DCC opposes conveyance that could lead to Glitter Gulch North
On July 31st, DCC submitted detailed comments regarding conveyance of state lands at the gateway to Denali National Park to the Denali Borough. In our comments we focused particulalry on lands right next to the boundary of the park or lands upon which park animals depend. To view our comments, please click here. A final decision has not yet been made on which lands will finally be conveyed.

DCC questions commercial activity at Denali's Toklat Rest Stop
We have always supported maintaining the primitive character of Denali's famous road, which traverses 80 miles through designated Wilderness. This road provides opportunities to glimpse large mammals such as caribou, bears, moose and sheep. In addition, the vast distances, glacial landscapes and tundra hillsides are emblematic of subarctic wilderness. Although park plans have included new infrastructure and development along the road, commercial activities have been prohibited at rest stops. Recently NPS determined that a temporary bookstore at Toklat Rest Stop could be maintained indefinitely. We opposed this move as against planning intent for Toklat. To read our letter to NPS Superintendent Paul Anderson regarding this, click here.

NPS releases FONSI on Cantwell ORV Management
Implementation Plan EA to be published in 2007

Our comments urged NPS to narrowly define a qualified subsistence user in order to avoid damaging increases in use under this bill. We also asked NPS to leave a built trail along the Bull River out of the final plan, as damaging to wilderness resources and not necessary to provide adequate access to traditional areas.
To see a copy of the DCC comments on the draft plan, click here.
To see a copy of the signed final decision, click here.
We urge NPS to reconsider building a trail where one does not currently exist near the Bull River, and to clarify how a qualified subsistence user will be defined under this plan.


Final Denali Backcountry Management Plan released
Record of Decision signed in April 2006
After 2 years of rewriting the original plan, NPS released the Revised BCMP. After over two months of review, we have sent in our comments. The Final Plan is expected to come out this fall. To read a pdf copy of our comments, click here. We had 20 pages of concerns, centering around avoiding inappropriate development in Denali's backcountry, getting control of illegal recreational snowmachining, and effectively enforcing the plan's standards.

Check this website and our newsletter for further updates. And Thank you to all who sent in comments.
More on the Backcountry Plan

BOG retains Denali Wolf Buffers
Alaska Board of Game met Feb 26-Mar 10, 2004
The Board of Game retained the Stampede buffer and a sliver of the Margaret buffer. These designations will not be revisited for three years.To read the Anchorage Daily News article, click here.
To read DCC's comments to the Board of Game,click here.
To read a history of the Denali wolf buffers, click here.