Public Dock Water at Bartlett Cove

Effective October 4, 2011, all water at the public use dock in Bartlett Cove will be shut off for winter. Public restrooms at the Visitor Contact Station will remain open for use.

Let's Move Outside on National Public Lands Day!

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ANCHORAGE – The BLM Campbell Creek Science Center and MOA Anchorage Parks and Recreation say, “Let’s Move Outside” on National Public Lands Day, Saturday, September 24, 2011.

This theme is tied to the First Lady’s “Let’s Move!” campaign, an effort to raise healthier kids (see www.letsmove.gov/ and www.letsmove.gov/letsmoveoutside.php). Fall is a great time to get out, move around, and spruce up your favorite parcel of public land!

Trail Volunteer Projects 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 

• Meet at the BLM Campbell Creek Science Center, off 68^th Ave & Elmore Road.
• Wear warm clothes, boots, and gloves.
• Register from 8:30 – 9 a.m.
• Trail projects run 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• Free pizza lunch at the Science Center for all volunteers at 12:30 p.m.
• Singletrack Advocates: meet at the Kincaid lower parking lot near the scoreboard. Work on the Kincaid Singletrack will take place from 9 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
• Trail Watch NPLD project: Check in is at the Albrecht Ball Fields Parking Lot at 8:30 a.m. They will trail brush Old Rondy Trail from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

 Campbell Creek Science Center Open House 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Join us for an afternoon of fun “moving” activities, live music, and refreshments during the Science Center’s Annual Open House.  Try rock climbing, knot tying, disc golf, gold panning, backyard games and more.  Don’t forget to pick up your free copy of the Science Center’s new poster calendar!

BLM-Alaska Releases Draft Determination of NEPA Adequacy and Map for the NPR-A Lease Sale

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Anchorage—The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released a draft Determination of NEPA Adequacy (DNA) to document the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance and a map of available tracts for the upcoming NPR-A Oil and Gas Lease Sale.  The draft determination and map link will be posted to the BLM-Alaska website at http://www.blm.gov/ak. 

On June 21, 2011, the BLM published a Call for Nominations and Comments in the Federal Register.  The notice included all lands in the Northeast and Northwest NPR-A planning areas that were not currently leased or deferred from leasing.  The Call for Nominations and Comment period ended July 21, 2011. 

In selecting tracts, the BLM evaluated the information received and considered natural resource information, multiple-use conflicts, resource potential, industry interest, and subsistence values.

BLM will submit the Notice of Sale to publish in the Federal Register at least 30 days prior to the sale, scheduled for late this year.  This will be the seventh oil and gas lease sale since 1999.

The lease sale is being conducted in response to President Barack Obama’s May 14, 2011, announcement directing the Department of the Interior to conduct annual oil and gas lease sales in the NPR-A. 

The public may comment on the draft DNA by sending comments to: NPR-A Draft DNA Lease Sale Comment; Attn: Jim Ducker; 222 W. 7th Ave. Ste. 13; Anchorage, Alaska, 99513-7504 or through the BLM-Alaska website. Comments must be received by October 21, 2011. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time.  While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Kantishna Burn Pile Notice

Image via WikipediaFire Management staff at Denali National Park and Preserve will burn piles of debris in Kantishna, at the western end of the Denali Park Road, beginning late evening on Monday, September 19 and continuing through Friday, September 23, conditions permitting. The debris pile is located in a gravel pit near the junction of Eureka Creek and the park road. 

Smoke may be visible from the surrounding area and from aircraft. NPS Fire Management staff will be monitoring the burn on site, which is expected to last three to four days. The material being burned is natural debris resulting from hazard fuel reduction treatment (fire protection) around structures, brushing along the park road, and from various park maintenance projects.

Additional park information is available on the park website at www.nps.gov/dena or by calling (907) 683-9532 from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm daily. Stay connected with "DenaliNPS" on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, and iTunes.

Denali Park Road open to Mile 30 through September

Image via WikipediaThe busy summer season has ended at Denali National Park and Preserve, and visitors can now drive private vehicles on the Denali Park Road as far as the Teklanika River Rest Area at Mile 30, weather permitting. Visitors are advised to call ahead for weather and road information, as conditions can change rapidly at this time of the year.

On Tuesday, September 20, a project to replace all culverts under the paved portion of the road, i.e. Mile 1 - 15, will begin. Visitors should expect minor traffic delays due to one lane traffic at several locations along that portion of the road.

Vault toilets will be available at the Mountain Vista Trailhead (Mile 12), Savage River parking area (Mile 15) and the Teklanika River Rest Area through September. Other park facilities west of headquarters, such as campgrounds and restrooms, are closed for the season.

Beginning on Saturday, October 1, the park road will be closed to vehicles beyond Park Headquarters (Mile 3) in order to replace the large culverts between there and the Savage River (Mile 15). Both lanes will need to be excavated due to the large size of the culverts, making sections of the road impassable by vehicle. The road will be available to pedestrians and bicyclists, but they will need to walk around construction sites and stay alert for trucks and other heavy equipment. The culvert replacement project is scheduled to continue until November 23, weather permitting. Work will resume in the spring.

On Wednesday, September 21 the Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC) will begin functioning as the winter visitor center. The MSLC is open daily from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm to provide park information and backcountry permits.

The Bear Loop of the Riley Creek Campground at Mile 0.2 will remain open for camping, but the water has been turned off for the season. A vault toilet is provided for campers and water can be obtained at the Murie Science and Learning Center. Gas, food service and lodging are available in the communities of Healy and Cantwell.

Denali National Park and Preserve collects an entrance fee year-round. The entrance fee of $10 per person or $20 per vehicle is good for seven days. The majority of the money collected remains in the park to be used for projects to improve visitor services and facilities. Interagency Federal Recreation Passes such as the Annual, Senior, and Access Pass, and the Denali Annual Pass are also valid for entry into the park. Visitors can pay entrance fees at the Murie Science and Learning Center. 

Additional park information is available on the park website at www.nps.gov/dena or by calling (907) 683-9532 from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm daily. Stay connected with "DenaliNPS" on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, and iTunes.

WRANGELL- ST. ELIAS SUBSISTENCE RESOURCE COM M ISSION TO M EET I N NORTHWAY AND TANACROSS

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The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Subsistence Resource Commission will meet in
Northway on Thursday, October 6, from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, and in Tanacross on Friday, October
7, from 9 AM until the completion of business, to consider a range of issues related to
subsistence hunting and fishing in the park. Additional information may be obtained by calling Barbara Cellarius at park headquarters, 822-7236.

Bear Advisory for The Bartlett River Area

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This notice is to inform visitors of recent bear activity along the Bartlett River upstream of the boardwalk. On September 14, a group of 4 anglers encountered a black bear who obtained one fish that was lying on the river bank. The group attempted to stand their ground by standing next to each other and stomping their feet while making loud noises, but it did not deter the bear from approaching them. One member of the group had bear spray but did not deploy it due to the wind conditions at the time. The bear managed to get one of five fish that were lying on the ground near the group's location. The bear then left the area.

Please remember to follow the posted guidelines and regulations to keep people safe and bears wild.

Anglers are reminded that new NPS regulations prohibit filletting fish on the Bartlett River and require that caught fish be within 6 feet of a person at all times to prevent bears associating people with fish carcasses. 

People fishing or hiking on the Bartlett River are recommended to travel in groups of 2-4 or more, make noise, carry bear spray, and never yield ground, fish, or gear to bears. Please report all bear encounters to the park's Visitor Information Station (907-697-2627) where you can also get the most current information regarding bear activity in Glacier Bay.

Environmental Assessment on Climbing Allocation for Mount McKinley Available for Public Comment

Image via WikipediaAn Environmental Assessment (EA) for the allocation of climbing permits between commercial guided climbing operators and independent, non-guided climbers on Mount McKinley is now available for public review and comment, announced Superintendent Paul R. Anderson. 

The 2006 Backcountry Management Plan allocated 25% of the permits for commercially guided groups. The National Park Service (NPS) is considering an adjustment to the number of permits allocated to guided climbing operators. Concessioner guided climbs are a longstanding tradition in the park, and there is an increasing demand for guided climbs. The NPS must determine if this demand can be accommodated, while assuring that independent climbers are not displaced, and that wilderness resource values, visitor experience, and other park resources are protected.

The Backcountry Management Plan also established a seasonal (April 1 to August 1) limit of 1500 permitted climbers for Mount McKinley. The limit of 1500 permits is not being reviewed in this planning effort.

The NPS has developed a range of alternatives to be considered:

Alternative 1 is a no action alternative which would enforce the annual limit of 25% (375) of 1500 climbers for commercially guided climbing set by the Backcountry Management Plan.

Alternative 2 guarantees commercially guided climbing of 25% (375) of 1500 climbers, and also allows commercially guided climbing to utilize any remaining unused permits up to 50% (750) of 1500 climbers, providing no independent climbers are displaced.

Alternative 3 guarantees commercially guided climbing of 25% (375) of 1500 climbers, and also allows commercially guided climbing to utilize any remaining unused permits providing no independent climbers are displaced.  

The NPS has published an EA for this issue entitled "Climbing Allocation for Mount McKinley." It is available at the NPS planning website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov. 

The EA analyzes the impacts of the proposed alternatives and the no action alternative. It was completed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR 1508.9).  

Comments on the EA may be submitted through October 15, 2011, preferably via the website athttp://parkplanning.nps.gov. Comments may also be faxed to (907) 683-9612, or mailed to the address below:

Superintendent
Denali National Park and Preserve
ATTN: Climbing Allocation EA
P.O. Box 9
Denali Park, AK 99755

For questions about the EA, or if you need a hard copy, please contact Paula Homan, Project Planning Lead, at (907) 683-6223 or Martha Armington, Project Lead, at (907) 683-9529.

Denali National Park and Preserve to Increase Mountaineering Use Fee

Image via WikipediaDenali National Park and Preserve recently concluded a multi-year public engagement process regarding a proposed increase to the Special Use Fee that directly supports management of climbing activities on Mt. McKinley and Mt. Foraker.

After a lengthy examination of current program costs, analysis of public comment, and collaboration with national climbing organizations, Denali National Park and Preserve will increase its Mountaineering Use Fee from $200 to $250 for youth ages 24 and under, and $350 for all other Mt. McKinley and Mt. Foraker climbers. The fee increase will go into effect for the 2012 mountaineering season. In future years, fees will be adjusted periodically based on actual costs, not to exceed changes in the cumulative consumer price index.

Denali National Park's mountaineering special use fee was established in 1995 when the National Park Service (NPS) was charged with developing a program to reduce the accident rate and loss of human life on Mt. McKinley and Mt. Foraker. At that time, an NPS regulatory notice announced that a $150 fee per climber would be used to "help offset mountaineering administrative costs associated with prepositioning and maintaining the high-altitude ranger camp at 14,200-feet on the West Buttress route, mountaineering patrol salaries, education materials aimed at reducing the number of accidents, transportation of supplies." Over the years, the fee has also enabled the park to start and sustain effective human waste and garbage management programs on Mt. McKinley.

Despite a 2005 increase in the fee from $150 to $200, fee revenue covered only 17% of the cost of this specialized program in 2010, whereas the fee initially covered approximately 30% of the cost. Climber numbers over the past decade have remained essentially flat, as has NPS staffing. Excluding costs of the high altitude helicopter portion of the program, operational expenses have gone up significantly, due mainly to inflation.

In an effort to find a more sustainable funding model, park management began informal discussions in 2006 with leadership from the American Alpine Club, the Access Fund, and the American Mountain Guides Association, as well as park concessioners and other stakeholders in the climbing community. In October 2010, the park formally initiated a proposal to increase the fee.

The public was invited to comment on the proposal last year during a formal public comment period. During that period, five public open houses were held in Alaska, Washington, and Colorado as a forum for park staff to present information on the program and answer questions. Almost 500 public comments were submitted, the majority of which indicated they would support some aspect of a climbing fee increase, as long as the increase was reasonable and equitable. Other comments submitted called for the elimination of the use fee altogether, while at the opposite end of the spectrum, several comments suggested full cost recovery including a fee increase up to $1,500 per climber.

According to Park Superintendent Paul Anderson, "Mountain climbing represents a longstanding tradition at Denali National Park dating back to the first ascent of Mt. McKinley in 1913. Climbing fulfills one of our park's fundamental purposes. As such, we are committed to sharing in the cost of the program and continuing to allocate appropriate levels of the park's base funding to the climbing program."

Based on input collected during the public process, the National Park Service has determined to implement a basic fee increase from $200 to $350, as well as a discounted fee of $250 for all climbers age 24 and younger. This recommendation supports both NPS and Department of the Interior youth initiatives and responds to public concerns about the potential impact of fee increases on young and less affluent climbers, students, and families.

In a statement by Phil Powers, Executive Director of the American Alpine Club said, "This is an example of the kind of considered process that results in policy we can support. I want to applaud Paul Anderson and the National Park Service for opening up their process and listening to the concerns of the climbing community."

Superintendent Anderson indicated the park's mountaineering program will strive to institute many of the suggestions for operational efficiencies gathered during the public process. "We are grateful to the various climbing organizations for investing significant time and resources into learning more about Denali's climbing program, and for helping to inform the general public."

For additional information on the mountaineering program or cost recovery special use fee visit thepark website. Contact South District Ranger John Leonard for questions about the fee at (907) 733-9105 or by email. Media inquiries should be directed to Public Affairs Officer Kris Fister at (907) 683-9583 or by email.


Outdoor Information: Fishing, Hunting, and Camping

Comment Period Extended for Draft Denali Park Road Vehicle Management Plan

Image via WikipediaIn response to numerous requests, the National Park Service is extending the public comment period for the Draft Denali Park Road Vehicle Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) through Monday, October 31, 2011. The extension will ensure that the public has adequate time to comment on the draft alternatives for managing vehicle use on the 92 mile long Denali Park Road for the next 15-20 years.

Comments may be submitted online at http://planning.nps.gov, faxed to (907) 733-1465, or mailed to the address below:

Denali National Park and Preserve
ATTN: Vehicle Management Plan
P.O. Box 588
Talkeetna, AK 99676

The draft document is available online at http://planning.nps.gov. For additional information on plan contact Miriam Valentine at (907) 733-9102.


Alaska Fishing Information

Denali Seeking Artists and Writers for 2012 Artists-in-Residence Program

Image via WikipediaDenali National Park and Preserve is seeking applications from visual artists and, for the first time, writers for the 2012 Artist-in-Residence Program. The program is in its eleventh year at Denali, and many of the works created by artists-in-residence from previous years are on display in the Denali Visitor Center and the Eielson Visitor Center.

"These interpretations of the park's landscape, wildlife, and cultural history, as portrayed through the skills of professional artists, are a wonderful means to help our visitors better understand and appreciate the beauty and complexity of this great national treasure," said Superintendent Paul Anderson.

Applications for the 2012 season must be submitted online by September 30, 2011. Notification letters will be sent out by December 15, 2011.

Selected artists reside in the historic East Fork cabin, located 43 miles into the park, for a ten day period between June and mid-September. In return for their residency, each artist donates a piece of artwork or written piece that was inspired by their time in the park, to the park's collection. Artists also offer a public presentation for visitors at the end of their residency.

The Artist-in-Residence program is a national program that enables established artists to reside in a park while they create park-related art. Artists have played a significant role in raising public awareness of the natural wonders preserved within the National Park System and the need for their protection since the creation of Yellowstone, the first national park.


Camping, Fishing, and Hunting Information Nationwide

Whale Waters Update For Glacier Bay Effective August 31, 2011

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Superintendent Susan Boudreau announced today that the 13 knot vessel speed limit and mid-channel vessel course restriction in lower Whidbey Passage and waters south and east of the southern tip of Willoughby Island will be removed due to a decrease in the number of whales in the area.

 On July 8, special whale waters were implemented in Whidbey Passage to protect numerous humpback whales that were frequenting these waters.

Recently, whales have largely moved out of the area, so the whale waters will be lifted. However, vessel operators are advised to proceed cautiously in this area, as one or more whales may still be feeding in this region. The attached map shows the updated location of all whale waters areas in Glacier Bay National Park waters as of 5 AM on Wednesday August 31.

Even in areas where no specific vessel speed limit has been designated, NOAA regulations implemented throughout Alaska in 2001 require that "vessels operate at a slow, safe speed when near a humpback whale". In addition, while in all Glacier Bay National Park waters, vessels are prohibited from operating within ¼ nautical mile of a humpback whale. However, whales often surface in unexpected locations. In Park waters, the operator of a vessel inadvertently positioned within ¼ nautical mile of a humpback whale must immediately slow the vessel to 10 knots or less, without shifting into reverse unless impact is likely. The operator must direct or maintain the vessel on as steady a course as possible away from the whale until at least ¼ nautical mile of separation is established. 

Boaters are advised to verify whale waters designations prior to entering Glacier Bay by telephoning (907) 697-2627 or by contacting KWM20 Bartlett Cove on marine VHF radio. 

Whale waters restrictions are authorized in Glacier Bay National Park in accordance with Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart N, 13.1174.


Alaska Fishing Information

National Public Lands Day Celebrated September 24, 2011

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Sitka National Historical Park (September 8, 2011) - Did you know that one-third of the land in America is yours? There's a special joy in getting our hands dirty when it helps keep our land beautiful-the spaces where we can all hike, bike, climb, swim, explore, have a picnic or simply relax. National Public Lands Day is a great opportunity for youths to experience stewardship over their community and to see their peers leading by example.

So, please join the Girl Scouts and staff at Sitka National Historical Park as we celebrate the 18th annual National Public Lands Day! Together we will work to clean up our treasured park.

Bring some water, a friend, and a willingness to give back to your community. We will meet at the Visitor Center at 1:00 p.m. Trash bags, safety vests, protective gloves and "Leave No Trace" educational programming will be provided, along with light refreshments. There will also be park-oriented films, including works by Ken Burns, continuously playing in our lobby theater throughout the day. Prizes will also be awarded to all of those who participate.

To learn more about this nationwide celebration, visit http://www.publiclandsday.org.

The submissions from participants in our recent "Reflections of Renewal on Indian River" photo contest will also be on display in the Visitor Center lobby, along with a display provided by the Girl Scouts revealing some highlights from their recent public service trip to Glacier Bay National Park!

Also be sure to visit Sitka National Historical Park's new Facebook page at

http://www.facebook.com/SitkaNationalHistoricalPark to receive updates on events and activities around the park!

Alaska Fishing Information

Park Offers “An Evening in the Park” Summer Program Series

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Thursday, September 15th
Bentwood Box Cooking Demonstration
7:00 p.m.

The final evening presentation of the 2011 season will be a program about the bentwood box.
Don't miss this chance to learn how these uniquely fabricated containers were constructed and observe the way they were used for cooking food by the Tlingit and other Native people of the Pacific Northwest.

Please note, this is a family program for people of all ages, but children need to be accompanied by an adult. A portion of the program will be held outside on the porch, so be sure to dress for outdoor weather.

Camping Information

Eastern Kenai Peninsula slash pile burning

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The Chugach National Forest-Seward Ranger District will begin burning slash piles on the Eastern Kenai Peninsula starting September 12, 2011. Burning may continue through May 31, 2012, as weather conditions permit.

Click here to download to the map of specific locations.

The burning is part of a Peninsula-wide effort to reduce hazard fuel loads as a result of the spruce bark beetle epidemic that hit the region in the past decade. Prior to pile ignition, Forest Service personnel will work with Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and National Weather Service to assess weather patterns and conditions to ensure efficient smoke dispersal. There may be some residual smoke in the mornings or late evenings during inversion events around the Kenai Lake and on the Turnagain/Hope Hwy, Seward Hwy/ and Sterling Hwy.   

 If you have any questions or comments, please contact Nicole Longfellow (907) 288-7734 or Dave Lockwood (907) 288-7732.

Alaska Fishing

New Temporary Exhibits at Sitka National Historical Park

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In celebration of National Park Service Founder's Day (August 25th) and National Public Lands Day (September 24th) two new temporary exhibits will be showcased at the Park's Visitor Center through September 30th.

Reflections of Renewal on Indian River--Stop by the Visitor Center to see the amazing entries from the park's recent photo contest.Submissions from all four categories (youth, teen, adult and professional) are on exhibit.


Alaska Fishing