Tundra travel ends in western coastal area

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources announced May 3 that it has closed the western coastal area of state lands on the North Slope to off-road winter tundra travel. All off-road travel currently in progress must be completed by 10 p.m. on May 6, DNR said. Although temperatures in the region remain at or slightly below freezing, the ground has warmed sufficiently to break down the snow pack and leave the tundra vulnerable to damage, the agency said.

The agency will consider allowing travel extensions on a case-by-case basis if the snow cover is adequate along the travel route, but any travel beyond the closure date requires approval by the Division of Mining, Land and Water. Summer off-road travel, using vehicles approved for summer tundra operations, may commence on or after 6 a.m. on July 15 but requires a state permit.

Winter off-road tundra travel in the state’s eastern coastal area was closed April 26. Off-road travel in the upper foothills area remains open. However, because of poor snow conditions, DNR has not opened the lower foothills area for off-road travel at any time this winter.

- ALAN BAILEY