However, thanks to a recent Maintenance Management System funded project, that safe haven will provide a few more amenities for Service staff. This month the one-room cabin became a three-room cabin with the addition of two small bedrooms. Refuge staff and volunteers remodeled the cabin interior replacing the propane stove and crude kitchen shelving. In addition, a 600-watt solar and a 400-watt wind electric generation system with ample battery storage were added to provide an independent, renewable source of power through a 2500-watt inverter. The new system will run a small refrigerator, monitor stove, microwave oven, cabin lights, and battery charger for satellite phones and other necessary equipment. A daylight porch screened by lexan panels was added to provide covered space outside the cabin, while affording protection from the swarms of voracious North Slope mosquitoes. Upon seeing the upgraded facility Deputy Refuge Manager Gary Wheeler was overheard to say, ?It may not be the Hilton, but it sure looks inviting to me! It's also extremely satisfying to know that the cabin is powered by sun and wind, the energy nature amply provides year after year.?

Images available.