Healthy aquatic habitats support thriving runs of salmon, a key element of the ecosystem and regional economy. Photo: ADF&G

The Refuge's adopted management strategy will promote conservation of Kodiak bear while facilitating public use opportunities. Photo: Steve Hillebrand/USFWS

The Alaska Region of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced the availability of the Record of Decision for the final Revised Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Impact Statement for Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge in February , 2007.  Regional Director Thomas O. Melius signed the Record of Decision adopting Alternative D, the preferred alternative in the Plan/Environmental Statement, as the Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Plan) for Kodiak Refuge on February 8, 2007. 

Each National Wildlife Refuge is required to have a CCP to ensure management actions and permitted activities fulfill the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the purposes for which the Refuge was established. The Kodiak Refuge CCP guides management of the Refuge for the next 15 years; provides Refuge goals and objectives; incorporates relevant recommendations from the State’s Kodiak Archipelago Bear Conservation and Management Plan; and ensures that subsistence and fish and wildlife oriented recreational opportunities continue to be readily available.

The CCP provides specific guidance for dealing with four major issues identified in the planning process: protection of bear concentration areas, improvements at popular camping sites, the public use cabin program, and bear viewing at O’Malley River.  Management of public use will continue much like in the past. The Refuge will increase efforts to identify user conflicts and work toward resolution and will improve law enforcement efforts. 

Refuge Manager Gary Wheeler emphasized, “Public involvement was foundational for the planning process since work began in 1999 and will continue to be important through stakeholder groups during the implementation process.”  Copies of this Record of Decision and the Final Plan/Environmental Statement may be viewed and downloaded at http://alaska.fws.gov/nwr/planning/kodpol.htm.