The Kodiak planning process incorporated innovative approaches for increasing public participation in the revision of the plan and design of the alternatives. A key factor was the decision to work closely with the State of Alaska and a stakeholders committee to develop the Kodiak Archipelago Bear Conservation and Management Plan. Recommendations from this plan were then incorporated into the alternatives for the refuge conservation plan revision. The Service also invited the public to attend planning team meetings as the alternatives for the conservation plan were being developed. Thus the team was able to develop alternatives that emphasize partnerships and outreach that minimize the need for new public access restrictions or regulation of commercial visitor services.

The Service anticipates broad local and regional support for the preferred alternative.