JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- People in JBER training areas without a valid recreational access permit are trespassing. Those with a valid permit, but who haven’t signed into iSportsman, are also trespassing.
Another persistent and alarming problem is people trespassing with unauthorized vehicles. This is resulting in training disruptions.
The Sikes Act requires JBER to allow access to the training areas to allow public use of natural resources in a manner consistent with fish or wildlife wellbeing.
The use also has to be compatible with the land’s primary purpose— military training.
Trespassers who have not signed in may not know the area they’re walking in has been closed for military training. This is potentially dangerous and can result in training being paused to clear the area.
In the past, some training areas have been closed due to bear activity, and warnings have been posted about wolves. All of this information is available through iSportsman.
How to get a recreational access permit
Permits can be purchased online through https://jber.isportsman.net/ starting Jan. 1.
The permits are good from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 of the year purchased. The cost is $10.
Seniors 60 and older or folks who are disabled can buy a pass for $5.
The fee is part of a requirement by the Air Force that the recreational access program must be self-sufficient. All the fees go to pay for natural-resources conservation and enforcement programs.
Neither iSportsman nor the recreational access permit allows installation access. Installation access permits are issued at the Arctic Valley and Boniface gates.
Questions about the program
Any questions, comments or suggestions about the recreational access program or iSportsman should be directed to the JBER conservation office at 552-9453/8609 or 384-6224.