Nominating ANSCA 17b Easements On Newly Prioritized Lands in the Ahtna Region
Ahtna villages have submitted their final priority lands to be conveyed by BLM to complete the transfer of lands these villages are entitled to under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANSCA). The BLM is in the process of reviewing the final land patterns to see what easements should be reserved across these lands to be conveyed to ensure access to lands that will remain open to the public.
At this time the public is invited to participate in this process and propose public access to reach public lands where access is needed across Native village lands in the Ahtna region that will soon go into private ownership. Maps are available by request or can be viewed or downloaded that show lands that have recently been prioritized for conveyance to Ahtna region villages. These maps also show what 17(b) easements that provide public access across private land have already been reserved. Additionally, they show what 17(b) easements have been proposed so far by the State of Alaska, BLM, and the public, and which of these the BLM is considering for recommendation.
An easement nomination form can be downloaded along with an easement and navigability legend that can be used to submit your written comments by May 16, 2008 to KJ Mushovic, BLM, 222 W. 7th Ave., #13, Anchorage, AK 99513. You may print out and write on a map and attach it to your comment to help provide an accurate description. You are encouraged to make detailed comments.
Ahtna, Incorporated will be submitting final regional priorities to the BLM by June 10, 2008. The BLM will then provide another opportunity to recommend easements for public access across those prioritized lands. If you would like to be informed of future opportunities to comment on easement reservations in the Ahtna region, please submit an email to AK_GFO_GeneralDelivery@blm.gov and put "Ahtna Easements" in the subject heading.
NEW: ANCSA 17b Easement Open House in Cantwell Thursday, May 1, 2008 from 4 - 7 p.m. at the Cantwell School Gym
Cantwell Open House Flyer for Posting
Frequently Asked Questions
For More Information:
Bureau of Land Management www.blm.gov/ak
Glennallen Field Office (907) 822-3217
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