THE GOVERNMENT NEWS DESKPERMANENT NPS STORY ARCHIVE
Organized by publication date and destination. Each story retains its permanent State & Nation address and official NPS source.
The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Subsistence Resource Commission will meet Oct. 9-10 at the Great St. Elias Station in McCarthy, with options to participate virtually or by phone. The McCarthy meeting location is a change from the location published in the Federal Register due to venue availability.
Official NPS source
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is reminding federal subsistence hunters that the additional two-day moose hunting season in Unit 11 applies only to the FM1106 hunt area. The FM1106 season will reopen at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21, and close at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026.
Official NPS sourceWrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Acting Superintendent Joshua Scott, under authority delegated by the Federal Subsistence Board, is opening a two-day moose hunting season in the Unit 11 federal registration permit hunt area (FM1106). The season will open at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, September 21 and close at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, unless modified by a subsequent federal special action.
Official NPS sourceWrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve will use a helicopter in mid-September to support a stabilization project at the historic Erie Mine Bunkhouse. The helicopter will transport personnel, equipment and materials between McCarthy and the remote historic site. Flight dates will depend on weather and conditions.
Official NPS sourceWrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is seeking public comment on a proposed change to the Superintendent’s Compendium that would modify the use of electric bicycles in the park. The proposed update would make the park’s management of e-bikes consistent with other forms of transportation used to get to Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark. The change would permit e-bike riders to leave bikes at the Shuttle Bus Turnaround just south of the Kennecott Visitor Center (where ATVs, personal vehicles, and bicycles are already allowed to park).
Official NPS source
Visitors can once again safely access Root Glacier in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve using a newly established trail reroute.
Official NPS source
In order to reduce hazards on a popular hiking route, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve has closed an area beneath an unstable hill on the Root Glacier access trail north of Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark.
Official NPS sourceFederal subsistence registration permits for hunts in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve will be available starting Monday, July 20, at the park’s Visitor Center in Copper Center and at the Slana Ranger Station. Both are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday, September 20.
Official NPS sourceThe 2026 federal subsistence hunt for the Chisana caribou herd was announced by acting Wrangell-St. Elias Superintendent Joshua Scott, the designated federal manager for the hunt. Consistent with the cooperative management plan for the herd, the harvest quota is six bull caribou which has been the same since 2023. The hunt will open on August 10 and close on September 30 or when the quota is reached.
Official NPS sourceOn July 18, local observers noted that the level of Hidden Creek Lake had begun to fall. On July 19, rangers observed new, significant releases of water next to the Kennicott Glacier and into the Kennicott River. Residents and visitors should use caution as the river rises and can get updates about its level from the US Geological Survey. These conditions can be dangerous for anyone on the Kennicott River as well as downstream in areas such as the Chitina and Copper Rivers.
Official NPS sourceThree U.S. hunters who illegally crossed into Canada to poach two Dall sheep have been convicted in both the United States and Canada following a years-long coordinated investigation by the National Park Service, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Yukon Conservation Officer Services and other U.S. and Canadian law enforcement partners.
Official NPS sourceFederal subsistence fishing in the Upper Copper River District will open on May 15. This fishing permit allows eligible rural residents to fish for salmon and other fish to feed themselves and their families under federal subsistence regulations. It is not a sport fishing permit or commercial fishing permit.
Official NPS source
National Park Service officials at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve have announced visitor center operating hours for the summer 2026 season.
Official NPS source
Copper River School District Students, National Park Service staff, and partners at Copper Center. Image Credit: NPS
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service will initiate small, prescribed fires (burning piles of cut material), beginning on Saturday, April 4 for about a week at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve as weather and site conditions allow.
Official NPS sourceWrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is accepting Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) applications to provide event services for the Kennecott Recreation Hall in the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark.
Official NPS sourceThe Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Subsistence Resource Commission is scheduled to meet on Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28 in Copper Center at the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Visitor Center. Commissioners will consider a range of issues related to subsistence, including proposals related to federal subsistence fishing regulations.
Official NPS sourceThe Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Subsistence Resource Commission will hold a special meeting regarding the Secretarial Review of the Federal Subsistence Management Program. The online meeting is scheduled Tuesday, February 3, from 5 p.m. until business is completed. Please note that the meeting time reflects an update and is different from that listed in the Federal Register. The meeting is open to the public, and the public can provide testimony.
Official NPS sourceUntil March 9th, 2026, we are accepting resumes and references for new commission members to serve on the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Subsistence Resource Commission (SRC). The SRC recommends to the Governor of Alaska and the Secretary of the Interior a program for subsistence hunting within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Since the establishment of the federal subsistence management program in 1990, the SRC also makes recommendations on proposals for regulations affecting Wrangell-St. Elias National Park directly to the federal subsistence Regional Advisory Councils and the Federal Subsistence Board.
Official NPS sourceThe moose harvest quota for the winter federal subsistence hunt in a portion of Unit 11 was announced on September 30, 2025, by Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Acting Superintendent Joshua Scott, the designated federal manager for the hunt. For the 2025-26 hunt, the quota is 5 bull moose and is based on the best available science on the size and health of the moose population.
Official NPS sourceThe Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Subsistence Resource Commission will meet at the Tok Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center and virtually by Microsoft Teams and teleconference on Thursday, September 25 and Friday, September 26. The meeting will consider a range of issues related to subsistence hunting and fishing in the park. This is an alternate meeting location to what is listed in the Federal Register notice in order to meet technological needs.
Official NPS sourceWrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve plans to conduct special aviation operations with a helicopter in late-July and late-August. Flight dates will depend on the weather.
Official NPS sourceThe 2025 federal subsistence hunt for the Chisana caribou herd was announced by acting Wrangell-St. Elias Superintendent Joshua Scott, the designated federal manager for the hunt. Consistent with the cooperative management plan for the herd, the harvest quota is 6 bull caribou. The hunt will open on August 10 and close on September 30 or when the quota has been reached. Hunters are required to report back within three days of harvesting an animal, or at the end of the season if unsuccessful. The hunt area is Federal public lands in Unit 12 that occur east of the Nabesna River and Glacier and south of the Winter Trail running southeast from Pickerel Lake to the Canadian border.
Official NPS sourceFederal subsistence registration permits for hunts in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve will be available starting Tuesday, July 22, at the park’s Visitor Center in Copper Center and at the Slana Ranger Station. The Visitor Center in Copper Center is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 14. The Slana Ranger Station is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September 21.
Official NPS sourceOn the morning of July 10th, local observers noted that the level of Hidden Creek Lake has begun to fall. This is consistent with conditions that often precede the release of water into the Kennicott River. Residents and visitors should use caution if or when water rises and can get updates about river level from the US Geological Survey. These conditions can be dangerous for anyone on the Kennicott River or downstream rivers and streams such as the Chitina and Copper Rivers.
Official NPS sourceFire danger is high in Alaska, and it is peak wildfire season. Even after rain, many areas remain dry or dry quickly. If a wildfire starts, it could spread quickly. With Independence Day approaching, please stay fire wise and put out campfires.
Official NPS sourceWrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is processing online applications for FREE Recreation and Subsistence Off Road Vehicle (ORV) permits.
Official NPS sourceWrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve has announced the visitor center hours for the 2025 season.
Official NPS sourceFederal subsistence fishing in the Upper Copper River District will open on May 15, 2025. This fishing opportunity is available to qualified local rural residents and a federal permit is required. The permit is a household permit, and only one permit will be issued per household for a given subdistrict. Subsistence fish wheels should be registered by the owner through either the National Park Service or the Glennallen office of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Official NPS sourceThe Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Subsistence Resource Commission will meet at the park’s Visitor Center in Copper Center, Alaska, and by teleconference on Tuesday, February 25, and Wednesday, February 26, 2025, to consider a range of issues related to subsistence hunting and fishing in the park.
Official NPS sourceA federal registration permit is required to participate in the winter moose hunt. Permits are available at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Headquarters Administrative Building in Copper Center during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding federal holidays). Due to weather and road conditions as well as staff schedules, please call Barbara Cellarius at 907-822-7236 or email WRST_subsistence@nps.gov before coming to the office to ensure that someone will be available to issue a permit. Please do not wait until the last minute; same-day pick-up may not be available.
Official NPS sourceThe public hearing will be in Tolsona, Alaska, on October 22nd from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Tolsona Fire Hall.
Official NPS sourceThe Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Subsistence Resource Commission will meet at the park’s Visitor Center in Copper Center and by teleconference on Friday, October 4, and Saturday, October 5, to consider a range of issues related to subsistence hunting and fishing in the park. This is the alternate meeting date announced in the Federal Register notice.
Official NPS sourceCOPPER CENTER, AK –Approximately five to seven cords of dead and downed wood generated from hazard tree removal and wildland fuels reduction at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is available for general use. The wood will be given away to members of the public by lottery. Each lottery winner will be allowed one cord per household. This wood is intended to be used by members of the public for home heating.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) released a prospectus on September 3, 2024, soliciting proposals to award a ten (10) year concession contract to provide guided tours of historic buildings within the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark.
Official NPS sourceThis August, researchers in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve will begin a multi-year study on emergency management in the McCarthy Road Corridor. Researchers will schedule interviews with some residents to learn about local communities and issues related to emergency management scenarios. The researchers are selecting interviewees based on their background, emergency management experience, and local knowledge.
Official NPS sourcePermits available for pick up in McCarthy on August 22 and in Chitina on August 24.
Official NPS sourceIn the morning of July 25th, local observers noted that the level of Hidden Creek Lake has begun to fall. This is consistent with conditions that often precede the release of water into the Kennicott River. Residents and visitors in the area should use caution if or when high water results. These conditions can be dangerous for anyone that may be on the Kennicott River or downstream rivers and streams, such as the Chitina and Copper Rivers.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) is requesting public input on the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark (NHL) Management Strategy for NPS Managed Lands (strategic plan). The strategic plan provides a vision for management of NPS lands within the Kennecott Mines NHL over the next 15-20 years.
Official NPS sourceThe 2024 federal subsistence hunt for the Chisana caribou herd was announced by Wrangell-St. Elias Superintendent Ben Bobowski, the designated federal manager for the hunt. Consistent with the cooperative management plan for the herd, the harvest quota is 6 bull caribou. The hunt will open on August 10 and close on September 30 or when the quota has been reached.
Official NPS sourceFederal subsistence registration permits for hunts in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve will be available starting Tuesday, July 23, at the park’s Visitor Center in Copper Center and at the Slana Ranger Station.
Official NPS source
This July, a Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve geologist observed new areas of ground subsidence (collapsing ground) around Bonanza Mine in Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark.
Official NPS sourcePark staff will host several community meetings to introduce a funding opportunity to address subsistence food security resilience.
Official NPS sourceCampfires are currently allowed in the Park and Preserve, but the effects of an unattended campfire could endanger structures or be a threat to visitor safety. Fires must be kept small and be completely extinguished before vacating any camp site in the Park. All visitors are urged to have good awareness of the weather conditions around them when deciding to have a campfire and ensure that a fire is dead out before leaving.
Official NPS sourceAdditional Subsistence Fishing Permit Events Announced for the Kennecott-McCarthy Area Call ahead (907-379-0040) to request your permit, beginning June 24. Permits available for pick up in McCarthy on June 27 and July 11.
Official NPS sourceWrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, in collaboration with researchers, will conduct helicopter-borne aerial radar surveys of the lower Kennicott Glacier in late May 2024. The surveys are designed to assess the glacier thickness and thus map the bed of the Kennicott Glacier.
Official NPS sourceWrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve has implemented an online application process for FREE Recreation and Subsistence ORV permits.
Official NPS sourceFederal Subsistence Fishing in the Upper Copper River Opens May 15. Permits Available for Pick Up Daily in the Visitor Center in Copper Center beginning May 13 and Slana Ranger Station beginning May 24. Pre-season Permit Events Scheduled for May 7 & May 10 at the Visitor Center. Call ahead (907-822-7284) to request your permit, beginning April 29. Permit Events Scheduled for McCarthy & Chitina: Call ahead (907-822-7284) to request your permit, beginning April 29. Permits available for pick up in McCarthy on May 23 only. Permits available for pick up in Chitina on May 25 only.
Official NPS source