Katmai National Park will pilot a permit system for the Brooks River Corridor, which includes the river itself and 50 yards from the water on either side along the banks of the river. This doesn’t include the trails, boardwalks, or wildlife viewing platforms. Permits, according to a press release, will be needed to access the Brooks River Corridor from July 1 through October 31 when the salmon are spawning. Each permit will be valid for seven days with a maximum group size of six individuals.
The permits are free, but there is a $6 booking fee that will be charged. Commercial users and visitors will be able to obtain permits before arriving to the Brooks River through a link here. Interested parties can reserve their permits online beginning June 28.
The Brooks River Corridor is used primarily for fishing, bear viewing and photography and Katmai National Park & Preserve hopes that the introduction of this new permit system will ensure a safer and more compliant experience for those using the river. Currently, there is unregulated use and unlimited access to this area and the permit system will also serve as an integral planning and management tool to improve visitor safety and protection of the resources. The new permit system would build on other actions taken to manage the Brooks River Corridor within the park’s 1987 General Management Plan (GMP).
The Brooks River is an important food source for brown bears. Bear populations and human presence has been steadily increasing to levels that pose risks to visitor and resource safety.