Mission :

Denali Citizens Council works to promote the integrity of Denali National Park and Preserve by supporting the ecological and wilderness values for which the Park was established and by fostering responsible planning in the greater Denali community.

We accomplish our mission through advocacy with the National Park Service, state and local government and other public agencies, education in bimonthly newsletters and a website and citizen mobilization in forums, conferences and email updates.

History :

Denali Citizens Council is a 501(c)(3)-membership organization incorporated in 1974 to provide citizens' conservation voice in the management of Denali National Park. Much of the inspiration for the founding of DCC came from longtime local residents and business owners Celia Hunter and Ginny Wood. One of the first areas of concern for DCC was the development of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, which was signed by President Carter in 1980, and added valuable animal habitat and wilderness scenery to the then Mt. McKinley National Park.

Over the years DCC has been active on many Denali issues, particularly those related to management of the park road, development in the park entrance area, concessions contracting, and private inholdings in the Kantishna area. Presently DCC has close to 200 members, the majority of whom are in Alaska. Until recently, the volunteer Board members performed virtually all the organization's work. DCC presently publishes a regular newsletter, participates actively in park planning processes, and articulates a vision for the park to state and local agencies and the general public. DCC organizes an Annual Meeting every summer, providing networking opportunities for its members, fostering discussion of important issues, and presenting speakers and forums on current issues of concern.