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McCarthy Area Council​
What is the McCarthy Area Council?
McCarthy Area Council (MAC) is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of locals and visitors in the McCarthy-Kennecott area. MAC administers State of Alaska revenue sharing funds, engages with agencies and partners on behalf of the community, and maintains public facilities in the pursuit of this mission.
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Who is the McCarthy Area Council?
MAC is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization steered by a Board of Directors who works alongside a voting body of general members. Nonmembers also attend meetings and participate in discussions. Everyone is welcome to participate or observe, regardless of membership eligibility. Proxy procedures are in place that allow participation even by those who are unable to attend in person due to employment or geographical limitations. We're a welcoming, open-door organization whose operation is informed by those who choose to engage.
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MAC interfaces with many agencies and organizations on behalf of the McCarthy-Kennecott community, including the National Park Service, the State of Alaska, Alaska Department of Transportation, Alaska Department of Forestry, Copper Valley Telecom, National Parks Conservation Association, and fellow local nonprofits. MAC also serves as the fiscal agent for another local nonprofit, McCarthy Emergency Medical Services.
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The current Board of Directors includes these volunteers:
Nik Merlino, President
Thea Agnew Bemben, Vice President
Erin McKinstry, Secretary
Matthew Shidner, Treasurer
Chris Chester
Greg Fensterman
Erik Mundahl
Jeremy Pataky
Greg Runyan
Stephanie Sever
Julie Truskowski
About the McCarthy-Kennecott Area
McCarthy and Kennecott are situated in the center of Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the largest national park in the country. The area is part of a World Heritage Site that also includes Kluane National Park in the Yukon, Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska, and British Columbia's Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park. Altogether, they comprise one of the largest protected areas on the planet, totaling 24 million acres.
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The wild landscapes and fascinating history of the Wrangell-St. Elias area are deservedly renowned. This national park was established not only to protect these features, but also to honor the traditions of people living within the park who depend on local resources. About a million acres of land within the boundaries of the park are privately owned by individuals, Native corporations, the State of Alaska, and other parties. It's an area rich with superlative natural features and a deep sense of place.
Planning a visit? Check out the Kennecott-McCarthy Visitors Guide.
