Wrangell-St. Elias Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Changes to Electric Bike Use

COPPER CENTER, ALASKA - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is seeking public comment on a proposed change to the Superintendent's Compendium that would modify the use of electric bicycles in the park. The proposed update would make the park's management of e-bikes consistent with other forms of transportation used to get to Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark. The change would permit e-bike riders to leave bikes at the Shuttle Bus Turnaround just south of the Kennecott Visitor Center (where ATVs, personal vehicles, and bicycles are already allowed to park).

A 30-day public comment period on the proposed revision begins on Aug.7 and ends Sept. 6, 2026. The public is invited to review the proposal and submit comments through the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website. Additional information on proposed changes and instructions for submitting comments are available on the project webpage, https://parkplanning.nps.gov/WRSTCompendium2026

"This change allows an additional non-automobile mode of travel for visitors, employees, and residents traveling between McCarthy and Kennecott," said Joshua Scott, Acting Wrangell-St, Elias National Park and Preserve Superintendent. "The NPS acknowledges that our visitors and guests should be pedestrian based after arriving at the Kennecott parking area."

The Superintedent's compendium is the annual compilation of park-specific regulations established under the superintendent's discretionary authority. It identifies closures, public use limits, permit requirements and other designations necessary to protect park resources while providing for safe and appropriate visitor use.