Laws & Policies

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:
Kenai Fjords National 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 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. Coastal backcountry specifically refers to an area from mean high tide to 1/4 mile inland, from May 30th to November 1st each year.

Firearms

People who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws may legally possess firearm 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 fishing catch, garbage, and any food containers, cooking equipment, etc., that contains food odors) must be properly stored.

Snowmobile (Snowmachine) Use

Snowmobile use is only permitted once the superintendent has made the determination that there is adequate snow cover. Check the current snowmobile use status on the current conditions page. For more information, read through state and federal law pertaining to snowmobile regulations in Kenai Fjords.

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.