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I take great satisfaction in welcoming you to Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
The Kenai Refuge is just one of more than 500 units of the National Wildlife Refuge
System but I think you will agree that it stands out as a very special place among
special places! The hunting and fishing traditions that helped create the Refuge
in 1941 still flourish, but so do enhanced opportunities for hiking, camping,
canoeing, and wildlife watching. The scenic wonders of the Kenai Mountains, the
glaciers of the Harding Ice Field, and the turquoise-colored waters of the Kenai
River all leave lasting images forever imprinted in each visitors' mind. Whether
you visit in winter to witness the stillness of a frozen lake; in summer to see
stream-sides carpeted with the violet splendor of fireweed; or in fall to both
hear and see shimmering golden leaves of the birch and aspen trees on a bright
sunny day, you will be glad you visited. Even with the hundreds of thousands
of visitors each year coming to the Refuge, one can still find wilderness solitude
within a short distance of a well-traveled road or path. Some of my personal favorite
experiences here at Kenai include hiking in alpine areas looking for Dall sheep
and mountain goats, paddling a canoe quietly across a mist- covered lake with
the mournful cry of loons in the distance, feeling the tug of a large salmon on
the end of my line right before in leaps from the water, seeing the wobbly legs
of a day-old moose calf, and sharing a day's stories and an evening campfire with
friends and family. Our dedicated staff of rangers, biologists, and managers
stand ready to welcome you, whether you are planning your first visit to the Refuge
or are returning for the 100th time. Please don't hesitate to contact us with
any questions you may have, and please do come and visit your Refuge. The Kenai,
and every refuge in the National Wildlife Refuge System, is home to an awe-inspiring
diversity of fish, wildlife, and plants, but the land itself belongs to you and
future generations of Americans! Come check it out! Sincerely, Robin
L. West
Refuge Manager |