Many residents living near Alaska’s Denali State Park are not too happy with the local planning commission. Earlier this week, the Mat-Su Borough Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for a privately owned RV resort in the middle of the state park. RV park aside, locals are up in arms with an associated decision—one that will lead to as many as eight helicopter tours per day from the resort during the tourist season. But the call is made: Denali helicopter tours and RVs will be a reality.
The planning commission, in a final decision, approved the conditional use permit for The Ark @ Denali RV Park Resort Campground. The land in the midst of the state park is privately held. Hence the state government had no options on the decision either way.
The more controversial part of the call was allowing the request for the helipad. A third-party contractor is to use it to make Denali helicopter tours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., up to eight tours per day from mid-May to mid-September.
A vocal group spoke out against the heli-tours, and the county received more than 100 written comments on the matter. Those opposed said helicopter tours are noisy, and that people many come to the state park to appreciate a quiet atmosphere. They also raised concerns about light pollution and bear safety.
The planning commission directed that the resort managers provide as much vegetation buffer as possible. Developers are to screen the campground from the highway.
Developers say they’ll see to it park lighting is directed down to limit night sky pollution. They promise to educate guests on bear safety.
In addition to the Denali helicopter tours, Phase 1 of the RV resort’s development will have more. It includes 39 full-hookup RV sites, a walk-up café, picnic areas, and a boat launch. The developer foresees a future that includes a lodge and sports bar.
