What is the primary classification of Becharof National Wildlife Refuge according to the IUCN protected area categories?

According to the IUCN protected area categories, Becharof National Wildlife Refuge is classified as category IV, which signifies a habitat or species management area. This category is typically used for protected areas managed mainly for conservation through active intervention.

Where is Becharof National Wildlife Refuge geographically located within Alaska?

Becharof National Wildlife Refuge is situated in the Aleutian Range of the Alaska Peninsula in southwestern Alaska. It is also adjacent to Katmai National Park and Preserve.

What is the total area covered by the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge?

The Becharof National Wildlife Refuge encompasses a vast area of 1,200,000 acres, which is approximately 4,900 square kilometers.

When was the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge officially established?

The Becharof National Wildlife Refuge was officially established on December 2, 1980.

What are the main conservation objectives for which Becharof National Wildlife Refuge was established?

The refuge was established in 1980 with the primary objectives of conserving major populations of brown bears, salmon, migratory birds, caribou, marine birds, and mammals, as well as to fulfill treaty obligations.

Which governmental body is responsible for the administration of Becharof National Wildlife Refuge?

The Becharof National Wildlife Refuge is governed and administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a federal agency dedicated to the conservation of fish, wildlife, and natural habitats.

In which Alaskan boroughs is the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge primarily located?

The Becharof National Wildlife Refuge lies primarily in the east-central part of Lake and Peninsula Borough, but it also extends eastward into the mainland portion of Kodiak Island Borough.

What is the nearest city to the administrative offices of Becharof National Wildlife Refuge?

The refuge is administered from offices located in King Salmon, Alaska.

What is the Becharof Wilderness, and what are its key characteristics?

The Becharof Wilderness is a designated wilderness area within the refuge, covering approximately 500,000 acres (2,000 square kilometers). It is bordered by the Katmai Wilderness to the north and was designated in 1980 by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.

Who was responsible for the initial creation of Becharof National Monument, and when did this occur?

Becharof National Monument was initially created by presidential proclamation on December 1, 1978, by then-President Jimmy Carter, preceding the establishment of the full refuge.

What legislative act formally established the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge?

The Becharof National Wildlife Refuge was formally established on December 2, 1980, by the Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act (ANILCA), a landmark piece of legislation that protected vast areas of Alaskan wilderness.

When did the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service assume management responsibility for the Becharof Refuge and associated units?

In 1983, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service took on the responsibility to manage the Becharof Refuge, along with the Ugashik and Chignik units of the Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge.

How was the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge affected by the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill?

In 1989, the park areas of the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge were heavily impacted by the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, which caused significant devastation to the Alaska Peninsula. Puale Bay, within the refuge, was noted as the most heavily oiled bay outside of Prince William Sound.

What type of studies were conducted in the refuge from 1995 through 1998, and what was their purpose?

Extensive land bird studies were conducted from 1995 through 1998 at various locations around Becharof Lake. Their purpose was to determine species presence, distribution, habitat use, and migratory patterns of land birds.

What wildlife populations were specifically monitored by biologists in the park from 2001 through 2003?

From 2001 through 2003, biologists continued monitoring work in the park, paying notable attention to seabird activity, along with caribou and Alaskan moose populations.

With which academic institution is the refuge affiliated for research purposes, and what is the focus of this collaboration?

The refuge is affiliated with the Alaska Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. This collaboration focuses on conducting research into the drainage basin east of the Ugashik Lakes on the Alaska Peninsula to monitor moose activity.

What are the diverse geographical features found within the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge?

The Becharof National Wildlife Refuge features a wide range of geographical characteristics, including a mountainous coastline, the Ugashik-Peulik volcano, steep cliffs, broad valleys, fjords, tundra, and glacially formed lakes.

Describe Becharof Lake, including its size and significance within Alaska and the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Becharof Lake is a prominent feature within the refuge, covering 300,000 acres (1,200 square kilometers). It is 35 miles (56 kilometers) long, 15 miles (24 kilometers) wide, and reaches a depth of 600 feet (180 meters) at its deepest point. This makes it the second-largest lake in Alaska and the largest in the entire National Wildlife Refuge System.

What is the importance of Becharof Lake regarding salmon populations?

Becharof Lake is critical for salmon, containing some of the largest salmon populations globally. It boasts the world's second-largest run of sockeye salmon, and its tributaries are estimated to provide the Bristol Bay fishery with six million adult salmon annually.

What significant predator is supported by the high salmon levels in Becharof National Wildlife Refuge?

The abundant salmon populations in the refuge are sufficient to sustain the largest concentrations of brown bears in Alaska, making it a crucial habitat for these large predators.

Besides brown bears and salmon, what other diverse wildlife can be found in Becharof National Wildlife Refuge?

In addition to brown bears and salmon, the refuge is home to a variety of wildlife including wolf packs, two species of fox, wolverine, river otter, beaver, caribou, seals, sea lions, sea otters, whales, and various seabirds such as eagles found along the shore.

Why is the Naknek River basin considered an important wildlife habitat within the park?

The Naknek River basin is an important wildlife habitat because it provides a crucial environment for thousands of ducks, geese, and swans that later populate breeding lakes and ponds on the Alaska Peninsula.

What specific bird species are notably present in the Naknek River basin?

The Naknek River basin contains notable populations of common merganser, common goldeneye, American green-winged teal, Canada goose, greater scaup, tundra swan, greater white-fronted goose, mallard, northern pintail, American and Eurasian wigeon, northern shoveler, red-breasted merganser, black scoter, and long-tailed duck.

How do refuge biologists monitor waterfowl in the Naknek River basin during spring?

From mid-March through mid-May, refuge biologists monitor waterfowl from established points that stretch from the mouth of Naknek Lake to Kvichak Bay in Naknek, registering the waterfowl by species approximately four times a week.

What bird species can be observed in Becharof National Wildlife Refuge during the winter months?

During winter, populations of red-breasted merganser, common goldeneye, bald eagle, willow ptarmigan, glaucous-winged gull, Canada jay, black-billed magpie, common raven, chickadee, northern shrike, and the common redpoll, among other birds, can be spotted in the park.

What is the purpose of an IUCN category IV protected area?

An IUCN category IV protected area, or habitat/species management area, is managed primarily for conservation through active intervention to ensure the maintenance of specific habitats or to meet the requirements of particular species.

What visual aid is referenced in the infobox to show the refuge's layout?

The source material references an FWS map of Becharof NWR, which is a visual representation of the refuge's boundaries and features, helping to illustrate its geographical scope.

What is the approximate size of Becharof Wilderness in square kilometers?

The Becharof Wilderness comprises approximately 2,000 square kilometers, making it a significant portion of the larger refuge.

What is the name of the volcano located within the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge?

The Ugashik-Peulik volcano is located within the mountainous coastline of the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge, contributing to its rugged landscape.

What is the approximate length and width of Becharof Lake?

Becharof Lake is approximately 35 miles (56 kilometers) long and 15 miles (24 kilometers) wide, making it a very large freshwater body.

How deep is Becharof Lake at its deepest point?

Becharof Lake reaches a maximum depth of 600 feet (180 meters), indicating a substantial volume of water.

What type of salmon is particularly abundant in Becharof Lake, and what is its global significance?

Becharof Lake is home to the world's second-largest run of sockeye salmon, highlighting its global importance for this species and its ecosystem.

What is the estimated annual contribution of Becharof Lake and its tributaries to the Bristol Bay fishery?

Becharof Lake and its tributaries are estimated to provide the Bristol Bay fishery with six million adult salmon per year, underscoring its economic and ecological importance.

What types of marine mammals are found along the shores of Becharof National Wildlife Refuge?

Marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, sea otters, and whales can be found along the shores of Becharof National Wildlife Refuge, indicating a rich coastal ecosystem.

What does the image showing a view of Becharof Lake with Ugashik-Peulik in the background depict?

The source material includes an image depicting a view of Becharof Lake, with the Ugashik-Peulik volcano visible in the background, showcasing a prominent natural landmark within the refuge.

What does the image labeled Dry Bay represent in the context of the refuge?

The source material includes an image labeled Dry Bay, indicating a specific geographical feature or location within the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge, likely a bay with unique characteristics.

What does the image of spawning salmon in Becharof Creek illustrate?

The source material includes an image showing spawning salmon in Becharof Creek, which highlights the vital role of the refuge's waterways in the salmon life cycle and their reproductive journey.

What is the general appearance of the refuge's landscape as depicted in one of the images?

The source material includes an image labeled Refuge landscape, which visually represents the overall natural environment and terrain of the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge, likely showing its vast and wild character.

What was the primary purpose of the land bird studies conducted in the refuge from 1995-1998?

The primary purpose of the land bird studies was to gather data on species presence, distribution, habitat use, and migratory patterns of birds within the refuge, contributing to a better understanding of avian ecology.

What specific types of waterfowl are monitored by biologists in the Naknek River basin?

Biologists monitor various waterfowl species including common merganser, common goldeneye, American green-winged teal, Canada goose, greater scaup, tundra swan, greater white-fronted goose, mallard, northern pintail, American and Eurasian wigeon, northern shoveler, red-breasted merganser, black scoter, and long-tailed duck.

What is the duration of the waterfowl monitoring period in the Naknek River basin?

Waterfowl monitoring in the Naknek River basin takes place from mid-March through to mid-May, covering a crucial period of spring migration and breeding activity.

How frequently are waterfowl registered by species during the monitoring period in the Naknek River basin?

During the monitoring period, waterfowl are registered by species approximately four times a week, allowing for consistent data collection on population dynamics.

What is the geographical extent of the waterfowl monitoring points in the Naknek River basin?

The waterfowl monitoring points extend from the mouth of Naknek Lake to Kvichak Bay in Naknek, covering a significant stretch of the river system.

What is the primary reason for the large concentration of brown bears in the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge?

The primary reason for the large concentration of brown bears in the refuge is the high levels of salmon, which provide an abundant and essential food source for these apex predators.

What is the role of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in managing the refuge?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the governing body responsible for administering the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge, including its conservation efforts and the management of its various units to protect wildlife and habitats.

What is the relationship between Becharof National Wildlife Refuge and Katmai National Park and Preserve?

Becharof National Wildlife Refuge is geographically adjacent to Katmai National Park and Preserve, forming a larger contiguous area of protected wilderness in Alaska.

What types of landforms, besides mountains and valleys, characterize the refuge's landscape?

Beyond mountains and broad valleys, the refuge's landscape is also characterized by fjords, which are long, narrow, deep inlets of the sea, tundra, a treeless biome, and glacially formed lakes, all shaped by past ice activity.

What is the historical context of Becharof National Monument's creation before the establishment of the refuge?

Becharof National Monument was created by presidential proclamation on December 1, 1978, by Jimmy Carter, serving as a precursor to the establishment of the full National Wildlife Refuge two years later, indicating an early recognition of its ecological importance.

What is the significance of Puale Bay in the context of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill's impact on the refuge?

Puale Bay was the most heavily oiled bay outside of Prince William Sound during the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, indicating it suffered significant environmental damage within the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge.

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Overview

Location & Purpose

The Becharof National Wildlife Refuge is a critical protected area situated within the Aleutian Range on the Alaska Peninsula in southwestern Alaska. Established in 1980, its primary mission is to conserve significant populations of brown bears, salmon, migratory birds, caribou, and various marine birds and mammals, thereby fulfilling international treaty obligations for wildlife protection.

Scale & Scope

Encompassing an immense area of 1,200,000 acres (approximately 4,900 square kilometers), the refuge represents a vast expanse of pristine Alaskan wilderness. It is strategically located adjacent to the renowned Katmai National Park and Preserve, forming a contiguous protected landscape vital for numerous species.

Becharof Wilderness

Within the larger refuge lies the Becharof Wilderness, a specially designated area covering approximately 500,000 acres (2,000 square kilometers). This wilderness area, established concurrently with the refuge in 1980 under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), borders the Katmai Wilderness to the north, ensuring an even higher level of protection for its natural processes and ecosystems.

History

Establishment

The genesis of Becharof's protection began on December 1, 1978, when President Jimmy Carter designated it as the Becharof National Monument via presidential proclamation. This initial step was solidified two years later, on December 2, 1980, with the passage of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), which formally established the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge. By 1983, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service assumed comprehensive management responsibilities for the refuge, including the Ugashik and Chignik units of the Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge.

Environmental Challenges

In 1989, the refuge faced a significant ecological crisis with the devastating Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. Puale Bay, a critical area within the refuge, was among the most heavily impacted locations outside of Prince William Sound, highlighting the vulnerability of even remote wilderness areas to human-caused environmental disasters.

Ongoing Research

Following the oil spill and as part of continuous conservation efforts, extensive biological studies have been conducted within the refuge. From 1995 to 1998, detailed land bird studies were undertaken around Becharof Lake to ascertain species presence, distribution, habitat utilization, and migratory patterns. This monitoring work continued from 2001 to 2003, with a particular focus on seabird activity, as well as the populations of caribou and Alaskan moose. The refuge maintains an affiliation with the Alaska Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, collaborating on research to monitor moose activity within the drainage basin east of the Ugashik Lakes.

Landscape

Diverse Topography

The Becharof National Wildlife Refuge showcases an extraordinary array of geographical features, characteristic of the rugged Alaskan Peninsula. Its landscape transitions from a mountainous coastline adorned with steep cliffs to expansive broad valleys and dramatic fjords. The refuge is also home to the Ugashik-Peulik volcano, adding a dynamic geological element to its diverse terrain. Further inland, visitors encounter vast stretches of tundra and numerous glacially formed lakes, each contributing to the refuge's unique ecological mosaic.

Becharof Lake

Central to the refuge's ecosystem is the immense Becharof Lake, a truly remarkable natural wonder. Spanning 300,000 acres (approximately 1,200 square kilometers), it stretches 35 miles (56 kilometers) in length and 15 miles (24 kilometers) in width, reaching depths of up to 600 feet (180 meters). This makes Becharof Lake the second-largest lake in Alaska and, notably, the largest within the entire National Wildlife Refuge System, underscoring its immense ecological importance.

Ecological Nexus

Becharof Lake is fed by a network of rivers and streams, which collectively support some of the world's most robust salmon populations. This abundance of salmon creates a vital ecological nexus, providing sustenance for the largest concentrations of Alaska Peninsula brown bears. The lake's prolific sockeye salmon run, in particular, is globally significant, with estimates indicating that Becharof Lake and its tributaries contribute approximately six million adult salmon annually to the Bristol Bay fishery alone.

Wildlife

Iconic Mammals

The refuge is a sanctuary for a rich diversity of mammalian life. Its abundant salmon resources support the largest concentrations of brown bears on the Alaska Peninsula, making it a premier location for studying these apex predators. Beyond bears, the landscape is home to elusive wolf packs, two distinct species of fox, the solitary wolverine, agile river otters, and industrious beavers. Larger herbivores like caribou and Alaskan moose also thrive within its boundaries, contributing to the intricate food web.

Marine Inhabitants

Along its mountainous coastline, the refuge provides critical habitat for a variety of marine mammals. Pinnipeds such as seals and sea lions are commonly observed, alongside the charismatic sea otters. The deeper waters off the coast are also frequented by various whale species, highlighting the refuge's role in protecting both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Avian Abundance

Becharof National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for numerous bird species, particularly migratory waterfowl and seabirds. Eagles soar overhead, while the shores and waterways teem with life. Notable avian residents and visitors include common mergansers, common goldeneyes, American green-winged teals, Canada geese, greater scaups, tundra swans, greater white-fronted geese, mallards, northern pintails, American and Eurasian wigeons, northern shovelers, red-breasted mergansers, black scoters, and long-tailed ducks. During winter, species like bald eagles, willow ptarmigans, glaucous-winged gulls, Canada jays, black-billed magpies, common ravens, chickadees, northern shrikes, and common redpolls can be spotted, showcasing the refuge's year-round ecological significance.

Naknek Basin

Waterfowl Habitat

The Naknek River basin stands out as one of the most vital wildlife habitats within the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge. This river system provides crucial staging and breeding grounds for thousands of ducks, geese, and swans that will eventually disperse to populate breeding lakes and ponds across the broader Alaska Peninsula. Its ecological productivity makes it an indispensable component of the regional avian migratory flyway.

Monitoring Efforts

Given the Naknek River basin's importance, the area is subject to rigorous and continuous monitoring by refuge biologists and ornithologists. From mid-March through mid-May, these experts conduct regular waterfowl surveys from established observation points. These points extend from the mouth of Naknek Lake all the way to Kvichak Bay in Naknek, allowing for systematic registration of waterfowl by species approximately four times a week. This meticulous data collection is essential for understanding population dynamics, migratory patterns, and the overall health of these avian communities.

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References

US Fish & Wildlife Service - Becharof National Wildlife Refuge

A full list of references for this article are available at the Becharof National Wildlife Refuge Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional environmental or conservation advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official government documentation, scientific research, or seeking advice from qualified environmental scientists, conservationists, or wildlife management professionals. Always refer to the official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resources and consult with experts for specific ecological, conservation, or policy-related inquiries. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Becharof's Grandeur

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Overview 🗺️

📍 Location & Purpose

📏 Scale & Scope

🏞️ Becharof Wilderness

History 📜

🗓️ Establishment

🌊 Environmental Challenges

🔬 Ongoing Research

Landscape ⛰️

🌄 Diverse Topography

💧 Becharof Lake

🐟 Ecological Nexus

Wildlife 🐻

🐾 Iconic Mammals

🌊 Marine Inhabitants

🦅 Avian Abundance

Naknek Basin 🦢

🦆 Waterfowl Habitat

📊 Monitoring Efforts

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Location & Purpose

Scale & Scope

Becharof Wilderness

History

Establishment

Environmental Challenges

Ongoing Research

Landscape

Diverse Topography

Becharof Lake

Ecological Nexus

Wildlife

Iconic Mammals

Marine Inhabitants

Avian Abundance

Naknek Basin

Waterfowl Habitat

Monitoring Efforts

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice