Crammed with tourists, Alaska’s capital wonders what will happen as its magnificent glacier recedes

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Amidst an influx of tourists arriving on cruise ships, Alaska’s capital city is faced with the challenge of managing the growing number of visitors eager to witness the grandeur of the Mendenhall Glacier. This awe-inspiring glacier attracts sightseers by the thousands, arriving on helicopters, kayaks, canoes, and foot, creating concerns about how to handle the record number of tourists expected this year. To mitigate the impact, the city has reached an agreement with the cruise industry to limit the number of ships arriving next year.

However, the most significant concern is the rapid melting of the Mendenhall Glacier due to climate change. By 2050, it might no longer be visible from the visitor center, leading to a profound question that Juneau is now just starting to consider: What will happen then?

Alexandra Pierce, the city’s tourism manager, emphasizes the need to focus on preserving the pristine environment that attracts people to Alaska in the first place. Efforts to reduce environmental impacts are necessary to safeguard this unique destination for both residents and visitors.

The glacier has already retreated considerably over the years, with warming temperatures contributing to its thinning. This poses uncertainties not only for the ecosystem and wildlife, such as salmon habitats but also for tourism. Popular features of the glacier have already changed significantly, and officials are contemplating whether investing in facilities is still worthwhile when the glacier may no longer be in sight.

Juneau expects a significant increase in tourists over the next three decades, leading to discussions about creating new trails, parking areas, visitor centers, and cabins to accommodate the influx. However, there are concerns that even with these improvements, the absence of the glacier’s striking presence may impact visitor numbers.

As cruise passengers return to Alaska after pandemic restrictions, the number of visitors is expected to be higher than ever, with thousands of people pouring into Juneau on peak days. To manage the congestion, a daily five-ship limit has been agreed upon for next year, though some argue that larger ships may offset the reduction in numbers. While tour companies see high demand, there are concerns about the sustainability of tourism at its current level.

The city is contemplating a survey to guide future growth and determine a sustainable tourism industry in southeast Alaska. Local residents express worries about the impact on the environment and the need for balancing tourism with preservation efforts.

As the Mendenhall Glacier continues to recede, the ecosystem, wildlife, and human visitors will need time to adjust to the changing landscape. Finding the right balance between tourism and conservation is essential to ensure this natural wonder can be enjoyed responsibly by generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about glacier recedes

More about glacier recedes

• Mendenhall Glacier – United States Forest Service
• Juneau, Alaska – Travel Information
• Climate Change Impacts on Glaciers – National Snow and Ice Data Center
• Alaska Cruise Information – Cruise Lines International Association
• Environmental Impact of Tourism – World Tourism Organization
• Southeast Alaska Tourism Strategy – State of Alaska