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
visitor's 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
