DNR opens coastal areas for tundra travel

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has opened the eastern and western coastal areas of state land on the North Slope for off-road winter tundra travel - the agency opened the eastern area on Jan. 4 and the western area on Jan. 5. The department says that in the coastal region soil temperatures are below minus 5 C at a depth of 30 centimeters and snow depths are greater than 6 inches, the criteria for the tundra travel opening.

However, the department also says that, although overall snow cover is good, it may be thin in some areas - these areas should be avoided or, if access is required, special construction methods should be used to protect the tundra. And any off-road driving requires a state off-road tundra travel permit.

DNR has yet to announce the opening of the lower and upper foothills areas of state Arctic lands for tundra travel.

- ALAN BAILEY