Summary of the Draft Revised Comprehensive Conservation Plan Koyukuk, Northern Unit Innoko, and Nowitna National Wildlife Refuges

              This summary of the draft revised
CCP inludes:
• a Refuge vision statement;
• a summary of the major issues
raised during scoping;
• Refuge goals; and
• management alternatives
developed during the planning
process.
Fall colors at the mouth of the Nowitna River.
Melanie Hans/USFWS
What is a What is in this summary?
Comprehensive
Conservation Plan
(CCP)?
A CCP guides overall refuge
management. It ensures that
management actions comply with
all appropriate laws, regulations,
and policies, and keeps the refuge
focused on the purposes for which
it was established. A CCP provides
a framework for management
decisions and ensures consistency
in those decisions through time. It
is also an opportunity for the public
to be involved in setting the future
direction for refuge management.
What are we
doing?
Koyukuk, Northern Unit Innoko
(locally known as Kaiyuh Flats),
and Nowitna National Wildlife
Refuges (Refuge) are revising their
Comprehensive Conservation Plans
(CCPs). Since the first CCPs for
the Refuge were completed in 1987,
laws and policies have changed,
issues have arisen, and new scientific
information has become available.
The revised plan will incorporate the
two individual refuge CCPs into one
document, address these changes,
and provide management direction
for the next 15 years. The draft
revised CCP and environmental
assessment (EA) are available for
public review. Comments are due
American Wigeon drake.
Koyukuk, Northern Unit Innoko,
and Nowitna National Wildlife
Refuges
Summary of the Draft Revised
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
See the last page of this summary for information on how you can obtain
a full copy of the draft plan and environmental assessment.
Donna DewhurstUSFWS
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
The National Wildlife Refuges in the Koyukon region of Alaska
encompass a vast area of boreal forest, wetlands, lakes and rivers that
is home to an abundance of waterfowl, songbirds, mammals and fish.
An experience of solitude in this intact ecosystem imparts the sense
that this place is completely untouched by man. And yet, the land is
thoroughly known and essential to people whose lives are intertwined
with its bounty. We use our understanding of the respect, value and
love of this place by the people who live in, use, or simply treasure
this wild land and sound biological research and monitoring to ensure
proper stewardship of the Koyukuk, Northern Unit Innoko, and
Nowitna National Wildlife Refuges.
Refuge Vision
2
The Refuge is part of the National
Wildlife Refuge System. The
mission of the National Wildlife
Refuge System is to administer
a national network of lands
and waters for the conservation,
management, and where
appropriate, restoration of the fish,
wildlife, and plant resources and
their habitats within the United
States for the benefit of present and
future generations of Americans.
Wetlands on the Northern Unit of the Innoko Refuge, locally known as Kaiyuh
Flats.
Melanie Hans/USFWS Melanie Hans/USFWS
The Dulbi Slough on the Koyukuk Refuge is an important breeding area for
waterfowl.
The Little Mud River on the Nowitna
Refuge in early spring. The Nowitna
Refuge has more forested lands than
the other refuges.
Tim Bowman/USFWS Melanie Hans/USFWS
White-fronted goose on nest.
3
Why was the Refuge established?
The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) states that the purposes of the refuges include—
(i) (Koyukuk Refuge) to conserve fish and wildlife populations and habitats in their natural diversity including, but not limited to, waterfowl, raptors and other migratory birds, furbearers, moose, caribou (including participation in coordinated ecological studies and management of the Western Arctic caribou herd), furbearers, and salmon;
(i) (Innoko Refuge) to conserve fish and wildlife populations and habitats in their natural diversity including, but not limited to, waterfowl, peregrine falcons, other migratory birds, black bear, moose, furbearers, and other mammals, and salmon.
(i) (Nowitna Refuge) to conserve fish and wildlife populations and habitats in their natural diversity including, but not limited to, trumpeter swans, white-fronted geese, canvasbacks and other waterfowl and migratory birds, moose, caribou, marten, wolverines, and other furbearers, salmon, sheefish, and northern pike.
(ii) to fulfill the international treaty obligations of the United States with respect to fish and wildlife and their habitats;
(iii) to provide, in a manner consistent with the purposes set forth in subparagraphs (i) and (ii), the opportunity for continued subsistence uses by local residents;
(iv) to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable and in a manner consistent with the purposes set forth in paragraph (i), water quality and necessary water quantity within the refuge.
The purpose of the Koyukuk Wilderness is to secure an enduring resource of wilderness, to protect and preserve the wilderness character of the area as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, and to administer the area for the use and enjoyment of the American people in a way that will leave it unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness.
The lower 223 miles of the Nowitna River is managed as a Wild River under the Wild and Scenic Rivers act. This segment of the river was recognized for its outstandingly remarkable scenic, geologic, wildlife, historic, and recreational values.
The Nogabahara Sand Dunes are part of the Koyukuk Wilderness. This active dune area contains about 16,000 acres.The individual dunes have been recorded to be 50 to 200 feet high and 300 feet or more in length.
Melanie Hans/USFWS
Karin Lehmkuhl/USFWS
The grassy margins of the lower Nowitna River, surrounding lakes, and waterways provide breeding habitat for trumpeter swans, white-fronted geese, canvasback ducks, cranes, and many other migratory bird species.
Planning Process
CCPs follow a process guided by planning requirements identified in ANILCA, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service policies. In this process, we:
Publish draft plan and environmental assessment.
Ask public to review.
Ask public for their ideas.
Identify planning issues.
Develop goals, objectives, and alternatives to address the issues.
Analyze impacts of and compare alternatives.
We are here
Make decision and publish final plan.
Preplan. Design the
planning process.
Analyze and address
public comments
Implement the plan and
monitor and evaluate it
Review and revise the plan.
Spring/
Summer 2007
Fall 2007
Winter 2008
Winter 2008
Fall 2008
Winter 2009
Summer 2009
Starting
Summer 2009
Starting 2024
or earlier if necessary
Refuge Location
BethelAlaskaMaritimeNWRAlaskaMaritimeNWRAlaskaMaritimeNWRAlaskaMaritimeNWRAlaskaMaritimeNWRAlaskaMaritimeNWRKodiakNWRKodiakNWRTtlinNWRTetlinNWRInnokoNWRInnokoNWRTokNomeKodiakBarrowJuneauMcGrathColdBayFairbanksAnchorageDillinghamKingSalmonArcticNWRArcticNRYukonDeltaNWRYukonDeltaNWRYukonFlatsNWRYukonFlatsNWRKoyukukNWRKoyukukNWRSelawikNWRSelawikNWRKenaiNWRKenaiNWRNowitnaNWRNowitnaNRKanutiNWRKanutiNWRTogiakNWRTogiakNWRBecharofNWRBecharofNWRIzembekNWRIzembekNWRAlaskaMaritimeNWRAlaskaMaritimeNWRNorthernUnitInokoNWRNorthernUnitInnokoNWRAlaskaPeninsulaNWRAlaskaPeninsulaNWR018036054072090Miles19-0001Figure1-1RefugelocationwithinAlaska
Refuge Goals
We developed management goals for the Refuge. Each goal has numerous objectives that specify how it is to be achieved. See Chapter 2 of the full plan for a list of objectives.
Goal 1: Fish and Wildlife
Conserve fish and wildlife populations and habitats in their natural diversity in a manner consistent with natural ecological processes.
Goal 2: Ecosystem Health
Ensure the natural character, vigor, and species diversity of the boreal forest and tundra environments by perpetuating a fire regime both natural and prescribed, which maintains a mosaic of habitats native to Interior Alaska.
Goal 3: Fire Management
Maintain a fire management program that helps achieve Refuge goals and objectives while providing for the protection of human life, private property, and identified cultural and natural resources.
Goal 4: Water Resources
Ensure the natural function and condition of water resources necessary to conserve fish and wildlife populations and habitats in their natural diversity.
Goal 5: Communication
Provide information and maintain open communication for a greater understanding and appreciation of fish and wildlife ecology, habitat preservation, and refuge management that assists in addressing resource issues important to local residents, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), and others.
The Northern Unit Innoko Refuge is locally known as Kaiyuh Flats.
4Goal 6: Outdoor Recreation
Continue to provide quality opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and other outdoor recreation in a natural setting.
Goal 7: Subsistence
Provide and promote the opportunity for local residents to continue their subsistence activities on the Refuge, consistent with the subsistence priority and with other Refuge purposes.
Goal 8: Wild Character
Maintain the special values of the Nowitna Wild River and Koyukuk Wilderness and the wild character of the Refuge.
Goal 9: Cultural Resources
Conserve, appreciate, and interpret the cultural, historic and prehistoric resources of the Refuge.
Goal 10: Cooperation with Partners
Promote close working relationships through effective coordination, interaction, and cooperation with other federal agencies, State agencies, local communities, tribes, organizations, industries, the general public, and the landowners within and adjacent to the Refuge whose programs relate to Refuge management activities.
Goal 11: Facilities and Equipment
Provide and maintain adequate facilities and equipment in Galena to ensure a safe and secure working environment to accomplish Refuge purposes, goals, and mandates.
Goal 12: Staffing
Ensure the Refuge has adequate personnel to meet operational needs.
Wildland fire on the Kaiyuh Flats. Wildland fires are one of the main ecological drivers in the boreal forest.
Obsidian artifacts were found on the Refuge in 2001.
Local residents in the communities in and adjacent to the Refuge rely on locally available natural resources for subsistence .
Jenny Bryant/USFWS
USFWS
Nathan Schwalen/USFWS
5USFWS
Refuge staff member measuring antlers of harvested moose at the annually maintained hunter check station at the Nowitna River mouth.
USFWS
The village of Huslia is situated along the Koyukuk River at the center of the Koyukuk Refuge.
6
Issues
How will the Refuge maintain and manage wildlife populations, especially moose, in the face of competition between users and predators?
The number and range of general comments about moose hunting and salmon fishing regulations indicates that this is a major concern of a large proportion of Refuge users. Many people expressed concern for moose and salmon numbers, the difficulty of getting a moose, competition with non-locals for moose and salmon, predation of moose by black bear and wolf, the need for changes in both the moose hunting season and the salmon fishing season, and the concern for retaining as much of a subsistence lifestyle as is possible in today’s society.
How will the Refuge address future (off-refuge) mining, oil, and gas development and its effect on the Refuge environment?
Local and non-local residents expressed concern for future mining developments and its effect on the environment especially water quality. There is a fair amount of concern regarding the development of future oil and gas leases on and off the Refuge.
How will the Refuge identify and address contaminants that affect the wild food we eat and water quality?
There are two concerns: (1) is the food gathered from Refuge land contaminated and (2) how are off-refuge mining activity and the abandoned Air Force sites affecting water quality on the Refuge.
How will the Refuge monitor and address the effects of climate change?
This was a general issue that was brought up in each village visited during the scoping period. One village, Huslia, has been actively discussing climate change for the past five years and working with various groups to document its occurrence. Climate change is predicted to have far reaching impacts to the boreal forests across the world.Subsistence fish wheel used to catch salmon.
USFWS
Melanie Hans/USFWS
During the summer months many areas on the Refuge are accessible by float plane only.
Melanie Hans/USFWS
Weasel on the Nowitna Refuge.
7
How will the Refuge address maintaining the wild character of the Refuge and wilderness quality?
This concern was shared by local and non-local residents alike. One of the reasons for visiting the Refuge is because of its wild character and the experience gained. Several of the Refuge users have visited the Koyukuk Wilderness and the Nowitna River and valued the experience they obtained there.
How will the Refuge address future public use of the Refuge?
Two areas of concern were expressed regarding future uses of the Refuge. Most of the comments focused on the use of all terrain vehicles for recreational use and air boats for moose hunting. Concern for future development, such as an interior road system and oil and gas exploration, was expressed.
How can the Refuge fire management program help villages address their hazardous fuel accumulations?
Individuals in the villages visited during scoping expressed concern for adequate wildland fire protection. They recognize fire as a necessary natural process but are concerned for the protection of life, property, and the natural and cultural resources of the Refuge.
How will the Refuge address the need for more outreach and better communication with the public?
People in the villages expressed the need for more outreach in the schools, sharing of Refuge Inventory and Monitoring results, and a better understanding of overall Refuge activities and policies. What are Alternatives?
Alternatives represent different
options for future management
They are different ways to respond
to issues and meet refuge goals
and objectives. Alternatives are
developed with the refuge system
mission and the refuge’s purposes
in mind.
Refuge biologists put radio collars on moose to gain a better understanding of
mortality and movement.
Melanie Hans/USFWS
Refuge biologist watching for birds
during the annually conducted
breeding bird survey.
Melanie Hans/USFWS
Refuge pilot installing high-visibility
snow marker to measure snow depth
through the winter months.
Melanie Hans/USFWS
8
How do we address the Issues?
Federal law requires that we develop a range of reasonable alternatives.
We considered two alternatives, both of which continue to protect the
Refuge and its resources. Traditional subsistence activities, wildlife-dependent
recreational activities, and current methods of access would
continue to be allowed.
Our alternatives have the same amount of land within the Minimal, Wild
River, and Wilderness management categories. Minimal management
maintains the natural environment with very little evidence of human-caused
change. Wilderness is managed to retain “its primeval character
and influence.” Wild rivers are managed to maintain their unique values.
Alternative A (Current Management): This is the “No-Action” alternative, as
required by the National Environmental Policy Act. It describes what
would happen if current management activities were to continue. Refuge
lands have been classified in a mixture of Minimal, Wilderness, and Wild
River management and would be managed according to the policies and
guidelines governing each category.
Alternative B (The Proposed Action): This alternative manages Refuge
lands under the same management categories as Alternative A, but
incorporates new management policies and guidelines and goals and
objectives. The two tables on pages 10-13 display how the alternatives
address the issues and compare other aspects of the alternatives.
Juvenile Peregrine falcon. USFWS
Melanie Hans/USFWS
Black bear along the Nowitna River.
The Wolf Mountain caribou herd near the Koyukuk Refuge.
Melanie Hans/USFWS
9
Why do we have
different management
categories?
The Alaska National Interest
Lands Conservation Act
(ANILCA) requires us to
designate areas according to
their resources and values and
to specify programs and uses
within those areas. To meet this
requirement Minimal, Moderate,
and Intensive management
categories were established
as part of the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service’s Alaska-wide
planning effort. Permissible uses
of designated Wilderness areas
and Wild and Scenic Rivers are
subject to the Wilderness and
Wild and Scenic Rivers acts and
ANILCA. Appropriate activities,
public uses, commercial uses, and
facilities are identified in the plan
for each management category.
How will the Refuge
integrate regional
policies and guidelines
into its management?
Management of refuges in Alaska
is governed by federal laws
including the National Wildlife
Refuge System Administration
Act and ANILCA, regulations
implementing these laws, treaties,
Service policy, and principles of
sound resource management,
all of which establish standards
for resource management and
address the range of potential
activities that may be allowed
on refuges. Management policies
and guidelines described in the
plan under Alternative B were
developed for national wildlife
refuges in the Alaska Region.
These policies and guidelines are
essentially the same for all of the
refuges in this region.
Issue
Alternative A
(Current Management)
Alternative B
(Proposed Action)
How will the Refuge maintain/manage wildlife populations, especially moose, in the face of predation and competition between users?
The Refuge would continue to annually monitor moose populations; share data and cooperate with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G); and informally monitor predator populations. The Refuge would continue to cooperate/co-fund research looking at moose, wolf, and bear populations and their interactions.
Same as Alternative A plus: (1) continue to implement and update the Wildlife Inventory and Monitoring Plan, (2) work cooperatively with the Fisheries Office, ADF&G, non-governmental organizations, the Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association, and the public to identify key fisheries issues, (3) continue to work closely with the Tribal Councils, State Fish & Game Advisory Committees, the Federal Subsistence Western Interior Regional Advisory Council, other local/regional groups, ADF&G, and the Office of Subsistence Management to address subsistence concerns, (4) hire additional staff, (5) work collaboratively with the University of Alaska, other federal agencies, the State, and others regarding climate change, (6) continue to implement the Refuge fire management plans, (7) develop a wetland inventory and monitoring program, (8) share biological program information annually with villages and others, and (9) continue to work collaboratively with partners and other agencies.
How will the Refuge address future (off-refuge) mining oil and gas development and its effect on the Refuge environment?
The Service would ensure that oil and gas development follow federally mandated procedures and agency policy. Service Water Resources staff would be requested to assist in monitoring downstream water quality monitoring.
Same as Alternative plus: (1) develop a wetland inventory and monitoring plan, (2) re-survey the 1985-1988 baseline evaluation of the placer mining sedimentation and occurrence of heavy metals, (3) promote a close-working relationship with other agencies, local communities, and organizations, and (4) add a fisheries biologist/hydrologist to the Refuge staff.
How will the Refuge identify and address contaminants that affect the wild food we eat and water quality?
The Refuge would continue to cooperate with the State of Alaska Departments of Environmental Quality and Natural Resources on monitoring water quality. The Water Resources staff is scheduled to conduct a Refuge inventory of water resources/quality in 2012.
Same as Alternative A plus: (1) develop a wetland inventory and monitoring program, (2) promote a close-working relationship with other agencies, local communities, and organizations, and (3) add a fisheries biologist/hydrologist to the Refuge staff.
How will the Refuge monitor and address the effects of climate change?
The Refuge would participate in the Service’s national and regional efforts to monitor the effects of climate change. The Refuge would cooperate with agencies in climate change studies and assist universities with climate change research.
Same as Alternative A plus: (1) continue to implement and update the current wildlife Inventory and Monitoring plan which will include a section on climate change monitoring, (2) continue to work collaboratively with other federal and State fire management agencies in studying Alaska’s fire regimes, and (3) promote a close-working relationship and share information with other federal agencies, State agencies, local communities, tribes, organizations, and the public.
10Issue
Alternative A
(Current Management)
Alternative B
(Proposed Action)
How will the Refuge address maintaining the wild character of the Refuge and wilderness quality?
The Refuge would periodically (at a minimum every time this CCP is revised) evaluate overall use of the Refuge to ensure wild character is being maintained. Compatibility Determinations would take into consideration maintaining the Refuge’s wild character.
Same as Alternative A plus: continue to monitor activities on the Nowitna River and in the Koyukuk Wilderness for compliance with the Wild and Scenic Rivers and Wilderness acts and ANILCA.
How will the Refuge address future public use of the Refuge?
This would be addressed through the Service’s Compatibility Determination process.
Same as Alternative A.
How will the Refuge fire management program help villages address their hazardous fuel accumulations?
The Refuge Fire Management staff would assist requesting villages with formulating a hazardous fuels management plan and a Community Wildland Fire Protection Plan along with finding possible funding for fuels reduction work (this would occur as time, staff, and funding permitted).
Same as Alternative A.
How will the Refuge address the need for more outreach and better communication with the public?
The Refuge Park Ranger would be the primary contact for public outreach/education.
The Refuge would annually hold at least one public information meeting in each village. All Refuge staff would assist with public outreach through various ways. The Refuge Park Ranger would continue to be the major point of public contact.
Melanie Hans/USFWS
Yukon River shore in early morning sun.
11Alternative A
(Current Management)
Alternative B
(Proposed Action)
MANAGEMENT CATEGORIES
Minimal Management
5,502,078 acres (91% of total)
Same as Alternative A
Wild River
142,400 acres (2% of total)
Same as Alternative A
Designated Wilderness
400,000 acres (7% of total)
Same as Alternative A
SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT DIRECTION
Ecosystem and Landscape Management
Habitat Management Prescribed Fire
Koyukuk/Northern Unit Innoko: will be used for hazardous fuels reduction or restoration of natural vegetation patterns in Wilderness and Minimal Management. Nowitna: Permitted in Wilderness, Wild River, and Minimal Management.
May be allowed; Wilderness Management will require a minimum requirements analysis. Allowed in Minimal and Wild River Management.
Fish and Wildlife Population Management
Fish and Wildlife Control
Chemical Habitat Modifications.
Koyukuk/Northern Unit Innoko: In all management categories may be permitted on a case-by-case basis subject to provisions of NEPA and a compatibility determination. Permanent facilities would normally not be permitted in Wilderness. Nowitna: In all management categories may be permitted on a case-by-case basis subject to the provisions of NEPA and a compatibility determination.
May be allowed in all Management categories. Wilderness Management will require a minimum requirements analysis.
ACCESS
Snowmobiles
Koyukuk/Northern Unit Innoko and Nowitna: Permitted for traditional activities, on or off designated trails, in periods of snow cover, subject to reasonable regulations.
Same as Alternative A.
Off-Road Vehicles (All-Terrain Vehicles)
Includes air boats and air cushion vehicles.
Koyukuk/Northern Unit Innoko and Nowitna: Includes all other motorized vehicles (e.g., cars, 4x4s, tracked vehicles, off-road vehicles, air boats, and air-cushion boats) permitted only on designated routes or areas; airboats and air-cushion vehicles not permitted.
Not allowed,with very few exceptions.
PUBLIC USE, RECREATION, AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
Administrative Facilities
Administrative Field Sites Permanent facilities.
Koyukuk/Northern Unit Innoko: Permitted in Minimal Management. Under Wilderness Management, may be built if needed for the protection of public health and safety. Nowitna: Permitted in all Management categories.
Use of existing sites allowed including replacement of existing facilities as necessary; new sites may be allowed in Wild River, and Minimal Management. Wilderness Management will require a minimum requirements analysis.
Public Use and Recreation Facilities
Boat Launches and Docks Designated sites for launching and storing watercraft or tying up a float plane.
Koyukuk/Northern Unit Innoko: Not permitted in Minimal and Wilderness Management. Nowitna: No permanent sites permitted in Minimal, Wilderness, or Wild River Management.
May be allowed. Wilderness Management will require a minimum requirements analysis.
12Visitor Contact Facilities A variety of staffed and unstaffed facilities providing information on the Refuge and their resources to the public; facilities range from visitor centers to kiosks and signs.
Koyukuk and Northern Unit Innoko Plan: not provided under the Minimal, Wilderness, and Wild River Management categories. Nowitna Plan: permitted under the Minimal, Wilderness, and Wild River.
Allowed under Minimal and Wild River Management categories; generally not allowed in Wilderness.
Temporary Facilities
Includes tent frames, caches, and other similar or related facilities; does not include gravel pads for tents, hardened trails, and/or primitive toilets.
Koyukuk/Northern Unit Innoko: May be permitted subject to reasonable regulations under the provisions of Section 1316 of ANILCA; tent platforms require a special use permit. Nowitna: May be permitted under the provisions of ANILCA 1316; a special use permit may be required per 50 CFR 27.92.
May be authorized in the Wilderness and Wild River Management categories and allowed under the Minimal Management Category.
COMMERCIAL USES
Other Commercial Activities
Transportation and Utility Systems
Includes transmission lines, pipeline, telephone and electrical power lines, oil and gas pipelines, communications systems, roads, airstrips, and other necessary related facilities. Does not include facilities associated with on-refuge oil and gas development.
Roads: May be permitted subject to Title XI of ANILCA. Not permitted in Minimal, Wilderness, and Wild River Management categories.
Airstrips: Primitive airstrips may be designated; no new construction allowed under all Management categories.
Roads and Airstrips: Must be authorized by Congress under Wilderness Management. May be authorized under Wild River Management category. May be authorized under the Minimal Management category but would require a plan amendment.
STAFFING AND BUDGET NEEDS
Short-Term
Long-Term
Short-Term
Long-Term
Permanent Full-Time Employees
13
14
13
16
Permanent Seasonal Employees
1
1
1
3
Temporary Seasonal Employees
3
3
4
4
Volunteers
2-4
2-4
3-5
3-5
Total Annual Budget Needs
$1,913,900
$2-2.4 million
$2-2.4 million
$2.4-2.8 million
13RubyNulatoKaltagGalenaHughesHusliaTananaKoyukukPoorman152°0'0"W152°0'0"W153°0'0"W153°0'0"W154°0'0"W154°0'0"W155°0'0"W155°0'0"W156°0'0"W156°0'0"W157°0'0"W157°0'0"W159°0'0"W159°0'0"W160°0'0"W160°0'0"W158°0'0"W158°0'0"W66°0'0"N66°0'0"N65°0'0"N65°0'0"N64°0'0"N64°0'0"NRefugelandstatusProducedintheDivisionofRealty&NaturalResources,Anchorage,AKCurrentto:Sept.19,2008NWRComplexAnchorageMapExtent0204010Miles0204010Kilometers19-0029NorthernInnokoNWR(Kaiyuh)NowitnaNWRKoyukukNWRDulbiRiverNowitnaRiverKoyukukRiverKaiyuhSloughYukonRiverOtherFeaturesDesignatedWildernessRefugeBoundaryLandtatusSelectedConveyedOtherPrivateRegionalNativeCorp.VillageNativeCorp.WildRiverCorridorStateofAlaska
All federally owned land within the refuge is in the Minimal management category unless noted as Designated Wilderness or Wild River Corridor. .
14We would like to hear your comments!
The full-length Draft Revised Koyukuk, Northern Unit Innoko, and Nowitna CCP/EA is available
online at . Please contact us if you would prefer
a paper-copy or a compact disk (CD) of the document. We will be hosting public meetings in the near
future (times and places will be announced).
Comments, requests for CD’s
or further information about the planning effort
should be directed to:
Helen Clough, Chief of Planning
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1011 East Tudor Road, MS 231
Anchorage, AK 99503
907/786-3357
Koyukuk/Nowitna_planning@fws.gov
Comments should be submitted to the address above by December 15, 2008.
For more information about the refuge visit
 or
 or contact
Refuge Manager Kenton Moos at
800/656-1231
Refuge staff at Refuge Headquarters in Galena.
USFWS
15
Koyukuk/Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge Complex
PO Box 287
Galena, AK 99741
Phone: 800/656-1231
Fax: 907/656-1708
Web: http://koyukuk.fws.gov/
http://nowitna.fws.gov/
e-mail: Koyukuk/Nowitna_planning@fws.gov
Moose cow and calf.
Melanie Hans/USFWS
Moose, or
“deneege”
in Koyukon
Athabascan,
are abundant
on the refuge,
particularly
in the
Koyukuk
River
floodplain.
Refuge
biologists
conduct
aerial counts
of moose to
keep track of
population
size.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service