Notice of Decision, Partial Release of State Interest in Favor of University of Alaska, State Selection Files GS-4068, GS-4069, GS-4070, GS-4071, GS-4850, GS-4852, GS-4854, GS-4985 (Delong Mountains)

This notice of decision documents the State of Alaska’s intent to relinquish several State‑selected land parcels (approximately 78,000 acres) in the De Long Mountains to the University of Alaska under the University of Alaska Fiscal Foundation Act (part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act FY 2023). The lands span nine townships in the DNR Northern Region, near Kivalina, Noatak, and Point Hope, and are subject to extensive environmental, wildlife, subsistence, and cultural considerations. The Department of Natural Resources conducted agency review (Dec 15 2025 – Jan 9 2026) and a public comment period (Feb 13 – Mar 31 2026). While most agencies had no objection, the Alaska Department of Fish & Game opposed the relinquishment due to potential impacts on fish, wildlife, and subsistence resources. Numerous tribal and community comments also opposed the action, citing cultural, subsistence, and habitat concerns. The DNR will retain management of fish and wildlife resources if the land is conveyed, and the University of Alaska will manage the land for public‑use activities (hunting, subsistence, recreation) under permit programs. The final relinquishment will occur only after the public reconsideration period closes without successful challenges, after which the State and the University will submit the conditional relinquishment list to the BLM for conveyance. • Approximately 78,000 acres of State‑selected land in the De Long Mountains are proposed for relinquishment. • Relinquishment is intended to enable the University of Alaska to acquire the lands under federal law (CAA 2023). • Agency review and public comment were completed; ADF&G objected on wildlife and subsistence grounds. • Tribal and community stakeholders raised cultural, subsistence, and habitat concerns. • If conveyed, the University will allow hunting, fishing, subsistence, and recreational uses under permit programs, while the State retains wildlife management authority. • Final conveyance to the University depends on the absence of successful reconsideration requests and subsequent BLM approval.