Matanuska-Susitna planning commission approves RV campground permit in Denali State Park after removing flight restrictions

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Commission on Jan. 6 approved Resolution 24-33, granting a conditional use permit to construct and operate an RV campground resort at 4852 North Parks Highway in Denali State Park. The commission removed a staff-recommended condition that would have attempted to limit helicopter flight paths and times after staff said such regulation is likely preempted by federal law.

The permit authorizes development of the southern half of an 85-acre parcel owned by Yolanda Doyen, with proposed amenities that include about 40 RV sites, 14 duplex cabins, tent camping areas, a convenience store and food concession, a viewing deck and tour-bus parking, a pedestrian bridge, a planned public ramp to the Chulitna River, and a proposed helipad for third‑party tour operators. The applicant, represented by civil engineer Tim Alley of the Butte Company on behalf of First Colony Developers, said the heliport would be operated by a third party if used and that the application requests a maximum of one tour per hour as a threshold, not a guaranteed level of activity.

Staff planner Peggy Horton told commissioners the application packet and staff report recommended approval but that staff had removed condition number 6 — language attempting to regulate flight paths and times — because "it was determined that the regulation of flight patterns and time of day flights are matters for which the regulation is likely…