Alaska will give up 5 acres on Elrington Island despite unanimous opposition

Alaska will give up its claim to about 5 acres on Elrington Island in Prince William Sound so the land can go to the University of Alaska. Every public comment opposed it.

The state received 13 comments during its review, all against the relinquishment, citing lost access for hunting, fishing, subsistence and traditional use.

The Department of Natural Resources found the state's interest in keeping the claim was not compelling, describing the parcel as small, isolated and difficult to manage. Fish and Game called it a popular deer hunting area for residents of the Native village of Chenega but said it did not expect a meaningful loss of hunting opportunity, and did not object.

The parcel is one of up to 360,000 acres Congress authorized for the university, under a program that ends Dec. 29. The relinquishment authorizes no development and becomes final only when the land is conveyed.

Anyone who commented can ask the state to reconsider, but that window closes today.