View Rule

We plan to publish a final rule to update the existing regulations at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). The proposed rule clarified existing regulations; codified decisions from our June 2010 Kenai NWR Revised Comprehensive Conservation Plan; and updated regulations for the following: (1) areas and time frames for airplane use, including on the Chickaloon River Flats; (2) hunting and trapping restrictions for the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area; (3) reducing potential for negative human-bear interactions in the area surrounding the confluence of the Kenai and Russian Rivers by managing wildlife attractants, including food, refuse, and retained fish; (4) prohibiting discharge of firearms (with exceptions for waterfowl and small game hunting) in areas of high public use, to enhance public safety; and (5) clarifying that hunting over bait is prohibited on the Refuge, with an exception for hunting black bears over bait under terms of a Refuge special use permit. The final regulations are aimed at enhancing natural resource protection, public use activities, and public safety on the Refuge, and are deemed by the Service to be necessary to ensure the compatibility of public use activities with Refuge and/or Refuge System purposes, as well as consistency with management policies and approved refuge management plans.