Vehicle Use: Denali National Park and Preserve

The Main Street Foundation's Center for Regulatory Analysis and Engagement (CRAE) supports the proposed rule to modernize vehicle use regulations in Denali National Park by replacing a seasonal permit ceiling with a daily vehicle limit. They argue this change aligns with actual management practices and provide recommendations for increased transparency, regular reassessment of the 160-vehicle limit, and a focus on maximizing responsible public access.

The Denali Citizens Council supports the goal of codifying a vehicle limit for the Denali Park Road but argues that the proposed 160-vehicle daily cap is incomplete and insufficient. They request that the rule incorporate the full adaptive management framework, adopt a more conservative 145-vehicle limit, and include commitments to transparent annual monitoring and scientific studies.

The commenter expresses general support for the amendment to limit vehicle numbers on Denali Park Road but expresses skepticism regarding the NPS's ability to monitor impacts with reduced staffing. They urge the NPS to consider that fewer than 160 vehicles per day may be necessary to protect wildlife and maintain a high-quality visitor experience.

The Citizens' Advisory Commission on Alaska Federal Areas (CACAFA) opposes the proposed rule to codify a permanent daily limit of 160 vehicles on the restricted portion of the Denali Park Road. They argue that the rule lacks updated scientific data, fails to protect statutory inholder access rights under ANILCA, and removes the flexibility of adaptive management.

Doyon, Limited, a Native regional corporation and large landowner in Alaska, supports the proposed rule to align vehicle limits on the Denali Park Road with the 2012 Vehicle Management Plan. They also request formal consultation under Executive Order 13175, arguing that the rule has substantial direct effects on their interests as a "most directly affected" Native Corporation.

The Northern Alaska Environmental Center opposes the proposed rule to change the vehicle limit on Denali Park Road from a seasonal permit cap to a daily vehicle ceiling. They argue that the new limit could allow for significantly more seasonal traffic without adequate environmental review, updated monitoring data, or a clear demonstration that wildlife and wilderness character will be protected.

The Alaska Travel Industry Association, representing 640 tourism-related businesses, supports the proposed rule to increase vehicle limits on Denali Park Road. They argue that the daily cap aligns with successful past management plans and helps balance expanded visitor access with the preservation of high-quality experiences.

Paul R. Anderson, a retired Superintendent of Denali National Park, supports codifying the 160-vehicle per 24-hour limit but emphasizes that it must be tied to the specific requirements and monitoring programs of the 2012 Vehicle Management Plan. He argues that the limit must be presented in the context of meeting desired future conditions to avoid irreparable harm to park resources.

The commenter, a former conservation worker and frequent park visitor, opposes the proposed 160 daily vehicle limit because it overrides the scientifically based adaptive management framework of the 2012 Vehicle Management Plan. They argue that the regulation should prioritize the VMP's indicators and standards to ensure an uncrowded wilderness experience for visitors.

Paul Shearer, a former bus driver and current in-holder, opposes the proposed increase of the daily vehicle cap to 160 on the restricted section of the Denali Park Road. He argues that a 160-vehicle cap would negatively impact visitor experience and wildlife protection, and instead recommends a lower cap of 120 vehicles to be phased in over several years.