Katmai NP To Implement Permit Pilot System For Brooks River Corridor

The following is courtesy of Katmai National Park and Preserve:

KING SALMON, Alaska ––This summer Katmai National Park will pilot a permit system for the Brooks River Corridor (within the Brooks Camp Developed Area). This corridor includes the river itself and 50 yards from the water on either side along the banks of the river.  This does not include trails, boardwalks, or wildlife viewing platforms.  Permits will be needed to access the Brooks River Corridor from July 1 until October 31 when the salmon are spawning.  Each permit will be valid for 7 days with a maximum group size of 6 individuals. Permits are free but there is a $6 booking fee that will be charged.  Commercial Users and Visitors will be able to obtain permits before arriving to the Brooks River on www.recreation.gov.  Interested parties can reserve their permits online beginning June 28.  

The Brooks River Corridor is used primarily for fishing, bear viewing and photography and the intent is that the introduction of this new permit system will ensure a safer and more compliant experience for visitors using the river. Currently, there is unregulated use and unlimited access to this area. The permit system will also serve as an integral planning and management tool to enhance visitor safety, compliance, and resource protection. The new permit system would build on other actions taken to manage the Brooks River Corridor within the park’s 1987 General Management Plan (GMP).  

The Brooks River is an important food source for the Alaskan brown bear. Bear populations and human presence has been steadily increasing to levels that pose an inherent risk to visitor and resource safety.