The National Park Service (NPS) has drafted preliminary updated management strategies for ~2.6 million-acres of designated Wilderness lands and waters in Glacier Bay National Park.
Between July 20 and August 20, 2022 your feedback is encouraged on stewardship strategies and management actions that will guide the preservation of Glacier Bay’s exceptional backcountry, resources, values, and visitor experiences for the future. Your feedback will inform drafting of a final plan and NEPA document for formal public review this fall.
During this 30-day period it will be especially helpful if you comment on updated zones for wilderness lands and waters and on the following two management options for recreation in designated Wilderness near the park frontcountry.
One option would not change current management direction, where recreational hiking in designated Wilderness originates on trails in Bartlett Cove or is focused primarily on beaches and in untracked wilderness generally accessed from the water. The other option would enhance opportunities for recreational backpacking and hiking originating from road-accessible trailheads in the Gustavus area for traditional park users and those who may not have the resources, equipment, time, or skill to engage in a backcountry experience that is only accessible from the water.
Please review and explore this interactive presentation of key planning background and an overview of NPS proposals located at this link:
Glacier Bay Backcountry and Wilderness Management Story Map
This draft plan represents an important milestone in a planning process that began in 2019. The draft is informed by visitor surveys (2017 and 2018), public and stakeholder input gathered during two 60-day periods (2020 and 2021), and ongoing government-to-government consultation with the Hoonah Indian Association and the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe, representing the original people and stewards of Glacier Bay.
“We invite the public to review a renewed Glacier Bay National Park vision for wilderness stewardship, a diversity of backcountry visitor experiences, and an enduring commitment to Tlingit Homeland values,” says Park Superintendent Philip Hooge.
Comments can be submitted through the National Park Service Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website here:
https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectId=79185
Comments will also be accepted by mail at: Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Attn. Backcountry and Wilderness Management Plan, PO Box 140, Gustavus, AK 99826.
Comments must be postmarked by August 20, 2022.
Additional details on the Glacier Bay wilderness stewardship planning effort are located on the park website:
https://www.nps.gov/glba/getinvolved/planning.htm
Original source can be found here.
