Palmer subdivision easement vacation draws access concerns

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources approved vacating two 33-foot section line easements in Palmer's Enchanted Forest Subdivision Friday, finding that W. King Arthur Drive provides acceptable alternate legal access. Two residents objected during the 32-day public comment period, raising concerns about losing physical trail access.

The decision affects portions of easements along the boundary of Sections 25 and 26 within Lot 9, Block 15 of the subdivision, specifically in the W½SW¼ of Section 25 and the E½SE¼ of Section 26, T18N, R3W, S.M., Alaska. Petitioner Victoria Braun sought the vacation, which DNR approved contingent on her submitting a final plat within two years.

Alaska's standard section line easements are typically 33 feet wide on each side of a surveyed section line, creating a 66-foot corridor reserved for public access and transportation. Julie Matthew, speaking at a public meeting, clarified the distinction between what the vacation affects and what it preserves: "Legal access is not being affected by this, it's just physical access."

The Mat-Su Borough deemed the vacation acceptable May 7, and the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities did not object, noting the easements cover a substantial portion of the lot. Two commenters opposed the vacation during the notice period that ran from October 10 through November 11, 2025. DNR conducted a second field inspection November 24 to reexamine the easements.

The Final Finding & Decision for petition EV 3-397 complements and confirms the Preliminary Decision approved October 10, 2025. The notice states the public notice period is now closed, and the administrative process is effectively complete, subject to the contingent approval conditions.

Opponents who commented on the preliminary decision may still appeal the final finding.