Salmon enrich the ecosystem by bringing nutrients gained as they grew to adults in the ocean. These nutrients are released along the shore and into Spa ion ed-o lit the freshwater when adult salmon salmon die and decay after spawning. Other fishes, wildlife and plants along the river valleys benefit from the energy provided by the carcasses. ' Don Di'sJardin [;. Mm-Dimald I'SKWS

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Savannah Willow Juvenile sparrow ptarmigan northern hawk-owl

Emperor geese Golden-crowned sparrows, arctic warblers and other songbirds fill Mecca for Birds the air with music, while sandhill Birds flock to Togiak Refuge from cranes dance on the tundra. four continents to nest and raise their young or to feed and rest At least 39 kinds of shorebirds use while migrating. Some birds, such the Refuge. Eighteen of those nest as the willow ptarmigan, bald eagle, here, including dunlins, western northern hawk owl and common sandpipers, dowitchers and greater raven, stay all year. yellowiegs. Other flocks stop to feed during migration. Nushagak Bay More than a million birds that live is so important to the world's on the ocean the rest of the year shorebirds that it was named as a come ashore to breed on the Refuge's link in the Western Hemisphere coastal cliffs. Seabirds fill the Shorebird Reserve Network. summer air with a chorus of growls and cries from murres, puffins, A complete list of birds is available kittiwakes and others. from the Refuge Headquarters or its website (see back cover). Nutrient-rich eelgrass beds in the Refuge's bays and estuaries attract a variety of waterfowl. A majority of the world's population of emperor Short-billed dowitcher geese and black brant stop here during migration. Two threatened species, Steller's and spectacled eiders, have been seen here.

Hold eagle Steller's eider Homed puffin

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Harbor seal

Seventeen kinds of marine mammals swim along the Refuge's (i()0 miles of coastline and some come ashore Hull moose (haaloiit) to rest. Diversity of Mammals I. Almost half of Alaska's 105 land and Steller sea lions come ashore on the i marine mammals can be seen — with Refuge in the largest gathering of some effort — on the Refuge because this endangered species in Bristol of the diversity of habitats from Bay. Pacific walrus also find mountain ridges to ocean waters. sanctuary here at their largest haulout on a National Wildlife Caribou from two herds roam across Refuge. Harbor seals come ashore the Refuge. Finding favorable to give birth to their pups and to habitats, moose dramatically shed their fur for a new coat. increased on the Refuge in the 1990s. When gray whales migrate between brown bears can be seen along tropical and arctic waters, their Gray wolf streams at their favorite fishing holes barnacled heads can be seen along when the salmon spawn. The rare the coast as they surface to breathe. and new-to-science Alaska shrew also Hungry orcas and beluga whales lives here. Lucky visitors may catch follow migrating fish toward a glimpse of a wolf, wolverine or lynx. Refuge rivers. 7 Animals cope with the Refuge's long Steller sea lions winters in various ways. Beavers store food. Hoary marmots sleep through the winter. Lynx, snowshoe hares and caribou all have large feet or hooves that act like snowshoes to keep them from sinking in deep snow. Arctic fox Arctic foxes grow long, white coats.

For a full list of mammals and I. where they may be found, contact '? the Refuge Headquarters or visit 7 ;_ its website. _*: '. q Weather Moist and rainy conditions typically greet visitors, residents and wildlife alike in summer, although warm sunny weather does occur. Daytime temperatures generally range between 40" and 70"F. '

Snow covers the mountains by early October. In November, ice typically forms on lakes and rivers and remains until June. Winter daytime temperatures generally range from 40" to -20"F, sometimes falling as low- TII i/(i as -40"F. Winds can make even mild Fire and Ice temperatures feel much colder. Volcanoes and glaciers shaped many Togiak Refuge landscapes. The Plants and animals take advantage two came together to create a rare .1 snowy creek of microclimates created by the "tuya," a three-mile-long, 1,000-foot- varied terrain to find favorable high lava lump. Formed when a temperature, moisture and volcano erupted under glacial ice, this wind conditions. tmja is the only one known in Alaska. Visitors to the Refuge may hope for Glaciers sculpted hanging valleys, the best weather, but should always cirques, and deep lakes in the scenic prepare for the worst. It is not Wood River mountains. The Refuge uncommon for a warm and sunny Mountain lake has more than 500 lakes larger in size day suddenly to turn cold, windy than 25 acres (22 football fields), and wet. Flights and travel plans some deeper than 400 feet. must be flexible because weather can delay travel for days at a time. More than 500 kinds of plants grow here in a variety of habitats that include fresh and saltwater wetlands, open water, meadows, mountains, Tnndra clone-tip < illHIl www.robt'rt^lennkotchum.i'om tundra, and forests of spruce and cottonwood. The coastline varies from rugged, lichen-covered cliffs to sandy beaches. Arctic lupine

Yellow pond lily Common fire weed All photos this page I'SFWS 7

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Berry picking

Cultural Courtesies Archaeological evidence suggests that areas within Togiak Refuge have been continuously occupied for at Float plane G. Collins USFWS least 2,000 years.

Access to the Refuge Today, the local Native peoples are Togiak Refuge begins about 350 collectively known as Yup'ik Eskimos. air miles southwest of Anchorage. | Many continue the traditions of their Travelers come by air because, 1- ancestors by maintaining their as elsewhere in bash Alaska, no cultural beliefs and following a roads connect the Refuge or subsistence hunting and gathering the nearby communities with way of life. the rest of the state. Many places in Togiak Refuge Commercial airlines fly daily to are ancestral sites for hunting Dillingham, Bethel and King Salmon and gathering. One of the purposes from Anchorage. Barges supply these of the Refuge is to continue to communities during the summer, but provide subsistence opportunities there is no passenger service to Ice fishing to local residents. southwest Alaska by water. When traveling in the Refuge, Primary access to Togiak Refuge please be sensitive to the needs and itself is by chartered aircraft. customs of the local people. Respect Dillingham is the hub for many subsistence fish nets and cam]) of the air taxis that have permits sites. If you find any artifacts or to operate within the Refuge, archaeological sites, let them although some air taxis fly from remain in place for others to enjoy. Bethel and King Salmon. Removing artifacts is illegal.

Typically, air taxis will drop off passengers and gear and return Salman gihietting S.Ayers/USFWS at a designated time and place for pick up. Wildland Recreation Visitors from all over the world (•(imc to Togiak Refuge to experience wild and scenic Alaska.

Commercial guides with permits to use refuge lands offer fishing, hunting, and river float trips. Independent travelers can also Structures such USFWS organize their own trips. as these indicate Private Lands Alert prirate lands Traveling in Togiak Refuge requires Togiak Refuge boasts one of the staying alert for land ownership largest contiguous wilderness areas changes. The Refuge contains large in the National Wildlife Refuge areas owned by Native corporations System, second only to the and private individuals. wilderness area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska. Using detailed maps and observing your surroundings will help you The Refuge adjoins other public while enjoying your visit. lands. To the east is the nation's largest state park, Wood-Tikchik Native corporations usually own State Park. To the north lies the much of the land near their villages. massive Yukon Delta National Individual Native allotments are Wildlife Refuge. Together these often along waterways in areas lands cover more than 24 million historically used by the individual's acres, one of the largest protected family. If you plan to travel or areas in the world. camp on such lands, apply to the appropriate Native corporation for a land use permit. The Refuge can supply contact information. Valley overlook Once on the Refuge, you may see USFWS signs posted on riverbanks indicating changes in land ownership. Native allotments might not be marked except by clearings, cabins or fish racks. Floating the Rivers In a place without roads, rivers remain the natural corridors for travel — for fish, wildlife, local residents and visitors. Fishing float trips down these rivers are the most popular recreational activity on the Refuge.

Air taxi pilots can fly your float party into a headwater lake and pick you up downstream on a gravel bar or in a village at a later date. Many travelers choose inflatable rafts, but some use kayaks or canoes.

The Kanektok, Goodnews and Togiak rivers are the longest on the Refuge Anglers on o refuge r/irr < Fred Hirschmann and start in the wilderness area. They flow swiftly but generally without white water. Instead the challenges are overhanging trees x S Fishing Lure or brush, high or low water levels, T, If fishing is your passion, wet your and braided channels. line while floating the rivers or stay at guide camps and lodges on or off State and Coast Guard boating the Refuge. The variety and quality regulations apply on Refuge rivers. of fishing lures anglers from around Personal floatation devices must be the world. available and should be worn because of cold water temperatures. Catch-and-release is the rule for some areas of the Refuge to help conserve slow-growing sport fish Northern pike populations. Fishing licenses and current regulations are available x from the Alaska Department of X Fish and Game. Float trip Offshore, one of the biggest USFWS commercial fisheries in Alaska harvests millions of dollars of salmon, halibut, and herring. Bristol Bay is home to the world's largest Clii nook no In/on sockeye salmon fishery. These fisheries are essential to the economy X of southwest Alaska, including X the communities within and near Togiak Refuge.

Rainbow front | Back Country Basics 7 The remoteness of Togiak Refuge is both a challenge and a reward for travelers. The staff has tips that will help you plan for the safe and memorable trip of a lifetime.

Because of the remoteness, be prepared to handle any situation on Campsite by Kasliaiak Mountain your own. Bring emergency survival supplies. Carry and know how to use a map and compass or GPS. Hiking and Camping All hiking and backpacking in the Just as Alaskan bush pilots do, file Refuge is off the beaten path. There a trip plan with your air taxi service are no campgrounds here and no or the Togiak Refuge office before trails other than those made by you start out. Close your plan when caribou and bears. you return.

For the prepared adventurer, the In the wilderness area and challenges of the wilderness will elsewhere, practice "leave no trace" be rewarding. travel so that future visitors can enjoy the same wild vistas. Travel To be prepared, work with an air taxi and cam]) on durable surfaces service and Togiak Refuge staff to (gravel, rock, sand, or snow), dispose plan your trip. Study maps and of waste properly, leave what you familiarize yourself with land find, minimize eampfire impacts, ownership patterns. respect wildlife and be considerate of other travelers. Hunting Hunters can pursue a variety of large and small game on Togiak Refuge including moose, caribou, bears. waterfowl and ptarmigan. Not all Wood Hirer Mountains hunts are open to non-residents. l-'ivd Hir8chmann

Obtain the proper licenses and familiarize yourself with the regulations. Sport hunting is managed by the Alaska Department Caribou of Fish and Game. Subsistence hunting is managed by the U.S. Fisli and Wildlife Service's Office of Subsistence Management. ham USFWS This is brown bear country. Learn safe behavior around bears and travel alertly to avoid surprise encounters. You will help protect yourself and bears from dangerous situations by keeping a clean camp and storing your food properly.

Also be aware of microscopic dangers. Giardiasis and other water- borne intestinal diseases are present in Alaska, making it wise to filter or treat water prior to use.

Swarms of mosquitoes and other biting insects are more plentiful than can be eaten by the local wildlife, so bring insect repellent and a headnet or bug jacket.

More Information Bear I racks For more detailed information on any topic in this brochure or for educational resources and news on current wildlife studies, please visit the Refuge website or contact our office. IU.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Togiak National Wildlife Refuge

Dillingham, AK 99576 907/842 1063 or 1 800/817 253JL_, Togiak 907/842 5402 Fax JM http://togiak.fws.govJJ ^«BJ«J*J National Wildlife Refuge

^Federal Relay 1800/877 8339 Voice and TTY

January 2003 _*•*

USFWS