News Release

Wrangell-St. Elias Seeks Public Comments on Proposed Superintendent’s Compendium Changes

Date: February 26, 2024
Contact: carrie Wittmer, 907-822-7255

Copper Center, AK—Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is seeking comments between February 26 - March 26, 2024 on proposed definitions of external boundaries of the Wrangell-St. Elias Resident Zone in the Superintendent’s Compendium. Information on proposed changes and instructions for submitting a comment are available at: ParkPlanning - 2024 Changes to WRST Superintendent's Compendium (nps.gov)

The compendium is the summary of park specific rules implemented under the discretionary authority of the park Superintendent. It is updated annually and is a written compilation addressing designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions and/or specifications.  The Compendium, as part of the park-related regulations, helps provide for the use, enjoyment, and protection of Alaska's National Parks.After review and consideration of the need for annual updates, the following proposed change defines external boundaries of the Wrangell-St. Elias Resident Zone for subsistence purposes as:

• “The western boundary of Glennallen along the Glenn Highway is Tolsona Creek, which crosses the highway at approximately Mile 173.
• The southern boundary of Tonsina is the Little Tonsina River, which crosses the Richardson Highway at approximately Mile 65.
• The northern boundary of Gakona/Gakona Junction is Mile 138 on the Richardson Highway.”

The resident zone is used to establish eligibility to harvest subsistence resources in the National Park under federal regulations. Clarifying the boundaries in these three locations in writing will improve transparency and customer service regarding subsistence eligibility.