Seasonal Closure of the O'Malley River Area in the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge

This rule closes a 2,560 acre area within the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) to all public access, occupancy and use from June 25 through September 30 annually. This closure includes a portion of the O'Malley River drainage and adjacent Refuge lands bordering Karluk Lake and O'Malley Lake. The area is heavily used by Kodiak brown bears that concentrate along the O'Malley River from late June through October to feed on spawning salmon. Extensive research indicates that public use of the O'Malley area has increased to a level that is adversely affecting brown bears. The seasonal closure is necessary to protect brown bears and prevent incompatible conflicts between people and brown bears at an important bear concentration area.