McKinley Station Author:Tom Walker For four long years after the park was created, the residents of two communities McKinley Station in the east and Kantishna in the west used the park as they always had, hunting, trapping and prospecting without restraint. The wildlife slaughter gained national attention. Finally, the Government provided funds to hire the park s first ranger: Ha... more »rry Karstens, a man of courage, strength and tenacity.
Single-handedly, Karstens built a headquarters and attempted to enforce the park s regulations, meeting opposition at every turn. Locals viewed McKinley park as merely a playground for Eastern millionaires and weren t about to give up their hunting and trapping rights . Karstens faced down tough foes who threatened his reputation, life and his family.
Carving a national park out of the wilderness of Denali was a daunting task. People here lived life on the edge. Here are the stories of sourdoughs, shoot-outs and shadey ladies. Stories of jousts with bitter cold and wild beasts; wilderness and wild fire. Battles with bureaucrats and bouncers; poachers and prospectors.
Despite long odds, Karstrens overcame nearly insurmountable challenges to develop and protect Mt. McKinley National Park, Alaska s crown jewel.« less