NPS Issues Superintendent's Compendiums

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News Release Date: March 17, 2015
Contact: Kris Fister, [phone]

The National Park Service (NPS) has issued the annual Superintendent’s Compendiums for 2015, a collection of documents that will become effective on April 1. 

Each NPS area in Alaska has a compendium, a compilation of all designations, closures and restrictions adopted under the discretionary authority within the regulations covering national parks. This regulatory tool helps manage Alaska's national park areas for the public’s enjoyment, use and protection.

Based on public comment, the NPS made changes in a proposed prohibition on the use or possession of domestic goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas or related animals, which are sometimes used for packing or as pets. The use of llamas and alpacas in park areas, typically as pack animals, will be allowed in accordance with written authorization by park superintendents. The proposed prohibition on possessing or using domestic sheep and goats in NPS areas will go into effect on April 1, 2015.

The NPS agreed with some commenters that transmission of disease from llamas and alpacas to wild sheep and mountain goats has not been documented and that the likelihood of disease transmission from these animals to wild sheep or mountain goats is probably low, although still possible. Allowing the use or possession of llamas and alpacas with written authorization will allow the NPS to take appropriate steps to further minimize the risk. “The full prohibition on domestic goats and sheep is appropriate given the higher risk of disease transmission to native populations,” said NPS-Alaska Regional Director Bert Frost.

Another change in the final Compendium for Katmai National Park and Preserve was made during the review of public comments. The proposal was to lengthen the existing public use closure on the Brooks River. The NPS has decided not to adopt the closure in the final compendium in order to do further studies in this area on the interactions of bears and humans to determine whether a closure is necessary in the future.

The National Park Service is implementing the wildlife sport hunting restrictions that were proposed. These are largely similar to restrictions implemented in previous years. The final compendiums will become effective on April 1, 2015. They are on-line at https://www.nps.gov/akso/management/current_compendiums.cfm. A written copy may be requested directly from a park or the National Park Service, 240 W. 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501, Attn: Compendium.

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