King Salmon, AK - Katmai National Park and Preserve (Katmai NP&P) announced today that Brooks Lodge plans to expand guest services to include overnight accommodations starting Aug. 10, 2020. The park’s concessionaire, Katmailand, has worked closely with the NPS to position itself for this possibility by adhering closely to State of Alaska health mandates. More specifically, the lodge has: adjusted down the number of guests that can be supported this season; expanded social distancing practices; increased cleaning and disinfecting services; and modified food services. These important mitigation measures, which have been fully developed and adopted, make it possible to open Brooks Lodge to overnight accommodations this season despite recent increases in COVID-19 cases having been documented in several of the park’s gateway communities.
The Brooks Camp Developed Area (BCDA) continues to be open for day-use. The Brooks Camp Visitor Center is open daily from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Visitors should expect modified operations in the area including reduced numbers in buildings, viewing platforms, and other gathering areas to facilitate appropriate social distancing. Visitors to the BCDA are asked to follow best practices including wearing a face covering, washing hands often, maintaining at least 6 feet from other visitors and park staff. Visitors are cautioned to stay home if not feeling well.
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. Katmai NP&P works closely with the Office of Public Health to ensure park facilities are safe and clean and we conduct risk assessments on an ongoing basis relating to every aspect of our operations, the results of which are used to inform management decisions.
Areas immediately outside of the BCDA within Katmai NP&P remain fully accessible to the public, including for overnight camping, in accordance with the latest federal, state, and local healthy guidance. Law Enforcement and first responder services remain accessible.
The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/katm and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
