Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge

Established to protect breeding habitat for geese and ducks, Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge is 2 million acres of remote, riparian habitat in the Yukon River Valley. Abundant with waterfowl; white-fronted geese, common goldeneye, American wigeons, northern pintails and both greater and lesser scaups are among the many types of ducks and geese that nest at Nowitna NWR. Wolves, lynx, moose, marten and wolverine as well as grizzly and black bears can be found throughout the refuge. Nowitna also hosts many popular sport fish such as salmon, northern pike, least cisco and Arctic grayling in the Nowitna and Yukon Rivers that flow through the refuge. This refuge offers excellent wildlife recreational opportunities. Hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and camping are among the many activities available on the refuge, but because of Nowitna’s remote location, most of the public use consists of local residents participating in subsistence activities.