Wrangell-St. Elias National Park 

Subsistence Resource Commission

Meeting Materials

Spring 2024

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

PO Box 439/Mile 106.8 Richardson Highway 

Copper Center AK 99573 

wrst_subsistence@nps.gov 

(907) 822-5234
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Subsistence Resource Commission

Meeting Materials

Spring 2024

Table of Contents

Procedure for Consideration of Proposals .................................. Back of Table of Contents 

Agenda ............................................................................................................................... 1 

Draft Minutes from September 27-28, 2023, Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting ............... 4 

Wrangell-St. Elias Subsistence Resource Commission Roster ........................................ 22 

Proposed Changes 2024 Wrangell-St. Elias Superintendent’s Compendium ...................23 

Report from Working Group on Subsistence Log Harvest Policy and 

Use of Small Bridges for Subsistence Access .................................................Supplemental 

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Research Priorities Circa 2016 .................................................. 28 

Federal Subsistence Board Special Action Request Flyer ................................................ 29 

Reply to Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Request for Nelchina Caribou 804 Analysis ............... 31 

Wrangell-St. Elias Fisheries Report .................................................................................. 33 

How to Change Federal Subsistence Regulations ............................................................ 40 

Call for Proposals Alaska Board of Fisheries ................................................................... 43 

New Project Funding to Address Critical Food Security Needs ......................Supplemental 

Wrangell-St. Elias Copper River Salmon Fisheries Research Report .............................. 45 

Wrangell-St. Elias Wildlife Report ................................................................................... 50 

Wrangell-St. Elias Subsistence and Anthropology Report .............................................. 55 

Wrangell-St. Elias Interpretation, Education, and Public Affairs Update ....................... 59 

Fall 2024 Regional Advisory Council Meeting Calendar................................................. 61 
Procedure for Consideration of Proposals0F

1

1. Introduction and presentation of proposal/analysis

• SRC members can ask questions, but discussion comes later (after a motion).

2. Summary of any written public/SRC/RAC/AC comments

3. Public/advisory group/agency testimony

4. SRC recommendation

A. A motion is required for the SRC to take up a proposal for formal recommendation:

• Motion should be stated in the positive to avoid confusion (“I move to support ____.”)

o If the choice exists, the motion should specify whether support is for the proposal “as

written” or “as modified by OSM.”

o The main motion could be to support a modified version of the proposal (“I move to

support Proposal ## with modification to _________________.”)

• Motion must be seconded before discussion takes place.

B. Any modifications/amendments to the main motion – even friendly ones – also need to be in

the form of a motion and follow the same process of a second and a vote.

• Voting on friendly amendments can take place by unanimous consent1F

2

. 

C. SRC Discussion/Justification – the Chair states: “It has been moved and seconded to [restate

motion]. Is there any discussion?”

• Only SRC members may participate in the discussion once a motion is on the floor.

• Discussion should include a justification for supporting/opposing the motion/proposal:

o Is there a conservation concern? How will the recommendation address the concern?

o Is the recommendation supported by substantial evidence such as biological

information and traditional ecological knowledge?

o Will the recommendation be beneficial or detrimental to subsistence needs and users?

5. Final action

• An SRC member calls for the question. In which case, the Chair should confirm that there are

no objections or unanswered questions before moving on to the vote.

o Or the Chair can say: “If there is no further discussion, the question is in order.”

• The Chair restates the final motion, then holds the vote – “The motion before us is [state

motion]. All in favor say I (or raise hand). All opposed, same sign (or say nay). Are there any

abstentions2F

3

?”

o Votes can be done by roll call if the vote appears close.

o A simple majority vote (more than half) of those voting is required for a motion to pass.

 Tied votes fail.

 Abstentions do not factor into the vote count.

1 The same general principles of motion, second, discussion, and voting also apply to other SRC actions.

2

 Unanimous Consent: On routine matters such as “friendly amendments,” adopting an agenda or an 

election with a single candidate, voting can take place through “unanimous consent.” In this case, the 

Chair may state "I am going to ask for unanimous consent. If there is no objection, the motion will be 

adopted.” [Followed by a pause to allow anyone to object.] If there is no objection, the Chair then states 

“Since there is no objection, the motion is adopted." Silence signals agreement. If someone objects, they 

only need to state, “I object,” and a vote will be held. 

3

 Abstentions: To abstain is to refrain from voting. For example, if someone lacks knowledge of the topic 

(e.g., minutes from a prior meeting the member did not attend) or has a conflict of interest. 
WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS NATIONAL PARK

SUBSISTENCE RESOURCE COMMISSION MEETING

AGENDA

March 14-15, 2024 

Buster Gene Memorial Hall in Gakona, Alaska, 

and by Teleconference

Teleconference information: 

• Toll free number: (866) 541-9494

• Participant Code: 7848787#

• Please mute your phone when not speaking. If your phone doesn’t have a mute button, you

can mute and unmute yourself using “*6”.

• Please do not put your phone on hold while called into the teleconference. The hold music is

highly disruptive. If you need to take another call, please hang up and then call back in.

• If you get disconnected or have a bad connection, please hang up and call back in.

Public Comments: Public comments are welcome on action items under Old and New Business 

as well as during the general Public Comment period at the end of the meeting. The Commission 

appreciates hearing your concerns and knowledge. Please wait to be recognized by the SRC 

Chair before speaking. Time limits may be set to provide opportunity for all to testify and keep 

the meeting on schedule. 

The meeting will be recorded for the official record.

The Superintendent of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and the Chair of the Subsistence 

Resource Commission (SRC) announce a forthcoming meeting of the Commission. 

*Asterisk identifies action item.

The following agenda items will be discussed: 

1) Call to order (Chair)

2) SRC roll call and confirmation of quorum (Coordinator)

3) Introduction of Commission members, staff, and guests (Chair)

4) Housekeeping announcements (Coordinator)

5) Review and adoption of agenda* (Chair)

6) Review and approval of minutes from September 27-28, 2023, meeting* (Chair)

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7) Superintendent's welcome and review of the Commission purpose (Superintendent)

8) Commission membership status (Coordinator)

9) Election of officers*

a) Chair (Coordinator)

b) Vice Chair (Chair)

10) SRC Chair and Members’ reports

a) Chair’s report

b) SRC member reports

11) Superintendent’s report (Superintendent)

12) Old business

a) Report on SRC Chairs workshop (Chair)

b) Superintendent’s Compendium entry regarding resident zone boundaries*

i) Introduction (Coordinator)

ii) Report from working group on resident zone boundaries

iii) Opportunity for public input

iv) SRC discussion and recommendation

c) Report from working group on Subsistence Log Harvest Policy and use of small bridges

for subsistence access

d) Update regarding for SRC research and management priorities

i) Discussion of next steps (Pister)

ii) Report on NPS Fire Management Program (Devcich)

e) Update on caribou working group (Pister)

f) Wildlife special action discussion (Coordinator)

i) Timely wildlife updates applicable to Nelchina Caribou and Unit 12 Moose

ii) Season extension or delegation of authority to Refuge Manager to extend fall moose

hunt in Unit 12 – that portion within the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge and those

lands within the Wrangell-St. Elias National Preserve north and east of the Pickerel

Lake Winter Trail

iii) Combine Nelchina caribou herd proposal with request for ANILCA 804 analysis

13) New business

a) Timely fisheries updates

i) Wrangell-St. Elias (Sarafin)

ii) ADF&G (Somerville)

b) Call for proposals to change federal subsistence fishing regulations*

i) Introduction (Sarafin)

ii) Opportunity for public input

iii) SRC discussion of potential proposal submissions

c) Call for proposals to change State of Alaska fishing regulations for the Prince William

Sound Area*

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i) Introduction (Miller)

ii) Opportunity for public input

iii) SRC discussion of potential proposal submissions

d) New project funding to address critical food security needs*

i) Project overview (Cellarius)

ii) Opportunity for public input

iii) SRC discussion of project ideas

e) Resident zone community request from Tolsona

14) Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve and NPS Alaska Regional Office staff reports

a) Resource Stewardship and Science report (Pister)

b) Copper River salmon fisheries research report (Miller)

c) Wildlife report (Cutting)

d) Subsistence/anthropology report (Cohen)

e) NPS Alaska Region Subsistence Program report

f) Interpretation and Education report (Wittmer/Scribner)

15) Public comments on non-agenda items

16) Other reports (Time limit of 10 minutes unless approved in advance)

a) Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission

b) Alaska Department of Fish and Game

c) Bureau of Land Management

d) Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge

17) Letter of recommendation to Governor and Secretary* (Chair)

18) Work session (comment on issues, prepare letters, etc.) (Chair)

19) Set tentative date and location for next SRC meeting* (Coordinator)

20) Adjourn meeting* (Chair)

DATE: March 14-15, 2024. 

TIME: 9 AM to 5 PM (or until business is completed) on March 14 and 9 AM until business is 

completed on March 15. If the SRC completes its business on March 14, no meeting will take 

place on March 15. 

LOCATION: Buster Gene Memorial Hall, Mile 4.8, Tok Cutoff, Gakona, Alaska and by 

teleconference.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Barbara Cellarius, Subsistence Coordinator, Wrangell-St. 

Elias National Park and Preserve, P.O. Box 439, Copper Center, Alaska 99573. Phone (907) 822-

7236. WRST_subsistence@nps.gov 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Subsistence Resource Commission is authorized 

under Title VIII, Section 808, of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Pub. L. 

96-487, and operates in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

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Disclaimer: These minutes of the Subsistence Resource Commission for Wrangell-St. Elias 

National Park are NOT an official transcript of the Commission proceedings. Rather, the 

minutes serve as a summary of the topics discussed and actions taken by the Commission and as 

an index to the audio recording of the meeting. The official record of the Commission 

proceedings is the audio recording. 

DRAFT MINUTES

Certified for accuracy by SRC Chair Sue Entsminger

WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS SUBSISTENCE RESOURCE COMMISSION

September 27-28, 2023 

Copper Center, Alaska

With additional teleconference

1) Call to order: Sue Entsminger, the SRC chair, called the meeting to order at 9:02 A.M.

2) SRC roll call and confirmation of quorum: Present were Dan Stevens, Sue Entsminger,

Suzanne McCarthy, Mike Cronk, Kaleb Rowland, Gloria Stickwan, and Clint Marshall.

Absent: Daryl James. The coordinator reported that Don Horrell had resigned as of 9/26/23.

A quorum of members was present.

3) Introduction of Commission members, staff, and guests:

SRC members: Dan Stevens, Sue Entsminger, Gloria Stickwan, Suzanne McCarthy, Kaleb

Rowland, Mike Cronk, Clint Marshall

NPS staff: Victoria Florey (AKRO), Eva Patton (AKRO), Ben Bobowski, Dave Sarafin, Kyle

Cutting, Mark Miller, Barbara Cellarius, Amber Cohen, Russ Scribner, Ann Crow, Jan

Maslen (all from WRST)

Other state or federal agency staff: Heidi Hatcher (ADF&G-Glennallen), Jeff Gross

(ADF&G-Tok) Mark Sommerville (ADF&G-Glennallen), Caroline Ketron (BLMGlennallen), Leanne McDonald (BLM-Glennallen), Brent Jamison (FWS-Tetlin Refuge)

Tribal government or tribal organization representatives: Kelsey Stanbro (AITRC), David

Hooper (AITRC), Deanna Kosbruk (AITRC), Jim Simon (AITRC), Dan Gorze (AITRC),

Sterling Spilinek (AITRC), Sarah Devins (Native Village of Kluti-Kaah), Edward GreyBear

(Ahtna, Inc.)

Members of the public: Craig and Ellen Cutting (Iowa), Faye Ewan (Copper Center), Becky

Schwanke (Tazlina), Michael Rego (Nabesna), Jeremy Mischler (Chitina)

4) Housekeeping announcements: Barbara Cellarius gave instructions for participating in the

teleconference and the in-person meeting. She reminded the SRC about the procedure for

making motions and voting. AK Geographic, a nonprofit, provided funding for food at the

meeting.

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5) Review and adoption of agenda: Kaleb Rowland moved to adopt the agenda as written,

which was seconded by Dan Stevens. Sue Entsminger mentioned a caribou working group,

but did not add it to the agenda. Sue Entsminger asked for unanimous consent. Hearing no

objections, the motion passed by unanimous consent.

6) Review and approval of minutes from February 23, 2023 meeting: Kaleb Rowland

moved to adopt the minutes as written, which was seconded by Dan Stevens. Sue Entsminger

asked for unanimous consent. Hearing no objections, the motion passed by unanimous

consent.

7) Superintendent's welcome and review of the Commission purpose: Superintendent Ben

Bobowski reviewed the commission purpose. He welcomed the commission members,

thanked them for their time and attendance, and welcomed staff and other colleagues to the

meeting.

8) Commission membership status:

Member Name: Community: Appointing Source: Term Expires: 

Mike Cronk Tok Secretary of Interior 1/15/2024 

Clint Marshall Tazlina Secretary of Interior 6/28/2026 

Dan Stevens Chitina Secretary of Interior 3/28/2026 

Kaleb Rowland McCarthy Governor 12/01/2023 

Suzanne McCarthy Gakona Governor 12/01/2024 

VACANT N/A Governor N/A

Gloria Stickwan Tazlina Southcentral RAC 11/04/2023 

Daryl James Yakutat Southeast RAC 10/27/2025 

Sue Entsminger Mentasta Pass Eastern Interior RAC 11/04/2024 

As of 9/26/23, Don Horrell resigned from the SRC. 

9) SRC Chair and Members’ reports

a) SRC member reports:

Suzanne McCarthy recommended that the SRC and the park commemorate Don Horrell’s 

long service on the SRC. She mentioned that she heard things were changing, especially 

during moose season, and that hunting areas were empty since the caribou closed. 

Mike Cronk stated that not many people harvested moose the past couple of years. Only two 

people in Northway shot a moose last or this year. He is going to suggest extending the 

moose season in Tetlin Refuge to September 30. Although Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge 

issued an emergency opening that went into October, he did not want to shoot moose that late 

in the year. 

Gloria Stickwan said that fishing was good towards the end of the season. Not many people 

were harvesting moose. Some people went out every day and did not find anything shootable. 

She will attend the Southcentral RAC meeting, pending a government shutdown. 

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Kaleb Rowland stated there had an explosion in the grizzly population in the McCarthy 

area. A local pilot said they saw sows with two or three cubs each, but almost no bears with 

one cub. Harsh winters impacted the moose and bison populations up the Chitina River. 

Dan Stevens recommended that the SRC and the park commemorate Don Horrell. He 

reported the Copper River was really high in the Chitina area, which made fishing difficult. 

There was no wild game in the Chitina area. 

Clint Marshall said that moose hunting was occurring later than usual. He reported that he 

lost his fish wheel last year and was in the process of building a new one. It had been difficult 

to maintain a fish wheel with the high water.

Sue Entsminger went out sheep and moose hunting. She noted the sheep population was 

down in the Tok area. She estimated about 20 percent of the population that might had been 

there. She guided hunters in bear hunting and had no issue getting a bear over bait. She 

noticed that frost came on September 1st and prolonged the end of fall. Bad winters had been 

affecting the wildlife.

10) Superintendent’s report: Ben Bobowski thanked the outgoing SRC members on their years

of service. He shared an overview of the visits from the Director and Associate Directors of

the National Park Service that included an emphasis on subsistence and food security. He

updated the SRC on staffing changes. Mark Miller will serve as the park’s ecologist and

Benjamin Pister is the new Team Lead for Resource Stewardship and Science. He also

reported on Inflation Reduction Act funding that the park received.

Gloria Stickwan mentioned Robert Marshall as a highly respected Ahtna elder and SRC

member. Suzanne McCarthy and Dan Stevens agreed on the importance of recognizing

Robert Marshall.

11) Old business

a) Report on 2023 Joint North American Caribou Workshop and Arctic Ungulate

Conference in Anchorage, May 8-12, 2023: Barbara explained then when none of the

SRC members were available to attend the conference, the park reached out to a couple

of local residents who regularly participate in SRC meetings about attending, and Edward

GreyBear accepted the invitation. Edward gave the report on his experience in which he

highlighted topics of interest, including population estimates and monitoring, seasonal

diets of moose, habitat restoration, harvest management, diseases and parasites, and comanagement strategies. At the conference’s poster session, there were 80 posters. He

thanked Maniilaq and the Subsistence Advisory Council for funding his travel.

b) Compendium update: Barbara Cellarius gave an update on the Superintendent’s

Compendium, which is a written compilation of closures, permit requirements, and other

authorizations and restrictions adopted under discretionary authority found in federal

regulations. Because the spring SRC meeting typically takes place after the comment

period for the compendium, a preview of possible changes is provided at the fall SRC

meeting. The only subsistence-related change being considered would clarify the external

borders of the park's resident zone in three locations. The resident zone is used to

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establish eligibility to harvest subsistence resources in the national park, and the proposed 

change would clarify the boundaries for the communities of Gakona/Gakona Junction, 

Tonsina, and Glennallen. Having the external boundaries in writing would improve 

transparency in terms of subsistence eligibility for the public and for the park staff who 

issue permits. The proposed compendium entry would clarify the northern boundary of 

Gakona/Gakona Junction, the southern boundary of Tonsina, and the western boundary 

of Glennallen. The park is proposing to use the census designated place (CDP)

boundaries. Tolsona, a community west of Glennallen, submitted a request for resident

zone community status in 1999 but did not provide the information that was requested in 

response to its initial request, so the issue was never resolved. The option is still open for 

other communities to apply for resident zone community status. 

Suzanne McCarthy did not support excluding community members from places nearby, 

such as Tolsona Lake, and asked if there was a biological concern. Barbara Cellarius 

clarified it was an eligibility issue. Suzanne McCarthy proposed establishing a working 

group to give the SRC more time to look into resident zone boundaries. Gloria Stickwan 

recommended including a representative from AITRC on the working group. 

Suzanne McCarthy made a motion to create a working group to look at the external 

boundaries. Mike Cronk seconded the motion. Gloria Stickwan reiterated having AITRC 

involved, which Dan Stevens supported. Sue Entsminger asked for unanimous consent. 

Hearing no objections, the motion passed by unanimous consent. 

The working group members are Clint Marshall, Suzanne McCarthy, Dan Stevens, Sue 

Entsminger, and a representative from AITRC.

b) Update regarding working group on Subsistence Log Harvest Policy and use of

small bridges for subsistence access: Barbara Cellarius gave a brief update on the

working group. It met via teleconference to develop recommendations. The group

planned to meet a second time directly after this SRC meeting. Working group members

are Suzanne McCarthy, Kaleb Rowland, Gloria Stickwan, and Sue Entsminger.

c) RFR22-01: Reconsideration of FP21-10, Lower Copper River Fishery: Dave Sarafin

gave a summary of the OSM analysis of the request for reconsideration. The Lower

Copper River Fishery, at the time of the SRC meeting, had 70 permits issued with 176

sockeye and 4 Chinook salmon harvested. At their February meeting, the Federal

Subsistence Board voted to move forward with a full analysis under claim 4.1, that there

may have been an erroneous interpretation of information regarding the estimated impact

and popularity of/ participation in a new Federal subsistence fishery. OSM recommended

opposing the request to reconsider FP21-10. Dave noted that the OSM staff analysis used

the best available information about current harvest levels, harvest practices, and

potential participants to estimate the possible harvest from this fishery. OSM staff

presented this information at meetings and were available to answer questions.

Questions were asked about gear for fishery, number of fish harvested, and how many

people participated. Gloria Stickwan asked about customary and traditional use (C&T)

determination. The concern was the public meeting process did not include clear

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information that the C&T was for all of the Prince William Sound area and not just 

Cordova. Dave Sarafin explained that due to the distance and logistics needed to fish, 

primarily Cordova residents would use the fishery. The OSM analysis estimated that 

2,000 fish would be harvested annually, and after the past season, the number was far 

below the estimate. 

Suzanne McCarthy asked what the proponents had thought about the RFR. Dave 

suspected that they would believe the harvest opportunity was needed for Cordova 

residents. Kaleb Rowland asked how the fishery was under federal jurisdiction. Dave 

Sarafin explained the park had a delegation of authority of in-season management of the 

drainage because they manage the Copper River run as a whole in-river. Barbara 

Cellarius added that the Sturgeon decision would not interfere with federal subsistence 

and so the harvest area was considered federal waters in terms of having a federal 

subsistence fishery because they are within Chugach National Forest. Dan Stevens 

mentioned that he had been to Cordova and that due to the effort required to get to the 

fishery location, he did not anticipate many people trying to fish in that fishery. Mike 

Cronk said the management problem in Alaska was determining who managed what. 

Clint Marshall was opposed to the fishery due to concern upriver about the salmon runs 

and that Cordova residents had other means for harvesting fish. 

Jim Simon, a consultant with AITRC, clarified that the question being considered by the 

Federal Subsistence Board was whether it should reconsider its decision to establish the 

new fishery. He then explained that the request for reconsideration had been submitted by 

an AITRC-member and outlined several technical concerns with the original proposal 

analysis. The only claim that this current analysis addresses is the continued 

characterization that only Cordova residents have C&T, which is not correct. The C&T is 

for all areas of Prince William Sound. The request for reconsideration wanted to make 

sure that people knew exactly what they were voting on, and it was unclear that this 

fishery would also be open to other community residents. 

Clint Marshall made a motion to support RFR22-01. Dan Stevens seconded the motion. 

Clint expressed concerns about fishing opportunities further upstream plus people in the 

Cordova area have other fishing opportunities. He also referenced AITRC’s comments. 

Mike Cronk agreed that getting fish up the river was important and supported the 

reconsideration. Suzanne McCarthy opposed the motion because the low numbers of 

participants and fish harvested did not impact resources. Kaleb Rowland agreed with 

Suzanne McCarthy that harvesters were catching a small percentage of what was 

forecasted. 

The motion passed with a 4-2 vote and one abstention by a roll call vote. Gloria Stickwan 

abstained because she had questions about the C&T, in particular, whether a place such 

as Whittier had C&T, and if it would mean more fishing in the fishery. 

d) Revised delegation of authority letter to Wrangell St. Elias Superintendent for

Copper River drainage fisheries: Dave Sarafin summarized the revised delegation of

authority which was received on August 2. The most significant change was the authority

to issue temporary special actions. Previously, the Superintendent had authority for

emergency special actions that were limited to 60 days. Temporary special actions may

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exceed 60 days and may continue through the current regulatory cycle. In addition, the 

revised scope of authority limited the Superintendent’s ability to set permit conditions for 

taking freshwater fish. Setting those conditions would have to go through the Federal 

Subsistence Board. 

Suzanne McCarthy asked about the Gulkana River. Dave Sarafin explained the Gulkana 

Wild and Scenic River corridor was under the in-season authority delegated to park 

superintendent. Issuing subsistence permits for freshwater fish is on a rare, case-by-case 

basis. A past park staff member used to request grayling permits to take youth 

subsistence fishing, but in general, these requests were rare. 

Dave Sarafin said that if specific permits conditions were not set, it would be open to any 

gear type and any harvest limit. Federal subsistence regulations allow for subsistence 

harvests of freshwater fish in the park, but because state sport fishing is allowed in the 

park, there was not much incentive for harvesters to request a subsistence permit. He was 

working with the Office of Subsistence Management to understand the park’s ability to 

issue permits for freshwater fish, and this agenda item was to put the revised letter on the 

SRC’s radar. 

e) Chisana Caribou Herd Management Plan update: Barbara Cellarius explained that the

Chisana herd is primarily in the northeast portion of the park on Unit 12. The herd ranges

across international boundaries and multiple jurisdictions. A working group comprised of

entities with management authorities in their respective jurisdiction is currently in the

process of renewing and updating the plan which was finalized in 2012. The primary

changes were a strengthened commitment to monitoring, a new decision-making

framework for harvest management that retained a cautious approach to allow for harvest

opportunity as well as a clarified harvest decision-making process, a new strategy to

avoid incidental harvest of the Chisana caribou herd if targeting other herds and

consolidated content regarding commitments to increasing knowledge about habitat,

climate, and predator influences. The management objectives included regularly

monitoring the herd size, composition, and location, and cooperatively managing harvest

to maintain a stable or increasing population.

Gloria Stickwan asked whether AITRC was involved. Barbara Cellarius said that the

Yukon management agencies were working on the draft, but AITRC will be included in

the outreach once the draft was ready to review. Gloria Stickwan said that because of

AITRC’s Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Interior, AITRC

should be part of the group working on the draft. Barbara Cellarius explained that the

working group members are government bodies with management authority over the

herd.

There was a conversation about predator control. Barbara Cellarius explained each

agency had their own policy on predator management, and the goal for the plan was to

share knowledge.

Gloria Stickwan made a motion to support the harvest-management related changes to the

plan: a strengthened commitment to monitoring, a new decision-making framework for

Page 9
harvest management and a new strategy to avoid incidental harvest of Chisana caribou 

when targeting other herds. Kaleb Rowland seconded. Kaleb Rowland asked about the 

renewed commitment to monitoring. Mark Miller responded that it would provide more 

details around methodology and develop an analytical framework to determine herd 

trend. Mike Cronk commented he supported the changes in the plan, but was concerned 

that without predator control, they would just monitor the herd. Sue Entsminger said 

managers should come up with new ideas to target predators, such as trapping. 

Jim Simon, a consultant with AITRC, gave a public comment that the MOA between 

AITRC and DOI identified wildlife management planning as one of the partnership 

opportunities. AITRC would fully engage in reviewing the draft plan and bring 

comments to the Board of Game and the Federal Subsistence Board. 

The motion passed by unanimous consent. 

12) New Business:

a) Timely wildlife updates

i. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve: Kyle Cutting, the wildlife

biologist for WRST, gave the wildlife report. The previous fall, staff deployed

seventeen new GPS collars on Mentasta caribou. Combined with four collared

from prior years, a total of twenty-one total caribou had been collared. Population

surveys were conducted in June to count group size and to help inform

discussions about the may-be announced hunt. Due to weather conditions, staff

only was able to go out for two half days. From the June survey, they counted 45

percent fewer adult Mentasta caribou from 2021 survey, which was 38 percent

fewer caribou than from the previous five years. This decline matched the trend of

other neighboring caribou herds. Some of the Mentasta individuals moved west to

the Nelchina caribou herd.

For the Chisana caribou herd, the first population survey in ten years was

conducted, which revealed the herd was relatively stable. There were fourteen

GPS collared animals and eighteen animals with VHF collars. Those marked

individuals were used to perform composition and population surveys. There was

a discussion with Jeff Gross in Tok and counterparts in the Yukon about doing a

composition survey in the first part of October. The Chisana calf-cow ratio and

bull-cow ratios were above the management objectives for allowing harvest.

Dall sheep survey work was conducted in the summer 2023. They collaborated

with ADFG and other Park Service staff in two survey techniques in July. The

first was a minimum count survey in the eastern Mentasta Mountains. Ten full

curl legal rams were counted, roughly a 73 percent drop since previous survey in

2018. There was a 43 percent decline in sublegal rams, and ewe-like sheep and

lambs were down 50 to 60 percent. The second technique was distance sampling

where they survived 170 km of transects. The survey revealed a 40 to 60 percent

drop in adult sheep. An upcoming moose survey will cover the Nabesna Road

area in GMU 12.

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Sue Entsminger asked about the length of time between surveys. Kyle said the last 

sheep survey had been in 2018. Mike Cronk emphasized the importance of good 

survey work to understand the populations of subsistence resources. 

ii. Alaska Fish and Game: Heidi Hatcher, the wildlife biologist for ADF&G in

Glennallen, reported that winters had been tough on the Nelchina caribou herd.

During the winter of 2021-2022, a third of the collared cows had died. In the

winter of 2022-2023, the remaining collared cows died. Only 2 of the 15 collared

calves survived. The Nelchina caribou herd has three missing cohorts: 2021,

2022, and 2023, which will affect herd recovery. During summer 2023, ADF&G

counted by two different techniques: traditional count via airplane and photo

count via photo plane. The photo count revealed a minimum count of 7,384

caribou. The summer bull to cow ratio was 23:100, but the fall bull to cow ratio

was predicted to be higher. The summer calf to cow ratio was 13:100. Due to the

low counts, all state hunts were closed. The Federal Subsistence Board closed the

fall Nelchina caribou hunt. There will be no state hunting opportunity next season.

The moose season had been reported as slow. Of the collared cows in Unit 13,

there was a 9 percent mortality (out of 43 cows), which was a typical mortality

rate for adult cows. The deceased cows had been between 13 and 18 years old.

The parturition rate for moose was 70 percent and the twinning rate at 30 percent

with a 12 percent calf survival rate through mid-June. Sheep harvest numbers

were not yet in, though Glennallen office had sealed 33 sheep during the season.

ADF&G flew sheep surveys in the Wrangells and saw fewer than 20 lambs per

100 ewes. Some areas were higher and others lower, but overall, a decrease in the

sheep population. The Chitina River bison herd was also severely impacted by the

winters and were now down to 18 adults and no calves. No permits would be

issued for next year for that herd. The Copper River herd decreased to 98 adults.

Fewer permits will be issued for that herd as well.

Kaleb Rowland asked about bison mortality. Heidi responded it appeared to result

from an early winter overflow event. Mike Cronk asked about the mortality rate

of moose calves. Heidi explained in some cases, the evidence did not exist, but

more often it was bears than wolves predating on calves. Other times, calves

starved to death due to the mothers being in poor condition. Mike then asked

about wolf predator control. Heidi explained they have an objective of 135 wolves

in the spring, so ADF&G opens and closes subunits based on the abundance

objectives for moose. This year, ADF&G opened 13D and will likely open 13A.

A similar program for caribou would have to go through the Board of Game

process.

There was a discussion about the Nelchina caribou. Heidi explained the herd

peaked at 53,000 in 2019 and that ADF&G intentionally reduced the herd before

the first deep snow, severe winter event occurred. Most deceased caribou were

winter mortalities. Clint Marshall asked about the recovery of the herd and

whether herd objectives would change. Heidi said the current numbers were

similar to ones in the 1970s, and they could expect a 15-year recovery period. The

Page 11
herd had usually been within or above management objectives, but the number 

could change after looking at the range data. 

iii. Bureau of Land Management: Caroline Ketron, the anthropologist for BLM

Glennallen Field Office, presented information on the Unit 13 subsistence hunts.

After consulting with ADF&G on the numbers for the Nelchina caribou herd,

BLM went to bulls only for caribou in Unit 13A and B, as determining the sex to

be taken in those subunits was the only delegated authority BLM had. When

issuing caribou permits, BLM informed users the hunt might be closed due to

conservation concerns. The harvest reported for moose was 33. This was a

preliminary number since the season closed on September 20. On average, the

moose harvest was around 70. So far, it has been a low year for harvesting moose.

The Glennallen Field Office submitted Wildlife Proposal 24-09 to expand their

delegated authority for caribou.

iv. Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge: Barbara Cellarius explained that Brent Jamison

had provided three written reports, which were distributed with the meeting

materials, and was available on the phone to answer questions.

c) Update on Wildlife Special Action WSA23-01/03: Nelchina caribou fall season

closure: Barbara Cellarius reported that the Federal Subsistence Board had closed the fall

season for Nelchina caribou due to the population decline described earlier in the

meeting.

d) Temporary Wildlife Special Action WSA23-02/04: Nelchina caribou winter season

closure: Kyle Cutting summarized an analysis for a temporary wildlife special action to

close the Nelchina caribou hunt. The OSM analysis for the winter closure was not

available at the time of the meeting, so the information came from the analysis for the fall

closure. Proposed by both the Board of Game and ADFG, the special action request was

to close the caribou hunt for any users in Unit 11, 12, and 13 for the 2023-2024

regulatory year. Mike Cronk asked about the annual harvest in Unit 12 for Nelchina

caribou, to which Brent Jamison responded 22 caribou in 2022, and an average of 31

caribou annually over a span of ten years.

Faye Ewan provided a public comment about her frustration with the closure of the

Nelchina caribou herd hunt. She emphasized that managers should listen to the Ahtna

people, as they had asked for a moratorium on the Nelchina caribou herd three years ago.

She also said tribal consultation was needed. She is worried the moose were next and that

the next generation would not taste caribou or moose or fish, all of which were part of the

Ahtna customary and traditional way of life.

Clint Marshall recommended that the framework listed in the revised draft Chisana

Caribou Herd Management Plan could be replicated for the Nelchina caribou herd and

asked for opportunity to harvest to maintain cultural traditions. Mike Cronk mentioned

that the same situation occurred on the Yukon with salmon. He wanted to avoid shutting

the hunts completely and losing cultural knowledge.

Page 12
Jim Simon provided a statement that AITRC and Ahtna, Incorporated gave to the Board 

of Game meeting in March, which focused on the frustration of the state and federal dual 

management. He also asked the SRC to consider requesting from OSM an ANILCA 804 

subsistence user prioritization analysis using both state and federal harvest data to 

determine which communities had the most direct customary and traditional use for the 

herd. 

Other public comments were heard. Tazlina resident Becky Schwanke supported the 

OSM staff recommendation to close the Nelchina winter hunt and agreed that OSM 

needed to start an 804 analysis. Copper Center resident Faye Ewan said that due to 

Article 12 of the Alaska Constitution, Natives should have the right to hunt and fish. 

Caribou was sacred to the Ahtna and it only took sixty years to wipe them out. Not being 

able to hunt caribou undermined her sovereignty as an Ahtna person. She asked for one 

hunt per village. Nabesna resident Michael Rego commented it was sad to see the low 

caribou numbers and said that he believes it will take more than fifteen years for the herd 

to recover. He also agreed with the need for an 804 analysis and emphasized that the 

management of the caribou needed to change. Sarah Devins, the environmental 

coordinator and tribal citizen of the Native Village of Kluti-Kaah, agreed with the closure 

but asked when the hunt reopened, tribes be given a priority. She also requested an 

AITRC representative be at the table for management decisions. 

Gloria made a motion to support WSA23-02/04 and request that OSM immediately 

begins a section 804 subsistence user analysis that includes state and federal harvest data. 

Kaleb Rowland seconded. The motion passed by unanimous consent. The commission 

supported the closure due to low numbers of caribou. The 804 is needed for when the 

herd reaches a point where it can be hunted. 

d) Review and comment on proposals to change federal subsistence wildlife regulations:

i. WP24-01: Allow sale of brown bear hides (statewide): Barbara Cellarius

presented the draft OSM staff analysis. The proponent states that federally

qualified subsistence users must salvage the hides of brown bears, however, the

hides must not be sold. The hides of other big game species may be sold, and the

proponent requests that brown bears be added. She focused on the policy issues

detailed in the analysis, especially those related to the Convention on International

Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, commonly known as

CITES. Another topic discussed in the analysis is customary trade, which is the

cash sale of fish and wildlife resources. Earlier federal subsistence proposals on

brown bear hide sales had generally failed. The preliminary OSM

recommendation is to support the proposal with the modification to allow the sale

of brown bear hides with claws attached in areas where the Federal harvest limit

is two bears every regulatory year and after first obtaining a permit available at

the time of sealing from an ADF&G sealing officer.

Mike Cronk said there was no shortage of bears, but a shortage of moose and

caribou. Dan Stevens agreed that there were more bears.

Page 13
In response to a question about the brown bear population in Unit 11, Barbara 

replied that there isn’t unit-specific population information in the analysis, 

although Alaska has an estimated 30,000 brown bears statewide and they range 

over most of the state. 

In Units 11, 12, and 13 the harvest limit is one bear. The two-bear harvest limit 

exists in Units 16B, 17, 19A, 19D, 20E, 21, 22A, 22B, 22D, 22E, 23, 24B, 25D, 

and 26A. 

Kaleb Rowland made a motion to support the proposal as written. Dan Stevens 

seconded. Kaleb explained that his intent was for the proposal to effect Unit 11, 

but he was okay with a statewide proposal. Mike Cronk said he would support the 

proposal as written, but if there was a need to limit the scope, he would like to see 

the change in Units 11, 12, and 13. 

After discussion, the motion became to support WP24-01 as written but if a 

limitation was needed for geographic scope, to support the proposal in Units 11, 

12, and 13. The SRC opposed the OSM recommendation to limit the proposal to 

areas with two bear harvest limits. Gloria Stickwan mentioned the hides could be 

used for sewing and making handicrafts. 

The motion passed by unanimous consent. 

ii. WP24-09: Expand delegated authority for Nelchina caribou herd (Units

13A&B): Barbara Cellarius presented the draft OSM analysis of the proposal

submitted by the BLM Glennallen Field Office. It requested delegating authority

to the BLM Field Office Manager to close, reopen, and adjust season dates, set

harvest limits including sex restrictions, and set permit conditions for caribou in

Units 13A and 13B via delegation of authority letter; consulting with AITRC on

in-season management decisions; and changing the harvest limit from two to “up

to two caribou.” Currently, BLM can only determine the sex of the caribou to be

harvested. The proponents stated that the proposal would allow for better and

more flexible management of the Nelchina caribou herd. The OSM preliminary

conclusion was to support WP24-09 as written. AITRC also wrote a letter in

support of the proposal. Mike Cronk made the motion to support WP24-09 as

written. Kaleb Rowland seconded. The proposed changes would provide

additional flexibility for managing the herd. The motion passed by unanimous

consent.

iii. WP24-32: Expand marten trapping season to March 15 (Units 12, 19, 20, 21,

24 and 25): Kyle Cutting presented the draft OSM analysis of the proposal to

extend the marten trapping season to March 15. The proposal was submitted by

the Eastern Interior RAC. The proponent stated that changing the closing date of

the marten season would account for changes in the climate. There had been no

changes in marten season since 1990. A similar proposal has been submitted to

the Board of Game. There was biological concern about road access in Units 12

and 20 that could increase harvest of marten. Harvest numbers for marten

Page 14
fluctuated since 2011 due to trapping effort, marten abundance, and fur prices. 

There was concern about exploitation of female marten due to the denning season 

overlapping with the proposed extension. In Unit 12, the season extension will 

align marten and lynx seasons. The OSM preliminary conclusion was to support 

WP24-32 as written. Sue Entsminger commented that the proponent intended the 

proposal for Unit 25. 

Mike Cronk made a motion to support WP24-32 as written. Suzanne McCarthy

seconded. The proposal would provide additional subsistence opportunity. It is a 

good proposal which aligns the marten season with the lynx season and extends 

the overlap with the wolverine season. Sue Entsminger was concerned about 

incidental take of marten and the poor fur quality at that time of year. The motion 

passed 4-3 by roll call vote. 

e) SRC Chairs Workshop discussion: Barbara Cellarius explained that the annual SRC

chairs workshop was scheduled for December 6, 2023. She asked the SRC to identify an

alternate in the case the SRC Chair could not attend the meeting and for topics of concern to

share at the meeting. Kaleb Rowland mentioned the high bear numbers and low bison and

moose numbers. Sue Entsminger said the Nelchina caribou were a concern. Mike Cronk

agreed about the bears and added wolves and added a concern about a later rut for the moose.

Gloria Stickwan asked about having multiple members attend the meeting as well. Dan

Stevens was concerned about sheep in Chitina. Clint Marshall echoed Mike Cronk’s concern

about wolves and added that the number of people coming to hunt in the area needed to be

controlled. Gloria Stickwan added discussing the external boundaries of the resident zone

communities.

Suzanne McCarthy, Kaleb Rowland, and Gloria Stickwan volunteered to attend the meeting 

as alternates, although Gloria’s term on the SRC might be over by then. 

f) Review and comment on relevant proposals to the Alaska Boards of Fish and Game:

The SRC discussed several proposals to the Board of Game for the Interior Region. They

made four recommendations regarding these proposals, in two cases bundling similar

proposals.

Mike Cronk made a motion to support Proposal 52, to allow the use of night vision goggles 

and forward-looking infrared devices for taking furbearers with a trapping license in multiple

Interior units, which Kaleb Rowland seconded. The motion passed by unanimous consent. 

An authorization to use night vision goggles would provide the opportunity to hunt predators 

at night. 

Mike Cronk made a motion to support Proposal 111, to add an archery-only, five-day moose 

season for residents and nonresidents in Unit 12, which Kaleb Rowland seconded. The 

motion failed 0-7 by voice vote. Concerns about this proposal included extending the season 

into a period of time when the animals are more susceptible to harvest along with the 

potential to wound rather than kill an animal. Archery doesn’t guarantee a kill.

Page 15
Mike Cronk made a motion to support proposals 120 and 121, to increase the brown/grizzly 

bear harvest limit for residents in a portion of Unit 12, with modification to include all of 

Unit 12. Kaleb Rowland seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously 7-0 by voice 

vote. There is no shortage of bears in Unit 12. Adoption of the proposals would provide 

additional harvest opportunity. 

Mike Cronk made a motion to support proposals 122 and 123, to lengthen the wolf hunting 

season in Units 12 and 20E, which Kaleb Rowland seconded. Adoption of the proposals will 

provide additional opportunity to harvest wolves. For example, people who bait bears could 

harvest wolves that come into their bait stations. It was also noted that the fur quality of 

wolves is still good in June. 

13) Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve and NPS Alaska Regional Office staff

reports

a) Resource Stewardship and Science Report: Benjamin Pister, Team Lead for Resource

Stewardship and Science, introduced himself and explained that Mark Miller has

transitioned into a position as an ecologist working on issues relating to subsistence.

Fieldwork on three biologically oriented salmon projects took place in summer 2023 and

updates will be provided at the next meeting. The NPS had an opportunity to submit

project proposals for Inflation Reduction Act funding. The park received funding in

FY23 to help with Mentasta caribou collaring and we hope to get FY24 funding in time

to use for moose surveys in the Nabesna area. He also discussed contaminant issues in

Kennecott and Nabesna. The NPS will enter into a cooperative agreement with the

Wildlife Conservation Society to study the socioecological considerations of wood bison

in the Upper Tanana region in FY24. The project will take around two and a half years

and will involve extensive outreach and consultation with stakeholders. Finally, he

recommended revitalizing the caribou working group. Sue Entsminger volunteered to be

on the working group.

b) Fisheries report: Dave Sarafin, the fisheries biologist for WRST, gave the report. There

was a successful season of operating Tanada Creek weir at Batzulnetas. 9,250 sockeye

salmon came through the weir. It was a slow start to the beginning of the season with a

strong pulse of fish in early September. The 2023 count was well below the historic

average count of 18,000 fish. Overall, the Copper River salmon run was similar to many

of the recent years. It may have been beneficial for the Copper River run to start weak

and then improve, because the commercial fishery was curtailed initially. Coming in

strong later helped the run meet escapement goals. If the run had come in strong initially

and the commercial fishery had fished hard, followed by a weak end of the run, it could

have been a problem for escapement. The park issued 200 Chitina subdistrict permits,

291 Glennallen subdistrict permits, and 2 Batzulnetas permits. The 2022 harvest was 10

percent below recent averages. The Lower Copper River subsistence fishery opened June

1, 70 permits were issued, and harvest thus far reported was 176 sockeye salmon and 4

Chinook salmon. NPS Director Sams visited the weir in August.

Gloria Stickwan asked about developing a sustainable escapement goal for Tanada Creek.

Due to environmental changes such as the creek flooding or drying up entirely, Dave said

it would be difficult to develop an escapement goal, however we have seasonal averages

Page 16
and ranges. Mike Cronk asked about major tributaries of the Copper, and Dave replied 

that Tanada was the largest producer of salmon for upper river stocks, as well as 

Mentasta and Suslota Lakes, among others. 

c) Subsistence Coordinator’s report: Amber Cohen, cultural anthropologist for WRST,

reported that 201 federal subsistence hunting permits had been issued so far. There were

140 permits issued, 18 individuals who hunted, and 7 moose reported harvested thus far

for the FM1106 fall moose hunt. For the FM1107, there were fifteen permits issued. The

FS1104 elder sheep hunt had four individuals hunting and three sheep harvested. The

FS1205 Chisana caribou hunt had two individuals reporting hunting and two caribou

harvested. Staff at the Slana Ranger Station additionally issued 21 Unit 13 moose permits

and 26 Unit 13 caribou permits. Updated harvest information will be provided in the

spring meeting. There were several updates to the traditional knowledge and

ethnographic projects. The Ahtna Ethnographic Overview and Assessment is scheduled

for completion in late spring 2024. The caribou TEK project is also scheduled for

completion in spring 2024. The first phase of the Upper Copper River harvest assessment

was completed in spring 2023 with a second phase in Slana and along the Nabesna Road

scheduled for spring 2024. A new project focuses on local knowledge of Dall sheep with

interviews of local long-time hunters and residents with a long history of observing sheep

in Wrangell-St. Elias. One interview was completed during the summer and others were

being scheduled.

d) NPS Alaska Region Subsistence Program report: Victoria Florey, Subsistence

Program Analyst in the NPS Alaska Region Office, reported that public comment period

for the wildlife rule was extended for 2 weeks for 77 days of comment. The draft final

rule was under ongoing review in DC. The public, SRCs, and RACs will be notified as

soon it is published. The Arctic ungulate conference in May drew much interest. The

NPS hosted six interns from the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program

(ANSEP) last summer, four from the Summer Bridge program and two older students

from University of Alaska Anchorage. Director Sams visited in August with goals to

confront the climate crisis using science and traditional ecological knowledge and

stewarding our resources. He wanted to respect and strengthen indigenous connections,

enhance our nation-to-nation relationships, and fully uphold our trust and treaty

responsibilities.

e) Interpretation and Education (I&E) Report: Carrie Wittmer, Team Lead for

Interpretation and Education, reported that fifteen out of twenty-seven I&E employees

were local hires. Visitation went up to 50,000 contacts, which was around 2019 numbers

of 52,000. Alaska Geographic sales went up to $268,000. Carrie thanked the efforts of

bookstore manager Lynn Grams who retired at the end of the season. AK Geo funding

supported research projects and hiring efforts. The Ahtna Youth Internship Program had

three interns this summer who learned ethnobotany, moose hide tanning, drum making,

and other cultural and ecological knowledge. The internship program recently received

$560,000 in Bureau of Indian Affairs funding. Russ Scribner and Diane Ellsworth

received the Regional Excellence in Education award.

Page 17
Russ Scribner gave the Education update. There were seven Youth Conservation Corps 

(YCC) members this past summer. For next summer, the park is looking for sixteen- to 

eighteen-year-olds who can work longer hours. The YCCs learned about outdoor 

leadership, held a junior angler event, had a full canoeing day at Tolsona Lake, built an 

award-winning float, worked on Bonanza trail, and maintained the Chitina Ranger 

Station. The park also partnered with WISE for several events. There were education 

events in Tetlin, Mentasta, and Chistochina. Carrie added that six previous YCCs now 

work in other jobs at the park. 

Faye Ewan commented that she was proud of the young people that participated in the 

NPS funded youth programs and would like to see tribes involved when the park writes

grants so that activities with villages can be included. 

14) Emergency Special Action WSA23-06: Barbara Cellarius introduced an emergency special

action that the Alaska Department of Fish and Game had just submitted to close winter hunts

of the Nelchina herd due to the potential shutdown for the federal government. Although

emergency special actions did not have a requirement for consultation due to the fast

timeline, the SRC had the opportunity to comment due to the timing of today’s meeting.

Barbara added that the SRC could also submit a special action request for the ANILCA

section 804 analysis for the Nelchina caribou herd. Mike Cronk made the motion to support

WSA23-06. Kaleb Rowland seconded. The motion passed by unanimous consent with six

SRC members present.

Mike Cronk made a motion to submit a special action request for the ANILCA section 804

analysis by OSM for Nelchina caribou. Kaleb Rowland seconded. The motion passed by

unanimous consent with six SRC members present.

15) Public comments on non-agenda items: In a previous item, Faye Ewan had asked whether

people are compensated when they share traditional knowledge. Russ Scribner explained that

sometimes elders received stipends, while at other times, the elders and knowledge holders

were paid employees. Gloria Stickwan appreciated the YCC program as her great nephew

worked for the program that past summer. Faye Ewan said she was disappointed to not see

pictures of Ahtna ancestors on the walls. She wanted the exhibits to tell the Native side of the

story.

16) Reports from other organizations and agencies

a) Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission: Sterling Spilinek, the wildlife biologist and

research coordinator for AITRC, reported on their activities during the last year. There

was a huge spike at the end of the season at the Klutina Sonar, bringing the count to

80,000 salmon. The sonar project will continue through 2027. AITRC would like to get a

sonar for the south bank of the river as well. Nineteen moose health samples were

collected in 2023, compared to nine in 2022. He asked that people who harvest or receive

salvaged moose consider providing samples to AITRC for the moose health project. For

salmon health projects, AITRC staff collected 150 salmon samples from Chitina and

Glennallen subdistricts. They analyzed 64 sockeye and 11 Chinook heart cultures and

plan to continue the project for several years. They partnered with Alaska Center for

Conservation Science to analyze caribou fecal pellets. He asked the SRC to bring back its

Page 18
list of research priorities as it gives AITRC and the park an idea of what research should 

be done. AITRC submitted two grant proposals, one to increase the number of collars on 

Mentasta and Nelchina caribou herds and the other to look at range distribution and diet 

of wolves in Unit 11. They will hear back in December and hoped to start work in 2024. 

b) ADF&G Fisheries Updates: Mark Sommerville, the area management biologist for

sports fisheries, reported that more than 900,000 salmon made it up the Copper River,

which was above the in-river goal for this year. Similar to 2022, the run was very late,

which had significant effects on fishery’s performance upriver. He provided preliminary

estimates for harvest in the river. For the Chitina dipnet fishery, there were around

170,000-190,000 sockeye salmon and 3,500-4,000 king salmon harvested. The average

for kings was 2,500, so the run was stronger this year. This increase was due to a

conservatively managed commercial fishery for king salmon. He predicted 36,000

spawning salmon will be calculated.

For the Glennallen subdistrict, there were 51,000-61,000 sockeye salmon and 4,000-

4,500 king salmon harvested. The subsistence fishery underperformed again as in 2022.

The runs were late and high-water issues affected fish wheels. He expected to see harvest

of 70,000-80,000 sockeye salmon based on the sonar count.

Mark is trying to analyze the impacts of the commercial fishery management on the

number of fish coming up the river early in the season, in an effort to identify suggestions

for getting more fish upriver early on. The Gulkana hatchery was doing well with

eighteen million eggs collected thus far out of a goal of thirty-five million eggs. By the

end of the season, he predicted they should be near 20 to 25 million eggs. Fish came

through the Gulkana very late.

Mike Cronk asked about the stability of the Copper River Chinook. Mark Sommerville

explained the Copper River had a period of low king salmon but since the fishery was

heavily restricted in 2009, there had been good returns with great spawning potential.

There might be a downturn next year due to a weaker parent stock, but after those, the

runs should increase. He discussed the productivity and salmon survival in the ocean and

said the Gulf of Alaska operated on long cycles. Mike Cronk was concerned about low

fish numbers in other areas bringing more people to the Copper River. Mark Sommerville

said that in the early 2000s, the Department would issue 10,000 permits for dipnetting,

and now it was 7,000 permits. 10,000 people used to harvest and now it was 5,000 to

6,000 people in the Chitina subdistrict. As long as escapement goals are met, there will be

a sustainable population in the Copper River. The rivers to watch were the Gulkana, the

Klutina, and the Tonsina. He also commended the Tanada weir for showing that there

were 9,000 fish spawning up Tanada Creek.

17) Letter of recommendation to Governor and Secretary: Mike Cronk made a motion to

write letters to the Governor and Secretary of Interior about the immediate concerns about

food security. Kaleb Rowland seconded the motion and the motion passed by unanimous

consent. The letter should mention the impacts of two severe winters, concerns about rapidly

declining populations of subsistence resources in Units 11, 12, and 13 such as Nelchina

caribou, moose, and sheep, difficulties with getting moose, and the need for collaboration in

Page 19
the context of extreme changes. The situation is on a par with the Yukon River, where people 

can’t put food in their freezers. 

18) Work session (comment on issues, prepare letters, etc.): Mike Cronk made a motion to

create a list of management priorities, which was seconded by Kaleb Rowland. The priorities

identified are as follows:

Food Security:

• Thinking outside the box to protect and increase populations of important foods

resources, in the following order of importance:

1. Nelchina caribou

2. moose

3. sheep and goats

4. Copper River sockeye and Chinook salmon

5. game birds

• Decrease wolf, bear and coyote populations

• Introduce other food species, such as wood bison reintroduction

• Manage fires to benefit wildlife

o Prescribed burns to benefit wildlife habitat

o Consider wildlife habitat benefits in wildfire management decisions, i.e., let it burn

when feasible.

o Provide local communities with firewood, or at least subsistence firewood harvest

opportunities, as part of hazard fuel reduction efforts (e.g., beetle killed trees) near

communities.

Additions to the research priorities list: 

• Impacts of eagle predation on harvested species (for example, sheep lambs, caribou

calves, salmon).

• Effects of environmental change on subsistence resources and uses, for example:

o Interaction between changes in migration patterns and access.

o Changing river conditions (debris, high water levels) and impacts to fish wheel

use and productivity

The motion to create the list of management priorities passed unanimously by voice vote 

with 6 SRC members present. 

SRC members also discussed a possible delegation of authority to the Wrangell-St. Elias 

Superintendent for moose in Units 11 and 12 to provide additional flexibility in light of 

environmental changes (e.g., to change season dates beyond those currently in regulation), 

initially as a special action and then potentially via a regulatory change proposal in 2025. Or 

alternatively, developing a proposal to directly extend the season dates. This will be 

discussed further at the next meeting. 

19) Set tentative date and location for next SRC meeting: Kaleb Rowland made a motion for

the primary meeting dates to be February 29 and March 1 with March 14-15 as alternate

dates, and for the meeting to be held in Gakona. Suzanne McCarthy seconded the motion.

The motion passed by unanimous consent.

Page 20
20) Adjourn meeting: Gloria Stickwan made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Kaleb Rowland

seconded the motion, and it passed by unanimous consent. Meeting adjourned at 12:45 p.m.

on Thursday, September 28, 2023.

Page 21
WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS NATIONAL PARK

SUBSISTENCE RESOURCE COMMISSION

ROSTER 

As of January 2024 

APPMT TERM

NAME COMMUNITY SOURCE EXPIRES* 

Bruce L. Ervin Tok Secretary of Interior 1/17/2027 

Clint Marshall Tazlina Secretary of Interior 6/28/2026 

Daniel E. Stevens Chitina Secretary of Interior 3/28/2026 

Edward GreyBear (alternate)** Copper Center Secretary of Interior 9/27/2026 

Kaleb Rowland McCarthy Governor 12/01/2023 

Suzanne McCarthy Gakona Governor 12/01/2024 

Vacant Governor 

Starr Knighten Glennallen Southcentral RAC 11/04/2026 

Daryl James Yakutat Southeast RAC 10/27/2025 

Sue Entsminger Mentasta Pass Eastern Interior RAC 11/04/2024 

* All members serve for three-year terms. According to 54 U.S. Code § 100906(c), members

continue to serve until re-appointed or replaced. However, RAC appointees must be current

members of a RAC or AC for their appointments to be valid.

** Edward GreyBear serves as an alternate for Clint Marshall and Daniel Stevens. 

Page 22
PROPOSED CHANGES 

SUPERINTENDENT'S COMPENDIUM 

2024 

WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE 

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is seeking comment on proposed changes to the 

Superintendent's Compendium. A compendium is a written compilation of designations, closures, 

permit requirements and other restrictions adopted under the Superintendent's discretionary 

authority. 

Infom1ation on how to submit comments is available at: 

https://www.nps.gov/locations/alaska/proposed-compendiums.htm 

After review and consideration of the need for annual updates, the following changes are proposed. 

WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS SPECIAL REGULATIONS 

13.1902(b) Subsistence resident zone boundaries. 

The external boundaries of the Wrangell-St. Elias Resident Zone along the Glenn and 

Richardson Highways are described as follows: 

• The western boundary of Glennallen along the Glenn Highway is Tolsona Creek, which

crosses the highway at approximately Mile 173.

• The southern boundary of Tonsina is the Little Tonsina River, which crosses the

Richardson Highway at approximately Mile 65.

• The northern boundary of Gakona/Gakona Junction is Mile 138 on the Richardson

Highway.

The NPS is adding language to the compendium that would define the external boundaries of the 

resident zones for subsistence purposes. 

The purpose of this proposed compendium entry is to clarify the external boundaries of the 

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Resident Zone in three locations. The resident zone is used to 

establish eligibility to harvest subsistence resources in the National Park under federal 

regulations. The lack of clarity of a boundary has caused considerable confusion and fmstration. 

Clarifying the boundaries in these three locations in writing will improve transparency and 

customer service regarding eligibility for both the public and park staff issuing pem1its. 

Because the park's resident zone communities are largely adjacent to one another, there is no 

need to define the boundaries between adjacent communities. And a formal process has already 

defined the resident zone community boundaries along the Alaska Highway, with maps on file in 

the Superintendent's office and available on the park website. 

This proposed compendium entry would clarify the northern boundary of Gakona on the 

Richardson Highway, the southern boundary of Tonsina on the Richardson Highway, and the 

western boundary of Glennallen on the Glenn Highway. The proposed basis of the boundaries is 

the Census Designated Place Boundaries used by the U.S. Census Bureau for the 2020 Census. 

Proposed Changes-Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Compendium 

Last Modified January 22nd, 2024 
/L/2J_

36 CFR 13. I 902(b), although the recommendation for the Compendium is to identify a specific 

geographic feature, highway mile marker, or both. (Mile markers were identified by comparing 

the CDP maps from Alaska Department of Labor with the Alaska Department of Transportation 

mile markers on the 511 website.) 

• The western boundary of Glennallen along the Glenn Highway would be Tolsona Creek,

which crosses the highway at approximately Mile 173. (The 2020 CDP map can be seen

here: 28740.pdf (alaska.gov).)

• The southern boundary of Tonsina would be the Little Tonsina River, which crosses the

Richardson Highway at approximately Mile 65. (CDP map: 78350.pdf (alaska.gov).)

• The northern boundary of Gakona/Gakona Junction would be Mile 138 on the

Richardson. (CDP map 27420.pdf (alaska.gov).) There isn't a good geographic feature at

this location, although it appears that it might be a section line.

A bit more information: Glennallen is bordered on the west by Tolsona (which is where our most 

recent eligibility questions have come from). Tolsona has a community association that receives 

funding from the state and is identified by the Alaska Department of Transportation with signs 

along the road as well as labels on its Alaska511 online road map. South of Tonsina and north of 

Gakona there are areas that are outside of census designated places, although there may be 

people living scattered along the roads and there is a new community (established around 

2000). at Mile 46 on the Richardson heading south towards Valdez. (For a map of the Census 

Designated Places in the Copper River Census area: 066.pdf {alaska.gov}.) 

Superintendent 

Page 24
Page 25
Page 26
Page 27
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Subsistence Plan

Appendix I 

SRC Research Priorities

[Under development] 

DRAFT of 2/26/2016 

• Mentasta Caribou—how to rebuild the herd to have a hunt-able population, food/habitat,

impacts of predation, weather

• Chisana Caribou – how to grow the population

• Climate change – what is happening? How it impacts everything.

• Sheep -- same thing, why are sheep numbers declining. How do we turn the decline

around?

• Moose – how to increase population. Survival rates. Population parameters, food source

• Furbearer populations: numbers, trends

• Migratory birds

• Fish

• Interaction between changes in migration patterns, access rules, also weather/climate

changes

• Predators: bears, wolves, coyotes. Populations. What impact are they having.

• Habitat – is there enough food for the caribou, moose browse, do we need to do

something to increase food source, what habitat needs protection, include mapping

• Vegetation – map, protect lichens (need to know for fire protection)

• Digitizing historical use maps, also historical interviews – transcribing in a searchable

format

• Developing partnerships

• Use of new technology in research – e.g., drones

• Declining Chinook Salmon populations

Page 28
Federal Subsistence Board

Informational Flyer

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Forest Service

Bureau of Land Management

National Park Service

Bureau of Indian Affairs

 Contact: Subsistence Policy Coordinator 

(907) 786-3888 or (800) 478-1456

subsistence@fws.gov: News release

header with DOI and USDA logos

How to submit a Special Action Request 

to the Federal Subsistence Board

The regulatory cycle for changes to fish/shellfish and wildlife regulations takes place every two years. A 

call for proposals to change fishing regulations is issued in January of even numbered years and odd 

numbered years for wildlife. A Special Action Request is an out-of-cycle change of a season, harvest 

limit, or method of harvest. Special Actions are taken when unusual situations arise, such as a significant 

change in resource abundance that could not reasonably have been anticipated. The Federal Subsistence 

Board (Board) may take a Special Action to restrict, close, open, or reopen the taking of fish and wildlife 

on Federal public lands and waters. Such actions are taken to ensure the conservation of healthy 

populations of fish or wildlife, ensure the continued viability of a particular fish or wildlife population, to 

ensure continued subsistence use, or for reasons of public safety. These guidelines and requirements can 

be found in 36 CFR 242.19 and 50 CFR 100.19. 

To submit a Special Action request, please provide the following information:

• Name

• Address

• Telephone number

• Fax number (if applicable)

• E-mail address

• Organization (if applicable)

• Describe the action you are requesting; reference the current regulations you wish to change

• List if there have been unusual or significant changes in resource abundance or unusual

conditions affecting harvest opportunities that could not reasonably have been anticipated and

that potentially could have significant adverse effects on the health of fish and wildlife

populations or subsistence users

• State if requested action is to ensure the conservation of healthy populations of fish or wildlife,

ensure continued viability of a fish or wildlife population, to continue subsistence uses of fish or

wildlife, or for public safety reasons

• State the extenuating circumstances that necessitate a regulatory change before the next

regulatory review

How a Special Action request is processed:

1. In an emergency, the Federal Subsistence Board can issue a special action that is 60 days or less

in duration without a public hearing.

2. A special action lasting 61 days or more is a temporary special action.

Page 29
3. If the request is a temporary special action, a public hearing is held in the affected area(s) to allow

for public comment and the Federal Subsistence Board will consult with the Chair(s) of affected

Regional Advisory Council(s) and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

4. Special Action Requests are assigned to an analyst who works with the requestor and field staff to

develop an analysis of the request for the Federal Subsistence Board.

5. If the timing of a regularly scheduled Regional Advisory Council meeting permits without

incurring undue delay, the Board may seek Council recommendations on proposed Emergency

Special Actions.

6. If timing of a regularly scheduled Regional Advisory Council meeting permits without incurring

undue delay, the Board will seek Council recommendations on proposed Temporary Special

Actions.

7. Once a decision is made by the Board, a response letter and a copy of the complete analysis and

recommendations are sent to the requesting proponent with a copy sent to the affected Council

Chair(s), State Federal Liaison Team Lead and Federal and State law enforcement.

8. If needed, the OSM subsistence outreach coordinator or the Federal agency requesting the Special

Action will publish a news release.

Submit your request to the Federal Subsistence Board by:

Mail:

Office of Subsistence Management

Attn: Subsistence Policy Coordinator 

1011 East Tudor Road, Mail Stop 121 

Anchorage, Alaska 99503 

Fax: (907) 786-3898 

E-mail: subsistence@fws.gov

The Federal Subsistence Management Program website link to information on submitted special actions is

found at: 

Wildlife special actions: 

https://www.doi.gov/subsistence/wildlife-special-actions

Fisheries special actions: 

https://www.doi.gov/subsistence/fisheries-special-actions

Missing out on the latest Federal subsistence issues? If you’d like to receive emails and notifications on 

the Federal Subsistence Management Program you may subscribe for regular updates by emailing 

fws-fsb-subsistence-request@lists.fws.gov. Additional information on the Federal Subsistence 

Management Program may be found on the web at www.doi.gov/subsistence/index.cfm or by visiting 

www.facebook.com/subsistencealaska. 

1011 East Tudor Road MS-121 • Anchorage, Alaska 99503-6199 • subsistence@fws.gov • (800) 478-1456 / (907) 786-3888 

This document has been cleared for public release #13912292017.
Federal Subsistence Board 

1011 East Tudor Road, MS 121 

Anchorage, Alaska 99503 - 6199 

FISH and WILDLIFE SERVICE FOREST SERVICE

BUREAU of LAND MANAGEMENT

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

BUREAU of INDIAN AFFAIRS

In Reply Refer To:

OSM 23127 

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Subsistence Resource Commission 

PO Box 439 

Copper Center, AK 99573 

Dear Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Subsistence Resource Commission:

This letter responds to the special action request you submitted on September 27, 2023, 

requesting the Office of Subsistence Management conduct an ANILCA §804 subsistence user 

prioritization analysis for the Nelchina Caribou Herd, but indicating support for a full closure 

this season. 

The Federal Subsistence Board (Board) has determined that this request does not meet the 

criteria for special actions. Under Federal Subsistence Regulations (36 CFR 242.19c and 50 

CFR 100.19c), the Board may reject a request for a special action if there are no time-sensitive 

circumstances necessitating a regulatory change before the next regulatory proposal cycle. Your 

request is not time-sensitive for the 2023/24 regulatory year. Additionally, §804 analyses are not 

conducted preemptively. However, you can submit another special action request for the 

2024/25 and 2025/26 regulatory years to restrict take of Nelchina Caribou on Federal public 

lands and request a §804 analysis be conducted. A proposal requesting these changes in codified 

Federal regulations can be submitted during the next call for wildlife proposals in spring 2025. 

Thank you for your participation in the Federal Subsistence Management Program. We look 

forward to continuing to work with you. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa 

Grediagin, Wildlife Division Supervisor, Office of Subsistence Management, at (907) 786-3357 

or lisa_grediagin@fws.gov. 

Sincerely,

 Anthony Christianson 

Chair

OCT 26 2023

Page 31
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Subsistence Resource Commission 2 

cc: Federal Subsistence Board

 Office of Subsistence Management

 Chair, Southcentral Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council 

 Chair, Eastern Interior Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council 

 Superintendent, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

 Deputy Commissioner, Alaska Department of Fish and Game 

 Special Projects Coordinator, Alaska Department of Fish and Game

 Interagency Staff Committee

 Administrative Record

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 32
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Mile 106.8 Richardson Hwy. P.O. Box 439

Copper Center, AK 99573-0439

907 822 5234

Spring 2024 Fisheries Report

Dave Sarafin, Fisheries Biologist

SUMMARY OF KEY UPDATES

• 2024 Copper River ADFG salmon forecast the return for both total Sockeye Salmon and

Chinook Salmon to be average, based on recent 10-year returns.

• During the recent 2023 season, the Copper River salmon run began weak, then increased

in strength as the season progressed. ADFG Miles Lake sonar reported an estimated

season total passage of 991,740 salmon, which is 71% above the management objective

of 581,172 salmon. Harvest opportunities continued throughout the season and

assessments indicate sustainable escapement goals were achieved.

• Historical Federal subsistence harvests and number of permits issued in the Upper

Copper River through 2023 are provided in Tables 1-4.

• In the Federal subsistence fishery in the Lower Copper River, 71 permits are on record as

issued; total in-season reported harvest was 176 Sockeye Salmon and 4 Chinook Salmon.

Assessment of post-season harvest reports is in process.

• Tanada Creek weir at Batzulnetas documented passage of 9,254 Sockeye Salmon, which

is roughly 50% of the historical season total count average of approximately 18,000.

• Copper River salmon research project continued this season; designed to evaluate the

potential use of genetic stock identification (GSI) for in-season management decision

making.

UPPER COPPER RIVER FISHERIES

2024 Preseason Copper River Salmon Forecast: 

The ADFG has forecast a return of 47,000 Copper River Chinook Salmon. This is 2% below the 

recent 10-year average of 48,000 fish. Their forecast for wild stock Sockeye Salmon is 1,965,000 

fish, which is 13% above the recent 10-year average wild stock return of 1,740,000 fish. The 

Gulkana Hatchery is forecast to contribute an additional 36,000 Sockeye Salmon. Their 2024 

pre-season forecast for the total Copper River Sockeye Salmon return is 2,001,000 fish. The inseason management of State fisheries is anticipated to be based on the strength of salmon 

abundance indices; primarily sonar estimates and fishery performance.

2024 Early Season Management Strategy for Federal Subsistence Fisheries

Unless in-season run abundance indices prompt concerns of not meeting salmon escapement 

goals or subsistence needs, we anticipate all Federal subsistence salmon fisheries of the Upper 

Copper River to be open continuously from May 15 through September 30 during the 2024 

season. 

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 33
2023 Copper River Salmon Run Strength and Management Actions

The 2023 Copper River salmon run began in low numbers relative to date in season. The return 

then increased in strength as the season progressed. A similar pattern of delayed run timing for 

these stocks has been observed in other recent years. Post-season assessment of the 2023 season 

return indicate that sustainable escapement goals were achieved. Harvest opportunities continued 

throughout the season. 

Federal managers monitored run strength indices throughout the season to evaluate the need for 

appropriate fisheries management actions in the Federal waters of the Copper River Drainage. 

No Federal Special Action was issued by the in-season manager in the fisheries of the Upper 

Copper River. 

The ADFG sonar at Miles Lake (located just downstream of the Million Dollar Bridge in the 

Copper River) estimated the passage of 991,740 salmon migrating upstream for the season, with 

the seasonal operation ending on July 28. The cumulative passage is 410,568 salmon more than 

(71% above) the management objective of 581,172 salmon for this date of the season.

Commercial fishing opportunities in the Copper River District were limited during the early 

season in response to low numbers of returning salmon at the start of the season. As the run 

developed, fishing opportunities were expanded during the season. The season total commercial 

harvest for the Copper River District through August 29 is reported to include 855,100 Sockeye 

Salmon and 10,400 Chinook Salmon

2023 Upper Copper River Federal Subsistence Fishing Season, Permits, and Historical 

Harvests

The Federal subsistence salmon fisheries of the Upper Copper River were open from May 15 

through September 30. During 2023, we issued 196 Chitina Subdistrict, 290 Glennallen 

Subdistrict, and 2 Batzulnetas permits. Tables 1 through 4 show historical reported and expanded 

harvests for the Federal subsistence fisheries in each subdistrict through the 2022 season, with 

preliminary harvest estimates for 2023. 

2023 Lower Copper River Federal Subsistence Fishery

The Federal subsistence salmon fishery in the Lower Copper River near Cordova is open from 

June 1 through September 30. There are 71 permits on record as issued through the OSM 

database. A total harvest of 176 Sockeye Salmon and 4 Chinook Salmon were reported inseason. Assessment of post-season reports is in process. 

FISHERIES RESEARCH AND MONITORING PROJECTS

Tanada Creek Salmon Weir 

The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve (WRST) Fisheries Program operated the 

Tanada Creek salmon weir located at Batzulnetas (funded through the Fisheries Resource 

Monitoring Program (FRMP)). Weir installation was completed on June 22. The first salmon 

was documented passing the weir on June 23. We documented passage of 9,254 Sockeye Salmon 

and 8 Chinook Salmon for the season. The Sockeye Salmon count was approximately 50% 

below the historical season total count average of approximately 18,000 fish. The abundance and 

timing of these stocks passing the weir was very similar to that of the predominant total-age

parent year of 2018. The weir is operated through September 21. 

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 34
On Saturday August 26, the project and crew were pleased to host a visit by National Park 

Service Director Chuck Sams, Regional Director Sarah Creachbaum, and staff. During the visit, 

the weir crew delivered a presentation that described the project and its importance to 

management, the park, and local stakeholders. 

NPS Director Sams and Regional Director Creachbaum visit 

Tanada Creek Salmon Weir and Crew, August 26, 2023 

Upper Yukon Burbot Assessments 

With FRMP funding for Burbot population assessments in lakes of the Upper Yukon River 

Drainage, we collaborated with staff of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) to 

perform the final year of field sampling. Objectives for 2023 were to estimate the Burbot 

population in Ptarmigan Lake. Sampling efforts revealed fewer fish than anticipated and catch 

was not of sufficient number to obtain a population abundance estimate. In addition, to gain data 

suitable for assessing habitat conditions, the lake bottoms of both Ptarmigan Lake and nearby 

Rock Lake were surveyed to produce bathymetry maps for each lake. 

Tracing Mercury in Lake Trout Food Webs 

As part of a collaborative project between NPS and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), 

researchers performed field sampling in Chelle Lake in late June; analysis is in process. This 

study intends to trace Mercury (Hg) in Lake Trout food webs and was prompted by findings of 

elevated Hg levels in muscle tissue of Lake Trout residing in certain lakes of Alaska parks. 

Copper River Sockeye Salmon Research Projects

WRST is collaborating with researchers of other agencies in projects seeking to gain information 

which may be applied to management decision making for long-term sustainability. Some of this 

work was performed in 2023 with the collection of genetic tissue samples from harvested 

Sockeye Salmon, which were analyzed for stock composition. 

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 35
Year Sockeye Chinook Coho

Steelhead/Rainbow 

Trout

Other 

Species

Total 

Harvest

Fish 

Wheel %

Fish 

Wheel 

Total

Dip Net 

%

Dip Net 

Total

Rod and 

Reel %

Rod and 

Reel 

Total

2002 10,852 745 100 77 N.A. 11,7752003 17,384 687 268 16 N.A. 18,3552004 24,217 815 216 15 N.A. 25,2642005 24,781 412 55 7 37 25,292

2006 20,737 507 55 17 37 21,3532007 19,108 704 85 7 25 19,929

2008 14,865 892 268 21 54 16,1002009 14,821 590 52 22 36 15,5212010 17,156 362 111 46 25 17,700 90.3% 15,978 9.6% 1,697 0.1% 25

2011 18,214 814 70 6 283 19,387 88.4% 17,142 11.4% 2,206 0.2% 39

2012 17,297 410 93 45 113 17,958 90.4% 16,228 9.4% 1,684 0.3% 45

2013 20,850 396 36 8 93 21,382 85.9% 18,369 14.1% 3,013 0.0% 0

2014 25,659 456 97 14 57 26,284 89.3% 23,458 10.8% 2,825 0.0% 3

2015 29,157 430 29 15 218 29,849 90.1% 26,900 9.7% 2,883 0.2% 66

2016 21,106 465 52 6 406 22,035 90.0% 19,820 10.0% 2,197 0.1% 18

2017 20,497 485 10 8 549 21,550 96.2% 20,724 3.7% 804 0.1% 19

2018 20,634 2,763 31 4 45 23,476 83.4% 19,579 16.5% 3,878 0.1% 19

2019 22,302 1,025 22 3 59 23,411 79.0% 18,485 21.0% 4,909 0.1% 16

2020 16,337 837 26 7 60 17,266 75.9% 13,098 24.1% 4,159 0.1% 9

2021 20,481 610 3 6 32 21,132 70.8% 14,951 29.2% 6,175 0.0% 6

2022 17,489 994 45 16 60 18,603 80.2% 14,919 19.8% 3,676 0.0% 7

2023 20,640 791 6 11 19 21,468 69.0% 14,813 31.0% 6,655 0.0% 1

5-yr. Avg.

2018-2022 19,448 1,246 25 7 51 20,778 77.8% 16,207 22.1% 4,560 0.1% 12

10-yr. Avg.

2013-2022 21,451 846 35 9 158 22,499 84.1% 19,031 15.9% 3,452 0.1% 16

All Species, Approximate Harvest by Gear Type

Table 1. Federal Subsistence Fish Harvest in All Upper Copper River Fisheries, including Harvest by Gear Type1

Expanded Harvest Estimates2

1 This table reflects entries to the online database from 2011 through 1/22/2024. Data prior to 2011 relies on NPS records. Data for all years subject to changes resulting from entry error corrections.2 Expanded Harvest estimate derived from a basic, direct ratio expansion based on the percentage of permits that reported.

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 36
All Species

Year

Permits 

Issued

Percentage 

of Permits 

Reported

Reported 

Harvest

Harvest 

Estimate2

Reported 

Harvest

Harvest 

Estimate2

Reported 

Harvest

Harvest 

Estimate2

Reported 

Harvest

Harvest 

Estimate2

Reported 

Harvest

Harvest 

Estimate2

Total 

Harvest 

Estimate2

2002 201 80.6 7,944 9,856 564 700 81 100 62 77 35 43 10,777

2003 221 83.3 13,616 16,346 554 665 152 182 13 16 20 24 17,233

2004 261 78.9 17,704 22,439 636 806 152 193 12 15 12 15 23,468

2005 267 85.8 19,973 23,279 331 386 47 55 6 7 32 37 23,763

2006 254 87.4 16,711 19,120 430 492 28 32 15 17 32 37 19,698

2007 281 84.3 15,225 18,060 569 675 34 40 6 7 21 25 18,808

2008 269 81.4 11,347 13,940 705 866 148 182 17 21 44 54 15,063

2009 274 85.0 11,836 13,925 494 581 34 40 19 22 31 36 14,605

2010 269 87.7 12,849 14,651 300 342 64 73 39 44 22 25 15,136

2011 277 87.7 14,163 16,145 701 799 53 60 5 6 248 283 17,293

2012 275 92.0 14,461 15,718 371 403 78 85 40 43 104 113 16,363

2013 273 89.0 15,834 17,789 331 372 24 27 6 7 62 70 18,264

2014 315 90.5 21,603 23,877 399 441 23 25 10 11 52 57 24,412

2015 325 92.3 24,695 26,753 384 416 13 14 7 8 201 218 27,408

2016 320 82.8 15,884 19,181 369 446 9 11 5 6 332 401 20,044

2017 338 85.2 15,691 18,415 399 468 1 1 7 8 468 549 19,442

2018 335 91.3 15,287 16,736 2,432 2,662 0 0 4 4 41 45 19,448

2019 343 90.1 15,873 17,620 849 942 0 0 3 3 53 59 18,624

2020 376 90.7 11,456 12,632 682 752 0 0 6 7 54 60 13,450

2021 355 86.5 13,117 15,168 434 502 0 0 5 6 28 32 15,708

2022 297 83.5 12,133 14,530 743 890 2 2 13 16 48 57 15,495

2023 290 78.6 11,291 14,361 500 636 0 0 9 11 15 19 15,028

5-yr. Avg.

2018-2022 341 88 13,573 15,337 1,028 1,150 0 0 6 7 45 51 16,545

10-yr. Avg.

2013-2022 328 88 16,157 18,270 702 789 7 8 7 8 134 155 19,230

Table 2. Glennallen Subdistrict Federal Reported and Expanded Subsistence Fishery Harvests1

Sockeye Chinook Coho Steelhead/Rainbow Trout Other Species

1 This table reflects entries to the online database from 2011 through 1/22/2024. Data prior to 2011 relies on NPS records. Data for all years subject to changes resulting from entry error corrections.2 Expanded Harvest estimate derived from a basic, direct ratio expansion based on the percentage of permits that reported.

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 37
All Species

Year

Permits 

Issued

Percentage 

of Permits 

Reported

Reported 

Harvest

Harvest 

Estimate2

Reported 

Harvest

Harvest 

Estimate2

Reported 

Harvest

Harvest 

Estimate2

Reported 

Harvest

Harvest 

Estimate2

Reported 

Harvest

Harvest 

Estimate2

Total 

Harvest 

Estimate2

2002 122 73.0 575 788 33 45 0 0 0 0 N.A. N.A. 833

2003 100 82.0 717 874 18 22 70 85 0 0 N.A. N.A. 982

2004 109 76.1 1,215 1,597 7 9 18 24 0 0 N.A. N.A. 1,629

2005 76 84.2 1,265 1,502 22 26 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,529

2006 75 85.3 1,379 1,617 13 15 20 23 0 0 0 0 1,655

2007 98 88.8 929 1,046 26 29 40 45 0 0 0 0 1,120

2008 82 85.4 789 924 22 26 74 87 0 0 0 0 1,036

2009 68 91.2 817 896 8 9 11 12 0 0 0 0 917

2010 92 85.9 2,061 2,399 17 20 33 38 1 1 0 0 2,459

2011 85 85.9 1,766 2,056 13 15 8 9 0 0 0 0 2,081

2012 89 93.3 1,332 1,427 6 6 8 9 1 1 0 0 1,443

2013 99 90.9 1,999 2,199 17 19 8 9 1 1 10 11 2,239

2014 113 94.7 1,549 1,636 14 15 68 72 3 3 0 0 1,726

2015 111 92.8 2,231 2,404 13 14 14 15 7 8 0 0 2,441

2016 128 80.5 1,549 1,925 16 20 33 41 0 0 4 5 1,991

2017 132 79.5 1,454 1,828 12 15 7 9 0 0 0 0 1,852

2018 132 91.7 3,144 3,430 92 100 28 31 0 0 0 0 3,561

2019 181 90.6 4,053 4,473 75 83 20 22 0 0 0 0 4,578

2020 215 89.3 3,249 3,638 76 85 23 26 0 0 0 0 3,749

2021 194 91.8 4,765 5,193 99 108 3 3 0 0 0 0 5,304

2022 177 87.6 2,555 2,918 91 104 37 42 0 0 2 2 3,066

2023 196 83.7 5,077 6,068 130 155 5 6 0 0 0 0 6,229

5-yr. Avg.

2018-2022 180 90 3,553 3,930 87 96 22 25 0 0 0 0 4,052

10-yr. Avg.

2013-2022 148 89 2,655 2,964 51 56 24 27 1 1 2 2 3,051

Table 3. Chitina Subdistrict Federal Reported and Expanded Subsistence Fishery Harvests1

Sockeye Chinook Coho Steelhead/Rainbow Trout Other Species

1 This table reflects entries to the online database from 2011 through 1/22/2024. Data prior to 2011 relies on NPS records. Data for all years subject to changes resulting from entry error corrections.2 Expanded Harvest estimate derived from a basic, direct ratio expansion based on the percentage of permits that reported.

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 38
Year

Permits 

Issued

Percentage 

of Permits 

Reported

Reported 

Harvest

Harvest 

Estimate2

Reported 

Harvest

Harvest 

Estimate2

Reported 

Harvest

Harvest 

Estimate2

2002 1 100.0 208 208 0 0 0 0

2003 1 100.0 164 164 0 0 0 0

2004 1 100.0 182 182 0 0 0 0

2005 1 100.0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2006 0 N.A. 0 0 0 0 0 0

2007 1 100.0 1 1 0 0 0 0

2008 1 100.0 1 1 0 0 0 0

2009 0 N.A. 0 0 0 0 0 0

2010 3 100.0 106 106 0 0 0 0

2011 3 66.7 9 14 0 0 0 0

2012 3 66.7 101 152 0 0 0 0

2013 3 100.0 862 862 5 5 12 12

2014 2 100.0 146 146 0 0 0 0

2015 4 100.0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2016 0 N.A. 0 0 0 0 0 0

2017 1 100.0 254 254 2 2 0 0

2018 1 100.0 468 468 0 0 0 0

2019 1 100.0 209 209 0 0 0 0

2020 1 100.0 67 67 0 0 0 0

2021 1 100.0 120 120 0 0 0 0

2022 2 100.0 41 41 0 0 0 0

2023 2 100.0 211 211 0 0 0 0

5-yr. Avg.

2018-2022 1 100.0 181 181 0 0 0 0

10-yr. Avg.

2013-2022 2 100.0 217 217 1 1 1 1

Table 4. Batzulnetas Federal Reported and Expanded Subsistence Fishery Harvests1

Sockeye Chinook Other Species

1 This table reflects entries to the online database from 2011 through 1/22/2024. Data prior to 2011 relies 

on NPS records. Data for all years subject to changes resulting from entry error corrections.

2 Expanded Harvest estimate derived from a basic, direct ratio expansion based on the percentage of 

permits that reported.

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 39
1011 East Tudor Road MS-121 • Anchorage, Alaska 99503-6199 • subsistence@fws.gov • (800) 478-1456 /(907) 786-3888 

This document has been cleared for public release #0605132015.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Bureau of Land Management

National Park Service

Bureau of Indian Affairs

Federal Subsistence Board

Informational Flyer

Forest Service

Contact: Regulatory Affairs Division Chief

(907) 786-3888 or (800) 478-1456

subsistence@fws.gov

How to Submit a Proposal to Change 

Federal Subsistence Regulations

Alaska residents and subsistence users are an integral part of the Federal regulatory process. Any 

person or group can submit proposals to change Federal subsistence regulations, comment on proposals, 

or testify at meetings. By becoming involved in the process, subsistence users assist with effective 

management of subsistence activities and ensure consideration of traditional and local knowledge in 

subsistence management decisions. Subsistence users also provide valuable wildlife harvest 

information. 

A call for proposals to change Federal subsistence fishing regulations is issued in January of 

even-numbered years and odd-numbered years for wildlife. The period during which proposals are 

accepted is no less than 30 calendar days. Proposals must be submitted in writing within this time 

frame. 

You may propose changes to Federal subsistence season dates, harvest limits, methods and means of 

harvest, and customary and traditional use determinations. 

What your proposal should contain: 

There is no form to submit your proposal to change Federal subsistence regulations. Include the 

following information in your proposal submission (you may submit as many as you like): 

• Your name and contact information (address, phone, fax, or E-mail address)

• Your organization (if applicable).

• What regulations you wish to change. Include management unit number and species. Quote

the current regulation if known. If you are proposing a new regulation, please state, “new

regulation.”

• Write the regulation the way you would like to see it written in the regulations.

• Explain why this regulation change should be made.

• You should provide any additional information that you believe will help the Federal

Subsistence Board (Board) in evaluating the proposed change.

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 40
1011 East Tudor Road MS-121 • Anchorage, Alaska 99503-6119 • subsistence@fws.gov • (800) 478-1456 /(907) 786-3880

This document has been cleared for public release #0605132015.

You may submit your proposals by: 

1. By mail or hand delivery to:

Federal Subsistence Board

Office of Subsistence Management

Attn: Theo Matuskowitz

1011 E. Tudor Rd., MS-121 

Anchorage, AK 99503 

2. At any Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council meeting (A schedule will be published

in the Federal Register and be announced statewide, bi-annually, prior to the meeting cycles)

3. On the Web at http://www.regulations.gov

Submit a separate proposal for each proposed change; however, do not submit the same proposal by 

different accepted methods listed above. To cite which regulation(s) you want to change, you may 

reference 50 CFR 100 or 36 CFR 242 or the proposed regulations published in the Federal Register: 

http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html. All proposals and comments, including personal 

information, are posted on the Web at http://www.regulations.gov. 

For the proposal processing timeline and additional information contact the Office of Subsistence 

Management at (800) 478-1456/ (907) 786-3888 or go to 

http://www.doi.gov/subsistence/proposal/submit.cfm. 

How a proposal to change Federal subsistence regulations is processed:

1. Once a proposal to change Federal subsistence regulations is received by the Board, the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Subsistence Management (OSM) validates the proposal,

assigns a proposal number and lead analyst.

2. The proposals are compiled into a book for statewide distribution and posted online at the

Program website. The proposals are also sent out the applicable Councils and the Alaska

Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) and the Interagency Staff Committee (ISC) for

review. The period during which comments are accepted is no less than 45 calendar days.

Comments must be submitted within this time frame.

3. The lead analyst works with appropriate agencies and proponents to develop an analysis on the

proposal.

4. The analysis is sent to the Councils, ADF&G and the ISC for comments and recommendations

to the Board. The public is welcome and encouraged to provide comments directly to the

Councils and the Board at their meetings. The final analysis contains all of the comments and

recommendations received by interested/affected parties. This packet of information is then

presented to the Board for action.

5. The decision to adopt, adopt with modification, defer or reject the proposal is then made by the

Board. The public is provided the opportunity to provide comment directly to the Board prior

to the Board’s final decision.

6. The final rule is published in the Federal Register and a public regulations booklet is created

and distributed statewide and on the Program’s website.

A step-by-step guide to submitting your proposal on www.regulations.gov: 

1. Connect to www.regulations.gov – there is no password or username required.

2. In the white space provided in the large blue box, type in the document number listed in the

news release or available on the program webpage, (for example: FWS-R7-SM2014-0062) and

select the light blue “Search” button to the right.

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 41
1011 East Tudor Road MS-121 • Anchorage, Alaska 99503-6119 • subsistence@fws.gov • (800) 478-1456 /(907) 786-3880

This document has been cleared for public release #0605132015.

3. Search results will populate and may have more than one result. Make sure the Proposed Rule

you select is by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and not by the U.S. Forest Service

(FS).

4. Select the proposed rule and in the upper right select the blue box that says, “Comment Now!”

5. Enter your comments in the “Comment” box.

6. Upload your files by selecting “Choose files” (this is optional).

7. Enter your first and last name in the spaces provided.

8. Select the appropriate checkbox stating whether or not you are providing the information

directly or submitting on behalf of a third party.

9. Fill out the contact information in the drop down section as requested.

10. Select, “Continue.” You will be given an opportunity to review your submission.

11. If everything appears correct, click the box at the bottom that states, “I read and understand the

statement above,” and select the box, “Submit Comment.” A receipt will be provided to you.

Keep this as proof of submission.

12. If everything does not appear as you would like it to, select, “Edit” to make any necessary

changes and then go through the previous step again to “Submit Comment.”

Missing out on the latest Federal subsistence issues? If you’d like to receive emails and notifications 

on the Federal Subsistence Management Program you may subscribe for regular updates by emailing 

fws-fsb-subsistence-request@lists.fws.gov. Additional information on the Federal Subsistence 

Management Program may be found on the web at www.doi.gov/subsistence/index.cfm or by visiting 

www.facebook.com/subsistencealaska. 

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 42
Boards Support Section

Board of Fisheries 

Art Nelson, Executive Director

PO Box 115526

Juneau, AK 99811-5526

(907) 465-4110

Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Doug Vincent-Lang, Commissioner

PO Box 115526

Juneau, AK 99811-5526

www.adfg.alaska.gov

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Alaska Board of Fisheries

THE ALASKA BOARD OF FISHERIES CALLS FOR PROPOSED CHANGES

IN THE SUBSISTENCE, PERSONAL USE, SPORT, GUIDED SPORT, AND COMMERCIAL 

FISHING REGULATIONS FOR

SOUTHEAST AND YAKUTAT FINFISH AND SHELLFISH, PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND 

FINFISH AND SHELLFISH, AND ALL OTHER SHELLFISH STATEWIDE.

PROPOSAL DEADLINE – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2024

The Alaska Board of Fisheries (board) is accepting proposed changes to the subsistence,

personal use, sport, guided sport, and commercial fishing regulations for Southeast and

Yakutat finfish and shellfish, Prince William Sound finfish and shellfish (including the Upper

Copper River and Upper Susitna River), and all other shellfish statewide for consideration by

the board in its 2024–25 meeting cycle. The board may also consider subsistence proposals

for other topics (including other areas) under the subsistence proposal policy, 5 AAC 96.615,

if proposals are submitted within this deadline and the board determines they meet the criteria

in either 5 AAC 96.615(a)(1) or (2).

To ensure the proposal book is finished in advance of the board meetings, the board sets

Wednesday, April 10, 2024, as the proposal deadline.

Proposals may be submitted online, email, mail or fax at:

Online: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fisheriesboard.forms

Mail: ADF&G, Boards Support Section

P.O. Box 115526

Juneau, AK 99811-5526

Fax: (907) 465-6094

Proposals must be received by Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at the Boards Support Section 

office in Juneau. A postmark is NOT sufficient for timely receipt.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit proposals at the earliest possible date. The Board 

of Fisheries proposal form, including the on-line proposal form, is available at the Boards 

Support website, http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fisheriesboard.forms. Proposal 

forms are also available at any Boards Support office. Proposals must be submitted on the 

current approved form. Any additional information provided with the form, such as tables, 

Internet web links, photos, or charts, will not be included in the proposal book.

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 43
Boards Support Section

Board of Fisheries 

Art Nelson, Executive Director

PO Box 115526

Juneau, AK 99811-5526

(907) 465-4110

Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Doug Vincent-Lang, Commissioner

PO Box 115526

Juneau, AK 99811-5526

www.adfg.alaska.gov

The completed proposal form must contain a contact telephone number and address. Email 

addresses are appreciated. Please print or type the individual’s or organization’s name as 

appropriate.

The board encourages individuals or organizations to communicate and coordinate with others in 

the development of proposals. Local Advisory Committees (AC) are an excellent resource and 

the collective knowledge and experience within ACs may help improve proposals, increasing their 

chances of success. Here is a link to ACs across the state 

https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=process.acregion. You can also work with area staff 

from the Department of Fish and Game to better understand the current regulations, and what the 

effect(s) of your proposed change may be. Area staff contact information can be found on the 

ADF&G website here: https://adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=contacts.main.

All proposals are reviewed prior to publication. Language that is emotionally charged detracts 

from the substance of the proposal and may draw opposition not germane to the element(s) of 

the proposal. Such language may be edited or deleted prior to publication. Proposals that do 

not meet the call will not be accepted. Proposals must pertain to the region, species, and uses 

in this call. If duplicative proposals are received by the same individual or group only one will be 

included in the proposal book.

Proposals published in the proposal book will be referenced with the appropriate Alaska 

Administrative Code citation and include a brief description of the action requested.

Proposal books are sent to advisory committees and the public for review and comment.

Proposals are online at 

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fisheriesboard.proposalbook. Those submitting 

proposals are encouraged to review the proposal book at their earliest convenience to ensure 

proposals are included and accurate. Noted errors and omissions should be reported to Boards 

Support immediately. The public is encouraged to visit the Board of Fisheries website 

frequently for news and information regarding the upcoming cycle.

Responsive proposals received by the proposal deadline will be considered by the Board of 

Fisheries during the October 2024 through March 2025 meeting schedule.

For more information, please contact the Alaska Board of Fisheries Executive Director, Art 

Nelson, at (907) 267-2292.

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 44
United States Department of the Interior

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Mile 106.8 Richardson Hwy. P.O. Box 439

Copper Center, AK 99573-0439

907 822 5234 Fax 907 822 3281

http://www.nps.gov/wrst

WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE

COPPER RIVER SOCKEYE SALMON RESEARCH UPDATE

FEBRUARY 2024

Mark Miller, Ecologist and Research Coordinator 

(907) 302-1373 or memiller@nps.gov

OVERVIEW

• Due to concerns triggered by recent low returns and subsistence harvests of Copper River (CR)

sockeye salmon, Wrangell-St. Elias and several collaborators have initiated research projects to

investigate (1) factors that may be affecting the status of CR sockeye salmon stocks, (2) recent

patterns in Upper CR subsistence harvests, and (3) potential assessment tools and management

strategies for ensuring resilience of CR sockeye salmon stocks and subsistence harvests to

changing environmental conditions. Collaborators include the Alaska Department of Fish and Game

(ADF&G), the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), Prince William Sound Science Center

(PWSSC), the Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission (AITRC), and the Native Village of Eyak

(NVE).

PROJECT SUMMARIES

• Project 1: Evaluating

Genetic Analysis of Copper

River Sockeye Salmon Stocks 

for In-Season Decision 

Making (NPS funding $440k; 

leveraged ADF&G funding

$347k). The 2022 fishing 

season marked the first year of 

a 3-year (2022-2024) research 

project that will evaluate (1) the 

use of in-season genetic 

analysis as a tool for estimating 

the genetic stock identification 

(GSI) of sockeye salmon 

harvests in Copper River 

fisheries, and (2) the potential 

for in-season GSI estimates to 

inform real-time fisheries 

management decisions designed 

to ensure long-term health and 

sustainability of Copper River 

salmon stocks and associated 

fisheries. In-season stock composition information has the potential to aid fishery managers in 

Mentasta 

Lake

Tanada

Lake

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 45
minimizing the risk of fishery management decisions to small and/or sensitive stocks while 

maximizing sustainable harvest of abundant stocks. This research project was developed in partnership 

with ADF&G and in 2022 was implemented by ADF&G collaborators from the Gene Conservation 

Laboratory, Division of Commercial Fisheries, and Division of Sport Fish. AITRC contributed to the 

project in 2023 by assisting ADF&G with the collection of samples from fisheries in the Chitina and 

Glennallen subdistricts. In 2024, AITRC will contribute in the same way with funding support from 

NPS. Although the funding for this project only covers the genetic analysis of 2022–2024 harvests, the

State of Alaska is looking into securing federal disaster relief funds to continue GSI analyses of 

Copper River sockeye salmon harvests in 2025–2027.

2022-2023 Sampling, 

Analysis, & Reporting. 

Samples collected in 

2022 were analyzed 

postseason and a 

summary report of the 

GSI estimates was

submitted to the NPS in 

March 2023. The 2022 

GSI estimates also 

were presented at 

AITRC’s annual 

meeting at the Buster 

Gene Memorial Hall in 

Gakona Village on 

April 28, 2023. 

2023-2024 Sampling, 

Analysis, & Reporting. 

In 2023, a total of 

3,886 genetic tissue 

samples were collected 

from sockeye salmon 

harvested in the Copper 

River District 

commercial, Chitina 

Subdistrict personal use, and Glenallen Subdistrict subsistence fisheries. For the commercial fishery, 

1,936 samples were collected during 11 fishing periods from May 15 (period 1) to July 19 (period 16), 

with period sample sizes ranging from 59 to 200 fish. Harvest samples from the first six weeks of the 

fishery were analyzed in season to produce GSI estimates representing each statistical week’s 

harvest. Weekly inseason estimates were provided to ADF&G and NPS staff within less than one 

week of sample collection. Harvest samples from weeks 26–29 will be analyzed postseason to 

produce 4 sets of GSI estimates representing the harvest from each statistical week. For the 

personal use fishery (902 samples collected from June 15 to August 19) and subsistence fishery (1,048 

samples collected from June 9 to August 18), monthly GSI estimates were provided inseason to 

ADF&G and NPS staff. Postseason analyses of samples collected from the commercial fishery after 

week six are on track to be completed by February 28, 2024. A summary report of all 2023 

preliminary GSI results will be provided to ADF&G and Wrangell-St. Elias fisheries managers in 

March, 2024, and a summary of 2023 results also will be presented at the AITRC annual meeting in 

Gakona Village in April 2024. Again in 2024, this project will include a public education component 

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 46
focusing on the development and use of scientific information for fisheries decision making. The final 

estimates for all three years of this study will be published in an ADF&G Fishery Manuscript Report 

by the fall of 2025. 

• Project 2: Describing and Modeling Factors Affecting Migratory Success of Copper River

Sockeye Salmon (NPS funding $140k). In August of 2022, collaborators from PWSSC and UAF

began a 3-year project (2022-2024) that aims to develop a better understanding of how environmental

changes in the Gulf of Alaska and the Copper River watershed may impact spawning migration

success by sockeye salmon under future ecological scenarios. Supported by NPS funding, NVE

collaborators joined the project in 2023 and will contribute data from 2005-2009 telemetry studies and

additional subject-matter expertise. The research team is working to integrate prior radio-telemetry

data on Copper River sockeye salmon spawning migration with several long-term ADF&G data sets to

develop forecasting models for sockeye salmon that will incorporate new information from a recently

available hydrological model developed by the U.S. Geological Survey. Preliminary results from this

project also will be presented at the AITRC annual meeting in Gakona Village in April 2024. In

addition to PWSSC, UAF, and NVE, collaborators include ADF&G and Wrangell-St. Elias.

• Project 3: Assessing Subsistence Harvests in Upper Copper River Communities (NPS funding

$371k). Field work for this 3-year project (2023-2025) began in March 2023 and involves the

collection of baseline information on the harvest and use of subsistence resources in four communities

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 47
on the upper Copper River through implementation of comprehensive household surveys and a smaller 

number of ethnographic interviews. Residents of Chistochina and Mentasta were surveyed in early 

2023, and Slana and Nabesna Road residents will be surveyed in 2024. Communities included in this 

project were most recently surveyed in either 2009 or 2010, and periodic repetition of the same survey 

methods provides important data for informing subsistence management. As part of the baseline 

community harvest assessment, interviewers ask questions designed to assess whether residents of 

these communities are meeting their subsistence needs, especially for salmon, and the severity of the 

impacts if needs are not being met. If Copper River salmon resources are not meeting their needs, the 

ethnographic interviews explore the impacts this has had on individual households and the community 

at large. Recent Tribal consultations suggest that up-river communities may not be meeting their 

subsistence needs, and the federal in-season manager for the Copper River fishery needs additional 

information for considering potential management decisions. Collaborators include ADF&G, AITRC, 

and Wrangell-St. Elias. (For more information, see the SUBSISTENCE AND ANTHROPOLOGY REPORT.) 

• Project 4: Examining Health Metrics of

Copper River Sockeye Salmon Stocks to

Inform Management Decision Making (NPS

funding $318k; other leveraged funding from

ADF&G, UAF, PWSSC, and NPS projects

$1,364k). Also in 2023, a fourth project was

begun by UAF and PWSSC in partnership with

ADF&G, building upon the stock composition

project (no. 1, above) and other ongoing research

projects conducted by UAF and PWSSC. This 3-

year project (2023-2025) will characterize the

health and energetic status of genetically

determined sockeye salmon stocks (based on

genetic stock reporting groups, Fig. 1) to develop

a better understanding of escapement quality.

Aspects of escapement quality include body size

and energy content (important factors that affect

migratory success), diversity and loads of

pathogens, sex ratio, and the distribution of

spawners among different stocks in the watershed.

Differential survival of Copper River sockeye

salmon stocks due to changes in body size, energy

content, physiological quality, migration

difficulty, and harvest pressure may leave some

stocks more vulnerable to environmental changes

than others, potentially increasing mortality risk.

A better understanding of health metrics that

correlate with stock-specific vulnerability and mortality risk can help fishery managers mitigate these

issues by adjusting gear size, run timing closures, or harvest limits to ensure all stocks achieve

sustainable escapement levels, while also providing adequate harvest opportunities. In addition to

UAF, PWSSC, and ADF&G, collaborators include Wrangell-St. Elias and AITRC. This project also

includes an interpretive component that builds upon the educational outreach associated with the stock

composition project.

• Project 5: Managing Harvest of Salmon in a Changing Copper River, Alaska (NPS funding

$419k). A fifth Copper River project will be implemented in 2025-2026 as part of a larger project

made possible by $6.2M of Inflation Reduction Act funding awarded to the NPS Alaska Region. The

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 48
Alaska-wide NPS project aims to mitigate environmental uncertainties and improve subsistence 

food security through co-stewardship arrangements with subsistence users and enhanced NPS 

technical capacity for understanding changing ungulate and salmon populations. The associated 

Copper River sockeye salmon project, “Managing Harvest of Salmon in a Changing Copper River,” 

will be led by PWSSC and UAF in partnership with Wrangell-St. Elias. These partners will convene a 

diverse group of subject matter specialists to envision the future of Copper River sockeye salmon 

harvest opportunities and their biological, ecological, and social implications. Other working group

participants are expected to include ADF&G, AITRC, NVE, academic institutions in addition to UAF, 

the U.S. Geological Survey, and other subject matter experts. Working group sessions will be held in 

the Copper River Basin and Cordova to facilitate engagement with stakeholders in both locations. 

Project participants will synthesize existing data and build a predictive model that considers the full 

life-cycle of Copper River sockeye salmon and includes combined effects of changing ocean and river 

conditions resulting from climate change. The model will be structured in a way that will enable 

assessments of biological, economic, and social consequences of potential management decisions 

relating to harvest (Fig. 5.).

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 49
United States Department of the Interior

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Mile 106.8 Richardson Hwy. P.O. Box 439

Copper Center, AK 99573-0439

WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE

WILDLIFE REPORT

Winter 2024

Kyle Cutting, Wildlife Biologist, 907.379.0252, kyle_cutting@nps.gov 

2023 UPDATES AND 2024 FIELD SEASON

Mentasta Caribou Herd

• From a June-2023 population survey, survey results indicate the Mentasta caribou herd is between 200

and 375 adults, lower than the 2021 estimate of 390 to 630 adults.

• In September 2023, NPS deployed 17 new GPS collars on female caribou. A total of 24 collared

remain on living female caribou – 8 females remain within the park while 16 migrated primarily to the

north out of the park boundary.

• In June 2024, we will conduct a post-calving population survey, and will retrieve collars from

previously deceased animals.

• In September 2024, we will deploy at least 10 additional collars on female caribou from the Mentasta

herd that will help with management decision making.

NPS/Matt Cameron: A small band of caribou in the Mentasta Herd, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & 

Preserve, 2023. 

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 50
Chisana Caribou Herd

• From an October-2023 composition survey of the Chisana caribou herd, results indicate a calf/100

cow ratio of 24.7 and a bull/100 cow ratio of 37.0.

• The 3-year running calf/100 cow is 19.2, while the bull/100 cow ratio is 44.3.

• In February and May 2024, we will conduct a mortality flight of Chisana caribou equipped with a

VHF transmitter to determine if any collared animals died during the fall and early-winter seasons.

• In September 2024, we will deploy 20 additional collars on Chisana caribou.

• Twelve of the currently 15 (80%) GPS collared individuals are wintering in Alaska, which is opposite

from last winter where 82% of the same individuals wintered in Yukon.

• We recently submitted a proposal for NPS funding to evaluate spatial/temporal overlap, distribution,

and abundance of 3 caribou herds that co-occur during the federal hunt (when open) within the park.

If successful that work would be conducted no sooner than 2026.

NPS/Kyle Cutting: Photo showing melting permafrost in caribou summer range. Melting permafrost can 

be seen by the bare soil and subsiding ground surface in the lower half of the photo, Chisana, WrangellSt. Elias.

Dall’s Sheep

• NPS surveyed sheep populations in the northern Wrangell between July 20-22nd, 2023.

• A total of fifty-eight 9.3-mile long transects were surveyed in sheep habitat.

• The provisional estimate for adult sheep is 1,221 (95% Credible Interval: 1040-1465), indicating a 40-

60% decline in adult sheep since 2021 in the northern Wrangell Mountains (see map below).

• The lamb to ewe-like ratio is the lowest since 2010 (see figure below).

• A proposal was recently submitted for NPS funding to compare changes in sheep abundances across a

pronounced south-to-north snow gradient across the park to investigate how snow, and other

environmental factors, are contributing to changes in spatial patterns in Dall’s sheep abundance. If

successful that work would be conducted no sooner than 2026.

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 51
NPS/Kyle Cutting: Nabesna sheep survey area on the north side of Mt. Wrangell (left figure), and Dall’s 

sheep rams bedded under an overhanding cliff, Cone Ridge, Wrangell-St. Elias. 

Total adult Dall’s sheep (left figure) and reproductive success (right figure) from distance sampling 

estimates, 2010-2023, Nabesna study area (3,303 km2), Wrangell-St. Elias. Error bars indicate level of 

certainty in population estimates of sheep (displayed as 95% Baysiean statistical credible intervals). 

Moose

• NPS and ADF&G surveyed moose populations across a 2.5 million acre area from Chisana River to

McCarthy (see below figure of survey area) between November 14-29th, 2023.

• Preliminary population estimates will be discussed at the SRC meeting.

• A spatial model was built to describe moose abundance which found a positive influence of shrubs

and mid-elevation areas and a negative influence of steep slopes and amount of shaded area on

northerly and easterly areas.

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 52
Figure. Grids where moose were counted using airplanes, fall, 2023, Wrangell-St. Elias. Each grid is 

roughly 2.5 mi2

 and survey followed the Geospatial Population Estimator (GSPE) protocol. 

NPS/Kyle Cutting: Bull moose sparing, November, 2023, Wrangell-St. Elias.

Golden and Bald Eagles

• Golden Eagle Field surveys began in mid-March (2023) to evaluate the population status of migrating

golden eagles on northern Wrangell Mountains (led by biologists from Denali).

• 1,400 golden eagles were counted from mid-March to early-April, 2023.

• Golden eagle field surveys will occur in 2024 during late-March and early-April to record migration

numbers, and to capture birds to test for HPAI (bird flu).

• Bald Eagle monitoring occurred for the 19th year on the Copper and Chitina Rivers. A total of 330

nests were visited of which 125 were occupied by nesting adults.

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 53
• Long-term data have shown that nests in the upper Copper River are more successful than nests

further downriver.

• In 2024, Bald eagle nest site surveys will occur to evaluate dietary patterns in response to access to

salmon and water turbidity in the Copper River.

NPS/Kyle Cutting: Photo of adult golden eagle male following capture, Mentasta Mountains, March, 

2023, Wrangell-St. Elias. 

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 54
United States Department of the Interior

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve 

Mile 106.8 Richardson Hwy. P.O. Box 439

Copper Center, AK 99573-0439 

907 822 5234 Fax 907 822 3281

http://www.nps.gov/wrst

WRANGELL-ST.ELIASNATIONALPARKANDPRESERVE 

SUBSISTENCEAND ANTHROPOLOGYREPORT

SPRING 2024

Barbara Cellarius, Cultural Anthropologist and Subsistence Coordinator 

(907) 822-7236 or barbara_cellarius@nps.gov

Amber Cohen, Cultural Anthropologist, (907) 822-7284 or amber_cohen@nps.gov

Federal subsistence harvest reports for Wrangell-St. Elias in 2023

In 2023, Wrangell-St. Elias and Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge staff issued a total of 208 federal 

subsistence hunting permits for moose, goat, and sheep for Wrangell St. Elias lands in Units 11 and

12. The most frequently issued permit was for the fall moose hunt in Unit 11 Remainder (FM1106).

A total of 140 permits were issued for this hunt in 2023, 59 people hunted, and 10 moose were

harvested. (See Table 1 for additional details).

Wrangell St. Elias and the Alaska Department for Fish and Game both issue a joint state/federal 

permit (RM291) for the moose hunt for portions of Unit 11 and 12 in the northern part of the park. 

For the 2023 season, a total of 297 permits were issued, 72 people hunted, and 10 moose were 

harvested—all by federally qualified subsistence users (see Table 2).

Upper Copper River communities surveyed about subsistence harvests

In February 2024, Slana and Nabesna Road residents were surveyed about their harvest and use of 

wild fish, wildlife and plant resources. A data review meeting was held for Mentasta in December 

2023, and data review meetings will be held for Chistochina and Slana in 2024. Once data from all 

communities has been analyzed, a technical paper will be produced. These surveys are conducted in 

collaboration with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Ahtna Intertribal Resource 

Commission.

New project funding to address critical food security needs

The National Park Service Alaska Region has been awarded approximately $6.2M of Inflation 

Reduction Act funding for a project that aims to mitigate environmental uncertainties and improve 

subsistence food security through co-stewardship arrangements with subsistence users and 

enhanced NPS technical capacity for understanding changing salmon and ungulate populations. 

Approximately $1.3M will be allocated to Wrangell-St. Elias. Examples of partnership activities or 

projects include (1) subsistence fish and wildlife monitoring projects and/or harvest monitoring and 

reporting; (2) enhancing the capacity of rural communities to engage effectively with federal and

state regulatory programs and advocate for regulatory changes that ensure stability of access to 

subsistence foods; (3) Indigenous knowledge projects for documenting and incorporating in 

management decision making; (4) subsistence-related Tribal-NPS liaison programs; and (5) youth 

and elder programs for transmission of knowledge across generations. 

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 55
Table 1. Federal Subsistence Registration Permits in Wrangell-St. Elias NPP, 2013-2023

Unit 11 Goat (FG1101)

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023* 

PermitsIssued 30 31 29 22 26 30 27 27 20 8 6 

Individuals Hunting 7 10 6 4 3 8 8 4 2 1 2 

Animals Harvested 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 

Success Rate (%) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 12.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Unit 11 Remainder Moose -- Fall Hunt in part of unit outside of the RM291 hunt area (FM1106)

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023* 

PermitsIssued 146 123 128 138 132 144 107 156 140 139 140

Individuals Hunting 78 70 70 75 72 85 45 68 71 66 59

Animals Harvested 12 10 13 16 13 12 10 15 11 15 10

Success Rate (%) 15.4 14.3 18.6 21.3 18.1 14.1 22.2 22.1 15.5 22.7 16.9

Unit 11 Moose -- Winter Hunt in southern part of unit (FM1107) (Began in 2014)

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023* 

PermitsIssued n/a 32 17 20 14 11 8 8 7 10 21

Individuals Hunting n/a 3 3 4 4 2 2 1 2 4 1 

Animals Harvested n/a 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 

Success Rate (%) n/a 0.0 0.0 25.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 100.0 0 25.0 100.0

Unit 11 Elder Sheep (FS1104)

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023* 

PermitsIssued 20 25 25 32 34 38 34 38 26 25 22

Individuals Hunting 5 10 8 12 13 18 14 12 12 10 11

Animals Harvested 0 1 3 3 4 1 1 1 3 2 3 

Success Rate (%) 0.0 10.0 37.5 25.0 30.8 5.6 7.1 8.3 25.0 20.0 27.3

Unit 11 Elder/Junior Sheep (FS1103)

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023* 

PermitsIssued 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 1 2 1 

Individuals Hunting - - - 1 2 0 - 0 0 0 0 

Animals Harvested - - - 0 0 - - - - - - 

Success Rate (%) - - - 0.0 0.0 - - - - - - 

Unit 12 Caribou -- Chisana (FC1205) – Closed in 2022 due to conservation concerns

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023*

PermitsIssued 9 11 11 8 8 6 4 7 5 n/a 6 

Individuals Hunting 7 8 7 8 3 3 3 4 1 n/a 4 

Animals Harvested 3 2 0 1 0 2 1 3 0 n/a 2 

Success Rate (%) 42.9 25.0 0.0 12.5 0.0 66.7 33.3 75.0 0.0 n/a 50.0

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 56
Table 1. Federal Subsistence Registration Permits in Wrangell-St. Elias NPP, 2013-2023 (cont.)

Unit 12 Elder Sheep (FS1201)

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023* 

PermitsIssued 9 9 7 11 12 14 14 12 13 8 11

Individuals Hunting 3 5 3 6 4 8 6 4 6 4 5 

Animals Harvested 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 

Success Rate (%) 0.0 20.0 0.0 16.7 25.0 0.0 0.0 25.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Unit 12 Elder/Junior Sheep (FS1204)

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023* 

PermitsIssued 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 

Individuals Hunting - - - - - - - - - 0 0 

Animals Harvested - - - - - - - - - - - 

Success Rate (%) - - - - - - - - - - - 

Source: Federal Subsistence Permit Database.

* 2023 data are as of 1/16/2024.

Note: Successrate is calculated based on the number of individuals hunting, not total permits issued.

Table 2. Joint State-Federal Permits for the Fall Moose Hunt in Portions of Units 11 and 12 

(RM291), 2013-2023

All Hunters

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023* 

PermitsIssued 246 246 250 277 244 250 277 314 282 340 297

Individuals Hunting 151 191 142 179 145 155 158 187 162 197 153

Animals Harvested 19 20 20 23 19 23 21 27 24 16 10

Unit 11 Harvest 10 11 9 17 15 17 14 12 16 12 5 

Unit 12 Harvest 9 9 11 6 4 6 7 15 8 4 5 

Success Rate (%) 12.6 10.5 14.1 12.8 13.1 14.8 13.3 14.4 14.8 8.1 6.5

Federally Qualified Subsistence Users

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023* 

PermitsIssued 135 154 168 176 155 171 173 173 167 175 169

Individuals Hunting 74 92 89 106 88 108 102 107 93 88 72

Animals Harvested 15 15 14 18 15 19 21 14 16 10 10

Success Rate (%) 20.3 16.3 15.7 17.0 17.0 17.6 20.6 13.1 17.2 11.4 13.9

Source: Email from ADF&G Tok on 1/12/2024

* 2023 data are as of 1/12/2024.

Note: Success rate is calculated based on the number of individuals hunting, not total permits issued.

Data for Federally Qualified Subsistence Users excludes records with ambiguous residency (e.g., urban

mailing address and rural resident community or local mailing address and non-local resident community).

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 57
Traditional Knowledge, Ethnographic, and Subsistence Projects:

Work is underway on several traditional knowledge, ethnographic and subsistence projects, with 

most of the work being carried out by project partners through cooperative agreements. 

Ahtna Ethnographic Overview and Assessment (EOA): This baseline cultural anthropology 

study includes an annotated inventory of ethnographic and related materials relevant to the Ahtna 

Athabascans; a narrative synopsis of our current understanding of these materials, with a focus on 

connections to Wrangell-St. Elias; and a discussion of data gaps and additional research needs. It is 

being carried out through a cooperative agreement with the Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission 

and is now scheduled for completion in late summer or early fall 2024. 

Documenting Traditional Ecological Knowledge about Historic Dynamics of Caribou Herds 

Associated with Wrangell-St. Elias: This project includes a literature review/data mining 

regarding traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and historic information (e.g., seasonal 

movement patterns; and herd sizes, interactions, and habitat relations) of the three caribou herds 

(Chisana, Mentasta and Nelchina) that spend time in Wrangell-St. Elias as well along with new 

traditional knowledge interviews about caribou with knowledgeable long-term residents. Topics 

covered in the new interviews include long-term knowledge about seasonal movement patterns, 

herd sizes, and observations regarding caribou in relation to the larger ecosystem and the other 

caribou herds. The information will be summarized in a report designed to inform management 

decisions about caribou. This project is being carried out through a cooperative agreement with the 

Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission and is scheduled for completion in late spring 2024. 

Quantify Changing Environmental Conditions to Inform Decisions about Allowed Means of 

Winter Access to Subsistence Resources: This project quantifies temporal and spatial patterns of 

river freeze-up, winter ice conditions, and break-up using remote sensing data and evaluates the 

implications of changing environmental conditions for temporal and spatial patterns of winter 

subsistence access in the park. The analysis focuses on the Copper and Chitina Rivers. In addition 

to a recently published peer-reviewed journal article, an interpretive product for the general public 

will be produced. This project is being completed through a cooperative agreement with the 

University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and is scheduled for completion in 2024. An outreach project 

is currently being discussed. 

Dall Sheep Local Knowledge Interviews: Anthropology and wildlife staff at Wrangell-St. Elias 

are working on a series of local knowledge interviews about Dall sheep with long-time hunters and 

others with a long history of observing sheep in Wrangell-St. Elias. One interview took place in 

summer 2023 and additional interviews are planned for this spring. A summary report will be 

prepared once the interviews are complete. Funding for this work comes from the NPS Alaska 

Subsistence Advisory Council and Alaska Geographic. 

Report updated 1/22/2024

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 58
Spring 2024 SRC Update from Interpretation, Education, and Public Affairs

For more information, contact Carrie Wittmer, Public Affairs Officer and Team Lead for 

Interpretation and Education, carrie_wittmer@nps.gov or 907-822-7255.

Youth Opportunities, Jobs, and Visitor Services for 2024 

The Division of Interpretation, Education, and Public Affairs received $600,000 of external

funding to provide quality customer service to visitors and local residents in addition to

delivering meaningful programs for local youth.

Ahtna Youth Interns Learn Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Welcome Visitors to the 

Ahtna Cultural Center

This project, funded through the federal Indian Youth Services Program and Bureau of Indian 

Affairs was a success in 2022 and 2023 and is back for 2024! Four internship positions and a 

program coordinator position will soon be open on the Ahtna Inc. employment website. Interns

work at the Ahtna Cultural Center, attend traditional ecological knowledge culture camps, and 

learn customary and traditional uses of the landscape. 

Youth Conservation Corps 2024 

7 youth between the ages of 16-18 can 

participate in Wrangell’s Youth Conservation 

Corps (YCC) trail maintenance program. 

The YCC position announcement will be out 

soon. Information on how to apply is 

available on the website at Youth 

Conservation Corps (YCC) - Wrangell - St 

Elias National Park & Preserve (U.S. 

National Park Service) (nps.gov). YCC 

participants complete building and grounds 

maintenance projects; help at Junior Angler 

events; and work on trail projects. (YCC 

Alumni Alice and Zach join Ranger Diane for 

local festival fun. Photo Credit: NPS.

Other Youth Programs in 2024! 

118 community members joined Wrangell 

Institute for Science and the Environment 

(WISE). NPS, and other agency staff for the 2024 

Winter Fun Day in January. More opportunities 

to engage youth are coming this spring and 

summer. Chosen Frozen activities will be held in 

March; and Junior Ranger tables will be available 

at local summer events, including the Yakutat 

Tern Festival; Earth Discovery Day, Copper River 

Stewardship Program, and the Youth 

Environmental Summit.

(Children build survival shelters and learn about 

the park at Winter Fun Day. Photo Credit: NPS.) 

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 59
Visitor Services 2024

• Copper Center Visitor Center opens May 10th; last day Sept. 15th, 7 days/week 9-5; Theater

and Exhibit Hall open, ranger services, and Alaska Geographic sales

• Kennecott Visitor Services begin May 24th; last day Sept. 6th; service days and times to-bedetermined; ranger services and Alaska Geographic sales

• Slana Ranger Station opens May 24th; last day September 21st; 7 days/week 9-5; ranger

services and Alaska Geographic sales

• Chitina Ranger service days and times to-be-determined

Still Looking for Locals for the Interpretation 

and Education Staff in 2024

Many of the seasonal employees, interns, 

volunteers and youth conservation corps staff this 

coming summer will be from the local area – help 

us hire locally! Local staff provide visitors with firsthand knowledge of the area and have unique 

perspectives and insights into life in Alaska. We 

still have Student Conservation Association and 

Volunteer opportunities open for this summer. 

(Amber and Diane work at a job fair to recruit locally 

for summer employment. Photo Credit: 

NPS/Cohen.)

Get Up-to-date Information about WRST

Join the “Locals Listserv!” Request a subscription by emailing wrst_public_affairs@nps.gov and 

putting “Locals Listserv” in the subject line. Members receive timely news releases, Cultural 

Heritage Highlights, Research in the Park information, Photos from the Field, and Community 

Newsletters. Members can unsubscribe at any time. 

Interested in knowing what’s going on in the park? Follow us on our digital media platforms: 

Park Website 

www.nps.gov/wrst

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twitter.com/WrangellStENPS

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instagram.com/wrangellstenps 

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Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 60
Sunday Monday Tuesday WednesdayWe Thursday Friday Saturday

Aug. 18 Aug. 19

Window

Opens

Aug. 20 Aug. 21 Aug. 22 Aug. 23 Aug. 24

NSRAC (Utqiagvik)

Aug. 25 Aug. 26 Aug. 27 Aug. 28 Aug. 29 Aug. 30 Aug. 31

YKDRAC (Bethel)

Sep. 1 Sep. 2

Labor

Day

Holiday

Sep. 3 Sep. 4 Sep. 5 Sep. 6 Sep. 7

KARAC (Unalaska)

Sep. 8 Sep. 9 Sep. 10 Sep. 11 Sep. 12 Sep. 13 Sep. 14

Sep. 15 Sep. 16 Sep. 17 Sep. 18 Sep. 19 Sep. 20 Sep. 21

Sep. 22 Sep. 23 Sep. 24 Sep. 25 Sep. 26 Sep. 27 Sep. 28

Sep. 29 Sep. 30 Oct. 1 Oct. 2 Oct. 3 Oct. 4 Oct. 5

WIRAC (Galena)

Oct. 6 Oct. 7 Oct. 8 Oct. 9 Oct. 10 Oct. 11 Oct. 12

EIRAC (Tanana)

SCRAC (Anchorage)

Oct. 13 Oct. 14

Columbus 

Day

Holiday

Oct. 15 Oct. 16 Oct. 17 Oct. 18 Oct. 19

Oct. 20 Oct. 21 Oct. 22 Oct. 23 Oct. 24 Oct. 25 Oct. 26

SPRAC (Nome)

SEARAC (Ketchikan)

Oct. 27 Oct. 28 Oct. 29 Oct. 30 Oct. 31 Nov. 1

Window 

Closes

Nov. 2

BBRAC (Dillingham)

NWARAC (Kotzebue)

Fall 2024 Regional Advisory Council

Meeting Calendar

Last updated 11/6/2023

Due to travel budget limitations placed by Department of the Interior on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and

the Office of Subsistence Management, the dates and locations of these meetings will be subject to change.

Wrangell-St. Elias SRC Meeting Materials Spring 2024 Page 61