Every successful organization has a framework of policies, which provide for the effective accomplishment of its work, and a process for making good management decisions that reflect organizational history and mission. Over time, policies must evolve to address new and changing uses, issues, and opportunities. The Division of Conservation Planning and Policy assists the public and refuge managers in interpreting and, if needed, developing policies necessary for the effective administration of the National Wildlife Refuge System in Alaska.

A set of common management policies and guidelines tat will be part of all future comprehensive conservation plans will apply to management of all refuges in Alaska unless there is justification for mangement direction on a specific refuge. Part of the management guidelines (pdf) is a management categories table (pdf) showing management of a number of activities for Service lands through out the state.

The following link provides interested citizens with access to the policies that guide refuge management:  National Policies

Compatibility Determinations
Determining compatibility is a key process by which refuge managers decide what uses will be permitted on national wildlife refuges. An essential element in the process is providing the public an opportunity to provide input for the refuge manager to consider as he or she determines if a use is compatible with the purposes for which the refuge was established.

To learn more about the process of determining compatibility of uses and how you can be involved in this process, visit Compatibility Determinations.