BLM approves road extension to support mining activity near Haines
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GLENNALLEN, Alaska – The Bureau of Land Management Glennallen Field Office has approved Constantine North Inc.’s request to construct a road to access federal and state mining claims located 30 miles north of Haines, Alaska within the Porcupine Mining District.
“This action is in keeping with the Administration’s priority to provide opportunities for economic growth while ensuring responsible development,” said Brian Novosak, acting Glennallen Field Manager.
Constantine’s modified exploration plan will allow the company to construct an 800-foot spur road from an existing exploration road on federal claims in order to access state claims on neighboring Mental Health Trust Land. The spur road will enable the company to stage helicopters and materials closer to claims to conduct exploration activities with greater safety and efficiency. Constantine anticipates exploring the mineral potential of the claims for the next five to 10 years.
Constantine’s previous approved exploration plan received significant public comment. Those comments and other public input were considered in the decision to approve Constantine’s request for the new spur road. The previous analysis was completed in August 2016 and is available for review on the BLM’s national NEPA register at https://eplanning.blm.gov. The Decision Record outlining the rationale and consideration used in making this decision, along with stipulations to protect water quality and wildlife, can also be found on the ePlanning website. The environmental assessment, maps, and finding of no-significant impact for this decision can be found using the advanced search function entering NEPA number: DOI-BLM-AK-A020-2017-0025-EA.
The BLM manages more than 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.