Vehicle Use: Denali National Park and Preserve

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 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.

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.

The commenter supports the 160-vehicle daily limit on the Denali Park Road, arguing that it is a necessary cap based on scientific studies and traffic modeling. They suggest that the regulation should clarify that this limit is contingent upon meeting specific wildlife and visitor experience standards.

Cynthia S opposes the proposed increase in allowed vehicle traffic in Denali National Park and Preserve. She argues that the current limits should remain in place to protect wildlife and that the existing shuttle system is sufficient.

The State of Alaska opposes the proposed rule because it lacks updated scientific justification for the 160-vehicle daily limit, risks violating statutory access rights for inholders and subsistence users under ANILCA, and creates a rigid cap that could stifle economic growth. The State requests that the rule be replaced with an adaptive management framework that exempts inholder and subsistence access from vehicle caps and allows for future flexibility.

A recent visitor opposes the proposed changes to vehicle use in Denali National Park, arguing that the current traffic limitations preserve the wilderness experience. The commenter expresses concern that the proposal will negatively impact the visitor experience, safety on narrow roads, and the ability to view wildlife.

An individual commenter opposes the proposal to increase the vehicle limit on the restricted section of the Denali Park Road. They argue that allowing more traffic will degrade the park's wilderness quality and negatively impact the experience for visitors and wildlife.

A former Denali National Park and Preserve official opposes changing the annual traffic limit to a daily limit. The commenter argues that a daily limit would reduce operational flexibility for repairs and emergencies, increase safety risks, and place undue strain on park resources and infrastructure.