Selawik National Wildlife Refuge

Selawik National Wildlife Refuge is a federally designated wildlife refuge in northwestern Alaska established in 1980 to conserve wetlands and wildlife habitat. It lies within the Selawik Lake and Selawik River system and protects tundra, marsh, and boreal-transition habitats.

The refuge is noted for extensive wetlands that support large numbers of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds, along with fish species important for subsistence. Much of the area is remote and accessed by small aircraft or river travel; boat and canoe routes on Selawik River and Selawik Lake are common ways to reach key areas.

The refuge was created under federal conservation legislation to protect fish and wildlife habitat and to ensure continued subsistence opportunities for local Alaska Native communities. Management emphasizes waterfowl, other migratory birds, and maintaining native fish runs.

Geographically the refuge sits in northwest Alaska near the village of Selawik, just north of the Arctic Circle, within a landscape of lakes, rivers, tundra and low hills. The area is remote from major cities; local access is primarily from regional hubs and village airstrips.

• Arctic location: Located just north of the Arctic Circle, so summer daylight is prolonged and winter daylight is very short.
• Founding and purpose: Established by federal law in 1980 to protect important wetland and wildlife habitat and to support subsistence use by local communities.

What to See #

• Selawik Lake and wetlands: Covers the shallow lake and connected wetlands of the Selawik Lake and Selawik River system, which are core habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wetland species.
• Selawik River watershed: Includes portions of the Selawik River watershed and associated tundra and marshes that support fish, migratory birds and subsistence harvests by local communities.