Skilak Lake circa 1950, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The area has been recognized for high value wildlife-oriented recreation for over 50 years.

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge has completed the planning process for the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area.  Regional Director Tom Melius recently signed the decision document for the final management plan which continues to promote the area, approximately 2 percent of the 2 million acre Refuge, for enhanced wildlife observation opportunities and assorted public uses.  New facilities are proposed that include additional trails, informational kiosks, and a nature center.  Habitat manipulation is proposed to increase the value of some areas to moose and other wildlife.  Significant public comment contributed to the final management direction which will include a 497 acre addition to the area, a corridor adjacent to Skilak Lake designated for wildlife movement (and no expanded development), road improvements that fall short of paving the Skilak Loop Road, and a new youth hunting opportunity for snowshoe hare and grouse.  The final plan was the result of a year of cooperative efforts between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and interested publics.