The most popular tourist destination in Alaska The Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau is achieving its capacity for tours commercially this year earlier than in the past due to the increase of tourists.
The tour operators will also be faced with limitations in the second quarter of summer on how many tours are allowed to go to Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, which is administered by the U.S. Forest Service.
The Forest Service said in a statement that it was soliciting people’s patience as well as patience.
The limits on commercial tourism are set in order to protect areas’ ecosystems and natural resources and also to enhance the experience of tourists, as per the Forest Service. A visitor limit of 517,650 was established in 2015 following an environmental assessment of the region. However, with the absence of the pandemic which shut down the business for nearly two years, the number of cruise ship passengers has increased. The cruise ship industry has projected 1.65 million people visiting Alaska this year.
The business owners knew that the day was coming however it’s still a sting the sting, according to Serene Hutchinson, the general director at Juneau Tours, which has been in operation for more than 20 years.
“Mostly it’s tough to keep people from being disappointed throughout the day,” she said.
She explained that her company plans to be careful about managing its remaining permits for glacier tours. However, she’s trying to fill in the limitations with more city tours in Juneau as well as whale-watching excursions. She said that for Juneau tourists the glacier is a landmark.
“I’ve pretty much completed the five stages of grief and you’re now catching me at acceptance,” Hutchinson said.
She also said she has compassion to Forest Service staff facing public criticism: “We’re a small town and we’ve got them all personally. … The Forest Service is very grateful for them and believe they will make the right choice.”
The glacier’s capacity for visitors was adjusted slightly higher in the year 2019 with the addition of 55,000 after the restrooms and other facilities were upgraded. In addition, the Forest Service is considering further building facilities in the long run as a solution. The proposed project is currently in the process of being evaluated with the general public.
Juneau District Ranger Deputy Laura Buchheit, in a statement, referred to the public involvement in the proposed project in terms of being “in the final phase.”
“Protecting this place’s uniqueness as we adjust to unprecedented growth in visitor numbers is a huge task, and we appreciate the patience of everyone as we go along the way,” Buchheit said.
This article was originally published in Alaska Beacon and is republished here with permission.
