Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge

Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in interior Alaska that conserves riverine and wetland habitats along the Nowitna River. It was established under federal conservation legislation to protect fish and wildlife values in a largely undeveloped region.

The refuge is remote and visited mainly by subsistence users, hunters, anglers and wildlife observers; it supports extensive wetlands that are important for waterfowl and other migratory birds and provides habitat for moose and other large mammals. There are no developed visitor centers or widespread facilities, so visits rely on boats or light aircraft and backcountry skills.

The refuge was created as part of federal conservation measures enacted in 1980 and has since been managed to conserve habitat and traditional subsistence uses. Management priorities emphasize protecting wetlands, fish populations and native wildlife while allowing regulated public use.

Situated in interior Alaska along the Nowitna River, the refuge lies in a remote landscape of rivers, lakes and boreal forest west of the Yukon River and is accessed largely by water or air.

• Protection status: Designated as a national wildlife refuge under federal conservation legislation and managed for fish and wildlife habitat, especially wetlands along the Nowitna River.
• Access: Remote access - typical entry is by river or small aircraft, and there are no developed visitor facilities in most parts of the refuge.