Table of Contents 

Table of Contents 

Title Page ................................................................................................................................................................... i 

Dear Reader Letter ............................................................................................................................................... iii 

Table of Contents ..................................................................................................................................................... v 

Acronyms and Abbreviations .............................................................................................................................. xiii 

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 1-1

1.1 Purpose of and Need for Action ....................................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Planning Context ............................................................................................................................... 1-2

1.2.1 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service .............................................................................................. 1-2

1.2.2 The National Wildlife Refuge System.......................................................................................... 1-3

1.2.3 Principles for Managing the National Wildlife Refuge System ............................................... 1-5

1.3 Legal and Policy Context and State Coordination ........................................................................ 1-6

1.3.1 Legal Guidance ................................................................................................................................ 1-6

1.3.2 Policy Guidance ............................................................................................................................... 1-6

1.3.3 Coordination with the State of Alaska ......................................................................................... 1-7

1.4 Refuge Purposes and Vision Statement ......................................................................................... 1-9

1.4.1 Purposes of Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge ......................................................................... 1-9

1.4.2 Refuge Vision Statement ............................................................................................................. 1-10

1.5 Refuge Overview .............................................................................................................................. 1-10

1.5.1 Historical Perspective and Refuge Establishment .................................................................. 1-10

1.5.2 Physical Environment .................................................................................................................. 1-10

1.5.3 Biological Resources ..................................................................................................................... 1-11

1.5.4 Human Uses................................................................................................................................... 1-11

1.6 Special Values of the Refuge .......................................................................................................... 1-12

1.6.1 Mosaic of Early Successional Habitats ...................................................................................... 1-12

1.6.2 Diverse System of Streams, Lakes, and Wetlands .................................................................. 1-12

1.6.3 Kaiyuh Flats .................................................................................................................................. 1-12

1.6.4 Nogahabara Sand Dunes ............................................................................................................. 1-12

1.6.5 Salmon Habitat .............................................................................................................................. 1-12

1.6.6 Boreal-nesting White-fronted Goose Habitat ........................................................................... 1-13

1.6.7 Trumpeter and Tundra Swan Habitat ....................................................................................... 1-13

1.6.8 Subsistence Harvest on the Koyukuk and Northern Unit Innoko ........................................ 1-13

1.6.9 Caribou Herds ............................................................................................................................... 1-13

1.6.10 Nowitna River ................................................................................................................................ 1-13

1.6.11 Sheefish .......................................................................................................................................... 1-14

1.6.12 Agates ............................................................................................................................................. 1-14

1.6.13 Palisades ......................................................................................................................................... 1-14

1.6.14 Boney Creek Dissected Bench Land Formation ...................................................................... 1-14

1.6.15 Waterfowl ....................................................................................................................................... 1-14

1.6.16 Furbearers ..................................................................................................................................... 1-14

1.7 Planning Requirements .................................................................................................................. 1-15

1.8 The Planning Process for the Refuge ........................................................................................... 1-15

1.8.1 Design the Process ........................................................................................................................ 1-16

1.8.2 Initiate Public Involvement and Scoping ................................................................................... 1-16

1.8.3 Determine Significant Issues ...................................................................................................... 1-17

1.8.4 Develop and Analyze Alternatives .............................................................................................. 1-17

1.8.5 Prepare Draft Plan and Environmental Assessment .............................................................. 1-17

1.8.6 Prepare and Adopt a Final Plan ................................................................................................. 1-17

1.8.7 Implement Plan, Monitor, and Evaluate ................................................................................... 1-18

1.8.8 Review and Revise Plan ............................................................................................................... 1-18

Koyukuk/Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge Revised Comprehensive Conservation Plan v 
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1.9 Planning Issues ................................................................................................................................. 1-18

1.9.1 How will the Refuge maintain and manage wildlife populations, especially 

moose, in the face of competition between users and predators? ........................................... 1-18

1.9.2 How will the Refuge address future (off-refuge) mining, oil, and gas 

development and its effect on the refuge environment? .......................................................... 1-19

1.9.3 How will the Refuge identify and address contaminants that affect the wild 

food we eat and water quality? .................................................................................................... 1-19

1.9.4 How will the Refuge monitor and address the effects of climate change? ............................ 1-19

1.9.5 How will the Refuge address maintaining the wild character of the Refuge 

and wilderness quality? ................................................................................................................ 1-19

1.9.6 How will the Refuge address future public use of the Refuge? .............................................. 1-19

1.9.7 How can the refuge fire management program help villages address their 

hazardous fuel accumulations? .................................................................................................... 1-19

1.9.8 How will the Refuge address the need for more outreach and better 

communication with the public? .................................................................................................. 1-20

2. Goals and Objectives, Management Direction ....................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 Goals and Objectives .......................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.1.1 Goal 1: Conserve fish and wildlife populations and habitats in their natural 

diversity in a manner consistent with natural ecological processes. ........................................ 2-1

2.1.2 Goal 2: Ensure the natural character, vigor, and species diversity of the 

refuge boreal forest and tundra ecosystems by perpetuating a fire regime 

both natural and prescribed, which maintains a mosaic of habitats native to 

interior Alaska. ................................................................................................................................ 2-3

2.1.3 Goal 3: Maintain a fire management program that helps achieve other 

refuge goals and objectives while providing for the protection of human life, 

private property, and identified cultural and natural resources. ............................................. 2-3

2.1.4 Goal 4: Ensure the natural function and condition of water resources 

necessary to conserve fish and wildlife populations and habitats in their 

natural diversity. ............................................................................................................................. 2-4

2.1.5 Goal 5: Provide information and maintain open communication for a greater 

understanding and appreciation of fish and wildlife ecology, habitat 

preservation, and refuge management that assists in addressing resource 

issues important to local residents, the Service, and others. .................................................... 2-5

2.1.6 Goal 6: Continue to provide quality opportunities for hunting, fishing, 

wildlife observation and photography, and other outdoor recreation in a 

natural setting. ................................................................................................................................. 2-6

2.1.7 Goal 7: Provide and promote the opportunity for local residents to continue 

their subsistence activities on the Refuge, consistent with the subsistence 

priority and with other refuge purposes. ..................................................................................... 2-7

2.1.8 Goal 8: Maintain the special values of the Nowitna Wild River and Koyukuk 

Wilderness and the wild character of the Refuge. ...................................................................... 2-8

2.1.9 Goal 9: Conserve, appreciate, and interpret the cultural, historic, and 

prehistoric resources of the Refuge. ............................................................................................. 2-9

2.1.10 Goal 10: Promote close working relationships through effective 

coordination, interaction, and cooperation with other federal agencies, State 

agencies, local communities, tribes, organizations, industries, the public, 

and the landowners within and adjacent to the Refuge whose programs 

relate to refuge management activities. ..................................................................................... 2-10

2.1.11 Goal 11: Provide and maintain adequate facilities and equipment in Galena 

to ensure a safe and secure working environment to accomplish refuge 

purposes, goals, and mandates. ................................................................................................... 2-11

2.1.12 Goal 12: Ensure the Refuge has adequate personnel to meet operational 

needs. ............................................................................................................................................... 2-11

vi Koyukuk/Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge Revised Comprehensive Conservation Plan 
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2.2 Regional Management Direction Introduction ............................................................................ 2-12

2.3 Management Categories ................................................................................................................. 2-13

2.3.1 Intensive Management ................................................................................................................. 2-13

2.3.2 Moderate Management ................................................................................................................ 2-13

2.3.3 Minimal Management ................................................................................................................... 2-14

2.3.4 Wilderness ...................................................................................................................................... 2-21

2.3.5 Wild and Scenic Rivers ................................................................................................................. 2-21

2.3.6 Special Management ..................................................................................................................... 2-22

2.3.6.1 Management of Selected Lands ......................................................................................... 2-22

2.4 Management Policies and Guidelines ............................................................................................ 2-23

2.4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 2-23

2.4.2 Management Emergencies .......................................................................................................... 2-23

2.4.3 Land Exchanges and Acquisitions .............................................................................................. 2-23

2.4.4 Land Protection Plans .................................................................................................................. 2-24

2.4.5 Appropriate Refuge Uses ............................................................................................................ 2-24

2.4.6 Compatibility Determinations ..................................................................................................... 2-26

2.4.7 Mitigation ....................................................................................................................................... 2-26

2.4.8 Cooperation and Coordination with Others .............................................................................. 2-27

2.4.8.1 Federal, State, and Local Governments ........................................................................... 2-27

2.4.8.2 Tribes and Native American Organizations ..................................................................... 2-28

2.4.8.3 Owners of Refuge Inholdings and Adjacent Lands ......................................................... 2-28

2.4.8.4 Fish and Wildlife Service Jurisdiction over Waters within the 

Koyukuk, Northern Unit Innoko, and Nowitna National Wildlife 

Refuges .................................................................................................................................. 2-28

2.4.8.5 Other Constituencies ........................................................................................................... 2-29

2.4.9 Ecosystem and Landscape Management .................................................................................. 2-29

2.4.9.1 Air Quality ............................................................................................................................. 2-29

2.4.9.2 Water Resources (Hydrology) Management ................................................................... 2-30

2.4.9.3 Visual Resource Management ............................................................................................ 2-31

2.4.9.4 Cultural, Historical, and Paleontological Resources ....................................................... 2-31

2.4.10 Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management .................................................................................... 2-32

2.4.10.1 Habitat Management ........................................................................................................... 2-32

2.4.10.2 Fire Management ................................................................................................................. 2-33

2.4.11 Fish and Wildlife Population Management ............................................................................... 2-34

2.4.11.1 Wildlife Inventory and Monitoring Plan ........................................................................... 2-34

2.4.11.2 Scientific Peer Review ......................................................................................................... 2-34

2.4.11.3 Compliance with the Animal Welfare Act ......................................................................... 2-34

2.4.11.4 Marking and Banding .......................................................................................................... 2-35

2.4.11.5 Threatened or Endangered Species .................................................................................. 2-35

2.4.11.6 Reintroductions .................................................................................................................... 2-35

2.4.11.7 Fish and Wildlife Control .................................................................................................... 2-35

2.4.11.8 Management of Non-native, Invasive, and Pest Species ................................................ 2-36

2.4.11.9 Disease Prevention and Control ......................................................................................... 2-37

2.4.11.10 Fishery Restoration ............................................................................................................. 2-37

2.4.11.11 Fishery Enhancement ......................................................................................................... 2-37

2.4.12 Subsistence Use Management .................................................................................................... 2-38

2.4.12.1 Access for Subsistence Purposes ....................................................................................... 2-39

2.4.12.2 Section 810 Evaluations ....................................................................................................... 2-39

2.4.13 Public Access and Transportation Management ...................................................................... 2-39

2.4.13.1 Snowmobiles, Motorboats, Airplanes, and Non-motorized Surface 

Transportation ...................................................................................................................... 2-39

2.4.13.2 Off-Road Vehicles ................................................................................................................. 2-39

2.4.13.3 Helicopters ............................................................................................................................ 2-39

Koyukuk/Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge Revised Comprehensive Conservation Plan vii 
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2.4.13.4 Access to Inholdings ............................................................................................................. 2-40

2.4.13.5 Temporary Access ................................................................................................................ 2-40

2.4.13.6 Subsistence Access ............................................................................................................... 2-40

2.4.13.7 Transportation and Utility Systems .................................................................................. 2-40

2.4.13.8 State Transportation Planning ........................................................................................... 2-41

2.4.13.9 RS 2477 Rights-of-Way ........................................................................................................ 2-41

2.4.13.10 17(b) Easements ................................................................................................................... 2-41

2.4.13.11 Navigation Aids and other Facilities ................................................................................. 2-42

2.4.14 Recreation and Other Public Use................................................................................................ 2-42

2.4.15 Public Use Facilities ..................................................................................................................... 2-43

2.4.15.1 Cabins ..................................................................................................................................... 2-43

2.4.15.2 Temporary Facilities for the Taking of Fish and Wildlife .............................................. 2-43

2.4.16 Outreach ......................................................................................................................................... 2-44

2.4.17 Commercial-use Management ..................................................................................................... 2-44

2.4.17.1 Commercial Recreation Services ....................................................................................... 2-45

2.4.17.2 Mineral Exploration and Development ............................................................................. 2-45

2.4.17.3 Commercial Fishing and Related Facilities ...................................................................... 2-46

2.4.17.4 Commercial Harvest of Timber and Firewood................................................................. 2-46

2.4.17.5 Commercial Gathering of Other Resources ...................................................................... 2-46

2.4.17.6 Commercial Filming and Recording Activities ................................................................ 2-47

2.4.17.7 Other Commercial Uses....................................................................................................... 2-47

2.4.18 Environmental Contaminants Identification and Cleanup ..................................................... 2-47

2.4.19 Management of Designated Wilderness .................................................................................... 2-48

2.4.20 Administration of the Koyukuk, Northern Unit Innoko, and Nowitna 

National Wildlife Refuges ............................................................................................................ 2-49

2.4.20.1 Administrative Sites and Visitor Facilities ....................................................................... 2-49

2.4.20.2 Refuge Management Plans ................................................................................................. 2-49

2.4.21 Alaska Mineral Resource Assessment Program ...................................................................... 2-50

2.5 Management Categories Table ...................................................................................................... 2-50

2.5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 2-50

2.5.1.1 Definitions for Management Categories Table ................................................................ 2-50

3. Refuge Resources ...................................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1 Geographic Setting ............................................................................................................................. 3-1

3.1.1 Land Status ...................................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1.1.1 Village Native Corporation Land ......................................................................................... 3-1

3.1.1.2 Regional Native Corporation Lands .................................................................................... 3-3

3.1.1.3 Native Allotments ................................................................................................................... 3-3

3.1.1.4 Other Private Lands .............................................................................................................. 3-4

3.1.1.5 State of Alaska ........................................................................................................................ 3-4

3.1.1.6 Submerged Lands .................................................................................................................. 3-4

3.1.1.7 7(b) Easements ....................................................................................................................... 3-4

3.1.1.8 RS 2477 Rights-of-Way ........................................................................................................ 3-11

3.1.2 Ecosystems ..................................................................................................................................... 3-11

3.2 Physical Environment ..................................................................................................................... 3-14

3.2.1 Climate ............................................................................................................................................ 3-14

3.2.2 Landforms ...................................................................................................................................... 3-15

3.2.2.1 Koyukuk and Northern Unit Innoko ................................................................................. 3-15

3.2.2.2 Nowitna .................................................................................................................................. 3-16

3.2.3 Geology ........................................................................................................................................... 3-17

3.2.4 Soils and Permafrost ..................................................................................................................... 3-18

3.2.5 Minerals .......................................................................................................................................... 3-25

3.2.5.1 Nowitna .................................................................................................................................. 3-25

3.2.5.2 Koyukuk and Northern Unit Innoko ................................................................................. 3-25

viii Koyukuk/Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge Revised Comprehensive Conservation Plan 
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3.2.6 Oil and Gas Occurrences and Potential ...................................................................................... 3-26

3.2.7 Water Resources ........................................................................................................................... 3-29

3.2.7.1 Water Quantity ..................................................................................................................... 3-30

3.2.7.2 Water Quality ........................................................................................................................ 3-30

3.2.8 Fire Disturbance Regime ............................................................................................................ 3-31

3.2.8.1 Fire Occurrence and Frequency ........................................................................................ 3-31

3.2.8.2 Fire Size ................................................................................................................................. 3-32

3.2.8.3 Fire Season ........................................................................................................................... 3-32

3.2.8.4 Impacted Villages Around the Refuge .............................................................................. 3-32

3.3 Biological Environment ................................................................................................................... 3-32

3.3.1 Vegetation ...................................................................................................................................... 3-32

3.3.1.1 Non-Native Invasive Plants ................................................................................................ 3-38

3.3.2 Fish and Wildlife ........................................................................................................................... 3-45

3.3.2.1 Fish ......................................................................................................................................... 3-45

3.3.2.2 Amphibians ............................................................................................................................ 3-48

3.3.2.3 Birds ....................................................................................................................................... 3-49

3.3.2.4 Mammals ............................................................................................................................... 3-51

3.3.2.5 Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Wildlife ............................................................ 3-55

3.3.3 Concerns Regarding Fish, Wildlife, and their Habitats .......................................................... 3-55

3.3.3.1 Increased Fishing Pressure ................................................................................................ 3-55

3.3.3.2 Off-refuge Harvest of Refuge Whitefish and Salmon Stocks ........................................ 3-55

3.3.3.3 Development of Inholdings and Lands Adjacent to the Refuge.................................... 3-55

3.3.3.4 Alteration of Wild Salmon Stocks Caused by Enhancement ......................................... 3-56

3.3.3.5 Past and Current Off-refuge Mining Activities ............................................................... 3-56

3.3.3.6 Climate Change .................................................................................................................... 3-56

3.3.3.7 Invasive Species .................................................................................................................... 3-58

3.3.3.8 Forest Defoliators ................................................................................................................ 3-58

3.3.3.9 Moose ..................................................................................................................................... 3-58

3.3.3.10 Predator Control .................................................................................................................. 3-59

3.4 Human Environment ....................................................................................................................... 3-59

3.4.1 Area History .................................................................................................................................. 3-59

3.4.1.1 Prehistory .............................................................................................................................. 3-59

3.4.1.2 Ethnography ......................................................................................................................... 3-60

3.4.1.3 History ................................................................................................................................... 3-60

3.4.1.4 Archaeological and Historic Sites ...................................................................................... 3-62

3.4.2 Population and Settlement Patterns .......................................................................................... 3-63

3.4.2.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................ 3-63

3.4.2.2 Principle Refuge-Affected Communities .......................................................................... 3-64

3.4.2.3 Social Infrastructure ............................................................................................................ 3-69

3.4.3 Subsistence Way of Life ............................................................................................................... 3-70

3.4.4 Recreation ...................................................................................................................................... 3-74

3.4.4.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................ 3-74

3.4.4.2 Moose Hunting ..................................................................................................................... 3-74

3.4.4.3 Fishing ................................................................................................................................... 3-76

3.4.4.4 Environmental Education and Interpretive Programs .................................................. 3-76

3.4.5 Economy ......................................................................................................................................... 3-76

3.4.6 Regional Access ............................................................................................................................. 3-77

3.5 Wilderness Values ............................................................................................................................ 3-77

3.5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 3-77

3.5.1.1 Undeveloped ......................................................................................................................... 3-77

3.5.1.2 Untrammeled ........................................................................................................................ 3-78

3.5.1.3 Natural ................................................................................................................................... 3-78

3.5.1.4 Outstanding Opportunities for Solitude ............................................................................ 3-78

Koyukuk/Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge Revised Comprehensive Conservation Plan ix 
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3.5.1.5 Outstanding Opportunities for a Primitive and Unconfined Type of 

Recreation .............................................................................................................................. 3-78

3.5.1.6 Other Special Features ........................................................................................................ 3-78

3.5.2 Characteristics Common to All Units ......................................................................................... 3-79

3.5.3 Koyukuk Wilderness ..................................................................................................................... 3-79

3.5.4 Purcell Mountain Unit (Koyukuk) .............................................................................................. 3-80

3.5.5 Takhakhdona Hills Unit (Koyukuk) ........................................................................................... 3-80

3.5.6 Coffee Can Lake Unit (Koyukuk) ............................................................................................... 3-80

3.5.7 Kaiyuh Flats (Northern Unit Innoko) ........................................................................................ 3-82

3.5.8 Nowitna River Unit (Nowitna) .................................................................................................... 3-82

3.5.9 Little Mud Unit (Nowitna) ........................................................................................................... 3-82

3.5.10 Big Creek Unit (Nowitna) ............................................................................................................ 3-83

3.6 River Values ...................................................................................................................................... 3-83

3.6.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 3-83

3.6.2 River Values ................................................................................................................................... 3-84

3.6.2.1 Scenery ................................................................................................................................... 3-87

3.6.2.2 Recreation .............................................................................................................................. 3-87

3.6.2.3 Wildness ................................................................................................................................. 3-87

3.6.2.4 Geology ................................................................................................................................... 3-87

3.6.2.5 Fish ......................................................................................................................................... 3-87

3.6.2.6 Wildlife ................................................................................................................................... 3-87

3.6.2.7 Cultural Values ..................................................................................................................... 3-87

3.6.2.8 History ................................................................................................................................... 3-87

3.6.2.9 Prehistoric Values ................................................................................................................ 3-87

3.6.2.10 Other Values .......................................................................................................................... 3-88

3.6.3 Rivers and River Segments ......................................................................................................... 3-88

3.7 Refuge Infrastructure and Administration .................................................................................. 3-99

3.7.1 Administrative Facilities .............................................................................................................. 3-99

3.7.2 Staffing ............................................................................................................................................ 3-99

4. Implementation and Monitoring .............................................................................................................. 4-1

4.1 Step-Down Plans ................................................................................................................................ 4-1

4.1.1 Wildlife Survey and Inventory Plan ............................................................................................. 4-1

4.1.2 Fisheries Management Plans ........................................................................................................ 4-2

4.1.3 Cultural Resource Guide ................................................................................................................ 4-2

4.1.4 Fire Management Plan ................................................................................................................... 4-2

4.1.5 Media and Community Relations Guide ...................................................................................... 4-3

4.1.6 Station Safety and Occupant Emergency Plans ......................................................................... 4-3

4.1.7 Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan .................................................................. 4-3

4.1.8 Plan of Study: Water/Hydrologic Resources Investigation ...................................................... 4-3

4.1.9 Wilderness Stewardship Plan ........................................................................................................ 4-3

4.1.10 Land Protection Plan ...................................................................................................................... 4-3

4.2 Partnership Opportunities ................................................................................................................ 4-3

4.3 Monitoring and Evaluation ............................................................................................................... 4-4

4.4 Plan Amendment and Revision ........................................................................................................ 4-8

4.5 Funding and Personnel Requirements ........................................................................................... 4-9

5. Consultation and Coordination with Others ........................................................................................... 5-1

5.1 Interagency agreements ................................................................................................................... 5-1

5.1.1 Wildland fire suppression services ............................................................................................... 5-1

5.1.2 Radio repeater sites ........................................................................................................................ 5-1

5.1.3 Others ................................................................................................................................................ 5-1

5.2 Section 7 compliance .......................................................................................................................... 5-1

x Koyukuk/Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge Revised Comprehensive Conservation Plan 
Table of Contents 

Appendices 

A Legal Guidance and Planning Coordination 

B Coordination with the State of Alaska 

C Inventory and Monitoring Plan 

D Compatibility Determinations 

E Predator Management 

F RS 2477 Rights-of-Way 

G Trails and Easements for the Koyukuk and Northern Unit Innoko/Nowitna 

National Wildlife Refuges 

H Wildlife and Fish Species Found on the Refuge 

I Major Events in the History of the Refuge 

J Step-Down Plans for the Koyukuk and Northern Unit Innoko/Nowitna National 

Wildlife Refuges 

K River Values 

L Literature Cited 

M Preparers 

N Cabin Regulations 

O Glossary 

P Response to Comments 

Q Findings of No Significant Impact 

Tables 

Table 2-1. Activities, public uses, commercial uses, and facilities by management 

category. ....................................................................................................................................... 2-52

Table 3-1. Surface land status of the Refuge, as of May 2008. .................................................................. 3-2

Table 3-2. Surface land statusa of the Koyukuk, as of June 2008. (See Table 3-4 for 

notes) ............................................................................................................................................... 3-2

Table 3-3. Surface land statusa of the Nowitna, as of June 2008. (See Table 3-4 for 

notes) ............................................................................................................................................... 3-2

Table 3-4. Surface land statusa of the Northern Unit Innoko, as of June 2008. ...................................... 3-3

Table 3-5. Climate data for Galena, Alaska 1942–2007. (Data taken from the 

National Climate Data Center, NOAA). .................................................................................. 3-15

Table 3-6. Acres of wetland vegetation classes on the Northern Unit Innoko, 

Koyukuk, and Nowitna. .............................................................................................................. 3-30

Table 3-7. Acreage summary of land cover classes on the Koyukuk. ..................................................... 3-37

Table 3-8. Acreage summary of land cover classes on the Northern Unit Innoko. ............................. 3-37

Table 3-9. Acreage summary of land cover classes on the Nowitna. ...................................................... 3-38

Table 3-10. Fish of the Koyukuk, Northern Unit Innoko, and Nowitna .................................................. 3-47

Table 3-11. Population trends in the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area in Alaska 1990–

2020. .............................................................................................................................................. 3-63

Table 3-12. Population trends in the Koyukuk, Northern Unit Innoko, and Nowitna 

area communities. ....................................................................................................................... 3-64

Table 3-13. ANSCA village corporations in the vicinity of the Refuge. ................................................... 3-69

Koyukuk/Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge Revised Comprehensive Conservation Plan xi 
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xii Koyukuk/Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge Revised Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

Table 3-14. Rivers examined. ........................................................................................................................ 3-88

Table 4-1. Examples of inventory/monitoring questions and possible management 

actions. ........................................................................................................................................... 4-5

Figures 

Figure 1-1. Refuge location within Alaska .................................................................................................... 1-3

Figure 1-2. Refuge location within the region .............................................................................................. 1-4

Figure 1-3. Refuge land status, GMUs, and CUA ......................................................................................... 1-8

Figure 2-1. Koyukuk Management Categories .......................................................................................... 2-15

Figure 2-2. N. Innoko Management Categories ......................................................................................... 2-17

Figure 2-3. Nowitna Management Categories ........................................................................................... 2-19

Figure 3-1. Koyukuk land status, existing easements, and rights of way ................................................. 3-5

Figure 3-2. Northern Unit Innoko land status, existing easements, and rights of way ......................... 3-7

Figure 3-3. Nowitna land status, existing easements, and rights of way .................................................. 3-9

Figure 3-4. Refuge ecoregions ...................................................................................................................... 3-13

Figure 3-5a. Koyukuk soil associations .......................................................................................................... 3-19 

Figure 3-5b. Northern Unit Innoko soil associations ................................................................................... 3-21 

Figure 3-5c. Nowitna soil associations ........................................................................................................... 3-23 

Figure 3-6. Refuge mineral presence ............................................................................................................ 3-27

Figure 3-7. Koyukuk vegetation types ......................................................................................................... 3-39

Figure 3-8. Northern Unit Innoko vegetation types ................................................................................. 3-41

Figure 3-9. Nowitna vegetation types .......................................................................................................... 3-43

Figure 3-10. Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area .................................................................................................. 3-65

Figure 3-11. Refuge guide use areas .............................................................................................................. 3-75

Figure 3-12. Koyukuk Wilderness .................................................................................................................. 3-81

Figure 3-13. Nowitna Wild River corridor. ................................................................................................... 3-85

Figure 3-14. Koyukuk Refuge river values ................................................................................................... 3-93

Figure 3-15. Northern Unit Innoko Refuge river values ............................................................................ 3-95

Figure 3-16. Nowitna Refuge river values .................................................................................................... 3-97