Refuges, Sanctuaries,
and Critical Habitat Areas

The Alaska State Legislature has classified certain areas as being essential to the protection of fish and wildlife habitat. These areas are designated as either a refuge, critical habitat area, or sanctuary. Legislation pertaining to these lands may be found in Alaska Statutes Title 16, Chapter 20.

Access to some of these locations is regulated and may require special permit for visitation. A Special Area Permit is required for many land and water use activities, including any construction activity in a designated state refuge, critical habitat area, or sanctuary. Contact information for each of the areas is available here.