Beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015 at 12:01 am through late afternoon that same day,the Exit Glacier area of Kenai Fjords National Park will be temporarily closed to the public in order to support the historic visit of President Barack Obama.The closure begins at the park boundary, Mile 7.5 on the road to Exit Glacier (Herman Leirer Road).
There will be no public access by foot, bicycle, or any other means beyond the vehicle gate at the Resurrection River Bridge (Mile 7.5.) or via the Harding Icefield Trail to the Exit Glacier area during the presidential visit.
The park's tents-only campground in the Exit Glacier area will be closed the night of Monday, August 31. The campground will be accessible the next evening when the area reopens.
"As part of the community of Seward, the National Park Service is honored to play a part in hosting the President as part of his first extended visit to Alaska," stated Superintendent Rebecca Lasell. "Exit Glacier is an ideal example of the accelerated rate of glacial retreat caused by climate change. Because of its easy accessibility, it is also a prime site where we connect visitors with this critical issue."
For updated information, please call the park's automated line at (907) 422-0573 or park headquarters at (907) 422-0500 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm or visit the park's website at https://www.nps.gov/kefj/planyourvsit/conditions.com. Updates will also be posted on the park's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kenaifjordsnationalpark.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
