Natural Resources Office

Your guide to enjoying the Alaskan Outdoors.

The Natural Resources Office, Building 2215, is the nerve center of the base conservation education program. The entrance to the facility parking area is located across from the intersection of Manchu Trail and Central Avenue.

Displayed are aerial photographs of base and geologic survey maps of the surrounding Army lands as related to fishing, hunting, and trapping. Display racks contain Alaska fishing, hunting, and trapping regulations, hunting and fishing maps of base and the surrounding Army lands, handouts on base off-road vehicle policy, fishing, hunting, and recreation handouts, sportsmen's club membership applications, and more.

Bulletin boards contain information on trapping, fishing, hunting, canoeing, hiking, current natural resources projects, and cross-country skiing. Natural Resources maintains a reference library on a variety of natural resources subjects. On display are 39 birds, 14 fish, and 17 animals native to Alaska.

The Natural Resources Office hours are Mon-Fri 0800-1600. It is recommended that customers call (907) 377-5182 prior to heading to the office.

Areas available for recreational use 

Eielson Air Force Base is a 19,790-acre installation located in the interior of Alaska about 25 miles southeast of Fairbanks. About 15,754 acres are forested. There are 12 lakes totaling 333.7 acres, 80 ponds totaling 226.1 acres, and 27.7 miles of fresh-water streams. In addition to the main base, 

Eielson has a 51-acre recreation area on Birch Lake, 35 miles to the south and a campground in the 690-acre Chena River Annex, 12 miles to the north. Eielson personnel can use the 248,000-acre Fort Wainwright Yukon Maneuver Area, which abuts Eielson's eastern boundary and the 643,000-acre Fort Wainwright Tanana Flats Training Area, which is 6 miles west of base across the Tanana River. 

The Yukon Maneuver Area is accessible via three gravel roads. The Tanana Flats Training Area is not linked to any road system and is accessible by airplane, and boat in the summer, and snowmobile in the winter.

Sportsman's Wingmen Program

The Natural Resources Office Sportsman’s Wingmen program is a new outdoor recreation-based mentor and volunteer program. Through the program, community members have the opportunity to sharpen their hunting, fishing, trapping, outdoor skills and share knowledge with others. 

The intent of the Sportsman’s Wingmen program is to informally connect the community based on mutual interests, breaking down barriers to outdoor recreation while streamlining the pathway to proficiency and camaraderie. The program casts a wide net to support positive outdoor activities, education, connection, and community service while cultivating a strong sense of place.

Anyone interested in joining the program, please contact the Natural Resources outdoor recreation planner at eugene.larocca.1@us.af.mil or 907-377-5182.

EAFB NR/168 WG Trails Challenge

The 2024-25 EAFB NR/168 WG Winter Trails Challenge is available December 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025. The Trails Challenge is an all-ages outdoor scavenger hunt designed to get you out with your friends and family to explore and become familiar with the trails and outdoor facilities on Eielson AFB.

Each summer and winter season, EAFB Natural Resources Office and 168 Environmental staff installs Trails Challenge signs in undisclosed locations along a dozen or so base trails. While the signs are up, we invite everyone to visit the trails and try and find the signs. Along the way we hope you have a chance to learn new skills, see new places, and make positive memories.

Please click here for sign-up and trail information!