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Noatak National Preserve
Nature & Science
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090510040928im_/http://www.nps.gov/ser/templates/images/graphics/spacer.gif) |
Encompassing 6.5 million acres of land, Noatak National Preserve was established to maintain the largest undisturbed watershed in North America – the Noatak River.
The Noatak River basin, one of the world’s finest remaining vast wilderness areas, has been named an International Biosphere Reserve; the river itself has been designated a National Wild River for most of its length.
The preserve lies almost completely enclosed by the Baird and DeLong Mountains of the Brooks Range. It is within the preserve that the boreal forest ends, merging into treeless tundra on the valley’s southern edge. Hundreds of thousands of caribou cross this broad expanse, migrating to and from calving grounds.
In addition to protecting the Noatak River valley and adjacent lands, the preserve also serves to protect the fish, wildlife, waterfowl and archeological resources within its boundaries.
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| ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090510040928im_/http://www.nps.gov/commonspot/images/clear.gif) | ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090510040928im_/http://www.nps.gov/commonspot/images/clear.gif) |
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![Biologist examining flora Biologist examining flora](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090510040928im_/http://www.nps.gov/ser/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/NOAT_Scientist.jpg) Research Permit Application Process Research permit requirements, forms and contact information. more... | |
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![A mother and baby Dall Sheep stand on a rocky hillside. A mother and baby Dall Sheep stand on a rocky hillside.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090510040928im_/http://www.nps.gov/ser/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/NOAT_Img0033_Recolor.jpg) |
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Did You Know?
Noatak National Preserve provides critical habitat for one of the most northern populations of Dall sheep in the world. The coastal Inupiat word for Dall sheep is Imnaiq; the Kobuk dialect word is Ipnaiq
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Last Updated: February 17, 2009 at 16:41 EST |