DNR moves to lease four acres near Valdez to adventure tourism operator Black Ops Valdez

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has made a preliminary decision to offer a 10-year lease on four acres of state land near Valdez to Black Ops Valdez, LLC, formalizing a commercial tourism base camp the company already operates on the site. If competing operators or members of the public raise objections during the comment window, DNR could open a competitive process, putting the company's long-term use of the site at stake.

The Southcentral Regional Land Office posted the notice Wednesday, July 15, under lease application ADL 234758. The action proceeds under AS 38.05.070(b), which governs state land leasing, and AS 38.05.945, which sets out public notice requirements.

Black Ops Valdez markets itself as a guide service offering heli-skiing, snowmobile tours, and guided backcountry skiing and snowboarding. The company's website describes it as "Black Ops Valdez is your premier Alaskan guide service based in Valdez, Alaska offering world class Alaska Heli Skiing, Alaska Snowmobile Tours, Alaska Guided Snowboarding & Skiing, and more."

The lease would give Black Ops Valdez a formal, long-term foothold on state land it already uses. DNR's Division of Mining, Land and Water has said that leasing state land for commercial recreation "must be balanced with protecting the public's access to and use of state land and resources," and that when competing interest exists, the agency may open a competitive process. The preliminary decision does not foreclose that possibility if other operators or members of the public raise objections during the comment window.

Anyone who wants standing to appeal the final decision must submit written comments during the public notice period. Comments go to the Southcentral Regional Land Office at 550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 900C, Anchorage.