Adoption of the 2026 Copper River Basin Area Plan and Mineral Order 1274

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has officially adopted the 2026 Copper River Basin Area Plan (CRBAP) and accompanying Land Classification Order (LCO) No. SC‑19‑001, which reclassifies over 5.2 million acres of state‑owned, state‑selected, and top‑filed lands. In tandem, Mineral Order 1274 closes approximately 306,000 acres to mineral entry. The plan provides management intent for land uses—including expanded agricultural conveyance, settlement land, public recreation, wildlife habitat, and forest land—while guiding carbon‑offset programs, subsistence activities, and resource development. Stakeholders may request reconsideration of the adoption within 20 calendar days. Key actions include: • Classification of 5.2 M acres of land and issuance of LCO SC‑19‑001 • Closure of 306,000 acres to mineral entry via Mineral Order 1274 • Expansion of conveyable agricultural land by 200,000 acres • Guidance for carbon‑offset credit programs • Public comment/reconsideration process (20‑day window) • Management directives for settlement, agriculture, recreation, habitat, and forestry across the basin