Gates of the Arctic Wilderness, AK. Photo by Fran Mauer.


Good news for Gates of the Arctic Wilderness

Wilderness Watch is pleased to announce that the Gates of the Arctic Wilderness will remain unscathed by ATV use for another year. The threat to the Wilderness came in July, when the National Park Service (NPS) drafted an Environmental Assessment (EA) considering an individual’s request for motorized access across the Gates of the Arctic Wilderness to his 160-acre Native allotment. The inholder stated that the access would be for the purpose of tent maintenance, trash removal, and subsistence use. Though the permit would provide for temporary access, the applicant stated that if the route proved convenient, he would apply for a permanent right-of-way.

Tipped off by a vigilant member, Wilderness Watch challenged the NPS’ Environmental Assessment on several points. We argued that the EA failed to consider alternative forms of access, for though access to inholdings in Alaska is assured by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), the route and mode of travel is regulated by managing agencies. Agencies are required to consider all "adequate and feasible" alternative forms of access to the one proposed. Unfortunately, the NPS only considered the inholder’s request to drive two 8-wheeled, 1200 lb ATVs called ARGOs 14 miles across the fragile tundra. Since the NPS had already planned to fly the inholder along route to gain a better understanding of the proposed access, Wilderness Watch suggested that the NPS share in the costs of chartering a plane to transport the inholder to the allotment.

Wilderness Watch further argued that the NPS’ Assessment failed to consider the cumulative impacts of the proposed access. Even though the inholder sought temporary access, there is high potential that a significant and permanent black scar would be created across this remote and wild region. Furthermore, as there are numerous other inholdings in Wilderness units across Alaska, the possible approval of high-impact ATV access would set a dangerous precedent.

As a result of the compelling arguments presented to the National Park Service, a notice was issued in September that the NPS will revise the EA. Due to the snowfall in Gates of the Arctic National Park, travel by ATV will not be possible for another 7 months to a year. The park is attempting to contact the applicant to discuss other options, including the possibility of acquiring the inholding. If the applicant refuses to consider other options, then the park will begin revision of the EA to evaluate a wider range of alternatives and consider the new information provided in public scoping comments.

Designated in 1980 by ANILCA, Gates of the Arctic Wilderness encompasses 7.25 million acres across the Brooks Range in northern Alaska. One of our last unspoiled places, Gates of the Arctic is without a single mile of developed trail or any trailhead signs. Home to many creatures, including Dall sheep, wolves, moose, caribou, and bears, the park was designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 1984.