Federal Register #2026-21300

Proposed rules for subsistence off-road vehicle use in Gates of the Arctic

The National Park Service proposes changes to rules governing subsistence off-road vehicle use in Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. - Government buyer: National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. The proposal concerns Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and the park Superintendent’s authority. - Proposed rule: Recognize subsistence off-road vehicle use by authorized local rural residents of Anaktuvuk Pass. - Mitigation requirements: The Superintendent could impose reasonable measures only when clear evidence shows that this use is causing or is likely to cause adverse impacts, including effects on public health and safety, park resources, historic or scientific values, subsistence uses, or threatened and endangered species. - Any measure would require a written determination and must be the least restrictive measure capable of addressing the impact. - Notice and consultation procedures would apply. - Procurement relevance: This is a proposed rulemaking, not a procurement request. No products, services, quantities, part numbers, OEMs, or vendors are identified.

Description

The National Park Service proposes to amend special regulations for Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve concerning off-road vehicle use for subsistence purposes by local rural residents of Anaktuvuk Pass. The proposal would establish a process for the Superintendent to impose reasonable mitigation measures only when such use is causing or likely to cause specified adverse impacts, including impacts to health and safety, resources, subsistence uses, or threatened and endangered species. The proposed rule also addresses authorized subsistence use and procedures for mitigation measures. Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on December 18, 2026.

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