State seeks public comment on placer mining plan near Chicken

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments through May 11 on a placer mining application for Turk Creek near Chicken in the Fourtymile Mining District.

William Aldridge has applied for approval to conduct mechanical placer mining on state land in Section 17, Township 26 North, Range 22 East. The authorization, if approved, would run through December 31, 2028, and could be extended. The application also covers cross-country travel on state lands outside the mining locations.

The department is reviewing the plan of operations and reclamation plan under state regulations. Any additional state land use outside the mining locations would be reviewed separately.

Written comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on May 11, 2026. Submit comments to the Division of Mining, Land and Water at 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709, or by email to [email protected].

Questions about the application or requests to view the full packet should be directed to Michelle Corrigan at (907) 451-2743.

After reviewing public comments, the department may issue an authorization with conditions. The proposed activity may be modified during the review process.