The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge will open to snowmachine use, effective immediately refuge officials announced on Monday.
Refuge Manager Andy Loranger made the announcement regarding the opening of all areas of the KNWR traditionally open to snowmachine use. According to Loranger, the change went into effect at the time of the announcement on Monday, Dec. 18.
“Every year the refuge manager has to designate an opening when there’s sufficient snow and it has to occur after December 1st,” said Refuge Deputy Manager, Steve Miller. “So starting December 1st, we look and see what the snow levels are across the refuge and whenever he determines there’s enough snow then we will open it for snow machining.
Areas always closed to snowmachine use within the Refuge include the Headquarters area on Ski Hill Road, Swan Lake and Swanson River Canoe Systems, all areas above timberline except in the Caribou Hills, and Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area (except Hidden, Kelly, Petersen and Engineer lakes are open to provide snowmachine access for ice fishing when ice conditions are sufficient),.
The Refuge asks all users to be respectful of their surroundings and avoid any windblown areas that have insufficient snow accumulation.
Miller also added that snow machiners should be cautious around creek and river crossings as several areas are still open water. “Specific to this year there seems to be quite a few open streams. We haven’t had that big cold spell yet that’s going to freeze some of these spring fed streams, and so we still have a lot of open water. So, there’s going to be some drainages that folks aren’t able to get across even though they might have a little cornice of snow across them, but folks need to watch out for that open water below.”
Users should also avoid moose and other wildlife whenever possible.
Using the QR code located at the bottom of the attached map, a map of the Refuge depicting areas open and closed to snowmachine use can be downloaded into the Avenza Map App on a smartphone or tablet prior to going into the field. This allows users to view their current location on the map, even without cell coverage.
For more information, please contact Refuge Headquarters at (907) 262-7021, online at http://kenai.fws.gov or visit the Refuge Headquarters on Ski Hill Road in Soldotna.
