Lake Clark National Preserve Sport Hunting Guide Services 2015 Prospectus

The National Park Service (NPS) intends to publish a prospectus inviting proposals for three concession contracts for the provision of sport hunting guide services in three guide units within Lake Clark National Preserve. Hunting is authorized within the Preserve under Sections 203 and 1313 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) and the implementing regulations of 36 CFR Part 13.40(d). Alaska hunting regulations, set by the Alaska Board of Game, require non-resident sport hunters to either use the services of licensed hunting guides or to hunt with an Alaska resident who is a close relative. Non-resident aliens must be accompanied by a state licensed guide. Referencing the aforementioned public laws and regulations, the Lake Clark National Park & Preserve General Management Plan dated January 1, 2014 determined hunting guide services administered through concession contracts to be a necessary and appropriate means to provide hunting opportunities to visitors who are not Alaska residents.

The NPS will therefore continue to authorize these services through a renewal of contracts for sport hunting guide services, subject to the provisions of the NPS Concessions Management Improvement Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-391; 36 CFR 51), and other applicable State of Alaska and Federal laws and regulations.

The concession contracts do not represent a new activity. The same number of contracts will be offered and will encompass the same guide areas that have been utilized for these activities and services for more than a decade. There will be no new construction. No new environmental impact is anticipated as a result of these concession operations. The NPS would issue each of the three concessioners a contract for a term of 10 years beginning January 1, 2016 and ending December 31, 2025