National Park Service Issues FONSI on Winter Road Plowing EA

Date: July 9, 2013
Contact: Kris Fister, [phone]

DENALI PARK, Alaska:The National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability of the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Winter Road Plowing Environmental Assessment (EA). Alternative 4, the preferred alternative, was selected. It will allow the NPS to plow the Denali Park Road, beginning in February, as far as the Mountain Vista Rest Area (Mile 12) for a 3-5 year trial period. Plowing the road beyond park headquarters will provide additional mountain viewing and winter recreational opportunities for park visitors. No improvements to the Spring Trail or rest area are included in this alternative.If the park choses to continue the expanded winter plowing, additional compliance will be required.

Currently the park road is closed to vehicular traffic beyond park headquarters after the first significant snowfall occurs (usually in October).During the winter one lane of the road is maintained so the road crew can manage the overflow ice that occurs between Mile 4-7.The other lane is not plowed. Both lanes are available for use by dog teams, cross country skiers, snowshoers, and other winter recreationalists. Spring road opening begins in mid-March, and the road is generally open to the public as far as the Savage River (Mile 15) by early April, and to the Teklanika River Rest Area (Mile 30) by mid to late April.

For additional information or to request a hard copy of the FONSI, please contact Paula Homan at [phone] or [e-mail].

www.nps.gov