July 08, 2008
A Second Fatal Collapse on Mt. McKinley
For the second time in one week, a mountaineer collapsed and died while climbing Mt. McKinley in Denali National Park and Preserve. Pungkas Tri Baruno, age 20, of Jakarta, Indonesia was descending the West Buttress route the night of July 7, 2008 when he collapsed approximately one quarter-mile from the 17,200-foot high camp. Baruno’s guides initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and immediately called for assistance from another guided team at high camp via family band (FRS) radio. CPR was performed for over one hour, but they were unable to revive the patient.
July 07, 2008
Fatality on Mt. McKinley
A climber collapsed and died on the summit of Mt. McKinley on the evening of July 4, 2008. James Nasti, age 51, of Naperville, Illinois was a client on an Alpine Ascents International expedition that began their climb on June 20. According to the two expedition guides, Nasti exhibited no signs of distress or illness throughout the trip, and was climbing strongly immediately prior to the collapse. The guides administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for up to 45 minutes, but Nasti did not regain a pulse.
July 06, 2008
Aggressive Bear Shot in Denali National Park and Preserve
Denali National Park and Preserve personnel shot an aggressive black bear in a remote section of the Denali National Park additions on the night of July 4, 2008. The black bear had threatened the life and safety of three park employees in an area along the McKinley River approximately 20 miles northwest of Wonder Lake.
July 01, 2008
National Park Service Advises Wildland Fire Prevention Over Fourth of July Holiday
Denali National Park and Preserve officials are asking visitors to be especially cautious with fire over the upcoming holiday period. Campfires are permitted in the fire grates in some of the park’s campgrounds but please ensure that campfires are completely extinguished after use.
June 25, 2008
Denali National Park and Preserve's New Eielson Visitor Center, LEEDing the Way
After three years of planning and design by a team of architects, engineers, and Denali National Park staff, and three more years of construction, the new Eielson Visitor Center opened to the public on Sunday, June 8, 2008.
June 20, 2008
Followup on Search for Abby Flantz and Erica Nelson
After successfully locating missing backpackers Abby Flantz, 25 of Gaylord, Minnesota, and Erica Nelson, 23 from Las Vegas, Nevada on Wednesday, June 18, Denali search managers interviewed the pair to determine what had taken place during their extended stay in the backcountry. The point where the pair was last seen was on the trail of the west side of the Savage River on Thursday afternoon, June 12. They had gotten a wilderness permit for one night in a Mount Healy area backcountry unit.
June 18, 2008
Lost Backpackers in Denali Reunited with Families
Abby Flantz and Erica Nelson were grinning from ear to ear as they disembarked the helicopter at the Denali Park airstrip at 4: 55 p.m. today and walked into the waiting arms of their anxious families.
June 17, 2008
More Searchers Arriving to Assist with Search for Missing Backpackers and Park Medical Response Needs Temporarily Divert Incident Resources
Today’s combined efforts of eleven ground teams and four aircraft failed to yield any new clues on the location of missing backpackers Abby Flantz and Erica Nelson.
June 17, 2008
National Park Service Accepting Entries for 2008 Denali Road Lottery in July and Entry Dates Change to June in 2009
This year’s annual road lottery in Denali National Park and Preserve is taking place on September 12, 13, 14, and 15 (Friday through Monday), weather permitting.
June 16, 2008
Additional Resources Added to Search for Overdue Backpackers
Five ground crews, each consisting of 3-4 people, are in the field this morning to continue to search high priority areas for missing backpackers Abby Flantz and Erica Nelson.
June 16, 2008
No sign of Missing Backpackers - Air and Ground Search to Resume on Tuesday
Additional search teams on the ground, including two dog teams, and continued aerial searching with three aircraft failed to yield any sign of missing backpackers Abby Flantz and Erica Nelson during today’s search efforts.
June 15, 2008
Search Underway for Overdue Backpackers in Denali National Park and Preserve
The National Park Service has initiated an air and ground search for two missing backpackers, Abby Flantz, 25, from Craylord, Minnesota, and Erica Nelson, 23, from
Las Vegas, Nevada. The two women were last seen on Thursday, June 12 at the Savage River Check Station.
June 15, 2008
Search To Continue for Overdue Backpackers
Sunday’s aerial and ground search efforts turned up no new clues as to the location of missing backpackers Abby Flantz, 25, of Gaylord, Minnesota, and Erica Nelson, 23, from Las Vegas, Nevada.
June 04, 2008
Fallen Solo Climber Rescued From Peters Glacier
Denali mountaineering rangers led a life-saving technical rope rescue of a fallen solo climber on Mt. McKinley the evening of June 3.
May 29, 2008
Aerial Search on Cassin Ridge Suspended
The active search effort for two missing climbers on the Cassin Ridge of Mt. McKinley was scaled back on Thursday morning after search managers determined that further air operations were unlikely to locate the men. Mountaineering rangers will continue to try and determine the whereabouts of the climbers through extensive digital imagery collected during the past week.
May 27, 2008
Search on Cassin Ridge Continues; Climber Names Released
More clear, calm skies on Tuesday allowed the National Park Service (NPS) aerial spotters to thoroughly search the Cassin Ridge and surrounding areas for signs of two missing Japanese climbers. Tatsuro Yamada, age 27, of Saitama-Ken, Japan and Yuto Inoue, age 24 of Tokyo, Japan were expected to return from their climb on May 22.
May 26, 2008
Search Continues on the Cassin Ridge
Clear skies and milder winds enabled National Park Service (NPS) aerial spotters to make several flights under optimum observation conditions in the search for two Japanese climbers on Mt. McKinley, but the climbers were not seen.
May 26, 2008
Mt. McKinley Search Continues
Clear skies and milder winds are aiding National Park Service (NPS) aerial observers in the search for two overdue climbers on the Cassin Ridge of Mt. McKinley.
May 25, 2008
Search Continues for Two Overdue Climbers
The search for two Japanese climbers on the Cassin Ridge of Mt. McKinley continued on Sunday, May 25. A Cessna 206 fixed wing observation flight was launched at noon on Sunday, but it turned around due to cloud cover. Two more fixed wing flights left Talkeetna around 5:00 pm, including the Cessna 206 and a twin-engine Conquest. Spotters on both aircraft got an initial look at the route with no obvious findings, but high resolution photos taken on the flights will be scrutinized overnight for clues. An additional Conquest flight with three spotters is anticipated for later Sunday night.
May 24, 2008
Search Underway for Two Overdue Climbers
A search is underway for two overdue Japanese climbers on the Cassin Ridge of Mt. McKinley. Clouds and high wind in the Alaska Range kept the high altitude Lama helicopter on standby all day Friday, May 23, though weather conditions allowed a preliminary aerial search to an elevation of 12,000-feet on Saturday morning May 24. The climbers were not spotted.
May 23, 2008
New Alaska Native Artwork Unveiled in Denali Visitor Center
The original artwork of four well-known and highly respected Alaska Native artists, representing a variety of cultural backgrounds and artistic styles, now highlight the exhibit that surrounds the large topographic model of Denali National Park and Preserve located in the Denali Visitor Center.
May 21, 2008
Dinosaur Discoveries in Denali National Park and Preserve Provide New Information on Prehistoric Ecosystems
The summer of 2007 was the most exciting so far in the continued search for new dinosaur materials in Denali National Park and Preserve. Discoveries of hundreds of new dinosaur and fossil bird footprints were made, which included the footprints of adolescent hadrosaurs – commonly known as duck-billed dinosaurs.
May 19, 2008
Rescue Crew Honored for Life-Saving Actions on Mt. McKinley
Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne hosted the 65th Honor Awards Convocation on May 13th in Washington, D.C., recognizing 92 staff and private citizens for their dedication, bravery, and service to the Department of the Interior. Included among this year’s award winners were seven rescuers nominated by Denali National Park and Preserve for their heroic actions during a 2004 rescue on Mt. McKinley.
May 13, 2008
Anchorage Physician Recognized by National Park Service for Outstanding Volunteer Service
Dr. Jennifer Dow, an emergency room physician at Alaska Regional Hospital, was presented with a George B. Hartzog, Jr. Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service at a ceremony that took place in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, May 8.
May 13, 2008
All Areas of Denali National Park and Preserve 1980 Additions Closed to Snowmobile Use Due to Inadequate Snow Cover
Due to a deteriorating snowpack, Denali National Park and Preserve Superintendent Paul Anderson has determined that there is no longer adequate snow cover for the use of snowmobiles for traditional activities in the 1980 additions to Denali National Park and Preserve on both sides of the Alaska Range.
May 07, 2008
Research Fellows Selected for 2008 - Murie Science and Learning Center Expands Fellowships to Additional Parks
The National Park Service and the Murie Science and Learning Center have selected eleven research fellows for 2008.
May 05, 2008
Denali National Park and Preserve Facilities and Services Are Opening For the 2008 Season
The days are getting longer, overnight temperatures remain above freezing, migrant birds are returning, and seasonal employees have arrived to begin work. These are all signs that the facilities and services that enhance and enrich the park experience for Denali National Park and Preserve visitors open soon for the summer visitor season!
May 05, 2008
Snare Removed from Wolf in Denali National Park
Due to the sharp eyes of a pilot working on park wildlife surveys, and a coating of new snow, Denali National Park and Preserve wildlife biologist Tom Meier and volunteer veterinarian Denise Albert were able to successfully remove a trapper’s snare from around the neck of a large, grey, male wolf in the park on Friday, May 2.
May 03, 2008
Denali Park Road to Open to Mile 30 on May 3, 2008
Late spring snow storms have increased the workload for the National Park Service road crew and other park employees as they work to open the park for visitors. The portion of the Denali Park Road between the Savage River (Mile 15) and the Teklanika River Rest Area at Mile 30 will open for travel by private vehicles at noon on Saturday, May 3rd, weather permitting.
April 22, 2008
Denali Pro Award Winners Announced
The National Park Service (NPS) and Pigeon Mountain Industries (PMI) recognize mountaineering guides Heidi Kloos and Robert Durnell of Mountain Trip International as joint recipients of the Denali Pro Award for their selfless assistance to fellow climbers during a May 2007 rescue effort.
April 14, 2008
Online Registration Now Available for Mt. McKinley and Mt. Foraker Climbs
Denali National Park and Preserve is now offering online registration for mountaineers attempting climbs of Mt. McKinley or Mt. Foraker. The online registration and associated payment system is operated by Pay.Gov, a service of the United States Department of Treasury. Climbers wishing to register online should go to www.nps.gov/dena, and follow the Mountaineering Information link.
April 09, 2008
Denali National Park and Preserve Announces 2008 Artists-in-Residence
Four artists, including Ron Senungetuck, one of Alaska’s best-known native artists, will be participating in this year’s Artist-in-Residence program at Denali National Park and Preserve.
April 08, 2008
Northern Areas of Denali National Park and Preserve Closed April 8, 2008 to Snowmobile Use Due to Inadequate Snow Cover
Due to recent warming temperatures and wind during the past week, Denali National Park and Preserve Acting Superintendent Philip Hooge has determined that there is no longer adequate snow cover for the use of snowmobiles for traditional activities in the 1980 additions to Denali National Park and Preserve that are north of the Alaska Range.
April 07, 2008
Upper Susitna Communities Celebrate Earth Day on April 19th!
The public is invited to participate in the activities and presentations being offered for the eighth annual Upper Susitna Earth Day Celebration.
March 31, 2008
Aircraft Overflights Advisory Council Meeting in Talkeetna
The second meeting of the Denali National Park Aircraft Overflights Advisory Council will take place on Thursday, April 10 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, located at Mile 12.5 on the Talkeetna Spur Road.
March 28, 2008
National Park Service Seeking Comments on Environmental Assessment to Replace Wastewater Treatment Facility in Denali
The National Park Service (NPS) is proposing major replacement and repairs of wastewater treatment facilities at the entrance area of Denali National Park and Preserve.
March 27, 2008
Denali Park Road to Open to Savage River on Friday, March 28
Snow and ice still blanket most of the park, but a sure sign of spring is that the Denali National Park and Preserve road crew has cleared the park road between park headquarters (Mile 3) to the Savage River (Mile 15).
March 05, 2008
Installation of a Fiber Optic Cable to Begin in the Parks Highway Right-of-Way through Denali National Park
Alaska-based communications company GCI, Inc. will begin installation of a fiber optic cable within the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT) George Parks Highway right-of-way (ROW) that passes through the eastern portion of Denali National Park and Preserve. The trenching and installation work will start Tuesday, March 11 and is not expected to impede highway traffic flow through the six-mile stretch of the park.
March 03, 2008
Crews Ready to Begin Plowing Denali Park Road
On Sunday, March 9 the National Park Service road crew will begin the annual operations to clear and prepare the Denali Park Road beyond park headquarters (Mile 3) for vehicle access by park visitors.
February 25, 2008
Airborne Contaminants Study Released-Measurable Levels Detected in Alaska National Parks
A survey of four lake basins and fish in three Alaska national park units has detected measurable levels of mercury, pesticides and other airborne contaminants. The study also found airborne contaminants in other western United States national parks.
February 15, 2008
Environmental Assessment for Construction of Replacement Subsistence Cabins is Available for Public Comment
The National Park Service has released for public comment an Environmental Assessment (EA) which evaluates the impacts associated with replacing two cabins used for subsistence activities within Denali National Preserve.
February 12, 2008
Celebrate the Season at Winterfest 2008!
If you enjoy winter or merely tolerate it, there is something for you to do during this year’s annual Winterfest Celebration taking place Friday, February 22 to Sunday, February 24 in Denali National Park and the neighboring communities.
February 06, 2008
All of 1980 Additions to Denali National Park and Preserve Now Open to Snowmobiling for Traditional Activities-Feb 6, 2008
Recent storms have brought additional snow to Denali Park and Preserve and the Superintendent has determined that there is now adequate snow cover for the use of snowmobiles for traditional activities in all the 1980 additions to Denali National Park and Preserve.
January 31, 2008
First Meeting of Denali National Park and Preserve Aircraft Overflights Advisory Council
The Denali National Park Aircraft Overflights Advisory Council was established on September 21, 2007, and is authorized to operate under the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The Council will identify and address impacts from aircraft flights over Denali National Park and Preserve.
January 30, 2008
Teacher Scholarships Available for Summer Courses in Denali National Park and Preserve
The Murie Science and Learning Center is awarding scholarships to teachers to participate in accredited trainings and seminars taking place in summer 2008 in Denali National Park and Preserve.
