out a lawsuit that expanded the sanctuary to and established the McNeil River State Game Refuge. The refuge was closed to hunting in 1995. However, the issues did not end. In 2000, the McNeil Refuge was opened to hunting by the Board of Game. It was closed to hunting again in 2005 because of pressure from conservationists, but there was a proposal that would allow bear hunting in 2007. Support by Alaskan governor Sarah Palin pressured the conservationists, but they were finally able to close the refuge to hunting again in March 2007. The bear numbers boomed at McNeil Falls (the record of 74 were counted that year!). See also List of rivers of Alaska References External links Friends of McNeil River Rivers of Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska Rivers of Alaska