Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Manager Andy Loranger announced on Friday a partial opening of the Refuge to snowmachine use.
All areas of the Refuge traditionally open to snow machining lying north of the Kasilof River and Tustumena Lake will be open effective 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1. Closed areas in this portion of the Refuge include the Swan Lake and Swanson River Canoe Systems, all areas above timberline, and areas within the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area (except that Hidden, Kelly, Petersen and Engineer lakes are open to provide snow machine access for ice fishing pending sufficient ice).
The southern portion of the Refuge, including the Caribou Hills, remains closed to snow machining at this time due to a lack of adequate snow cover.
The Refuge advises that snowmachine users exercise caution, especially on lakes, rivers, and streams that may not yet be sufficiently frozen. In addition, rocks and tree stumps can be hazardous in areas with less snow accumulation.
For more information, please contact Refuge Headquarters at (907) 262- 7021, online at https://kenai.fws.gov, or visit the Refuge Headquarters on Ski Hill Road in Soldotna.
