Research in Yukon-Charley

Information that scientists gather can play an important role not only in how Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve is managed, but also in how we manage some of the greater issues that face our planet. Our current understanding of historical, biological, cultural and physical resources has been gained through exploration and research conducted since the late nineteenth century. Most of these research and exploratory activities pre-date this young park, which was established in 1980 with the passage of ANILCA (the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act). Research activities have included institute-sponsored research activities, State of Alaska, other federal agencies, as well as NPS research and monitoring projects.

Information for Prospective Researchers

The deadline for proposals to conduct research in Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve each year is April 2 before each field season. An integrated compliance review process assesses the scientific integrity and appropriateness of research activities. The primary compliance requirements that must be addressed prior to project approval include:

• potential environmental impacts (NEPA)
• potential impacts to cultural resources (NHPA Section 106)
• potential impacts to subsistence activities or the resources upon which they depend (Section 810, ANILCA)

A Minimum Requirement Decision Guide determination will assess impacts to National Preserve lands and unique park/local conditions or activities. The Park Integrated Compliance Review Team has found this process to be helpful in mitigating impacts even in an area not designated as Wilderness (Section 4(c) of the 1964 Wilderness Act).

Preparing a Proposal

1) Submit your proposal to the NPS Research Permit and Reporting System. This site requires you to enter basic information regarding your project. You can simply cut and paste material from your proposal into the form. (Please note: You will also be required to upload files into the system. Large documents may crash the system so it is best to remove unnecessarily large images and maps prior to upload, or simply break up your study plan into two or three smaller files.)

2) A set of General Park Conditions are provided on the links on this page.

3) Key things to include in your application:

• type of transportation you will be using within the boundaries of the park (i.e. float plane, helicopter, hiking)
• study site, field dates and camp locations with information about your camp and how you will deal with human waste and non burnable trash
• any type of motorized equipment (outboard motor, chainsaw, etc…)
• number in your party and their backcountry first aid skills (note smaller group sizes are favored)
• information regarding establishment of permanent plots (size, location, and type of marking)
• do your studies require ground disturbance (digging) and/or collection of specimens?

4) Once you have submitted your proposal, the Research Coordinator at the park will contact you to clarify any questions or problems that might arise. The coordinator will meet with the integrated compliance team (a small group composed of park staff) to determine if your proposal is in line with the NPS mission and the enabling legislation of the park. The coordinator will provide you with updates periodically throughout the process and is the person ultimately responsible for issuing your permit. In general, this process takes four to six weeks.

For more information, please contact:

Research Coordinator
Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve
4175 Geist RoadFairbanks, Alaska 99709-3420
907-457-5752

e-mail us

Documents and Websites Pertinent to Research Activities in Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve

NPS Research Permit and Reporting System
This site helps investigators to find out about park needs for research, to apply for permission to conduct scientific studies pertaining to natural resources or social sciences within park units, and to report on their research accomplishments.The deadline for research proposals for Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve is April 2.

NPS Nature & Science
Explore various issues concerning our national parks on this site.Topics include air, biology, geology, natural sounds and water.

NPS Inventory & Monitoring Program
NPS research activities are conducted by the Central Alaska Network Inventory and Monitoring Program. The Central Alaska Network is made up of three parks: Denali National Park & Preserve, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, and Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. Together, these three park units contain over 21.7 million acres and make up 25% of all the land in the National Park System.

ANILCA
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, December 2, 1980.This ACT provided for the designation and conservation of certain public lands in the State of Alaska, including the designation of units of the National Park, National Wildlife Refuge, National Forest, National Wild and Scenic Rivers, and National Wilderness Preservation Systems, and for other purposes.

ANILCA, Section 8
See section 810 for subsistence and land use decisions.

MRDG
This revised Minimum Requirements Decision Guide (MRDG) is designed to assist wilderness managers in making stewardship decisions. Units with special provisions mandated by legislation subsequent to the Wilderness Act of 1964 must insure full consideration of these other legal requirements. Wilderness managers in Alaska must insure that their decisions are in accordance with the provisions of ANILCA.

NEPA
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, was passed to establish a national policy for the environment, to provide for the establishment of a Council on Environmental Quality, and for other purposes.

NHPA, Section 106
National Historic Preservation Act, 2001.The goal of Section 106 consultation is to identify historic properties potentially affected by the undertaking, assess its effects and seek ways to avoid, minimize or mitigate any adverse effects on historic properties.