Refuge Purposes & Plans

The Koyukuk Refuge (3,550,000 acres), Northern Unit Innoko (350,800 acres), and Nowitna Refuge (1,560,000 acres) are managed out of the headquarters office in Galena, Alaska.

Click here to learn more about the Koyukuk, Northern Unit Innoko, and Nowitna  Refuges.

Comprehensive Conservation Plan
ANILCA requires a comprehensive conservation plan for all refuges in Alaska. The conservation plans for the three refuges were completed in 1987.  One plan will cover the three refuges and provide direction for managing the refuge by identifying the types and level of activities that can occur on the refuge.

Revision of the comprehensive conservation plan began in April 2007. Public scoping began fall 2007.  Public meetings took place in communities near the refuge during the fall and early winter 2007. When completed, the revised plan will guide management of the refuge for the next 15 years. The draft revised plan is now available for public review. Click on the links below to download copies of the summary or full text of the draft plan. Other planning links are below.
Comments will be accepted on this draft revised plan until December 15, 2008. Meetings will be held in local communities during the review period (times and locations will be announced locally.)

For information about revision of the Koyukuk, Northern Unit Innoko, and Nowitna National Wildlife Refuges Comprehensive Conservation Plan, click on the following links:

Please note there is an error in our documents.
The correct email address for comments is:
koyukuknowitna_planning@fws.gov

Summary draft revised plan and environmental assessment (pdf)

Full document draft revised plan and environmental assessment

Cover with Materials (pdf)

Table of Contents (pdf)

Acronyms List (pdf)

• Chapter 1 - Introduction (pdf- 615kb)
• Chapter 2 - Goals Objectives (pdf-13mb)
• Chapter 3 - Affected Environment (pdf- 66mb)
• Chapter 4 - Environmental Conse (pdf)
• Chapter 5 - Implementation and Monitoring (pdf)
• Chapter 6 - Consultation (pdf)

• Appendix A - Legal Guidance
• Appendix B - Coordination with the State
• Appendix C - Inventory and Monitory Plan
• Appendix D - Compatibility
• Appendix E - Predator Management
• Appendix F - RS 2477 Rights of Way
• Appendix G - Trails and Easements
• Appendix H - 1996 Goals and Objectives
• Appendix I - Species List
• Appendix J - Refuge History Summary
• Appendix K - Wild River Review
• Appendix L - Literature Cited
• Appendix M - Step Down Plans
• Appendix N - Preparers
• Appendix O - Cabin Policy
• Appendix P - New Mailing List
• Appendix Q - Glossary

Current Status and Schedule (pdf) [This is the schedule dated Apr. 21, 2008 (the most up-to-date schedule archived on the ARLIS server as of May 13, 2009. Click here for the most current schedule.)]

If you wish more information about our planning effort or wish to be on the mailing list for further information, contact

Helen Clough, Chief of Planning
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1011 E. Tudor Road, MS-231
Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: (907) 786-3533
Fax: (907) 786-3965
E-mail: fw7_Koyukuk_planning@fws.gov

Land Conservation and Visitor Services Plans have not been developed for the Koyukuk, Northern Unit Innoko, and Nowitna National Wildlife Refuges.