New interpretive panel at Hidden Lake.

In May, Hidden Lake Campground on Kenai Refuge received a makeover with 8 new color interpretive panels that replaced deteriorated 18-year-old black and white panels.  Interpretive panels at this busy campground share the area's unique fish and wildlife resources with visitors as well as give guidance on appropriate human behavior in moose and bear country.

In early June, 14 new interpretive panels were installed at the Russian River Access Area to help visitors learn about salmon life history and how to protect the Kenai River watershed to insure healthy salmon populations in the future.  The Russian River Access Area is seasonally one of the busiest fishing spots in the entire State of Alaska. These crowds create their own set of resource issues, thus the messages at the Ferry encourage behaviors that will reduce impacts to stream banks and teach "bear smart" behaviors.  With these 22 new panel additions, total interpretive panels for the Refuge come to seventy-four.  Panels are located strategically at roadside pullouts, campgrounds, vistas, and boardwalks in Moose Range Meadows, Skilak Wildlife Viewing Area, and Russian River Access Area where visitors congregate.

Alaska Department of Natural Resources and Wilderness Graphics contributed outstanding graphic designs.  All panels on the Refuge use the same consistent, easily maintained aluminum mounting system.  Our goal is to have a natural and cultural interpretive presence throughout the majority of the Refuge's most visited areas.  Thanks go to project partners including Alaska Department of Natural Resources, National Park Service, Wilderness Graphics and USFWS staff from Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Kenai Fish & Wildlife Field Office, and the Alaska Regional Office Visitor Services branch.