
NPS/Kevyn Jalone
To satisfy the demand for protection of the wildlands of Alaska, Congress realized that some special exceptions would be necessary to preserve traditional activities and accommodate transportation needs between remote communities. When finally passed in 1980, ANILCA reserved federal lands on an unprecedented scale while also including similarly unprecedented special provisions to address Alaska’s distinctive rural way of life and lack of infrastructure. ANILCA tried to make wilderness a good thing for everyone.
In Wilderness outside Alaska, the following are generally prohibited. In Alaska, ANILCA makes the following exceptions:
- ANILCA 811 provides for subsistence use and access.
- ANILCA 1110(a) allows use of snowmobiles, motorboats, airplanes, and nonmotorized surface transportation for traditional activities.
- ANILCA 1315(d) allows public use cabins or shelters for the protection of public health and safety.
- ANILCA 1316(a) allows temporary campsites, tent platforms, shelters, and other temporary facilities and equipment directly and necessarily related to the activities of taking fish and wildlife where such activities are allowed.
- ANILCA 1313 allows sport hunting in Preserves in Wilderness
Last updated: January 23, 2018