State proposes giving up surface claim to 160 acres off Denali Highway for Native veteran's allotment

Alaska's Department of Natural Resources is proposing to drop its surface claim to about 160 federal acres near mile 81 of the Denali Highway, clearing the way for an Alaska Native Vietnam-era veteran's allotment. The state would keep its oil, gas and mineral interests but not sand and gravel. The parcel sits between two unpermitted trails, not including them.

Comments are due by 3:30 pm Nov. 12. Only people who comment can later ask the department to reconsider its decision.

Under the same claim, the department refused to give up land for a separate allotment crossed by an unpermitted trail, even though federal rules don't protect that trail. The department said doing so "would not be in the State's or public's best interests." Four of five people who commented on that parcel opposed giving it up, citing hunting and recreation access.

Both allotments fall under the 2019 Dingell Act, which lets Alaska Natives who served between Aug. 5, 1964, and Dec. 31, 1971, or their heirs, apply for land allotments. The program takes applications through Dec. 29, 2030.

Comments on state selection GS-5241, allotment application AA-96506 go to Aleria Knudson at [email protected]. The department's decision will follow without further notice.