Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

36 CFR PART 13

RIN 1024-AC31

Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed Rule.

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SUMMARY: The National Park Service (NPS) is proposing regulations to

require mountain climbers to register a minimum of 60 days before any

climb on Mount McKinley and Mount Foraker in Denali National Park,

Alaska. Mountaineering in the park has increased dramatically over the

last ten years. The number of climbers on Mount McKinley has risen from

695 in 1984 to 1277 in 1994 and 1,220 in 1995. Climbing-related

injuries and deaths have correspondingly increased. By requiring

advance registration, the Denali park staff will be able to provide

information to prospective mountaineers in advance of their climb. This

may include information on the specific dangers they may face, how to

prepare and equip, other safety related issues, and requirements

concerning resource protection issues such as litter removal and human

waste disposal. Currently, climbers are required to register, but may

do so as late as the day they depart for the mountain.

DATES: Written comments will be accepted through November 13, 1995.

ADDRESSES: All comments should be addressed to: Superintendent, Denali

National Park and Preserve, PO Box 9, Denali National Park, AK 99755.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Martin, Superintendent, Denali

National Park and Preserve, P.O. Box 9, Denali National Park, AK 99755.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Denali National Park was first established as Mt. McKinley National

Park on February 26, 1917. A separate Denali National Monument was

proclaimed on December 1, 1978. These two park areas were combined,

reconfigured and established as Denali National Park and Preserve on

December 2, 1980, encompassing approximately 6.5 million acres. Prior

to achieving its current configuration, the land the park now

encompasses was recognized for its unique ecological value and

designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1976. That designation

has since been expanded to encompass the entire 6.5 million acre park

and preserve. The park contains North America's highest mountain,

20,320 foot Mount McKinley. Mount Foraker, at 17,400 feet, and numerous

large glaciers of the Alaska Range are also a part of this park's

subarctic ecosystem. Wildlife includes caribou, Dall sheep, moose,

grizzly bears and wolves.

The first ascent of Mount McKinley occurred in 1913. Climbing

continued to be a popular activity, although on a small scale, after

the park was established. However, during the last ten years,

mountaineering in the park has increased dramatically. The number of

Mount McKinley climbers has risen from 695 in 1984 to 1277 in 1994 and

1,220 in 1995. With the numbers of climbers increasing, the number of

accidents, rescues and resource related problems have also increased.

Since 1932, a total of 85 mountaineers have perished on the slopes of

Mount McKinley; 28 percent of these deaths (24) have occurred since

1990. Recent years have also seen an increase in climbing related

deaths on Mount Foraker and the other Alaska Range peaks located in the

park. In 1990, eight mountaineers were rescued on Mount McKinley. In

sharp contrast, the number of mountaineers rescued increased to 28 in

1992, 27 in 1994 and 21 in 1995. Studies by the NPS showed that the

major reason climbers got into trouble on the mountain and required

rescue was their unfamiliarity with the hazards unique to Mount

McKinley. Specifically, extreme weather conditions, weather

changeability and the other hazards associated with climbing in such

northerly latitudes caught the climbers unprepared. The NPS determined

that climbers need better education and information prior to their

climbs and that an appropriate time frame was necessary to convey this

information to the climbing community. Climbers from 38 countries

registered to climb Mount McKinley in 1995. With so many climbers

seeking permits, adequate lead time required to fulfill the requests

lengthens. The 60 day pre- registration period will provide sufficient

opportunity for the Denali park staff to provide the necessary

information to prospective mountaineers on the dangers they may face

climbing in the park, how to prepare and equip themselves for the

climb, other safety related issues and requirements concerning resource

protection issues such as litter removal and human waste disposal.

When this proposed rule becomes final, it will replace the interim

rule that was published on March 31, 1995, in the Federal Register. (60

FR 16579).

Public Participation

The policy of the National Park Service is, whenever practicable,

to afford the public an opportunity to participate in the rule making

process. Accordingly, interested persons may submit written comments

regarding this proposed rule to the address noted at the beginning of

this rule making. Comments must be received on or before November 13,

1995. The NPS will review all comments and consider making changes to

the rule based upon a thorough analysis of the comments.

Drafting Information

The primary authors of this rule are Dennis Burnett, Washington

Office of Ranger Activities and Brenda Bussard of Denali National Park

and Preserve, National Park Service.

Paperwork Reduction Act

This rule does not contain information collection requirements

which require approval by the Office of Management and Budget under 44

U.S.C. 3501 et seq.

[[Page 47514]]

Compliance With Other Laws

This rule was not subject to Office of Management and Budget review

under Executive Order 12866. The Department of the Interior determined

that this document will not have a significant economic effect on a

substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility

Act (5 USC 601 et seq). The economic effects of this rulemaking are

local in nature and negligible in scope.

The NPS has determined that this proposed rulemaking will not have

a significant effect on the quality of the human environment, health

and safety because it is not expected to:

(a) Increase public use to the extent of compromising the nature

and character of the area or causing physical damage to it;

(b) Introduce incompatible uses which compromise the nature and

character of the area or causing physical damage to it;

(c) Conflict with adjacent ownerships or land uses; or

(d) Cause a nuisance to adjacent owners or occupants.

Based on this determination, and in accord with the procedural

requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and by

Departmental Regulations in 516 DM 6, (49 FR 21438) an Environmental

Assessment (EA) and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) have

been prepared.

List of Subjects in 36 CFR Part 13

Alaska, National Parks, reporting and record keeping requirements.

In consideration of the foregoing, it is proposed to amend 36 CFR

chapter I, part 13 as follows:

PART 13--NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM UNITS IN ALASKA

Subpart C--Special Regulations--Specific Park Areas in Alaska

1. The authority citation for part 13 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1, 3, 462(k), 3101 et seq.; Sec. 13.65(b)

also issued under 16 U.S.C. 1361, 1531.

Sec. 13.63 [Amended]

2. Section 13.63 is amended by revising paragraph (f) to read as

follows:

* * * * *

(f) Mountain climbing. Climbing on Mount McKinley or Mount Foraker

without registering, on a form provided by the Superintendent, at least

60 days in advance of any climb is prohibited.

Dated: August 23, 1995.

George T. Frampton, Jr.,

Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

[FR Doc. 95-22749 Filed 9-12-95; 8:45 am]

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