State closes off-road travel on North Slope

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources, or DNR, has closed all areas of state land north of the Brooks Range for off-road travel, thus closing this winter’s tundra-travel season. Temperatures have been above freezing during the day in both the foothills and coastal areas, and snow deterioration has been observed across the region, the agency said in a May 5 announcement.

All off-road travel currently in progress must be completed by 4 p.m. on May 8, the agency said. However, the agency said that it may approve travel extensions on a case-by-case basis, if snow remains adequate for off-road travel in some areas. Extensions require prior approval from the Division of Mining, Land and Water, DNR said.

Summer tundra travel for permit holders with approved off-road travel vehicles may be allowed, starting on July 15, DNR said.

Last year winter tundra travel continued until May 17 for the upper foothills and western coastal areas, with the remaining areas closing on May 20.

—Alan Bailey