News Release

Glacier Bay Seeks Input on a Fire Management Plan Environmental Assessment

Date: June 20, 2024
Contact: Matthew Cahill, Public Information Officer, 907-697-2230

The National Park Service is seeking feedback on an Alaska Region Coastal Park Units Fire Management Plan Environmental Assessment for five coastal park units, including Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (Glacier Bay).  

Between June 20 - July 21, 2024 the public is invited to comment on a review document that analyses alternative strategies for managing Glacier Bay to address the risk of wildfire to human communities, developed facilities and infrastructure, and park ecosystems: 

• Alternative 1) No Action – The National Park Service would continue current management approaches and not adopt a fire plan management plan for Glacier Bay. 

• Alternative 2) Adopt Plan – The National Park Service would change its management approaches to proactively plan where specific wildfire prevention and response strategies may be warranted in Glacier Bay, including the removal of vegetation and burnable fuels to establish defensible space. 

The need for the action at this time is that fire management plans are now required for all national parks with burnable vegetation. During the review period the public is encouraged to read the Glacier Bay-applicable portions of the draft document and provide comments: 

“While Glacier Bay’s coastal rainforest environment reduces our risk of wildfire,” said Superintendent Tom Schaff, “this draft plan offers broad tools and potential funding to help managers navigate any range of future climate variability.” 

By July 21 submit comments through the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment website here:  

https://parkplanning.nps.gov/AKR_FMP_EA

Comments will also be accepted by mail to:
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Attn. Wildland Fire Management Plan, PO Box 140, Gustavus, AK 99826.