GMP Amendment

Gates Of The Arctic National Park and Preserve » GMP Amendment » Document List

Dear Friends and Interested Parties:

The National Park Service has released a plan that updates the 1986 General Management Plan and guides the future of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. This plan will direct management of park resources, visitor uses, and facilities for the next 15 to 20 years. It also provides guidance for stewardship of park wilderness and backcountry recreation. During the planning process, we involved many stakeholders, including federal, state, and local agencies; Alaska Native tribes, villages, and Native corporations; the general public; and other interested parties.

The General Management Plan Amendment / Wilderness Stewardship Plan / Environmental Assessment identifies and evaluates three management alternatives and their environmental impacts to natural and cultural resources, wilderness character, and visitor experiences. The NPS preferred alternative would continue the current management approach. There would continue to be a strong focus on protecting wilderness character, including maintaining opportunities for solitude and self-reliance, and the park's wild and undeveloped qualities. No new infrastructure or visitor facilities would be provided. The preferred alternative also includes management zoning as well as indicators and standards for wilderness character. Under all of the alternatives, subsistence use in the park and preserve would continue to be a priority and supported in accordance with the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.

Please share your ideas about the plan at one of our open houses, and/or by submitting written comments. The plan will be available for public review from January 12, 2015 to March 13, 2015 on this website. Comments may be submitted electronically on this website, or by regular mail to: Gates of the Arctic GMPA, National Park Service, 4175 Geist Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709.

Three public meetings are currently scheduled, in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Anaktuvuk Pass. The meeting in Fairbanks will include a public hearing, per ANILCA. Information about the public meetings can be found on the Meeting Notices link on the left side of this page. The date, time, and location for the Anaktuvuk Pass meeting will be updated as soon as it is scheduled. Please attend one of our public meetings, and/or provide your comments on the plan on this website.

Sincerely,

Greg Dudgeon
Superintendent
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve