There are no roads into Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. The primary access is by boat and aircraft from the hub community of Fairbanks which is a known source of terrestrial and aquatic invasive plant populations. Invasive species can come into the refuge on goods, equipment, nursery plants, and they can hitchhike on boats and floatplanes. Invasive species can also be spread unintentionally via fire suppression activities or during high water events on the Yukon River. Wildland fire and flooding disturbance events create bare mineral soil or new gravel bar habitats that may be vulnerable to invasive plant colonization and establishment.

Another way that invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species can spread is through plant and animal movement as species extend their range as the climate warms. Mule deer are a species of concern as they have been moving northward and are now in eastern Alaska. They are known to carry the winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) which has devastated moose populations in the north eastern U.S. The concern is that Mule deer will spread the moose winter tick into Alaska’s moose populations. Moose calves are especially vulnerable. Moose are an important food resource for Alaskans including community residents of the Yukon Flats who often do not have access to grocery stores.

Yukon Flats refuge staff, the Fairbanks Soil and Water Conservation District and other partners have conducted invasive plant surveys in Yukon Flats communities, wildland fire burn suppression areas, and river corridors since 2005, in cooperation with Village Tribal Councils and the Tanana Chiefs Conference, to determine invasive plant species distribution and abundance. The refuge is encouraging subsistence hunters to participate in the State of Alaska Submit-a-Tick monitoring program and to report any tick infestations on wildlife or pets to the State of Alaska.

Our survey efforts show that non-native plants are present in every Yukon Flats community but only a few are considered invasive including white sweetclover (Melilotus albus), European bird cherry (Prunus padus), and bird vetch (Vicia cracca). We will continue to monitor for these and other species and Elodea, an aquatic invasive in other parts of interior Alaska.

a river bank showing newly deposited sediment and small plants
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  • Never release foreign water, plants or animals into the wild. Elodea, the states’ first aquatic invasive plant was introduced to a waterbody in the Fairbanks area when unwanted aquarium contents were dumped into the Chena Slough. Then it spread to surrounding waterbodies via anglers, boats and floatplanes.
  • Clean and dry ALL of your gear and equipment before leaving a site (for example: waders, boat propellers and jets, anchor line, trailers, floatplanes, fishing gear, ATV’s). Also, be aware of the plants you are planting as many invasive plants are introduced through landscaping and gardening.
  • Report it. If you notice an unusual plant or animal, note the location, take a picture & call the Invasive Species Hotline: 1-877-INVASIV (1-877-468-2748)

Contact Information

Programs

A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
Program
Washington,DC
A large, wet, furry brown rodent standing on grassy land next to a body of water
Invasive species are non-native plants, animals and other living organisms that thrive in areas where they don’t naturally live and cause (or are likely to cause) economic or environmental harm, or harm to human, animal or plant health. Invasive species degrade, change or displace native habitats,...
Program

Facilities

a lynx walks warily through the snow between willow shrubs
Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge
Yukon Flats Refuge is the nation’s third largest wildlife refuge. With the Brooks Range to the north and the jagged limestone peaks of the White Mountains to the south, this refuge encompasses the so-called "Yukon Flats" - a vast fire-dependent area of wetlands, forest, bog, and low-lying ground...
National Wildlife Refuge
Fairbanks,AK