Kenai Fjords

https://www.nps.gov/kefj/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenai_Fjords_National_Park Kenai Fjords National Park covers an area on the Kenai Peninsula in southcentral Alaska, near the town of Seward. The park contains the Harding Icefield, one of the largest ice fields in the United States. The park is named for the numerous fjords carved by glaciers moving down the mountains from the ice field. The field is the source of at least 38 glaciers, the largest of which is Bear Glacier. The park lies just to the west of Seward, a popular port for cruise ships. Exit Glacier is reachable by road and is a popular tour destination. The remainder of the park is primarily accessible by boat. The fjords are glacial valleys that have been submerged below sea level by a combination of rising sea levels and land subsidence. At the edge of the Kenai Peninsula lies a land where the ice age lingers. Nearly 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield, Kenai Fjords' crowning feature. Wildlife thrives in icy waters and lush forests along the fjords once carved by the vast expanse of ice. Today, shrinking glaciers bear witness to the effects of our changing climate. Kenai Fjords National Park is located just outside the town of Seward in south-central Alaska, 126 miles south of Anchorage. Even though the park is often inaccessible during the winter months, Seward is accessible year-round via the Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway. Follow the Seward Highway (AK-1) south from Anchorage. It will become AK-9 around mile 35 (87 miles from Anchorage) with AK-1 heading to Homer and Kenai. Continue on AK-9 to Seward. Exit Glacier Nature Center The Exit Glacier Nature Center is the trailhead for all that the Exit Glacier area has to offer, including the Harding Icefield trail. The building includes exhibits about the Exit Glacier area, an Alaska Geographic bookstore, and park rangers to help answer questions about the area. For 2024, the Exit Glacier Nature Center is open: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm May 25 through September 2 Turn on to Herman Leirer Road (commonly called "Exit Glacier Road") at mile 3 of the Seward Highway - AK-9. Proceed 8.4 miles. The road will end at the parking lot for the nature center. Google Map Coordinates: 60.1782633,-149.6494389 Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center The main park visitor center is located in the Seward small boat harbor. The visitor center provides opportunities to view the park film, an Alaska Geographic bookstore, and park rangers to help answer questions about the area. For 2024, the Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center is open: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm May 25 through September 2 Once within the city limits of the town of Seward, turn left on S. Harbor Street (mile 1 of the Seward Highway - AK-9). Go one block, and turn right on Fourth Street. It will be the second building on the left. Google Map Coordinates: 60.1165108,-149.4405508 Exit Glacier Campground Exit Glacier has a 12-site, walk-in, tent-campground. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no reservations or camping fees. There is a fourteen-day stay limit. The campground frequently fills by early evening in July and August. A central food storage, cooking and dining shelter is provided. Cooking and/or storing food in campsites is prohibited. There is a pump for drinking water and pit toilets are available. Pets are not permitted in campsites. No Campground Fee 0.00 There is no fee for camping. Exit Glacier campground Cook Shelter campground covered cook shelter with picnic tables. The cook shelter provides a covered place to prepare and eat, as well as secure storage, for all food. Exit Glacier Campground cook shelter closeup cook shelter with picnic tables and food storage closet. The cook shelter provides a covered place to prepare and eat, as well as secure storage for all food. Exit Glacier Campground vault toilet vault toilet in parking lot. There is a ADA accessible vault toilet in the campground parking lot. Exit Glacier Campground site #1 sign post showing path to site #1, ADA accessible, and No food, fires or pets. Sites #1 and #12 are both ADA accessible sites, with wide paths and space for tents. Exit Glacier Camground campsite Tent in a campsite clearing Each site has room for two tents and up to 8 people. Bear Glacier Aerial aerial image of Bear Glacier Bear Glacier is the largest of nearly 40 glaciers that flow from the Harding Icefield. Aialik Bay Kayakers kayakers in front of a tidewater glacier Kayakers enjoy the spectacular scenery in the fjords in Aialik Bay. Humpback Whale Breach a humpback whale breaches A humpback whale breaches in Kenai Fjords National Park Above Bear Glacier aerial view of Bear Glacier from Harding Icefield Flightseeing over the Harding Icefield provides amazing opportunities to view glaciers, like Bear Glacier, from a different perspective. Exit Glacier View visitors at accessible overlook of Exit Glacier and Exit Creek. A stroll to Glacier View provides a nice overlook of Exit Glacier as part of a 1 mile accessible walk. Spatial Correlation of Archeaological Sites and Subsistence Resources in the Gulf of Alaska Discover how a GIS-based analysis of nearly 2,000 coastal archaeology sites demonstrates the strong correlation between seasonally-available marine food and human settlement around the Gulf of Alaska. map of southwest alaska Southwest Alaska Network Lichen Inventory Southwest Alaska Network Lichen Inventory Geohazards in Kenai Fjords National Park Geohazards are naturally-occurring events that arise from geologic processes and have the potential to cause damage or threaten lives. In Kenai Fjords, calving glaciers, unpredictable coastal weather, and dramatic mountains make for a breathtaking experience, but also a potentially dangerous one. Staying informed and making smart choices in the backcountry is important for a safe and enjoyable visit to the park. A glacier flowing down from mountains into a lagoon. Subsistence The study of subsistence resources in parks has been a mix of long-term work and projects instigated by issues facing the Federal Subsistence Board. Winter hunting is an important subsistence activity in many Alaska communities and park areas. National Park Getaway: Kenai Fjords National Park A short drive from Anchorage you'll find Kenai Fjords National Park, a beautiful wilderness park that you can explore by boat or kayak! a humpback whale leaping from the ocean, in front of a small rocky island Science in Wilderness Marine Reserves ANILCA establishes the largest scientific laboratory...ever! A spawning salmon struggles to get back into the water. 2016 Science Education Grant Recipients The Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC) funds numerous outreach projects through the Science Education Grant program. These grants help MSLC partner parks pay for science education outreach projects. Funding for the Science Education grant program is provided by Alaska Geographic. Read about the 2016 Science Education Grant recipients and their outreach projects. a photographer takes a picture in the grass while the sun sets Development of Campsite Monitoring Protocols in Kenai Fjords National Park Learn more about the science, technology, and management of campsites in Kenai Fjords National Park! two kayaks sit on a shore with mountains and glaciers in the background Bear Glacier Retreat Learn about the retreat of Bear Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. Aerial view of Bear Glacier taken in 2010. Bald Eagle Monitoring in Alaska Southwest Alaska's Inventory and Monitoring Network continues to improve bald eagle nest monitoring in NPS lands along the northern Gulf of Alaska. bald eagle flying with fish Monitoring Mussel Populations in Southwest Alaska Parks Mussel are an important food for many marine birds and mammals. Learn more about their populations in southwest Alaskan parks. monitoring mussel beds Tales From the Tides - BEACH BUMMERS (Science Stories for Kids!) Beach Bummers, an engaging article in the series "Tales from the Tides - Science Stories for Kids" confronts the growing problem of marine debris and challenges the reader to get involved in the solution. A group of kids on a trail jump for joy. Coastal Forest Monitoring in Kenai Fjords National Park The Southwest Alaska Network Inventory and Monitoring Program (SWAN) inventory the coastal forests of Kenai Fjords National Park. collecting data in a forest In Celebration of ANILCA Former President, Jimmy Carter, offers a sentimental introduction to the 25th Anniversary Edition of Alaska Park Science and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). Black and white photo of six white men standing in front of an old National Park Service Building. Climate Change Segmentation Groups at Kenai Fjords National Park: Insight Into Visitor’s Perceptions Recently the National Park Service announced initiatives to interpret and communicate global climate change to park visitors. During the summer of 2010, researchers investigated Kenai Fjords National Park visitors’ attitudes about global climate change and climate influenced park resources. The purpose was to gain insight into visitor awareness regarding climate influenced park resources, visitor belief in the occurrence, and human influence on climate change. a ranger next to a visitor points towards a mountain slope with a glacier in the background. Cleaning Up Alaska's Beaches Cleanup crews hit the beaches in 5 of Alaska's coastal national parks in 2015 to collect, assess and ultimately remove abandoned and washed up trash. The massive endeavor was part of a larger project aimed at understanding the sources of marine debris and keeping it out of the ocean and off of Alaska's beaches. NPS staff and volunteers with bags of trash collected off beach. A History of Science in Alaska's National Parks National park units in Alaska precede the establishment of the National Park Service in 1916. The first park unit, Sitka National Monument, was conceived in 1908, and by the mid-1920s four national monuments along with Alaska’s first national park were part of the growing park system. Discover how the early 1900s and observations of a few helped to establish the National Park Service in Alaska. Black and white photo of Arno Cammerer sitting at his desk looking through papers. Old is Getting Older In the last 25 years, persistent archaeological survey and improved scientific techniques have resulted in new data which confirms that Alaska sites are actually much earlier than we once believed. NPS archaeologist works at Amakomanak site in Noatak National Preserve. NPS Alaska Planning and Designs for the Future with Climate Change Alaska’s national parks face new and unexpected planning, design, and maintenance challenges as we enter a new era of climate change. It behooves the NPS to pay attention to these changes and plan and act accordingly cars driving on a road covered in water A Partnership to Remove Marine Debris from Alaskan Coastal Parks Marine debris can affect marine mammals and birds through entanglement, strangulation, and digestive blockage. In summer 2015, we conducted an extensive multi-partner project to remove over 11 tons of marine debris from remote beaches in five Alaska parks. park rangers putting trash into white plastic bags on a rocky beach The Core of the Matter: Adventures in Coastal Geology at Kenai Fjords National Park The seafloor sediments of deep coastal lagoons within Kenai Fjords National Park could provide a millennial-scale record of local environmental change and a timeline of catastrophic events such as volcanic eruptions, glacial advances, and tsunamis. Understanding how the park’s coastline responded to past tectonic and climate-driven changes should provide valuable context to ongoing and future conditions. forested mountains overlooking a lagoon Black-Capped Chickadee Black-capped chickadees and boreal chickadees are tiny but tough songbirds that are year-round residents in many parts of Alaska. Mussel Abundance in the Gulf of Alaska Read the abstract and get the link to a paer published in Oceanopgraphy. Bodkin, J. L., H. A. Coletti, B. E. Ballachey, D. H. Monson, D. Esler, and T. A. Dean. 2017. Variation in abundance of Pacific blue mussel (Mytilus trossulus) in the northern Gulf of Alaska, 2006-2015. Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography. DOI: 10.1016/j. dsr2.2017.04.008. A cluster of mussels in the intetidal zone. Kittlitz's Murrelet The Kittlitz’s murrelet is a small diving bird that breeds and winters along coastal Alaska and northeastern Russia. A range map for the Kittlitz’s Murrelet from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Tree Rings Reveal Drought Stress Read the abstract and get the link to the article published in Ecological Applications: Csank, A. Z., A. E. Miller, R. L. Sherriff, E. E. Berg, and J. M. Welker. 2016. Tree-ring isotopes reveal drought sensitivity in trees killed by spruce beetle outbreaks in southcentral Alaska. Ecological Applications 26:2001-2020. A researcher bores a core from a tree. Marine Bird and Mammal Surveys 2018 Resource brief about marine bird monitoring in Southwest Alaska parks. people in boat Monitoring Glacial Lake Outburst Floods in Alaska Check out this story map about monitoring glacial lake outbursts in Alaska. Bear Lake at the end of Bear Glacier. 2017 Freeman Tilden Award Recipients Meet the national and regional winners of the 2017 Freeman Tilden Award; the National Park Service's highest award for excellence in interpretation. Portrait of Hollie Lynch Aurora Borealis: A Brief Overview A brief overview of how Northern Lights occur. two ribbons of greenish light in a dark blue sky, over a very dark forest Practice Safe Bear Spray Use Proper behavior in bear country and understanding bear behavior can help to avoid dangerous situations for people and bears. Bear spray should be used as a last line of defense when dealing with bears- not immediately upon seeing one. This introduction will help cover bear behaviors as well as safe use of bear pepper spray. A black bear stands on a wooden bench. Small Mammals as Indicators of Climate, Biodiversity, and Ecosystem Change This is a time of rapid environmental changes in Alaska. Species that have evolved within tundra habitats over multiple glacial cycles are not only best adapted to high-latitude and high-elevation environments, but may also respond more slowly to change. Studies of small mammal communities could provide valuable insights to larger ecosystem changes. two marmots perched atop a large boulder Unique Features of the Kenai Fjords Coast Kenai Fjords National Park encompasses more than 400 miles of irregular and rugged coastline bordering the Gulf of Alaska. Storm surges, tides, currents, glaciers and tectonic processes create a highly dynamic environment and result in nearly constant changes to the coast. All of these elements work to carve out many caves and coastal features such as arches and sea stacks. These features are incredibly scenic and are a part of the reason that this region is protected. Standing alone, a tall rock stack in Aialik Bay, Kenai Fjords National Park. NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska Each park-specific page in the NPS Geodiversity Atlas provides basic information on the significant geologic features and processes occurring in the park. Links to products from Baseline Geologic and Soil Resources Inventories provide access to maps and reports. [Site Under Development] calving glacier POET Newsletter March 2013 Pacific Ocean Education Team (POET) newsletter from March 2013. Articles include: The Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Summary; Restoring "Plastic Beach" Back to Kamilo Point; Coming to a Beach Near You; and An Unexpected Visitor. dock on beach Harding Ice Cap Camp In the spring of 1970, The Fish House News advertised round trip tickets from Seward to the Harding “Ice Cap” for $15.00 per person. Jackie and Joe Stanton, owners of Harbor Air, and Jim Arness of Nikiski partnered to provide this unique sightseeing experience. Ten Ski-Doos and three Ski-Boose awaited visitors on top of the ice field where they could be rented for $7.00 an hour. Harding Ice Cap warming hut and Ski-Doo line-up, 1970. Sea Star Wasting Disease in Southwest Alaska 2018 Resource brief update on sea star wasting disease in southwest Alaska parks. diseased sea star Sea Otter Monitoring in Southwest Alaska 2018 Resource brief on sea otter monitoring. Sea otters are known as a keystone species, and sea otters dramatically affect the structure and complexity of their environment. Sea otter populations and other nearshore components are monitored in southwest Alaskan parks. sea otter in water Black Oystercatcher Monitoring 2018 Resource brief with findings from black oystercatcher monitoring in southwest Alaska. black oystercatcher Bear Identification There are a combination of characteristics to look for that can help you identify between black and brown bears. Knowing the difference between the two can help you make safe choices in bear country. Brown bear walking down a beach Black Oystercatchers in Kenai Fjords: A Keystone of the Intertidal Zone Black oystercatchers play a vital role in the nearshore ecosystem and a visit to the Kenai Fjords coast wouldn’t be the same without their colorful presence and the sound of their piping call. A monitoring program has provided some insights into their role as a keystone predator in Kenai Fjords; however, studies to date may have limitations and further research is needed. a large black bird with red bill flying over water Physical Hazards Abatement: "Look but Don’t Touch & Stay Out, Stay Alive" Given the historical significance of many mining areas, explosives management and mine closure efforts have been coordinated closely with cultural and natural resource managers to identify the best approaches for mitigating often extreme hazards and protecting public and employee safety with cultural sensitivity. A pile of old, abandoned explosives are left on the ground. A Brief History of Coastal Marine Grant Projects This issue of Alaska Park Science highlights projects funded by the Coastal Marine Grant Program administered by the Ocean Alaska Science and Learning Center. a large tidewater glacier nearly closing off a fjord Seabird Surveys at Kenai Fjords In 1976, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist E.P. Bailey surveyed the southern coastline of the Kenai Peninsula. He documented large concentrations of breeding seabirds, which verified the abundance of wildlife along the Kenai Fjords coastline and supported the establishment of Kenai Fjords National Park. Glaucous-winged gulls on Squab Island in Aialik Bay. Logan Hovis Logan Hovis was a Mining Historian and Blasting Officer for the National Park Service for 27 years, recently retiring in 2012. His role was part of the NPS effort to identify, prioritize, and mitigate potential physical hazards associated with historic mines on Alaska landscapes. A man in a red helmet stands with one hand on his hip and one hand against a rock face. Water Quality Practitioner's Guide Read the abstract and find the link to the article published in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment: Sergeant, C. J., E. N. Starkey, K. K. Bartz, M. H. Wilson, and F. J. Mueter. 2016. A practitioner’s guide for exploring water quality patterns using Principal Components Analysis and Procrustes. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 188(4):1-15. Researchers collecting water quality data. Economics of Wilderness: Contribution of Alaska Parks and Wilderness to the Alaska Economy Looking ahead, it is clear that Alaska’s wilderness ecosystems will become increasingly valuable assets in a crowded urban world. If Alaska’s wild lands, wildlife, and ecological integrity are cared for with respect, the contribution of wilderness and conservation lands to the Alaska economy and to people everywhere will be significant, positive, increasing, and enduring. a large cruise ship on the ocean with snowy mountains in the distance Exit Glacier Floodplain Dynamics Read the abstract and link to the published article on Exit Glacier's floodplain dynamics: Curran, J. H., M. G. Loso, and H. B. Williams. 2017. Glacial conditioning of stream position and flooding in the braid plain of Exit Glacier foreland, Alaska. Geomorphology 293(A):272-288. Aerial view of Exit Glacier. Mary Forgal Lowell As a mixed-heritage woman in the early days of Alaska, Mary Forgal Lowell played a key role in the development of a territory in transition. Two adults and two children pose before a simple log cabin, with a mountain as backdrop. Risk and Recreation in a Glacial Environment: Understanding Glacial Lake Outburst Floods at Bear Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park Glaciers and the landscapes they create are beautiful, dynamic places to experience as a distant observer, skilled adventurer, or inquisitive scientist. They can also be dangerous; ice falls, calvings, collapses, and outburst floods can and do occur without warning. We study and monitor Bear Glacier to better understand hydrological processes leading to glacial lake outburst floods so we can mitigate their impacts. Alaska Park Science 18(1), 2019. A kayak noses into a glacial lake with icebergs. World War II in Alaska This resource guide is designed to aid students and teachers in researching Alaska’s World War II history. Alaska’s role as battlefield, lend-lease transfer station, and North Pacific stronghold was often overlooked by historians in the post-war decades. Few people know that the only World War II battle fought on U.S. soil took place in Alaska or that Japanese forces occupied two Aleutian Islands for more than a year. Soldiers walk down ramp by ship in full gear. Collared Pika Collared pikas are small mammals within the same order as rabbits and hares, and they resemble small rabbits with very short ears and small limbs. Adapted to thrive at high elevations in Alaska, their habitat is at risk -- climate change may drastically change the fragile environment in which they live. tiny gray rabbit-like creature sitting on a rock Arctic Ground Squirrel The largest of the North American ground squirrels, arctic ground squirrels are burrowing rodents that resemble prairie dogs, with small ears, a flat tail, and a white-spotted back. They are very common throughout much of Denali and live mainly in the alpine tundra. two ground squirrels Weather and Climate in Southwest Alaska 2020 Resource brief on weather and climate in southwest Alaska parks. Weather and climate are key physical drivers of ecosystem structure and function. Global climate models indicate that climate change and variability is occurring more rapidly and amplified at higher latitudes. A weather station in Kenai Fjords National Park. Nearshore Ecosystem Response to Deglaciation Glaciers are prominent features of the mountainous coastlines of south central and southeast Alaska. In addition to their obvious effects on terrestrial landscapes, glaciers also input large quantities of ice, freshwater, and sediment into marine ecosystems. This document describes a recent study to understand the effects of deglaciation on these ecosytems. A reseacher reels in a CTD unit from the fjord waters near Kenai Fjords National Park Hoary Marmot Hoary marmots are large rodents that live mainly in alpine areas. Their loud, clear warning calls are a common sound in mountainous regions. closeup of a marmot baby Harmful Algal Toxins in Alaska's Seabirds and Marine Mammals Seabirds and marine mammals along Alaska's coastline have been experiencing unusually large and consistent die-offs for the past several years, in conjunction with warming ocean temperatures. Researchers want to know if harmful algal blooms, typically associated with warmer climates, are playing a role in these deaths. A researcher examines a dead glaucus gull on a beach. Benjamin Pister - Resources Management Team Lead Benjamin Pister is Resources Management Team Lead for Kenai Fjords National Park. Ben Pister takes a selfie as he sets up a GoPro. Southwest Alaska Lichen Inventory 2020 Resource brief on the lichen inventory conducted by the Southwest Alaska Network in Katmai and Lake Clark national parks and preserves and in Kenai Fjords National Park. Over 700 previously undocumented lichen taxa are now recognized across southwestern Alaska parks, representing the largest survey of its kind in the region, as well as one of the largest and most comprehensive lichen inventories in Alaska. Researchers examining lichens in the field. Prey Pulses in a Marine Environment Forage fish serve an important role in our marine environment; these fish serve as prey for many fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. whale fluke in water POET Newsletter September 2012 Pacific Ocean Education Team (POET) newsletter from September 2012. Articles include: Sea Level Rise and Coastal Parks; Fun with Coral Reefs and Climate Change Education; and Climate Change Exhibits From Sea to Rising Sea. people on beach Glacier-fed Rivers and Climate Change in Alaska Parks Not only are most glaciers shrinking, the rate at which they are changing has accelerated over the last 2-3 decades. Over the last century, mid-latitude and arctic glaciers have generally been shrinking, while some in marginal environments have disappeared. This can have a significant impact on the species that live in glacier-fed rivers. a large glacier feeding a braided river POET Newsletter May 2012 Pacific Ocean Education Team (POET) newsletter from May 2012. Articles include: Is the NPS Prepared for Tsunami Debris?; Caring for the Coast in Kenai Fjords; Marine Debris Monitoring; and Tsunami Debris - FAQs. kids cleaning beach A Decade of Bald Eagle Surveys in Southwest Alaska Parks 2020 Resource brief on ten years of monitoring data for bald eagles in southwest Alaska parks and the use of the Delphi technique to evaluate monitoring methods going forward. A mature bald eagle perched on a log on the beach. Conserving pinnipeds in Pacific Ocean parks in response to climate change The evolutionary record from previous climate perturbations indicates that marine mammals are highly vulnerable but also remarkably adaptable to climatic change in coastal ecosystems. Consequently, national parks in the Pacific, from Alaska to Hawaii, are faced with potentially dramatic changes in their marine mammal fauna, especially pinnipeds (seals and sea lions). black harbor seal Alaska Aviation Safety In Alaska, small planes are often the best way to get around but flying has its risks. Aviation safety requires more than just a pilot’s skill–it takes all of us. Learn more about aviation to increase the safety of your next park flight. An NPS pilot in a plane cockpit flying over a turquoise lake The 19th Amendment, Elizabeth Peratrovich, and the Ongoing Fight for Equal Rights In Alaska, women's suffrage passed in 1913—seven years prior to the 19th Amendment—and antidiscrimination legislation passed nearly 20 years prior to the major national civil rights bills of the 1960s. In the 1940s, Elizabeth Peratrovich—a Tlingit woman who was Grand President of the Alaska Native Sisterhood—led the charge to end discrimination against Alaska Natives. gold coin of a raven, a woman's face, and words elizabeth peratrovich anti-discrimination law The Day it Rained Rocks An interdisciplinary team of researchers studies one of the most massive landslide/tsunamis on record in the hopes of increasing understanding of these large-scale events. Photo: Ground Truth Trekking Two geologists looking at landslide deposits Series: Alaska Park Science - Volume 16 Issue: Science in Alaska's Arctic Parks The National Park Service manages five parks that fall partially or entirely within the Arctic tundra biome. These five parks encompass 19.3 million acres of land and constitute approximately 25% of the land area managed by the National Park Service nationwide. These are undeveloped places, with free-flowing rivers and wilderness at a massive scale. a group of muskox running across a field Series: Alaska Park Science - Volume 10 Issue 2: Connections to Natural and Cultural Resource Studies in Alaska’s National Parks In this issue: * Science on the Slopes of Mount McKinley * Brown Bear Activity Patterns in Katmai * Attu, A Lost Village of the Aleutians * Using Scenarios to Prepare for Climate Change ... and more! journal cover showing a brown bear in a field Series: Alaska Park Science - Volume 12 Issue 2: Climate Change in Alaska's National Parks In this issue: * Status and Trends of Alaska National Park Glaciers * Tracking Glacial Landscapes: High School Science Gets Real * Climate Change Scenario Planning Lessons from Alaska a hillside overlooking a wide valley filled by a glacier, surrounded by steep mountains Series: Alaska Park Science - Volume 13 Issue 1: Wilderness in Alaska This issue includes: * Economics of Wilderness * Using Ethics Arguments to Preserve Naturalness * Busing Through the Wilderness: "Near-Wilderness" Experiences in Denali ... and more! mountains reflecting into a calm lake, the words 'alaska park science' Series: Alaska Park Science - Volume 15 Issue 1: Coastal Research Science in Alaska's National Parks This issue focuses on studies occurring in coastal areas throughout national parks in Alaska. Articles include a variety of studies on arctic coastal lagoons, background on a large research project studying coastal brown bears, and more. a brown bear investigating a clam on a beach Series: The Legacy of ANILCA The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act impacts the National Park Service in many ways. ANILCA stipulates the designation of wilderness, subsistence management, transportation in and across parklands, use of cabins, mining, archaeological sites, scientific research studies and more. Two men drag a harvest seal from icy blue waters across frozen ice. Series: Copper River Basin Symposium - Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve February 2020: With a theme of Tradition, Science, and Stewardship, the two-day symposium included keynote speakers, 26 short presentations, and a poster session. A panel discussion delved into opportunities in working with indigenous communities. Ahtna elders provided wisdom in daily welcomes, and there was a presentation by Copper River Stewardship Youth. Topics ranged widely from fisheries to archaeology to geology. As well as sharing knowledge, participants shared meals, stories, and ideas. Copper River Basin Symposium logo by Lindsay and Elvie Series: Alaska Park Science, Volume 18, Issue 1, Understanding and Preparing for Alaska's Geohazards Alaska is the most geologically active part of North America. Much of the awe-inspiring landscapes of Alaska's parks are created by geologic processes. But sometimes, these processes can be hazardous. This issue explores the state of the science to understand geohazards in Alaska national parks. Alaska Park Science 18(1): 2019. A man jumps down a dune of volcanic ash. Series: Alaska Park Science - Volume 14 Issue 2: Birds of Alaska's National Parks This issue includes articles exploring birds throughout national parks in Alaska. Particular emphasis is on the changing ways to study birds, and the increasing importance not just on the summer homes of birds in Alaska, but the routes between their wintering and summer breeding grounds. a great horned own and two large owlets in a nest Series: Alaska Park Science - Volume 11 Issue 2: Science in Southwest Alaska In this issue: * Invasive Species Management * Salmon in a Volcanic Landscape * Archiving Bird Data * and more! cover of Alaska Park Science volume featuring a close-up image of an orange flower Effects Continue from the Pacific Marine Heatwave Effects from the Pacific marine heatwave continue well after the event ended. Marine heatwaves are expected to become more common and widespread as a consequence of climate change. From primary producers to top-level consumers, our studies offer insight as to the varying extent of species’ responses to a wide-scale perturbation. Read the summaries of three recent articles related to marine heatwave impacts and get the links to the published articles. An intertidal rocky area in a calm bay. Mapping and Monitoring Landscape Changes Using Structure from Motion from Aircraft Aerial SfM is an accessible tool for mapping and monitoring landscape changes for a wide range of applications and disciplines across parks in Alaska. The success of the Alaska Region aerial SfM system during the first four years of testing and deployment has demonstrated its value to park mangers to address rapidly changing park landscapes. Alaska Park Science 20(1), 2021 A split image showing two different kinds of remote sensing. Repeat Photography: A Visually Compelling Tool for Documenting Natural Resource Change Repeat photography is an effective method to qualitatively and quantitatively assess landscape change over time. From shrinking glaciers to changing vegetation to changes in the built environment, comparing historical and contemporary photos can help us identify specific features or processes that may require more intensive monitoring and research and can serve as a valuable tool for education, outreach, and resource management. Alaska Park Science 20(1), 2021 A historic photo overlaid on a modern image. Unmanned Aerial Systems as a Tool for Natural Resource Applications The use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is rapidly expanding as a tool for resource management. Employing UAS to collect data can result in more accurate mapping, decreased cost, and increased personnel safety. Applications of UAS in Alaska parks are demonstrating the benefits and defining best practices for its continued and enhanced use. Alaska Park Science 20(1), 2021 A man in orange waders operates a UAS on a rocky coast. Making Sound Decisions Using Bioacoustics in Alaska’s National Parks Animals are continuously immersed in acoustic signals. Acoustic recording devices allow us to extend our sense of hearing to remote places, times, and even frequencies we normally cannot access. By studying the sounds animals make, and the sounds in their environment, we can better understand their conservation needs. Presented here are examples from bats, birds, frogs, and whales. Alaska Park Science 20(1), 2021 A man sets up acoustic recording equipment in the backcountry. Series: Alaska Park Science Volume 20 Issue 1 - Parks as Proving Grounds Parks in Alaska pose special challenges to researchers: they are large, remote, and less is known about them. This makes it all the more important that tools and techniques we use here are practical, effective, and impactful. While researchers often focus on sharing the findings from their work, here we shine a light on the devices and approaches used by researchers with attention to the innovation needed to work in Alaska. Alaska Park Science 20 (1), 2021 A scientist uses a probe on the top of a mountain. Staff Spotlight: Vanessa Torres Meet Vanessa Torres, Program Manager of Interpretation, Education, and Community Engagement for Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park and Waco Mammoth National Monument. Hear her story and advice she has for youth and young adults. Vanessa Torres enjoying a break in the Texas Bluebonnets Bumble Bees of Alaska: A Field Guide This field guide to bumble bees will help you identify these abundant and conspicuous pollinators, which are found across most of Alaska. They are well-adapted to cold, harsh climates and live in every habitat where there are flowers offering up pollen and nectar, including forests, shrublands, tundra, wetlands, riparian areas, beaches, and gardens. a bumble bee perched on tiny pink flowers Series: Pacific Ocean Education Team (POET) Newsletters From 2009 to 2015, the Pacific Ocean Education Team published a series of short newsletters about the health of the ocean at various National Park Service sites in and around the Pacific Ocean. Topics covered included the 2010 tsunami, marine debris, sea star wasting disease, ocean acidification, and more. Ocean waves wash in from the right onto a forested and rocky shoreline. POET Newsletter Summer 2010 Pacific Ocean Education Team (POET) newsletter from Winter 2009. Articles include: Stewardship Without Boundaries: Conserving Our Ocean Ecosystem from Baja to the Bering Sea; A Seamless Network of Parks, Sanctuaries, Refuges & Reserves; Life Entwined with the Sea: The Non-Coastal Park Connection; Take the Plunge into Ocean Stewardship; Nearshore Vertebrates in Four Hawaii Parks; and Ocean Stewardship: A Commitment to Collaboration. Sea stacks rise above ocean waves washing ashore. A wooded ridge rises in the distance. POET Newsletter Winter 2009 Pacific Ocean Education Team (POET) newsletter from Winter 2009. Articles include: Stewardship Without Boundaries: Conserving Our Ocean Ecosystem from Baja to the Bering Sea; A Seamless Network of Parks, Sanctuaries, Refuges & Reserves; Life Entwined with the Sea: The Non-Coastal Park Connection; Engage Visitors in Ocean Park Stewardship; Inventory Map & Protect Ocean Parks; and Ocean Stewardship: A Commitment to Collaboration for Conservation. A color map indicating the depth of the Pacific Ocean floor. Darker blue represents deeper oceans. SeeBird: Fostering the next generation of stewards The Alaska Sealife Center and Seward High School are bringing scientists and students together to monitor seabird populations in and around Kenai Fjords National Park. The project is called SeeBird, and its goal is two-fold: to engage students in real-world science, and to collect meaningful seabird data to support conservation in and around Kenai Fjords National Park. Two students stand on a rocky coastline collecting and recording scientific data. Tackling marine debris in Kenai Fjords National Park Picture a remote, national park coastline off the Gulf of Alaska. Wilderness—surrounded by towering mountains, narrow fjords, steep headlands, and rocky islands. Does your picture contain man-made materials or trash? It probably doesn’t. But should it? A ranger kneels next to a trash bag holding pieces of trash (marine debris) in his hands. Plan Like a Park Ranger - 10 Tips for Visiting Alaska's National Parks Planning a visit to the National Parks of Alaska? Check out our top 10 tips and plan like a park ranger. two people camp next to a glacier Pillow Basalts Pillow basalts are named for the rounded shapes that form when lava cools rapidly underwater. photo of golden gate bridge Mussel Abundance Increased After Sea Star Disease Read a summary and link to the article published about mussel response to the marine heatwave and sea star wasting disease: Traiger, S. B., J. L. Bodkin, H. A. Coletti, B. Ballachey, T. Dean, D. Esler, K. Iken, B. Konar, M. R. Lindberg, D. Monson, B. Robinson, R. M. Suryan, and B. P. Weitzman. 2022. Evidence of increased mussel abundance related to the Pacific marine heatwave and sea star wasting. Marine Ecology : e12715. Close up of blue mussels An Insight into Ice How are glaciers changing in Kenai Fjords National Park? Check out this story map showing repeat photography of glaciers and read the science article published in Glaciology to learn more. Tidewater glacier Intern and Fellow Highlights: Martin Schneider You may have heard of cultural resources, but what exactly does this work entail and what type of work do interns and fellows do? Meet Martin Schneider (he/him), who is the American Conservation Experience (ACE) Cultural Resources Diversity Archaeology Intern at Kenai Fjords National Park. White man an kneeling next to a mine entrance surrounded by nature How sea otters may be impacted by harmful algal blooms Read the abstract and get the link to an article about how to potentially detect impacts of harmful algal blooms in higher-trophic levels of the ecosystems: Bowen, L., S. Knowles, K. Lefebvre, M. St. Martin, M. Murray, K. Kloecker, D. Monson, B. Weitzman, B. Ballachey, H. Coletti, S. Waters, and C. Cummings. 2022. Divergent gene expression profiles in Alaskan sea otters: An indicator of chronic domoic acid exposure? Oceans 3(3): 401-418. A sea otter gets his mouth swabbed for DNA collection. Estuary Landforms Estuaries are buffer zones between river (freshwater) and ocean (saltwater) environments that are affected by tidal oscillations. sunset over wetlands Series: Beach and Coastal Landforms Our national parks contain diverse coastal landforms: high-energy rocky shorelines of Acadia National Park, quiet reef-lagoons within War in the Pacific National Historic Park, and the white sandy beaches of Gulf Islands National Seashore. Coastal landforms are, or have been, affected to some degree by the direct or indirect effects of waves, tides, and currents, and may extend inland for many miles. aerial view of island and reef How Alaskan Marine Ecosystems Responded to a Massive Heatwave A marine heatwave in the North Pacific had widespread, detrimental impacts on ecosystems and species. Why were some more resilient than others? Sea otter floats on its back in blue ocean water Where Furry, Flying Friends Forage In Kenai Fjords National Park, little brown myotis (bats) are known to use conifer forests habitats as well as forage over marine nearshore ecosystems off the coast of protected coves and shorelines. Using sonic detectors, we were able to document bats using different habitat types in the park. A small lake surrounded by forest, bat detector. Determining the diets of black oystercatchers using stable isotope analysis Read a summary and link to the full paper on black oystercatcher foraging, in: Carney, B., D. Tessler, H. Coletti, J. M. Welker, and D. Causey. 2023. Stable isotope-determined diets of Black Oystercatchers Haematopus bachmani in the Northern Gulf of Alaska. Marine Ornithology 51: 123-135. A black oystercatcher forages on an outcrop island. Project Profile: Conduct Removal Action at Beauty Bay Mine in Kenai Fjords National Park The National Park Service will conduct a time sensitive contaminated mining waste removal project that will prevent the contamination of a creek that supports several salmon species in Kenai Fjords National Park. old rusty mining equipment Communicating Science and Inspiring Hope Climate change is a task society must address sooner rather than later. Park interpreters know it’s important to explain the science, the changes happening on the landscape, and the reasons why, but that’s only half their task. They aspire to inspire; to provoke their audiences to care. Societal action is the ultimate measure of success for effective communication. Alaska Park Science 22(1), 2023 A sign reading 2005 marks where the glacier was then, the glacier is now seen in the distance. Series: Reckoning with a Warming Climate The wild lands of Alaska national parks are changing at a rapid pace due to the disproportionate increases in temperature at high latitudes. Climate has fundamentally shaped the landscape of high-latitude parks, but now climate change is redefining them. This collection of articles provides a glimpse of the science related to climate change in the high-latitude parks of Alaska. A golden Arctic landscape looking down from Howard's Pass. Shaping the System Under President Jimmy Carter President Jimmy Carter oversaw one of the largest growths in the National Park System. Explore some of the parks that are part of the legacy of the presidency of Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th president of the United States from January 20, 1977, to January 20, 1981. Historic photo of Jimmy Carter walking through a crowd at Harpers Ferry National Park Service to Address Mine Contamination in Beauty Bay Alaska The National Park Service (NPS) will conduct a time-sensitive mining waste removal project at the Glass-Hefner mine site located in Beauty Bay, Alaska to prevent contamination of a creek that supports several salmon species in Kenai Fjords National Park. A man in an orange raincoat standing at the contamination site. Alaska's Shrinking Glaciers Alaska is one of the most heavily glaciated areas in the world outside of the polar regions. Approximately 23,000 square miles of the state are covered in glaciers—an area nearly the size of West Virginia. Glaciers have shaped much of Alaska’s landscape and continue to influence its lands, waters, and ecosystems. Because of their importance, National Park Service scientists measure glacier change. They found that glaciers are shrinking in area and volume across the state. A close up of the surface of a glacier with ice and rocky morraine. Updated Species Database Will Help Boost Amphibian Conservation Across the National Park System To steward amphibians effectively, managers need basic information about which species live in parks. But species lists need constant maintenance to remain accurate. Due to recent efforts, the National Park Service now has an up-to-date amphibian species checklist for almost 300 parks. This information can serve as the basis for innumerable conservation efforts across the nation. A toad sits on red sand, looking into the camera.

National Parks in Alaska Alaska National Parks Alaska National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Upper Noatak Valley, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve C U H K S I CH BEAUFORT Noatak Noata k Cape Krusenstern 2 r ve River 7 er A IT Kobuk Valley Riv S TR 10 ko Yu uk uk n upi ne Fort Yukon iv e Circle BE RI Koy Bering Land Bridge P o rc Bettles/Evansville C AN AD A AT ES U N IT ED ST NG 12 Kobuk r R i v er 4 Yukon-Charley Rivers Fairbanks Alaska Public Lands Information Center on Tana n iv ver i t na Sus 1 Eagle River Anchorage 1 T LE OK CO Nus ha Dillingham 1 Homer ST O L Yakutat Kenai Fjords Glacier Bay GULF OF ALASKA Juneau Gustavus Katmai Y Sitka Petersburg Hoonah Kodiak Sitka Stra it Port Heiden Skagway Haines DA ES NA TAT CA D S E IT I BR A Klondike Gold Rush Seward King Salmon B Mt. St. Elias 18008ft 5489m Cordova UN SEA K WrangellSaint Elias C ha BERING KO 9 4 tham S KU W Soldotna 1 Valdez McCarthy IN Rive r Y B A Iliamna k ga Chitina er Prince William Sound Kenai Lake Clark Nabesna Gulkana Palmer Bethel IM River Ku sko kw im Glennallen 5 2 1 Slana 3 13 Alaska Public Lands Information Center Tok 8 River 8 5 Ri 4 Mt. McKinley 20320ft 6194m Alaska Public Lands Information Center a 2 McKinley Park Denali R Eagle 2 3 er Yu k NORTON SOUND Alaska’s immense size can make travel to and through the state challenging. Some planning is necessary. Just getting to Alaska can be an adventure involving travel by air, highway, and sea. Commercial airlines serve Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and other towns, while cruise ships ply Alaska’s southeastern waters through the Inside Passage. The Alaska Marine Highway transports people and vehicles on ferries from the Lower 48 to towns in Southeast Alaska and between points in Southcentral Alaska. The Alaska Highway, paved in Alaska and most of Canada, is open and maintained year-round. It extends 1500 miles from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Fairbanks, Alaska, and provides a land link with roads to the south. Subsistence hunting, fshing and gathering by rural Alaskans continues on many park lands here. These customary and traditional uses of wild renewable resources are for direct personal or family consumption. Local residency and customary reliance on these uses determines eligibility for continued subsistence uses on national park lands. 6 2 Nome Copp S IA S S TAT E U R S ED IT UN Uses of Park Lands: Many national park lands in Alaska are designated as national preserves.This designation allows for uses not typical in national parks or national monuments in the continental United States. Within these preserves, sport hunting and trapping are permitted subject to state fsh and game laws, seasons, and bag limits; and to federal laws and regulations. Gates of the Arctic 11 Kotzebue Private Lands: Privately owned lands are located within and next to park boundaries throughout Alaska. These private lands are not open to public use or travel without permission from the owners. Check with park staff to determine the location of private lands and public easements. Unauthorized use or travel across private lands could be deemed criminal trespass. 6 9 KOTZEBUE SOUND SEA Anaktuvuk Pass Rive r Travel Tips Once in Alaska, you may have several options for travel to the park lands. Unlike most National Park Service areas in the Lower 48, most in Alaska are not accessible by road. Scheduled air service to towns and villages will put you within air-taxi distance of most of these hard-to-reach parks. Experiencing Alaska’s more remote treasures can require signifcant time, effort, and money and may involve air or boat charters, rafts, kayaks, and hiking. See the back of this brochure for access information for individual parks. Inupiat Heritage Center EA R For information about individual parks, contact them directly (see back of this brochure) or visit the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov/akso/index.cfm. For information about national parks or other public lands in Alaska, visit or contact the Alaska Public Lands Information Centers in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Ketchikan, and Tok, or visit their homepage at www.AlaskaCenters.gov. • Anchorage: 605 West Fourth Avenue, Anchorage, AK 995012248, 907-644-3661 or 866-869-6887 • Fairbanks: Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, 101 Dunkel Street, Suite 110, Fairbanks, AK 99701-4848, 907-459-3730 or 866-869-6887 • Ketchikan: Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, 50 Main Street, Ketchikan, AK 99901-6659, 907-228-6220 • Tok: P.O. Box 359, Tok, AK 99780-0359, 907-883-5667 or 888-256-6784. Tourist information is available from the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, P.O. Box 110804, Juneau, AK 99811-0804, www.travelalaska.com. For information about ferry or railroad travel in Alaska, contact: • Alaska Marine Highw

National Parks in Alaska Map National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior