Alaska Park Science

Alaska Park Science is an award-winning journal published by the National Park Service, Alaska Regional Office. The journal reports information from on-going and recently completed research in and around Alaska’s national parklands. Alaska Park Science covers all relevant scientific disciplines in the biological, physical, cultural, and social sciences.

Although Alaska Park Science is not a discipline-specific journal, we are committed to excellence in quality and accuracy. Therefore all articles are reviewed by at least two individuals with sufficient technical or scientific expertise in the subject matter to offer substantive comments on the content of the article.  Learn more about science and scientists in Alaska. 

Commemorating ANILCA at 40

The new issue of Alaska Park Science celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). The Alaska Region of the National Park Service is reflecting on the impact, legacy, and future of this unique legislation. Many Alaskans experience ANILCA as both a blessing and a burden. While tremendous hurdles have been overcome, there are many yet to be faced. This issue of Alaska Park Science provides a range of perspectives on ANILCA that we hope strikes a balance that reflects over four decades of varied experiences.


Download a pdf of the most recent issue of Alaska Park Science or read the full issue online.

A blue river runs through forest.

Commemorating ANILCA at 40

ANILCA is the defining conservation law of Alaska. With a stroke of a pen, President Carter doubled the size of the National Park System.

Two men raft through whitewater rapids.

The Best Job in the World!

River trips and overflights (field work) in the most scenic and remote areas of Alaska resulted in over 100 million acres of protected areas

Historical photo of miners at a cabin,

The Power of a Few Words

ANILCA differed from other conservation legislation in its explicit inclusion of people and culture.

Backpackers hike up a rocky stream bed to the mountains.

An International Model for Conservation

ANILCA set a standard for how conservation legislation could be conceived at a large scale with people in mind.

A cabin with flag pole.

ANILCA, Navigability, and Sturgeon

The use of waterways for commerce, access to resources, and enjoyment has a history of complex rights and jurisdictions.

A large river with fall colors in riparian forest.

A Perspective from Boots on the Ground

As might be expected from such a far-reaching piece of legislation, ANILCA is rife with ambiguities, contradictions, and complexities.

Katie John stands near a fishwheel at her family fishcamp.

Alaska Native Rights Champion Katie John

Katie John was a beloved Ahtna Athabascan Elder and champion of Alaska Native rights.

A fishwheel on the river.

Perspectives: A Subsistence Board Chair

Alaska Native subsistence rights and Alaska resident subsistence rights are sometimes at odds.

Sockeye salmon in spawning color.

Subsistence Harvest of Salmon

Subsistence harvest of salmon is vital to the way of life for Alaska Native people on the Kuskokwim River.

A pile of frozen northern pike from ice fishing.

The Harvest of Wild Resources

Traditional harvests of wild resources provide for the nutritional, economic, spiritual, and cultural well-being of Alaskan communities.

Last updated: June 27, 2022

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