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Home , Andreafsky River, Becharof Lake, Canvasback, Nowitna River, Selawik River, Togiak Wilderness

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Alaska's Wild Places Imagine a land inhabited National Wildlife Refuges in -by great herds of caribou -by and walrus; polar, black, Refuge Acres Acres and brown bears 1. Alaska Maritime 3,435,639 2,373,976 -by , , , and 2. 3,500,000 wolverines. 3. Arctic 19,575,711 8,000,000 Stretch that image to include a host of 4. Becharof 1,200,000 477,000 summering and world renowned 5. Innoko 3,850,000 1,240,000 fisheries resources-and you have 6. Izembek 303,094 300,000 Alaska's wildlife heritage. 7. Kanuti 1,430,000 The landscapes are equally staggering. 8. Kenai 1,904,757 1,350,000 Amid these vast stretches of towering 9. Kodiak 1,768,577 mountains, rolling tundra, and coastal 10. Koyukuk 3,550,000 400,000 forests are wild places. 11. Nowitna 1,560,000 Wild places where combinations of 12. Selawik 2,150,000 240,000 geography, climate, water, and plant 13. Tetlin 729,648 communities create habitats supporting 14. Togiak 4,097,431 2,270,000 Alaska's great fish and wildlife nurseries. 15. Yukon Delta 19,131,645 1,900,000 Wild places this nation has dedicated as 16. Yukon Flats 8,630,000 National Wildlife Refuges. Total 76,816,502 18,550,976 * These refuge outer boundaries encompass significant private and state inholdings including 96 villages.

Alaska's Wildlife Heritage National wildlife refuges were first established in Alaska in the photography, sport hunting and fishing, boating, camping, * Recognized compatible wildlife-dependent recreation as • Mosquitos are most abundant after snow and ice ponds • Search and rescue activities are the responsibility of the early 1900's to protect nesting islands. In the ensuing and hiking. In addition, residents of rural Alaska who priority uses, melt; they decrease in numbers when mid-summer and fall Alaska State Troopers. Refuge staff may assist, but there are years additional lands were added to existing refuges and depend upon the subsistence use of the resources may approach. After mosquitos decline, gnats and no-seeums (a very few places on Alaskan refuges where emergency care is * Defined the Secretary's stewardship responsibility to new refuges were created. The expansion of refuge lands hunt, fish, and harvest other resources from refuge lands. small biting insect) are common. Be prepared with repellent, readily available. The ultimate responsibility for safety and ensure the ecological integrity, well-being and future culminated with enactment of the Alaska National Interest headnets, and a screened tent. Medication should be rescue lies with each refuge visitor. Alaska refuges are Alaska's wildlife resources are unmatched. The national growth of the Refuge System for the benefit of present Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). This landmark legislation carried by anyone with a tendency to have reactions to extremely remote and visitors are really on their own. system of refuges is designed to protect this legacy. The 16 and future generations, and was signed into law on December 2, 1980. It added lands to refuges in Alaska include a wide range of habitats with varied bug bites. seven refuges and created nine new refuges in Alaska. The * Called for expanded partnerships, increased public terrain-mountains, glaciers, tundra, grasslands, wetlands, • Take adequate supplies and be prepared for a wilderness Additional Information impact of ANILCA on the System involvement, and expanded opportunities for people to Information on specific refuges is available from the refuge lakes, woodlands, and rivers. They comprise nearly 86 experience. It may be necessary to wait out weather when was staggering. It quadrupled the size of the National Wildlife learn about and enjoy the wildlife experience. manager. Visitors are encouraged to contact refuge personnel percent of all lands in the National Wildlife Refuge System. depending on bush planes. Visitors expecting the same Refuge System to nearly 90 million acres. before visiting a refuge. Addresses are listed on the back of accommodations as in the lower 48 are surprised at the lack Visitor Information this brochure. For more information on the National Wildlife Size of lodging and restaurants in rural areas. Wilderness and Wild Rivers • Most land in Alaska does not teem with wildlife in the usual Refuge System in Alaska, or to volunteer your service to It is difficult to imagine the size of Alaska's refuges. They sense. The climate, short growing season, and general • Activities vary with each refuge and may depend on the refuges, contact: Division of Refuges, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Nearly all refuge lands in Alaska can be described as range in size from the 303,094-acre Izembek Refuge to Arctic ecological conditions are too harsh. The concentrations of season of the year. It is advisable to check with refuge Service, 1011 E. Tudor Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99503. wilderness. More than 18 million acres of land in Alaska's Refuge at nearly 19.6 million acres. Izembek Refuge is larger fish, birds, and mammals that visitors read about are personnel prior to a visit to determine which activities are Phone: (907) 786-3357. Fax: (907) 786-3976. Additional national wildlife refuges have been designated as Wilderness than all but six of the national wildlife refuges in the other 49 seasonal phenomena often taking place only during allowed and what regulations apply. information is also available on the Region 7 Home Page Areas as part of the National Wilderness Preservation states. Arctic Refuge is larger than the states of Rhode System by Congress, thus preserving their natural conditions. migration, breeding, or spawning. (Internet address: http://www.r7.fws.gov) or on the Fish and Island, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Safety Wildlife Service's Washington Office Home Page (Internet Several rivers (or river reaches) on refuges in Alaska have Massachusetts combined. • Most refuges in Alaska are difficult to reach. Kenai and • Cold water kills! In Alaska, during the summer, a visitor is address:http:www.fws.gov). been congressionally designated as Wild Rivers, components Tetlin are the only refuges in Alaska with road access; travel rarely far from water-often swift, cold water. Wear a personal of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. These rivers The National Wildlife Refuge System to the interior of even these refuges generally requires a boat For other visitor information, contact: flotation device and be familiar with your chosen watercraft. include the Ivishak, Sheenjek, and Wind Rivers in the Arctic or plane. Alaska Public Lands Information Center, 605 West 4th Avenue, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is caretaker of over 500 Use extreme caution and common sense when operating on Refuge, the in the Nowitna Refuge, the Suite 105, Anchorage, Alaska 99501. Phone: (907) 271-2737. national wildlife refuges across the country. These refuges • It is expensive to travel to refuges in Alaska because travel Alaska's rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. in the Selawik Refuge, both forks of the FAX: (907)271-2744. provide aquatic, coastal, woodland, desert, and mountain usually involves air transport. The cost of goods and services in the Yukon Delta Refuge, and Beaver • Be familiar with safety procedures and survival equipment. habitat for the nation's wildlife. The agency maintains a is higher in remote areas. Careful planning, however, can Alaska Department of Fish and , 333 Raspberry Road, Creek in the Yukon Flats Refuge. Know where emergency equipment is located on aircraft. balanced wildlife management program for migratory birds, minimize costs. Anchorage, Alaska 99518-1599. Wildlife Information Center. endangered species, and other wildlife of national • Leave a travel plan with a friend and notify your friend Phone: (907) 267-2347. Refuges are Wild Places • Most refuges encompass significant private and state land significance. On March 25, 1996, President Bill Clinton signed when you return. and private structures. Remember you are a guest-treat rural Alaska Division of Tourism, Department of Commerce and National wildlife refuges comprise some of the finest Executive Order 12996 which provided the following as a residents with courtesy and respect. Many rural residents rely Economic Development, P.O. Box E, Juneau, Alaska 99811. natural resources in public ownership. The mission of the commitment to a strong refuge system: • Boil or filter all water before drinking. Giardiasis, a water- on refuge resources as part of their subsistence lifestyle. Phone: (907)465-2010. National Wildlife Refuge System is to preserve a national borne disease, is common in Alaska. * Reaffirmed a fish and wildlife conservation mission for the network of lands and waters for the conservation and • Be prepared for inclement weather and cool temperatures Refuge System, • Maintain a safe distance from bear and moose particularly The U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination in programs on the basis management of fish, wildlife, and plant resources of the in the summer. During the long daylight hours of summer the when they have offspring. Avoid using well-worn bear trails. of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility operated by the for the benefit of present and future * Defined four Guiding Principles for management of refuge temperature of interior Alaska is generally warm (50-90°F). In Talk loudly or use noisemakers when hiking. Do not store U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or if you desire further information please write to: generations. Alaska's refuges provide many opportunities lands, of which the conservation of habitat is the most coastal Alaska the temperature is cooler (30-60°F) with food near your sleeping site. Avoid camping near a food U.S. Department of the Interior, Office for Equal Opportunity, for recreational use, including nature observation, fundamental, occasional readings below freezing. source such as a salmon stream or a berry patch. 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20240. Alaska Maritime consists of more than 2,500 Alaska Peninsula Refuge is a land of spectacular Arctic is the northernmost of all wildlife refuges. Becharof Refuge lies between Katmai National Innoko is about 300 miles northwest of Izembek faces the Bering Sea on the tip of the Kanuti straddles the Arctic Circle approximately The Kenai Refuge includes both of the western islands, headlands, rocks, islets, spires, and reefs beauty with rolling tundra, towering mountains, active The refuge encompasses one of the most Park and Preserve and Alaska Peninsula Refuge. Anchorage in the central Valley. The Alaska Peninsula. The landscape includes 150 miles northwest of Fairbanks. Kanuti Refuge is slopes of the Kenai Mountains and forested of the Alaskan coast. The refuge stretches from volcanoes, and rugged coastlines. Encompassing spectacular assemblages of arctic plants, wildlife, The refuge is dominated by Becharof Lake, the Refuge encompasses about 3.85 million acres and volcanoes with glacier caps, valleys, and tundra typical of the interior Alaska boreal forest, which lowlands bordering Cook Inlet. The lowlands are Cape Lisburne on the to the tip of the some 3.5 million acres, the refuge is dominated by the and land forms in the world. Designed to embrace second largest lake in Alaska. The lake covers one- includes the middle portion of the Innoko River and uplands that slope into lagoons adjoining the Bering provides for a great diversity of wildlife. It is com­ composed of spruce and birch forests Aleutians and eastward to Forrester Island on the Aleutian Range, part of a chain of volcanoes, the Ring the American portion of the range of the great fourth of the refuge and is surrounded by low rolling its drainages. Of this, 1.2 million acres are Sea. The refuge includes the 300,000 acre posed of the Kanuti Flats, an interior basin drained intermingled with hundreds of lakes. The Kenai border of British Columbia. Most refuge lands are in of Fire, that encircles the Pacific Ocean. Designated a Porcupine caribou herd, Arctic Refuge is home to hills, tundra wetlands, volcanic peaks and to the designated the Innoko Wilderness. Izembek Wilderness. by the Kanuti and Koyukuk rivers. The forested basin Mountains, with their glaciers, rise to more than the 1,100 mile long Aleutian Islands Chain. The National Natural Landmark, 8,400 foot Mt. Veniaminof free-roaming herds of muskox, Dall sheep, packs of east, the 477,000 acre Becharof Wilderness. About half of the refuge is river flood plain, black Izembek Refuge protects the watershed of is interspersed with lakes, ponds and . 6,000 feet presenting a barrier on the refuge is a spectacular blend of tundra, rain forest, is a massive volcano with a base almost 30 miles wolves, and such solitary species as wolverines Salmon spawning streams attract one of the spruce muskeg, and bogs. The flood plain consists Izembek Lagoon, a State Game Refuge contain­ The refuge provides nesting habitat for several southeastern boundary of the refuge. The refuge cliffs, volcanoes, beaches, lakes, and streams. across, larger than any active volcano on record. The and polar, black, and . Three national largest concentrations of brown bear in Alaska. of white spruce forests and marshes with numerous ing one o* the largest eelgrass beds in the world. species of waterfowl including Canada geese is a miniature Alaska with some of all habitat Most of the refuge (2.37 million acres; 69 percent) summit crater, about 5.2 miles in diameter, contains a Wild Rivers-the Ivishak, Sheenjek, and Wind Rivers Moose inhabit the refuge in moderate numbers and lakes and ponds. These extensive wetlands are This provides critical habitat for migratory (primarily from the Pacific Flyway) and white-fronted types of Alaska-tundra, mountains, wetlands, and is wilderness. 25 square mile cupped ice field-the most extensive arise on and flow through the refuge. The eight about 10,000 caribou migrate through and winter on nesting habitat for over 100,000 waterfowl and birds and marine life. The world's population of geese (mainly Central Flyway birds). Several forests. Much of the refuge-1,350,000 acres-is Alaska Maritime is synonymous with sea crater glacier in . million acre Moilie Beattie Wilderness Area is the the refuge seasonally. Other mammals include shorebirds annually, including white-fronted geese, Pacific brant, thousands of Canada and emperor species of ducks (from the major f yways in North designated the Kenai Wilderness. birds-millions of them. About 80 percent of Alaska's Large mammals found on the refuge include largest in the refuge system. wolves, wolverines, river otters, , and lesser Canada geese, pintail, widgeon, shoveler, geese, and other waterfowl congregate on the America) can be found on the refuge, including Kenai Refuge was established by President 50 million nesting nest on the refuge. They moose, caribou, wolves, brown bear, and Winter on the refuge is long and severe; summer beaver. Sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, and scaup, , green-wing teal, greater and lesser lagoon in fall. scaup, wigeon, surf scoter, northern Franklin Roosevelt in 1941 to preserve and congregate in " cities," colonies, along the wolverines. Productive salmon streams sustain a is brief and intense. Snow can cover the ground nine migratory inhabit the shoreline and offshore yellow legs, and Hudsonian godwits. The remainder Migrant waterfowl arrive on the refuge from late shoveler, green-winged teal, mallard, bufflehead, maintain the large population of moose on the coast. Each species has a specialized nesting site large population of brown bear. Sea lions, harbor months of the year and permafrost, (permanently waters. Becharof Lake and its tributaries contribute is primarily spruce and birch covered hills. August through early November. The colorful canvasback, goldeneye, , oldsquaw, and Kenai Peninsula. Also, the refuge is host to Dall (rock ledge, crevice, boulder rubble, pinnacle, or seals, sea otters, and migratory whales inhabit the frozen soil) lies within 18 inches of the surface. over ten million adult salmon annually to the Bristol Along with the abundant bird life, including Steller's eider, which nests on the Arctic coast of harlequin. With the loss of wetlands due to drought sheep, , caribou, , , brown burrow), an adaptation that allows many birds to shores and offshore waters. The entire refuge Arctic adapted plants survive extreme conditions Bay fishery. Salmon, Arctic char, and Arctic neotropical birds, Innoko is an important area for Alaska and Siberia and molts on Izembek Lagoon, and man's actions to the south of Alaska, the and black bear, lynx, wolverine, beaver, many small use a small area of land. The refuge has the most provides habitat for migratory birds, including ducks, and grow very slowly. Much of the Arctic Refuge is grayling flourish on the refuge. Waterfowl are moose. Annual flooding along the rivers and is the most common wintering duck. Thousands of importance of Kanuti as a nesting area for mammal and resident and neotropical bird species. diverse wildlife species of all the refuges in Alaska geese, shorebirds, and passerines. Isolated above treeline. At treeline, a 300 year old spruce common in the wetlands and coastal streams enhances the growth of willows-the major shorebirds feed on tidal invertebrates within the waterfowl increases. The refuge supports 16 Kenai Refuge provides undisturbed spawning for including tens of thousands of sea lions, seals, cottonwood forest stands, the western-most in North tree may reach a diameter of just five inches. while nesting eagles, peregrine falcons, and winter food for moose. Other wildlife occurring on refuge. Brown bears are abundant, feeding on the species of fish including whitefish, northern pike, many Cook Inlet salmon. walrus, and sea otters. America, provide nesting and migration habitat for Arctic Refuge offers a rich pageant of wildlife thousands of seabirds inhabit the sea cliffs. the refuge include black and brown bear, wolves, five species of Pacific salmon that spawn in refuge grayling, and salmon. Other wildlife includes Visitor Use: The refuge is accessible from the Visitor Use: Bird watching, photography, and neotropical land birds. including 140 bird species. It protects a large Visitor Use: Becharof Refuge offers outstanding beaver, muskrat, weasel, wolverine, lynx, marten, streams. Other wildlife include caribou, ptarmigan, moose, caribou, black bear, brown bear, wolf, and Sterling Highway. Travelers are treated to a marine mammal viewing are outstanding on the Visitor Use: Alaska Peninsula is renowned for big portion of the migration routes of the Porcupine and sport fishing for trophy-size and red fox. Sheefish, whitefish, grayling, chum and seveial species of furbearers. wolverine. Kanuti Refuge provides unspoiled and panoramic view along the 110-mile drive from refuge. Commercial tour boats out of Seward, game hunting, especially for brown bear. Fishing is caribou herd (160,000 )—one of the two Arctic char, grayling, and salmon. Commercial salmon, and northern pike are found in the rivers Visitor Use: Izembek has outstanding waterfowl lightly used wildlands and a diversity of natural Anchorage to the refuge. Fishing is excellent. Homer, Sitka, Kodiak, Unalaska, and Nome take outstanding for king and silver salmon, Arctic char, largest herds in Alaska. The caribou migrate from guide services are available for hunting and fishing and some lakes. and brown bear viewing and hunting. Visitors resources for the Koyukon Athabaskan Indians and There are over 200 miles of established trails and visitors to refuge islands. The Pribilof Islands in the lake trout, northern pike, and Arctic grayling. Other wintering grounds south of the Brooks Range to activities. Other recreational opportunities Visitor Use: Public use of the refuge is low due access Cold Bay and the refuge by commercial other local residents. routes including the Swanson River and Swan Bering Sea provide the opportunity to view one of public uses include flightseeing, observing and calving grounds on the northern coastal plain of the include flightseeing, observing and photographing to its isolated location and lack of facilities. Floating airline and the Alaska State Ferry System. Roads Visitors Use: Few people, other than local Lakes Canoe Trails which are a part of the National North America's largest bird colonies and largest fur photographing wildlife, hiking, boating, and camping. refuge and the Yukon Territory. The migration wildlife, hiking, boating, and camping. Local the Innoko River provides an excellent opportunity provide limited access from Cold Bay, but most of subsistence users, visit Kanuti due to its remote Recreation Trails System. Visitors can fly to remote seal rookery from land. The refuge visitor center in Local residents harvest many resources from the covers more than a thousand miles. residents harvest a variety of subsistence resources to view wildlife. Fishing is excellent for northern the refuge is accessible by foot. Because of their location and difficult access. Fishing for northern lakes, take a horse pack trip into roadless areas, or Homer hosts the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival refuge. Access to refuge lands is by small aircraft; Visitor Use: Arctic's use is increasing. Activities from the refuge. Access to refuge lands is by small pike. Sport hunting for moose and black bear is proximity to Cold Bay, the Pavlof and North Creek pike and grayling is excellent. River floating on float a Whitewater river. Developed facilities are every May. there are no roads. include float trips, hiking, backpacking, hunting, aircraft; there are no roads. popular. Local residents are the primary users of Units of Alaska Peninsula Refuge and Unimak Kanuti's rivers offers a remote adventure. Consult available year-round for day and overnight For information contact: Refuge Manager, Alaska For information contact: Refuge Manager, fishing, and wildlife observation. Local residents For information contact: Refuge Manager, the refuge, harvesting moose, fish, and other Island in the Alaska Maritime Refuge are with refuge staff prior to a trip as many of the rivers camping. Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, 2355 Kachemak Alaska Peninsula/Becharof National Wildlife Refuge harvest subsistence resources from the refuge. Alaska Peninsula/Becharof National Wildhfe subsistence resources. administered by the Izembek Refuge manager. become unnavigable at certain flows. For information contact: Refuge Manager, Bay Drive, Suite 101, Homer, Alaska 99603-8021. Complex, P.O. Box 277, King Salmon, Alaska 99613. Access is primarily by small aircraft. Refuge Complex, P.O. Box 277, King Salmon, For information contact: Refuge Manager, For information contact: Refuge Manager, For information contact: Refuge Manager, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 2139, Phone: (907) 235-6546. FAX: (907) 235-7783. Phone: (907) 246-3339. FAX: (907) 246-6696. For information contact: Refuge Manager, Arctic Alaska 99613. Phone:(907)246-3339. FAX: Innoko National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 69, Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Box 127, Cold Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge, 101 12th Avenue, Soldotna, Alaska 99669. Phone: (907) 262-7021. King Salmon Inter-Agency Visitor Center, National Wildlife Refuge, 101 12th Avenue, Box 20, (907) 246-6696. King Salmon Inter-Agency Visitor McGrath, Alaska 99627. Phone: (907) 524-3251. Bay, Alaska 99571. Phone: (907) 532-2445. Box 11, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701. FAX: (907) 262-3599. P.O. Box 298, King Salmon, Alaska 99613. Fairbanks, AlasKa 99701. Phone: (907) 456-0250. Center, P.O. Box 298, King Salmon, AK 99613. FAX: (907)524-3141. FAX: (907) 532-2549. Phone: (907) 456-0329. FAX: (907) 456-0506. Phone: (907) 246-4250. FAX: (907) 246-8550. FAX: (907) 456 0428. TTD: (907) 456-0420. Phone: (907) 246-4250. FAX: (907) 246-8550. Photo by Daniel Quick - Northlite

Kodiak Refuge encompasses about two-thirds Koyukuk Refuge encompasses the extensive flood Nowitna RefLge, approximately 200 miles west Selawik straddles the Arctic Circle in Tetlin Refuge lies in eastern interior Alaska, Togiak Refuge encompasses about 4.7 million The Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers dominate the Yukon Flats is about 100 air miles north of of Kodiak Island. In addition, the refuge includes a plain of the Koyukuk River north of its confluence with of Fairbanks, lies within a forested basin encircled northwestern Alaska about 360 miles northwest of bordering Canada's Yukon Territory, Wrangell-St. acres of land between Kuskokwim and Bristol bays landscape of Yukon Delta. The rivers form a treeless Fairbanks-the most northerly point reached by the portion of Afognak Island (50,000 acres) to the the Yukon in west-central Alaska.This area lies within by rolling hills capped by alpine tundra.The Fairbanks. The refuge is composed of estuaries, Elias National Park, and the Alaska Highway. It is in southwestern Alaska. The northern half of the wetland noted for wildlife variety and abundance. An Yukon River. Here the river breaks free from canyon north of Kodiak Island. Kodiak Island has an a forested basin surrounded by hills and low rolling Nowitna River, a nationally designated Wild River, river deltas, and tundra slopes.The most prominent one of only two refuges in the state that are road refuge-2,270,000 acres-is the . intricate maze of lakes, ponds, and meandering walls and spreads unconfined for 200 miles through a irregular coastline of bays, inlets, and rugged mountains. Lowland boreal forests of spruce, birch, bisects the refuge and forms a broad meandering feature is the extensive system of tundra wetlands accessible. Major physical features are The refuge contains a variety of landscapes streams provides nesting and feeding habitat for over vast flood plain. mountains covered with alpine vegetation. and aspen gradually merge with tundra vegetation at flood plain. that are nestled between the Waring Mountains characterized by broad flat river basins bisected by including tundra, lakes, rivers, wetlands, 750,000 swans and geese, two million ducks, and In the spring, millions of migrating birds converge Spruce forests dominate the northern part of elevations of 3,000 feet. Lighting-caused wildland fire Grassy margins of ponds and lakes and many and the Selawik Hills. The Selawik River is a rolling hills, extensive and lake complexes, mountains, and rugged seacliffs and beaches. millions of shorebirds. Moose, caribou, brown and on the refuge before ice melts on the river. The refuge Kodiak Island and the Afognak Island portion of is important as a natural component of the interior miles of rivers and streams are important breeding nationally designated Wild River. The Waring and foothill areas of the Nutzotin and Mentasta Over 30 species of mammals are present black bear, and wolves inhabit the northern hills and has one of the highest nesting densities of waterfowl in the refuge. The interior of the refuge is covered Alaska boreal forest. Extensive wetlands exist among habitat for waterfowl including Canada and white- Mountains form the refuge's northern boundary Mountains. Two large glacial rivers, the Chisana including brown bear, moose, caribou, mink, eastern mountains. The refuge includes the 1.3 million North America. By August the surfaces of with lush, dense vegetation. Southwestern Kodiak the myriad of lakes, sloughs, and tributaries of the fronted geese, trumpeter and tundra swan, and with the Kobuk National Park. In the refuge and Nabesna, flow northward through the refuge, beaver, otter, and red fox. Sea lions, walrus, and acre Andreafsky Wilderness and the 600,000 acre approximately 40,000 lakes ponds ripple with scurrying 240,000 acres are designated the Selawik is covered with grassy hummocks. No place on the Koyukuk River that meanders for more than 400 numerous duck species. Salmon, northern pike, joining near the refuge's northwestern boundary to seals inhabit the coastal shoreline. The refuge's Nunivak Island Wilderness. ducklings and molting adults. Each year, the Yukon Wilderness. form the Tanana River, one of Alaska's major rivers. 100-mile long by 40-mile wide Kodiak Island is miles through the refuge. and one of only three resident sheefish coastal lakes and wetlands are heavily used by The 1.1 million acre Nunivak Island portion of the Flats contributes over a million ducks and geese to the more than 15 miles from the sea. The wetlands are vital to thousands of ducks and populations in Alaska can be found in the Nowitna Selawik is located where the Bering Land Bridge Tetlin lies in a major migration corridor for many migrating waterfowl, and the rivers provide more refuge supports introduced herds of muskox and flyways of North America. Waterfowl banded on the Kodiak was established in 1941 to protect the geese and hundreds of swans and cranes. Refuge River. Forested lowlands give rise to mature white once existed. Plants, animals, and humans birds heading for nesting grounds, with lesser than 1500 miles of riverine habitat necessary for . Muskox were eliminated by the mid 1800's Yukon Flats have been recovered in Belize, Columbia, habitat of the brown bear. Besides the brown bear, wetlands and river corridors provide excellent moose spruce habitat that provides valuable cover and migrated freely across this land mass connecting Sandhill cranes being the most impressive in noise five species of Pacific salmon, rainbow trout, from Alaska because of over harvesting. The Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, only five other mammals-red fox, river otter, short- habitat. Moose populations, exceeding 11,000, form den sites for marten, a significant species Asia and North America thousands of years ago. and numbers. Trumpeter swans migrate through, grayling, lake trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic char. reintroduced muskox on Nunivak Island have been Guatemala, Honduras, , Panama, Russia, eight tailed weasel, little brown bat, and tundra vole-are an important element in the subsistence economy of supporting the trapping economy for local Selawik is a breeding and resting area for a and an increasing number nest on the refuge. The coastal headlands of Cape Peirce and Cape prolific. The herd is used as breeding stock to establish Canadian Provinces, and 45 of the 50 United States - native to the island. Black-tailed deer, beaver, and local Athabaskan villages.The refuge includes part of residents. Moose, wolves, lynx, wolverine, and multitude of migratory water birds returnirg from Refuge wetlands are prime breeding and nesting Newenham are host to millions of seabirds new herds elsewhere in Alaska and Russia. Caribou truly a shared resource. several other species of mammals have been the winter range of the Western Arctic caribou herd. black and brown bear range throughout the refuge. North and South America, Asia, Africa, and areas for ducks; up to 65,000 ducklings are including murres, horned puffins, gulls, were eliminated from Nunivak Island but the reindeer Birds are not the only migratory wildlife dependent on successfully introduced. Up to two million seabirds With moose and caribou present, wolves are A series of bluffs along the Yukon River, the Australia. Ducks nest in most of the refuge's produced to flight stage annually. Ospreys, bald cormorants, and kittiwakes. herd is a major source of food and income for island refuge wetlands. Salmon from the Bering Sea ascend inhabit the bays, inlets, and shores. common. Black bear are abundant in forested areas, refuge's northern boundary, has evidence of 24,000 lakes. Thousands of caribou winter on the eagles and other raptors are seen. Tetlin provides Visitor Use: Some of the finest remote salmon residents. the Yukon River to spawn in the freshwater streams of Visitor Use: Kodiak is known worldwide for and brown bears are found in the open tundra at Pleistocene animals and plants endemic to the refuge as they feed on the lichen-covered habitat for 114 nesting species and an additional and trout sport fishing waters in the world-the Over the centuries the abundance of wildlife has their birth. Runs of king, coho, and chum salmon pass brown bear hunting. Fishing is excellent for all five higher elevations. Chinook and chum salmon are area at that time. foothills. Other common mammals include moose, 68 species of migrants. Red fox, , Kanektok. Goodnews, and Togiak Rivers- are made the Yukon Delta the heart of the Yup'ik Eskimo through and spawn on the refuge each summer. , wolves, black and brown bear, species of Pacific salmon. Wildlife observation, important commercial and subsistence fisheries that Visitor Use: Access to the refuge is possible by brown bear, and furbearers. Sheefish, wiitefish, within Togiak Refuge. Coastal areas provide culture in Alaska. Forty-two Native villages are located Mammals on the refuge include moose, caribou, Dall lynx, moose, Dall sheep, sharp-tailed grouse, photography, rafting, and camping are popular migrate up the larger rivers. airplane, boat, snowmachine, dog sled, or fool. grayling, and northern pike inhabit lakes, ponds, excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife within the refuge boundary. Residents of these villages sheep, wolves, and black and brown bears. , and Pacific loons occur on the activities. The island is served by commercial The 400,000 acre Koyukuk Wilderness includes Wildlife observation, hunting, fishing, camping, and streams, and rivers. Sheefish weighing 40 to 50 observation. Permitted commercial guides are depend on the fish, wildlife, and other resources of the Visitor Use: Access is by boat or small plane; there pounds are often caught in the local subsistence refuge. Caribou are winter residents, often seen flights and the Alaska State Ferny System. A the Nogahabara Sand Dunes, one of two active dune boating opportunities abound on the refuge. The available for sport fishing and brown bear hunting. refuge. Establishing legislation for the Yukon Delta are no roads. Most summer use on Yukon Flats is and sport fishery. along the highway. limited number of public use cabins are available fields in Alaska, formed more than 10,000 years ago Nowitna River is a Class I river with no white water Residents, predominantly Yu'pik Eskimos, of Refuge enables rural residents to continue a confined to the major waterways. Several rivers may on the refuge. when winds blew sands left by melting glaciers into making it favorable for float trips. Local residents Visitor Use: The Selawik Wild River provides Visitor Use: Most use occurs along the Alaska several villages within or adjacent to the refuge, subsistence lifestyle, allowing them to live off the land. be floated by canoe, kayak, or rafts. Fishing for For information contact: Refuge Manager, large dunes. participating in subsistence activities provide most river floating, sport fishing and hunting Highway with people observing wildlife, stopping at depend on refuge wildlife, fish, and plant resources Visitor Use: Fishing, hunting, and backcountry northern pike can be excellent. Local Athabaskan Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, 1390 Buskin Visitor Use: Access is by boat, aircraft, or of the public use on the refuge. opportunities. Many local residents, inducing the refuge's log cabin visitor center, one or more of for subsistence. Summer access is by float and recreation are excellent, although access to these Indians and other residents take a variety of River Road, Kodiak, Alaska 99615. snowmobile. Recreational opportunities on the refuge For information contact: Refuge Manager, Inupiat Eskimos and Athabaskan Indians, use the seven interpretive pullouts, or two lakeshore wheel planes and motorboats. opportunities is primarily via aircraft. The Andreafsky resources from the refuge. Beaver Creek, a nationally Phone: (907) 487-2600. FAX: (907) 487-2144. include wildlife observation, hunting, fishing, camping, Koyukuk/ Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge refuge for subsistence activities such as hunting, campgrounds. Duck, caribou, and moose hunting For information contact: Refuge Manager, River is a nationally designated Wild River. Visitors designated Wild River, flows into the refuge from and boating. Local residents use the refuge for a variety Complex, P.O. Box 287, Galena, Alaska 99741. fishing, and gathering fruits and berries. Selawik is are especially popular. Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, may view exhibits and obtain complete information at mountains to the south. of subsistence activities. Phone: (907)656 -1231. FAX: (907) 656-1708. the Inupiat word for "place of sheefish." For information contact: Refuge Manager, P.O. Box 270, Dillingham, Alaska 99576. the refuge headquarters visitor center. For information contact: Refuge Manager, Photo above: The late Moilie Beattie, Director of For information contact: Refuge Manager, For information contact: Refuge Manager, Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 779, Phone: (907) 8421063. FAX: (907) 842-5402. For information contact: Refuge Manager, Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge, 101 12th the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from 1993-1996, Koyukuk/Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Selawik National Wildlife Refuge, Tok, Alaska 99780. Phone: (907) 883-5312. Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Avenue, Room 264, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701. visited Kodiak Refuge. P.O. Box 287, Galena, Alaska 99741. P.O. Box 270, Kotzebue, Alaska 99752. FAX: (907) 883-5747. P.O. Box 346, Bethel, Alaska 99559. Phone: (907) 456-0440. FAX: (907) 456-0447. Phone: (907) 656-1231. FAX: (907) 656-1708. Phone: (907) 442-3799. FAX: (907) 442-3124. Phone: (907) 543-3151. FAX: (907) 543-4413.