National Park Service Proposes Off-Road Vehicle Access for Subsistence in Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
FAIRBANKS, Alaska — The Department of the Interior and the National Park Service today announced a proposed rule that would allow qualifying rural residents of Anaktuvuk Pass to use off-road vehicles for lawful subsistence activities in Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. The proposed rule is open for public comment for 60 days.
The proposed rule advances Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum’s direction to recognize off-road vehicles as a traditional means of transportation used by Anaktuvuk Pass residents for subsistence purposes under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.
“For generations, the people of Anaktuvuk Pass have relied on access to Alaska’s lands and wildlife to sustain their families and way of life,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “President Trump’s administration is committed to respecting Alaska’s unique traditions and ensuring rural communities have reasonable access for lawful subsistence activities. This proposal recognizes the importance of traditional transportation methods while maintaining protections for the extraordinary natural resources of Gates of the Arctic.”
Anaktuvuk Pass is a remote community inside Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and is not connected to the state road system. Residents used off-road vehicles for subsistence activities before Congress established the park. The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to ensure people have reasonable access to subsistence resources.
“Honoring traditional subsistence practices and ensuring rural communities have reasonable access to park resources are central to the National Park Service’s mission,” said Jessica Bowron, Comptroller Exercising the Delegated Authority of the Director of the National Park Service. “Under Secretary Burgum’s leadership, we are working to help local residents get the access they need while also protecting the special places and culture of Gates of the Arctic.”
The proposed rule would allow eligible local rural residents of Anaktuvuk Pass to use off-road vehicles for lawful subsistence activities in the park. It would also allow the superintendent to address harmful impacts from off-road vehicles when necessary to protect park resources and values. The proposed rule applies only to qualifying subsistence use and does not authorize recreational off-road vehicles.
“This proposed rule provides a clear framework for subsistence-based use of off-road vehicles in Gates of the Arctic,” said Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve Superintendent Mark Dowdle. “We look forward to hearing from Anaktuvuk Pass residents and the public as we move through the rulemaking process.”
NPS will accept public comments on the proposed rule for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. Comments may be submitted online at Regulations.gov by searching for RIN 1024-AF12 or mailed to Superintendent, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, 101 Dunkel St., Suite 110, Fairbanks, AK 99701.
Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Dec. 18, 2026.
The proposed rule will publish in the Federal Register on Oct. 19, 2026. To view the proposed rule once published, visit www.federalregister.gov and search for document #2026-21300.
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