Bears Before Bikes: Protecting McNeil River's Wild Heart

Alaska's McNeil River State Game Sanctuary is a special place. It's home to a huge number of brown bears. These bears are the main attraction. The sanctuary has been open to visitors for a long time. People usually arrive by floatplane. But now, there's a plan to allow wheel planes to land there too. This could be a big problem. The sanctuary was set up in 1967. The law says its main job is to protect the bears and their homes. It also says that any human activity must not harm the bears or their habitat. The McNeil River Alliance is worried. They think the new plan goes against these rules. They say the bears should come first. The area where wheel planes would land is important bear territory. It's especially crucial for mother bears and their cubs. The alliance argues that allowing wheel planes would force bears to leave. It could also damage their homes. They say this would break the law.The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) is asking for public opinion. They say they need to make changes. But the alliance disagrees. They point out that floatplanes have worked well for 50 years. They think the current system is good enough. The sanctuary is not a tourist spot. It's a wild place for bears. The alliance wants people to speak up. They should tell ADFG to keep the sanctuary safe for bears. The ADFG needs to follow the law. They must put the bears' safety first. Any changes should not harm the bears or their homes. The alliance is calling on everyone to make their voices heard. They want to keep McNeil River a safe haven for bears. It's a place where bears can live and thrive. That's what matters most.