Notice of Decision Partial Release of State Interest, GS-5705, GS-5709 (Selawik Hills)

STATE OF ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Division of Mining, Land and Water NOTICE OF DECISION PARTIAL RELEASE OF STATE INTEREST State Selection Files: GS-5705, GS-5709 Relinquishment of Certain State-Selected Lands AS 38.05.035(a)(11), AS 38.05.035(e), Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Pub. L. 117-328) and the University of Alaska Fiscal Foundation Act I. ACTION This decision addresses the proposed relinquishment of State of Alaska (State) land selections on certain lands. The purpose of relinquishment is to facilitate University of Alaska (UA) land selections under the University of Alaska Fiscal Foundation Act. The University of Alaska Fiscal Foundation Act was included in the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Pub. L. 117-328) (CAA 2023). II. AUTHORITY The CAA 2023 provides that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) may convey up to 360,000 acres of land selected by the State of Alaska (State-selected land) pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Alaska Statehood Act (Pub. L. 85-508) to the University of Alaska. Additional information about the Fiscal Foundation Act can be found at: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/about/land-grant/index.php. The ability to relinquish Statehood Act selections in favor of the UA is codified in Sec. 302(c) of the CAA 2023. The provisions of Alaska Statute (AS) 38.05.035(a)(11) allow the Director of the Division of Mining, Land and Water (DMLW) to manage Statehood Entitlement selections. AS 38.05.035(e) provides authority for disposals of lands, resources, property, or interests in them. Article XIII of the Alaska Constitution provides guiding principles for maximum use of state lands and resources and authority for disposals of interests in lands and resources. III. BACKGROUND AND PROCESS The CAA 2023 authorizes the BLM to directly convey up to 360,000 acres of land to the UA. The available lands must be federal lands selected by the State pursuant to Sec. 6(b) of the Alaska Statehood Act. The University of Alaska Land Management Office (UALMO) reviewed available State land selections and identified possible land for conveyance. UALMO submitted land selections to the DMLW Realty Services Section (Realty). Realty worked with UALMO to refine the selection, then completed state-wide agency review and public notice for the specific proposed relinquishment. This decision reflects a consideration of comments received during agency review and public notice and will be published on the State’s online public notice board while the reconsideration period runs. Information about how to file a request for reconsideration is appended to this decision. Following the closure of the reconsideration period, provided there are no requests for reconsideration, the State and UALMO will jointly submit to BLM lists of lands to be conditionally relinquished by the State and conveyed to the UA. Any request for reconsideration will be reviewed under the applicable state law and process. Final relinquishment of the State’s selections would be affected upon conveyance of the lands to the UA. Notice with a concurrent agency review was conducted from February 19, 2026, to April 3, 2026. Agencies were given the opportunity to evaluate and comment on the relinquishment to determine if it is in the State's best interest to release the land selection. IV. ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD The selection files for state selections, GS-5705 and GS-5709, constitute the administrative record for this action. V. LOCATION The proposed-for-relinquishment lands are located approximately 15 miles northeast of Buckland. See legal description section for exact locations. Please see Attachment A for a visual depiction of the area. • USGS Map Coverage: Selawik A3, A4, Candle D3, D4 • Regional Corporation: Nana Regional Corporation • Federally Recognized Tribe: Native Village of Buckland • Village Corporations: Buckland Nunachiak Corp. VI. LEGAL DESCRIPTION Within the Kateel River Meridian, Alaska: Township 7 North, Range 9 West, Sections 1, 5-7, 18, 19, 30 Containing approximately 4,314 acres Township 8 North, Range 9 West, Sections 1-18, 21-29, 31-36 Containing approximately 20,936 acres Total acreage aggregating approximately 25,250 acres. VII. SELECTION HISTORY • State records indicate lands in townships K007N009W (GS-5705 & GS-5709) and K008N009W (GS-5709) were selected in December 1992; the applications were published in August 1993. • UA submitted a request to DNR to consider relinquishing the subject lands on November 25, 2025. • The lands are currently ranked as a mix of priority levels three (3) or medium, and four (4) or low, in the statehood selection prioritization for their importance as wildlife habitat, potential mineral potential, and utility as hunting and subsistence areas. VIII. AGENCY REVIEW Information and comments received from State agencies have been considered and included in the preparation of this decision. The proposed relinquishment documents were distributed to State agencies for review from December 11, 2025, through December 29, 2025. Public Notice with a concurrent agency review was conducted from February 19, 2026, to April 3, 2026. Agencies are given the opportunity to evaluate and comment on the relinquishment to determine if it is in the State's best interest to release the land selection. The following agencies or groups were included in the first agency review: • Department of Fish and Game • Department of Transportation and Public Facilities • Division of Oil and Gas • Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys • Division of Forestry • Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation • Division of Mining Land and Water, Mineral Property Management • Division of Mining Land and Water, Water Section • Division of Mining Land and Water, Northern Regional Office • Division of Mining Land and Water, Land Conveyance Section • Division of Mining Land and Water, Public Access, Assertion, and Defense Section • Division of Mining Land and Water, Resource Assessment and Development Section The following comments, reproduced verbatim, were received in the first agency review: Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) : ADFG reviewed the state selection in the Selawik Hills East of the Buckland River. If DNR determines it is in the best interest of the state to relinquish, the land will be available for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to convey to the University of Alaska. The selected lands are within Secs. 1. 5-7, 18, 19, 30, T. 7 N., R. 9 W., and Secs. 1-18, 21-29, 31-36, T. 8 N., R. 9 W., KRM, and contain approximately 25,250 acres. Fisheries Drainages within this selection include streams draining into an anadromous tributary (AWC Code: 331-00-10650-2115-3031) of the Fish River (AWC Code: 331-00-10650-2115). The creeks in the selection likely contain a seasonal presence of Juvenile Dolly Varden. Wildlife This selection of Selawik hills is known to contain groups of muskoxen from the Seward Peninsula population, which utilize the windswept hilltops for winter grazing, to maximize predator defense, and escape deep snow. Due to its limited size, this muskox population can only support a limited subsistence hunt, and the muskoxen groups within the Selawik Hills are some of the closest to access for subsistence users from the villages of Buckland and Selawik. Restriction of access to this land may result in the loss of access to some of these muskoxen for subsistence users. Additionally, any development activity within this selection may disturb or displace these muskoxen to less suitable habitats or outside of the current hunt boundaries. Portions of this selection have been used by the Western Arctic Caribou Herd during spring and fall migration and are characterized by medium density caribou use through the winter months (Nov 8-May 5th). Utilization of the land may impact localized caribou movements and presence. ADF&G concerns From a public access perspective, any conveyance of land out of the State public-use system would be a loss to both local and non-local Alaskan residents. Game Management Unit (GMU) 23, which encompasses these lands, has about 15% State-owned land, with the remaining bulk being federally owned. In the past several years, the Federal Subsistence Board has, at times, closed all Federal public lands to non-local users wishing to hunt caribou or moose; this means that over 75% of GMU 23 becomes unavailable for hunting to most Alaska residents, who then become limited to State-owned land. Reducing State-owned land within GMU 23 further restricts hunting (both subsistence and recreational) opportunities to Alaskan residents. ADF&G does not support the relinquishment of this selection. Thank you for the opportunity to review and provide comments on this selection. Please send us copies of any subsequent decisions or documents related to these lands. DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comment and valuable information. Department of Public Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) : Thank you for the opportunity to review this proposal. The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities has no comment at this time. DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comment. DNR, Division of Oil & Gas : Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed relinquishment of the State’s selections. The Division of Oil and Gas has no objection to the proposal and no third-party interests in this area. DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comment. DNR, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) : DGGS has no objections to this proposed relinquishment. Agency Review Request: Selawik Hills UA Lands selection Geologic Units: Alluvial deposits, colluvial deposits (extensive solifluction), eolian deposits (including windblown silt), glacial deposits, paludal peat deposits, bedrock. Suitability For Construction: Areas of clean sand and gravel may be suitable as a material resource, depending on their distribution and thickness, as well as the thickness of any finegrained surface cover. Materials on slopes may be unsuitable as a resource due to potential instability. Ice-rich areas susceptible to thawing and areas of poor drainage may be unsuitable as foundation material. Use best construction practices. Permafrost: Continuous (90-100%) Susceptibility To Frost Action: Generally intense frost action where sediments are fine-grained and/or wet. Generally, less intense where sediment is coarse-grained and/or well-drained. Bedrock may be susceptible to frost action along bedding planes or joints. Thaw Stability: Thaw unstable where ice content is high, especially in areas of poor drainage. Generally, well-drained, course sediments are more thaw-stable than poorly drained, finegrained sediments. Surface Drainage and Flooding Potential: Flooding is possible along streams in the spring and during intense storm events. Surface drainage is often poor near swamps and areas of permafrost, especially where sediment is fine-grained. Surface drainage is good along slopes where the soil is unfrozen as well as in course-grained sediment when it is unfrozen. Seismic Hazard: Low; standard best building practices should be used to accommodate the regional seismic hazard. Volcanic/Ashfall Hazard: This area has been subject to ashfall from erupting Alaska Peninsula volcanoes; past ash events include multiple older tephras. Radon: Radon, a naturally-occurring cancer-causing radioactive gas, has been modeled to be low in this area (https://maps.dggs.alaska.gov/radon/). The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Action Level for radon is 4 pCi/L; the EPA suggests homeowners consider radon mitigation for test results of 2-4 pCi/L. Any home, school, or building can have high levels of radon and should be tested. Mineral Resources: No comment. Energy Resources: The selected lands occupy the highlands south of the Selawik trough. Although the Selawik trough north of the highlands is known to be a shallow sedimentary basin, it is not known as prospective for energy resources. It’s rumored that there is a nearby hot spring, but it does not appear on the State geothermal resources map. Optional Reference (s): Patton, W.W., Jr., and Miller, T.P., 1968, Regional geologic map of the Selawik and southeastern Baird Mountains quadrangles, Alaska: U.S. Geologic Survey Miscellaneous Geologic Investigations Map 530, 1 sheet, scale 1:250,000. DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comment. DNR, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation (DPOR) : DPOR has no issues. DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comment. DNR, DMLW, Mineral Property Management Section (MPM) : Regarding the Selawik Hills UA Land selection including: Kateel Meridian: T. 7 N., R. 9 W., Secs. 1, 5-7, 18, 19, 30 all. Containing approximately 4,314 acres T. 8 N., R. 9 W., Secs 1-18, 21-29, 31-36 all. Containing approximately 20,936 acres Aggregating approximately 25,250 acres. The Mining Section has no concerns regarding the proposed relinquishment of these lands. DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comment. DNR, DMLW, Public Access, Assertion, and Defense Section (PAAD) : These two townships hold not known RS 2477 ROW’s or DOT 1973 inventory trails. There are no navigable waters per AS 38.04.062(title). There is one pond approximately 11 acres in size, the streams are all headwater streams. DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comment. DNR, DMLW, Resource Assessment and Development Section (RADS) : Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed UA Selawik Hills selections. The Resource Assessment & Development Section (RADS) has reviewed the available data, satellite imagery, and the Northwest Area Plan and provides the following comments. Background & Discussion: The Statehood Entitlement Unit received a request to relinquish Statehood Act land selections under General Grants GS5705 and GS-5709 within MTRSs K008N009W and K007N009W, located approximately 13–22 miles from the community of Buckland and its airport. These parcels are within the Northwest Area Plan (NWAP, adopted 2008), were selected since 1992, and remain state selected lands with priority 4 according to BLM records. The management intent of NWAP 2008 remains in effect, should the lands be conveyed to the state, and applies to the surrounding state and selected lands. The requested parcels are situated contiguously between ANILCA top-filed lands to the west (GS 4004) and selected lands to the east (GS 5708), bridging these selections. All parcels are located within NWAP Kotzebue Sound Region, management unit K-9 (Map 7), classified as Mineral Land and Wildlife Habitat Land (designated for Minerals and Habitat, p. 3-41). The stated management intent is to “manage for mineral values” and any authorizations of long-term or permanent uses are to consider impacts upon the Western Arctic Caribou Herd (WACH) with ADF&G consultation and special consideration given during the spring, winter, and fall seasons, when the region is part of the herd’s migratory and core ranges. Recommendation: RADS recommends against relinquishing the selections to UA. Relinquishment of the requested parcels would fragment adjacent state selections, potentially isolating eastern selections from access through the Buckland airport. Additionally, these selections are important to the management of the WACH, with management intent specified to the herd’s habitat use. Current management intent would likely be abandoned and contravened under management as private trust lands, which could degrade the land’s availability for the herd’s migration corridors and core winter range. DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comment and valuable information. Should DNR relinquish its selection, the ADF&G would retain management of fish and wildlife on any lands conveyed to the UA. If DNR relinquishes its selection, any proposed future use, development, or sale of the land would include a public process on the part of the UA. Additionally, many types of development projects would include both a State and Federal permit process. Dedicated access to and through UA lands, or for commercial applications, is available by obtaining a permit from the UALMO. More information on the permit process can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/. The following agencies or groups were included in the second agency review, which ran concurrently with the public notice: • Department of Fish and Game • Department of Transportation and Public Facilities • Division of Oil and Gas • Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys • Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation • Division of Forestry • Division of Mining Land and Water, Mineral Property Management • Division of Mining Land and Water, Water Section • Division of Mining Land and Water, Northern Regional Office • Division of Mining Land and Water, Land Conveyance Section • Division of Mining Land and Water, Public Access, Assertion, and Defense Section • Division of Mining Land and Water, Resource Assessment and Development Section The following additional comments, reproduced below, were received in the second agency review: Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF ): Thank you for the opportunity to review the proposal. The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities has no comment at this time. DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comment. DNR, Division of Oil & Gas : Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed relinquishment. The Division of Oil and Gas has no objection to the proposal. The Division does not have any third-party interests in the vicinity of the parcel. DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comment. DNR, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation (DPOR) : DPOR does not have issues. DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comment. DNR, DMLW, Resource Assessment and Development Section (RADS) : No further comment. DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comment. IX. PUBLIC COMMENT Public notice of the proposed relinquishment was conducted from February 19, 2026, through April 3, 2026. The notice was posted to the State of Alaska Online Public Notice System. Copies of the notice were sent to the University of Alaska, BLM Anchorage Field Office, BIA Regional Realty Office and Title Services Center, the U.S. Post Masters of Selawik, Buckland, Deering, Kotzebue, and Noorvik, Kotzebue Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation, Native Village of Kotzebue, Selawik Akuliuk Incorporation, Native Village of Selawik, Buckland Nunachiak Corporation, the City of Buckland, Deering Ipnatchiak Corporation, the City of Deering, Deering Putoo Corporation, the City of Noorvik, Northwest Arctic Borough, Davis-Ramoth School in Selawik, Kotzebue Middle High School, Buckland School, Deering School, Aqqaluk Noorvik School, the Arctic Sounder, the Kotzebue AC Store, Selawik Rotman Stores, Inc., Buckland Native Store, Deering Native Store, Noorvik Native Store, Selawik National Wildlife Refuge, the Alaska Reindeer Herders Association, Alaska Department of Natural Resources Commissioners Office, The Alaska Board of Game, Alaska Fish and Game Northern Seward Peninsula and Lower Kobuk Advisory Committee Coordinator, Alaska State legislature, adjacent landowners, and interested private parties. Confirmation that the Public Notice was posted in a place accessible to the general public was received from the Deering Post Office and the Buckland School. Realty received 13 comments via email in response to the proposed relinquishment. Eight of the comment submissions did not specify which particular UA relinquishment they were regarding and have been addressed in all UA relinquishments that were undergoing public notice at the time the email was received. All 13 comments are reproduced verbatim below: Public Comment 1 : I am writing to submit my opposition to the proposed relinquishment of the State of Alaska's entitlement land selections to the University of Alaska. Relinquishing these selections now will remove the State's authority to impose protections for the public. Many other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with established State selections or jeopardizing public access routes. I've attached my letter for public comment. For these reasons, I strongly urge the Department of Natural Resources to retain its selections on these parcels unless robust public access protections including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way are guaranteed prior to any relinquishment or conveyance. Thank you for considering my comments during this public input period. On behalf of myself, Morgan Christensen, I submit the following concerns regarding the proposed relinquishment of State of Alaska land selections for the purpose of conveyance to the University of Alaska. The land selections I am concerned with is Kauk River and Selawik Hills. I recognize the intent of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023 to resolve the University of Alaska’s historical land grant entitlement. However, these parcels raise serious concerns because they were already strategically selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for their public value, access potential, and long-term benefit to Alaskans. Alaska's land selection process, guided by Article VIII of the Alaska Constitution, prioritizes managing resources for the maximum benefit of the people and protecting public access to land and water. By selecting these lands, the State positioned itself to secure easements, recognize trails (including RS 2477 rights-of-way), and ensure continued public use. Relinquishing the selections now would strip the State of its authority to impose those protections, such as requiring BLM to reserve easements or subject the University's title to public access corridors, bypassing the established framework designed to keep these lands in the public interest. These areas contain established trail systems and patterns of traditional use. I personally use this area for Hunting, Fishing, Subsistence Activities, Hiking, Snowmaching, Historical/Family Traditional Use. I have concerns regarding Loss of public access to trails and routes, Risk to existing/historic RS2477 rights-of-way, Bypassing State's land selection process under Statehood Act, Potential closure of traditional use areas, better alternatives exist on non-selected federal lands elsewhere. Relinquishing before routes are documented and protected will permanently disrupt generational access. Other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with State selections or endangering public access. For these reasons, I believe the State should not relinquish its selections on these parcels under the current proposed conditions. I respectfully urge the State of Alaska to retain its selections on these parcels unless public access protections, including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way, can be guaranteed prior to any conveyance. o DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comments. UALMO has created a program allowing hunting and subsistence activities on UA lands. Additionally, during the review period of this decision, UALMO implemented a trapping program. More information about both programs can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/hunting-revised.php. o Realty notes that lands within the area of discussion are validly selected by the State, therefore the Federal subsistence priority created under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) does not apply. o ADF&G would retain management of fish and wildlife resources on the lands, including State subsistence regulations, should ownership be transferred to the UA. o Public access and use of UA lands for non-commercial uses such as hiking and berry picking are allowed without a permit. Dedicated access to and through UA lands, or for commercial applications, is available by obtaining a permit from the UALMO. More information on the permit process can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/. o No RS-2477 rights-of-way or DOT 1973 inventory trails were found to exist on the parcel. A review of satellite imagery did not find any evidence of trails on the land. o While this land was selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for its public value, access potential, and long-term benefit, the selected lands currently ranked as a mix of priority levels three (3) or medium, and four (4) or low, in the statehood selection prioritization in the Realty Section’s 2025 evaluation of selected land. This means, while the land is selected, other state-selected lands are a higher priority to acquire as a part of the Statehood Land Entitlement. The State has selected more lands than remain available for conveyance under the Statehood Act, therefore DNR is required to relinquish over-selections while actively working to fulfil its remaining Statehood Act land entitlement. The land selection period granted in the CAA 2023 expires in Dec. 2026 and DNR is unlikely to have completed acquisition of the statehood land grant before the CAA 2023 grant sunsets. Therefore, DNR needs to pursue relinquishment of the University selections simultaneously with its efforts to continue land acquisition. o The CAA 2023 created a mechanism for BLM to transfer lands to the UA in furtherance of what was deemed by Congress to be a public purpose, and for management and use consistent with the University’s public mission. The State is participating in the program towards those ends, consistent with the Alaska Constitution’s Article VII directives for the University. The scope of this decision is limited to whether DNR should relinquish its land selection to facilitate conveyance of the lands to the UA. Realty notes the only lands available under the CAA 2023 are lands selected or top-filed by the State under the Alaska Statehood Act. Federal lands not selected or top-filed by the State are unavailable for selection or transfer to UA. Public Comment 2 : I am writing to submit my opposition to the proposed relinquishment of the State of Alaska's entitlement land selections to the University of Alaska. Relinquishing these selections now will remove the State's authority to impose protections for the public. Many other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with established State selections or jeopardizing public access routes. I've attached my letter for public comment. For these reasons, I strongly urge the Department of Natural Resources to retain its selections on these parcels unless robust public access protections including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way are guaranteed prior to any relinquishment or conveyance. Thank you for considering my comments during this public input period. On behalf of myself, Natalie Mccullough, I submit the following concerns regarding the proposed relinquishment of State of Alaska land selections for the purpose of conveyance to the University of Alaska. The land selections I am concerned with is Kauk River and Selawik Hills. I recognize the intent of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023 to resolve the University of Alaska’s historical land grant entitlement. However, these parcels raise serious concerns because they were already strategically selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for their public value, access potential, and long-term benefit to Alaskans. Alaska's land selection process, guided by Article VIII of the Alaska Constitution, prioritizes managing resources for the maximum benefit of the people and protecting public access to land and water. By selecting these lands, the State positioned itself to secure easements, recognize trails (including RS 2477 rights-of-way), and ensure continued public use. Relinquishing the selections now would strip the State of its authority to impose those protections, such as requiring BLM to reserve easements or subject the University's title to public access corridors, bypassing the established framework designed to keep these lands in the public interest. These areas contain established trail systems and patterns of traditional use. I personally use this area for Historical/Family Traditional Use. I have concerns regarding Loss of public access to trails and routes, Risk to existing/historic RS2477 rights-of-way, Bypassing State's land selection process under Statehood Act, Potential closure of traditional use areas, Better alternatives exist on non-selected federal lands elsewhere. Relinquishing before routes are documented and protected will permanently disrupt generational access. Other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with State selections or endangering public access. For these reasons, I believe the State should not relinquish its selections on these parcels under the current proposed conditions. I respectfully urge the State of Alaska to retain its selections on these parcels unless public access protections, including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way, can be guaranteed prior to any conveyance. Alaska is truly the last frontier. By ultimately privatizing nature, the wild eventually will cease to exist. Earths delicate ecosystem, especially human life, depends on clean air & water. Mining, clear cutting, building, polluting is counter productive to restoring balance to the massive carbon footprint already made. Protect what’s left of our natural resources- that is your entire department. Thank you. o DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comments. UALMO has created a program allowing hunting and subsistence activities on UA lands. Additionally, during the review period of this decision, UALMO implemented a trapping program. More information about both programs can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/hunting-revised.php. o Realty notes that lands within the area of discussion are validly selected by the State, therefore the Federal subsistence priority created under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) does not apply. o ADF&G would retain management of fish and wildlife resources on the lands should ownership be transferred to the UA. o Public access and use of UA lands for non-commercial uses such as hiking and berry picking are allowed without a permit. Dedicated access to and through UA lands, or for commercial applications, is available by obtaining a permit from the UALMO. More information on the permit process can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/. o No RS-2477 rights-of-way or DOT 1973 inventory trails were found to exist on the parcel. A review of satellite imagery did not indicate trails on the land. o The scope of this decision is limited to whether DNR should relinquish its land selection to facilitate conveyance of the lands to the UA. Comments regarding future land use, development, or land use restrictions or preservation are beyond the scope of this decision. Realty notes that relinquishment of DNR’s land selection does not authorize any development or land use. Should the lands be conveyed to the UA, any future actions would be subject to applicable State and Federal environmental regulations and permits. Realty also notes that any proposed future use, development, or sale of the land would include a public process on the part of the UA, including public notice on their website: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/. o While this land was selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for its public value, access potential, and long-term benefit, the selected lands currently ranked as a mix of priority levels three (3) or medium, and four (4) or low, in the statehood selection prioritization in the Realty Section’s 2025 evaluation of selected land. This means, while the land is selected, other state-selected lands are a higher priority to acquire as a part of the Statehood Land Entitlement. The State has selected more lands than remain available for conveyance under the Statehood Act, therefore DNR is required to relinquish over-selections while actively working to fulfil its remaining Statehood Act land entitlement. The land selection period granted in the CAA 2023 expires in Dec. 2026 and DNR is unlikely to have completed acquisition of the statehood land grant before the CAA 2023 grant sunsets. Therefore, DNR needs to pursue relinquishment of the University selections simultaneously with its efforts to continue land acquisition. o The CAA 2023 created a mechanism for BLM to transfer lands to the UA in furtherance of what was deemed by Congress to be a public purpose, and for management and use consistent with the University’s public mission. The State is participating in the program towards those ends, consistent with the Alaska Constitution’s Article VII directives for the University. The scope of this decision is limited to whether DNR should relinquish its land selection to facilitate conveyance of the lands to the UA. Realty notes the only lands available under the CAA 2023 are lands selected or top-filed by the State under the Alaska Statehood Act. Federal lands not selected or top-filed by the State are unavailable for selection or transfer to UA. Public Comment 3 : I am writing to submit my opposition to the proposed relinquishment of the State of Alaska's entitlement land selections to the University of Alaska. Relinquishing these selections now will remove the State's authority to impose protections for the public. Many other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with established State selections or jeopardizing public access routes. I've attached my letter for public comment. For these reasons, I strongly urge the Department of Natural Resources to retain its selections on these parcels unless robust public access protections including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way are guaranteed prior to any relinquishment or conveyance. Thank you for considering my comments during this public input period. On behalf of myself, Stuart Jones, I submit the following concerns regarding the proposed relinquishment of State of Alaska land selections for the purpose of conveyance to the University of Alaska. The land selections I am concerned with is Kauk River and Selawik Hills. I recognize the intent of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023 to resolve the University of Alaska’s historical land grant entitlement. However, these parcels raise serious concerns because they were already strategically selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for their public value, access potential, and long-term benefit to Alaskans. Alaska's land selection process, guided by Article VIII of the Alaska Constitution, prioritizes managing resources for the maximum benefit of the people and protecting public access to land and water. By selecting these lands, the State positioned itself to secure easements, recognize trails (including RS 2477 rights-of-way), and ensure continued public use. Relinquishing the selections now would strip the State of its authority to impose those protections, such as requiring BLM to reserve easements or subject the University's title to public access corridors, bypassing the established framework designed to keep these lands in the public interest. These areas contain established trail systems and patterns of traditional use. I personally use this area for Hunting, Fishing, Subsistence Activities, Hiking, Snowmaching. I have concerns regarding Loss of public access to trails and routes, Risk to existing/historic RS2477 rights-ofway, Bypassing State's land selection process under Statehood Act, Potential closure of traditional use areas, better alternatives exist on non-selected federal lands elsewhere. Relinquishing before routes are documented and protected will permanently disrupt generational access. No school needs 50k acres of wilderness Other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with State selections or endangering public access. For these reasons, I believe the State should not relinquish its selections on these parcels under the current proposed conditions. I respectfully urge the State of Alaska to retain its selections on these parcels unless public access protections, including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way, can be guaranteed prior to any conveyance. o DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comments. UALMO has created a program allowing hunting and subsistence activities on UA lands. Additionally, during the review period of this decision, UALMO implemented a trapping program. More information about both programs can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/hunting-revised.php. o Realty notes that lands within the area of discussion are validly selected by the State, therefore the Federal subsistence priority created under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) does not apply. o ADF&G would retain management of fish and wildlife resources on the lands should ownership be transferred to the UA. o Public access and use of UA lands for non-commercial uses such as hiking and berry picking are allowed without a permit. Dedicated access to and through UA lands, or for commercial applications, is available by obtaining a permit from the UALMO. More information on the permit process can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/. o No RS-2477 rights-of-way or DOT 1973 inventory trails were found to exist within the selected area. A review of satellite imagery did not reveal any trails. o While this land was selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for its public value, access potential, and long-term benefit, the selected lands currently ranked as a mix of priority levels three (3) or medium, and four (4) or low, in the statehood selection prioritization in the Realty Section’s 2025 evaluation of selected land. This means, while the land is selected, other state-selected lands are a higher priority to acquire as a part of the Statehood Land Entitlement. The State has selected more lands than remain available for conveyance under the Statehood Act, therefore DNR is required to relinquish over-selections while actively working to fulfil its remaining Statehood Act land entitlement. The land selection period granted in the CAA 2023 expires in Dec. 2026 and DNR is unlikely to have completed acquisition of the statehood land grant before the CAA 2023 grant sunsets. Therefore, DNR needs to pursue relinquishment of the University selections simultaneously with its efforts to continue land acquisition. o The CAA 2023 created a mechanism for BLM to transfer lands to the UA in furtherance of what was deemed by Congress to be a public purpose, and for management and use consistent with the University’s public mission. The State is participating in the program towards those ends, consistent with the Alaska Constitution’s Article VII directives for the University. The scope of this decision is limited to whether DNR should relinquish its land selection to facilitate conveyance of the lands to the UA. Realty notes the only lands available under the CAA 2023 are lands selected or top-filed by the State under the Alaska Statehood Act. Federal lands not selected or top-filed by the State are unavailable for selection or transfer to UA. Public Comment 4 : I am writing to submit my opposition to the proposed relinquishment of the State of Alaska's entitlement land selections to the University of Alaska. Relinquishing these selections now will remove the State's authority to impose protections for the public. Many other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with established State selections or jeopardizing public access routes. I've attached my letter for public comment. For these reasons, I strongly urge the Department of Natural Resources to retain its selections on these parcels unless robust public access protections including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way are guaranteed prior to any relinquishment or conveyance. Thank you for considering my comments during this public input period. On behalf of myself, Shelby Wood, I submit the following concerns regarding the proposed relinquishment of State of Alaska land selections for the purpose of conveyance to the University of Alaska. The land selections I am concerned with is Kauk River and Selawik Hills. I recognize the intent of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023 to resolve the University of Alaska’s historical land grant entitlement. However, these parcels raise serious concerns because they were already strategically selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for their public value, access potential, and long-term benefit to Alaskans. Alaska's land selection process, guided by Article VIII of the Alaska Constitution, prioritizes managing resources for the maximum benefit of the people and protecting public access to land and water. By selecting these lands, the State positioned itself to secure easements, recognize trails (including RS 2477 rights-of-way), and ensure continued public use. Relinquishing the selections now would strip the State of its authority to impose those protections, such as requiring BLM to reserve easements or subject the University's title to public access corridors, bypassing the established framework designed to keep these lands in the public interest. These areas contain established trail systems and patterns of traditional use. I personally use this area for Hiking. I have concerns regarding Loss of public access to trails and routes, Risk to existing/historic RS2477 rights-of-way, Bypassing State's land selection process under Statehood Act, Potential closure of traditional use areas, better alternatives exist on nonselected federal lands elsewhere. Relinquishing before routes are documented and protected will permanently disrupt generational access. Other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with State selections or endangering public access. For these reasons, I believe the State should not relinquish its selections on these parcels under the current proposed conditions. I respectfully urge the State of Alaska to retain its selections on these parcels unless public access protections, including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way, can be guaranteed prior to any conveyance. o DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comments. UALMO has created a program allowing hunting and subsistence activities on UA lands. Additionally, during the review period of this decision, UALMO implemented a trapping program. More information about both programs can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/hunting-revised.php. o Realty notes that lands within the area of discussion are validly selected by the State, therefore the Federal subsistence priority created under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) does not apply. o ADF&G would retain management of fish and wildlife resources on the lands should ownership be transferred to the UA. o Public access and use of UA lands for non-commercial uses such as hiking and berry picking are allowed without a permit. Dedicated access to and through UA lands, or for commercial applications, is available by obtaining a permit from the UALMO. More information on the permit process can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/. o No RS-2477 rights-of-way or DOT 1973 inventory trails were found to exist in these two parcels. An examination of satellite imagery did not reveal the presence of trails on the lands. o While this land was selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for its public value, access potential, and long-term benefit, the selected lands currently ranked as a mix of priority levels three (3) or medium, and four (4) or low, in the statehood selection prioritization in the Realty Section’s 2025 evaluation of selected land. This means, while the land is selected, other state-selected lands are a higher priority to acquire as a part of the Statehood Land Entitlement. The State has selected more lands than remain available for conveyance under the Statehood Act, therefore DNR is required to relinquish over-selections while actively working to fulfil its remaining Statehood Act land entitlement. The land selection period granted in the CAA 2023 expires in Dec. 2026 and DNR is unlikely to have completed acquisition of the statehood land grant before the CAA 2023 grant sunsets. Therefore, DNR needs to pursue relinquishment of the University selections simultaneously with its efforts to continue land acquisition. o The CAA 2023 created a mechanism for BLM to transfer lands to the UA in furtherance of what was deemed by Congress to be a public purpose, and for management and use consistent with the University’s public mission. The State is participating in the program towards those ends, consistent with the Alaska Constitution’s Article VII directives for the University. The scope of this decision is limited to whether DNR should relinquish its land selection to facilitate conveyance of the lands to the UA. Realty notes the only lands available under the CAA 2023 are lands selected or top-filed by the State under the Alaska Statehood Act. Federal lands not selected or top-filed by the State are unavailable for selection or transfer to UA. Public Comment 5 : I am writing to submit my opposition to the proposed relinquishment of the State of Alaska's entitlement land selections to the University of Alaska. Relinquishing these selections now will remove the State's authority to impose protections for the public. Many other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with established State selections or jeopardizing public access routes. I've attached my letter for public comment. For these reasons, I strongly urge the Department of Natural Resources to retain its selections on these parcels unless robust public access protections including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way are guaranteed prior to any relinquishment or conveyance. Thank you for considering my comments during this public input period. On behalf of myself, Craig Allen, I submit the following concerns regarding the proposed relinquishment of State of Alaska land selections for the purpose of conveyance to the University of Alaska. The land selections I am concerned with are {the Land}. I recognize the intent of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023 to resolve the University of Alaska’s historical land grant entitlement. However, these parcels raise serious concerns because they were already strategically selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for their public value, access potential, and long-term benefit to Alaskans. Alaska's land selection process, guided by Article VIII of the Alaska Constitution, prioritizes managing resources for the maximum benefit of the people and protecting public access to land and water. By selecting these lands, the State positioned itself to secure easements, recognize trails (including RS 2477 rights-of-way), and ensure continued public use. Relinquishing the selections now would strip the State of its authority to impose those protections, such as requiring BLM to reserve easements or subject the University's title to public access corridors, bypassing the established framework designed to keep these lands in the public interest. These areas contain established trail systems and patterns of traditional use. I personally use this area for Hunting, Fishing, Hiking, Camping. I have concerns regarding Loss of public access to trails and routes, Risk to existing/historic RS2477 rights-of-way, Bypassing State's land selection process under Statehood Act, Potential closure of traditional use areas, Better alternatives exist on non-selected federal lands elsewhere. Relinquishing before routes are documented and protected will permanently disrupt generational access. Other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with State selections or endangering public access. For these reasons, I believe the State should not relinquish its selections on these parcels under the current proposed conditions. I respectfully urge the State of Alaska to retain its selections on these parcels unless public access protections, including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way, can be guaranteed prior to any conveyance. o DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comments. UALMO has created a program allowing hunting and subsistence activities on UA lands. Additionally, during the review period of this decision, the UALMO implemented a trapping program. More information about both programs can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/hunting-revised.php. o Realty notes that lands within the area of discussion are validly selected by the State, therefore the Federal subsistence priority created under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) does not apply. o ADF&G would retain management of fish and wildlife resources on the lands should ownership be transferred to the UA. o Public access and use of UA lands for non-commercial uses such as hiking and berry picking are allowed without a permit. Dedicated access to and through UA lands, or for commercial applications, is available by obtaining a permit from the UALMO. More information on the permit process can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/. o No RS-2477 rights-of-way or DOT 1973 inventory trails were found to exist in these two parcels. A review of satellite imagery did not reveal the existence of trails on the lands. o While this land was selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for its public value, access potential, and long-term benefit, the selected lands currently ranked as a mix of priority levels three (3) or medium, and four (4) or low, in the statehood selection prioritization in the Realty Section’s 2025 evaluation of selected land. This means, while the land is selected, other state-selected lands are a higher priority to acquire as a part of the Statehood Land Entitlement. The State has selected more lands than remain available for conveyance under the Statehood Act, therefore DNR is required to relinquish over-selections while actively working to fulfil its remaining Statehood Act land entitlement. The land selection period granted in the CAA 2023 expires in Dec. 2026 and DNR is unlikely to have completed acquisition of the statehood land grant before the CAA 2023 grant sunsets. Therefore, DNR needs to pursue relinquishment of the University selections simultaneously with its efforts to continue land acquisition. o The CAA 2023 created a mechanism for BLM to transfer lands to the UA in furtherance of what was deemed by Congress to be a public purpose, and for management and use consistent with the University’s public mission. The State is participating in the program towards those ends, consistent with the Alaska Constitution’s Article VII directives for the University. The scope of this decision is limited to whether DNR should relinquish its land selection to facilitate conveyance of the lands to the UA. Realty notes the only lands available under the CAA 2023 are lands selected or top-filed by the State under the Alaska Statehood Act. Federal lands not selected or top-filed by the State are unavailable for selection or transfer to UA. Public Comment 6 : I am writing to submit my opposition to the proposed relinquishment of the State of Alaska's entitlement land selections to the University of Alaska. Relinquishing these selections now will remove the State's authority to impose protections for the public. Many other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with established State selections or jeopardizing public access routes. I've attached my letter for public comment. For these reasons, I strongly urge the Department of Natural Resources to retain its selections on these parcels unless robust public access protections including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way are guaranteed prior to any relinquishment or conveyance. Thank you for considering my comments during this public input period. On behalf of myself, Kaylee Cabana, I submit the following concerns regarding the proposed relinquishment of State of Alaska land selections for the purpose of conveyance to the University of Alaska. The land selections I am concerned with is... I recognize the intent of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023 to resolve the University of Alaska’s historical land grant entitlement. However, these parcels raise serious concerns because they were already strategically selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for their public value, access potential, and long-term benefit to Alaskans. Alaska's land selection process, guided by Article VIII of the Alaska Constitution, prioritizes managing resources for the maximum benefit of the people and protecting public access to land and water. By selecting these lands, the State positioned itself to secure easements, recognize trails (including RS 2477 rights-of-way), and ensure continued public use. Relinquishing the selections now would strip the State of its authority to impose those protections, such as requiring BLM to reserve easements or subject the University's title to public access corridors, bypassing the established framework designed to keep these lands in the public interest. These areas contain established trail systems and patterns of traditional use. I personally use this area for Subsistence Activities, Historical/Family Traditional Use. I have concerns regarding Loss of public access to trails and routes, Potential closure of traditional use areas, Better alternatives exist on non-selected federal lands elsewhere. Relinquishing before routes are documented and protected will permanently disrupt generational access. Other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with State selections or endangering public access. For these reasons, I believe the State should not relinquish its selections on these parcels under the current proposed conditions. I respectfully urge the State of Alaska to retain its selections on these parcels unless public access protections, including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way, can be guaranteed prior to any conveyance. o DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comments. UALMO has created a program allowing hunting and subsistence activities on UA lands. Additionally, during the review period of this decision, UALMO implemented a trapping program. More information about both programs can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/hunting-revised.php. o Realty notes that lands within the area of discussion are validly selected by the State, therefore the Federal subsistence priority created under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) does not apply. o ADF&G would retain management of fish and wildlife resources on the lands should ownership be transferred to the UA. o Public access and use of UA lands for non-commercial uses such as hiking and berry picking are allowed without a permit. Dedicated access to and through UA lands, or for commercial applications, is available by obtaining a permit from the UALMO. More information on the permit process can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/. o No RS-2477 rights-of-way or DOT 1973 inventory trails were found to exist in these two parcels. Realty reviewed satellite imagery for existing trails on the land, and none were found. o While this land was selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for its public value, access potential, and long-term benefit, the selected lands currently ranked as a mix of priority levels three (3) or medium, and four (4) or low, in the statehood selection prioritization in the Realty Section’s 2025 evaluation of selected land. This means, while the land is selected, other state-selected lands are a higher priority to acquire as a part of the Statehood Land Entitlement. The State has selected more lands than remain available for conveyance under the Statehood Act, therefore DNR is required to relinquish over-selections while actively working to fulfil its remaining Statehood Act land entitlement. The land selection period granted in the CAA 2023 expires in Dec. 2026 and DNR is unlikely to have completed acquisition of the statehood land grant before the CAA 2023 grant sunsets. Therefore, DNR needs to pursue relinquishment of the University selections simultaneously with its efforts to continue land acquisition. o The CAA 2023 created a mechanism for BLM to transfer lands to the UA in furtherance of what was deemed by Congress to be a public purpose, and for management and use consistent with the University’s public mission. The State is participating in the program towards those ends, consistent with the Alaska Constitution’s Article VII directives for the University. The scope of this decision is limited to whether DNR should relinquish its land selection to facilitate conveyance of the lands to the UA. Realty notes the only lands available under the CAA 2023 are lands selected or top-filed by the State under the Alaska Statehood Act. Federal lands not selected or top-filed by the State are unavailable for selection or transfer to UA. Public Comment 7 : I am writing to submit my opposition to the proposed relinquishment of the State of Alaska's entitlement land selections to the University of Alaska. Relinquishing these selections now will remove the State's authority to impose protections for the public. Many other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with established State selections or jeopardizing public access routes. I've attached my letter for public comment. For these reasons, I strongly urge the Department of Natural Resources to retain its selections on these parcels unless robust public access protections including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way are guaranteed prior to any relinquishment or conveyance. Thank you for considering my comments during this public input period. On behalf of myself, Paul Turinsky, I submit the following concerns regarding the proposed relinquishment of State of Alaska land selections for the purpose of conveyance to the University of Alaska. The land selections I am concerned with is. I recognize the intent of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023 to resolve the University of Alaska’s historical land grant entitlement. However, these parcels raise serious concerns because they were already strategically selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for their public value, access potential, and long-term benefit to Alaskans. Alaska's land selection process, guided by Article VIII of the Alaska Constitution, prioritizes managing resources for the maximum benefit of the people and protecting public access to land and water. By selecting these lands, the State positioned itself to secure easements, recognize trails (including RS 2477 rights-of-way), and ensure continued public use. Relinquishing the selections now would strip the State of its authority to impose those protections, such as requiring BLM to reserve easements or subject the University's title to public access corridors, bypassing the established framework designed to keep these lands in the public interest. These areas contain established trail systems and patterns of traditional use. I personally use this area for Hunting, Snowmaching, ok. I have concerns regarding Loss of public access to trails and routes, Risk to existing/historic RS2477 rights-of-way, Potential closure of traditional use areas, it is for WE THE PEOPLE. Relinquishing before routes are documented and protected will permanently disrupt generational access. Other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with State selections or endangering public access. For these reasons, I believe the State should not relinquish its selections on these parcels under the current proposed conditions. I respectfully urge the State of Alaska to retain its selections on these parcels unless public access protections, including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way, can be guaranteed prior to any conveyance. o DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comments. UALMO has created a program allowing hunting and subsistence activities on UA lands. Additionally, during the review period of this decision, UALMO implemented a trapping program. More information about both programs can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/hunting-revised.php. o Realty notes that lands within the area of discussion are validly selected by the State, therefore the Federal subsistence priority created under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) does not apply. o ADF&G would retain management of fish and wildlife resources on the lands should ownership be transferred to the UA. o Public access and use of UA lands for non-commercial uses such as hiking and berry picking are allowed without a permit. Dedicated access to and through UA lands, or for commercial applications, is available by obtaining a permit from the UALMO. More information on the permit process can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/. o No RS-2477 rights-of-way or DOT 1973 inventory trails were found to exist in these two parcels. Realty reviewed satellite imagery of the UA selected areas and none were found. o While this land was selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for its public value, access potential, and long-term benefit, the selected lands currently ranked as a mix of priority levels three (3) or medium, and four (4) or low, in the statehood selection prioritization in the Realty Section’s 2025 evaluation of selected land. This means, while the land is selected, other state-selected lands are a higher priority to acquire as a part of the Statehood Land Entitlement. The State has selected more lands than remain available for conveyance under the Statehood Act, therefore DNR is required to relinquish over-selections while actively working to fulfil its remaining Statehood Act land entitlement. The land selection period granted in the CAA 2023 expires in Dec. 2026 and DNR is unlikely to have completed acquisition of the statehood land grant before the CAA 2023 grant sunsets. Therefore, DNR needs to pursue relinquishment of the University selections simultaneously with its efforts to continue land acquisition. o The CAA 2023 created a mechanism for BLM to transfer lands to the UA in furtherance of what was deemed by Congress to be a public purpose, and for management and use consistent with the University’s public mission. The State is participating in the program towards those ends, consistent with the Alaska Constitution’s Article VII directives for the University. The scope of this decision is limited to whether DNR should relinquish its land selection to facilitate conveyance of the lands to the UA. Realty notes the only lands available under the CAA 2023 are lands selected or top-filed by the State under the Alaska Statehood Act. Federal lands not selected or top-filed by the State are unavailable for selection or transfer to UA. Public Comment 8 : I am writing to submit my opposition to the proposed relinquishment of the State of Alaska's entitlement land selections to the University of Alaska. Relinquishing these selections now will remove the State's authority to impose protections for the public. Many other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with established State selections or jeopardizing public access routes. I've attached my letter for public comment. For these reasons, I strongly urge the Department of Natural Resources to retain its selections on these parcels unless robust public access protections including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way are guaranteed prior to any relinquishment or conveyance. Thank you for considering my comments during this public input period. On behalf of myself, Ty Svedin, I submit the following concerns regarding the proposed relinquishment of State of Alaska land selections for the purpose of conveyance to the University of Alaska. The land selections I am concerned with are {the Land}. I recognize the intent of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023 to resolve the University of Alaska’s historical land grant entitlement. However, these parcels raise serious concerns because they were already strategically selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for their public value, access potential, and long-term benefit to Alaskans. Alaska's land selection process, guided by Article VIII of the Alaska Constitution, prioritizes managing resources for the maximum benefit of the people and protecting public access to land and water. By selecting these lands, the State positioned itself to secure easements, recognize trails (including RS 2477 rights-of-way), and ensure continued public use. Relinquishing the selections now would strip the State of its authority to impose those protections, such as requiring BLM to reserve easements or subject the University's title to public access corridors, bypassing the established framework designed to keep these lands in the public interest. These areas contain established trail systems and patterns of traditional use. I personally use this area for Hunting, Fishing, Subsistence Activities, Hiking. I have concerns regarding Loss of public access to trails and routes, Risk to existing/historic RS2477 rights-of-way, Bypassing State's land selection process under Statehood Act, Potential closure of traditional use areas, Better alternatives exist on non-selected federal lands elsewhere. Relinquishing before routes are documented and protected will permanently disrupt generational access. Other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with State selections or endangering public access. For these reasons, I believe the State should not relinquish its selections on these parcels under the current proposed conditions. I respectfully urge the State of Alaska to retain its selections on these parcels unless public access protections, including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way, can be guaranteed prior to any conveyance. o DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comments. UALMO has created a program allowing hunting and subsistence activities on UA lands. Additionally, during the review period of this decision, UALMO implemented a trapping program. More information about both programs can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/hunting-revised.php. o Realty notes that most lands within the area of discussion are validly selected by the State, therefore the Federal subsistence priority created under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) does not apply. o ADF&G would retain management of fish and wildlife resources on the lands should ownership be transferred to the UA. o Public access and use of UA lands for non-commercial uses such as hiking and berry picking are allowed without a permit. Dedicated access to and through UA lands, or for commercial applications, is available by obtaining a permit from the UALMO. More information on the permit process can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/. o No RS-2477 rights-of-way or DOT 1973 inventory trails were found to exist in these two parcels. o While this land was selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for its public value, access potential, and long-term benefit, the selected lands currently ranked as a mix of priority levels three (3) or medium, and four (4) or low, in the statehood selection prioritization in the Realty Section’s 2025 evaluation of selected land. This means, while the land is selected, other state-selected lands are a higher priority to acquire as a part of the Statehood Land Entitlement. The State has selected more lands than remain available for conveyance under the Statehood Act, therefore DNR is required to relinquish over-selections while actively working to fulfil its remaining Statehood Act land entitlement. The land selection period granted in the CAA 2023 expires in Dec. 2026 and DNR is unlikely to have completed acquisition of the statehood land grant before the CAA 2023 grant sunsets. Therefore, DNR needs to pursue relinquishment of the University selections simultaneously with its efforts to continue land acquisition. o The CAA 2023 created a mechanism for BLM to transfer lands to the UA in furtherance of what was deemed by Congress to be a public purpose, and for management and use consistent with the University’s public mission. The State is participating in the program towards those ends, consistent with the Alaska Constitution’s Article VII directives for the University. The scope of this decision is limited to whether DNR should relinquish its land selection to facilitate conveyance of the lands to the UA. Realty notes the only lands available under the CAA 2023 are lands selected or top-filed by the State under the Alaska Statehood Act. Federal lands not selected or top-filed by the State are unavailable for selection or transfer to UA. Public Comment 9 : I am writing to submit my opposition to the proposed relinquishment of the State of Alaska's entitlement land selections to the University of Alaska. Relinquishing these selections now will remove the State's authority to impose protections for the public. Many other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with established State selections or jeopardizing public access routes. I've attached my letter for public comment. For these reasons, I strongly urge the Department of Natural Resources to retain its selections on these parcels unless robust public access protections including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way are guaranteed prior to any relinquishment or conveyance. Thank you for considering my comments during this public input period. On behalf of myself, David Malzac, I submit the following concerns regarding the proposed relinquishment of State of Alaska land selections for the purpose of conveyance to the University of Alaska. The land selections I am concerned with are Honolulu Pass, Kauk River and Selawik Hills, Pediment Creek, Atigun River, Elrington. I recognize the intent of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023 to resolve the University of Alaska’s historical land grant entitlement. However, these parcels raise serious concerns because they were already strategically selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for their public value, access potential, and long-term benefit to Alaskans. Alaska's land selection process, guided by Article VIII of the Alaska Constitution, prioritizes managing resources for the maximum benefit of the people and protecting public access to land and water. By selecting these lands, the State positioned itself to secure easements, recognize trails (including RS 2477 rights-of-way), and ensure continued public use. Relinquishing the selections now would strip the State of its authority to impose those protections, such as requiring BLM to reserve easements or subject the University's title to public access corridors, bypassing the established framework designed to keep these lands in the public interest. These areas contain established trail systems and patterns of traditional use. I personally use this area for Hunting, Fishing, Hiking, Snowmaching. I have concerns regarding Loss of public access to trails and routes, Risk to existing/historic RS2477 rights-of-way, Bypassing State's land selection process under Statehood Act, Potential closure of traditional use areas, Better alternatives exist on non-selected federal lands elsewhere. Relinquishing before routes are documented and protected will permanently disrupt generational access. Other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with State selections or endangering public access. For these reasons, I believe the State should not relinquish its selections on these parcels under the current proposed conditions. I respectfully urge the State of Alaska to retain its selections on these parcels unless public access protections, including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way, can be guaranteed prior to any conveyance. o DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comments. UALMO has created a program allowing hunting and subsistence activities on UA lands. Additionally, during the review period of this decision, UALMO implemented a trapping program. More information about both programs can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/hunting-revised.php. o Realty notes that most lands within the area of discussion are validly selected by the State, therefore the Federal subsistence priority created under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) does not apply. o ADF&G would retain management of fish and wildlife resources on the lands should ownership be transferred to the UA. o Public access and use of UA lands for non-commercial uses such as hiking and berry picking are allowed without a permit. Dedicated access to and through UA lands, or for commercial applications, is available by obtaining a permit from the UALMO. More information on the permit process can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/. o No RS-2477 rights-of-way or DOT 1973 inventory trails were found to exist in these two parcels. o While this land was selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for its public value, access potential, and long-term benefit, the selected lands currently ranked as a mix of priority levels three (3) or medium, and four (4) or low, in the statehood selection prioritization in the Realty Section’s 2025 evaluation of selected land. This means, while the land is selected, other state-selected lands are a higher priority to acquire as a part of the Statehood Land Entitlement. The State has selected more lands than remain available for conveyance under the Statehood Act, therefore DNR is required to relinquish over-selections while actively working to fulfil its remaining Statehood Act land entitlement. The land selection period granted in the CAA 2023 expires in Dec. 2026 and DNR is unlikely to have completed acquisition of the statehood land grant before the CAA 2023 grant sunsets. Therefore, DNR needs to pursue relinquishment of the University selections simultaneously with its efforts to continue land acquisition. o The CAA 2023 created a mechanism for BLM to transfer lands to the UA in furtherance of what was deemed by Congress to be a public purpose, and for management and use consistent with the University’s public mission. The State is participating in the program towards those ends, consistent with the Alaska Constitution’s Article VII directives for the University. The scope of this decision is limited to whether DNR should relinquish its land selection to facilitate conveyance of the lands to the UA. Realty notes the only lands available under the CAA 2023 are lands selected or top-filed by the State under the Alaska Statehood Act. Federal lands not selected or top-filed by the State are unavailable for selection or transfer to UA. Public Comment 10 : I am writing to submit my opposition to the proposed relinquishment of the State of Alaska's entitlement land selections to the University of Alaska. Relinquishing these selections now will remove the State's authority to impose protections for the public. Many other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with established State selections or jeopardizing public access routes. I've attached my letter for public comment. For these reasons, I strongly urge the Department of Natural Resources to retain its selections on these parcels unless robust public access protections including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way are guaranteed prior to any relinquishment or conveyance. Thank you for considering my comments during this public input period. On behalf of myself, Holly Bernosky, I submit the following concerns regarding the proposed relinquishment of State of Alaska land selections for the purpose of conveyance to the University of Alaska. The land selections I am concerned with are Honolulu Pass, Kauk River and Selawik Hills, Pediment Creek, Atigun River, Elrington. I recognize the intent of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023 to resolve the University of Alaska’s historical land grant entitlement. However, these parcels raise serious concerns because they were already strategically selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for their public value, access potential, and long-term benefit to Alaskans. Alaska's land selection process, guided by Article VIII of the Alaska Constitution, prioritizes managing resources for the maximum benefit of the people and protecting public access to land and water. By selecting these lands, the State positioned itself to secure easements, recognize trails (including RS 2477 rights-of-way), and ensure continued public use. Relinquishing the selections now would strip the State of its authority to impose those protections, such as requiring BLM to reserve easements or subject the University's title to public access corridors, bypassing the established framework designed to keep these lands in the public interest. These areas contain established trail systems and patterns of traditional use. I personally use this area for Hunting, Fishing, Snowmaching. I have concerns regarding Loss of public access to trails and routes, Risk to existing/historic RS2477 rights-of-way, Bypassing State's land selection process under Statehood Act, Potential closure of traditional use areas, Better alternatives exist on non-selected federal lands elsewhere. Relinquishing before routes are documented and protected will permanently disrupt generational access. Please don’t let these lands transfer out of public ownership. This a beautiful country, meant for all to enjoy. Other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with State selections or endangering public access. For these reasons, I believe the State should not relinquish its selections on these parcels under the current proposed conditions. I respectfully urge the State of Alaska to retain its selections on these parcels unless public access protections, including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way, can be guaranteed prior to any conveyance. o DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comments. UALMO has created a program allowing hunting and subsistence activities on UA lands. Additionally, during the review period of this decision, UALMO implemented a trapping program. More information about both programs can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/hunting-revised.php. o Realty notes that most lands within the area of discussion are validly selected by the State, therefore the Federal subsistence priority created under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) does not apply. o ADF&G would retain management of fish and wildlife resources on the lands should ownership be transferred to the UA. o Public access and use of UA lands for non-commercial uses such as hiking and berry picking are allowed without a permit. Dedicated access to and through UA lands, or for commercial applications, is available by obtaining a permit from the UALMO. More information on the permit process can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/. o No RS-2477 rights-of-way or DOT 1973 inventory trails were found to exist in these two parcels. o While this land was selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for its public value, access potential, and long-term benefit, the selected lands currently ranked as a mix of priority levels three (3) or medium, and four (4) or low, in the statehood selection prioritization in the Realty Section’s 2025 evaluation of selected land. This means, while the land is selected, other state-selected lands are a higher priority to acquire as a part of the Statehood Land Entitlement. The State has selected more lands than remain available for conveyance under the Statehood Act, therefore DNR is required to relinquish over-selections while actively working to fulfil its remaining Statehood Act land entitlement. The land selection period granted in the CAA 2023 expires in Dec. 2026 and DNR is unlikely to have completed acquisition of the statehood land grant before the CAA 2023 grant sunsets. Therefore, DNR needs to pursue relinquishment of the University selections simultaneously with its efforts to continue land acquisition. o The CAA 2023 created a mechanism for BLM to transfer lands to the UA in furtherance of what was deemed by Congress to be a public purpose, and for management and use consistent with the University’s public mission. The State is participating in the program towards those ends, consistent with the Alaska Constitution’s Article VII directives for the University. The scope of this decision is limited to whether DNR should relinquish its land selection to facilitate conveyance of the lands to the UA. Realty notes the only lands available under the CAA 2023 are lands selected or top-filed by the State under the Alaska Statehood Act. Federal lands not selected or top-filed by the State are unavailable for selection or transfer to UA. Public Comment 11 : I am writing to submit my opposition to the proposed relinquishment of the State of Alaska's entitlement land selections to the University of Alaska. Relinquishing these selections now will remove the State's authority to impose protections for the public. Many other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with established State selections or jeopardizing public access routes. I've attached my letter for public comment. For these reasons, I strongly urge the Department of Natural Resources to retain its selections on these parcels unless robust public access protections including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way are guaranteed prior to any relinquishment or conveyance. Thank you for considering my comments during this public input period. On behalf of myself, Michele Stevens, I submit the following concerns regarding the proposed relinquishment of State of Alaska land selections for the purpose of conveyance to the University of Alaska. The land selections I am concerned with are Honolulu Pass, Kauk River and Selawik Hills, Pediment Creek, Atigun River, Elrington. I recognize the intent of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023 to resolve the University of Alaska’s historical land grant entitlement. However, these parcels raise serious concerns because they were already strategically selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for their public value, access potential, and long-term benefit to Alaskans. Alaska's land selection process, guided by Article VIII of the Alaska Constitution, prioritizes managing resources for the maximum benefit of the people and protecting public access to land and water. By selecting these lands, the State positioned itself to secure easements, recognize trails (including RS 2477 rights-of-way), and ensure continued public use. Relinquishing the selections now would strip the State of its authority to impose those protections, such as requiring BLM to reserve easements or subject the University's title to public access corridors, bypassing the established framework designed to keep these lands in the public interest. These areas contain established trail systems and patterns of traditional use. I personally use this area for Hunting, Fishing, Subsistence Activities, Snowmaching, Historical/Family Traditional Use. I have concerns regarding Loss of public access to trails and routes, Risk to existing/historic RS2477 rights-of-way, Bypassing State's land selection process under Statehood Act, Potential closure of traditional use areas. Relinquishing before routes are documented and protected will permanently disrupt generational access. An additional concern is that the federal government has not yet conveyed all of the land owed to Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act. Millions of acres promised to the State remain unconveyed. These lands were intended to provide an economic base and long-term opportunity for the people of Alaska. Other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with State selections or endangering public access. For these reasons, I believe the State should not relinquish its selections on these parcels under the current proposed conditions. I respectfully urge the State of Alaska to retain its selections on these parcels unless public access protections, including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way, can be guaranteed prior to any conveyance. I respectfully encourage the Alaska Department of Natural Resources to ensure that future land conveyances and allocations prioritize broad public access, opportunity, and benefit for the people of Alaska before transferring large blocks of land to individual institutions. In closing, the federal government still owes Alaska millions of acres under the Alaska Statehood Act. These lands were promised to provide opportunity and economic strength for the people of this state. Our Constitution is clear that Alaska’s natural resources are reserved for the common use of all Alaskans. As these lands are transferred, the priority must remain with the people of Alaska. Allocations to institutions such as the University of Alaska should not come before fulfilling the broader public interest and ensuring that the benefits of these lands remain available to all Alaskans. o DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comments. UALMO has created a program allowing hunting and subsistence activities on UA lands. Additionally, during the review period of this decision, UALMO implemented a trapping program. More information about both programs can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/hunting-revised.php. o Realty notes that most lands within the area of discussion are validly selected by the State, therefore the Federal subsistence priority created under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) does not apply. o ADF&G would retain management of fish and wildlife resources on the lands should ownership be transferred to the UA. o Public access and use of UA lands for non-commercial uses such as hiking and berry picking are allowed without a permit. Dedicated access to and through UA lands, or for commercial applications, is available by obtaining a permit from the UALMO. More information on the permit process can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/. o No RS-2477 rights-of-way or DOT 1973 inventory trails were found to exist in these two parcels. o While this land was selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for its public value, access potential, and long-term benefit, the selected lands currently ranked as a mix of priority levels three (3) or medium, and four (4) or low, in the statehood selection prioritization in the Realty Section’s 2025 evaluation of selected land. This means, while the land is selected, other state-selected lands are a higher priority to acquire as a part of the Statehood Land Entitlement. This means, while the land is selected, other selected lands in the State of Alaska are a higher priority to acquire as a part of the Statehood Land Entitlement. The State has selected more lands than remain available for conveyance under the Statehood Act, therefore DNR is required to relinquish over-selections while actively working to fulfil its remaining Statehood Act land entitlement. The land selection period granted in the CAA 2023 expires in Dec. 2026 and DNR is unlikely to have completed acquisition of the statehood land grant before the CAA 2023 grant sunsets. Therefore, DNR needs to pursue relinquishment of the University selections simultaneously with its efforts to continue land acquisition. o The CAA 2023 created a mechanism for BLM to transfer lands to the UA in furtherance of what was deemed by Congress to be a public purpose, and for management and use consistent with the University’s public mission. The State is participating in the program towards those ends, consistent with the Alaska Constitution’s Article VII directives for the University. The scope of this decision is limited to whether DNR should relinquish its land selection to facilitate conveyance of the lands to the UA. Realty notes the only lands available under the CAA 2023 are lands selected or top-filed by the State under the Alaska Statehood Act. Federal lands not selected or top-filed by the State are unavailable for selection or transfer to UA. Public Comment 12 : I am writing to submit my opposition to the proposed relinquishment of the State of Alaska's entitlement land selections to the University of Alaska. Relinquishing these selections now will remove the State's authority to impose protections for the public. Many other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with established State selections or jeopardizing public access routes. I've attached my letter for public comment. For these reasons, I strongly urge the Department of Natural Resources to retain its selections on these parcels unless robust public access protections including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way are guaranteed prior to any relinquishment or conveyance. Thank you for considering my comments during this public input period. On behalf of myself, Peter Firmin, I submit the following concerns regarding the proposed relinquishment of State of Alaska land selections for the purpose of conveyance to the University of Alaska. The land selections I am concerned with are Honolulu Pass, Kauk River and Selawik Hills, Pediment Creek, Atigun River, Elrington. I recognize the intent of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023 to resolve the University of Alaska’s historical land grant entitlement. However, these parcels raise serious concerns because they were already strategically selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for their public value, access potential, and long-term benefit to Alaskans. Alaska's land selection process, guided by Article VIII of the Alaska Constitution, prioritizes managing resources for the maximum benefit of the people and protecting public access to land and water. By selecting these lands, the State positioned itself to secure easements, recognize trails (including RS 2477 rights-of-way), and ensure continued public use. Relinquishing the selections now would strip the State of its authority to impose those protections, such as requiring BLM to reserve easements or subject the University's title to public access corridors, bypassing the established framework designed to keep these lands in the public interest. These areas contain established trail systems and patterns of traditional use. I personally use this area for Hunting, Fishing, Subsistence Activities, Hiking, Snowmaching, Historical/Family Traditional Use. I have concerns regarding Loss of public access to trails and routes, Risk to existing/historic RS2477 rights-of-way, Bypassing State's land selection process under Statehood Act, Potential closure of traditional use areas, Better alternatives exist on non-selected federal lands elsewhere. Relinquishing before routes are documented and protected will permanently disrupt generational access. Other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with State selections or endangering public access. For these reasons, I believe the State should not relinquish its selections on these parcels under the current proposed conditions. I respectfully urge the State of Alaska to retain its selections on these parcels unless public access protections, including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way, can be guaranteed prior to any conveyance. o DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comments. UALMO has created a program allowing hunting and subsistence activities on UA lands. Additionally, during the review period of this decision, UALMO implemented a trapping program. More information about both programs can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/hunting-revised.php. o Realty notes that most lands within the area of discussion are validly selected by the State, therefore the Federal subsistence priority created under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) does not apply. o ADF&G would retain management of fish and wildlife resources on the lands should ownership be transferred to the UA. o Public access and use of UA lands for non-commercial uses such as hiking and berry picking are allowed without a permit. Dedicated access to and through UA lands, or for commercial applications, is available by obtaining a permit from the UALMO. More information on the permit process can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/. o No RS-2477 rights-of-way or DOT 1973 inventory trails were found to exist in these two parcels. o While this land was selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for its public value, access potential, and long-term benefit, the selected lands currently ranked as a mix of priority levels three (3) or medium, and four (4) or low, in the statehood selection prioritization in the Realty Section’s 2025 evaluation of selected land. This means, while the land is selected, other state-selected lands are a higher priority to acquire as a part of the Statehood Land Entitlement. The State has selected more lands than remain available for conveyance under the Statehood Act, therefore DNR is required to relinquish over-selections while actively working to fulfil its remaining Statehood Act land entitlement. The land selection period granted in the CAA 2023 expires in Dec. 2026 and DNR is unlikely to have completed acquisition of the statehood land grant before the CAA 2023 grant sunsets. Therefore, DNR needs to pursue relinquishment of the University selections simultaneously with its efforts to continue land acquisition. o The CAA 2023 created a mechanism for BLM to transfer lands to the UA in furtherance of what was deemed by Congress to be a public purpose, and for management and use consistent with the University’s public mission. The State is participating in the program towards those ends, consistent with the Alaska Constitution’s Article VII directives for the University. The scope of this decision is limited to whether DNR should relinquish its land selection to facilitate conveyance of the lands to the UA. Realty notes the only lands available under the CAA 2023 are lands selected or top-filed by the State under the Alaska Statehood Act. Federal lands not selected or top-filed by the State are unavailable for selection or transfer to UA. Public Comment 13 : I am writing to submit my opposition to the proposed relinquishment of the State of Alaska's entitlement land selections to the University of Alaska. Relinquishing these selections now will remove the State's authority to impose protections for the public. Many other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with established State selections or jeopardizing public access routes. I've attached my letter for public comment. For these reasons, I strongly urge the Department of Natural Resources to retain its selections on these parcels unless robust public access protections including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way are guaranteed prior to any relinquishment or conveyance. Thank you for considering my comments during this public input period. On behalf of myself, Tim Marvin, I submit the following concerns regarding the proposed relinquishment of State of Alaska land selections for the purpose of conveyance to the University of Alaska. The land selections I am concerned with are Honolulu Pass, Kauk River and Selawik Hills, Pediment Creek, Atigun River, Elrington. I recognize the intent of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023 to resolve the University of Alaska’s historical land grant entitlement. However, these parcels raise serious concerns because they were already strategically selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for their public value, access potential, and long-term benefit to Alaskans. Alaska's land selection process, guided by Article VIII of the Alaska Constitution, prioritizes managing resources for the maximum benefit of the people and protecting public access to land and water. By selecting these lands, the State positioned itself to secure easements, recognize trails (including RS 2477 rights-of-way), and ensure continued public use. Relinquishing the selections now would strip the State of its authority to impose those protections, such as requiring BLM to reserve easements or subject the University's title to public access corridors, bypassing the established framework designed to keep these lands in the public interest. These areas contain established trail systems and patterns of traditional use. I personally use this area for Hunting, Fishing, Subsistence Activities, Hiking, Snowmaching, Recreation. I have concerns regarding Loss of public access to trails and routes, Risk to existing/historic RS2477 rights-of-way, Bypassing State's land selection process under Statehood Act, Potential closure of traditional use areas. Relinquishing before routes are documented and protected will permanently disrupt generational access. Any loss of trail access in Alaska represents an attack to our way of life. We'll be making note of politicians supporting this attack. Other non-selected federal lands across Alaska could satisfy the University's entitlement without conflicting with State selections or endangering public access. For these reasons, I believe the State should not relinquish its selections on these parcels under the current proposed conditions. I respectfully urge the State of Alaska to retain its selections on these parcels unless public access protections, including recognition of existing trails and rights-of-way, can be guaranteed prior to any conveyance. o DMLW Realty Response : Thank you for your comments. UALMO has created a program allowing hunting and subsistence activities on UA lands. Additionally, during the review period of this decision, UALMO implemented a trapping program. More information about both programs can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/hunting-revised.php. o Realty notes that most lands within the area of discussion are validly selected by the State, therefore the Federal subsistence priority created under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) does not apply. o ADF&G would retain management of fish and wildlife resources on the lands should ownership be transferred to the UA. o Public access and use of UA lands for non-commercial uses such as hiking and berry picking are allowed without a permit. Dedicated access to and through UA lands, or for commercial applications, is available by obtaining a permit from the UALMO. More information on the permit process can be found here: https://www.alaska.edu/ualand/permits/. o No RS-2477 rights-of-way or DOT 1973 inventory trails were found to exist in these two parcels. o While this land was selected by the State of Alaska under the Alaska Statehood Act for its public value, access potential, and long-term benefit, the selected lands currently ranked as a mix of priority levels three (3) or medium, and four (4) or low, in the statehood selection prioritization in the Realty Section’s 2025 evaluation of selected land. This means, while the land is selected, other state-selected lands are a higher priority to acquire as a part of the Statehood Land Entitlement. The State has selected more lands than remain available for conveyance under the Statehood Act, therefore DNR is required to relinquish over-selections while actively working to fulfil its remaining Statehood Act land entitlement. The land selection period granted in the CAA 2023 expires in Dec. 2026 and DNR is unlikely to have completed acquisition of the statehood land grant before the CAA 2023 grant sunsets. Therefore, DNR needs to pursue relinquishment of the University selections simultaneously with its efforts to continue land acquisition. o The CAA 2023 created a mechanism for BLM to transfer lands to the UA in furtherance of what was deemed by Congress to be a public purpose, and for management and use consistent with the University’s public mission. The State is participating in the program towards those ends, consistent with the Alaska Constitution’s Article VII directives for the University. The scope of this decision is limited to whether DNR should relinquish its land selection to facilitate conveyance of the lands to the UA. Realty notes the only lands available under the CAA 2023 are lands selected or top-filed by the State under the Alaska Statehood Act. Federal lands not selected or top-filed by the State are unavailable for selection or transfer to UA. X. DISCUSSION AND ALTERNATIVES The UA has sought additional lands to complete its territorial land grant for several decades but has been challenged by legal restrictions about the disposal of state lands in the Statehood Act and the State Constitution. Previous attempts to rectify the land grant deficit were ultimately overturned in legal challenges. This history resulted in federal Congressional action within the CAA 2023 with the intent of establishing a state and federal cooperative program to remedy the deficit and further endow the University with land. Congressional intent is for lands to be transferred to the UA to complete the entitlement originally intended for conveyance under the Statehood Act and to provide economic opportunities for the UA. This is consistent with the UA’s public interest mission under Title 14 of the Alaska Statutes and Title VII of the Alaska Constitution. DNR must consider and weigh its own and the public’s interests in retaining or relinquishing land selections while supporting the UA’s public interests in new land entitlement. Such interests include resource development, conservation, consideration of existing land uses, and public access consistent with the public interest – which the UA shares and has many similar tools and processes to advance. In general, there must be an overarching benefit to Alaskans in retaining the selections and declining to participate in the Program to defeat the Congressional intent in the CAA 2023 and the public interests of UA. Any decision DNR makes must balance and reflect the value of providing land to the UA without undue harm to the interests of Alaskans. DNR notes that the CAA 2023 does not require the State to relinquish specific state selected land and is considering UA selections in light of the balanced interests of the State. The UA’s proposed selection included lands described in Section VI. The land described in Section VI represents a moderately sized, compact, and contiguous block of land. Conveyance of medium to large sized blocks of land generally simplifies land and resource management. Larger blocks help enable landscape level considerations when land use authorizations are proposed. It helps the public understand land ownership boundaries and acquire any relevant permits prior to land use. Additionally, it may reduce the potential for user confusion and conflict across areas of mixed land ownership. For this reason, after agency review comments were considered, it was administratively determined that it was in the best interests of the State and public to consider the lands for possible relinquishment and conveyance to the UA. Lands surrounding the UA’s Selawik Hills selection are a mixture of: Federal public lands selected by the State and currently managed by the BLM, Federal public lands managed by the BLM with a top-filed State selection, Federal lands managed by the BLM or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, private lands, and private Native Corporation owned lands. The State selected the lands as possible acquisitions for natural resources, mineral, and fish and game interests. The UA selections are currently ranked as a mix of medium and low priority for acquisition by DNR. The lands are not crossed by any accepted and codified Revised Statute 2477 (RS 2477) Trails. There are no trails within the selection area that are permitted by the BLM or the State. Realty was unable to find any evidence that trails have been surveyed or dedicated to the public. A review of Federal records indicates there are no current applications with BLM for a permit, easement, or right-of-way by any individuals or groups. BLM Alaska Reindeer Grazing permit AKFF-085605 is an active permit issued that includes UA’s Selawik Hills selection and the adjoining townships. AKFF-085605 was initiated in December of 1986 and expires November of 2033. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) exists between BLM, DNR, and NPS to coordinate the permitting of reindeer grazing on the Seward Peninsula, which was last updated in 2010. The permit is a valid existing right and if the land were transferred to the UA it would no longer be subject to the MOU; Although the University’s title would be “subject to” (or subservient to) the interests held by the permittee. Once the reindeer grazing permit listed on the deed expires, the affected party would need to work with the UALMO to obtain a new grazing permit—subject to the availability of such a permit from UALMO. The UA has excluded the beds of navigable waterbodies where title was conveyed to the State at Statehood under the Submerged Lands Act and the Equal Footing Doctrine. Ownership of the lands below the ordinary high-water mark of navigable water bodies will remain with DNR under the Public Trust Doctrine. Both Realty and PAAD reviewed the Selawik Hills selection and determined there are no navigable water bodies within the area. This further supports public use and enjoyment of the area regardless of land ownership. AS 38.05.127 requires that before a disposal of an interest in state land, DNR must determine if waterbodies within or adjacent to the proposed area for disposal are navigable or public water; and if they are to reserve access easements. However, statehood entitlement selections do not provide the State with management authority or title in land, but rather a valid prior existing right requiring BLM to convey to the state the selection when certain conditions are met. Given this, the State is unable to reserve access easements for relinquishments of entitlement selections but has instead met this need through the processes above. Additionally, pursuant to 11 AAC 51.045(a)(2), DNR finds that reserving an access easement is not necessary to ensure free access to navigable or public water. A statehood entitlement selection does not provide the public with rights of access different from the general right of the public to access navigable or public water bordered by non-State land: that is, the right to use and have access to water below the ordinary high water mark for recreational or other public purposes for which the water is used or capable of being used consistent with the public trust. Because access to navigable or public water will remain the same after the relinquishment of the entitlement selection as before, it is not necessary to reserve an access easement. Balancing development, access, subsistence use, public recreation, and wildlife habitat are challenges that must be addressed when managing the Selawik Hills lands, irrespective of ownership. This balance is achieved through the development of land management plans, clear land use guidelines and regulations, and a robust public notice process. Relinquishment of State selected lands would not allow unrestricted development by the UA. Many projects and developments require State and Federal permits regardless of land ownership. Most development projects also require extensive studies and public consultation before a project is approved. Any proposed development, sale, or disposal of the lands by the UA would have to be approved by the UA Board of Regents (BOR) and would be publicly noticed under existing UA policies. Agency comments noted the habitat, hunting, fishing, and subsistence values of the selected lands. While the lands have value as wildlife habitat and for subsistence related activities, it is not clear that these values are inherently threatened by conveying the lands to the UA or require State acquisition to preserve them. If the selection is relinquished and the lands conveyed to the UA, personal use hunting and fishing activities will still be available under UALMO’s hunting program. Personal recreational use of the lands is allowed under existing UA BOR policies. Commercial hunting and guiding can be permitted under UALMO’s land use permit system. ADF&G noted that most (approximately 75%) of Game Management Unit (GMU) 23 lands are Federally owned and managed, and that should the Federal Subsistence Board close Federal public land to non-local users most of GMU 23 would be off-limits to many Alaska residents. Should DNR relinquish the lands and they are subsequently conveyed to the UA, the Federal Subsistence Board would no longer have jurisdiction on the lands. Likewise, non-commercial hunting activities would continue on the lands under existing UALMO programs. RADS noted that the Selawik Hills parcel and adjoining lands are classified as Mineral and Wildlife Habitat Land in the Northwest Area Plan (NWAP). The NWAP requires any development or use of DNR owned lands must account for potential impacts to the western arctic caribou herd (WACH). Realty notes that DNR area plans only apply to DNR owned lands and that the UA will not be bound by the NWAP. However, should UA acquire the Selawik Hills parcel, it’s likely that use or development proposals would have to account for potential impacts to the WACH under State and Federally required permit reviews. Agency comments also noted that relinquishing the Selawik Hills selection could create access issues for adjoining DNR selected lands. Currently, DNR has less than 4 million acres of remaining Statehood Act land available for conveyance. DNR has selected lands in and around the Selawik Hills, however the selections are a lower priority and likely will not be acquired by DNR due to the remote location, lack of adjoining State-owned lands, and low potential for multiple-use opportunities. Should priorities on adjacent lands change and DNR seek title to them, DNR can work with UALMO to secure access through the Selawik Hills parcel for any proposed development or DNR related uses. All public comments opposed the transfer of the lands to the UA. Commentors voiced concerns that the UA’s decision to develop or sell the lands would result in a reduction or complete loss of access across the lands, loss of traditional use areas, or loss of subsistence, hunting, and recreation opportunities. Commentors also raised concerns that the Selawik Hills parcel is part of a larger strategic selection by the State under the Statehood Act, and relinquishing the lands would deprive the State and public of access guarantees in the State Constitution and the resources that engendered the original State selections. Commentors recommended that the Selawik Hills parcel remain public lands unless public access protections can be guaranteed prior to the conveyance. As discussed above regarding the policies and processes UALMO has put in place to support access, this decision supports those interests to the greatest degree possible, while balancing the University’s interests in having valuable land available for the program. The public voiced concerns about limited public access to and through the Selawik Hills selection area. Current UA policies allow for greater public access than many lands around the state. UA policies allow unpermitted non-commercial access and provide a permitting framework for other activities. In addition, UALMO has a permit system to provide for dedicated public and private access easements to reach inholdings or specific areas. While large, the block of land is smaller than many contiguous blocks of ANCSA Native Corporation land, which often have more restrictive public use requirements than those developed by the UA BOR. While BLM recognizes some RS2477 trails as prior valid rights, Statehood Act land grant Federal regulations do not provide a mechanism for BLM to reserve those interests from UA’s land title. Consequently, Realty worked with UALMO to exclude areas with valid RS2477 trails from their selections. Realty also worked with UALMO to exclude areas with known publicly used or developed trails from their selections. While public comments referenced trails in and near the Selawik Hills parcel, no commentor provided specific trail location or seasonal use information. Reviewing aerial and satellite imagery failed to find evidence of trails on the lands. The State selected large parcels in and around the Selawik Hills area under the Statehood Act. However, the post-Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and post-Alaska National Interests Land Conservation Act (ANILCA) land pattern has changed how DNR views land acquisitions in the area. ANCSA Village and Regional Corporations acquired lands along the easiest north/south access corridors. The Selawik National Wildlife Refuge blocked the planned east/west access corridor to the Ambler Mining District. The remaining DNR selections in the area are isolated, with no connectivity to other State-owned lands. This has led to DNR selections in the area being classified as lower priority for acquisition. Because the State is over-selected under the Statehood Act, it’s highly likely that DNR will not acquire title to lower priority lands. The State may benefit from potential mineral exploration of the Selawik Hills selection if conditional relinquishment was declined, but the resource potential has not been fully explored nor have mineral resources been completely defined. The presence of potentially valuable resources is not inherently a sufficient reason for the State to maintain a selection. Nor would the potential value of those resources necessarily be harmed by UA ownership. While the State might lose potential income from development, that same revenue going to the UA would help fund the public interest in higher education in Alaska. Both options would provide benefits to the wider state economy. It is not clear that it is in the State’s best interest to maintain a selection on these lands solely based on mineral potential, and there are no “at-risk” State mining claims filed on the selected lands. Overall, the land appears suitable for relinquishment in favor of the UA and agency comments did not provide evidence of an overarching need for DNR ownership. Public comments were opposed to the land transfer to the UA. The State’s interests in retaining these lands must be balanced with providing potentially valuable lands to the UA while protecting the State’s interests in potentially valuable land, State owned or selected adjacent lands, access to public lands, and the overall management of an area. UA ownership provides options for access that, while less than what is available on DNR owned lands, does not constitute an overriding State interest to retain a selection on these lands. When considered fully, the State’s interest in retaining a selection on these lands is not compelling and supports relinquishment. In addition, relinquishment of the lands fulfills the purpose of the CAA 2023 in providing lands to the UA. Realty considered the following alternatives in adjudicating the request for relinquishment: Alternative 1 : Conditionally relinquish the State’s selection on lands described in Section VI. Alternative 2 : Decline to conditionally relinquish the State’s selection on lands described in Section VI. XI. DECISION This decision considers all public and agency comments received. After considering the facts and input described above, the Department finds it is in the best interest of the State to choose Alternative 1 and proceed with conditional relinquishment the lands described in Section VI. Recommended by: Carrie Hallinan Natural Resource Specialist 2 Realty Services Section Division of Mining, Land and Water Department of Natural Resources Approved by: Lacy Hamner Natural Resource Manager 2 Realty Services Section Division of Mining, Land and Water Department of Natural Resources Approved by: Commissioner-designee Crowther Department of Natural Resources Reconsideration Provision Reconsideration An eligible person affected by this decision, and who provided timely written comment or public hearing testimony to the department, may request reconsideration to the DNR Commissioner per AS 44.37.011 and 11 AAC 02. Any request for reconsideration must be received by the Commissioner's Office within twenty (20) calendar days after issuance of the decision under 11 AAC 02.040. The Commissioner may order or deny a request for reconsideration within thirty (30) calendar days after issuance of the decision. If the Commissioner takes no action on a request for reconsideration within thirty (30) days after issuance of the decision, the request for reconsideration is considered denied. The Commissioner's decision on reconsideration, other than a remand decision, is a final administrative order and decision of the department. An eligible person must first request reconsideration to the Commissioner before seeking relief in superior court. The Alaska Court System establishes its own rules for timely appealing final administrative orders and decisions of the department. Reconsideration may be mailed or hand-delivered to the DNR Commissioner's Office, 550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1400, Anchorage, Alaska, 99501; or faxed to (907)-269-8918 or sent by electronic mail to dnr.appeals@alaska.gov. Reconsideration must be accompanied by the fee established in 11 AAC 05.lG0(d)(l)(F), which has been set at $200 under the provisions of 11 AAC 05.lG0(a)-(b). A copy of 11 AAC 02 is available on the department's website at https://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/pdf/DNR-11- AAC-02.pdf. Attachments, History, Details Attachments 09-17-26 UA Selawik Hills Final Signed.pdf Revision History Created 9/17/2026 10:48:31 AM by cjhallinan

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