Glacier changing backcountry permit system

Glacier National Park announced Monday it will change its backcountry permit system from a lottery to a first-come, first-served reservation application.

The new system is expected to go live March 15, 2016, at 8 a.m., for groups of one to eight campers. A separate application for groups of nine to 12 will be available March 1, but only about five of those applications are accepted per year.

The park will no longer take faxed, mailed or in-person reservation applications. Permits must still be picked up in person and campers must watch a backcountry orientation video before heading into the park.

Applications and payments will be made online, with earlier submittal dates and more choices to customize itineraries. Applicants should expect notification of the their permit status to take up to one month after submitting applications.

Campers must pay a non-refundable $10 application fee plus $30 for each successful permit application. The camping fee has been increased from $5 to $7 per night.

Revenue from the backcountry permits funds management and staffing for the park’s permit system.

About half the backcountry campsites still will be available on a walk-in basis up to 24 hours in advance.

Application instructions for the new system will be available at go.nps.gov/backcountry by Jan. 1, 2016.

For more information, contact park headquarters at 406-888-7800.