Getting Started
To apply for a Commercial Special Use Permit you will need to supply certain documents and complete the forms listed in the Application Checklist: SUP Application, Contact Sheet, Employee List, Equipment List, Safety Plan, and if you're returning a Use Report if needed. Once you complete these forms and collect the third party documents from the checklist contact the refuge to arrange an appointment with the Permit Specialist.
- A permit term $100 administrative fee is required.
- Complete applications received during the application period (February 15 to April 1) will be processed within 45 days of receipt. Incomplete applications will be returned to you after the closing date. It's the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the application and information provided is complete and all fees are paid by the closing date. Applications received outside of these periods will be processed during the next open period.
- In addition to the $100 administrative fee, annual use fees based on a pre-determined fee schedule multiplied times reported client days is also required for most guiding activities.
Recreational Guide
- hiking
- wildlife watching
- sightseeing, canoeing
- photography
- other guided outdoor recreation activities
A Special Use Permit is required for all commercial operations on National Wildlife Refuges, including any activities for which participants pay a fee for any services rendered or goods delivered on Refuge lands, including guided/outfitted trips for river floating, wildlife viewing, backpacking, hiking, camping, and related activities. With the exception of big game guides, Upper Kenai River sport fishing and scenic float guides, and commercial fly-in tent camps, there are no limits on the number of visitor services guides/outfitters permitted on Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, but there are group size and other limitations.
Sport Fishing Guide
A Special Use Permit is required for all commercial sport fishing operations on National Wildlife Refuges, including any fishing activities for which participants pay a fee for any services rendered or goods delivered on Refuge lands or waters. This includes guided/outfitted trips for bank or boat fishing, sport fishing on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers, refuge lakes and streams, and fly-in lakes. Currently there are no limits on the number of sport fishing guides or fishing permits in Kenai Refuge, except the Upper Kenai River.
Sport fishing Upper Kenai River
Sport fishing guide permits on the Kenai Refuge in Alaska, are awarded through a competitive selection process. Permits for the Upper Kenai River (Russian River to Skilak Lake) is an exclusive guide use area with 19 permittees at this time. Permits are awarded for a five-year period with an option for one five-year renewal contingent upon no violations and satisfactory performance. Opportunities to submit a proposals, that are then competitively selected for offering sportfishing services are offered periodically as permits expire or as incumbents choose to discontinue their operations. Qualified Alaska sport fishing guides may apply when they are publicly offered. Upper River Sport Fish Permits expire 2024.
Air Taxi Operator and Transporters
A Special Use Permit is required for all companies providing flights for which passengers pay a fee, or for any services rendered or goods delivered on Refuge lands. Currently there are no limits on the number of air taxi operators or flights permitted on the Kenai Refuge. A permit term $100 administrative fee is required plus annual use fees based on a pre-determined fee schedule multiplied times reported client days.
A Special Use Permit is required for all companies providing horse packer, boat or vehicle transporter services for which clients pay a fee, or for any services rendered or goods delivered on Refuge lands. Currently there are no limits on the number of transporters permitted on the Kenai Refuge. Vehicle transporter applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis depending on the location of proposed services.
Hunting Guide
Big game guide permits on the Kenai Refuge, as well as on the other 15 National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska, are awarded through a competitive selection process for designated big game guide use areas for various refuges. Permits for exclusive guide use areas are awarded for a five-year period with an option for one five-year renewal contingent upon no violations and satisfactory performance. Areas are offered periodically as permits expire or as incumbents choose to discontinue their operations. Qualified Alaska big game guides may apply for up to three areas when they are publicly offered. Kenai NWR has the three exclusive use areas:
- Game Management Unit 15a and 7 is identified as KEN-01
- Game Management Unit 15b is identified as KEN-02
- Game Management Unit 15c is identified as KEN-03
A Special Use Permit is required for all individuals providing guided small game or waterfowl hunting services for which clients pay a fee, or for any services rendered or goods delivered on Refuge lands. Currently there are no limits on the number of small game or waterfowl hunting guides on the Kenai Refuge.
Educational Groups
A Special Use Permit is required for all commercial operations on National Wildlife Refuges, including any activities for which participants pay a fee for any services rendered or goods delivered on Refuge lands. This includes instructor-led educational groups where students earn educational credits for an accredited course. Currently there are no limits on the number of such groups permitted on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, however, group size may be restricted on a case-by-case basis. Because of this, an early teleconference or a meeting between Refuge staff and the project leader is recommended.
Videography & Commercial Photography
Videography and commercial photography may require permitting. Contact us to discuss your activity/more information available here.
Contact Us
(907) 262-7021
