The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutAPA1767'~$- ..__ -- .) ~~&~~ @~ ~~~~~~ 1 DEPARTMENT OF NilTVIUL RESOVRCES 1 BILL SHEFFIELD, GOVERNOR ()1/f( 1 .. . . 1 .. ,, . : i 555 Cordova Stret~t Pouch 7..(){)5 Anduirâge, Alaska 99510 Phone: (907) 276-2653. '5 DIVISION OF LAND AND WA TER fiiANÀG~ME_NT " February 15, 1984 To: Agencies Represented on the Susitna Planning Team, I am pleased . to submit for your comments this agency review draft .of the Susitna Area Plan. This draft is the result of a two-year effort on the part of the Susitna Planning Team. I commend your representative for many months of hard work and for his or her cooperation during weeks of intense agency negotiations. We intend to distribute a public review draft of the plan by May 1; in order to have public meetings at the ènd of May, bef ore the mass summer exodus of fishermen and miner~ from the study area. Therefore, we request that you sUbmit comments by March 22. I realize that the length of the document is somewhat: daunting. However, I am confident that review can be accomplished in the time alloted if you focus review on three major aspects of the draft: 1) 2) The Land Management Policies (Chapter 2) These policies are a redraft of proposed \statewide land management policies presented in the "Bluebook" (Statewide Natural Resources Plan--Draft Po licy Revisions and Additions, DL&liiM, September, 1983). In the version of these policies presented in Chapter 2, we have addressed many of the agency comments received on the Bluebook. The draft plan is a second opportunity to review the Bluebook polici.es. This summer we will pu blish a definitive version of the se policies, which will guide future area and management planning. · The Subregion Summaries The study area is divided into 12 subregions, each containing a number of management units. (There are a total of 83 management units.) In Chapter 3, specifie land use designations and management guidelines are presented for each management unit. The chapter also contains summaries that explain the land allocations throughout each subregion. Although you may wish to read about each management unit in detail, I suggest you focusinitially on these subregion summaries. By doing so you will be able to determine which management units require your close attention. If you concur with a particular subregion summary, you may decide not to spend much time reviewing the management units within that subregion. Because of the extreme length of Chapter 3 we suggest that only the subregion summaries be included in the public rt~iew draft. (Each subregion summary would be accompanied by a land allocation map and chart .showing designations for each management unit withiri. the subregion.) 3) Unresolved Issues Although the planning team reached consensus on most points, there remain severa! land allocation issues unresolved. These issuès are identified in the plan along wi th the Resoùrée Allocation Section' s, recommendations for resolution. I or my staff will contact you withint the week to establish a schedule to resolve these issues. "· ARLIS laska Resources Library & Information Services Library Building, Suite 111. 3211 Providence Drive Anchorage, AK 99508-4614 T qt{2 :~ Page 2. Susitna Planning Team Agencies February 15, 1984 It seems obvious that, given the length of this document, it will be impossible to reach 100% agreement among agencies on all points before the public review draft is publi-shed. I do not view this as a problem: . public comments will help us evaluate our respective positions. Finally, I want to emphasize that this is an agency review draft; although we gave it our best shot it surely contains numerous minor errors and severa! major ones. Do not be di stres sed wh en you fi nd errors or conclusions wi th which you strongly disagree. Sorting these things out is the purpose of this draft. I also want to remind you that the document is not for release to the general public or to your particular constituent groups. That will be the purpose of the next draft. I look forward to your comments. Sincerely, ~tto.0k.a- Tom Hawkins, Director, Division of Land and Water Management, DNR TH:RC:tb ~ .!lllillll -- -- -- - - - - DRAFT SUSITNA AREA PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments. Planning Team List of Maps. Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION • Chapter 2 AREAWIDE LAND MANAGEMENT POLICIES • Agriculture. Fish and Wildlife Habitat • Forestry. Recreation • Settlement • Subsurface Resources. • .. Transportation. Miscellaneous Guidelines Instream Flow. • Lakeshore Management Public Access Remote Cabin Permits Stream Corridors. Trail Management. • Wetlands Management. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Chapter 3 LAND MANAGEMENT POLICIES FOR EACH MANAGEMENT UNIT. IV. North Parks Highway Subregion. South Parks Highway Subregion. Petersville Road Subregion. Sunflower Basin Subregion • Susitna Lowlands Subregion. Mt. Susitna Subregion Beluga Subregion • Alaska Range Subregion • Lake Louise Subregion Glenn Highway Subregion. • • Talkeetna Mountains Subregion. Chugach Mountains Subregion IMPLEMENTATION • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Proposais for Legislative and Administrative Designations Transportation. Land Disposa! Schedule • Proposed Selections and Relinquishments Management Plans and Data Collection Needs APPENDICES Procedures for Plan Modification and Amendment Rules for Subsurface Designations • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ii • iii iv • 1 18 20 28 33 39 46 57 68 71 71 72 72 73 74 78 80 83 86 • 100 • 154 • 193 • 224 • 294 • 338 • 358 375 • 405 • 456 • 478 • 487 • 489 • 495 • 502 • 503 505 • 506 • 508 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The Susitna Area Planning Team would like to acknowledge our debt to the staff of the Susitna Cooperative River Basin Study, particularly Sterling Powell and John QfNeil of the USDA Soil Conservation Service and Paul Fuglestad of the USDA Economie Research Service for providing much of the data on which this land use plan is based. We also would like to extend our special thanks to Tina Beard, Charlotte Sponsel, Elaine Thomas, and Patty Kerschner for their patience and dedication in the preparation of the manuscript and graphie work for this document, and to Carol Larsen for coordinating public information for the plan. :i ii ., iilllil1 -- - lJilolll ,--------"-----~ !21 ~""""""-----~---d ------------~ - - - Bill Beaty (Section Chief) Chris Beek (Project Manager) Liz Baron, Peggy MeNees Marty Welbourn, Marjorie Willits ~-Jim Allaway, Randy Cowart, Frank Rue (Statewide Policies) - - - ,....,.. - Pat Beckley Pete Martin Carlos Lozano, Keith Quintavell Jerry Gallagher Dan Ketchum Rich Cannon, Dimitri Bader Bob Stickles, Rodney Schulling, Michelle Stearns PLANNING TEAM . DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, Division of Land and Water Management, Resource Allocation Section (Land Age ney) Division of Land and Water Management Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division of Agriculture Division of Mining Division of Forestry DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME MATANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH COOPERATIVE AGENCIES U.S.D.A SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE -U.S.D.I. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT ~ KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH :- 1 \ l Map 0 Map 1 Map 2 Map 3 Map 4 Map 5 Map 6 Map 7 Map 8 Map 9 Map 10 LIST OF MAPS Location of Study Area. Susitna Area and Subregion Boundaries. Generalized Land Ownership • • North Parks Highway land Ownership. North Parks Highway Land Use Designations South Parks Highway Land Ownership. South Parks Highway Land Use Designations Chase III Homestead Area • Petersville Road Land Ownership. Petersville Road Land Use Designations Sunflower Basin Land Ownership • Map 11 Sunflower Basin Land Use Designations. Map 12a Susitna Lowlands Land Ownership (west) • • • Map 12b Susitna Lowlands Land Ownership (central and east) Map 13a Susitna Lowlands Land Use Designations (west) • Map 13b Susitna Lowlands Land Use Designations (central) o Map 13c Susitna Lowlands Land Use Designations (east) • Map 14 Mt. Susitna Land Ownership • • Map 15 Mt. Susitna Land Use Designations • Map 16 Beluga Land Ownership • Map 17 Beluga land Use Designations. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Map 18a Alaska Range Land Ownership (north) Map 18b Alaska Range Land Ownership (south) • • Map 19a Alaska Range Land Use Designations (north) • Map 19b Alaska Range Land Use Designations (south) • Map 20 Lake Louise Land Ownership Map 21 Lake Louise Land Use Designation Map 22a Glenn Highway Land Ownership (west) • • • • Map 22b Glenn Highway Land Ownership (central and east) Map 23a Glenn Highway Land Use Designations (west) • • 0 Map 23b Glenn Highway Land Use Designations (central and east) • Map 24 Talkeetna Mountains Land Ownership. • • • • • • • Map 25 Talkeetna Mountains Land Use Designations Map 26 Chugach Mountains Land Ownership Map 27 Chugach Mountains Land Use Designations • Map 28 Rights-of-Way to be Reserved for Possibele Future Roads. IV • 4 5 6 • 90 • 91 .108 .llO .123 o162 .163 .199 o201 .232 .233 .235 .236 .238 .301 .303 .344 .345 .362 .364 .366 .368 .382 .384 .413 .414 .416 .417 .464 .466 .481 .483 .498 - """" """"' .... liool llilliîl lo!!lil - ~ w - - ~ - - - - - - --- - - ,_, CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION This document is. a draft land use plan for public lands in the Susitna Area. This draft is intended for review by affected state, borough, and federal land management agencies prior to public review of the land use plan. The plan will designate the uses that are to occur on much of the public land within the Susitna Area. It will show areas to be sold for private use and areas to be retained in public ownership. It does not control uses on private land, nor does it direct land use on areas that have already been legislatively designated for specifie purposes, such as parks or wildlife refuges. Since more than one use is permitted on most public lands, the plan also establishes rules which allow various uses to occur without serious conflicts. For example, in an area intended for residential use, the plan explains how public access to streams and trails is to be maintained. To present this information, the draft plan is organized into four chapters. Chapter I provides a brief description of the planning area, the reasons why a plan is necessary for the Susitna Area, and the types of decisions made by the plan. It also provides an introduction to the planning process and the agencies involved in developing the plan. An overview of the goals, management guidelines, land allocations, and implementation procedures that affect each major resource or type of land use is presented in Chapter II. This chapter explains how agriculture, settlement, forestry, recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, subsurface resources, transportation, access, lakeshore management, instream flow, stream corridors, trail management, water quality, land trades and resource management area issues are handled by the plan across the study area. Chapter III is a detailed description of the land use designations in each of the plan's twelve subregions. The subregions are major geographical subdivisons of the study area. Each subregion is further divided into management units, of which there are 83 in the study area. A management unit is an area that is generally homogeneous with respect to its resources, topography, and land ownership. For each management unit there is a statement of management intent; a chart listing primary and secondary land uses, prohibited land uses, and recommended land classifications; and management guidelines that are specifie to that management unit. Designated land uses also are shawn on maps of each subregion at a scale of 1: 250,000 (approximately 1 inch to 4 miles). 2. The final chapter (Chapter IV) explains how the plan will be implemented. This includes sections on administrative measures to implement the plan (land classifications, data inventories and analyses, land exchanges/relinquishments, and land disposai schedules), and priorities for management planning. It also lists proposais for legislation (e.g., to designate new state forests within the Susitna Basin) and recommendations for deve1oping transportation systems within the study area. Mote detailed information on procedures for modifying or amending the plan is included in Appendix A. THE STUDY AREA The Susitna Area covers approximately 15.8 million acres in Q.Y..d 1 southcentral Alaska (see Ma~O). All of the lands in the . A Matanuska-Susitna Borough except those in the Willow Sub-basin are included in the study area.' Willow Sub-basin lands were included in a plan completed in 1982. In addition, lands outside borough boundaries along the Lake Louise Road and lands within the Kenai Borough north of the Chakachatna River also are covered by this plan. The Susitna Area is an extremely diverse region that rises from sea leve! at Cook Inlet to the summit of Denali. In between are the valleys of major rivers--the Susitna, Cbulitna, Talkeetna, Matanuska, Kahiltna, Yentna, Skwentna, Talachulitna, and Beluga--and uncounted smaller streams. Broad forested lowlands with abundant lakes and wetlands occupy approximately one quarter of the study area, mostly in the region west of the Susitna River. The remaining lands are mountainous, with parts of the Alaska Range, Talkeetna Mountains, and Chugach Mountains all included in the planning area. In order to organize the planning process for such a large, diverse region, the study area was subdivided into twelve major subregions. The boundaries of these subregions--Lake Louise, Glenn Highway, Talkeetna Mountains, Chugach Mountains, North Parks Highway, South Parks Highway, Petersville Road, Sunflower Basin, Susitna Lowlands, Mount Susitna, Beluga, and Alaska Range--are shown on Map 1. The State of Alaska owns or has selected approximately 60% of the land in the study area (9.5 million acres) (see Map 2). Another 30% (4.7 million acres) is in federal ownership. Of the remaining land, approximately 3% (0.5 million acres) is owned by the Matanuska-Susitna and Kenai Peninsula Boroughs, another 3% (0.5 million acres) by Native village and regional corporations, and 4% (0.6 million acres) is in other private ownerships. ;) - ~ _, - - - ~ - - - - - - - - ~8 -~ !&~ j~ ~ < -~ ~~ ;j tl~ ~fi) l -~ ~ SUSITNQ STUDY OR€Cl e U'1 1 1 ( ( 1 ( 1 1 ( 1 SUBR€qlON BOUNOARISS 1 For purposes of issue and resource analysis, the Susitna .study area was divided into 15 large subregions, including a portion of Denali National Park and Preserve, and Denali State Park which will not be addressed; and the Willow Sub-basin where a land use plan for public lands is already complete. Infor- mation on each of these areas is presented in Chapter 4 of this report. 1 ( [ 1 r SUSITNQ STUDY OR€Q 0 " 15 ~r 4 SCALE ~1 mites ·cr- r f The adopted Willow Sub-basin Land Use Plon establishes land use designations for state and borough lands in this orea. L?tND OWNêRSH/P ~FEDERAL r::::::J STATE C2:ZJ STATE SELECTED ~ BOROUGH ( includes nlected lands) k':;};œ] NATIVE (includes sele.eted lands) --MIXED (land ownershipis too complex to r.---::1 ~ -- depiet at this seo le; ownership is at least 60% privote with remainder state, borough, native) LEGISLATIVELY OESIGNATED AREA WILLOW SUB-BASIN BOUNDARY NOTE: This information hoa-been generalized 1o show ownership in blacks of 320 aeras or great er. Hence, many isoloted privote lots ore not shown, e.g. many lakes whieh oppeor public are ringed with private lots. SCALE 1:250,000 e JANUARY 1984 The 1982 population of the study area was approximately 23,500. Most of these people live in Palmer, Talkeetna, and Trapper Creek; in small communities along the Parks and Glenn Highways and Alaska Railroad; or in scattered settlements that are not on the main road system such as Skwentna, Tyonek, and Lake Louise. Lands and resources in the Susitna Area also serve a much bigger population than that residing within the study area boundaries. The Susitna Area is close enough to Anchorage and Wasilla that a high percentage of people from these areas hunt or fish within its boundaries, harvest firewood, engage in a variety of recreational activities, or enjoy traveling through the region. ~ - WHY PLAN FOR THE USE OF PUBLIC LAND? - Through the management of public lands, the state, borough, and ~ federal governments greatly influence the physical development patterns and the general quality of life in the Susitna Area. Major development projects such as mining, timber harvests, or agriculture influence local job opportunities. Land sold for residential or priva te recreational use clearly affects the character of community life, as does land retained for hunting, fishing, and other public uses. Because the use of public land has such great effects on the physical landscape and quality of life, it is essential that there be an open public process of deciding how to manage that land. The Susitna Area planning process is a means of openly reviewing resource information and public concerns prior to making long-range decisions about public land management. It is also a way of resolving conflicting land use objectives and making clear to the public what choices have been made and the reasons for those choices. Land managers also face many day-to-day decisions about land use, such as whether to issue permits for roads, timber harvests, or sand and grave! extraction. These people need clear and consistent guidelines for their decisions. Therefore, it is essential for land managers to have a written document which establishes long-range commitments for the use of public land and provides clear policies for public land management. A land use plan is also valuable for private landowners. If the state and borough are publicly committed to land use patterns and policies, private investors can feel more secure in making decisions about their own land. For example, if someone is contemplating developing a subdivision next to state or borough land, it is important to know whether the public land is likely to become a gravel pit or a recreation area. -=t - ...,, - - """" - - - - - """"' """" .... ._ ,_. .... !_, ..... - In order to ensure that a land use pattern is designed that meets both locai and statewide objectives, it is essential that the planning process include both state and borough governments. Many of the important resource lands in the study area are in mixed borough-state ownership. These lands can be developed most productively through joint planning for roads and other capital improvements, coordinated land disposais, and joint land use commitments. In addition, the federal go~ernment is responsible for the management of a large area of land in the northeastern part of the study area in ~he Talkeetna Mountains and along the Denali Highway. This plan will help to coordinate management of state and federal lands in this region by deciding whether any federal land should be sold to private individuals, setting major management guidelines for public lands along the Denali Highway, and the like. WHAT DECISIONS ARE MADE BY THE SUSITNA AREA PLAN? The Susitna Area Plan determines the major land uses on state, borough, and sorne federal lands within the study area. These uses are described in a management intent statement for each management unit. As a guide to the statutory requirement for land classification and also to provide a brief shorthand for intended land uses, specifie land use designations also are listed for each management unit. In addition, the plan sets the management guidelines by which potentially conflicting uses are made compatible within a given area • Land Use Designations Major land uses are descibed by land use designations. For each management unit, and smaller subunits within the management units, the plan designates the primary and secondary uses that are permitted within the unit. A primary use is one that is of major importance in a management unit. The unit will be managed to encourage its use, conservation, and/or development. A secondary use is permitted within a management unit when its occurrence will not adversely affect achieving the objectives for the primary uses. A secondary use. may be the main use for a limited area of the management unit. For example, within a management unit where the primary uses are forestry and public recreation, a small area may be identified for land disposa! and private recreational development. The plan also identifies prohibited uses within each management uses. These are uses that will not be permitted anywhere in the management unit without specifie reconsideration of the land use designations for the unit by the commissioner. In an area identified as critical habitat, for example, year-round roads may be prohibited. Uses that are not specifically prohibited may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if the Alaska Department of Natural Resources and the boroughs determine the proposed uses are consistent with the statement of management intent for the management unit in question and applicable policies and management guidelines. ~ Resource Management Areas In sorne remote areas, lands are given a resource mangement land use designation rather than a more specifie designation such as settle- ment or forestry. The resource management designation means that the land will be retained in public ownership until the plan is revised (approximately every five years), or until new roads, new informa- tion, or development proposais make it necessary to review the resource management designation and assign a permanent classification such as agriculture or wildlife habitat. Until such time as the designation is reviewed the land will be managed for existing public uses. Changes in resource managment designations must be reviewed by an interagency planning team and the public. There are two types of resource management areas. First, sorne lands have resources that could support a number of different and con- flicting land uses. For example, areas with valuable agricultural soils often support stands of timber suita~le for long term forest management or habitat enhancement. Existing information on the costs and benefits of alternative types of development is often inadequate to determine the best long range use of these lands. Where the distance from road access makes it unlikely that the lands will be developed in the near term, it is preferable to defer final land use decisions until better information is available. These areas are given a "resource management/high values" designation and the values associated with the particular area are described. The second category of resource management areas consists of remote lands where there are no highly valuable resources identified. These are primarily high mountain areas, glaciers, and occasionally large bogs. They are given a "resource management/low values" designa- tion. Management Guidelines Most public lands are intended to be managed for multiple use. For this reason, the plan establishes management guidelines that will allow various uses to occur without serious conflicts. Management guidelines can direct the timing, amount, or specifie location of different activities in order to make the permitted uses compatible. For example, timber harvests in river corridors that are important for fishing will be designed to protect habitat values along the stream. Unresolved Issues The management intent, land use designations, and management guide- lines for most of the management units in the study area represent a consensus of the planning team. In a few areas, however, it was not possible to reach agreement on appropriate land management. These areas are highlighted in the text and the different positions of " - l!!lilÎ lîl!l!l ili!i<i - - - -- lillili - - - ~~------=<~====~-"'1~----------~·~·""'""-~· -~--=·---~-~~~-~--~----~---~-·-·------- - - - ;.... """" """"' planning team members are described. In addition, the Resource Allocation Section's recommended resolution of the issue is presented~ During review of this draft the division directors and commissioners' offices will review the issues and propose resolutions. The planning team then will develop a consensus position that will be presented in the public review draft. SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT INTENT The purpose of the plan is to lay out a set of management policies for state and borough lands that will allow these lands to produce the greatest possible public benefits. The plan results in specifie policies for the near term (5 years) and more general policies for the long term (20 years). Flexibility and Modification of the Plan: While the plan imposes a fairly rigid set of management objectives and guidelines, it allows substantial freedom in the actual method of implementing these objectives. The plan also includes a system for incrementai modification of the plan and a major revision every 3 to 5 years (see Appendix 1 for details). Summary of Policy: Under this plan the majority of state and borough lands in both mountainous and lowland areas will be retained in public ownership and managed to support forestry, development of mineral resources, recreation and tou ri sm and protection and use of fish and wildlife. The majority of land with potential for agriculture will be retained in public ownerahip for at least the near term and designated Resource Management land, a "wait and see" category. A limited amount of agricultural land will be offered for sale in the near term. This will allow the state and borough to observe the results of agricultural efforts on land already committed to this purpose while retaining the opportunity to expand agricultural production in the future. Under the plan a moderate amount of land will be offered for settlement. Offerings will focus on providing land necessary for community expansion, land for settlement associated with reource development and high quality accessible land for recreational/seasonal use. Sorne l~nd will also be available in more remote areas for recreational use and self-sufficient lifestyles. Overall, this plan reflects the priorities voiced by the large majority of the people attending the past planning workshops: it strives for measured development of resources on state and borough lands while placing high priority on protection of environmental quality and community character. To summarize in a single sentence, the plan promotes expanded use of the area's resources but controls the type and amount of this development so that the qualities that make the area attractive are protected and enhanced. Outlined below are the plan's major economie, environmental, social and transportation goals. 10 Economy: The economy of the study area is at present almost exclusively dependent on government, service, retail, and construction sectors. a major goal of the plan is to use public lands for development of basic inductries that can better contribute to the local and regional economy when state oil revenues decline. Analysis of different development options show that the major way this can be achiev), at !east in the near term, is through the use of public land for forestry, mining, hu~ng and fishing, recreation and tourism. Agriculture is seen as important but not at significantly expanded levels in the near term. Natural Environment: Maintaining environmental quality was rated the most important goal for management of public lands by the great majority of people attending workshops held in the area and Anchorage. A primary goal of the plan is to allow forestry, agriculture, mining and other land uses to occur but manage these uses to minimize environmental impacts. This goal is not seen as generally contrary to the economie objectives because the area's economy is likely to be very dependent on opportunities for hunting, fishing, sightseeing, etc. that require high environment quality. Protecting quality of riparian environments is a particular focus of the plan. Social Environment and Land Sales: A major goal of the plan is to use state and borough lands to sustain the characteristics of the region that attracts people to the area: proximity to recreation opportunities, availability of local supplies of wood and fish and wildlife resources, visual quality, and plenty of open space. To achieve this goal for as manay p[eople as possible, and to simultaneously reduce fiscal costs, the plan strives for a pattern of settlement that results in relatively concentrated settlement areas separated by large areas of open space where settlement is sparse and land is used for forestry, mining, fish and wildlife, and recreation. Another important way this goal is achieved is by developing a plan for the use of state lands with the consultation of local governments and with consideration of their goals. Finally, the overall pace of land sales will be gradually slowed under policies in this plan. Transportation and Access: The final major goal of the plan is to open more land in the region to a variety of public and private uses. This is achieved in part by the pattern of land use designations in the plan; this pattern is specifically arranged to combine designated uses in a manner that makes benefits of road construction greater than the cost. For example, in the area south of Petersville Road, forestry areas are designated to encourage construction of pioneer roads into areas that will open adjacent land to use for public and private recreation and agriculture. Another result of the plan is the preparation of a joint state/borough capital improvement budget for presentation to the state legislature. Finally, the plan will require al! future &Sùlod.\'lll'~io"'-s in areas near roads to meet requiremen~ for construction of physical and legal access to all parcels. this will slow the pace of land sales and increase sale priees but reduce fiscal and environmental costs. u ~ """" - - """" - - - - - - ~ - - - ... ~~~~~--~~~~--~~~~~~~~~~~--------------~~. ~~~~-~~·----------,.,.,,,~~~--------· ,._ ,_ .... - - - - HOW WAS THE PLAN DEVELOPED? The Statewide Plan The Department of Natural Resources operates under a statewide land use plan that is updated annually. The purpose of the statewide plan is to give guidance to planning on a regional and local scale and to serve as an aid to decisions that require more than a local perspective. The statewide plan identifies general land use designations and management guidelines for all state land in Alaska. In regions such as the Susitna Area, where more detailed resource information has been collected and an area plan prepared, the land use designations and management guidelines developed in the area plan will be used to refine the statewide plan. In the Susitna Area, there- fore, the land use designations in the statewide plan and area plan will be identical once the Susitna Area Plan has been officially adopted. The Susitna Area planning process The Susitna Area Draft Plan is the product of two years of work by .an interagency planning team and over two dozen public meetings held throughout the study area. The diagram on the following page illustrates the planning process that led to the draft plan. The following paragraphs describe the process in more details. In 1977 the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources began the Susitna River Basin Study, a cooperative data inventory effort which produced much of the resource information used to develop this plan. Data about soils, vegetation, hydrology, geologie hazards, recreation potential, and other resources were compiled and analyzed. In 1982, an interagency planning team was formed to develop a plan for state, borough and sorne federal lands in the Susitna Area. Team members included representatives from the various divisions within the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Fish and Game, the Department of Trans- portation and Public Facilities, and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The u.s. Department of Agriculture, the Kenai Peninsula Borough, and the Bureau of Land Management participated on issues specifie to their respective areas of expertise or concern. As indicated by the diagram, the planning team held public workshops in May, 1982 to identify land use issues and planning needs in the study area. At the same time, the team, in conjonction with the USDA, prepared maps and reports describing resource values and identifying existing and potential land uses throughout the study area. The resource information and the issues identified in the public workshops were used to develop four alterna- tive land use scenarios. The land use alternatives represented different 11 ways to resolve land use issues in the Susitna Area. Each emphasized a different general theme in resolving land use issues. The alternative themes were as follows: Alternative 1 --Emphasis on land sales for settlement, Alternative 2 --Emphasis on land sales for agriculture, Alternative 3 --Emphasis on fish and wildlife, recreation, and forest resources, and Alternative 4 --Emphasis of economie diversification. The alternatives were reviewed at public workshops in communities throughout the study area and in Anchorage in April and May, 1983. The planning team used the resource information and public comments to evaluate the alterna- tives and develop a preferred alternative --the draft plan presented in this document. This draft plan is not the same as any one of the four alternatives, but representa a combination of parts of all of the alterna- tives. Following review of the draft by land management agencies in February and March, 1984, a consensus will be developed on unresolved issues, the document will be revised, and a second draft will be prepared. This draft will be reviewed by the public at meetings throughout the study area during the spring of 1984. Public comments will be incorporated and necessary revisions made before the final plan is submitted to the Commissioner of Natural Resources and the borough assemblies for adoption. Public Participation The public participation program is an essential part of the planning process. In the spring of 1982 and again in the spring of 1983, public workshops were held throughout the study area and in Anchorage, Wasilla, Willow and Cantwell. Workshops were held in the communities of Lake Louise, Glacier View, Sutton, Trapper Creek, Talkeetna, Skwentna, and Tyonek. Approximately 250 people attended the 1983 workshops dealing with alter- native land use plans, and written comments were received from severa! dozen more. Results of these workshops are summarized in a separate document available from the Department of Natural Resources. Throughout the planning process, members of the planning team and staff met with representatives of many special interest groups to inform them of the plan's progress and provide them an opportunity to review resource data and plan proposais. Information gathered at these meetings and in written comments was instrumental in identifying important issues, gathering data on local resource values, developing and evaluating land use alternatives, and ultimately in shaping the draft plan. A final series of public hearings will be held in the spring of 1984 to review the draft land use plan. The draft plan will be modified to incorporate public comment from these hearings prior to final adoption. 13 - ....li - - - - - ~ uJ ------~----·~------~--~--~~~-------- - ~ ·- ,_. - SUSITNA AREA PLAN PLANNING PROCESS An interagency planning team is formed with state and borough members representing each of the important resources in the area: Fnrestry, Settlement, Agriculture, Fish and Wildlife., Rec- reation, Minerais and Energy (Winter, 1982). r//////////////////////////-7..-Yh:/'////////h'l'////////....:y///////J.:>//////'/.//// / "';"'/Z//if////////////// The planning team identifies land use issues and planning needs through public workshops and re- view of existing information (Spring, 1982) •• 0://://////////////: ;Z///Y//7/'l'////////////h...;-, Existing and potential resource values and land uses are identified and mapped by the planning team with assistance from the USDA. Most of the data on which the maps are based is derived from·· the USDA/ADNR cooperative data inventory process (1977-1983) and meetings with special interest groups (Winter/Spring,l982-38) • • Alternative land use plans showing possible resolutions to land u~e .i.ssues~ are developed by the planning team and reviewed by the public in twelve workshops (Spring, 1983) • • Based on response ~o the alternatives, a dràft plan is prepared by the planning team and re- viewed by affected agencies (February/Ma•ch, 1984). • After necessary revisions following agency re- view, a Public Review Draft is distributed and public hearings are held (April/May, 1984) • • Final revisions are màde following the public hearings. The Commjssioner of ADNR and the Borough Assembly approve the plan (Summer, 1984) which then guides public land management deci- sions in the Sus~ tnf!. Are a. 14 r=- CURRENT STEP IN PROCESS THE PURPOSE OF A JOINT BOROUGH-STATE PLAN A land use pattern which meets both local and statewide objectives is fundamentally dependent on cooperative borough and state planning. Many of the important resource lands in the sub-basin are in mixed borough-state ownership. These lands can be developed most productively through projects which entai! joint land use commitments, joint planning for roads and other infrastructures, coordinated disposals/lease schedules, and the like. For example, the proposa! to extend the Oilwell road into the Amber Lakes area is largely justified by joint state-borough land use commitments in the area. Additionally, the likelihood of receiving funding to build the road is greatly increased when the state and borough both actively support the proposai. Many of the benefits of joint planning are as obvious as they are critical to rational land management. For example, this document proposes parts of Moose Creek and Kroto Creek as wilderness/recreation corridors. It would make little sense for the borough to pursue that intent by restricting use on one side of the river if the state were selling land for bouses on the opposite bank. In short, because what the state does with its lands affects the borough and vice versa, cooperative planning is essential. Land disposais in particular require borough and state cooperation. If state land disposais are based on demand, as now mandated by the state legislature, the borough and state should agree what the demand is and which public lands --borough or state --best meet that demand. Not only the amount of land sold, but also its location, require cooperative planning. The pattern of land disposais dramatically affects service costs, community character, feasibility of providing access, and the ability to manage adjacent lands for other purposes, such as mining or forestry. These are important matters that should be dealt with coherently and consistently by major public land owners. In light of these considerations, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game are jointly planning for the use of state and borough lands in the Susitna area. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SUSITNA AREA PLAN After the plan is signed by the Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources it is state policy for the management of state lands in the Susitna area. All decisions (land disposais, classifications, timber sales, road building, mineral leasing and all other actions on state lands) shall comply with the provisions of this plan. After the plan is approved by the borough, it controls land use decisions on borough lands as well, and ali decisions on borough lands shall comply with the provisions of this plan. In the case of federal lands, the Bureau of Land Management will await the recommendations of the area plan before completing its own management plan for federal lands in the area. 1~ lou .. ~ - - - - - - - - - - - -------------· ·-dM·------~---- -· ._ """" - - '- ' ,_, ,_ ""'"" - ..... .... - The land use designations made in this plan will be officially established in state records through the state's land classification system. The system is a formal record of the primary uses for which each parcel of state land will be managed. These classifications will be shown on status plats Which are available for public use at various offices of the Department of Natural Resources. These plats will indicate the primary uses designated by this plan and will refer the reader to the plan for more detailed information, including secondary land uses and land management guidelines • Another important step in DNR's implementation of this plan will be more detailed planning for specifie management units in the study area. These detailed plans are referred to as "management plans" as distinguished from this document which is an "area plan." An area plan sets forth permitted land uses, related policies and management guidelines but at less detail than a management plan. For example, an area plan does not design individual land disposals, pinpoint the location of new roads or utility lines, or establish the schedule for timber sales. These design and scheduling decisions on state lands are addressed by management plans which implement the provisions of an area plan on a site specifie basis. Chapter IV includes a list of specifie management plans necessary for implementation of the Susitna Area Plan. The borough will incorporate the Susitna Area Plan into its land management system through its comprehensive planning process. The borough is currently working on its comprehensive plan; the transportation and public services components are nearly complete and the land use component is underway. The comprehensive plan and the Susitna Area Plan are designed to complement one another --the area plan focuses on public lands in more remote areas, while the comprehensive plan deals primarily with the developed portions of the borough and includes consideration of uses on private lands. Once completed and approved by the assembly, the Susitna Area Plan will be adopted as part of the comprehensive plan. MODIFICATION OF THE PLAN A plan can never be so comprehensive and visionary as to provide solutions to all land use problems, nor can it be inflexible. Therefore, the land use designations, the policies, and the management guidelines of this plan may be changed if conditions warrant. The plan will be periodically updated as new data become available and as changing social and economie conditions place different demands on public lands. An interagency planning team will coordinate periodic review of this plan when the Alaska Department of Natural Resources and the boroughs consider it necessary. The plan review will include meetings with all interested groups and the general public. lb In addition to periodic review, modification of the plan or exceptions to its provisions may be proposed at any time by members of the public or government agencies. Appendix A presents procedures for amendments to and minor modifications of the plan which will be followed by the Department of Natural Resources with regard to state-owned land within the Susitna Area. Procedures for amendments to and minor modifications of the plan which will be followed by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough with regard to borough-owned lands in the Susitna Area will be set forth in the borough's comprehensive plan. Appendix A also presents procedures for making special exceptions to the provisions of the plan when modifications are not necessary or appropriate. n· - ..... - - - Îlilliil - - m - - - - - - CHAPT€R Z AReAWlDe J...AND .MANAqeM€NT POUCleS AGRICULTURE ............................ 20 FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT .............. 28 FORESTRY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 RECREATION ............................. 39 SETTLEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 SUBSURFACE RESOURCES ................... 57 TRANSPORTATION ......................... 68 MISCELLANEOUS GUIDELINES ............... 71 INSTREAM FLOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 LAKESHORE MANAGEMENT ............. 72 PUBLIC ACCESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 REMOTE CABIN PERMITS ............. 73 STREAM CORRIDORS ................. 74 TRAIL MANAGEMENT ................. 78 WETLANDS MANAGEMENT .............. 80 """" - """""""==·-~·--~"~-~----·-----~~ ............,.,"""' e !:ll!li'~,..~----·-----~. AREAWIDE LAND MANAGEMENT POLICIES INTRODUCTION Chapter 2 contains land management policies, a summary of land allocations and recommended implementation measures for each of the major resource or land use categories affected by the plan: agriculture, fish and wildlife habitat, forestry, recreation, settlement, subsurface resources, and transportation. The policies consist of goals and management guidelines which together lay out a path from the general conditions the plan is trying to achieve (goals) to specifie directives that can be applied on the ground by land managers as development occurs (guidelines). In addition to policies for each major land use category, Chapter 2 also presents management guidelines for severa! specifie land management concerns: instream flow, lakeshore management, public access, remote cabin permits, stream corridors, trail management and wetland management. The terms Goal and Management Guideline are defined below: Goal: A general statement of intent, usually not quantifiable nor having a specified date of completion. Goals identify desired long-range condi- tions. Management Guidelines: specifie management standards or procedures to be followed in carrying out goals. Guidelines are intended to be suffi- ciently detailed to guide on-the-ground decisions, such as how far development must be set back from a stream. Guidelines are applied frequently in day-to-day management decisions. }, - "'- "-' - - - - - ·~---------~~· ~-"·-·~·~--~--·--,·~~-·--~~~ AREAWIDE LAND MANAGEMENT POLICIKS AGRICULTURE I. STATEWIDE GOALS A. Economie Development. Divérsify and strengthen the state's economy by increasing the availability of competitively priced Alaskan food products through: 1. encouraging expanded production of competitively priced farm products from existing agricultural lands; 2. increasing acres available for agricultural production for both in-state and export production; 3. preserving the future option to use potential agricultural lands for agricultural uses. B. Agrarian Lifestyle. Provide the opportunity for Alaskans to pursue an agrarian lifestyle. C. Conservation of Agricultural Resources and Protection of the Environment. Design all agricultural projects in a manner that maintains the productive capability of the soil and protects the quality of the natural environment. II. MANAGEMENT GUIDEL INES A. Disposai of Agricultural Development Rights. Agricultural development rights only will be conveyed to private ownership for state lands that are designated for agricultural use. B. Farm Development Schedules. When agricultural development rights are conveyed to private ownership, terms of conveyance will include the requirement for a farm development schedule. c. Agricultural Disposa! Program. Large blacks of designated agricultural lands (2,000 acres or more of generally continguous parcels) should be used primarily to support commercial farming under the state's standard agricultural land disposa! program (rather than under the homestead program, which limits farm size to 160 acres, and imposes a relatively lenient development schedule). Scattered, smaller parcels of designated agricultural lands should be considered for disposa! under the agricultural homestead program. D. Protecting Options for Future Agricultural Development. Remote state land with good agricultural potential, but not scheduled for sale or homesteading, should generally remain in public ownership and be classified resource management to protect the option for future agricultural use. Exceptions to this policy may occur when exceptionally 20 high forestry, habitat, or recreation values merit a long-term retention classification. Potential agricultural lands classified resource management will be available for uses that do not preclude agricultural development. Such uses include habitat enhancement, recreation and forestry management. E. Retention of Publicly-owned Land Adjacent to Wetlands, Waterbodies and Streams. Publicly-owned buffers of a minimum width of 100 feet should be retained when DNR disposes of farmland near wetlands, streams, or other water bodies that have important hydrologie, habitat, or recreation values. F. Grazing 1. Multiple Use Management of Grazing Lands a. Grazing lands will be managed as multiple use lands to support a variety of public benefits in addition to livestock production, including the following: fish and wildlife maintenance water quality maintenance public recreation timber management soil conservation b. Grazing lands will be managed to insure sustainable forage for domestic stock and wildlife. c. Public access across and public use of grazing lands may not be unreasonably limited by persons holding grazing leases or permits. 2. Grazing Permits and Leases. A grazing lease or permit issued by DNR is required for any person who releases livestock on state grazing lands. Grazing leases will be granted for a period not to exceed 25 years. Permits must be renewed annually. Permits, rather than leases, should be issued in areas especially susceptible to soil erosion, water quality degradation and other environmentally sensitive areas. These areas will be identified through DNR's range management plans (see 3 below). The requirements stated in these guidelines will be implemented through appropriate lease and permit stipulations. ~1 ..... - - - - - - - ,...,. -- - - - - -- - """" - - ·- ·~----------------------~~--.-------~~.--------·----- Provisions of existing grazing leases and permits are not affected by these guidelines. In areas where grazing leases and permits have been issued previously, new permits may be issued and existing leases may be renewed prior to the completion of range management plans.' However, permits or leases issued under this provision should adhere to applicable management guidelines. 3.,Range Management Plans. Where grazing is anticipated to be a significant, widespread land use with potential for creating environmental harm, DNR will develop range management plans (RMP) before issuing grazing leases or permits. RMPs will be developed by DL&WM in consultation with the Division of Agriculture, ADF&G, ses and SeS subdistricts. The provisions of RMPs will provide the basis of stipulations to be included in grazing leases and permits. RMPs will not be required where grazing is an isolated use with few animals and little land area involved. Area plans will determine where the extent of grazing warrants the preparation of RMPs. Where no area plans are in effect, this determination will be made by the Director of the Division of Land and Water Management. RMPs shall address, at minimum, the following items: a. Maximum Stocking Densities. The state shall use standard United States Department of Agriculture range management procedures or other acceptable methods to identify the abundance, distribution, annual productivity, and seasonal availability of range vegetation to be utilized by proposed grazing stock. Maximum allowable stocking densities will be computed on the basis of sustainable range production and condition. b. Water Quality Protection. Range management plans will state how anadromous fish and streams, other waterways and lakes are to be protected from adverse impacts of grazing. Fencing may be required to protect portions of streams. Specifie watering sites, feeding stations, headquarter sites, or other methods, may be required to minimize the adverse impacts of grazing. c. Annual Grazing Schedule. Range management plans will establish, :lf necessary, spring and fall dates for release and removal of stock on grazing lands. This may be necessary to minimize competition between stock and wildlife for browse. To determine these dates, the necessary scientific research will be conducted to determine seasonal levels of protein in available forage. d. Physical Resources Map. Range management plans will include a map which shows the location, acreages, and configurations of proposed lease and permit areas; proposed feed lot sites, stock watering sites, and supplemental feeding stations; farm headquarter sites; fenc.es and other improvements required ta implement these guide li nes. ')..'J.. e. Environmental Monitoring. Range management plans will establish procedures to monitor the impacts of grazing on wildlife vegetation and soi! stability and establish conditions under which a lessee's or permittee's grazing operations plan may be modified to prevent environmental degradation. f. Access. Proposed roads, bridges, etc., necessary for grazipg operations will be identified. g. Disease Transmission. Range management plans will establish measures necessary to minimize transmission of disease between domestic stock and wildlife. h. Modification of Vegetation. Artifical modification of natural vegetation (e.g., clearing, burning, crushing, seeding, etc.) will be permitted only in the locations and under the guidelines specified by applicable range management plans. 4. Grazing Operation Plan. Before receiving a grazing permit or lease, a person must have an approved grazing operations plan (GOP). A grazing operation plan will be approved by DNR only when it is in compliance with applicable range management plans. DNR will assist a lessee or permittee in plan preparation with the consultation of ADF&G and ses. Minimum requirements of a grazing operations plan are as follows: a. Cooperative agreement between the lessee and the Alaska Soil Conservation District or appropriate subdistrict. b. A physical resource map identifying: (1) location, acreage, and configuration of the proposed lease or permit area(s); ('2) proposed feedlot sites, stock watering sites, and supplemental feeding stations; (3) farm headquarter site, outbuildings, fences, and other proposed improvements. c. A record of the lessee's proposed management activities, including (1) range management practices considered essential or desirable; (2) livestock species to be stocked; (3) annual grazing schedule and (4) forage balance sheet. d. Proposed stocking densities: Maximum stocking density will be based on DNR's range management plan for the area concerned (if such a plan exists). A minimum stocking density with a schedule for achieving it will also be established as a part of each grazing operations plan to insure efficient use of state grazing land. .l3 - - - - ...... d - - - - - - - """" - """" - - -----------•& ' ---- -... ,_ .... - - - - - S. Modification of Grazing Operations Plan. Modifications of grazing operations plans may be required if grazing activities are determined to impair water quality or soil stability or if sustainable forage f·or stock and wildlife cannot be maintained under an existing grazing operations plan~ Determination that modification of a grazing operations plan is necessary will be made by ADNR in consultation with the lease or permit bolder, ADEC, and ADF&G. III. LAND ALLOCATIONS SUMMARY --AGRICULTURE There are approximately 400,000 acres of publicly-owned cultivable soils i:n the study area. (Cultivable soils are primarily Class II, III and IV soils as defined by the Soil Conservation Service. These soils have the fewest natural limitations, such as wetness, steepness, etc., for farming. Although not always suitable for farming because of extreme isolation or configuration of parcels, soils with these classifications are the state's best potential farmland.) Most cultivable soils lie in the central lowlands of the study area between the drainages of the Yentna and Susitna, in the South Parks Highway, Petersville Road, and Susitna Lowlands Subregions. The large majority of these soils lack road access and are not likely to have road access in the next five to ten years. However, significant concentrations of potential farmlands, primarily in borough ownership, occur within a few miles of the Parks Highway or Petersville Road. A. State Lands Most state-owned cultivable soils lie south of Petersville Road and west of the Susitna River. Because of the expense of providing roads to this remote area and the administration's policy of emphasizing the development of farm lands already in private hands, the plan designates little remote agricultural land for near term sale. The plan instead stresses protecting the option for future agricultural use. Approximately 148,000 acres of lands that have a high percentage of cultivable soils in the Petersville Road, Mt. Susitna and Susitna Lowlands subregions are therefore classified resource management. The bulk of these lands are in three areas: 1) near the Kahiltna River, 2) between Alexander Creek and Mt. Susitna, and 3) on the east side of Mt. Beluga. The resource management designation protects the option for future agricultural use. Although other uses on these lands, such as forestry management, recreation and habitat enhancement, are permitted, nothing may be done that precludes future agricultural use until the plan is amended and the land reclassified. A resource manag~ment designation does not, however, commit the land to agricultural use: the land may be evaluated for severa! possible uses based on additional information, improved access or changing social and economie conditions. It should be noted that sorne resource management lands are open to mineral entry. If mining activities or claims on these lands increase significantly the potential for agricultural development may be reduced. :1."1 In portions of the study area with better access, this plan designates approximately 15,000 acres of state land for agricultural disposa!. About 10,800 of these acres are designated for agricultural homesteads in the South Parks Highway Subregion: 5,290 acres just north of the Talkeetna River in Chase area; 1,000 acres southeast of Sheep Creek near Caswell Lakes; 640 acres just east of the Bartlett Hills agricultural project between the north and south forks of Montana Creek; 400 acres adjacent to Rabideaux Agricultural sale; and 3,500 acres just west of the Susitna River south of the Parks Highway. Approximately 4,000 acres of state land are designated for agricultural disposa! in the Petersville Raad Subregion, including the 2,400 acre Rabideaux Project, scheduled for sale in the spring, 1984. This proj ect is just east of the Susitna River, 2-3 miles south of the Petersville Raad. The plan also designates severa! parcels for agricultural homesteads with no raad access, scattered through the eastern portion of this subregion. Grazing is designated as a permitted use on approximately 240,000 acres of state land in the Susitna Lowlands, Mt. Susitna, Talkeetna Moutains, and Glenn Highway Subregions. Most of this land does not have raad access, except for the 40,000 acre Moose Range east of the Hatcher Pass Raad. B. Borough Lands The approximately 34,000 acres of borough lands with good agricultural potential are principally in the South parks Highway, Petersville Raad and Susitna Lowlands Subregions. Particularly large concentrations (10,000 acres or more) occur in the three areas: 1) bet~een the Chulitna and Susitna Rivers near their confluence, 2) on the west side of the Susitna River opposite the town of Talkeetna, and 3) between Amber and Parker Lakes 1û-15 miles south of Petersville Raad. Borough ordinance restricts to agricultural use borough-owned Class II and III soils when they occur in parcels of 40 acres or more. In this plan, almost all borough lands with agricultural potential are allocated to the borough land bank, to be managed in the near term as multiple use, public lands. The plan designates approximately 5,000 acres of borough land for agricultural disposa!. This land is in the Parks Highway Subregion along lower Montana Creek near the Bartlett Hills Agricultural Project. IV. IMPLEMENTATION A number of measures are necessary to implement the agricultural goals, guidelines and land designations of this plan. Among these measures are land disposais, additional research and raad construction. Recommendations for raad construction are presented in Chapter IV where raad priorities are established based on a comprehensive consideration of resource value in each subregion. The following material addresses land disposa! schedules and research needs. ..'25 - ..... - """' - - - - - - - .... - - - - -- """" !<IL!ii!O "" ~---"""""'""" """''"" "'" ~~"'"""-'"-~-~--U-1----~ """" - """" '- .1\"0'""'!1 - A. Land Disposal The following table indicates projected disposal dates for five state and one borough agricultural project. These projects amount to approximately 18,000 acres, the majority of which are in the foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains several miles east of the Parks Highway. The fact that such a small percentage of public lands with good agricultural potential is scheduled for sale is due primarily to the lack of road access STATE PROJECTS Chase III Homestéad Ra bideaux Ag. Sale Ra bideaux Homestead Hawskins Ag. Homestead Caswell Lake Ag~ Homestead Susitna Rv. s. Ag. Homestead Agricultural Lands Disposal Schedule Disposal Schedule Acres FY 85 5,290 FY 84 2,360 FY 87 400 FY 86 640 FY 87 1,000 FY 87/FY 88 3,500 Total Acrès of State Projects: 13,190 '----~--·----·-·-- BOROUGH PROJECTS Montana Creek FY 87/FY 88 5,000 Total Acres of Borough Project: 5,000 .l<o Location 1 ! 1 (Mgt. Unit, Twnshp, Rg.) 1 1 1 ' Chase; T27N, R4W, SM 1 1 1 1 1 T25N, R5W, SM 1 T25N, R5W, SM T25N, R3W, SM T23N, R4W and R3W, SM T23N, T24N, T25N, R5W SM T23N, T24N, T25N, 1 i 1 B. Research and Educational Needs In addition to periodic evaluations necessary in determining future sales, continuing research and improved educational services may significantly contribute to successful agricultural development. The following are recommended implementation measures: 1. Plant materials research: As indicated by recent economie feasibility studies, on-farm economie success is most sensitive to plant yields, management and commodity priees. Continuing research of plant varieties best suited to Alaska's climate and appropriate crop and soil management may improve yields which can off-set Alaska's relatively high production costs. 2. Range inventories: More detailed evaluation and inventory of potential grazing areas will expedite leasing of publicly owned lands for domestic livestock grazing, which may help keep feed costs down. 3. Assessing the Economies of on Farm Feasibility: a. Diversified farming may provide better returns than single crop production. The Division of Agriculture is currently evaluating the success of diversified operations on small and medium size farms. Continued study may provide information on optimum crop rotations and investment scheduling which may help improve cash flow and farm management. b. Farm Surveys: Little historical data exist regarding costs of production, crop management and yields. Surveys could provide necessary information which would be useful in determining crop budgets, expected yields and improved management techniques. c. Forecasting: Projecting future priee trends, production costs and demand are necessary in planning sales far enough in advance to allow land to be available and in production to benefit from expected market conditions. 4. Educational Services: These services are needed on a regular basis so that farmers can be kept abreast of plant and soil research findings and management techniques. ~t - - .... '"""' - ~ - ....,. - .... .... - ..... .... -------~~----.-~-~~-~--"'-"'~ .. ~~=----~~·-~....,.~=--------·-·"""~-"'~"'"""""'"·~~,.--~-~·- ..... ..... """' AREAWIDE LAND MANAGEMENT POLICIES FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT I. STATEWIDE GOALS A. Land Base. Maintain in public ownership suitable land and water areas to provide for the habitat needs of fish and wildlife resources. B. Access. Ensure access to public lands and waters for the purpose of promoting and/or enhancing responsible public use and enjoyment of fish and wildlife resources. C. Mitigation of Habitat Loss. When resource devlopment projects occur, maintain to the greatest degree possible the quality and quantity of fish and wildlife habitat. II. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES A. Habitat management. All state lands and waters ~hould be managed for their habitat values to the greatest degree consistent with the designated uses for those areas. B. Endangered Species. All land use activities should be conducted so as to avoid jeopardizing the continued existence of rare or endangered species of fish or wildlife or their continued use of an area, and to avoid modification or destruction of their habitat. At a minimum, activities potentially affecting peregrine falcons, trumpeter swans, and bald and golden eagles will be consistent, respectively, with the federal and state endangered species acts, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, and the Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940 as amended. C. Habitat Enhancement. Habitat manipulation through prescribed burning, water control or other means may be allowed where it is judged to be more valuable for habitat enhancement than detrimental to other resource values or uses. Guidelines for individual management units may set conditions on or give guidance to implementation of habitat enhancement practices. ;ti "'t' D. Mitigation of Habitat Loss. Where possible, avoid the loss of natural fish and wildlife habitats and minimize the need for habitat restoration efforts. When loss of habitat production potential cannot be avoided, attempt to restore or rehabilitate the habitat that was !ost or disturbed to its pre-disturbance condition, where feasible and prudent. When loss of existing habitat production potential cannot be restored, attempt to compensate for the loss by enhancing substitute resources on habitats elsewhere. E. Other Guidelines affecting Fish and Wildlife Habitat A number of other guidelines affect the protection and management of fish and wildlife habitat. For details of these guidelines, see the following sections of this chapter: Grazing Lakeshore Managment Public Access Settlement Stream Corridors Subsurface Trail Management Transportation Wetlands Management ;L, - - - - - iliOili ~ - """' -- - - - - - ,_, ._ - 'o... .... .... • _,_ -&. -w ->=-~---------~--·---------. III. LAND ALLOCATION SUMMARY --FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT This section gives an overall picture of the effects of the draft plan's land use designations and management guidelines on fish and wildlife habitat and on opportunities for hunting, fishing and other uses by people of the fish and wildlife in the region. Over three-quarters of the publtc land in the region will be retained in public ownership and managed to protect fish and wildlife habitat and to provide hunting, fishing and other wildlife use opportunities. Most of these lands are to be managed for severa! compatible purposes, one of which is habitat protection. Habitat protection and management is designated a primary use on over 90% of the land to be managed for habitat, and is a secondary use on the rest (e.g., small recreation sites). A. Remote Areas Approximately 80% of the plan region is remote --i.e., more than two miles from a road or railroad --and the great majority of these remote lands are to be retained in public ownership. All mountainous portions of the region --the Talkeetna, Chugach, and Alaska ranges --will be retained. Most of the remote lowland areas are presently in public ownership, and in these areas the plan calls for sale of a net area of approximately 100,000 acres over the next twenty years. Even in land sale areas, however, some important habitat lands will be retained. For example, publicly owned buffers at !east lOO to 200' wide will be retained on either side of nearly all streams. No decision has yet been reached on management of one remote area of particular concern: the lands near the confluence of and between the Yentna and Susitna rivers. As development occurs on future land sale areas and existing private land in these remote parts, sorne effects on wildlife populations can be expected. Populations of species sensitive to disturbance by people --such as grizzly bear --probably will decline in the vicinity of increased settlement. Because many important habitat areas are retained, and because of the management guidelines for land uses, populations of more tolerant species --such as moose --probably will not be affected seriously by land sales and resulting development in remote areas in the near future. In the longer term, development of existing private lands and lands proposed for sale may have significant impacts on these species. Opportunities for hunting and fishing, however, can be expected to be affected sooner. More hunting and fishing is likely to occur in areas as settlement increases. This representa both an increase in fish and wildlife use due to larger local populations and improved access, and increased competition and an altered experience for prior users. B. Road/Railroad Accessible Areas. In the 20% of the region that is accessible by road or railroad, a much larger proportion of the land presently is in private ownership and proportionately more additional sales are planned than in remote areas. Although sizeable 30 areas of important habitat will be retained sorne places, and smaller areas with habitat value retained near land disposais, a large segment of lands presently accessible by road will be in private ownership after the sales called for in this plan. The principal raad-accessible areas to be retained and managed at least in part for their habitat values include: lands along the upper Glenn Highway; land in severa! river corridors that cross the highway system such as Kings River, Moose Creek, and Kroto Creek; the proposed Peters Creek Forest Reserve; the existing Denali State Park; lands along the upper Parks Righway; and federal lands along the Denali Highway. As in remote areas, where land is offered for sale sorne lands particularly important for habitat will be retained. Firstly, the most important and sensitive habitat lands are excluded from disposai projects. Secondly, lands near or within disposa! projects are retained to establish interconnected systems providing sorne of the habitat requirements --including movement corridors --of fish and wildlife populations. These retained areas include buffers along lakes and streams, wetlands, other lands with low capability for settlement, and forested areas serving as personal-use woodlots. In addition to protecting a substantial portion of the existing habitat of fish and wildlife populations, the draft plan's land use allocations and management guidelines are intended to protect or enhance the fishing and hunting opportunities of most places in the region. To protect fishing, corridors along most of the publicly-owned portions of important fishing streams will be retained in public ownership and be managed to provide opportunities for fishing, çamping, hiking, and other compatible recreational activities. Of these, the major floatable, clearwater streams --Lake Creek, Talachulitna River, the Kroto-Moose Creeks system, the Talkeetna River and Alexander Creek are protected by retention of particularly large buffers (1/4 to 1/2 mile on each side). Construction of public use cabins to support recreational use is recommended for sorne of these corridors. On most smaller streams, the buffer of publicly-owned land on each side of the stream will be at !east 200 feet wide. Many of the area's smaller streams already have extensive private land holdings along their banks. On a few of these, in .areas particularly important for public access or recreation, the plan recommends that the state buy back private lands. Most of the largest lakes in lowland areas already have numerous private lots on their shores. Sorne additional land sales will take place on severa! of these, but a significant amount of the remaining public lands will be retained on all. Severa! of the large lakes have little private land at present. The plan calls for retention of all the public shoreline of severa! of the largest lakes, notably Chelatna, Tyane and Alexander Lakes. The net effect of the plan's land allocations and management guidelines on stream fishing opportunities will be protection of remaining public land along the region's raad-accessible fishing streams and the most heavily used remote rivers. A few lakes will be kept wholly in public ownership, and public use of .31 - ~ - - .... ~ ...... - - - - - ..... - - ,_ - the others will be protected through retention of public lots and easements. On sorne lakes, provision of public or commercial recreation facilities is recommended to support public use. Moose hunting opportunities in most heavily hunted areas will be protected by public land retention. The most important moose hunting areas are along the Petersville Road, the lower Glenn Highway, and the portions of the Yentna, Skwentna, and Susitna rivers accessible by boat. Much of the western Petersville Road area is Within the recommended Peters Creek Forest Reserve, and will be retained and managed partly to perpetuate hunting opportunities. However, sorne of the heavily hunted land in the eastern part of the are~ will be sold. A large area of the public land along the lower Glenn Highway is proposed for another legislatively designated retention area --the Moose Creek Moose Reserve. Most public land along the Yentna, Skwentna, and Susitna rivers will be retained, although small areas will be sold. Caribou hunting opportunities will be protected through retention of most caribou habitat lands (including all of the Talkeetna Mountains), restrictions on mining or other potentially disruptive activities in caribou calving areas, and, possibly, legislative or administrative designation of a Nelchina Public Use Area. Opportunities for other uses of fish and wildlife --including photography, viewing and other non-consomptive uses --also will\ be protected in large part through retention of large and small blocks of land in strategie locations, as mentioned above. In the road accessible portions of the study area, these opportunities are likely to be diminished, however, as development of private lands takes place. C. Summary In summary, under the land use pattern recommended in the plan, significant populations of most fish and wildlife species are likely to continue to exist in most areas they presently occupy. Sales of public land will be concentrated in presently accessible areas where considerable private land already exists, and this will help minimize reduction of habitat. However, sorne land sales, and increasing development of existing priva te land, will take place in sorne remot'e areas. As noted above, populations of species that are tolerant of disturbance are likely to be li tt le affected in remote regions un til and unless a significant degree of development takes place. Populations of intolerant species can be expected to decline as development and human land use begins to intensify. The management guidelines that accompany the land use designations, in conjonction with existing statutes and regulations, are expected to minimize the effects of land use activities on habitat quality if these rules are rigorously followed. It is likely that increasing development on existing private lands and lands proposed for sale in the plan will have sorne negative impacts on fish and wildlife populations and habitat quality, however. 3.1. .... "'- - '-' ._ AREAWIDE LAND MANAGEMENT POLICIES FORESTRY I. STATEWIDE GOALS A. Economie Development Contribute to Alaska's economy with an integrated forest products industry that provides a range of job opportunities, needed products and increased per capita income, while ensuring that personal-use needs of all Alaskans are met within the limitations of the land. B. Land Base for Forestry Maintain a forested land base in public ownership that is adequate to meet the economie development goal above, and is dedicated to the production of a full range of forest products and associated resources such as recreation, wildlife, soil, water and range. c. Management of Alaska's Forest Resources Manage the public and private forested land of Alaska to guarantee its long term productivity and the continuous availability of forest products while maintaining and enhancing other valuable resources and opportunities to use and enjoy them. Protect valuable public and private forest lands and human improvements and all human life from wildfire and other destructive agents. II. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES A. Multiple Use Management Unless particular forms of natural resource use are specifically prohibited, all lands designated for forestry use are intended to be managed for the fullest possible range of beneficia! uses. The relative importance of the various possible uses will be specified i1~ the management guidelines for each management unit. B. Timber Salvage Timber with commercial or personal use value should be salvaged from lands that are to be cleared for other uses, such as farms and transportation or utility corridors. This will be accomplished by adherence to the following guidelines. 1. The Division of Forestry will review significant land clearing actions to evaluate whether the timber is worth salvaging 3.3 and to advise the Director of the Division of Land and Water Management on what method of salvage to use. 2. Major projects that involve clearing large amounts of forested land --such as agricultural projects --will be planned and scheduled far enough in advance to allow a reasonable period to arrange for and carry out commercial salvage of the timber prior to clearing the land. This advance planning includes sufficient time to secure budget allocations for timber inventories to determine the most appropriate method of harvest, and time to carry out the inventories. 3. If timber is not salvaged prior to sale of land to farmers, the 1 ' \ value of the timber will be included in the evaluation of the land and the priee paid by the farmers, so that the state will be compensated for the loss of this public resource. 4. Where necessary as part of the most appropriate method of timber salvage, future farm home sites, wood lots, wooded wind breaks and other areas to be left uncleared will be delineated. This may be done whether timber on the project area is to be harvested in large blacks prior to sale of the farms, or whether farms are to be sold with the timber and then individual farmers are to be responsible for land clearing and possible timber harvest. The Division of Forestry will work with the Division of Agriculture and the u.s.n.A. Soil Conservation Service to identify these areas to be left uncut. Identification will include flagging or otherwise marking in the field so the timber harvest operator can distinguish the areas to avoid. 5. If the timber is not salvaged prior to sale of the land, the Division of Forestry will provide technical assistance to farmers in finding and negotiating with a logging contractor, or in carrying out the harvest themselves and marketing the timber. c. Forest Practices Act Guidelines for forest management in this plan assume compliance with the Forest Resources and Practices Act. That act will help guide forest management and help ensure protection of non-timber forest resources. The guidelines in this plan apply to forest management in addition to the direction given by the Forest Practices Act. D. Persona! Use Wood Harvest An objective of forest management is to provide opportunities for people to harvest firewood and houselogs from public land for their persona! use. Therefore, when forested lands are available near communities and where personal-use harvest is consistent with other purposes for which the land is being managed, sorne of this land should be managed to help provide personal-use wood products. 31 - - - ilooll .....,; - ..... - - - - - - - ----------~·~··~~---~-~~~~--·-~---- -· - "-' "-' (For guidelines on providing personal-use harvest areas near land disposa! projects, see Settlement guidelines, Chapter 3.) E. Timber Harvest Near Tree Line Cutting of trees should be prohibited within one-half mile (as measured on the land surface) of alpine or tundra tree line. Exceptions may be made where substantial forests occur in close proximity to tree line in such situations as the bottom of river valleys with steep valley walls. The guiding principle is to avoid cutting in areas where trees are sparse and growth rates are slow. Exceptions to this prohibition should be made only after consultation with the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, and the Department of Fish and Game. F. Management Plans Forest management plans will be prepared for all lands where significant commercial forestry operations are intended ,.• These plans will ·guide detailed resource management decisions on those lands. In addition to the management plans prescribed for state foirests by legislation, regional forestry management plans will be prepared following completion of the area plans for those regions. These management plans will guide implementation of the goals, management guidelines and land use designations of the area plans. The management plans will be prepared by interagency planning teams. G. Fire Management Fire management practices, including prescribed burning, will be designed to implement the land management policies laid out in the area plan. These practices will be described in a fire management plan developed in conjunction with the area plan. H. Other Guidelines Affecting Forestry Management A number of other guidelines may affect Forestry management practices. For details of these guidelines, see the following sections of this chapter: Grazing Lakeshore Managment Public Access Settlement Stream Corridors Subsurface Trail Management Transportation Wetlands Management "35 III. LAND ALLOCATION SUMMARY --FORESTRY In the Susitna study area there are approximately 660,000 acres of public land with high or moderate potential for commercial timber management and 440,000 acres with potential for persona! use. These acres lie principally below 1,500 feet in the lowlands and river valleys between the Talkeetna Mountains on the east and the arc of the Alaska Range on the north, west and south. Large concentrations of forest lands occur in the Susitna Lowlands, Mt. Susitna, South Parks, Petersville Road and Glenn Highway subregions. Lesser concentrations, occur in the Beluga and Lake Louise subregions. Most of the forest lands with commercial potential are remote. Remote lands with the highest capability for forestry managment (based on soils and existing vegetation) are between the Yentna and Susitna Rivers south of Petersville Road, and in the Lewis, Theodore and Beluga River drainages southwest of Mt. Susitna. The Division of Forestry has proposed administrative or legislative establishment of state forests or reserves covering most of these lands. Approximately 360,000 acres of commercial forest lands have access, or are close enough to a road (within 5-6 miles) that they will probably have road access in the near future. These accessible lands lie principally in the foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains east of the Parks Highway, along the Chulitna River, along Petersville Road west of Talkeetna, and south of that road in the Peters Creek and Xroto drainages. In addition, there are approximately 380,000 acres of forest land with potential for persona! use that are either close to access or close to settled areas in remote regions. Accessible lands in the Talkeetna foothills and south of Petersville Road in the Peters/Kroto drainages were proposed by the Division of Forestry for legislative designation as state forests. In this draft plan approximately 269,400 acres are proposed as legislatively designated state forests and 85,700 acres as administratively designated forest reserves. The following areas are proposed for legislative designation as state forests: 3" -- - - - - t...ol - - - - - .,. - - - - - '- 1. Peters Creek State Forest --Petersville Road Subregion (86,400 acres recommended by plan; an additional 7,000 acres may be added following resolution of remaining conflicts in this reagion). 2. Yentna-Susitna Delta State Forest --Susitna Lowlands Subregion (acreage uncertain until conflicts resolved; approximately 25,000 acres) 3. Kashwitna State Forest --South Parks Highway Subregion (62,000 acres) 4. Mt. Susitna State Forest--Mt. Susitna Subregion (96,000 acres). The following areas are proposed for administrative designation as forest reserves. 1. Lake Creek Forest Reserve --Mt. Susitna Subregion (24,700 acres) 2. Kroto/Kahiltna Forest Reserve --Susitna Lowlands, (acreage uncertain until conflicts resolved, approximately 61,000 acres) In addition to these proposed legislative and administrative designa- tions, approximately 1.4 million acres are proposed for public retention in other management categories (e.g., recreation river corridors) where forestry is designated either a primary or secondary use. Lands proposed as state forests or forest reserves are generally high quality forest lands. Other retained forest lands are extremely mixed, including both high quality forests and land where timber is relatively scarce. Sorne of the best forest lands are as yet in an unresolved category; the planning team was unable to achieve consensus on land use designations on approximately 171,000 acres of potential forest management lands. The Resource Allocation Section proposes that 93,000 acres of these lands be! / established as state forests or forest reserves; that 51,00Q acres be designated resource management, with forest management as a permitted use, and that 27,000 acres be retained in other management categories with forestry designated a primary use. The unresolved areas are discussed in detail under the appropriate managment units in Chapter 3. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough owns approximately 185,000 acres of land with forest management potential. The plan allocates almost all these acres to the Borough's land bank; decisions regarding appropriate uses are left to a later date when improved access or changing economie conditions merit reevaluation. 51- IV. IMPLEMENTATION A. Management Plans Before major commercial harvests occur on state forests or reserves, managèment plans will be completed. These plans are a more detailed leve! of DNR planning that follow area plans. Forest management plans will design roads, schedule lease sales and present detailed guidelines to prevent conflicts between timber harvest operations and other uses of timber lands, such as habitat and recreation. B. Roads To make forest management feasible in state forests or reserves, roads must be built. However, deciding what roads should be built first and how best to design them requires consideration of other resource values so that each road provides access to a number of development or recreation opportunities. In Chapter 4 this plan proposes a network of roads based on a consideration of access needs of all resources in the study area. 3"6 - ~ - """" _, - _, - - - ~ - - "- """' - """" -----------------·· ± " '""' "'"'"' MJ:l!m)l!it~~~~..JI>-----~----· AREAWIDE LAND MANAGEMENT POLICIES RECREATION I. STATEWIDE GOALS A. Provide recreation opportunities adequate to satisfy anticipated needs of the residents of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Anchorage metro- politan area, and other visitors. Provide these opportunities by protecting a land base that meets the full range of identified recreation needs, and by placing the highest priority on developing new or enhanced facilities within a weekend's drive or hour's flight from Anchorage and near communities in the basin. 1. Critical needs -provide a land base and, where noted, facilities to address the following needs for which demand greatly exceeds supply: a. developed camping units; b. boat launches; c. an alpine skiing area; d. access and support facilities to make publicly owned streams on or near the road system readily accessible for fishing; e. rivers protected in a natural state that are important for motorized and non-motorized boating. 2. Important needs -provide a land base and, where noted, facilities to address the following needs for which demand exceeds supply: a. picnicking areas; b. readily accessible developed areas with maintained trails for cross-country skiing, snowmachine use, and hiking; c. readily accessible developed areas with maintained trails for walking, running, and cycling; d. an integrated system of lakes and public access for boating (non-motorized and motorized), fishing and swimming; e. protected scenic vistas and scenic geologie features; and 3, f. protected unique ecosystems for scientific and educational uses. 3. Notable needs -provide a land base to address the following needs for which demand is expected to exceed supply in the near future: a. readily accessible areas with trails for dog mushing; b. areas for wilderness hiking, skiing, snowmachine use and dog mushing; c. protected historie and cultural resources. B. Improve and diversify the economie base for the area's residents and the state by providing a land base for commercial recreation operations and tourism. II. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES A. The roles of Different Public Land Owners in Providing Public Recreation Opportunities 1. Generally the state's proper role is to retain and manage land supporting recreational opportunities of regional or statewide significance. The state and federal governments are particularly capable of providing recreation opportunities, such as hunting, dispersed wilderness hiking, or boating, that require large land areas. In general the borough's proper role is providing and managing community recreation opportunities. There will be a number of important and appropriate exceptions to the general rule. As a result of past land sales, the state often ends up owning land with public recreation value adjacent to private land. The borough has received title to land with obvious regional recreation significance (e.g., land at mouth of Kroto Creek). 2. In recognition of the borough's role in meeting community recreation needs, the state should establish a community recreat- ion land trust for eventual transfer under AS 38.05.315 of certain state recreation sites near existing communities to borough owner- ship. The selection of these sites shall be agreed to by the borough and the state and shall be contingent on the borough's commitment to develop and maintain the recreation values of the sites as required by AS 38.05.315. B. Public Use Cabins. A system of public use cabins managed by the Division of Lands should be established at specified sites in the Talkeetna Mountains, Glenn -'10 - - - 11011! - - - - - - - - - - - - - ------------------------=---~----------------------·------~~ ~~~----------~ Highway, Lake Louise, North and South Parks Highway, and Susitna Lowlands Subregions. Other public use cabins should be established where future analysis indicates a need; and where either the state, federal, or local government, or local non-profit organizations are able to construct and maintain the facilities. C. Private Recreation Facilities on Public Land. Lodges, tent camps, or other private facilities designed to be run as private,.profit-making recreation facilities will be permitted or leased where a management ~ plan, land planning report or 38.05.035 finding shows the following: -1. There will not be significant public recreation opportunities lost or blocked by the facility. 2. The amount of use generated by the facility will not exceed the best available calculation of the recreation-carrying capacity of the area. This calculation will be based on the management intent and management guidelines of this or subsequent plans for the ..._ area. .._ - - "-" -- ._ .... 3. The facility will be sited and operated to create the !east con- flict with traditional uses of the area. 4. The facility will be sited and designed in accordance with the stream corridor, access, wetland, and other guidelines of this plan. Final approval of a permit or lease for the facility will be given only after consultation with ADF&G and the Division of Parks. D. Promotion of Underutilized Areas. Promote use of under-utilized recreation areas to take pressure off overcrowded recreation areas. E. Maximum Use of Sites. Achieve maximum use of recreation sites while maintaining high quality recreation experiences, environmental quality, and safety. F. A number of other guidelines may affect recreation management parctices. For details of these guidelines, see the following sections of the chapter: Trails Public Access Stream Corridors Lakeshores Wetlands 41 IV. LAND ALLOCATION SUMMARY--RECREATION A. Rivers. Rivers or streams which provide public recreational opportunities will be protected through retention of a publicly owned buffer at !east 200 feet from the stream. This buffer width will allow for access to and along the stream for uses such as fishing and picnicking. This buffer will be used to protect recreational values on the majority of the smaller streams in the study area. (See river and streams policy for details). On rivers which offer a wider variety of recreational opportunities and where a larger buffer is desired to allow more recreational uses, a publicly owned buffer of between 200 feet and 1/4 mile on either side of the stream is retained in public ownership. This buffer should provide adequate land for camping and hunting in addition to protecting visual quality, water quality and riparian habitat along the river. Examples of rivers that fall into this category include Montana, Sheep, Mendeltna and Rabideaux Creeks and the Kashwitna, Kings, Susitna and Tyone Rivers. Refer to Chapter 3, subregions summaries and management guidelines for further information on which rivers fall into which categories. Sorne rivers are deemed to have such exceptional recreational values that wider corridors are desired to protect these values. Rivers in this category are proposed for legislative designation as State Recreation Rivers to be managed as part of the State Park System. There are five rivers within the Susitna Study area which are proposed for legislative designation: Kroto/Moose Creek, Lake Creek, the Talachulitna River, Alexander Creek and the Talkeetna River. Buffer widths on these rivers range from 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile on either side of the rivers. Land to be retained in public ownership in these 5 corridors totals 198,580 acres. Refer to Chapter 3, subregion summaries for a more detailed discussion of allowed and prohibited uses within these river corridors. B. Lakes. Lakes with important public recreational values will be protected in the Susitna area through retaining in public ôwnership at least 50% of the land within 500 feet of the lakes. This policy will have a somewhat limited impact because a large percentage of the area's lakes .Jf2. - - ...... - ...... - - - - - - - - - ~ ~ - - 1-.. .... """" - """' "- ~-----"'-~~--·---~~---,_~---·------ Highway, Lake Louise, North and South Parks Highway, and Susitna Lowlands Subregions. Other public use cabins should be established where future analysis indicates a need; and where either the state, federal, or local government, or local non-profit organizations are able to construct and maintain the facilities. C. Private Recreation Facilities on Public Land. Lodges, tent camps, or other private facilities designed to be run as private,.profit-making recreation facilities will be permitted or leased where a management plan, land planning report or 38.05.035 finding shows the following: 1. There will not be significant public recreation opportunities lost or blocked by the facility. 2. The amount of use generated by the facility will not exceed the best available calculation of the recreation-carrying capacity of the area. This calculation will be based on the management intent and management guidelines of this or subsequent plans for the a rea. 3. The facility will be sited and operated to create the !east con- flict with traditional uses of the area. 4. The facility will be sited and designed in accordance with the stream corridor, access, wetland, and other guidelines of this plan. Final approval of a permit or lease for the facility will be given only after consultation with ADF&G and the Division of Parks. D. Promotion of Underutilized Areas. Promote use of under-utilized recreation areas to take pressure off overcrowded recreation areas. E. Maximum Use of Sites. Achieve maximum use of recreation sites while maintaining high quality recreation experiences, environmental quality, and safety. F. A number of other guidelines may affect recreation management parctices. For details of these guidelines, see the following sections of the chapter: Trails Public Access Stream Corridors Lakeshores Wetlands '* L/1 IV. LAND ALLOCATION SUMMARY--RECREATION A. Rivers. Rivers or streams which provide public recreational opportunities will be protected through retention of a publicly owned buffer at !east 200 feet from the stream. This buffer width will allow for access to and along the stream for uses such as fishing and ~icnicking. This buffer will be used to protect recreational values on the majority of the smaller streams in the study area. (See river and streams policy for details). On rivers which offer a wider variety of recreational opportunities and where a larger buffer is desired to allow more recreational uses, a publicly owned buffer of between 200 feet and 1/4 mile on either side of the stream is retained in public ownership. This buffer should provide adequate land for camping and hunting in addition to protecting visual quality, water quality and riparian habitat along the river. Examples of rivers that fall into this category include Montana, Sheep, Mendeltna and Rabideaux Creeks and the Kashwitna, Kings, Susitna and Tyone Rivers. Refer to Chapter 3, subregions summaries and management guidelines for further information on which rivers fall into which categories. Sorne rivers are deemed to have such exceptional recreational values that wider corridors are desired to protect these values. Rivers in this category are proposed for legislative designation as State Recreation Rivers to be managed as part of the State Park System. There are five rivers within the Susitna Study area which are proposed for legislative designation: Kroto/Moose Creek, Lake Cr~ek, the Talachulitna River, Alexander Creek and the Talkeetna River. Ruffer widths on these rivers range from 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile on either side of the rivers. Land to be retained in public ownership in these 5 corridors totals 198,580 acres. Refer to Chapter 3, subregion summaries for a more detailed discussion of allowed and prohibited uses within these river corridors. B. Lakes. Lakes with important public recreational values will be protected in the Susitna area through retaining in public ownership at least 50% of the land within 500 feet of the lakes. This policy will have a somewhat limited impact because a large percentage of the area's lakes "' ~2 - -- - - ~ _, - - - .... - - - iloJiiô - - ----------~--~--------------------~~------------------------~~~~,-----~----~-=~~~------------- - ~ .._ ..... == are already ringed with private land. In instances where land surrounding lakes has been sold through the state's land sales since 1978, severa! blocks of lakefront property usually have been retained in public ownership to provide public access to the lakes. A special effort has been made to protect the recreational values of the largest lakes (those larger than 640 acres) in the planning area. There are very few of these lakes (28) and virtually all with potential for development already have been at least partially settled. Remaining public land surrounding those large lakes with relatively little development --notably Lake Susitna, Chelatna Lake, Alexander Lake, Strandline Lake and Old Man Lake --generally will be retained in public ownership under the plan and managed to protect and provide public recreational opportunities. Where the decision has been made by the plan to sell additional land surrounding a lake greater than 640 acres in size (e.g., Lake Louise), these sales will be designed to minimize impacts on public recreation values. c. Dispersed Recreation Areas The plan designates large areas for dispersed recreation activities to provide opportunities for a variety of experiences including cross-country skiing, hiking, tent camping, snowmobiling, and dog mushing. These areas also offer protection for scenic vistas, geologie features and unique ecosystems for scientific and educational use • The majority of the study area will be retained in public ownership. These lands will be managed to support a variety of uses in addition to recreation. These uses include mining, forestry, and protection and use of fish and wildlife. Land retained for these purposes include most land in the following subregions: Sunflower, Mt. Susitna, Alaska Range, Chugach Range and Talkeetna Mountains. Less land is retained in the more developed/accessible subregions, but the quantity of retained lands suitable for recreation is nonetheless substantial. Details on specifie areas are included in the subregion summaries, Chapter 3. Severa! large retention areas are proposed for legislative or administrative designation to protect their unique and high quality public use values. There are severa! categories of legislative designation which protect large areas. One is state forests which include proposed legislative designations in the Peters Creek, Mt. Susitna and Kashwitna areas. State forests are designed to provide long term management of timber resources, recreational opportunities, and protection of fish and wildlife habitat and opportunities for human use. Sorne alpine areas and river corridors with low or no J./:3 forestry potential have been included in the state forest proposais to maintain the integrity of a large contiguous block of land and to protect recreation opportunities. Two additional areas are proposed for administrative designation as forest reserves. Other areas proposed for legislative designation with recreation as a primary use include the Jim-Swan Lakes State Park, the Nelchina Public Use Area and the Gunsight Mountain Public Recreation Area --a total of over 2.5 million acres. These areas also protect important fish and wildlife habitat and opportunities for human use-. Details on management of land within these designations are presented in the subregion summaries, Chapter 3. D. Land for Developed Recreation Sites. The plan designates land to support developed recreation facilities such as campgrounds and picnic areas at sites throughout the Susitna area. Additionally, the plan recommends purchase of land presently in private ownership in severa! areas where public recreation demand is particularly heavy. Discussion of capital improvement money necessary to construct recreation facilities and money for the land purchase program is presented in the implementation section. Specifie sites are too numerous to mention in this brief summary. (Details are presented in each subregion description in Chapter 3). The general types of sites designated and sorne illustrative examples are outlined below. 1. Campgrounds and Picnic Sites. Land with potential for campgrounds is identified and retained by the plan at severa! sites along the Parks and Glenn Highways. In general, the plan establishes a policy of retaining isolated blacks of public land in the more developed parts of the study area where need for campgrounds is likely to exist. Sites suitable for campgrounds also are retained in select locations in more remote parts of the study area, for example, at likely bridge crossings and confluences of streams. 2. Parking/Access Sites on Lakes and Streams. As was mentioned above in the discussion of lakes and streams, the plan aggressively follows a policy of retaining land in public ownership adjacent to water bodies wit~ important recreation values. In most cases this land will be available for construction of recreation facilities to allow greater public use of these areas. (The only instance where this land won't be available is in those few stream corridors intended to be kept in their natural state.) "1'1 - liol!ili lOi:!!il .... iiiMi! .... """" .... - .,..j - .... - - ~=""''*"'" ", &!' "'-~~-~-------~-~---~,_.~=-----· ,._ - - '- """" """' - - """" 3. Other Recreation Facilities. Land is reserved in public ownership in two areas, oY\e near Petersville and another along Curry Ridge within the existing Denali State Park,for possible development of a base for access to the south side of Denali National Park and Preserve. Facilities in these locations could range from a campground and trail system at the Petersville site to a four-season visitors center near Curry Ridge. E. TRAILS AND ACCESS. To ensure continued opportunities for public use of recreation and historie trails of regional and statewide significance within the Susitna Study Area ~ trails. generally will be protected through public ownership of a corridor. (See trails policy for details.) Trails which have special significance because of historical or unique values generally will be protected through wider public corridors than other trails. The Iditarod and the Chickaloon-Knik-Nelchina trails are the two such trails within the Susitna Area. They generally will be protected through a publicly owned corridor 500' either side of the centerline. Trails with statewide or regional significance will be protected through publicly owned corridors ot at least 50' either side of the centerline. Trails in this category have a history of public use and can be expected to see increased use as the State's population increases. The majority of trails in the study area are in this category. Among the many trails identified and protected by the plan is a proposa! to develop a trail system through the Talkeetna Mountains. This trail system will link many trails used for recreation and mining in the Talkeetna Mountains to trails in the Hatcher Pass Area and to the west along the Susitna River. Pedestrian trails interna! to neighborhoods and communities will be identified and protected through management plans or disposa! design under guidelines recommended in DNR's subdivision design manual. These trails may be protected either through public ownership or easements. In addition to protecting a system of trails in public ownership, the plan attempts to improve road access to a number of areas with potential for public recreation. In only very few instances do recreational benefits by themselves justify road construction. Therefore the plan generally proposes roads that serve a variety of uses, including settlement. Details of road improvement proposais are presented in Chapter 4. Examples of proposed road improvements that will benefit recreation include extension of the Oilwell road and road improvements in the Kings River and Chickaloon River areas of the Glenn Highway Subregion. J./5 I. - ..... ·- '- - ..... AREAWIDE LAND MANAGEMENT POLICIES SETTLEMENT STATEWIDE GOALS A. Private Land Use Make available to present and future Alaskans suitable public land needed for the following private settlement purposes·:· 1. Year-round residences or community expansion; 2. Recreational use or seasonal residences; 3. Year-round, relatively self-sufficient remote residences; 4. Settlement associated with natural resource development projects; S. Industrial or commercial development; and, 6. Homesteading • B. Resource and Economie Impacts Attempt to contribute positively to other uses of natural resources, and minimize undesired impacts from land disposais. c. Pricing Receive fair market value for public land sold for private use. However, in the case of homesteads and homesites, allow land to be earned by persona! investment of time and effort. D. Fiscal Impacts Minimize future fiscal costs to local or state government for services and infrastructure resulting from settlement of state lands. E. Community and Social Impacts Minimize undesired changes in the character of !ife among nearby communities or residents as a result of land disposa! projects. F. Coordination with Local Governments Coordinate state land offering programs with similar programs of local governments to best achieve common objectives. 1b II. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES A. Land Use Needs. Regional demand assessments for settlement lands· will include estimates of land necessary for projected conversion to residential, commercial, industrial, public facility and recreational uses, based on projected population levels. The disposa! program will give a high priority to ensuring the availability of an adequate supply of land to meet these needs, including an amount necessary for market choice. The state also will make available a modest supply of land for investment beyond what is necessary for actual use. However, providing land for specifie needs will be a higher priority. B. Long Term Program. The disposai program will be designed to make land available for at least twenty years to ensure that Alaskans in the future have the opportunity to purchase public land. C. Priee and Terms. The state will make land available to be earned by persona! investment of time and effort in homesteads and homesites. This will continue to result in acquisition of those lands at less than fair market value. Aside from this, fair market value should be received for public land sold to private parties. This does not preclude offering generous payment terms. An exception to the policy of receiving fair market value may be made in areas where the priee of land is judged exceptionally high based on the priee of comparable land throughout the state. D. Competition with the Private Market. The state will not seek to minimize competition with private land markets by changing or reducing its land offerings. In fact, a legitimate objective of the disposai program is an anti-inflationary effect on land priees, which may mean selling enough land in certain areas to reduce the artificial rate of appreciation of private land values. The state, however, will not undercut the market with artificially low priees. E. Protection and Management of Natural Resources. In its settlement program, the state will protect the economie potential of public lands with high value for oil and gas development, minerais, coal, commercial forestry, tourism, agriculture and the production of fish and wildlife resources. Exceptions to this guideline may be made where land is needed for community expansion or other important purpose and no other suitable land is available. -4r - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ œ - - -------~-- - - """' - - """"' When the state sells land in locations and amounts that have high potential for commercial agricultural use, only agricultural rights to that land should be sold. This po licy is not intended to mean that all land with high agricultural potential wfll be designated for agricultural use. Sorne of these lands may be retained for forestry management. or other public uses. However, if lands with high commercial · agricultural potential are to be sold they generally should be sold for agricultural use rather than alternative uses such as settlement. An exception to this policy may be made where land is needed for community expansion or other important purpose and no other suitable land is available. Lands with high commercial forestry potential generally should riot be sold for residential use. Also, land offerings generally will be avoided in areas of high mineral potential and where numerous valid active mining claims exist. F. Protection of Life and Property. The state will, by retention of public lands, discourage development in areas of flooding, unstable ground, significant avalanche risk, poor percolation for septic tanks and other hazards. Public lands within the surveyed lOü-year floodplain should remain in public ownership except where a regulatory floodway and flood fringe have been identified through detailed hydrologie studies. When such studies have been done, public lands within the flood fringe may be offered for sale •. Land offerings within the flood fringe should be for low density development --for example, private recreation cabins or agriculture --rather than dense residential subdivisions. In drainages where the lOü-year floodplain has not been surveyed, the best available information will be used to determine the flood hazard zone which should remain in public ownership. In areas where no alternative land is available for development, the Director of the Division of Land and Water Management may make exceptions to these floodplain guidelines. Lands generally will be retained where slopes are predominantly north-facing and steeper than 25 percent. This will hold in public ownership many lands where permafrost is prevalent, where shadows prevail for four months of the year, and where the vegetation is predominantly black spruce. These sites are among the least appealing residential environments. G. Protection and Management of Valuable Environmental Processes j The state will attempt to provide a publicly-owned open space system to preserve important fish and wildlife habitats and natural areas such as estuaries, shorelands, freshwater wetlands, watersheds, and surface and ground water recharge areas. If~ Wetlands with important hydrologie, habitat or recreational values and adjacent buffer strips will be retained for open space. Systems of publicly owned land will be designed to provide the necessary linkage and continuity to protect or increase values for human uses and wildlife movements. H. Protection and Enhancement of Scenic Features The state generally will retain in public ownership unique natural features such as cliffs, bluffs, waterfalls and foreground open space for panoramic vistas. Public access to such amenities also will be preserved. Land disposai offerings along scenic roads popular for sightseeing will be selected and designed to minimize their impacts on scenic vistas. Unusual landforms or scenic features will be retained in state ownership for enjoyment and use by the public. Such lands include islands in lakes, rivers or ocean bays unless land disposais can be designed to prevent negative effe,cts on the scenic and recreational values of the area. I. Protection and Enhancement of Recreational, Educational and Cultural Opportunities The state will retain areas for outdoor recreation, trails, campsites, boat launches, fairgrounds, historie sites, areas for scientific study, etc. Areas for both intensive and dispersed use will be preserved. J. Providing Public Land for Communities The state will reserve greenbelts, public-use corridors, personal-use wood lots, buffer areas, commons, building sethacks, and other open spaces to help create a desirable land use pattern in developing areas. K. Reservation of Land for Future Urban Development Public lands will be retained as a transitional tool to help shape community development by precluding premature private development on sites intended for schools, grave! pits, roads, parks, sewer treatment plants, etc. L. Cost of Public Services In accordance with AS 38.04.010, the Department will attempt to guide year-round settlement to areas where services exist or can be provided with reasonable efficiency. State land that is located beyond the range of existing schools and other necessary public services, or that is located where development of sources of employment is improbable, may be made available for seasonal recreation purposes or for low density settlement with sufficient separation between residences so that public services will not be necessary or expected. Jf~ 'iléi - """" - - ~ ....,j - 'iléi - - - - - - - .....~ - - _________________ , _ _._.,~ ~ ttrt=M=-~ wwn~~'-=W*~~-=----- - ""'' '- - ,_ - - "- """" ..... DNR will set a high priority on seeking funding to implement the provisions of AS 38.04.021 to assist municipalities in their disposa! programs with the aim of making land available in and around established communities. M. Provision of Access DNR will comply with the capital improvement provisions of local government subdivision ordinances. Where no subdivision orainance is in effect DNR will ensure the existence of actual physical access (air, water, road or rail) to each new state subdivision. N. Local Plans DNR will comply with provisions of local comprehensive plans regarding the pace, location and density of land development, except to the extent that local requirements discriminate against state land or violate a major overriding state interest. o. Carrying Capacity Firewood and Houselogs Sales in remote areas intended for recreational or seasonal use or homesteads will take into consideration the sustained yield carrying capacity of the area for production of firewood and houselogs. This policy applies only where there is no road access and where firewood is expected to be a substantial source of fuel and/or houselogs are expected to be a substantial source of building material. In remote areas DNR will attempt to cluster disposa! offerings where sufficient public land exists for the gathering of firewood and houselogs and for hunting and fishing. By clustering these offerings, the state will maintain options for later decisions regarding neighboring public land when access develops. P. Design Review Board A local design review board will be established when, in the opinion of the Director of the Division of Land and Water Management, it would be a constructive way to involve persons affected by a disposa! project. A design review board will consist of a maximum of eight citizens and local government officiais appointed by an appropriate local government official. Where local government does not exist or is unwilling to appoint such a board, DNR will make the appointment, if sufficient interest exists. The design review board will participate in and review all stages of design, including location, design of parcel size, transportation routes, open space, etc. The board will make recommendations to the Director of the Division of Land and Water Management at appropriate points in the design process. 50 Q. Cumulative Effects Chances for inadvertent and undesired cumulative effects will be minimized by a planning process that examines the impacts of various region-wide comprehensive land use scenarios. DNR's statewide and area planning program attempts to do this and will be used to establish regional land offering and disposai policies for state lands (see Guideline No. 21 below). R. Subdivision Design Subdivisions will be designed to preserve and enhance the quality of the natural setting and the recreational opportunities that make an area attractive to potential buyers. The following slope/lot size standards should generally be applied in state subdivisions (on-site waste disposa! assumed): Percent Average Slope 0-12 13-20 21-30 )30 Minimum Lot Size 1 acre 4 acres 10 acres No development Other procedures and standards for subdivisions design will be as set forth in "Design of Residential and Recreational Subdivisions," in the Division of Land and Water Management's Policy and Procedures Manual. s. Easements Easements will be used as a means to acquire rights to privately owned lands needed for public use. Easements generally will ~ be used as a means of retaining a public interest in lands within a subdivision. Exceptions to this policy may be made where the expense of surveying lands for retention is prohibitive or where the interest protected is very limited such as for local pedestrian access. This policy will minimize confusion between public use rights and private ownership rights. T. Owner Staking In areas where severe land use conflicts and inefficient use of resources are expected to result from owner staking, DNR will offer homestead parcels with prestaked or predesignated boundaries. 6/ --- --- - - - -- - """" - - -" "'""' ~--~-~-=--=~-----~---~~~~'~. U. Statewide and Regional Disposa! Plans The Department will publish annually a statewide land offering and disposai plan. It is important that Alaskans be able to review the amounts and locations of land disposais which would result from the application of DNR's land disposai policies. The statewide disposai plan will incorporate regional land disposai plans and present recommendations for land offerings in each region of the state. The recommendations would be based on DNR's land disposai policies as well as on analyses of land suitability, supply and demand studies, consideration of competing land use values, transportation systems and other factors of regional concern. The statewide plan will present regional land offering recommendations for two planning periods. Five-year recommendations will be specifie regarding location, acreage and project type for each year. A twenty-year disposai pool also will be established consisting of the areas where DNR anticipates future disposais offerings. Because of the need to respond to changing demands, fluctuating funding levels and new information, the statewide plan will be reviewed annually and modified as necessary. v. Coordination with Local Governments State land offering programs should be coordinated with similar programs of local gove rnment to best achieve common objectives. To this end, DNR proposes the annual development of a joint disposai plan with each borough (for both state and borough lands). This plan would be based on consideration of the borough's road extension priorities and its plans for levels of services in different areas --in short, on local fiscal planning. If a borough has a comprehensive land use plan, that plan will provide di rection for disposai priori ti es. ThE~ disposai plan should demonstrate what community objectives are being met, and how the requested capital improvement funding would support a borough-wide set of priorities for roads and service extensions to benefit current residents as well as new ones. The disposai plan should demonstrate how increased access and development would serve other resources uses such as agriculture, mining, forestry and recreation, and thus have state as well as regional benefits. Joint borough/state disposai plans as described here would constitute sections of the statewide disposai plan discussed above. Where there is an ongoing DNR area plan, that plan would provide the means of coordinating borough and state disposai planning. 51. III. LAND ALLOCATIONS SUMMARY -SETTLEMENT A. Supply of Settlement Lands The amount of land proposed for settlement in this plan is based, in part, on an analysis of the supply of potential settlement lands in the Susitna Area.l A small percentage, roughly 5% or a net area of 700,000 acres, of the 15,000,000 acres of federal and state land in the planning area is physically suited for settlement (i.e., it is land that is adequately drained, not too steep, etc.). Nearly all of these 700,000 acres are state owned. (This figure does not include any of the approximately 800,000 acres within the boundaries of past state land offerings.) Less than 10% of the 700,000 acres are within 2 miles of an existing road or railroad. An additional 25% is judged close enough to fly-in lakes, boatable streams or roads to allow disposa! prior to construction of improved access. The remaining 65% of the net acreage of state land suitable for settlement is located in areas that are too remote to allow disposa! in the near term. Nearly all the borough's 355,000 acre land entitlement is physically suited for settlement. The majority of this land is relatively accessible, either due to proximity to roads, fly-in lakes or boatable rivers. The Susitna area contains approximately 230,000 acres of undeveloped, private land suitable for settlement (other than Native land) of which a substantial portion is currently road accessible and subdivided. Of the approximately 850,000 acres of Native lands in the planning area (including Native selections) roughly 40% or a net area of 360,000 acres are judged physically suited for settlement. B. State and Borough Lands Allocated to Settlement 1 The plan allocates a gross area of approximately 740,000 acres or an estimated net area of 130,000 acres of state land for settlement.2 (This figure includes land proposed for settlement by the Resource Allocation Section staff in areas where the planning team did not reach a consensus.) The net acreage figure should be considered a preliminary estimate prior to agency review and more detailed evaluation of site characteristics and the type of disposai to be proposed at each settlement All the figures presented in this section on settlement land supply are from the draft settlement element, prepared by the Division of Land and Water Management. As used in this discussion, net area is defined as the amount of land within a given area that can actually be offerred for settlement. Gross area is the total amount of lands Within a region or within the boundaries of a disposai project. 2 Allocations of land for agriculture, including agricultural homesteads, are discussed in the agriculture section. 5.5 - - - ~ - ""'"' - - - - - - ;, - W - - """" - - -- - ·---------•------·-~-W::$!lLJUW!ltt!il<!!"l> ;Li--~ area. These preliminary net acreage figures were based on an evaluation by SCDO staff. Their intent was to be very conservative in the estimations. Tables 1 and 2 on the following pages present figures on gross and estimated net acreage designated for settlement on state and on borough lands in each of the area' s 12 subregions. While these allocations reflE!ct the application of all the settlement goals listed on the preceeding pages, the plan sets highest priority on three goals: 1) making settlement land available where necessary for community expansion, 2) making land available for resource development, and 3) offering accessible, high amenity lands where demand for recreational/seasonal settlement is high. The first goal is achieved largely by relying on the abundant existing supply of private lands in areas where communities are located. In the few areas where the state owns lands near communities, for example near Trapper Creek, much of this land is proposed for disposai. Borough lands in areas adjacent to communities are generally designated "borough land bank" - a category which maintains the option to sell these areas in the future while retaining the lands in borough ownership in the near term. The state is in the best position to meet the relatively small need for settlement associated with resource development, for example by providing lands for workcamps associated with m.ining. Where there is a known, near term possibility of major resource deve1opment, for example the development of coal reserves in Beluga, the plan designates specifie arèas to support workcamps or townsites. In other areas where there is sorne future possibility of resource development, for example development of mineral resources in the Talkeetna Mountains, the plan is flexible enough to accommodate these possible settlement land needs. The last goal, provision of accessible high amenity land for recreational/seasonal settlement, is met by allocating new lands for settlement and relying on a combination of existing private lands and the unsold portions of past state offerings. New land designated for settlement is concentrated in the Petersville Road, Glenn Highway, South Parks Highway and Susitna Lowlands subregions. In these subregions land is relatively accessible and land quality generally is high. The plan generally does not propose offering large amounts of remote land without significant amenity values. Substantial amounts of this type of land will continue to be available for settlement under this plan however, primariJLy within the boundaries of past state remote parce! offerings. Borough land, much of which has very high quality for recreational/seasonal settlement, will generally be designated "borough land bank." An exception is borough lands surrounding Larson Lake which the borough hopes to offer for sale when a raad has been constructed into the area. 51 ï'A'&t.E. .1. ~ rt:lt:::t.rrn=q'ED 'fbe.. ~.:rrL:ë.M ~T oN. STh1-E.. L..AN.D5> A. S\J~ (j.~o;s A~ (fJI;~ES) NE:.T AF€.f$~ ~T'iPE.~ PLAN NIN& ' t'œ,SoJ-.c.E ftAt.,ltJlJk ~tXr2. ~L. ~~ 1\iP.\111\ ltLUJ<AT\oN \i.AW\ ~ ~~- ~llliti!:NP'-\TlQ-Y;, fVPofb.sA\..<, ~~ ~ No~!\-~s N0J0f(evl~ SlZ.o ~3"10 l~~ \S4\0 Z.Sto 43~ 1 ~~~ ------ .::oum~ 1'\MO~Wf 2'\:SSO -t"Z.b«;o 4ê.,S~ f:I::J1o Ba:> €:,S7o 1 ~~qS '2ct,SIO -Zè\,c:>lo Sf>SO -BS«;o ~\llll:a. ft$ New~-4.qb3o l,o8o S'l.llO ?S<jo JSOO q310 t'<.~Vtq:s , ZI,Cf1o u,e,so 43f3SO 3830 Z4~ bZSO . ~~ l\\ew Ofk,Mf 1~10 -70,4\0 ltcx:> -ïlOO ~~} '2.~"1~ -2.4~b0 3'Effo -'3S<}o sv~ rn.JA U;:j..t)i.A\1. ps 1.S,S3o ~~ 3~,33o SoSo 2<180 7bb0 N('.WO~ Re.oi:!e:"· . ..,s 37,1bO i l.Z 'Z., (OC,O CZ>\ 't.() 22.1.'1-10 1 OClO 38,7b0 ! i3EWG:.A ~ewo~ Stt-40 ...... S4'tO toeo -lOôo ~ttftiiW\r-tS . -----• Mt, ws. r\llt\ f\.\ew Of/evl~) <.. \ bcxJ lS~b 31-1030 4'3Zt;J '3.21? 7br:XJ ' (<t~"s ZS.7SO 2.8:7SO 4~ -~b'=O ~~bE. t-.lM fJtiev,n1 lb.3'ZO -lh,3Z.O :!>>Z.c; -33Zc; fZeof~:: s -----, l.Jc. • LOU 1 ~ E. ~Oijefi"' '2.l,6eo 2.l,&O:J 31,0 -31,0 - Rtdi<vt~ 7Z 1 '2.:0 -?'l.;l:$0 S~Cfo -S4tf0 C::iENN li"Vll NtwO~c; lbb40 boC\o Z~73o bi.CSO 2>~o g4'fo ~tof{eu~s ----- ~~ J ~Offet1, 2;'1,410 c.:n '\'tO :;lb,Stto 4bOSo l31k>S ?<l1bSS } ~~~Ç, .qQ:),OlO ,.., 1 Q:X) 4'2.1r010 '=A-f l8o 3'1~0 bï,(;3o C:J<I+l D \OfH...S 6t::J~ ,t::Ao S4,lt0 7<t~bto Llo1z30 n,oc;5 t~7,l.SS 1 F+\ vl'e? CM f«>pos<>d. a.~vtWl-hJ\'lÙ o~1s, tVtc\.ocU, ~111wl-tvvt&\ V\~recutt7 1 a~ presetA ted. W\ '\'111.-e. ~ "'tc..v ltv re se.c.t\ OV\ 1 i 1 - - - - - ~ - - - ~ - - .... 2.. ACJteS S~l/\ t\S ~~\wrs a.V'e. evofoseJ. ~"1s. WlttAtll\ -t1A-e. boo!A..Glc:Wt-ts· of-c.,.t.re a.s ~tous \y ~ vV\.d.W ~ ~ f~vul. fll\$lV"~JM.. Thes-e.. a.~s • wü\ f>Awt4.v\\y be ~ ~ 'A~~s. l-Jo ~U\IfC 0\1\ ~AAd. a.oo.\lQI1..e ouev- ~ .. GOJ\Aiev fYoM. fMi" subd..tùiLCMl ~ ~-.:t:\-'t~ esn~ ~t seue<at ~sa~ tAC~ of--tve,~ SUbd.i.otd4\. f>"vr.e\ç ave.. CAJ..1'Q H Q b<.t.. 0\Jevo .. ~ ... ~\1\-\ev tV\ -tw.. W.S.\~ CAJteo... .. 55 sa ws Of'l-\liî ~~<l..l:1(1)1)?%' ~OOO'?Jcf N.o ~~f'D l ~c.:t ç--OUL.35 -r\nfnllé) 7t-nt:J 335 'J-,crO S~ ...LN3\J\01l..BS c; 3CJ 0 -n NX ·1 Ob.L17 obL -br Q~~-171 -Of-~+J--~1~.1 osz -052 ~ -0~ $~~~--- ·~rtrtf~ 09€.2 -oa~'Z OS:bL -Oibl ~l~~ ~"31111\~- 0'112 -011'2 081oCS -ce.~s 'Sbl4~~~tf <;)I'Wd' -\iJ.ll05 t!si~Gbl(l(W ~MOS';j ;"'\~C\:1~ ~Lktltf3Ww0'1.lll ï~ ~' ~ "llo:tlal-\'40\l.'t.l O'h't W'd!\1. J}(V~ ~Oa:;:!i'~ .t'(lJN~ '3?tl~ ~NIN1'1'd7d ' :i0"3dki.~ ~)~ -l.-=:tN (S&~"') ~'t;l s~o».~ ~f\S ~-~ •-------·--="'""""""'~----..-= =rlilrm~=~----·---·~,-~~-,------------------- ..... - - '- - '- "-' AREAWIDE LAliD MANAGEMENT POLICIES SUBSURFACEl I. STATEWIDE GOALS A. Mineral and Energy Supplies. Develop metallic and non-metallic mineralst coalt oil and gas, geothermal, and peat to contribute to the energy and mineral supplies and independence of the United States and Alaska. B. Economie Development. Contribute to Alaska's economy by developing subsurface resources which will provide stable job opportunities, stimulate growth of secondary and other primary industries, and establish a stable source of state revenues. C. Environmental Quality and Cultural Values. Protect the integrity of the environment and affected cultures to the extent feasible and/or desirable when developing subsurface resources. D. State Support for Mining. Aid in the development of infrastructure (ports, roads, railroads, etc.) and continue to provide geologie mapping and technical support to the mining industry. II. MINERAL, MATERIAL AND COAL DEVELOPMENT GUIDEL INES A. Mineral Exploration. Recognized exploration methods for mineral location (i.e., core drilling and geochemical sampling) will be allowed on all state lands. Bulk sampling will not be allowed in areas closed to mineral entry. Bulk sampling will not be allowed in anadromous fish streams without a permit from ADF&G. B. Dredging, Filling and Shoreline Alteration. To avoid adverse impacts on fish or fish habitat, dredging (including marine mining), filling, or shoreline alteration in fish habitat, barrier islands, spits, beaches, or tideflats will be allowed only where it is determined that the proposed activity will not have a significant adverse impact on fish or fish habitat or that no feasible alternative site exists. c. Extracting Materials or Mining in or Adjacent to Fish Habitat. When selling sand and gravel or issuing a permit for mining adjacent to or within fish habitat, the land manager will require as a condition of the sale or permit measures such as levees, berms, and/or settling ponds, and reclamation and rehabilitation measures that will minimize the siltation and sedimentation of fish habitat. lThe planning team did not reach a consensus on all the subsurface issues addressed by the plan. The policies presented here were prepared by Resource Allocation Staff as a proposed compromise to the subsurface issues not resolved by the planning team. Final resolution will occur prior to publication of the public review draft. St Prospecting for coal may be permitted adjacent to anadromous fish streams (other than those protected in specifie corridors); however, surface entry up to 500 feet from the stream may be restricted if a lease is eventually granted. Decisions on surface entry for coal adjacent to streams will be made with the consultation of Division of Parks and ADF&G. D. Reclamation. Land Use Permits for mineral development will specify that land must be returned to a useful state. Determination of the specifie type of reclamation will be done in consultation with the agency responsible for the primary land use value(s) in the affected a rea. Because willow vegetation is the primary winter food source in essential moose wintering areas, reclamation plans in these areas will address prompt revegetation. E. Access for Mineral and Coal Development. Existing roads should be used to provide access to mine sites wherever feasible. Access to tundra, wetlands, and other environmentally sensitive areas should occur in a manner and at a time that minimizes damage. (See also Transportation, Chapter 3.) F. Trespass and Validity Determinations. The Department will place a high priority on taking action against trespass and making validity determinations where trespass is thought to be the motive for claim staking, or claims are not thought to be valid, and there are significant settlement, public recreation or other surface uses that are precluded by the claim. G. Control of Visual Impacts. Guidelines will be developed as necessary through the Land Use Permit or leasing process to minimize the adverse visual impacts of mining in settled areas, recreation areas, and in areas viewed from roads. In such areas, guidelines will address, at a minimum, the following items: control of solid wastes; removal of vegetation; siting of mining structures, tailings and overburden; roads; and rehabilitation of mining sites. III. GUIDELINES THAT APPLY WHERE LOCATABLE MINERALS ARE TO BE DEVELOPED UNDER A LEASE A. Mining Plan of Operation. An approved mining plan of operation will be required prior to the initiation of any operations on a mining lease that would otherwise require a Land Use Permit (LUP). The Director may make specifie exceptions from this requirement for 5~ _, - - - - - """' ..... - - ..... - - ,_ - ._ exploration operations of less than one year's duration and minor impact by permitting such activities through a LUP• The plan of operations will address, but not be limited to, the following: 1. location of the area to be mined. A map (l" -1,000') will be required; 2. time period of operation; 3. size and purpose of the operation; 4. number of pieces of equipment and people working on the project; S. methods to be utilized in overburden removal and storage, including blasting; 6. amount of material to be handled, processed, or removed; 7. how the material will be processed; 8. how the tailings will be disposed of; 9. waste water treatment and disposa!; 10. reclamation plan that describes activities that will be necessary, including: a time table for each step in the reclamation, a description of the measures to ensure that all debris and toxic materials are disposed of in a sound manner, and a description of the steps to be taken to comply with applicable water quality laws and statutes; 11. the actions to be taken to minimize detrimental effects to fish and wildlife; 12. water requirements (i.e., intended use of appropriated waters, sources and methods of obtaining water, rate of acquisition, design of wastewater treatment systems, and instream requirements); 13. type and quantity of any elements or chemicals to be used in mining or mineral recovery; 14. plans for fuel transportation and storage; 15. location and size of camp facilities and overland transportation; and 51 16. anticipated restrictions on other surface uses of the lease area, including public access. B. Coordination of Operating Plans and Water Rights. Approval of operating plans for mineral leases should be coordinated with issuance of a water right permit/appropriation. c. Bonding. After consultation with ADF&G and DEC, DNR will determine the level of bonding required to administer or ensure compliance with the reclamation plan in the approved plan of operations. D. Approval of Plans of Operation. DNR may approve plans of operation required for mineral leases if the plans adequately address the guidelines of the Susitna Area Plan and DNR has consulted with and given careful consideration to the recommendations of ADF&G and DEC. Violation of the plan of operations is cause for enforced cessation of operations, if after a reasonable period of time a negotiated solution cannot be reached with the operator, or in the event of repeated violations. E. Reclamation. Reclamation of mineral areas will be required. At a minimum, topsoil must be removed separately and stored above the annual floodline; overburden must be disposed of above the limits of the annual floodline and may not be disposed of in fish-bearing waters; and tailings must be graded at the close of each season to approximate the surrounding ground contours with the exception of tailings used in the construction of settling ponds and other essential facilities. At the cessation of mining activities, the lessee shall regrade all disturbed areas to stable slopes that blend with the natural topography, and cover them with topsoil to allow revegetation. IV. GUIDELINES FOR LAND SALES IN AREAS WITH MINERAL, MATERIAL, OR COAL POTENTIAL A. Land Sales in Areas with High Mineral or Material Potential. Generally, land sales will not occur in areas of high mineral potential; areas with claims in good standing; or areas containing sand and gravel pits, stone quarries or other similar material sites. B. Land Sales in Areas with High or Moderate Goal Potential. Generally, land sales will not occur in areas of existing coal leases, or areas of high coal potential as defined in llAAC 85.010. Land sales should be avoided in areas of moderate coal potential as defined in llAAC 85.010 except where land sales are determined to be the highest and best use of the land. {,J:) - lllllllil - - - ....,.; - - - --- - - - - "'- -. V. GUIDELINES FOR THE APPLICATION OF LOCATABLE MINERAL CLOSURES Locatable mineral closures are the most extreme management tool that can be employed by the Department to resolve subsurface and other resource conflicts. Therefore: A. Before an area can be closed to locatable mineral entry and location, the Commissioner must determine that the tangible and intangible surface values to be protected are significant and that other management options are not adequate to protect the surface resources should subsurface resources be developed [see AS 38.05.185(1)]; B. the area to be closed to mineral entry and location will be limited to the minimum necessary to protect the continued productivity and availability of the surface resources being protected. C. Land scheduled for commercial, industrial or agricultural sale will be closed to mineral entry and location at the end of the first year of the LADS process. D. Land scheduled to be sold as subdivisions will be closed to mineral entry and location at the end of the first year of the LAOS process and cover only the project area. E. Lands available for homesteading (including agriculture homesteading) will be closed to mineral entry and location at the end of the first year of the LADS process. These areas will remain closed until the maximum number of homestead entries allowed bas been reached. At that time those portions of the project area with few or no homesteads will be reopened for mineral entry and location unless it is determined that significant irreconcilable land use conflicts exist. F. Lands proposed for exchange or trade will be closed to mineral entry and location at the time a preliminary agreement is reached. G. Lands reserved for transfer to another public agency for ~ development of a public facility or reserved as a future to~site will be closed to mineral entry and location at the time the area is classified reserved use. "' VI. GUIDELINES FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE LOCATABLE MINERAL LEASING PROGRAM Requiring that locatable mineral developments occur under a lease is a more a more flexible management tool than mineral closure. Therefore: A. Mineral leasing is preferred over mineral closure as a management option to resolve conflicts between other significant resources and mining of locatable minerals; B. Mineral leasing should be used only where the Commissioner determines that the tangible and intangible resource values to be protected are significant and that other management options cannot adequately resolve the potential conflict between those resources and mining (see AS 38.05.185(a)); C. The area where locatable minerals will be developed under lease will be limited to the minimum necessary to protect the continued productivity and availability of the resources being protected. VII. CATEGORIES OF RESOURCE VALUES THAT MAY BE IN CONFLICT WITH GOAL OR MINERAL DEVELOPMENT AND REQUIRE SPECIAL MANAGEMENT In some circumstances, the Commissioner may find that the following categories of resource values require either a mineral closure or a prohibition of coal leasing and prospecting to protect their continued productivity and availability. In other circumstances, care during mineral development is all that may be necessary to protect these resources. It is impossible to predict the degree of conflict that could occur between mining and any other resource value in all circumstances. Therefore, the following categories of resource values will be evaluated to determine if mineral closure, mineral leasing, prohibition of coal leasing or prospecting, or another management option is needed to protect the continued productivity and availability of the resource in conflict. A. Retained lands with significant commercial, industrial, or recreational values Lands with significant coal, oil and gas, or timber potential. Lands recognized as future transportation corridors where access for pipelines, road, railroads, or other surface transportation infrastructure could be blocked or impeded by mining claims. After the alignment is established, areas may be reopened if they are surplus land. Lands and waters that provide unique or unusual opportunities for the human use and enjoyment of fish or wildlife, including hunting, photography, and wildlife viewing. to1.. - ....J ~ - - - .... ..... d illôlll ~ lil!!lÎ - - - - - ·._ - ~~---------,-~-·--- Lands and waters that provide significant recreation opportunities, such as clearwater rivers that are now or are expected to be important for recreation, key public access sites, and recreation facilities. Lands that have a hydrologie link to a community water supply where it is not practical to treat wastes from mineral development to meet water quality standards for community water supplies. Sand and grave! pits, stone quarries or other significant known material sites that could be lost if mining were to occur may be evaluated as areas where development of locatable minerais will require a lease. B. Retained Lands with Significant Fish or Wildlife Resources Land waters that support protected species of fish or wildlife (e.g., bald and golden eagles), threatened species (e.g., tundra and trumpeter swans), or endangered species (e.g., peregrine falcons, short-tailed albatrosses, and eskimo curlews). Land and waters that support production of fish or wildlife species which have significant economie, recreational, scientific, educational or cultural values and which have been given special protection through state or federal legislation or international treaty, including anadromous fish streams, migratory bird habitat, and marine mammal habitat. State game refuges, critical habitat areas and sanctuaries. Other lands and waters not included above that are known to support unique or unusually large assemblages of fish or wildlife. Uses listed in the surface mining law. VIII. SUBSURFACE RESOURCE ALLOCATION SUMMARY A. The Effects of the Plan on üpportunities to Explore and Develop Subsurface Resources on State and Borough owned ~ Subsurface Lands - The large majority of state and borough owned subsurface lands in the Susitna Basin is currently open to exploration and development of locatable minerale and will remain open under this land use plan. However, an important effect of this plan is that it does close certain areas to mineral location and in other areas it requires that locatable minerais be developed unde r a le a se • ".3 A large majority of the basin will also be available for coal leasing o~ prospecting, and material sales. However, the plan does prohibit coal leasing or prospecting in certain areas. Oil and gas leasing is not prohibited anywhere by the Susitna Plan, but surface entry is prohibited in 5 major recreational river corridors. The following sections describe areas that are available and unavailable for subsurface resource development. 1. Lands Open to Mineral Location. Approximately 80% of the roughly 10 million acres of state and borough lands in the Susitna Basin are open to mineral loca- tion. The Nelchina, Willow Creek, Yentna, Valdez and the Chulitna mining districts, where the majority of the region's historie mining has occurred remian open to new mineral entry and location. In addition, the large majority of mineral terranes rated as having the best mineral potential in the region also remain open. It is within these areas that future hardrock mines are expected to be developed. 2. Lands Available for Locatable Mineral Development Under Lease. Approximately 15% of the roughly 10 million acres of state and borough land in the Susitna Basin are open to leasehold loca- tion. About half of the area open for leasehold occurs in identified mineral terranes or areas believed to have high mineral potential. The other half open for leasèhold access in areas of low mineral potential. There are four categories of lands open for leashold in the Susitna Basin. These categories and the specifie areas they apply to are as follows: a. Tributaries of floatable clearwater anadromous fish streams in areas of high mineral potential: Mill Creek Sunflower Creek Twin Creek Camp Creek Home Creek Wolverine Creek b. Nonfloatable heavily used clearwater anadromous fish streams and selected tributaries: Montana Creek Sheep Creek Goose Creek Chunilna Creek (Clear Creek) Peters Creek Chuitna River &1( ....! - - - - - ~ ~ - - - - - ..... - li!ti - ,_ -----""'""""""""""~~~=~- c. Concentrated trumpeter swan nesting areas which may be pro- posed as legislatively designated trumpeter swan reserve system. Trumpeter swans are relatively scarce and very vulnerable to disturbance. d. Existing legislatively designated areas or areas proposed primarily for wildlife management·: Susitna Game Flats State Game Refuge Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge Goose Bay State Game Refuge Caribou calving grounds in the proposed Nelchina Public Use area. All lands open to mineral entry and location or leasehold loca- tion are given "Minerais" as either a primary or secondary surface use designation. A primary designation is generally applied where the land is open to mineral entry and location or leasehold location and there are active claims, on-going development or a known mineral terrane. A secondary designation is generally applied where the land is open to mineral entry and location or leasehold location and there are active claims, on- going development or a known mineral terrane, but activities associated with mining will be restricted significantly to protect another valued resource. However, far more often the secondary designation is made where the land is open to mineral entry and location or leasehold location and is outside a known mineral terrane, an area of active claims or an area with on- going mineral development. (See Appendix 2 for further discus- sion of subsurface land use designations.) 3. Lands Closed to Mineral Entry and Location. Approximately 5% of the roughly 10 million acres of public land within the Susitna Basin are closed to new mineral entry and location. The vast majority of these acres lie within areas of low mineral potential. They are described below. It is important to note that these mineral closures and other policies resulting from this plan do not alter or replace existing regulations, nor do they affect any existing mineral closures in the area. The areas closed to mining described below are closed only to new exploration or development activities; any existing leases, prospecting permits, or claims will not be affected. (Mineral closing orders will be prepared for those areas in compliance with AS 38.05.185.) t,5 The following categories of lands will be closed to mineral entry in the Susitna Basin. a. Lands identified for settlement, agriculture, commercial, or industrial use. The plan identifies over 700,000 gross acres of which approximately 130,000 will be sold over a twenty year time period. Thus, approximately 120,000 acres will be closed as a result of land sales. b. Boatable clearwater rivers proposed as state recreation rivers due to their existing use, anadromous fish habitat, and their uniqueness among rivers in the study area. Specifie rivers and selected tributaries which will be closed are: The Talachulitna, Alexander Creek, the Kroto/Moose/Deshka system, Lake Creek, and the Talkeetna River. c. Existing legislatively designated areas and areas proposed for legislative designation as state parks/state recreation areas. The enabling legislation for Denali State Park prohibited mineral entry. The only other area recommended closed is the Jim/Swan Lake area. This area receives heavy hunting and fish- ing use and is proposed for legislative designation. d. Other smaller areas closed to new mineral entry and location are described below. Small (less than 640 acres) recreation sites Transportation corridors Lands reserved for trade with another agency. 4. Lands Available for Coal Leasing and Prospecting. Over 1.3 million acres of land in the Susitna Basin show a com- bination of high and moderate coal potential. An additional 2.4 million acres are estimated to have low or unknown coal poten- tial. Over 95% of the study area's high and moderate coal potential areas will remain available for coal leasing. Approx- imately 50-60% of the low or unknown coal potential areas will remain available for coal prospecting and leasing. S. Lands Not Available for Coal Leasing or Prospecting. The 5% of the area with high or moderate coal potential unavail- able for coal leasing occurs in two areas: the Matanuska field where limited land sales will occur in moderate potential coal areas; and some lands in the Sunflower Basin which will be unavailable due to 1) the Lake Creek corridor and severa! of its tributaries which flow through the area, and 2) trumpeter swan nesting sites. The lands with low or unknown coal potential unavailable for pros- pécting and leasing are lands where surface resources were deemed of higher value. Lands in this category unavailable to coal ~"" - - -., - - - - - - - - - ~ - - - ·- - :..- -·-·-··--·~-~~--=-===-=-'''"'""'''''''""""''"'"""""'tu!'''""'"'<!!-~---~ prospecting and leasing are the same as lands closed to mineral location. These areas are described below. a. Lands identified for settlement, agriculture, commercial or industrial use and lands designated resource management which contain large blacks of agricultural soils. These areas constitute the majority (approximately SD-60%) of the lands unavailable. b. Concentrated trumpeter swan nesting areas which may be proposed as a legislatively designated trumpeter swan reserve system. Trumpeter swans are relatively scarce and very vulnerable to disturbance. c. Clearwater rivers proposed as state recreation rivers due to their existing use, anadromous fish habitat, and their uniqueness among rivers in the study area. Specifie rivers and selected tributaries which will be closed are: The Talachulitna, Alexander Creek, the Kroto/Moose/Deshka system, Lake Creek, and the Talkeetna River. Other rivers will generally remain available on a case~by-case basis. d. Legislatively designated or proposed for designation state parks and fish and wildlife areas which include the following: Palmer Hay Flats Susitna Game Refuge Goose Bay Denali State Park Jim/Swan Lakes e. Other miscellaneous areas unavailable are: areas of great importance to the quality of views along the Glenn Highway (not yet identified) land reserved for transfer to another public agency or reserved for public facilities, etc. transportation corridors. 6. Lands Available for Oil and Gas Leasing. Oil and gas leasing is not prohibited anywhere by the Susitna Plan. However, surface entry is prohibited in five major clearwater recreational river corridors which receive high human use and provide important fish and wildlife habitat. Those rivers are being proposed for legislative designation as state recreation rivers. They are the Talachulitna River, Lake Creek, Alexander Creek, the Talkeetna River, and the Kroto/Moose/Deshka system. Directional drilling will be required within these river corridors defined by subunit boundaries. ~r - AREAWIDE LAND MANAIIEMENT POLICIES TRANSPORTATION I. STATEWIDE GOALS A. To develop a transportation system which supports the land use designations made by this plan. B. To develop a transportation system with the lowest possible long run costs including construction, operations and maintenance. C. To develop a transportation system with minimal impact on the aquatic environment, the terrestrial environment, and aesthetic and ~ cultural features. !'<-.. '-' '-" ,__ D. To develop a transportation system that efficiently uses energy and encourages compact, efficient development patters. II. MANAGMENT GUIDEL INES A. Identification of Potential Transportation Routes. This plan pro- vides general recommendations for transportation routes necessary to support the land use designations made. However, more detailed route alignment and feasibility analysis will be required before the routes can be considered final. B. DNR will avoid actions incompatible with the construction of poten- tial routes identified in this plan until a final decision is made on the feasibility of these routes. Protection of Hydrologie Systems. Transportation corridors should be located to avoid influencing the quality or quantity of water in adjacent streams or lakes, or detracting from recreational use of the waterway. Specifie guidelines are given below. 1. Streams crossings should be avoided when possible. When it is necessary to cross a stream in road construction, the crossing should be as close as possible to a 90° angle to the stream. 2. Wherever feasible, land managers should avoid routing roads parallel to and within 100 feet of any waterway or parallel to and directly upslope from any waterway. 3. All water crossings (bridges and culverts) should be large enough to accommodate or positioned to avoid: (1) changing direction and velocity of stream flow, and (2) interfering with migrating or spawning activities of fish and wildlife. In addi- tion, all bridges and culverts should be large enough to accom- modate the 25 year peak discharge without interfering with volume, velocity and sediment transport or substrate character- istics of the stream. Bridges and culverts should provide adequate clearance for boat, pedestrian, horse and large game (p1 passage whenever these uses occur or are anticipated, so that dead pedestrians, horses or large game do not clog culverts during floods. 4. Construction or construction activities should not encroach upon streams. S. Road drainage should not be discharged directly over the edges of the streambanks. Diverted flows from road gutters should be provided with adequate outlets. 6. Growth of vegetative cover along streambanks should be encouraged as long as it does not restrict channel capacities. 7. When routing through wetlands or peat, culverts should be installed to enable free movement of fluids, mineral salts, nutrients, etc. 8. Construction should be confined, Whenever possible, to level, well drained areas. In potential problem areas, excavation and soil disturbance should be minimized. 9. Routing through severe erosion hazard areas (i.e., steep slopes) should be avoided, especially those directly above or adjacent to wetlands or water wgys. 10. When it is necessary to route through erosion hazard areas (primarly slopes greater than 12%), methods should be employed to decrease runoff, erosion, and sedimentation by vegetative coverings, surface roughening, diversion dikes, etc. 11. Construction should be minimized in poorly drained areas, particularly lowlands and peat. Construction should be minimized in areas of sandy or gravely soils where the seasonal water table cornes wi thin a maximum of four fe et of the surf ace and in a reas of silty soils where the water table cornes within a maximum of three feet from the surface. 12. For winter roads or winter access, snow ramps, snow bridges, cribbing, or other methods should be used to provide access across frozen rivers, lakes, or streams to avoid the cutting, eroding, or degrading of banks. Snow bridges will be removed or breached and cribbing removed immediately after final use. c. Road Pull-Outs. Where road corridors contact streams, habitat corridors or other areas of expected recreational use, sufficient areage should be retained in public ownership to accommodate public access, safety requirements, and expected recreational use. The size and location of pullouts should be determined in consultation with the Division of Parks and Department of Fish and Game. D. Timber Salvage From Rights-of-Way. All timber having high value for commercial or personal use should be salvaged on rights-of-way to be cleared for construction. !o1 - - - .... - - .... - - - - - - - - ,_.. ·- - -·~----~-u•·-~~ ... --~~---~-,.,-~~""--~"""-'=-'='~~ ,,.~_.,..,.,_,~-"""""""' .. _____ """'' E. Material Sites. To minimize the construction and maintenance cost of transportation, material sites should be located as near to transportation routes as feasible. It is recommended that the State Division of Geologie and Geophysical Surveys and the Department of Transportation inventory and analyze potential grave! sources near proposed transportation corridors to locate the required material sites. The location and extraction of road building material within streams, stream buffers, and habitat/recreation corridors should occur only after design consultation with ADF&G, Dot/PF and the Division of Parks and the Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys. Material sites should be screened from roads, residential areas, recreational areas and other areas of significant human use. Sufficient land should be allocated to the material site to allow for such screening. F. Section Line Easements. See Public Access, this chapter. G. Off-Road Access. 1. Temporary Off-Raad Access. Permits for temporary off-road access will require that surface disturbance and destruction of fragile soils and wetlands vegetation be minimized. Operations should be scheduled when adequate snow and ground frost is available to protect the ground surface, or should require the use of low ground pressure vehicles, avoidance of problem areas, or other techniques to protect areas likely to be damaged by off-road access. 2. Repeated Off-Road Access. Repeated Off Road Vehicle (ORV) use regulated by permit will not be allowed in essential caribou or moose habitats during sensitive periods unless no feasible alternative exists. (This guideline does not apply to local traffic and traditional hunting activities.) Before issuing permits the land manager will consult with the ADF&G. Restric- tions need be applied only when and where the ADF&G determines there are significant wildlife populations present. Chapter 4 discusses roads necessary to achieve the various resource development objectives proposed in this plan. 'tO MISCELLANEOUS GUIDELIIŒS INSTREAM FLOW I. STATEWIDE GOAL Maintain a level of water quantity sufficient to protect the humant fish, and wildlife resources and uses of the region. II. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES Streams and waterbodies needing protection of instream uses should be identified. Where appropriate, the following should be specified: A. The managment objectives for each resource use that may require an instream flow reservation. Under DNR's regulations, reservation of instream flow is possible for four types of uses: 1. protection of fish and wildlife habitat, migration and propagation; instream flow reservations to protect habitat may be made for streams that: (1) have significant anadromous or resident fish populations; (2) flow into wetlands that support significant waterfowl, furbearer or other wildlife populations; or (3) provide the water supply needed for other habitat types that support significant wildlife populations; 2. recreation and park purposes; 3. navigation and transportation purposes; and, 4. sanitary and water quality purposes. B. The relative importance and urgency of instituting an instream flow reservation. c. A recommended methodology for estimating the amount of the necessary reservation. D. Responsibility for carrying out recommended data collection and analysis. E. A recommended schedule for completing proposed studies and submitting applications recommended for study. F. Designation of appropriate applicant for instream flow reservations recommended for study. ?--1 - liOilo1l ~. - u - - --- - - - ;...... - - -----------------"---~4~---~-==-------~ .... """"'~~-....,~ .. ----~..,...,-~---~-~- MISCELLANEOUS GUIDELINES LAIŒSHORE MANAGEMENT I. STATEWIDE GOALS A. To protect and enhance lakeshore public recreation opportunities. B. To provide opportunities for private ownership of lakeshore property .. II. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINE~ - A. At !east 50 percent of all public land within 500 feet of the lake- -shore and all islands will be retained in public ownership on all lakes with significant recreation values; retained lands shall include 50 percent of the actual shoreline. These percentages may be increased or decreased on a case-by-case basis if topography, amount or use of other local conditions warrant. Where feasible, the publicly retained land should include the land adjacent to lake inlets and outlets. B. Where lakefront property is conveyed to private ownership, a minimum ~ public access easement of 50 feet will be reserved along the shore- line, and a minimum building setback of 100 feet required. '""" - - '- MISCELLABEOUS GUIDELINES PUBLIC ACCESS I. STATEWIDE GOAL Maintain or enhance access to publicly owned resources. II. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES A. Appropriate public access will be reserved when land is conveyed to private ownership. B. Trail and road access to recreation, fish, wildlife and other public resources should be maintained or improved during resource develop- ment. Access should be designed to minimize the potential for trespass, vandalism or other public nuisances in mining areas. c. Where new or additional access is warranted, such access should be provided on public land where possible. Where suitable public land is not available, attempts should be made to arrange for such access across private land. Possible means of doing this include granting of easements by land owners, purchase by the state of limited rights, fee-simple purchase of the land or land exchange. D. Existing access across state retained lands will be maintained wherever fea~ible. 12.. E. Public access within forest lands may be curtailed during periods of active timber harvest to protect public safety and allow efficient harvest operations. MISCEI.l.ANEOUS GUIDELINES REMOTE CAJUN PEBMIT PROGRAM I. STATEWIDE GOALS A. To provide opportunities for private construction of cabins on remote, publicly-owned land. B. To give the state an additional tool with which to manage existing trespass cabins, by converting them to permit cabins. II. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES A. Criteria for the Use of the Program 1. Disposa! of land in the area is not practical at this time because of its remoteness or because surveying is too expensive. The remote cabin permit program can be used in areas where future disposai of land may occur. 2. The permitted number and locations of cabins will not resuit in significant conflicts with other forms of resource use and management (e.g., wildlife habitat, forestry, agriculture, forest fire management, public recreation) anticipated for the area. 3. The area is not likely to be accessible by road for at !east ten years. 4. Remote cabin permits are approved for the area by an area plan or the statewide plan. B. Mana~ent Guidelines to be Specified for Each Remote Cabin Permit Area 1 • Mandatory a. The density of cabins or number of permits allowed. b. No establishment of road for 4-wheeled vehicles. c. Area reamins open to mineral entry, unless closed because of some other consideration. d. No commercial use of cabin permit sites. =7) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - -· .__ ·- - ....... --~-~----~··-q~~~-""'"'""''~~-·-·-~~.~-~-~·,---==""""""~""'~"""'~~-----·----=••m~"'"''"'"'"=~-"''~"'~---- 2. Optional --Specify these guidelines as appropriate, in area plan or statewide plan or by the Directors of DLWM. a. Location Criteria--e.g., only particular sites to be used, prohibited areas, limit on number of cabins in a locality, spacing, distance from trails with regional or statewide significance, etc. b. Allowed (or prohibited) Uses--e.g., number or size of buildings. C. Other types .of access allowed or prohibited .• MISCELLAREOUS GUIDELINES STREAM CORRIDORS I. STATEWIDE GOALS A. Recreation. Provide opportunities for a variety of recreational activities Within stream corridors, including both wilderness and developed recreational activities. B. Habitat. Protect fish and wildlife riparian habitats. C. Private Ownership of Land. Provide opportunities for private ownership of land near streams. D. Water Quality. Protect water quality to support domestic uses, fish and wildlife production and recreational activities. II. MANAGMENT GUIDELINES A. Priority of Public Uses in Stream Corridors. "Stream Corridor" as used in these management guidelines refers to the stream itself and adjacent lands with stream-related recreational, residential, habitat and hydrologie values. As a general rule, ADNR will set a higher priority on protecting public use values in stream corridors than providing opportunities for private ownership 9f land. However, the Department recognizes the strong demand for property along streams andl will provide land for private purchase in sorne stream corridors • Disposais near streams with important recreation value will be designed to protect access to and along the stream for fishing, hiking, camping and other recreational activities. 1"'1 B. Retention of Publicly Owned Buffers as a Management Tool in Stream Corridors. 1. When the management intent for land adjacent to a stream is to permit uses such as fishing, picnicking, hunting, cutting firewood, building fires, camping or other similar active uses, public ownership of stream buffers should be used rather than easements to provide for these uses. 2. In state subdivisions stream buffers should, in all cases, be either retained in public ownership or conveyed to a homeowners' association. If streams in subdivisions have recreation or habitat values of regional or statewide importance, buffers should be retained in public ownership. 3. Publicly owned buffers adjacent to a stream may be retained along the full length of the stream or on the portions determined to have high public use and habitat values. c. Retention of Access Easements as a Management Tool in Stream Corridors. 1. When the primary management intent is to protect the public's right to travel along a stream bank rather than to establish a public use area, an easement should be used to protect right. Easements along streams should also protect the right to pause briefly to observe wildlife, take photographs or rest, but not to fish, picnic, hunt or otherwise recreate within the easement. -- 2. Easements along streams should establish, at minimum, the right to travel by foot, dogsled, horseback, snowmobile and two and three-wheeled vehicles. On a case-by-case basis the right to travel by all terrain vehicles and four wheeled vehicles may be reserved. Easements should be reserved for roads or railroads only if they are planned for construction. 3. Easements and publicly owned buffers may be used in combination on a stream to provide opportunities for private ownership near the stream while protecting public use values on other portions of~the stream. Therefore, although easements should not be used Where s!güificant public use is to be encouraged, they may be used on portions of a stream with important public recreation and --- values wnen ether-portions of the stream are retained for blic use. ~ D. Establishing Widths of Publicly Owned Buffers, Easements and Building Setbacks in Stream Corridors. 1. Widths of publicly owned buffers along streams will vary according to management intent. In addition, the buffer width for any given stream may vary along the stream course depending on topography, 15 u """" ~ """ - la.i ioliiôl - oiOii oiOii ~ - - - ii- - - - - ,_ - """"' ·- ,---------~----"""""'~~' ---~--~.~~"""'~-- vegetation and land ownership. Establishing buffer widths for particular streams should be based, at a minimum, on objectivesfor the following: recreational activities to be supported, habitat management, noise abatement, visual quality, water quality, likelihood of erosion of the riverbank (in which case the buffer should be widened to compensate), and land disposa!. 2. Although buffer and easement widths may vary among streams, a basic leve! of consistency is needed to avoid confusion about the width of public use and access areas along the state's many streams and because it would be prohibitively expensive to establish separately by fieldwork and site analysis buffer widths for each stream corridor. The following guidelines are intended to establish separately by field work and site analysis fubber widths for each stream corridor. The following guidelines are intended to establish a reasonable degree of consistency in buffer and easement widths: a. When it is determined that a publicly owned buffer is appropriate, a minimum buffer width of 200 feet landward from the ordinary high water mark on each bank generally should be established. This width may be reduced to a minimum of 100 feet on each bank in individual cases consistent with the management objectives of the stream corridor. b. Publicly owned buffers of at !east one-fourth mile landward from the ordinary high water mark on each bank should be retained on streams recommended for legislative designation as State Recreation Rivers to be managed as part of the State Park System. c. When it is determined that a public access easement will be reserved on land adjacent to a stream a minimum easement of 50 feet landward from the ordinary high water mark on each bank will be reserved. d. In all cases where land is sold near a stream a minimum building setback of 100 feet landward from the ordinary high water mark on each bank should be established. E. Permits and Leases for Non-Water Dependent Uses. Permits, leases, and plans of operation for non-water dependent commercial and industrial uses, transportation facilities, and pipelines will, where feasible, require setbacks between these facilities and adjacent water bodies to maintain streambank access and protect adjacent fish habitat, public water supplies, and public recreation. The width of this setback may vary depending upon the type and size of non-water dependent use, but will be adequate to maintain access and protect adjacent waters from degradation below the water quality standard established by DEC. Adjacent to designated anadromous fish spawning habitat this setback will, to the extent feasible, never be less than 100 feet landward of ordinary high water. ";f(o Where it is not feasible and prudent to maintain a setback adjacent to fish habitat, public water supplies or recreational waters, other measures will be implemented to meet the intent of this guideline. F. Activities in Essential Waterfowl Habitat. Industrial activities requiring a permit, lease, or development plan with high levels of acoustical and visual disturbance, such as boat traffic, blasting, dredging, and seismic operations, in essential spring and fall waterfowl habitat will, to the extent feasible, be avoided during sensitive periods. (This guideline does not apply to traditional hunting and fishing activities allowed by law.) G. Dredge and Fill and Essential Waterfowl Habitat. Permits for dredging and filling in essential spring and fall waterfowl habitat, including permits for gravel extraction and the construction of roads and pads, will not be granted unless it is determined that the proposed activity will not cause significant adverse impacts to essential waterfowl habitat or that no feasible alternative exists. H. Structures in Fish Habitat. To maintain nearshore migration of juvenile fish DNR will, to the extent feasible, require that structures in fish habitat be built to minimize impacts on fish migration. I. Water Intake Structure. When issuing water appropriations in fish habitat, DNR will require that practical water intake structures be installed that do not entrain or impinge upon fish. The most simple and cast-effective technology may be used to implement this guideline. Water intake structures will be screened, and intake velocities will be limited to prevent entrapment, entrainment, or injury to the species of fish found in the water. The structures supporting intakes should be designed to prevent fish from being lead into the intake. Other effective techniques may also be used to achieve the intent of this guideline. Screen size, water velocity, and intake design will be determined in consultation with the ADF&G. J. Alteration of the Hydrologie System. To the extent feasible channelization, diversion, or damming that will alter the natural hydrological conditions and have a significant adverse impact on important riverine habitat will be avoided. K. Soil Erosion. In addition to the use of publicly owned buffers and building setbacks, soil erosion will be minimized by restricting the removal of vegetation adjacent to streams and by stablizing disturbed soil as soon as possible. L. Forest Management Practices. Persona! use of timber or commercial harvest within 200 feet of a stream will be consistent with the habitat, recreation, and water quality management objectives of the stream corridor. 11- - - - _, ilœl - - - - - .....,j .... - - - '-' - -- ..... =--~=----~-----~~~--~ ..... ,,,,_,,,, ... , ..... , .. _,. M. Subsurface Development. See section on Subsurface Development, Chapter 2. N. Instream Flow. See section on Instream Flow, this Chapter. MISCELLANEOUS GUIDELINES TRAIL MANAGEMENT I. STATEWIDE GOALS A. B. To insure continued opportunities for public use of important recreation and historie trails of regional and statewide significance. To assist in establishing local trail systems that provide access to community recreation areas. II. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES A. Special Trail Corridors. Standard management guidelines are not appropriate for trails which require unusual widths or management practices because of historical significance or unique values. Examples include the Iditarod Trail and the Chickaloon-Knik-Nelchina Trail system. Management guidelines should be developed for such trails on a case-by-case basis. B. Pedestrian Trails Interna! to Neighborhoods and Communities. Local trails which are not of regional or statewide significance will be identified and protected through management plans or disposa! design under guidelines recommended in the Department's subdivision design manual. The following criteria should be used to determine whether a local trail should be protected by easement or public ownership: 1. 2. If the trail is of regional or statewide importance or connects to a public open space system or regional or statewide importance, it will be kept in state ownership. If the trail is to be used almost entirely by people within a subdivision, but it provides more than just pedestrian access, for example, if it provides a multiple-use greenbelt for jogging, biking, etc., it should be dedicated to a homeowners' association. 3. If the trail is intended to provide local pedestrian access only, it should be protected through easement. 4. Where there is no homeowners' association, for example, in the case of land opened to homesteading, either a publicly owned buffer or easement will be used to protect designated trails. If a trail has the characteristics described in 1 or 2 above, it will be retained in public ownership. If it has the characteristics described in 3, an easement will be reserved. ::r1 C. Standard Trail Corridor of Regional or Statewide Significance. This category includes the majority of trails on state land that will be identified in area or management plans. These trails provide a combination of foot, ORV, and snowmobile access for a variety of purposes. Most have a history of public use and can be expected to see increased use as the state's population increases. The following guidelines are intended to insure consistent management practices on trails throughout the state while allowing the flexibility to base management decisions on site specifie conditions. 1. Trail Buffer Width. Trails of regional or s.tatewide significance on state land shall be protected by publicly-owned corridors that have a minimum width of lOO feet (50 feet each side of centerline). The buffer should be designed to protect the quality of views from the trail and to minimize negative effects such as noise or dust from adjacent land uses. Buffer width may vary to minimize land use and ownership c9nflicts, to separa te motorized from non-motprized uses, to allow flexibility for rerouting, or to adapt the trail to aesthetic or environmental concerns. However, in no case should the width of the buffer be less than lOO feet. Trail buffers should be designed in consultation with the Division of Parks and ADF&G. Activity areas of 10-40 acres may .be identified along trails for camping areas, rest areas, etc. 2. Rerouting Trails. Rerouting trails may be perntittE!d to minimize land use or ownership conflicts or to facilitate use of a trail if alternate routes provide opportunities similar to the original. If trails are rerouted, provision should be made for construction of new trail segments if warranted by type of use. Rerouting trails should be done in consultation with the Division of Parks and ADF&G. Historie trails which follow well-established routes should not be rerouted unless necessary to maintain trail use. 3. Trail Crossings. When it is necessàry for powerlines, pipelines or roads to cross trail corridors, crossings should be at 90° angles when feasible. An exception is when a trail corridor is deliberately combined with a public facility or transportation corridor. Where feasible, vegetative screening should be preserved when a utility crosses a trail corridor. 4. Lease of Lands Within Trail Corridors. Leasing Land within a trail corridor may be done only when the permitted activity does not adversely affect trail use or the aesthetic character of the trail. ':l-1 - - - -- - - - .,. ~ - - - ------------------~~=. ~·----~~,.~~-------~ - '- ..... - ..... """" "'- MISCELLANEOUS GUIDELINES WETLANDS lfANAGEMENT I. STATEWIDE GOALS Protection of Wetland Values To protect the hydrologie, habitat and recreation values of public wetlands. Land management practices will be directed at minimizing adverse impacts on the following important functions of wetlands. A. Water quality: Wetlands serve to filter nutrients and sediment from upland run-off. B. Water supply: Wetlands serve to stabilize water supply by retaining excessive water during flooding and by recharging groundwater during dry periods. c. Habitat/recreation: Wetlands provide important feeding, rearing, nesting, and breeding grounds for many species; related recreational use is also important. II. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES A. Definition of Wetlands. For purposes of inventory and regulation of wetlands, ADNR will use the definition adopted by the State of Alaska under the regulations of the Coastal Management Program (6 ACC 80.919): Wetlands includes both freshwater and saltwater wetlands. Freshwater wetlands means those environments characterized by rooted vegetation which is partially submerged either continuously or periodically by surface freshwater with less than .5 parts per thousand salt content and not exceeding three meters in depth; saltwater wetlands means those coastal areas along sheltered shorlines characterized by halophlic hydrophytes and macro-algae extending from extreme low tide to an area above extreme high tide which is influenced by sea spray or tidally-induced water table changes. For purposes of these management guidelines, wetlands are further divided into three classes: Class I, wetlands larger than 100 acres and all wetlands with a locatable stream outlet (the stream shall be considered part of the wetland); Class II, wetlands between 40 and 100 acres with no outlet; and Class III, wetlands less than 40 acres with no outlet. ~0 B. Retention of Wetlands in Public Ownership. Class I and II wetlands generally will be retained in public ownership. Based on field inventory and analysis, however, DNR may determine that a Class I or II wetland does not have sufficiently high water quality, water supply, habitat, and/or recreation values to merit public ownership. Class III wetlands will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine whether public retention or other measures are necessary to protect wetland values. C. Retention of land Adjacent to Wetlands. 1. Class I wetlands and certain surrounding lands (buffers) should remain in public ownership whenever feasible. A Class I wetland buffer shall include, at minimum, a lOD-foot strip adjacent to the wetland. Restrictive use covenants and public access easements rather than public ownership may be used to protect Class I wetlands and associated buffers under conditions specified in E below. 2. Class II wetlands and certain surrounding lands (buffers) should remain in public ownership whenever feasible. A Clàss II wetland buffer shall include, at minimum, a 6D-foot strip adjacent to the wetland. Restrictive use covenants and public access easements, rather than public ownership may be used to protect Class II wetlands and associated buffers under conditions specified in 5 below. 3. Class III wetlands will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis through the public land disposai process or applicable public land management plans. D. Forestry Management Adjacent to Wetlands 1. Winter access only should be used in or across wetlands whenever feasible. 2. Selective timber harvest only will generally be permitted within 100 feet of Class I and II wetlands. This guideline may be changed for specifie locations by ADNR with the consultation of ADF&G. E. Restrictive Use Covenants and Public Access Easements. Class I and II wetlands (including outlet streams) and associated buffers should remain in public ownership whenever feasible. Restrictive use covenants and public access easements may be used rather than public ownership under the following conditions.: 1. Where the configuration of the wetland is such that survey alon& the meander of the wetland would be excessively expensive. In this case an aliquot part (rectangular) survey rather than a "61 - - - - """' - - - - - - - - - - ~ - ----------------------~=-----~,~~--------' ,.~~""'"""~""~-------"""~-..., ... ~~~~ ..... ~- ._ - ..... "-" -.. "'- """' - ""'"' """" meander survey may be used along the edge of the wetland. This may result in small portions of the wetland being conveyed to private ownership. Restrictive use covenants and public access easements shall be applied to ensure that those portions of the wetland and associated buffer conveyed to private ownership remain in a natural state and that public access and use are maintained • 2. Where the wetland is entirely included with a parce! of land to be sold for private use. In this case the wetland and associated buffer may be conveyed to private ownership with restrictive use covenants which ensure that the wetland and associated buffer remain in a natural state. If there is a stream outlet from such a wetland, public access easements shall be applied to both the outlet and the wetland. F. Dredge and Fill Permits in Essential Waterfowl Habitat. Permits for dredging and filling in wetlands essential to spring and fall waterfowl habitat, including permits for grave! extraction and the construction of roads and pads, will not be granted unless it is determined that the proposed activity will not cause sighi~icant adverse impacts to essential waterfowl habitat or that no feasible alternative exists. G. Activities in Essential Waterfowl Habitat. Industrial activities requiring a permit, lease, or development plan with high levels of acoustical and visual disturbance, such as boat traffic, blasting, dredging, and seismic operations, in essential spring and fall waterfowl habitat will, to the extent feasible and prudent, be avoided during sensitive periods. (This guideline does not apply to ' traditional hunting and fishing activities allowed by law.) H. Operation of Heavy Equipment in Wetlands. Permits issued for activities that require the use of heavy equipment in wetlands that have important hydrologie, recreation or habitat values will, to the extent feasible, require that damage to wetlands and wetland vegetation be avoided. 'i2 AREAWIDE LARD MANAGEMENT POLICIES USE OF RESOURCE MANAGEMENT DESIGNATION There are two categories of lands designated for resource management by this plan: resource management -high value; and 2) resource management -low value. The categories are described below: A. Resource Management -High Value This designation is used when land has all four of the following characteristics: 1. Significant existing or potential value for more than one land usè when the uses are not compatible and one or more of the potential uses requires land disposa! (e.g., settlement or agriculture and forestry/fish and wildlife); 2. Inadequate existing information to establish the highest values of the land for the long term; 3. No existing road access, nor likelihood of access being developed in the next 5 to 10 years. Accessible lands are defined as those within 5 miles of roads that can be traveled year-round by 4-wheel drive vehicles; and 4. Resource development (e.g., farm development, timber harvests, habitat enhancement) is unlikely in the next 5 to 10 years. B. Resource Management -Low Value This designation is used for lands with no significant existing or potential resource values for either public use or private development. Examples of this category include mountaintops, ice fields and large wetlands with little hydrological or habitat value. Under a resource management classification, lands will be available for public use in the near term, provided that the uses are not detrimental to the potential long term uses identified when the resource management classification was established. For example, timber may be harvested from potential agricultural areas designated resource management as long as the agricultural potential is not diminished. ? .2.. G\. - - - """" - .... -- - - """" ...... - - '-' - ._. ..... - - ---------------~--- Resource management designations will be reevaluated either: 1. When plans are revised (approximately every 5 years), or 2. When conditions affecting the potential use of the area change, for example when road access is improved or when better information is available on the benefits/costs of a possible use. Reevaluation will be done through an interagency planning team, and with public review. NOTE: in areas where retention values are high and where there is low potential for settlement or'agricultural use, or where retention values are known to be greater than potential disposai values, land should be classified for retention rather than resource management • a:l... b - CI-IAPT€R 3 LAND ,MANAq€-M€NT POUCleS FOR e.ACH MANA~e/\1e-NT UNIT NORTH PARKS HIGHWAY SUBREGION 86 SOUTH PARKS HIGHWAY SUBREGION 100 PETERSVILLE ROAD SUBREGION .................. 154 SUNFLOWER BASIN SUBREGION ................... 193 SUSITNA LOWLANDS SUBREGION .................. 224 MT. SUSITNA SUBREGION .....•................. 294 BELUGA SUBREGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338 ALASKA RANGE SUBREGION ...................... 358 LAKE LOUISE SUBREGION ....................... 375 GLENN HIGHWAY SUBREGION ..................... 405 TALKEETNA MOUNTAINS SUBREGION ............... 456 CHUGACH MOUNTAINS SUBREGION ................. 478 ------------~-----------,--------~~~;!11t'~------~~l ..... - '-' - ,_ """" :_q ,_ INTRODUCTION TO CBAPTER 3 In this chapter specifie land management policy is presented for each of the Susitna area's 83 management units. A management unit is an area that is generally homogenous with respect to resources, topography and land owner- ship. As was mentioned in the introduction, to help organize the planning process the Susitna Area has been divided into 12 subregions. This chapter is organized using these subregion boundaries; for example, all the management units within Petersville Road subregion are presented, followed by the management units in the Sunflower Basin subregion, etc. A map of these sub- regions is presented in Chapter 1. The order of presentation and page numbers are listed on the divider sheet at the beginning of this chapter. The land management policies to be presented in each management unit in the area are described below: A. Statement of Management Intent B. Land Use Summary Chart (primary and secondary land use designations, prohibited uses, minerais management and land ownership). C. Management Guidelines (management guidelines that apply only to a single management unit and a reference to applicable area-wide management guidelines in Chapter 2). D. Maps of land ownership and management unit and subunit boundaries (sub- units are divisions of land within management units). The statement of management intent defines near and long-term management objectives for the management unit and the methods to achieve these objec- tives. While the land use designations provide a quick picture of planned uses within a unit, the statement of management intent should be used as the more definitive explanation of management policy. Definitions of primary and secondary land use designations are presented in Chapter 1, page 8. The land use designations shown on the maps and charts in this chapter are not inflexible. Uses not shown may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if the Alaska Department of Natural Resources and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough determine they are consistent with the statement of management intent for the management unit in question and consistent with applicable management guidelines. Specifie boundaries of land use designations shown on the following maps may be modified through on-the-ground implementation ~ctivi ties (site planning, disposa! etc.) as long as modifications adhere to the 11 intent of the plan. For example, field surveys may be necessary to delineate precisely the wetland boundaries shown on management unit maps. In addition, through implementation of the plan, additional areas may be identified which meet the established resource objectives for a particular management unit. This plan should not be construed to preclude site decisions which are clearly in compliance with the management intent and guidelines herein. A related point is that this plan will not provide direct answers to many of the site specifie issues frequently encountered by department land managers. A plan that deals with a region the size of the Susitna Area generally cannot provide a predetermined answer to, for example, a question related to a proposed communication site on a ridge of the Chugach Mountains. The plan can, however, make clear what the general management objectives are for the area in question and thereby provide the basis for a more informed decision. Subsurface Resources Land Use Designations The main policy decision regarding subsurface land use is the decision to open or close areas to mineral location or to make areas available for mineral leasing. These decisions are translated into subsurface land use designations ("Coal," "Minerais," etc.) according to rules presented in Appendix III. 15 """"' - - - - - - - - - - - - - - NOKTH 84RK.S Hl(jHWAY ..,.,.------~---·--------··-~----~~--~---------""-~-·---·----·--·---.... .... - - ..... ..... ,_ ,.. 110RTH PARKS HIGHWAY SUBREGION The following section describes land use policy within the North Parks Highway Subregion. It is divided into two parts. The first is an overview of resources and general management intent for the entire subregion. The second presents specifie statements of management intent, land use designations, prohibited uses and management guidelines for each of the subregion's three management units. Maps showing land ownership in the subregion and boundaries of management units and subunits are presented at the end of the first part. I. SUBREGION OVERVIEW A. :Background The North Parks Highway subregion encompasses the Parks Highway and Alaska Railroad from the northern border of Denali State Park (near Chulitna Pass) north to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough boundary. It extends east to the Talkeetna Mountains and west to the border of Denali National Park and Preserve. The western portion includes part of the Alaska Range surrounding the Ohio Creek Drainage. There are approximately 227,500 acres in this subregion, of which 193,660 (85%) are state owned or selected, 27,970 (12%) are Native owned or selected, and 4150 acres (2%) are owned by the Federal government. Less than 1% of the subregion is in private ownership. The Parks Highway and Alaska Railroad provide much of the area with a high degree of accessibility, with the exception of the southwest part of the area in the Alaska Range. There are airstrips at Colorado and Summit and severa! major trails leading from the highway into the back country, including a jeep trail heading northwest to the Dunkle Mine area. Approximately two miles north of Hurricane Gulch there is a suspension bridge across the Chulitna River, providing foot access to the west. This subregion has high values for recreation, fish and wildlife and minerais. The Parks Highway in this subregion provides one of the most scenic drives in the study area. Winter recreation includes dog mushing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, especially in the area between Hurricane and Broad Pass. Summer activities include hiking and camping. Honolulu Creek and the middle, east and west forks of the Chulitna River are important salmon producing streams for the Cook Inlet commercial fishery and are also popular sport fishing areas. In addition these drainages support a good deal of trapping. Moose, Dall sheep and caribou from the McKinley Park herd also frequent this subregion. There are many mining claims in this area, primarily for gold (in the Colorado area particularly) but also for tin (especially along the Ohio Creek drainage). Most mining activity, however, occurs in more remote areas closer to stream headwaters outside the subregion borders. There is no oil and gas potential in this region and only very low to low potential for coal. 11--- There is little potential within this subregion for agriculture or grazing. There are only limited areas with timber, but these provide wood for persona! use. Sorne state lands within this subregion have been identified as having settlement potential. B. Overview of Management Intent The overall intent for this subregion is to protect/improve recreation, fish and wildlife, and scenic values, while allowing a limited amount of land sales. To achieve this, the majority of public land will be retained in public ownership with primary designations for recreation, fish and wildlife, and minerais. 1. Settlement 1 A summary of acreage proposed for sale in the North Parks Highway Subregion is shown in Table 1, below. The planning team (and SCDO) recommends the sale of approximately 5,120 acres of state land in FY86 (the Hurricane Addition.and Pass Creek sales). These areaa will be sold as subdivisions or homesteads. There is no borough land in this subregiort. A block of over 9,000 acres of state land is still the subject of discussion by the planning team. The Resource Allocation Sectiort recommends that this area (east of the Parks Highway and south of the East Fork Chulitna River) be added to the 20 year settlement pool yielding an estimated 2,810 acres of additional disposais. tn addition, two areas (Hurricane Remote and Middle Fork Chulitna) opened for staking on February 1-they total 7,650 gross acres. TABLE 1 Acreage Identified for Settlement GROSS AREA (ac) NET AREA (ac) Planning Team Re source Total Planning Team Resource Total Recommendations Allocation Recommen-Allocation 1 Section dations Section Proposais Proposais 1 1 l STATE LAND 1 1 Il 1 1 1 1 1 New 5,120 9,370 14,490 1,540 2,810 4,350 Of fe rings -------------·····--------------------------------------~ '31 .....~ -- ~ ldi ..... - - - 2. Agriculture/Grazing There is little potential for agricultural or grazing due to climatic limitations. 3. Forestry Timber resources are of limited extent but locally important for personal use. Forestry is limited to a secondary designation within proposed settlement areas. 4. Fish and Wildlife s. The majority of the subregion not designated for settlement will be retained in public ownership and managed to protect fish and wildlife habitat and use areas, and recreational opportunities. The Chulitna River and its tributaries support anadromous fish, and the area provides habitat ·for black bear, caribou and moose. < Especially valuable are winter habitat areas along the rivers. Recreation Recreational activities include hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, and hunting and fishing. Several public recreation cabins are recommended for this subregion to accommodate and encourage winter use of the area, particularly between Hurricane and Broad Pass. In addition, the planning team recommends a commercial recreation site in this area. Protection of the scenic quality of the Parks Highway corridor is also a major objective. 6. Subsurface The area generally will remain open to new mining claims although leasehold location will be used in areas easily viewed from the Parks Highway or Alaska Railroad (refer to the study, "Scenic Resources Along the Parks Highway," to help determine exact locations) and in important fish or wildlife habitat areas. 7. Transportation Existing major transportation routes include the Parks Highway and Alaska Railroad. No additional roads are proposed at this time. Several sites on state land need to be identified and reserved for material sites to accommodate DOT/PF's maintenance needs for the Parks Highway. '$Ci 1 . ' 1); ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ NORTH B4RKS Hl(jHWAY HWY. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS Designations in CAPITAL LETTERS are primary designations; those in lower case letters are secondary designations; areas shown with stars (*) will be recommended for legislative designation. M";f. UNIT 1 -Blli\D PASS la PRIVATE lAND lb WII.DLIFE HAB., PUBLIC REC., MimRALS; Coal ICI". linT 2 -AJAS{A RARE 2 WILDLIFE Ii\8. , PUBLIC REX::. , MINERAIS; Coal, Relrote Cabins ter. mrr 3 -O:ll.1'fM. lŒ'VER 3a PRIVATE lAND CiO 3b Sh""'"''EMENE'; Wildlife Hab., Public Rec. 3c UNRESJLVED ARFA-Proposed resolution: jllrt SET1IEMENT, p:trt WILDL~ HAB. , PUBLIC REC. , FORESI'RY 3d WILDLllffi HAB., PUBLIC REC., MINERAIS; Coal b!l i _, - - illiJiÔ ~ .. cfo· - - - ~ - - '"- '-' NORTH 84RKS 1-1/(jHWAY ~-t\ili!t~··· SOUTH PARKS HIGHWAY j, LANO OWNERSHIP fEEB FEDERAL c::J STATE IZZJ STATE SELECTE D (§s:J BOROUGH (includll selected lands) f:·\;;/M NATIVE (includu selected fonds) ~t'a PRIVAT! (other thon native 1 includes university lands} r::::J PAST STATE AND BOROUGH LAND SALES CI:3 Subdivision E:i:J Remotes E:!i:] Agriculture tL-::.:~af LEGISLATIVELY DESIGNATED AREA NOTE: This information has been generolized fo show ownership in blacks of 320 acres or greoter. Hence, many isoloted privote lots ore not shown, e.g. many lokes which ~~~;;::-----,,. oppear public are ringed with privote lots. SCALE 1:250,000 e .JANUARY 1984 I. MANAGEMENT INTENT ABD GUIDELINES BY MANAGEMENT URIT MANAGEMENT UNIT 1 -BROAD PASS MANAGEMENT INTENT This management unit is approximately 65% private land (primarily Native or Native selected) and includes most land immediately adjacent to the highway and railroad from two miles south of Broad Pass north to the subregion boundary. Generally, state land in this area should be managed to provide public recreation opportunities, to protect the quality of fish and wildlife habitat, and to allow mining. The McKinley Park caribou herd ranges into this area as well as moose and sheep; the area is especially important for winter recreation. The management unit has been divided into 2 subunits: the primarily private, Native and university land (la), and the four blocks of state land (lb). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. There are five small parcels of university land in Subunit la, all of which border or include land along the Parks Highway. Since there is very little public land on or adjacent to the Parks Highway in this unit, the possibility of trades should be investigated so severa! public use sites can be retained along the highway. The primary management objective for Subunit lb is to protect existing public use values by retaining land in public ownership. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines could potentially apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation Forestry Settlement *Subsurface Transportation *Ac cess Lakeshqre Management Instream Flow Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Quality Wetlands Management *Land Administration Policy: Resource management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below. ~J.. - - - ~ - - - - - ~ tJJ 1 LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION NORTH PARKS HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UN /I____;..l_-...;;;B.;;.:.;;RO=AD;;...,;P:..:;.::A::::.,::SS~----, MG MT. ANALYSIS LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY SECONDARY USE(S) USE(S) MINERALS PROHIBITED ~URFA CE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS la 2008, 2010 Native/ Priva te 2012' 2013 Priva te/ 2015 University/ lb 2007, 2009 State State 2011' 2014 Retention Land Wildlife Habitat Co al Public Recreation Minerals Remote Cabins Open Available for Land Disposals leasing ' L_ ----L__ _________ . ·-· ---------·------.... 1 Other uses such as material sales, landleasès, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may 'be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE "" DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES . - 1 1 ! 1 1 1 1 1 ! 1 1 1 i ,! 1 ! 1 J Subunits la and lb Access When mining occurs, trails and public access points from the highway and railroad into the backcountry will be protected. MANAGEMENT UHIT 2 -.ALASKA RANGE MANAGEMENT INTENT This management unit is that portion of the subregion west of the Middle Fork of the Chulitna River and in the foothills of the Alaska Range. It is currently all state qwned or selected.. The unit will be managed to protect fish and wildlife values (caribou, sheep, and to a lesser extent, moose), to provide recreati.onal opportunities (especially hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling), and to allow mining. See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. Additional recreational use of this area should be encouraged through the remote cabin program, construction of public use cabins or commercial recreation facilities, and installation of footbridges across sorne of the creeks running into the Chulitna River north of the Susitna River. MANAGEMENT GUIDELlNES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines could potentially apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation Forestry Settlement *Subsurface Transportation *Access Lakeshore Management Instream Flow Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Quality Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: Resource management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. ~1 ...,; - ~ - - - - - ~ ~ ~ - -o ·"'1 l f r r [ ( i LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON NORTH PARKS HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UNIT. 2 -ALASKA RANGE r MGMT. ANALYSIS LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNE.RSHIP SUBUNIT NUMBE.RS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS PROHIBITED 'SURFACE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF PRIMARY SE.CONDARY USE(S) USE(S) USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LE.ASEABLE. MINERALS MINE.RALS 2 1501, 2005 State/State 2006, 2019 Selected Wildlife Habitat Co al Land Disposals Open Available for Public Recreation Remote Cabins leasing Minerals · 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may ~e allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.i th the relevant management guide 1 ines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE """ DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES MANAGEMENT UNIT 3 -CHDLITNA RIVER MANAGEMENT INTENT This management unit extends south from near Broad Pass to the southern border of the suhregion along the Middle Fork of the Chulitna River. The management unit contains a mix of public and private land and will be managed to provide public recreation opportunities and protect fish and wildlife values while providing land to the private sector for seasonal recreational settlement. This is one of the few places in the study area where there is rouch state land along the Parks Highway or Alaska Railroad -approximately 15 miles of the highway within this unit are bordered on at least one side hy state land. The management unit has heen divided into 4 suhunits. The private and Native lands scattered throughout the management unit that total approximately 13,200 acres are suhunit 3a. This subunit includes the Hurricane and Middle Fork Chulitna Remote disposais which are currently open for staking. The Hurricane Addition and Pass Creek disposais proposed for FY'86 are suhunit 3h. The Antimony Creek suhunit (3c) is state land mostly east of the highway from Little Honolulu Creek north to the East Fork Chulitna River, and the Middle Fork Chulitna River unit (3d) is public land running the entire length of the management unit. See the maps at the heginning of this section for houndaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. Suhunit 3a includes two areas that are currently open for staking of remote parcels. Stakings within the Hurricane Remote area may he few and scattered due to difficult access. When the current staking period is over, this area should he closed to further offerings and any unstaked land should he retained in public ownership and managed to protect public values. The area is an important fall and winter moose concentration area, spring concentration area for black bear, supports a high diversity of species, and receives recreational use. The Middle Fork Chulitna Remote is a smaller, more accessible area and will likely be heavily staked. If, however, any parcels remain unstaked after the current staking period is closed, they should be retained in public ownership. The planning team has reviewed and generally agrees with the two settle- ment areas proposed for FY'86 (subunit 3b). However, planning team members were divided on the question of additional settlement discussed for suburiit 3c. The District originally agreed to only look for additional sale areas west of the Parks Highway (3d). After closer scrutiny, however, the planning team would rather investigate the area to the east between the highway and the Alaska Railroad, since access to this area would be more easily provided and the area generally is well screened 'Jco - llo..\ lei - - - ..... - - 11001 - - - - , ~ r [ r ( LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION NORTH PARKS HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT uNir 3 -CHULITNA RIVER MINERALS MG MT. ANALYSIS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEO LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY [SURFACE· MGMT. OF MGMT. OF USE(SJ 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE($) USE(S) MINERAL$ MINERAL$ 3a 1502 (north Priva te/ Settlement Wildlife Habitat Remote Cabins Closed Not available for Private Land 1503 (south Past Sales Public Recreation coal leasing or 2017, 2018 prospecting 2024, 2026 2027, 2031 3b 1502 (south) State Settlement Wildlife Habitat Remote Cabins Closed prior to Not available for Hurricane Addn. 1503 (north) Public Recreation sale coal leasing or Pass Creek prospecting 3c 2022 (east State part Settlement Remote Cabins Settlement area Settlement areas Antimony Creek of river) part Wildlife closed prior to not available for 2025 Habitat, Public sale; other areas coal leasing or Recreation remain open prospecting; other areas available 3d 1504, 2016 State Wildlife Habitat Co al Remote Cabins Open Available for Hiddle Fork 2020, 2021 Public Recreation Land Disposals leasing Chulitna 2022 (west Minerals of river) 2023, 2028 2029, 2030 2050, 2051 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not.specifically prohibited may ~e allowed~ Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE "' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES ~nresolved issues remain-designation~ uncertain (see ~anagement intent section for furthe1 information) from the highway. This subunit totals nearly 9,400 acres. The Department of Fish and Game, the Division of Parks, and the Mat-Su Borough would prefer not to have additional settlement areas identified until there is a more stable economie base (e.g., if Susitna dam is built). Other planning team members were not opposed to additional sales. The Resource Allocation Section recommends that this area be placed in the 20 year settlement pool but that no more than 3D-40% of this subunit be offerred for sale. Subunit 3d will be retained in public ownership and managed to provide buffers and open space between blacks of private land and settlement areas. This will provide opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing, sqowmobiling, and other types of recreation, and protect especially scenic views from the Parks Highway. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines could potentially apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry *Settlement *Subsurface Transportation *Access Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Quality Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: Resource management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit 3b (Hurricane Addition/Pass Creek) Recreation/Access In the proposed Pass Creek sale, the Chulitna Butte area (those portions in Sections 22, 27, 28 and 34) with public access points, will be retained in public ownership for public recreation. Land will not be sold above 2,000' elevation. Forestry When sales are designed in this subunit, severa! sites within the sale areas will be identified and reserved for woodlots to provide timber for persona! use. qi -.. illlilii - ~ ....,j - ~ - - ~ -- - ..... - - '- - '- " River Corridors Within the Pass Creek sale area a state owned corridor 200' either side of the ordinary high water mark along Pass Greek, and a 50' corridor along either side of unnamed tributaries to Pass Creek will be retained in public ownership. In the Hurricane Addition sale, a state owned corridor 150' from the ordinary high water mark on the west side of the Chulitna River will be retained to protect opportunities for hunting and fishing and to lessen flooding and erosion hazards along the river. In both sale areas a state owned buffer 100' on either side of all unnamed creeks that are shown on 1:63,360 scale USGS topographie maps will be retained in public ownership. Subunit 3c (Antimony Creek) Visual Quality Land sales or other development along the highway should be designed to have minimal impact ori views from the Parks Highway. This can be achieved by not selling land immediately adjacent to the highway, but rather locating sales on the east side and upland of the road where they would be less visible. Refer to "Scenic Resources Along the Parks Highway" for further details. Location of Land Sales Sales should be located to produce minimum impacts on access and public recreation values. This can be accomplished by locating sales east of the highway on the ridge and clustering them to allow public use of other land in the area. Recreation/Fish and Wildlife Public access to the land surrounding the rest area and picnic area in T20S R10W Section 26 will be retained in public ownership. River Corridors A publicly owned buffer of at least 200' either side of the ordinary high water mark on Honolulu Creek, Antimony Greek, and Hardage Creek will be retained in public ownership. A 100' buffer either side of all unnamed creeks that are shown on the 1:63,360 scale topographie maps will be retained in public ownership., '19 SOUTH P.ARKS Hl(jHWAY .... '""""' - ,_ - '""" - SOUTH PARKS HIGHWAY SUBREGION The following section describes land use policy within the South Parks Highway Subregion. It is divided into two parts. The first is an overview of resources and general management intent for the subregion as a whole. The second presents specifie statements of management intent, land use designations, prohibited uses, and management guidelines for each of the subregion's fourteen management units. Maps showing land ownership in the subregion and boundaries of management units and subunits are presented at the end of the first part. 1. SUBREGION OVERVIEW A. Background The northern boundary of this subregion is the line between Township 33 North and Township 32 North, Seward Meridi,an which is just south of Summit Lake and Chulitna Pass. The subregion extends south to the Willow Sub-basin, west to the Susitna and Chulitna rivers and east to the foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains. It includes a strip of land in the foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains just east of Denali State Park and along the Susitna River and Alaska Railroad. The lower portions of severa! river drainages are included in the subregion, including Sheep River and Creek, the Talkeetna River, and the North Fork and mainstream of the Kashwitna River. Nuch of the actual Parks Highway is included in the Petersville Road Subregion. The subregion contains approximately 496,600 acres of which approximately 61% is owned or selected by the State of Alaska, 20% is owned or selected by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and 8% is owned or selected by Native corporations. Past state and borough land sales (including agricultural) and private land accounts for 11%. Very little of the s tate-owned land is presently aeces s ible by road. The presence or proximity of the Parks Highway and the Alaska Railroad makes land in this subregion fairly accessiblE!. In addition, this subregion includes the Talkeetna eut-off road 1, local roads (e.g., Caswell Lakes Road), trails (particularly in the Talkeetna area), and airstrips at Montana and Talkeetna. This subregion receives a high level of recreation use. Rivers in the area are important salmon producers for the Cook Inlet commercial fishery and also support sorne of the best sport fishing use in the study area, especially at crossings of the Parks Highway such as at the Kashwitna River and Montana Creek. These drainages also are important for commercial trapping. Other recreational activities include hunting, hiking, camping, boating, dog mushing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Mining activity is less than it was in the /01 past but there are still concentrations of claims just north of Talkeetna, along the Chunilna River and at Gold Creek. Coal potential in the area is low to very low and oil and gas potential is unknown. Much of the subregion, especially north of the Talkeetna cutoff, bas been identified to have agricultural potential. The state and borough have sold agricultural lands at Talkeetna and Bartlett Hills. Potential grazing land has been identified just east of the subregion in the foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains. Much of the land with agricultural potential also has potential for commercial and/or persona! use forestry and settlement. Severa! state land disposais have taken place in recent years including Talkeetna Bluffs, Talkeetna Bluffs Addition, Bald Mountain, and Chase I and II. B. Overview of Management Intent Because of the large amount of existing private land on or adjacent to the Parks Highway, the majority of the small amount of state owned land in this area will be retained in public ownership to provide recreation sites, material sites, woodlots and open space, and to maintain visual quality along the highway. A substantial percentage of other public lands further from the highway will be retained in public ownership for forestry, fish and wildlife habitat and recreation. A moderate amount of state land will be offered for disposai for settlement, including regular and agricultural homesteads. Most borough land will be designated borough land bank which signifies that areas will be retained in borough ownership at least in the near term and managed for various public uses including recreation, wildlife habitat and forestry. In the long term, however, many of these areas may be used for settlement or agriculture. Sorne borough land is designated for long term retention (including land along the Susitna River, Birch Slough and north of Goose Creek) and a small amount is designated for settlement and agriculture (near Caswell Lake and Larson Lake). The general intent is to preserve the existing character of the area by retaining habitat and recreation lands, visual quality along the highway, and a low density lifestyle, while providing for future growth in the area. 1. Settlement The majority of public land in this subregion bas high potential for sale as near term settlement due to proximity to access and possible resource developments. A total of 48,000 acres in the subregion (nearly 10%) have already been offerred by the state and borough. Portions of this subregion are within the borough's Talkeetna Mountains Special Use District (TMSUD). The Matanuska-Susitna Borough bas agreed to negotiate to change the boundary of the TMSUD to exclude proposed settlement areas. The TMSUD boundary will be east of any planned sales in this subregion. See the Talkeetna Mountains Subregion writeup for additional informtion on the TMSUD. toz - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ...,j - '- ._ ._, .... """" A summary of the acreage proposed for dis:posal in the So~th Parks Highway Subregion is shown in Table 1, below. The planning team recommends disposa! of approximately 21,100 acres of state land over the next twenty years. Most of the offerings will be subdivisions or non-agricultural homestealds, but approximately 6,175 acres will probably be conveyed as agricultural homesteads. Approximately 4,060 acres of borough land are proposed for sale, 1,900 of that for agriculture. A block of over 12,500 acres of state land is still the subject of discussion by the planning team. The Res:ource Allocation Section recommends that this area (on either side of Disappointment Creek north of the Talkeetna River) be added to the 20 year settlement pool. It is recommended that sales in the area be low density, yielding on estimated 800 acres of additi.onal disposais • Approximately 57,500 acres of land are de:signated borough land bank. These lands may be available for s:ettlement or agriculture in the long term, but there are no immediate plans for sale. When these areas are reevaluated to determine their long term best use, forestry, habitat and public recreation values will be considered, as well as agricultural and settlement potential. 2. Agriculture/Grazing No additional state land in this subregion will be offerred for sale for commercial agriculture. Sorne of the public land planned for sale,however, will be in the agricultural homestead category. Approximately 12,350 gross acres (estimated 6,175 net) have been identified as agricultural homesteads. 1~e most significant area (7,520 gross acres) is the Chase III area originally proposed as commercial agriculture. Because the area will be offered as agricultural homesteads with local trails and access reserved, conflicts with existing uses should be minimized. (DNR held a public meeting with Chase residents to di.scuss these issues in January, 1984.) The other major state homestead area is east of Caswell Lake. An estimated 27,600 gross acres of borough land are suitable for agriculture; the largest black of boroug:h agricultural land, totalling over 14,000 acres, is located hetween the Susitna and Chu li tna Ri vers. Most of the borough agri.cul tura! lands will be designated borough land bank with the exception of land near Montana Creek, where the borough sold land for agriculture in November·, 1983 and proposes to sell more. The Division of Agriculture has identified two areas within this subregion for grazing. They are located in the foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains south and east of Bald Mountain. /03 Table 1 Acreage Identified for Settlement and Agriculture - GROSS AREA (ac) NET AREA ( ac) -Planning Resource Total Planning Resource Total Te am Allocation Te am Allocation .....J Re comme nd-Section Re comme nd-Section ations Proposais at ions Proposais - STATE LAND 1 New Offer-29,880 12,650 42,530 6,070 800 6,870 ings Reofferings -within Past 29,510 ----29,510 8,850 ----8,850 Disposai j Areas 1 Agriculture 12,350 ----12,350 6' 17 5 ----6,175 (lio~s-t~ls) -STATE TOTAL 71,740 12,650 84,390 21,095 800 21,895 - 1 BOROUGH -LAND New Offer-5,980 ----5,980 2,160 ----2,160 - ings -Agriculture 3,170 ----3' 170 1,900 ----1,900 """' BOROUGH TOTAL 9' 150 ----9,150 4,060 ----4,060 - STATE AND 1 BOROUGH 80,890 12,650 93,540 25,155 800 25,955 1 TOTAL - - - /Ocf ( """" ._ Note: Areas proposed for retention in public ownership for forestry, fish and wildlife or recreation generally will be managed for this combination of resources. Thus, those areas mentioned for pE!rsonal use forestry, for example, will also be managed for habitat and reereation. Specifie details follow. 3. Forestry This subregion has potential for both commercial and persona! use forestry and a substantial amount of state land will be retained in long term public ownership to support this use. One large area will be recommended for legislative designation as a state forest. This includes an area in the southeastern portion of the subregion, stretching from just north of the Willow Sub-basin to the Middle Fork of Montana Creek and from near timberli ne of the Talkeetna Mountains west about five miles. Some public land east of the railroad and north of the Chase area also will be retained in public ownership and managed for persona! use forestry • Publicly owned river corridors in the arE!a also will be available for timber management wherever this does not impair the value of -the corridors for habitat and recreation., """' - - ,_ 6, 4. Fish and Wildlife This sUbregion is important for a variety of fish and wildlife species and hunting and fishing due to it:s relatively good access. Since much of the land east of the Parks Highway, including land along river corridors, is at !east partially in private ownership, and since this area w:l.ll be subjected to substantial demands for recreation, hunti.ng and other public uses, the intent is to maintain at least one w:l.de land corridor from the Talkeetna Mountains to the Susitna River. This corridor will provide a migration corridor for moose and an important break in the otherwise uninterrupted development along the Parks Highway. The best place to accomplish this is between Sheep Creek and Montana Creek. In November, 1983, the borough offered agricultural land for sale in this area, which somewhat narrows this corridor but does not disrupt it ent:irely. The borough is committed to long term retention of their lands south of the agriculture area to protect the remainder of this corridor. Most of the little remaining public land along rivers and creeks such as Montana, Sheep, Goose, and Talkee!tna will be retained in public ownership. Pockets of state land along the highway will be retained in public ownership to provide access to fishing and /OS hunting areas. In addition, consideration should be given to purchase from private owners of valuable habitat and access points at the mouths of sorne rivers, especially those that are heavily fished, such as Montana Creek. In addition, areas proposed for legislative designation and retention mentioned under forestry will be available for habitat management and human use. S. Recreation In order to maintain and enhance recreational opportunities, land retained in long term public ownership will be managed for recreation in addition to forestry and fish and wildlife. This area receives intense and growing pressure for a variety of recreational activities that require developed facilities. These activities include fishing, tent and RV camping, picnicking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Most of these activities require campsites, parking areas or pulloffs along the highway. The existing facilities to handle these demands are inadequate and the state and borough must cooperate to meet this demand. As mentioned above, state land along the highway will be retained to provide recreation sites and maintain visual quality. The Division of Parks is acquiring private land at Montana Creek to enlarge the existing recreation site there and consideration should be given to developing new campgrounds at other sites. In addition, the potential for remote cabins, public use cabins, or a commercial recreation development along the railroad between Curry and Gold Creek should be maintained through retention of public lands. 6. Subsurface Mining policies in this subregion will remain similar to what they are now: densely settled areas and agricultural areas will be closed to mineral entry as will homesteading areas while staking occurs. Other areas, such as legislatively designated areas (e.g., the Kashwitna State Forest), developed recreation sites and certain river corridors (e.g., the proposed Talkeetna State Recreation River and portions of those rivers within the state forest) may also be closed or under leasehold location. 7. Transportation Proposed transportation routes within the subregion include road access to the Larson Lake area, the Chase III area, and the proposed state forest in the southeast portion of the subregion. The borough is currently requesting legislative funding for a road to Larson Lake which would run north from Answer Creek and the Bartlett Bills area. A 300' right-of-way which runs east from the '()(p - - - - liai ~ - - 1 - - - l>l!!r.ii ..... ~ - '- - .._ .,_ ..... "'""' ..... railroad to the Chase area has been platted but not constructed. Additional rights-of-way are proposed for access within the Chase project. Access to the proposed forest reserve could run ei~her 1 ' south from the Bartlett Hills area~ or east and north from tbe Caswell Lake area, or both. IOç,o., SOUTH PARKS HIGHWAY ~ LANO OWNERSHIP EEffi FEDERAL c::J STATE t2:ZJ STATE SELECTED ~ BOROUGH ( includea selected lands) [. _;,):) NATIVE (includea selected lands) Œ·:fS PRIVATE (other thon native, includes university lands) c::3 PAST STATE AND BOROUGH LAND SALES CD Subdivision E:EJ Remotes [§:3 Agriculture (C::~J) LEGISLATIVELY DESIGNATED AREA NOTE: This information hoa been generalîzed 1o show ownenhip in blacks of 320 acres or great er. Hence, many isolated prîvote lots ore not shawn, e.g. many la ku which oppear public ore rin9ed with privote lots. SCALE 1:250,000 8 JANUARY 1984 ~--. IOi>lli - - -' - w - - - - - - - - ÀYMHbJH S)ll:l~ H~nos 80/ SOUTH B4RKS Hl(jHWAY LAND USE DESIGNATIONS Ie;ignations in CAPITAL !ETIERS are primary designations; those in lCM:!r œse letters are secorrlary designations; areas slnwn with stars(*) Will 1:e recanœnde:l for legislative designation. n;r. miT 1 -a:J]) amEl{ la SETILEMENT; Wildlife Hab., Public Rec., Oi1 and Gas lb SETIIEMENT; Wildlife Hab., Public Rec., Oi1 arrl Gas le UNREffiLVED AR&\ DUE 1D STA1US OOESTICIB ld WIIJ)LIFE H\B. , PUBLIC REC. , MINERAIS; Fores try, Oil arrl G3.s le SE'ITLEMrNI'; Wildlife Hab., Public Rec., 011 arrl Gas If :OOROOGH LAND BAN<-Values: Settlaœnt, Wildlife Hab., Public Rec., Forestry, Oil arrl Gas, Minerais, Chal }Cf. mrr 2 -&JSriNA/<RILl"INA RrVERS 2 WIIDLIFE H\B., WATER RE91JRŒS, MINERAI.S; Public Rec., Forestry, Chal, Oil and Gas M;T. 1lliT 3 -'WHISŒRS œmc 3a lYILDLIFE H\B. , PUBLIC REr:. ; Fores try, Minerais, Oil arrl Gas , Chal 3b BCI«lJŒ lAND BANK -Values: Public Rec. , Wildlife Hab., Forestry, Minerais, Chal, Oil arrl Gas 3c SETILEMENT; Public Rec., Wildlife Hab., Forestry, Oil arrl G3.s "ICI'. mrr 4 -~ 4a WIIDLIFE H\B., WATER RE3JURŒS; Public Rec., Forestry, Minerais, Chal, Oil and Gas 4b BOROOŒ lAND BANK-Values: Forestry, Wildlife Hab., Public Rec., Chal, Oi1 and Gas, Minerais 4c AGRIQJL1URE/~; Forestry, Wildlife Hab. , Oil arrl Gas 4d SE'ITI.EI'f.NI'; Forestry, Hïldlife Ibb. 4e UNREffiLVED ARFA -Proposed resolution: part SE'ITI.EMEN1', part WITDLUE H\B. , PUBLIC~. .. /') H:r. lNIT 5 -IARSW IATŒ Sa tiD...DLIFE H\B., PUBLIC REr:.; Forestry, Oil arrl Gas Sb WILDLIFE H\B., PUBLIC REr:.; Forestry, Oil and Gas Sc part SETIIEMENT, p:1rt IDROOGH lAND BANK - Values: Agric., Settlaœnt, Forestry, Wildlife Hàb., Public Rec., Minerais, Oil and Gas, Chal -~-lJill'I' 6 -'D\IJŒE1NA RI.VHt f b~ 6a PUBLIC REr:. , WILDLIFE H\B.; Forestry, Oil and Gas 6b PUBLIC REr:., WILDLIFE H\B., MnERALS; Forestry, Chal, Oi1 arrl G3.s ~. UNIT 7 -BAID KlJNfAIN 7a SETILEMENT; Wildlife Hab., Forestry, (hal, Oi1 and Gas 7b PUBLIC REr:. , WiillLIFE H\B.; Chal, Forestry, Oi1 arrl Gas 7c SETILEMENT; Wildlife Hab., Forestry, Oil and (',ag' Chal 7d PUBLIC REr:. , WILDLIFE Hill., MIJIERAIS; Oil arrl Gas' Chal H:r. mrr s -»Hm.t Œ~BC 8 PUBLIC REr:., WILDLIFE H<\B.; Forestry, Oil and Gas lCI'. UNIT 9 -"fAl1ŒEENA 9a OOROOŒ lAND BANK -Values: Settleœnt, Agric., Forestry, Public Rec. , Wildlife Hab. , Oi1 an:l Gas. , Minerais, Chal 9b tm...oLIFE H\B.; Public Rec., Forestry, Minerais , Oil arrl Gas, Chal 9c Wll.DLIFE H\B., PUBLIC REC.; Forestry, Minerais, Oil arrl G3.s, Chal IGT. mrr 10 -KmANrA <lŒfK lili OOIUJGH lANO BANK -Values: .t\?;ric., Settlaœnt, Forestry, Public Rec. , Wildlife Hab., Oi1 arrl Gas, Coal, Minerais lOb WlLDLIFE Hm., WATER RE:nJRŒS; Public Rec., Forestry, Oil arrl Gas, Minerais, Cœl lOc SETTŒMENT; Public Rec. , Wildlife Hab. , Forestry, Oi1 arrl Gas lful:U~ULlu~; wua.ure Hab., Public Rec., Oil an:l Gas. (v \ IL~~\ 13b SE'rn..EMENT; Wildlife Hab., Public Rec., /~A.: - - -- -- - -- Oi1 arrl Gas ~' \ linT 14 -197 MllE ammc -~) a \,\ ._ 14 WILDLIFE H\B., PUBLIC REr:., WATER ~ '-. RESOURŒS; Forestry, Minerais, Oi1 and " N_;, Gas Chal ' 03222 \) ' ~~~ ~ ~( ~ ~~-----~,~..::, ) '" oo'\:~J' ~,--o <::; -~~ Map scale 1: 2SO, 000 -~---~) "~ tt2 ' ')_7/; ''""'<a, w• -r 0h o _ -;---~1 E: !, 1 /~)· ~,1> ~ -:!:' ~.ki .Î\ / j • '/ ,.,. • '- .._ - r -r: - - '-w "-' ',\ Ïl Il Ri!!"kys /,r!l,ï',' TmJlfil'l" Ica ke ,• ,· T'tapper 190 Lake j \. .'.'i' '•' 1 j 'Wf't ......, J; M~ .. ~.'<k'·,.. ·. "<; J \ "-\ i' . ,) '"' -;~~-,~~ ,-:,. ?,~· <~\r âRU~ tr ••. l ·.:··v·· v·: ""! 3/_;.2 i "! l 1 \_...'.. oç::. '•f f29N i Z: . gl)resw Ë21 • " . r:ilL , ... " ::Sj ;c ) " VABM_KbÎsçpp~in~nt -4·}1.f-~ l . '('\ ·! .-·/ 1" / ':>~~ '~_0,~ )~~~~r:~~3Î=t~~~--~·~~~\~~~~-;,~~~~r/~ •. ~ ' . ----,--çl 2 .. \! . " i1 " '"~·.· )!tl\. lfJJA Jo:; . '; ' :..c ' c' ' » . iJI c•"" ~Arl ·. ( ab1n j:.~l) ::>~ 0$. 'J:gR5W ;"" JYii R4W t 0 ;Hap '/~~~~/~ ~··~ ) \' f/0 II. MANAGEMENT INTENT AND GUIDELINES BY MANAGEMENT UNIT MANAGEMENT UNIT 1 -GOLD CREEK MANAGEMENT INTENT This unit is a narrow strip of land from one to four miles wide irnmediately ta the east of the Alaska Railroad and at the northern end of the subregion. The fact that the Susitna River is adjacent ta the western boundary of this management unit makes the land attractive and desirable for a variety of uses. The railroad provides access, and due ta a past land sale, there is sorne law density year round settlement in the area. Fish and wildlife and recreation values associated with the river add ta the value of the unit. It is mostly in public ownership and for the reasons mentioned above will be managed ta provide additional land sales separated by blacks of publicly owned land necessary ta protect public recreation values, habitat, and firewood for local use. Four small settlement areas have been approved by the department and will be offered in FY 85. The unit is divided into 6 subunits: the Indian River South subdivision proposed for FY 85 (la); the Indian River Remote past disposai (this subunit includes sorne borough land [lb]); state selected land managed by the Alaska Rail raad (le); two blacks of retention land ( ld); other lands proposed for sale in FY 85 (Sherman, Curry North and Lane Creek) (le); and a black of borough selected land encompassing Lane Creek (lf). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. Subunit lf contains borough land which will be designated land bank. It is just west of the Susitna River and includes portions of Lane Creek. These lands are not likely to be offered for settlement in the near term, but may'be offered in the future if demand merits such an offering. In - ..... - - - - - ...,; - - - - - the near term, the lands will be used to support fish and wildlife - habitat, recreation and persona! use forestry. There are potential claims within subunit le by bath the Alaska Railroad and a local native group. In addition, this subunit includes the intertie route and one of the proposed routes to the possible Devil's Canyon dam site. There is sorne flat land in the north and west portion of the unit which would be extremely valuable for commerical settlement if the Susitna hydra project occurs. The option for this development should be preserved '" - - - / -.. -.,.., [ ( 1 r i 1 f f LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SOUTH PAHKS HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 1 -GOLD CREEK MINERALS PROH/8/TED !$URFA CE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS ANALYSIS LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S} USE(S) Remote Cabins Presently closed Not available for Trapper Cabins coal leasing or prospecting la NW part of State Settlement Wildlife Habitat Indian River 1534 Public Recreation South Subd. Oil and Gas Remote Cabins Presently Closed Not available for Trapper Cabins coal leasing or prospecting lb 1510, 1511 Past Sale Settlement Wildlife Habitat Indian River 1534 (NE of Public Recreation Remote (past) Susitna) Oil and Gas le 1534 (south State/State ------- -- - -~ ---- -- -- ----Alaska of Susitna) Selected/ ---- - - - -- - --- ---- Railroad NE part of Native Sel/ 1537 Railroad Remo te Cab ins Open Available for Land Disposals leasing ld 1537 (south State Wildlife Habitat Forestry (personal Retention & middle) Public Recreation use) Minerals Oil and Gas Remote Cabins; Closed prior to Not available for Trapper Cabins sale coal leasing or prospecting le part of 153 State Settlement Wildlife Habitat Sherman 1563 Public Recreation Curry North Oil and Gas Lane Creek Open Available for leasing 1f 1634, 1635 Borough Borough Land Bank Borough Values: Settlement, Wildlife Habitat, Public Recreation, Forestry, Minerals, Oil and Gas, Coal ...... 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may ~e allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES .Unresolved issues remain due to status questions "' until plans for the Susitna hydro project and native group claims are resolved. If land is sold, a corridor on Gold Creek should be preserved in public ownership to protect important brown bear feeding concentration areas. Designations for this area remain unresolved due to status questions. A resolution for this area will be available prior to the public review draft. The two parcels of land which comprise subunit ld will be retained in state ownership and managed to provide opportunities for fish and wildlife and recreational use as well as access to the Talkeetna Mountains. The planning team generally felt that land in the proposed Sherman Remote sale (just south of Sherman on the railroad) is of marginal capability for settlement due to its steepness. There is a block of state land currently managed by the Alaska Railroad west of the proposed Lane Creek sale (east of the Susitna River and along either side of Deadhorse Creek) which would be more desirable for settlement because it is a larger, flatter area and would have less impacts on habitat values. The feasibility of using sorne of the railroad land for settlement instead of the Sherman area will be investigated prior to the public review draft. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within the management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated With asterisks. Agriculture *Transportation *Trail Management *Recreation *Access Water Quality *Forestry *Lakeshore Management Wetlands Management *Settlement Instream Flow Resource Management Subsurface *Stream Corridors Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit la (Indian River South Subdivision '85) Forestry Identify and retain sites within the sale area for persona! use timber. ljd - - - - - - 1 - - - - -- -- ,_ -· - - .... -" = -"-·--·---------· Ac cess When land is conveyed, preserve public access to the Susitna River and Alaska Railroad. Fish & Wildlife/Recreation When lands are conveyed in this subunit, a buffer of at least 400 feet from the ordinary high water mark on the north bank of the Susitna River will be retained in public ownership. A buffer of·300 feet from the ordinary high water mark on either side of Indian River will be retained in public ownership. Subunit le (Alaska Railroad) Fish & Wildlife If and when lands are conveyed in this subunit, a buffer of at !east 300 feet from the ordinary high water mark on either side of Gold Creek will be retained in public ownership to protect brown bear feeding concentration areas. Subunit le (Settlement Areas) Ac cess Retain access through these disposais to remote areas to the east and to the Alaska Railroad to the west. MANAGEMENT UNIT 2 -SUSITNA/ CHULITtUi RIVERS MANAGEMENT INTENT This unit is completely in public ownership and comprises almost exclusively those portions of the Susitna and Chulitna rivers and immediately adjacent land within the South Parks Highway Subregion. The unit, therefore, extends nearly the length of the subregion from north to south. Two small sites which are adjacent to the corridor were included to provid1~ public ac cess points - one encompasses a portion of Sheep Creek Slough and the other is approximately two miles north of the Talkeetna cutoff and provides access to the river from the Parks Highway. This corridor will be retained in public ownership and managed to protect fish and wildlife and water resources. Forestry is a secondary use. No land sales will be allowed in this management unit. This unit has not been divided into subunits because the ,entire area will be managed similarly. See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of the unit and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses .. Jl1 , -(/l LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SOUTH PARKS HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 2 -SUSITNA/CHULITNA RIYERS MGMT. ANALYSIS LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS 2 5016, 12035 State/ Susitna/ 12036, 12040 Borough Chulitna 12140, 12246 Ri vers 12261, 1633 LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY SECONDARY USE(S) USE(S) Wildlife Habitat Public Recreation Water Resources Forestry Minerais Co al Oil and Gas PROH/BITED lsURFACE USE(SJ 1 Remote Cabins Land Disposais MINERALS MGMT. OF MGMT. OF LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS Open Available for leasing 1 Other uses such as material sales, land-ieases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may ~e allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 1 L 1. l 1 f 1 1 ( ( (. 1 ; .. i ! 1 1 1 J LEGISLATIVE "' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQU/SHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES --------------------~-w-= -= ~-=w----· "-' -· """" ,._ '- MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the ,categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within the management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry Settlement Subsurface Transportation Ac cess Lakeshore Management *Instream Flow *Stream Corridors Trail Management *Water Quality Wetlands Management Resource Management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below. Grave! Extraction Grave! extraction is a permitted use in the Susitna and Chulitna River corridors only where there are no feasible alternatives and only after consultation with ADF&G and Division of Parks. Roads, Utility Lines, Leases and Trails These facilities will be permitted within or across the river corridors only if designed in consultation with ADF&G and Division of Parks. MANAGBMERT UNIT 3 -WHISIŒRS CREKK MANAGEMENT INTENT This unit of public land contains large blocks suitable for agriculture, forestry or settlement. The largest contiguous area is the approximately 14,000 acres of borough land located between the Chulitna and Susitna rivers just north of Talkeetna. Access to the area between the rivers is a problem - the Parks Highway is west of the Chulitna River and the Alaska Railroad is east of the Susitna River. The most logical route would be to come south from the Parks Highway after it crosses the Chulitna River in Denali State Park. This management unit is divided into 3 subunits: the state retention area surrounding Blair Lake (3a), the borough agricultura1 land between the Chulitna and Susitna rivers (3b), and the state land adjacent to the agricultural land (3c). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. 1/(o -"\.! LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON SOUTH PARKS HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UNII 3 -WHISKERS CREEK MGMT. ANALYsls lLANO usE DESIGNATIONsl ,....._ __ UNIT/ UNIT ow~~~~HIP - PROHIBITED SUBUNIT NUMBERS 3a 1631 State Blair Lake 3b 11632, 12037 1 Borough Borough 12038 1 .--- PRIMARY USE(S) SECONDARY USE(S) Wildlife Habitat IForestry Public Recreation Minerals Co al Oil and Gas Borough Land Bank Values: Public Recreation, Wildlife Habitat, Forestry, Minerals, Coal, Oil and Gas fSURFACE USE(S) 1 Remote Cabins Land Disposals --- M/NERALS MGMr OF MGMT. OF LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERAL$ Open Available for leasing Open Available for leasing 3c 1 12039 1 State Settlement State Land Public Recreation Wildlife Habitat Forestry Remote Cabins Closed prior to Not available for Sale Area Trapper Cabins sale coal leasing or prospecting Oil and Gas 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may ~e allowed, Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guide lines in chapter 2. f l 1 1 1 1 1. 1 1 1. ~~-·. 1 l, 1 LEGISLATIVE "" DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NOUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES ' 1 --------------=-----·-~-------------------------- ..... ,_, """"" Subuni t 3c is a state parcel between the borough agr1.cultural area and the Susitna River. This area is of mixed capability -an estimated 30% is sui table and recommendecJ for settlement, but the sale! should be contingent upon access to the area and development of the agricultural area in order to allow the sale to be planned with development of the agricultural land. The small state parce! surrounding Blair Lake (subunit 3a) will be retained in public ownership and managed for fish and wildlife and recreation. Subunit 3b is the borough agricultural land. Given existing borough policy, it is likely that it eventually will be developed for agriculture. In the interim it will be designated land bank until markets and access justify development. MANAGE}ŒNT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management: guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each cau be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within thE~ management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. *Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Access *Lakeshore Management *Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Tra:tl Management *WatEH Ouality *Wet1ands Management Resource Management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit 3b (Borough Agricultural Land) Agriculture To the extent feasible and prudent, the borOugh should use Class II and III soils for agricultural use rather than settl1ement. Small farm agricultural development should be encouraged where parcel configuration or topography render large farms infeasible. Forestry The state recommends that all timher having high value for commercial and persona! use be salvaged on lands to be cleared for commercial agriculture. See regional forestry guidelines for implementation options. Agricultural land disposais should be designed to provide adequate persona! wood supplies for individual farms. 111 Trails/Access Any existing trails through the unit should be retained in public ownership with a width of at !east 50 feet either side of the centerline. Existing access to and along the Chulitna and Susitna rivers should be maintained and improved during agricultural development. Settlement The state recommends that land of marginal agricultural capability may be used for settlement. Commercial development necessary to support the agriculture project or commercial recreation needs associated with the river systems should be planned as necessary as part of the management plan for the area. River Corridors If and when lands are conveyed in this subunit, a buffer of at !east 300 feet from the ordinary high water mark on èither side of Whiskers Creek, and 200 feet on either side of the unnamed streams that appear on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographie maps should be retained in public ownershp. MANAGEMENT UNIT 4 -CHASE MANAGEMENT INTENT This is a large management unit which stretches from the Susitna River east to the Talkeetna Mountains and includes the Chase area, Chunilna Creek, and Sockeye Lake. Due to a large number of OTE sites, mining claims, past state remote parce! and subdivision disposais, proximity to Talkeetna and access via the Alaska Railroad, this area supports many year round and seasonal resirlents. The area will be managed to support additional state land sales (inclurling the Chase II remote parcel sale around Sockeye Lake which will be open to staking in February 1984). A second major objective is to protect public access within and through the area, to protect habitat, and to provide opportunities for public recreation and harvest of persona! use firewood. 1 lj - - !mi - - ..... - IOii!ii - - ~ - ~ - ..... - . -fj [ r r r r ( LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SOUTH PARKS HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UNIT__4 _-_cH_As_E _____ _ MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED MINERALS ANALYSIS UNIT/ LAND '$URFA CE MGMI OF MGMT. OF UNIT OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE SU BU NIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) MINERALS MINERALS 4a 1103, 1104 State Wildlife Habitat Public Recreation Remote Cabins Leasehold on Available for Retention/ 12041, 12042 Water Resources Forestry (personal Land Disposals Chunilna Creek leasing Chunilna Creek use) > Open elsewhere Corridor Minerals Co al Oil and Gas 4b 12043 Borough Borough Land Bank ---Open Available for Borough Values: Forestry, Wildlife Habitat, leasing Minerals, Co al, Oil-and Gas , Public Recreation 4c 1107' 12044 State -Agriculture Forestry (personal Remote Cabins Closed prior to Not available for Chase 12045 (sect. (homesteads) use) Trapper Cabins sale coal leasing or 28 and 29) Settlement Wildlife Habitat prospecting 12042 (west (homesteads) Oil and Gas ~ of sect.16 4d 1101' 1102 State Settlement Forestry (personal Remote Cabins Closed prior to Not available for Stafe Land ll05, 1106 use) Trapper Cabins sale coal leasing or Sale Reoffer l187 IWildlife Habitat prospecting 4e l110, 1111 State part Settlement Remote Cabins Settlement area Settlement area Settlement (Homesteads) Trapper Cabins closed prior to not available for lands part Wildlife Hab. sale; other areas coal leasing or Public Rec. remain open prospecting; other areas available _,_,,_ ...... 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may ~e allowed. Such uses will be allm.;ed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE "" DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NQUISHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES See text for additional infor- mation; sorne de- tails remain unresolved Unresolved issues remain-designation uncertain (see management intent section for furthe information) The unit has been divided into 5 subunits: a retention area east of the Susitna River and north of the Chase III area including a portion of Chunilna Creek corridor (4a), a parce! of borough land between the railroad and the Chase III area (4b), the Chase III agricultural hornestead area (4c), a reoffering of the Chase II rernote parce! area (4d), and an area in the north- east corner of the management unit proposed for sale (4e). See the rnaps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the 1 accornpanying chart for a surnrnary of land uses. Subunit 4a encornpasses two parcels: sorne fairly steep land in the northwest corner of the management unit and a portion of the Chunilna Creek corridor. ADF&G is requesting that a one mile wide publicly owned corridor be retained on Chunilna Creek plus a half mile corridor on a tributary which runs from Sockeye Lake. The planning tearn never cornpletely resolved this issue so the Resource Allocation Section proposes the following resolution: the corridor on Chunilna Creek will rernain as it is defined by the boundaries of subunit 4a, which is between 1/3 and 1-1/4 miles wide. The corridor on the tributary will be discussed under subunit 4d. Much of the land in these corridors is already in private ownership. Remaining public land will be rnanaged to pro- tect important fish and wildlife habitat (concentrations of black and brown bear, fall and winter rnoose habitat ànd anadrornous fish), recreation oppor- tunities and to provide open space. The plan also recornrnends investigating the possibility of a huy back program to restore to public ownership sorne of the private lots along Chunilna Creek. Subunit 4b, borough land just east of the Susitna River, has high yalues for a variety of resources. It could support agriculture, settlement, and forestry, and currently provides high value winter moose habitat. This area will be designated borough land bank. It is accessible by railroad, but it is unlikely it will be offered for sale in the near terrn. Under existing borough policy, if sold, it would probably be for agriculture. The borough is currently planning timber sales in this area and intends to manage the area for tirnber, habitat and recreation in the near terrn. Subunit 4c is the Chase III area, once proposed as a large scale agricultural proiect and now planned for agricultural hornesteads. This area is proposed to be offered in Summer 1984 and a site design is being done as part of the Susitna Area Plan. Previous public concerns with this project will prirnarily he met by offering the area for agricultural and standard hornesteads rather than as a commercial agriculture project. Parce! sizes should he generally small (40 -160 acres) to improve access through the area. Local trails and access routes for existing residents will be identified and used to lay out a site plan that should protect pedestrian access and routes of possible future roads through and within the area. ADF&G concerns regarding the project will , 2.1 - - - - - iliMI - - _, -- - -- - b.. - ....., """' b.. ..... '- be addressed in the site plan, primarily through retention of land within the proj ect area with particularly high fish and wildlife values. This includes a corridor of between 1/4 and 1 mile wide to be retained along Chunilna Creek (although much of the land immediately adjacent to t:he creek is covered by OTE's or mining claims) and retention of much of the~ land in the southwest portion of the project -the area where ADF&G concerns were greatest. (See also management guidelines section.) As this goes t:o press, further on-site investigation is occurring to work out the details of the site plan. These issues will be resolved prior to publication of the public review draft. Subunit 4d is a large area on either side of Chunilna Creek encompassing Sockeye Lake. This entire area was offered in 1980 as the Chase II remote parce! area. It was reopened to further stakings in February of this year and will remain open until it has reached the previously agreed upon satùration point -about 7500 net acres sold or 180 parcels, at: which point it will be closed to further staking. If saturation is not reached before the remote program is closed in July 1984, offerings will occur under the homestead program. Subunit 4e is located in th~ northeast corner of thE~ management unit, approxi- mately 14 miles east of the Alaska Railroad. It eneompasses severa! lakes, Disappointment Creek (an anadromous fish stream), and is just north of the Talkeetna River Corridor. This area has values for fish and wildlife (it is near a suspected brown bear denning area), recreation, and settlement. The Susitna Area ~lanning Team originally recommended this area for Resource Management. Because of potential problems associatE~d with the use of the resource management designation in this area, the RE~source Allocation Section is proposing the area be opened for future low densllty homestead staking or remote cabins with a maximum number of stakings less thau 20. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within the management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisk:s • *Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Access *Lakeshore Management *Instream Flow *Stream Corridors ~kTrail Management 'kWater Ouali ty 'kWetlands Management ·kResource Management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. l ;t;t Subunit 4a (Two Retention Areas Including Chunilna Creek Corridor) River Corridors The width of Chunilna Creek corridor varies from 1/3 to 1-1/4 miles. The exact width is specified by the subunit boundaries. This corridor will be managed to retain land in a natural state to provide recreation oppor- tunities and open space for the growing number of residents in the area. Subunit 4c (Chase III Agricultural Homestead Area) Transportation Corridors Maintenance of pedestrian access routes and routes of possible future roads through and within the Chase project is an important objective for this area. The site plan will identify ac cess routes and open space to protect trails and future access needs. The specifie areas set aside as routes for possible future roads are identified below. The existing platted ROW (which runs west from the Alaska Railroad) is 300 feet wide. Three potential major access routes link up with this existing ROW to provide routes for possible future roads through and within the project. These spur roads are at !east 100 feet wide. In the southwest portion of the project (sections 17, 20, 29) there is an existing raad which hypasses a wetland. The existing platted 300 1 ROW is shawn crossing a narrow portion of the wetland in Section 20. The existing raad will be protected with a temporary easement ta be reserved when parcels are sold, but it will be abandoned if and when the platted raad is constructed to a permanent standard. Also in section 20, a right-of-way for an airstrip appears on the cadastral survey plats. It crosses portions of both the wetland and the platted raad corridor. This right-of-way will be vacated if it is no longer necessary. Access to and between all parcels will be retaine.d through interior lot line easements linked to the larger routes described above. Interior lot line easements are 50 feet in each lot for a total width of 100 feet. This allows alternate access through the project besicles the main access routes. Trails/Access The general rules for protection of trails are as follows: where a number of trails pass through a relatively narrow area, or where a single trail now or in the future is used on a regular basis by a significant number of people, this route generally will be retained in public ownership. Where trails are primarily used to provide access to the residence of one or just a few people, and this route crosses a proposed homestead parce!, la3 ..... ....: """' - -..;\ - illli>1ll - - - - - - ...... l..,., '-' ._ - reasonable alternative access will be provided through retention of easements along the boundaries of the parcels or identification of other routes. ~Vherever possible these parcel boundar:ies will be adjusted to better coincide with existing trails. As an additional measure, temporary (3 year) easement permits will be issued allowing access across homestead parcels. These temporary easement permits will give existing users the opportunity to establish new trails along homestead parce! boundaries or to work out arrangements with owners of homestead parcels. East/west pedestrian access through the project area generally will be maintained through the retention of numerous interior lot line easements. One corridor approximately 1/4 mile wide may be retained, however, through sections 16 and 20 west of Chunilna Creek. North/south access through the project will be provided by the primary road corridors through the project, a corridor along Chunilna Creek, and an approximately 1/4 mile wide corridor between the two north/south group!~ of parcels. Retention of Land in Public Ownership Public land immediately surrounding Marna and Papa Bear lakes and to the north and east of the lakes in section 24 and not shown as homestead parcels will be retained in public ownership to protect habitat of anadromous fish that use streams in this area, to allow public recreation and to provide woodlots and public access • In the western portion of the project where there are existing private parcels and/or poor soils, any remaining public land not mapped as one of the parcels will be retained to form a north/south corridor in between and approximately 1/4 to 1/2 mile from the two proposed road corridors. This will be drawn from aliquot part boundaries and 1;vill be at least 1/8 mile wide in all locations. In addition, land in sec.tions 20 and 29 around the airstrip ROW may be retained in public ownership to provide wood for residents on smaller parcels and in the subdivisions to the south. No additional parcels will be offered in the area between 1/4 and 1 mile wide on either side of Chunilna Creek. This is partially because land along the creek was heavily staked during the OTE program and there are numerous mining claims in the area. The substantial amount of remaining public land in this corridor will be retained in public ownership for recreation, fish and wildlife habitat and use, possible wood lots and access. Fish & Wildlife/Recreation Chunilna Creek corridor will be managed to protect fish and wildlife habitat and opportunities for recreational use by retaining the area in a natural state. See guidelines on "Retention of Land in Public Ownership" for management of land around Marna and Papa Bear Lakes. 1).1 ----··~--- Table 2 CHASE III AGRICULTURAL HOMESTEAD AREA -PARCEL NO. PARCEL % CLASS PARCEL NO. PARCEL % CLASS SIZE II & III SIZE II & III -l 80 acres lOO 25 60 acres 83 2 160 acres 96 26 160 acres lOO 3 80 acres 63 27 160 acres 94 4 120 acres 75 28 160 acres lOO - 5 150 acres 80 29 160 acres 94 6 160 acres 88 30 120 acres 81 7 160 acres 69 31 160 acres 78 -8 160 acres 53 32 160 acres 81 9 120 acres 83 33 160 acres lOO 10 120 acres 79 34 120 acres 46 -11 120 acres 80 35 120 acres 100 12 120 acres 75 36 80 acres 100 -13 160 acres 97 37 80 acres 100 14 80 acres 87 38 100 acres lOO ,.j 15 160 acres 94 39 160 acres 100 16 80 acres 94 40 40 acres 100 - 17 80 acres 91 41 160 acres 75 -18 40 acres 62 42 150 acres lOO 19 80 acres 94 43 150 acres 74 ... 20 40 acres 100 44 100 acres 86 21 40 acres 100 45 80 acres 80 - 22 40 acres 80 46 80 acres 85 ...,.j 23 80 acres 78 1 47 100 acres 91 24 40 acres 88 - - - 1 J..S" ---------~~------------~-~.---------~-~~-· ~~~ ~~ ~~-·--··-~-~·-~· ~·~·~~--------~~----------~-·-··-~-·-··---···~·····--·------------~----, ~ . ' ; ~ ' ._} i i 0 ~~~~-~------------ ..... ··- 5,290 acres ·----EXISTING PLATTED ROAD EASENENT 34 ~- ,· ·-~~~ t ~~ V\)tf?~--,·a~~ /;;-jT.~'·J·ltJ~ .• ~ '. ,'\\\ ,:r;:,.:> ... :;; v~;; . . o ~ . ' " ' . . ... i~-1 "'\ ~ -------~ -- l'J..~ PROPOSED ACCESS ROUTES : • ...1150 ~~~ :.'' 1" 1 - ' 1- &~,0 , ... , "••···1····· ..... " 36 ! ' -----/!~_ ..... ~-j· -------::.7 .. L . ·_ - Woodlots To meet the persona! use firewood needs of existing and future residents ln the Chase area and in subdivisions to the south, land which may be retained in public ownership in the southwest (near the platted airstrip) and southeast (near Marna and Papa Bear lakes) portions of the project should be available for persona! use woodlots or small timber sales. Wetlands/Buffers On all water bodies and significant wetlands within or adjacent to parcels maintain a clearing and development setback to be specified through the farm conservation plan and conveyance document. See regional guidelines for a definition of wetlands. Subsurface Resources The project area will be closed to new mineral entry, and will not be available for coal leasing or prospecting. Terms of Sale/Parce! Layout When agricultural homesteads are offered, only agricultural rights are sold. Owners have S years to clear and prepare for cultivation 25% of their land classified for agriculture. Farm conservation plans addressing development of the parcels will be required. The proposed site plan includes a total of 47 parcels ranging in size from 40 to 160 acres and totalling 5290 net acres. See Chase III Homestead Area Map and Table 2. Sorne of these parcels may be dropped as a result of the more detailed site analysis now underway. Subunit 4d (Chase II Sale Area) Fish and Wildlife/Recreation If this area is reopened under the homestead program, the guidelines below will he followed. Lakes larger than 25 acres in size shawn on the 1:63,360 map are judged ta have significant recreation values and therefore, when additional land is conveyed into private ownership in the area, at least 50% of the land within 500' of the lakes will be retained in public ownership. (See Lakes policy, Chapter 2 for details.) River Corridors ADF&G has requested a 1/2 mile wide corridor on the creek that runs south- west from Sockeye Lake. A recommendation was never developed by the planning team. It is the recommendation of the Resource Allocation Section that a publicly owned corridor of 200' either side of the ordinary high water mark be retained along this tributary and lOO' either side of any other unnamed creeks in the subunit. ''L"l liliilli .J - ~ liolloi - - - w - - - - ~ ~ - - ~ - Subunit 4e (Sale Area) River Corridors When lands are conveyed in this subunit, a buffer of 500' from the ordinary high water mark on either side of Disappointment Creek will be retained in puhlic ownership to preserve recreation and habitat values and to prevent erosion problems. A buffer of 200' from the ordinary high water mark on either side of any unnamed creek in the subunit shawn on the 1:63,360 scale topographie maps will be retained in public ownership. Lakes Lakes larger than 25 acres in size shawn on the 1:63,360 map are judged to have significant recreation values and therefore, when land is conveyed into private ownership in this area, at least 50% of the land within 500' of the lakes will be retained in public ownership. ( See Lakes polie y, Chapter 2 for details.) Forestry Persona! use or small scale timber sale areas will be identified ta support any future settlement in this area and ta the west. If and when the decision is made to sel! land, refe!r ta regional guidelines on lakes, rivers, trails and access. MANAGEMENT UNIT 5 -LAR.SON LAKE MANAGEMENT INTENT This unit extends from the Susitna River east to Larson Lake and south to Bartlett llills and inlcudes a portion of the Talkeetna River. It consists primarily of borough land and past state disposais with a little remaining state land along the western portion of the Talkeetna River. Borough land immediately surrounding Larson Lake will be sold for settlement. The remaining borough land will be designated land hank. State land along the Talkeetna River will be retained in public ownership and proposed for legislative designation as a state recreation river. jÇ-1J / !J . .,.Q LAND USE SUMMARY suaREGION souTH PARKs HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UNir s-LARSON LAKE MG MT. ANALYSIS LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS Sa 1108, 1109 Private / Past Land 120S1, 120S2 Fast Sales Sale Area 1204S (all except sect. 28 and 29) LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY USE($) SECONDARY USE($) Wildlife Habitat 1 Forestry Public Recreation Oil and Gas PROH/8/TED ~URFACE USE(S} 1 Remote Cabins Land Disposals MINERALS MGMr OF MGMT. OF LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERALS Presently closed Available for leasing Sb 1184, 12047 State Public Recreation IForestry Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas Remote Cabins ILand Disposals Closed Not available for Talkeetna River Corridol coal leasing or prospec ting Sc 1179, 1180 Borough 1182 -Settlement Borough Land Bank 1182 closed prior 1182 not availablE Borough Land 1181, 1182 12046. 120S4 Values: Agriculture, Settlement, Forestry, Wildlife Habitat, Public Recreation, Hinerals, Oil and Gas, Coal to sale; Other areas open for coal leasing or prospecting; other areas are av ail able 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may ~e allowed. Such uses will be allm,·ed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guide1ines in chapter 2. 1 1 1 ( f 1. (_ 1_ [ 1 l, 1 1.--1 LEGISLATIVE ~ DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES ' 1 1 "'-' "- - """' - ..... '- ,_ ------------------·-------·--·-·--·----·----··--··- The management unit is divided into 3 subunits: private land in the area, almost all of which exists due to past state land ~;ales (Sa); a narrow corridor along part of the Talkeetna River (Sb); and borough land including Larson Lake (Sc). See the map at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. Subunit Sb encompasses approximately 6 miles of the Talkeetna River in a corridor of state land approximately 1/3 to 1/2 mile wide. This area is exceptionally valuable for fish and wildlife and recreation and is easily accessible from Talkeetna and the Susitna River. The Talkeetna River corridor is an important riparian area and supports concentrations of black bear and provides high and moderate winter moose habitat. The area is one of the most popular moose hunting areas in the entire study area and also receives a great deal of sport fishing use. The river is an anadromous stream supporting populations of Dolly Varden, Arctic char, trout, and S species of salmon. This subunit is proposed for legislative designation as a State Recreation River. Another section of the Talkeetna River (6 miles east of this area) in state ownership is also proposed for legislative d1~signation. It will be discussed further under management unit 6. This unit, in conjunction with management unit 6, will be managed to provide a scenic recreation experience. Fish and wildlife habitat will be protected, with special emphasis placed on the stream and adjacent riparian areas. Principal recreational uses will be on and adjacent to the river. To protect these recreation values, the unit should be managed to provide both a visual and sound buffer from uses outside the corridor and to protect water quality. Non-road accessible public recreation cabins should be developed with a coordinated river and trail access system. Road access to or across the corridor will be minimized. Where priva te land now abuts the river, ( subunit Sa) the state may consider purchase of land for public access. The state will not use the power of eminent domain in such cases but will purchase land from willing sellers to enhance public enjoyment of the river corridor should funds be appropriated by the legislature for this purpose. Subunit Sc is the large parcel of borough land whieh includes Larson Lake • The borough currently has a study underway to determine the best use of this land. They are developing five land use alternatives for management of land in this area which range from retaining all land in borough ownership in wilderness status to a massive residential subdivision project. It is likely that the borough intends on selling sorne land on the west side of the lake in the near term. For this reason, land immediately surrounding Larson Lake will be designated for settlement and the remaining borough land to the west will 130 he land bank. A major aspect of designing land sales in this area is the provision of road access. The borough is asking the legislature this year for funding to construct the road to Larson Lake which will come up from the south through Rartlett Hills. The state supports borough plans and recommends that they work with ADF&G and Division of Parks in designing land sales in this area to protect the shore of Larson Lake and Larson Creek. Of particular importance is the protection of red salmon spawning areas in Larson Lake and Cree k. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within the management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Access *Lakeshore Management *Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management *Water Quality Wetlands Management Resource Management ~1anagement guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit Sa (Private Land) Retention of Land in Public Ownership Any unsold parcels of public land in this area, especially along the Talkeetna River will be retained in public ownership to protect moose habitat and hunting areas, to provide wood lots for local use, and to provide open space and access to the Talkeetna River and other amenity features. Suhunit Sc (Borough) Recreation/Fish & Wildlife Given the existing and proposed amount of settlement in this area, demand for developed recreation areas likely will increase dramatically. For this reason, the borough should consider a developed recreation facility somewhere on or near Larson Lake during its planning for the area. 13/ - - - - - ..... - --- ~ - - - - ._ -~ .... - - --·------------------· '-'''"''l!rlt:1lna:::;wJimm '""~:a;; !~~~ Forestry Personal use areas or small timber·sale areas to support future se!=tlement in the area should be identified and· rèserved in the site pfail. for disposais in this subunit. MANAGEMENT UNIT 6 -TALIŒETN!A RIVER ·MANAGEMENT INTENT This unit, which is all either state owned or selected, will be retained in public ownership and managed to protect wildlife habitat and provide opportunities for public recreation. Timber harvest will be an allowed use where it does not disrupt fish ànd wildlife or recreation values. The management unit has been divided into two subunits: the Talkeetna River corridor (6a) and the area south of there including Sheep River (6b). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying ch art for a· summary of land uses. Subunit 6a is recommended for legislative designation as a State Recreation. River. The Talkeetna River is an anadromous stream supporting Dolly Varden, salmon, trout and a large amount of sport fishing use. The corridor along the river supports black bear, fall and winter concentrations of moose, winter concentrations of caribou and recreational activities associated with thé fish and wildlife. Subunit 6b is an area south of the Talkeetna River proposed for retention. It includes the Sheep River corridor and several large lakes. The area is important for moose and caribou in the fall and winter and provides a buffer between developed uses to the west and the Talkeetna·Mountains to the east. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of thE~ guidelines potentially could apply to uses within the management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry Settlement Subsurface Transportation Ac cess *Lakeshore Management *Instream Flow *Stream Corridors 13~ *Trail Management Water Ouality Wetlands Management Resource Management r ~ (.Al LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON SOUTH PARKS HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UNI~ 6-TALKEETNA RIVER MGMT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS ANALYSIS PROHIBITED UNIT/ LAND ~URFA CE UNIT OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMT. OF MGMT. OF SUBUNIT USE(S) 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) M/NERALS MINERALS 6a 1112, 1114 State Public Recreation Forestry Remote Cabins Closed Not available for State -1119 Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas Land Disposals coal leasing or Recreation prospecting River 6b 1115, 1116 State/State Public Recreation Forestry Remote Cabins Open Available for Retention 1117' 1121 Selected Wildlife Habitat Co al Land Disposals leasing land 1183, 1113 Minerals Oil and Gas (north of Sheep River) - 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., thàt are not specifically prohibited may ~e allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 1 1 ( 1 i ! t l 1 -1 .. 1 1. [ 1 -- LEGISLA Tl VE ""' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES - - - ·- "'""' - .... - ,_ ·--------=·"""""''~<:! c "'"""""'"""""' .......... ~-.!W"l<>'~~.~"'~"- Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit 6a (Talkeetna River) River Corridors The width of the river corridor varies from one to two miles. The exaet width is specified by the subunit boundaries. For further information on management of land within the corridor, see the management intent writeup for management unit Sb (also the Talkeetna River). MANAGEMENT UNIT 7 -BALD MOUNTAIN MANAGEMENT INTENT This unit, south of Sheep River and including the Bald Mountain area, is an area that has been offered for remote parcel sales in the past. The general intent for this area is to offer additional land for sale (probably through the homestead program) while preserving important habitat and recreation areas. The management unit has been divided into 4 subunits: three small parcels of state land proposed for sale (7a), past state land sales (7b), the proposed Talkeetna Foothills hoMestead area (7c), and a small retention area (7d). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses • Subunit 7a consists of one parcel immediately south of Sheep River, one just south of the Middle Fork of }fontana Creek, and one near Baldy Lake which are proposed for settlement. The land in the north is fairly steep, but the intent is to allow sorne additional sales (probably in the homestead category) while preserving the integrity of the river corridors. Subunit 7b is the past Bald Mountain sale and another past sale area along the Middle Fork of Montana Creek. Any remaining. publi.c land in this subunit should be retained in public ownership to provide fish and wildlife habitat and opportunities for recreational use. Especially important are areas along Middle Fork Montana Creek (fisheries values) and the area south of Bald Hountain which includes peregrine falcon nests. The Talkeetna Foothills proposed sale includes portions of the North Fork of Montana Creek. Access to the area is provided from the Answer Creek Raad in the Bartlett Hills area to the west in addition to several platted roads and rights-of-way applications. Additional access may be available in the future 13~ -CIO V\ LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SOUTH PARKS HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UNII 7 -BALD HOUNTAIN MGMT. ANALYsls lLANO usE DESIGNATIONsl __ _ UNIT/ UNIT ow~~~~HIP - PROHIBITED SUBUNIT NUMBERS ?a Sale Areas 7b Priva te/ Past Sale le Talkeetna Foothills 1113, 1161 1170 1174 (north !:i of T26N) 1172 State Past Sale 1174 (south 1 State !:i of T26N) 1171 7d 1 1132 State Retention Are PRIMARY USE(S) Settlement Public Recreation Wildlife Habitat SECONDARY USE(S) Wildlife Habitat Forestry Oil and Gas Co al Forestry Oil and Gas Co al Settlement except Wildlife Habitat section 27 of Forestry 1174 which is Oil and Gas Agriculture (for Coal homes teads) Public Recreation lOil and Gas Wildlife Habitat Coal Minerals SURFACE USE(S} 1 Remote Cabins Trapper Cabins Remote Cabins Trapper Cabins Land Disposals Remote Cabins Trapper Cabins Remote Cabins Land Disposais MINERALS MGMT. OF MGMT. OF LOCATABLE LE A SE ABLE MINERALS MINERALS Closed prior to Not available for sale coal leasing or prospecting Presently Closed Available for leasing Closed prior to Not available for sale coal leasing or prospecting Open Available for leasing --------- 1 Other uses such as material sales. land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may ~e allowed. Such uses will bè a1lo"ed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidel ines in chapter 2. 1. ( 1. 1 1 1 1 .. f f 1 1 r 1. 1 [ LEGISLATIVE ""' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQUISHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES -=~ ~--~ ~- '-' ~"?'~ - -~ - - south from the Larson Lake area. The Division of Agriculture has identified Township 27 North, Range 3 West, Section 27 as an area with potential for agriculture -this area will be sold for agriculturral homesteads. Subunit 7d is approximately 1280 acres encompassing a large lake in the alpine region just south of the North Fork of Montana Creek. It will be retained in puhlic ownership and managed to protect fish and wildlife and rereation values. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional managern~nt guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within the management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. *Agriculture *Recreation Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Access *Lakeshore Management *Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Quality Wetlands Management Resource Management Hanagement guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit 7a (Sheep River Sale) River Corridors When land is conveyed in this subunit, a buffe!r of at least 300 feet from the ordinary high water mark on the south side~ of Sheep River will be retained in public ownership. Forestry Personal use woodlots or small timber sale are~as will be identified and reserved in the site plan for disposais in t.hls subunit. Subunit 7c (Talkeetna Foothills) River Corridors To protect important fish and wildlife habitat and guard against flood hazards when lands are conveyed in this subunit, a buffer of at least 300 feet on either side of the ordinary high water mark of the North and Middle Forks of Montana Creek will be retained in public ownership. 1 ~" Forestry Persona! use woodlots or small timber sale areas will be identified and reserved in the site plan for disposais in this subunit. Recreation Access to streams, especially the North and Middle Forks of Montana Creek will be maintained when land is conveyed in this subunit. MANAGEMENT UNIT 8-ANSWER CREEK MANAGEMENT INTENT This management unit is a large block of private and native land and past sale areas. It encompasses portions of Answer Creek and the North, Middle and South Forks of Montana Creek. The general management intent for this area is to retain in public ownership any remaining blacks of public land, especially along the rivers and streams, and to preserve trail corridors and public access to these rivers, while allowing additi.onal odd lot sales of up to 1200 acres. Montana Creek and its three forks are anadromous streams which support a hi.gh level of sportfishing use. The area also provides year round habitat for moose and black bear. Because of these values and the limited amount of remaining public land in this general area, large areas of public land should be retained. See the maps at the beginning of this section for management unit boundaries and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within the management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry *Settlement Suhsurface Transportation *Ac cess *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Quality *Wetlands Management Resource Management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below. ·~1- - - - ti - - - - - - - - - .......J - ·il 0> r r r i LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SOUTH PARKS HIGHl\fAY MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 8 -ANSWER CREEK ,,. MGMT. ANALYSIS LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY SECONDARY USE(S) USE(S} MINERALS PROHIBITED t5URFACE MGMI OF MGMT. OF USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS 8 1162. 1163 Priva te/ 1168, 1169 Native/Past Answer Creek 1173, 1175 Sales 1176, 12144 Public Recreation Forestry Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas Remote Cabins Presently Closed Available for Trapper Cabins leasing Land Disposals 1 L____ .. --·· l Other uses suçh as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may ~e allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE ~ DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES ' 1 1 ' ···- Retention of Land in Public Ownership Most unsold parcels of public land in this unit will be retained in public ownership. Where possible, publicly owned corridors of 200' either side of the ordinary high water mark on Answer Creek, and the North, Middle and South Forks of Montana Creek will be retained in public ownership. Maintain public access points to these amenities. In remaining areas, offer for sale odd lots that do not conflict with existing public values. Identify and reserve persona! use woodlots or ar.eas for small timber sales. MANAGEMENT UNIT 9 -TALIŒETNA MANAGEMENT INTENT This unit stretches from the Susitna River east to Bartlett Hills and from Talkeetna south to approximately 3 miles north of the Talkeetna Road. There is a large block of private land in the eastern half of the unit, a large block of borough land in the west encompassing portions of the Talkeetna Road, and 2 isolated parcels of state land. This management unit has been divided into 3 subunits: the borough land in the west along the Susitna River and the Talkeetna Raad (9a), mostly private land in the eastern portion of the management unit (9b), and public land along Birch Sough (9c). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. Subunit 9a includes most of the borough land along the Talkeetna Road, sorne private land to the north and a small parcel of state land classified reserved use for the Talkeetna airfield. Borough land in this subunit will be designated land bank since there are no immediate plans for sales in the area but land may be offered for sale in the future. An important goal for the area should be to maintain and improve access to lakes, rivers and other amenity features. The state recommends that the borough protect recreation and habitat values on their lands by following state guidelines for lakes and rivers by retaining at least 50% of the Talkeetna Lakes area in public ownership and by possibly developing additional recreation facilities in the a rea. Subunit 9b, in the eastern portion of the management unit, is primarily private land. There are approximately 2 sections of remaining state land in the higher elevations of Bartlett Hills. This state land will be retained in public ownership since it is one of the few remaining islands of public land in the area and is important for recreation and for persona! use timber. 131 .._ ..... - - - - - - - - i!OIIIi - ...,, - / ........ ~ f L [ r r r LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SOUTH PARKS HIGHHAY MANAGEMENT UN 1 I---::....9 _-_;:;,:TAL~KE~ET~NA==..__ ___ _ MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS ANALYSIS LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE($) PROH/8/TED !SURFACE USE(S] 1 M/NERALS MGMT. OF MGMT. OF LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERALS 9a 12049' 1205( Borough/ Borough Land Bank Borough 12141 State/ Values: Settlement, Agriculture, ---Open Available for leasing Priva te Forestry, Public Recreation, ., Hildlife Habitat, Oil and Gas, M±nerals, Coal 9b ll77' l178 Priva te/ Hildlife Habitat Public Recreation Priva te/ 12143, 12142 Native/State Forestry Retention 12048, 12262 Minerals Remote Cabins Land Disposais : Open Available for leasing Oil and Gas Co al 9c 12245 State/ Hildlife Habitat Forestry Birch Slough 12141 (west Borough Public Recreation Minerais of I2245) Oil and Gas Remote Cabins Land Disposais Open Available for leasing Co al -----------·· 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may ~e allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE " DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSEEJ RELINOUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES 1 1 1 Subunit 9c is public land between the Talkeetna Road and the Susitna River which will be retained in public ownership for its habitat and recreation values. ~e land between the Susitna River and Birch Creek Slough is in borough ownership. It will be designated for long term retention in public ownership in addition to the state parce! to the east. This area has exceptional fish and wildlife/recreation values -Birch Creek and Birch Creek Slough are anadromous streams and the area is important winter moose habitat. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within the management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Transportation *Trail Management *Recreation *Access Water Ouality *Forestry *Lakeshore Management *Wetlands Management *Settlement Instream Flow Resource Management Subsurface *Stream Corridors Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit 9a (Borough Lands) River Corridors If and when lands are conveyed in this subunit, a buffer of at !east 400 'feet from the orrlinary high water ma.rk on the east bank of the Susitna River and at !east 200 feet from the ordinary high water mark on either side of the unnamed streams that appear on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographie maps should be retained in public ownerships. Recreation/Access Retain access/public use sites along the road. Subunit 9c (Birch Slough) Forestry Timber cutting may be allowed in this subunit on a site by site basis to enhance habitat values. /iii - - - - - - ioe\ - - -- - _ ...... ,., ..... ·-"'*"" -'"""""""-""~'.,.,."""'"""-~~ .. ~~- ..... """" MANAGEMENT UNIT 10 -MONTANA CREEK MANAGEMENT INTENT This large management unit stretches north from ne!ar Sheep Creek to Answer Creek and includes a mix of private, state and borough land. The majority of the land along the Parks Highway and Talkeetna Road is in private ownership. The management unit has been divided into 3 subunits: all land north of Montana Creek (lOa), land south of Montana Creek excluding a piece of state land north of Sheep Creek (lOb), and land propose& for settlement (lOc). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. Subunit lOa consists of two parcels of borough land (the only public land in the area) which include portions of land along thE! Parks Highway and Alaska Railroad. The borough has sold approximately 840 acres (in 4 parcels) of agricultural land in the western portion of the subunit. The remaining borough land in this suhunit will be designated land bank since there are no immediate plans for additional sales, although it is likely the borough will sell more agricultural land in the future. If and when additional sales occur, the borough should retain several parcels of their land along the road system. The planning team also supports proposais by ADF&G and Division of Parks to buy back land along Montana Creek for public access to one of the most popular sport fishing areas in the basin. Subunit lOb is primarily private land. There is one small parcel of state land south of Goose Creek, one west of Sheep Creek encompassing a wetland, and a small borough parcel between the Alaska Railroadl and Sheep Creek. The public land in this unit is generally wetland and therefore is proposed for retention to be managed for water resources and wildlife habitat. Subunit lOc, a small unit of state land just north of Sheep Creek, is proposed for sale for settlement. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are> presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within the management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation Forestry *Set tlement Subsurface Transportation *Access *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors l LfZ. *Trail Management Water Quality *Wetlands Management Resource Management LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SOUTH PARKS HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 10 -MONTANA CREEK MGMT. ANALrsls ILAND usE DESIGNATION si __ _ UNIT/ UNIT ow~~~HIP - PROHIBITED SUBUNIT NUMBER$ 10a Sunshine lOb Montana <e~ lOc S.tate Land Sale Areas 12145, 12146 12147, 12247 12248 112251, 12254 12255, 12256 12258, 12259 12260 1 1151' 12257 Priva te/ Borough/ Fast Sales Priva te/ State/ Borough 1 State PRIMARY USE(S) Borough Land Bank SECONDARY USE(S) Values: Agriculture, Settlement, Forestry, Public Recreation, Wildlife Habitat, Oil and Gas, Minerals, Coal Wildlife Habitat Public Recreation Water Resources Forestry Oil and Gas Minerals Co al Il Settlement (Public Recreation Wildlife Habitat Forestry Oil and Gas !SURFACE USE(S} 1 --- Remote Cabins Land Disposals Remo te Cab ins Trapper Cabins M/NERALS MGMT. OF MGMT. OF LOCATABLE LEASEABLE M/NERA__lS MINERALS Open Available for leasing Open Available for leasing Closed prior to Not available for sale coal leasing or prospecting 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may ~e allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 1 '" 1 l 1 r 1 1_ 1 1 ( LEGISLATIVE " DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES 1 1 1 -- ._ ._ ,_ :..... .... '""""""""'---~~"""""-~-=--~"""""""~~6.-~-.~--~-~=m-w:""'~~~- Management gU:idelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit lüa (Sunshine Creek) Visual Resources In order to protect visual quality along the Parks Highway (a popular trip for tourists and locals alike), land along the Parks Highway will be managed in accordance with recommendations in the study, "Scenic Resources Along the Parks Highway". River Corridors If and when additional lands are conveyed in this subunit, a buffer of at least 400 feet from the ordinary high water mark on the east side of the Susitna River and 300 feet either side of Montana Creek should be retained in public ownership. A buffer of at !east 200 feet from the ordinary high water mark on either side of Ouestion, Answer, Sunshine and the unnamed streams shown on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographie map should be retained in.public ownership. In· addition, access sites along the river should be retained in public ownership and proposais to huy back private land along Montana Creek should be suported. Subunit lOc (Sales Area) A 200 foot corridor along the north side of Sheep Creek will be retained in public ownership wherever land is conveyed .. MANAGEMENT UNIT 11 -GOOSE CREEK MANAGEMENT INTENT This management unit encompasses land from the Parks Highway east to within approximately five miles of the Talkeetna Mountains and includes portions of Goose Creek and Montana Creek. The unit is primarily public land. It will be managed to support a mix of agriculture and public uses. It has been divided into three subunits: land along Goose Creek and east approximately six miles (lla), borough land to the north (llb), and a small section of Montana Creek corridor (llc). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses • Land in the west of subunit lla near Goose Creek is fairly wet, whereas land upland and to the east has potential for forestry and settlement in addition to recreation and fish and wildlife. This unit will be retained in public. ownership and managed to support the numerous public values associated with it -recreation, hunting, fishing and timber harvesting. Jtfi -c (/\ / LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SOUTH PARKS HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UNIT_ ll-GOOSE CREEK MGMT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS ANALYSIS PROHIBITED UNIT/ UNIT LAND ~URFA CE OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMT. OF MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) USE(S) 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERALS lla ]2249, 12250 State/Borougl Wildlife Habitat Public Recreation Remote Cabins Open Available for Emil Lake 12252' 12253 Forestry Minerals Land Disposals leasing 1155, 1156 Co al (sect. 23, Oil and Gas 26, 35) 11b 1164, 1165 Borough Agriculture Wildlife Habitat Remote Cabins Closed Not available for Borough 1167, 1156 Forestry Trapper Cabins coal leasing or (sect. 36, Public Recreation prospecting 1, 2, 3, 10, Oil and Gas & NW of 11) Co al llc 1166 State Wildlife Habitat Forestry Remote Cabins Open under Lease-Available for Montana Creek Public Recreation Minerals Land Disposals hold Location leasing Corridor Oil and Gas Co al --1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote caqin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guideli.nes in chapter 2. [ ( f, 1 1 [ ··~·· 1 1. ( 1 LEGISLATIVE ' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQUISHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES f c----------~-----~----~--~---~~""""'"""'""~-l"ri.b--•.'lt®>l~<j<n~'et~o>i~..,.._,",..__.~"'""""''""""'""""'l>l'W"%~-""~"RRil-~.JOI!1!'--e>--~~""~"""""""'---, -- - - - Subunit llb is the borough land in the northern extension of the management unit which is bisected by a portion of Montana Creek. The Mat-Su Borough recently sold approximately 1960 acres in this subunit for agricultural purposes. The remaining borough land in this subunit will be designated for agriculture since the borough is planning additional sales in the area. Subunit llc is a small unit forming a corridor approximately 1/4 mile wide on either side of a 1-1/2 mile portion of ?1ontana CrE~ek. This corridor is valuable for anadromous fish, as spring, summer and winter habitat for moose, and as afeeding concentration area for brown bear. It will be retained in public ownership and managed for wildlife habitat and public recreation. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES Thé-complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within the management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. *Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry Settlement Subsurface Transportation *Access Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Quality *Wetlands Management Resource Management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit llb (Borough) River Corridors If and when additional lands are conveyed for agriculture in this subunit, buffers of at !east 200 feet from the ordinary high water mark on the unnamed creeks that appear on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographie maps should be retained in puhlic ownership. Subunit llc (Montana Creek) Recreation Given the amount of private land, the likely future development in this area and the resulting number of residents, a developed recreation facility (including a campground and picnic area) should be considered for the river corridor to accommodate this use. 1'1~ MARAGEMKNT UNIT 12 -KASHWITNA/ SBEEP MANAGEMENT INTENT This large unit is primarily in state ownership (except for 8,000 acres of borough selected land and the Kashwitna River corridor which may be native selected) and encompasses portions of the Kashwitna and North Fork Kashwitna rivers, Sheep Creek and the South Fork of Montana Creek. This area has high values for forestry, hunting, fishing, fish and wildlife habitat and recreation. The area provides year round moose habitat. There also are concentrations of brown bear on the North Fork of the Kashwitna River. Both rivers support anadromous fish and a great deal of sport fishing. Ali statè owned portions of the management unit.are proposed for legislative designation as a state forest to protect these public values. The borough selected land will be retained in long term public ownership and managed for forestry, habitat and recreation. The area has been divided into 2 subunits: the bulk of the area excluding the river corridors (12a), and Sheep Creek, North Fork Kashwitna and the Kashwitna River corridors (12b). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within the management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Transportation *Trail Management *Recreation Ac cess Water Quality *Forestry Lakeshore Management Wetlands Management Settlement Instream Flow Resource Management Subsurface *Stream Corridors Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit 12a (Forest Area) Trails Access Trails that provide access through this subunit to more remote lands to the east should be maintained and improved during forestry operations. J'If. ~ - - - u - - - - ~ - - - - •!~>bi - - / -.;(: •• r r r r 1 r l 1 LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SOUTH PARKS HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 12 -KASHWITNA STATE FOREST MG MT. ANALYSIS UNIT/ UNIT SUBUNJT NUMBERS 12a 5027' 5028 Forest Area 5029, 5101 1140, 1142 1143, 1145 1146, 1157 1159' 1160 12b 1133, 1134 River 1136, 1137 Corridors 1138, 1139 1141, 1144 1158 LAND OWNERSHIP State/ Borough Selected State LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY USE(S) Forestry Wildlife Habitat SECONDARY USE(S) Public Recreation Ninerals Oil and Gas Co al Wildlife Habitat Ninerals (see Public Recreation details) Forestry Goal (see details) Oil and Gas PROHIBITED MINERALS · ~URFA CE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF USE(SJ 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERALS Remote Cabins Open Available for Land Disposais leasing Remote Cabins Sheep River -Areas which are Land Disposais leasehold locatio1 closed to mineral on upper 8 miles; entry are not lower reaches available for closed coal leasing or North Fork prospecting; othe Kashwitna -lease areas are avail- hold location on able for leasing upper 4 miles; lower reaches closed Kashwitna River - leasehold locatio on upper 11 miles lower reaches closed 1.------------ Other u~es such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidel ines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE ""' DESIGNA Tl ONS, PROPOSED RELINOUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES ~· State lands proposed for legislative designation as a State Forest Recreation Public use cabins are encouraged in this area. Subunit 12b (River Corridors) Forestry The major objective within the river corridors is to protect fish and wildlife and recreation values. Forestry will be an allowed use where it does not conflict with or where it enhances these values. Trails/Access Trails along the rivers that provide access to more remote lands to the east should be maintained and improved. Recreation Public use cabins area encouraged in this area. MANAGEMENT UNIT 13 -CASWELL CREEK MANAGEMENT INTENT This unit, which is approximately two miles east of the Parks Highway, extends from near Goose Creek south to the Willow Subbasin border and includes a large amount of private land. The area has high values for a variety of uses - recreation, fish and wildlife, forestry, settlement, and agriculture. It will he managed to allow for private ownership through settlement and agricultural homesteads while retaining important recreation and fish and wildlife areas in public ownership. The management unit has been divided into two subunits: the northern half of the management unit including Sheep Creek, Caswell Lake and portions of Caswell Creek (13a), and the southern .portion of the management unit including portions of the Kashwitna River (13b). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of thess areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. State land in Suhunit 13a (approximately 4,800 acres near Caswell Lake and to the northeast) was the subject of discussion by the planning team. The Division of Forestry expressed an interest in state land in this subunit. At a nec. 13, 1983 SAP Team meeting the possibility was discussed of using approximately 3,600 acres of land in 13a for forestry in exchange for using sorne of the land in unit 12 for agricultural homesteads. Lands in 13a have high forestry values and are accessible; about half of the land in 12 have high values but generally are less accessible. No decision was reached at the /'{~ ..:iJ - - """' - w - ..... - - - - V\ c /' ( r 1 r f r [ l ( 1 LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON SOUTH PARKS HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT uNir u -cAsWELL cREEK MG MT. ANALYSIS LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS MINERALS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROH/8/TED PRIMARY SECONDARY !SURFACE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF USE(SJ 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S) USE(S) MINERALS MINERALS 13a 1147, 1149 Priva te/ Agriculture Wildlife Habitat Remote Cabins Closed prior to Not available for North half 1150' 1152 State/ (homesteads) Public Recreation Trapper Cabins sale coal leasing or 1153, 1154 Borough Oil and Gas prospecting Forestry l3b 5021, 5023 State/ Settlement Wildlife Habitat Remote Cabins Closed prior to Not available for South half 5024, 5026 Borough/ Public Recreation Trapper Cabins sale coal leasing or 5025 (sect. Priva te Oil and Gas prospecting 27) ' j l Other uses such as material sales, land leases, re~te cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE ""' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES Unresolved issues remain-designations uncertain (seemgt. intent section for -Further details) 1 meeting. The Resource Allocation Section recommends that subunit 13a be used for agricultural homesteads and land in management unit 12 be reserved for forestry. Low density agricultural homesteads will provide a buffer between retention lands to the east and more developed lands to the west. The main reason for. this decision is that the borough has decided to commit to long term retention and management for forestry of approximately 8,300 acres of land they have selected in management unit 12. All state land in unit 12 will be legislatively designated as a state forest. Remaining borough parcels in 13a will be offered for sale for settlement. Subunit 13b is the southern portion of the management unit and includes sorne private, native, borough and state land. It inlcudes a portion of the Kashwitna River and severa! small lakes. State land in this area will be offered for sale for residential settlement. Borough land in this subunit (approximately one section) will be designated land bank. MANAGEHENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guid~lines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within the management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. *Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry *Settlement Subsurface Transportation *Ac cess *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management t.Jater Quali ty Wetlands Management Resource Management Management guirlelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit 13a (Ag Homestead Area) River Corridors When lands are conveyed in this subunit, a buffer of at least 300 feet from the ordinary high water mark on either side of Caswell Creek and at least 200 feet on either side of the unnamed streams that appear on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographie maps will be retained in public ownership. 1 51 lrllil!i - - - .... - - ~loi$ - - lei - ....., - """"' - - - --------------------,~--··-------'"~'~"'~~'------~-~ - - - - - - - ~)' .... - ..... Subunit 13b ( Settlement Area) River Corridors When lands are conveyed in this subunit, a buffer of at least 400 feet from the ordinary high water mark on either side of the Kashwitna River and 200 feet on either side of the unnamed streams that appear on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographie maps will be retained in public ownership. MANAGEMENT UNIT 14 -CASWELL CREEK MANAGEMENT INTENT This unit is in the southwest corner of the subregion and stretches south from Caswell Creek to the Willow Sub-basin border and east from the Susitna River approximately five miles. It is mostly state land with a small amount of private and native land. It also encompasses portions of Caswell Creek and the Kashwitna River, including their mouths, plus approximately five miles of the Parks Highway. The unit provides year round moose habitat, helps secure a migration route for moose the mountains to the Susitna River, and protects especially important moose winter habitat along the the Susitna River. Streams in the area support anadromous fish and the area receives a lot of hunting and fishing pressure in addition to other recreational uses. The unit will be retained in public ownership to protect these values and managed for wi ldlife habitat, water re sources and public recre,ation. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within the management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry Settlement Subsurface Transportation *Access Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *1~rail Management ~Jater Ouali ty Wetlands Management Resource Management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below. Access Improve access from the Parks Highway to fish and wildlife and recreation use areas. ISZ. (J'! tu LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION. SOUTH PARKS HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 14-197 MILE CREEK MGMT. ANA LYSI$ UNIT/ UNIT 1 LAND SUBUNIT NUMBERS OWNERSHIP LAND USE DESIGNATIONS M/NERALS PROH/8/TED [SURFACE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF PRIMARY SECONDARY USE(S) USE(S} USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERALS 14 5017' 5018 State/ Wildlife Habitat Forestry Remote Cabins Open Available for Caswell Cr. 5020, 5022 Priva te Public Recreation Minerals LandDisposals leasing 5031, 5025 Water Resources Oil and Gas (except Co al sect. 27) -· -··--··-~ l Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowcJ if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidel ines in chapter 2. 1 f 1 1. 1 l 1 1 . r 1 1 1 1 1 1 l 1 LEGISLATIVE ""' DESIGNA T/ONS, PROPOSED RELINOU/SHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES PêTêRSVILL€ ROAD 1 ..... L ..... - ·- - - PETERSVILLE ROAD SOBREGION I. SUBREGION OVERVIEW The following section describes land use policy within the Petersville Raad subregion. It is divided into two parts. The first is an overview of resources and general management intent for the subregion as a whole. The second presents specifie statements of management intent, land use designations, prohibited uses, and management guidelines for each of the subregion's seven management units. Maps showing land ownership in the subregion and boundaries of management units andl subunits are presented at the end of the first part. A. Background The Petersville Road subregion is the focus of near term development interests for settlement, forestry, and agriculture. The area currently supports the most intense hunting activity in the study area. It also is used for other recreational activities including snow-machining, cross- country skiing, and fishing. Settlement presently is scattered throughout most of the subregion on old OTE sites and other past disposals. Some small-scale agriculture exists along the Petersville Road and on a past borough agricultural land sale. There is relat:i.vely little mining in this subregion. The majority of mining activity that does occur is located along Peters Creek south of the Petersville Roadl. The Petersville Raad subregion comprises approx:i.mately 350,000 acres. The unit is bounded on the east by the Chulitna and Susitna rivers and on the north by the boundary of Denali State Park. Soutth of the raad, it contains land approximately 15 miles dawn the drainages of Kroto, Gate, Seventeen Mile, Ninemile and Peters Creeks, and along Oilwell Raad. This subregion is a checkerboard of state, boroutgh and private parcels and university selected lands (see map 8 ). Of the total area, approx- imately 72% (approxima tel y 246,000 ac) is in st<:tte ownership, 17% borough (60,300 ac), 10% university selected, (36,000 ac:), and 5,000 to 10,000 ac (1 -3%) privately owned. TJnlike the other subregions west of the Susitna River, the Petersville Raad subregion has raad access. It is bounded on the east by the Parks Highway and crossed by the Petersvtlle Raad. OHwell Raad branches off Petersville Raad approximately 4 miles from the Parks Highway and travels south for approximately 6.5 miles to Moose Creek. It continues south and west through the rest of the suhregion as a wint:er raad. The Matanuska- Susitna Borough has requested funding from the legislature to bridge Moose Creek and extend the all-weather raad south tow~trds Amber Lake. There is also a winter trail connecting Petersville Raad to the Shulin I,ake area, and there are landing strips near the Oilwell Road -Petersville Raad junction. Severa! lakes also are used for float: plane landings. lSS B. Overview of Hanagement Intent Raad access and high resource values will result in increased use and development of a variety of resources in the Petersville Raad sub- region. Additional state and borough land sales, including agricul- tural homesteads, will be offered, primarily in the eastern half of the subregion. A system of publicly owned open space lands will be designed to provide recreational opportunities and publicaccess and to protect scenic quality and habitat in the more heavily used areas. Much of the southwest quarter of the subregion also will remain in public ownership to provide a base for forest management, including timber production, habitat management and recreation. The Petersville Raad itself will be the focus of much of the recreational activity and development in the subregion. While sorne development will take place close to the road, other parts of the raad corridor will remain in public ownership to enhance settlement values and protect visual quality. Management intent for ,each of the major resources and land uses in subregion (settlement, agriculture, forestry, fish and wildlife, recreation, subsurface resources, and transportation) is summarized the following sections. the in 1. Settlement Petersville Road subregion lands offer sorne of the be,gt settlement opportunities in the entire study area. There are good lands close to raad access in areas where the capacity of the landscape and vegetation to buffer visual impacts is high. Additional settlement is appropriate in this area, but it is essential that disposais meet the goals emphasized by local residents -protec- tion of environmental quality and rural lifestyles. Therefore, the following policies will be implemented. a. Subdivisions will be limited to areas near existing access (generally 2-3 miles from existing roads, or adjacent to areas with water or air access) or where roads can be built to each parce! by the state/borough prior to sale. More remote areas will be offered as homesteads with prestaked parcels. b. Disposais generally will be concentrated in the eastern half of the region, or in conjunction with resource development. c. Where possible, land sales will consist of unsold parcels in past disposa! areas. d. Disposais will be designed to provide a spectrum of residen- tial and private recreational opportunities ranging from road accessible subdivisions to low density settlement in an area that may remain roadless (see transportation section- discussion of Tokosha area). 15"' - ....... - - -- - - -- - --- - - - - •'- - e. Publicly owned buffers and setbacks from major roads, lake- shores and streams wil-l be used to help protect public access and open space. Sorne streams will be retained entirely in public ownership (e.g., Kroto Creek). A summary of the acreage proposed for sale in the Petersville Road subregion is shown in Table 1 below. The planning team recommends sale of approximately 14,300 acres of state land over the next twenty years. Most of the sales will be subdivisions or non- agricultural homesteads, but approximately 520 acres may be sold as agricultural homesteads if the soils are suitable for agricultural use. In addition, 2,360 acres are included in the Rabideux agricultural project. Approximately 2,380 acres of horough land near Trapper Creek are also proposed for sale if they are needed to support community development. Nearly 47,000 acres of state land are still the subject of discussion by the planning team. In general, the Divisions of Forestry and Parks and Outdoor Recreation and the Department of Fish and Game support retention of these areas in public ownership for timber management, habitat enhancement and public recreation. The Divisions of Agriculture and Land and Water Management advocate sale of portions of these areas to private individuals. The Resource Allocation Section pro- posais for resolution of the issues in this area include recommendations that a gross area of ;'lpproximately 27,960 acres, mostly within the boundaries of existing disposa! areas, be included in the settlement pool. This area is expected to yield approximately 4,250 acres of additional disposais. Approximately 46,690 acres of land also are included in the borough land bank. This may be available for settlement in the long term, but there are no immed:late plans for sale. When these areas are reevaluated to ·d«~termine their long term best use, agriculture, forestry, habitat, and public recrea- tion values will be considered, as well as agricultural and settlement potential. t 5 -:r TABLE I Acreage Identiried for Settlement and Agriculture - GROSS AREA (ac) NET AREA (ac) Planning Re source Total Planning Resource Total Te am Allocation Te am Allocation Re comme nd-Section Re comme nd-Section at ions Proposais at ions Proposais .....,; STATE LAND - New Offer-46,630 6,080 52,710 7,590 1,800 9,390 -ings Reofferings 21,970 21,880 43,850 3,830 2,450 6,280 within Past -Disposa! A reas ll1!r.l Agriculture 3,400 -2,880 2,880 -2,880 -STATE TOTAL 72,000 27 '960 99,960 14,300 4,250 18,550 BOROUGH LAND - 1 New Offer-7,930 -7,930 2,380 -2,380 1 ings - STATE AND 79,930 27,960 107,890 16,680 4,250 20,930 BOROUGH TOTAL - -------------------1..-. ----·-~-~---------··-------····---------- -- - - - - - .....,; tseo """' ._ 2. Agriculture Opportunities for agricultural development (including homesteads) are limited by poor sail conditions in most of the subregion. At present, the only accessible area of state land with blacks of soils sui table for commercial agricultur'e is the 2,360 acre Rabideux agricultur.al project proposed for sale in 1984. In addi- tion, approximately 7,500 acres of land ·with commercial agricul- tural potential lies between Peters Creelk. and Kroto Creek. A con- sensus has not been reached as to whether this area should be placed in a resource management category for future reevaluation or included in the proposed state forest (see below). Approxi- mately 520 acres of state land will be available for agricultural homesteads as well. The Division of Agriculture has not identi- fied any grazing areas in this subregion, although small-scale grazing .operations may take place in conjunction with agricultural developments or homesteads on lands conveyed to private owners. Approximately 19,250 acres of borough lands with agricultural potential are included in the borough land bank. They may be available for agricultural development in the long term, but there are no imminent plans for sale. Reévaluation to determine their long term best use will consider forestry, settlement, habitat, and public recreation values, as well as agricultural and settle- ment potential. In the interim, these lands will be managed for timber, wildlife habitat, and public recreation. 3. Forestry Most of this subregion supports timber resources with considerable value for commercial and/or persona! use. Its value is increased by the fact that it is much more accessible than most state owned forest land in the study area. A number of state timber sales have taken place in this subregion in recent years. The largest black of lands with commercial potential--the Peters Creek-Kroto Creek area south of the Petersville Road--is proposed for legisla- tive designation as a state forest to protect and provide for the management of forest resources, including timber, habitat and public recreation. Sorne smaller forested areas also will be identified for persona! use harvesting to provide firewood and -houselogs to local residents. 4. Fish and Wildlife This subregion is the most heavily hunte;d area in the Susitna Basin. In addition, it contains valuable fishing streams and critical habitat for swans. Fish and wildlife resources are one of the greatest attractions that bring people to the area to live and recreate. These resources must be protected in arder to promote the settlement and recreational values in the subregion. fS~ Critical swan habitat in the northern part of the subregion identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be retained in public ownership and managed to protect trumpeter swan popula- tions. Final boundaries of the swan habitat area will be determined following planning team review of USFWS proposais. Most of the Peters Creek and Kroto Creek area south of Petersville Road will be proposed for legislative designation as a state forest (see forestry above). Where Kroto and Moose Creek corridors are presently publicly owned, they will be retained in public ownership as state or borough recreational rivers. In general, settlement will be concentrated in the east half of the subregion, leaving most of the western half in public ownership. Sorne of the lands in the northwest part of the subregion between Kroto Lake and Swan Lake and part of the area between Moose and Kroto Creeks are still the subject of planning team debate, and may or may not be available for future disposais. A more detailed list of streams and recommended management categories is attached. 5. Recreation Recreational activities occur throughout most of the subregion. In addition to wildlife-based recreation, the area supports extensive lake-, trail-, and river-based activities such as boating, snowmachining and cross country skiing. These activities will be protected through public ownership of trail and river corridors, public access points, campgrounds, and reservation of sorne lakefront property (from 25%-100% of the shoreline on each lake). Other open space lands, including the proposed state forest, also will be available for public recreation. 6. Mining a. Mining resources and mining claims A number of mining claims have been staked in the northern part of the subregion. Mining activity has been much more significant in the Sunflower Basin subregion farther west, however. The concentration of past and proposed land sales in this area will result in a relatively large proportion of the area being closed to mineral entry. In.addition to settlement areas, public recreation sites, and sorne important recreational rivers (Kroto and Moose creeks) will be put under mineral closing orders. Critical trumpeter swan habitat and Peters Creek will be subject to leasehold location. All other areas will be open to mining. h. Goal Potential for coal development is low to very low throughout the subregion. Swan habitat, recreation sites, and the Peters, Kroto, and Moose Creek corridors will not be available fqr coa1 leqs~s or prospecting permits. 1~0 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ - - - ,_ - ,_ c. Oil and Gas Several portions of the subregion havE~ been leased for oil and gas exploration, but little activity j_s presently occuring. Oil and gas exploration is permitted throughout the subregion, but development in Kroto, Moose, and Peters Creek corridors must occur through directional drilling from outside the river corridors. Surface entry for oil and gas development .is not permitted in the river corridors. 7. Transportation This subregion is currently accessiblE~ via the Parks Highway, Petersville and Oilwell Roads, winter trails, and by small planes. It is proposed that road accE~ss be expanded by extending Oilwell Road to Amber Lake and eventually farther south into the Susitna Lowlands to Amber Lake and eventually farther south into the Susitna Lowlands subregion, by provid- ing spur roads from Petersville Road and Oilwell Road to sorne settlement and agricultural areas, by upgrading the Shulin Lake trail for year-round use, and by building roads to lands intended for long term commercial forE~st management. The lands within T28N R6W; sections 1, 2, 11-14, 23-26, 35 and 36 of T28N R7W; sections 1-12 of T27N R6W; and sections 1, 2, 11 and 12 in T27N R7W, have been proposed as a roadless area by a local group, the Tokosha Citizens Council. Transport- ation under such a designation would be by summer foot paths, winter ski trails, snowmachine and dogsled routes, and fly-in access. The planning team has not made a recommendation whether or not to support this proposai, and the final responsibility for its adoption rests with the Matanuska- Susitna Borough. Land use designations within this area should not be taken as either opposition to or support for the roadless area proposai. Comments on 1the proposai are solicited as part of agency response to this draft plan. ( r.:, 1 'SJO! I'DA!Jd I.I'!M pt6U!J ôUD :l!lqrtd JDtddD l.l:>!lfM 18)!01 AUDW •fl·e 'UMO'!I ,ou 8JD S'Dl llDA!Jd pi,DIOI! AUDW 1 1:lUIH 'JI.DIJ6 JO UJ:>D Q~Ç JO llf)Oiq U! Clfi.IIJIUMO M04S 04 p8Z!IDJIUI6 Ullq ID'! UO!lDWJOJU! S!l.l:l : 3.l0N 'tf3~\f 03l.'tfN91S30 A13AI.l'V1SI9::11 lt=;.:;!) (I,DAJJd piJIP!SUO:>-df'IIJIUMO AlfiJIA!un OJ peAeAouO) eq Aow 'D4! spuor ••o•s> 100d NOI.l~313S A.liS~3AI~IO it:!CI 8JO!!O:l!J6'tf E!!:3 UJOWI~ E:::l:] UO!S!A!pqng CI:] S31'tfS ON'tf1 H900~08 ON'tf 3.l'tfJ.S .lS'tfd c::J (SpUDI .('!SJIA!Un sepnt:>U! '8AHDU UDIH J81.1JO) :i.l'VAI~d w>>m3 (spUDI Pl!:l8!81 npnr:>u!) 3AI.l'tfN (;';)':,:] (spul)t pe,:>atas npnt:>U!) H900~08 E:sJ 03.l~313S 3.l'tf.lS fZZl 3.l'tf.lS c:::J 1'11~303.:1 ~ diHSij3NMO ONV'1 '-"U ~ P€-T€RSVIQ€ ROAO RD. ~ ~ LAND USE DESIGNATIONS ~ ;_.;,' -:·.:-~ 0 (Designations written in CAPITAL LETTERS are primary designations; those in lower case letters are secondary designations; areas shawn with stars (~) will be proposed for legislative designation,) HCT. UNIT 1 -PF.TERS CR./KROTO CR. .~i J r,; /-< '() ::.rf \ ·~ ~ ,-. " l '! 1 f, \ a; la FORESTRY, WILDLIFF: HAB., PUBLIC REC., WATER RES.; Minerais, 011 & Gas lb WILOLIFE HAB., PUIILIC REC., l~ATER Rf:S.; Forestry, Oil & Gas le SETTLEMENT; Forestry, Public Rec., Wildlife Hab., Oil & Gas Id COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT, PUBLIC REC.; Forestry, Wildlife Hab,, 011 & Gas, Minerals le !JNRESOLVED AREA --Proposed resolution: RESOURCE MANAGEMf:NT --Values: Forestry, Wildltfe Hab., Agriculture HGT. UNIT 2 -TOIC:OSRA 2a WILDLIFE HAB., PUBLIC REC., FORESTRY, WATER RES., MINERAI.S; Oil & Gas 2b PUBLIC REC., WILOLIFE HAB., WATER RES.; Forestry, Minerais, Oil & Gas 2c SETTLEMENT; Wildlife Hab., Public Rec,, Agriculture, Forestry, Oil & Gas 2rl UNRESOLVED AREA --Proposed resolution: part SETTLEt'IENT, part WILDLIFE HAll., PUBLIC REC., FORESTRY 2e BOROUGH LAtm BANK--Values: Settlement, Public Rec., Wildtife Hab. ie~..:..~\ 1 -2: '?:!. ~ v<l' i' .,,~ ;J ~~ .+ Map sc ale 1: 250, 000 . . . . , . , j.\ •. ' -·· .--7/j' , , , pt'·'~~X~f,ftl,;l ~~· l, ~f~,~o ~) ,;/tt~ j .~s j 1 i 11· f ~2~ 76(tL~~ · ~-(t.,S! ~-":_~~ ~ ' :§ ~0. 1 ~\j HGT. UNIT 3 -GATE CR./ AMBER LAIŒ Zfl N 3a WIJ.DLIFE HAB., PUBLIC 0' REC., WATER RES.; Forestry, Minerais, Oil & Gas 3b UNRESOLVED AREA -- Proposed resolution: SETTLEMENT 3c UNRESOLVED AREA -- - - ~ - - Proposed resolution: part SETTLEMENT, part FORESTRY, WILDLIFE HAB., PUBLIC REC, 27 N ~ 1 ~ IJ'I .. ' + " . ' ... 'f·' '!lt' . ' ii-': .. ·.·(i '3b~.l UNIT 4 -HOOSE CREKIC CORRIDOR PUBLIC REC., WILOLIFE HAB., WATER RES.; Forestry, Oil & Gas AGRICIJ1.TURE:; Settlement, Wildlife Hab., Oil & (;as UNIT S -TRAPPER CREEK Sa SETTLEMENT; Public Rec., Wildlife Hab., Forestry, Oil & Gas Sb PUBLIC REC,; Wildlife Rab., Forestry, 011 & Gas MGT, UNIT 6 -ROCKY' S LAJŒS . 6a SE:TTLEMENT; Public Rec., Wildlife Hab., Forestry Sqwmill Lr<ke.'§: ~-:~ •. ~ ~· ,_ <;f. V Dong' \\ J,~ke 3d UNRESOLVED AREA -- Proposed resolution: SETTLEMENT BOROUGH LAND BANK -- Values: Settlement, Public Rec,, Wildlife Hab., Agriculture \\2 "' fi 6b BOROUGH LAND BANK--Values: Agric., Settlement, Wildlife Hab., Public Rec., Forestry 6c WILDLIFE HAB,, WATE:R RES.; Forestry, Public Rec., Minerais, Oil & Gas 6d WILDLIFE HAB,, PUIILIC REC., WATER RES.; Forestry, 011 & Gas HGT •. UNIT 7 -RARIDEUX CREKIC 7a SETTLEMENT; Forestry, Public Rec., Wildlife Hab,, Oil & Gas 7b AGRICULTURE; Settlement, Forestry, Wildlife Hab,, Public Rec., 011 & Gas 7c PUBLIC REC,, WILDLIFE HAB., WATER RES,; Forestry, Mineral's, Oil & Gas 7d WILDLIFE HAB., PUBLIC REG,, WATER RES.; Forestry, }linerals, Oil & Gas IG3 T 26 N w z 0 '::!. t;J w T. 23 N z cl È ~ ~ T. 22 N - - - ~ ~ - ~ ~-,---· ·-~--~---~------~~--· -c ~~-~·~-' -~~-- """" II. MANAGEMENT INTENT AND GUIDELINES BY MANAGEMENT UNI'J~ MANAGEMENT UNIT 1: PETERS CREEK/KRO'J~O CREEK MANAGEMENT INTENT Management unit 1 includes the lands along and between Peters, Kroto, Twentymile, and Bear Creeks in the western portion of the subregion. This area is to be managed for protection and enhancement of the very high forestry, habitat, and public recreation values. This management unit has the largest extent of accessible forest lands suitable for long tetm timber management of any unit in the study area. In addition, there is more! moose hunting activity in this unit than any other. Kroto Creek is part of the most important waterway in the entire study area for riparian habitat and public recreation, """ while Pet ers Creek and its major tributaries is the se-r;renth most important. King, pink, coho, and silver salmon populations support:ed by these streams contribute to the Cook Inlet commercial fishery as well as sport fishing. Because of the importance of these resources, most of the management unit will be proposed for designation as a state forest or forest reserve and the Kroto Creek corridor will be proposed as a state recreational river. There are five subunits within management unit 1: Krot:o Creek corridor (lb), existing ànd proposed disposais on the southern periphe!ry of the unit (le), """ borough lands around the existing development at Peters: Creek ( ld), lands with class II and III soils between Peters Creek and Schnieder Lake (le), and the .... - forest lands that constitute the main body of the unit (la). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these 8Lreas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit. Subunit la will be proposed for legislative or administrative designation as a state forest or forest reserve (see discussion below). This designation will allow for long term multiple use management for timber,, habitat, public -recreation, and other uses such as mining that are compatible with these ..... activities. Within this subunit, timber harvesting andl facilities and activities subject to land use permits will be restrict:ed when they occur close to the major anadromous streams (Peters Creek; South Fork Peters Creek; Martin, Big, Middle, String, Sand and Black Creeks and Lunch Gulch). See management guidelines for additional information. Kroto Creek and the adjacent riparian habitat (subunit lb) will be proposed for designation as a state recreational river. It is proposed that public use cabins be built within subunit lb to support recreational use of Kroto Creek. Settlement will be limited to subunit le in arder to mllnimize inholdings in the state forest and river corridor and to allow efficient long term resource management. This subunit includes one existing disposa! area (Schneider Lake Remote) and one new settlement area on the periphery of the management unit. Commercial development to support recreational activities in the subregion or residential development for community expansion are enc:ouraged in subunit ld, a parce! of borough land around the existing development at Petersville. The borough is currently building a campground on the riveJr in this subunit. f{D'1 .6' (,!\ LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION PETERSVIT.T.E ROAD MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 1 --PETERS CR./KROTO CR. / MG MT. UNIT/ SUBUNIT ANA LYSI$ UNIT NUMBERS LAND OWNERSHIP LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROH/8/TED !SURFACE USE(S) 1 1 1 LEGISLATIVE MINERALS DESIGNATIONS, la Peters Creek state forest lb Kroto Creek corridor le Settlement lands 12013, 120141 State 12071S'< 12072* 12077, 12078 12080, 12110 12111, 12112 12113, 12114 12115, 12116 12118;< 12119* 12120 (W) 12121;< 12162 12166 (NW) 12167, 12212 1coutside river corridor 12071~ 12072* State/Boro 12118~ 12119* 12164 (W) 12223 )~in river corridor 12165 12212* 12223* State PRIMARY USE(S) Forestry Wildlife Habitat Public Recreation Water Resources SECONDARY USE(S} Minerals Oil and Gas Wildlife Habitat 1 Forestry Public Recreation Oil and Gas Water Resources Settlement (part past disposal) Forestry (personal use) Public Recreation Wildlife Habitat OiLaru:LGas Remote cabins Trapper cabins Land disposals Remote cabins Trapper cabins Land disposals MGMT: OF LOCATABLE M/NERALS Generally open; corridors ~ mile wide on Peters Cr. and ~ mile. wide on major tribu- taries (S. Fork, Big, Middle, Sand, String, Martin, & Black Creeks and Lunch Gulch) are subject to leasehold location Closed Remote cabins 1 IClosed prior Trapper cabins to sale MGMT. OF LEASEABLE MINERAL$ Generally avail- able for leasing; river corridors closed to mineral entry are not available for coal leasing or prospecting Not available for coal leasing or prospecting Not available for coal leasing or prospecting 1 Other uses such as material salè~i. land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may ~e allowed. Such uses will be all(Wt.'d if consistent with the management intent and. management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management gui,Jelines in chapter 2. 1 ( 1 1; 1 ( ( 1 l ( 1 1 .... PROPOSED REL/NQUJSHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES Proposed for designation as a state forest or forest reserve (see management intent) Proposed for legislative designation as state recreational river -6"' ()'" [ l r -r ~ r [ r LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION PETERSVILLE ROAD MANAGEMENT UNir 1 --PETERS cR./KROTO CR. /' MG Mt ANALYSIS LAND UNtTI UNIT OWNERSHIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS ld 12076 Borough Peters Cr. site le 12166 (SE) State Unresolved area (class II/III soils) L____ ~---L----- LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY USE(S) SECONDARY USE(S) Commercial Forestry Development, Wildlife Habitat Public Recreation Oil and Gas Minerals Resource Management (high) Values: Forestry, Agriculture, Wildlife Habitat, Settlement PROHIBITED SURFACE USE(S} 1 --- Remote Cabins Land Disposals MINERALS MGMT. OF MGMT. OF LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERAL$ Open Available for leasing Open Net available for coal leasing or prospecting 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may ~e allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevantman~g~_!Tlent guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE """ DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES Unresolved issues remai:q designation uncertain see manage- ment intent for further information) There is no consensus on appropriate management of the land with agricultural potential in subunit le. See below for further discussion. Raad access should be expanded in this management unit to facilitate resource development. This includes upgrading of the Shulin Lake road for year-round use, construction of spur roads for logging, and extension of Oilwell Road across Kroto Creek to the southern part of the unit. Planning team members were of divided opinions on severa! issues in this area. They are: 1. Legislative vs administrative forest designation of subunit la The Divisions of Forestry and Parks and the Dept. of Fish and Game support legislative designation of this area as a state forest. It is the Division of Forestry's top priority area for establishment of state forests within the Susitna Area, and the Dept. of Fish and Game's number two priority for legislative designation. The Divisions of Agriculture and Land and Water Management would prefer to see administrative designation of this area only, although they agree that the area should be retained in long term public ownership and managed for forestry, habitat, and public recreation. All agencies agree that this management unit, along with the rest of the Petersville Rd. subregion, is a top priority for future management planning. The Borough and the Divisions of Mining and Oil and Gas have not made recommendations on the issue of legislative vs. administrative designation for this area. The Resource Allocation Section recommends that this area be proposed for legislative designation as a state forest. It is the most important of the proposed state forests for both forestry and habitat management. It is accessible, and therefore available for timber harvesting in the near term. Because of the road access, it already receives a great deal of public use, especialy for hunting, and this use will expand as access is extended for forest management. 2. Classification for subunit le The Divisions of Forestry and Parks and the Dept. of Fish and Game have taken the position that this subunit is a critical part of the state forest proposai. Values for timber management and wildlife habitat are sorne of the highest of any in the proposed state forest. The Divisions of Agriculture and Land and Water Management support a resource management classification for this area since it has high potential for agricultural development. These agencies believe that resource management is a more appropriate classification for this area since any development that might take place is likely to be at least 5 to 10 years in the future. 1 "'1' - - - - - - - ..... ~ - - - u ------~-~~~""""""',..,.,..,.,_~·-·-~----------=....--=---""""""~-~.-.-~.~----"--•>•~~~"="'~·-~--.~=~··''"'""''""''""'''''"''"'""'~""...,""""=·-------- '-' This is the only state owned land with large contiguous blocks of class II and III soils in the subregion. It also supports commercial quality timber and valuable habitat. Because of the uncertainty regarding the long term economie viability of agriculture and forestry in this region and the probability that this area will not be accessible and ready for development in the near term, the Reso Allocation Section recommends a resource management/high values designation. Additional information on the suitability of local soils and climatic conditions for commercial agriculture will be needed before a final decision can be made whether to dispose of the land for agriculture or retain it for timber and habitat management. Prior to development in this area, existing agricultural projects elsewhere in the Susitna Area and forest development in subunit la will provide additional data on the costs and benefits of forestry and agriculture that will be helpful in evaluating the best long term use of this subunit. If it is later determined that the most appropriate long term use of this subunit is for timber management and multiple use, it should be added to the proposed state forest. 3. Settlement in the Kroto Creek corridor (Subunit lb) ~ The team generally agrees that land sales should be prohibited in the Kroto Creek corridor because of the ititense public use it receives for hunitng, fishing, and other recreational activities. The Division of Land and Water Management ,_, presented a dissenting view, advocating limited sales within the corridor boundaries. They believe that limi.ted sales could: be designed that would not impair the public values. The Resource Allocation Section recommends that settlement be prohibited in subunit lb. Recreation needs in the corridor should be met by a system of campgrounds, public: access sites, and public use cabins, rather thau through the s:ale of private lots. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management gui.delines are ~ presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where E!ach can be found. All ...... '- of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. ~~~ *Agriculture *Recreation , *Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Access *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management *Water Quality *Wetlands Management Land Administration Po licy: * Resource management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit la (Peters Cr. state forest) and subunit lb (Kroto Cr. corridor) Land Use Permits/Forestry In subunit lb and within mile of Peters Creek or mile of its major tributaries(South Fork Peters Creek, Big, Middle, String, Martin, Sand and Black Creeks and Lunch Gulch), activities requiring land use permits (e.g., gravel extraction, airstrips) are allowed only after consultation with the Dept. of Fish and Game and the Di vision of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. They generally will be perrnitted only where there are no feasible alternatives for these facilities and activities. Within these same river corridors, forestry is a secondary use. Timber management practices will be designed to protect and enhance public recreation values. Subunit le (Settlement lands) Lakeshore management A portion of the shoreline property around the lakes in subunit le will remain in public ownership for fishing and public recreation. proportion remaining in public ownership may be less than 50%. Subunit la (Peters Creek State Forest) Oil and Gas/Mining/Coal Oil and gas development within one-half mile each side of the mean high water mark of Peters Creek must occur through directional The drilling since surface entry for oil and gas is not permitted within the one-half mile zone. This same corridor also will be closed to mining in the southern reaches and will be subject to leasehold location requirements where it is within a_known mineral terrane (approximately the northernmost three miles within this subregion). The corridor also will be unavailable for coal leasing or prospecting. Transportation Kroto Creek and Peters Creek road crossings should be minimized. Road crossings must be designed in consultation with the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation and the Dept. of Fish and Game. l"9 ..... ii...J - -- .J .... - - - - w - - ~ - .... ._ """" - .... """" ~-------$-&~-& ~--~""""""·"""' -~----~-~--------------~-- MANAGEMENT UNIT 2: TOKOSHA · MANAGEMENT INTENT The Tokosha region is an area of interspersed wetlands, low ridges and lakes occupying the northern part of the management unit and extending south along Kenny Creek. The landscape, including the view of the Alaska Range, and the access from the Parks Highway and Petersville Road has rE!sulted in scattered settlement throughout much of the region, as well as a considerable amount of hunting and other forms of public recreation. Severa! waterways are important for riparian habitat and salmon spawning. These include Bunco Creek, Kenny Creek, and the Tokositna River. Trapper Creek also is a local and regional recreational stream. Under this plan, this area will continue to provide a mix of opportunities for private and public recreational use • This management unit has five subunits--the Bunco Creek-Tokositna River area (2a), Kroto Lake-Kenny Creek (2d), borough lands east of Bunco Creek (2e), open space lands connecting the Parks Highway and Trapper Creek (2b), and the remaining lands extending from Safari Lake subdivision to the Parks Highway and Denali State Park (2c). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit. Settlement will be the primary use of the lands in subunit 2c. Within this area it is important that public recreational values be maintained as well. Publicly owned corridors will be retained along major trails, and a portion of the shore will be retained in public ownership around all recreational lakes as will major trailheads on the Parks Highway. The lands in subunit 2b will be retained in public ownership. This is a corridor approximately mile wide (total width). It is intended to create an open space system that will provide recreation opportunities for both the general public and local residents. This unit retains an east-west corridor of public lands that connects a number of the lakes and mus!k.egs in the area, and includes one of the areas major trails. It also retains a public corridor along Trapper Creek • The majority of the planning team recommended that public lands in subunit 2a will be retained in public ownership. This subunit includes large wetlands, Bunco Lake, a portion of the Tokositna River, and upland areas that are transitional between forested and alpine areas. The Bunco Lake and Runco Creek areas are hi,ghly valuable moose winter range that the Dept. of Fish and Game would like included in a legislatively designated habitat protection area. A portion of the subunit around Swan Lake and extending north into Denali State Park has been identified by the u.s. Fish and Wildlife Service as a proposed ._ trumpeter swan reserve. The Division of Land and Water Management dissented from the rest of the planning team's position on a portion of the unit. They would prefer to have the uplands west of Bunco Lake available for settlement. The Resource Allocation Section recommends that the majority position be upheld, and the entire subunit be retained in public ownership. Rorough lands comprising subunit 2e will be included in the borough land bank. While they may be available for disposai in the long term, there are no plans for sale in the immediate future, In the near term, these lands will be 11-0 -\-1 .._ LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION. PETERSVILLR_RMD MANAGEMENT UNIT.. 2 --TOKOSHA / MINERALS MG MT. ANA LYSI$ LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY SURFACE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) M/NERALS MINERALS 2a 12019 (NW) State/Boro. Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas Remote cabins Generally open, Generally avail-Bunco Creek/ 12016,12017 Public Recreation Land disposals but mineral entry able for leasing, Tokositna River 1622' 1623 Forestry through lease-but critical swan 1624 (NW) Water Resources hold location only habitat not 1626 (part) Hinerals in critical swan available for coal habitat area leasing or prospecting 2b 12031, 12032* State Public Recreation Forestry Remote cabins Open Available for Open space 12033~ 1625* Wildlife Habitat Minerals Trapper cabins coal leasing and 1627~~ Water Resources Oil and Gas Land disposals prospecting *within stream and trail corri- dors only 2c 12020, 12022 State Settlement (part Wildlife Habitat Remote cabins Closed prior to Not available Settlement lands 12027, 12028 past disposals) Public Recreation Trapper cabins sale for coal leasing 12029, Forestry or prospecting 12033 (part) (persona! use) 1624. (SE) Agriculture 1627' 1628 (homesteads) 1629 Oil and Gas 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may ~e allowed. Such uses will be alloweJ if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 1 [ i. 1 1 1 1 1 ( l 1 1 1 1 LEGISLATIVE "" DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NQU/SHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES ~ r-1 r '--- t l { LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION. PETERSVILLE ROAD MANAGEMENT UNII 2 --TOKOSHA ------------------ MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS ANALYS/5 PROH/8/TED UNIT/ LAND UNIT OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY SURFACE MGMI OF MGMT OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE($) USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERAL$ 2d 12015' 12018 State/ In past disposals: Forestry Remote cabins Closed Not available Kenny Creek/ 12019 (SE) University Settlement (personal use) Trapper cabins for coal leasing Kroto Lake 12073, 12075 Wildlife Habitat or prospecting Public Recreation Oil and Gas -------------------------______ _,__ __ ---------Other lands: Forestry Remote cabins Open Available for Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas Land disposals leasing Public Rec. Minerals 2e 12021, 12030* Borough Borough Land Bank ---Open Available for Borough lands 12031~ 12034 leasing 1625, Values: Settlement, Public 1626 (part) Recreation, Wildlife 1637 Habitat *outside trail corridor 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may ~e allowed. Such uses will be allm.:ed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapte'r 2. LEGISLATIVE "" DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSEO REL/NQU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVEO ISSUES Unresolved issues remain, designation uncertain (see management intent for more information) managed for public recreation, wildlife habitat, and timber sales for persona! and commercial use. There is no consensus on appropriate management for subunit 2d. This subunit includes the past Kenny Creek disposa! and state lands around Kroto and Twentyfive Mile Lakes. At present, the lakes are relatively undeveloped. The Divisions of Forestry and Parks and the Dept. of Fish and Game want existing state lands retained in public ownership and the Kenny Cr. disposa! closed to further sales. The lands in question are very important for moose winter range and hunting, and could provide timber for local use. This area is within the boundaries of an area proposed for legislative designation as a habitat protection area, a proposa! supported by the Div. of Parks as well as the Dept. of Fish and Game. The Div. of Forestry concurs with placing the Kroto Lake/Twentyfive Mile Lake area in a legislatively designated area. ' The Divisions of Agriculture and Land and Water Management advocate making this area available for further settlement. This is an important area for the disposa! program, as DLWM estimates that a net area of 2000 acres could be offered for sale from the Kroto Lake/Twentyfive Mile Lake area alone. They also fee! that it is appropriate to allow additional sales within the Kenny Creek disposa! where lots have already been subdivided. The Resource Allocation Section recommends that existing parcels in the Kenny Creek/Jake Lake area (analysis units 12073 and 12075) be offered for sale, but that no additional parcels be designed or sold. The Kroto Lake-Twentyfive Mile Lake area (analysis unit 12015) should be retained in public ownership arid managed for habitat, public recreation, and timber. It is one of the few large raad-accessible areas that will be retained in public ownership, available for hunting and other forms of public recreation. This will help keep settlement concentrated in the eastern part of the subregion where fiscal costs of development will be lower. MANAGEMENT GUIDEL INES: The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines in that chapter and the pages where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however those that are most likely to be applicable in this partiuclar uni are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry "(Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Ac cess *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Ouality *Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: Resource management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. 11~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -------~~~~----------~~~,~~------------ '- - - ...., Subunit 2b (Open space) Forestry Forestry is a secondary use in this area. Timber management activities will be designed to protect and enhance public recreation values. Subunit 2c (Settlement lands) Public Recreation Sites Public recreation sites will be identified and retained in public ownership at major trailheads along the Parks Highway. Parking areas will be provided at these sites where possible. Camping facilities may be provided at one or more of the sites; these should be identified through a management plan. Stream Corridors When land is conveyed in this subunit, a buffer of at least 300' on either side of the mean high water mark on the Chulitna River must be retained in ' public ownership. Buffers at least 200' on either side of the mean high water mark will be retained in publ-ic ownership on other unnamed streams that appear on the 1:63,360 scale u.s.G.S. topographie maps. Upper Moose Creek disposai (Settlement/Trail Management/Stream Corridors/Lakeshore Management) Within the Upper Moose Creek disposai proposed for FY86, there will be no sales within one-half mile of the mean high water mark on Moose Creek (disposai will be limited to subunit 2c; subunit 4a is excluded from the disposai). There is also a 660' (one-eighth mile) staking setback on Trapper Creek (subunit 2b) and the main east-west trail to the Parks Highway at approximately mile 126. It is intended that the Moose Creek Corridor and the Trapper Creek and trail corridors he the foundation of a permanent public open space system within this area. The larger lakes in this area have been heavily staked in the past. Wherever possible (e.g., lake in section 34, T27N R6W) at least 25% of the shoreline and adjacent land should be rètained in public ownership on lakes in this subunit. Site planning for the disposai must designate trail access to and through the sale area. Extensive wetlands make the area, including existing foot trails, susceptible to damage, particularly by off-road vehicles. Trail corridors should be retained in public ownership with a corridor identified at least 50' wide on each side of the centerline. Public woodlots also should be identified in the site plan •. Subunit 2d (Kroto Lake-Kenny Creek) Stream corridors If land is conveyed in this subunit, a buffer of at least 200' either side of the mean high water mark on Kenny Creek must be retained in public ownership. 11'1./ MANAGEMENT UNIT 3: GATE CREEK/ AMBER LAKE MANAGEMENT INTENT Management unit 3 lies east of the Kroto Creek corridor and proposed state forest and west of the Moose Creek corridor. It is an area that is highly desirable for settlement because of the lakes, recreation opportunities, and road access. It also has high potential for commercial and persona! use forestry, moose habitat, hunting, and recreation centered around the lakes and major streams (West Fork Moose Creek and the tributary to Kroto Creek that rises in Section 1, T24N R9W). This last stream is an important tributary of Kroto Creek and supports populations of silver, coho, and king salmon. Soils information indicate that there is sorne potential for agricultural homesteads, although the opportunities for agricultural production are limited by climate and the soils, which are often rocky and shallow. Management unit 3 is divided into five subunits: wetlands along Petersville Road and in the northern part of the unit (3a), borough lands along Petersville Road and near Amber Lakes (3e), past disposais and university lands (3b), state lands south of Petersville Road (3c), and state lands around Amber Lake (3d). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses for each subunit. The lands in subunit 3a will remain in public ownership to provide open space, protect wetlands, and provide sorne wildlife habitat areas. Borough lands along Petersville Road and near Amber Lakes in subunit 3e will be included in the borough land bank. They may be available for long term settle- ment, but there are no plans for sale in the immediate future. In the interim, they will be managed for public recreation, wildlife habitat, and timber sales for personal and commercial use. The state and borough lands in subunits 3b, 3c, and 3d were the subject of disagreement by the planning team. The Divisions of Land and Water Management and Agriculture support use of public lands in these subunits for settlement. An important part of Land and Water Management's regional settlement policy is the intent to select certain areas as logical nodes of future settlement. This approach will allow greater concentrations of development on less total land resulting in reduced service costs and the ability to leave other areas in public ownership. The Amber Lakes area is one such planned settlement node due to its accessibility, attractive lakes, and existing quantity and pattern of private ownership. 1 l1S - - - - - -- - ilooo - - - - - - - - - -41 ("" t [ r r f r f [ LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON PETERSVILLE ROAD MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 3 --GATE_CR.IAHBER T.AKE / MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS ANALYSIS PROH/8/T"ED UNIT/ LAND SURFACE UNIT OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMT. OF MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERAL$ 3a 12069 State Wildlife Habitat Forestry ---Open Available for Wetlands 12074 Water Resources Hinerals leasing Public Recreation Oil and Gas 3b 12023, 1202L University/ Settlement Forestry Remote Cabins Closed -Not available for Gate Cr. North 12064' 1206, State (personal use) Trapper Cabins coal leasing or 12068, 1207( Wildlife Habitat prospecting 12121 (E) Public Recreation 12122, 1212 Oil and Gas 3c Eastern portion: Forestry Remote cabins Closed Not available Gate Cr. South 12120 (E) State Settlement (personal use) Trapper cabins for coal leasing 12128 Public Recreation or prospecting 12162 (E) Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas ------- - ---- - - ----- ----- --- -- - - ----- - -- -- - - - Western portion: Oil and Gas Remote cabins Open Available for Forestry Minerals Land disposals leasing Wildlife Habitat Public Rec. 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may ~e allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLA Tl V E " DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NQU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES Unresolved issues remain, designation uncertain (see management intent for more info.) Unresolved issues remain, designation uncertain (see management intent for more info.) /' --.o,l -Y LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION, PETERSVILLE ROAD MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 3 --GATE CR./AMBEli LAKE MG MT. ANA LYSI$ LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED PRIMARY SECONDARY SURFACE USE(S) USE(S) USE(S} 1 MINERALS MGMT. OF MGMT. OF LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERAL$ 3d 12120, 12161 State/ Settlement Forestry . 1 Remote Cab1ns Closed Not available Amber Lake 12224, 12225 University (personal use) 1 for coal leasing Wildlife Habitat or prospecting Public Recreation Oil and Gas 3e 12066~ 12163 Borough Borough Land Bank ---Open Available for Borough land 12164 (E) leasing ~~outside Values: Settlement, Public 1 Recreation, Wildlife i stream Habitat, Agritulture corridor (small farms/homesteads) . --------- 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may •be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w_ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 ( r 1 l 1 1 1 1 ( t--1 1 J ,_ 1 1 LEGISLATIVE ~ DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NQUISHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES Unresolved issues remain, designation uncertain (see management intent for more information) i '-"' -» The Divisions of Forestry and Parks and the Dept. of Fish and Game prefer to see public lands in subunits 3b, 3c, and 3d retained in public ownership and included in the state forest proposed for manag'ement unit la. The existing Gate Creek remote parcel would also be closed to additional sales under this proposai. These agencies strongly advocate restricting land disposais in the Petersville Rd. subregion to the area east of Moose Creek corridor (east of management unit 4). It is their opinion that the demand for land for recreational activities can be met best through other programs such as public use cabins and short-term (5-10 years) cabin leases or permits. Increased access is likely in the future, including a bridge across Kroto Creek. This would increase the value of the area for bath public and private recreation, making this a popular departure point for float trips along Kroto Creek. The Resource Allocation Section recommends that settlement in this region be concentrated within the existing Gate Creek disposai in subunit 3b and around Amber Lakes (3d). Low density disposais (large homesteads) should be offered in the eastern half of 3c (analysis unit 12128). Within this area, woodlots, a corridor on Gate Creek (see management guidelines), and a public open space system should be identified during site design or management planning. The western half of 3c (analysis units 12111, 12120, and 12162) should be included in the proposed state forest. A large percentage of the developable land in this management unit has been selected by the university for possible inclusion in their entitlement. If and when sorne of these selections are relinquished, decisions on appropriate management of these lands should be made through an interagency planning process. Whether land is retained in public ownership or sold for private use, land and resource development in this area will necessitate expansion of the road system. This will include, but not be limited to, upgrading and extension of the Oilwell Rd. across Moose Creek to the Amber Lake area and beyond into management unit 1. Provision of road access is an integral part of the land sales recommended for this management unit. Most of the areas designated for settlement should not be offered for sale until roads are funded or built. This will allow the public as a whole to benefit from increases in property values that result from road construction. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines could potentially apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. tn Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Ac cess *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream corridors *Trail Management Water Quality *Wetlands Management Resource Management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunits 3b, 3c, 3d and 3e When and if land is sold in these subunits, buffers of the following sizes will be retained in public ownership on either side of the mean high water mark on the following streams: 1. Seventeen Mile Creek-200' 2. West Fork Moose Creek -200' 3. Gate Creek -200' 4. Unnamed tribütary to Kroto Creek rising in lake in Section 1, T24N R7W-1/4 mile s. Other unnamed streams that appear on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographie maps -200' The wide corridor on the unnamed creek is intended to protect camping and hunting opportunities, as well as fishing and public access. If the Amber Lakes area does develop as a settlement node, the creek corridor will be an important part of the open space system as well. l14 - - - - ......: .....! - - - - - - - ~ - - - - - ,_ ·- ···-------···----~-·~ ~ ~tt~ -~-------~-~------ MANAGEMENT UNIT 4: KOOSE CREEK CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT INTENT This management unit is a band of land one-half to one mile wide along Moose Creek and the confluence of Ninemile Creek with Moose Creek. Moose Creek is part of the most important waterway in the entire area for riparian habitat and public recreation. Salmon populations in this stream contribute to the Cook Inlet commercial fishery as well as sport fishing. There are two subunits within management unit 4 --the main part of the corridor that is in state and borough ownership (4a), and lands close to the Petersville Road that have been sold for agricultural development (4b). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas, and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit. The Moose Creek corridor (subunit 4a) will be retained in public owner- ship and proposed for legislative designation as a state recreational river. This is an area that receives intensive public recreational use and provides highly valuable riparian habitat, including moose winter range and salmon spawnirtg areas. It is recommended that public use cabins be built within this subunit to support recreational use of Moose Cree k. Disposais in this management unit will be limited to subunit 4b along Petersville Rd. where lands already have been sold by the borough for agricultural use. Petersville Raad and Oilwell Raad currently provide year-round access to the central portion of this management unit. It is highly likely that a bridge will be constructed across Moose Creek to continue Oilwell Road south and west. This will provide additional access to the southern part of the unit. There will be significant recreational benefits associated with a creek crossing, but any crossing must be carefully designed to maximizè these benefits. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the pages where each can be found. All of the guidelines could potentially apply to uses within this management unit; however those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. *Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Access Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors ~~ *Trail Management Water Quality Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: Resource management / CCl - LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION PETERSVILLE ROAD MANAGEMENT UNir 4 --HOOSE CR. CORRIDOR MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS ANALYSIS LAND PROH/811 UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY SURFACE SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) USE(S) 1 MINERALS PROHIBITED SURFACE MGMr OF MGMT. OF USE(S) 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERAL$ 4a 12026, 12063 State/Boro. Public Recreation Forestry Remote cabi Moose Creek 12065;> 12066* Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas Trapper cab corridor 12129, 12159 Water Resources Land dispos Remote cabins Closed Not available Trapper cabins for coal leasing Land disposals or prospecting *within stream corridor 4b Agricultural 12124* Borough/ Agriculture Settlement ------Closed Not available sales 12126* Priva te (past disposai) Wildlife Habitat for coal leasing Oil and Gas *portions or prospecting within past agric. sale -......_ ------------------ 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may ~e allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. ( 1 1 f 1. 1. ( 1 1. 1 L L 1 ( LEGISLATIVE "" DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NQUJSHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES Proposed for legislative designation as a state recreational river - 1 '- ._, ·- "'- """"'"""'~-"""'~~=<=~•••l''''''"""'=<»:!!"'""~'----- Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit 4a (Moose Creek corridor) Forestry Forestry is a secondary use in subunit 4a. Timber management activities will be designed to protect and enhance habitat and public recreation values in the river corridor. Transportation Moose Creek road crossings should be minimized. Bridges and road improvements must be designed in consultation with the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation and the Dept. of Fish and Game. Oil and Gas Surface entry for oil and gas development is not permitted within subunit 4a. Extraction of oil and gas must take place through directional drilling from beyond the boundaries of the subunit. Land Use Permits Activities and facilities requiring land use permits (e.g., gravel extraction and airstrips) are allowed uses in this subunit only after consultation with the Dept. of Fish and Game and the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. These land uses generally will be permitted only where there are no feasible alternative • l'%2 MANAGMENT UNIT 5: TRAPPER CREEK MANAGEMENT INTENT Management unit 5 is an area of interspersed low ridges, lakes, and wetlands that lies between Moose Creek and the Parks Highway. Most of the lands in this unit are close to raad access via the Parks Highway, Petersville Road or Oilwell Raad. Because of its accessibility, the degree of existing development, and the demand for additional land for year-round as well as seasonal recreational settlement, most of the land in this unit will be available for future settlement. It is important that not all the land is disposed of in the next few years. Instead, it is intended that sales be spread over a 20 year period. The major purpose of settlement in the region is to allow for community expansion and year-round settlement. Where borough lands in the subunit have agricultural potential they may be disposed of for agriculture or agricultural homesteads as well as residential purposes. Management planning for this unit along with the rest of the Petersville Rd. subregion is ctitical for resolving such issues as the appropriate rate and type of diposals and the location of woodlots near settlements. Lakes and streams in this area will be protected under the regional river and lake policies. There are two subunits in management unit 5, a small area of state land along the Parks Highway (Sb) and all the remaining state, borough, and university lands in the unit (Sa). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas, and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit. Subunit Sa will be available for settlement. Within this area, important public values will be protected by keeping publicly owned corridors along major streams (e.g., Trapper, Ninemile and Sawmill Creeks) and keeping a large portion of the shoreline on the large lakes in the area in public ownership (see lakeshore management and stream corridor policies in Chapter II). Provision of road access will be a major factor in the timing of land sales in subunit Sa. Most of these areas will not be sold until roads are funded or built. This will allow the public as a whole to benefit from increases in property value that result from road construction. Borough lands in this subunit will be sold only if and when there is a demonstrated need for additional land to support community expansion around Trapper Creek. Subunit Sb is one of the few remaining parcels of state land along this stretch of the Parks Highway. This area will be retained in public ownership to protect visual quality along this major route and to provide for parking and a public recreation site. 1~3 - ~ - - - - - _, - - - - - - - ~ ..c.. [ r r r r [ LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION. PETERSVILLE ROAD MANAGEMENT UN /T_ 5 --TRAPPER CREEK - r MGMT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS ANALYSIS PROH/8/TED UNIT/ LAND ~URFA CE MGMT OF UNIT OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMT. OF SUBUNIT USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) MINERALS MINERALS 5a 12025 (part) State/ Settlement Public Recreation Remote cabins Closed prior to Not available Trapper Creek. 12032 Borough/ Wildlife Habitat Trapper cabins sale for coal leasing 12033 (part) Priva te Forestry or prospecting 12056, 12057 (personal use) 12058, 12059 12060' 12061 Oil and Gas 12065, 12127 12130, 12131 12132, 12133 12157, 12158 Sb 12034 (part) Borough Public Recreation Wildlife Habitat ---Open Available for Parks Highway 1 Forestry leasing Oil and Gas '-------~ ~ 1 Other uses such as material saleti, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may 1be allo\ved. Such uses will be allO\v~d if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NQU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES "' J MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the pages where each can be found. All of the guidelines could potentially apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Ac cess *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow Stream corridors *Trail Management Water Quality *Wetlands Management Resource Management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit 5a (Settlement lands) Stream corridors When land is sold in this subunit, buffers at least 300' wide on either side of the mean high water mark will be retained'in public ownérship on the Chulitna River, 200' wide on Ninemile Creek and Sawmill Creek, and at least 400' wide on Trapper Creek. The Chulitna River, Trapper Creek and Sawmill Creek support salmon populations. All are important for local and regional recreation and will provide corridors of open space within settlement areas. The Trapper Creek corridor continues into management unit 2 (subunit 2b) and is the major open space corridor in management unit 5 and the east half of management unit 2. Buffers at least 200 1 from the ordinary high water mark on either side of the unnamed streams that appear on the USGS 1:63,360 scale topographie maps also will be retained in public ownership. Subunit Sb (Parks Hwy. open space) Forestry Forestry is a secondary use in this subunit. Timber management practices will be designed to protect and enhance visual quality and public recreation values. Subunit Se (Borough lands) Trail Management A small area at the head of the trail leading west from mile 12S of the Parks Bighway will be retained in public ownership to provide parking for trail use. liS ..... - - ,.... - - ~>iii - '""" l!liÜ - - - - - - .,_ "'"" """" ~--'"....., ~"'"~"'"""""""' "" ~--~~""""'~~-, MANAGEMENT UNIT 6: ROCKY' S LAIŒS MANAGEMENT INTENT: This is an area of mixed wetlands, low ridges and abundant lakes south of Sawmill Creek between the Parks Highway and Ninemile Creek. It is intended that this varied landscape accommodate a range of public and private uses. There are four subunits in management unit 6; the Susitna River corridor (6d), borough lands (6b), and areas of lakes and wetlands available for land disposai (6a) or retained for public use (6c). See maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit. Settlement is the primary use in subunit 6a. This area will provide opportunities for private ownership on a number of fly-in lakes that are two to five miles from the road system. Borough lands in subunit 6b will be included in the borough land bank. They may be available for settlement in the long term, but there are no immediate plans for sale. In the interim, they will be managed for timber harvest, wildlife habitat, and public recreation. Open space, opportunities for public recreation, public lakes, wetlands and the Susitna River corridor will be protected by retaining the lands in 6c and 6d in public ownership. Subunit 6c includes sorne swan nesting sites. It is intenrled that these sites be protected when other activities take place. Sorne additional road access may develop west of the Parks Highway in this unit, but the extent of wetland areas will make construction of year-round roads difficult. Numerous fly-in lakes currently provide access to the region, so that road access is not critical for private or public recreational use. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES: The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the pages where each can be found. All of the guidelines could potentially apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. *Agriculture *Transportation *Trail Management *Recreation *Access WaterQuality Forestry *Lakeshore Management *Wetlands Managment *Settlement Instream Flow Land Administration Policy: Subsurface *Stream Corridors Resource Management Management guidelines that apply just ta this management unit are presented below by subunit. 1 "Jf.o -~ LAND USE SUMMARY suBREGION PETERSVILLE ROAD MANAGEMENT UNir 6 --ROCKY's T.AKES r MG MT. ANALY$15 LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS 6a 12155, 12230 State Settlement area 12236 6b 12134 Borough Borough lands 12235 (part) 12238 (W) 6c 12156, 12223 State Wetlands 12234 6d 12235* Borough Susitna River 12238* corridor *within river corridor LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY USE(S) Settlement (part within past disposals) Borough Land Bank SECONDARY USE(S) Public Recreation Wildlife Habitat Forestry (personal use) Values: Agriculture, Settlement, Wildlife Habitat, Public Recreation, Forestry Wildlife Habitat Forestry Water Resources Public Recreation Minerals Oil and Gas Wildlife Habitat Forestry Public Recreation Oil and Gas Water Resources Minerals PROHIBITED ,SURFACE USE(S} 1 Il Remote cabins Trapper cabins --- Remote cabins Trapper cabins Land disposals --- MINERALS MGMT. OF LOCATABLE MINERAL$ Closed prior to sale Il Open MGMT. OF LEASEABLE MINERAL$ Not available for coal leasing or prospecting 1 Available for . leasing Open (Note: swan 'Available for nesting areas may leasing require special MLUP stipulations) Open 1 Available for leasing 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may ~e allowed. Such uses \vill be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 1. ·~. ( 1 l 1 1 ~-1 1 1 [ 1. LEGISLATIVE DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NQU/SHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES ------------------~ -----""""~~---=-=~-----~~~~ '- """' ..... Subunit 6a (Disposai areas) Stream corridors Queer Creek is the only anadromous stream in the management unit. Its recreation and habitat values will be protected by retaining a publicly owned buffer at least 200' wide on either side of the mean high water mark when land is sold in this subunit. Buffers at least lOO' wide on either side of the ordinary high water mark of unnamed streams that appear on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographie maps also will be retained in public ownership. Su?unit 6c (Public wetlands) Forestry/Recreation Timber management and public recreation are secondary uses within this subunit. These activities will be designed to protect and enhance the swan nesting sites within subunit 6c. Subunit 6d (Susitna River corridor) Forestry/Stream Corridors Forestry is a secondary use in the Susitna River corridor. Timber management activities will be designed to protect and enhance the public recreation and habitat values of this subunit. The corridor will extend at least 300' from the mean high water mark on the Susitna River. Subunit 6d fulls completely within borough ownership.) l1~ (Note: - MANAGEMENT UNIT 7: RABIDEUX CREEK MANAGEMENT INTENT: This unit contains a mixture of wetlands and uplands along the Parks Highway and extending east to the Susitna River. Parts of the area have class II and III soils capable of supporting agriculture, and these and other areas are also valuable for settlement, particularly because of their proximity to year-round access. The river corridor, Rabideux Creek, and the wetland areas also are important for recreation and fish and wildlife habitat. The Susitna River also serves as a transportation corridor along the eastern edge of the unit. A variety of public and private uses are intended for these lands. Management unit 7 is divided into four subunits: the Susitna River corridor (7d), agricultural lands (7b), the Rabideux Creek corridor and wetlands (7c), borough land,s (7e), and lands available for disposa! (7a). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of this area, and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit. Settlement will be the primary use in subunit 7a and subunit 7b will be used primarily for agriculture. Subunit 7b consists of state lands within the Rabideux agricultural disposa!. Public recreation values, water resources and fish and Wildlife habitat along the Susitna River will be maintained by retaining a corridor along the river (subunit 7d) and the wetland areas in subunit 7c in public ownership. Public lands retained in 7c also include sorne state lands along the Parks Highway that have been used for grave! extraction and lands that will provide sorne undeveloped open space along this major travel route. Rabideux Creek, a fishing stream of regional importance, is also retained in public ownership as part of subunit 7d. Borough lands in subunit 7e will be included in the borough land bank. These lands may be available for settlement or agriculture in the long term, but there are no immediate plans for disposai. In the interim, these lands will be managed for timber harvest, wildlife habitat, and public recreation. Much of management unit 7 is accessible via the Parks Highway and unpaved spur roads running east from the highway. Expansion of the road system will accompany agricultural and residential development in subunits 7A and 7B. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES: The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter, and the pages where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; (à~ - - - ~ ~ b - - - - - - - - - - - - - .-.Al 0 / 1 LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION FETERSVILLE ROAD . MANAGEMENT UNIT. l --RABIDEUX CREEK MG MT. ANALYSIS UNIT/ LAND UNIT ; OWNERSHIP: SUBUNIT NUMBERS la 12263"< State Settlement 12134 (N) a rea *outside river corridor lb 12139, 12149 State Rabideux 12150 Agricultural Project le 12135, 12136 State/ Rabideux Creek 12131, 12138 Borough 12151, 12152 12153, 12154 ld 12055* State/ Susitna River 12148* Borough corridor 12263* *within river corridor i 1 _l_ __ J LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY USE(S) Settlement Agriculture SECONDARY USE(S) Forestry (personal use) Public Recreation Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas Settlement Forestry Wildlife Habitat Public Recreation Oil and Gas Public Recreation Forestry Wildlife Habitat Minerals Water Resources Oil and Gas Wildlife Habitat Forestry Public Recreation Minerals Water Resources Oil and Gas ---- PROH/8/TED SURFACE USE(S} 1 Remote cabins Trapper cabins Remote cabins Trapper cabins Remote cabins Trapper cabins Land disposals Remote cabins Trapper cabins Land disposals MINERALS MGMI OF MGMT. OF LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MJNERALS MINERALS Closed prior to Not available sale for coal leasing or prospec ting Closed prior to Not available sale for coal leasing or prospec ting Open Available for leasing Open Available for leasing 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may 1be allowed. Such uses will be alloweJ if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE "" DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES J -::!? LAND _USE SUMMARY ~lJfJf?f:(;/()~ PETERSVILLE ROAD MANAGEMENT UNII 7 BABIDEIIX ÇREEK / MG MT. ANA LYSI$ LAND UNIT/ UNIT LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS PROHIBITED ~UR FACE MGMr OF MGMT. OF PRIM ARY SECONDARY OWNERSHIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERAL$ 7e 12055* Borough Borough Land Bank ---Open Available for Borough lands 12148* leasing 12134 (S) Values: Agriculture, Forestry, Settlement, Wildlife *outside Habitat, Public river Recreation corridor - 1 L____.-------~-·--·-·-~~- 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibiteà may ~e allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 t 1 . -1 LEGISLATIVE "" DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NQU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES --------------------------------- r --------------------------~----------------------------------------·-.a;~~~~~i~)i~~~-~WŒl~~-~·~·~·~·~-~--~ --~k ~~~ -· '"""' .... - however, those that are most likely ta be applicable in this pàrticular unit are indicated with asterisks. *Agriculture *Recreation Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Access Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Quality *Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: Resource managment Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit 7a and 7b (Settlement and agriculture lands) Stream corridors When land is sold in these subunits, a buffer at least 200' wide on either side of the mean high water mark of Sawmill Creek and Trapper Creek will be retained in public ownership. These streams support coho salmon and will provide recreational opportunities within the disposal areas. Buffers lOO' wide on either side of the ordinary high water mark of unrtamed streams that appear on the USGS topographie maps also will be retained in public ownership. (Note: Within sales proposed for spring 1984, the Trapper Creek buffer width is established at lOO'. The 200' buffer will apply in the case of all other sales. Subunits 7c and 7d (Susitna River corridor and Rabideux Creek) Forestry/Stream Corridors Forestry is a secondary use in these subunits. Timber management practices will be designed to protect and enhance public recreation and habitat values in these areas. The Susitna River corridor (Subunit 7d) will extend at least 300' landward from the mean high water mark on the Susitna and Chulitna Rivers. (Note: The great majority of this subunit is in borough ownership.) l~0t SUNFLOW€-R MSlN "- ,_, SUNFLOWER BASIN SUBREGION The following section describes land use policy within the Sunflower Basin suhregion. Tt is divided into two parts: The first is an overview of resources and general management intent for the subregion as a whole. The second presents specifie statements of management intent, land use desigDations, prohibited uses, and management guidelines for each of the subregion's seven management units. Maps showing land ownership in the subregion and boundaries of management units and subunits are presented at the end of Section I. I ~ SUBREGION OVERVIEW A. Background The Sunflower Basin Subregion lies in the northwest part of the study area and includes Chelatna Lake and the majority of the Dutch Hills -Peters Hills area. Its north and west boundaries are formed by Denali National Park and Preserve and Denali State Park. The eastern border extends roughly five miles east of Peterville and then jogs west, following Peters Creek south for approximately five miles. The eastern border then veers west again following Peters Hills, the eastern edge of a large wetland and finally, Little Peters Hills. The southern border follows the line between townships 25 and 26 north and then jogs south to include Mt. Yenlo and Donkey Creek. The area encompasses approximately 482,000 acres. The State owns or has seLected all the land within this unit with the exception of sorne small private parcels in the Yenlo Hills Remote Parcel state land offering and a series of federal mining claims along Petersville Road and Cache Creek which are in the process of being patented to private individuals. The uses most prevalent in this subregion are placer mining, hunting, fishing and other recreational uses. Mining activity is concentrated in the Peters Hills and Fairview Mountains, but claims are scattered throughout the subregion. The Yentna Mining District overlaps this entire subregion. Approximately 35,000 acres of high and 140,000 acres of moderate coal potential also are found here. This subregion and the adjoining Petersville Road Subregion form one of the most heavily hunted areas in the Susitna Rasin. Moose, black and brown bear are the most popular big game species. Favorite hunting areas overlap the mining areas due in large part to the ready access (airstrips and roads) mining bas provided. The Department of Fish and Game estimates that, through habitat enhancement techniques, moose production and public use can be increased greatly. Commercial trapping is another activity occurring in the area. Major anadromous streams such as Lake Creek, Peters Creek, the Yentna and Kahiltna rivers have headwaters in this subregion. Lake Creek and Peters Creek are heavily used fishing streams. The Department of Fish and Game has rated these streams among the top ten streams in the entire study area 19j for riparian habitat and public use. In addition, Lake Creek is one of five streams in the study area the Division of Parks has proposed for state recreation river status. Aside from fishing, other recreation activities are focused on Lake Creek, a popular raft trip and fishing stream, and the Peters Hills and Fairview Mountains which provide hiking, berrypicking, skiing and snowmobiling areas. Existing access into the Sunflower Subregion is by road, trail and air. Petersville Road, a four wheel drive road open primarily in the summer extends into the northeast corner past Petersville ending at Cache Creek. An extensive trail and airstrip system takes over where the road system leaves off to provide access to the remainder of the subregion. Two major trail systems, one originating about five miles north of Petersville, the other originating at the junction of Petersville Road and Peters Creek, branch off to provide access to placer mines, a previous state land sale area and hunting and recreational areas. These trails receive extensive ATV use by hunters east of the Kahiltna R~ver. At least fifteen landing strips are located along the trail system: four are publicly owned and eleven are privately owned. Access west of the Kahiltna River is pre- dominantly by air. B. Overview of Management Intent The overall management intent for this subregion is to retain the large majority of the area in public ownership emphasizing management of the values most important in the area now --minerais, wildlife habitat, and recreation. Details of the management intent by resource are presented below. 1. Settlement Settlement in this subregion has and will continue to be limited. Huch of the area is remote and the existing resource uses --mining, habitat, and recreation --conflict with land sales. For these reasons, settlement is limited to four sites with net area of approx- imately 10,690 acres available for sale (see Table 1). A portion of these lands have been offered previously in the Yenlo Hills Remote Parce! sale. The remaining lands --a gross area of 70,410 acres and net area of 7,100 acres--are located in three separate areas. The first area proposed for new settlement is an area northwest of the Yenlo Hills Remote Parce! land offering. This area parallels the Yentna River but lies further north. This portion of the study area is likely to remain without raad access and undeveloped for many years to come given its geographie isolation. As a result, this sale is intended to provide land for long term, remote, self-sufficient !ife- styles. This is the only area in the Susitna Basin proposed for such a sale. The remaining two areas are located on either side of Lake Creek. These sales would provide recreational properties. Fly-in access is available at both parcels. /Cf$ llil!ili llili( - llooi - illi!O - - -- ~ TABLE I Acreage Identified for Settlement Gross Area Net Area 1 (Acres) (Acres) 1 1 1 1 1 New 1 Offerings 70,410 7,100 _j 1 1 Reofferings 1 Within Past 24,960 3,590 1 1 Disposal Areas 1 1 1 1 ' 1 1 TOTAL 95,370 10,690 1 1 11 (p '• ' -', ' Any other settlement in this subregion will be limited to land that may be necessary to support resource development (primarily placer mining and coal). Land will not be sold for these purposes until such development occurs. 2. Agriculture Agriculture potential is limited to grazing in the vicinity of the Fairview Mountains where it is allowed as a secondary use. 3. Forestry Timber values are limited but forest lands will be managed to provide persona! use fuelwood and houselogs for the area's few seasonal and year-round residents. 4. Recreation/Fish and Wildlife The suhregion will be managed to protect existing opportunities for hunting, fishing, and other types of recreation. Special emphasis should be placed on maintaing the quality of big game and salmon habitat. Improved public access and habitat enhancement should be encouraged. Severa! large wildlife habitat areas and wetlands adjacent .to the Kahiltna and Yentna Rivers will be designated wildlife habitat/water resources lands to protect trumpeter swan nesting sites identified as part of the proposed swan reserve system. In addition, the Lake Creek corridor is proposed for legislative designation as a state recreational river. S. Subsurface Generally lands will remain open to locatable mineral entry except for corridors along Lake Creek, Chelatna Lake and portions of severa! selected tributaries which will be closed to mineral entry in recognition of their important recreation values. For the most part, these closures affect areas of low mineral potential. Portions of selected tributaries to Lake Creek which flow through areas of high mineral potential (known mineral terranes) will be open to leasehold location. Two wetland areas, one along the Kahiltna River and the other along the Yentna River, also are recommended open only under leasehold location. These areas are important trumpeter swan nesting sites which are very sensitive to disturhance. Coal and oil and gas leasing are generally allowed in this subregion. The Lake Creek corridor subunit and selected tributaries, however, will be unavailable to coal leasing and prospecting. Although oil and gas leasing is allowed in this unit, directional drilling will be required since no surface entry is allowed within the Lake Creek corridor. Leasing and prospecting are allowed in the remainder of the 111- li>oi!ii -i - -- ... - ~ ... - - - - '- '- "- subregion. Portions of the high and moderate coal potential areas located southwest of Chelatna Lake and in the Peters Hills/Cache Creek area may he offered for lease under the competitive coal lease program. Coal and oil and gas are secondary use designations in this subregion. 6. Transportation Numerous trails cross this subregion. These need to be identified and protected to maintain existing public access across mining claims and in proposed land sale areas. No additional access is planned for this subregion at present. ,,~ SUNFlÇ)W€R BAS lN LAND OWNERSHIP EEEB FEDERAL CJ STATE C22J STATE SELECTED 1§:S) BOROUGH ( includes selected lands} f:i;,;:i;;;;,J NATIVE {includu selected lands) Ef/,f}!·l PRIVATE (other thon native, includes university lands) E:::::J PAST STATE AND BOROUGH LAND SALES CD Subdivision c:EJ Remotes ~ Agriculture (C:::tl LEGISLATIVELY DESIGNATED AREA NOTE: This information has been generalized to show ownership in blacks of 320 acres or greoter. Hence, many isolated private lots are not shawn, e.g. many lakes which oppear public are ringed with privote lots. SCALE 1: 250,000 8 JANUARY 1984 ~~~ 1 ~ R lib ioloill - llilill 1 1 la> 1 1·= i -I..J I.e lu lb 1~ 1 /1 lali - - - - -· tl 1 1 """'··~ 1 '\!: 1 1 13: le 1-lg. 1 IC ~,..._..,1~ - '::' =>::·> · ... "::::!!:!:/· -:: , · · ~. ~w '~Y· o .·l ,:; · .--::~~:·:::;·:~._ .... • --~ ·:_:, ~00o\\s··:J1m:i:-1J1n:./!'(:~~o :··· J4 .......... . ~-ew·;. · . · ;~: ~:!\.: -·~ r . ;· . SUNFLOW€R. BAS lN LAND USE DESIGNATIONS (Tèsignatiors wri tten in CAPITAL IETI'ERS are primary designation;; tlnse in 1011er case letters are secondary designations; areas sto.n with stars (*) will œ proposed for legislative designation.) 1 '"() \ (!'00 ·,0 \ 1-~ "' ·~ 0_.. (0 (>-{. WIN!t:R ,...---~ ..... 4 ~-.-",.J~"'e w l z-t ..J J ~1 f::t <(1 ~1 1 1 1· -~~ • . ., >1 ,. j~b0? Map scale 1. 250' 000 !"\ .. T ; 4lO nf ( · \ '• ... ·.-..•. 1('.«""~-~':':";-.·-. T .· l ' ~~oa0) • ~. ~ 1 -mflM RIVER IRI> &VS . <R la SETILEMENT; Forestry, Wildlife Hab., Minerals, ~ lb SE'I'I'LF.MENT; Forestry, Wildlife Hab., Mi.nerals, Oil & Gas ·~~~ K;r. miT 2 -FAIRVIEW HDm\INS ~~-.. ~ 2 WILDLIFE HAB., MnERAIS; Grazing, Coal ~ ~m. œrr 3 -~ IB.E/I.R.E ŒF.F.K "2=2 ~ 3a PUBLIC ROC. , WILDLIFE HAB.; Oil & Gas, Forestry ::iijfl~ ~~,t~ ~!1:i .. :~rg.~ N? :, - 3b PUBLIC REC., WTIDLIFE HAB.; Oil & Gas K;T. ltli.T 4 -~ 4 WILDLIFE HAB. , WATER REgxJRCES, MUERAI.S; Rem:>te Cabins, Cbal, Oil & Gas K;T. mrr s -DKD BnLS 5a WILDLIFE HAB. ; Minerals, Oil & Gas, Coal Sb SETILEMENT; Wildlife Hab., Forestry, Mi.nerals, Oil & Gas /.' ; Ci:lbin .:- Cabin. :>;:Q '-'< \:."'.~ ~ Cabm. "' ? ~J;., - ~ - - ~ WÎ liloiiÎi L/ - c; ~ - -- ... f]Pl~ ICI'. œrr 6 -KAHIL'lNA. RIVER ------~--------~+------------~ ' ' 6a Wl\.TER REIDURŒS, WIIDLIFE HAB.; M:i.nerals, Oil & Gas 6b SETl'ŒMENT; Wildlife Hab. , Forestry, Oil & Gas lC.r. 1lllT 7 -JlE'J)!ES BllLS 7a WILDLIFE HAB., PUBLIC ROC., MimRALS; Coal 7b SETl'ŒMENT, MI!ïERAIS; Public Rec. 2.01 ,-. . ·-""c - - -· "- - - '-' __ ..., ~ :r. v"" 0 ;_· 1 1(' 1 .~ fewitt ,(l:lœ ~'li};, tt 1 l • f _J 1 5 J !;i \ 1 ::2: C1 ;· ' . ' -.. ··::;:· :\ /c ((-~/,/ -/ ,-:·~ ~ lr~00 JJn ----"'"''"'"'''"'--------~-~---~--,-~--- 0 Q ~ "" -~ ;. T29N ~ ·J27N + "' ,..,., -~* t ~ --...,..---------~,-+ ---- ç:..: ;/ :·~~~ 'T25N à ( 0 ~ < '~ : ( ? ~'l ,-..-..,., () 1 \·;.,. ..L,--- ~. 1 \ Shu!in Lake Mc bougall 1 :-.-•. 1.., 2.02. m 0 0 \:- ~,., \',Il 11\\ \ LI 1 1 11. \. Amber Lake,· •l ---- +· -'· o ~'o T24N T&3N (") .... "' ~ t ; ~~ . 1 "' .Parker . ;.;- Lake •CaQcn + -.·-- ~ _,r' C\5 c 1· ~~ t c; ~~r 1 JJ -~ Map scal~ ~ 1r 1 \; 1:250,000 l bin 22N II. MANAGEMENT INTENT AND GUIDELINES BY MANAGEMENT UNIT MANAGEMENT UNIT 1 -YENTNA RIVER LAND SALES MANAGEMENT INTENT This management unit includes the Yenlo Hills remote parce! sale (a past state land disposai) and the terraces to the northwest of this sale above the Yentna River. The intent is to offer this land for sale to provide opportunities for remote, self-sufficient lifestyles. This is the one place in the entire study area specifically identified for such sales. The Yentna River and severa! lakes in the area provide access. In addition, severa! small tundra strips have been created in the northeastern portion of the management unit where the terrain is realtively flat and a landing site has been reserved southwest of Donkey Creek Lake. This unit is divided into two subunits: the Yenlo Hills remote parcel sale (la) and land not previously offered (lb). Settlement is the primary land use rlesination in both subunits with secondary designations for forestry and wildlife habitat. Forest resources will be managed to provide persona! use timber. See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas anrl the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guildelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation *Forestry *Settlement *Subsurface Transportation *Access *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Quali ty Wetlands Hanagement Land Adminstration Policy a. Resource Management b. Land Trades Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. .,'l03 - liltiili ~ - - - - -- - - - - - - ~ 0 . ..,/;. [ r r r r [ [ r r r r t LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON SUNFLOWER BASIN MANAGEMENT uNir 1 -YENTNA RIVER LAND SALEs /' MGMT. ANALYSIS UNIT/ LAND UNIT OWNERSHIP SUS UNIT NUMBERS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY SECONDARY USE($} USE(S) 1 MINERALS PROHIBITED SURFACE MGMT. OF MGMT OF USE(S) 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERAL$ - la 1356, 12178 State/ Settlement Forestry Remote Cabins Presently closed Not available for Yenlo Remote 12179, 12180 Priva te Wildlife Habitat Trapper Cabins coal leasing or Oil & Gas prospecting lb 12096, 12098 State Settlement Forestry Remote Cabins Closed prior to Not available for Donkey Terraces 12099, 12100 Wildlife Habitat Trapper Cabins sale coal leasing or 12101, 1331 Oil & Gas prospecting 1332, 1333 1334, 1335 1336 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ~····----~~- l Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may ~e allowed. Such uses will be allm,,ed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w,ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE î DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES 1 1 1 1 1 1 ,! Subunits la/lb (Yenlo Hills iHsposal/Additional Settlement La.nds) Settlement Before land is sold, or reoffered for sale, a study will be conducted to determine the "carrying capacity" of the land. The carrying capacity is the ability of the land to provide a sustained yield of firewood and houselogs for persona! use. This will determine the density of land sales that may occur to meet the remote subsistence lifestyle objective. Forestry Forestry is a secondary use in subunits la and lb and will be managed for pesonal use to aid remote self-sufficient settlement. Woodlots of sufficient size, density and appropriate location to provide sustained yield firewood and houselog products will be identified and reserved prior to conveying lands. Trails When lands are conveyed in these pnits, a system of trails between lakes and stream corridors will be identified. These trails will be reserved for public use (including access to fishing streams and hunting areas) through a combination of retention in public ownership and easements (see also Chapter 2, Trails Management). Subunit la (Yenlo Hills Disposa!) Stream Corridors When lands are conveyed in this subunit, huffers of at least 200' wide on either side of the mean high water mark on the Yentna River and Donkey Creek will be retained in public ownership. These widths extend the 100' corridors set forth in the spring 1982 offering of this land. Although not specifically stated in the previous sale requirements, a pub li ely owned buffer of 100' on either si de will also be retained on the unnamed tributaries shown on the 1:63,360 scale maps. Lakeshore Management Any lakeshore property within 500' of Donkey Creek Lake which has not been sold will be retained in public ownership to guarantee future public acc~ss. Before additional lakefront is offered for sale or conveyed around Lake 240, remaining parcels of puhlic land will be identified. If the remaining parcels of land comprise less than 50% of the lakefront, all remaining lakeshore property within 500' will he retained in public ownership to protect public access. Unsold land in excess of 50% may be conveyed to private individuals • .l05 - - - u -- - - - - - - ---·-----------·--·-·~~-~~--·~~-,··---···--·-·-····---· ,_, "'- """" """"' """"' Subunit lb (Additional Settlement Lands) Stream Corridors When lands are conveyed in this subunit, buffers on either side of the mean high water line of at least the following widths will be retained in public ownership on the following streams: Yentna River -200' Rich Creek -200' nonkey Creek -200' Clearwater Creek -200' Unnamed tributaries shawn on the 1:63,360 USGS topo maps-200' These corridors are intended to protect public access and recreational opportunities, primarily moose hunting and fishing. Lakeshore Management At least 50% of the land within 500 feet of lakes accessible by floatplane or with significant recreational value will remain in public ownership to protect public access. At least 25% of the lakefront property within 500 feet of remaining lakes will remain in public o~~ership to protect public access and retain some open space. MANAGEMENT UNIT 2 -FAIRVIEW MOUNTAINS MANAGEMENT INTENT This unit is a large black of public land encompassing the Fairview Mountains, an active placer mining area. The area provides important moose winter habitat and calving grounds. In addition, the headwaters of numerous anadromous fish streams which are tributaries to Lake Creek, are located in this unit. The unit is popular for fly-in moose hunting because numerous airstrips provide easy access. This area will be retained in public ownership and managed to support mining and maintain wildlife habitat, the two primary land use designations. Coal development and grazing are secondary uses within the subunit. This unit will remain open to mineral entry and coal and ail and gas leasing. Sunflower, Twin, Mills and Camp creeks will be open to leasehold location to protect anadromous fish and downstream recreation values. This unit has not been divided into subunits. See the maps at the beginning of this section for management unit boundaries and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. ,2.0<o ~ 0 -tl LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SUNFLOWER BASIN MANAGEMENT uNir 2 -FAIRVIEW MOUNTAINS / MGMT. ANALYSIS LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS PROHIBITED !SURFACE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF PRIMARY SECONDARY USE(S) USE($) USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERALS 2 1322, 1323 State Wildlife Habitat Co ai Remote Cabins Open Fairview 1324, 1325 Minerais Grazing Land Disposais Mountains 1326, 1327 1328, 1329 1330, I370 1714 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibfted may ~e aiiowed. Such uses will be aliowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 ( 1 1 r 1 l 1 •-1 LEGISLATIVE "" DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES ··. (_ b ,_ - ..... ---------~~--·----~--~--~:!o:""'"" ~'"''''"'"';t'''"".'''"',"'"'""''''"'"''ll*"---~ MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. *Agriculture Recreation Forestry Settlement *Subsurface Transportation *Access Lakeshore Hanagement *Instream Flow Stream Corridors Trail Management Wa1ter Quali ty Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy a. Resource management b. Land Trades Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below. Stream Corridor/Subsurface Management A stream corridor 500' wide on either side of the stream's mean high water line on Sunflower, Twin, Mills, and Camp Creeks W'ill be ·subject to leasehold location to control any mining related impacts on downstream (Lake Creek) water oriented public recreation, riparian and anadromous fish habitat, and water quality in the affected streams. If a portion of a claim is located within the corridor, then the entire claim will be subject to a lease. Smaller buffer widths may be permitted with the consultation of ADF&G and Division of Parks. MANAGEMENT UNIT 3 -CHELATNA LAKE/LAKE CREEK MANAGEMENT INTENT Management unit 3 includes Chelatna Lake and Lake Creek. Aside .from severa! private parcels on Chelatna Lake, this unit is entirely in state o~mership. It will be retained in public ownership to protect opportunities for public recreation and fish and wildlife management • This unit is split into two subunits: Chelatna Lake (3a) and Lake Creek corridor (3b). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. ~D'iS /il 0 -J) LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SUNFLOWER BASIN MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 3 -CHELATNA LAKE/LAKE CREEK r MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS ANALYSIS UNIT/ LAND UNIT OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S}. MINERALS PROHIBITED !SURFACE MGMr OF MGMT. OF USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS 3a 12001, 1621 State Public Recreation Forestry Remote Cabins Closed Not available for Chelatna Lake 1715 Wildlife Habitat Oil & Gas Land Disposais coal leasing or prospecting No surface entry for oil & gas 3b 12089 State Public Recreation Oil & Gas Remote Cabins Closed Not available for Lake Creek Wildlife Habitat Land Disposals coal leasing or prospecting No surface entry for oil & gas - 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leasc:c:, remote cabin le:1ses, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may •be allowed. Such uses will be allo\,·ed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1. 1 1 1. 1 1 l, 1 1 LEGISLATIVE "' DESIGNA Tl ONS, PROPOSED RELINQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES Unresolved issues remain; designa- tions uncertain (see mgt. intent section for furthe information) ----- ------~~~~~--------"=, -~=-----,~~----""-~''''"'"""''"'"'''""''''"'!i~l'll!:l•<l'i"!<''''""''":."'l;>"'"''w~-------""'"'=~"--=-~""'------ Chelatna Lake (subunit 3a) is a scenic lake nestled at the base of'the Alaska Range that serves as the put-in point for recreationists floating Lake Creek. This lake is one of the few lakes greater than 640 acres in the study area not surrounded by private lands. The planning team did not come to complete agreement on the appropriate management of this subunit. There was a general consensus that this lake remain in public ownership and largely undeveloped, but the Land Conveyance Section of Division of Land and Water Management did not concur. Instead, the conveyance section supported sorne land sales around Chelatna Lake. The Resource Allocation Section supports the majority opinion on this issue and recommends that the lake be retained in public ownership and managed to protect recreational opportunities. Recreational activities should be encouraged and enhanced by development of a public use cabin system and by leasing state lands for commercial recreation facilities. It should be noted, however, that this area is a lower priority for public use cabins than other, more accessible portions of the study area. Subunit 3b is a corridor encompassing approximately t'en miles of Lake Creek, an important anadromous fish stream and popular float trip. This creek, nationally known for fishing, is proposed for legislative designat,,ion, as a State Recreation River (one of only five streams in the entire study area proposed for this designation by the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation). The Department of Fish and Game rated this the second most important river in the whole study area for habitat values and public use. There is sorne coal, placer gold and oil and gas potential in this unit. However, due to the extremely high public recreation and habitat values described above, this subunit will be unavailable for coal leasing or prospecting. It will be open to mineral entry through leasehold location. Surface entry for oil and gas development is not permitted in this unit. nevelopment must occur through directional drilling from outside the boundaries of these subunits. Public retention will allow maintenance of visual quality along the banks, protection of riparian habitat, and recreation opportunities. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable :in this unit are indicated with asterisks. rPIO Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry Settlement *Subsurface *Transportation *Access *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors Trail Management *Water Ouality Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: Resource management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunits. Subunit 3a (Chelatna Lake) Forestry Forestry is a secondary use in this unit and should be managed to provide personal use timber for existing and future recreational activities. Timber management practices will be designed to protect the visual quality on the lake and enhance public recreation and habitat values. Subunit 3b (Lake Creek Corridor) Forestry Forestry values are limited in this portion of the Lake Creek Corridor. Timber cutting will not be allowed to protect the visual and wilderness qualities of this unit. Transportation Road crossings in Lake Creek corridor should be minimized. All crossings and roads within the corridor must be designed in consultation with the Division of Parks and the Department of Fish and Game. MANAGEMENT UNIT 4 -WETLANDS MANAGEMENT INTENT Management unit 4 is a lowland area bordered by Lake Creek, the Fairview Hountains, Yenlo Hills and Chelatna Lake. The area is a mixture of wetlands and better drained uplands. Numerous tributaries to Lake Creek, most of which are also anadromous fish streams, flow through this unit. The area south of Home Creek is high value moose habitat. Access to this unit is provided via a winter trail located between Home and Camp creeks and airstrips located to the west around Collinsville. This unit will be retained in public ownership and managed to preserve the habitat and water resources values within its boundaries. Remote cabins will be an allowed use. :2{) - - - ~ - - ....,.; ~ - IR! IR! - - - - 1J (') 1 r r r LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON. SUNFLOWER BASIN MANAGEMENT uNir 4 -WETLANDS r MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS ANALYSIS PROH/BITED UNIT/ UNIT LAND SURFACE OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMT. OF MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERAL$ 4 12003, 12090 State Wildlife Habitat Remote Cabins Land Disposals Open Available for Wetlands 12091, 12092 Water Resources Co al leasing 12094, 12095 Minerals Oil & Gas 12097, 12102 12103 ---~ l Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may ~e allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE " DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES This unit has no subunits. See the maps at the beginning of this section for management unit boundaries and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation Forestry *Settlement *Subsurface Transportation Access Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management *Water Quality *Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy a. Resource management b. Land trades Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below. Forestry Forestry is a secondary use in this management unit. The limited forest resources will be managed for persona! use. Timber management will be designed to minimize impacts on habitat. Remote Cabins/Stream Corridors Remote cabin permits are an allowed use within this unit. Cabin sites shall be dispered in a very low density (no more than 4-6 cabins per 640 acres) over the entire area, or clustered along stream corridors (3-4 cabins every six miles), to maintain limited forest resources, and to reduce hùman impacts on wildlife migrations. Remote cabins will not be permitted within the 300' buffer on either side of the mean high water mark on the following streams: Sunflower Creek Home Creek Unnamed tributaries to Lake Creek shown on the 1:63,360 USGS topographie maps. Development setbacks of 100' are required on any other stream. Development will be kept out of these buffers to minimize the impacts of development on wildlife migration corridors. ;li~. - - lilli!ii - -' - - - llili<ii - lilllli - towi -------~~~--~~-.-.~-·-----··'""=""'---~'"""""~~ --·=-"'"'"''"''''"'''"'""'"'"''''''lt'"""'"""'''""'"l!'''""-':al!•''''''''''''"''"''"'"""''""''''''"""""''';..'''''""'''""""'"""'-~~··~~- - ,_, Trails/Rernote Cabins A buffer of 200' on either side of the centerline of the winter trail shown on the USGS topographie rnap will be identified. Rernote cabins will not be perrnitted within this trail corridor. Subsurface Management A stream corridor SOO' wide on either side of the strearn's mean high water mark on Sunflower and Horne creeks will be open under leasehold location to control any rnining related impacts on downstrearn (Lake Creek) water quality, river-based public recreation, and riparian and anadrornous fish habitat. If a portion of a clairn is located within the corridor, then the entire clairn will be subject to a lease. Srnaller buffer widths may be permitted with the consultation of ADF&G and Division of Parks. The same corridors subject to leasehold location are unavailable for coal prospecting and leasing. MANAGEMENT UNIT 5 -YENLO BILLS MANAGEMENT INTENT This unit encompasses Yenlo Hills, Willow Mountain and the lowlands to the east of these mountains adjacent to the Lake Creek corridor. Yenlo Creek and major unnamed tributaries to Lake Creek are important anadromous fish strearns. Large nurnbers of brown bear den around Mt. Yenlo and moose densities are high throughout most of the area. This unit will be managed to support a mixture of widlife habitat, recreation and lirnited amounts of settlement. This unit has heen divided into two subunits: Yenlo Hills (Sa) and the lowlands (Sb). See the rnaps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a surnrnary of land uses. The Yenlo Rills suhunit (Sa) will be retained in public ownership and designated wildlife habitat. The principal human usE~ which occurs here is hunting. Subunit Sb will be designated settlement, recreation, and wildlife habitat, and managed to support a mixture of these uses. The northeastern edge of this unit borders the Lake Creek corridor making portions of it attractive for recreational settlernent. Fly-in access is provided by the lakes in the north half of the unit. Sales will be limited to a few site specifie areas such as the lakes just described. Land sales will be designed to minirnize the impacts on the wildlife migration corridors along Yenlo Creek and the other unnarned tributaries to Lake Creek shown on a 1:63,360 scale rrmp. Details of site design, location and amount of land to be sold will be deterrnined following circulation of the agency review draft. ;}._( <f t..:l (,}\ LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION. StJNFLOWER BASIN MANAGEMENT UNIT_ s -YENLO HILLS r MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS ANALYSIS PROHIBITED UNIT/ LAND UNIT OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY SURFACE MGMI OF MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS Sa l217S, 12176 State Wildlife Habitat l1inerals Remote Cabins Open Available for Yenlo Hills 12177 Co al Land Disposais leasing Oil & Gas Sb 12174, 12192 State Settlement Forestry Remote Cabins Settlement areas Not available for Lowlands 12193 Wildlife Habitat Oil & Gas closed prior to coal leasing or Minerals sale prospecting L_________ ___ .• -- 1 Other uses such as material sales, land.leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. l ( 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 -l 1 1 1 ( LEGISLATIVE " DESIGNA Tl ONS, PROPOSED REL/NQU/SHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES ------~--~....-~~=--------~"""'~---- ,_ - ._ '- Minerais is a secondary land use designation in both of these subunits. There are no known mineral terranes and few, if any, mining claims. Two stream corridors (Yenlo Creek and an unnamed tributary which encircles Mt. Yenlo and Willow Mountain to the north) will be closed to mineral entry to protect habitat values but the remainder of the area will remain open to mineral location. }~NAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, tho se that are most likely to be applicable Jln this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation *Forestry *Settlement *Subsurface Transportation *Ac cess *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors Trail Management Water Quality Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy a. Resource management b. Land trades Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit Sa/Sb (Yenlo Hills/Lowlands) Stream Corridors/Subsurface Management A corridor 500' wide on either side of the mean hllgh water mark on Yenlo Creek and the unnamed tributary to Lake Creek whieh encircles the northern portions of Mt. Yenlo and Willow Mountain ending west of Shovel Lake, will be closed to mineral entry to protect downstream (Lake Creek) water-based public recreation, riparian a~d anadromous fish habitat and water quality. Subunit Sb (Lowlands) Lakeshore Management At !east 50% of the lakefront property within 500 feet of the lakes located in the northern half of this unit will be retained in public ownership to protect public access. The Division of Parks shall be consulted when identifying sites to be retained so that recreational activities and management can be coordinated with the adjoining Lake Creek corridor, proposed as a state recreation river. ~le., Stream Corridors When lands are conveyed in this unit, buffers of at !east the following widths on either side of the mean high water mark will be retained in public ownership on the following streams: Yenlo Creek -1/4 mile Unnamerl tributaries shown on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographie maps -300' These corridor widths are intended to provide migration corridors for moose from upland summer habitat areas (subunit Sa) to lowland fall and winter habitat areas (subunit Sb). Forestry Forestry is designated a secondary use in this subunit. Timber management practices will be designated to protect and enhance habitat values and recreation activities while providing persona! use timber products. Trails When land is conveyed, trail corridors will be identified and retained in public ownership between the Lake Creek corridor and the lakes in the north half of the unit, and between the lakes themselves. MANAGEMENT UNIT 6 -KAHILTNA. RIVER MANAGEMENT INTENT This unit is dominated by the Kahiltna River and its floodplains. Two tributaries, Wetbutt Creek and Treasure Creek, also are included in this unit. The majority of this area will be retained in public ownership to protect the habitat and water resources values. Much of this area contains concentrations of trumpeter swan nesting sites. Recause trumpeter swans are relatively scarce and very vulnerable to disturbance the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed designation of this area as a swan reserve. State reserve proposals will be delineated following review of the USFWS data after circulation of the agency review draft. A portion of the area sandwiched between Lake Creek and the Kahiltna River is recommended for recreational settlement. Access is provided via the winter trail shown on the USGS topographie maps and Shovel Lake located just to the west of this unit. The area has been divided in two subunits: the Kahiltna River and adjoining floodplains (6a) and the proposed settlement area just described (6b). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. ;tH -.. - llilllll a.li -~ l!il!ii - - - - -' - - - - ~ .,_, dl 1 [ r r r ( LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SUNFLOWER BASIN MANAGEMENT UNII 6 -KAHILTNA RIVER , MG MT. ANALYS/5 UNIT/ UNIT SUBUNIT NUMBERS 6a 12004, 12006 Kahiltna River 12007, 12085 12086, 12087 12108 6b 12088, 12107 Treasure Creek LAND OWNERSHIP: State State 1 LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY USE(S) Water Resources Wildlife Habitat Settlement SECONDARY USE(S) Minerals Oil & Gas Wildlife Habitat Forestry Oil & Gas r PROH/8/TED MINERALS SURFACE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERAL$ Remote Cabins Open except for Not available for Land Disposals swan nesting coal leasing or areas open under prospecting leasehold Remote Cabins Closed prior to Not available for sale coal leasing or prospecting 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE " DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINOUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation *Forestry *Settlement *Subsurface Transportation *Access Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Ouality Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy a. Resource management b. Land trades Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below hy subunit. Suhunit 6b (Settle~ent Area) Stream Corridors When lands are conveyed in this subunit buffers of at least the following widths on either side of the mean high water line will be retained in public ownership on the following streams: Treasure Creek -200' Wetbutt Creek -200' Summit Creek -200' Shovel Creek -200' These corridors are intended to protect public access and recreational opportunities. Settlement Critical swan habitat areas and proposais for legislative designation of swan reserves will be delineated following planning team review of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposais. Land will not be offered for sale within critical habitat areas. ~,, - - - - lil!l!il - I!OI!'ll - - - - - - ----------------,~~--------~~--------~--··----''"""~----'""""'"'""m""' ""-" 'ë""" """' lr.l!ltil! - - - !-,., - Forestry Forestry is a secondary use in this subunit. Timber management practices will be designed to protect and enhance recreation opportunities and habitat values. Subunits 6a/6b (Kahiltna River/Settlement Areas) Subsurface Management Portions of these units identified as trumpeter swan nesting areas will not be available for coal prospecting and leasing. MANAGEMENT UNIT 7 -PETERS BILLS MANAGEMENT INTENT This unit is comprised of the Peters Hills, Dutch Hills, Little Peters Hills and the area between the hills and the Kahiltna River floodplain. The management intent of this unit is to retain the area in public ownership emphasizing the existing mining, wildlife habitat and recreation values.This unit has large moose populations and is accessible via the Petersville Road which makes it one of the heaviest used units in this subregion for hunting and fishing activities. Panoramic views of the Alaska Range also make the Peters Hills a popular hildng and skiing destination. Retention of this area in public ownership complements the uses proposed to the east. This unit adjoins the proposed Peters Creek State Forest. Numerous trails originate on the Petersville Road to the east and then honeycomb this unit providing access for uses such as fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and berry picking. The limited timber values in this area are to be managed to enhance habitat values and recreational opportunities as well as to provide timber for personal use. This unit is divided into two subunits: the vast majority of the aforementioned hills (7a), and a parcel of federal land paralleling the extent of Petersville Road within the subregion (7b). Subunit 7b is currently in federal ownership but eventually will be transferred to private ownership as a result of federal mining claim law.. The status of much of the upland area along Cache Creek in Subunit 7a is similar; much of this land is likely to be conveyed to private ownership. J.:.(o ·~ ""' LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION .. SUNFLOWER BASIN -MANAGEMENT UNIT-7-PETERS HILLS / MGMT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS ANALYSIS . PROH/8/TED LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY '!SURFACE MGMT.OF MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USElSl! LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S) -USE(S)-'MINERAL$.~-M/NERAL-s la 1618, 12008 State/ Hinerals Co al Remote Cabins Open Available for Peters Hills 12009, 12010 Federal Wildlife Habitat Land Disposais leasing 12011, 12079 Public Recreation 12081, 12082 12083, 12084 12109 7b 12012, 1619 Federal Settlement Public Recreation Remote Cabins Open Available for Petersville Hinerals Land Disposais leasing Road .....__ ---- l Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. f 1 1 f 1 (_ ' 1 .. 1 1 1 ( 1 1 1 1. 1 l LEGISLATIVE ~ DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED /SSUêS'" ' 1 -----------------·----------------~"''"'""""""-~-"""=7; ~""~-~.,...~--·------- ...... - - - :,:,~ - MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide ànd regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation Forestry Settlement Subsurface Transportation Accéss Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Mànagement Water Quality Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy a. Resource management b. Land trades Hanagement guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below. Subunits 7a and 7b (Peters Hills and federal land) Subsurface Management This unit will remain open to mineral entry. Lands within 500' either side of the mean high water mark of that portion of Peters Creek within this subregion will be open to mineral entry through leasehold location. If any portion of a claim is located within the corridor subject to a lease, then the entire claim will be subject to a lease. Miners holding claims along the Petersville Road system (defined as the road) plus one mile on either side shall be notified by receipt of their MLTWS that the road system is a public right-of-way which is to remain open to the public. Coal development is a secondary use and land within these subunits is not available for leasing until such time as a market can be demonstrated for this low-grade coal. If a market can be demonstrated, every precaution should be taken during development to protect the high wildlife and recreation values. ;2.:1~ MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of th~s report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines could potentially apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation *Forestry *Settlement Subsurface Transportation Access *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Quality Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy a. Resource management b. Land trades Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below. Subsurface Management This unit will remain open to mineral entry. That portion of Peters Creek within this subregion will be open to leasehold location. Miners holding claims along the Petersville Road system (defined as the road plus one mile on either side) shall be notified by receipt of their MLUPS that the road system is a public right-of-way which is to remain open to the public. Coal is a secondary use and is not available for leasing until such time as a market can be demonstrated for this low-grade coal. If a market can be demonstrated, coal mining should take every precaution to protect the high wildlife and recreation values found in this unit. .;123 - - .... ~ ~ - '""" - - -- -- - - - - - SUSITNA lOWLANDS '-- '- 1~ "- ·- SUSITNA LOWLANDS SUBREGION I. SUBREGION OVERVIEW The following section decribes land use policy in the Susitna Lowlands subregion. It is divided into two parts. The first is an overview of resources and general management intent for the subregion as a whole. The second presents specifie statements of management intent, land use designations, prohibited uses, and management guidelines for each of the subregion's fourteen management units. Maps showing land ownership in the subregion and boundaries of management units and subunits are presented at the end of the first part. A. Background This area contains the greatest untapped wealth of surface resources within the study area. The subregion has the potential to provide large amounts of forest and agricultural products. It presently provides substantial hunting, fishing and recreational opportunities which could expand with improved access, better facilities and habitat enhancement. It also has potential to support growth in year-round and seasonal recreational settlement. This subregion is bounded on the eastern border by the Big Susitna River, and on the west by the lowlands north of Mt. Susitna and Mt. Beluga. Thenorth boundary follows the Yentna River southeast for approximately 20 miles, turns north at the confluence of the Yentna and Kichatna Rivers to the line separating Townships 25 and 26 North which forms the northern boundary. This area is comprised of approximately 1,200,000 acres. Land within the Susitna Lowlands Management Unit is primarily owned by the State of Alaska. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough owns approximately 35,300 acres. There are also numerous small parcels in private ownership which were purchased under the state's open-to-entry program and more recent land disposai program --most of which are located on or near water. A small amount of land --approximately 1500 acres --is in Native or university ownership. Existing access into the Susitna Lowlands is by air, boat and trail. There are at !east three private landing strips in the area: at Yenlo Lake, Trail Ridge, and Alexander Lake, as well as a public airfield at Skwentna. Boat access from Anchorage or the Parks highway is available via the Skwentna, Yentna and Susitna Rivers, and many other lateral streams. ~015 Although there are no roads within the unit, Oilwell Road provides access near the north edge of the management unit, and the area has an extensive summer and winter trail network. Primary trials include 60 miles of the Iditarod Trial, another winter trail running southward from Oilwell Road that connects with the Iditarod, and a 30 mile winter tractor trail from the Parks Highway by Trapper Creek south to near Delta Island on ths Susitna River. In addition, seismic lines crossing the area are used as winter trails. A proposal to extend Oilwell Road further south is a current priority of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. B. Overview of Management·Iritent The Susitna Lowlands are currently inaccessible by year-round road, rendering near term development unlikely. The wealth of resources in the subregion argues strongly that designations should: 0 0 0 0 Protect important public resou:rces such as critical habitats, wetlands, and prime recreational rivers; .Allocate sufficient land to forestry and settlement to encourage expansion of the road system where desirable and to facilitate long term forest planning; Retain most potential resource development lands in public ownership for at least the near term to preserve options for development at such time that access and market conditions change; and Provide sorne lands for private ownership near recreational attractions and future development centers. Management intent for each of the major resources and land uses in the subregion (settlement, agriculture, forestry, fish and wildlife, recreation, subsurface resources, and transportation) is summarized in the following sections. 1. Settlement Lands will be sold for settlement in association with resource development and to provide opportunities for private recreation. Over the long term, land offerings will include a large proportion of borough holdings, since borough lands provide some of the best locations for settlement. Sorne land also will be offered by the state to complement future agriculture and forestry development and to offer sorne private recreational sites. Most of the near term state sales will be homesteads in remote regions. The majority of these will fall in areas where lands have been offered previously in arder to concentrate settlement impacts. Sales associated with resource development will likely be subdivisions. These will not be offered until raad access is available. In ,;2~(,., - - - - ~ - illlloii - - - - - addi.tion, severa! areas will be open to remote cabin permits. Sorne valuable settlement lands between the Kahiltna River and Kroto Creek are still the subject of planning team debate, since they are extremely valuable for forestry, agriculture, recreation and habitat, as well as disposai. For more information on this issue and the Resource Allocation Section's recommendations for its resolution, see management units 11, 12, 13, and 14. A summary of the acreage proposed for sale is shawn in Table 1. The planning team recommends that approximately 42,840 acres of state subdivision and homestead parcels be offered for sale in the Susitna Lowlands subregion over the next twenty years. Much of the land is within the boundaries of past remote parce! areas. Over 170,000 acres of land are still the subject of planning team debate in this subregion. In general the Divisions of' Forestry and Parks and Outdoor Recreation and the Department of Fish and Game support retention of these areas in public ownership to be managed for timber, wildlife habitat, and public recreation. The Divisions of Land and Water Management and Agriculture prefer to see portions of these areas available for agriculure, residential or private recreational disposa!. Resource Allocation Section proposais for resolution of these issues recommend that 17,740 acres be included in the settlement pool. This area is expected to yield approximately 6,140 acres of additional disposais including 2,560 acres of agricultural homesteads. The remaining areas are recommended for retention in public ownership or resource management designàtions (see below) Approximately 76,440 acres are designated resource management, and 37,560 acres are included in the borough land bank. The Resource Allocation Section recommends designation of an additional 42,310 acres as resource management. Sorne of these areas may be available for settlement in the long term) but there are no immediate plans for sale. When these lands are reevaluated to determine their long term best use, their high values for forestry, wildlife habitat, agriculture, and public recreation will be considered in addition to their settlement potential. 2. Agriculture This subregion is presently inaccessible, but has the potential to become a productive agricultural area. For these reasons, land will not be sold for agricultural development in the near term. The largeblock of borough land east of Kroto Creek (ca. 19,000 ac) will be included in the borough land bank. Approximately 90,000 acres of agricultural land that include blacks of class II and III soils large enough to support medium size farms will be put in a resource management category, along with land capable of supporting smaller farms. lands identified in this subregion. Most ~.;q- about 33,000 acres of There are no grazing of the best agricultural TABLE 1 -Acreage Identified for Settlement 1 1 GROSS AREA (ac) 1 NET AREA (ac) 1 -Planning Res ource Total Planning Resource Total Te am Allocation Te am Allocation Re comme nd-Section Re comme nd-Section -at ions Proposais ations Proposais STA'l'E LAND 1 jNew Offer-25,830 7,500 33,330 5,080 2,580 7,660 ings - Reofferings 222,650 5' 120 227 '770 37 '760. 1,000 38,760 lwithin Past - Disposa! Are as - !Agriculture ---5' 120 5' 120 ---2,560 2,560 i jHomesteads 1 !TOTAL 1 248,480 17,740 266,220 42,840 6,140 48,980 -·--·-----·· -·-- tlliJii lllilil -.. - - - ;l~"'r '"""" """' """' 3. soiis between the Kahiltna River and Susitna River are in areas that are still the subject of planning team debate because they are extremely valuable for forestry, habitat, settlement, and recreation, as well as agriculture. The Resource Allocation Section has recommended that approxmately 42,310 acres within this area be designated resource management, and 2,560 acres be offered for sale as agricultural homesteads in the near-term. For additional information on this issue and the Resource Allocation Section's recommendations for its resolution, see management unts 11, 12, 13 and 14. Forestry As noted for agriculture, inaccessibility makes near term forest development unlikely. Long term forestry values are high enough to justify long term retention of some areas for forest management, however. This also will encourage development of access that will support other land uses. A large area west of Lake Creek and northeast of Skwentna and a smaller area in the Yentna/Susitna delta have been identified for long term retention .. These areas coincide with high value habitat areas and important recreation rivers (Lake Creek, Kroto Slough) and are recommended for legislative or administration designation (e.g., forest reserves or public use areas). Many of the most valuable forests between the Kahiltna and Susitna Rivers are still the subject of debate by the planning team. A decision has not been reached on the appropri.ate designation of these areas, since the potential for settlement or agriculture is also high. See management units 11, 12, 13 and 14 for a discussion of this issue in more detail and a summary of the Resource Allocation Section's recommendations for its resolution. 4. Habitat and Recreation The Susitna lowlands contains extremely valuable habitat. Most of the existing recreational use of the area centers around fish and wildlife use, although the river corridors such as Lake Creek and Kroto Creek are also important for floating and canoeing. ~.;l'{ Much of the highly valuable habitat land is retained in public ownership and severa! areas are identified for legislative designation. The Lake Creek, Kroto and Moose Creek, and the Alexander River corridors will be retained entirely in public ownership and proposed for legislative designation as state recreational rivers. Some of the most valuable habitat lands, between the Kahiltna and Susitna Rivers, are still the subject of planning team debate because of potential value for a variety of public and private uses For addiitional information on this issue and a summary of the Resource Allocation Section's recommendations for its resolution~ see management units 11, 12, 13 and 14. 5. Mining a. Mining Claims Mineral values are relatively low in this subregion, with existing, often inactive mining claims occurring primarily along Lake Creek and the Nakochna, Ki chat na and Kahiltna ri vers. Mining guidelines will follow the general policies for the Susitna area. Swan nesting areas, and Lake, Kroto, Moose, and Alexander Creek corridors, will be closed to mining. The rest of the area will be open to mineral location. b. Coal Coal values are low throughout most of the subregion. Coal leases and a limited area of high and moderate coal potential occur in the far western part of the area, and there is moderate coal potential in a limited area in the southern tip of the region. Coal is identified a primary value in the western zone of high and moderate potential and these areas will be retained in public ownership. The southern zone is in an area of very high surface values, and coal will be considered a secondary use. Small areas within this zone may be sold to private individuals. Coal leasing is generally permitted except in densely settled areas, swan nesting areas and the river corridors named above. c. Oil and gas There is little present activity related to oil and gas development in the subregion, but there is some potential for future activity. All areas will be available for oil and gas leasing, but development in the Lake, Kroto, Jtoose, and Alexander Creek corridors must occur through directional drilling, as surface entry is not permitted in these areas. :25-0 - - - ai - - - - - - ._ ~---~----· -~------· -=~' 6. Resource management Resource management designations are used extensively in this area to protect options for future development. These areas will be reevaluated in the future to determine whether their long term best use is for public resource management, or sale for residential and agricultural development. There are no low value lands identified for resource management in the subregion. 7. Transportation A priority for implementation of the plan will be to improve road access into the Susitna Lowlands .through expansion of the road system in the Petersville Road Subregion. Access will be a necessary condition for forestry and agricultural development and for certain types of settlement. Main routes proposed in this subregion are, (1) a north-south road connecting the Amber Lakes area (Oilwell Road extension) and Fish Creek agricultural development in the Willow Sub-basin, including a Susitna River bridge at the south end of the 1road, and (2) extension and upgrading of the Shulin Lake winter trail across the Kahiltna River and Lake Creek. Construction of the first route could occur in the near-to mid-term and would provide access to borough lands with forestry and agricultural potential in subunit 10 and state and borough lands in subunits 11, 12, 13 and 14. The Shulin Lake route is a longer term project that eventually would provide access to settlment and forestry lands on both sides of the Kahiltna and open up large areas to hunting and other recreational activities. ~:0{ '-" "-' -- /.9~ u.:.;r SUSITNA lOWL.rtNOS :!t 1 !:2 lt: a: LANO OWNERSHIP ŒEB FEDERAL c:::J STATE [ZZJ STATE SELE1CTED ~ BOROUGH ( i1rtcludes selected lands} tY/}(] NATIVE (inc~udes selected lands) E{$;1 PRIVATE (ofhtr thon native, includes university lands) E:::] PAST STATE AND BOROUGH LAND SALES c::L3 Subdivision CEJ Remotes E:!iJ Agriculture lc:::d LEGISLATIVELY DESIGNATEO AREA NOTE: This informa1tion has been generalized 1o show ownership in blacks o·f 320 acres or great er. Hence, many isolated private lots are not shown, e.g. many lakes which appear public art rin<gtd with private lots. SCALE 1: 250,000 e JANUARY 1984 '/..~1.. G) c: I:J I.e le.> lë :E -------------------------------------------~,, ~1 ~,~ om -- - - Mi - R 1 r'~-~ ~~-1 -R· .. ~\\ 1 ~~ - - - R 1 ~ lA -~ Q) c -~ ~ Eighfmile ~ ··---::Jill' . . Loke 8 1 L 1 ~ J:l '"» 1 ;... - - - - - - - Z'33 ooo'og-z :1 31\':>S 'IJOI e~OA!Jd IIJ!M pt6U!J tJD :l!lqnd JDtddo lj!>!IIM ltl!DI .<uow 'fl'l 'UMOijl lOU IJD SJOI tJEIA!Jd ptJD!OI! .<uow 'e:>utH 'JtJDt.ll~ JO UJ:>o Olt 10 111:>01q U! d!I.IIJtuMo MOifS C1J p1Z!IDJtUt6 u .. q SDI.j UO!lOWJOIU! l!'ll : 3l0N V3~V 03lVN91S30 Al3Ail.V1t;J931 fr:;.:!J t,lnJ!A:>!J6y E!iJ U JO W ·~ E:::.I:::) uo!S!Afpqns CD S31VS ONV1 H9nOH08 ONV 3lV.LS l.S'Id c::J (spUDj .<J!U8A!Un sapnj:>U! 'tA!JDU UOIH Jtl.llO) ll~II\IYd f.ft.*a (SpUDJ PtJ:>tJIS .. pnJ:>U!) 3/IH.YN (:;;\~\?) {spuot ptJ:>tjtl npnt:>U!) H9niOY08 ES:s:sJ 03l0313S 3lYlS [ZZJ 3lYlS c:::J 1VY303-=' (±±±1 diHS~3NMO CINV1 SON""M01 VNJ.Isns NSIJ. N 61.L 10" r::r Ir r:;· (Cl> 1 1 '- '- - - ..... ,~ Map scale ~ 1. r,?'~JI' l ~~n<ro -~------~"~----------- ~ ~ -9, "? ~~ Csbm• Go.ld Hill . 2c, . \ \\ J ~-~ l~,, }~~~ 0 6'00 Q -;--ç: "" -~ SUSITNA L(JWVtNDS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS D2signations written in CAPITAL !ETIERS are prirmry designations; those in l<:M:!r case are secondary designations; areas slu.n with stars ( *) will ~ proposed for legislative designation. :ter. mrr 1 -~ YFNJNA. la WILDLIFE H\B.; Public Rec., Forestry, Graziqs, Oil & Gas lb RESOURŒ :t-G!'.-Values: Wildlife Hab., Forestry, Settlement M;T. mrr 2 -KIŒ!'INA/ NAICI:XlWA 2a WILDLIFE H\B., PUBLIC REt::., mAL; Forestry, Minerais, Oil & Gas, Remote Cabins 2b RESJJRŒ M;T. -Valœs: WUdlife Hab., Settlerœnt, Forestry, Agriculture 2c SETIIEMENT; Wildlife Hab., Public Rec., Forestry, Oil & Gas, Ranote Cabins 2d PUBLIC REt::., WIIDLIFB H\B., WATER RES.; Forestry, Oil & Gas fCI'. mrr 3 -~ R../EIAmi R.. 3a WILDLIFE H\B., PUBLIC REt::., FORESIRY, WATER RES., ffiAL; Minerals, Oil & Gas, Renot:e Cahlns ) ~ l,y ,~ ) ', )" h ~ ~\ ~ D' b\ \" ~-, \\\ \'". i,e\ ' \ ) 3b RESJJRŒ t-GI'. -Values: Wildlife Hab., Pub.lic Rec., Settlaœnt, Forestry, <hal -~~~~~~-\l) -~i>-";»J',ft'(fl'l(\'i,'V "'))' ~VJ J :-j "! ,,,,~lt~~~~~'(?J~, G )),_.;,~U~(~(;~~~'~: ·~~~w· tity -~~~'; Lake :;,• """ 0 2..~~ ~' ..~,.,.,~ '---~~~IL/ ;ü~~~:~('~ c "' ~ R~W 0 "" ~ ~ ~ti: RIIW ~- "'? •J• "' + c;_ "~'.-(. -.J,Cab1n ~ ~ vvt-.0\'ISL.::::" ..... ' 11 ---------'----.. •• LW:~\ ~~&lihb f LA &IL \ . (6. >Id Il --+ 1 -·~-"' 1 1 Cab<n. ~ •. ';!:) 1 ~< 1 ;... ~ 1 ..J ';!:) Cab<nl G 1a ~ -;::. ""'-5 g " '<; "' Q 7a _:c..,+, f"'!l""'" ~+ ,, CjJ t•(lf-1-"::::..___:-=----- "'o _o\ '\ . ~'(y .,,_ <e Movie<_ ;\ 0 'b . ':,'! 0 Lake \ 0, )h ~-;{;ab;n ' ~),.__~ __ Trin.ïty \SJ ,.... Map scale 1: 250, 000 ~--~ ., 1 ·' ~ ~voo/ t~",\\r~ \\"" · ~ )~~' ~- 23 '=' ,':-"',! "' '6 ::-"i~' T23N ~ti\ (j ( "' "' c --c ~-~ft'20N 6Mtlose ; f38 .. ~- \. ___ ,oo·-~ dil$14 loœ - liîiiiJ!. lll!iJij - - - - - - - '-" ...... -----~-----------------~~~-~~·~--~~·-....·-~-_ .. """"'-._"'"~' SUSITNA LOWLANDS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS Designations in CAPITAL LETTERS are primary designations; those in lower case letters are secondary designations; areas shawn with stars (?f) will be recommended for legislative designation. MGT. UNIT 1 -UPPER YENTNA la WILOLIFE HABITAT; Public Recreation, Forestry, Grazing, Oil & Gas MGT. UNIT 2 -KICHATNA/NAKOCHNA 2c SETTLEMENT; Wildlife Hab., Public Rec., Forestry, Oil & Gas, Remote Cabins 2d PUBLIC REC., WILDLIFE HAB., WATER RES.; Forestry, Oil & Gas MGT. UNIT 3 -SKWENTNA R./HAYES R. 3a WILDLIFE HAB., PUBLIC REC., FORESTRY, WATER RES., GOAL; Minerais, Oil & Gas, Remote Cabins MGT. UNIT 4 --SKWENTNA FLATS 4a PRIVATE LAND 4b WILDLIFE HAB., PURLIC REC., WATER RES., FORESTRY; Minerals, Oil & Gas 4c SETTLEMENT; Wildlife Hab., Forestry, Public R(~c., Water Res., Oil & Gas, Remote Cabins 4d BOROUGH LAND BANK --Values: Wildlife Hab., Settlement, Public Rec. KGT. UNIT 5 -MIDDLE YENTNA Sa WILDLIFE HAB., PUBLIC REG., WATER RES.; Forestry, Minerals, Oil & Gas Sb RESOURCE MGT. --Values: Forestry, Agricultùre, Settlement, Public Rec., Wildlife Hab. 'ic SETTLEMENT; Public Rec., Forestry, Wildlife Hab., Oil & Gas HGT. UNIT 6 -ALEXANDER CREEK 6a \-l!LDLIFE HAB., WATER RES.; Public Rec., Forest:ry, Minerais, Oil & Gas, Remote Cabins 6b RESOURCE MGT./BOROUGH LAND BANK--Values: WHdlife Hab., Forestry, Settlement, Agriculture, Goal 6c SETTLEMENT; Wildlife Hab., Forestry, Public Rec., Oil & Gas *6d PUBLIC REG., WILOLIFE HAB., WATER RES.; Forestry, Oil & Gas HGT. UNIT 7 -LAKE CREEK 7 a FORESTRY, WILDLIFE HAB., PUBLIC REG.; Minerais, Oil & Gas, Remo te Cabins *7b WILDLIFE HAB., PUBLIC REG., WATER RES.; Forestry, Oil & Gas 7c SETTLEMENT; Forestry, Wildlife Hab., Public Rec. MGT UNIT 8 -McDOUGAL Ra SETTLEMENT; Forestry, Wildlife Hab., Public Rec., Oil & Gas, Remote Cabins 8b PUBLIC REC., WILDLIFE HAB., MINERALS; Forestry, Oil & Gas Be RE SOURCE MGT. --Values: Forestry, Settlement, Agriculture, {.Jildlife Habitat HGT. UNIT 9 -KAHILTNA RIVER 9a PUBLIC REG. , WILDLIFE HAB., MINERALS; Fores try, Oil & Gas qb BOROUGH LAND BANK--Values: Forestry, Wildlife Hab., Public Rec., Settlement, Commercial Development Qc RE SOURCE MGT. --Values: Forestry, Settlement, Agriculture, Wildlife Habitat 137 SUSITNA LOWL-ANDS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS Designations written in CAPITAL LETTERS are primary designations; those in lower case letters are secondary designations; areas shawn with stars(~) will be proposed for legislative designation. KGT. UNIT 5 -MIDDLE YENTNA Sa WILDLIFE HAB., PUBLIC REC., WATER RES.; Forestry, Minerais, Oil & Gas MGT. UNIT 6 -ALEXANDER CREEK 6a WILDLIFE HAB., WATER RES.; Public Rec., Forestry, Minerais, Oil & Gas, Remote Cabins 6b RESOURCE MGT. --Values: Wildl. Hab., Forestry, Agric., Coal, Settl. 6c SETTLEMENT; Wildlife Hab., Forestry, Public Rec., Oil & Gas ~6d PUBLIC REC., WILDLIFE HAB., WATER RES.; Forestry, Oil & Gas 6e WILDLIFE HAB., FORESTRY, PUBLIC REC., COAL; Minerais, Oil & Gas 6f UNRESOLVED AREA --Proposed resolution: SETTLEMENT MGT. UNIT 8 -McOOtJGAL Sc RESOURCE MGT •. --Values: Forestry, Settlement, Wildlife Hab., Agric. KGT. UNIT 9 -KAHILTNA RIVER 9a PUBLIC REC., WILDLIFE HAB., MINERALS; Forestry, Oil and Gas 9c RESOURCE MGT.--Values: Forestry, Wildlife Hab., Settlement, Agric. 9d SETTLEMENT; Wildl. Hab., Public Rec., Forestry, Oil & Gas, Rem. Cabins HGT. UNIT 10 -PARIŒR LAKE lOa BOROUGH LAND BANK--Values: Agric., Forestry, Wild. Hab., Settlement lOb SETTLEMENT; Forestry, Public Rec., Wildlife Hab., Agric., Settlement MGT. UNIT .11 -KAHILTNA/KROTO lla UNRESOLVED AREA --Prop. resolution: FORESTRY, WILDL. HAB., SETTL. llb WILDLIFE HABITAT, PUnLIC REC., WATER RESOURCES; Forestry, Oil and Gas llc PUBLIC RECREATION; Forestry, Wildlife Habitat, Oil and Gas lld SETTLEMENT; Public Rec., Forestry, Wildl. Hab., Oil & Gas, Rem. Cabins lle WILDLIFE HAB., WATER RES.; Public Rec., Forestry, Minerais, Oil & Gas KGT. UNIT 12 -DESHKA FLATS 12a UNRESOLVED AREA --Proposed resolution: RESOURCE MGT. --Values: Forestry, Agriculture, Wildlife Habitat, Settlement 12b FORESTRY, PUBLIC REC., WILDLIFE HAB.; Minerais, Oil & Gas, Rem. Cabirts 12c UNRESOLVED AREA --Prop. resolution: part SETTL., part RESOURCE MGT. MGT. UNIT 13 -YENTNA-SUSITNA DELTA 13a UNRESOLVED AREA --Proposed resolution: part SETTI$MENT, part FORESTRY, WILDLIFE HABITAT, PUBLIC RECREATION 13b UNRESOLVED AREA --Proposed resolution: WILDLIFE HAB., FORESTRY, PUBLIC RECREATION 13c U~ESOLVED AREA --Proposed resolution: WILDLIFE HAB., WATER RES. ~13d WILDL. HAB., WATER RES.; Public Rèc., Forestry, Water Res., Oil & Gas 13e PUBLIC REC., WATER RES., WILDLIFE HAB.; Forestry, Minerais, Oil & Gas 13f BOROUGH LAND BANK-Values: Public Rec., Settl., Wildl. Hab., Forestry KGT. UNIT 14 -KASHWITNA KNOBS 14a WILDLIFE HAB., PUBLIC REC., WATER RES.; Forestry, Minerais, Oil and Gas, Remote Cabins 14b UNRESOLVED AREA --Proposed resolution: RESOURCE MGT. --Values: Agriculture, Forestry, Wildlife Hab. Settlement 14c BOROUGH LAND BANK--Values: Agric., Settlement, Forestry, Wildl.Hab. 14d SETTLEMENT; Wildl. Hab., Water Res., Forestry, Public Rec., 011 & Gas .;l38 ~ !lillli - loli:l!1 - - - ... - - - - """"· iliid - '-' """"' ~ - ._. Ill 'L ,J t;, ~3' v. 1 ,. ~ 1 1 -1 1 .R7W L RSW 1 ,.J Ambe-r ~' 1 Lake ShuJin -•• 1 1 """· . Lak s •• • ,, éd ',1 ,,, 'li· 10. \ 1 1 1 "\ 1 1 \ 1 ;1 8 ~ - - . ------. (} ! 1 1 JI Jbr;~~u l ~,1 ~~~ "' 0 0 ' 0 1 '\ + \ ' 1 a'i o . 1 ' / R ; ("' J ?J / ); '~ ·,",_,-·.~... ~q_ c9) \o. ''a~ 1""-. \\) ........ l) 1 1 1 1 .. \ \1 r·-: r;,: .. ·l\~J 1 7 ~{ ', '1 ~) 0 ~· J 1 1 , 1 . l '7 ne. t, ... r \ 1 \ ..1.. \~'1 5 .. \..t tl ~:os V Y 1 .. 1 (o~' 'i ()) ~ ..... 'd,,. l .a --·.,. ., W! >'!. • . . ·._ . "' " 'LL ... ' '·"-0 DÏ~ 1 1 • \ uo '\..C:· ... . ~1 ~ ~"" ;;;; ·-····. 1 ~\ . èob"i ;ë) \ R5'1t;:' . · ·. /s~~<o :~;Yv~,;i' ~ 1--w w lL 0 0 0 0 0 0 l...io. l,";~rfi:!Vll(n;ttana 1 T 2> N 14a '~ ~· -·~--=--: § 259 /:. ~ rp Mil~ U ~ Tmppcr '~ l0l T. 22 ~ Lake C:JOOO' T. 22 N ~ w z 0 ~ 1--w ()~ '~ 1 .J.1 JLlJ/;;!.o\\ ·, 11::: 0 0 0 0 0 m 'N T. 21 N 1 • 1 Str~~~~~~~~-~ : 'r '----;] Kashw1tna r _ .. If!!:~hwit a ~ ·-::.._li1 ( ~î)~ G"' ~ /; r· ·,/ ke! ,,1·~\\fl ~ lT 0 0 :-~ '-'-=J\ 1 ~t.h~~d_.,CK \_l T. 20 N Ç\.~P? se \r--J;tîii ( J ( D()r.J \ c!f~ 1 ""-l._\ FI!{'' 145 Cr fi~ $a · . T. 18 N T 17. lJ -:, ') ( fifitr;J,(~Jl~~~W "U 1/.1 1'' \ '' -.· :.: i;} œ~ui-~.v:Y \ ' 1 -• .,., 1 \ f, ,. ·'··· :• < )\) ~ Flat Horn Lake Z3q JO ytr ,'}, tamond -l -0' Lake , " d scale 1:250,000 "1 T.16 ~ · ;_·· 1 Jewel'"' II. MANAGEMENT INTENT AND GUIDEL INES BY MANAGEMENT UNIT. MANAGEMENT UNIT 1: UPPER YENTNA MANAGEMENT INTENT Management unit 1 is a remote area consisting of the floodplain of the Yentna River, adjacent wetlands and, in the northwestern part of the unit, upland terraces. The lowlands in this unit contain a large area of swan nesting habitat. The river is the main route through the unit. The river, Donkey Creek Slough and Gagnan Creek, also provide access for moose hunting and fishing. Lands in this management unit generally will be retained in public ownership to protect fish and wildlife habitat, including swan nesting areas and moose winter ranf,e, public recreation values, and wetlands. There are two subunits within management unit 1, the upland area in the northwest part of the region (lb), and the lowlands and Yentna River floodplain that make up the majority of the area (la). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas, and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses for each subunit. Subunit la will be retained in public ownership to protect swan nesting areas, salmon spawning streams, moose winter range, and public recreaion opportunities. In subunit lb, there is sorne potential for private recreational use in the long term. The planning team recommended that this subunit be classified resource management/high values to allow continued public use until the area is reevaluated to determine the long term best use of the land. Major values that must be considered in reevaluation are habitat and settlement. There are also opportunities in subunit lb for public recreation and there are forests that can provide timber .for local personal use. Because of difficulties with use of the resource management classification in areas Tnithout agricultural potential, and hecause th~ area is extremely remote and there are large areas of similar land available for homesteading in subunit 2c, the Resource Allocation Section recommends that this area be retained in public ownership and managed for wildlife habitat and public recreation rather than designated resource management. It would then be available for remote cabins rather than homesteads. MANAGEMENT GUIDEL!NES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the pages where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. a.'{() - - - - ~ llo!!ll - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ . .!il [ r ( [ r r [ LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SUSITNALOWLANDS MANAGEMENT UNir 1 --uPPER YENTNA MG MT. ANALYSIS LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP SUS UNIT NUMBERS la 12181, 12182-State/ Yentna Valley 12183, 12184 State 12189' 1337 selected 1338, 1339 1340, 1341 1342, 1344 1346, 1347 1350 (N) 1353, 1354 1355, 1357 1358 lb 1343 State Northwest 1345 uplands 1 1 LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY USE(S) SECONDARY USE(S) Wildlife Habitat 1 Public Recreation Forestry Grazing Oil and Gas Minerals (except in swan habitat are as) Resource Management (high) Values: Wildlife Habitat, Forestry, Settlement - PROHIBITED MINERALS SURFACE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF USE(SJ 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS Remote cabins Generally open; Generally avail-1 prohibited in Hineral entry able for leasing; 1 swan habitat allowed through Not available for 1 areas leasehold'location coal leasing or ' L d d . 1 only within swan prospecting within an 1sposa s · . . hab1tat areas. swan hab1tat areas 1 ' Remote cabins Open Available for Land diSposals leasing 1 Other uses such as material saJc,.;. land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may 1be allmved. Such uses will be alll'\\t.'d if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEG/SLATI VE ~ DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NOUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES Agriculture Transportation *Trail Management *Recreation Ac cess Water Quality *Forestry *Lakeshore Management *Wetlands Management Settlement Instream Flow Land Administration Policy: Subsurface *Stream Corridors * Resource management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit la (Yentna valley) Critical habitat/Forestry/Land Use Permits Critical swan nesting h~bitat areas will be deline~ted in this subunit after review of u.s. Fish and Wildlife Service recommendation for a swan habitat protection system in the Susitna Area. Within critical habitat areas, forestry and public recreation will be secondary use. These activities will be limited to practices that will not impair the value of the area for swan habitat. Activities and facilities requiring land use permits (e.g., airstrips and gravel ext1raction) are allowed uses in this subunit only after consultation with the Dept. of Fish and Game. These land uses generally will be permitted only where there are no fe~sible alternatives. ;;tc.Jz - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 '-' '- 6.. MANAGEMENT UNIT 2: KICHATNA/NAKOCHNA MANAGEMENT INTENT This unit is comprised of the drainages of Johnson Creek and the Kichatna and Nakochna Rivers, and land surrounding large recreational lakes such as Shell, Onestone, Hewitt and Whiskey Lakes. The Nakochna and Kichatna Rivers, Johnson and Red Creeks are all anadromous streams with high value as moose winter range. Hewitt and Shell Creeks are also anadromous streams, and Shell Creek is an important recreational stream as well. The Iditarod Trail also runs the along southern edge of the management unit. Approximately two-thirds of the lands in the unit are within the boundaries of past state disposa! offerings. There are concentrations of private land holdings in the Shell Lake-Onestone Lake and Hewitt Lake-Whiskey Lake areas. Mobil Oil Company has coal leases at a site with commercial potential north of the Skwentna River near Johnson Creek. Lands adjacent to the lease also have high to moderate potential for coal development. Concentrations of placer claims also exist along the Nakochna and Kichatna Rivers above their confluence. Bath public and private uses will be accommodated on lands within management unit 2. The four subunits within this management unit are: the Kichatna River, Nakochna River and Johnson Creek corridors and the adjoining uplands in the western reaches of the unit (2a), resource management lands along stretches of Red Creek, lower Johnson Creek and the Skwentna River (2b), Shell Creek corridor (2d), and the remaining lands between the dvers within the boundaries of past land disposais that are available for further settlement ( 2c). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas, and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses for each subunit. The western reaches of the management unit and the corridors of the Kichatna River and Johnson Creek will be retained in public ownership for habitat, public recreation, forestry management, mining, and eoal development (subunit 2a). The Shell Creek corridor (subunit 2d) will also be retained in public ownership for public recreation and fish and wildlife habitat. This creek is an important recreaional route connecting Shell Lake to the Yentna River. Most of the area included in past land disposai areas will remain available for additional settlement (subunit 2c). Subunit 2c also includes one new settlement area west of the existing disposais between the Kichatna River and Johnson Creek. The three parcels of land in subunit 2b will be classified resource management/high values. Public use of these sites for habitat and forest management and recreation will be allowed until the area is reevaluated to determine its long term best use. Major values that must be considered in the reevaluation include settlement, fish and wildlife habitat, forestry areas for timher supplies, and soils suitable for agricultural development. ~~3 lj..) ..c. -C.. / LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SUSITNA LOWLANDS MANAGEMENT UNIT. 2 -KICHATNA/NAKOCHNA MG MT. ANALYSIS LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS 2a 6001, 6002 State Western region 6003, 1316 1317 (part) 1321, 1348 1349 1350 (S) 1351' 1352 1359 (S) 1360, 1362 1365, 1367 1368, 1369 2b 6007 State Resource 1366 management 1372 lands 2c 6010, 6012 -State Settlement 6013, 6014 a reas 6015, 6016 6017, 12185 12186, 12187 1 12188 1317 (part) 1359 (N) 1361' 1363 1364, 1371 LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY USE(S) Wildlife Habitat Public Recreation Co al SECONDARY USE(S) Forestry Minerals Oil and Gas Remote Cabins Resource Management (high) Values: Wildlife Habitat, Settlement, Forestry, Agriculture Settlement (part 1 Wildlife Habitat past disposals) Public Recreation Forest.ry (personal use) Oil and Gas Remote Cabins ---- PROHIBITED SURFACE USE(S} 1 Land disposals Remote cabins Land disposals --- MINERALS MGMT. OF MGMT. OF LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERAL$ Open Available for leasing Open Available for leasing Closed prior to Not available for sale with option coal leasing or to reopen follow-prospecting (may ing staking be available period following staking period) L. Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may 'be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. f 1 f 1 f 1 1 1 L 1 1 1 LEGISLATIVE ~ DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINOUISHMENTS 6 UNRESOLVED ISSUES i 1 1. 'l..> .c. V' r r r l [ ( r···- LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON SUSITNA LOWLANDS MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 2 --KICHATNA/NAKOCH~A MGMT. ANALYSIS LA lLANO USE DESIGNATIONSI UNIT/ UNIT OWNE~~HIP . PROH/8/TED .!SURFACE SUBUNIT NUMBERS 2d Shell Creek corridor 6024 State PRIMARY USE(S) SECONDARY U$E(S} Public Recreation' Forestry Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas Water REsources USE(S) 1 Remote cabins Trapper cabins Land disposals -- MINERALS MGMT. OF MGMT. OF LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS Closed Not available for coal leasing or prospecting 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE ' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter an the pages where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management uni; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Transportation *Trail Management *Recreation *Ac cess Water Quality *Forestry *Lakeshore Management *Wetlands Management *Settlement Instream Flow Land Administration Policy: Subsurface *Stream Corridors * Resource management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunits 2b and 2c (resource management and settlement areas) Stream corridors When lands are conveyed in these subunits, buffers on either side of the mean high water mark of at least the widths stated below must be retained in ownership on the following streams: Red Creek --200' Johnson Creek --200' unnamed streams that appear on 1:63,360 scale USGS topographie maps --200' These corridors are intended to protect public access and recreational opportunities, particularly fishing. Subunit 2c (settlement areas) Trail Management/Forestry When lands are conveyed within this subunit, a buffer at least 500' wide will be retained on either side of the Iditarod Trail. Timber harvesting in this area will be a secondary use subject to approval by the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. Woodlots Additional woodlot areas must be identified near settlement areas south of Johnson Creek. Lakeshore Management Portions of the shoreline of lakes accessible by floatplane will remain in public ownership. The Divisions of Land and Water Management and Agriculture recommend retaining 25% of this acreage on most lakes, or 50% where ther are significant public recreaion values. The Divisions of Forestry and Parks, the Department of Fish and Game and the Mat-Su Borough recommend ret~tntng 50% of all shoreline property on all these lakes. ~~ID """ - -- - la( - - - - """"' - ..... - '-' ._ ------"'""" ""'.w ,., J:iS>W ·""~!"'""Ml"'~''""''f.'",j:tit5'1~1l''m'"'"_.._"""---, Subunit 2d (Shell Creek corridor) Trail Management A trail corridor approximately 200' wide on either side of the trail connecting Shell Lake with the Shell Creek corridor will be identified and retained in public ownership. ;ttf+ MANAGEMENT UNIT 3: SKWENTRA. RIVER MANAGEMENT INTENT This unit includes the floodplains of the Skwentna and Hayes Rivers and the uplands between the two ri vers. Major features include Red Salmon Lake and Porcupine Butte. The river corridors are important habitat and recreation areas and the Skwentna is a major transportation route. The rivers contain severa! species of salmon and provide important moose winter range. The corridors also support forests that can supply timber for persona! use. The Iditarod Trail also follows the Skwentna River through this unit. Mobil Oil Company has a coal lease in the northwestern part of the subregion (northern section of subunit 3b) and sorne of the adjacent lands also have high to moderate potential for coal development. All of the management unit will remain in public ownership at !east in the near term, and most will be retained in the long term to protect habitat and public recreation values and reserve options for future land use where the land has potential for a variety of conflicting uses. The two subunits in management unit 3 are the Hayes and Skwentna River corridors (3a), and the adjacent lands identified for resource management (3b). See the maps at the beginning of this Section for boundaries of these areas, and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses for eaèh subunit. Most of the area (subunit 3a) will be retained in public ownership in the long term to protect water resources and the public values noted above. Subunit 3b will be designated resource management/high values. This will allow public use of the land for public recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, and timber harvesting until the area is reevaluated to determine its best use for the long term. Major values to be considered when the land is reevaluated are settlement, habitat, public recreation, and coal as well as sorne potential for timber management and possible agricultural homesteads north of the Skwentna River. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presetned in Chapter II of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the pages where each can be found. All of the guidelines could potentially apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. :2tli - lll1l:>i - liltiiii - - - .... - - - - \.1 ..c ...,J:> r r f r r r 1 LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SUSITNA LOWLANDS MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 3 --SKWENTNA R .. /HAYES R MG MT. UNIT/ SUBUNIT 3a Skwentna Valley 3b Resource Management a reas ANALYSIS 1 LAND UNIT OWNERSHIP NUMBERS 6004, 6005 6006, 6009 6011, 6053 6070, 6154 6008 6079 State/ State selected State/ State selected 1 1 i LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED MINERALS !SURFACE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF PRIMARY SECONDARY USE(S) USE(S)· USE(SJ 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERALS Wildlife Habitat Minerais Land disposais Open Available for Public Recreation Oil and Gas leasing Forestry Remote Cabins Water Resources Co al Resource Management (high) Land disposals Open Available for leasing Values: Wildlife Habitat, Public Recreation, Settl~ment, Forestry, Co al ; ' : 1 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allmved. Such uses will be allmved if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE ' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQUISHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry Settlement Subsurface Tran.sportation Ac cess Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors Subunit 3b (resource management lands) Trail Management/Forestry *Trail Management Water Quality Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: * Resource managment If lands are conveyed in the northern segment of this subunit, a buffer at least 500' wide on either side of the Iditarod Trail will be retained in public ownership. Timber harvesting will be a secondary use in the trail corridor. Timber management activities will be subject to approval by the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. .250 - illl>i!i - - - ti - - - - - - - - --------------------~~-~--------·~~.,.=------.. ..-~~-------- '-" """"' .,_ .._ ._ k.,....,. 1.- MANAGEMENT UNIT 4: SKWENTNA FI.ATS MANAGEMENT INTENT Management unit 4 consists largely of wetlands and open forests south of the Skwentna and Yentna Rivers. The Skwentna River floodplain, Eightmile Creek and Lake, Sevenmile Lake, and numerous smaller lakes are important features of the landscape. The town of Skwentna straddles the Skwentna River in the northern part of the management unit. The amount of subsistence-related fish and wildlife use in this area is second only to that of the Beluga area. The Iditarod Trail crosses the southern part of the area. The Skwentna River and Eightmile Creek are important anadromous streams that also provide moose winter range. The lowlands offer sorne opportunities for additional remote, low density settlement. Existing and likely future access to the region is by air or along the Skwentna River. It is intended that this region will support a mixture of public and private uses. There are four subunits within this management unit: the town of Skwentna (4a), lowlands west of Eightmile Creek and including the creek itself (4b), lowlands east of Eightmile Creek within the past Skwentna Flats and Skwentna Flats Addition disposais (4c), and borough lands at Sevenmile Lake (4d). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses for each subunit. Private and Native lands around the town of Skwentna (subunit 4a) will be a focus of settlement activity. Additional low density settlement may be a primary use of the lands in subunit 4c east of Eightmile Creek. The Divisions of Land and Water Management and Agriculture and the Mat-Su Borough favor keeping this area available for homesteading. The Department of Fish and Game and the Division of Parks will approve additional settlement in this area only if lands in subunits 12c and 13a are closed to further disposais. The Division of Forestry had no comment on this issue. 'Ihe Resource Allocation Section recommends that this area remain open to additional settlement regardless of the designations in 12c and 13a. Settlement should occur as homesteads rather than subdivisions, with ample provision for public trail corridors and public woodlots in the area. Rorough lands around Sevenmile Lake (subunit 4d) will be included in the borough land bank. They may be available for sale in the long term, but there are no plans for disposai in the near future. The land between Eightmile Creek and the Skwentna River (subunit 4b) will be retained in public ownership for forestry, fish and vdldlife habitat, and public recreation. The lands in this unit within the boundaries of the existing Skwentna Flats/Skwentna Flats Addition remote parce! disposais will be closed to further land sales. Retention of this area will protect Eightmile Creek, a particularly valuable salmon spawning stream. It will also help keep timber available for persona! use by local residents. ;l.'i)f .. J.l .tl\ fV / . 1 1 r r { t LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON SUSITNA LOWLA.~DS MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 4 --SKWENTNA FLATS MG MT. MINERALS ANALYSIS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED UNIT/ UNIT LAND 'SURFACE OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMI OF MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS M/NERALS 4a 6029 Mixed --------------- Skwentna 6030 Priva te 4b 6031, 6032 State Wildlife Habitat Minerals Remote cabins Open Available for Eightmile Cr. 6033 '~~ Public Recreation Oil and Gas leasing 6048, 6049 Water Resources Forestry *Eightmile Cr. and W 4c 6033* State Settlement Wildlife Habitat ---Closed (with Not available Skwentna 6035, 6046 (past disposal) Forestry option to reopen for coal leasing Flats (personal use) following staking or prospecting *east of Public Recreation period) (May be available Eightmile Remote Cabins following stakin€ Creek • Oil and Gas period) 4d 6047 Borough Borough Land Bank ---Open Available for Sevenmile L. leasing Values: Wildlife Habitat, Settlement, Public Recreation l Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allmved. Such uses will be allO\ved if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE "'1 DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINOUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the pages where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. Ag rieul ture *Recreation *Forestry *Settlement Subsurface Transportation *Access *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Quality *Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: Resource Management Management guidelines specifie to. this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunits 4c and 4d (Skwentna Flats east and Sevenmile Lake) Trail Management/Forestry If lands are conveyed in subunit 4d or the southwest portion of subunit 4c, a buffer at least 500' wide on either side of the Iditarod Trail will be retained in public ownership. Forestry will be a secondary use in the trail corridor. Timber management activities will be subject to approval by the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. Stream Corridors If lands are conveyed in these subunits, buffers at !east 200' from either side of the ordinary high watet mark will be retained in public ownership on all creeks that appear on the USGS 1:63,360 scale topographie maps. ~53 - - - - 1 - b - - - li!ii!Oil - - - ----------------~--~~-=~~~~~~--~rn=~~~--~~~--~--==~ -~~--11'!:~~-8> """""'* --- '"""" ._ - MANAGEMENT UNIT 5: MIDDLE YEiNTNA MANAGEMENT INTENT Management unit 5 includes the Yentna River floodpla:ln, Twentymile Slough, and and the Fish Lake/Bulchitna Lake country. The Yentna River also serves as a significant transportation route. Public retention 1Nill allow maintenance of visual quality along its banks. Together with Twent~rmile Slough and Fish Creek it also is important for salmon, black bear habitat, and moose winter range and timber for local use grows in and along the floodplains. There is a concentration of mining claims along the Kahiltna Ri,rer where it joins the Yentna (subunit Sa). The corridor of the Yentna Riv1~r will be retained in public ownership to protect opportunities for public recreation, fish and wildlife habitat management, and timber management. Public retention also will allow maintenance of visual quality along the river banks. Private land uses will be supported on other lands in the unit. The four subunits in management unit S are: Yentna River floodplain lands with agricultural potential (Sb), other floodplain lands (Sa), the Fish Lakes area, including the existing Alder View disposa! (Sc), and Bulchitna Lake (Sd). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses for each subunit. The riparian lands along the Yentna and lower Skwentna Rivers (subunit Sa) will be retained in public ownership and managed for public recreation, wildlife habitat, forestry, and transportation. State lands in subunit Sb will be designated resourcE~ management/high values and borough lands will be placed in the borough land bank to ensure future reevaluation of the best long term use of this land. Major values to be considered in reevaluating Sb are wildlife habitat, ~~ater resources, public recreation, forestry, settlement, and transportation .. The land surrounding Bulchitna Lake (subunit Sd) generally will be retained in public ownership for public recteation and fish and 'nldlife habitat. Commercial development to support recreation activitJLes also may be a primary use of this subunit. Most of the large lakes within this management unit are surrounded by private lands, increasing the importanee of retaining sorne lakeshore for public use • Settlement in this management unit will be concentrated in subunit Sc. This area includes the Alder View subdivision and additional land on the northern boundary of the existing subdivision. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES 1 The complete set of statewide and regional manjgement guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapt er and the pages where ach can be found. All of the 1 guidelines potentially could apply to uses withd.n this management unit; 1 1, .lS~ LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SUSITNi\ LOWLANDS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 5 --MIDDLE YENTNA MG MT. UNIT/ SUBUNIT Sa Yentna floodplain Sb Resource Management a rea ANALYSIS 1 LAND UNIT OWNERSHIP NUMBERS 5044, 5045 1 State 6034, 6036 6044,6045 6039 State/ 6040 (SW) Borough PRIMARY USE(S) Wildlife Habitat Public Recreation Water Resources SECONDARY USE(S) Forestry l1inerals Oil and Gas Resource Management (high) Values: Wildlife Habitat, Agric4lture, Forestry, Settlement, Public Recrea,tion PROH/BITED MINERALS fSURFACE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF USE(S) 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS Remote cabins Open Available for Land disposals leasing Remote cabins Open Available for La,nd disposal leasing ~~------------~--------,_ ________ _, ~--------------:r--------------~ ~ w Sc Alder View 5d Bulchitna L. · 6037 6038 6040 (NE) State Borough Settlement (part past dispos al) Public Recreation Wildlife Habitat Commercial Development Public Recreation Forestry (personal use) Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas Forestry Oil and Gas Remote cabins Closed prier Not available Trapper cabins to sale for coal leasing or prospec ting Land disposals Closed Not available for coal leasing or prospecting ----------"- l Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. t 1 1. 1 1 l, 1 ( 1 1 1 t 1 1 ' l 1: .. LEGISLATIVE "" DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES 1 -----------------------·---~-----~.::t .. ~ ....... """' however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation *Forest.ry *Settlement Subsurface Transportation *Access *Lakeshore Mànagement Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management *Water Quality *Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy; * Resource management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunits Sa and Sd (Yentna floodplain and Bulchitna I.ake) Forestry Forestry is a secondary use in subunits Sa and Sd. Timber management practices will be designed to protect and enhance public recreation and habitat values Subunit Sb (Resource management area) Stream corridors If the resource management classification in subunit Sb is changed upon reevaluation, the planning team responsible for the reevaluation will identify a corridor along the Yentna River to be retained in public ownership. The corridor will be wide enough to allow hunting and camping as well as fishing and public recreation. Subunit Sc (Alder View) Stream Corridors Wben land is conveyed in this subunit, buffers at least 300' wide on either side of Fish Creek will be retained in public ownership to protect public access, fishing, and bear concentration areas • .). SC,., HABAGEHEliT UNIT 6: M.EXANDER CREEK MANAGMENT INTENT Management unit 6 covers the Alexander Creek drainage and runs east to the Yentna River. Most of the area is wetland or lowland forest, but Trail Ridge is a prominent feature of the unit. Severa! large lakes fall within this area, including Alexander, Sucker, Rabbit and Trail Lakes. Alexander Creek is one of the most important waterways in the entire study area for riparian habitat and salmon spawning. It is also a popular destination for float trips. Many of the smaller creeks also support anadromous fish populations (Lower Sucker, Wolverine, Clear, Texas, and Bear Creeks) and provide winter range for moose (Deep, Fox, Rabbit, Kutna, Lower Sucker, Clear, Texas and Bear Creeks). Anderson Creek is also used as a fishing stream. The Iditarod Trail crosses through the center of the management unit. Parts of the area (subunits 6b, 6c, and 6f) also have sorne potential for settlement and small to medium scale agriculture. The southern part of the region has moderate potential for coal development. Because of the extensive wetlands and public recreation and habitat values, most of the unit will remain publicly owned, but provision will be made for additional land disposais in portions of the management unit. Although presently remote from year-round roads, the southern portion of the unit is accessible by winter roads. DOT/PF has identified a potential road corridor to Rainy Pass that would provide access to lands on the southwest edge of the management unit. Construction is unlikely for many years, however, and resource development in the near future will not require additional access. There are six subunits in the management unit: the large wetlands surrounding Alexander Lake (6a), Alexander Creek corridor (6d), Trail Ridge (6e), state owned areas proposed for settlement in the Sucker Lake area and within existing disposa! areas (6c), resource management lands around Trail Lake and Kutna Creek subdivision and borough land bank lands west of Sus.itna Station and around Sucker Lake (6b), and the land along Anderson Creek (6f). See the maps at the beginning of this section for the boundaries of these areas, and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses for each subunit. Large wetland areas (subunit 6a), the Alexander Creek corridor including Alexander Lake (subunit 6d), and the Trail Ridge area (subunit 6e) will be retained in public ownership. The retention areas will help to protect water resources and fish and wildlife habitat, and provide areas for public recreation and in subunit 6e, forest management. The portion of the existing Kutna remote parce! disposa! area within the boundaries of 6a will be closed to additional sales. The Alexander Creek corridor is proposed for designation as astate recreational river. It is rated by the Dept. of Fish and Game as the third most important river in the Susitna Area for habitat and public use, and is one of only five rivers in the study area proposed for legislative designation in the Division of Parks regional recreation plan. It is recommended that public cabins be built in subunit 6d to support recreational use of Alexander Creek. ~S1- lilliOi - - - - - - - - u ...,.j - - '1-J (,1\ '114 / r r r [ r { r 1 LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION. SUSITNA LOWLANDS MANAGEMENT UNII 6 --ALEXAl~DER CREEK MGMT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS ANALYSIS UNIT/ UNIT LAND OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) PROHIBITED MINERALS 'rSURFACE MGMT: OF MGMT. OF USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERAL$ 6a 5065 State Wildlife Habitat Public Recreation Land disposais Open Available for Wetlands 5066* Water Resources Forestry leasing 6106 Minerals *outside Oil and Gas river Remote Cabins corridor 6b 5069, 5076 State/ Resource Managment· (high) /Borough Remote cabins Open Available for Resource 6086' 6108 Borough Land Bank Trapper cabim leasing Management 6110, 6111 Land disposais a reas Values: Wildlife Habitat, Settlement, Forestry, Agriculture, Goal 6c 5064' 5077 State Settlement (part Wildlife Habitat Remote cabins Closed prior to Not available Settlement 5079, 6109 past disposais) Forestry Trapper cabim sale for coal leasing a reas (personal use) or prospecting Public Recreation Oil and Gas 6d 5066* State Public Recreation Forestry Remote cabins Closed Not available Alexander Cr. 5078, 6107 Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas Trapper cabinE for coal leasing Water Resources Land disposals or prospecting *within river corridor l Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allo\ved. Such uses ~;vill be allmv-ed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guideli.nes in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE ""' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINOUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES Proposed for legislative designation as a state recreation river 1 l 1 1 1 1 1 \,) VI _, LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION . SUSITNA LOWLAL~DS MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 6 --ALEXANDER CREEK MG MT. UNIT/ SUBUNIT 6e Trail Ridge 6f Yentna- Susitna Promontory ANALYSIS UNIT NUMBERS 5067 5068 5070 5080 LAND OWNERSHIP State State LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY USE(S) SECONDARY USE(S) Wildlife Habitat 1 Minerals Forestry Oil and Gas Public Recreation Co al Settlement 1 Public Recreation Forestry (personal use) Wildlife Habitat OH and Gas ~~, PROH/8/TED MINERALS !SURFACE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF USE(SJ 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ ~ MINERALS Remote cabins Open Available for Land disposals leasing Remote cabins Closed Not available Trapper cabim for coal leasing or prospecting 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. ( 1 1. r t [ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1. 1. LEGISLATIVE """'~ DESIGNA Tl ONS, PROPO$ED RELINQUISHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES . ; . .·· Unresolved issues remain, designation un certain (see manage- ment intent for more information) 1 ~'""'""''''"'~~~~~~~--1il!bot ~~---- """' ._ - "- ._, ._, ""'" ,_ .... The lands in subunit 6b also have values for habitat, public recreation and forestry, and moderate values for coal development. They are potentially valuable areas for settlement and small to medium scale agriculture. State lands in this subunit are, therefore, designated resource management/high values and borough lands are included in the borough land bank. All these values will be considered when the subunit is reevaluated to determine its best use for the long term. The portion of the Kutna Creek disposai area within the boundaries of 6b will be closed to additional sales unless reevaluation determines settlement to be a primary use of this land. Disposai activity will be concentrated on state and borough lands around Sucker Lake and along the Yentna River in the existing Kutna remote parce! disposai area (subunit 6c). The planning team did not reach a consensus on the appropriate management of the state and borough lands in subunit 6f. ~ecause of its access ta the Susitna River and the capability of the land for residential use, the Divisions of Agriculture and Land and Water Management advocate the use of this area for settlement. The Dept. of Fish and Game and the Division of Forestry recommend long term retention of the subunit for forest and habitat managèment. This subunit falls within areas they have identified as suitable for legislative designation as a habitat management area or state forest. The Division of Parks and the Mat-Su Borough support a resource management classification for the area in recognition of the multiple high resource values present and the lack of existing or likely near term access • This is high quality land for settlement and is likely to be near raad access if a bridge is built across the Susitna River. The Resource Allocation Section recommends that the land be available for future residential or commercial development, but should not be offered for sale until raad access has been designed and funded. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the pages where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Access *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Quality *Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy -Je· Resource management: Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. .;1(,0 Subunit 6d (Aléxand~r Creek) Commercial development Commercial development to support recreational activities is a permitted use in the Alexander Creek corridor. Forestry Forestry is a secondary use in the Alexander Creek corridor. Timber management activities will be designed to protect and enhance public recreation and habitat values of this subunit. Oil and gas Surface entry for ail and gas development is prohibited within this subunit. Oil and gas development must occur through directional drilling from outside the boundaries of subunit 6D. Land Use Permits Activities and facilities requiring land use permits (e.g., grave! extraction and airstrips) are permitted in this subunit only after consultation with the. Dept. of Fish and Game and Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. These land uses generally will be permitted only where there are no feasible alternatives. Transportation Road crossing of Alexander Creek should be minimized. Road crossin~s must be designed in consultation with the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation and the Dept. of Fish and Game. Subunits 6b, 6c and 6f (resource management lands, settlement areas, and · Anderson Creek) Stream Corridors When and if lands are conveyed in these subunits, buffers on either side of the mean high water mark of at !east the sizes stated below must be retained in public ownership on the following streams: Toms Creek -200' Anderson Creek -200' Lower Suèker Creek -1/4 mile unnamed creeks that appear on the USGS 1:63,360 scale topographie maps --200' The wide buffer on Lower Sucker Creek is intended to protect camping and hunting opportunities as well as fishing and public access on one of the most important tributaries to Alexander Creek. 'l'rail Management/Forestry When and if lands are conveyed in these subunits, a buffer at !east 500' wide on either side of the Iditarod Trail will be reatined in public ownership. Timber management will be a secondary use in the trail corridor. Timber management activities will be subject to approval by the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. ~" 1 - - - - IIU!i - N - ~ - - - - - - - "'"' " ..... $ .. ""'""""'"""'"""4 <i..,.,.,.. ""'"" """""'"'"'---~·-----"""=-"-' ... _,.,. ~~~,~~-=----~------ - "'""" ._ - MANAGEMENT UNIT 1: LAKE CREEJC. MANAGEMENT INTENT Management unit 7 covers the Lake Creek corridor, lowrland forests west of the river, and uplands surrounding Shovel Lake. This is a remote, unpopulated area with valuable timber and moose winter range. Yenlo Creek, Lake Creek and the major unnamed tributaries to Lake Creek* are important anadromous streams. Yenlo Creek is also the site of seasonal concentrations of black bear, while Lake Creek is a popular destination for fishing and float trips. Concentrations of mining also exist on the middle reaches of Lake Creek. Management unit 7 generally will be retained in public ownership to facilitate management for forestry, fish and wildlife, public recreation, and water resources. There will be a small amount of land available for private recreational use. There is no existing road access to this area and provision of access is not imminent. Eventually, the Shulin Lake trail may be upgraded and extended to provide access to the forest lands in subunit 7a • The three subunits in this management unit are Lake Creek corridor (7b), an area available for settlement north of Shovel Lake (7c), and the forest lands west of Lake Creek (7a). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas, and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses for each subunit. Suhunit 7a is proposed as an administratively designated forest reserve. Forestry values are high to moderate throughout the subunit. It is recommended for administrative rather than legislative designation in recognition of the facts that, 1) active forest management is unlikely to begin in the near future, but 2) forestry and other public use values are high enough to merit designation that is more difficult to change than classification. The Lake Creek corridor (subunit 7b) is proposed for legislative designation as a state recreational river. The Dept. of Fish and Game rated this the second most important river in the whole study area for habitat values and public use. It is also one of only five rivers in the study area proposed for legislative designation by the Division of Parks. Land disposais will be limited to the lands around the string of lakes to the north of Shovel Lake (subunit 7c). *Those streams rising in sections 25 and 35, T25N RllW, and in section 23, T24N lOW. ~ {,."2 b ~ Ul LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SUSITNA LOHLANDS MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 7 --LAKE CREEK MG MT. UNIT/ SUBUNIT ANALYSIS UNIT NUMBERS LAND OWNERSHIP 7a J 12191, 121941 State Lake Creek 12195, 12196 forest reserv 12197, 1219~ 7b Lake Creek corridor 7c Settlement a rea 12199* 12200* *outside river corridor 6041 12104 (SW) 12105, 1217 12201 12199* 12200* *within river corridor 12104 (NE) 12106 State/ State selected State/ State selected LAND USE DESIGNATIONSI PROH/8/TE ï M/NERALS PRIMARY USE(S) SECONDARY USE(S) Forestry 1 Minerals Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas Public Recreation Remote Cabins Wildlife Habitat 1 Forestry Public Recreation Oil and Gas Water Resources Settlement Forestry (personal use) Wildlife Habitat Public Recreation URFA CE USE(SJ 1 Land disposals Remote cabins Trapper cabins Land disposals Remote cabins Trapper cabins MGMI OF LOCATABLE MINERALS Open Closed Closed prior to sale (with option to reopen following sale) MGMT. OF LEASEABLE MINERALS Available for leasing Not available for coal leasing or prospecting Not available for coal leasing or prospecting (may be avail- able following sale) l Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and \.J.ith the relevant management guidel ines in chapter 2. 1. 1 1 . 1 1. 1 1. 1 ( 1 ' LEGISLATIVE DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NQU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES Proposed for administrative designation a fores.t reserve Proposed for legislative designation as a state recreation 1. river ----------------=-===m=-------------==--~--------~-----------~~~--------~=.~~~~~~~~---------- ._ - .... """" ,_ "-" MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the pages where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; how~ver, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Ac cess *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management \\Yater Quali ty Wetlands Management Resource Management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are listed below hy subunit. Subunit 7b (Lake Creek corridor) Forestry Forestry is a secondary use in the Lake Creek corridor. Timber management practices will be designed to protect and enhance publiee recreation and habitat values in this subunit. Transportation Road crossings in Lake Creek corridor should be minimized. All crossings and roads within the corridor must be designed in consultation with the Division of Parks and the Department of Fish and Game. Oil and Gas Surface entry for oil and gas development is not permitted in this subunit. Development must occur through directional drilling from outside the boundaries of subunit 7b. Land Use Permits Activities and facilities requiring land use permi.ts (e.g., grave! extraction and utility lines) are allowed uses in this subunit only after consultation with the Dept. of Fish and Game and Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. These land uses generally will be permitted only where there are no feasible alternatives. Subunit 7c (Settlement lands) Lakeshore Management/Stream Corridors When lands are conveyed in this subunit, at least 25% of all land within 500' of the lakeshore will be retained in public O>imership on the large lakes in sections 5 and 8, T25N, RlOW S.M. Retained lands shall include at least 25% of the actual shoreline. A buffer at !east 100' from the ordinary high water mark of the unnamed streams that appear on the 1 :63,360 scale USGS topographie maps also will be retained jln public ownership • .;} '-'1 MANAGEMENT UNIT 8: McDOUGAL MANAGEMENT INTENT The McDougal management unit is composed of lands between Lake Creek and the Kahiltna River within the boundaries of past remote parcel disposai areas. The lands are a mixture of lowland forests and wetlands. The Kahiltna River is not boatable, but supports runs of king, coho, silver, pink and chum salmon. Mining claims also are concentrated along the Kahiltna. This area ihas sorne potential for additional remote settlement, especially in the southern half of the unit where potential for agriculture and forestry also exists. The McDougal management unit is divided into the north (subunit Ba) and south (subunit Sc) halves, with a third, small subunit in the Kahiltna River corridor (8b), See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas, and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses for each subunit. The northern part of this region (subunit Ba) will remain open for additional settlement. These lands are within the boundaries of the existing Kahiltna disposai area. Lands within the Kahiltna River corridor (subunit Sb) will be retained in public ownership and managed for forestry, fish and wildlife habitat, public recreation, and mining. Values for settlement, forestry, habitat and agriculture are all higher in the southern part of the region (subunit Sc) than in the northern section (subunit Sb). Subunit 8c is designated resource management/high values to preserve options for future use. When the area is reevaluated to determine its best use for the long term, the potential for settlement, forestry, agricultural development, and habitat management must be considered. The portions of the existing Lake Creek/McDougal remote parcel disposai area will be closed to further sales while the subunit remains designated for resource management. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines in that chapter and the pages where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. ~c.s illoll .....J - - - - - - - - - - 11110<1 - . ""' ft' 6"' r r 1 f r LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SUSITNA LOWLANDS MANAGEMENT UN/T_ S --McDOUGAL ' MGMT. ANALYSIS UNIT/ UNIT LAND OWNERSHIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS Sa 12169 (S) State Lake Cr./ 12171, 12172 Mc Dougal 12202' 12207 disposal 12203* 12204 -~ *outside river corridor Sb . 12203 (river State Kahiltna R . corridor) Sc 5043 State Re source 6042 Management a rea LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY USE($) Settlement SECONDARY USE(S) Forestry (past disposal) (personal use) Wildlife Habitat Public Recreation Oil and Gas Remote Cabins Public Recreation~ Forestry Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas Minerals Resource Management (high) Values: Forestry, Settlement Wildlife Habitat, Agrü:.ul ture PROH/8/TED !SURFACE USE(SJ 1 --- Remote cabins Remote cabins Land disposals 1 MINERALS MGMT. OF MGMT. OF LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERAL$ Closed (with Not available for option to reopen coal leasing or following prospecting (may staking) be available following staking) Open Available for leasing Open Available for leasing - 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allo~ved. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE """ DESIGNA Tl ONS, PROPOSED RELJNQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES Agriculture Transportation *Trail Management *Recreation *Access Water Quality Forestry *Lakeshore Management *Wetlands Management *Settlement Instream Flow Land Administration Policy: Subsurface *Stream Corridors * Resource management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are listed below by subunit. Subunits Sa and Sc (McDougal disposai and resource management areas) Stream Corridors When and if lands are conveyed in these subunits, buffers at least 200' from the ordinary high water mark on Indian Creek and the unnamed creeks that appear on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographie maps will be retained in public ownership. ;2.~1 -- - - - -· - - - - - - - .....; - - - ~ - MANAGEMENT UNIT 9: KAHILTJIA RIVER MANAGEMENT INTENT This unit includes the Kahiltna River corridor, ShuJLin Lake, and extensive areas of interspersed lowland forests and wetlands east of the river. Over half of the area falls within the existing Kahiltna remote parcel disposai area. · Shulin Lake is a fly-in lake that provides opportunities for public recreation. The Kahiltna River, although not boatable, is an important river for runs of pink, king, coho, silver, and chum salmon. Most of the area also has moderate value for moose winter range, and about half of the area has potential for commercial forest management. Mining claims are concentrated along the whole length of the Kahiltna in this management unit. Although not accessible by road year-round, the Shulin Lake winter trail provides seasonal access to the northern part of the region. Access may eventually improve if the trail is upgraded for year-round use. This management unit will be managed to provide for both public and private land use. Four subunits are included in the Kahiltna management unit. They are: the Kahiltna River corridor (9a), Borough lands around Shulin Lake (9b), the existing disposa! area (9d), and the lowlands between the river corridor and the disposai area (9c). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas, and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses for each subunit. The Kahiltna River corridor (subunit 9a) will be retained in public ownership for recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, forestry, and mining. Subunit 9c also will remain in public ownership at least in the near term, but will be designated resource management/high values. It will be reevaluated in the future to determine appropriate management for the long term. This area has high potential for forestry and habitat management and settlement, with sorne possibility of agricultural use. These values all must be considered in determining its long term designation. The relative ease of improving access to the subunit, especially if resource development occurs in subunits la and/or lOa, increases the area's value for all these uses. The existing disposa! area (subunit 9d) will remain open to additional settlement. Borough lands around Shulin Lake (subunit 9b) will be put in the borough land bank. They will be available for future sales if residential land is needed to support resource development nearby. Because of the lake and proximity to the Kahiltna River, the Shulin Lake area would be an attractive location for a settlement node if forestry, coal, or other development occurs. There are no plans for disposais in the immediate future. Additional sales will be unnecessary if resource development does not occur. ~ "" tJ fi" - / LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SUSITNA LOWLANDS MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 9 --KAHILTNA RIVER MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS ANALYSIS PROHIBITED MINERALS UNIT/ UNIT LAND !SURFACE OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMT. OF MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) USE(S) 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERAL$ 9a 12169, 12170 State/ Public Recreation Forestry Remote cabins Open Available for Kahiltna R. · 12204)~ Borough Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas Land disposals leasing corridor 12206* Minerals 12208* *within river corridor 9b 12204 Borough Borough Land Bank ---Open Available for Shulin Lake (outside leasing river Values: Forestry, Wildlife corridor) Habitat, Public Recreation, Settlement Commercial Development 9c 12205, 12209 State Resource Management (high) Remo te cab ins Open Available for Resource 12206* Land disposals leasing Management 12208* Values: Forestry, Settlement, a rea 12264 Agriculture, Wildlife Habitat *outside river corridor ' 1 1..-. 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and \.J_ith the relevant management guidel ines in chapter 2. Î 1 1 1 l, 1 l. ( 1 ( 1 f 1, 1 1 f, 1 LEGISLATIVE """ DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINOUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES f / (.) 1 -& r r r { LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SUSITNA LOWLANDS MANAGEMENT UN/T_ 9 --KAHILTNA RIVER (cOV\+J MGMT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS ANALYSIS PROH/8/TED UNIT/ LAND SURFACE UNIT OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMT.OF MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) USE(S) 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS 9d 12210 State Settlernent Wildlife Habitat ---Closed (with Not available Kahiltna 12211 (past disposai) Public Recreation option to reopen for coal leasing disposai Forestry following or prospecting (personal use) staking) (may be available Oil and Gas following Rernote Cabins staking) - l Other uses such as rnaterial sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allmved. Such uses will be allmved if consistent \vith the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and ·with the relevant management guidel ines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE '""' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINOUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES ' ~- MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines in that chapter and the pages where each can be fàund. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those tht are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated wi th asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Access *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Quality *Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: * Resource management Managetnent guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit 9a (Kahiltna River corridor) Forestry Forestry is a secondary us in subunit 9a. Timber managment practices will be designed to protect and enhance public recreation and wildlife habitat values. Suhunit 9d (Kahiltna disposai) Settlement The Division of Land and Water Management estimates that 2700 acres could be offered for sale within subunit 9d. The other agencies on the planning team suggest that the net area available could be as high as 5000-7000 acres, based on the amount of forest caver in the subunit. The Resource Allocation Section concurs with the majority recommendation that net acreage offered in this area be as high as possible in arder to reduce the need for sales in other parts of the study area where conflicts between settlement and other resource values are greater. Subunits 9b, 9c, and 9d (borough lands, Kahiltnà disposa! and resource management lands Stream Corridors When and if land is conveyed in these subunits, buffers at least 200' from the ordinary high water mark on either side of the unnamed streams that appear on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographie maps will be retained in public ownership. ;nt - - llii<l - -- - - - - - - ~ - ~ """' - ,_ """" - '-' ,_ - - - """' - ._ MANAGEMENT UNIT 10: PARKER LAKE MANAGEMENT INTENT Management unit 10 is a large black of primarily borough-owned lands that lies just to the west of the Kroto Creek corridor and includes Parker Lake. It contains large contiguous areas of class II soils and some of the best stands of timber in the Susitna Area. It also serves as habitat and offers opportunities for settlement. Although presently inaccessible by road, access will be relatively easy to provide via an Oilwell Road extension or a route through the proposed state forest in Petersville Road subunit la. In short, this area has some of the highest resource values in the study area (see also transportation section, page There are two subunits within the Parker Lake management unit. Most of the region is included in subunit lOa, the land in borough ownership. State lands surrounding Parker Lake are subunit lOb. See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas, and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses for each subunit. Suhunit lOa, will he included in the borough land bank. The high value of the resources at stake merits careful reevaluation of the best long term use of this area when better information is available on the economie benefits of agriculture and forestry in the Susitna Area. While these are presently the primary values in the unit, opportunities for settlement and habitat management also will be considered when the area is reevaluated. A small area surrounding Parker Lake (subunit lOb) is identified for further settlement. This includes the existing Parker Lake subdivision and adjacent lands north of the lake. This area is highly valuable for recreation due to the presence of the lake and the proximity to Kroto Creek. Settlement in this area should therefore consist of small lot subdivisions designed to protect public as well as private recreational values. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the pages where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation Forestry *Settlement Subsurface Transportation *Access *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow Stream Corridors .21't Trail Management Water Ouali ty *Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: * Resource Management / ~ .·. C,J.) LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SUSITNA LOWLAt"jDS MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 10 --PARKER LAKE MG MT. M/NERALS ANALYSIS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED UNIT/ UNIT LAND ~URFA CE MGMI OF OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASE.ABLE USE(S) USE(S} MINERAL$ MINERALS lü a 12213, 12215 Borough Borough Land Bank ---Open Not available Borough lands 12216' 12217 for coal leasing 12218, 12219 Values: Agriculture, Forestry or prospecting Wildlife Habitat, Settlement lOb 12220 State Settlement Forestry Remote cabins Closed prior Not availa1He Parker Lake 12221 (part in past (personal use) Trapper cabim to sale for coal leasing disposal) Public Recreation or prospec ting Wildlife Habitat Agriculture Oil and Gas l Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and \.Jith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 L_ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ( 1 ., LEGISLATIVE """ DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES. """"' - .._ - - ~- ._, ·- ----·----~-~·~~~~~·----~-- Management guidelines that apply just to this managen1ent unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit lOa (Borough agriculture lands) Access When lands are conveyed in this subunit, a-public corridor will be retained to connect this subunit with the Kroto Creek cooridor. (See also subunit lOB). Subunit lOb (Parker Lake) Lakeshore Management/Settlement Waterfront property remaining in state ownership Wllll not be sold when additional disposais are offered. These lands will be retained to keep public access to and around the lake and to protect public recreation opportunities in the area. An area of public land connecting the disposa! area to Kroto Creek will also be retained for futut:e use as a local recreation site and/or campground. Subunits lOa and lOb (borough lands and Parker Lake) Stream Corridors When lands are conveyed in these subunits, buffers at least 200' from the ordinary high water mark on either side of the unnamed streams that appear on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographie maps will bte retained in public ownership. ~1-i MANAGEMENT UNIT 11: KAHILTNA-ICROTO MANAGEMENT INTENT Management unit 11 contains the corridors of Kroto and lower Moose Creeks~ a section of the Kahiltna River corridor, and a large area of lowland forest with stringers of wetlands between Kroto Cr. and the Kahiltnac Kroto and Moose Creeks and their major tributary, Chiak Creek (the stream arising in Section 29 of T21N 6W), are important as anadromous streams, fishing and boating sites, and spring concentration areas for black bear. The unit is highly productive for timber of commercial value and moderate value for moose winter range. It also offers opportunities for settlement and small scale agriculture! development. Concentrations of mining claims also exist along the Kahiltna. The management unit is presently inaccessible by road. It is likely that roads eventually will connect the Amber Lake area to the Fish Creek (Willow Sub-basin) area through the middle of management units 10 and 11. A road would make these lands accessible for timber management; hunting,. fishing and other types of recreation; agricultural development and settlement. 1be river corridors in the unit will be retained in public ownership and managed for these uses as well as public recreation and protection of water resources. There was no consensus on long term management of the remaining forested areas. The five subunits within this area are the Kroto Creek-Moose Creek corridor (llb), the wetlands between these creeks (lle), Niel Lake (lld), a public recreation site on the Kahiltna River (llc), and the forest land and wetlands between the Kahiltna River and Kroto Creek corridor (lla). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas, and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses for each subunit. The Kroto Creek-Moose Creek (Deshka River) corridor in subunit llb is proposed for designation as a state recreational river. The Dept. of Fish and Game ranked the Kroto-Moose system the most important in the entire study area in terms of a combination of habitat values and public use. It is also one of only five rivers in the study area proposed for legislative designation by the Division of Parka. This corridor is continuous with the Kroto Cr. and Moose Cr. corridors designated in Petersville Road subunits lb and 4a. Publicly owned corridors also will be retained on Trapper Creek and Chiak Creek, two tributaries that make significant contributions to the fish populations in the Kroto-Moose system. Appropriate corridor width on the tributaries has not yet been established. The Dept. of Fish and Game and The Division of Parks recommend one-quarter mile each side of the stream; other agencies recommend a corridor that is generally narrower and varying in width depending on stream and streambank characteristics. It is recommended that public use cabins be built in this subunit to support recreational use of Kroto and Moose Creeks. ;;11S - - llilll!lli - - - - - - - - - - - -- / 'W ~ r 1 [ l LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SUSITNA LOWLANDS MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 11 --KAHILTNA/({fZOTO MG MT. ANALYSIS UNIT/ UNIT LAND OWNERSHIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS lla 5001, 5002 State forest land 5004, 5005 5006, 5007 5008, 5009* 5037, 5038 5042 (N) 5043, 5050 5054 *outside river corridor llb 5009,* 5036 State/ Kroto Cr./ 5051, 5053 Borough Moose Cr. 12222, 12227 corridor 12228, 12229 llc 5003 State Public Recreation site LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIM ARY SECONDARY USE(S) USE(S} Forestry Public Recreation Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas Settlement (1200 Minerals (except acres net in settlement areas) Wildlife Habitat Forestry Public Recreation Oil and Gas Water Resources Public Recreation Forestry Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas PROH/8/TE URFA CE USE(SJ 1 Remote cabins Land disposalSi Remote cabins Trapper cabin Land disposai Remote cabins Trapper cabin Land disposalsl MINERALS MGMT. OF MGMT. OF LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS Open except for Generally settlement areas available for leasing; settle- ment area not available for coal leasing prospecting Closed Not available for coal leasing or prospecting Closed Not available for coal leasing or prospecting 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be alloHèd if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE ' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINOUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES · Unresolved issues remain, designation uncertain (see management intent for more information) Proposed for legislative designation as a state recreation river '-> ....,.! ·~ / LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SUSITNA LOWLANDS MANAGEMENT UN/T.. 11 -·-KAHILTNA/KROTO (c..cl'vi.) - MG MT. MINERAL$ ANALYSIS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED UNIT/ UNIT LAND 'r$URFACE MGMT. OF OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMB~RS USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S) USE(S} MINERALS MINERALS lld 5010 State Settlement (part Public Recreation Remote cabins Closed Not available Niel Lake 5009 past disposal) Forestry Trapper cabins for coal leasing (outside (personal use) or prospecting river Wildlife Habitat corridor) Oil and Gas Remote Cabins lle 12226 State Wildlife Habitat Public Recreation Land disposals · Open Available for Wetlands Water Resources Forestry leasing Minerals Oil and Gas l Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1. l 1 1. 1 1 1 1 LEGISLATIVE ' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RE LI NQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES ·. .. l - '- -~ ,_ - - , . .,~~-~~~"""""-------- Subunit Ile is a large wetland lying between Kroto and Moose Creeks. It will be retained in public ownership to protect water re:sources and wildlife habitat. A small area of land straddling the Kahiltna River ( subunit 1 fè) is identified as a public recreation site. This unit will provide a public wayside and campground for river users. Subunit lld around Neil Lake is identified for additional settlement. Because of its proximity to the Kroto Creek corridor and its accessibility by floatplane, this subunit is also an important publie recreation site. Future sales will be in a subdivision designed to protect both public and private recreation opportunities. It also is recommended that one or more public use cabins be constructed at Neil Lake. In the remaining area, subunit 11a, the planning team has not reached a consensus on appropriate management. The Divisions of Forestry and Parks and the Dept. of Fish and Game have proposed legislative designation of subunit lla as a state forest dedicated to long term, multiple use management. This area is the Division of Forestry's number two priori.ty for establishment of state forests in the Susitna Area. It is also the Dept. of Fish and Game's thi.rd priority for legislative designation of upland habitat areas. These agencies and the Division of Parks strongly recommend inclusion of this subunit in a legislatively designated state forest. The Divisions of Land and Water Management and Agriculture support a resource management designation for subunit 11a. They anti~ipate that resource development (i.e., forestry, agriculture) in this subunit and subunit lOa and the accompanying expansion of the road system will result in a need for settlement areas and opportunities for small scale agricultural development in this region. All agencies agree that this area should be identified as a high priority for management planning. The Resource Allocation Section recommends that most of the subunit be retained in public ownership with an administrative designation as a forest reserve. The reserve should be a high priority for management planning, preferably in conjunction with borough and state lands in management units 10, 12 and 13. The administrative designation would include a provision for a net area of up to 1200 acres of settlement land within the reserve boundaries. The boundaries of the settlement area would be determined by the management plan. Settlement in this subunit is intended to support resource development that may occur nearby, so that disposa! should take place only after roads have been designed. The southern extension of the subuni t ( analysis units 5050 and 5054) will be retained in public ownership but not included in the forest reserve. Forestry values are significantly lower in this area than in the rest of the subunit. :1..1-11 A small area in the northern extension of subunit lla (SE of section 1 and all of section 12, T22N R7W S.M. and the W W of sections 6 and 7 T22N R6W) should be designated for settlement as part of the proposed Parker Lake disposa! in subunit lOb). ~MNAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the pages where each can be found. A11 of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Access *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Quality *Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: Resource management Mana~ement guirlelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit llc (Recreation site) Recreation Boundaries of subunit Ile will be determined following site planning for recreation facilities. Acreage in subunit llc not included in the recreation site will be added to subunit lla. Subunit lld (Niel Lake) Lake.shore Management No additional waterfront acrea~e will be sold in disposais around Niel Lake. Public access from the lake to Kroto Creek must be maintained, if necessary, through purchase of a public corridor. Subunit lla (Forest lands) Stream corridors If lands are conveyed in this subunit, a buffer at least 1/4 mile wide on either side of the hi~h water mark of the tributary to Kroto Creek arising in Section 29 of T21N R6W (Chiak Creek) will be retained in public ownership. This corridor is intended to provide for hunting and camping as well as fishi.ng and public access on one of the most important tributaries to the Kroto Creek-Moose Creek system. ;q-~ - - ..... - - - - - - - - - """"' ,_, .... - - .... - Subunits lla and lld (forest lands and Niel Lake) Stream Corridors When and if lands are conveyed in these subunits 1, buffers at !east 200' from the ordinary high water mark on either side of the unnamed creeks that appear on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographi.c maps will be retained in public ownership. Subunit llb (Kroto Creek-Moose Creek corridor) Transportation Road crossings of Kroto and Moose Creeks should be minimized. Road crossings must be designed in consultation with the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation and the Oept. of Fish and Game. Forestry Forestry is a secondary use within this subunit. Timber management activities will be designed to protect and enhance public recreation and habitat values within this area. Oil and Gas Surface entry for oil and gas development is not permitted within this subunit. Development must occur through directional drilling from outside the boundaries of this subunit. Land Use Permits Activities and facilities requiring land use permits (e.g., gravel extraction and airstrips) are allowed uses within this subunit only after consultation with the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation and the Dept. of Fish and Game. These land uses generally will be permitted only where there are no feasible alternatives • Pl-Sb MANAGEMERT URIT 12: DESHKA FLATS MANAGE.MENT INTENT Deshka Flats management unit lies east of the Kahiltna and Yentna Rivers, north of Lockwood Lake and west of the Kahiltna Flats disposai area. It is dominated by lowland forest with interspersed wetlands. The land is highly productive for commercially valuable timber and wildlife. Moose Creek is an anadromous stream that receives public use for fishing. The area includes extensive zones with moderate suitability for moose winter range. It also has large areas of class III soils that may offer opportunities for agriculture or settlement. In addition, the portion of the Kahiltna River within the unit is lined with numerous mining claims. The southern part of the management unit will be retained in public ownership for timber and habitat management, but decisions on the remainder of the area have not yet been completed. Three subunits are contained in management unit 12 --the existing Kahiltna Flats remote parce! disposai area (12c), the mixed wetlands and forests adjacent to the Kahiltna River and Yentna River corridor (12b), and the densely forested central region (12a). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas, and the accompanying chàrt for a summary of land uses for each subunit. Within this large area, it is the consensus of the planning team that subunit 12b be retained in public ownership. Subunit 12b has a higher proportion of wetlands and lower agriculture and settlement values than does the remainder of the management unit. This area will be managed for forestry, mining, habitat, and protection of water resources. There was no consensus on appropriate management of the higher value lands in subunit 12a and 12c. The Divisions of Agriculture and Land and Water Management recommend keeping the lands in the existing Kahiltna Flats disposai (subunit 12c) available for additional settlement. They prefer designating subunit 12a resource management, with consideration of settlement and agricultural potential as well as habitat and forestry values when the land is reevaluated. The Department of Fish and Game and the Divisions of Forestry and Parks support inclusion of subunits 12a and 12c in the area they propose for legislative designation as a state forest (see also subunit 11A). These lands are within the Division of Forestry's second most important area for establishment of legislatively designated state forests, and the Dept. of Fish and Game's third priority for legislative designation of upland habitat areas. The Resource Allocation Section recommends that subunit 12a and the portions of 12c in section 24 and section 13 Sl/2, and S1/2N1/2, T20N7W; section 7 ;2. '61 - - 110..1 ... - ...,.; - - - - -- - ~; / lJ 'cO) 1\J r r r r r LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON SUSITNA LOWLANDS MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 12 --DESHKA FLATS MGMT. UNIT/ SUBUNIT ANALYSIS UNIT NUMBERS 12a 1 5040 Deshka Flats 5041 (E) 504 7 (E) 5048, 5049 12b forest land 12c Kahiltpa Flats dispos al 5041 (W) 5042 (W) 5046 504 7 (SW) 5039 LAND OWNERSHIP State State State LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY USE(S) SECONDARY USE(S) Resource Management (high) Values: Forestry, Agriculture, Wildlife Habitat, Settlement Forestry Public Recreation Wildlife Habitat North portion: Settlement ---------l South portion: Minerals Oil and Gas Remote Cabins Wildlife Habitat Forestry (personal use) Public Recreation Resource Management (high) Values: Forestry, Agriculture, Settlement, Wildlife Habitat PROH/8/TED URFA CE USE(S) 1 Remote cabins Land disposals Land disposals Remote cabins Trapper cabins Remote cabins Land disposals MINERALS MGMT. OF MGMT. OF LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS Open Not available for coal leasing or prospecting Open Available for leasing Closed Not available for coal leasing or prospecting --- -- - - --- - ------- Open Available for leasing l Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allmved. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidel ines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE ' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQUISHMENTS 8t UNRESOLVED ISSUES Unresolved issues remain, designation uncertain (see management intent for more informa- tion) Unresolved issues remain, designation uncerain (see management uncertain) 1 El/2, section 18 Sl/2, NEl/4 and Sl/2 NWl/4, and section 19 T20N6W be designated resource management/high values. This area has relatively large contiguous areas of class III soils that convey high potential for agricultural, forestry, and settlement. In addition, the area is important moose winter range. All these values should be considered when the area is reevaluated to determine its long term best use. Development for forestry artd agriculture are likely to take place in subunits lOa and lla prior to development in 12a and could provide additional information on the costs and benefits of such development prior to reevaluation. Existing surveyed lots in subunit 12c (Kahiltna Flats subdivision) should remain available for sale. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the pages where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. *Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Access Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors Trail Management Water Quality *Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: Resource management Management unit guidelines specifie to. this management unit are pres.ented below by subunit. Subunits 12a and 12b (Central region and Yentna-Kahiltna) Stream Corridors When and if lands are conveyed in these subunits, a buffer at least 200' wide on either side of Moose Creek and .the unnamed streams that appear on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographie maps will be retained in public ownership to protect access and fishing opportunities. ;:)~?:> ilfii<ii - - - - --- - - - ~ -.11 - - '-"' - ·- MANAGEMENT UNIT 13: YENTNA-SUSITNA MANAGEMENT INTENT The land between the Yentna and Susitna Rivers ls highly valued for a wide range of resources. There are large blocks of class II and III soils and productive forests suitable for commercial management. Two land disposais already exist in the unit and there is potential for more sales. In addition, the rivers and lakes in the region receive intensive public use for hunting, fishing, and boating. Winter habitat in the area is critical to severa! moose populations and severa! of the lakes provide nesting habitat for trumpeter swans. Brown bears concentrate seasonally along the Susitna River. The lakes and rivers make this a very attractive area for settlement as well as public resource development. Finally, the southern part of the unit has moderate potential for coal development. The area is presently inaccessible by road, but resource development in the Willow Sub-basin and the Petersville Road subregion are likely to encourage construction of a Susitna River bridge and roads from the north and south that would make the r~egion much more accessible (see also management unit 12). In short, values in this unit are among the highest in the study area for a variety of uses. The management unit is divided into five units: the Yentna River (13e), lands within and adjacent to existing settlement areas (13a), the east half of the Yentna disposai area that borders on Fish Creek (13b), Kroto Slough (13d), Lockwood Lake ( 13f), and the area between Whitsol and Lockwood Lakes ( 13c). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas, and the'accompanying map for a summary of land uses for each subunit. It is the consensus of the planning team that sorne of the most critical lands for fish and wildlife be retained in public ownership and managed for habitat, public recreation and forestry. Lands identified for retention include the Yentna River corridor (subunit 13e), the land around Kroto Slough Fish Creek Lakes, and the area delineated as critical swan habitat in subunit 13d. Subunit 13d is proposed for legislative designation BIS a state forest or wildlife management area. (See also discusion of subunits 13a and 13c below.) Subunit 13f consists of borough land around Lockwood Lake. This area will be included in the borough land bank. This land may be available for settlement in the long term, but there are no plans for sale in the immediate .future. The Lockwood Lake area also has high value for moose winter range and potential for public recreation; these factors will be cons ide red in reevaluating this land to determine its best long term use. In the remainder of the management unit, there was no agreement on appropriate land management. The Divisions of Land and Water Management and Agriculture advocate keeping suhunits 13a and 13b available for additional land sales, ;2,~ 'l-,l ~ (J'I / LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON SUSITNA LOWLANDS MANAGEMENT UN/I 13 --YENTNA SUSITNA - MINERALS MG MT. ANALYSIS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED UNIT/ LAND !SURFACE MGMT. OF UNIT OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S} USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINER-ALS MINERALS 13a 5055, 5056 State/ Within Lockwood L. Forestry Remote cabins Closed Not available existing 5059, 5062 Borough disposal area: (personal use) Trapper cabins for coal leasing disposals 5061* Settlement Wildlife Habitat or prospecting Public Recreation Oil and Gas ------~-------~---------------~--~----------- Other lands: Forestry Oil and Gas Remote cabins Open Available for Wildlife Habitat Minerals Trapper cabins leasing Public Rec. Land disposals 13b 5061 (part) State Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas Remote cabins Open Available for E. Yentna Forestry Hinerals Trapper cabins leasing disposal Public Recreation Land disposals 13c 5057 State Wildlife Habitat Forestry Remote cabins Generally open; Generally avail- Interlakes Water Resources Public Recreation Trapper cabins Mineral entry able for leasing; Oil and Gas Land disposals allowed through not available for Minerals leasehold loca-coal leasing or only in swan prospecting in habitat areas swan habitat areas 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allm.ved if consistent \vith the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 1 1 1 1 ( 1 1 J 1 1 1 1 LEGISLATIVE ~ DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSEO REL/NQU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVEO ISSUES .. Unresolved ·' issues remain, -_ designation uncertain (see _·- management intent for more infor- -_ 1 mation) Unresolved issues remain, designation uncertain (see management intent for more informa- ti on) Unresolved issues remain, designation uncertain (see management intent for more informa- tion) , 'il 1 [ f [ ( f LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION SUSITNA LOWLANDS MANAGEMENT UNII 13 --YENTNA-SUSITNA (GONï.) MGMT. ANALYSIS LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED MINERALS PRIMARY SECONDARY !SURFACE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S) USE(S) MINERAL$ MINERAL$ 13d 5071' 5072 State/ Wildlife Habitat Public Recreation Remote cabins Closed Not available Kroto Slough 5073, 5074 Borough 1 1 5058 1 Water Resources Forestry Land disposais for coal leasing Water Resources or prospecting Oil and Gas 1 13e 5063, 5075 State/ Public Recreation Forestry Remote cabins Open Available for Yentna River Borough Water Resources Minerals Land disposals leasing Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas 13f 5060 Borough Borough Land Bank ---Open Available for Lockwood L. leasing Values: Publicl Recreation, 1 Settlement, Wildlife Habitat, Forestry --~ --------- 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allm-.red. Such uses will be allowecl if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidel ines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE """ DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINOUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES Proposed for legislative designation as a state forest or wildlife managment area 1 l including agricultural homesteads. This includes the existing Yentna and Lockwood Lake disposais plus sorne adjoining state land. The Mat-Su Borough also prefers to leave borough lands in subunit 13A available for settlement, although sales are not planned for the immediate future. DLWM and the Division of Agriculture would prefer to see subunit 13c designated resource management to allow future determination of its best use for the long term. Subunit 13c contains extensive areas of class II and III soils that are potentially valuable for either agriculture or settlement. This resource as well as the values for forestry, habitat and public recreation must be considered when the area is reevaluated. The Divisions of Forestry and Parks and the Dept. of Fish and Game strongly support retention of this entire area in public ownership. This would include a prohibition on additional sales within existing disposa! areas in subunit 13a. They consider this area critical to maintenance of moose population in the Susitna Basin. In addition it is intensively used by the public for recreation, and maintenance of public access along the rivers is extremely important. They recommend a wider corridor along the Yentna River than the strip identified in subunit 13e in order to protect public access and riparian habitat. These agencies advocate inclusion of this area in a legislatively designated habitat management area or state forest. The land falls withinthe Lower Susitna-Yentna River Delta area ranked by the Dept. of Fish and Game as its third priority for legislative designation of upland habitat areas within the study area. These lands have high potential for habitat enhancement in addition to supporting present populations. They also are within the Division of Forestry's number two priority area for establishment of legislatively designated state forests. This area is in the heart of the most valuable winter range in the study area. The southern portion of the unit also falls within the u.s. Fish and Wildlife Service proposais for habitat areas to protect trumpeter swan nesting sites. The Resource Allocation Section recommends that the area should be retained in public ownership and legislatively designated as a state forest or wildlife management area along with subunit 13d and the portion of subunit 13e that adjoins 13d. The primary purpose of the designation would be to allow long-term protection and enhancement of habitat values, and provision for public recreation and timber management wherever these activities do not conflict with the primary purpose of habitat management. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the pages where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. ~~1- - - -- ~ --- - - ... Mi - - - - - ----------~~"'-* """""""""~~._..,_---~~0~-~--""""'---~~~"'""'-·--·-~'="~~,~ -- '-' - '- - *Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Access *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Quality *Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy; * Resource management Hanagement guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit 13c and 13d (Interlakes and Kroto Slough) Critical Habitat The final boundaries of the critical trumpeter swan habitat area will be defined following review of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommendations for a swan habitat protection system for the Susitna Basin. Subunits 13a, b and c (Settlement areas, Yentna disposa! east, and Interlakes) Stream Corridors When and if lands are conveyed within these subunits, buffers of at least 400' on the Yentna River, 300' on Fish Creek, and 200' on unnamed streams that appear on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topograph:i.c maps will be retained in public ownership. These buffers are measured from the ordinary high water mark on either side of the river or stream. The Yentna corridor is intended to provide opportunities for hunting and camping, as well as other forms of recreation. Subunit 13D (Kroto Slough) Forestry and Recreation Forestry and recreation are secondary uses in subunit 13d. Timber management and recreation activities will be designed to protect and enhance habitat values in this areas. NOTE: There is sorne flexibility in the possible location of land disposais within this general region. The Division of Land and Water Hanagement would agree to close the lands :ln the eastern black of subunit 13a to further sales if additional settlement lands are designated in subunit 6b, subunit 8c, or subunit 12a • .:2~"8' MAN4GEHENT UNIT 14: KASRWITNA KNOBS MANAGEMENT INTENT Much of this management unit is dominated by wetlands and the Susitna River floodplain where the primary values are for water resources and wildlife hahitat. In the center of the unit, around Kashwitna Knobs; there is a large area of better-drained class Il and III soils. This subunit is potentially valuable for agriculture, commercial forestry and settlement. It is also one of the largest areas in the study area with high suitability for moose winter range. The Susitna River which runs through the eastern edge of the unit is a major transportation route as well as a recreational river for boating and fishing. Trapper Creek is also a fishing stream with important riparian habitat. It supports runs of king and coho salmon. This unit is not presently accessible by road, nor is road access likely in the near future. Eventually access may be provided by a spur from a major north-south road running through the Susitna Lowlands subregion in management units 11, 12, and 13 (q.v.). Four subunits are contained within the Kashwitna Knobs management unit. The Kashwitna Knobs area (14b), borough lands (14c), wetlands and the Susitna River floodplain (14a), and settlement lands in the northern part of the region (14d). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas, and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses for each subunit. The wetlands and river corridor in subunit 14a will be retained in public ownership and managed for fish and wildlife habitat, public recreation, and protection of water resources. The Divisions of Land and Water Management and Agriculture withhold approval of the Susitna River corridor boundaries until more detailed floodplain information is reviewed. They will recommend that any large blocks of highly valuable agricultural soils within subunit 14B that are not in the floodway be designated resource management rather than long term retention areas. Borough lands in subunit 14c will be included in the borough land bank. This area may be available for settlement or agricultural development in the long term, especially if resource development occurs in 14b, but there are no plans for disposai in the immediate future. Primary consideration will be given to agriculture and forestry values when the subunit is reevaluated to determine its best use for the long term. .;l 'B"'\ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - .. ·l.) '..il 0 ' l r r r r r r LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION . SUSITNA LOWLANDS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 14 --KASHWITNA KNOBS MGMT. UNIT/ SUBUNIT 14a Wetlands/ floodplain 14b Kashwitna Knobs 14c Borough land ANALYSIS UNIT NUMBERS LAND OWNERSHIP 50ll, 5012 1 State/ 5013, 5015 Borough 5033, 5034 12224' 12232 12231 (part) 12237, 12240 12241, 12242 12243 5014 State 5035 Borough PRIMARY .USE(S) SECONDARY USE(S) Wildlife Habitat Forestry Public Recreation Minerals Water Resources Oil and Gas Remote Cabins Resource Management (high) Values: Agriculture, Forestry, Wildlite Habitat, Settlement Borough Land Bank Values: Agriculture, Settlement Forestry, Wildlife Habitat PROHIBITED MINERALS ·sURFACE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS M/NERALS Land disposals Open Available for leasing Land disposals Open Not available for coal leasing or prospecting ---Open Available for leasing ------- 1 Other uses such as matetial sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allm..red. Such uses will be allm.,ed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidel i.nes in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE ' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINOUISHMENT$ a UNRESOLVED ISSUES Unresolved issues remain, designa.tion uncertain (see management intent for more information) ,t, -4 / LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON SUSITNA LOWLANDS MANAGEMENT UN/I 14 --K4SHWITNA KNOBS (Lcr--~r.) MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS ANALYSIS PROH/8/TED UNIT/ UNIT LAND !SURFACE OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMT. OF MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) USE(S) 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS 14d 12231 (part) State Settlement Wildlife Habitat Remote cabins Closed (with Not available settlement Water Resources Trapper cabins option to reopen for coal leasing a rea Forestry following staking or prospecting (personal use) (may be available Public Recreation following staking) Oil and Gas .J' 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. l ( 1 f ( l l 1 1 1 -1 1 1 1 1 1 LEGISLATIVE """ DESIGNA Tl ONS, PROPOSED RELINOU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES ...... ,_ '- ._ - ~~------------------------·---~ l.ands available for near term settlement in this area are limited to the state lands in subunit 14d. There was no planning team consensus on the approprllate management for subunit 14b. The Dept. of Fish and Game and the Di,risions of Parks and Forestry recommend long term retention of subunjl t 14B. They consider the multiple values of forestry, habitat and public recreation on this land are ample justification for public retention. Subunit 14b falls within the Dept. of Fish and Game 11 s proposa! for a legislatively des.ignated upland habitat management area and the Division of Forestry's state forest proposa! (see also subunits 12a and 13c). The Divisions of Agriculture and Land and Water Management support a resource management designation for subunit 14b because of the abundance of class II and III soils suitable for agricultural development and good potential for land disposais. Because this subunit has one of the largest areas of class II and III soils in the study area, because it also has very high value for moose winter range, and because it is distant from road aecess, the Resource Allocation Section recommends that these lands be de!signated resource management/high values. Resource development in subunits lOa and lla is likely to occur prior to development in the Kashwitna Knobs area and should provide additional information on the relative costs and benefits of agriculture and of forest management in the region that will aid final decisions on appropriate management of subunit 14b. Settlement and agricultural values would have to be considered along with forestry, habitat and public recreation values when this unit is reevaluated to determine its best use for the long term. ~~NAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the pages where each can be found. All of the guidelines could potentially apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. *Agriculture *Transportation *Trail Management *Recreation *Access l{ater Quality *Forestry *Lakeshore Management *Wetlands Management *Settlement Instream Flow Land Administration Policy: Subsurface *Stream Corridors * R.esource management ;2<-\;t Subunit 14b (Kashwitna ~nobs) Stream corridors If lands are conveyed within this subunit, buffers at least 1/4 mile on either side of the ordinary high water mark on Trapper Creek will be retained in public ownership to protect camping and hunting opportunities, as well as fishing and public access on one of the most important tributaries to the Kroto Creek-Moose Creek system. Huffers at lest 200' from the ordinary high water mark on the unnamed streams that appear of the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographie maps also will be retained in public ownership. 01~3 IOiilii - - -- ai N - -- - - - - - MT. SUSlTNA . [ - """" "- """"' """"' KT. SUSITNA SUBREGION The following section describes land use policy w~thin the Mt. Susitna sub- region. It is divided into two parts. The first is an overview of resources and general management intent for the subregion as a whole. The second presents specifie statements of management intent, land use designations, pro- hibited uses and management guidelines for each of the subregion's ten manage- ment units. Maps showing land ownership in the subregion and boundaries of management units and subunits are presented at the end of the first part. I. SUBREGION OVERVIEW A. Background The Mt. Susitna Subregion is a remote area of approximately 800,000 acres containing a great variety of resources, predominantly in a natural undisturbed state. Among resources presently used are ail and gas, fish and wildlife, and recreation along the Talachulitna and other rivers. There is a limited amount of placer mining in severa! streams in the area. Substantial portions of the area are judged to have high or moderate value coal resources and one area is currently leased. Recreational/seasonal settlement is found around severa! of the lakes and in the Alexander Creek drainage as a result of past state land disposais. The western half of the Susitna Game Flats-- which is the number one waterfowl hunting area in the state--also falls within the subregion. The subregion encompasses the lands lying between the Beluga and Skwentna rivers, including the Mt. Susitna and Mt. Beluga uplands, the drainages of the Talachulitna, Theodore and Lewis rivers and the eastern edge of the Alaska Range above Hayes River Pass. The great majority of these lands are owned by the State of Alaska, ,although 92,000 acres are in CIRI ownership and 15,000 acres are owned by the Mat-Su Borough. A few thousand acres are probably in other private ownerships. (See map.) Except for a winter ice raad which crosses the Susitna River and extends through the southern portion of the subregion into Beluga, there are no roads or major trails leading into the Mt. Susitna Subregion from the east. There is, however, an all-season grave! raad running from the airstrip near Beluga across the Reluga and Theodore Rivers to the edge of the Lewis River. Five privately owned landsing strips provide primary access to the subregion. Three are in the Susitna Game Flats, one southwest of Mt. Susitna, and one at Aider Creek. There are also severa! lakes in the area used for float plane landings, notably, Hiline, Trinity, Judd, Coal Creek, and Stump Lake. ~~s There are two 'transportation corridors which have been proposed as long-term po,ssibilities within this subregion: 1) a road or rail extension from the rail belt east of the Susitna River crossing through this area into the Beluga vicinity; and 2) a route to trans- port coal out of the Canyon Creek lease area located in the northern part of the management unit. B. Overview of Management Intent The Mt. Susitna subregion is presently a remote area with high values for public recreation, fish and wildlife use and oil and gas produc- tion. In addition there is potential for future use of forest resources in the southeast portion of the subregion, for coal develop- ment, and for sorne extraction of placer gold and other minerais. Suitability for settlement and agriculture is relatively low, but there are sorne good opportunities for private recreational development just south of the Skwetna River and, particularly on borough lands, adjacent to severa! of the area's lakes. Because of the high public values, most of the subregion will be retained in long-term public ownership and managed for public recrea- tion, habitat protection, timber production, and mineral development. A number of rivers and lakes of prime importance for public recreation and habitat will be retained entirely in public ownership, but sorne waterfront areas, largely those in borough ownership, may be made available for private purchase within the next 20 years. In addition, sorne of the lands with high potential for settlement or agriculture will be placed in a resource management category. 1. Settlement Areas offered for sale and remote cabin permits in the Mt. Susitna subregion are limited. They are designed to offer opportunities for private recreation without generating demand for roads and other services. Many of the best settlement lands, particularly lands with water frontage, are in borough ownership. Borough lands around Hiline, Movie, Trinity and Coal Creek Lakes will be retained in a land bank with the possibility of future sales. Should these areas eventually be sold, setbacks and retention of sorne of the shoreline will be used to protect public access and recreation values (see Lake Policy). Sorne state lands adjacent to the Skwetna River, Quarts Creek, Talachulitna River, Hiline Lake, and the southern flank of Mt. Susitna will be available for land sales. In addition, the state will offer sorne lands in areas previously offered under the remote parce! program in the Coal Creek and Sunday Lake and Quartz Creek disposai areas. Additional areas adjacent to borough lands southwest of Movie and Trinity Lakes and Alexander Creek will be retained on short-term public ownership as resource management and may be available for future land sales. Approximate net acreages of state lands available for sale are sho-»n ,,... To.lcle. l. d.'fb ~ !iH ... - - - - - ll1tioi - - - ~ - ..,.! '- ~ - .._ Table 1 Acreage Identified for Settlement and Agriculture GROSS AREA (ac) NET AREA (ac) l 1 1 Planning Re source Total Planning Resource Total 1 Te am Allocation Te am Allocation 1 Re comme nd-Section Recommend-Section 1 jations Proposais at ions Proposais STATE LAND 1 1 j New Offer-21 ,600 15,430 37,030 4,325 3,27 5 7,600 1 ings 1 Reoffering's 1 1 within Past 28,750 ----28,750 4,660 ----4,660 Dispos al j Areas 1 1 Agriculture 1 STATE TOTAL 50,350 15,430 65,780 8,985 1 3,275 12,260 l 1 1 1 BOROUGH LAND j New Offer------------------------- 1 ings 1 1 ! 1 1 STATE AND 1 BOROTJGH 50,350 15,430 65,780 8,985 3,275 12,260 1 TOTAL In addition, 109,300 acres of state land are designated resource man- agement and 6,000 acres are included in the borough land bank which may be available for settlement in the long term although there are no immediate ?lans for sale. When these areas are reevaluated to deter- mine their long term best use, forestry, habitat, and public recrea- tion values will be considered, as well as agricultural and settlement potential. d fi- 2. Agriculture The lack of road access to the subregion makes agricultural development unfeasible for the near future. Relatively few areas of cultivable soils exist in this area, but sorne areas have been identified along the northern and eastern fringes of the area, and · in scattered locations in the western portion of the region. Sorne of these lands, which typically contain class II and III soils only in blocks of less than 160 ac., fall within prime recreation and habitat areas that are proposed for long term public owner- ship, such as the Talachulitna River corridor and the area around Judd Lake. In the remaining areas, however, approximately 16,675 acres of land in areas with agricultual potential will be placed in a resource management category, to ensure later reconsideration for future agricultual use. Severa! large blacks of land have grazing potential. On lands retained in public ownership, grazing generally will be permitted as a secondary use. Parts of proposed legislatively designated forest reserves where wildlife is of chief concern may be closed to grazing. 3. Forestry Commercial forestry values are concentrated in the southeastern part of the subregion, on the lower slopes of Mts. Susitna, little Susitna and Beluga, and in the lowlands along the Talachulitna River. High priority areas for persona! use also have been identified near past and proposed settlement areas including High Mt. lakes, Trinity/Movie lakes, Hiline Lake, Sunday Lake Remote, Quartz Creek, lands south of the Skwetna River, and south of Mt. Susitna. Woodlot areas will be identified when disposals are designated. Most of the forestry areas with commercial potential will be retained in public ownership with forestry as one of the primary uses. The lands identified as suitable for legislative designa- tion around Mt. Susitna and Little Mt. Susitna will be proposed for inclusion in a state forest. Forestry will be a secondary use an public lands in the Talachulitna River and Creek corridors. 4. Fish and Wildlife Most of the Mt. Susitna subregion has high to moderate values for fish and wildlife habitat except for the far western portion of the area and large bogs between Talachulitna Creek and River. The Talachulitna River is one of the finest fishing streams in Alaska, drawing visitors from across the country. The northern part of the ~ft. Susitna -Little Mt. Susitna area is a particularly valuable hunting area. .;ltiS' -- - ...,j . . - iwo~ lilloiÏ lllillli ~ - - - - ,_ .... - ._ - - "- Most high and moderate value habitat lands will be retained in public ownership. The Talachulitna River and Creek corridors and the Mt. Susitna -Little Mt. Susitna area are proposed for legislative desig- nation as state recreational rivers and state forest, respectively. Several lakes will be retained completely in public ownership, including Judd Lake, Talachulitna Lake, Kitty Lake, and Top Lake. 5. Recreation Public recreation interest is focused on the Alexander and Susitna Rivers, the Talachulitna River and Creek corridors and the area around Mt. Susitna. These areas are proposed for legislative designation as state recreational rivers, and a state forest • [Note: the Mt. Susitna area, especially the alpine zones could be proposed as a state park, but it has been determined to be preferable to consolidate designations into a single proposai that allows multiple use, i.e., state forest with areas designated for public recreation.} Recreational sites also will be identified on major lakes and streams. As noted above a number of lakes will remain entirely in public ownership. 6. Subsurface a. Locatable minerais The vast majority of the Mt. Susitna subregion will remain open to mineral claims. Mineral closing orders will be limited to the Talachulitna River and Creek corridor, the Judd Lake area, Alexander Creek, and areas that now or in the future are likely to be densely settled. The closures and leasehold location areas include relatively little land with high mineral potential. Concentrations of existing claims on the Theodore and Lewis rivers will remain open and may contain sulfide or vein deposits. Additional mining areas also will remain open in the Mt. Susitna area. b. Coal Most of the area will be open to coal leasing and prospecting, with the exception of the Talachulitna River and Creek corridors, Susitna Game Flats, Wolverine Creek, Alexander Creek corridor, and areas likely to be densely settled. The Mt. Susitna -Little Mt. Susitna state forest/public use area will be available for coal prospecting. Coal will be identified as a primary use on areas with coal leases or high or moderate potential for coal development. It generally will be designated a secondary use where coal potential is low or unknown. ;2Cf'f c. Oil and Gas All areas will be open for oil and gas leasing except the Talachulitna River and Creek corridors, areas of low poten- tial. Oil and gas will be identified as a primary use in the coastal areas where production -related activities are occuring. 7. Resource Hanagement A total of 109,300 acres are designated for resource management-- 86,350 acres of which are low resource value lands east of Trimble River. An additional 16,675 acres east of Beluga Mt. consist of high agricultural and wildlife habitat values. The remaining 6,280 acres will later be considered for future land sales. An additional 6,000 acres of Matanuska-Susitna Borough lands in the area are classified as part of the borough's land bank which will also be reevaluatd for future land sales. B. Water Resources The streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands of the subregion are important for protection of water quality as well as for recrea- tional and habitat use. Most of these areas are protected in public ownership under forestry, habitat, recreation or resource management categories. The extensive wetland area between Talachulitna River and Talachulitna Creek is classified specifically for water resource protection. 3oo ~ Î>ili<i - - - ...,; -- - - ~ - - - - - ~ -~~ Beluaa Mtl 17 1 - - ~ - - - 30/ ._ - ~,~ 52 m 0: 0: .... c fJ·~·.·.•.·,· ::e - b=J ,_, 3cl .MT. SUSlTN:A LAND OWNERSHIP EEEB FEDERAL c:::J STATE IZZJ STATE SELECTED tS:§;l BOROUGH ( includes selected lands) t•:)/.::;,1 NATIVE (includes seleeted lands) F.f:{-!(1 PRIVATE (other thon native, includes university lands) c::J PAST STATE AND BOROUGH LAND SALES t:::!J Subdivision E:EJ Remotes ~ Agriculture it.:=:JI LEGISLATIVELY DESIGNATED AREA NOTE: This information hoa been oenerolized 10 show ownerahip in blocka of 320 acres or oreater. Hence, many isolated privote lots ore not shown, e.g. many la ku whieh oppear public are ringed with private lots. ' SCALE 1:250,000 e JANùARY 1984 Kif. LtUT 4 - BElLGI\ Kl.tffAIN 4a PUB. REC., FORESlRY, MINERALS; Wildl. Hab., Oil & Gis, Ramte Cabi 4b SETTLEMENT; Public Rec. , Forestry ~60o-J 'l'-f. ~-' [\\,',\~'\;::-'"''', 1 iowecso"~l. '1 \ r 0 • J(,-J 1 ?_ \1, \ .· ... -~A Designations written in CAPITAl LETTERS are primary ··:·~ designations; those in lower case letters are , • secondary desig1ations; areas shOW1 with stars ( *) , "c 1 ' will be recommended for legislative designation. ~ ~' 2 ~~ 1 p; . \"-, ol 1 '? 1 ,J' Map scale 1:250,000 ~ jj 4c BORül.JG-1 LAN) BAN< --Va 1 ues : ~tt l . , Pub. Rec. , Wi 1 d 1 • Hab. , For. 4d RESOURCE MGT. --Values: Settl., Wildl. Hab., Pub. Rec., Min., For. ('-f't C') :J) 0 \ 1 ' -~~~ Kil. lftiT 5 --r.J\NYm CREEK - - 1 -- - - 1 - 5a WILDL. HAB., PUB. REC., MINERALS, GOAL; Forestry, Oil & G:ls, Ran.Cabinscabin fb GOAL, MINERALS, PUBLIC REC.; Wildl ife Habitat, Oil & G:ls / Il ~.:::;_ 1 - 5c SETILEMENT; Forestry, Wi 1 dl ife Hab. , Pub 1 ic Rec. , Oi 1 & G:ls :c\_y =· '-.. ,' KiT. LtiiT 6 --HAYES RIVER PASS n "' -6a PUBLIC REG. , mAL, MINERAL$; Forestry, Wi 1 dl ife Hab. , Ramte Cabi ns : j~, ~ 243 6b GOAL; Public Rec., ·ail & G:ls, Wildlife Habitat, Ramte Cabins 1s L~ \ ~00'-----1 "-1 6c RESOURCE MGT. (1 ow va 1 ues) '-JI \ \. KiT LtiiT 7 -TAIJOU..ITNA RIVER cmRUXR ~ ldS\,~" * 7a PUB. REG., WIUJL. HAB., WATER RES. ; Forestry, Oi 1 & G:ls, Raoote Cabi ns s . e;,'k~! "--~{~ ~ , ttif • lftiT 8 --TAL.JIDU..ITNA LJ\IŒ ~ 0 a~;Î ~ ( 8a PUBLIC REG., mAL, MII'f:RALS; Forestry, Wildlife Habitat ~\, 'î t0J~' /1 ~~-0 c ) ~~( ' 8J RES. MGT. -Values: Settl., Goal, Pub.Rec., Wildl. Hab., For., Oil & Gis /~~Le~~ (.;~ \ ._l,rj 'é &: SETTLEMENT; Public Rec., Wildlife Hab. ;o ~~ 't \~ 1 ~~~(~~ ,~,, :~· -~ • 1}1? ' ~ t? > fJ., bfr ifr{,l Llke -1/ 1 &i BOROUGl LANJ BAN<--Values: Settlaœnt, Public Rec., Wildl. Hab., i~ ~ ~0, (~~~ '"aa '~:, Forestry' Goa 1 ' Oi l & G:ls' lvii nera 1 s ' Oo ~ ~ • .... -'-Ca~ltr fdl .. ~ SETILEMENT; Forestry, Public Rec., Wildlife Hab., Oil & G:ls 1 KiT. lftiT 9 -WAlER RBlJŒS 9a WATER RES., WIUJLIFE HAB., mAL, OIL & GI\S; Public-Rec. Kif. lftiT 10 --NATIVE I.AfflS lOa PRIVATE lANDS , ~00 90:3 '- - - - - - ...., - RI tQ 0 0 "" fa, ~j 1 ·1 0 ~-:-.:,· :m~l<>wl;._, 1!-. 1 1 ~ \~ ) ~) '·>~;) J/--1-)p , r.-"' (, ~ ~ 1 j ~\oo "i'l'l ... __ , h 1 ~;0 °.0 \ oi ,.,~-~~ ' tt VY ' _,~ R ':;} w 1 -, -~ ' • 0 R:8 ' ,, M ,.., <:."U'~l~NA ,,.~ke J "·. ~. , 390. ~~'-~----~ .. ,. 1 , ~. "_1 -~'v~- LAND USE DESIGNA TI ONS .. "'' Jlo\,giolr .. 0~ .. ''• '· . 1 -:;:; '··i.\": l ', ·.., •• 1 , ~ ., . ., "' ., 1\/1 D cr ~../ . ~, t? ~ b ~ · 11 ·u \: 1 ''{ ·, " 1\111 "ir? Designations written in CAPITAL LETTERS are primary designations; those in lower case letters are secondary designations; areas shawn with stars (~) /-·' ,.l::Zi N recommended for legislative designation. Kif. I.JUT 1 -SUSilNA <M: Fl.AlS la WILDLIFE HAB., PUBLIC REC., OIL & GAS; Minerals Kif. I.JUT 2 --Llllll fO.fiT SUSITN\ *2a PUBLIC REC., WILDLIFE f-Ll\.13., MINERALS; Grazing *2b PUBLIC REC., WILDLIFE HAB., MINERALS; Forestry, Coal, Oil & Gas *2c FCRESTRY, COAL, MINERALS; Public Rec., Wildlife Hab., Grazing, Oil & Gis Kif. I.J4IT 3 -OlrG.ISK't\ HILL *3a PUBLIC REC., WILDLIFE HAB.; Forestry, Oil & Gis *]) WILDLIFE HAI3., PUBLIC REC., OIL & GAS; Coal 3c RESOURCE MGT. --Values: Public Rec., Coal, Wildlife Hab., Oil & Gas, Sett 1 aœnt, Forestry 3d SEffiEMENT, Public Rec. , Forestry, Oi l & Gis 2e BOROUG-1 LAl'D BANK --Va 1 ues: Pub 1 i c Rec. , Oi l & Gas, Sett 1 aœnt, Forestry, Wild1ife Habitat MiT. I.J4IT 4 -BEl..W\ KllffAIN 4a PUBLIC REC., FORESTRY, MINERALS; Wi l dHfe Hab., Oi 1 & L~ Gas, Raoote Cabins ~ 4b SEffiEMENT; Public Rec. , Forestry y· ,~,"'" \ //Il 1 ~-L: 1 Kil. OOT 7-lJ\IAlti..ITN\ RIVER cmRIIXR ~ '·' ' - 7 ' 1 ' ' * 7a PUBLIC REC., WILDLIFE HAB., WATER RES.; "'--" \ ~\ Forestry, Oi l & Gis, Ramte Cabi ns ftliT. li4IT 10 --N\TIVE LNilS Hll PRIVATE lA'JDS 1 1 1 ( ;,;:.;·"'l Cabal.('-::l l' .«1 \ l)·1. 'k,, _~.,_) ' ,v~ "r Il 1 "-.., i\ 304- ,Gagiltg Station 9 s\ '<> 13~\'\1-? ·,_ ~ ' .. "'o"" \J<:;r Cabins! '"' -: #;" scale ·:·: .......... ·.;;:::: ;; / ::)ç \ \ \ T20~ !\ \·· /' " N '0 ·C II. MANAGEMENT INTENT AND GUIDELINES BY MANAGEMENT UNIT MANAGEMENT UNIT 1 -SUSITNA GAME FLATS MANAGEMENT INTENT Management Unit 1 is made up entirely of land within the Susitna Game Flats which was legislatively established as a state game refuge in 1976. Fish and wildlife habitat and activities such as waterfowl nesting, feeding and migra- tion; moose calving areas; spring and fall bear feeding areas; salmon spawning and rearing habitats; are all protected under the refuge designation. Public uses such as waterfowl, moose and bear hunting; wildlife viewing; photography; and general public recreation are permitted. Access into the game flats is by boat or plane or from the east via a winter ice road which crosses the Susitna River and transverses the southern portion of the refuge. Access from the southeast is provided by a four-season grave! road which runs from an airstrip near the Beluga Power Plant across the Beluga and Theodore Rivers to the edge of the Lewis River. Although there are no plans for construction, a right-of-way has been estab- lished for a road or rail extension from the railbelt east of the Susitna River through this management unit into the Beluga subregion. The right- of-way travels along the northern boundary of the management unit and would link the existing road system ~ith potential coal development in the Beluga area. (The road would not be used to transport coal--this would be done via dock facilities adjacent to the coal leases in the Beluga area.) For specifie allowable uses within the game refuge boundary, see "The Susitna Flats State Game Reftige Management Plan," Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and Alaska Statutes 16.20.036(a). 8oS -- - ~ u - - - - - - lil!iil - - - - u.l (JI .... / [ ( ( ( LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON MT. SUSITNA MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 1 --SUSITNA GAME FLATS MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS M/NERALS ANALYSIS PROHIBITED UNIT/ UNIT LAND !SURFACE OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMT. OF MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S} USE(S} USE{S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE M/NERALS M/NERALS la 5094 State Wildlife Habitat Minerals Remote cabins Susitna Game 5099 Public Recreation (See "The Su-Leasehold Not available for Flats 7026 Oil and Gas sitna Game coal leasing or Flats State prospecting Refuge Manage ment Plan," ADFtxG) Land Disposals l Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allmved. Such uses \vill be alloued if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE "" DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINOU/SHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES Legislatively designated state game refuge (AS. 16.20.036(a)). 1 MANAGEMENT UNIT 2 -LITTLE MT. SUSITNA MANAGEMENT INTENT Management Unit 2 lies southeast of Alexander Creek, and north of the Susitna Game Plats. The unit includes Little Mt. Susitna and Mt. Susitna which con- tain important habitat for moose, bear, and domestic livestock, as well as provide opportunities for sport and subsistence hunting. Adjacent lowlands support high value hardwood and mixed timber stands, and significant fish and mining values on Wolverine Creek and Theodore River. Because of the impor- tance of these resources, the entire management unit shall be designated for long term retention and managed primarily for forestry, wildlife habitat, and public recreation, and secondly for grazing. The area's exceptionally high value timber, moose, and riparian habitat and hunting activities make the entire area a priority recommendation for legislative designation as a state forest reserve. Land sales will not be allowed in this management unit. Management Unit 2 is divided into three subunits: The area above timberline on Little Mt. Susitna and Mt. Susitna (2a), the corridors along Lewis and Theodore Ri ver and Wolverine Creek ( 2b), and the lowlands containing high value timber stands which includes the Alexander Creek Subdivision (2c). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses for each subunit. As was stated above, the entire ar~a will be proposed for legislative designa- tion as a State Forest reserve. The lands with the best potential to be managed for long term commercial timber production lie within subunit 2c. Although this subunit will be managed primarily for long term sustained yield commercial timber production and harvest, persona! use timber cutting will be allowed in proximity to the existing Alexander Creek Subdivision and the proposed South Peak land sale. (See Management Unit 3, subunit c.) Grazing is a secondary use within this subunit (although little of this land is thought to presently have grazing potential). Subunits 2a and 2b include the uplands of Mt. Susitna, Little Mt. Susitna (2a) and riparian habitat adjacent to Wolverine Creek and Theodore and Lewis Rivers (2b). The existing uses within these subunits are hunting, trapping, fishing, and mining. Areas above timberline, (Subunit 2a), will be managed for the protection and enhancement of moose and bear habitat, and be open to hunting, skiing, hiking and other types of recreation and also open to trapping and mining. Once feasible, domesti.c livestock grazing will be permitted at lower elevations of subunit 2a (below 2000'). Management of subunit 2b will encourage public recreation emphasizing fishing, hunting and camping, as well as the preservation of riparian habitat. Access into Management Unit 3 is currently provided by boat. A right-of-way has been established by DOT/PF as part of the Goose Bay extension for either road or rail. This right-of-way originates at the Park Highway or Alaska Railroad and travels west across the Susitna River in the vicinity of Alexander. See subunit 3a.) On the west side of the Susitna River (3a), one spur would head northwest through Rainy Pass towards McGrath. The second spur ;30-:t ... - - - - - - - - - - - - .iliri<l - - / Lu ~ r LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON MT. SUSITNA MANAGEMENT UNir 2 --LITTLE MT. susrTNA MGMT. ANALYSIS UNIT/ UNIT LAND OWNERSHIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS 2a 5086 State Little Mt. 5088 Susitna/Mt. 6115 Susitna 6117 7021 7023 2b 6113 State Wolverine 6116 Creek/Theodore 7018 River Corridor 7025 2c 5081 State Timber 5082 Management 5084 Are a 5085 5087 5089 6113 6114 6115 6116 7021 LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY SECONDARY USE($) USE(S) Public Recreation Grazing Wildlife Habitat Hinerals Public Recreation Forestry Wildlife Habitat Co al Minerals Oil and Gas Forestry Public Recreation Co al Wildlife Habitat Hinerals Grazing Oil and Gas PROHIBI TE URFAC~ USE(SJ j Remote cabi Trapper cab Land Dispos Remote cabi Trapper cab Land Dispos Remote cabj Trapper cat ns ins als ns ins als ns ins Land Dispos als MINERALS MGMT. OF LOCATABLE MINERALS Open MGMT. OF LEASEABLE MINERALS Available for leasing Leasehold require1 Wolverine Creek i on Wolverine Cree ;not available for other areas open coal leasing or prospecting; othe areas are availab for leasing and prospecting Leasehold require1 Available for on Trail Creek; leasing other areas open -_)ti 1er uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be :lllmved. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and 1-:itil the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NOU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES Included in pro- posal for legisla tive designation as a state forest Included in pro- posal for legisla tive designation as a state forest Proposed for legislative designation as a state forest would travel south through the Game Flats to Beluga. Actual construction of this corridor across the Susitna River is not planned and will be contingent upon the economie justification of accessing lands and resources west of the Susitna. A management plan which will include access options for logging roads and recreational trails within the management unit will be developed jointly by the Alaska Divisions of Land and Water Management, Forestry and Parks and Outdoor Recreation, and the Department of Fish and Game. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter ~ of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guide- lines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines could potentially apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. *Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry Settlement *Subsurface *Transportation *Ac cess Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Quality Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: Resource management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit 2b (Wolverine Creek and Theodore River Corridors) Forestry In subunit 2b forestry is a secondary use. Timber management will be designed to protect and enhance public recreation and wildlife values. Transportation Raad crossings in Wolverine Creek and Theodore River corridors should be minimized wherever possible. All crossings and roads within the corridor must be designed in consultation with the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation and the Department of Fish and Game. Subsurface Wolverine Creek and Trail Creek are important anadromous fish streams that contribute to the heavily used Alexander Creek. Because these areas also have minerais values (particularly Wolverine Creek where there are a number of active placer claims), any future mineral entry within 500 feet of these streams will require a lease. t,O'} - - .... - - ... - - - - - - - - - - - ._ ·~ """" '- ,_, - "-' ~,~---"·------·~---------~----·--~ • .. , __ "_,_, _____ ~-~~·--·--~~~~~-~~-----~~'-"~~"""'~------~------- MABAGEMENT UNIT 3 -DINGLISHNA HILL MANAGEMENT INTENT Dinglishna Bill management unit includes approximately 15,500 acres located north of the Susitna Game Flats between Mt. Susitna and the Susitna River. This area includes the well drained lowlands east of Mt. Susitna, and a con- siderable amount of land adjacent to Alexander Creek and the Susitna River. The mix of lowlands, rivers, and riparian habitat support mixed hardwood timber stands, moose habitat, salmon spawning, boating, fishing and hunting, and areas suitable for year-round and recreational settlement. Given the importance and variety of resources, the majority of land within this unit will be retained in long term public ownership and managed for the protection of rivers and wildlife habitat. Land sales will be allowed along the south- west flanks of Mt. Susitna. Areas adjacent to Dinglishna Hill subdivision and the community of Alexander will be designated resource management and be retained at least temporarily in public ownership and managed for recreational and wildlife habitat. These areas will be reevaluated for possible future sale contingent upon access improvements and/or community expansion. There are five subunits within Management Untt 3: Alexander Creek and Susitna River Corridors (3a), Susitna Game Flats extension (3b), Dinglishna Hill and Alexander settlement, located immediately west of the Susitna River (3c), South Peak settlement area located southwest of Mt. Susitna (3d) and borough lands west of Alexander Creek Corridor (3e). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit. Subunit 3a, which includes Alexander Creek (borough owned) and the Susitna River and adjacent riparian habitat, will be retained in long term public ownership and managed as a recreational river. Roth streams presently support very high recreational and wildlife values which include fishing, boating, hunting, and moose and riparian habitat. Additionally, Alexander Creek and Susitna River drain into the Susitna Game Flats Refuge. The corridors will be retained in a generally natural state and managed to provide a variety of recreation opportunities, including developed campgrounds, public use cabins, boat launches, and easy public access, while protecting fish and wildlife habitat. Specifie areas will also be available for persona! use timber cutting where it will enhance recreational and habitat values. Land sales will be prohibited within this subunit. Lands immediately north of the Susitna Game Flats where the Susitna River braids west of Bell Islands (3b) will be retained in long term public owner- ship and recommended as an extension to the Susitna Game Flats State Refuge. Inclusion in the refuge would protect critical fish and wildlife habitat and recreation activities where the Susitna River drains into the existing boundaries of the Game Flats. Near term settlement will be limited to the State-owned South Peak subunit (3d) located just southwest of Mt. Susitna. This area lies adjacent to the Susitna Game Flats' northern boundary, and at the edge of the proposed state forest reserve. Land sales will be low density due to the existing lack of ~10 tN --.._ / LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION MT. SUSITNA MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 3 --DINGLISHNA HILL - MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS ANALYSIS LAND PROHIBITED UNIT/ 'rSURFACE UNIT OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMT. OF MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE($} USE($) USE{S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERAL$ Forestry Remote cabins Closed Not available for 3a 5090 State/ Public Recreation Oil and Gas Trapper cabins coal leasing or Alexander 5092(E) Borough/ Wildlife Habitat Land Disposals prospecting Creek /Susitna 5096 Native River Corridor - 3b Susitna Game 5094 State Wildlife Habitat Co al Remote cabins Leashold Available for Flats Public Recreation Trapper cabins leasing Extension Oil and Gas Land Disposais 3c Dinglishna 5092 State Resource Hanageme.nt (high) Remote cabins Hill/ Alex-5095 Values: Public:· Recrea tian, Co al, Trapper cabins Open Available for ander Resource Wildltfe Hàbitat, Oil and leasing Hanagement Gas, Settlement, Forestry 3d South Peak 5091 State Settlement Public Recreation Remote cabins Closed prior to Settlement 5097 Forestry sale Not available for 5098 (personal use) coal leasing or Oil and Gas prospecting - 1 Other uses such as material saJc,-;, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allmved. Such uses ~vill be alh'vL'd if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. . ( 1 1 1. 1 -1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 t LEGISLATIVE "" DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NOU/SHMENTS à UNRESOLVED ISSUES Proposed for. legislative designation as a state recreation river Proposed for legislative designation as an extension to the state refuge ·t,.u tv l r [ r r [ LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON_I>_1T_. s_u_sr_TN_A ____ _ MANAGEMENT UNII 3 --DINGLISHNA HILL (çon'tt r MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS ANALYSIS PROHIBITED MINERALS UNIT/ UNIT LAND SURFACE PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMT. OF MGMT. OF OWNERSHIP ·~SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) USE(S} 1 ·~ LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS 3e 5096(sectioi1 Alexander 25 and Borough Land Bank Open --------Available for Creek Land 26) Borough Values: Public Recreation, Oil & leasing Bank Gas, Settlement, Forestr~ Wildlife Habitat \ ·--·-·--~-· - l Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE ' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES access and so as to have minimal impact on adjàceO:t habitat values. Areas withirt the land sale boundaries will include woodlots for personal use cutting-s. The Dinglishna Hill/ Alexander subunit ( 3c) lies between Alexander Creek and the Susitna River and will be designated resource management and retained in public ownership for at least the near term. This area lies adjacent to existing settlement at Dinglishna Hill and Alexander, and abuts AleJtander Creek and the Susitna River. Because of the location, high amenity values, and access via the streams, this area has great settlement potential. Addi- tionally this land is crossed by the Beluga right-of-way and consequently is likely to be near road access if a bridge is built across the Susitna River. For these reasons the Resource Allocation Section recommends that the land be managed to protect the high recreation and habitat values in the near term, and later reevaluated for land sales contingent upon improved access and/or community expansion needs. Should the area be sold, maximum stream buffers will be implemented. Subunit 3e, borough-owned lands west of Dinglishna Hill, will be retained in the borough land bank and managed for public recreation. This unit may later be reconsidered for sales should access improve or the borough decide to sell additional parcels without road access. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter ~ of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guide- lines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines could potentially apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indi~ cated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry *Settlement *Subsurface *Transportation *Access Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Quality Wetlands Management *Land Administration Policy: Resource management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit 3a (Alexander Creek and Susitna River Corridor) Forestry Forestry is a secondary use in the Alexander Creek and Susitna River corridor. Timber management practices will be designed to protect and enhance public recreation and habitat values in this subunit. 313 - ~ - - - ... - - --- - -- - - - ~ '- ..... ·- - - - Transportation Road crossings in Alexander Creek and Susitna River corridor should be minimized. All crossings and roads within the corridor must be designed in consultation with the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation and Land and Water Management, and the Department of Fish and Game. Subsurface Land within the Alexander Creek portion of this subunit is closed to mineral location. Surface entry for oil and gas development is also not permitted in this area. Development must occur through directional drilling from outside the boundaries of subunit 3a. Commercial development Commercial development to support recreational activities is a permitted use in the Alexander Creek corridor. Subunit 3b (Susitna r.ame Flats Extention) Fish and wildlife habitat Subunit 3b is recommended to become included in the Susitna Game Flats boundaries. The management guidelines outlined in AS 16.20.036(a) and "The Susitna Flats State Game Refuge Management Plan," Alaska Department of Fish and Game, will apply to the additional lands included in the refuge boundaries. Subunit 3c (Dinglishna Hill/Alexander Resource Management Area) River and Stream Buffers If lands are conveyed in this subunit, a buffer at least 1/4 mile wide on either side of the high water mark of Alexander Creek and the Susitna River will be retained in public ownership. This corridor is intended to provide for hunting and camping as well as fishing and public access along the streams and into the Susitna Game Flats Refuge. Subunit 3d (South Peak Settlement) Stream and River Buffers When land is sold in this subunit, buffers of at least 200 feet on either side of the ordinary high water marks of the streams draining into the Susitna Game Flats Refuge will be retained in public ownership. Subunit 3e (Alexander Creek Land Bank) River and Stream Buffers If lands are conveyed in this subunit, a buffer at least 1/4 mile wide on either side of the high water mark of the tributary to Alexander Creek be retained in public ownership. This corridor is intended to provide for hunting and camping as well as fishing and publc access. 311 MANAGEMENT UNIT 4 -BELUGA MT. MANAGEMENT INTENT Management Unit 4 stretches from the Talachulitna River corridor east to include lowlands within the Talachulitna drainage, Beluga Mt. the adjacent foothills. The unit contains a variety of important fish and wildlife habitat such as moose and small game in the lowlands, salmon in Bear and Clear Creeks and the tributaries of the Talachulitna River, black bear along the foothills of Beluga Mt., and brown bear at the 2000' elevation level on Beluga Mt. The major land use in Management Unit 4 is presently sport and subsistence hunting and trapping. In addition to important habitat values, the unit contains mineral resources, agriculturally capable soils, and areas suitable for settlement. With the exception of areas containing settlement and agri- cultural values, Management Unit 4 will be ret:ained in long term public owner- ship and managed for preservation of the fish, moose, and bear habitat.; If feasible, the foothills of Beluga Mt. will also be open to domestic livestock grazing. The area containing agricultural soils will be retained in public ownership in the near term, and later reevaluated for possible agricultural use. Limited low density land sales will be permitted west of Hiline Lake in the near term, and lands immediately adjacent and south of the lake will be reevaluated for additional future sales in the long term. There are five subunits within Management Unit 4: high value forestry, fish and wildlife lands which constitute the majority of the management unit (4a), land adjacent to the Talachulitna River corridor and west of Hiline Lake (4b), borough owned lands around Hiline Lake {4c), approximately 3000 acres of lands with capahility for settlement south of Hiline Lake {4d), and about 17,000 acres of agricultural soils on the lowlands southwest of Beluga Mt. (4e). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit. The forestry and fish and wildlife lands, which include a large portion of the Talachuli tna drainage and Beluga Mt. , will be retained in long term public ownership and managed to protect existing fish and wildlife habitat, and to encourage fishing and hunting activities. Domestic livestock grazing will be a secondary use below the 2,QOO' elevation, and persona! use forestry will be a secondary land use in the vicinity of potential settlement areas around Hiline Lake. Near term settlement will be limited to subunit 4b between the Talachulitna River and Hiline Lake. The adjacent borough owned lands surrounding Hiline Lake (4c) are designated as borough land bank. Land sales around the lake are not likely in the near term due to the borough's desire to slow residential sales in remote areas, but sales may occur in the long term. The land south of Hiline Lake will be designated resource management and managed for wildlife habitat and persona! use forestry in the near term, and sold for settlement in the long term contingent upon the success of the land sales in subunit 4b, and upon future management of borough lands around Hiline Lake. 3J.5 _, - - - - - ~ - - - ..... """" - ..,.j /' \:N .... ~ ( r [ LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION MT. SUSITNA MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 4 --BELUGA MT. - MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED MINERALS ANALYSIS LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP PR/MARY SECONDARY !SURFACE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF SUS UNIT NUMBERS USE(ST USE(S) USE(SJ 1 LOCATABLE. LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS 4a 6082 State Public Recreation Wildlife Habitat Trapper cabins Open Available for Beluga Mt. 6084 Forestry Oil and Gas Land Disposais leasing 6085 (6091, 6092, Remote Cabins 6091 6123, 6124) 6092 Minerals 6093 6094 6095 6096 6098 6099 6101 6104 6119 6120 6121 6123 6124 4b 6089 State Settlement Public Recreation Remote cabins Closed prior to Not available for Hiline Lake Forestry sale coal leasing or West Sale (personal use) prospecting 4c 6083 Borough Borough Land Bank -----------Open Available for Hiline Lake 6153 Values: Settlement, Recreation, leasing Land Bank Wildlif.e Habitat, Forestry -- l Other uses spch as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE """ DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES 1,1 ~1 ."1J LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION MT. SIISTTNA MANAGEMENT UN/T_ 4 BELUGA MT. (con't) MGMT. UNIT/ SUBUNIT 4d Hiline Lake South Resource Management 4e Mt. Beluga Ridge ANALYSIS UNIT NUMBERS 6089 6097 6100 6105 6112 LAND OWNERSHIP State State 1 LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY USE(S) SECONDARY USE(S) - Resource Management (high) Values: Settlement, Recreation, Wildlife Habitat, Min- erals, Forestry Resource Management (high) Values: Agriculture, Grazing, Wildlife Habitat, Recreation, Forestry PROHIBITED M/NERALS SURFACE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF USE(SJ 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS Remo te cab ins Open Available for Trapper cabins leasing Remote cabins Open Available for Trapper cabim leasing 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and n:1na,:;ement guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 ( f 1 1 1. 1 1 1. 1 l 1 1 ( LEGISLATIVE "" DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RE UNOUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES ~ - '- Subunit 4e contains sorne agricultural soils and will be designated as resource management in the near term. In the short term, timber management and enhancement of wildlife habitat will be encouraged. Agricultural sales and grazing may be possible in the long term if determined the best land use. Should the land be sold for agriculture, persona! use timber cuttings will be a secondary land use. Access into the management unit is possible via the Talachulitna River or by float plane on Hiline Lake. A right-of-way originating in Management Unit 3 and traveling northwest through the proposed state forest (Management Unit 2) extends into Management Unit 4 through subunit 4e. As previously mentioned, there are currently no plans for construction, hut should a corridor he funded, 17,000 acres of the resource management lands could potentially be sold for agricultural uses. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter ~ of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guide- lines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines could potentially apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. *Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Trail Management *Access Water Quality *Lakeshore Management Wetlands Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Land Administration Policy: Resource managem~nt ~ Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented helow by subunit. Subunit 4b (Hiline Lake West Sale) River and Stream Buffers When lands are conveyed in this subunit, a buffer of at least 300 feet side on either side of the mean high water mark of the tributary to Talachulitna River will be retained in public ownership. This corridor is intended to provide for hunting and camping as well as fishing and public access. Lakeshore Management Fifty percent of the shoreline of the unnamed lake in Township 19N, Range 12W, Section 27 will remain in public ownership to protect public access and the recreational opportunities associated with the Talachulitna River and its tributaries. The retained area may be considered for future use as a coal recreation site and/or campground. 3/W' Forestry Forestry is a secondary use within this subunit. Timber management activities will he designed to protect and enhance public recreation and habitat values. Subunit 4c (Highline Lake Land Bank) Lakeshore Management Although the state has retained portions of the north and south shores of Highline Lake in public ownership prior to conveyance to the borough, Resource Allocations recommends that the borough retain an additional 30% in public ownership if lake property is sold. This will issure public access to and around the lake, and retain the area for future use as a local recreation site and/or campground. Forestry Persona! use forestry will be a secondary use within this subunit if sold for settlement. Timber management activities will be designed to protect and enhance public recreation and habitat values within this area. BJ'l 1 - - - --- - - - MANAGEMENT UNIT 5 -CANYON CREEK MANAGEMENT INTENT Management Unit S includes lands south of the Skwentna River and west of Talachulitna River corridor. This area is accessible by the Skwentna and Talachulitna Rivers and presently contains land uses such as recreational settlement, boating, fishing, hunting, and fish and wildlife habitat. The area contains sorne land with moderate/high coal potential, most of which is under lease. The area will be managed to support a variety of uses by retain- ing about half the land in long term public ownership to encourage public recreation, protect fish and wildlife habitat, and promote coal prospecting. Other areas along the Skwentna and Talachulitna Rivers will be sold for settlement in the near term while retaining open space, public access and persona! use woodlots in public ownership. There are three subunits within Management Unit 4: Dickason Mt. and Thursdày Creek (Sa), the Mobil Coal Lease located along Canyon Creek (Sb and), the existing and proposed settlement areas west of Canyon Lake Remote, adjacent to Quartz Creek Remote, and immediately west of the Talachulitna River corridor (Sc). See maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit. Friday Creek Remote located at Dickason Mt. and Canyon Lake Remote will be closed and remaining public lands will be retained in long-term public owner- ship with lands around Thursday Creek for the protection of anadromous streams and riparian habitat (subunit Sa). Because of the subunit's proximity to boatable waters of the Talachulitna and and Skwentna Rivers and proposed land sales, this area will also be managed for public recreation (hunting, fishing, boating and boating facilities) and secondly for persona! use timber harvest. Subunit Sb encompasses a SS-year coal lease held by Mobil Oil. To minimize potential conflict with settlement, this area will be retained in long term public ownership and managed for coal prospecting and development and wildlife habitat. Low density settlement will be limited to three areas (see subunit Sc): 9,800 acres between Canyon Creek and the Skwentna River, 9,240 acres west of the existing Quartz Creek Remote, and 1,280 acres east of Quartz Creek (see "unresolved issues" below), and 12,550 acres west of the Talachulitna River corridor within the Deep Creek drainage. Construction of road or rail access is not likely in this area. The right- of-way accessing lands west of the Snsitna River travels on the north side of the Skwentna River. Unless this road and a bridge crossing the Skwentna or Talachnlitna Rivers are built, access into management units will continue to be by boat or air. The development of public boat facilities along the Skwentna and Talachulitna Rivers, a public airstrip and an accompanying trail system, will enable access into existing and proposed settlement areas. a2o w )J - /' LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION __ ...:r=1T..:.... ~s~us:.=.IT~N~A ____ _ MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 5 --CANYON CREEK MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS ANALYSIS PROHIBITED UNIT/ UNIT LAND !SURFACE OWN_ERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMT. OF MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S}1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S) --~(5/ MINERAL$ MINERAL$ Sa 60S6 State Wildlife Habitat Forestry Land Disposals Open Available for Dickason Mt./ 60S7 Public Recreation (60S6(S), 60S8, leasing Thursday Creek 60S8(N) Hinerals 6067, 6068) 6060(E) Co al Oil and Gas 6067 Remote Cabins 6068 6074 ' Sb 6060(W) State Co al Wildlife Habitat Remote cabins Open Available for Hobil Coal 606l(S) Minerals Oil and Gas Land Disposals leasing Lease 6063 Public Recreation 6064 6074(W) Sc 60SS State Settlement Forestry Remote cabins Closed prior to Not available for Remo te 60S6(N) (personal use) sale coal leasing or Settlement: 60S7(NE) Wildlife Habitat prospecting (Canyon Creek, 60S8(S) Public Recreation Quartz Creek, 606l(N) Talachulitna 6076(N) Oil and Gas West) 6080 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibitecl md,. !,,. allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, .md wJth the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 1. 1 1 l 1_ _____ . ( ( 1 ~-1 1. LEGISLATIVE ' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINOUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES · Unresolved issues remain in the Quartz Creek area; designations uncer tain (see mgt. intent section for further info) _______________________________ , _________ _ ,~~~------~~- - - ,_ - Unresolved Issues Planning team members were of divided opinions regarding proposed settlement in the Ouartz Creek area. The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation has recommended extending sales west of existing Quartz Creek settlement. The Division of Land and Water Management, however, is in favor of selling areas both east and west of Quartz Creek. The Resource Allocation Section recommends limiting sales to the west of the existing Quartz Creek Remote, thereby miniminzing settlement impact while retaining an open space between likely settlement activity and the Talachulitna River Corridor. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter l of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that Chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines could potentially apply ta uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry *Settlement *Subsurface *Transportation *Access *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Ouality Wetlands Management *Land Administration Policy: Resource management Subunit Sc-(Remote Settlement: Canyon Cree, Quartz Creek and Talachulitna West) River and Stream Buffers When lands are conveyed in these subunits, buffers on either side of the mean high water mark of at least the widths stated below must be retained in ownership on the following streams: Skwetna River and tributaries--300' minimum Canyon Creek--1/4 mile Canyon Creek tributaries--200' minimum Ouartz Creek and tributaries--200' minimum ThÙrsday Creek and tributaries--200' minimum Deep Creek--200' minimum Rates Creek--200' with option of lOO' Talachulitna tributaries--300 1 minimum These corridors are intended to protect public access and recreational opportunities, particularly fishing and camping. 3~ Forestry Persona! use forestry is a secondary use within this subunit. Timber management activities will be designed to protect and enhance public recreation and habitat values within this area. Lâkeshore Management/Settlement Waterfront property remaining in state ownership at Quartz Creek will not be sold when additional disposais are offered. These lands will be retained to keep public access to and around the lakes in the past Quartz Creek Remote and to protect public recreation opportunities in the area. An area of public land connecting the new and reoffered disposai area to the Skwetna River will also be retained for future use as a local recreation site and/or campground. Streamkorridor Management -Public boat launching facilities and accompanying trails will be identified within the river corridors by the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation to provide access to existing and proposed settlement and public recreation areas. -Settlement projects will be designed to minimize the number pf parcells located directly adjacent to the river corridors. Limiting the number of parcesll directly along the streambanks will help minimize visual and environmental impacts. 3.;13 1181 - lilli1ii - - - - - - - - - - - - --------·--· ------~~~.----~~--·-#0 -~--·----· - - - - - - MANAGEMENT UNIT 6 -HAYES RIVER PASS MANAGEMENT INTENT Management Unit 6 includes the eastern portion of the Alaska Range south of the Hayes River, and adjacent lowlands between the Mountains and the Talachulitna River. The unit contains severa! anadromous streams that flow into the Talachulitna River which, in addition to their value for fish, provide valuable riparian habitat where most hunting activities are concen- trated. Habitat values and hunting activities decrease approaching the Alaska Range. The eastern portion of the management unit contains sorne moderate and high coal potential, and an active coal lease held by Meadowlark farms. The eastern half of Management Unit 6 will be retained in long term public owner- ship and managed for mining, recreation (hunting, fishing, and boating), fish, moose and small game habitat, and water resources. Low resource value areas within the Alaska Range will he retained in public ownership and designated resource management-law value. There are three subunits in the Hayes River management unit: Friday and Saturday Creek drainage (6a), Meadowlark coal lease (6b), and Trimble River. See the maps at the beginning o this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit. Friday and Saturday Creek drainage supports fish, moose, small game, and waterfowl habitat; and hunting, fishing, wilderness camping, and sorne rafting. The subunit will be retained in long term public ownership and managed for recreation, mining, and water resources. Suhunit 6h includes the Meadowlark coal lease, and several miles of Friday and Saturday Creeks and adjacent riparian corridors. This area will be retained in public ownership and managed for mining, fish and wildlife habitat and public recreation (rafting, fishing, and hunting). Subunit 6c, Trimble River, generally contains low surface and subsurface values and will be classified resource management-law value. It will he retained in public ownership and managed for whatever uses may he requested in the area. The area will be open to remote cahin permits and available for land trades. Access into Management Unit 6 is presently limited to one privately owned landing strip at the northwest corner of the Meadowlark coal lease. Extending trail access along Friday and Saturday Creeks from the Talachulitna River is encouraged. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter ~ of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guide- lines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. BëJ.Y / ().) ~ LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION. }fT SIISTTNA MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 6 --HAYES RIVER PASS --~ MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS ANALYSIS PROHIBITED UNIT/ UNIT LAND !sURFACE OWNERSHIP PRIMAR.Y SECONDARY MGMT. OF MGMT. OF SUBUNII NUMBERS USE(S) -USE(S) -USE(S) 1 LQCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS 6a 6065 State Public Recreation Forestry Trapper cabins Open Available for Friday/ 6075 Co al (personal use) · Land Disposals leasing Saturday 6077 Minerals Wildlife Habitat Creeks Recre-6078 Remote Cabins ation Area 6079 6127 6128(E) 6130 6b 6077 (S) State Co al Public Recreation Land Disposals Open Available for Medowlark 6078 , Oil and Gas leasing 1 Coal Lease 6079(N) Wildlife Habitat Remote Cabins 6c 6066 State Resource Manageme~t (Low) ----------Open Available for Trimble Rivel 6069 . leasing 6072 6073 Otller uses such as materLd sales, Lmd leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specificallv prohibitcd may be allo,.-ed. Such uses \.Jill be alloHed if consistent l>'ith the management intL'llt and management guidelines of this unit. :111cl \.Jith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. ( 1 1 1 1 1 1. 1 1 r 1. 1 ( r 1 1 LEGISLATIVE DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINOU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES 1 - - ,_ '- '- All of the guidelines could potentially apply ta uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation Forestry Settlement *Subsurface Transportation *Access Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Ouali ty Wetlands Management Resource Management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit 6a -(Friday and Saturday Creeks Retention Area) River and Stream Buffers Remote cabin permits will be issued in this area but shall not be per- mitted within a 200 foot buffer on either side of Friday and Saturday èreek. Remote cabins will not be permitted within lOO' of any of the other streams within this subunit shawn on the 1:63,360 scale maps. Subunits 6a and 6b -(Friday and Saturday Creek Retention Area/Trimble River Resource Management) Remote Cabins Remote cabins are an allowed use within these subunits. Cabin sites shall be dispersed along the river and stream corridors in a very law density (approximately 1 cabin per mile because of the limited forest resource, or clustered, permitting 3-4 cabins every 6 miles. il.;l (., MANAGEMENT UNIT 7 -TALACHULITNA RIVER CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT INTENT Management Unit 7 includes the Talachulitna River and Creek system from its confluence with the Skwentna River to Judd and Wolf Lakes. The headwaters are split between the river proper, which flows south and west from the Wolf Lakes near Beluga Mt., and Talachulitna Creek which flows easterly from the Talachulitna and Judd Lakes. Most of the recreational values are concentrated along the boatable portions of Talachulitna Creek from Judd Lake to the confluence with the Talachulitna River and from there north to the confluence with the Skwentna River. The Talachulitna River is one of the most valuable sport fishing streams in the Susitna drainage, and is one of the major con- tributors to the Cook Inlet sockeye and pink salmon commercial fishery. This management unit is recommended to be legislatively designated as a state rec- reation river, thereby regulating land uses to minimize adverse effects on water quality, fishery and recreation values of the river and creek. As part of the state river system, the lands will be managed by the Division of Parks and Outdoo,r Recreation to provide wilderness recreation use while protecting the existing natural resources and high-quality recreation values. This will be accomplished by retaining lands in pubic ownership and constructing boat launches and public use cabins or other facilities at appropriate locations. Land sales shall be prohibited within the length of the management unit. This area is not divided into subunits. See the map at the beginning of this section for the boundary of the management unit, and the accompanying chart for a summary of allowed land uses. Along Talachulitna River and Creek public and private facilities such as campgrounds and boat launches also will be ehcouraged at Judd Lake--a key access point for float trips. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter ~ of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guide- lines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines could potentially apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation Forestry Settlement Subsurface Transportation *Ac cess Lakeshore Hanagement Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management *Water Ouality Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: Resource management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below. 3;21- """' - w - - - liol!ii - -- - - - """' - - ai \ \ Ûl v tl4 / [ r r [ r [ LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON MT. SUSITNA ======----MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 7 --~~~!~~~~ITNA RIVER MG MT. ANALYSIS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED MINERALS LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP PRIMARX SECONDARY ~URFA CE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF SUBUN/1 NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) ---USE(S} 1 LQCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS . M/NERALS la 6050 State Public Recreation Forestry ,rapper cabins Closed Not available for Talachulitna 6081 Wildlife Habitat (personal use) Land Disposals coal leasing or River 6088 Water Resources Oil and Gas prospecting Corridor 6102 Remote Cabins 6103(NW) 6122 6125 6126 6131 6137 6154 1 Oti 1 er uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be alL.:n,red. Such uses \vill be all01..red if consistent \Vith the management inten't and management guidelines of this unit, :l!1d \vith the relevant management guidelines in cbapter 2.. LEGISLATIVE "\ DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES Proposed for legislative designation as a state recreation river Siting of Recreational Facilities Boat Launches. Access into Management Unit 7 is obtained by boat via the Skwentna River or by air --often to Judd Lake. Severa! public boat launches should be sited by the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation beginning at Judd Lake north to the confluence of the Skwentna River. The boat launch facilities should be designed to enahle safe, yet wilderness, boat trips. Public Use Cabins. The Talachulitna River corridor is a priority area for the construction of public use cabins. Public cabins should be sited by the Alaska Division of Parks in consultation with the Depart- ment of Fish and Game and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Siting should be in conjunction with conveniently located boat launches, and done so as to ensure safety along the river while minimizing visual - llo!iil - - impacts along the shore. • Public Use Cabins * Public use cabins are an allowed use within this management unit. Cabin sites shall be dispersed along the river and stream corridors in a very low density (approximately 1 cabin per 1 mile) because of the limited forest resources, or clustered, putting 3-4 cabins every 6 miles. Public use cabins shall not be permitted within 200' on wither side of the Talachulitna River or Creek. Public use cabins will not be permitted within lOO' of any of the other streams shown on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographie rnaps. Subsurface Development This management unit will be closed to mineral location and coal prospect- ing or leasing. Gravel extraction is permitted only if there are no feasible or prudent alternatives and only after consultations with ADF&G and Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. Surface entry for oil and gas development is not permitted within this subunit. Development must occur through directional drilling from outside the boundaries of management unit 7. Water Quality Water entering the Talachulitna River should remain undiminished in quality and quantity. Forestry Timber harvests shall be permitted only where appropriate for enhancement of the recreation and habitat values of the corridor, while maintaining the wilderness environment along the river. Timber harvesb shall be approved by the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation • .3.;2~ - - - - - - - - - "'-"' .._ ,_ .... '~~~------~-~~~~~,~~~~,•~~·~·-~·~~-~~-. MANAGEMENT UNIT 8 -TALACHULITNA LAKE MANAGEMENT INTENT Manàgement Unit 8 includes lands adjacent to the Talachulitna River corridor in the vicinity of Judd Lake. Resource values include recreation activities (boating, fishing, and hunting), fish and wildlife habitat, existing and pro- posed remote settlement, and moderate to high coal potential. The major use of the area will be to protect and provide opportunities for public recrea- tion, recreational settlement, and mining. There are five subunits within Management Unit 8: habitat and recreation lands around Talachulitna and Kitt Lakes (Sa), borough and state owned lands around Trinity and Movie Lakes (8b), the eastern portion of Sunday Lake Remote (Re), borough owned lands around Coal Creek Lake (Bd), and past state dis- posals--High Mt. Lake Subdivision and remote (Be). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit • Talachulitna and Kitty Lakes (subunits Ba) and the surrounding lands contain important recreation and fish and wildlife values. Due to the subunit's proximity to Judd Lake and the Talachulitna River, this area is expected to receive significant recreational use, and will therefore be retained in long term public ownership and be managed for public recreation. Additionally, this area supports fish and wildlife habitat, and contains moderate coal potential. Management, therefore, will include protection of fish artd wild- life habitat while allowing options for coal prospecting. The lands around Trinity and Movie Lakes (Bb) are accessible by float plane and contain amenities attractive for recreational settlement. The land immediately surrounding the lakes is borough owned, however, and will be retained in a borough land bank due to the borough's desire to limit addi- tional remote land sales in the near term. The state owned land southwest of the lakes will be retained in resource management, managed for public recrea- tion, and reevaluated for sales contingent upon the borough's management decisions in this area. Sunday Lake Remote was a state land offering of 15,360 acres in 1982 which bas received R stakings on 165 acres to date. Due to the high wildlife values and few stakings in the west half of the remote staking boundaries, this area will be closed to future staking and retained in long term public ownership, and managed for wildlife habitat. The east half of the remote, however, will remain open to future stakings (Be). Persona! use timber harvests will be a secondary use within this subunit. As in subunit 8b, lands surrounding Coal Creek Lake (8d) are borough owned. Those subdivided lots surrounding the lake which have not yet been sold will be retained in the borough land bank and reconsidered for sale in the long term should the borough decide to increase sales in remote areas. Meanwhile, 330 / 1 QJ 03 -1 SUBREG/ON HT. SUSITNA LAND USE SUMMARY __ _ MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 8 --TALACHULIT~A LAKE MG MT. UNIT/ SUBUNII Sa Talachulitna Kitty Lakes Sb Trinity and Movie Lakes Sc Sunday Lake and Coal Creek Remote 8d Coal Creek Lake 8e High Mt. Lakes 1 ANALYSIS UNIT NUMBERS 6128(W) 6136 6139 6140 6141 6143 - 6129 6134(N) 6135(SE) 6144 6145 6148 7012 6138 6142 LAND OWNERSHIP State State/ Borough State Borough State r------------. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS ~ROHIBITED URFA CE SECONDARY USE(S) 1 -USE(S} PRIMARX USE(S) Public Recreation Co al Minerals Forestry (personal use) Wildlife Habitat 1 1 Resource Hanagement/Borough Land Ban1 1 (high) Values:Settlement, Coal, Recreatior,, Wildlife Habitat, Forestry, Remote cabins Trapper cabins Land Disposals Remote cabins Il MINERALS MGMT. OF LQCATABLE MINERALS Open Open 1 MGMT. OF LEASEABLE M/NERALS Available for leasing Available for leasing Oil and Gas 1 1 1 Settlement 1 Public Recreatio Remote cabins 1 ~-~-E~d prior to 1 Not available for Wildlife Habitat sale coal leasing or prospecting Borough Land Bank 1 1 Remote cabins Values: Settlement, Recreation, Wildlife Habitat, Forestr~, Coal, <)>il and Gas, Hinerais Settlement Forestry (personal use) Public Recreation Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas Remote cabins Open Closed prior to sale Available to leasing Not available fot coal leasing or prospecting Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that :1re not specific~dlv prohibited may be all,)t-.red. ::luch uses 1o1ill be ,;llL)Ived if c.onsistent ~o~ith the management intent and management guiclelines nf this II!lit, and w.ith the relevant management .::uidelines in chapter 2. 1 1 ( 1 1. ,, 1. 1 1 [ 1. 1 1 l l LEGISLATIVE """' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINOUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES """"' """' this area, as well as subunit 8e (past state remote and subdivision sales) will be managed primarily for private recreational settlement while protecting public recreation and fish and wildlife habitat values on the remaining publicly owned lands. Access into Management Unit 8 is typically by boat via the Talachulitna River or by float plane. Although there are currently no plans of raad or rail construction, a right-of-way has been established originating in the Willow Subbasin, across the Susitna River and south into the Beluga Subregion. A second alignment then travels northwestward to the area immediately west of Coal Creek Lake and ends at the southern boundary of Management Unit 8. The construction of this corridor will be dependent upon the economie returns expected mainly from coal extraction in the Beluga area. Until this corridor is constructed, if ever, a trail system shjould be designed to provide public access from past and proposed settlement areas to Judd Lake and the Talachulitna River. Such a system would not only provide access into settle- ment areas, but enable increased use of the recreational resources in and adjacent to the Talachulitna River corridor. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter Â of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guide- lines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines could potentially apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry *Settlement *Subsurface Transportation *Access *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Ouality Wetlands Management Resource Management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit 8b and 8d -(Trinity and Movie Lakes/Coal Creek Lake) Lakeshore Management When lands are conveyed in this subunit, 50% of all land within 500' of the lakeshore will be retained in public ownership to protect public access and recreational opportunities such as camping and fishing. Wood Lots Additional woodlots areas will be identified near settlement and, land bank areas prior to sale. 332... Stream and River Buffers When lands are conveyed in these subunits, buffers on either side of the mean high water mark of at least the widths stated below must be retained in ownership on the following streams: Talachultna Creek tributaries--300' Coal Creek tributaries--200 1 These corridors are intended to protect public access and recreational opportunities, particularly fishing. Subunit Be -(Sunday lake and Coal Creek Remotes) Lakeshore Management Portions of the shoreline of lakes accessible by floatplane will remain in public ownership. The Divisions of L~nd and Water Management and Agri- culture recommend retaining 25% of this acreage on most lakes, or 50% where there are significant public recreation values. The Divisions of Forestry and Parks, the Department of Fish and Game and the Mat-Su Borough recommend retaining 50% of all shoreline property on all these lakes. Stream and River Buffers In addition to existing policy of a 200-foot buffer along Coal Creek, and a 200-foot buffer on either side of the mean high water mark of Coal Creek's tributaries will remain in public ownership to protect public access and valuable ri parian habitat. The tributaries within the Talachulitna Creek drainage and the Sunday Lake Remote Parce! Area (reoffer) will have a 200 foot minimum buffer on either side from the mean high water mark. Woodlots Additional woodlots areas will be identified near settlement areas. 1 333 ..... ...., - - - - """' """' - """' - - - - - ._, MANAGEMENT UNIT 9 ~ TALACHULITNA WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT INTENT Manage Unit 9 contains approximately 30,000 acres of wetland immediately south of Talachulitna Creek and west of the Talachulitna River. Tributaries from bath Talachulitna Creek and River drain out of this wetland, which serves as the water recharge area and provides salmon spawning and rearing habitat. Additionally, the wetland supports moose feeding and calving activities. The entire management unit will be retained in long term public ownership for the protection of the water resources and fish and wildlife habitat. See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of this area and the accompanying chart for a summary of the land uses within this management unit. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter Â of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines could potentially apply ta uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation Forestry Settlement Subsurface Transportation Ac cess Lakeshore Management Instream Flow Stream Corridors Trail Management Water Ouality *Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: Resource management There are no guidelines specifie ta this management unit • &3'/ t., w "' LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON MT. SUSITNA ==~------------- MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 9 --WATER RESOURCES r MGMT. ANALYSIS LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP SUBUN/1 NUMBERS 9a 6132 State Water 6133 Resources 7014 7018 7020 LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMAR.X SECONDARY USE(S) -USE(S) - Water Resources Public Recreation Wildlife Habitat Co al Oil and Gas PROHIBITE URFA CE USE(S} 1 Remote cabins Trapper cabin Land Disposals MINERALS MGMT. OF LO.CATABLE MINERALS Open MGMT. OF LEASEABLE MINERALS Available for Leasing Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited mav be allmved. Such uses ~.;ill be allm,:ed if consistent \.Jith the management intent and management guidelines o! this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 i 1 1 1 L_ 1 1 ( (_ l_ 1 LEGISLATIVE DESIGNA Tl ONS, PROPOSED RELINOUISHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES ·- ..... ..... - ~ b... .... .~ MANAGEMENT UIŒT .10 -NATIVE RESOURCES LAND MANAGEME~T INTENT Management Unit 10 is a 135,000 acre black of valuable land owned by the CIRI Native Corporation. The unit is located at the southwestern boundary of the Mt. Susitna Sugregion, and includes lands reaching from east of Strandline Lake at the foothills of the Alaska Range to immediately north of Beluga River and east of Olson Creek. Valuable resources within the area include high to moderate coal and mineral potential, commercial quality timber stands, agri- cultural soils, fish and wildlife habitat--particularly along anadromous streams--and land suitable for settlement. Existing land uses consist of sport and subsistence hunting and fishing, trapping, boating, placer mining, and very limited settlement. Access into these areas is presently provided by boat, float plane, or along a four season grave! road extending from the Beluga power plant to the Lewis River. Although there are no plans for con- struction of a public road or rail, a public right-of-way has been established which runs north and parallel to the Beluga River, ending at Goal Creek Lake. nue to the abundance of resources in the area and potential access from either the right-of-way leading to Goal Creek Lake or from the existing local road network extending from Beluga to the Lewis River, the state recommends that CIRI continue their policy of keeping the area open to public recreation (hunting, fishing and other types of recreation), and allowing public access through the region. The state encourages the development of the areas sub- surface and forestry resources. Where feasible DNR and CIRI should work cooperatively on access improvements, timber harvest plans, recreation development on other land management activities. 33'- .. :tv w 4-1 LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION MT. SlLSTim MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 1 0 --NATIVE LAJ.'ŒS MGMT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS ANALYSIS PROHIBITED UNIT/ UNIT LAND 'SURFACE OWNERSHIP PRIMAR_Y SECONDARY MGMT. OF MGMT. OF SU BUN/ NUMBERS USE(S) --USE(S) -USE(SJ 1 LQCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS 10a 7008 Native ------------------------------- Native Lands 7009 70ll 7013 7014 7015 7016 7017 7020 7028 7029 7030 l Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 1 1 1 1 ( 1 1 1 1 1 [ 1. LEGISLATIVE ' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQUISHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES ------- 1 1 !....; ----··· =· _, ____ _ BELUGA SUBREGION I. SUBREGION OVERVIEW -The following section describes land use policy within the Beluga Subregion. It is divided into two parts. The first section is an overview of resources and general management intent for the subregion as a whole. The second section presents specifie statements of management intent, land use designations, prohibited uses and management guidelines for each of the subregion's three management units. Maps showing land ownership in the subregion and boundaries of management units and subunits are presented at the end of the first section. l ..! A. Background The Beluga Subregion is bounded on the north and east by the Beluga River and lake system, on the south by Cook Inlet, and on the west by the Chakachatna River and the edge of the Alaska Range (approximately the 1500' contour). The boundary line dividing the Kenai Peninsula Borough from the Matanuska-Susitna Borough roughly follows the path of the Beluga River --placing nearly all the Beluga Subregion within the Kenai Peninsula Borough. The subregion encompasses approximately 415,000 acres. Land ownership (surface and subsurface) is roughly split bètwéen the State of Alaska and the Cook Inlet native regional and village corporations. Additionally, there are approximately 8,500 surface acres owned by the Kenai Peninsula Borough and a number of isolated parcels, primarily along the coast, are owned by private individuals. The Beluga Subregion faces more near and long term development opportunities, and correspondingly, more difficult management decisions, than most of the subregions within the study area. By the year 2000 the area conceivably could be a highly developed coal mining and export center. On the other hand the region might retain its present remote, largely undeveloped character. At present, the region is home to the native community of Tyonek --a group that continues to depend on the area's rich reserves of salmon, moose and other food sources for their mix of subsistence and cash economy lifestyle. Until recently, the area bas been the scene of a large timber sale and export chipping operation which at present is shut dawn. It is also the location of substantial offshore oil and gas production. Even more importantly, the area possesses enormous coal reserves. These coal reserves are presently the subject of multi-million dollar feasibility and pre-permit application environmental studies which could lead to coal export by as early as 1990. 33~ Although there is no year-round land access into the Beluga Subregion, there is an extensive road system confined within the area and regular scheduled air taxi service runs between Anchorage and the village of Tyonek. The largest network of roads leads from logging areas west of Tyonek to the dock and chip mill operation at the North Forelands. In addition to logging roads, there is a smaller private road system for local traffic within the Tyonek Native Corporation (TNC) lands. On the coast just north of the TNC lands there are roads connecting .an airstrip, the gas-fired power plant that serves Anchorage, and several oil and gas wells and drilling sites. B. OVERVIEW OF MANAGEMENT INTENT The intent for the Beluga Subregion is to manage the area in a way that best facilitates development of the area's coal resources. This will be acheived largely by retaining land with the potential for coal development in public ownership and ensuring that land is available for a townsite, processing and port facilities, and other uses which would accompany coal developemnt. Other important management objectives are protection of fish and wildlife habitat, and continued oil and gas and forestry development. Secondary uses include mining (other than coal), agriculture and public recreation. 1. Settlement Three areas within this subregion are suitable candidates for settlement. Only one area owned by the state, however, is being considered for near term settlement. This area, surrounding Primo and Bishop lakes and the unnamed lake to the northwest, includes a gross area of approximately 5,440 acres. Of this, a net area of approximately 1,080 acres would be offered for sale. The lakes provide fly-in access. Two other areas owned by the boroughs may be consi.dered for settlement in the long-term: an area owned by the Mat-Su Borough adjacent to the Beluga River, and an area owned by the Kenai Peninsula Borough which stretches along the coast in the Viapan Lake area. These lands are designated "borough land bank" which signifies they will be retained in borough ownership in the near-term and managed for their existing resource values. In the long term, however, these lands may be sold for settlement. These lands include approximately 8,900 acres of which approximately 1,700 acres could be offered for sale. Access to these sites is via boat or plane. The only other settlement proposed in this subregion is settlement necessary to support coal development, if and when it occurs. Coal mining is anticipated to last for a period of 30 -50 years, thus it seems likely that a permanent townsite would be ?>Lfo l - - - 2. ----·-·---~---·----·-,--.,,,."' "" established rather than a work camp. Four sites --Nikolai Ridge, Congabuna Lake, Beluga and Three Mile --will be designated reserved use to preserve future townsite options. The two townships to the north were preferred by the Tyonek Village council after preliminary review because 1) subsistence use is greater on the western sites, and; 2) public easements exist which cross native lands and connect Tyonek to the northern sites whereas eàsements connecting the western sites are private. Decisions on the most appropriate site will be made by the coal operators and various agencies as coal. development moves toward reality. In the interim, these sites will be managed as wildlife habitat and forestry. Agriculture Severa! pockets of cultivable soils exist in this subregion. At present, they are remote sites and competing wildlife, forestry, and coal values are considered higher value. 3. Forestry 4. Forestry is a primary land use designation where high and moderate forestry values occur along with wildlife habitat and coal. Timbered lands will be managed to continue to supply forest products up until the time of coal development. A management plan should be developed cooperatively with coal operators, the Divisions of Forestry and Minerais, and ADF&G to allow maximum timber harvest before coal mining and develop appropriate revegetation strategies. Areas may be identified for habitat enhancement to support moose, and other species while their normal feeding areas are being mined. Fish and Wildlife Habitat This subregion is an important moose harvest area for local residents as well as fly-in hunters. Substantial trapping and fishing also occurs. Wildlife habitat is a major resource in this area. An important near term management objective is to improve public access into the area so that inc:reased hunting can help control the expected increase in the size of the moose population. Moose populations are predicted to grow as a result of the extensive recent timber harvests in the area. If coal development occurs, management should focus on maintenance of animal populations and habitat enhancement options. Water quality must be strictly protected to preserve important salmon streams su ch as Chui tna, Nicolai and Beluga ri vers. 3J.fl S. Recreation Most of the recreational activity in this subunit is wildlife based -hunting and fishing. These activities will be protected through public ownership of most of the area. In areas proposed for sale, stream and trail corridors, sorne lakefront property and public access points will be identified and retained in public ownership. 6. Subsurface Coal is likely to be the dbminant future use of this subregion. Over 90% (380,000 acres) of the subregion is underlain by high and moderate coal potential. Over 70,000 acres are currently under lease (9,240 acres are leased native lands, the remainder are state leases). If coal is developed, existing regulations (Alaska Surface Coal and Reclamation Act, Clean Water and Air Acts, etc.) will be used to maintain and protect fish and wildlife habitat, forestry and other important surface resource values. Public lands in this subregion will remain open for coal leasing except for those few sites sold for settlement, lands identified for potential transportation corridors and those designated reserved use for a possible future coal related townsite. This subregion lies within the Upper Cook Inlet and Susitna oil and gas basins. The Upper Cook Inlet Basin currently produces substantial amounts of oil and gas. All state and borough land remains open to oil and gas leasing. Infrastructure to develop and process these resources is in place. The potential for development of other minerais is believed to be low but the area generally will remain open fbr locatable mineral entry. Mining operations in the area are likely to be placer mines. Existing regulations will be used to protect water quality in rivers and streams which support salmon. 7. Transportation/Facilities Two potential transportation corridors have been discussed for this subregion: one is a coal transport system from the coal fields to a potential port site at Granite Point; the second is a road or rail extension from the east side of the Susitna River. ADNR has identified a floating right-of-way for coal transportation from mine sites to Granite Point and has classified it Reserved Use. Once a definite alignment is identified, the excess land classified to reserve this corridor will be subject to the primary designations of this plan and managed accordingly. 3tfl. - - ... - • - 'lllllli - - - - - - llk;oi - 8. ,_ - '"""' ..... - The uplands at Granite Point are designated as an industrial site and are currently under lease to a coal company. Two potential port sites exist: Granite Point and North Forelands. Since the latter site is on Native lands, the state should retain the former in case the privately owned site does not become available. Chakachatna Hydroelectric Project A hydroelectric project bas been proposed on a site just outside the planning area on the Chakachatna drainage. If this project is constructed, state land may be used for transportation of materials, workcamps, or other uses associated with the construction and maintenance of the project. 3Cf3 L., -t:. ....c:. 1 1 1 L 1 1 1. (JBishop Lok• 1 1 A~UJ(]A LAND OWNERSHIP fEE:H FEDERAL c:::J STATE tz:2:J STATE SELECTED l'-' '-SJ BOROUGH ( includes selected lands) f~.:"o'\<Ji0l NATIVE (includes selected lands) E{{{{{l PRIVATE (other thon native 1 includes university lands) r:::J PAST STATE AND BOROUGH LAND SALES c::E:J Subdivision E::EJ Remotes Œ3 Agriculture (t.:=:J! LEGISLATIVELY DESIGNATED AREA NOTE: This information has been oeneralized to show ownership in blacks of 320 acres or oreoter. Hence 1 many isolated privote lots ore not shawn 1 e.g. mor. y la kea which oppeor public ore rinoed with private lots. SCALE 1:250,000 e JANUARY 1984 1 1 1 1. ~ \J' '· .. il:tî'd ...... · •· . "<Q:te .< y..?' l3€l_U(jA LAND USE DESIGNATIONS -;· (5) ~ (I:esignations written in CAPITAL IETIERS are primary designations; tlnse in l~r case letters are secondary designations; areas siun with stars Qi) will œ prq>OSErl for legislative designation.) J .J l'\·'~i·., .. J' /; 1 ""-'Qj"" ), ;v ,...._.__ -~ ',:~ ,.'__'•, R, -~/··' ••" ~A• ter. œrr 1 -CIRI IAm la PRIVATE lAND •.. . (/) 1 :.:·_ _. .·.·-:-. lb WA1ER RESOŒŒS, WITDLUE H\B.; Oil and Gas, Coal, Minerals ·· __ ystrip~""=~'f.~. 1 •" .. -r~,:::f;.:·'!i'.:.Y"'.<:' .. :: .· mAL, l>JILDLIFE H\B.; Public Rec. , Minerals, Oil & Gas 2b S:ET:rr»>ENT, WllDLIFE H\B.; Public Rec. Forestry, Minerals, Oil & Gas 2c :sœooœ lAND BANK -Values: Settle~œnt, Public Rec. , Wildlife Hab. , Forestry, Oil & Gas, Coal, Minerals 2d PRIVA'IE LAND 2e WIIDLIFE H\B.; Public Rec., Coal, Oil & Gas, Minerais, Retrote Cabins ""' ····--····-.. ·---.... _ .. -.~ ..... ~ }- ~ .. !tW'"" ~-- ter. œrr 3 -(]J)l1NA RIVER Ja WAL, oiL & GAS, WILDLIFE H\B., FDRES'IRY; Public Rec. Minerals 3b RESF.RVF.D USE -IDTENI'IAL ID1NSITES -Values: Settleœnt, Wildlife Hab. , Forestry, Agric. , Public Rec. , Oil & Gas 3c PORT/INDUS1RIAL SI'IE, OIL & GAS; Wildlife Hab. 3d PRIVA'IE lAND 3e TRANSPORTATIOO, OIL & GAS; Forestry, Wildlife Hab. 3f BOROJŒI !NID BANC-Values: Settlen:ent, Public Rec., Wildlife Hab. , Fores try, Oi1 & Gas, Minerals, Coal 3g FœES'IRY, WIIl>LIFE H\B., mAL, OIL & GAS; Public Rec., Minerais ,, .. , \ .,oo~e ~\ '~>"""'~ II. MANAGEMENT INTENT AND GUIDELINES BY MANAGEMENT UNIT M.ANAGEMERT UNIT 1 -CIRI LAND MANAGEMENT INTENT This management unit occupies the west half of the Beluga Subregion. Upper and lower Beluga lakes, the terminus of the Capps Glacier and the Chakachatna River are key geographie features. Nikolai Creek and severa! other streams which flow through this unit are anadromous fish streams. Public land within the area is limited to the narrow strip of federal land along the Chakachatna River; the remaining lands, surface and subsurface, are in native ownership. The primary values in this unit are, like the rest of the Beluga subregion, wildlife habitat, high coal potential and forestry (in the south half). Recreation activity is generally associated with hunting. The plan commends and supports CIRI's decision to allow public use of this area and encourages opportunities for cooperative management between the state and the native corporation in timber harvesting and coal development. This management unit has been divided into two subunits on the basis o( land ownership. Subunit la is comprised of native lands; subunit lb is the federally owned Chakachatna River lands. Subunit lb is under a federal power site withdrawal for the Chakachatna hydroelectric.project. Technically, since the Chakachatna is a navigable river, the state owns the land from high water on either side of the bank and the stream bed. The uplands, however, will remain in federal ownership until the power site application is withdrawn. Given the area's forest resources, cooperative management is encouraged to allow public access for hunting and other recreational activities and joint timber harvests. See the chart on the following page and the maps at. the beginning of Section II for a summary of land uses and the boundaries of these units. MANAGEMENT GU!DELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. These are referenced here as land management recommendations to CIRI. Those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation *Forestry Settlement *Subsurface Transportation Ac cess *Lakeshore Management 3'/C. Instream Flow *Stream Corridors Trail Management Water Ouality Wetlands Management Resource Management - - - - ..... -- _, - - - - - - - w . -c. ~ r r r r r f LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION~BEL~VGA~---MANAGEMENT UN 1 7: ___ 1=---~CI~RI~L~Al.'l';.:..;:;:D ____ _ r MG MT. ANALYSIS UNIT/ UNIT SUBUNIT NUMBERS LAND OWNERSHIP LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY USE(S) SECONDARY USE(S) PROHIBITED MINERALS SURFACE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF USE{S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAI.:.S MINERAL$ ' ---la 7010, 7037 Priva te ------ Native Land 7038, 7039 7040, 7042 7043 lb 7041 Federal Chakachatna River 1 ~ Water Resources Wildlife Habitat Oil & Gas Co al Minerals Land Disposals Remote Cabins Open Available for leasing - Other uses such as material sales. land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibitèd may be allowed. Such uses will be allow~·l if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and hJith the relevant management guidel ines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE ...... DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES· Areas of particular value or environmental sensitivity within this area include Beluga Lake (this area receives the seventh highest number of user days in the study area), the Chuitna River and Nikolai and Bishop creeks. Two portions of this unit (TlSN, Rl3W, Sections 29-36; TlSN, Rl4W, Sections 25, 36; T14N, Rl4W, Section 1; Tl4N, Rl3W, Sections 1-6, 9-12; Tl2N, Rl4W, Sections 5-9, 13-18, 20-22, 27, 28, 34, 35, S.M.) contain concentrations of trumpeter swan nesting sites that have been identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Similar areas on state lands may be proposed as legislatively designated trumpeter swan reserves. In recognition of their scarcity and their vulnerability to disturbance, the state recommends that coal development be restricted in these areas. It also is recommended that these areas be excluded from future residential or commercial development. If coal or other resource development occurs, state and native land owners should develop a cooperative access plan for the subregion. Access across native lands is important for timber harvesting, coal mining, and possible power transmission lines if the Chakachatna hydroelectric project becomes a reality. 3'1'8 ~ - ~ ,....; lillioii ..... ~ """" - - - - - - ~ ·~' ... _ b.., '" a""""""a""'~·--~-~--------''"'"'"''ti!"'"''""''""'''"''*''IN"""''''*'''''"'''!''~'"'-~-- MANAGEMENT UNIT 2 -BISHOP CREEK MANAGEMENT INTENT Hanagement Unit 2 includes a portion of the Beluga River, Bishop and Primo Lakes, and portions of Lone Ridge and Chuit Creek. This unit will be managed to support wildlife habitat, coal development, recreation and limited amounts of settlement. This will be achieved by retaining the majority of the land in public ownership. This management unit has five subunits: the Reluga River (2c), Primo/Bishop Lakes (2b), the Chichantna Creek area (2a), Lone Ridge (2e) and Native lands (2d). See the maps at the beginning of Section II for boundaries and the summary chart for an overview of land use designations • Subunit 2a will be retained in public ownership for coal and wildlife habitat values. Coal potential is high and areas to the west are currently under lease. Portions of this area have been identified as trumpeter swan nesting sites which are very sensitive to disturbance. This subunit, particularly along Bishop Creek, also supports a high number of moose in winter months. Scarce vegetation types have been identified by the Department of Fish and Game. Limited amounts of land will be sold in subunit 2b around the three primary lakes --Bishop, Primo, and a lake that is unnamed on the USGS topographie maps (Fuzz Lake). The objective of land sales in this unit is ta provide seasonal recreational cabin sites in a popular hunting area with fly-in access. The remainder of the unit will be managed for wildlife habitat and recreation. Most of this unit has low coal potential. The Beluga River flows through the heart of subunit 2c. This unit is owned by the Mat-Su Borough and will be designated borough land bank land. This land may be available for settlement or commercial development in the long term but there are no plans for sale in the immediate future. Subunit 2d is in native ownership. It is hoped that this area will continue to provide wildlife habitat and recreation around Felts Lake. Felts Lake also could accommodate sorne recreational settlement. Bigh coal values exist in the southern part of the subunit and may be developed in the future. The last subunit, 2e, has lower overall resource potential than the previous uni ts, particularly with regard to coal. The area will be retained in public ownership and managed for wildlife habitat and public recreation. Remote cabins are an allowed use within this subunit. Portions of the Chuitna River and severa! of its tributaries run through this unit. The Chuitna River has heen identified as a river of statewide significance due to the number of anadromous fish it supports, and its potential for sport fishing. 3111 LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION __ ~BE~LU~G~A--~------MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 2 -BISHOP GREEK r MGMT. UNIT/ SUBUNIT 2a Ghichantna Greek 2b ANALYSIS UNIT NUMBERS 7035 7034 (NW~) 7036 (N~) 7033, 7034 LAND OWNERSHIP State State 7031 Hat-Su Borough ,g Ize 1 1 1 LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY USE(S) Goal Wildlife Habitat Part Settlement Wildlife Habitat Borough Land Bank SECONDARY USE(S) Public Recreation Oil & Gas Hinerals Forestry Public Recreation Hinerals Oil & Gas Values: Settlement, Public Recreation, Wildlife Habitat, Forestry, Oil & Gas, Coal, Hinerals ,.....----- PROH/8/TEDI URFA CE USE(SJ 1 Remote Gabins Land Disposals Remote Cabins Land Digposals MINERALS MGMT. OF LOCATABLE MINERALS Open Settlement areas closed prior to sale Open MGMT. OF LEASEABLE MINERALS Available for leasing Not available for coal leasing or prospecting Available for leasing --~1--~----------~------------4 r---------_,~------------~------------~ 2d Native Land 2e Remote Cabin Permit Area 7032 Priva te 7044, 7036 1 State Wildlife Habitat 1 Public Recreation! 1 Land Disposalsf 1 Open Remote Gabins Goal Oil & Gas Hinerals Available for leasing 1 Other uses such as material sales. land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allmv-ed. Such uses will be allm.;ed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 1 ( 1 1 l 1 1 1 1. 1 .. 1 ~' LEGISLATIVE DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES - - ...... ,_ - ---------~~~~-,-~-=-~-----re:t r """'W""'$ li -~---·~ MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation Forestry Settlement Subsurface Transportation Ac cess * Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors Trail Management Water Quality Wetlands Management Resource Management Management guidlines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit 2a (Chichantna Creek) Critical Habitat/Subsurface A portion of this unit (Tl4N, R13W, Sections 1-3, lü-12. S.M.) contains an important trumpeter swan nesting area which has been proposed as a trumpeter swan ,reserve by the u.s Fish and Wildlife Service. Trumpeter swans are relatively scarce and nesting areas are very vulnerable to disturbance. Therefore, this area will be unavailable for coal leasing and prospecting and open only to leasehold location. In addition, activities and facilities requiring land use permits (e.g., gravel extraction and utility lines) will be permitted only after consultation with the Dept. of Fish and Game. Subunit 2b -(Bishop/Primo Lake) Lakeshore Management At least 50% of the lakefront within 500' of Bishop, Primo and Fuzz lakes will be retained in public ownership to protect public access and recreational opportunities. Stream Corridors If land is sold in this subunit, buffers at least 300' wide on either side of the mean high water mark on Bishop Creek will be retained in public ownership. This stream supports salmon populations and the uplands are important moose winter habitat. Buffers at least 200' wide on either side of the mean high water mark will be retained on all other stream·s shawn on the USGS 1:63, 360 topographie maps. 86/ Stream Corridors If land is sold in this unit, the state recommends buffers at least 300' wide on either side of the mean high water mark be retained in public ownership on the Beluga River and its tributaries. Subunit 2d (Native Land) Lakeshore Management If land is sold around Felts Lake, the state recommends that at least 50% of the lakefront within 500' of the lake be retained in single private ownership and managed to promote public recreation. Stream Corridor If land is sold in this unit, the state recommends buffers at least 300'. wide on either side of the mean high water mark be retained in single private ownership on Scarp Creek to promote public recreation, protect public access and maintain reparian uplands for wildlife habitat. Subunit 2e (Remote Cabin Permit Area) Lakeshore management A lOO' building setback is required on all lakes. on no more than 30% of a shoreline. Forestry Permits may be issued Forestry is a secondary use in this management unit. The limited forest resources will be managed for persona! use. Timber management will be designed to minimize impacts on habitat. Remote Cabins/Stream Corridors Remote cabin permits are an allowed use within this unit. Cabin sites shall be dispersed in a very low density (no more than 4 cabins per 640 acres) over the entire area, or clustered along stream corridors (3-4 cabins every six miles), to maintain limited forest resources, and to reduce human impacts on wildlife. Remote cabins will not be permitted within 200' on either side of the mean high water mark on any streams shawn on the 1:63,360 USGS topographie maps. Development setbacks of lOO' are required on any other stream. Development will be kept out of these corridors to minimize the impacts of development on wildlife migration. 352 - !Mi - liai - - """ .... ..... - - - - - ......i - ..... - "- - ~ -------.. -----··---·· ·~~~~~~~"'-""""'""~ MANAGEMENT UNIT 3: CHUITNA RIVER MANAGEMENT INTENT This management unit contains the greatest amount of public land and many of the highest surface resource values in the Beluga subregion. Key geographie features included in this unit are the Beluga and Chuitna Rivers, Congahbuna Lake, and Nikloai Ridge. The overall management intent emphasizes retention of public lands, and multiple use management of these lands. Specifie lands have been set aside for towns and port sites to support coal development if it becomes a reality. The remainder of the unit is either in native or borough ownership. This management unit has been spli,t into seven subunits on the basis of land ownership and needs for land to support coal development if it occurs. The subunits are the Upper Chuitna River (3a), potential townsites (3b), the proposed Granite Point industrial and port site (3c), Native lands (3d), Granite Point right-of-way (3e), Viapan Lake (3f), and Nikolai Creek (3g). Refer to the maps at the beginning of Section II for management boundaries and the following chart for a summary of land use designations. The lands in subunit 3a and 3g will be retained in public ownership and managed for their coal, forestry, and wildlife habitat values. Subunit 3b consists of the four townsites that will be designated reserved use to preserve future townsite options. Three of the sites are in state ownership, the fourth site is in borough ownership. It is likely the borough will develop their lands in sorne manner if a state townsite is selected. In the interim, these sites will be managed for wildlife habitat and forestry. Subunit 3c is a potential site for industrial and/or port development if resource development occurs in the Beluga area. Subunit 3e, which lies north of the potential port site (3c) and portions of 3a, 3c and 3g have been classified reserved use as part of a floating right-of-way corridor from coal least areas to the possible port site at Granite Point. At the time of classification, the SAP team requested, via memo, that the following statements of management intent be incorporated into the classification. 0 The reserved use classification is only intended to preserve the opportunity to construct and ultimately use a transportation link between the coal fields and the coast; it is not intended to place general restrictions on the use of the area beyond what is directly needed to allow development of the coal mine to port site transportation link. ,3S3 LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON ___ BE_Lu_GA __________ _ MANAGEMENT UN /T_ 3 -CHUITNA RIVER r MGMT. UNIT/ SUBUNIT 3a Chuitna River 3b ~ 1 Potential ...c.. Townsites 3c Granite Point ANALYSIS UNIT NUMBERS LAND OWNERSHIP 7045, 7046 IState 7047, 7048 7049, 7050 7051, 7053 7052 (north of river) 7069, 7070 7056, 7061 7063 (excl. townsit.e) 7050 (north 1 State ~. Sec. 9, 16) 7052 (south of river) 7053 (Sec. 19) 7068 (Sec. 1, 2) 7063 (Sec. 27, 28: s~. 33,34: all) 7064 7054, 7055 1 State 7066 ..----------MINERALS LAND USE DES/GNATIONSIIPURRO~~~:EDI MGM!;.BOLFE L~i:l.~[E iS n LOCAT" MINERALS ' USE{S}i . MINERALS SECONDARY ·-USE(S)-- PRIMARY USE(S)- Coal 1 Public Recreation Il Remote Cabins Il Open Oil & Gas Minerais Land Disposais Wildlife Habitat Forestry Reserved Use -Potential Townsites Values: Settlement, Wildlife Habitat, Forestry, Agricultùre, Public Recreation, Oil & Gas Port/Industrial Site, Oil & Gas Wildlife Habitat Remote Cabins 1 1 Closed Trapper Cabins Remote Cabins 1 1 Closed Trapper Cabins Land Disposais Available for leasing Not available for coal leasing or prospecting Not available for coal leasing or prospecting 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allm.,red. Such uses will be allmved if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 1 1 r 1. [ 1. 1 1 1 ( 1 1 r r 1 t LEGISLATIVE ' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RE LI NQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES· [ f f f . r LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION_..;.B_E_LU..;;;.;;GA,;;.._ ____ _ MANAGEMENT UN/T_ 3-CHUITNA RIVER (c~t:) / MGMT. UNIT/ SUBUNIT 3d Native Land 3e Transportation Corridor (1.1 1 3f ~ Viapan Lake 3g Nikolai Creek ANALYSIS UNIT NUMBERS 1 7057, 7059 7060, 7062 7067 1 7065 7058 LAND OWNERSHIP 1 Private 1 State Ken ai Peninsula Borough (subsurface is native) 7068 (excl. 1 State townsite) .. 1 LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PR/MARY USE(S) --- Transportation Oil & Gas Borough Land Bank . SECONDARY USE(S) --- -·-- Forestry Wildlife Habitat Values: Settlement, Wildlife Forestry Co al Habitat, Forestry, Public Recreation, Oil & Gas, Goal, Minerals Public Recreation Hinerals Oil & Gas Wildlife Habitat PROH/8/TED MINERALS SURFACE MGMI OF MGMT. OF USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS --------- Remote Cabins Closed Not available for Land Disposais coal leasing and prospecting '-----··-··--·-·------ ------ Remote Cabins Open Available for Land Disposals leasing -----·-~--~. 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may ~e allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidel ines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE "' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQU/SHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES ----·~------- ------------------------------------------,---,, ,, o Uses that occur now or may occur in the future on this site include, but are not limited to, harvest, storage, and transport of timber and related activities; hunting, fishing and other recreational activities and agriculture. Prior to approval of any of these activities the coal operators should be consulted to insure that the activities will not adversely affect the planned transportation link. Any road built through this area should be open to and designed to accommodate a variety of uses in addition to coal development. This region has potential for forestry, agriculture, recreation (including hunting and fishing), settlement and mining as well as coal production. Consequently, it is important that any road built be capable of serving many different types of resource development. Once an alignment is identifed, the excess land will be managed for wildlife habitat, timber management and public recreation. Subunit 3f is in Kenai Peninsula Borough ownership. The subsurface in this unit is owned by CIRI --coal values are high. It is acknowledged that the borough will probably use this land for revenue generation at sorne time in the future. In the near-term these lands will be designated borough land bank and managed for their existing resource values, primarily wildlife habitat, and recreation. The state recommends this area for future settlement. There are severa! large undeveloped lakes in this subunit which could provide attractive seasonal recreational cabin sites. There is sorne settlement already in this unit. Additionat'f settlement is preferable here because it will concentrate Il private land holdings in one area, leaving resource development options open on other public lands. The mouth of the Chuitna River has been identified by the Department of Fish and Game as an area for potential buyback. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines could potentially apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation Forestry *Settlement Subsurface Transportation Ac cess *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors Trail Management Water Ouality Wetlands Management Resource Management Management guidlines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. ,3.5(., - - - - - - - - - '~ - - ~ Mi Subunit 3a (Chuitna River) Ac cess Public access sites to the Chuitna River should be identified and reserved in public ownership. This river is one of the few rivers open to King salmon fishing and its popularity is expected to increase significantly as a result. Fish and Game has rated this stream the ninth most important in the study area. Subunit 3b (potential townsites) Lakeshore Management If land is developed for a townsite, at least 50% of the lakefront within 500 1 of Congahbuna Lake and other lakes shown on the USGS 1:63,360 topographie maps will be retained in public ownership. Subunit 3d (Native lands) Stream Corridors The state recommends that CIRI and Tyonek Native Corporation strive to protect high value or particularly sensitive fish and wildlife areas on their lands. Areas of particular concern include the Chuitna River, Chuitna Lake, and Third, Second, Bunka, and Kaldachabuna lakes. Subunit 3f (Viapan Lake) Lakeshore Management If land is sold, the state recommends at least 50% of the lakefront within 500' of the following lakes be retained in public ownership to ensure public access and continued recreational opportunities. Viapan Lake Tukallah Lake Unnamed lakes shawn on the USGS 1:63,360 scale topographie maps greater than 40 acres in size. Stream Corridors If land is sold in this unit, the state recommends buffers at least 200' wide on either side of the mean high water mark be retain~d in public ownership on Threemile Creek to protect public recreation opportunities and public access. The Borough and the Department of Fish and Game should work together in an effort to buy back land to provide public access on the Chuitna River. Access at present is severely limited and a source of conflict within this unit. 35l AlASKA RAN~ - - 1 ..... ._ - .... ~~-~--~~·e=•·-·-· ~---~-----~-~-------~-·------ ALASKA R.ANGE SUBREGION The following section describes land use policy within the Alaska Range Subregion. It is divided into two parts. The first is a general overview of resources; the second presents management intent, land use designations, prohihited uses, and management guidelines. This entire subregion is treated as one management unit; consequently, it has a slightly different format. Maps showing land ownership in the subregion and boundaries of the management unit and subunits are presented at the end of the first section. I. SUBREGION OVERVIEW A. Background This remote, mountainous, glaciated portion of the study area is bounded by Denali National Park and Preserve to the north, the Kenai Peninsula Borough and Chakachatna River to the south, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough boundary to the west, and approximately the 1500 foot contour to the east. The subregion encompasses approximately 1,510,000 acres. Almost all the land within this subregion is owned by the State of Alaska with the exception of townships 16N, ranges 19 and 20W, S.M., which are state selected, and township 16N, range 20W, S.M., which is federal land within Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. Mining, commercial guiding for big game, trapping, non-guided hunting and other recreational activities are the primary uses within this subregion. The amount of ·use this area receives in comparison to other portions of the study area, however, is light and occurs primarily during the summer months. Placer mining claims are found along such streams as Johnson Creek and the Kichatna River. The unit also has good potential for hardrock metallic minerais --molybdenum, copper, silver, gold, etc. The unit provides habitat for a variety of animais. Moose, sheep, caribou, black and brown bear are hunted in the area. The Kichatna, Skwentna, and Happy rivers plus their tributaries are major anadromous fish streams which produce salmon for the Cook Inlet fisheries. The unit also offers a variety of recreational uses in addition to hunting. The Iditarod Trail, a National Historie Trail, bisects the unit and is used annually for the Iditarod sled dog race. Flightseeing is popular along this stretch of the Alaska Range. Settlement in the unit is primarily confined to the Happy River and Skwentna River drainages with a small nucleus of people at Rainy Pass, a popular hunting lodge. Future uses in this subregion are, for the most part, expected to be an extension of existing uses, i.e., recreation, fish and wildlife use, and mineral extraction. An increase in these activities will be dependent to a large degree upon provision of access. '3'51 Access to the area at present is limited to the Iditarod Trail, smaller local trails, severa! privately .owned landing strips, sorne fly-in lakes and boat access via the Skwentna River. As shown on the land use designations map, the Iditatod Trail, a national historie trail, follows the Skwentna River to Shirley Lake and then heads northwest through Rainy Pass. Two of the privately owned landing strips are located at Puntilla Lake near Rainy Pass; one provides float plane access and the other is a ground strip. Fly-in access is often hampered by weather conditions. B. Overview of Management Intent This unit is expected to remain essentially undeveloped and roadless for years. It will be retained in public ownership and managed as a multiple use area emphasizing the existing uses: mining, wildlife habitat and recreation. Further details of management intent by resource are presented below. 1. Settlement Land sales and remote cabin permits are generally considered very low priority in this unit due to the unsuitability of terrain and difficult access. However, select areas along the Happy and Skwentna Rivers will be offered for homestead sales and remote cabin permits. A total of approximately 3,325 net acres will be offered for sale. The gross acreage is approximately 16,320 acres. The objective of land sales in this area is to provide seasonal recreation homesteads. The Skwentna River provides boat access up to Ambler Creek (?) and the numerous sand bars along its braided channel provide wheel plane access. 2. Agriculture There will be no agricultural sales or homesteads becuase there is little potential for agriculture due to the soils, topography and climate of the area. 3. Forestry The limited forest resources will be managed for persona! use. Timber management practices will be designed to minimize impacts on habitat and recreation values. 4. Fish and Wildlife This subregion is important for a variety of fish and wildlife species. The vast majority of this area will be retained in public ownership to protect habitat values and human use including guiding and hunting. The Skwentna, Happy, and Kichatna rivers are major anadromous fish streams which flow through the unit. ~lOO - -- - ....J - ...., - .....d - -~ - - ______ ..,,...,.,..,....,._ __ ,~~~"_..'''''"''"""""""'tl'"-1"-"l>•l<O!l'l""''''"'""''f>>ll.iliW ... lti'J!<'mi'"''''''''"''''--~---~----~~--"'~-"""""'"""""'~"'"""~'"""'~'"""""",.....>«,_'<Y""-__ ,=-•·•~m'"' ______ ,._~-- Other smaller streams and rivers in the area also will be managed to protect anadrornous fish and water quality by retaining buffers on either side of the mean high water line when land is sold. '5. Recreation In order to protect public recreational opportunities, most land will be retained in public ownership and managed for recreation in addition to rnining and wildlife habitat. Due to the significance of the Iditarod Trail, a 1000' corridor (500' either side) will be retained to protect its integrity. 6. Subsurface This subregion will generally rernain open to mineral entry. Portions of the east one-half of township 20N, range 16W, S.M. (part of subunit le) will be subject to leasehold location. This area is part of a proposed legislatively designated trurnpeter swan reserve system. Trurnpeter swans are relatively scarce and very susceptible to disturbance. Select areas along the Happy and Skwentna rivers which will be offered for land sales will be closed to mineral entry prior to their sale. There is little potential for oil and gas and coal. Geothermal leasing has already occurred on Mt. Spurr and is an allowed use in ~ this area. - '-" ·- 7. Transportation There are no immediate plans to increase access. The Departrnent of Transportation and Public Facilities has identified a potential long-term access route across the Susitna River through Rainy Pass into McGrath. This would provide access to sorne potentially economie mineral deposits in the Alaska Range just outside the study area. Additionally, if the coal lease north of the Skwentna River in the adjoining Susitna Lowlands Subregion is ever developed, a spur road or rail line may be built to provide access to this lease. The possibility of these routes being funded and developed within the next twenty years appears to be very rernote at this time. 3(c/ - -1 1 1 -1 1 ~ .... .... N ~ ..... Jl"'' .... z z o· ::r r -:r tD - RISW RI7W r r ALASKA RAN(j€- * LANO OWNERSHIP EEEH FEDERAL c:::J STATE IZZJ STATE SELECTED ~ BOROUGH (includes selected lands) 1::./.};,;;;:) NATIVE (includes selected lands) E{l{!f3 PRIVATE (other thon native, includes university lands) e::::3 PAST STATE AND BOROUGH LANO SALES E::I:3 Subdivision f:E3 Remotes ~ Agriculture (c:::tl LEGISLATIVELY DESIGNATED AREA NOTE: This information hoa boen generalized lo show ownership in blacks of 320 acres or greoter. Hence, many isoloted private lots are not shawn, e.g. many la ku which appeor public are ringed with privote lots. SCALE 1:250,000 8 JANUARY 1984 r MotchLine ~~!1!!!!!!!!8--- r ________ l _______ _ Match Line r r ~,~ ..... 0) ~:e % ~ C'-::r ":)Q '! - - - - - - 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 IL_ ____ ~-----t-----~ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 (.P <)' Ul r [ 1 1 1 Match Line --,---_____________________________ ;.-_____________________________ _ .ALASK.A RAN~ LANO OWNERSHIP fEEfJ FEDERAL c::J STATE IZ2J STATE SELECTED l'''-] BOROUGH ( includes selected lands) [:l,)iSoJ NATIVE (includes selected lands) E$$ PRIVATE (other thon native, includes university lands) E::J PAST STATE AND BOROUGH LAND SALES CIJ Subdivision E:::I:J Remotes E:!IJ. Agriculture (l"'::=JI LEGISLATIVELY DESIGNATED AREA NOTE: This information has been generolized 1o show ownership in blocks of 320 acres or great er. Hence, many isolated private lots ore not shown, e.Q. many lakes which oppear public are ringed with private lots. SCALE 1:250,000 e JANUARY 1984 ?",p ) ...• '----<_ \ ~~ l '•' (_~/{/ '\~ .:· "; \~" ~" }.y, ., '· Mount Spurr --::S i > / ( s y-=::, ___ ,..,-- "' r /,-/ <,. ) '-.__-.r ~ \-c-_!"~.-.. 11 "-.. ~~~ (JI~ ~~ tJ.l IS"" () ·' ·mo\ H22W T3~V:!-~~. 1 R2LW,; _/--~{, 1 -1 1 1 1 1 ALASKA RAN(j€- LAND USE DESIGNATIONS (~ignations written in CAPITAL IE'ITERS are primary designations; tmse in lo\\er case letters are secondary designations; areas sh:Jwn wi.th stars * will te proposed for legislative Œsignation.) ter. 1lm' 1 -AJ..ACKA ~ la SEI'IŒMENT; Public Rec., Wildlife Hab., Forestry lb Wll.DLIFE HAB., MUERAIB, PUBLIC REC.; Forestry, Remote Cabins le Wll.DLIFE HAB., MUERALS; Puhlic Rec. 1 ( 1 51 ' Cab1n (a.~f· 1. r 1 1 r r .LUIH::: • .., Cab1n. t..? ~ -;;--? i) j. ,_,~~' ~./ ( L~ \).) (j' (P 1 1 1 1 L 1 1 L 1. l 1 1. L 1 1. (),) \)' ....S2 1 r 1 [ 1 .... !((~'-....~""" ,_.fj( •· .. ·,·. ALASKA_ RANGE- LAND USE DESIGNATIONS (IX!signations wrltten in CAPITAL Œ'ITER..S are primary designations; tlnse in lo~r case letters are secondary desi~tions; areas sh::Ml wlth stars (*) wlll œ proposed for legislative Œsignation.) K;T. mrr 1 -AJAC!KA ~ lb WIIDLIFE H\B., MUERAIS, PUBLIC REC.; Forestry, Renrte Cabins le WILDLIFE HA.B., Mll-ERALS; Public Rec. ld MINERAIB; Wildlife Hab. le POTFNTIAL S'Il\TE Rfl~IN)UISI-MENT -Valœs: Minerals, Wildlife Hab. 1 f Wt\TER RE9JURŒS Ftr«w-~' tl __ .lie "'i!liWJ!!i W{il//j/1\j,·IÎ!.\l.!.__l 'oll'::L illigan ,. Lake scale 1:250,000 1 1 ) II. MANAGEMENT INTENT AND GUIDELINES BY SUBUNIT MANAGEMENT INTENT This subregion consists of a single management unit that is divided into six subunits: a proposed land sale area (la), the Skwentna, Happy and Kichatna river corridors (lb), mountainous uplands with high habitat values (le) as opposed to mountainous uplands with lower habitat values (ld), the remaining block of state selected lands (le) and, lastly, the Chakachatna River corridor (lf). See the land use designation chart for a summary of land uses and the maps at the beginning of this section for subunit boundaries. Settlement (land sales) will be limited to the lowland areas in subunit la where forest resources are more abundant and will provide greater screening potential. Remote cabin permits are an allowed use along specified portions of the Happy, Skwentna and the Kichatna rivers (lb). Commercial development to support recreational activities are encouraged in subunit lb, partiéularly in the Rainy Pass-Puntilla Lake area. Land in subunits le and ld will be retained in public ownership and managed to protect fish and wildlife habitat and use and opportunities for mineral exploration and development. The A hydroelectric project has been proposed on the Chakachatna River (1f). actual site is located just outside the study area. If this project is eventually constructed, this subunit may be used for access to the dam site for transportation of materials or other uses associated with the project. This subunit will be retained and managed to allow these uses. The planning team proposes that the state consider relinquishing subunit le ( Tl6N, Rl9 and 20\IT, S.M.), a black of state selected land. The primary benefit to the state in relinquishing these lands would be the ability to gain title to approximately 46,000 acres of potentially more valuable land else- where. If relinquished, the unit would remain open to mineral entry unless specifically closed and the Department of Fish and Game would retain manage- ment authority over fish and wildlife use. The two primary values in this unit would therefore not be seriously affected. The primary concern focuses on whether or not this is administratively better since these would be the only two townships in the area managed by the BLM. Surrounding lands are managed by the National Park Service and the State of Alaska, DNR. The Resource Allocation Section recommends the state relinquish this selection. MANAGEHENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines could potentially apply to uses within this management unit; ho~ ever, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. 3=7c - - ... - - - u - - - - - - - - - 1. w ·~ f i i f r ( f LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION ALASKA RANGE MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 1 -ALASKA RANGE MGMT. ANALYSIS lLANO USE DESIGNAT/ONSI UNIT/ UNIT ow~~~~HIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS la 11320, 805 IState Land Sale Area 803 (east ~) lb Remote Cabin Permit Area le Kichatna Mountains 1313, 1319 1 State 803 (west ~) 804, 810 1301, 1302 1310, 1311 1312, 1314 1315, 1318 1701, 1702 1703, 1704 1705, 6071 801' 806 802 (north ~) State PRIMARY USE(S) Settlement SECONDARY USE(S} Public Recreation Wildlife Habitat Forestry Wildlife Habitat 1 Forestry Minerais Remote Cabins Public Recreation Wildlife Habitat Minerais Public Recreation PROHIBITED M/NERALS SURFACE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF USE.(SJ 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERA CS Remote Cabins Closed prior to Not available for Trapper Cabins sale coal leasing or prospecting Land Disposais Open Available for leasing Land Disposais Open except for Remote.Cabins swan nesting areas open under leasehold 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be alloweJ if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and \v.ith the relevant management guidel ines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE ' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry *Settlement *Subsurface Transportation Access Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management *Water Quality Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: Resource Management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. Subunit la (Land Sale Area) Settlement Land sales are limited to dispersed, low density sales in the lowland portions below 2000' elevation in the Long Lake Hills area and extending eastward in the more forested portions of the valley. Sales should be located to produce minimum impact on habitat and recreation values. t This can be achieved by retaining publicly owned corridors on trails and ri vers. Lakeshore Management At least 50% of the shoreline property around the lakes in this subunit will remain in public ownership consistent with the area wide policy regarding lakeshore management. The portions of the shorelines of Shirley T~ake and) the unnamed lake to the west which overlap the Iditarod Trail corridor will be retained in public ownership. A 100' building setback is required where land is sold adjacent to lakes. Subunit lb (Remote Cabin Permit Area) Remote Cabins/Stream Corridors Remote cabin permits are an allowed use within these subunits. Cabin sites shall be dispersed along the river and stream corridors in a very low density (approximately 1 cabin per mile) because of the limited forest resources, or clustered putting 3-4 cabins every 6 miles. Remote cabins shall not be permitted within the 200' buffer on either side of the Happy and Skwentna Rivers. Remote cabins will not be permitted within lOO' of any of the other streams shown on the 1:63,360 scale maps in these subunits. Lakeshore Management 'fe</'11..1.-\s Il'\~ be. is&l)ed foc" A 100' building setback is required on all lakes. "no more than 30% of a shoreline. The 30% must also take into account existing private land and future land sales. 3:fë... _, - - - ..... - ...., - - -- - - - - -- 0~~~~~==-=--~-=-=~~~~~~~~~~~~----------------------~~===·m=·~--~.--~----A (#M~~~----~ - ._ - - ..... ·- - Subunits la/lb (Land Sale Area/Remote Cabin Permit Area) Stream Corridors When land is sold in this subunit, buffers on either side of the river's mean high water line are to be retained in public ownership. Buffer widths are as follows: 0 Happy River -200' 0 Skwentna River -200' 0 Tributaries to the Happy and Skwentna rivers -lOO' Trails A buffer of 500' either side of the center line of the Iditarod Trail is to be retained in public ownership. Remote cabins shall not be permitted within this trail buffer. Forestry Forestry is a secondary use in this subunit. Timber management will be designed to protect and enhance public recreation and wildlife habitat values. No cutting is allowed within the Iditarod Trail Corridor without the consultation of Division of Parks. Due to the slow growth rates and uncertain revegetation of trees in this subregion, caution should be exercised in determining areas to be eut • 3=l'3 / \N ' .··:t LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION ALASKA RANGE MANAGEMENT UN/T_ 1 -ALASKA RANGE (cow\-J MGMT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS M/NERALS ANALYSIS PROHIB/TED UNIT/ UNIT LAND 'SURFACE OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMT. OF MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) USE{S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE M/NERALS MINERALS ld 802 (south ~ State Minerais Wildlife Habitat Land Disposals Open Tordillo 807, 809 Remote Cabins Hountains 808, 811 812, 813 6151, 6152 6146, 614 7 6149, 6150 7001, 7002 7003, 7004 7005, 7006 le portions of State Minerais Wildlife Habitat Land Disposais Open Relinquishment 809, 810 Selected Remote Cabins 812 lf 7007 State Water Resources Land Disposais Open Chakachatna Remote Cabins River ------- l Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allmved. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. J. 1 1 t .. L -~ l _ __ 1 ( 1 1 l 1 f LEGISLATIVE ""\ DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQUISHMENTS él UNRESOLVED ISSUES' Recommended for relinquish- ment l.AI<ê lOU lS€ w "- "- 6..- '"""' '- ,,_ LAKE LOUISE SUBREGION 1. SUBREGION .OVERVIEW The following sectin describes land use policy within the Lake Louise sub- region. It is divided into two parts. The first is an overview of resources and general management intent for the subregion as a whole. The second pre- sents specifie statements of management intent, land use designations, pro- hibited uses and management guidelines for each of the subregions' five man- agement units. Maps showing land ownership in the subregions and boundaries of management units and subunits are presented at the end of the first part. A. Background The Lake Louise subregion is a unique and popular residential and visiter recreation area, with an "interior" Alaska character quite different from the rest of the study area. The numerous lakes and streams throughout the subregion provide a wide variety of recreational opportunities, as well as habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife.. Much of the ground vegetation is used by moose and caribou for browse. Present land uses are substantial hunting, fishing, wildlife photography, and boating, as well as seasonal/recreational settlement. In contrast to high recreational and fish and wildlife values, the poten- tial for commercial logging and agriculture is relatively low. This is largely attributable to past forest fires which have destroyed many of the hardwood stands, high average elevation, and the relatively limited, scattered well-drained soils without permafrost. The Lake Louise subregion contains approximately 270,000 acres of which 25,000 acres are comprised of Lake Louise, Susitna Lake and Tyone Lake. The subregion's northern boundary is 6 miles north of Tyone Lake, and the western border is two miles west of Lake Louise. The southern boundary is parallel to and slightly north of the Glenn Highway. The eastern border runs north-south approximately six miles east of Lake Louise. The present road access into the subregion is a gravel surfaced right-of- way, extending from an intersection at Mile 160 of the Glenn Highway and running approximately 21 miles north to the south end of Lake Louise. Water transportation has played a key role in the development of the area. In summer months, the three interconnected lakes provide boat access to over 200 miles of shoreline. However, weather conditions on the main lakes often make small boat operations hazardous. Unmarked grave! bars and rock outcroppings are navigational hazards. The numerous lakes provide excellent access for float planes. There is a state-owned 2,40ü-foot strip located at the north end of Lake Louise and two privately owned air strips in the area. ~=l<D Few trails exist within the study area. From lack of use, one local trail, named "Johnny Tyone's Trail," has been rendered generally unusable for summer hiking due to natural revegetation. In winter months, lodge operators and cabin owners open a newtork of snow machine trails in the southern portion of the study area. Routes are changed from year to year depending on game migration patterns and the best locations for ice fishing. B. Overview of Management Intent The overall intent for management of this area is to protect the quality of the physical environment and the opportunities for hunting, fishing and other forms of recreation that depend on environmental quality. A secondary objective is to offer moderate amounts of land for settlement. These potentially conflicting ends are achieved through controlling the pace, location and type of land sales. 1. Settlement The planning team was not able to agree on the best land disposai policy for land around Lake Louise and Susitna Lake. Details of the various opinions will be presented in the discussion of the management unit that includes these two areas. Statements below reflect the pro- posed compromise advocated by the resource allocation section. (As this draft plan goes to press these issues are being debated within the Departments of Fish and Game and Natural Resources and may be resolved before the end of February.) a. Location and rype of Sales 0 Land will be offered in relatively concentrated areas in arder to limit impacts on habitat, water quality and hunting opportun- ities. Offerings will be concentrated in the following areas: Around Lake Louise and Lake Susitna Offerings in this area will include a limited number of the exist- ing surveyed lots on the shore of Lake Louise (most of those not already in private ownership will be retained in public ownership for recreation use). As an alternative to possible further sales on the lakes, 2 - 3 sites may be developed as small subdivisions at locations hetween Lake Louise and the shore of adjacent high amenity lakes. (It may be possible to offer these areas as small homesteads if the boundaries are worked out carefully or if the sites are prestaked.) These small clustered settlements at severa! sites around the lakeshore should be located at spots that have adequate physical capability plus offer sorne amenities. Possible sites include land hetween the main lake and Little Lake Louise or Dog Lake and land adjacent to the small lakes in Section 24, T6N, R7W. ~1=1- - - ...... - - """" ._ ._ ._ 0 0 0 Severa! of the existing surveyed lots will be offered adjacent to existing settlement around Lake Susitna. Along Lake Louise Road Two areas will be opened to homesteading along the road. Offerings should be sited to minimize visual impacts and impacts on hunting. This cao be best achieved by selling areas on the east side of the Lake Louise Road, and keeping sales generally as close to the road-as visual constraints allow. This latter policy would keep the maximum amount of the area open to hunting. Along the Glenn Highway Land will be offered for settlement in three locations immediately adjacent to the Glenn Highway. Areas offered will include a 7 mile stretch just north of the Glenn Highway at the Lake Louise Road junction, and an area south of the Glenn Highway between miles 154 and 157. A third sale will be restricted to the section immediately north of thé Glenn Highway and west of Snowshoe Lake. Existing Remote Parcels -Lake Louise East and Green Acres, and Loon Lake These areas should remain open under the remote parce! program through June 1984 and thereafter through the homestead program. b. Pace/Amount of Sales The new offerings described above encompass a gross area of approximately 21,600 acres; with the previous remotes added the total grows to approximately 93,830 acres. This translates into a net area of approximately 9,280 acres (see Table 1) • These offerings will be made slowly over the full 20-year period. Areas offered for sales in the early years of this program should be carefully monitored to determine effects on water quality and effects on use of the area by caribou. If it appears that there is little or no appreciable effect on water quality, especially on the area's smaller water bodies, theo the state will go ahead with the full level of sales described above. 2. Agriculture/Grazing Agriculture and grazing potential within this subregion is very low and no publicly owned lands have been designated for these uses. 3. Forestry Severa! small forested sites along the Lake Louise Road and one larger forested area along the drainage of the Little Nelchina river are 51-'i' TABLE I ~ Acreage Identified for Settlement .J GROSS AREA (ac) NET AREA (ac) j M ~Bi INew Offer-21,600 3,790 lings Wl 1 1 1 Reoffering 72,230 5,490 Within Past Disposais J ! TOTAL 93,830 9,280 miÎ - - -.. o14 ._ ._ - designated for forest management, primarily to provide persona! use products. (There may be a few small commercial sales north of the Glenn Highway in the Little Nelchina drainage, primarily to keep the few local mills in operation.) Forest stands are limited in this area, growth rates are slow and consequently careful management of few existing stands is important. 4. Fish and Wildlife Areas not described as sites for settlement--the bulk of the area-- will be retained in long term public ownership and managed to protect habitat and allow public use. 5. Recreation Recreation opportunities will be provided through the following actions: a. Developed recreation sites -there is an existing state recreation site on Lake Louise. This site should be a priority for improve- ments such as tree planting, grading, etc. The Division of Parks has identified severa! smaller lake complexes that should receive further study to determine the feasibility of developing addi- tional canoe systems and/or camping sites • b. Dispersed recreation areas -all areas mentioned under the dis- cussions of forestry and fish and wildlife will also be managed to protect or improve recreation opportunities. Corridors along the Little Nelchina River, Big Nelchina River, Mendeltna Creek and Tyone River in particular will be retained and managed for recrea- tional use. c. Within disposai areas -rails, public access sites, and small recreation sites will be identified and protected within the boundaries of all disposa! areas. d. Major trails - a system of trails will be identified and retained in public ownership. 6. Subsurface Mineral and energy sources within the unit are minimal and are not regarded as having economie development potential. Mineral entry, coal leasing and coal prospecting, however, will be permitted throughout the subregion except in areas of existing and proposed settlement. The entire area will be open to oil and gas leasing. 7. Transportation New roads proposed for the area are limited to the short access roads associated with land sales along the Glenn Highway and Lake Louise ~'DO Road, and a road providing access to campgrounds and lodge facilities. This road would extend north from its present termination point for approximately 3.5 miles to the south end of Susitna Lake where it would provide access to the vicinity of the isthmus. A foot trail is proposed, starting at the north shore of the canal between Lake Louise and Susitna Lake. The trail foilows the shoreline around the east side of the lake until it ter~inates at the existing road on the south shoreline of Lake Louise. A canoe portage trail bas been recommended by the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation which would originaté at the south shore of Susitna Lake and proceed along the east shoreline of the lake ,to the junction of the outflow of Beaver Lake, and down along the east shore of Lake Louise. o~J - - - lilll!ili - liB - - - .. --- Ollrliî\ ûJ }& LAKÇ lOUl-~C LAND OWNERSHIP fEEB FEDERAL c::J STATE [ZZJ STATE SELECTED ~ BOROUGH ( includes selected lands) [:{<?(J NATIVE (includu selected lands) ll'l.f".f}}l PRIVATE (other thon native, includes university lands) r:::J PAST STATE AND BOROUGH LAND SALES E:IJ Subdivision F:::EJ Remotes ~ Agriculture (C:=:tl LEGISLATJVELY DESIGNATED AREA NOTE: This information has been generolized to show ownership in blacks of 320 ocres or great er. Htnce, many isoloted privote lots are not shawn, e.g. many lokts which appear public ore ringed with privote lots. SCALE 1:250,000 e JANUARYI984 l 1 1 1 .. l ( !..... 1 Il ft 1 t [ t 1 t ~Il tt lill tttW=IIIII ttt~ ri lf/t}) TIIN 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Il T ION FTli\f~J 1 f 11111 f 111111 f Ill f 11 1 ' ' 1 +++-+-- \ ~ MJ:::b ~ ··.J 1 ~ .v •.1 •. _ w ~ ... ~ og 1~ ffH\ ..- ... ~ fil liJ H 11 1111111111111111 r 11 r 1-H-+-++ i ~ . :i'. tl . ' " ~Lily Lok• 1 /, 1 _.., f j,_ .; fis el/ "Loke f%///1 ._ '::..-. .. R ~...1:.;"~~----Match Line 1 1 ( ( 1 l 1 1 [ .1/JA/Y DU/113/BN 9/U/7 -t -t • (JI z z ~ '\;? 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 \R'~E \ • i ·tz) )~ '~%1~\~'c.-Jih R8W a •__ 1W 1 ~· ~'~:. ___ ~i/ ~:;eov 5 l 1( • \0 r 1 . __ \,~-j 1 R W ,_ ,., . -~ 1 ::> --~- •,< ''15 -· . A ' v \ ', \. , ( J 4324f: ,' ' { i • ~ '--JO \ • , . ·v /1 r -R 1 ( \1 '" . 333_o'\ ~ ~ È . -" _j • ' -~-----, ·~. -.: . .,,.._· .. , T -----.,_./ ------.. ;~ \ ,: c.'--~c. ~~_~, \ ~: : '--. . 6 •rydus ' -~ _. ·~v • 1 ,/"\, ' • ( 1 .-/ 1. ' ':\ ·--.:;=.~ . . ' -. . ' ' >4?1.'1 ' '-. ' ~ ----··-------- ~) F:~ LAI<~ lOU lS€ ~r.l._--~ LAND USE DESIGNATIONS ~-~ Designations written in CAPITAL LETTERS are :C:::::::::>~\:;' primary designations; those in lower case /0~ 1 etters are secondary designations; a reas --::-~-shown wi th stars ( *) wi 11 be recommended for ~--~~ legislative designation. '"' "\ -1')' ' { ( / (1 / " i \ f~;-_j ,<·~-.:, =. Jf)~ ~ ~ ~r ~· -J:::. . '&36 ,-::._/ / r / ;-r/ 1v~~ ~ 7 MGT. UNIT 1 --GLENN HIGHWAY la SETTLEMENT; Public Rec., Forestry, Wil dl ife Hab., Oil & Gas lb WILDLIFE HAB.; Public Rec., Uil & Gas \.. le PUBLIC REC.; Wil dl ife Hab., Forest ry, Oil ?; & Gas ir; '"' ld WILDLIFE HAB., FORESTRY; Public Rec., Oil {~~ & Gas le SETTLEMENT; Public Rec., Wildlife Hab., > n = Forestry ~u , MGT. UNIT 2 --LAKE LOUISE EAST )2&'1 c' 2a SETTLEMENT; Wil dl ife Hab., Water Res.', -:;; ç:~ ::-L Public Rec., Oil & Gas 2b SETT~EMENT; Wi~dlife Hab., Water Res., ~ . _ __ ./ ;48 ' ~ . i "' "' -------------- '6 \\ _/•~ o, Map scale 1:250,000 \ 1 '-....! .,.::.C!'oo •• \ 30640 "' '-; -r--._..,. /(' !~ _/~ ':., 2 ""oo. QJ065 .. / 1 1 _/1 1 .::;.:_.// 1 1 1 .. · _/ '--- 1'· . Gr,'~'-.. 1 ~. ,.J;j____ (f'--7 : -=--:j-J v;+ •~ 1 '?-!---1 j( ':~ TIIN -..,.___ . P. o-. -=rtoN' T9 N De en La;kq ·~ <'-'. i ....::_ ~/ .( / Publ1c Rec., 011 & Gas ___ / ---~ t/0\' MGT. UNIT 3 --LAKE LOUISE/SUS~TNA_LAKE . ·_n,o4a~. · ~ 1 ~,~€··-· 3a P~BLIC REG.; Settlement, W1ldllfe Hab., F_" .o.jr--~-'·'--gl(). >_ \ ._ ·_ ) 1 y i où '- cf ~ -~_/ --~ ·r c ~'\ ~~ ~!\ \)~ l 'il<)·, ;~7' ~'•/.__, .. r'·-:.-/_.·_~"'",....-_- ~ ) _J,--' ' ~ '.:.:t ~:-~~,] !200' 011 & Gas \ ~ ' ' ::::s ~-· ···-· 3b PUBLIC REG.; Settlement, Wildl ife Hab., . ~ "a ,S . ~ ,· oo ~ Oil & Gas · · 0tJ MGT. UNIT 4 --LAKE LOUISE WILDLIFE HABITAT · ·~ ---~'~ 4a WILDLIFE HAB., Public Rec., Forestry, Oil \ 15 1-. & Gas . ,_ ~ 4b PUBLIC REG.; Wildlife Hab., Forestry, Oil M~a:ze ~j r~· & Gas :.~ v / ··r "' ~ \ /-~\Bell (( Lake ~ /"" \ ' ',ç__ MGT. UNIT 5 --LAKE LOUISE ROAD ill 5a SETTLEMENT; Public Rec., Wildl ife Hab., ~ \o~ -c en ' Oil & Gas J'~ ' Cl) ~ ' -, 5b WI LOUFE HAB., PUBLIC REG.; Oil & Gas~ J / -~.. • ~~ ~ ~ f r( i ~~ 3 , 1 _ , . oa; 1 <? a ; ·.: • , __ c.· • a>';; : ~ ; .~-r ~~P4SJ 'n)SL0( --~V;;:_~_; .. --' --, . ---d: 2 ... -MA TeH-tiNE ___... ---~-- ...._--" __. ... -,...,~ /1-~--J ~ (/' v--../'v] ft' ~ . ·" : \.... , ·' . . . 1 ~ .. rt~)·~h.:;,~:t;,,y.~ . _ 2-_____ :_t __ ., _________ _ 1 1 1 1-1 1. f 1 1 1 1 L 1 1 1 l ~-·z:: '0 ' -,, _../""'---~ 2a • . 0 ___ ........ _.~ 1 1 ç é i .J .. , . r-, / 1 ' --l?:jrsf Hill wke ( ....._ ~~ '---'-- T8N ~s..:t:-·· ~....__,· -, liandin,j.....;, . 5ffijJ .1. 0 --" 0 c:r. T~ <"-· ~ "' f 1 -~ ... fi_...__ l Brayling V~ke Moyler L Lake Nye Làke [1 . ) C' Maxson L 4a , Cj 1- \ 1 . ~(} ~ !\,c~"'·· ~r lfl]teS t 1""~~ 1 ---) i r r -\ ~ l.carnn '" ~/_) 1 ~n lmn'n Berry •Cabin l (J" R7W II. · MANAGEMENT INTKNT AND. GUIDELINES BY MANAGEMENT UNIT MANAGEMENT UNIT 1: GLENN HIGHWAY/ LI<. l.OOI?i. RoAO MANAGEMENT INTENT Management unit 1 includes lands north and south of the Glenn Highway stretch- ing from the Little Nelchina River east to Lakeview. Pressure to utilize resources within this area is particularly high due to its accessibility, valuable fish and wildlife habitat, timber stands and recreational and settle- ment opportunities. Management unit 1 will be managed for a variety of uses including: long-term retention of lands for public recreation, preservation of year-round moose, caribou and fish habitat, and commercial and persona! use forestry. In addition, lands will be sold near Snowshoe Lake and Tazlina Lodge within the next five years. There are five subunits within management unit 1: Tazlina settlement which includes lands south and north of the Glenn Highway( la), upland wildlife habitat areas south of the existing Green Acres remote parce! area and adjacent to Sucker Lake(lb), river corridors along Mendeltna Creek and Little Nelchina River(lc), lightly forested areas at Slide Mountain and adjacent to Mendeltna Creek corridor just north of the Glenn highway(ld), and settlement lands on the east shore of Snowshoe Lake. See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit. Subunit la contains two proposed settlement areas north and south of the Glenn Highway. Lands within half to three-quarters of a mile north of the highway between miles 154 and 157 will be sold for subdivisions and/or available for commercial development. Because these areas are not under the jurisdiction of a local government requiring subdivision specifications, the subdivision design will be developed by the Division of Land and Water Management in accordance to state subdivision guidelines. The remaining lands in subunit la located east of Lake Louise Road and north of the proposed subdivision, and an area south of the Glenn Highway just east of Mendeltna Creek corridor will be open to homesteading. Both homestead areas will be prestaked parcels or aliquot p.arts and will be designed to maintain and protect access into hunting and recreation areas. Subunit lb contains upland areas and riparian corridors which support vegeta- ~ tion providing high value year-round moose, caribou and small game habitat. This area is particularly important for its availability of winter moose range. The existing habitat values and close proximity to raad access makes this a popular moose and caribou hunting area, and it will therefore be retained in public ownership or managed for the protection of habitat and for the enhancement of public recreation values. Subunit le includes Mendeltna Creek and Little Nelchina River which are popular recreational rivers largely because they are accessible~ floatable~ and provide good fishing opportunities. Lands within subunit le will be ~'S''=' ..... """" -- -- - ·:~ l - - - - - - - - - ~ ~ ~ ( f r ( { ( LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION LAKE LOUISE MANAGEMENT UNIT. 1 --GLENN HIGHWAY/LK LOUISE RDAD MGMT. ANALYsls ILAND usE DESIGNATIONsl ___ _ UNIT/ UNIT LAND - PROHIBITED SUBUNIT NUMBERS OWNERSHIP la Tazlina Settlement lb Tazlina Habitat le Mendeltna Creek/Nel- china Cor ... ridor ld Slide Mountain 941 942 944 945(N) 949(E) 943 945(8) 946 950 953 928(8) 936 937 938(8) 947 950 952 931 932 933(8) 940 State State State State PRIM ARY USE(S) Settlement SECONDARY USE(S) Public Recreation Forestry (personal use) Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas Wildlife Habitat 1 Public Recreation Oil and Gas Public Recreation! Wildlife Habitat Forestry (personal use and small com- mercial sales) Oil and Gas Wildlife Habitat 1 Public Recreation Forestry Oil and Gas (personal use and small com- mercial sales) !SURFACE USE{S} 1 Remote cabins Remote tabins Land Disposals Remote cabins Land Disposals Remote cabins Land Disposals MINERALS MGMT. OF MGMT. OF LOCATABLE LEASEABLE TAINERALS MINERALS Closed prior to Not available for sala rith option coal leasing or to reopen follow-pr.ospecting (may ing staking period be available following staking period) Open Available for leasing Open Available for leasing Open Available for leasing --- 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allo\..red. Such uses will be alloh'oc'd if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidèlines in chapter 2. LéGISLATIVE ""' DéSIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINOU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES .(J.) CD cQ l' LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION LAKE LOUISE MANAGEMENT UNIT.. 1 --GLENN HLc;m~AY (cout, . MG MT. LANO USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS ANALYSIS PROHIBITED UNIT/ UNIT LAND !SURFACE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY SUBUNIT-NUMBERS USE(SJ 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S) USE(S) MINERAL$ MINERALS le Snowshoe Lake 934(SE) State Settlement Public Recreation Remote cabins Closed Not available for Settlement 935(NE) Wildlife Habitat coal leasing or Forestry prospecting (personal use and small corn- mercial sales) - 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allmv-ed. Such uses will be allmved if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guide Lines in chapter 2. 1 1 1 1 1 t 1 l 1 1. 1 J 1 i. 1 l 1 LEGISLATIVE """' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES -------------------~----------,~--------~~--~·~-------,-----,~---' -=---~-~·~~-~-~----- """" ,_ - retained in long-term public ownership, and managed to enhance recreational values. The Division of Land and Water Management will maintain existing trails providing access to the streams. Subunit ldX includes land north of the Glenn Highway and east of Lake Louise Road around Slide Mountain and on either side of the Mendeltna Creek River corridor. These areas support important wildlife habitat, light timber stands and provide access to Mendeltna Creek and hunting areas. These areas will be managed to protect habitat and hunting values while permitting persona! use and potentially small commercial timber sales. Trails providing access to Mendeltna Creek and areas will be managed by the Division of Land and Water Management. Subunit le consists of lands adjacent to the west shore of Snowshoe Lake which contains high settlement amenities--including 1/2 mile proximity to access. As with subunit la, this area does not lie under jurisdiction of a local government requiring subdivision specifications and will, therefore, be offered as a subdivision designed by the Division of Land and Water Management. Raad access into management unit 1 is provided via the Glenn Highway and Lake Louise Raad, and by severa! mining trails leading ta Little Nelchina River and Mendeltna Creek. Additional access needs will be identified in subdivision designs for subunits la and le. Subdivision raad requirements are expected to be minimal since all proposed subdivisions lie within 1 mile of the exisitng road system. Access into subdivisions from the Glenn Highway will be via frontage roads. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter~~ of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Access *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Quality Wetlands Management Land Administration: Resource management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. 3'34 Subunit la (Tazlina Settlement) Land Sales Subdivisions 0 0 Amount and Size Land within subunit la lying west of Lake Louise Road and within 1/2 - 3/4 of a mile north of the Glenn Highway will be sold in 5-to 10-acre parcels totaling net sales of 640 acres. Lands east of Lake Louise Road just north of the Glenn highway will be sold in 5-to 40-acre parcels with up to 1000 -1500 acres of net sales. Visual Ouality/Access Both subdivisions will be designed to minimize visual impacts by setting sales back off the Glenn Highway and by providing access via a frontage road. North/south pedestrian and wildlife access through the project into adjacent public retention lands (subunits lb and ld) will be main- tained through the retention of several corridors of publicly owned lands. Homesteads 0 0 0 Amount and Size Parcels available for homesteading will be offered in pre-staked 20- to 4ü-acre lots. Maximum allowable stakings will be either 50 sites or a total of 1000 acres--whichever occurs first. Visual Ouality/Access The Division of Land and Water Management, in consultation with the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, will determine staking set- ' backs sufficient to minimize visual impacts apparent from the Glenn Highway and Lake Louise Road. Areas accessible from the Glenn Highway and Lake Louise Road are heavily used by hunters. Corridors of 100 -200' within the homestead projects will be retained in public ownership to enable pedestrian access into hunting areas and at least one corridor of approximately 1/4 mile wide will be retained in each homestead project to protect habitat and enable wildlife movement. Woodlots Public use woodlot areas must be identified and reserved in or within proximity to homestead areas. 3~0 - - - - - - - ..., - - - - - - - - ..... - -----~~-==~-----~--------... ~~--""'""""""'""'''"""'~--~~~------~=· ------·~ "'""' ~"'~ - St"r eo. 'f\'\ ~< (~doc:> When lands are conveyed throughout subunit la, buffers of at least 100 feet .on either side of the mean high water mark of any unnamed creek shown on the 1:63,360 topographie quad will be retained in public ownership; and a 200' buffer on either side of the mean high water mark of Mendeltna Creek tributaries will also be retained in public ownership. Lakeshore Management For all lakes shown on the 1:63,360 topographie maps within this sub- unit, at least 25 to 50 percent of all public land within 500 feet of the lakeshore and all islands will be retained in public ownership. Retained lands shall include 25 -50 percent of the actual shoreline. Subunit 4b (Mendeltna Creek/Tyone River Corridors). Public Recreation Sites Public recreation sites will be identified and retained in public ownership at major trailheads off the Glenn Highway which provide access to Mendeltna Creek. Parking areas will be provided at these sites where possible. Camping facilities may be provided at one or more of the sites; facility sites should be identified by Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation in consultation with the Division of Land and Water Management and the Department of Fish and Game. Subunit le Forestry Forestry is a secondary use in subunit le for either small commercial sales and/or personal use. Timber management will be designed to pro- tect and enhance public recreation and habitat values. Siting of Public Recreational Facilities Public boat launches should be sited by the Division of Parks and Out- door Recreation and the Division of Land and Water Management on Mendeltna Creek and the Nelchina River. The boat launch facilities should be designed to enable safe recreational boating into the Tazlina River System. Parking areas, camping, sanitary and picnic facilities should be identified through a management plan at locations where the river system is accessible by the Glenn Highway. Subunit le Visual quality Visual quality along the Glenn Highway should be preserved wherever possible. Access will be provided by a frontage road, and design of 3"11 subdivisions adjacent to the Glenn Highway will incorporate recommen- dations appearing in the "Visual Assessment of the Glenn Highway," Environmental Services Ltd, 1981, 1983, in attempt to minimize visual impact. Lakeshore Management At least 50% of the shoreline around Snowshoe Lake will not be within the proposed subdivision boundaries, and will be retained in long-term public ownership. Additional lakeshore areas within the subdivision boundaries will need to be retained in public ownership to insure waterfront public access. Forestry Persona! use forestry is a secndary use in subunit le. Firewood cutting areas will be designed to protect and enhance public recrea- tion values. River and Stream Buffers Cache Creek drains into Snowshoe Lake and supports grayling fishing. The area provides valuable riparian hatitat. Buffers of at least 200t on either side of the streamts mean high water mark will be retained in public ownership. Ofi a site specifie basis buffer requirements may be reduced to lOO feet if this width would be sufficient to protect riparian habitat and allow public use. 3~=t """' - ~ -- - - - - - - - - """ - ~ - - -----------~---·----· --"------~-· """"" MANAGEMENT UNIT 2: LAKE LOUISE EAST MANAGEMENT INTENT Mana~ement unit 2 contains about 6q,ooo acres located east of Lake Louise and west of Second Hill Lake. The unit has many small lakes and creeks which support grayling and trout fishing. The vegetation consists mainly of high brush and low forests which provide year-round wildlife habitat. Existing land uses include fishing, hunting, and scattered, low density settlement. The entire management unit has been offered for remote parcel staking--of which about 15,000-20,000 net acres may be suitable for low density settlemnt. To date, about 12,600 acres have been staked. The remain- ing area will continue to be open to future stakings under the remote parcel and homestead programs. In addition to low density settlement, the management unit will be managed for the protection of wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities. Management unit 2 consists of two subunits: Lake Louise East (2a), and Green Acres (2h), See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each sub- unit. As of January '84, 930 acres within subunit 2a have been staked, and 330 within subunit 2b. Bath Lake Louise East and Green Acres will remain open under the remote parcel and homestead program. Access is via snowmachine, dog sled, and cross-country skis during winter and ali-terrain vehicles and foot in the summer along the numerous trails within this project. Additional access is via float or ski-equipped aircraft to one of the numerous large unnamed lakes within the disposai areas. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 ~ of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation Forestry *Settlement Subsurface Transportation *Access *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Ouality Wetlands Management Land Administration: Resource management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below. '5vlol)(\i+!:, .;2(). a.."'d 2 b Stream buffers, lakeshore management and trail setbacks specified under the original remote parce! offeringswill apply to homestead staking entries. 3tt3 ·""" -" ..c:. LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON LAKE LOUISE MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 2 --LAKE LOUISE EAST MGMT. ANALYsts LA 0 lLANO usE DESIGNATIONsl UNIT/ UNIT OWNE~SHIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS 2a Lake Louise East 2b Green Acres 918 919 920 State/ Priva te State/ Priva te PRIMARY USE(S) Settlement Settlement SECONDARY USE(S) Wildlife Habitat Water Resources Public Recreation Oil and Gas Wildlife Ha bi ta t Water Resources Public Recreation Oil and Gas PROHIBITED ~URFA CE USE(S} 1 Remote cabins Remote cabins MINERALS MGMT. OF MGMT. OF LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERAL$ Closed prior to Not available for sale with option coal leasing or to reopen follow-prospecting (may ing staking be available period following staking period) Closed prior to Not available for sale with option coal leasing or to reopen follow-prospecting (may ing staking be available period following staking period) 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allmved. Such uses \vill be alloHed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 1 1 i f 1 .. ( 1 1 1 1. 1 LEGISLA Tl VE "' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQU/SHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES' 1 ,_, """" '- '- '- '- ' '- - MANAGEMENT UNIT 3: LAKE LOUISE/SUSITNA LAKE MANAGEMENT INTENT Management unit 3 includes lands adjacent to Susitna Lake, Lake Louise, Beaver Lake, Dog Lake and Little Lake Louise. The unique characteristics and access- ibility of this management unit places extreme pressures on the area's resources for both the preservation of its existing state as well as the pro- vision of private land sales. Lake Louise and Susitna Lake are cold clear lakes covering 37 square miles of surface area, which are fed by streams emanating from smaller spring-fed lakes to the north and west. Water from Lake Louise flows into Susitna Lake through a narrow channel at the northwest end of Lake Louise. The outlet of this hydrologie system is Tyone Lake located at the north end of the management unit which narrows to Tyone River and flows into the Susitna. The lakes support arctic grayling, freshwater lingcod, whitefish, longnose sucker and lake trout. Bird Island, located off the west shore of Lake Louise also serves as an important nesting area for a number of shore birds. In addition to the natural amenities of this management unit, a group of archaeologic sites dating back 3,000 to 6,000 years are located on the isthmus between Lake Louise and Susitna Lake. Access into the Lake Louise/Susitna Lake management unit is possible by road, air and water. Lake Louise Road ends at the southshore of Lake Louise. Three short spur roads branch off Lake Louise Road and travel east providing access to several boat landing sites. Additionally, there are severa! local roads serving a private subdivision containing 40 one-acre parcels along the water- front of Lake Louise. A publicly owned landing strip and a float plane site are also located at the southern shore of Lake Louise. Boat access is possible via the Susitna River to Tyone River, and south through Susitna Lake into Lake Louise. Boat access, however, can often be dangerous due to high winds and choppy waters. Although transportation improvements will be influenced by future settlement patterns, the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation have recommended the following transportation improvements: Road development along the southwesterly side of Lake Louise to pro- vide access to expanded campground and lodge facilities. This road would extend north from its present termination point for appprox- imately 3.5 miles to the south end of Susitna Lake Where it would provide access to the vicinity of the isthmus with its archaeological sites. A foot trail is proposed, starting at the north shore of the canal between Lake Louise and Susitna Lake. The trail follows the shore- line around the east side of the lake until it terminates at the existing raad on the south shoreline of Lake Louise. 3'iS OJ .-J) ~ / 3 --LAKE LOUISE/ LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION LAKE LOUISE MANAGEMENT UNIT.. SUSITNA LAKE MG MT. ANALYSIS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED ·MINERALS UNIT/ LAND ~URFA CE MGMT. OF UNIT OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) 1 LOCATA.BLE LEASEABLE USE(S) USE(S) MINERAL$ MINERALS 3a 915 State/ Public Recreation Settlement Remote cabins Closed prior to Not available Lake Louise 921 Priva te Wildlife Habitat Land Disposals sale for coal leasing 948 Oil and Gas or prospecting 958 3b 914 State/ Public Recreation Settlement Remote cabins Closed prior to Not available Susitna Lake 916 Priva te Wildlife Habitat Land Disposals sale for coal leasing 917 Oil and Gas or prospecting ---------. -~-~- l Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w_ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 ( t l_ 1 1 ( l 1 1 ( ( 1 1 f LEGISLATIVE "" DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NQUISHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES Unresolved issues remain; designa- tians uncertain (see management intent section for further info) Unr.esolved issues remain; designa- tians uncertain (see management intent section for further info) ..... As this area is literally spotted with fresh water lakes, canoe portage trails should also be developed. The primary trail should originate at the south shore of Susitna Lake and proceed along the east shoreline of the lake to the junction of the outflow of Beaver Lake and proceed to Dog Leg Lake, portaging five or six more lakes until it intersects the east shore of Lake Louise. This canoe portage trail provides wilderness-type camping opportunities along the route and may provide access to future settlement at Dog Lake. (See "Unresolved issues" below.) Management unit 3 consists of two subunits: Lake Louise (3a), and Susitna Lake (3b). Although the subunits area addressed independently because of their likely differences in management intent, they share certain settlement- related characteristics. There are no publicly owned water, sewer or energy distribution systems in the Lake Louise and Susitna Lake areas at present. Electrical power is generated by privately owned and maintained systems. Lodges and residences rely mainly on the lakes as a source of water. Sewage disposa! is handled throughout the area with open pit toilets and seepage pits. There is a public sanitary land- fil! for solid waste disposa! located three and one-half miles south of Lake Louise. Both Lakes are also in areas of high permafrost and ice ratcheting which may be destructive to lakeshore development. In addition to existing private land on the shore of Lake Louise, approximately 275 acres have been offered for sale through the state disposa! program, and 68 acres along the lakeshore have been retained in long-term public ownership for public recreation. An additional 365 acres are scheduled to be sold in spring of 1984 in 80 lots along the east and southeast shore of Lake Louise with more sales planned to follow once the state title to the land is tentatively approved. An additional 52 acres along the shoreline in this portion of the lake have been identified by the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation and the Department of Fish and Game and will be retained in long-term public ownership for public recreation. The planning team, however, was of divided opinions regarding the appropriateness of the location of the proposed sales around Lake Louise. Unresolved Issues Lots around Lake Louise have already been surveyed by the federal government and are in great public demand due to their amenities and available access. These lots, therefore, could result in a popular and successful land sale at a minimal cost to the state. The Department of Fish and Game, the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough are opposed to additional sales which may be detrimental to the sensitive lake environment and limit public access and recreational use of Lake Louise. The Resource Allocation Section's recommended alternative is to avoid addi- tional land sales along the lakeshore of Lake Louise, and instead offer clustered lots with significant amenities in sites between Lake Louise and 3tt1- Little Lake Louise and/or Dog Lake. The recommended sale layout would provide lots which would enable sorne lakefront property and ensure public access. This option is currently viewed favorably by the planning team because it would provide land sales in high amenity areas while minimizing additional impact on Lake Louise. Susitna Lake (subunit 3b) is bordered like Lake Louise by federally surveyed lots, although less of the total shoreline is subdivided and many fewer of these lots have been sold. As with future land sales around Lake Louise, the planning team is of different opinions regarding the amount of sales that should occur along the shoreline of Susitna Lake. The Resource Allocations Section recommends that very few sales occur (less than 25) and that lots are sold only adjacent to existing privately owned lots so as to localize and minimize settlement impact on the water recreation and fish and wildlife resources of Susitna Lake. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter~. of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation Forestry Settlement Subsurface Transportation Access Lakeshore Management Instream Flow Stream Corridors Trail Management Water Quality Wetlands Management Land Administration ; Resource management Specifie guidelines will be developed contingent upon agreement of management intent for subunits 3a and 3b. s<ï'îr - .ai illOiiÎ - lllrê\Î - """" - lilo.i - - - - ~ .. -----~-~ "" .._.,..,.,.'tr""'"""'"'""""""""""'"" MANAGEMENT UNIT 4: LAKE LOUISE WILDLIFE HABITAT MANAGEMENT INTENT Management unit 4 includes lands stretching north from near the Glenn Highway b-and west from the Lake Louise wildlife habitat management units to the Talkeetna Mountains subregion. Land caver consista largely of high shrubs and low forest which provides year-round habitat for the Nelchina caribou herd--the state's third largest herd--as well as moose and brown bear habitat. Many streams and small lakes are scattered throughout the management unit including two major boatable streams: the Tyone River and Mendeltna Creek. The Tyane River provides boat access from the Susitna River into Susitna Lake and Lake Louise, and is often used for wilderness camping, hunting and fishing. The Tyane River also provides access to Tyone Village site which is a unique historical and archaeological area dating back 3,000 -4,000 years. Mendeltna Creek is a high-value recreational river--receiving much use due to its accessibility from the Glenn Highway and exceptional fishing oppor- tunities. The entire management unit will be retained in long-term public ownership to be managed for the protection of fish and wildlife habitat, historical sites, and to protect and enhance hunting, fishing and boating opportunities. Management unit 4 contains two subunits: the habitat lands northeast and west of Lake Louise which includes the western boundary of the Nelchina special use district and John Lake state subdivision (4a), and riparian corridors adjacent to Mendeltna Creek and Tyane River (4b). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of the subunits and the proposed boundary of the Nelchina Special Use District (which passes through this area), and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit. Subunit 4a will be retained in long-term public ownership for the purpose of protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat--particularly the migration corridors used by the Nelchina caribou herd. For specifie management intent within the Nelchina Special Use District, refer to the Talkeetna Mountains Subregion. Tyone River will be protected in its existing state, as well as the lands adjacent to Native holdings by Tyone Village. Mendeltna Creek corridor will also be retained in the long-term public owner- ship and will be managed to accommodate public recreation activities originating at the Glenn Highway and from spur roads off the Lake Louise raad. Activities to be protected and enhanced include fishing and floating into the Tazlina River system, and camping at a facility managed by the Bureau of Land Management located adjacent to the Glenn Highway. 3t:tDJ ~ ·.o .:.0 / LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION.._. ~LAK~E~LOU~IS~E --- ··LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MGMT. ANALYSIS 4 --LAKE LOUISE MANAGEMENT UNII WILDLIFE HABITAT 1 LEGISLATIVE ' PROH/8/TED MINERALS. DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED UNIT/ UNIT LAND OWNERSHIP PRIMARY USE(S) SECONDARY USE(S) ~URFA CE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF RELINQU/SHMENTS SUBUNIT NUMBERS 4a 901 State/ Nelchina 903 State Range 904 selected/ 905 Federal 906 907 908 909 911 912 913 926 927 948(W) 4b 902 State/ Mendeltna 910 Federal/ Creek/ 'fyone ' 938 Native River Cor-954 ri dors 955 -··--··----··- Wildlife Habitat Public Recreation Forestry (persona! use and small com- mercial sales) Oil and Gas Public Recreation! Wildlife Habitat Forestry (persona! use and small com- mercial sales) Oil and Gas USE(SJ 1 Remote cabins Land Disposais Remote cabins 1 Land Disposais LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS M/NERALS Open Available for leasing _.' Open Available for leasing 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be al1oved. Such uses vill be alloved if consistent vith the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidel ines in chapter 2. r 1 f 1. 1. 1 1 1 1 1 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES '-" '- - i.- .._, ~''"""""""""'"" ~-" =="""""""~··=·-,.' .._., _ .. _.~- MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2~ of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation Forestry Settlement Subsurfac:e *Transportation *Ac cess Lakeshore Management Instream Flow Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Ouality Wetlands Management Land Administration : Resourc:e management Management guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented helow by subunit. Subunit 4b River and Stream Buffers Allowable uses within these subunits will be managed to enhanc:e and protec:t opportunities for public: recreation. The Division of Land and Water Management will maintain existing trails leading to Mendeltna Creek and will identify, in consultation with the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, site(s) for public boat launc:hing fac:ilities as well as public use c:abins. The Tyone River and the adjacent lands will be maintained in a natural state to protect habitat and provide opportunities for "wilderness recreation." The Division of Land and lJater Management in consultation with the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation will identify sites for public: use c:abins in areas along the river. This is an especially important objective in areas which may pose diffic:ult boat passage • 1.{0/ MANAGEMENT UNIT 5: LAKE LOUISE RO.AD MANAGEMENT INTENT Management unit 5 lies immediately north of the Glenn Highway management unit between Green Acres Remote and Mendeltna Creek corridor. Lake Louise Road passes through the center of the unit providing access to popular hunting areas and the recent Loon Lake State land offering to the west and a planned land sale to the east. The unit will be managed to protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat and recreational activities while offering lands for settlement under the remote parcel and homestead programs. There are two subunits within management unit S: a planned FY86 homestead area--South Lake Louise--located east of the Lake Louise Road and the existing Loon Lake Remote (Sa), and the remainder of the area (Sb) containing high value wildlife habitat. See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit. South Lake Louise/Loon Lake subunits Sa, contain approximately 13,000 gross acres. The Loon Lake area is accessed via Lake Louise Road and seismic trails. The South Lake Louise unit is immeqiately east of Lake Louise road. This latter site is relatively well drained and contains many small lakes which makes this area attractive for settlement. Loon Lake Subdivision, located approximately two miles west of Lake Louise Road, has received stakings on 482 acres out of an available 9,104 acres. Additional stakings at Loon Lake will be closed after February 13, 1984. The remainder of the unit, subunit Sb, will be retained in long-term public ownership to insure a wildlife migration corridor for the Nelchina caribou herd, as well as habitat protection for moose, trumpeter swan, small game and fish. Trails providing access from Lake Louise Road through subunit Sb to Mendeltna Creek will be maintained. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented 2 in Chapter ~ of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicaterl with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Access *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management *Water ()uality Wetlands Management Land Administration: Resource management Management Guidelines that apply just to this management unit are presented below by subunit. t(o :t.. - - - - - - - - - - - . .J:. 0 (p / r r r r r ( r 1 1 r LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION LAKE LOUISE MANAGEMENT UNIT_ s --LAKE LOUISE ROAD MG MT. LANDUSE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS ANALYSIS PROHIBITED UNIT/ UNIT LAND 'tSURFACE OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMT. OF MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S} USE(SJ 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERALS Sa 922 State/ Settlement Public Recreation Remote cabins Closed prior to Not available South Lake 92S Priva te Wildlife Habitat sale for coal leasing Louise/Loon Oil and Gas or prospecting Lake Remotes Sb 921 State Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas Remote cabins Open Available for Nelchina 923 Public Recreation Land DisposalE leasing Wildlife 924 Corridor - 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are riot spccifical ly prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allo,,red if consistent with the management intent and management \;uidel ines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE """' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES 1 Subunit Sa Settlement (Details regarding settlement densities in the South Lake Louise project were not discussed by the entire planning team--the proposa! below is the recommendation of the Resource Allocation Section alone). South Lake Louise, located immediately east of Lake Louise road will be available for staking in 5-to 20-acre prestaked homesites under the remote parce! and homestead programs. Maximum allowable staking will be 50 sites or 500 acres (whichever occurs first), so as to insure low density and minimal impact on adjacent lands. Sufficient staking setbacks from Lake Louise road will be incorporated to minimize visual impact of settlement activities. River and Stream Buffers When land is conveyed in this subunit, buffers of at !east lOO' on either side of the river's average high-water mark must be retained on all of the creeks (none of which have names) shawn to the 1:63,360 topographie quad for this area. Lakeshore Management At !east 50 percent of all public land within 500 feet of the lakeshore and all islands will he retained in public ownership on all lakes larger than 40 acres in this unit. Retained lands shall include 50% of the actual shoreline. ~Olf - -- -., - ~:JiU iill:iliJ ..... - \Ooiil - -- (jL€NN Hl(jHWAY "'""" """"" - - '-" .... ,_ '>-,.,...,.. _ --·--·-·---~·'"'' ~··-~~.~--~--·~_,-~~ l<l<lWh ~ GLENN·HIGBWAY SUBREGION The following section describes land use policy within the Glenn Highway Sub- region. It is divided into two parts. The first is an overview of resources and general management intent for the subregion as a whole. The second presents specifie statements of management intent, land use designations, prohibited uses and management guidelines for each of the subregion's 13 management units. Maps showing land ownership in the subregion and boundaries of management units and subunits are presented at the end of the first part. I. SUBREGION OVERVIEW A. Background The Glenn Highway subregion encompasses land along the highway from the eastern boundary of the Willow Sub-basin near Palmer to where the highway crosses the Little Nelchina River. The southern houndary of the subregion is loosely defined as the line where the valley ends and the mountains begin. This line approximately follows the 2500' contour in the western half of the subregion and the 3500' contour in the eastern half of the subregion. The northern boundary of the subregion generally follows the northern ridge of the ~futanuska drainage. The western portion of the subregion also includes the lower-lying portions of the Knik River drainage and the Jim/Swan Lakes a rea. This subregion contains approximately 1,060,000 total acres. Of this roughly 70% is state owned or selected. Native corporations own or have selected approximately 10% of the land in the subregion or roughly 200,000 acres. Most of the Native land west of the Matanuska Glacier has been patented or interimly conveyed to the Native regional or village corporation owners. The large black of land near Tahneta Pass is part of Ahtna Corporations's extensive over selection of lands and may or may not ultimately go into Native ownership. Of the remaining 20% of the lands in the subregion, most is private ownership with a small portion in borough ownership. While the state owns the majority of land in the subregion most of the accessible, developable land is in private or native ownership. See the ownership maps at the end of this section for more information. Much of Alaska contains beautiful mountain scenery; excellent hunting, hiking, snow mobiling and cross-country skiing; good land for settle- ment; and high value mineral and coal and other energy resources. What makes the Glenn Highway area unique is that it possesses all these attributes plus it is accessible by a major road and is located within a short drive of the majority of the state's population. Another unusual characteristic of the area is that, unlike most road accessible areas relatively near population centers, it contains substantial amounts of state-owned land. '-{(){p The key management issues to be resolved in this area revolve around the goal of preserving its more vulnerable characteristics --scenic quality, hunting and other recreation opportunities, existing community character--while taking advantage of the area's potential for resource development and settlement. Access improvements are another key issue including the planned upgrade of the Glenn Highway and development and/or protection of access from the highway into back country hunting and recreation areas and planned settlement areas. B. Overview of Management Intent The overall intent for this area is suggested in the statement above regarding management issues --that is, the intent is to protect and improve recreation, fish and wildlife and visual values while develop- ing the area's coal and timber resources and selling significant amounts of state land. This is achieved, as is discussed in more detail below, by carefully selecting the location of settlement areas and by controlling the type and pace of settlement and other develop- ments through management guidelines. Details of planned land management policies are presented below by resource/type of land use. 1. Settlement a. General Policy -The Glenn Highway subregion contains a substantial amount of accessible, state-owned land suitable for settlement. Much of this land can be offered for sale with less severe resource conflicts than land in other areas. Because of these two facts this area will be a location of a significant amount of land sales over the next twenty years. There is relatively little borough land in the Glenn Hwy., but what is there has decent access and good physical capability for settlement and therefore should be available for land sales over the long-term. b. Specifie Recommendations Types of Sales -Land offered will be a mixture of large parcels (20 -40 acres) and subdivisions. Once sold, the large parcels will probably be rleveloped slowly due to the cost to the owner of complying with borough raad building requirements. In order that sorne land be available in the near term to meet the large demand for recreational-seasonal settlement, sorne land will be offered as subdivisions with raad access built and initially paid for by the state but with the cost added to the priee of each parce!. <fOi- --- - --- "*"" - - - - - .,) - - """' - - """" - '- - - """" ,_ - ..... -·--"·-·-----~,---,=~'''""'"''"-"''""""'"'"'''"''''''""''"''_.."""'--~-----~ Sales should be carefully designed to minimize impacts on recreation, visual and habitat values. A special concern is that sales do not preclude access from the Glenn Hwy. and associated roads into more remote areas used for hunting and other types of recreation. With proper siting it is hoped that land sales can be an opportunity to actually improve public access for hunting and recreation. Several sites will be evaluated for remote cabins or homesteads on the south side of the Matanuska River east of King Mountain. Location of Sales -Settlement areas will be selected using the following guidelines: 1) Visual quality will be protected. This will mean generally not offering land directly adjacent to the highway unless there is adequate screening by vegetation or topography. Generally the lower 2/3 of the subregion can absorb more settlement without adverse visual impacts than the eastern portion of the subregion; in the eastern third of the area the vegetation is sparse, the land is open and views are more likely to be harmed by settlement. 2) Working with the Department of Fish & Game, the Divisions of Parks, Forestry and Mining, and the Mat-Su Borough, severa! sections of publicly owned areas along the highway will be identified to be left in public ownership in arder to reduce conflicts with coal development, protect habitat, provide persona! use timber, and separate and concentrate development areas in arder to reduce fiscal impacts. An effort will also be made to concentrate future sales into areas where there are existing communities, existing blacks of private land and sorne degree of public services and facilities already available, (e.g., Glacier View, Sutton, and Tahneta Pass). 3) Generally there will not be sales south of the raad with the possible exception of large homesteads (40 acres) in the vicinity of the Matanuska Glacier and remote cabin permits. 4) The state and borough will work closely with local communities to select sale areas and types of sales that will minimize effects on community character and fiscal concerns. Amount and Pace of Sales -The amount of land sales will be stretched over the full twenty year planning period to provide sufficient time for road construction and to !essen fiscal impacts and impacts on community character. Total offerings over 20 years will be between 7,000 and 10,000 net acres of state land and roughly half of the borough land (approximately 1500 of the total 3000 acres). This presumes roughly 30% of the gross land identified on the settlement element map would eventually be offered. The table below summarizes planned land disposais. 1..[08' TABLE 1 ACREAGE IDENTIFIED FOR SETTLEMENT AND AGRICULTURE 1 1 1 '1 GROSS AREA(AC) NET AREA (AC) ! Planning Re source Total Planning Re source Total 1 Te am Allocation Te am Allocation 1 Recommen-Proposais Recommen-Proposais dations dations 1 J 1 STATE LAND 16,640 6,090 19,090 6,150 2,340 8,490 New Offerings* Reofferings 1 Within Past Disposal -------------------- ---- Are as 1 1 Agriculture j (Commercial ------------------------1 and Homestead) 1 STATE TOTAL 16 ,640 6,090 19,090 6,150 2,340 8,490 ! BOROUGH LAND 420 ----420 250 ----250 New Offerings STATE AND ' 1 BOROUGH TOTAL 17,060 6,090 19,510 6,400 2,340 8,740 1 ··--·····------------~--- *Includes two existing approved projects --Cas~cade and Chickaloon --totaling a gross area of 2,640 acres or a net area of 1,200 acres. tf0'1 - -- iOii!ll - IJill!j) i lod - - - - .... - ~ --- '- '-" '- - - --~-·--·-~--·"-~"~•'<<" ---~"""""''-"""""'""'~·=--~-----------""""""'~---· --~"'"" ~ -"""' 2. Agriculture No public lands have potential for crop production in this sub- region. Severa! areas within the moose range and other lands north of the highway and west of the Cascade Creek have sorne potential for grazing. These areas will be open to grazing permits and leases under the regional guidelines presented in Chapter 2 of this plan. 3. Forestry/Fish and Wildlife/Recreation/Subsurface Resources The other half of the land management policy described above is the policy regarding retained lands. As stated in the settlement section, major retention areas are: most of the lands on the south side of the Matanuska River, most state lands east of Cascade Creek area, and severa! good sized blacks in the.western portion of the subregion in areas where high coal, forestry and fish and wildlife values overlap. The specifie sites for retention are described in the designations and guidelines by management unit. General objectives to be met on retained lands are described below. a. Forestry: Lands will be retained for persona! use timber harvests, principally in areas located at intervals along the highway with reasonable access. The state should work with native land owners to set up joint forestry management programs in the lower portion of the subregion on the south side of the river. On the north side of the river the prime spot for commercial forestry will be within the boundaries of the existing moose reserve. In this area and throughout the subregion, timber sales should be designed to improve moose habitat. Timber sales will also be designed to minimize adverse visual impacts (which may limit size of harvests). b. Fish and Wildlife: Protection of fish and wildlife values will be the primary management objective within the boundaries of the Moose Creek moose reserve, in most areas on the south · side of the Matanuska River and within most areas east of Cascade Creek where concern with visual impacts and the land's lower capability for settlement reduce opportunities for land sales. In the areas west of Cascade Creek and north of the Matanuska River designations will be more equally split between fish and wildlife and settlement. The major exception ta the latter policy will be in the Moose Range which will be slightly expanded ta the north and east (but not the south) and proposed for legislative designation. Another area where fish and wildlife will be a primary value is on state lands within the Knik River drainage and in the Jim-Swan Lakes area. The Jim-Swan area will also be proposed for legislative YfD designation. In all the areas described above fish and wildlife will be designated a co-primary use with forestry and/or recreation. c. Recreation: Recreation use will be provided through the following actions: retention of land for a number of developed campgrounds (including expansion of at least one existing recreation site at Long Lake), retention of severa! larger blocks of multipurpose forestry and/or habitat lands for dispersed activities such as snowmobiling or cross-country skiing, a proposa! to protect recreation lands at Gunsight Mt., and protection/improvement of access to recreation attractions when land is sold or new roads are built for other purposes. In addition to direct provision of land for recreation use, a major objective for management of any type of land use will be protection of visual quality along the highway. This will include identification of pull-offs and scenic turnouts when the planned road improvements occur, preparation of interpretive material for tourists and other people using the highway, and restriction of the amount and type of development in areas visible from the highway. It is hoped the borough will undertake a program with local landowners to encourage protection of visual quality on private land. Such a program might include restrictions on removal of vegetation, incentives to remove dead snowmobiles, walrus heads, and similar treasures out of sight, etc. d. Coal and Other Subsurface Resources: State land will not be offered for disposa! in areas with high coal value as shown on the map prepared by DGGS. Sales will be quite limited even in areas with moderate coal value. Where sales do occur, the sites will be selected (with the assistance of the Division of Mining) to minimize impacts on future costs of coal development. Generally this will be achieved by concentrating sales and selling land in areas less likely to be developed for coal due to the nature of the coal deposits or to existing land use patterns. Areas with high and moderate coal value will be a major factor in identifying the location of the multiple use retention areas discussed previously. 4. Transportation/Access The Alaska Department of Transportation is currently work- ing on preliminary engineering and environmental assessment related to upgrading and realigning the Glenn Highway. The planning team will work with DOT to encourage routing decisions that meet the land use objectives described else- where in this report. The team's two major objectives will be tl [ 1 i01IIl -- - - -- - -- --- - - - - - - ---~----~--··--~"·~-~--~---~---~,...~~--------~~~~-~~-~~~]0<~·-·~·e-•~----- to protect/enhance views as seen from the highway and to improve access to existing and planned land uses occuring within the subregion. These objectives may conflict with DOT's prime objective which is to get people through the area as quickly and safely as possible. Other transportation improvements that may be proposed as part of this planning process include short access roads for settlement, recreation and forestry in the following locations: north of Kings River, between Kings River and the Glenn Highway, into the Chickaloon Bench/Sawmill Creek area and north of the Glenn Highway in the vicinity of Muddy Greek. 4t~ - - '-~ - """" ~~~---------~~-~-·-·-~· -------~~·~~"""""-~"--~- <jL€NN Hl<jHWAY LAND OWNERSHIP EEEfl FEDERAL CJ STATE tzZJ STATE SELECTED !SB BOROUGH ( includes selected lands) f:.:•';,'§{:.J NATIVE (includes aelected lands) f.{<·»:o}i PRIVATE (other thon native 1 includes university lands) r::::3 PAST STATE AND BOROUGH LAND SALES t:::!:J Subdivision f:EJ Rernotes E:!iJ Ac;triculture ~ LEGISLATIVELY DESIGNATED AREA NOTE: This information has been c;teneralized to show ownership in blacks of 320 acres or c;treater. Hence, many isolated private lots are not shown, t.CJ. many lakts which oppear public are rinc;ted with private lota. SCALE 1:250,000 e JANUARY 1984 Chugoch State Park 4-\) ~--'""""'"""""-"""""~--~ .s::. t-2 .. 1~ - ,, (jl€NN Hl(jHWAY LANO OWNERSHIP fEEB FEDERAL c:::J STATE IZZJ STATE SELECTED L'-" '-SI BOROUGH ( includes selected lands) f~W{\1::1 NATIVE (includea ~tlected lands) E{{!! PRIVATE (ather thon native, includes university lands) r::::J PAST STATE AND BOROUGH LAND SALES E:!:J Subdivision E:EJ Remotes E:!iJ Agriculfure tc=:t! LEGISLATIVELY OESIGNATED AREA NOTE: This information hos been generolized 10 show ownership in blacks of 320 acres or great er. He nee, many isolated private lots are not shown, e.g. many lakes which appear public are ringed with private lots. SCALE 1:250,000 e JANUARY 1984 tl4 1 1 ... 1 1 1 1 -1 IQ) c: ·--1-J I.e 12 -le t::E 1 1 - """' ~ - - - ~ - - - - ~ ,,~ '-' '- _._ "'""" """' -- (jL€NN Hl(jHWAY LAND USE DESIGNATIONS Designations written in CAPITAL IETI'ERS are prinmy designations; tl:nse in low:!r case letters are secondary designations; areas slnon with stars ( *) will œ recœrœ:nded for legislative designation. K."T. llliT 1 -PAUD. la PUBLIC RFŒFATICN; Forestry lb RESE:RVED USE (Plant Materials Cen.) , PUBLIC REC.; Forestry, Minerals, Goal le REs::xJRŒ Mn'. -Values: Settleiœnt, Public Recreation ld SE'ITI.EMNr; Public Rec., Forestry le DESIGNATICN UOCERTAIN lf OOROOGH ù\ND BAN<-Values: Settlerœnt, Public Rec., Forestry lg PUUBLIC ~., BŒOUGH lAND BANK-Values: Settleiœnt, Public Rec., Forestry lh WA1ER RESOORŒS, WTIDLIFE HAB., Public Rec., Minerals, Coa1 li PRIVATE lANDS !Cr. llliT 2-PAlMER BAY FIATS 2a WIIDLIFE HABITAT; Public Recreation 2b PRIVA'Œ LANœ 2c WIL1JLIFE HABITAT, PUBLIC Rl~REATHN,; Gravel Extraction !Cr. llliT 3 -KNIK 3a PUBLIC REr::. , WILDLIFE H\BITAT; Forestry, Minerals *3b PUBLIC REC., WTI.DLIFE HABITAT; Water Resourœs 3c PUBLIC REr::., WILDLIFE HABITAT, WATER RES.; Forestry ICI'. œrr 4 -MATANJSCA RIVHt 4 FDRESIRY, PUBLIC REr:., WIIDLIFE HAB.; Settlenent, Rentte Cabins H:;I'. œrr s -'ICDCS RIVER Sa SETIIEMENT; Minerals, Forestry, Public Rec., Wildlife Hab Sb PUBLIC REC., WTIDLIFE HAB. ; Forestry, Goal, Minerals Sc SE'I'1l.El1ENT; Fores try, Public Rec. , Wildli fe Hab. fer. œrr 6 -"K:XR ~ *6 WIIDLIFE HABITAT, FORESIRY, mAL; Public Rec., Grazirg,_ Minerals fer. œrr 12 -A:lPilE ARF.AS 12 MUERAIS, WTIDLIFE HAB., PUBLIC REr:.; urazul!;~f, 4H~ 'ZJ ~ +11 ------~~--·-~·~-~------~·-~~~ ... ------=·---~""""·---"'=-~ ~-"""""lj>o'"""-"" ,.,,. _ ... =·~--. \- """"' - ' ,_ "- '- ..... '- ~ ~-?;!!}! ~ d! tr ;) Ir. \.1 Marie LakP -~~a,_gï.-:.sTusr; >0 itll""'" ''1"'' '\ S]!I~Yifl~ (jL€NN Hl(jHWAY q'"'' LAND USE DESIGNATIONS +s ~ignations wrltten in CAPITAL !ETIERS are primary designations; tlnse in lov;er case letters are secbndary designations; areas s~ with stars ( *) will 1:e proposed for legislative designation. ICI'. miT 4 -~ RIVER (I.CHm. &Imi SIIE) 4 FORES'IRY, PUBLIC REX::., WILDLIFE HAB.; Settlerœnt, Rennte Cahins ICI'. œrr s -:KI1rn RIVER 5d SE'I'IID1ENT; Forestry, Public Rec., Wildlife Habitat ICI'. œrr 6 -MXm IWŒ *6 WILDLIFE HAB., OOAL, FDRESIRY; Public Rec., Grazing, Minerals ICI'. œr:r 7 -ŒIC.XAilnl 7 SE'I'ILEMENT, PUBLIC REX;. , WILDLIFE AAB.; Forestry, Minerals lCI'. linT 8 -PŒIN'lt.'N 8a WTI..DLIFE HABITAT, PUBLIC REX::. , OOAL; Forestry, Minerals 8b PUBLIC REŒEATION, WiillLIFE H\BITAT 'fCI'. UNIT 9 -CIW.. œFHC 9a PUBLIC REX::. , FDRESIRY, WILDLIFE H\8,, OOAL; Rennte Cabins 9b PRIVA1E I..ANœ }Cf. linT 10 -MA'JMJSI:'A GUC1ER 1 ca PUBLIC REX::. , WIIDLiliE H\8. ; Settlerœnt, Fores try, Minerais lOb SE'I"11.EMNT; Public Rec., Forestry, Wildlife Habitat Hk WATER RESl.TRŒS; Widlife Habitat, Public Rec. lCI'. œrr 11 -cnmœr KIJNrAIN ua Mn1..1:!11Œr; Public Rec., Wildlife hab., Forestry, 011 & Gas llb PUBLIC REC., WIIDLIFE H\8,, MINERAIS; Settlerœnt, 011 & Gas, Forestry 'fCI'. mrr 12 -AIPJm ARFAS l ,.( ~<" .Q.è>\ .\')ns:: .:,r::;,·· ... c ... ,~,)~., ' " d "'-\ \--.;, ;i· ~{~ .' .. ( )(;,4,;,: ") o. lli ~ _,.,_....___ _ _..----.........:: .-,\ \ , T~ Àl --_-·-" -·,,,_- 12 ·-· ·--rum~, wiiDLiliE H\B,, PUBLIC REX::.; Grazir:g .. __ . Glacier rr"\"t~.-'' \ RJ2E ~~~~:+ G=:j~OU!!'L Rj·~~· 1 Scte'ltCR9VJ/v .· t 1\~j''1 J'""~ 1 .n Faf~ ill. t!OR .. ,,, 1'1\~J. ' ,:;--rE , , w .M_~ · .... , . . , ~ \ ,, ..-~ Tl.f'<.T"'OAT T,~-_A~ -=d 1 .ft W~ZI'I:-f. :.r-. ~~1( ,~ •' 116 ----------------------------------------------------------------------,~. I. MANAGEMENT INTENT AND GUIDEINES BY MANAGEMENT UNIT MANAGEMENT l -PALMER/SUTTON/BUTrE MANAGEMENT INTENT This unit includes the primarily private, road-accessible land in the vicinity of Palmer, Butte and Sutton. The limited amount of public land in this management unit should be used to meet the land needs of these communities and be consistent with land use plans they may develop. At this time these needs are primarily for community open space, woodlots and community recreation. In the future these lands may be needed for schools or ether public facilities. Disposai for private use is a low priority due to the present abundance of private lands available in the area. Disposais are not prohibited however, if local plans propose such a use. There are nine subunits in this management unit: the Kepler~Bradley Lakes Area (la), the Agricultural Experimental Station/Plant Materials Center (lb), the two isolated sections of state land north of Palmer (le & ld), the parce! of state land south of the Butte near the Knik River (le), the approximately dozen parcels of borough land either adjacent to or east of the Matanuska River (lf), the land surrounding Wolverine Lake (lg), the Matanuska river above the limit of tidal influence (lh), and the remainder of the management unit (li). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. Subunit la is presently designated for the Kepler-Bradley State Park. Most land within subunit lb is currently used by the state as the Plant Haterials Center and will be designated to allow this use to continue. Other state and borough land in this subunit should be used for public recreation and open space until such ti.me as local land use plans suggest otherwise. Land in subunit le is state owned and has potential for settlement. It will be classified resource management and retained in public ownership in at !east the near term and managed consistent with local land use plans. This site may be of value as potential trading stock with the borough or other groups. This subunit (ld) will be offered for sale either as a high density sub- division with road access or as 4G-acre alliquot parts. The sale should be designed to be consistent with guidelines affecting trails, retention of open space, and other settlement guidelines. (Status plats must be checked to be sure this area is actually available.) Subunit le is state and borough owned and is presently used for a variety of public uses including persona! use timber harvest and hiking and skiing (the area contains a number of trails). Additionally the portion of this unit in state ownership is leased for a race track. Borough land in this subunit will be designated borough land bank; state land will be retained and managed consistent with the wishes of local land use plans. 4-l9 -- ~ ii!lllii - llllloiiJi - - - - o..li - - - ..t:. ~ r [ [ r [ LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON GLENN. HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UN/T__l _-_PA_LME_R _____ _ r MG MT. ANALYSIS UNIT/ LAND UNIT OWNERSHIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY SECONDARY USE($) USE(S) MINERALS PROHIBITED SURFACE MGMI OF MGMT OF USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERALS la part of 415 State Public Recreation Forestry Remote Cabins Closed Not available for Kepler-Bradley (personal use) 1 1 Land Disposals coal leasing or Gravel prospecting Extraction lb 441, 450 State/ Reserved Use Forestry Remote Cabins Open Available for Plant Haterials Borough (plant mat. ctr.) (personal use) Land Disposal leasing Center Public Recreation Minerals (rest of subunit) Co al 1 le 414 State Tl8N, RIE Section 7 Resource Management 1 1 Values: Settlement, Public Recreation 1 Remote Cabins Open Not available for Land Disposals coal leasing or prospecting ld 1 section State? Settlement Public .Recreation Remote Cabins Closed prior to Not available for Tl9N, R2E in 418 Forestry sale coal leasing or Section 36 prospecting le 434 State/ ?? ?? Remote Cabins Open Available for Tl7N, R2E Borough leasing Race Track? lf 423, 424 Borough Borough Land Bank -----Open Available for Borough lands 425, 428 Values: Settlement, Public leasing east of Mata-429, 430 Recreation, Forestry nuska River 426 (personal use) ,. lg ' 420 State/ Public Recreation/Borough Land Bank Remote Cabins Open Available for Wolverine Lake Borough/ Values: Settlement, Public Recrea-leasing Priva te tion, Forestry (personal use) ··-------1 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allmved if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE "' DESIGNA Tl ONS, PROPOSED REL/NQU/SHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES t 1 1 1 1 1 ..r::.. 9.1 , LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON. GLENN HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UN/T_ l -PALMER (cont 'd) MG MT. LAND-USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS ANALYS/5 PROHIBITEO UNIT/ UNIT LAND SURFACE OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMT. OF MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE($) USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERALS lh 410, 416 State Water Resources Public Recreation Remote Cabins Open Available for Matanuska part of 427 Wildlife Habitat Minerals Land Disposais leasing River Co al - •· li 407, 408, Priva te/ Rest of 409, 415, Native/ ------------------------------ Hgt. Unit 417, 329 Borough part of 418 , . ·• - 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 1 f [ 1 t 1. 1 ( 1 1 1. 1 1 LEGISLATIVE ~ DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES ------ 1 b.. ...... .... '- """"' - .... ·--------~"""[!,$1W.!'-'''''''''''''''"'''"""""""""""~-----·-~=---· ~-~~ Subunit lf inclUrles a scattered set of approximately a dozen small, borough-owned parcels, most with settlement and public recreation potential. These parcels should be evaluated individually to determine if their best long-term use is retention for community recreation, persona! use firewood harvests, community open space, etc. While long-term retention is not generally in keeping with the borough's statutory mandate for management of borough lands, there is sufficiently little publicly owned land in this area that the borough should commit to retention on at least severa! of these parcels. (A preliminary review of these parcels with the borough resulted in the following suggested policy: analysis unit (A.U.) 424 -retain (used by Morgan Horse Assn., A.U. 423-retain (area is to steep for sales), A.U. 425 & 428 -retain (located along Matanuska River), A.U. 429 -not borough land- conveyed to Eklutna?) and A.U. 430 (retain?) Subunit lg contains a mixture of private, state, and borough land surrounding Wolverine Lake and adjacent to the Matanuska Rivero A road leads into the north side of the lake from Palmer. This area is the location of a number of cabins, primarily occupied on a seasonal/recreational basis. The land still in public ownership around the lake should be retained in public ownership and used for public recreaion. The outlet of the lake in particular, as well as land along Lower Wolverine Creek, is popular with local fishermen (trout fishing) and should be protected. The remainder of the public land in the subunit, most of which is borough owned, will be designated land bank. This area has sorne potential for cultivation (hay) and it is recommended that where this use is possible land be used for small agricultural parcels. (Much of thP, land in the area has already been sold for this purpose.) Land within the subunit without agricultural capability should be retained and managed as public open space. Subunit lh is comprised of the Matanuska River bed above the limit of tidal influence. This area, which is state owned due to its navigability, will be managed to protect its values for recreation, grave! extraction and habitat. Grave! extraction within this subunit will be managed to minimize impacts on waterfowl and moose habitat. Subunit li is largely in private ownership. Any public land that does exist within this subunit should be managed consistent with the wishes of local governments. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page numbers where they can be found. All of the guidelines potent~ally could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation Forestry *Stream Corridor Management *Trail Management Water Quality '1~;1.. *Settlement Subsurface Transportation *Lakeshore Management Wetlands Management Resource Management *Access Management guidelines that apply to just this management unit are presented below, by subunit. SUBUNIT lg (WOLVERINE LAKE) Ac cess Possible future land sales in this area should protect the public's opportunity to use the existing system of local trails including a publicly owned buffer of at least 100-200 feet along the bluff above the Matanuska River. SUBUNIT lh (MATANUSKA RIVER) Gravel Extraction Guidelines controlling gravel extraction in this sensitive àrea should be prepared in consultation with the Department of Fish and Game and DOT/PF. ~,.ô - - - - lilt>l. - ~ ~ - - - - - - - """' ·- """ ,., """"' "- MANAGEMENT UNIT 2 -PALM.ER HAY .FLATS MANAGEMENT INTENT This unit includes the tidal flats at the far eastern end of Knik Arm and the north and lower segments of Knik and Matanuska Rivers. The area will be managed to preserve or enhance waterfowl and other types of fish and wildlife habitat and to protect and allow use of fish and game populations within its boundaries. The majority of this unit is within the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge established by the legislature. Uses allowed within the game refuge are only those which are compatible with the objectives of fish and wildlife populations. The management unit has three subunits: the existing Game Refuge (2a), private land north of the refuge (2b), and the lower Knik and Matanuska rivers including the area at the mouth of the Knik/MatanusKa rivers (2c). See the maps at the heginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge (Subunit la) is managed by DNR. For the most accurate definition of permitted uses in this area see the original enabling legislation (Alaska Statues, Title 16.20.032). The land within subunit 2b is largely wetland and serves similar biological/game habitat functions as land within the game refuge. This area should be managed under the borough's zoning powers and the coastal zone/wetlands 404 processes to insure these habitat functions are protected. Suhunit 2c is made up of the beds of Matanuska and Knik Rivers below the upriver limit of tidal influence. These areas are state owned due to their navigability. Also included is a large piece of borough land at the confluence. This latter area, While not located in the heds of the rivers, is essentially a large grave! bar. The subunit will be managed to protect habitat values in the river bed and downstream in the hay flats while simultaneously permitting recreation use and grave! extraction. Another important objective is protection of the visual quality of this area within the area visible from the train and highway crossings. Sorne guidance in the methods to achieve these objectives is presented in the North Anchorage Land Agreement. The area located at the western edge of this subunit, between the boundary of the Palmer Hay Flats refuge and the Alaska Railroad, shall be managed the same as land within the refuge and may he eventually proposed to be added to the refuge. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page numbers where they can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. ~d..Y ~ 'P C}\ r LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION GLENN HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UNir 2-PALMER HAY FLATs MG MT. ANALY515 UNIT/ LAND UNIT OWNERSHIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS PROH/8/TED ~URFA CE MGMt OF MGMT OF PRIMARY SECONDARY USE(S) USE(S) USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERALS 2a 439, 437 State Wildlife Habitat Public Recreation Remote Cabins Closed Not available for Existing Refuge ' 1 _1 Trapper Cabins coal leasing or Land Disposals prospecting 2b southern Priva te/ 1 1 ------------------------ ------ Private ümd portion of Borough North of Refuge 415, 440 2c 430, 436 State Wildlife Habitat Gravel Extraction Remote Cabins Open Available for Knik/Matanuska 438, lower Public Recreation Land Disposals leasing Ri vers half or 427, part of 442 within river ------------------------··--------~------~ - 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 1 1 1 1 1 l 1. 1 1 1 1 l LEGISLATIVE "' DESIGNA TI ONS, PROPOSED REL/NQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES • ------ A portion of this subunit is pro- posed for legis- lativ~ designation as an addition to the Palmer Hay Flats Refuge '-' - - ' Agriculture Recreation Forestry Settlement Subsurface Transportation *Access Lakeshore Hanagement -------·-~ ----~-~~~~-~~~~"'~~-"'"""""~~ *Stream Corridor Managèment Trail Management Water Quality *Wetlands Management Resource Management Management guidelines that apply to just this management unit are presented below, by subunit. SURUNIT 2C (LOWER KNIK & MATANUSKA RIVERS) Habitat Protection/Grave! Extraction Detailed guidelines for gravel extraction in this area should be prepared in consultation with the Department of Fish and Game and DOT/PF. Protection of Visual Quality This area provides attractive views to motorists and is an important visual buffer between more developed areas to the north and south. Any developments proposed for this area, such as electrical transmission lines, transportation corridors, pipelines or related supporting developments, shall be designed to minimize adverse visual impacts. "'~C... MANAGEMENT UNIT 3 -KNIK RIVER MANAGEMENT INTENT This unit includes the broad channel of the Knik River up to the boundary of the study area (the mouth of Knik Glacier) and adjacent uplands. It is a sur- prisingly wild area given its location relative to Palmer/Anchorage and offers excellent climbing and hiking, hunting and fishing, and remarkable views of the massive Knik Glacier and adjacent peaks of the Chugach Range. The unit, much of which is not in public ownership, will be managed to provide public recreation opportunities and to protect quality of habitat for fish, waterfowl and wildlife. State owned land within the management unit includes three popular existing recreation features--Pioneer Peak, the Jim/Swan Lakes area, and the bed of the Knik River (state owned due to navigability). This management unit provides the overland and water routes to the upper Knik River and Knik Glacier/Lake George scenic and hunting area. Public ownership of the overland route may be in question due to native land selections~ 1be general objective for public land in the area shall be to protect or improve existing and potential recreational opportunities including fishing, hunting (primarily for moose and waterfowl), hiking, and boating. The management unit has three subunits: the Pioneer Peak area (3a), the Jim/Swan Lake area (3b) and the Knik River/Friday Creek area (3c). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. The majority of the land in subunit 3a is within the boundaries of Chugach State Park. All public land in the subunit will be retained and managed to provide opportunities for hiking, climbing and other types of public recrea- tian. (See Alaska Statues Title for details of intended uses within the park.) In arder to simplify management of state land in this subunit the possibility of adding all this land to the state park should be investigated. Subunit 3b, the Jim-Swan lakes area, shall be managed to provide a variety of recreation opportunities including hunting and fishing. Because of its high value for these uses, its proximity to large population centers and its vulnerability to overuse and environmental degradation, the area should be designated by the legislature for either a state recreation area or a game refuge. Given the area's fish and wildlife recreation base, designation as a multiple use game refuge appears to be the preferable option. (Note: The portion of this subunit within Tl6N, R3E is native owned land managed by the state under provisions of the North Anchorage Land Agreement). Under no conditions will land sales be allowed in this subunit. The land in subunit 3c is mostly in private ownership (mostly native). The one possible exception is Knik River itself, which if navigable, belongs to the state. The state, in its management of the Knik River and dealings with 'i~"f' """' - - - - - - -- - ... - - - - - - .J; 9.J ~ r [ r r l 1 ( LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION . @LENN HIGHWAY MANAGEMEN r uN 1 r_3 _-_KN_rK_~;__'"..:..;;f:.f(. ____ _ MGMT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS ANALYSIS UNIT/ LAND UNIT OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) MINERALS PROHIBITED ~URFA CE MGMr OF MGMT. OF USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS 3a 442 (south State/ Public Recreation Forestry Remote Cabins Open Available for Pioneer Peak of Knik R.) Priva te Wildlife Habitat (personal use) Land Disposals leasing 443, 444 Minerals 445, 447 446 (south of Knik R.) 350, 349 347 (south of Knik R.) ' 3b 432, 348 State Public Recreation Water Resources Remote Cabins Closed Not available for Jim/Swan part of 347 Wildlife Habitat Land Disposals coal leasing or prospecting 3c 449, 446 State/Native Public Recreation Forestry Remote Cabins Open Available for Knik River (north of Selected Wildlife Habitat (personal use) Land Disposals leasing south bank Water Resources of Knik R.) 347 (also north of south bank of Knik R.) 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE ~ DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NQU/SHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES Proposed for le);" islative designa- tian as a state park/wildl. mgt. a rea the Native and other private land holders, will attempt to maximize opportunities for public recreational use of this area. A particular objective should be keeping the Knik River Road open to public use for access into the Upper Knik and Hunter Creek areas for hiking, hunting and climbing. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page numbers where they can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation *Forestry Settlement Subsurface Transportation *Access Lakeshore Management *Stream Corridor Management *Trail Management *Water Ouality *Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: a. Resource Management Management guidelines that apply to just this management unit are presented below, by subunit. SUBUNIT 3a (PIONEER PEAK) Forestry Persona! use timber permits may be issued in limited quantities in this, area. Permits for firewood and Christmas trees or other timber uses shall be lirnited to an amount and location that does not significantly reduce recreational or visual quality. Access Land in this subunit will be managed to protect and if possible improve public access from the Old Glenn Highway and Knik River Roads to the Twin Peaks/Pioneer Peaks area and to the Knik River. The small piece of land in Tl6N, R2E, Sections 7 and 8 in particular should be used as a public boat launch/parking area. SUBUNIT 3b (JIM/SWAN LAKES) Access State, borough, and native land owners should develop a cooperative access plan for this area. Access is presently difficult for at least severa! months of the year due to the only public roads into the lakes traveling through wet ground. Legislation setting this area aside as a park or refuge should include funding to irnprove the existing roads if this objective in compatible with the area's fish and wildlife management objectives. "1 01'1 ~ - -- - - - - - - ..... - - - - IOillili - .... '-' -------·---··------·-----~---m• ·-~··-·~~·-~-~--~~"""""=""'"'""""·"""'='-"''"'""""""-"""'~--="'=""""'--~-=-----~~ MANAGEMENT UNIT 4 -MAT RIVER LOWER SOUTH SIDE MANAGEMENT INTENT This management unit is located on the south side of the Matanuska River on the northern edge of the Chugach range. The area ranges from gently to steeply sloping forested hills and river terraces. The area is largely in native ownership. Where public land exists in this unit it should be retained and managed to provide opportunities for persona! use forestry and recreation. The state should work with the native corporations to allow public access through this area for recreation and resource development purposes. See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of this area and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page numbers where they can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation *Forestry Settlement Suhsurface Transportation *Access Lakeshore Management 430 Stream Corridor Management *Trail Management Water Ouality Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: a. Resource Management ..c ~ ·- , LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION GLENN HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 4-MATANUSKA RIVER-LOWE.I{SO.S\DE -- --- MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS ANALYSIS PROHIBITED UNIT/ UNIT LAND !SURFACE OWNERSHIP PR/MARY SECONDARY MGMT. OF MGMT OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERAL$ 4 411, 421 Native/State Forestry Settlement ------' Open Available for Matanuska 344, 345 Public Recreation Remote Cabins leasing River Lower 346 Wildlife Habitat South Side -~-- l Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 f 1 1 1 1 1 1 ( l 1 LEG/SLATfVE "" DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQUJSHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES ( - ""'"" - """"' - - -- ------------------·----------------------------------------------------·~------------------=----------------·~ MANAGEMENT UNIT 5 -KINGS RIVER MANAGEMENT INTENT This .unit is located on the north side of Matanuska River in the vicinity of Kings River. It contains relatively accessible, attractive forested land with gentle to steep slopes. The unit will be managed to support a mixture of settlement and protection/enhancement of forestry, public recreation, and habitat values. Another objective is to minimize costs to coal operaters of coal development that could result from state land sales in areas with coal potential. There is currently disagreement on the exact amount and location of land sales within this unit. Details of public land management and settlement site design will be worked out after the agency review draft is complete. At this time management objectives will be presented along with preliminary proposais on the methods for achieving these objectives. This unit is divided into four subunits: the Kings River corridor(Sb), the two settlement areas located on either side of the corridor(Sa & Sc), and the area generally east of Thirty-mile Lake that is mostly privately owned(Sd). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. Sales in subunit Sa will be located to produce minimum impacts on coal, visual and forestry/habitat values. The planning team was able to reach a consensus that settlement should be limited to areas on the bluff above the Matanuska and Kings Rivers but did not agree on the exact amount or location. The issue is how far west and east settlement should be allowed from the point due north of the confluence of the King and Matanuska Rivers. Two options are presented below: a. keep settlement out of the Little Granite Lake drainage and extend sales north and east (favored by DMEM due to concerns with impacts on coal). b. limit sales to the portions of section 8, 9, and 10 (19N, R4E) above the bluff. (This lirnits impacts on fish/wildlife and forestry resources). More data is needed on settlement capability, the habitat and forestry values in the area and access prior to making a final decision. The Kings River corridors subunit Sb, will be retained in public ownership and rnanaged to provide opportunities for hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, and other types of recreation. The Chickaloon Trail runs through this corridor. The retained area shall include the relatively flat land on either side of the river plus the bluffs that forrn the river valley. Timber harvesting should be allowed in this area if it can occur without significantly reducing recreation values. 1fb2 . ..c:, 01 OJ r LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION GLENN HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 5 -KINGS RIVER MGMT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS ANALYSIS PROH/8/TED UNIT/ UNIT LAND ~URFA CE OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMT. OF MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) USE(SJ 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS Sa part of 330, State/ Settlement Minerals Remote Cabins Closed prior to Not available for North Settle-328 Priva te Forestry sale coal leasing or ment Area Public Recreation prospecting Wildlife Habitat Sb part of 330, State Public Recreation Forestry Remote Cabins Open under Available for Kings River 328, 333 Wildlife Habitat Co al Land Disposals leasehold 1 leasing Corridor Minerals location Sc part of 333, State/ Settlement Forestry Remote Cabins Closed Not available for South Settle-all of 332 Borough Public Recreation coal leasing or ment Area Wildlife Habitat prospecting Sd 334, 33S Mixed Settlement Forestry Remote Cabins Settlement areas Available for Drill Lake 336, 337 ''Bu1H:tc/ Public Recreation closed prior to leasing 321, 322 Priva te Wildlife Habitat sale; other areas remain open 1 Other uses such as material sales, lan<rieases,-remote ~~bin leases;··etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidel ines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE ~ DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NQUISHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES 1 Unresolved issues··~ remain-designa- tions uncertain (see mgt. intent for further ~nfo) - 1 1. 1 1 ( 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 l 1. ' ------------~~---~~··~---~ -------·-· -"""""'--~""""-~-~--.--~"">l!..'"""-="""""'--'"''"'''"'""''"~#lN"''"'''-'"~"""~~~ - - .... State land in Subunit Sc will be offered for sale either as large parcels without road access or as a small parcel subdivision with road acess built by the state. Borough lands in the unit are also proposed for sale in the near term. One last subunit (Sd) is largely in private ownership. Where public lands exists within the subunit they should be used for settlement purposes, consistent with guidelines for visual quality protection, maintenance of public access and other settlement-related guidelines. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page numbers where they can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation *Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Access Lakeshore Management *Stream Corridor Management Trail Management Water Quality Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: a. Resource Management Management guidelines that apply to just this management unit are presented below, by subunit. SUBUNIT Sa (SETTLEMENT AREA NORTH OF KINGS RIVER) Visual Impact Land sales should have minimal impact on views from the Glenn Highway. This can be achieved by not selling land on either side of the highway between the Matanuska River and the bluff. If an access road is built leading from the highway up to the settlement area it should be located to minimize its visibility from the Kings River corridor and the Glenn Highway. Sales should be set back from the edge of the bluff so they are not visible from the highway. Access Improvements The area above the bluff offers good potential for settlement, forestry, hunting, and habitat enhancement. At present the area is not accessible to the public by road because private ownership blacks the two existing routes. The uses proposed here require the various state land management agencies that would benefit by improved access to band together and seek funding to either 'fot.f buy out a R.O.W. along one of the existing routes or for construction at a short road up on to the bluff. There is presently a crude road network on top of the bluff constructed during a fire in the Youngs Creek drainage. A public road could link into this system and open the area to timber harvests/habitat enhancement, recreation uses, hunting and, in the southern portion of the area, to settlement. SUBUNIT Sb (KINGS RIVER CORRIDOR) Forestry Timber harvesting will be allowed in this unit but harvests must be designed to avoid significantly readucing public recreation values. Use of Leasehold Location The land within this subunit will be only open to mineral development under a lease. This requirement is based on the fact that the area has sorne mineral potential and, more importantly, that the area t s high value for recreation and fish and wildlife could result in significant conflicts between recreationists and miners and significant environmental impacts. In addition to the standard requirements associated with a mining lease, the following stipulations should be added: a. Mining operations will be located so as to not obstruct access through the corridor, particulary along the route of the Chickaloon Trail. b. Miners will be required to rehabilitate the landscape once mining is complete and to limit the adverse effect of mining on recreation and visual quality doing the course of mining activities. These objectives will be achieved by methods including recontouring tailing piles to a natural state and revegetation of disturbed ground. SUBUNIT Sc (SETTLEMENT AREA SOUTH OF KINGS RIVER) Visual Impacts Land should not be sold in this unit where it would be directly visible from the Glenn Highway. Generally this will mean selling land back up on the flater portions of the ridge above the bluff. Access Improvements A legal and feasible road system through this subunit should be designed prior to any'land sales. Preferably this road should be built before sales occur and the costs passed on to people buying the land. Preliminary analysis suggests the road should come dawn the ridge from the east, leaving the Glenn Highway either directly at Thirty Mile Lake or branching off from the Fish Lake Road. '-{35 - - .... - - """' - - - - - - - - .... --------------------------------------------~~--=--=·~---~-~-------------------------· ,_ - .,_ '- ..... - MANAGEMENT UNIT 6 -MOOSE CREEK MOOSE RESERVE MANAGEMENT INTENT This area is located along the southern edge of the Talkeetna Mountains north of Palmer and Sutton. The area is publicly owned and is mostly covered by fairly dense stands of spruce and birch. The management intent for this area is generally expressed in the Mat-Su Borough's existing Moose Creek Moose Reserve Ordinance. Under this ordinance, the area will be intensively managed for production of moose, principally through controlled timber harvests. The other major management objectives for this area are to encourage development of its coal resources, to provide opportunities for recreation including hunting, skiing, snowmobiling and hiking and to improve road and trail access into the area. The area also will be open to grazing. Only a portion of this area is included within the boundaries defined by the borough's existing ordinance. It is recommended that the ordinace be amended to include the new boundaries as revised by the area plan and ta specifically state that coal mining is an appropriate use within the unit. A bill proposing that this general area be designated by the state legislature as the ~foose Creek Moose Reserve will be introduced in the '84 legislative session by Jay Kerttula. This bill should be modified to conform ta the boundaries proposed by the area plan and should state the intended uses of the area in a manner consistent with the management intent/guidelines statements of this plan. See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of this unit and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses •. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page numbers where they can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation *Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Access Lakeshore Management Lakeshore Management *Stream Corridor Management Trail Management \j 3b Water Ouality Wetlands Management Resource Management .c. w 4-> / LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON GLENN HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 6 -MOOSE C..rtE.E K. ~'<'iOOSê-r'-E.<::>t=r<.vt: MG MT. ANALYSIS UNIT/ LAND UNIT SUBUNIT NUMBERS OWNERSHIP 6 323, 324 State 1 Hoose Range 325, 326 327, 406 412' 413 . LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY USE(S) Wildlife Habitat Co al Forestry SECONDARY USE(S) Public Recreation Grazing Minerals PROH/8/TED ~URFA CE USE(S} 1 Remote Cabins Land Disposais MINERALS MGMT. OF MGMT. OF LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERALS Open Available for leasing 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowcd if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 1 ( 1 1. 1 1 1 1 1 r 1 1. 1 [ 1 LEGISLATIVE " DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NQU/SHMENT$ a UNRESOLVED ISSUES Proposed for legislative designation ~-- ------------_,_, __ """-·----~=~~=---~---~~'""--- -- .... """" '-" Management guidelines that apply to just this management unit are presented below, by subunit. Habitat Enhancement Enhancement of habitat will occur through a combination of commercial and individual timber harvests and direct vegetation manipulation through chaining or fire. Limits on available funding will likely result in emphasis on the former method. Plans for timber harvests and other habitat enhancement activities, road building and provision of recreational opportunities should be worked out in a management plan for this area prepared by the Mat-Su Borough, DNR and ADF&G. The Division of Land and Water Management of the Division of Forestry should remain the management authority in the area. Coal Leasing/Development a. Environmental Protection This section will be prepared by the Division of Mining prior to the public review draft. The section should reference the regulatory process, explain requirements for public/agency involvement prior to mining, and state any specifie major environmental issues, e.g., visual impacts.) b. Terms of Lease Access Terms of coal leases/ diligence requirements will be written to pro- vide significant financial incentives to lessee to reduce acreage under lease or, if production appears unlikely, to get off lease entirely. Habitat enhancement methods, especially those based on issuance of harvest permits to individuals will require construction of access roads. These roads shall be laid out consistent with a management plan for the area by DLWM, ADF&G and Division of Forestry with consultation of Mat-Su Borough and Division of Parks. ~3%' MANAGEMENT UNIT 7 -CHICKALOON · MANAGEMENT INTENT The Chickaloon Management unit is located just north of the Matanuska River on the southern flanks of the Talkeetna Mountains. This unit will be rnanaged to provide a mixture of settlement and public land for recreation, habitat protection, persona! use timber harvest and to reduce costs to coal operators for developing coal. The unit contains a scenic, complex mixture of rugged and rolling country including severa! rock IOOiÎ escarpments, steep river drainages and a number of lakes. The area contains a ~ mixture of public and priva te land. Part of the area is accessible by road. With good site design this area should be able to provide a substantial amount of land for private settlement while simultaneously maintaining and even improving opportunities for public use including hunting, fishing, hiking and skiing. The planning team agreed on these general goals but did not resolve the details of their implementation. In addition to the Chickaloon Flats Subdivision already approved and surveyed, general agreement was reached that land between Sawmill and Boulder Creeks should be retained in public ownership west of Bonnie Lake and that settlement should be considered in the vicinity of Ravine Lake, Bonnie Lake and between Sawmill Creek and the Glenn Highway. Final decisions on the appropriate location and amount of settlement will be made after the agency review draft is complete and may require completion of a more detailed management plan. See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of this management unit and the accompanying chart for a surnrnary of land uses. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page numbers where they can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation *Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Ac cess Lakeshore Management *Stream Corridor Management Trail Management Water Quality Wetlands Management Resource Management Management guidelines that apply to just this management unit are presented below, by subunit. tJ 5'1 - - ..... ....! ~ ..: lM - lo!ilii - ......! - -c. .c. 0 [ r r [ ( LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION GLENN HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 7 -CHICKALOON r MG MT. ANALYS/5 LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS 7 312, 317 State/ (subunits 318, 319 Borough/ not yet 320, 353 Native/ defined) 355 Priva te LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIM ARY SECONDARY USE(S) USE(S) Settlement Forestry Public Recreation Minerals Wildlife Habitat Co al PROHIBI TED URFAC~ USE(SJ j Remote Cab ins MINERALS MGMI OF LOCATABLE MINERAL$ MGMT. OF LEASEABLE MINERALS Lands Retained in Public Ownership: Open Available for leasing Lands to be offered for Settlement: Closed prior to sale Not available for coal leasing or prospecting ...___. --------·--- 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE " DESIGNA Tl ONS, PROPOSED REL/NQU/SHMENT$ a UNRESOLVED ISSUE$ Unresolved issues remain, designa- tions uncertain (see management intent section for further informa~ tion) Visual Quàlity Land sales and any new raad construction shall be designed and sited ta minimize their visibility from the Glenn Highway and to minimize adverse impacts on any particularly attractive views visible from within the remainder of the subunit. Public Access/Recreation Sales and accompanying transportation improvements should be designed to improve public access into and through the area. Part of the settlement site design should be a system of roads and trails to serve public recreation needs. The Chickaloon Trail specifically should be protected through retention of land at least 300 feet on each side of the trail. Coal Development This management unit is underlain by coal rated as having moderate potential for development. On either side of the unit are areas rated as high value for coal. One of the important criteria in designirtg land sales in this area should be attempt ta minimize the area that would be closed to coal development due to sales of the surface estate. l/ tf1 - - - - iiO&ii !.olli """' - - -- - - - - - .... """"' '-" - _.. -"' ·~-------·~---~"""""·"""""--~~-~·e~-=-"""'""~'~~----~=L~~~~'-------- MANAGEMENT UNIT 8 -PURINTON MANAGEMENT INTENT This management unit is located north of the Matanuska River on the southern edge of the Talkeetna Mountains. Public lands in this area will be retained in public ownership and managed to provide public recreation opportunities and personal use timber products and to reduce the costs to coal operaters of possible coal development. Most of the management unit is underlain by land rated high or moderate for coal development. The area, due toits elevation (approx 2500'), and inland location is particularily suited for winter recreation including snowmobiling and cross country skiing. This area often has decent snow when areas closer to Palmer and Anchorage do not. A branch of the Chickaloon Trail runs through this area, leaving the Glenn Highway at Purinton Creek. The area is divided into two subunits: the large area north and south of the Glenn Highway (8a) and the Long lake recreation area and adjacent land (8b). The Long Lake recreation area will be expanded to include land to the south and east as shawn in the Division of Parks' Southcentral Recreation Plan. See the map at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these subunits and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page numbers where they can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks • Agriculture Recreation *Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Ac cess Lakeshore Management ... *Stream Corridor Management Trail Management Water Quality Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: Resource Management Management guidelines that apply to just this management unit are presented below, by subunit. 1./42.. ;.t::. ..c. VI ,, LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION GLENN HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UN /T__s_-_P_uR_rN_To_N ____ _ MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS ANALYSIS PROHIBITED UNIT/ UNIT LAND !SURFACE OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY MGMT. OF MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) USE(S) 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS Sa 313, 314 State/ Wildlife Habitat Forestry (personal Remote Cabins Open Available for Purin ton 315, 354 Borough Public Recreation use) Land Disposals leasing Creek east half Co al Minerals of 316, 216 west half of 215, west third of 211 Sb west half State Public Recreation Remote Cabins Closed Not avail:able Long Lake of 316 Wildlife Habitat Land Disposals for coal leasing Recreation Gravel Extrac-or prospecting Area tion ' -~---~~--~ 1 Other uses such as material sales, iandleases,--remote cabin leases:~-etc~, that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 1 ( L 1 t 1 l L 1 1 1 [ l LEGISLATIVE ""'1 DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES --·------~·----------·------· ~ 1 ------------------------------·-----~-----·--· ·····-- MANAGEMENT UNIT 9 -COAL CREEK MANAGEMENT INTENT This management unit is located on the south side of the Matanuska River across from the Chikaloon/Kings River areas. The area has potential for settlement and coal development as well as recreation and persona! use forestry. Only the western portion of this unit is publicly owned; the remainder is in native ownership. The publicly owned portion of this unit will be retained in public ownership, but will be opened to the remote cabin permit program. This type of settlement use will protect habitat and keep the majority of the area open for public use for recreation, will reduce conflicts between settlement and potential coal development and will simultaneously meet sorne of the large demand for private recreation. This area is divided into two subunits: the public land in the western portion of the management unit (9a) and the native land in the eastern portion (9b). See the map at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these subunits and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page numbers where they can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation *Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Access Lakesbore Management *Stream Corridor Management Trail Management Water Quality Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: Resource Management Management guidelines that apply to just this management unit are presented below, by subunit. Timber Harvests Timber harvest for persona! use (especially for houselogs used to build permits cabins) shall be limited to a quantity that does not significantly reduce the quality of views seen from the Glenn Highway or recreation quality within the unit. 1.{4'/ -t: ..c: Cl\ r LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON. GLENN HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UNIT.. 9 -GOAL GREEK -- MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS ANALYSIS PROHIBITED UNIT/ UNIT LAND !SURFACE OWNERSHIP PRIMARY $ECONDARY MGMr OF MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE($) USE(S) USE(SJ 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERAL$ MINERALS 9a 338, 341 State Public Recreation Remote Gabins Land Disposals Open Available for Goal Greek 339 Forestry Minerals leasing ' Wildlife Habitat Goal 9b 218 Native ------------------------------ Riley Greek ' ~~---.. --~-- 1 Other uses such as mate rial sales, lan~:C ieases~-remo te -~~bin leases ;---etc~, that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 1 1 t 1 1 [ L 1 ~ 1 1 1 1 1 l 1 1 ( LEGISLATIVE "" DESIGNA Tl ONS, PROPOSED REL/NQU/SHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES ------ 1 - "'""' "- - '- "'- .... - ,_, ~-= "' """"""""s """""''" ~~-~~----, Remote Cabins Ali state-owned land within this management unit is open to remote cabin permits, subject to the restrictions specified below. The maximum number of permits and the exact areas restricted from cabin permits will be worked out by the Division of Land and Water Management after a more detailed evaluation of area and prior to announcing the opening to the public. 0 0 Protection of Visual Ouality The areas opened to remote cabin staking will exclude land within easy view of the river and the Glenn Highway. If following such a policy eliminates much o the better ground suitable for construction then at least sorne cabin permits will be issued in these areas, however terms of the permits will require cabins to be built of materials that blend into landscape. Protection of access along water bodies No cabin permits will be granted within 200 feet of Coal Creek or Carbon Creek. 1./'il,o KANAGEMEI!IT UNIT 10 -HATANUSKA GLACIER MANAGEMENT INTENT This unit is located on either side of the Glenn Highway in the area of the Matanuska Glacier. The unit contains a mixture of public and private land, much of which is potentially suitable for settlement, as well as the mouth of the Matanuska Glacier, a popular tourist destination. The area currently supports mode rate numbers of existing cabins, most of which are occupied or weekends or seasonally for recreational purposes. The management intent for public land in this unit is to support a mixture of public and private uses. Severa! areas are proposed to be offered for dis- posa! on either side of the river. Much of the unit, mostly in the steeper, less accessible areas, will be retained in public ownership. The intent is that this management unit, which already has a school, severa! lodges, etc. be one of severa! locations along the highway that serves as a focus for seasonal, and to a lesser extent, year-round settlement. The area is divided into three subunits: the area south of the Matanuska River (lOa), the area north of the river which includes the Glenn Highway (lOb) and the Matanuska River itself (lOc). See the map at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these subunits and the accompanying chart for a summary of lands uses. Land in subunit lOa is presently lightly used for hunting and other types of recreation. Severa! trails lead through this area into sheep and goat hunting areas located up drainages of the adjacent Chugach Range. Bench Lake subdivision, a previous state land offering, is located in this subunit. Public response to this offering has been typical of response to most state lake front sales: all the parcels located on the lake are sold and all the parcels (approx. 20) away from the lake are still in public ownership. Land in this subdivision should remain available over-the-counter. Most of this area will be retained in public ownership to provide for existing and future public recreation uses. As more land is sold and developed along the highway, recreation activities in this subunit, particularly winter recreation, are likely to grow. Sorne settlement will be allowed in this subunit in the vicinity of Lake Creek and along the Matanuska River near Monument Creek (see map for locations). These sites were chosen to minimize impacts of settlement on public uses and visual quality. Land should be offered either as large parcels (10-20 acres) or the same areas could be opened instead under the homestead program. More and higher density settlement would be allowed in this subunit if such use would provide an incentive for state construction of a public access road into the recreation area at the mouth of the Matanuska Glacier. Three separate land sales are proposed for the next three years in subunit lOb. Each of these sales areas was selected for its relatively low impacts on views from the highway and on public recreation and wildlife habitat values. 1./Yi-- liiiili lllillli liioiii - "-' - - - ~ - - - - - - - - .J:. -C. ~ r r ( r f r 1 [ f LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON GLENN HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UNir 10 -MATANUSKA GLACIER r MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS ANALYSIS UNIT/ LAND UNIT MINERALS OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) SECONDARY USE(S) PROH/8/TED ;SURFACE USE(S} 1 MGMI rJF LOCATABLE MINERALS MGMT. OF LEASEABLE MJNERALS 10a 220, 221 State/Native South Side of 222, 223 Mat anus ka 232 River lOb 215 (east ~) State/ North Side câ 212, east Borough Mat anus ka 2/3 or 217, River 214, 210 211, 224 lOc 219 State Mat anus ka River - Public Recreation Settlement Wildlife Habitat Forestry Minerals Settlement Public Recreation Forestry Wildlife Habitat ' Water Resources Public Recreation Wildlife Habitat ------·-·-------------. -- Remote Cabins Lands Retained in Public Ownership: Open Available for leasing Lands to be offered for Settlement: Remote Cabins Closed prier to sale Remote Cabins 1 1 Open Land Disposals Not available for coal leasing or prospecting Available for leasing 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. LEGISLATIVE "" DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NQUISHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES The sales are Cascade (FY85), Muddy Creek and Lions Head (FY86). (See map for locations.) Other lartd in this subunit, most of which is steep or otherwise has poor capability for settlement, should be retained and managed for communïty open space, wildlife habitat and public recreation. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page numbers where they can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation *Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Access Lakeshore }funagement *Stream Corridor Management Trail Management Water Quality Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: a. Resource Management Management guidelines that apply to just this management unit are presented below, by subunit. SUBUNIT lOa (LANDS SOUTH OF MATANUSKA RIVER) Tatondan Lake -Management of Adjacent Land This small lake is one of the only lakes in the Matanuska Valley still remain- ing entirely in public ownership. The borough owns the area and should retain all the land surrounding the lake in public ownership and manage for its rec- reation values. River and Stream Buffers When land is conveyed in this subunit, buffers of at !east 100' on either side of Monument and Glacier creeks, 200' on either side of Lake and Grave! creeks and 200' on the south side of the Matanuska River shall be retained in public ownership. SUBUNIT lOb (Lands North of Matanuska River) Cascase Land Sale -Access/Visual Quality Protection A small portion of this approved FY85 state land sale should be eliminated from the sale. This area is in the eastern portion of the proposed project and includes the land east of a trail (and the trail itself) that runs from the Glenn Highway south towards the Matanuska River across from Grave! Creek. Land in this area is visible from the Glenn Highway, is used by hunters and other recreationists heading south across the river, and will make an attractive open space for existing and future residents of the area. '1 "{~ - - - - - ~ - illilllli - ~ - ~ """ ~ - - - ----------~~~~~~~~--~----·--~--------· ·-""-""""-~~~-~ ... ~~- ,_, "- - - ,_ '-" River and Stream Buffers \..Then land is conveyed in this subunit, buffers of at least 200 feet on Muddy Creek (both forks) will be retained in public ownership. MANAGEMENT UNIT Il -GUNSIGHT MOUNTAIN MANAGEMENT INTENT This is a large management unit which includes land 5 -10 miles on either side of the Glenn Highway from Caribou Creek to approximately six miles east of Little Nelchina River. This area encompasses the zone of transition from "coastal" to "interior" Alaska. It ranges from the deep valley of the South Fork of the Matanuska River near Lions Head to the open, sparsely forested landscapes of Eureka Creek and the Big and Little Nelchina River drainages. This location gives the area unique and popular recreation opportunities, including excellent hunting and winter recreation, quality fish and wildlife habitat (caribou and moose), and great views both clown the Matanuska drainage and east towards the Wrangel! Mountains. In addition to surface values the area also is the scene of significant past and present mining activities. Many of the popular skiing and snow machining trails in the area were originally built by miners. The primary management intent for public land in the area is to protect these recreational, visual and wildlife values. This will be clone by retaining the large majority of the land in public ownership; however, there will be one area open for land disposai in the eastern part of the management unit. This is one of the highest priority units in the planning area for construction of public use cabins. The management unit will be open to mineral location and available to mineral leasing except for land within the area to be offered for settlement. This latter area will be closed to coal prospecting and leasing and to mineral location at the time the land disposai completes the first year of the LADS pro cess. The area is divided into two subregions: the area between the Glenn Highway and the Big Nelchina River that is planned for settlement (lla), and the remainder of the management unit (llb). See the r~ps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. Land sales in subunit lla will be located on the southeast facing slopes above the Nelchina River. The specifie northern/western boundary will be located so that sales will not be visible from the Glenn Highway. The Division of Parks is proposing that most of subunit llb be considered for designation by the legislature as a state recreation area. This proposai will be given a lower priority than other· areas in the study area proposed for ljSO ..c (./\ .,.... / LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION. GLENN HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UNIT.. 11 -GUNSIGHT MOUNTATN MGMT. ANALYSIS LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNE.RSHIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS I..AND USE DESIGNATIONS MINERALS PROH/8/TED PRIMARY SECONDARY !SURFACE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S) USE(S) MINERALS MINERALS 11a 108, 110 State Settlement Public Recreation Remote Cabins Closed prior to Not available for Nelchina parts of Wildlife Habitat sale coal leasing or River 106 & 107 Forestry (personal prospecting use) Oil and Gas 11b 206, 207 State Sel. 1 Public Recreation Settlement Remote Cabins Open Available for Rest of 208, 209 Native Sel. Wildlife Habitat Oil and Gas leasing mgt. unit 225, 226 (overlap) Minerals Forestry (personal 227, 228 use) 229, 239 240, 101 102, 103 104, 105 parts of 106 & 107 115, 120 109, 111 112, 113 114 - -------------- 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. ( 1 ( 1 1 l_ 1 ( 1 1 1 i --1 1 1. LEGISLATIVE ""' DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQU/SHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES 1 ------------------------~----- '- - - .,.._ ,_ - - - legislative designation because of the general lack of land use conflicts in the area and also to uncertainties regarding land ownership. (A significant portion of this management unit has been selected by bath the state and AHTNA Native Corporation. Vinal determination of land ownership is unlikely for at least several years.) In addition to the Division of Park's proposa!, ADF&G has considered recommending part of this management unit for legislative designation to protect caribou (see map for proposed boundary). This proposa!, which is called the Nelchina Public Use Area, is discussed in detail in the section on the Talkeetna Mountains Subregion. If the state receives title to the land now selected by the AHTNA Corporation in the vicinity of Old Man Creek, this area should be evaluated for possible land sales. There is currently a private subdivision in this area and a small additional sale would have low impacts if located well back from the highway and designed to allow public access within and through the sale area. Any decision to sell land in this area would require consultation with the Division of Parks. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page numbers where they can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation *Forestry *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation *Access Lakeshore Management *Stream Corridor Management Trail Management Water Ouality Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: Resource Management Management guidelines that apply to just this management unit are presented below, by subunit. SUBUNIT lla (SETTLEMENT AREA) When land is conveyed in this subunit buffers of at least the sizes indicated below will he retained in public ownership. Little Nelchina Big Nelchina Eureka Creek 500 1 200' 200' ~52 Small Unnamed Tributaries to Big Nelchina shown on 1:63,360 map 100' The Little Nelchina corridor will be 500' on either side of the river to pro- tect quality of adjacent land for "wilderness" camping and fishing and to pro- tect scenic quality for people floating this river on their way to the Tazlina llivet. STJBUNIT 11 b (RETENTION AREA) Timber Harvests and Visual Quality Persona! use or commercial timber harvests, where visible from the Glenn Highway, will be designed to minimize adverse visual impacts on highway views. Sorne guidance in implementing this guideline is providewd by the report VISUAL ASSESSMENT OF THE GLENN HIGHWAY prepared by Environmental Services Limited. (A copy of this report is available from the Division of Land and Water Management.) This will be a particular concern in the vicinity of Caribou Creek. Public Use Cabins Public use cabins should be built in the vicinity of Squaw Creek and other sites north of the Glenn Highway within a convenient one-day ski or nike from highway trailheads. ~53 ..... - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - .._ """"" - '-" -- ·- """"' MANAGEMENT UNIT 12 -ALPINE AREAS MANAGEMENT INTENT This is a large mountainous management unit which stretches along the entire northern boundary of the subregion. The area is important for hunting of Dall sheep and to a lesser extent moose, bear and other species. Additionally, this area contains known and potential mineral resources. These include gold, silver, copper and other metallic minerals and also two very large deposits of limestone in thP. Kings River drainage • The management unit will be retained entirely in public ownership and managed ta protect fish and wildlife habitat, allow hunting and other·public recrea- tional activities and allow exploration and development of mineral resources. Other than not selling land in this unit, the major means of achieving the above objective will be by protecting public access through and within the unit. This could be an issue primarily if mineral resources are developed. Grazing is allowed in this unit west of the Chickaloon River. There are several large deposits of limestone under lease in this management unit in the vicinity of Kings River. A raad from the Glenn Highway built by the lessees, goes most of the way into these deposits. The Department of Fish and Game has considered recommending part of this management unit for legislative designation to protect caribou (see map for proposed boundary). This proposal, which is called the Nelchina Public Use Area, is discussed in detail in the management intent summary for the Talkeetna Mountains Subregion. See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundary of this area and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page numbers where they can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture Recreation *Forestry · *Settlement Subsurface *Transportation '*Access *Stream Corridor Management Trail Management Water Quality Wetlands Management Resource Management Lakeshore Management There are no management gudelines that apply only to this unit. <.fS "/ .c tl\ lJ\ LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREG/ON GLENN HIGHWAY MANAGEMENT UNir 12 -ALPINE AREAs MGMT. ANALYsts lLANO usE DESIGNATIONs! UNIT/ UNIT OW~~~~HIP SUBUNIT NUMBERS 12 201, 202 Alpine 203, 204 Are as 205, 213 301, 302 303, 304 305, 306 307, 308 309, 310 311, 356 352, 403 404 1 State PRIM ARY USE(S) Minerals Wildlife Habitat Public Recreation SECONDARY USE(S) Grazing PROH/8/TED MINERALS ~URFA CE MGMT. OF MGMT OF USE(SJ 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE M/NERALS M/NERALS Remote Cabins Open Available for Land Disposals leasing - l Other uses such as material sales, L:md leases, remote cabin leàses, etc., that are not specifically prohibited may be allowed. Such uses will be alloweJ if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guideLi.nes in chapter 2. 1 ~ L ( 1 1 l 1 1 [ 1 1 ( 1 l ' 1 1 LEGISLATIVE "\ DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQU/SHMENTS 8 UNRESOLVED ISSUES TALK€€TNA MOUNTAINS """" ..... - """" ~- - ----------------· -----··--·~-----------~----------- TALIŒETNA MOUNTAINS SUBREGION The following section describes land use policy within the Talkeetna Mountain Subregion. It is divided into two parts. The first is an overview of resources and general management intent for the subregion as a whole. The second presents specifie statements of management intent, land use designations, prohibited uses, and management guidelines for each of the subregion's three management units. The land use plan's proposais on two issues--the borough's Talkeetna Mountains Special Use District and the proposed Susitna Hydroelectric project--are presented in the first part of this subregion summary under the section on overview of management intent. Maps showing land ownership in the subregion and boundaries of management units and subunits are presented at the end of the first part • I. SUBREGION OVERVIEW A. Background The boundaries of the Talkeenta Mountains Subregion are the planning area boundaries on the north and east (these coincide with the boundary of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough), a line that approximates the northern edge of the Matanuska River drainage on the south, and on the west, a line that roughly follows the 2,500' contour. These boundaries gènerally encompass only the upper portions of the mountains. Lower-lying portions of river valleys which extend into the area such as the Talkeenta, Sheep, and Kashwitna are included in the adjacent subregions. This subregion encompasses roughly 6 million acres, almost all of which is publicly owned. The northern half of the unit is primarily in federal ownership, the southern half is held by the State of Alaska. The state recently received title to nearly all of the approximately 80 townships (1,840,000 acres) of federal land it had selected in the southern half of the area. There are approximately 206,000 acres of Native selected and interim conveyed lands in the area. These lands are primarily located in the Susitna River - Stephan Lake area and the Kings River drainage. Selected lands are very likely to be conveyed. In addition to private land held by Native corporations there are also numerous scattered small parcels held by private individuals. These holdings are generally of two types: state offered open-to-entry sites adjacent to fly-in lakes (primarily used for recreational purposes), and federally patented mining claims located in the Nelchina area, the Clearwater Mountains and other mining areas. See the ownership maps at the end of this section for more information. Access to the periphery of the subregion is provided by two major highways --the Glenn on the south, the Parks on the west. The only road access into the subregion is provided by the Denali Highway on the north. A number of trails branch off from these highways and provide a measure of access into the mountains. Other means of access include landing strips, fly-in lakes, and boatable rivers. t!St Although most of this rugged area does not offer the potential for agriculture, forestry, or settlement found elsewhere in the study area, these limitations are well balanced by the region's rich fish and wildlife, recreational and mineral resources. This area is one of the most heavily used big game hunting areas in the state, offering moose, Dall sheep, bear, and caribou. The majority of the range of the 20,000 animals of the Nelchina caribou herd is located within this management unit. The area's many lakes and rivers offer excellent fishing for salmon, lake and rainbow trout, grayling and other species. The subregion offers literally millions of acres of alpine country for hunting, hiking, camping, skiing and climbing. These same alpine areas have a rich and to a large degree unexplored potential for mineral development. Several areas --Hatcher Pass, Nelchina and Valdez Creek --are currently active producers of gold and other precious minerais. Feasibility studies of a major hydroelectric project on the Susitna River recently have been completed. Two dams are proposed for sites at Devil's Canyon and Watana. The Alaska Power Authority recently applied to the Federal Energy and Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a license to huild these dams. (More on this proposa! below.) B. Overview of Management Intent The Talkeetna Subregion will he managed as a multiple use area emphasizing the uses that are most important in the area now: recreation, including hunting and fishing, protection of fish and wildlife habitat, and mining. Grazing, private recreational settlement (remote cabins), and persona! use timber harvests are also uses appropriate in specifie portions of this subregion. The vast majority of this rugged, mountainous area is expected to remain remote and very sparsely developed. Additional road access to the area and concentrated settlement on public lands will be contingent on a demonstrated need for such development in arder to facilitate activities such as mining or dam construction. 1. Settlement State and federal land disposais for private recreational settlement are a very law priority in this subregion. The state will issue permits for cabin sites in this subregion under the remote cabin permit program in limited, select sites. Should the proposed Susitna hydropower project become a reality, state land will be available for a workcamp or other settlement uses associated with the construction and operation of the dams. Most of these uses however are expected to occur on lands presently in Native ownership. If raad access into this area is provided as a result of the hydra project Native lands are likely to be developed for private recreational purposes. Settlement maybe an !../S'ir - - lii!lll' - - -- - -- - '- '- - ..... ·- "'-' '- ----~--------------~ ~~. appropriate use on public lands adjacent to areas developed by the natives. (Demand for private residential and commercial uses that may be associated with the project are discussed further under the section on Susitna hydro.) Residential development of public land also may occur in this unit concurrent with major mineral development. Any settlement in this subregion should be designed to maintain public access and protect fish and wildlife habitat and the area's high scenic quality--particularly where the activities occur within the highway corridors. 2. Agriculture Grazing is the only agricultural use that is possible in this subregion. Grazing will be limited to areas in the southwestern portion of the subregion in areas with access and near land feasible for farm headquarter sites. Management guidelines will be applied to grazing activities to ensure compatibility with wildlife. 3. Forestry Although most of this unit is above timberline, major drainages (e.g., the Susitna and Talkeetna rivers) have persona! use and perhaps commercial timber harvest potential. If major developments such as the Susitna hydro project occur there will undoubtedly be associated demands for structural timbers which could be met from these areas. In general, however, the state will set a higher priority on protecting the scenic, habitat, and recreational values of these forested areas rather than using these areas for commercial uses. Limited persona! use harvests will be permitted in sorne areas. 4. Recreation/Fish and Wildlife This subregion will be managed to protect its current status as one of the major game harvest areas in the state (moose, caribou and sheep). Streams will be managed to protect their recreation and commercial fishery values. The area also will be managed to maintain a full range of summer and winter recreation activities, including skiing, mountain climbing, hiking, and snowmobiling. Adequate access for these recreation purposes should be maintained in public ownership. Because the Talkeetnas are a highly scenic but still relatively gentle mountain range, the area is particularly suited for cross country hiking, skiing and snowmobiling. A system of trails running through this subregion should be identified and promoted. The state and borough should also seek funding to build and, if necessary, operate public use cabins along this trail system. lJS~ The Department of Fish and Game has recommended that the southeastern portion of the Talkeetna Mountains be legislatively designated as the "Nelchina Public Use Area" to protect the Nelchina caribou herd. The proposed legislation allows multiple use of the area including mining but would prevent the state from selling any land. (See Management Unit 3 for more details.) S. Minerais This subregion will remain open to mineral exploration and development. Mineral development, including necessary roads and workcamps, should be designed to minimize impacts on important wildlife and recreation values in this unit. One specifie area, the Nelchina caribou calving grounds, will be open only to leasehold location. 6. Access The road/rail system that would provide access to the Susitna hydroelectric project is the only major access improvement being considered in the area. The Power Authority's proposed access route, described in the FERC license aplication, would provide access to the Watana Dam site from the Denali Highway via Deadman Creek. The Devils Canyon site would be provided with access via a railroad spur from near Gold Creek (on the existing RR line) and via a road on the north side of the Susitna River from the Watana site. DNR and other State departments prefer to limit Susitna - - """" lli!l!ii - project access to a combination of raad and rail from the west and ~ eliminate the need for a raad from the Denali Highway. One other access route in the area has been proposed by the borough. This route follows the historie Nelchina mining trail north from the Glenn Highway near Gunsight Mountain into the Nelchina mining district. This route, if extended further north , also could connect the Glenn Highway and the Denali Highway. The major purpose of this raad, however, would be to consolidate travel into the mining area into a sing~e route. At present many different routes are followed resulting in substantial and unnecessary environmental damage. This route has a lower priority than most other raad construction proposais in the planning area. 7. Stream Corridors The headwaters of many major streams originate in the Talkeetna Mountains. Management of these corridors will be determined on a case-by-case basis consistent with the management objectives for the more heavily used downstream segments of the rivers. In general, the objectives for the rivers originating in this subregion will be to protect water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and public access. L("'O - - ..... - - - ._ '__, 8. Susitna Hydroelectric Project As mentioned in the introduction, the two proposed Susitna hydroelectric dam sites are located within this subregion. The plan does not address any of the basic issues concerning the feas- ibility or direct social or environmental impacts of this pro- ject. This task is heing addressed by the FERC licensing process and by the large group of people in different state and federal agencies already working on these issues. Several of the indirect impacts of the hydro project are, however, within the purview of the plan, and will be addressed here. (Note: Because the issues associated with the hydro project affect virtually the entire sub- region, these issues will be discussed here for the whole sub- region rather than within each of the three management units.) Four issues addressed by the plan are mitigation lands, land ownership, and recreation and settlement associated with the project. Each are discussed below. a. Mitigation Lands One proposed method for mitigating the loss of wildlife habitat that would be inundated or disturbed by the Susitna hydro project is to designate and/or manage nearby lands in a way that compensates for this loss. The Alaska Power Authority estimates that roughly 20,000 acres of land would be needed to adequately compensate for the predicted loss of habitat lands. This acreage need potentially could be met through enhancing habitat quality on state lands already intended to be retained for habitat protection and human use of fish and wildlife. It is the opinion of ADF&G, however, that the bulk of the compensation lands be areas that other- wise would have been developed for settlement, agriculture, etc.--in effect, the designation of "new land". Identifying mitigation lands requires a regional evaluation of existing and potential land uses and consequently the task can be done efficiently through a regional planning process such as the Susitna Area Plan. No compensation lands have been depicted in this agency review draft plan. After meeting with the Power Authority and ADF&G representatives, a decision was made to address this issue during the time between the publi- cation of the agency review and public review drafts of the Susitna area plan. Prior to that time ADF&G and the Power Authority will prepare a description of the objectives to be met by identifying mitigation lands, criteria for selecting such areas, and lastly, identify a pool of possible lands. (The Power Authority, working with preliminary land use desig- nations from the area plan, already has identified 500,000 acres of candidate mitigation lands on lands proposed by the plan for retention.) The steps for resolving this issue are outlined below: 4f41 1. Agency review draft plan is released; providing a good picture of regional land use without consideration of mitigation lands; 12. ADF&G and the Power Authority and Susitna Area Planning Team meet to clarify mitigation land alternatives; 3.\ Resources commi ttee of the Board of Direct ors of the Power • Authority meet to review alternatives and recommend mitigating land policy; 4. Area planning team implementa policy for presentation in public review draft. b. Land Ownership Nearly ali of the land where the proposed dams, reservoirs, and àssociated facilities are planned to be located are selected by or interim conveyed to Cook Inlet Region Inc. and its village corporations. If the hydro project is approved, the state has the option to condemn or buy these lands or trade for lands in other areas. Roughly 60,000 acres of land are at issue. c. Settlement Associated with the Dam Project If the project is approved this would increase development pressures on the portions of the planning area that are already settled and also, due to construction of new access, open new areas to settlement pressures. On the first of these two issues, sufficient private land presently exists to accom- modate the predicted leve! of population growth associated with the project. Regarding possible new settlement areas, no plans can be made until a final decision is made on the loca- tion and mode of new access into the area. However, whatever route is ultimately chosen, DNR will follow a settlement policy of "commensurate impact". What this means is that, where APA is going to extremes to protect sorne aspect of envi- ronmental quality, DNR generally will not negate this effort through selling land in the particularly sensitive area. On the other hand, portions of the area opened as a result of the project likely will be able to support sorne sales (or cabin construction under the new remote cabin program) with an acceptable leve! of environmental impact. Overall, DNR does not intend to sell much land in this area, since it has limited physical capability to support settlement and is generally sensitive to development. An important settlement issue, but one not directly related to this plan, is the question of natives developing their lands adjacent to the project for recreational settlement once road access is available. lff,.;J. lllolill - \!ili!li ilôlli - - - - '"""' "- d. Recreation Associated with ~am Project The area surrounding the project has good potential for varions types of recreation activities. As part of the FERC application the Power Authority prepared a plan identifying areas for trails, camping, dispersed recreation, etc. When a final decision is reached regarding the project, DNR and the Power Authority should work together to finalize and implement a plan for developing the area's recreation potential. 9. Modifications to Boundary of the Talkeetna Mountains Special Use District This subregion roughly corresponds to the boundaries of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough's Talkeetna Mountains Special Use District. Under the terms of this law, land within the district can be used for recreation, protection and use of fish and wildlife, mining, and grazing. Settlement required by resource development is permitted but other types of year-round settlement are not allowed. Recreational/seasonal settlement is allowed on a case-by-case basis and usually is restricted to small "wilderness" cabins (<500 sq. feet, no running water, etc.) The plan generally supports these land use designations and restrictions on settlement. It is recommended, however, that the boundaries of the special use district be modified to better follow the boundaries of the. Talkeetna Mountains. At present the special use district includes several areas with road or rail access (e.g., Lake Louise), adequate physical capability for settlement and very high amenities. The planning team, including representatives from the borough staff, recommends that the special use district be changed as shown on the map of this subregion. '1~3 \ -- - - - - .... cr- ln 1 [ [ r ///iv v ( ( / • r .. ... . . . 1//// /// !/// K//// /} ~(CRM) Il l ~JfüfL41Zi''F'~"''l2:Jl4(/J/<qUü-4/Pfl-,l;i-4W î f 1 1 ;: ~ y 1 \ _., LAND OWNERSHIP lSZ] FEDERAL c:::J STATE I2ZJ STATE SELECTED h' 'SI BOROUGH ( ineludes seleeted lands) (J,;f;,,,J NATIVE (inc:ludea aelected lands) T 28 N T 27 N tûe; PR!VAT~ (other thon native, inc:ludes ' " ~ 1 [31 \ 1 =11 1 1 é 1 ~ 4 1 i un1verstty lands) :.;. \ 7 ( .. .........: c:::J PAST STATE AND BOROUGH LAND SALES C!J Subdivision CEJ Remotea E:!iJ Aorieulture lè=:t! LEGISLATIVELY DESIGNATED. AREA SCALE 1:250,000 e JANUARY 1984 NOTE: This information hoa been oenerolized to show ownership in blockl of 320 ocres or greoter. Heric:e, many isototed privote lots ore not shown, e.o. many lokes whieh oppear public: ore rinoed with privote lots. --en ::0 1 ::0 ..... -1'\) 31: f'1 f'1 ~ ~·"' t <r' TALK€€TNA MOUNTAINS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS Iesignations written in CAPITAL IETlERS are primary designations ; tluse in ~r case letters are secondary designations; areas smwn with stars ( *) will be recamended for legislative Œsignation. :ter 1Iü.T 1 -1ENALI H1lDlAY (~ :UI:U ~~~ ~----~,----~,----~,~l la PRIVATE l.J\Nœ lb WllDLIFE HAB. , PUBLIC REC. , MThERAlS; Settletœnt' Forestry T 17S '1/-\~/ •COJllwell ~-------, T lBS -<. -.. --... ~ ,__ 0 "~--+-+---· I::r::~~~~~~~--~--~~~~i<~~~~-----r--~~~~ ~ le WIIJ)LlFE H\B. , PUBLIC REC. , MINERAIS; Forestry, Rennte Cabins, Settlaœnt ~ ~~,,~- ·1a ~ ..... t---1 J \ :u 1::0 él ,...__ ,..... 1a x,. Cl) -<.. l__L __ ~~~J-~~==~~~~~~~--~~~~~ x,.~ (J'v 1c OCO (FM) :E :E :u T 22 5 01 1"1'1 T33N :u:u (SM) _ - ::0 ::0 ---"' 1"1'1 fTI Line Map scale 1:500,000 1 1. 1 ( 1 1. 1 1 1 l ·~ + $ 7,:;,:;{3' ,ii~~rr.!.~??.~ 1 ••• _,;:~~:; #;$::F.:;ont~na cr. 1 3c ~.;:,:r<ï!:r?J:w~p.~.r.~:{1f:v;::~~~ THE PROPOSED NEW BOUNDARIES OF THE TALKEETNA MTNS. SPECIAL USE DISTRICT ARE THE SAME AS THE SUBREGION BOUNDARIES ~11"11 r r ~ Areas open under ~ leasehold location Map scale 1:500,000 ? r r 1 ::u 1"11 T 28 N T 27 N ;o 1 ;o ...... - -CJ) -N 3: 1"111"11 ....... ;o~' i\l~ 1"11 ( C RM) T 9 N T8N 2a WII.DLIFE HAB. , PUBUC REC. , MINERAIS; Fenote Cabins, Settle!rent a, WllDLIFE HAB. , RJBUC REC. ; Mi.nerals ~er. œrr 3 -wsr SDE 3a. Wll.DUFE HAB. , RJBUC REC. ; Remte Cabins .D RJBUC REC., WILDI;IFE HAB. 3c PUBLIC REC. , WII.DLIFE HAB. , MINERAIS; Gr:azi~, Rennte Cabins, Settleiœllt ---------.. --~--~~=~---~~'"''~...,,.......,.._~"'>l>1""""~=~~~-~-""""~~-"''"'''""'""''-'''"''""''"""'''"'""'"'''"""''''''"'""'''"'"'"''''"'"''" "- - ,_ '- I . MANAGEMENT INTENT AND GUIDELINES BY MANAGEMENT UNIT MANAGEMENT UNIT 1 -Denali Higbway MANAGEMENT INTENT This management unit encompasses most of the northern half of the subregion. The southern boundary of the unit generally follows the Susitna River; the northern and eastern boundaries are the edge of the planning area. The majority of the land in the area is federally owned. The remainder (approximately 15%) is roughly split between state and native ownership. This unit will be retained in public ownership and managed to continue to provide opportunities for a variety of recreational activities, to protect fish and wildlife habitat and ta allow mining. Of particular concern is protection of habitat of the Nelchina caribou herd which ranges into this unit from the south. Recreation activities include hunting, fishing, occasional wilderness hiking, and driving for pleasure along the Denali Highway. Most of the public activity in the management unit is focused along this highway corridor. Protecting and improving public access from the Denali highway into adjacent backcountry hunting areas and protection of scenic quality along the highway are two major objectives for this area. There are no proposais for settlement in this area at present. One site that could support recreational/seasonal settlement with the least adverse impacts of any area along the highway is discussed in subunit lb. Settlement, Where necessary to support resource development, is allowed in the unit; however, disposais to provide land for recreational/seasonal settlement is not permitted. The plan recommends that the state not select any of the federal lands in this area. The Department's recommended management policy for this area will be well carried out under the management of the BLM. This management unit is divided into three subunits: lands patented to, interimly conveyed to or selected by native corporations (la); a strip of land along the Denali Highway which has settlement potential (lb), and the remainder of the unit (le). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of this area and the chart on the following page for a summary of land uses. The plan recommends that native-owned lands within this management unit (these native lands together comprise subunit la), be managed in generally the same way as adjacent public lands, including protecting fish and wildlife habitat and allowing these lands to be used by the general public for hunting, hiking, etc. An area of particular concern is the Prairie Creek area near Stephan Lake. Large numbers of salmon spawn in this creek and this results in very large and biologically significant concentration of black and brown bears in this area. '~"'<ir 1 .t:.. ~ . ...0 1 LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION TALKEETNA MOUNTAINS MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 1 -DENALI HIGHWAY MG MT. UNIT/ SUBUNIT la Native Lands lb Denali Highway Settlement le Remainder of unit ANALYSIS UNIT NUMBERS LAND OWNERSHIP Native (patented, interim con- veyed and selected) Federal Federal/ State/State Selected LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PRIMARY USE(S) Wildlife Habitat Public Recreation Minerais Wildlife Habitat Public Recreation Hinerals SECONDARY USE(S) Settlement Forestry (personal use) Forestry (personal use) Remote Cabins Settlement ' PROHIBITEO MINERALS ~URFA CE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF USE(SJ 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MINERALS ------------------ Remote Cabins Open Available for leasing Open Available for leasing - l Other uses such as material sales, Land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specificallv prohibited may be allowed. Such usès 1vill be allmvL'd Lf consistent \Vith the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and \V.ith the relevant management guiclè L î.nes in chapter 2. 1 -1 1 1 ( 1 1. f 1 -1 l 1 1 / 1 1 1. LEGISLATiVE .. , DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQUISHMENTS l:l UNRESOLVED ISSUES ------ ·- 1. ,_ '-' """' - - c;,~--,---,---=--"""""~~=~----~-=, --~~•"•'-1•,{"''''""""'-Mt.;&Oi= :A:l\iW<""' ~, Subunit lb, which is located on either side of the Denali Highway and south of the Clearwater Mountains, is an area with sorne settlement potential. The area contains relatively dense stands of trees with potential to screen development from views from the highway and add to the attractiveness of the area for recreational/seasonal use. The plan does not recommend settlement in this area. Instead, it is recommended the area be used for hunting and other public uses and that sorne land be made available through leasing for commercial recreation development and for public use cabins and campgrounds. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the pages where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry Settlement Subsurface Transportation *Access Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Ouality Wetlands Management Resource Management Management guidelines that apply to just this management unit are limited to the land management recommendations put forth in the publication "Denali to Wrangell-St. Elias --Assessment and Management of Scenic Resources along the Highways between Denali and Wrangell-St. Elias National Parks." This document is available from the Division of Land and Water Management and the Bureau of Land Management MANAGEMENT UNIT 2 -NELCHINA PUBLIC USE AREA MANAGEMENT INTENT This unit coïncides with the boundaries of an area proposed by ADF&G for legislative designation as the "Nelchina Public Use Area". Under the terms of the proposed legislation, a land use plan is called for to "describe appropriate uses and mitigating measures for the area consistent with the purposes stated in AS 41.20.540" (the section of the proposed legislation describing its overall purpose). The area plan supports the uses outlined in the draft legislation. The planning team did not reach a consensus however, regarding the appropriateness of legislative vs. administrative designation. The Resource Allocation Section recommends that an administrative (governor- appoved) rather than legislative designation be used to implement the plan's management proposais in this area. Before this actually can occur, however, the details of the administrative designation process need to be worked out. tf:tc ..t: -\J -- LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGION TALKEETNA MOUNTAINS MANAGEMENT UNIT_ 2 -NELCHINA PUBLIC USE AREA l' MG MT. ANALYSIS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED MINERALS UNIT/ LAND UNIT OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY SURFACE MGMT. OF MGMT. OF SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) USE(S} 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE MINERALS MJNERALS 2a State/State Wildlife Habitat Remote Cabins Open Available for Nelchina Public Selected Public Recreation Settlement leasing Use Area except Minerals caribou calving grounds 2b State Wildlife Habitat Minerals Remote Cabins Leasehold Location Available for Caribou Calving Public Recreation Land Disposals leasing Grounds - . - l Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specifically prohihited may be alloved. Such uses \vill be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and w.ith the relevant manage:nent guidelines in chapter 2. 1 ( 1 ( 1 ( l 1 1 1 e 1 1 1 1 l l t LEGISLATIVE DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED REL/NOU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES Proposed for legislative or administrative designation as the Nelchina Public Use Area; details of this proposal are not resolved -see management intent section for further informati ""'- .... ,_, ·------------------------~~~---~ The remainder of this section presents the language from the draft legislation and the description of appropriate uses and mitigating measures proposed by the area plan and called for by the draft legislation. More detailed planning for this large area (i.e., a management plan) may be necessary in the future. The simplest explanation of the overall management intent for this area is that it be retained in public ownership (disposais are prohibited) and be managed for three major purposes: to protect fish and wildlife resources, to provide opportunities for recreation including hunting, fishing and other uses of fish and wildlife resources and to permit exploration and development of mineral resources. The actual language of the proposed legislation is presented below to allow agency review prior to the planning team reaching a final decision on this proposa!. More details of the permitted uses within the area are presented in the section on management guidelines. Excerpts from the Draft Legislation Purpose--from section 41.20.540 of the proposed legislation: "The primary purpose of the Nelchina Public Use Area is to maintain the fish and wildlife resources of the area and to perpetuate multiple use of the area including but not limited to fishing, hunting, trapping, mineral entry and other forms of public use of public land." From section 41.20.550: Lands within this area "are reserved from all uses incompatible with their primary function as public use lands and are assigned to the Department of Natural Resources for control, development and maintenance". From section 41.20. 560: "DESIGNATION OF MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY" (a) The Department of Natural Resources may, after consultation with the Department of Fish and Game, adopt regulations governing the public use of the area. The regulations must provide for multiple use by the public, as defined in AS 38.04.910(4), and shall incl~de provisions for, among other uses, public fishing, hunting, trapping, and recreation • (b) Portions of the area important for fish and wildlife habitat, breeding, and migration must be managed to sustain fish and wildlife resources in perpetuity, according to the principle of sustained yield. (c) The area shall be open to mineral entry, under such reasonable regulations as the Department of Natural Resources may adopt. (d) The Department of Natural Resources shall, after consultation with the Department of Fish and Game, develop a land use plan which describes appropriate uses and mitigating measures for the area consistent with the purposes stated in AS 41.20. 540." This management unit has been divided into two subunits. Subunit 2a encompasses most of the land in the unit; subunit 2b is located in the center 41-2. of the unit and corresponds to the area where the majority of caribou calving occurs. See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the chart on the following page for a summary of uses. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the pages where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to. uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. Agriculture *Recreation *Forestry Settlement *Subsurface Settlement Transportation Ac cess Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Stream Corridors *Trail Management Water Quality Wetlands Management . Resource Management No land sales are allowed within this management unit. Temporary workcamps are allowed within this area if necessary to support resource development. The location and design of any such workcamp would have to be determined after consultation with the Department of Fish and Game. Mining The area is open to mineral entry. Areas used on a regular basis for caribou calving (subunit 2b) will be open only under leasehold location. Stipulations associated with the leases for new mineral claims within this area will be developed with the consultation of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and address the following issues: a. Seasonal operation restrictions b. Reclamation c. Protection of particular valuable habitat types d. Other issues as necessary The MLUP associated with existing state mineral claims will be modified to include these same restrictions. The area will also be open to mineral leasing (although values are very low). The terms and plans of operation associated with any specifie mineral lease will be worked out with the consul- tation of ADF&G and be consistent with the land management objectives of this unit. Road Construction Construction of new roads will only be allowed in this area if required for resource development. Presently there are no firm plans for road construction within this unit. The only raad that has been suggested is a raad from the 41-3 lililiJ{ - - I1IIIJij - - - ,...Ji - - - - - - - """"" - - ~- - Glenn Highway into the Nelchina Mining District. This road, which was pro- posed by the borough, would reduce the environmental impacts of people coming and going from this area by consolidating traffic to a single route. The road, if extended further north, also could be a means of linking the Glenn and Denali highways. Should this or other road/rail construction projects be proposed they will be designed to minimize impacts on habitat and the follow- ing guidelines will apply: a. roads will be limited to one lane (<18 ft) grave! or dirt roads; b. roads/rail routes will be designated to minimize the need to modify topography (cut/fill) wherever such routes would be consistent with other habitat protection objectives; c. wherever economically feasible, alternatives to permanent road or rail construction should be pursued (e.g., winter roads, airstrips/airplanes, etc.). Remote Cabins Remote cabins will be allowed within this unit subject to the following guide- lines: a. no permits will be issued within the caribou calving grounds; b. areas opened to remote cabin permits will be identified after consultation with the ADF&G; c. permits will not be issued within 200 feet of streams or lakes larger then 40 acres. Grazing Grazing will be prohibited in this area for at least the next 5 years. By that time, the success and problems of grazing in other parts of the planning area will be evaluated and a decision may be made to open this area. If the management unit is opened, grazing will be an allowed secondary use subject to regional grazing guidelines. MANAGEMENT UNIT 3 -WEST SIDE Management unit 3 is located on the west side of Talkeetna Mountains and includes the upper end of the drainages of the Talkeetna, Sheep and Kashwitna Rivers and Chunilna, Iron, Montana and Sheep creeks. This unit will be retained in public ownership and managed to protect fish and wildlife and pro- vide opportunities for public recreation. Portions of the area have natural vegetation suitable for grazing domestic livestock and consequently grazing will be designated a secondary use. The management unit is divided into three subunits: the Rainbow Lake area (3a), the portion of the Talkeetna River that runs through the area (3b), and the remainder of the management unit (3c). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. "1-:t'{ ~ ..t::. -..-\! Û\ 1 ··- LAND USE SUMMARY - MG MT. UNIT/ ANALYSIS LAND SUS UNIT _ _ UNIT NUMBEFiS · OWNERSH IP 3a State Rainbow Lake - 3b State Talkeetna ·--River- 3c State/State Remainder Selected of unit 1.------- '{ -tJFST SIDE SUBREGION TALKEETNA MOUNTAINS MANAGEMENT UNII___.._. -,....--··--· ------- A E r LEGISLATIVE L ND USE D S/GNATIONS" PROH/8/TED MINERAL$ DESIGNATIONS, _ L!RFACE _ _ ____ MGMT. OF_ _ _ MGMT. _OE ~~~~~g5&HMENIS_ -PRIMARY USE(S) SECONDARY--- USE(S) Wildlife Habitat 1 Remote Cabins Public Recreation Public Recreation Wildlife Habitat Public Recreation Wildlife Habitat Minerals Grazing Remote Cabins Settlement USE(SJ 1 LOCATABLE LEASEABLE a UNRESOLVED MINERAL$ MINERAL$ ISSUES Land Disposals Remote Cabins Land Disposals Closed prior to sale Closed Open except for streams specified in text and on map which are only open under lease- hold location Not available for coal leasing or prospecting Not available for coal leasing or prospecting Streams which are only open under leasehold are not available for coal leasing or pros- pecting; other streams are available for leasing Unresolved issues remain, designa~ tians uncertain (see management intent statement for further infor- mation) 1 Other uses such as material sales, land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not speci.fically prohibited may be allm.:ed. Such uses 1:.:ill be allowed if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of this unit, and with the relevant management guidelines in chapter 2. 1 1 1 [ 1 1 1. 1. L 1 1 "'- ..... i- - "- Subunit 3a, the land surrounding Rainbow Lake, has been considered in the past for a state land sale. This sale is currently on hold, however, due to questions about the capability of the land to support settlement and impacts of the proposed sales on public use. The planning team will make a recommendation on this area prior to publication of the public review draft. Subunit 3b is comprised of the land roughly 1/2 mile on either side of the Talkeetna River. This area will be retained in public ownership and, like the portion of the river further downstream, proposed for legislative designation as a state recreation river. See the management intent statement for this area in the South Parks Highway Subregion for details of this proposal. Subunit 3c, the remainder of the area, will be retained and managed for protection of wildlife and public recreation values and for grazing. This area comprises the upper end of the drainages of several heavily used clear water recreation streams including Chunilna Creek (Clear Creek), Sheep Creek, Montana Creek and the North Fork of the Kashwitna River. Consequently, a major objective for this area will be controlling land uses to protect the quality of these streams. Portions of several streams will be open to mining only under a lease (see quideline section for details.) The area is also important for moose hunting and provides valuable spring/summer/fall moose habitat. Portions of this management unit may be suitable for remote cabins. Settlement is allowed in this subunit only if required for resource development such as mining. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Listed below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the pages where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this particular unit are indicated with asterisks. *Agriculture (Grazing) *Recreation *Forestry *Settlement Transportation *Stream Corridors *Ac cess *Lakeshore Management Instream Flow *Trail Management Resource Management Water Ouality Wetlands Management *Subsurface Management guidelines that apply only to this management unit are listed below, by subunit. Subunit 3c Grazing This area will be open to grazing under the guidelines presented in Chapter 2. Decisions regarding the details of specifie areas open to '-11~ grazing should be left to the range management plan (required by guide- lines); however, grazing generally should be discouraged in drainages of clearwater streams (Chulitna, Montana etc.). Remote Cabins No specifie sites are identified at this time. Minerais Land along streams listed below will be open to mining only under leasehold location. This restriction is recommended due to the high value of these streams for anadromous fish and the heavy recreational use downstream sections receive. Streams open only under leasehold location lllè """ are Chulnila, Montana, and Sheep creek and specified tributaries. These ~ are shown on the management unit boundaries map. Land that will be open under leasehold is the area 300' landward from the ordinary high water mark on each bank of the affected stream. Stipulations associated with the leases will address rehabilitation, protection of public access along the streams and protection of water quality from impacts of mining on land adjacent to these anadromous streams. 411- - ~ - - ~id - - - - - - CHUGACH .MOUNTAINS "- !!<,_~ ~ - ,_ ..... - CHUGACH MOUNTAINS SUBREGION The following section describes land use policy within the Chugach Mountains Subregion. It is divided into two parts. The first is an overview of resources and existing conditions for the subregion as a whole. The second presents specifie statements of management intent, land use designations, prohibited uses, and management guidelines for each of the subregion's three subunits. Maps showing land ownership in the subregion and boundaries of subunits are presented at the end of the first part. I. SUBREGION OVERVIEW A. Background This subregion encompasses the northern flank of the Chugach Range. It includes primarily the mountainous areas above 1000 feet in elevation. The lowland, farming areas near Butte are part of the Glenn Highway subregion, as is the Jim-Swan Lakes area. The majority of land in this subregion is owned by the State of Alaska, although the Eklutna Native Corporation owns sorne land in the western portion. The Matanuska River acts as an effective barrier between road accessible portions of the borough and the land within this subregion. The area supports considerable recreational use, including hunting, hiking, climbing, and skiing. It also provides important habitat for sheep, bear, moose, waterfowl and small game. In addition, the area has potential for long-term mineral development. There is one large grazing lease in the northeast portion of the subregion south of the Glenn Highway in the vicinity of the Nelchina River and Hunter Lake. Existing access into the area is primarily by air and trail. Several trails run up the Knik River Valley and along Moose Creek. In addition, there is a trail that extends southeast from the Glenn Highway down to the east side of Nelchina Glacier. These trails commonly are used to reach popular moose, bear, and sheep hunting areas. There are no plans to provide additional transportation routes to or within this management unit. B. Overview of Management Intent It is anticipated that the majority of this subregion will remain undeveloped and roadless for many years. It will be retained in public ownership and managed to protect existing values and uses: fish and wildlife, recreation, and minerais. Two townships in the southeast portion of the subregion are state selected and have low surface resource values; they are recommended for relinquishment. '11-4 Further details of management intent by resource are presented below: 1. Set tlement No areas are recommended for land sales because there is little potential for settlement due to topography and climate. 2. Agriculture/Grazing There are no areas recommended for agricultural development since there is little potential for agriculture due to topographie limitations, climate, and poor soils. Land in the Lazy Mountain area, however, has potential for grazing and there is an existing grazing lease in the northeast portion of the subregion. will be designated a secondary use in these two areas. 3. Forestry Grazing There is little potential for forestry due to topographie and climatic limitations. 4. Fish and wildlife This area supports sheep, brown bear, moose, furbearers, and small game. Moose concentrate mainly in the river valleys at lower elevations. Sheep and brown bear are found at higher elevations. Sheep populations are estimated to be between 3,500 -4,000 animals, 100-150 of which are harvested annually. The area will be retained in public oWilership to support fish and wildlife habitat and human use. S. Recreation Recreational activities supported by this area in addition to hunting, include hiking, mountain and glacier climbing, and skiing. The area will be retained in public ownership to protect recreational opportunities. 6. Subsurface There is little potential for coal or oil and gas, but there is significant hardrock mineral potential and activity. Known deposits include chromium, copper, nickel, zinc, and gold. Concentrations of claims generally occur near river valleys. The area will remain open to mineral entry. 7. Transportation There are no immediate plans to increase access to this area. Access will continue to be primarily by air and trail. '-()p ililillÎ - - -- - - - - """' - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -1 -1 en ...,. z z r- Q N '< ! ? -------------------------Match Line RBE ~ c:P N [ r Cl-IUGACH MOUNTAINS LANO OWNERSHIP IEEfJ FEDERAL c::::J STATE CZZJ STATE SELECTED IS:§:SJ BOROUGH ( includes selected lands) f;,;';:):\'::1 NATIVE (includes selected lands) Œ\1f! PRIVATE (other thon native 1 includes university tonds) r:::J PAST STATE AND BOROUGH LAND SALES E:::!:] Subdivision F:i:J Remotes ~ Agriculture t:=:tl LEGISLATIVELY DESIGNATED AREA NOTE: This information hoa been generolized to show ownership in blacks of 320 acres or grtater. Htnce 1 many isoloted privott lots are not shawn 1 e.g. many lakts which appeor public are ringed with private lots. SCALE 1:250,000 e JANUARY 1984 T 19 N -T 18 N 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Q)l c ·-..JI .c::l ul -1 cl :El 1 1 t 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 J 1 1 1 UJIIJJ =~ 1 1 ~~ r f • wl~ ~~~ = 2 a:: a:: ::::.. ~ CI-IUGACH .MOUNTAINS LAND USE DESIGNATIONS (resignations written in CAPITAL JE'ITERS are primary designations; tluse in l~r case letters are seconda.ry designations; areas sh::Mn with stars (*) will l:e proposed for legislative Œsignation.) ter. mrr 1 -CH&.Ani KUm\INS la WIIDIJ:rn H\B., PUBLIC ROC., MllERAI.S; Grazing lb roŒNITAL STA1E RELIN'XJISHMENT-Values: Minerais le WIIDLJFE HA.B. , PUBLIC RH::. , MllERALS tN (oOQW~'V J. l 1 [ 1 1 ( 1. 1 1 1 1 1 1 -1 1 -4- "--R9E 1 U( /, :r ....., 1 ;t;'.' '""'JF,ermi ;;/~ 0 t.Peak &· ~; \,~ •( ·: < ' :· . . ( .. ,.· :Jç, 7 ' ' ,./! '/ \ _ · <rt', J 1\.y -...... \ ~·.h/ "" ~·~ ~L)v 1 ~~ ~.~~ .. < ) T--:TI~•--4~!:_·'<''" f, '· J Glacier :':::/· ~ ~ .... ~ 1\) (\ ~ ( &., \" ( ~~:,:._lr"f~~~::il~~~.:~~~~~~;;~;.~.,~~:::.:l v ' "~· ,_ ' Map scale 1:250,000 - '-- - - - '"- II. MANGEMENT INTENT AND GUIDELINES BY SUBUNIT MANAGEMENT INTENT This subregion consists of a single management unit that is divided into three subunits: areas near Lazy Mountain and the Nelchina River with grazing potential (la), areas near Harvard Glacier recommended for relinquishment (lb), and all other areas (le). See the maps at the beginning of this section for boundaries and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses. Subunit la consists of approximately 30,000 acres of land in the Lazy Mountain area and land south of the Matanuska River and about five miles west of the Nelchina River which currently encompasses a grazing lease. These areas have grazing potential, but due to high values for fish and wildlife and recreation, grazing will be a secondary use in these areas. These lands will be managed to protect fish and wildlife and recreation values. Subunit lb contains two townships (Township 16 North, Range 11 and 12 East) which are state selected and which are recommended for relinquishment to the federal government because they are heavily glaciated and have low surface values. They are located in the southeast portion of the study area near Harvard Glacier. Subunit le consists of those portions of the subregion with values for fish and wildlife, recreation and minerais, but no grazing potential. The area will be managed to protect fish and wildlife habitat and use, recreational opportunities, and mining. There are a significant number of mining claims in this subregion and the area will remain open ta new mining claims. MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The complete set of statewide and regional management guidelines are presented in Chapter 2 of this report. Outlined below are the categories of guidelines presented in that chapter and the page where each can be found. All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within this management unit; however, those that are most likely to be applicable in this unit are indicated with asterisks. *Agriculture *Recreation Forestry Settlement *Subsurface Transportation *Access Lakeshore Management Instream Flow Stream Corridors <-/<a'S *Trail Management Water Quality Wetlands Management Land Administration Policy: Resource management ..c: oq ~ / LAND USE SUMMARY SUBREGJON CHUGACH HOUNTAINS MANAGEMENT UNIT. 1 -CHUGACH HO~TAINS - MG MT. LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED MINERALS ANALYSIS LAND UNIT/ UNIT OWNERSHIP PRIMARY SECONDARY fSURFACE MGMT. OF MGMT OF LOCATABLE LEASEABLE SUBUNIT NUMBERS USE(S) USE(S) USE(S} 1 MINERAL$ MINERALS la 119, 422 State Wildlife Habitat Grazing Remote Cabins Open Available for Grazing Public Recreation leasing Minerals lb Parts of State Minerals Open Available for Relinquishment 127, 230 Selected leasing le 115. 116 State/State Wildlife Habitat Remote Cabins Open Available for Fish and 117' 118 Selected1 Public Recreation leasing Wildlife/ 121, 122 Native Minerals Recreation 123, 124 Selected 125, 126 231, 233 234, 235 237, 238 239, 240 340, 342 343, 351 Other uses such as material sales, Land leases, remote cabin leases, etc., that are not specificaLly prohihited may be allowed. Such us~s will be allowcd if consistent with the management intent and management guidelines of tl1is unit, and h'ith the relevant management guidE'! ines in chapter 2. 1 1 -1 1 1 1 1 1. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 [ 1 LEGISLATIVE "'\ DESIGNATIONS, PROPOSED RELINQU/SHMENTS a UNRESOLVED ISSUES Recommended for relinquishment ·-· - - - - l , J l l .. ,{HYWWns l .., NOlLV.LN~~IdWI j l "- - IMPLEMENTATION INTRODUCTION This chapter summarizes the actions necessary to implement the land use policies proposed by this area plan. These actions include proposais for legislative designation of certain lands, improvements to the regional transportation system, a twenty year land disposa! schedule, recommended relinquishments and selections, preparation of management plans and data collection. Most of these proposed actions are discussed in more detail in other portions of the plan. For example, proposais for legislative designations are included in the management intent summaries for severa! of the subregions. The recommendations presented here are preliminary. They will be refined further by the planning team prior to completion of the public review draft. Once the plan is adopted these implementation actions will be used as a basis for budget preparation including requests for changes in staff levels and requests for legislative funding of capital improvements, data collection or other actions necessary to implement the plan. qW - "- ,...., .... '- A. Priorities for Legislative and Administrative Designation A number of areas within the Susitna plan are proposed for legislative or administrative designation as recreational rivers, state forests and forest reserves, wildlife management areas, and other public use sites. These proposed designations serve as official recognition of the outstanding public values in these areas and of the state's intent to retain these areas in public ownership in perpetuity. A legislative or administrative (guhernatorial) designation is recommeded when an area, proposed by the plan for long-term retention possesses such high resource values that: 1. It is clear that the area should remain in public ownership permanently; and/or 2. The nature and value of the resources presents require more restrictive management for their protection than is possible under a general multiple use classification. The areas proposed for special designations are arranged below in arder of the priority for such designations. The total area proposed for legislative designation as state forests, recreational rivers, wildlife management areas, and parks/recreation areas is approximately 477,300 acres or 3% of the total study area. An additional 25,000 acres (0.2%) are proposed as anadministratively designated forest reserve. For additional information on individual proposais, see the management unit summaries. 1. State Recreational Rivers River or Stream Acre age Subregion a. Kroto Creek/Moose Creek 71,000 ac. Petersville Rd./Susitna Lowlands b. Lake Creek 39,000 ac. Sunflower Basin/Susitna Lowlands c. Talachulitna River 46,000 ac. Mt. Susitna d. Alexander Creek 20,000 ac. Susitna Lowlands/Sunflower Basin e. Talkeetna River 23,000,ac. Talkeetna Mts/South Parks Hwy 199,000 ac. The top priority for legislative designations in the Susitna Area is the the group of waterways proposed for state recreational river status. These streams and rivers are extremely valuable to the region's economy and environment. They are heavily used by the public for fishing, floating and boating, transportation to hunting, and public access corridors. These rivers attract people from across the nation as well as Alaska residents, and the money spent on transportation and river-based recreation is an important source of local incarne. All five of these waterways are anadrornous streams, supporting populations of king, silver, pink, red, and chum salmon, as well as resident fish populations. In addition to supporting sport fishing, these streams are major contributions to the Cook Inlet commercial salmon fishery. The riparian habitat is also essential for sustenance of mammalian populations. Moose winter range along the rivers is particularly important. 484 The proposed state recreational river boundaries run approximately one-half mile landward on each side of the river. Each corridor includes the full length of the river's main stem from headwaters ta terminus. Within these areas, land and water would be managed for multiple use, including hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities; habitat management, timber harvesting, and water quality protection. Timber management activities are secondary uses in the corridors; they will be designed to protect and enhance habitat and recreation values and water quality. Land sales would be prohibited in these corridors, however, public use cabins and in sorne instances commercial recreation facilities would be allowed. 2. State Forests Three areas are proposed as units of the state forest system. Peters Creek, Mt. Susitna, and Kashwitna State Forests would be managed for multiple use, including timber management, habitat enhancement, hunting, fishing and other recreational activities, and protection of water quality and visual quality. A management plan will be required for each state forest unit. a. Peters Creek State Forest --86,000 acres --Petersville Rd. Subregion The proposed Peters Creek State Forest is the most important of the state forest units proposed by the Susitna Area Plan. The area has existing access along the Petersville Raad and Shulin Lake trail which makes the lands within the proposai suitable for near term management.The forests south of the Petersville Raad contain sorne of the most valuable timber in the study area. Numerous state and borough timber sales already have taken place nearby, along the Petersville Road. Road access also has con- tributed to the area' s popularity for other uses. While the timber north of the Petersville Road is less suitable for com- mercial management, these lands are extremely valuable for wild- life habitat and hunting. The proposed state forest includes a large part of the most heavily hunted region in the entire study area. The scenery along the western Petersville Road with views to the Peters Hills and Alaska Range also attracts other rec- reationists for sightseeing, skiing, snowmachining, hiking and camping. Finally, the area includes two of the most important anadromous streams in the study area in terms of recreation use and riparian habitat --Kroto Creek (see l.a. above) and Peters Cree k. b. Mt. Susitna State Forest --96,000 acres --Mt. Susitna Subregion The area proposed as the Mt. Susitna State Forest is a varied region including dense lowland forests, numerous streams and rivers, and alpine areas. There are vast timberlands suitable for commercial management. The Mt. Susitna area is an important moose l.{'JO - - - - - - - ~ - - - - - - ._ - "- ..... '"- hunting area and is hunted for trophy specimens of brown bear; it is also a known brown bear denning area. In addition, Wolverine Creek and Theodore River which run through the area are regionally important anadromous streams. Present recreational activity centers around hunting and fishing, but the alpine area also offers excellent opportunities for hiking and skiing, and the area is likely to be a popular recreational destination if road access is provided to the area. Existing access is by air, but the proposed state forest is adjacent to the right-of-way connecting the Reluga/Tyonek area with the rail belt. there are also existing roads in the Tyonek area that extended nearly to western boundary of this area. c. Kashwitna State Forest --62,000 acres --South Parks Highway Subregion The proposed Kashwitna State Forest lies between the Parks Highway and the western front of the Talkeetna Mountains. It is an a rea with valuable timber for commercial and/or persona! use near to areas with a growing population. In addition to timber resources, the area is important for wildlife habitat. Much of the lowland region east of the Parks Highway is in private ownership, increasing the value of this region for moose hunting. Bears also concentrate along the North Fork of the Kashwitna River. The North Fork, the main stem of the Kashwitna and Sheep Creek all are important anadromous streams that run through the proposed state forest. Finally, the area offers opportunities for other forms of recreation, such as skiing, hiking, and snowmachinging, that will increase in popularity as access is improved. Roads do not yet reach this area, but road access could be provided from existing roads in either the Caswell Lakes or Bartlett Hills areas. 3. Hïldlife Management Area Extensions Extensions are proposed on two existing wildlife management areas. The major intent of these areas is to provide for protection and enhancement of wildlife habitat. Other activities, including hunting and other recreational activities and timber harvesting, also are allowed uses whenconsistent with the habitat management goals. a. Palmer Hay Flats Extension--1,200 acres--Glenn Highway Subregion The Palmer Hay Flats adjacent to Knik Arm are managed primarily for waterfowl habitat and hunting. The proposed addition is a small parce! of land to the east of the existing refuge at the mouth of the Knik and Matanuska Rivers. This area is valuable waterfowl and moose habitat and is also important as a visual buffer along the Glenn Highway between more developed areas to the north and south. '1'\/ b. Susitna Game Flats Extension--1,500 acres --Mt. Susitna Subregion The Susitna Garne Flats are managed primarily for waterfowl habitat. This is the most popular waterfowl hunting area in the state due the quality of the hunting and proximity to the state's largest population center. The proposed addition is a small area of land within the Susitna River floodplain adjacent to the existing management area. Its inclusion in the Game Flats will result in having all of the braided floodplain area of the Susitna River delta protected within the management area. 4. Recreation/Fish and Wildlife Areas a. Jim-Swan Lakes State Park or refuge--7,600 acres--Glenn Highway Subregion The Jim-Swan Lakes area near Bodenburg Butte is proposed as either an addition to the state park system or a wildlife refuge. Five lakes are the major attraction in the proposed park/refuge. The area already is heavily used for salmon and trout fishing, water- fowl hunting, canoeing, hiking and winter recreation activities, and use is likely to increase as population of the surrounding area grows. Limited timber harvesting may be permitted in the area if it is consistent with the major goals of providing recrea- tion, protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat, and protecting visual quality. b. Moose Creek Moose Management Area --24,000 acres --Glenn Highway Subregion The Moose Management Area is located north of the Glenn Highway between Palmer and Sutton. This area has been designated through a borough ordinance, but has received no state designation as yet. The plan proposes extending the borough designated manage- ment area eastward to the Chickaloon River and legislatively designating the entire area as a wildlife management area or state forest. The area is actively managed to increase moose production in an accessible area near major population centers. It is a popular hunting area and is also open to other forms of recrea- tion. A large amount of timber is harvested from this area, mostly firewood for persona! use. Timber harvesting is and will continue to be one of the major management tools used to improve moose habitat and provide raad access for hunters and other users. Extension and legislative designation of the Moose Range would enable the Departments of Natural Resources and Fish and Game to expand habitat enhancement/timber management activities, and provide more moose for hunters in the Palmer, Anchorage, and Glenn Highway areas. In addition, the area's substantial coal reserves would be open to development under this proposai. «-t't?.. """' - a, """' - - 11/oiiii -- - l>liilli - - - ,_, '"'- - .._ '-" -~ ·----~-------~-~~-·-----~.--~~ c. Gunsight Mountain Public Recreation Area ·An additional area of approximately 25,000 acres around Gunsight Mountain just north of the Glenn Highway is identified as suitable for designation as a state recreation area on the basis of the existing public use and recreational opportunities of the area. Approximately two-thirds of the area is within Ahtna Native Corporation selections at present, however, and thus unavailable for legislative designation. Public lands within the area will be retained in public ownership and managed for public recreation and wildlife habitat. If the Native selections are relinquished, this area will be a candidate for legislative designation. S. Administratively Designated Public Reserves a. Lake Creek Forest Reserve --61,000 acres --Susitna Lowlands Subregion A large, densely forested lowland region west of Lake Creek is proposed for administrative designation by the governor as a forest reserve. The area includes an extensive area of timber suitable for commercial management and valuable for wildlife habitat, including moose winter range. The forest reserve abuts the proposed Lake Creek state recreational river (see 1.b. above) and includes Yenlo Creek, an anadromous stream that is one of the most important tributaries to Lake Creek. This area is recommended for administrative rather than legislative designation in recognition of the facts that 1) forestry and other public use values are high enough to merit designation that is more permanent than classification, but 2) active forest management is unlikely to begin in the near future. Management of the forest reserve will be for multiple use, including timber management, habitat enhancement, public recreation, and protection of water quality. 6. Unresolved Areas The planning team has not reached a consensus on the appropriate designation for severa! important areas. These are identified below along with Resource Allocation Section recommendations • a. Kroto-Kahiltna A large, forested lowland area between Kroto Creek and the Kahiltna River is suitable for designation as a multiple use state forest, but is also of interest for potential settlement. The Resource Allocation Section recommends that approximately 61,000 acres of this area be proposed as an administratively designated forest reserve, with a provision for identification of a net area up to 1,200 acres in size for future disposais. Disposa! lands would be identified through the management planning process. For additional information on this issue, see Susitna Lowlands management unit 11a. tt'l j b. Yentna-Susitna Triangle Approximately 25,000 acres of extremely valuable habitat land and associated timber land near the confluence of the Yentna and Susitna Rivers may be recommended for legislative designation as a state forest. This proposal is intended ta protect winter range essential to severa! moose populations and critical nesting habitat for trumpeter swans. The planning team presently recommends legislative designation of approximately half this area. The remaining half is still the subject of dispute among members of the planning team, since it has potential for settle- ment or agriculture as well as very high habitat, recreation, and forestry values. The Resource Allocation Section recommends designation of bath parts of the area, however because they are vital to sustenance of moose and swan populations. For additional information, see Susitna Lowlands management units 13c, 13d, and 13e. c. Nelchina Public Use Area The proposed Nelchina Public Use Area covers approximately 2.5 million acres in the Talkeetna Mountains. The planning team is in agreement that this area should be retained in public ownership and managed to protect the caribou calving grounds, other habitat values, and public recreation opportunities. In addition, it is agreed that mining is one of the primary uses of this area. The Department of Fish and Game supports legislative or administrative designation of the land as a public use area. The remainder of the planning team is not opposed to such designation, but they rate it as a lower priority for legislative or administrative action than the other areas listed above. '1'lt/ - - - lmi( .,: - mi - - - - liiOllll - - ,_ ,_. H. Transportation proposais 1. Introduction Transportation planning is a necessary component of a comprehensive land use plan. The design of an efficient regional transportation system will be key to resource development and a major determinant of land use patterns in the Susitna area. Most of the past transportation planning and actual road construction in the Susitna region has focused on upgrading existing major highways (e.g. the Glenn) or on improving raad access within and through areas that are already developed. In contrast to these ongoing efforts, transportation planning in the area plan investigates near and long- term regional transportation needs. Particular emphasis is placed on identifying access improvements that could facilitiate resource development, increase opportunities for public recreation and tourism, and open more land for settlement. The remainder of this section has three parts: 1) existing regional transportation projects, 2) routes of right-of-ways to provide future access to resource development, recreation and settlement areas, and 3) priorities for possible near-term construction. 2. Existing Regional Transportation Projects a. Access to the Susitna Hydroelectric Project Two large hydroelectric dams have been proposed at Devil~ Canyon and Watana located on the upper Susitna River (See Chapter 3 -- Talkeetna Mountains subregion for details). The transportation system currently being proposed by the power authority would provide access to the Devils Canyon site via a rail extension from the existing rail line beginning near Gold Creek. Access to the Watana site is proposed via a road from the Denali Highway south to Watana following Deadhorse Creek. Issues related to this proposed raad/rail system include the impacts from the proposed northern raad vs. access from the west, design standards for the Denali highway (which would need to be upgraded if the northern route is selected), and use of these roads by the general public during and after construction. b. Glenn Highway Realignment The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT/PF) is currently preparing a preliminary environmental and engineering assessment for upgrading the Glenn Highway from Palmer to approxi- mately mile 112. The environmental impact statement is scheduled for completion by November 1984 and will include information on the environmental impacts of alternative routes. tt'tS The realignment will generally follow the existing road corridor. DOT/PF intends to improve road safety while upgrading the road to enable higher travel speeds and greater traffic volumes. In addi- tion to these objectives, the Department of Natural Resources wants to protect and improve visual quality along the route and improve access to existing and proposed settlement and recreation areas. (Refer to Chapter 3 --the Glenn Highway Subregion.) c. Knik Arm Crossing The Knik Arm crossing has been under consideration for at least 15 years. Presently a preliminary engineering study is being done and is expected to be completed by October 1984. If the state legislature decides to fund the project, the crossing is expected to be completed five years after construction begins. The cost of the project will depend on the type of structure built. Preliminary costs for one alternative have been estimated at $300-700 million. The proposed crossing would tie Anchorage to Point McKenzie, and provide a route that would shorten the distance between Anchorage and Fairbanks by 30-50 miles depending on which alternative route is built. Past studies indicate that the crossing would bring substantial residential development pressures in the southern portion of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and stimulate economie development, including a possible port and industrial park area. 3. Rights-of-Way to be Reserved for Potential Transportation Development The following section identifies a system of rights-of-way to be retained in public ownership. These routes are designed to implement the land use decisions made through the planning process. The rights-of-way addressed here are primarily major corridors having regional significance. For information on proposed local access right-of-ways (for example to a single subdivision) refer to management intent statements for individual subregions in Chapter 3. Five major corridor systems have been identified in Petersville Road, Susitna Lowlands and South Parks Highway subregions. Several land use recommendations influencing portions of the proposed rights-of-way have not been finalized, and consequently these right-of-ways may need to be modified prior to public review. It is important to note that by proposing these right-of-ways, this plan is not necessarily proposing the roads actually be built. The major purpose is to secure the option to build'roads along efficient routes for the time when analysis shows that the benefits of construc- tion outweigh the costs. '1"'1~ w. iliiill lillilti - - - - --- ...: - ~ - w.,.,.. - ,_ '- - --------------------------------··---·"--~---------·--· ~"---~~--~-~.-=~~~-w~"'"'"' .,...._.,.,.,,.,"'"""'""""""""-·---=· --~~~-· """"""'· '''"''""'''''''''"''"'''"''"''''""""'lii'IIIS'l'l::ll<!l'-~ a. Shulin/Schnelder Lake --right-of-way System #l The Shulin/Schneider Lake right-of-way system consists of three Ji right-of-way segments (see map): a southward route following the A existing Shulin Lake Trail (segment la) and two alternatives for extending past Shulin Lake across the Kahiltna River into the Mcnougal, Lake Creek and Kahiltna land disposais (segments lb and le). Segment la travels southward from Petersville Road for roughly ten miles paralleling Peters Creek to where a southeast fork provides access to Schneider Lake and a southwest extension continues to Shulin Lake. Segment la would provide access into a large area recommended for legislative designation as a state forest for long-term multiple use management for timber, habitat, public recreation and mining. An area containing good stands of trees and a large block of state-owned agricultural soils that is designated resource management are also provided with access. (See Chapter 3, Petersville Subregion, Subunits la, le.) Segment lb continues for 7.5 miles southwest from the end of segment la past Shulin Lake and across the Kahiltna River. This route provides access to existing remote settlement areas, to borough-and state-owned lands having high potential for forestry, and settlement development and to the edge of the Lake Creek corridor. (See Chapter 3, Susitna Lowlands Subregion, Subunit 9b.) Segment le is a possible alternate route for crossing the Kahiltna River. This route also extends into existing remote settlement areas, but originates from Oilwell Road (see right-of-way #2). This alternative would provide access to an area having high potential for forestry and habitat management, settlement and possibly agricultural development. (See Chapter 3, Susitna Lowlands Subregion, Subunit 9c.) b. Oilwell Road Extension --Right-of-Way System #2 The Oilwell Road right-of-way is a southerly extension of the existing Oilwell Road which has been surveyed beginning at mile 6.5 (Moose Creek). The proposed right-of-way consists of three segments (see map): an extension from Moose Creek to Amber Lake (2a), a segment (2b) extending west to Schneider Lake Remote and south from Amber Lake to west of Kroto Creek. At Kroto Creek segment 2b joins segment 2c which continues southwest through state and borough lands to just east of the Kahiltna River. The Mat-Su Borough currently is requesting funding for the construc- tion of segment 2a which includes a bridge across Moose Creek and necessary fill in the adjacent bog. If appropriations for this y 'i 1- o..C. .. ....{) ~ 1 1 1: 1 1 1 ( RI~HTS-OFWAY TO Be- ReSeRV€-D FOR. POSSIBLe. FUTUR€ RaADS l 1. 1. t .. ( "-, System 1: Shulin/Schneider lake System 2: Oil Weil Road Extension System 3: Kashwitna Knobs System 4: Moose Creek/ Kenny Creek System 5: Chase, larson lake~ Sheep Creek System 6: Beluga/ Tyonek 1. 1 ..... - "'- ·------------~,---------------~~..,.~---------·"'"~M' ~Jii!.D!O>;<"''<>'•lf•i'>•o•:>111li!J':•IN!:I110>>'><••-\ segment are granted, the road would provide access into existing and proposed state and borough settlement areas at Gate Creek and Amber Lake. The road also would tie into the southern boundary of the recommended forest reserve. Segment 2b would provide access to the past state land sales and to borough land with high settlement value in the Amber Lakes Area. Additionally this route would provide access to recreation oppor- tunities at Kroto Creek and then continue west to Schneider Lake Remote where the right-of-way ties into segment la. The southern arm of segment 2b originates at Amber Lake Subdivision and passes through a proposed settlement area west of Kroto Creek before tying into segment 2c This latter segment continues southwest through a very large black of borough and state lands with high potential for forestry and agriculture and also value for settlement, fish and wildlife and recreation. c. Kashwitna Knobs/Kahiltna River --Right-of-way System #3 The Kashwitna Knob/Kahiltna River right-of-way system consists of three segments: a route originating at the Parks Highway immediately west of the Susitna River (segment 3a) and running southward, a southerly extension (segment 3b) of the Oilwell Road right-of-way system south of Amber Lake to Whitsol Lake, and segment 3c which loops into segment 3b and travels north and south along the Kahiltna River, tying into the Oilwell Road System. The initial seven miles of segment 3a runs along an existing public right-of-way which provides access to a private farmsite on the west bank of the Susitna River. A continuation of this right-of-way would enable access into a large hlock of agricultural soils at Kashwitna Knobs containing valuable forestry and settlement lands and winter moose range. (See Chapter 3, Susitna Lowlands Subregion subunits 14a and 14b.) Segment 3b extends south to Whitsol Lake from segment 2b of the Oilwell Road extension and provides access to borough~owned lands containing high forestry, agriculture and settlement values. Segment 3b also passes just west of the existing Parker Lake Subdivision and lands surrounding Parker Lake proposed for future settlement. The remaining length of the proposed right-of-way travels the length of the area that may be proposed as the Kroto-Kahiltna Forest Reserve which is an area with high commercial forestry and upland habitat values as well as potential for settlement and agriculture. Segment 3c runs parallel to and further west of segment 3b. It originates at Whitsol Lake and treavels north, linking with segments le and 2c. This route is an alternative to 3b and provides access to the same lands discussed under 3b that are proposed for legislative designation as a state forest reserve. This alignment would provide ~1'\. ~-" --------------------------------------------- more direct access into the ~neshka Flats agricultural/forestry area and the Fish Creek/Fish Lakes area than 3b. d. Moose Creek/Kenny Creek --Right-of-Way System #4 Moose Creek (segment 4a) and Kenny Creek (segment 4b) are rights-of-way of lesser regional importance than systems discussed previously, but would enable access to past and proposed settlement areas north of Petersville Road. Segment 4a travels north from approximately mile 6 of the Petersville Road and would enable access to existing and proposed seasonal and year-ro.und settlement areas between Moose Creek and Trapper Creek. Sorne additional public recreational opportunities would be opened, although the density of settlement will probably limit opportunities for recreation by non-residents. Kenny Creek right-of-way originates 4 -6 miles east of Peters Creek from Petersville Road. It is already platted through the existing Kenny Creek State Subdivision. If extended north it could provide access to possible settlement areas at Twentyfive Mile and Kroto and Safari Lakes. The planning team, however, has not yet resolved the question of settlement in this area. (See Chapter 3, Petersville Road Subregion Subunits 2d and 4a.) e. Chase Homestead/Larson Lake/Sheep Creek--Right-of-Way System #S Right-of-way system S consists of several independent segments originating at the Parks Highway and the Talkeetna Spur. These segments would provide access to: proposed Chase Agricultural Homestead and past subdivision areas (Sa), Larson Lake (Sb) and a proposed forest reserve between the Kashwitna River and Sheep Creek (Sc). The Chase Agricultural Homestead project is proposed for offering in the summer of 1984 and a site design currently is being prepared as part of the Susitna Area Plan. The state previously has offered a large subdivision in this area. (See Chapter 3, South Parks Highway Subregion, Subunit 4c). There is an existing platted right-of-way (which runs west from the Alaska Railroad) running through this area. Segment Sa crosses the Talkeetna River north of the Satellite Earth Station and connects with this existing right-of-way to provide routes for possible future roads through and within the subdivision and the homestead project. Segment Sb is one alternative route enabling access to borough-owned lands adjacent to Larson Lake. The borough currently is requesting funding from the legislature for road construction which would provide access to public and private recreational lands around the lake, and encourage tourism development. Future borough land sales will be contingent on the provision of access into this area. (See Chapter 3, South Parks Highway Subregion, subunit Sc.) 500 -- - liliilll - - - - - - - - - - - - - """"' - ,_ - ,_ Segments Sc enables access into a large block of state-owned land recommended for legislative designation as a state forest reserve. In addition to timber management, access into the area would open lands for disposai of agricultural homesteads, moose and bear hunting, fish- ing and other recreational opportunities. (See Chapter 3, South Parks Highway, Subunits 12a and 12b.) f. Beluga/Tyonek--Right-of-Way System #6 4. This right-of-way is already on the status plats and is included here for informational purposes. This route is intended to link the rail- belt with land in the Tyonek/Beluga area. If coal resources were developed in the Beluga area, the coal would be shipped to markets directly from the Beluga ~rea. (The economie viability of production of Beluga coal is based on its proximity to deep water ports within lS miles of the coal deposits.) This route, therefore, would be pri- marily designed to link the potential townsite that would accompany coal development with the Palmer/Anchorage area. Priorities for funding requests for road construction. During the review of the agency review draft plan the planning team, working with DOT/PF and the borough, will prepare a prioritized list of proposed road construction projects. This list, which will be used as a basis for future requests for roadbuilding funds from the legislature, will be presented in the public review draft. A final list of priorities is not included at this time because final land use designation decisions have not been made and because the planning team has not yet discussed the subject. A first-cut at recommendations by the Resource Allocation Section are presented below, however, to help initiate the process. These are organized into three general groups --projects estimated to have high, moderate and low/unknown priorities. High-Priority Projects Moose Creek Bridge/Oil Well Road Upgrade (Segments 2a, 2b) Moderate-Priority Projects Larson Lake (Segment Sb) Low or Unknown Projects All other routes discused in the previous section. Sol -· -· ~ c- ------------·------------------------------------- C. Land Disposai Schedule Approximately 750,000 gross or 130,000 net acres are designated by this plan for settlement over the next 20 years. The chart below presents a preliminary 20-year schedule, prepared by Resource Allocation Section staff, for the disposai of this land. A revised, final schedule will be prepared prior to publication of the public review draft. The revised schedule will include detailed information on the location and type of disposais scheduled to be offered over the next five years plus a more general schedule (like the one below) for the duration of the 2ü-year period. A similar schedule will be prepared for borough lands. Preliminary 20-Year Land Disposai Schedule TIME PERIOD FY85 -FY89 FY90 -FY94 FY95 -FY99 FY2000 -FY2004 AMOUNT OF ANNUAL OFFERINGS (Net Acres) 11,000 acres/year 5,000 acres/year 5,000 acres/year 4,000 acres/year % of TOTAL POOL OFFERED DURING TIME PERIOD 45% 20% 20% 15% The schedule above includes both new settlement land and land to be offered within the boundaries of past remote parcels. Land available "over-the-counter" from past subdivisions is not included, nor are any proposed agricultural homestead offerings. This schedule presumes the availability of adequate funds for surveys, sale administration costs, and where necessary, raad construction. 5'02. - '- ,_ ..... """" "- D. LAND TRADES, RELINQUISHMENTS AND SELECTIONS 1 • LAND TRADES Listed below are land trading needs which may have to be met from state lands in the Susitna area. a. Seldovia Native Association--19,000 acres statewide (Kachemak Bay State Park tradeout) b. University of Alaska --Total IS. needl\unknown c. Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Small stock for tradeout, if necessary, of valuahle fish and wildlife or public recreation lands patented to or selected by borough) d. CIRI (Subsurface land in Kachemak Bay) statewide acreage less than 5,000 acres. 30,000 acres e. Susitna Hydro Native Lands (Sites for proposed dams, reservoirs and related 30,000 acres affected by hydro project; facilities are all in native ownership and will need to be condemned or traded out) f. Susitna Hydro Mitigation Lands (APA/ADF&G propose 20,000 acres of land that would otherwise be developed be set aside for fish and wildlife to compensate for loss of habitat lands) g. Mental Health Lands 2. RELINOUISHMENTS AND SELECTIONS 20,000 acres unknown The planning team reviewed all state land selections in the Susitna area to determine which if any should be relinquished. The planning team recommends relinquishment of only four townships. Two are located in the Alaska Range Subregion (T.l6N, R.l9W and 20\~ S.M.), the other two in the Chugach Range Subregion (T.l6N, R.llE and 12E S.M.). The federal government has recently given the state tentative approval to the vast majority of state selections in the area, including numerous mountain tops, ice fields, and glaciers, and as a result there are very few areas to consider for relinquishment. ~03 The block of federal land adjacent to the Denali Highway in the north- east part of the planning area is the only potential candidate for state selection. The team agreed this area should remain in public ownership and be managed for public recreation, protection and use of fish and wildlife, and exploration and development of mineral resources. The majority of the team proposed that these objectives could best be acheived by leaving this land in federal ownership. This conclusion should be examined prior to publication of the public review draft plan in light of number of areas proposed for sale in other parts of the planning area. sov -- - - - .; ~ - l-..- ·------~--------~--------~--------~-------------------------~~ E. Management Plans and Data Collection Needs These two sections wil be completed prior to publication of the Public Review Draft. soS - "'- ~· APPENDIX I PROCEDURES FOR PLAN MODIFICATION AND EXCEPTIONS TO ITS PROVISIONS PLAN MODIFICATION The land use designations, the policies, and the management guidelines of this plan may be changed if conditions warrent. The plan will be updated periodically as new data and new technologies become available and as changing social and economie conditions place different demands on public lands. The Department of Natural Resources and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough will jointly review proposed modifications of the plan. A. Periodic Review B. An interagency planning team, led by the Division of Land and Water Management, will coordinate periodic review of this plan at the request of the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources or the Mayor of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The plan review will include meetings with all interested groups and the general public. Amendments The plan may be amended. An amendment adds to or modifies the basic intent of the plan. Changes ta the planned uses, policies, or guidelines constitutes amendments. A proposai to change an agricultural area for disposai to residential use, or a proposai to sell land up to the river's edge where a guideline requires that a buffer be retained in public ownership are example of changes requiring amendment. Amendments required public notice and public hearings. They must be approved by the Commissioner. Management plans developed by the Division of Land and Water Management may recommend amendments to the plan. Amendments may be proposed by agencies, municipalities, or members of the public. Requests for amendments are submitted to the Anchorage of office the Division of Land and Water Management, Alaska Department of Natural Resources. c. Minor Changes A minor change is one which does not modify or add to the basic intent of the plan. Minor changes may be necessary for clarification, consistency, or to facilitate implementation of the plan. Minor changes do not require public review. Minor changes may be proposed by agencies, municipalities, or members of the public. Requests for minor changes are submitted to the Anchorage office of the Division of Land and Water Management, Alaska Department of Natural Resources. SO{o P~----------~~------------~----------------------~----~------WM--------------------~--------------------~dB----~ SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS -DNR PROCEDURES Exceptions to the provisions of the plan may he made without modification of the plan.· Special exceptions shall occur only when complying with the plan is excessively difficult or impractical and an alternative procedure can be implemented which adheres to the purposes and spirit of the plan. The Department of Natural Resources may make a special exception in the implementation of the plan through the following procedures: A. The District Manager of the Division of Land and Water Management shall prepare a finding which specifies the following: 1. The extenuating conditions which require a special exception. 2. The alternative course of action to be followed. 3. How the intent of the plan will be met by the alternative. B. Agencies having responsibility for land uses with primary or secondary designations in the affected area and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough will be given an opportunity to review the findings. Ih the event of disagreement with the District Manager's decision, the decision may be appealed .to the Director of the Division of Land and Water Management, and the Director's decision may be appealed to the Commissioner. If warranted by the degree of controversy, the commissioner will hold a public hearing before making the decision. The public hearing may be held jointly with the Borough if appropriate. SD'I- - """' ..1 - - liow -- '- - - - - - "- - APPENDIX 2 SUMMARY OF USE OF SUBSURFACE DESIGNATIONS In addition to surface land use designations such as forestry, agriculture or wildlife habitat, regulations call for subsurface designations including oil/ gas, coal, and minerais. Strict rules generally can not be used to determine the best surface land use designation for any given area. For example, it is not possible to base forestry land use designations strictly on the presence of a certain quality of trees because these same areas frequently are also very valuable for agriculture, settlement, or other uses. Subsurface land use designations, on the other hand, can be made in a relatively mechanistic manner. This is because these designation decisions are preceded by, and then based upon, decisions on whether areas should be open or closed to location and or leasehold location or available or not for mineral leas~ing. Once these open/closed available decisions have been made, this information can be combined with data on subsurface resource values to produce appropriate sub- surface land use designations. The rules that were followed to produce these subsurface resource land use designations are presented below. USE OF "MINERALS" DESIGNATIONS SITUATION [Land open to mineral entry 1 land location or leasehold /location with active claims, !on-going mineral development or in a mineral terrane (except as noted below). jLand open to mineral entry jand location or leasehold !location with active claims, 1 on-going mineral development or in a mineral terrane !where activities associated with mining will be signifi- cantly restricted to protect 1 jother valued resources (in !Susitna this only affects the Talkeetna Mountains caribou calving area and trumpeter 1 jswan nesting areas. Land open to mineral entry 1 jand location or leasehold !location outside of mineral jterranes, areas with active /claims, and areas of on-going jmineral development. DESIGNATION MINERALS PRIMARY MINERALS SECONDARY MINERALS SECONDARY 50"6' ~ .~: 1 USE OF "MINERALS" DESIGNATIONS (Continued) SITUATION Land closed to mineral entry and location DESIGNATION NO MINERALS DESIGNATION USE OF "OIL AND GAS" DESIGNATION SITUATION Land with known oil and gas potential that is available for oil and gas leasing (exceptas noted below). Land with low or unknown oil and gas potential that is available. (except as noted below). Land with oil and gas po- tential where surface entry is prohibited or development is significantly restricted to protect other valued re- sources. (In Susitna this includes, but is not limited to, major river corridors, settlement areas, developed recreation sites and most of the areas only open under the locatable mineral leas- DESIGNATION OIL AND GAS PRIMARY OIL AND GAS SECONDARY OIL AND GAS SECONDARY (Note: Oil and gas leasing is not pro- hfbited anywhere by the Susitna Plan, ho~ ever, surface entry is prohibited in recrea- tion river corridors. ling program.) All lands with no or unknown potential for oil and gas. NO OIL AND GAS DESIGNATION USE OF "COAL" DESIGNATION All land with high or moder- ate coal potential (as de- fined in AS ) that is available for coal leasing or prospecting (ex- cept as noted below). COAL PRIMARY So\. - ~ ...J - - 1 Î - - lil1.ii r 1 r r .,_ - .. _ ""'- - ·- ""- """"""""'''"" USE OF "COAL" DESIGNATION (continued) SITUATION 1 All land with high or moder- ate coal potential that is available for coal leasing or prospecting where exploration and development will be sign- nificantly restricted to pro- tect valuable surface re- sources. (In Susitna these are generally the same areas only open under the locatable mineral leasing program.) All land with low or very low coal potential and available for coal leasing or prospect- ing. All land with no potential for coal and available for coal leasing or prospecting. All land not available for coal leasing or prospecting DESIGNATION COAL SECONDARY COAL SECONDARY NO COAL DESIGNATION NO COAL DESIGNATION l The designation of minerais as a primary or secondary use reflects mineral resource values and/or indicates the department's management intent for mining related activities it manages after a claim or lease has been staked. These activities include rights-of way, reclamation, water appropriation, and tidelands leases or permits. Where a secondary "Minerais" designation is given solely because an area has low minerals value, this designation will not, in and of itself, be used as a basis for restraining mineral development. In these situations, if DNR receives applications for permits associated with mineral development, decisions on the permits will be made on a case-by-case basis with consideration of applicable regional· guidelines and the management intent and management guidelines for the affected area. •; ,·,, ,!. J~>. ~"' ,. 1 ~ L J ' ~· ~ ,' ' Ste