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Anchorage Coastal — Wildlife Refuge
Permits

The Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge is open to many public uses provided the activity does not damage refuge resources, disturb wildlife or disrupt existing public uses. Allowed activities generally include wildlife watching, limited hunting, hiking, cross-country skiing, nature study and photography.

Hunting is allowed within portions of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge; however, special restrictions apply. Please see the Special Management Areas portion under Unit 14C of the current ADF&G Hunting Regulations and the Restricted or Closed Areas section of the current Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations. Anyone hunting on the refuge is required to complete a certified hunter education course and obtain a special Annual Registration Permit (WU002 Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Registration). The registration permit can be obtained online here; you will need to provide your Hunter Education certification number. Additional information regarding hunting within the ACWR can be obtained by calling the Wildlife Information Desk at: 907-267-2257.

Some common, minimal impact activities are permitted under General Permits for the Special Areas.

Land and water use activities requiring a Special Area Permit include (as described in 5AAC 95.420), but are not limited to:

  • construction or placement of structures;
  • damaging or clearing vegetation;
  • detonation of explosives (other than firearms);
  • surface or shoreline altering activities;
  • natural resource development or energy exploration;
  • off-road use of wheeled or tracked equipment;
  • boat storage;
  • waste disposal;
  • grazing or animal husbandry; and
  • any other activity that is likely to have a significant effect on vegetation, drainage, water quality, soil stability, fish, wildlife, or their habitat, or which disturbs fish or wildlife.

For more information on allowed activities and required permits, review the Special Area Permit requirements and contact the Special Area Permit office listed on the Contact Information page.

For more information on the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge please refer to the Anchorage Coastal Management Plan (PDF 4,558 kB). For current land status information, see the Anchorage Coastal Land Status Map (PDF 704 kB). You may also download the KML file which depicts the refuge area boundary.