Alaska Earth Sciences ask DNR for fuel cache permit in western Alaska Range

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources published a public notice May 20 for a permit application to establish 11 helicopter fuel cache sites in the western Alaska Range and Tordrillo Mountains. Written comments are due June 3.

Alaska Earth Sciences, Inc. applied for the one-year seasonal permit under case number LAS 35986. The company wants to stage up to four 55-gallon barrels of Jet-A fuel at each site over the summer into fall.

The sites affect remote state lands used by hunters, guides, backcountry recreationists, and commercial users transiting through the region. The notice opens a public comment window for affected residents, tribal entities, guides, and other stakeholders to weigh in on safety, spill risk, conflicts with subsistence or recreation, and compatibility with other land uses.