No refuge for bear hunt — Public fired up about bear hunting closure

It’s been more than a month since the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued an emergency closure of brown bear sport hunting on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on Oct. 26, but debate continues over whether this decision was reached for biological or philosophical reasons.

On Nov. 25 nearly 100 people — federal and state employees, representatives of conservation and pro-hunting organizations, as well as members of the general public for and against the closure — had an opportunity to share their views during a public hearing in Soldotna pursuant to the federal regulations with the emergency closure.

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• U.s. Fish & Wildlife Service Announces No Fish Hatchery Closures This Year (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Wisconsin DNR offers five ways to find a place to hunt (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)

Questions remain over counts after shift to high-tech sonar

In the continuing saga of Kenai River king salmon management during the current period of low abundance, counting the number of fish coming into the river with enough accuracy to satisfy competing users has been a difficult task for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Researchers are dealing with new, high-tech sonar counters they hope will meet the inherent challenge of finding and counting a few king salmon swimming along with thousands of sockeye salmon.

They are also faced with the task of communicating the subtleties of an increasingly complex system to a public upset by departmental missteps such as the 2012 closure of king salmon anglers and Cook Inlet setnetters due to what managers believed were dangerously low numbers of fish.

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Alaska State Trooper and veteran trapper center a suburban snare uproar

Were it not for the fact Rick Ellis's trapping buddy is a TV star, albeit a minor one, and an Alaska State Trooper to boot, the Wasilla outdoorsman believes he would not find himself and his trapping debated in the news.

In his heart of hearts, Ellis believes he and Alaska Wildlife Trooper John Cyr were performing a public service by trapping coyotes and foxes on some undeveloped property in a rural area going suburban near Colony High School in the Matanuska Valley north of Anchorage.

Read More

Avalanche Awareness Education Month Is The Time To Prepare

Local Forecast Center Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center and Alaska Avalanche School Gearing Up This Weekend

November is Avalanche Awareness Education month in Alaska, and with a large weather system reaching Southcentral Alaska today, both the region's forecast center, Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center (CNFAIC), and the Alaska Avalanche school are finalizing preparations for the year ahead.

Peak Three, near Anchorage, Alaska (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

"We've seen a major increase in backcountry users in the Chugach National Forest during recent years," said Wendy Wagner, avalanche forecaster with the CNFAIC. "Starting today, we will be issuing daily avalanche advisories which will continue through April."

This resource is available to the public online at www.cnfaic.org, providing information for backcountry travelers in two heavily traveled areas on the Kenai Peninsula, chiefly Turnagain Pass.

Reviewing an avalanche advisory before venturing into avalanche terrain is the smart thing to do, and it is a practice taught to each student who takes courses at the Alaska Avalanche School.

"We want our students to be prepared to make the best possible decisions in the field," said Aleph Johnston-Bloom, Executive Director of the Alaska Avalanche School. "Fortunately we've got some great resources in our area, like the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center."

Despite the late arrival of snow, interest in avalanche education has been high this fall. December courses offered by the Alaska Avalanche School are nearly full, with new students registering daily. Courses begin in two weeks.

Weekend Media Opportunities:

CNFAIC forecasters will be at the Glacier Ranger District in Girdwood and out in the field in the Turnagain Pass area this weekend assessing snow and avalanche conditions. To set up an interview, call Wendy Wagner at 435-640-6508.

The Alaska Avalanche School is conducting it's instructor training this weekend. Interviews/filming opportunities are available throughout the day on Saturday in Anchorage, when course curriculum will be reviewed in a classroom setting.

On Sunday, media is invited during select times when the school's field training session takes place at Hatchers Pass. For more information, or to set up a time, contact AAS Executive Director Aleph Johnston-Bloom at 907-345-0878.

About The Center/School:

The Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center is a public safety service housed under the U.S. Forest Service whose mission is to increase avalanche awareness in the Turnagain area though advisories and public education.

Alaska Avalanche School is a 501c3 organization with a mission to provide exceptional experienced-based snow and avalanche education to all users of the mountain environment. The school has been around over 35 years, recently teaching 1200 students per season.

For more Information:

Wendy Wagner, Avalanche Forecaster, Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center 435-640-6508 or wendy@chugachavalanch.org

Aleph Johnston-Bloom, Executive Director, Alaska Avalanche School 907-345-0878 or alaskaavalanche@mac.com

Wendy Wagner
Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center
www.cnfaic.org

wendy@chugachavalanche.org
(435) 640-6508

PO Box 129
Girdwood, AK 99587 

2014 Denali Bus and Campground Reservations Available on December 1

Grizzly bear in Denali National Park (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

DENALI PARK, Alaska: Doyon/ARAMARK Joint Venture, the transportation concessioner for Denali National Park and Preserve, will begin accepting advance reservations for the 2014 visitor season for shuttle buses and the park's four largest campgrounds on Sunday, December 1.Reservations are available by phone, on-line or mail. Reservations are no longer being taken via fax.

Approximately 65% of the shuttle bus seats and 100% of the campsites in the Riley Creek, Savage River, Teklanika River, and Wonder Lake campgrounds can be reserved in advance. The remaining tickets are made available for advance or walk-in reservations two days before the travel date. The Riley Creek, Savage River, and Teklanika River Campgrounds are open for tents and RVs, but the Wonder Lake Campground is tents only. Hookups are not available in any of the park's campgrounds.

The shuttle bus system is designed to provide transportation into the heart of Denali National Park and Preserve for visitors who wish to view the park's scenery and wildlife, access campgrounds, go hiking for the day, or take an overnight trip into the park's backcountry. Drivers will answer questions and help visitors spot wildlife. The shuttle bus system will operate from Tuesday, May 20 through Thursday, September 11, 2014, weather permitting.

2014 SHUTTLE BUS PRICES FOR AN ADULT SINGLE TRIP FARE:

ToklatEielson Visitor Center Wonder Lake Kantishna

$27.00$34.50$47.25$51.50

The camper bus fare (for campers in park campgrounds or with backcountry permits) is $34.50.Children age 15 and under ride free on shuttle buses and half price on tour buses.

A maximum of eight shuttle bus seats may be requested with each reservation, and ages are required as age discounts may apply. Please provide alternate dates and times when possible.

Additionally, there are two multi-trip bus pass options available for visitors who plan to do multiple trips during the same summer. The 3-for-2 pass allows one individual to travel into the park on three separate trips during the same summer season for the price of two trips, provided the third trip is equal to or of lesser value than the first two. A reservation is required for each trip, which do not have to be taken on consecutive days. Reservations can be made in person at the Wilderness Access Center or Riley Creek Mercantile in the park, or by telephone at (800) 622-7275.

The 6-Pack allows a visitor to travel into the park on six separate trips during the same summer season for a discounted rate, i.e. $41.25 for destinations as far as the Toklat River (Mile 53), and $61.50 for destinations as far as Kantishna (Mile 92). The 6-Pack is good for only one individual, i.e. is not transferable, and the first bus trip must be reserved when purchasing the 6-Pack. There is a minimum of five days between trips. All reservations must be done in person (valid ID required) at the Wilderness Access Center or Riley Creek Mercantile.

Phone reservations can be made by calling (800) 622-7275 nationwide or (907) 272-7275 for international callers between 7:00 am – 5:00 pm (Arizona time). The web address for on-line reservations iswww.reservedenali.com. Mail-in reservation requests should be sent to:

ARAMARK /Joint Venture Reservations

2805 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 240

Phoenix, AZ 85106

Additional park information is available 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 – links to these social media sites are available at www.nps.gov/dena.

Chugach National Forest Remains Closed to Winter Motorized Use

Chugach National Forest lands remain closed to over-the-snow motorized use. As stated in the Forest Plan, normal opening of Turnagain Pass is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (November 27, 2013) with all other authorized motorized areas on the Forest opening on December 1st. Due to the lack of snow cover needed to protect resources both opening dates are delayed until we have received adequate snow depth. We will monitor conditions and snow depth and open once conditions allow.

For mor einformation you can visit the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center website to access openings and closings and updated conditions. You can also call the avalanche hotline at (907) 754-2369 for current avalanche conditions.

Recreationists should be aware of weather and snow conditions before they go into the backcountry. Using the backcountry involves risk anytime of the year. If you are going into the backcountry, tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Travel in a group rather than alone. Be prepared to survive an emergency situation. All backcountry users need to know their skill level and use common sense and discretion.

If you have any questions, please call one of our offices:

• Anchorage (907) 743-9500
• Glacier Ranger District-(907) 783-3242
• Seward Ranger District-(907) 224-3374.

Modified dates and partial closures of motorized use will be advertised by public announcement (Forest Order 02-07-10 signed July 10, 2002).

Click here to view the Closure Orders.

Violations of motorized closures may result in a fine.

Wolf Viewing Declining in Denali

For a third consecutive year, National Park Service (NPS) researchers have found that visitors traveling in buses on the Denali Park Road have had significantly declining opportunities to see wolves. In a random sample of 80 bus trips this summer, wolves were seen on three occasions, or about 4 percent of the trips. By contrast, in the three previous years the percentages were 12 percent (2012), 21 percent (2011) and 44 percent (2010). 

NPS biologists gather data on the wolf packs that range on the north side of the Alaska Range by radio tracking, and have documented the decrease in the number of wolves that den and roam in closer proximity to the road in the eastern half of the park, as well as a decline in the overall number of wolves in Denali north of the Alaska Range.

The relationship between the decline in wolf populations and the decline in viewing opportunities is complex. “We are just beginning to learn about the factors, such as pack disruption, that play a role in magnifying the impacts of individual wolf losses on viewability,” said Dr. Philip Hooge, Assistant Superintendent for Resources, Science, and Learning. The decline of wolf numbers has not translated to larger numbers of viewed prey species, the research data shows. The proportion of bus trips where bears, moose, caribou and sheep were seen varies by year, but none show the steady decline found with wolves.

The overall number of wolves in the packs north of the Alaska Range in the national park and preserve is also down. Spring counts went from 66 in 2012 to 55 in 2013, which is in the lowest level documented since counts began in 1986. Hooge said that while this low number has impacts on the visitor experience and may have ecosystem effects, the population remains viable.

Sport hunting and trapping are legal in Denali National Preserve, located on the far western edges of the park. Subsistence harvests are legal in the preserve and the 1980 additions to the national park. Most of the combined hunting and trapping efforts take place in the western areas of the new park lands, but documented wolf harvest is quite small. “We generally don’t see the wolves in the western portions of Denali moving to den near the park road,” Hooge said.

“The wolves commonly seen by visitors often leave the park to follow migrating prey species such as caribou,” Hooge said. “Prior to 2010, one of the areas at the boundary of the park most frequented by wolves was closed to hunting by the State of Alaska”. In 2010, the National Park Service asked the Alaska Board of Game to expand the buffer zone, which would have prohibited hunting and trapping in additional areas where many of the most-viewed wolves winter. The board declined this request, and voted to also eliminate the existing buffer zone along the park’s northeast boundary. 

The wolf viewing data is available on-line. Researchers will be explaining the data more thoroughly in a peer-reviewed paper expected to be available in the spring of 2014. The NPS will continue to gather wolf viewing data.

Alaska Outdoor News

• A 79-year-old man who splits his time between Alaska and Pennsylvania is facing a litany of illegal hunting charges dating back five years after shooting a bull moose last month near his summer home in the mining enclave of Eureka, about 150 miles northwest of Fairbanks.

Alaska Board of Fisheries to Meet in Anchorage, October 18 - 22, 2013

The Alaska Board of Fisheries (board) will meet October 18 - 22, 2013, at the Hilton Hotel, 500 W. Third Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska. During this five-day public meeting, the board will meet to consider 36 proposals regarding Alaska Statewide Pacific cod submitted by the general public, fishing organizations, local Fish and Game Advisory Committees, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

In addition to submitting written public comments, the board also invites members of the public to give oral public testimony during the meeting beginning October 18. Any person intending to testify must sign up at the meeting site at the Hilton Hotel in Anchorage by 2:00 p.m., Friday October 18. Public testimony will continue until members of the public who have signed up before the deadline and who are present have been given an opportunity to testify.

All portions of the meeting are open to the public and a live audio stream is intended to be available on the Board of Fisheries’ website at www.boardoffisheries.adfg.alaska.gov. Documents submitted to the board are intended to be posted online throughout the meeting. Copies of advanced meeting materials including the agenda and roadmap can be obtained by contacting Boards Support Section at 907-465- 4110 or viewed online at: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fisheriesboard.meetinginfo.

The board encourages the public to submit written comments on specific proposals. Written public comments limited to 10 single-sided or 5 double-sided pages in length from any one individual or group will be accepted as a record copy (RC), but will not be inserted in board member workbooks until the beginning of the meeting, and will only be accepted until the board begins deliberation of proposals.

NEW PUBLIC COMMENT STANDARD: Once deliberation of proposals begin at a board meeting, the board will ONLY accept written public comments that are not more than five single-sided pages, or the equivalent double-sided pages, unless specific information is requested by the board that requires more pages than allowed under this standard.

During the meeting, written public comments from any one individual or group may be submitted by hand delivery at any time if 27 copies are provided; as a practical matter, comments submitted after the board begins deliberations on relevant proposals are likely to receive less consideration than comments submitted earlier. Individuals not attending the meeting can submit written comments by fax to (907) 465-6094.

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• Alaska Outdoor News - October 5 (alaska-outdoors.blogspot.com)

Alaska Hunting and Fishing News

Alaska mountain landscape (Photo credit: blmiers2)

•  Alaska Wildlife Troopers say three bow hunters have been charged with using unlawful methods to take big game.
• If you ask people why they enjoy visiting Alaska, hunting trip is often at the top of their list. There’s a lot involved in planning such a hunting trip, which is why the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is proud to offer these tips.
• Any of these trophies - a big-horned ram, a black bear or an 8-pound salmon - would make a satisfying trip for a hunter or angler, but Kaleb Yahner of Sugarloaf took all three on a trip to Alaska.
• Dave Workman, who’s a regular contributing columnist to our magazines, weighs in on how the federal government shutdown could affect hunters in several states, including Alaska.
• A fisherman aboard fishing vessel near Cold Bay was medevaced by a Coast Guard helicopter on Oct. 14 after suffering a hernia and was transferred to Cold Bay for emergency medical services, Coast Guard officials said.

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2013 Salmon Harvest Sets New Records

(Juneau) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has completed compilation of preliminary values for the 2013 commercial salmon fishery. Powered by a record pink salmon harvest of 219 million fish, this year’s harvest ranks as the second most valuable on record. At $691.1 million, 2013 is only exceeded by the 1988 harvest value of $724 million. In addition to setting a record for pink salmon, the total number of salmon harvested also set a new record at 272 million fish.

“Our salmon managers across the state have done an excellent job of ensuring sustainability of our salmon stocks while optimizing fishing opportunity. We had an outstanding year over-all, though some areas returns did not allow for desired harvest levels,” said Director Jeff Regnart, ADF&G Commercial Fisheries Division. “We are pleased that so many Alaskans are able to enjoy the economic benefits of our salmon resources.”

Sockeye salmon narrowly held onto its position as the most valuable salmon species harvested in Alaska’s commercial salmon fisheries, with a statewide value of $284 million. Almost half of this came from Bristol Bay, where the price was up even though the harvest was modest. Pink salmon, riding a huge wave of production across multiple fishing areas, brought in $277 million. Chum, coho, and Chinook salmon, respectively, filled the remainder of the ranks.

Bristol Bay, usually the most valuable salmon fishery in the state, fell to third place this year behind Southeast Alaska and Prince William Sound. Southeast and Prince William sound realized the largest pink salmon harvests ever recorded in their management areas; just over 91 million pink salmon from Prince William Sound, and 89.2 million pink salmon from Southeast Alaska.

This year’s title of most valuable salmon fishing area in the state belongs to Southeast Alaska, with an all- species harvest value of $219 million. In addition to the $124 million in pink salmon, Southeast chum and coho salmon yielded values of $43.6 million and $23.4 million, respectively. In addition, the Chinook salmon harvest in Southeast Alaska was worth $17 million.

Kodiak and Chignik also had very good years with all-species harvests worth $61 and $23 million, respectively. For the first time in several years, the Alaska Peninsula also enjoyed a decent pink salmon harvest.

The Yukon and Kotzebue management areas had good chum salmon returns, but Chinook salmon returns throughout the Arctic/Yukon/Kuskokwim region were again low and provided no commercial fishing opportunities.

The Upper Cook Inlet sockeye salmon harvest was just over half the forecast. Management restrictions on the sockeye fishery were required to conserve a small Chinook salmon return to the Kenai River.

Values provided by ADF&G are based on estimated ex-vessel prices and do not include post season bonuses or price adjustments. The final value for the 2013 salmon fishery will be determined in 2014 after seafood processors, buyers, and direct marketers report the average prices paid to fishermen in 2013. It is entirely possible that after final prices are determined, the 2013 season, without accounting for inflation, could surpass 1988 as the most valuable salmon harvest in history.

Alaska Outdoor News - October 5

Fortymile River from Taylor Highway (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

• Car junkyard becomes prized Alaska fishing spot...Anchorage Daily News
• 5 charges slapped on Alaska lodge owners accused of baiting bears...Alaska Dispatch
• It’s been a record year for commercial fishermen in Southeast Alaska, with more than 100 million salmon caught in the region for the first time ever....Juneau Empire
• One of the two backers of Alaska's controversial Pebble Mine pulled out of the project...Puget Sound Business Journal
• Scott Johnson and his moose hunting partners see an occasional Fortymile caribou as they travel along the Yukon River between Eagle and Circle, but nothing like they saw last week....Fairbanks News Miner

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Alaska Outdoor News

• The body of a Craig man missing since Sept. 15 has been found in ocean water east of Ketchikan...
• For Adrian Knopps, 51, and Garret Hagen, 25, the dangers that come with a bear hunt did not end following a successful harvest.
• The fall whale hunt is going much better so far than the dismal spring hunt for much of the Arctic.
• Briton reaches Aleutian Islands after five months at sea, during which she capsized five times and got engaged
• The Arctic lost record amounts of sea ice last year and is changing at an unprecedented pace due to climate change, a landmark climate study
• A Wasilla moose hunter was rescued...
• A Florida-based author is seeking information for a new book entitledAlaska’s Fishing and Hunting Legends.

Man Punches Grizzly

Only in Alaska...

The other day I wrote about the fact that the first questions I always get about Alaska are about bears and moose (okay...the occasional igloo question).  I have never until now heard a story quite like this...

Read Story

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Wild Alaska

Moose (1998) Alaska Office of Economic Development (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It seems whenever I am asked about my time in Alaska, the questions turn to two species out of all that inhabit the nation's greatest state.  Those two animals are the two largest and probably potentially the most dangerous - moose and bear.

Alaskans are aware that with some simple precautions and common sense, the peril from these magnificent creatures is relatively low.  However, the peril does exist.

Recently a hunter paid quite a price for his hunting trip.  The son of a congressional candidate was mauled by a grizzly he had wounded as he hunted somewhat near McGrath.  Due to poor weather, his rescue was delayed, but it sounds like he will pull through.  You can read more about it HERE.

More people get hurt and are killed by moose in Alaska than bears, but that is mostly due to traffic accidents.  Most moose are in the interior of Alaska.  Certainly, moose are not thought of as being prominentHERE.

residents of southeast Alaska, but that seems to be changing a bit.  Juneau residents are seeing more of them around town.  You can read more about that

Much of Alaska's beauty is subtle, but those who don't know it think of the big and dangerous animals, as well as the more audacious landforms, glaciers, rivers, and ocean features.  That's okay.  Once visitors get there they are drawn into the real Alaska and are transformed for all their life. Those who are blessed to live in Alaska can absorb it at a natural pace.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game Questions Climate Cahnge and Endangered Species Act

In a brief press release dated July 9, 2013, ADF&G director Doug Vincent-Lang

Courtesy Alaska Dispatch

made two disturbing comments for the state official charged with overseeing endangered species.  It is further evidence that Alaska's state government has gotten out of whack with regard to the balance between needs of the environment and the profit motives of industry.

In an apparent misunderstanding of the words endangered and/or threatened, Mr. Vincent-Lang begins by stating, "This decision begins to bring rationality to the recent misapplication of the ESA that has resulted in the precautionary listing of currently abundant and robust species." Mr. Vincent-Lang is unaware or chooses to ignore the goal of conservation being to prevent the scenario where species will be endangered.  Undoubtedly, Mr. Vincent-Lang, as his career trajectory has demonstrated previously, was simply parroting the sentiment of superiors eager to make certain no impediments were thrust before the oil industry, mining concerns, or other commercial pursuits.

In the same sentence, and perhaps more disturbing in light of recent moves towards rationality by conservatives on climate change, Mr. Vincent-Lang went on to say additions to endangered species were "based on speculated and unproven climate-related impacts."  It is truly frightening to this author to hear an official of this magnificent state so unenthused for his charge as steward of the state's natural resources.

It would be more proper for him to resign and receive his paycheck from one of the industry groups he already represents.

Alaska Outdoor News and Events - July 9, 2013

Denali - Mountains - Alaska (Photo credit: blmiers2)

Denali National Park News

On July 20th, anthropologist Jane Bryant  will presnt a program on the 1932 Lindley-Liek Expedition of Denali.  This is part of the Centennial Series.  For additional information visit http://goo.gl/ScCp5.

BLM News

The North Slope Science Initiative seeks 6 new members for its advisory board.  Panel members can come from a range of scientific disciplines.  Nominations must be made by July 26th.  To find out how to nominate, go to http://www.northslope.org/.

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• Two New Denali Fires Detected - No Threats to Developed Areas (alaska-outdoors.blogspot.com)

BLM-Alaska Announces the Delta River Special Recreation Management Area Approved Plan

Glennallen, Alaska – The Bureau of Land Management in Alaska is pleased to release the Finding of No Significant Impact, Decision Record (DR) and Approved Plan for the Delta River Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) and East Alaska Resource Management Plan Amendment (Approved Plan). This document will provide guidance for the recreational management of the Delta River SRMA for the next 15-20 years.

 

The Approved Plan is designed to provide for a mix of river recreation uses and users, while managing to protect the environment and Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORV). It maintains a setting that supports diverse recreational opportunities; integrates resource protection with an appropriate range of visitor uses; contributes economically to local communities; provides multi-resource standards and direction found in other legislation, policies, or management plans designed to comply with applicable state and federal laws; and provides protection of the river’s scenic, cultural, wildlife, fisheries, and recreational ORVs.

 

The plan should minimize social conflicts and protect river resources through management direction that provides a strong emphasis in education and interpretive outreach. It calls for the establishment of adaptive management standards that are based on river user tolerances for different impacts. Monitoring and non-compliance with standards will drive implementation of management actions; in most cases, less-restrictive measures will be implemented prior to more-restrictive actions.

 

Bud Cribley, BLM-Alaska State Director commented, “I am especially pleased and grateful for all the participating stakeholders and general public who came together for this 7 year planning process. They opened up for consideration all the known issues, competing interests, opinions, and values of the public for inclusion in this plan.”

 

Copies of the Delta River SRMA Decision Record, Finding of No Significant Impact, and Approved Plan are available for viewing on the BLM Alaska Planning website at: http://www.blm.gov/ak/st/en/prog/planning.html. For members of the public that lack computer access, contact the BLM Glennallen Field Office by calling (907) 822-3217.
To view the Federal Register Notice, Click here:  https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/07/01/2013-15681/notice-of-availability-of-the-decision-record-for-the-delta-river-special-recreation-management-area

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Smokejumpers Provide Structure Protection for Historic Denali Patrol Cabins

Toklat East River Fire, Denali NP, 2013, Photo by Yasunori Matsui (Photo credit: AlaskaNPS)

DENALI PARK, Alaska: Eight smokejumpers were deployed late yesterday to provide structure protection to two historic ranger patrol cabins potentially threatened by the Wigand Creek and Toklat River East Fires, which will likely burn together today. The Lower Toklat cabin, built in 1931 and located approximately 23 miles north of the Denali Park Road, is approximately .8 mile west of the Toklat River East Fire. The East Fork cabin is about 4.5 miles east of the Toklat River East Fire. It was constructed in 1930 and is about 18 miles north of the road. The National Park Service fire crews removed shrubs, trees, and other potential fuel from the vicinity of the cabins within the past five years as part of the park's hazardous fuel treatment program. The smokejumpers are tentatively planning a burnout operation at the Lower Toklat Cabin as it is more at risk due to the fire's proximity. The jumpers at the Lower East Fork Cabin will do hose lays and prepare a sprinkler system.

Denali fire managers were able to fly over the park yesterday and map the fires that were not obscured by smoke. There has been minimal change in the size of most of the fires burning in the park.

The Beaver Log Lakes Fire is now 63,000 acres. Fire personnel will continue to mopup around the cabins and other structures where burnout operations took place on the north shore of Lake Minchumina.The Type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT) managing this fire and the 26,266- acre Moving River Fire will gradually downsize operations as fire conditions permit.

The more than 22,000–acre Sandless Lake Fire on the northern park boundary was mapped yesterday and observers saw active fire on most of its perimeter. Due to heavy smoke portions of the fire were estimated. Areas that burned in 2009 are to the north and west of the fire.

The McKinley River East Fire that is 14 miles northwest of Wonder Lake was mapped at 4,417 acres. Little fire activity was seen during yesterday's overflight. It is burning in an area adjacent the McKinley River where a large fire burned in 1986.It and other lightning-ignited fires burning in remote backcountry areas of the park are not threatening any critical park resources, and will continue to be monitored for any significant changes in activity.

Visit http://www.nps.gov/dena/parkmgmt/currentfireinfo .htm for current information about wildfires in Denali National Park and Preserve. This will be the last daily press release on Denali fires until fire activity changes significantly.

Fire danger for the park and surrounding area is moderate to high. The National Park Service is urging park visitors to be extremely cautious with anything that could start a wildfire. Campfires are discouraged, but they are permitted in the fire grates in three of the park's campgrounds.Fires are not allowed in the park's wilderness areas. Fireworks are not allowed in the park and will be confiscated. Persons using fireworks in the park may be prosecuted.

There are currently 109 active wildfires in the state. Where there is fire, there is smoke. Due to the current and expected statewide fire activity, park visitors should anticipate the possibility of varying levels of smoke in the park. Wildfire smoke information is available at http://dec.alaska.gov/air/smokemain.htm. Visithttp://fire.ak.blm.gov for statewide information and a map of the active fires.

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• Chinook Winds Fan Toklat Basin Fires (alaska-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Two New Denali Fires Detected - No Threats to Developed Areas (alaska-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Flightseers Remain Weathered-In on the Ruth Glacier (alaska-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Chisana River Fire Growth Slows (alaska-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Four lightning caused wildfires in northeastern Wrangell St Elias NP, two active, one quiet, one out (alaska-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Chisana River Fire Grows, Impacts the Copper River Valley (alaska-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Celebrate National Trails Day in Denali National Park (alaska-outdoors.blogspot.com)

Flightseers Remain Weathered-In on the Ruth Glacier

TALKEETNA, AK: Six stranded flightseeing tourists and their pilot are reportedly in good health in the Ruth Amphitheater of Denali National Park and Preserve as they await flyable conditions for a return

flight to Talkeetna. Deteriorating weather during a routine flightseeing trip on Tuesday evening, July 2 forced Talkeetna Air Taxi pilot John Nealon to make a temporary landing on the Ruth Glacier for the safety of his passengers.Into the night, snowfall and cloud cover continued to build, so the seven of them slept in the DeHavilland Beaver, which was supplied with basic emergency gear including sleeping bags, food, a stove, and a satellite phone.

First thing the next morning, Talkeetna Air Taxi owner Paul Roderick alerted Denali National Park rangers that the aircraft and its passengers, including three men and three women, remained stranded.Continued clouds and intermittent snowfall throughout the day on Wednesday, July 3 thwarted attempts by both a Talkeetna Air Taxi fixed wing plane and the NPS A-Star helicopter to reach the aircraft.

Bad weather persisted at the landing site on Thursday morning, July 4.In order to avoid an emergency situation, a ground team of four Denali National Park mountaineering rangers was flown via helicopter to the lower Ruth Gorge late Thursday morning.The team will travel up-glacier approximately 3.5 miles with food, tents, and warm clothing to re-supply the group in the event their stay is prolonged further. The NPS rangers will remain with the visitors until they can fly out.

According to Denali National Park South District Ranger John Leonard, "Fortunately for all involved, this is not an emergency situation thanks to the sound judgement of the pilot and the emergency preparedness of the air service.Instead of pushing through bad weather, Nealon made the difficult decision to land and face a night or two of discomfort.Gratefully, today we are conducting a re-supply mission instead of responding to an accident."

Chinook Winds Fan Toklat Basin Fires

DENALI PARK, Alaska: There was little change in the size of most of the fires burning in Denali National Park and Preserve over the past 24 hours, with the exception of two burning in the Toklat Basin north of the Denali Park Road. Yesterday afternoon chinook winds gusting from the Alaska Range pushed the Wigand and Toklat River East Fires north over one and seven miles respectively, which also significantly increased the size of both fires. The Wigand Fire is now an estimated 1,790 acres and the Toklat River East Fire is 8,928 acres. Fire managers were not able to obtain an accurate fire perimeter due to the smoke in the area. These fires may merge, as they are in close proximity to each other. The historical Lower Toklat and Lower East Fork ranger patrol cabins are potentially threatened by the increased fire activity. Four smoke jumpers were deployed at each cabin this afternoon after fire managers were able to fully assess the structural protection needs.

Map of fires in Denali. Click the image above to view a larger version. Updated July 2, 2013

 

Nine wildfires are burning in the park.

The 59,000-acre Beaver Log Lakes Fire is the only other fire being staffed, and it is managed by the Type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT) based at Lake Minchumina.Fire personnel have successfully burned out areas around cabins and other buildings on the north shore of Lake Minchumina and are continuing to mop up around these structures.

The Moving River Fire approximately 30 miles northwest of Kantishna is now 26,266 acres and is also being managed by the Type 3 IMT. The 550-acre Chilchukabena Lake Fire is approximately ¾ mile north of the Moving River Fire and will likely merge with it.

The McKinley River East Fire 14 miles northwest of Wonder Lake was re-mapped and is now 4,037 acres. It is in an area where a large 1986 fire burned adjacent to the McKinley River.It and the lightning-ignited fires burning in remote backcountry north of the Denali Park Road are not threatening any critical park resources, and will continue to be monitored for any significant changes in activity.

Visit http://www.nps.gov/dena/parkmgmt/currentfireinfo.htm for current information about wildfires in Denali National Park and Preserve.

Fire danger for the park and surrounding area is moderate to high. The National Park Service is urging park visitors to be extremely cautious with anything that could start a wildfire. Campfires are discouraged, but they are permitted in the fire grates in three of the park's campgrounds.Fires are not allowed in the park's wilderness areas. Fireworks are not allowed in the park and will be confiscated. Persons using fireworks in the park may be prosecuted.

There are currently 109 active wildfires in the state. Where there is fire, there is smoke. Due to the current and expected statewide fire activity, park visitors should anticipate the possibility of varying levels of smoke in the park. Wildfire smoke information is available at http://dec.alaska.gov/air/smokemain.htm. Visit http://fire.ak.blm.gov for statewide information and a map of the active fires.

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Two New Denali Fires Detected - No Threats to Developed Areas

DENALI PARK, Alaska: Two new fires were detected in Denali National Park and Preserve over the weekend. The McKinley River East Fire was confirmed on Friday evening, and is one of the more active fires burning in the park. The 2,561-acre fire is approximately 14 miles northwest of Wonder Lake and 11 miles west of Kantishna, just south of the site of a large 1986 fire adjacent to the McKinley River. It is not threatening any developed areas or other critical resources. The other new fire, the Chilchukabena Lake Fire, is approximately ¼ mile north of the Moving River Fire and will likely merge with it soon. It is estimated to be 550 acres.

The lightning-ignited fires burning in remote backcountry areas north of the Denali Park Road are also not threatening any critical resources and, with the exception of the Toklat River East Fire, have shown no growth. The Toklat River East Fire has been actively burning and smoke columns may be visible from the Toklat area of the Denali Park Road. It is currently 48 acres in size. The Wigand Fire and Wyoming Hills fires have shown little activity and are one acre or less in size. The Sandless Lake Fire near the northern park boundary was recently mapped for the first time and is currently 8,445 acres.It is 80% active with some torching. The Bear Creek Fire approximately 15 miles northwest of Kantishna is 1,132 acres. All of these fires will continue to be monitored for any significant changes in activity.

The National Park Service fire crew assessed the Brooker Mountain and Xerxes wildfires, located in Kantishna and near Wonder Lake, and both have been declared out.

The Moving River Fire located approximately 30 miles northwest of Kantishna is now at 26,250 acres, with its primary growth to the south. This fire is being managed by the Type 3 interagency incident management team at Lake Minchumina.

The Beaver Log Lakes Fire is also being managed by the Type 3 interagency incident management team.The fire has increased to 59,000 acres, an increase of 4,000 acres since June 29. Most of the acreage is outside Denali National Preserve. Fire personnel have initiated structure protection and where applicable are burning out areas around cabins and other buildings on the north shore of Lake Minchumina.

Visit http://www.nps.gov/dena/parkmgmt/currentfireinfo.htm for current information about wildfires in Denali National Park and Preserve.

Fire danger for the park and surrounding area remains high to extreme. The National Park Service is urging park visitors to be extremely cautious with anything that could start a wildfire. Campfires are being discouraged, but they are permitted in the fire grates in three of the park's campgrounds.Fires are not allowed in the park's wilderness areas. Fireworks are not allowed in the park and will be confiscated. Persons using fireworks in the park may be prosecuted.

There are currently 116 active wildfires in the state. Where there is fire, there is smoke. Due to the current and expected statewide fire activity, park visitors should anticipate the possibility of varying levels of smoke in the park. Wildfire smoke information is available at http://dec.alaska.gov/air/smokemain.htm. Visit http://fire.ak.blm.gov for statewide information and a map of the active fires.

Related articles

• All Areas of Denali National Park and Preserve 1980 Additons Closed to Snowmobile Use; Cantwell Area Trails Temporarily Closed to ORV Use (alaska-outdoors.blogspot.com)
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