Brooks Camp Campground in the Katmai National Park will open to 30 people this summer starting on June 1. According to the announcement, park officials are working with federal, state and local health authorities to monitor COVID-19 to try to increase access to the campgrounds throughout the summer.
Brooks Camp Campgrounds is located near the popular bear viewing site at Brooks Falls.
Credit Katmai National Park and Reserve
Brooks Camp Campground in the Katmai National Park will open to 30 people this summer starting on June 1. That’s 50% capacity.
The camp is near the popular bear viewing site of Brooks Falls. The park made the announcement this week to comply with federal guidelines for vaccinated individuals. According to the announcement, masks will only be required for those who are not vaccinated indoors, on platforms, walkways and places where social distancing is not possible.
The bears enjoyed a peaceful feast at Brooks Falls.Brooks River had its largest salmon run ever at 800,000 fish.
Credit Katmai National Park and Reserve
Hunting, fishing, and practicing subsistence in Bristol Bay were welcome reprieves from being cooped up and isolated this year.
Three moose legs hang inside a garage. Sept. 9, 2020
Credit Brian Venua/KDLG
But the pandemic affected who hunted this year. Ryan Scott, an assistant director for Fish and Game, said some hunters weary of quarantine and travel restrictions were hesitant to visit.
“I think a lot of hunters are having to really think through how to accomplish the hunt that they want to do and do it responsibly,” Scott explains, “I talked to a fair number of them at this point and they are taking it very seriously.