User:Clhild/Denali National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park and Preserve
Nikolai, Telida, Lake Minchumina, and Cantwell residents are authorized to hunt inside the park because large portions of these communities historically hunted in the area for subsistence purposes.

There are several non-native species in the park including common dandelion, narrowleaf hawksbeard, white sweet clover, bird vetch, yellow toadflax, and scentless false mayweed. There are 28 invasive species documented in the park and 15 of these species are considered a threat. Volunteers and park rangers work to keep non-native plant populations low.

Glaciers
Measurements indicate that glaciers in the park are losing about 6.6ft (2m) of vertical water equivalency each year.

Permafrost
Permanently frozen ground is known as permafrost. The permafrost is discontinuous in Denali due to differences in vegetation, temperatures, snow cover and hydrology. The active layer freezing and thawing seasonally can be from 1 inch (25 mm) to 10 feet (3.0 m) thick. The permafrost layer is located at between 30 and 100 feet (9.1 and 30.5 m) below the active layer. A stand of oddly leaning white spruce growing on a lower slope of Denali is called the Drunken Forest. The trees lean due to the soil sliding as a result of permafrost freeze/thaw cycles. Permafrost impacts the ecosystem in the park by influencing hydrology, patterns of vegetation, and wildlife. During the very cold Pleistocene climates, all of Denali was solidly frozen. The northern areas of the range are still frozen due to continued cold temperatures. About 75% of Denali had near-surface permafrost, or an active permafrost layer, in the 1950s. In the 2000s, around 50% of Denali had near-surface permafrost. It is suspected that by the 2050s, only about 6% of surface permafrost will remain. Because of climate change, most of the shallow permafrost is thawing. It is estimated that with an addition 1-2 degree warming, most of Denali's permafrost will thaw. Permafrost thaw causes landslides as the ice rich soil transforms into mud slurry. Landslides have previously impacted accessibility in Denali by obstructing the roads in the park. Permafrost thaw releases addition carbon into the atmosphere.

General
There are no restrictions on walking, hiking, or picnicking. Group sizes must consist of 12 or less individuals including guides in backcountry units 1-21, 23-47, 61-64, 70-79, 81, 86, 87 on the east side of the park and 6 or less individuals in backcountry units 22, 48, 65-69, 80, 82-85 on the west side of the park. Possession or use of marijuana and other controlled substances are prohibited within all national parks, preserves, rivers, and monuments.

E-bikes are permitted in the park on trails open to traditional bicycles, park roads, and parking areas. Where traditional bicycles are prohibited, e-bikes are also prohibited with the exception of where public motor vehicles are allowed.

Camping
Camping is allowed in designated park areas for a time of up to 14 consecutive days. Visitors can also choose to camp in designated backcountry units for up to 30 days with a limit of 7 days in a unit per trip between April 15 and September 30. Riley Creek, Savage River, and Teklanika River Campgrounds are where fires can be lit and maintained. If any rocks are moved to create fire-pits, following the extinguishment of the fire, they must be returned to their original locations, and all trash, including burned food, glass, and cans, must be properly disposed of.

Mountain Climbing
Those who wish to mountain climb on Denali and Mt. Foraker must obtain a climbing permit at least 60 days prior to the start of the climb. In addition to obtaining a permit, solo climbers must also submit a Supplemental Solo Form. Climbers must check in before and after their climb at the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station with their expedition group and attend a mandatory safety orientation and learn about resource protection prior to climbing.

Gathering and Collecting
Visitors are allowed to collect unendangered natural foods including fruits and berries, uninhabited seashells, surface rocks and minerals, and dead wood as campfire fuel. Visitors may not collect silver, gemstones, or fossils. All gathering and collecting must be done by hand and cannot use shovels, pickaxes, or anything that will disturb the ground surface.

Hunting and Fishing
Sport hunting is permitted within Denali National Preserve but prohibited within all areas of Denali National Park. Some local rural residents over the age of 18 with a valid Alaska State hunting license are permitted to subsistence hunt on lands added by the Alaskan National Interest Conservation Act. Visitors may fish in all park areas in accordance with applicable State and Federal law.