State seeks public comment on Brooks Range guiding permit by May 13

The state Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments through May 13 on a land use permit application for a commercial guiding operation in the Brooks Range.

Timothy Nelson, who operates Tim's Alaskan Guide Service, has applied to add permanent structures to an existing guiding camp about two miles north of Bob Johnson Lake along the Bettles River. The permit would authorize continued commercial guiding activities from 2026 through 2031.

The proposed changes would allow several permanent structures at the lower camp location in Section 1, Township 31 North, Range 9 West, Fairbanks Meridian.

Written comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on May 13, 2026, at the Division of Mining, Land and Water, 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709. Comments can also be emailed to [email protected].

The Northern Regional Land Office will review all comments before deciding whether to issue the permit. The agency may modify the proposed activity during the review process or add conditions to any authorization.

Questions about the application or requests to view the full application packet should be directed to Jim Wessel at 907-451-2777. Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids or services to comment should contact Alaska Relay at 711 or 800-770-8973.