National Park Service Warns Of Dangers Around Kennecott's Mine Buildings, Increased Helicopter Work

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Service reduces abandoned mine hazards 

(Photo, Copper River Country Journal) 

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

News Release

Release Date: July 25, 2025

Contact: Jonathan Shafer, jonathan_shafer@nps.gov, 907-379-0389

Expect Increased Air Traffic between McCarthy Airport and Bonanza Ridge in late-July and late-August

COPPER CENTER, ALASKA – Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve plans to conduct special aviation operations with a helicopter in late-July and late-August. Flight dates will depend on the weather.

The public, and aviators in particular, should be aware of this work. People near the airport or Bonanza Ridge may notice additional noise while the helicopter operations are happening. Pilots should remain alert as they may encounter this low-flying helicopter anywhere in the McCarthy Area – especially between Bonanza Ridge or McCarthy.

The helicopter is supporting operations at and near Bonanza Mine. National Park Service staff are working to address hazards including ground subsidence (collapse) that a geologist observed in July 2024.

Mine safety

Walking around old mining areas always poses hazards, and your safety is your responsibility. Take advantage of the information the National Park Service provides online and in-person by asking for updates at visitor centers so that you have relevant information to enjoy your visit.

(Photo, Country Journal Archives) 

This and other abandoned mineral lands in parks and on other public lands are dangerous. Anyone who visits areas in or near mines could encounter hazards like:

• Deadly drop-offs at mine openings or elsewhere underground.
• Rotten and unstable structures.
• Lethal gas.
• Cave ins.
• Unstable explosives.
• Deep pools of water.
• Dangerous animals.

Anyone who enters an area that is unstable endangers themselves and, if they require rescue, the lives of rescuers. Avoid abandoned mine hazards so that you do not put yourself or others in danger.

The Code of Federal Regulations, 36 CFR §13.1904 (a)-(c), prohibits entering closed structures, mine tunnels and other mine openings. It also prohibits camping in any historic structure or passing beyond barricades.

Kennecott Mining History

The area around and under Bonanza Mine was originally mined by the Kennecott Copper Company beginning in the early-twentieth century. Kennecott Copper Company ceased operations at Bonanza Mine in the 1930s. In 1986, the area was designated as a National Historic Landmark, and in 1998, the National Park Service acquired several thousand acres including most historic structures in the area.

For more information, contact Rebekah Levine, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Geologist, Rebekah_levine@nps.gov; 907-213-9359.

www.nps.gov/wrst

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s more than 400 national park sites and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube @nationalparkservice. #FindYourPark.

Public Affairs Team

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

PO Box 439/ 106.8 Richardson Highway

Copper Center, AK 99573

Visitor Services and Information: (907) 822-7250