Planning Commission Approves RV Park in Denali State Park

The Mat-Su Borough Planning Commission approved a Conditional Use Permit for the Ark @ Denali RV Park Resort Campground on private land within Denali State Park. And the Commission left in a provision for a helipad for helicopter tours.  

This was despite the approximately 100 written comments received prior to the meeting and those residents at the meeting opposing the helipad. The Commission did not modify the permit language allowing the helipad. 

Helicopter tours will be run by a third-party contractor and will be allowed between 9am and 5pm with only eight tours per day from May 15 through September 15. 

Most who spoke against the helicopter tours noted the noise they generate and the fact that visitors come to the State Park to enjoy the quiet atmosphere. And that this permit allows one per hour, up to eight tours per day.

In addition to the helicopter tours, light pollution, fire pits, and the bear-proof trash containers were other issues of concern. The applicant noted that they will provide bear awareness materials for visitors and that lights would be directed downward to reduce light pollution. There also will be access for foot traffic to the Chulitna River, specifically for inflatable rafts and kayaks, but no vehicles will be allowed.

The RV Park is required to have screening along the Parks Highway. The applicant is also required to keep as much of a vegetated buffer as possible around an unnamed stream on the property to protect water quality. The stream is a tributary of the Chulitna River.

The initial application was given only two weeks for comments, but was delayed because not enough neighbors were included in the direct mailing. Then, inclement weather delayed it another two weeks. Normally, a conditional use permit is given a two-week period between its introduction and decision. 

Conditional use permits are decided at the Planning Commission level so the decision granting the RV Park and helipad are final.