State seeks public input on Dalton Highway land access by April 22

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is holding a public meeting April 22 to discuss access to state lands along the Dalton Highway corridor in northern Alaska. The virtual meeting runs from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

The state expects to receive land along portions of the highway between the Yukon River and the North Slope Borough as part of Alaska's remaining entitlement under the Statehood Act. Once conveyed, these lands will shift from federal to state management. All lands within the corridor remain subject to motorized-use restrictions under state law.

State officials said the land transfer will affect how people access and use these areas. The department identified potential impacts to the federal subsistence program and access to adjacent federal, state, and Alaska Native corporation lands as key concerns.

The state plans to work with stakeholders to identify needed facilities, access roads, or easements to reach neighboring lands. State law allows the department to authorize easements for access to federal lands, Native corporation lands, and Native allotments.

To join the Zoom meeting, go to https://zoom.us/j/96837018484 and use meeting ID 968 3701 8484 and passcode 4cdqNc. Updates and announcements are posted at https://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/dhcpa/.

For more information, contact Dan Jenkins at the Division of Mining, Land and Water at 907-269-8609 or [email protected]. People with disabilities who need accommodations should contact the department seven days before the meeting.