(a) Public recreational activities within the Alaska National Wildlife Refuges are authorized as long as such activities are conducted in a manner compatible with the purposes for which the areas were established. Such recreational activities include, but are not limited to, sightseeing, nature observation and photography, sport hunting, sport fishing, boating, camping, hiking, picnicking and other related activities. Any existing special regulations now in force and effect shall continue to apply to the applicable refuge lands in Alaska National Wildlife Refuges.

(b) Surface collection, by hand (including handheld gold pans) and for personal recreational use only, of rocks and minerals is authorized: Provided however, That (1) collection of silver, platinum, gemstones and fossils is prohibited, and (2) collection methods which may result in disturbance of ground surface, such as the use of shovels, pickaxes, sluice boxes and dredges, are prohibited. The recreation activities specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section may be prohibited or otherwise restricted in accordance with the provisions of § 36.42.