Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge, National Wildlife Refuge in central Alaska.
Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in central Alaska covering about 1.6 million acres. The landscape consists of rolling forested plains crossed by the Kanuti and Koyukuk Rivers, extending toward the Arctic Circle boundary.
The refuge was established in 1980 through the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, which created 16 protected areas across Alaska. This legislation marked a major step in preserving Alaska's natural heritage.
The name Kanuti comes from the Athabascan word Kk'toonootne, which means a river traveled by people and animals for generations. Local communities have long-standing connections to this land and its resources.
To visit, you need to fly from Fairbanks to Bettles, then take charter flights to reach the lakes, rivers, and wilderness areas. Plan your trip during warmer months when weather conditions are more stable.
The refuge is home to around 130 bird species and serves as winter grounds for the Western Arctic caribou herd. Natural wildfires help create and maintain diverse habitats for wildlife.
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