Description
This notice announces the State of Alaska’s decision to partially relinquish two State‑selected land parcels (GS‑5705 and GS‑5709) in the Selawik Hills area to the University of Alaska under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. The relinquishment would enable the Bureau of Land Management to convey roughly 25,250 acres of mixed wildlife habitat, mineral‑potential land to the University. The process includes a public comment period (Feb 19 – Apr 3 2026), agency reviews, and a final decision dated Sep 17 2026. The land is valued for subsistence hunting, wildlife habitat (muskox, caribou, fish), and limited mineral/energy potential. The State must relinquish these over‑selected parcels before the CAA 2023 land‑grant authority expires in Dec 2026.
• Approx. 25,250 acres in the Selawik Hills, 15 mi NE of Buckland, Alaska.
• Intended conveyance to the University of Alaska for research, education, and limited public‑use activities.
• Public comment deadline: April 3 2026; final decision: September 17 2026.
• Multiple state agencies reviewed and provided comments; most had no objection, while the Department of Fish & Game opposed relinquishment.
• No development or construction is authorized in this notice; any future use would require separate permits and compliance with state/federal environmental regulations.
• The land‑grant mechanism expires Dec 2026, creating a narrow window for the transfer.