Our December Newsletter is now available online
Read articles on North Access, Coalbed Methane, Denali's famous road, possible Jeep Tours on the Stampede Road, and more.....To look at a copy online, click here. To receive a paper copy, contact us at mail@denalicitizens.org

Denali additions open to "Snowmobiling for Traditional Activities"
Despite differences of opinion regarding the meaning of "traditional activities," and without an existing definition in law, the National Park Service has opened parts of Denali's southern additions to snowmachining - for traditional activities. DCC has long held that a definition of traditional activities for Denali's additions like the one for the core park is a priority. Without it, inappropriate off road motorized activities will gain momentum in Denali National Park. If you are disturbed by this trend, let us know at mail@denalicitizens.org. To read the press release from NPS, click here.

Alaska Department of Natural Resources is now developing regulatory guidelines for Shallow Gas Development
A Statewide moratorium on all new coalbed methane leases, including Usibelli's, is in place until regulatory guidelines are developed. Public workshops on these guidelines will be held at the Central Public Safety Building, 101 W. Swanson Ave., Wasilla. Dates and times are listed below.
Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2004 1:30-4:30 PM and 6 - 9 PM
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2004 1:30-4:30 PM and 6 - 9 PM
Wednesday, Jan. 28 2004 1:30-4:30 PM and 6 - 9 PM
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2004 1:30-4:30 PM and 6 - 9 PM
For details, check the Mat-Su Coalbed Methane Project on the DNR website.
DCC President Nancy Bale plans to attend the Jan 14th meeting. Plan to attend at least one of these meetings if you are in the area. Although these meetings apply only to the Mat-Su Valley, the results of the meetings will be applicable to other areas of possible CBM development. DCC hopes to host an event in the Denali Borough regarding Usibelli Coal, Inc. lease applications for CBM development. Check this site for time and place. To read an article about the Oil and Gas Accountability Summit, click here.

Mid-Nenana Fish & Game Advisory
Committee proposes No Trapping Zone
At its fall meeting in Healy, the Committee drafted a proposal to institute a No Trapping Zone in the Village View area, after discussion of survey data presented by DCC's Community Organizer. The survey showed that the majority of residents wanted the wolf buffer (no hunting or trapping of wolves) retained or enlarged. This No Trapping Zone will occupy the general area where the Margaret Buffer now exists.

To see a map, read more and take our survey on wolf buffers, click here

The Middle Nenana Fish and Game Advisory Committee will meet one more time in January prior to the State Board of Game meeting in Fairbanks. The meeting will be held at the TriValley Community Center, Sugarloaf Room, 6 PM on January 30, 2004. To view locally generated proposals visit the following link: http://www.boards.adfg.state.ak.us/gameinfo/meetinfo/gprop.php
Proposals affecting the Denali area are at the Fairbanks link on this site.

The State Board of Game (B0G) meeting will be held in Fairbanks from February 26 to March 10th, 2004. Comments on any proposals listed in the booklet may be sent to the BOG at:
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Boards Support Section
PO Box 25526
Juneau, AK 99802-5526
Fax: 907-465-6094