Alaska released 310 acres near Slana to the university over its own agencies' objections

Alaska has given up its claim to about 310 acres near Slana so the federal government can hand the land to the University of Alaska, over the objections of the state's own transportation department, two sections of the department that made the decision, and every member of the public who commented.

The Department of Natural Resources published the decision Sept. 21. It keeps the state's claim to another 311 acres of the same parcel, which sits on Nabesna Road along the Slana River near its confluence with the Copper, about 65 miles northeast of Glennallen.

The Department of Transportation said it "opposes the relinquishment of these vital State resources" and asked that public access rights be preserved. One DNR section said it "does not recommend relinquishment" of land the state ranks high for wildlife habitat, hunting and subsistence. Another asked to keep a canoe and boat access trail. Eight people and groups commented, all against. DNR's written response to each objection was the same: "Thank you for your comment."

Once conveyed, the land becomes private trust land held by the university. The state has no authority to require the Bureau of Land Management to reserve easements across it, so public access after the transfer is up to the university.

The transfer is part of a program Congress created in 2022 to settle the university's long-standing federal land claim, allowing conveyance of up to 360,000 acres. The university's land office said the law "finally created a process for us to receive those 360,000 acres of outstanding lands." The program expires Dec. 29.

Anyone who commented has until about Oct. 11 to ask the DNR commissioner to reconsider. The fee is $200.