BLM conveys lands near Cantwell to Ahtna, Inc.,
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Alaska has issued a conveyance of 12,195 acres of public land near Cantwell, Alaska, conveying title to Ahtna, Incorporated under Section 12(a) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA). This decision marks a major milestone in fulfilling longstanding ANCSA obligations.
Ahtna, Inc., Successor in Interest to Cantwell Yedatene Na Corporation's Section 12(a) entitlement is 69,120 acres. To date, the total acreage conveyed or approved for conveyance is approximately 67,715 acres. Approximately 1,405 acres remain to be transferred.
“BLM is committed to working collaboratively with Alaska Native corporations to complete these conveyances efficiently and responsibly,” said BLM Alaska State Director Kevin Pendergast. “These land transfers not only fulfill longstanding ANCSA obligations but also help lay the groundwork for strategic regional infrastructure development that can enhance connectivity, resource access, and long-term economic resilience in Alaska.”
In addition to advancing longstanding Alaska Native land claims, the transfer supports the implementation of Executive Order 14153 and Secretary’s Order 3422, supporting infrastructure and resource development initiatives aimed at strengthening Alaska’s energy security and economic resilience. The conveyed lands are located near the proposed Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas (AKLNG) Project corridor, highlighting the importance of coordinated land management in supporting future energy infrastructure opportunities.
Enacted in 1971, ANCSA was a landmark settlement between the United States and Alaska Native peoples intended to resolve aboriginal land title claims. Through ANCSA, Alaska Native regional corporations were authorized to select lands within their regions for conveyance. While the initial selections were completed in the 1970s, the BLM continues to work through the more complex land conveyances and legal patents to fulfill these entitlements.
To date, the BLM has successfully conveyed the vast majority of the eligible acreage selected by Alaska Native corporations. Of the roughly 45.7 million total ANCSA entitlement acres, more than 44.3 million acres (97%) have been conveyed through patents or interim conveyances.
These transfers provide Alaska Native corporations with legal land title enabling long-term economic planning, cultural preservation, and community development.
BLM administers ANCSA land conveyances as part of the broader Alaska Land Transfer Program, the largest federal land transfer effort ever undertaken in the United States. For more than 50 years, the BLM has been involved with the survey and conveyance of lands in Alaska under four statutes: the Native Allotment Act of 1906; the Alaska Statehood Act; the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act; and the Dingell Act. The program also includes cadastral surveying and related actions, such as adjudication by legal land law examiners, necessary to clarify legal boundaries and titles before lands can be patented to Alaska Native corporations, individual allottees, and the State of Alaska.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.