Laws & Policies

NPS Photo / T. Fulton

Enabling Legislation

Kenai Fjords' enabling legislation is the starting point for understanding the purpose of the park. Any park unit's enabling legislation outlines the specific reason(s) why Congress designated the place a national park (or national preserve, etc).

Section 201 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) states:
The park shall be managed for the following purposes, among others:

• To maintain unimpaired the scenic and environmental integrity of the Harding Icefield, its outflowing glaciers, and coastal fjords and islands in their natural state;
• and to protect seals, sea lions, other marine mammals, and marine and other birds and to maintain their hauling and breeding areas in their natural state, free of human activity which is disruptive to their natural processes.

 

Selected Regulations

Unmanned Aircraft
Due to visitor safety and park resources concerns, use of unmanned aircraft, also known as drones, is prohibited within the boundaries of Kenai Fjords National Park. In June 2014, NPS Director Jarvis signed a policy memorandum that prohibits launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service.

Marijuana and Other Controlled Substances
Possession or use of these substances inside Kenai Fjords National Park is prohibited. While Alaska provides for regulated possession and use of marijuana, it remains an illegal drug under federal law and is enforced within the park.

Pets
The well-being of your pets and park wildlife is of the utmost importance to us. For the safety of all, pets are allowed in only a few select areas, and may not be left unattended. Your pet must be leashed or physically restrained at all times. Pets are not allowed on trails, buildings, or in the coastal backcountry - in an area from mean high tide to 1/4 mi inland, from 5/30-11/1.

Firearms
People who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws may legally possess firearms in Kenai Fjords National Park.

• It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park.
• Firearms are prohibited in federal facilities.
• Hunting and discharge of firearms is prohibited within the park.

Food Storage
Proper food storage is mandatory throughout Kenai Fjords National Park. It is illegal to feed bears, either on purpose or by leaving food or garbage that attracts them. All food (including your fishing catch, garbage, and any food containers, cooking equipment, etc., that contains food odors) must be properly stored.

 

Help protect your park shorelines by packing out trash and waste.

NPS / M.Dalpes

Human Waste
Please help protect Kenai Fjord National Park's resources, ecosytem, and visual impact by properly disposing of all human waste in the park. Per the park’s compendium (2.14(a)(9),(b)) all human waste must be carried out and disposed of outside the park from the following locations:

• Coastal beaches and Public Use Cabins.
• Exit Glacier.
• Exit Glacier Developed Area (when NPS toilets are not available and ground is frozen).

In all other glaciated areas of the park, human waste must be deposited in a deep crevasse or carried out. All tissue paper and sanitary items should be packed out or burned completely.

Some environmentally friendly, human waste disposal options are waste disposal kits, such as PETT Wag Bags, Restop II, or similar containers. The bag within a bag design and ziplock closure securely contains waste and odor, while the special blend of polymers instantly breaks down waste and turns it into a deodorized gel. The contents of the bag are safe for landfills, and it is a lightweight, sanitary way to pack out waste.

 

Complete Regulations

The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) not only created the park but mandates management which protects a unique Alaskan lifestyle on these lands. A multitude of laws, regulations, and policies govern the management of Kenai Fjords National Park and regulate visitor use of this area.

These regulations help us protect park resources while also providing visitors with a safe and enjoyable experience.

• Most regulations governing visitor activities are found in Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part I, Sections 1-13. Special Regulations are those regulations which apply only to specific geographic regions or park areas. Part 13 of 36 CFR contains regulations specific to Alaska. Kenai Fjords regulations are found in Section 13.67.
• The Superintendent's compendium is reviewed annually and provides a list of regulations under the discretionary authority of the superintendent.
• • Each winter, the park will propose a new compendium for that year. During the proposal period, comments are solicited from the public. Comments will be accepted online, by mail, or may be hand delivered to the Alaska Regional Office in Anchorage.
• Generally speaking, Alaska State laws dictate who may possess firearms within the park.

Specific questions about park regulations may also be addressed to the Chief Ranger by e-mail or by calling [phone].

 

Exit Glacier Area Summer & Winter Use Reference Maps

• Exit Glacier Developed Area - Summer
• Exit Glacier Developed Area - Winter