Project Titles:

• Rehabilitate Caribou Island Cabin (FFS #R7HB)
• Rehabilitate Doroshin Bay Cabin (FFS #R7HC)
• Rehabilitate Big Indian Creek Cabin (FFS #R7HD)

State: Alaska

Project Description: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds will allow for the rehabilitation of three public use cabins within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

The Kenai Refuge is the most visited refuge in Alaska, receiving approximately 500,000 visitors each year. Recreation and tourism play an important role in the local economy. A system of 16 public use cabins within the refuge draws visitors and provides public access to hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and other activities.

The three cabins that will be rehabilitated with Recovery Act funding are at Caribou Island, Doroshin Bay, and Big Indian Creek. The Caribou Island cabin is a one-room log structure believed to be about 100 years old. The Doroshin Bay cabin also is a one-room log cabin built by a homesteader after World War II. The Big Indian Creek cabin was reconstructed from an historic log cabin ruin that was relocated to its current, more accessible site several years ago.

The cabins are subject to damage and deterioration from harsh weather and incursions by bears and other wildlife. Their remote locations make repairs and maintenance difficult and costly. Recovery Act funding will improve safety, extend the useful life of the cabins, and enhance the quality of the visitor experience. Materials for the maintenance and repair work were purchased locally.

For additional information, please contact:
Larry Bell; (907) 786-3309; larry_bell@fws.gov
Bruce Woods; (907) 786-3309; larry_bell@fws.gov

Photos:

Caribou Island Cabin

Doroshin Bay Cabin

Big Indian Creek Cabin

Originally posted 08/12/2009