Southcentral Region

Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge was established to conserve marine mammals, seabirds and other migratory birds, and the marine resources upon which they rely. The Refuge's 3.4 million acres include the spectacular volcanic islands of the Aleutian chain, the seabird cliffs of the remote Pribilofs, and icebound lands washed by the Chukchi Sea, providing essential habitat for some 40 million seabirds, of more than 30 species.

In the heart of the southern Kenai Peninsula, spanning the Anchor River and Fritz Creek drainages, lies the Anchor River/Fritz Creek Critical Habitat Area. Created in 1985 to protect natural habitat critical to perpetuation of fish and wildlife, especially moose, the area is one of the only major moose overwintering areas on the southern Kenai Peninsula.

Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, with its extensive tidal flats, marsh communities, and alder-bog forest, supports some of the greatest numbers and diversity of birds in the Anchorage area. At least 130 bird species have been sighted in the refuge. Moose and muskrats are commonly found on the refuge and moose are sometimes seen feeding on aquatic or shrubby vegetation in Potter Marsh. Coyotes, least weasels, mink, snowshoe hares, red squirrels, voles, and shrews are also residents of the refuge. Rabbit Creek, Little Rabbit Creek, and Little Survival Creek, which flow into Potter Marsh, all support populations of pink, coho, and chinook salmon and Dolly Varden char. An ideal mix of fresh and salt water combined with a nutrient-rich environment contribute to the importance of Potter Marsh as a juvenile fish-rearing area.

Caines Head State Recreation Area, the scenic site of an abandoned World War II fort, can be reached by boat or foot from Seward. The massive headland rises 650 feet above Resurrection Bay, against a back drop of rolling alpine meadows and sharp peaks, giving way to a sweeping view of the North Pacific Ocean. Visitors are invited to explore the remains of Fort McGilvray, the South Beach Garrison and the many natural attractions of this 6,000 acre state recreation area.

The 730-acre Campbell Tract serves as a forested recreation site in the heart of Anchorage. With its 12 miles of trails, the tract offers four-season outdoor recreation opportunities. The area's diverse plants, wildlife, and habitats also serve as a wonderful outdoor classroom for the Anchorage community. The Campbell Tract is also home to the BLM Campbell Creek Science Center, a unique outdoor education center that promotes appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of the natural world.

The Chugach National Forest is located in southcentral Alaska and is the farthest north and west of all national forests in the National Forest System. One of two national forests in Alaska and one of the largest in the National Forest System, the Chugach National Forest is approximately 5.4 million acres. From the Kenai Peninsula to Prince William Sound to the eastern shores of the Copper River Delta, the forest is full of special places. Thirty percent of the Chugach National Forest is covered in ice, including 20 tidewater glaciers. Stretching across 700,000 acres of the national forest, the Copper River Delta is the largest contiguous wetlands complex on North America’s Pacific Coast. The Chugach National Forest includes more than 1,800 miles of anadromous fish streams and 48,100 acres of anadromous fish lakes. Hike along Resurrection Pass Trail, kayak to a public use cabin, go fishing in Russian River, or take a cruise to see tidewater glaciers. There is something for everyone in the Chugach National Forest!

Chugach State Park is located in Southcentral Alaska mostly within the Municipality of Anchorage. The park contains approximately 495,000 acres of land and is one of the four largest state parks in the United States. The park’s westernmost boundary lies in the western foothills of the Chugach Mountain Range and is a mere seven miles to the east of downtown Anchorage. The park is further defined by the Knik Arm on the north, Turnagain Arm on the south, and Upper and Lower Lake George and Chugach National Forest on the east. It is the backyard and playground for locals, with endless hiking possibilities!

Extending along the eastern shores of Cook Inlet from Cape Kasilof south to Happy Valley, Clam Gulch Critical Habitat Area was established in 1976 to ensure that the public continues to have the opportunity to enjoy its prolific razor clam beds. The condition of the beach is critical to the success of each year's clam population. A healthy, unpolluted beach is essential to ensure a continuing abundance of razor clams.

East of Cordova, in the productive interface between the marine environment and the coastal rain forest of the North Gulf Coast, the Copper River Delta Critical Habitat Area's vast 35-mile wide wetland complex is a critical stop for millions of migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway. A great diversity of bird species during spring migration makes the delta popular for wildlife watching in May. Fall waterfowl hunting, moose and bear hunting, trapping, salmon fishing, and clamming are popular pursuits.

Denali State Park is an integral part of one of North America's most spectacularly beautiful regions. The park's 325,240 acres, almost one-half the size of Rhode Island, provide the visitor with a great variety of recreational opportunities, ranging from roadside camping to wilderness exploration. The park is about 100 air miles north of Anchorage and is divided roughly in half by the George Parks Highway, the major road link between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Situated between the Talkeetna Mountains to the east and the Alaska Range to the west, the landscape varies from meandering lowland streams to alpine tundra. Dominating this diverse terrain are Curry and Kesugi Ridges, a 35 mile-long north/south alpine ridge, the backbone of the eastern half of the park.

Located at the head of Kachemak Bay, Fox River Flats Critical Habitat Area encompasses expansive intertidal mud flats and a complex of low-lying marshlands in the lower Fox River Valley. Each fall, waterfowl and moose are hunted on the flats. A few bear may also be taken each year. Residents of Kachemak Selo and other non-road communities at the head of Kachemak Bay, as well as cattlemen with grazing leases in the Fox River Valley, are the most frequent visitors to the area year-round

Goose Bay wetlands provide an important spring and fall resting and feeding area for waterfowl on their way to and from northern nesting grounds. Over twenty thousand geese stop to rest and feed in the refuge in the spring (mid-April to mid-May). Canada geese are most numerous, with several thousand snow geese and an occasional white-fronted goose sighted as well. Several thousand trumpeter and tundra swans can also be observed in the area during spring migration. Waterbird species known to nest in the wetlands include mallards, green-winged teal, pintails, northern shovelers, snipe, and yellowlegs. Frequently, sandhill cranes can be viewed in the refuge. In the fall, many of these same species stop once again on their way south.

The Gulkana is one of the most popular sportfishing rivers in Alaska, providing rich habitat for rainbow trout, arctic grayling, king salmon, red salmon, whitefish, longnose suckers, and lamprey. A poplular river for fisherman and boaters in the summer, this river has also played an important role in the lives of the Ahtna, providing access to subsistence resoucres throughout history and pre-history. The most popular Gulkana River float trip begins at BLM's Paxson Lake Campground boat launch located at mp 175 of the Richardson Highway. This 47 river mile float meanders 20 river miles before reaching the Class III/IV Canyon Rapids.

The Hatcher Pass Management Area primarily consists of mountainous terrain in the Talkeetna Mountain Range that climb from the 1000 ft. valley floor to summits higher than 6,000 ft. The area includes more than 30 prominent summits and associated glaciers. It can be accessed on paved roads and is only an hour and 20 minutes away from Anchorage, and 20 minutes from either Palmer or Wasilla. Hatcher Pass offers access to extraordinary mountaineering terrain, beautiful mountain scenery, gold panning, berry picking, hiking, biking and horseback riding in the summer. It also offers mountain skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter.

The Critical Habitat Area is located within the City of Homer and provides important habitat for over a hundred species of birds and provides critical winter habitat for the local moose population. Recreational activities, including wildlife viewing sites, are easily accessed and can be enjoyed in all seasons. A wildlife-viewing platform is located across the street from the Homer Airport passenger terminal at the end of FAA Drive.