NPS contemplates extending guided hiking on frontcountry trails
July 18, 2011
Superintendent Paul Anderson recently sent a letter to stakeholders asking for input on expanding commercially guided hiking to the McKinley Station Trail and the Savage Alpine Trail, the latter of which is presently under construction. The 2006 Backcountry Management Plan authorized guided hiking on several specific entrance area trails. The McKinley Station Trail was not mentioned at the time of the plan, and guiding hiking on the Savage Alpine Trail was allowed only for those commercial groups staying at Savage Campground. Read more
May-June DCC News highlights Annual Meeting, Vehicle Management, Wolf Census, Redistricting, Trash pickup on Stampede Road
July 1, 2011
Our May-June 2011 Newsletter, now at press, provides an eclectic mix of articles.
A cover article on our recent Annual Meeting provides pictures and a recap of this popular event.
“A New Vehicle Management Plan for Denali – will it be better?” by Nancy Bale, provides some history behind the move to change how buses and other vehicles are allocated in Denali Park. The EIS for this plan is expected any day.
“Board of Game considers allowing motorized Hunting in the Yanert,” by Anne Beaulaurier, reviews the recent proposal before the Alaska Board of Game to add a late season motorized hunt and details the local opposition.
“Gas Bullet Line Skirting Denali NP would be largest project on Continent,” by Cass Ray, discusses this mammoth effort that remains at the planning stages, for now.
Other interesting articles appear, on the massive changes to the Denali area’s voting district, the Parks Highway interpretive plan, the Stampede Road Cleanup, and more.
For an online version of the newsletter, click the link below.
May-June 2011 DCC News
NPS Releases EA for Construction of New Concessionaire Facilities
April 24, 2011
Denali National Park and Preserve News Release
April 21, 2011
For Immediate Release
Contact: Kris Fister (907) 683-9583
Environmental Assessment for Concessioner Facility Construction in Denali National Park Available for Public Comment
An Environmental Assessment (EA) for construction of new concessioner support facilities in the entrance area of Denali National Park is now available for public review and comment, announced Park Superintendent Paul R. Anderson. The National Park Service (NPS) is proposing to construct new permanent facilities on the Concession Land Assignment that would support the park’s current and future bus operations and services concession. The proposed new facilities include:
- Maintenance shop and covered storage area for the carpenter, plumber and electrician maintenance functions, replacing the current ATCO and trailer.
- Recycling center building to provide a centralized collection and processing facility for concessions and park recycled waste materials.
- Commissary to support food storage and assembly of the meals and beverages provided on the tour buses, and additional food storage for the employee dining room and Morino Grill.
- Employee Fitness Center
Mar-April DCC News focuses on Denali’s gateway issues
April 20, 2011
Our cover article highlights the work of the Denali Borough Planning Commission, with some examples of the challenges faced by this young borough. Other articles include:
- Thank you for Not Fracking - Molly McKinley, DCC Gas Organizer, discusses her work in the borough to educate and advocate around a recently issued gas exploration license on lands next to Denali Park.
- More on Eva Creek Wind Farm, one of the largest projects proposed for the state to generate power from wind, and located near Healy, by Cass Ray.
- Information on a Climate Change Research Project being conducted in the Denali Region, by Erica Watson.
- A description of her Juneau experience by local student Emily Brease, whom DCC sent to Juneau for the Alaska Youth for Environmental Action Civics Summit.
And much more……
Mar-Apr 2011 DCC News
Denali Compendium Open for Comments until February 15th
January 30, 2011
A comment period is open for park-specific Compendiums throughout Alaska. Permits will no longer be required for groups of less than 25 people that wish to assemble or distribute material related to First Amendment purposes. Previously, groups were directed to specific locations, and were required to get a permit from the Park Superintendent. Larger groups will still need to do so. Changes to the compendium reflect recent legal changes. Read more
Oct-Nov 2010 DCC News
November 29, 2010
This issue of DCC News features articles on the Final Healy Gas Finding, EPA review of Healy Clean Coal Plant, Mountaineering Special Use Fees at Denali, and park road projects. A special insert is included on the Healy Gas Development timeline.
Healy Gas Development Timeline
Friends of Stampede group to meet this Saturday October 30
October 26, 2010
Join the discussion, Saturday October 30, 3 PM
Panguginue Creek Fire Hall near Healy, Alaska
But its future could be different – a real asset for the local community that benefits all Alaskans looking for accessible places to recreate, and who have relatively few options along the Parks Highway. There is a role for a citizens group to advocate for better management to address problems and provide solutions.
This Saturday, October 30th, 3 PM, Panguingue Creek Fire Hall
At the meeting we’ll refine, expand, or change our objectives, and get organized for action. If you have any questions or concerns, contact us a FriendsofStampede@gmail.com, or call Hannah Ragland at 683-0333.
Don’t miss the 2010 Candidate Forum in Healy this Wednesday October 20, 2010
October 17, 2010
Time: Wednesday, October 20, 2010, 6 – 9 PM
Place: Tri-Valley Community Library
The Tri-Valley Community Library, together with US Government students from the Tri-Valley School will host the annual 2010 Political Candidates Forum. Candidates from local, state and national races have been invited, and those in attendance will answer questions posed by citizens. This event is traditionally well-attended so arrive early. Some light refreshments will be served (coffee/tea), but those things go quickly. You’re welcome to bring more to share.
If you are in the area, please attend the forum. And, if you have particular questions to ask the candidates, this will be your opportunity.
Aug-Sep 2010 DCC News
September 28, 2010
The Aug-Sep issue of DCC News features articles on wildlife management, renewable energy and transportation projects.
Denali Overflights Advisory Council to meet Friday September 10, 2010
September 5, 2010
Overflights Agenda September 2010
The eighth meeting of the Denali National Park Aircraft Overflights Advisory Council will take place this Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Murie Science and Learning Center, Mile 1.5 of the park road. The meeting is open to the public with time allocated for public testimony.
The Denali National Park Aircraft Overflights Advisory Council, envisioned in the Denali Backcountry Management Plan, is a federally chartered group responsible for advising the Superintendent, through the Secretary of the Interior, on mitigation efforts to reduce impacts from aircraft overflights on natural soundscape in the park, and to promote safety. The twelve members of the council represent a wide diversity of interest and expertise in the area of Denali and aviation. Click here to view their website. Read more
NPS News Release: EA for Improvements to Porcupine Forest Area of Denali Park Road
August 15, 2010
The National Park Service (NPS), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is considering a road rehabilitation project on the section of Park Road between milepost 50.8 – 52.4 (known as Porcupine Forest) in Denali National Park and Preserve.
This section of road has numerous structural problems and does not meet the park’s road design standards for intervisible passing pullouts. Read more
DCC Annual Meeting
July 20, 2010
Saturday July 24, 2010
Time: 6:30 PM, Dessert reception begins, then meeting and speaker
Taiga Room, Motel Nord Haven, Healy, Alaska
Mile 249.5 Parks Highway
The Denali Borough, along with all railbelt communities, faces important energy decisions at this point in history. At every turn, we hear about new projects and proposals — gas wells, more coal power, bullet line, wind farms, hydro, solar — all have been touted as vital to our future.
Chris Rose, a dynamic speaker and expert in the field of renewable energy, will discuss a practical vision for our energy future and how renewable energy can and will fit into that future.
Don’t miss this opportunity to discuss the issue of energy as it affects our corner of the world. Dessert begins at 6:30, meeting and presentation follow at 7:15. all are welcome.