Comment deadline looms on basecamp permit near Denali Highway milepost 86.5

A commercial basecamp for big game guiding and trapping near Denali Highway milepost 86.5 is open for public comment, with a July 27 deadline before the Alaska Department of Natural Resources decides whether to approve it.

Nathaniel Tuma, doing business as Legacy Guides and Outfitters, is requesting a five-year land use permit running from August 2026 through July 2031, the maximum term allowed under state rules. The proposed site sits roughly 500 feet south of the highway, about two miles west of the Susitna River. Planned infrastructure includes two temporary modular structures, a pit privy, and fuel storage, all to support big game guiding and trapping tours.

The permit is processed by DNR's Division of Mining, Land and Water Southcentral Regional Land Office under AS 38.05.850. DNR permitting guidance notes that land use permits under that statute are not a disposal of state interest in land. The agency's guidance states: "A permit is required for the use of state-owned lands to establish an occupiable camp, structure, or facility that remains in the same location for more than 14 days. Camps should be temporary in nature and must be able to be removed within 48 hours."

Written comments must reach the Southcentral Regional Land Office at 550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 900C, Anchorage, by 5:00 PM on July 27. Questions can go to natural resource specialist Heather Heiken at (907) 269-8568 or [email protected].