The snow is falling, showcasing that the Kenai is as beautiful as it ever has been…so rev up those engines, snow machine use is officially open in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
Areas typically closed to snow machine use within the Refuge include the Headquarters area on Ski Hill Road, Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area, Swan Lake and Swanson River Canoe Systems, and all areas above timberline, except in the Caribou Hills.
Matt Conner, Visitor Services Manager for Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, advises that anyone taking their snow machine to the Refuge recognize that this land is delicate and home to a great deal of wildlife: “Please exercise restraint, in all shapes and forms, because we’re entering a place that’s – in a lot of ways – a sanctuary for wildlife, especially wintering moose. Their energy levels are going to be at their lowest right now. When we go by on a snow machine, as long as we pay respect, know where they are, if we see a group of animals bedded down, I’m sure the majority of people would stop and appreciate it from a distance, and that’s fine. Boy, oh boy, even a few people deciding to get closer to see how close they can get and make those animals get up and run? Every time you do that, they take a big withdrawal from their energy source. If it happens enough times, that could have some negative consequences – none of us want that.”
He said that the main goal is not to tiptoe around the Refuge, however; there is plenty to see and experience on a snow machine that residents of the Kenai should great deal of gratitude for: “I’ve gotta tell you: of all the things I’ve done in this Refuge, and I’ve done a lot, it’s got to be in the top five. It is an amazing experience to get out there and do 60 mph in 15-degrees, and luckily most snow machines have hand warmers, otherwise I don’t know how I’d do it, and get out there. A little pot of ramen noodles never tasted so good, just sitting in the cabin, using those, then heading out. So many times, you’re on that machine, the advice I’ll give is to occasionally just stop. Turn it off. Lean back and say: ‘Man, somebody, somewhere, right now is stuck in traffic, and I am here. I am here!”
For those concerned about losing their way while snow machining, the Refuge recommends using the Avenza Map App on a smartphone or tablet prior to going into the field. It allows users to view their current location, even if cell coverage is lost. Scan the QR code below to download the Refuge map in the app.
Scan this QR code into the Avenza Map before hitting the Refuge in your snow machine.
