Announcement Overview

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has developed a draft Environmental Assessment proposing to make improvements to the Refuges Headquarters Complex which, funding dependent, may include: replacement of existing floatplane dock and boat ramp, demolishment of existing storage buildings and replacement of three of them, replacement of old bunkhouse, construction of riverfront platform and new covered parking for employees. These improvements would support the Becharof and Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuges. 

Under the Proposed Action Alternative, the Service proposes to make these improvements at the Complex’s current office location in King Salmon, Alaska. The site is approximately six acres and is located between the King Salmon Airport and the Naknek River. The east side is bordered by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game with private property bordering the west side. Other nearby use is primarily commercial with some seasonal and permanent National Park Service housing.   

The overall footprint of the complex is approximately 6.3 acres and many of the buildings no longer serve the needs of the refuges due to their poor condition.

Estimated Timeline

The plan is available for public comment on April 26 through May 31, 2024. This will allow sufficient time for comments to be evaluated and responded to in preparation for finalizing the Environmental Assessment.  Construction on headquarters complex improvements are planned to begin Spring 2025.

Draft Environmental Assessment

The Draft EA is available for public comment. Download the Draft EA (PDF)

A Section 106 review under NEPA was conducted in September 2023 since many of the structures are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district. The SHPO and the Service agreed on mitigation actions, the details of which can be viewed in the MOA. The mitigations measures include development of an Interpretive Panel for the King Salmon Headquarters and a traveling display and compilation of an archive of existing documentation on the King Salmon Field Office. These items were completed in September 26, 2017.

Public Comments

The public may submit comments by one of the following methods:

  1. U.S. Mail:
    Becharof and Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuges 
    Attn: Brian Wehausen  
    PO Box 477  
    King Salmon, AK 99613  
     
  2. Phone: (907) 246-1200 extension 1201
     
  3. E-mail: Brian Wehausen
Alaska Peninsula and Becharof National Wildlife Refuges Headquarters Complex Improvement Plan Draft Environmental Assessment
Name
Alaska Peninsula and Becharof National Wildlife Refuges Headquarters Complex Improvement Plan Draft Environmental Assessment

This Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) is being prepared to evaluate the effects associated with the proposed action and complies with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in accordance with Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR 1500-1509) and Department of the Interior...

PDF
Sloped mountains rise from a river valley.
Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge
Alaska Peninsula Refuge presents a breathtakingly dramatic landscape made up of active volcanoes, towering mountain peaks, rolling tundra and rugged, wave-battered coastlines. The Bristol Bay side of the Refuge consists primarily of tundra, lakes and wetlands. From these coastal lowlands, the...
National Wildlife Refuge
King Salmon,AK
aerial photo of an undeveloped watery landscape with mountains in background
Becharof National Wildlife Refuge
The Becharof National Wildlife Refuge is a diverse and beautiful place that includes the largest lake in the Refuge system, an active volcano, unusual geological features, historically significant landmarks, and a federally-designated Wilderness. From the windswept Pacific coast to the rugged peaks...
National Wildlife Refuge
King Salmon,AK