National Park News

BrooksCamp: Brooks Camp Campground reservations for the 2012 season can be made starting at 10:00 eastern time on January 5. Visit www.recreation.gov

BrooksCamp: Katmai posted news release + frequently asked questions on environmental assessment for sport hunting guide services. go.nps.gov/33krdb

The National Park Service will begin work on an environmental assessment (EA) next month to consider the reissuance of concession contract (s) and proposed changes for sport hunting guide services within Katmai National Preserve. Because sport hunting is a Congressionally authorized use of the preserve, all options in the EA will propose that guided sport hunting continue in a way that does not result in significant environmental impacts to park resources and values, including the brown bear population, other users, wilderness character, or subsistence uses.

BrooksCamp: Katmai NP is seeking input on proposed Brooks Camp Campground and Fure’s cabin fee changes. For info visit go.nps.gov/katm_fees .

Katmai National Park and Preserve is seeking public input on a proposal to raise the fee for camping at Brooks Camp Campground from $8 to $15 per person, per night. There is also a separate proposal to place the Fure’s Bay of Islands Public Use Cabin on the national reservation system, Recreation.Gov, and to implement a new fee of $45 per night.

BrooksCamp: Brooks Camp’s facilities are closed for the winter. They will reopen on June 1. You are still welcome to visit at any time of the year.

BrooksCamp: @gslabbert5119 No reservations or fees are collected for the campground after Sept 17. You’re welcome to stay in the campground after that.

BrooksCamp: Still lots of fat bears to see along the river and plenty of space in the campground if you want a last minute trip to Brooks Camp.

BrooksCamp: @musgraver No Evander yet this year. He was an old bear and a regular at Brooks, so we suspect he may not be alive if he doesn’t return.

BrooksCamp: Many, many bears can be seen fishing the lower Brooks River. #402 and her spring cubs have been making regular appearances near the bridge.

BrooksCamp: 30 individual bears have been identified using the river during past week! As many as 10 have been seen at once–and it’s only Sept. 1st.

BrooksCamp: ~17 individual bears have been seen feeding in the river during the past two days, with more yet to come. It’s a spawned-out salmon buffet.

BrooksCamp: The bears seem to be coming back early for their late summer and fall salmon feast. Many bears were seen in the lower Brooks River today.

BrooksCamp: Several bears seen in the lower Brooks River today. Will the bears come back early?

BrooksCamp: A handful of chum salmon are in the Brooks River now along with lots of bright red sockeyes.

BrooksCamp: @jeferoni The webcam at Brooks Falls will not be operating this year.

BrooksCamp: Yesterday, long periods with no bears at the falls. Some bears still using the lower Brooks River, but most have dispersed for August.

BrooksCamp: Bears are still fishing the falls, but the average number is declining as the salmon slow their migration. #402 is around camp w/ cubs.

BrooksCamp: @musgraver Bear #234 Evander has not been spotted this summer. First classified as an adult in 1996, he is probably an old bear.

BrooksCamp: Some bears are beginning to disperse and haven’t been seen along the river in a week or so, but a few new bears have arrived recently.

BrooksCamp: @Ketellapper Yes we have seen #236 Milkshake fishing with two cubs at the mouth of the Brooks River during the past couple of weeks.

BrooksCamp: @erniebernieboo We have not seen #211 Backbite. #16 Cinnamon is still begging for scraps at the falls and appears to be gaining some weight.

BrooksCamp: Upwards of 11 bears fishing at Brooks Falls last evening. Bear #402 and her spring cubs have also been seen at the falls recently.

BrooksCamp: It’s still the mating season for bears at Brooks River. One dominant male abandoned the falls to court a female this past weekend.

BrooksCamp: The first spring cubs have arrived at Brooks Camp. Bear 402 and her three spring cubs have been seen frequently during the past few days.

BrooksCamp: Two females with yearlings have been passing through the lower Brook River during the past couple of days.

BrooksCamp: More salmon seem to have entered the river yesterday. At least a few bears were able to catch some fish.

BrooksCamp: @k1fan100 Here, bears are relatively free of external parasites, like ticks. The mosquitoes and blackflies can be quite bothersome, though.

BrooksCamp: Bears are often seen moving through the area, but none have been fishing successfully at Brooks Falls.

BrooksCamp: @MidoriMonsta Weather has been cool and damp this spring. Mosquitoes are plentiful right now. Bring a headnet if you visit.