Welcome to the Innoko National Wildlife Refuge. On this web page you will find information about the refuge and its wildlife as well as some of the management programs that are conducted on the refuge. The Innoko National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful, remote place; it takes a lot of effort to get to the refuge and just as much to enjoy its pristine beauty. For many people just knowing these wild places exist for our children and grand children is satisfying. For other people the importance of the refuge is the production of wildlife resources either in the moose sought after by hunters or the waterfowl and other birds hatched on the refuge and migrating south each fall. Still others cannot resist the call of a truly wilderness experience, and must visit and see for themselves. Whatever your particular interest is please enjoy this site and feel free to contact the refuge staff with any questions you have.
Thank You
Innoko Refuge Manager
Overview
Remote and isolated, even by Alaska standards, the 3.85 million acre Innoko National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most important waterfowl areas in Interior Alaska. The refuge provides nesting and molting habitat for thousands of geese, ducks, loons and swans. It also provides excellent habitat for moose and a large variety of raptors. Rich in history and natural resources, the refuge offers people a unique opportunity to observe fish and wildlife in a natural and relatively undisturbed habitat. For further information on the Innoko Refuge click on the brochure to the right.
Refuge Purpose
The Innoko National Wildlife Refuge was one of the refuges established in Alaska by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) which was passed on December 2, 1980. ANILCA established the refuge in two units totaling 4.6 million acres. The Northern Unit (751,000 acres) of the Refuge, also called Kaiyah Flats is administered by the Koyukuk/Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Galena. The Southern Unit (3.85 million acres) is administered by the Innoko National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters in McGrath.
The primary purposes for which the Innoko National Wildlife Refuge was established, and shall be managed:
1. 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;
2. to fulfill the international treaty obligations of the United States with respect to fish and wildlife and their habitats;
3. to provide the opportunity for continued subsistence uses by local residents;
4. to ensure water quality and necessary water quantity within the refuge.
Last updated: July 8, 2008
