News Release

Glacier Bay Releases Final Marine Management Plan

Artwork used with permission from Anchorage Museum. Muir Glacier by Thomas Hill, Anchorage Museum, 1976.50.1

News Release Date: February 6, 2023

Contact: Sara Doyle, Outdoor Recreational Planner, 907-697-2675

BARTLETT COVE, ALASKA – The National Park Service (NPS) has approved a plan for managing the marine waters of Glacier Bay National Park.  

The decision document, in the form of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), was signed by Sarah Creachbaum, the NPS Alaska Regional Director, on February 3, 2023, and is available on the NPS Planning, Environment & Public Comment page: https://go.nps.gov/GBwaters  

The final plan will provide long-term direction and an integrated framework for marine stewardship, including continued vessel management for balanced access to Glacier Bay with targeted refinements to a framework initially set in 1979 and comprehensively updated in 2003. Park Superintendent Philip Hooge thanks all those who reviewed the draft plan and Environmental Assessment and submitted comments: 

“Glacier Bay over recent decades has accommodated 6% growth in visitation while retaining virtually the same experience. This plan will ensure that remains true. 

The plan reaffirms the core of the existing Glacier Bay access and vessel management system with targeted refinements, including enhanced private boater opportunities under the existing permit system. The plan also provides adaptive management tools for current and future park managers to balance the protection of park resources with diverse experiences for visitors consistent with the park’s purpose and values.”  

For the 2023 permit season, private boater permit processes will remain largely the same. Next fall the park will publish detailed information for 2024 permit season private boater lotteries on its permitting web page. The public is encouraged to check for periodic updates here as the conceptual plans are refined for implementation.