NPS to Issue Subsistence Permits and Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Temporary Closure of Areas to Off-Road Vehicle Use for Subsistence Purposes

Date: July 24, 2007

Public Hearing Date: Monday, July 30, 2007

Time: Permits will be issued from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 
         Public hearing to take place from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Location: Cantwell Community Center

National Park Service (NPS) staff will be in Cantwell on Monday, July 30 from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. to issue Federal Subsistence Registration Hunting Permits for moose and caribou. A valid Alaska hunting license, photo identification, and documented proof of residency (i.e. a phone or electric bill) are required to secure a permit. Registration permits will also be available in the resources building at Denali National Park and Preserve headquarters from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday ,beginning Tuesday, July 31.

All interested parties are invited to a public hearing on Monday, July 30 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. to discuss the proposed temporary closure of areas in the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) park additions in the Cantwell area to off-road vehicle (ORV) access by federally qualified subsistence users. Similar to the past two years, the NPS plans to temporarily close portions of the area to ORV use to protect sensitive park resources from adverse impact while providing reasonable access to subsistence resources. The environmental assessment for the permanent ORV management plan is currently out for public review. Comments can be submitted through July 31, 2007.

The discussion will include areas that would be affected by the proposed closure as well as the proposed exceptions to the closure. Maps of the affected area will be available. The closures would be implemented under the authority of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 13.46(b).

For additional information on subsistence permits contact Subsistence Manager Amy Craver at [phone], wildlife biologists Tom Meier at [phone], or Pati Jones at [phone]. For questions or additional information on the public hearing, please call the Superintendent’s Office at [phone].

-NPS-