In 1980, The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) changed the name of the Kenai National Moose Range to the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and established the following purposes:

(i) to conserve fish and wildlife populations and habitats in their natural diversity including, but not limited to moose, bear, mountain goats, Dall sheep, wolves and other furbearers, salmonoids and other fish, waterfowl and other migratory and nonmigratory birds;

(ii) to fullfill the international treaty obligations of the United States with respect to fish and wildlife and their habitats;

(iv) to ensure water quality and quantity;

(iv) to provide opportunities for research, interpretations, environmental education, and land management training; and

(v) to provide in a manner compatible with these purposes, opportunities for fish and wildlife-oriented recreation.