07/02/15 11:30 am Kenai National Wildlife Refuge - Reopening of the Lower Skilak Lake Boat Ramp and Campground

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces the reopening of the Lower Skilak boat ramp and campground and the Bottenintnin Lake day use area, effective immediately. These facilities have been closed since June 17 due to the Card Street Fire.

All of the Skilak Lake Road is now open for travel. Firefighting personnel and equipment are still working in the area and may be present along the road. Motorists are urged to exercise caution to ensure the safety of firefighters.

The fire remains active in some areas along the shoreline of Skilak Lake and the Kenai River. Visitors are reminded that smoke may be visible for some time, and snags, falling trees and ash pits pose significant hazards within the burned area.

The open fire burn ban remains in place for the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Although surrounding areas have seen improvement to drought conditions due to recent rains, precipitation has been spotty and fire danger remains high throughout much of the Refuge.

For additional information, please contact the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge office
during regular business hours at (907) 262-7021 or kenai@fws.gov