Investigative Report of Alleged Illegal Construction of Cabin at Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge

We investigated an alleged illegal cabin construction project at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. The complaint specifically alleged that a refuge official illegally authorized the construction of a cabin on Stuver Lake, under the guise of supporting a scientific lynx study but actually intended for private guests to use as a base for moose hunting on the refuge. In addition to the allegations, the complaint questioned the refuge official’s authority to authorize the project; FWS’ compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies; the creation of a trail and felling of trees at the refuge; and the allegedly excessive project cost of $50,000.  

 

Our investigation found that the refuge official acted within his authority, with regional approval, and with the intent to facilitate scientific research and availability of emergency shelter. We confirmed that the cabin had been used by refuge staff to conduct lynx research. We found one instance where the cabin was used by a local resident, who reserved the cabin for moose hunting. The route created for access to the cabin in the winter was temporary and minimally disruptive to vegetation, and there was no evidence that any trees were cut down. The 12-by-16-foot cabin was constructed using approximately $5,200 in materials, not $50,000. We found that the refuge official failed to complete assessments necessary to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and National Historic Preservation Act prior to initiating the construction project. 

 

We provided this report to the Acting FWS Director.