Iron Hills Guides seeks 5-year commercial permit on Alatna River

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is reviewing a land use permit application for commercial guiding operations on the Alatna River, a remote river system in Interior and Northwest Alaska used for recreation and subsistence. The agency has not yet issued a permit.

Fredrick Harbison, doing business as Iron Hills Guides and Expedition Training, has applied for a five-year land use permit to run commercial guiding operations on the Alatna River west of the north end of Iniakuk Lake, according to a public notice the Alaska Department of Natural Resources posted in late May. The notice, issued under AS 38.05.850, opened a comment period in which individuals and groups could submit information on resource use, access, and potential conflicts with commercial operations.

What the Permit Would Cover

The permit application covers commercial operations on or along the Alatna River, a remote river system in Interior and Northwest Alaska used for recreation and subsistence. The National Park Service describes it as an outstanding wilderness float with access to hiking and climbing around the Arrigetch Peaks. The public notice signals potential impacts on river users, nearby communities, and environmental or conservation interests. Land use permits under AS 38.05.850 are a standard DNR tool. Any authorization issued after adjudication could include stipulations to mitigate impacts.

What Comes Next

The public comment deadline was June 15. The DNR Northern Regional Land Office now moves to adjudication under AS 38.05.850, after which it may issue an authorization with stipulations.

Questions or requests to view the full application packet go to Jim Wessel at the DNR Northern Regional Land Office in Fairbanks: 907-451-2777, fax 907-451-2751, or [email protected]. Written comments were directed to the Division of Mining, Land and Water at 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709.