NOAA
An industrial mining proposal threatens Lake Clark National Park and Preserve and nearby communities and wildlife populations including brown bears and endangered Cook Inlet belugas.
Press Release
Alaskan Advocates Reject National Park Service Steps Towards Allowing Mining in Lake Clark
A National Park Service announcement today could allow for future industrial mining development within Lake Clark National Park.
See more ›In January 2025, the National Park Service granted two land easements in an area called the Johnson Tract, allowing initial development this summer and future actions towards permitting mining. Near-term planned actions include building helicopter landing pads and conducting geotechnical drilling in the bear and wildlife-rich coastal region.
Lake Clark National Park & Preserve’s 100 miles of coastline and adjacent waters are home to abundant salmon populations as well as endangered and beloved Cook Inlet beluga whales. The whales are now at increased risk, as development begins in the region.
NPCA is working closely with Friends of the Bear Coast, a grassroots collective of professional guides, lodge owners, bush pilots, commercial fishermen, Alaskan families, outdoor adventurers, and more who are devoted to keeping Alaska’s Bear Coast wild.
Blog Post
A Best-Kept Secret at Lake Clark Is in Danger — Cook Inlet Beluga Whales
Cook Inlet beluga whales live close to a national park, as well as Alaska’s largest city. Yet with 330 or so left in the wild, they’re also an endangered population. Here’s why they matter.
Blog Post
Trouble Ahead: How Staffing Cuts Threaten Air, Water and Wildlife at Your Favorite Parks
Vital conservation projects in national parks are grinding to a halt following sweeping staff reductions. We outline the threats.
Sign Up
Get Action Alerts
Want national parks in your inbox? Sign up for NPCA email updates to receive news, features, and opportunities to make a difference! You can unsubscribe at any time.