Public comment is being accepted for proposed changes to fees for use of recreation sites on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge — set to be implemented next year.
According to a release from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the proposed changes are for overnight fees on summer campground sites and public use cabins on the refuge. Campsites would increase $5 per night and cabins would increase $10 per night.
“Additionally, a loop of campsites at the Hidden Lake Campground will become reservation-only online and include a $10 reservation fee,” the release says.
The changes would go into effect on May 25, at the start of the Memorial Day weekend.
The release says that changes are necessary to continue providing the high-quality service to “hundreds of thousands of visitors who enjoy the refuge annually.”
An email from the refuge says that fees haven’t changed in more than 20 years, and says the increase will ensure that the same quality of service can be maintained. The email says that several improvements at the refuge, including installation and maintenance of toilets, increased coverage of campground hosts and volunteers, and habitat improvements as being directly funded at least in part by collected recreational fees.
Comments will be accepted through Oct. 20, via email at kenai@fws.gov with the subject line “Proposed recreation fee changes,” or via mail to Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Office of the Refuge Manager, P.O. Box 2139, Soldotna, AK, 99669.
For more information about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, visit fws.gov/refuge/kenai.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
