Project Titles:

• Rehabilitate Caribou Island Cabin (FFS #R7HB)
• Rehabilitate Doroshin Bay Cabin (FFS #R7HC)
• Rehabilitate Big Indian Creek Cabin (FFS #R7HD)
• Replace Flammable Materials Storage Building (FFS #R7HA)
• Repair Security Gates (FFS #R7HE)
• Skilak Solar Powered Panel (FFS #R7HG)
• Replace Visitor Center HVAC System (FFS #R7BD)
• Skilak Vegetation Treatment (FFS #R7MD)

State: Alaska

Project Description: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds allowed 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 were 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 improved safety, extended the useful life of the cabins, and enhanced the quality of the visitor experience. Materials for the maintenance and repair work were purchased locally. Work on the cabins was substantially completed in early 2010.

The Service also used Recovery Act funds for the following five projects at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge:

Replace Flammable Materials Storage Building

This building needed relocation to a safer distance from the maintenance shop. Building entry did not accommodate movement of 55 gallon drums in a safe manner. Redesign included a forklift-accessible roll-up door and a separate man-door. Interior and exterior lighting was inadequate and air ventilation was barely adequate.

This project provides for safe storage of flammable materials and also provides secondary containment. The project enables safe movement of 55-gallon drums, reducing the risk of personal injury. The project was reported to be substantially complete on August 31, 2011.

Repair Headquarters/Shop/Bunkhouse Security Gates

The two 12-volt gates were unreliable, have had several repairs, and were non-functional. Repairs included changing the belt drive system to a chain drive system with working motors; Kenai NWR Headquarters receives approximately 25,000 visitors a year. Without these gates, the $4 million refuge headquarters was at risk of theft and vandalism due to lack of security.

The project provided security to protect millions of dollars of government equipment and facilities from vandalism. The project was reported to be substantially complete on August 31, 2010.

Install solar powered panel for water pump at Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area

The Kenai NWR has a RV dumping station in the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area which needs water for rinsing equipment. The solar panel was installed off in the woods to preclude vandalism and provides solar power to a water pump for the rinsing of RV equipment. The project was reported to be substantially complete on November 30, 2010.

Replace Visitor Center HVAC and Controls

This project replaced the heating and ventilation system and controls. The air handler was rebuilt and all circulating pumps and valves were replaced. The replaced units were pneumatic and were replaced with electronic controls. The visitor center provides office space for refuge staff, natural wildlife resource exhibits, and a center for information distribution to refuge visitors, which directly affects the refuge’s ability to meet its mission. Because winter temperatures in the area can reach 30 degrees (F) in the winter, a boiler failure would effectively shut down the facility.

The new boiler system will provide reliable, efficient heat, guaranteeing that staff and visitors will be able to use the facility on even the coldest of winter days. The project was reported to be substantially complete on July 31, 2010.

Skilak Mechanical and Prescribed Fire Vegetation Treatment

The purpose of this project is to mechanically treat approximately 123 acres of forested land on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, to improve habitat conditions for wildlife and increase opportunities for wildlife viewing and other wildlife-oriented recreation activities. The project was reported to be substantially complete on May 31, 2010.

For additional information, please contact Larry Bell, (907) 786-3309, larry_bell@fws.gov or Bruce Woods, (907) 786-3695, bruce_woods@fws.gov

Photos:

Caribou Island Cabin

Doroshin Bay Cabin

Big Indian Creek Cabin

Originally posted 08/12/2009
Updated 07/20/2010
Page Completed 02/07/2011