The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will hold two public meetings on a proposed rule which would amend the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge’s public use regulations.

The meetings will be held on Wednesday at the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 33398 Ski Hill Road, Soldotna, and Thursday at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Office, 1011 East Tudor Road, Anchorage. Each meeting will include an open house meeting from 4 to 6:30 p.m. during which Refuge staff will be available to answer questions, followed by a public hearing for receiving public testimony on the proposed rule from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The proposed rule amends the public use regulations on the Refuge and furthers the implementation of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan completed in 2010. The new regulations address three of the five primary planning issues identified with the public, including balancing increasing use with resource conservation while ensuring public safety.

The proposed rule may be accessed at www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FWS-R7-NWRS-2014-0003. Public comments will be accepted through July 20. Additional information is available from Refuge Headquarters at 33398 Ski Hill Road, Soldotna or by calling 907-262-7021, and at the following website: www.fws.gov/refuge/kenai.

— Staff report