Subsistence Users: Get Your Fishwheel Permit Now. Walk-Ins Are Welcome

Historic photo of Jack Craig making a fishwheel. (Archive: Photo by Copper River Country Journal) 

FISHWHEEL REGISTRATION & PERMITS 

National Park Service Press Release

Wednesday, May 8th, 2024 

On Friday, May 10, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. applicants will be able to pick up permits and register fishwheels at the Copper Center Visitor Center, Mile 106.8 Richardson Highway. 

While walk-ins are welcome, applicants should call ahead to 907-822-7284 to request a permit. To reduce wait times and expedite permit issuance, permits will be printed in advance and available for pick up with proper identification. The Visitor Center doors will only be open to permittees, not general visitors. 

 

A government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) and additional proof of the physical address of your primary residence is required when you come to get a permit. Documentation of physical address can include a voter registration card or a recent utility bill listing your physical address.

Permit applicants should be federally qualified subsistence users. 

To be eligible for a permit, your primary permanent residence should be in rural Alaska and your community or area should be listed for the intended species and location in the “Customary & Traditional Use Determination” (C&T) column of the Federal Subsistence Management Regulations Booklet for the Harvest of Fish and Shellfish: https://www.doi.gov/subsistence/fisheries.

If you’re unable to attend this event, permits will be available at Copper Center Visitor Center starting May 13th, seven days a week, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. For more information about other locations, please see the news release from April 29:Federal Subsistence Fishing Permits in the Upper Copper River - Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Please call 907-822-7284 if you have any questions.