Assembly directs manager to limit commercial tours at Rotary and Buggy’s beaches for 2026; staff to report in October

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly on April 20 instructed borough staff to implement a manager‑level policy limiting commercial tour activity at selected borough beaches for the 2026 season and to report back with findings and a recommended approach this fall.

The policy, developed by borough staff and discussed at the meeting, focuses on restricting commercial use during peak public‑use hours, limiting vehicle size to non‑CDL vans (roughly 15 passengers or smaller), and authorizing citations for violations. Manager Charlene Thomas told the assembly staff would enforce hours and access, use existing field staff to monitor beaches and restrooms, and return with lessons learned and a recommended path for 2027, including possible permit or fee programs.

Why it matters: Residents said unregulated tour activity has degraded beach access and visitor behavior, while local small‑van tour operators argued that beach stops are essential to their livelihoods. Multiple speakers — including small operators Richard Morgan and Bernadette Angus — warned that blanket bans or hasty restrictions would harm local businesses. Others pressed for toilets and infrastructure on the south end of Tongass as part of any long‑term solution.

At the meeting several assembly members supported the manager‑policy approach as a temporary ‘‘glide path’’ that preserves small operators’ access this year while giving staff time to build a permitting, fee and infrastructure plan for 2027. Manager Thomas said staff will monitor compliance, issue citations when warranted and seek input from operators, residents and the assembly; members asked for an October status report and a fuller policy review in the January 2027 policy session.

Notable claims and responses: Tour guide Matthew Bishop alleged two assembly members had business interests protected by recent rule changes; the claim was raised publicly and drew requests from assembly members to examine conflicts and to proceed transparently. Borough staff repeatedly emphasized the policy is a management action under existing code and remains amendable based on seasonal observations.

What’s next: Staff will implement the manager‑level restrictions for the 2026 season, monitor enforcement and community impacts, and return to the assembly with a report in October. The assembly signaled it may adopt formal permitting, designated parking stalls or fee structures for 2027 based on that review.