News Release

Adapting Operations in Response to Local Health Guidance - Modified Visitor Services

Date: June 29, 2020
Contact: Jan Maslen, 9078227206

Copper Center, AK.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is adapting park operations and will offer modified visitor services beginning July 1, 2020 at the following locations: • Slana Ranger Station in Slana • Main Visitor Center in Copper Center • Chitina Ranger Station in Chitina • Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark in Kennecott • Yakutat Ranger Station in Yakutat

In response to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the State of Alaska and in support of federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) mitigations have been identified and modified services will be offered as listed below:

Each Location - Do you have a question about the park? “Dial-A-Ranger” services (talk with a ranger by phone) is new and will be available daily (7 days a week) from 9am - 5pm to help visitors with trip planning, and answering questions about Junior Ranger activities, passport stamps, trail and road conditions, and permits. Some locations will also offer window service so that visitors can interact with a ranger in a safe manner.

Slana Ranger Station in Slana, AK, daily from 9am – 5pm: Public restrooms; Dial-A-Ranger at [phone]; window service. 

Main Visitor Center in Copper Center, AK, daily from 9am – 5pm: Public restrooms; Dial-A-Ranger at [phone]; window service and Alaska Geographic sales; “Crown of the Continent” film in the theater (limited occupancy due to Covid-19), and exhibits (limited occupancy due to Covid-19).

Chitina Ranger Station in Chitina, AK, daily from 9am – 5pm: Dial-A-Ranger at [phone] and window service.

Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark in Kennecott, AK, daily from 9am – 5pm: Public restrooms and Dial-A-Ranger at [phone].

Yakutat Ranger Station in Yakutat, AK: Dial-A-Ranger at [phone]; Permits and other visitor services will be by appointment only.

Visitors are encouraged to recreate responsibly by practicing social distancing and adhering to other health guidelines to reduce the risk of transmission. The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, communities and partners is our priority. Visitors come from diverse and distant locations to the rural and remote locations in and around Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.

The NPS is working service-wide with federal, state and local authorities to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and create ways to provide services safely. Updates can be found on our website at https://www.nps.gov/wrst/index.htm and through social media channels. The NPS also encourages people to take advantage of the many digital tools already available to explore Wrangell-St. Elias including, • On-line Junior Ranger program at https://www.nps.gov/wrst/learn/kidsyouth/be-a-junior-ranger.htm
• Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WrangellSt.EliasNPP/