What We Do

Processed salmon drying for winter storage in a subsistence smoke house.

Photo Office of Subsistence Management

Our Mission Statement:

The National Park Service will manage subsistence as a legislated use consistent with provisions of the Alaska National Interests Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), the Organic Act of 1916 and each park's enabling legislation to:

• protect the opportunity for qualified local rural residents to continue traditional subsistence activities.These subsistence uses shall have priority over competing consumptive uses;
• recognize that subsistence life styles are continuing to evolve, and, where appropriate, park management practices may reflect regional diversity;
• promote local involvement and participation in processes associated with subsistence management;
• ensure that management practices involving the utilization of public lands adequately consider the potential for restriction of subsistence uses and impacts upon subsistence resources;
• ensure that management of park resources is consistent with the conservation of unimpaired ecosystems and natural and healthy populations of fish and wildlife, incorporating scientific data and principles with traditional knowledge and cultural values;
• promote effective communication and mutual understanding of subsistence uses and related cultural and social values, and park purposes and protection, between the NPS, subsistence users, the State of Alaska and the public.