HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPA2842SUSITNA AREA PLAN
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APRIL 1985
PREPARED BY :
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCE~
ALJ-.SKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
AND THE MAT ANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH
IN COOPERATION WITH :
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH
U .~. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
AND THE BUREA U OF LAND MANAGEMENT
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESQ.tJRCES • 555 CORDOVA ST . • ANCHORAGE . AK. 995 I 0
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DEPARTMENT 0 ..'NATURAI~Rt:SOURCES
OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER
BILL SHEFFIELD,GOVERNOR
POUCHM
JUNEAU,ALASKA 99811
PHONE:
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The Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources finds that the Susitna
Basin Area Plan meets the requirements of AS 38.04.065 and 11 AAC 55.010-.030
for Area Land Use Plans and does hereby adopt it as policy of the Department
of Natural Resources for state lands within the planning area.
E:ther Wunnicke,Commissioner
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G)has actively participated in
the Susitna area land use planning process.We appreciate the opportunity to
present fish and wildlife values in the plan and the commitment of the
Department of Natural Resources to address fish and wildlife concerns.We
recognize that the planning area cannot be managed solely for fish and wild-
life resources and the people who use and enjoy them,yet we believe that the
open planning process has achieved a significant public benefit.We acknowl-
edge progress made in the plan to strike a balance between often conflicting
uses of land.Although any disposal of recreation lands reduces their avail-
ability to the public,we recognize the demands on the state to dispose of
lands at the level provided for in the plan.The department strongly supports
the proposed public access,trail,and lake and stream shoreline policies
established in the plan.In addition,we support the plan's endorsement of
long-term legislative or administrative dedication of some key public resource
lands in this area.The department will use the guidance and policies of the
plan when executing its statutory authority during plan implementation,and
will continue to cooperate with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.
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Don W.Collinsworth,Commissioner
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
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Malanuska·Susllna Borouth
BOX B.PALMER.ALASKA 99645 •PHONE 745-4801
BOROUGH ASSEMBLY
The SUsitna Area Plan contains four major products for public land:
areawide land managenent policies,land use designations for specific
sites,priorities for irnplenenting,and procedures for review and
arrendrnents.The Assembly of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough adopted
the SUsitna Area Plan on March 19,1985,by Ordinance Serial No.85-8.
ATI'EST:
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,
John O'Neil and Devony Lehner of the USDA Soil Conservation Service and Paul
Fuglestad of the USDA Economic Research Service for providing much of the data
on which this land use plan is based.We also would like to extend our spe-
cial thanks to Amy Garrett,Charlotte Sponsel,Elaine Thomas,Patty Kerschner,
and Diane Hartin for their patience and dedication in the preparation of the
manuscript and graphic work for this document,and to Carol Larsen for coordi-
nating public information for the plan.
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PLANNING TEM1*
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DEPARTI1ENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Division of Land &Water Management,
Resource Allocation Section (Lead
Agency)
Tom Hawkins (Division Director)
Randy Cowart (Section Chief)
Bill Beaty (Section Chief thru 6/84)
Chris Beck (Project Manager)
Marty We1bourn,Marjorie Willits,
Liz Baron,Peggy HcNees
Jim Allaway,Randy Cowart,
Frank Rue (Areawide Policies)
Division of Land &Water Management,
Southcentra1 Regional Office
Pat Beckley
Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Pete Martin,Jack Wiles
Division of Agriculture
Carlos Lozano,Keith Quintave11
Division of Mining
Jerry Gallagher
Division of Forestry
Dan Ketchum
Division of Oil and Gas
Cass Ariey
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Rich Cannon,Carl Yanagawa,
Dimitri Bader,Pat Baird,
Dan Rosenberg,Greg Bos
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
Roger Haggard
MATANASKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH
Zane Cornett,Bob Stickles,
Rodney Schu11ing,Michelle
Stearns
COOPERATING AGENCIES
U.S.D.A.SOIL CONSERVATION
SERVICE
U.S.D.I.BUREAU OF LAND
t1ANAGEMENT
KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH
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*The name
underlined.
of the official agency representative to the planning team is
Other agency people added expertise on various issues.
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HOW TO USE THIS PLAN.
WHILE THE SIZE OF THIS PLAN MAY BE INTIMIDATING,THE DOCill1ENT IS ORGANIZED TO
HAKE IT SUIPLE TO USE.THE PLAN HAS TWO MAIN SECTIONS:CHAPTER 2,WHICH DEALS
WITH AREAWIDE LAND HANAGEMENT POLICY AND IS ORGANIZED BY TYPES OF LAND USES OR
RESOURCES (e.g.,AGRICULTURE,WETLANDS,ETC.);AND CHAPTER 3,WHICH DEALS WITH
POLICY FOR SPECIFIC LOCATIONS (e.g.,LAND AT LAKE LOUISE,TRAPPER CREEK,
ETC.).
IN ADDITION TO THESE CHAPTERS,WHICH COMPRISE THE BULK OF THE PLAN,CHAPTER 1
PRESENTS AN INTRODUCTION TO HOW AND WHY THE PLAN WAS DONE AND GIVES A SU~~Y
OF THE PLAN'S OVERALL GOALS.CHAPTER 4 DESCRIBES ACTIONS NECESSARY TO
IMPLEMENT THE PLAN (e.g.,TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS,LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS,
ETC.) •THE TABLE OF CONTENTS AND SOME EXAMPLES OF HOW TO USE THE PLAN ARE
SHOWN ON THE FACING PAGE AND BELOW:
EXAl1PLES:
If you want to know how the plan affects a particular land use or
resource -for example,agriculture,forestry or land sales -turn to
Chapter 2.This chapter presents general land management policies for
the entire planning area and a summary of the amount and location of
land allocated to each type of land use.For example,pages
through present policies on state and borough land disposal
programs and describe the amount and location of land allocated to
this use.
If you want to know how the plan affects a particular piece of land -
for example,a parcel north of Trapper Creek -turn to Chapter 3.The
planning area is divided into 12 subregions,and Chapter 3 has a
section on each subregion.To find the portion of the plan dealing
with the specific parcel'you are interested in,turn to the map
showing subregions on page On this map,locate the subregion
containing the parcel and then turn to the appropriate section of
Chapter 3.For example,the area north of Trapper Creek is in the
Petersville Road Subregion which is covered on pages through
Each subregion section includes descriptions of land management
policy for specific locations within the subregion and a 1:250,000
scale map which gives a summary of land ownership and the plan's land
use designations.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
S ignatu re Pages ......•.......................•...•..............i,il
Acknowledgements ••••••••••.•••••o •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••iii
Planning Team ••....•••o •••••••••G •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••lv
How to Use This Plan,Table of Contents •••••••••••••••••••••••••v,vi
List of Maps ....•...•..•................................It •••••••vii
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••1
AREAWIDE LAND MANAGEMENT POLICIES ••
Forestry................................
Recrea tion .•................................................
Se t tlemen t .
Subsurface Resources ••.••.•••.••••••••••••••••••••.•••••.•••
Transpor ta tion.• • • • • • • • . . . • .•...•...•.•...•••.••••....•.0.
Ins tream Flow............ . . .•......•...•.•.......•.0 ••••••
Lakeshore Management •.••....0 ••••••lit lit lit 0 00 ••e ••••••••••••••••
Resource Management-Borough Land Bank •••••••••••••••••••••••
Public Access •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Stream Corridors •••••••••••••...••••..••oooooooeoe ••••••••••
Trail Management ...•..•......•.•.•.•.•...••••..•••....••.••.
We tlands Managemen t .
Chapter 2
Agriculture •••••••••••••••••••
Fish and Wildlife Habitat •••••
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17
21
31
39
43
50
64
76
80
82
83a
84
86
90
94
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Subregion.........•....•....••..•.....•....
97
99
117
169
207
233
293
331
347
355
373
421
439
LAND MANAGEMENT POLICIES FOR EACH MANAGEMENT UNIT ••••
Parks Highway Subregion •••••••••••••••••••••
Highway Subregion •••••••••••••••••••••
Chapter 3
North
South Parks
Petersville Road Subregion ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Sunflower Basin Subregion ..•••••.••••....•.••••..•...•....••
Susitna Lowlands
Mt.Susitna Subreion ••..•••••..•.•••••••....•••..••.•••••.••
Beluga Subregion ••••••••••••
Alaska Range Subregion ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Lake Louise Subregion ••••••••••••••••••.••..••..••
Glenn Highway Subregion .............•....................•..
Talkeetna Mountains Subregion ••••••••••••••••••••••
Chugach Mountains Subregion ••••••••••••••••••••••••
Chap ter 4 IMPLEMENTATION •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Proposals for Legislative and Administrative Designations •••
Transporta tion •••••••••••••.•••••••••••••••.••••..•..••.••••
Land Disposal Schedule ••••••..•••••••••••••••••••••...••••••
Proposed Selections and Relinquishments •••••••••••••••••••••
Public Recreation Improvements ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Land Use Classifications •••••••••••
Priorities for Instream Flow ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Management Planning Priorities ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
445
447
454
464
472
473
475
482
485
APPENDICES
Appendix A:
Appendix B:
Appendix C:
Appendix D:
Procedures for Plan Modification and Amendment.
Glossary ......•............•..•...•.•........••
Publica tions Related to the Susi tna Area Plan ••
Areas open for Remote Cabin Permits ••••••••••••
486
488
490
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LIST OF HAPS
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
Petersville Road Land Ownership
Peters ville Road Land Use Designations
Sunflower Basin Land Ownership
Sunflower Basin Land Use Designations
Susitna Lowlands Land Ownership
Susitna Lowlands Land Use Designations
Mt.Susitna Land Ownership
Mt.Susitna Land Use Designations
Beluga Land Ownership
Beluga Land Use Designations
Alaska Range Land Ownership
Alaska Range Land Use Designations
Lake Louise Land Ownership
Lake Louise Land Use Designations
Glenn Highway Land Ownership
Glenn Highway Land Use Designations
Talkeetna Mountains Land Ownership
Talkeetna Mountains Land Use Designations
Chugach Mountains Land Ownership
Chugach Mountains Land Use Designations
Rights-of-way to be Reserved for Possible Future Roads
Also included in a package at the end of this document are two large colored
maps showing surface and subsurface land use designations.
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Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
This document is a land use plan for public lands in the Susitna Area.The
plan designates the uses that are to occur on much of the public land within
the Susitna Area.It shows areas to be sold for private use and areas to be
retained in public ownership.The plan results in specific policies for the
near term (5 years)and more general policies for the long term (20 years).
It does not control uses on private land,nor does it direct land use on areas
that already have been legislatively designated for specific purposes,such as
parks or wildlife refuges.
Since most public lands will be managed for multiple use,the plan also estab-
lishes rules which allow various uses to occur without serious conflicts.For
example,in an area intended for land disposals,the plan explains how public
access to streams and trails is to be maintained.
HOW THE PLAN IS ORGANIZED
To present this information,the draft plan is organized into four chapters.
Chapter 1 provides a brief description of the planning area,explains the
reasons a plan is necessary for the Susitna Area,and explains the types of
decisions made by the plan.It also provides a summary of the plan's land
management goals and a description of the planning process.
Chapter 2 presents an overview of the goals,management guidelines,land allo-
cations,and implementation procedures that affect each major resource or type
of land use.This chapter explains how agriculture,fish and wildlife
habitat,forestry,recreation,settlement,subsurface resources,
transportation,instream flow,lakeshore management,public access,remote
cabin permits,stream corridors,trail management,wetlands management and
"resource management/borough land bank"issues are handled by the plan
throughout the planning area.
Chapter 3 is a detailed description of the land use designations in each of
the plan's twelve subregions.The subregions are major geographical subdivi-
sions of the planning area.Each subregion is further divided into management
units,of which there are 83 in the plan.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 subsurface resource policies;and management guidelines that are specific
to that management unit.Designated land uses are shown on maps of each
subregion at a scale of 1:250,000 (approximately 1 inch to 4 miles).
Chapter 4 explains how the plan will be implemented.It includes sections on
administrative measures to implement the plan (land classifications,land
exchanges/relinquishments and land disposal schedules),and priorities for
more detailed planning.It also lists proposals for special legislative and
administrative designations (e.g.,state forests or recreation rivers)and
recommendations for developing transportation systems within the study area.
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Appendices.Detailed information on procedures for modifying or amending the
plan is included in Appendix A.Appendix B is a glossary of key terms used in
the plan.Appendix C presents a listing of past publications associated with
this plan (e.g.information on agriculture,forestry and other resources;
information on past public meetings,etc.).
Colored maps of the entire study area at a scale of 1:500,000 are enclosed on
the inside of the back cover.These maps summarize surface and subsurface
land use designations.
THE PLANNING AREA
The Susitna Area covers approximately 15.8 million acres in southcentral
Alaska (see Maps 1 and 2).All of the lands in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough
except those in the Willow Sub-basin are included in the planning area.
Willow Sub-basin lands,which include land in the vicinity of Wasilla,
Houston,Big Lake and Willow,were covered by a land use plan completed in
1982.*In addition,lands within the Kenai Peninsula Borough north of the
Chakachatna River also are covered by this plan.
The Susitna Area is an extremely diverse region that rises from sea level at
Cook Inlet to the summit of Denali.In between are the valleys of major
rivers--the Susitna,Chulitna,Talkeetna,Matanuska,Kahiltna,Yentna,
Skwentna,Talachulit na,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 generally mountainous,with parts of the Alaska Range,
Talkeetna Mountains,and Chugach Mountains all included in the planning area.
The State of Alaska owns or has selected approximately 60%of the land in the
study area (9.5 million acres).Another 30%(4.7 million acres)is in federal
ownership.Of the remaining land,4%is owned by the Hatanuska-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.See Map 3 for a generalized land ownership map.
The 1983 population of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough was approximately
30,600.~10st residents live in Palmer,Wasilla,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 serve a much bigger population than
that residing within the planning area boundaries.The Susitna Area is close
enough to Anchorage and the Houston/Wasilla area that many people from these
areas hunt or fish,harvest firewood,engage in a variety of recreational
activities,or enjoy traveling within the region.
*Copies of this plan are available from the Anchorage office of the
Department of Natural Resources,Division of Land &\vater Management,
Resource Allocation Section.Boundaries of this area are shown on Map 2.
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LOCATION OF THE
SUSITNA STUDY AREA
Susitna Study Area
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SUBREGION BOUNDARIES
The Susltna Area is divided Into 12 large subregions
for issue and resource analysis.A description of the
resources and land management policies for each of
these subregions Is presented in Chapter 3.Lands
within Denali State Park,Denali National Park and
Preserve and the Willow Sub-basin are not addressed
by this plan.A land use plan for the Willow Sub-basin
was completed in 1982.
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FEDERAL
STATE
STATE SELECTED
BOROUGH (includes selected lands)
NATIVE (includes selected lands)
MIXED (land ownership is too complex to
depict at this scale;ownership is at least
60%private with remainder state,
borough,and native)
LEGISLATIVELY DESIGNATED AREA
WILLOW SUB-BASIN BOUNDARY--
GENERALIZED
LAND OWNERSHIP
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Susitna Study Area
NOTE:This information has been generalized to
show ownership in blocks of 320 acres or greater.
Hence,many isolated private lots are not shown,
e.g.,lots within past state land disposals and
private parcels surrounding many lakes.
WHY PLAN FOR THE USE OF PUBLIC LAND?
Through the management of public lands,the state;borough,and federal gov-
ernments greatly influence the physical development patterns and the general
quality of life in the Susitna Area.Hajor development projects such as
mining,timber harvests,or agriculture influence local job opportunities.
Land sold for residential or private 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 Susi tna 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,who face many day-to-day decisions about land use,such as
whether to issue permits for roads,timber harvests,or sand and gravel
extraction,need clear and consistent guidelines for their decisions.
Therefore,it is essential that land managers 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.
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.Hany of
the important resource lands in the planning area are in mixed borough and
state ownership.These lands can be developed most productively through
projects which entail joint land use commitments,joint planning for roads and
other infrastructure components,coordinated disposals,etc.For example,the
proposal to extend the Oilwell road into the Amber Lakes area is justified
best when the state and borough make joint land use commitments in the area.
Additionally,the likelihood of receiving funds to build the road is increased
greatly when the state and borough both actively support the proposal.
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 Hoose
Creek and Kroto Creek as undeveloped public 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 to sell land for houses on the
opposite bank.In short,because what the state does with its lands affects
the borough and vice versa,cooperative planning is essential.
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Land disposals in particular require borough and state cooperation.The
borough and state should agree on the amount and type of settlement demand 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 disposals 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 planning jointly for the use of state and borough lands in the
Susitna area.
HOW WAS THE PLAN DEVELOPED?
The Statewide Plan
The Department of Natural Resources operates under a statewide land use plan
that gives guidance to planning on a regional and local scale and serves 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,therefore,
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 Plan is the product of over three years of work by an
interagency planning team and over 40 public meetings held throughout the
study area.Figure 1 illustrates the planning process that led to the final
plan.The following section describes the process in more detail.
In 1982,an interagency planning team was formed.Team members included
representatives from the various divisions within the Department of Natural
Resources and the Department of Fish and Game as well as representatives from
the Department of Transportation 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
specific to their respective areas of expertise or concern.
As indicated by the planning process diagram,the planning team held public
workshops in May,1982 to identify land use issues in the study area.At the
same time,the team,in conjunction with the U.S.Department of Agriculture,
prepared maps and reports describing resource values and identifying existing
and potential land uses throughout the planning area.The resource
information and the issues identified in the public workshops were used to
develop four alternative land use options.The land use altern~ti~~~
represented different ways to resolve land use issues in the Susitna Area.
Each emphasized a different general theme.
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Figure 1
SUSITNA AREA PLAN
PLANNING PROCESS
..-----1.-----
An interagency planning team was formed
with state and borough members represent·
ing each of the important resources in the
area:Forestry,Settlement,Agriculture,Fish
and Wildlife,Recreation,Minerals and
Energy (Winter,1982).
..-----2.-----
The planning team identified land use issues
and planning needs through public work·
shops and review of existing information
(Spring,1982).
,.....----3.----...
Existing and potential resource values and
land uses were identified and mapped by
the planning team.Most of this resource in·
formation was derived from the U.S.Depart·
ment of Agrlculture/ADNR Susitna River Basin
cooperative data inventory process (19n·
1983)and meetings with special interest
groups (WInter/Spring,1982-83).
.....----4.-----..
Alternative land use plans showing possible
resolutions to land use issues were devel·
oped by the planning team and reviewed
by the public in twelve workshops (Spring,
1983).
..-----5.----....
Based on response to the alternatives,a draft
plan was prepared by the planning team
and reviewed by affected agencies (Spring,
1984).
..-----6.----....
After necessary revisions following agency
review,a PUblic Review Draft was distributed
and public hearings were held (Summer/Fall,
1984).
..-----7.----...
Final revisions were made following the
public hearings.The Commissioner of ADNR
and the Borough Assembiy approved the
plan which now guides public land man·
agement decisions in the Susitna Area.
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The alternative themes were as follows:
Alternative 1
Alternative 2
Alternative 3
Alternative 4
Emphasis on land sales for settlement;
Emphasis on land sales for agriculture;
Emphasis on fish and wildlife,recreation;
and forest resources;and
Emphasis on economic diversification.
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The alternatives were presented to the public at workshops in April and May,
1983.The information from the workshops was used to evaluate the alterna-
tives and develop a preferred alternative which was circulated for agency
review in March and April 1984.This agency review draft was not the same as
anyone of the four alternatives,but represented a combination of parts of
each of them.Following agency review of the preferred alternative,it was
revised and a draft plan for public review was circulated.This draft was
reviewed by the public at hearings throughout the study area during late
summer 1984.Public comments were incorporated and necessary revisions made
before the final plan was adopted by the Commissioner of Natural Resources and
the Matanuska-Susitna Borough assembly in early spring of 1985.
Public Participation
Organization:Public participation was 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 (in the communities of Lake
Louise,Glacier View,Sutton,Trapper Creek,Talkeetna,Skwentna,and Tyonek)
and in Anchorage,Wasilla,Willow and Cantwell.Approximately 250 people
attended the 1983 workshops dealing with alternative land use plans,and
written comments were received from several dozen more.Results of these
workshops are summarized in a separate document available from the Department
of Natural Resources (Susitna Area Plan --Public Workshops Spring,1983).
The hearings on the public review draft of the plan,held in August and
September of 1984,were also well attended.In addition to the approximately
250 people who came to these hearings,over 100 people sent in written
comments on the plan.The full set of public comments and responses is
available in another DNR publication (Susitna Area Plan -Response to Public
Comments on the Draft Plan).
Throughout the planning process,members of the planning team and staff met
informally 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 proposals.Contacts included meetings with the Alaska Miners
Association,Alaska Center for The Environment,forestry associations,the
Mat-Su Borough Agricultural Advisory Board,Native corporations,Fish and Game
Advisory Boards,the Resource Development Council and others.
Results of the two key steps in the public participation program -review of
land use alternatives and review of the draft plan -are summarized below.
Public Review of Alternative Land Use Plans:The majority of people attending
the Spring 1983 public workshops put greatest importance on the goals of
preserving community character and protecting environmental quality.Opinions
on the goals of economic development and additional land sales were more
varied but less favorable overall.Overall,the land use designations and
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management guidelines in the final plan approximate those presented in
alternatives 3 and 4,as preferred by workshop participants.The gross area
available for land sales is greater than the amount proposed in either of
these alternatives,however.This reflects additional information on public
opinion,including widespread interest in the homestead program at public
meetings held by the Division of Land and Water Management (February,1984),
and continued strong public response to the existing disposal program.
Public Review of the Draft Plan.A large number of minor and several major
issues were brought up during the public review of the draft plan.The major
issues included the plan's policies on land disposal,mining and the multiple
use of state lands,and designation of wilderness areas.While the overall
direction of land management policy presented in the draft plan was not
changed,pUblic comments resulted in numerous specific revisions and
clarifications of the plan.
SUMMARY OF LAND MANAGRHENT GOALS AND POLICIES
The major goals of the draft plan are summarized in the following section.In
general,the purpose of the plan is to define a set of management policies for
state and borough lands that will allow these lands to produce the greatest
possible public benefits.
Under this plan,the majority of state and borough lands will be retained in
public ownership and managed for multiple use including forestry,development
of mineral resources,recreation,tourism,and protection and use of fish and
wildlife.The majority of land with potential for agriculture will be
retained in public ownership for at least the near term and classified
resource management,"a category that preserves options for all possible uses
until better information and/or access is available.A moderate amount of
agricultural land (approximately 26,000 acres)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 substantial amount of land (approximately 110,000 acres of
state land and 7,000 acres of borough land)will be offered for settlement
over the next 20 years.Offerings will focus on providing land necessary for
community expansion,land for settlement associated with resource development
and high quality accessible land for recreational/seasonal use and invest-
ment.Some land also will be available in more remote areas for recreational
use and self-sufficient lifestyles.If past patterns continue,most land will
be used at least in the near term for recreational/seasonal or investment pur-
poses.In addition to land sales,the plan encourages development of a public
use cabin system and identifies areas for issuance of remote cabin permits.
Overall,this plan strives for development of resources on state and borough
lands while emphasizing protection of environmental quality and community
character.The plan proposes expanded use of the area's resources,but con-
trols the manner and location of development so that many of the qualities
that make the area attractive are protected and enhanced.
Outlined below are the plan's major economic,environmental,social and trans-
portation goals.
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Economy
The economy of the study area is at present almost exclusively dependent on
government,service,retail,and construction sectors which in turn are
largely based upon the state's current oil wealth.A major goal of the plan
is to use public lands for development of basic industries that can 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
achieved,at least in the near term,is through the use of public land for
forestry,mineral and energy resource development,hunting and fishing,
recreation and tourism.Agriculture is also seen as important at gradually
expanded levels.
Natural Environment
Maintaining environmental quality was rated the most important goal for
management of public lands by the great majority of people attending workshops
on plan alternatives held in the area and Anchorage.A primary goal of the
plan is to allow forestry,agriculture,mining and other types of development
to occur but manage these uses to minimize environmental impacts.This goal
is not seen as contrary to the economic objectives because the area's economy
is likely to be very dependent on opportunities for hunting,fishing,
sightseeing,etc.,that require high environmental 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 attract 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 many people as possible,and simultaneously to 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 slowed gradually 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 region south of
Petersville Road,forestry areas are designated to encourage construction of
pioneer roads that will open adj acent 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.This set of transportation priorities will be coordinated with
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the DOT/PF's ongoing transportation planning work.Finally,the plan will
require future land sales of small lots «10 acres)in areas near roads to
meet borough requirements for construction of physical access to all parcels.
This will slow the pace of land sales and increase sale prices but reduce
fiscal and environmental costs.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SUSITNA AREA PLAN
The plan has been signed by the Commissioners of the Alaska Departments of
Natural Resources and Fish and Game and is now state policy for the management
of state lands in the Susitna Area.All ADNR and ADF&G decisions (land
disposals,classifications,timber sales,road building,mineral leasing and
all other actions on state lands)shall comply with the provisions of this
plan.The plan also has been approved by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Assembly and controls land use decisions on borough lands
as well.All decisions on borough lands will comply with.the provisions of
this plan.Where land management policy is different for state and borough
lands,for example,the policy dealing with the use of land with agricultural
potential,these differences are described in the plan.In the case of
federal lands,the Bureau of Land Management will consider the recommendations
of the area plan when preparing a management plan for federal lands in the
area.
The land use designations made on state lands in this plan are 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 informa-
tion,including statements of management intent,secondary land uses and land
management guidelines.Classifications for each management unit are shown in
chart form in Chapter 4.
Another important step in the implementation of this plan will be more
detailed planning for specific managemen~units or for specific issues such as
trails or transportation.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 specific
basis.Chapter 4 includes a list of management plans proposed for
implementation of the Susitna Area Plan.
Othe important implementation actions,also addressed in Chapter 4,include
proposals for legislative or administrative designation of areas possessing
particularly valuable public resources (e.g.,state recreation rivers,state
forests,etc.),plans for protecting the routes of future roads and other
possible improvements to the regional transportation system,and procedures
for determining the pace of state land disposal.
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The Hatanuska-Susitna Borough eventually will adopt the Susitna Plan as part
of the borough comprehensive plan.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 borough's
comprehensive plan and the Susitna Area Plan are designed to complement one
another:while the area plan deals with public lands in more remote areas,
the borough's comprehensive plan focuses on the developed portions of the
borough and includes consideration of uses on private lands.Together these
two efforts will produce a regional land use plan covering lands in all
ownerships.
MODIFICATION OF THE PLAN
A plan can never be so comprehensive and visionary as to provide solutions to
all land use problems,nor should 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 updated periodically as new
data become available and as changing social and economic conditions place
different demands on public lands.An interagency planning team will coordi-
nate periodic review of this plan when the Alaska Department of Natural
Resources and/or the Matanuska-Susitna Borough consider it necessary.The
plan review will include meetings with all interested groups and the general
public.
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 1 presents procedures for making amendments to and mnor
modifications of the plan which will be followed by the Department of Natural
Resources with regard to state-owned land and by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough
with regard to borough-owned lands.On borough lands,the Matanuska-Susitna
Borough Assembly may approve changes without requiring approval of DNR as DNR
may approve changes on state lands without approval of the borough.However,
each will consult with the other prior to making such changes.Appendix 1 al-
so presents procedures for making special exceptions to the provisions of the
plan When modifications are not necessary or appropriate.
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Chapter 2
AREAWIDE LAND
MANAGEMENT POLICIES
INTRODUCTION •••••••••••••••••••••••••.••
AGRICULTURE •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT •••••••••••••••
FORESTRY ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
RECREATION ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
SETTLEHENT ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
SUBSURFACE RESOURCES AND ~~TERIALS ••••••
TRANSPORTATION ••••••••••••.•••••••••••••
MISCELLANEOUS GUIDELINES
INSTREAM FLOW ••••••••••••••••••••••••
LAKESHORE ~NAGEMENT •••••••••••••••••
PUBLIC ACCESS ••••••••••••••••••••••••
STREAM CORRIDORS •••••••••••••••••••••
TRAIL MANAGEMENT •••••••••••••••••••••
WETLANDS ~~AGEMENT ••••••••••••••••••
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AREAWIDE LAND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
INTRODUCTION
This chapter contains land management policies 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 transpor-
tation.The chapter also presents management policies for a number of speci-
fic land management concerns:instream flow,lakeshore management,public
access,stream corridors,trail management,wetlands management,and "Resource
Management"and "Borough Land Bank"areas.These policies apply to state and
Matanuska-Susitna Borough land throughout the region,regardless of the land
use designation.In addition,Chapter 2 presents a summary of the land allo-
cations for each resource.
The policies in this chapter consist of goals and management guidelines,which
tie together the general conditions the Department is trying to achieve
(goals)and the specific directives (guidelines)to be applied water manage-
ment decisions as resource use and development occur.
(See the Glossary,Appendix B,for definitions of "goal","guideline"and
other terms used in these policies.)
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r'AGRICULTURE
I.GOALS
A.Economic Development.Diversify and strengthen the state's economy by
increasing the availability of competitively priced Alaskan food pro-
ducts through:
1.encouraging expanded production and availability of competitively
priced farm products from existing agricultural lands;
2.increasing the acreage 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.
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C.Conservation of Agricultural Resources and Protection of the Environ-
ment.Design all agricultural projects in a manner that maintains or
enhances the productive capability of the soil and protects or enhan-
ces the quality of the natural environment.
II.MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
A.Disposal of Agricultural Development Rights.Agricultural develop-
ment rights only will be conveyed to private ownership where the
Department disposes of state lands that are designated for agricul-
tural use.
B.Farm Development Schedules and Conservation Plans.When agricultural
development rights are conveyed to private ownership,terms of convey-
ance will include the requirement to comply with a farm development
schedule and farm conservation plan.Conservation plans will be
approved by ADNR in consultation with ADF&G prior to farm develop-
ment.The plans will incorporate soil,water and wildlife conser-
vation practices as developed by the SCS and other affected agencies.
ADF&G's technical assistance to farmers and Soil and Water Conser-
vation Districts in the preparation of farm conservation plans will be
the primary means of incorporating fish and wildlife concerns into
these plans.
C.Agricultural Disposal Program.Large blocks of designated agri-
cultural lands (2,000 or more generally contiguous acres)should be
used primarily to support commercial farming under the state's
standard agricultural land disposal 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 disposal
under the agricultural homestead program.(See the Forestry guide-
lines for requirements regarding timber salvage on agricultural
lands.)
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D.Protecting Options for Agricultural Development.Remote state land
with good agricultural potential,but not scheduled for sale or home-
steading,should generally remain in public ownership and be class-
ified "resource management"to protect the option for agricultural
use.Exceptions to this policy may occur when exceptionally 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 agri-
cultural development or impact other primary resource values.Such
uses include habitat protection and enhancement,recreation and
forestry management.
Parcels of 40 acres or larger which are owned by the Matanuska-Susitna
Borough must be classified agriculture if they contain more than 40%
Class II and III soils (Soil Conservation Service capability classifi-
cation).Exceptions to this can be made by the Assembly,under the
provision of Ordinance 13.25.070,if it is found to be in the public
interest.Such a finding can be made only if the land is determined
to be unsuitable for agriculture,if the proposed alternative use
contributes to agricultural development,or if the other proposed use
is essential to the welfare of the borough and no reasonable
non-agricultural alternative site is suitable and available.
E.Retention of Publicly-owned Land Adjacent to Wetlands,Waterbodies and
Streams.Publicly owned buffers should be retained on all lands
slated for disposal for agricultural purposes adj acent to wetlands,
streams or other waterbodies that have important hydrologic,habitat
or recreational values.The specific width of a buffer shall be
determined after consultation with affected agencies and in accordance
with the management guidelines contained in the lakeshore,stream
corridor,and wetlands sections of this chapter.A minimum buffer
width of 100 feet shall apply to agricultural land disposals.This
width should be increased as necessary where,because of steep slopes
or other conditions,the potential for sedimentation or pollution is
high.Buffer widths should also be increased where appropriate to
provide or maintain public recreation opportunities or important habi-
tat.
F.Timber Salvage on Agricultural Lands.See forestry management guide-
lines,this chapter.
G.Depredation.Efforts will be made to m1n1m1ze depredation of crops by
wildlife.Means of achieving this may include avoiding agricultural
disposals in areas where depredation is likely to be a major problem
and integrating game movement corridors into the design of
agricultural projects.When depredation does occur on agricultural
land,nonlethal means of wildlife control are prefered.
H.Floodplains.DNR will generally avoid agricultural disposals in the
10-year flood plain.Where the 10-year floodplain has not been
identified,the best available information will be used to identify
areas where flooding is likely to be a severe limitation on
agriculture.Agricultural disposals in such areas will be avoided.
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1.Grazing
1.Grazing in Remote Areas.In the Susitna Basin grazing generally
will be discouraged in roadless areas with little natural grazing
potential and in areas where there are no feasible farm
headquarters sites.This policy is intended to direct the
department's leasing and permit program and range management plans
to areas where grazing is economically feasible and to minimize
the impacts of grazing on soil stability,water quality and
habitat.
2.Grazing on Important Habitat Lands.Grazing generally should be
prohibited in the following habitat types unless DNR determines,
in consultation with ADF&G,that impacts can be mitigated through
specific management guidelines:
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dall sheep range;
-brown bear concentration areas;
habitats of endangered species and species afforded special pro-
tection,if such species would be threatened by grazing;
moose winter concentration areas;
-caribou calving areas;and,
-other important habitats identified on a case-by-case basis by DNR
in consultation with ADF&G.
3.Multiple Use Management of Grazing Lands
a.Grazing lands will be managed as multiple use lands to sup-
port a variety of public benefits in addition to Iivestock
production,including the following:
fish and wildlife maintenance
-water quality maintenance
-public recreation
-timber
soil conservation
b.Grazing lands will be managed to ensure sustainable forage for
domestic stock and wildlife.
c.Public access across and public use of grazing lands may not
be limited by persons holding grazing leases or permits unless
approved as part of a grazing operations plan.
4.
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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 suscep-
tible to soil erosion or water quality degradation,and in other
environmentally sensitive areas.These areas will be identified
through DNR's range management plans (see 5 below).
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5.
The requirements stated in these guidelines will be implemented
through appropriate lease and permit stipulations.
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,such permits or leases will be subject
to these management guidelines.
Range Management Plans.Where grazing is anticipated to be a sig-
nificant,widespread land use with potential for creating environ-
mental harm,DNR will develop range management plans (ID1P)before
issuing grazing leases or permits.RHPs will be developed by
DL&vlM in consultation with the Divisions of Agriculture and Fores-
try,ADF&G,SCS and Soil and Water Conservation Districts.The
provisions of ID1Ps will provide the basis for approval of grazing
operations plans (see below)and of stipulations to be included in
grazing leases and permits.ID1Ps will not be required where
grazing is a minor use with few animals and little land area
involved.DNR will determine where range management plans are
appropriate based on consultation with other affected agencies,
including ADF&G.In the Susitna planning area it is the Depart-
ment's intention to complete R}IP's for the following management
~units:Mana Unit 3C,in the Talkeetna Mountains Subregion;
~---l~aage1ftErt"tt;-~6a,in the Glenn Highway Subregion;Management~Unit 2,in tti •Susitna Subregion;and Management Unit la,in
""",.the Chugach Mountains Subregion.Preparation of RHP's will be
contingent on funding.ID1Ps shall address,at minimum,the fol-
lowing items:
a.Stocking Densities.The state shall use standard United
States Department of Agriculture range assessment procedures
or other scientifically acceptable methods to identify the
abundance,distribution,annual productivity,nutrition,and
seasonal availability of range vegetation available for
graZing.Forage availability,expressed as animal unit months
(Au}I's)shall be used with proposed grazing schedules to
establish maximum allowable stocking densities,with consider-
ation for meeting wildlife forage requirements,that will pro-
vide sustained 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 the adverse impacts of grazing.Fencing
may be required to protect portions of waterbodies.Identifi-
cation of specific watering sites,feeding stations,head-
quarter sites,or other improvements,may be required to mini-
mize the adverse impacts of grazing.
c.Annual GraZing Schedule.Range management plans will es tab-
lish spring and fall dates for release and removal of stock on
grazing lands.This may be necessary to protect the range and
to minimize competition between stock and wildlife.
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d.Map of Proposed Grazing Areas.Range management plans will
include a map which shows the location,acreages,and config-
urations of proposed lease and permit areas.
e.Physical Improvements.Range management plans will show pro-
posed feed lot sites,stock watering sites,supplemental
feeding stations,farm headquarter sites,fences and other
improvements necessary to minimize conflicts between grazing
and other resource values.Range management plans shall
io,clude,where appropriate,guidelines for the design,loca-
tion,and/or use of roads,trails,bridges and other improve-
ments or actions that may be necessary or incidental to
grazing operations.
f.Environmental Monitoring.Range management plans will estab-
lish procedures to monitor the impacts of grazing on Wildlife,
vegetation and soil stability and establish conditions under
which a lessee's or permittee's grazing operations plan may be
modified to prevent environmental degradation.
g.Disease Transmission and Livestock-Predator Conflicts.Range
management plans will establish measures necessary to minimize
transmission of disease between domestic stock and wildlife
and to minimize livestock-predator conflicts.
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 guide-
lines specified by applicable range management plans.
Grazing Operations Plan.Before receiving a grazing permit or
lease,a person must have an approved grazing operations plan.
Dtm will assist a lessee or permittee in plan preparation with the
consultation of ADF&G and SCS.A grazing operations plan will be
included as a condition of a lease or permit.Hinimum require-
ments of a grazing operations plan are as follows:
a.Cooperative agreement between the lessee and the appropriate
Alaska Soil and Water Conservation District.
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 statement of the lessee's proposed management activities,
including (1)range management practices considered essential
or desirable,including clearing and modification of vege-
tation;(2)livestock species to be stocked;(3)annual
grazing schedule and (4)forage balance sheet.
d.Proposed stocking densities:a maximum stocking density will
be based on DNR's range management plan for the area concerned
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(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 ensure efficient use of
state grazing land.
7.Standards of Approval--Grazing Operation Plans.A grazing opera-
tions plan will be approved only when it is in compliance with an
applicable range management plan.~fuere there is no range manage-
ment plan in effect,approval will be based on consideration of
the potential effects of grazing on water quality,riparian lands,
soil stability,disease transmission,livestock-predator con-
flicts,and competition between wildlife and stock for forage.
DNR,in consultation with affected agencies,may require that
appropriate measures be specified in a grazing operations plan to
minimize adverse impacts.
8.110dification of Grazing Operations Plan.Modifications of grazing
operations plans may be required if grazing activities are deter-
mined to cause significant degradation to the range or wildJ,.ife
habitat,including,but not limited to,water quality,soil
stability or sustainable forage for stock and wildlife.Determin-
ation that modification of a grazing operations plan is necessary
will be made by ADNR in consultation with the lease or permit
holder,ADEC,and ADF&G.
J.Other Guidelines Affecting Agriculture.A number of other guidelines
affect agricultural development.For details of these guidelines,see
the following sections of this chapter:
Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Forestry
Subsurface Resources and Haterials
Transportation
Lakeshore Management
Public Access
Stream Corridors
Trail Management
Wetlands Management
"Resource Management"and Borough Land Bank
III.LAND ALLOCATIONS SUMMARY
The Susitna area contains a significant portion of the state's total
supply of potential agricultural lands.Preliminary work by the USDA,
Soil Conservation Service estimated that there were approximately 400,000
acres of publicly-owned cultivable soils in contiguous blocks large enough
to support farming in the Susitna area.Cultivable soils are Class II and
III and certain IV soils as defined by the Soil Conservation Service.
These soils have the fewest natural limitations,such as wetness,
steepness,etc.,for farming.These preliminary estimates are now being
revised to better consider climate and other factors and to ensure
consistency between soil ratings in different locations.The results of
these revisions are reducing previous estimations of the amount
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of potential crop lands.Final soils information should be available in
the latter half of 1985.
Host cultivable soils lie in the central lowlands of the study area
between the drainage of the Yentna River and the western foothills of the
Talkeetna Hountains -the land within the South Parks Highway,Petersville
Road,and Sus i tna Lowlands Subregions.The maj ori ty of these potential
agricultural areas lack road access now and are not likely to have road
access in the next five to ten years.There are,however,several concen-
trations of potential farmlands,primarily in borough ownership,within a
few miles of the Parks Highway and the Petersville Road.
A.State Lands.Most state-owned cultivable soils lie south of Peters-
ville 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 by giving most large blocks of potential agricultural lands a
resource management designation.Approximately 100,000 acres of lands
that have a high percentage of cultivable soils in the Petersville
Road,Mt.Susitna and Susitna Lowlands subregions are designated
resource management.The bulk of these lands are in three.areas:1)
along both sides of the lower Kahiltna River,2)between Alexander
Creek and the Mt.Beluga/Mt.Susitna area,and 3)in the Deshka Flats
area.Although other uses on resource management lands,such as for-
estry management,recreation and habitat enhancement,are permitted,
nothing may be done that precludes future agricultural use unless the
plan is amended and the land reclassified.A resource management des-
ignation does not,however,commit the land to agricultural use:the
land may be evaluated for several possible uses based on additional
information,improved access,or changing social and economic condi-
tions.It should be noted that some 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.
The one exception to the general policy of not designating remote lands
for agriculture is in the Kashwitna Knobs area.At this site,located
south of the Petersville road approximately 30 miles,approximately
18,000 acres of land containing several large contiguous blocks of
Class II and III soils are designated for agriculture.This area is
intended to be a future commercial agricultural project.It will not
be sold until access improves or funding for road improvements is
approved.
In portions of the study area with better access,this plan designates
approximately 8,000 acres of state land for agricultural disposal.
Land designated for agricultural is summarized on the following chart.
About 3,620 acres are designated for agricultural homesteads in the
South Parks Highway Subregion in an area southeast of Sheep Creek near
Caswell Lakes.
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Approximately 520 acres of state land are designated for agricultural
disposal in the Petersville Road Subregion.These agricultural
homesteads are located in several different management units including
areas near Rabideux,south of the Petersville Road and just west of
the Big Susitna River.The 2,400 acre Rabideaux Project was offered
for sale in this area in summer,1984.This project is just east of
the Susitna River,2-3 miles south of the Petersville Road.
In addition to the 18,000 acre Kashwitna Knobs area,approximately
4,000 acres of land are designated for agricultural homesteads in the
Susitna Lowlands and Mt.Susitna Subregions.These parcels are
located in the area between the Yentna and Susitna Rivers near Kroto
Creek and near Alexander Creek.
Grazing is designated as a permitted use on approximately 150,000
acres of state land in the Susitna Lowlands,Mt.Susitna,Talkeetna
Moutains,and Glenn Highway Subregions.Most of this land does not
have road access,except for portions of the land within the Matanuska
Valley Moose Range east of the Hatcher Pass Road.In addition,there
are many millions of acres of state lands where grazing is neither a
designated nor a prohibited use -in these areas decisions to issue
grazing leases or permits will be made on a case-by-case basis.
B.Borough Lands.The approximately 34,000 acres of borough lands with
good agricultural potential are located principally in the South Parks
Highway,Petersville Road and Susitna Lowlands Subregions.
Particularly large concentrations (10,000 acres or more)occur in the
three areas:1)between the Chulitna and Susitna Rivers near their
confluence,2)on the west side of the Susitna River opposite the town
of Talkeetna,and 3)in the Chijuk Creek area between Amber and Parker
Lakes 10-15 miles south of Petersville Road.
A 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
designated borough land bank,to be managed in the near term as
multiple use public lands,with the option for agricultural use
protected.
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TABLE 1
AGRICULTURAL LANDS
DISPOSAL SCHEDULE
STATE NET LOCATION
PROJECTS ACRES MANAGEMENT UNIT
Petersville Peters ville Road
Homesteads 520 Subregion
Caswell Lake South Parks
Ag.Homestead 3,620 Highway 13b
Kroto West 2,200 Su Lowlands llg
Yentna Uplands
Addition 980 Su Lowlands 13g
Kashwitna Knobs 18,000 Su Lowlands 14b
Lower Sucker
Creek 800 Mt.Susitna 2e
Total Acres of
State Projects:26,120
IMPLEMENTATION
A number of measures are necessary to implement the agricultural goals,
guidelines and land designations of this plan.Among these measures are
land disposals,additional research and road construction.Recommenda-
tions for road construction are presented in Chapter IV where road priori-
ties are established based on a comprehensive consideration of resource
value in each subregion.The following material addresses land disposal
schedules and research needs.
A.Land Disposal.The preceding table indicates approximate disposal
dates for six state agricultural projects.The main limit on the pace
of sales of lands designated for agriculture is the lack of road
access.
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B.Research and Educational Needs.In addition to periodic evaluations
necessary to determine when future agricultural land sales are
appropriate,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 economic feasi-
bility studies,on-farm economic success is most dependent on
plant yields,management and commodity prices.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:Hore detailed evaluation and inventory of
potential grazing areas will expedite leasing of publicly owned
lands for domestic livestock grazing.
3.Assessing the Economics 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 price 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.
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FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT
I.GOALS
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A.Maintain and Protect Publicly Owned Habitat Base.The state will
maintain in public ownership and protect the habitat values of suffi-
cient suitable lands and waters to provide for the habitat needs of
fish and wildlife resources necessary to maintain or enhance public
use and economic benefits.
B.Ensure Access to Public Lands and Waters.Ensure access to public
lands and waters where appropriate to promote or enhance responsible
public use and enj oyment of fish and wildlife resources.Access
improvements should be designed to match the public use objectives for
the area under consideration.
C.Hitigate Habitat Loss.When resource development projects occur,
avoid or minimize reduction in the quality and quantity of fish and
wildlife habitat.
D.Contribute to Economic Diversity.Contribute to Alaska's economy by
protecting the fish and wildlife resources and habitats that
contribute directly and indirectly to local,regional and state
economies through commercial,subsistence,sport and non-consumptive
uses,while working to achieve the economic development of other
resources.
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A.Habitat Protection and Enhancement.While recognizing that all lands
serve to a degree as fish or wildlife habitat,important habitat lands
will be managed to the extent feasible and prudent for the purpose of
maintaining and enhancing fish and wildlife production and related
public uses.Procedures for this include the following:
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1.Through interagency consultation with the Alaska Department of
Fish and Game and other affected agencies,important fish and
wildlife habitat and public use areas are identified.Emphasis
is placed on species and areas with significant subsistence,
commercial,recreational or aesthetic values,areas needed for
important life functions of species which are limited in supply,
and species which are especially vulnerable to impacts associated
with human use.
2.Lands important for fish and wildlife production,public use,or
the livelihood of local residents are retained in public ownership
and classified as wildlife habitat.
3.Mitigative guidelines
maintenance of fish
described in I below.
are
and
applied
wildlife
to ensure the protection and
or related public uses,as
4.Habitat manipulation through controlled burning,water control,
timber management practices or other measures may be used to im-
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prove habitat for certain fish and wildlife species where feasible
and compatible with other designated primary uses.
B.Special Fish and Wildlife Management Areas.The plan recommends for
legislative or administrative designation lands or waters with special
values for fish,wildlife or related public uses that require perman-
ent retention and improved protection.
c.Activities in Important Waterfowl Habitat.In important waterfowl
habitat,activities requiring a permit,lease,or development plan,
and producing high levels of acoustical or visual disturbance from
sources such as boat traffic,blasting,dredging,and seismic opera-
tions,will,to the extent feasible and prudent,be avoided during
sensitive periods.Where it is not feasible and prudent to avoid such
activities,other mitigative measures will be considerd to attempt to
avoid significant impacts.The Department of Fish and Game will be
consulted for assistance in identifying areas of important waterfowl
habitat.
D.Dredge and Fill in Important Waterfowl Habitat.Permits for dredging
and filling in important waterfowl habitat,including permits for
gravel extraction and construction of roads and pads,will not be
granted unless it is determined that the proposed activity will not
cause significant adverse impacts to important waterfowl habitat or
that no feasible and prudent alternative exists.Where dredging or
filling does take place,other mitigative measures will be considered
to attempt to avoid significant impacts.
E.Structures in Fish Habitat.Structures in fish habitat will,to the
extent feasible,be designed to minimize impacts on fish migration and
other important life stages and activities including spawning and
rearing.
F.Water Intake Structures.When issuing appropriations for waters
providing fish habitat,DNR will require that practical water intake
structures be installed that do not entrain or impinge upon fish.The
most simple and cos t-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 fish.The
structures supporting intakes should be designed to prevent fish from
being led 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
ADF&G.
G.Threatened and Endangered Species.Identify as endangered species
habitat those lands and waters necessary for protection,restoration,
and propagation of fish and wildlife species that are now or may be
threatened with extinction.All land use activities should be con-
ducted so as to avoid jeopardizing the continued existence of threat-
ened or endangered species of fish or wildlife or their continued use
of an area,and to avoid modification or destruction of their
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habitat.Specific mitigation recommendations should be obtained
through interagency consultation for any land use activity potentially
affecting threatened or endangered species.Activities potentially
affecting peregrine falcons and bald and golden eagles will be
consistent,respectively,with the federal and state endangered
species act and the Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940 as amended.
When threatened or endangered species have been identified in the
vicinity of a major federal action (projects that are federally con-
structed,permitted,licensed,granted,or necessitating other forms
of federal authorization or approval),Section 7(c)of the Federal
Endangered Species Act requires that a biological assessment be
prepared.In general,a biological assessment should include the
following:
1.An onsite inspection of the area affected by the proposed project.
2.Interviews with recognized experts on the species at issue.
3.A literature review to determine the species distribution,
habitat needs,and other biological requirements.
4.An analysis of possible impacts to the species,including
cumulative effects.
5.An analysis of measures to avoid or minimize impacts.
The Endangered Species office of the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service
should be consulted on questions involving endangered species.
Trumpeter Swans.Where feasible and prudent,all land use activities
in or near trumpeter swan nesting habitat,including sales or the
granting of leases or permits,will be conducted so as to avoid dis-
turbance to swans or detrimental alteration to the habitat.Leases or
permits may include seasonal restrictions on activities to avoid dis-
turbance to swans.Consultation with the ADF&G should be used to
identify current or potential nesting habitat and to determine guide-
lines to follow and activities to avoid.
Construction of transmission lines in trumpeter swan habitat should be
avoided.If transmission lines are constructed they should be sited
in forested areas and kept close to treetop level,and wires should be
strung in one horizontal plane rather than in multiple,vertical
stacks.Where wires cross rivers,marshes and other open spaces,they
should be marked in a fashion to try to make them visible to swans.
Mitigation.All land use activities should be conducted with approp-
riate planning and implementation to avoid or minimize foreseeable or
potential adverse effects on fish and wildlife populations or their
habitats.Mitigation should include the following:
1.Attempt to avoid the loss of natural fish and wildlife habitat.
33
2.Where habitat loss can not be avoided,minimize loss and the need
for habitat restoration or maintenance efforts.Procedures for
this include the following:
a.Include fish and wildlife habitat and use considerations in
the early phases of development project planning and design to
minimize the spatial and temporal extent of impacts.
b.Develop siting and design criteria which will minimize wild-
life-caused damage to life and property where conflicts be-
tween people and animals may arise.
c.Request information on best managment practices from the
Department of Fish and Game and other appropriate agencies.
3.When loss of habitat production potential cannot be minimized,re-
store and rehabilitate the habitat that was lost or disturbed to
its pre-disturbance condition where doing so is feasible and pru-
dent.
4.When loss of existing habitat production potential is substantial
and irreversible and the above objectives cannot be achieved,com-
pensa~ion with or enhancement of other habitats should be
considered.In general,compensation with similar habitats in the
same locality is preferable to compensation with other types of
habitat or habitats elsewhere.
J.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:
Agriculture
Forestry
Recreation
Settlement
Subsurface Resources and Materials
Transportation
Instream Flow
Lakeshore Hanagement
Public Access
Stream Corridors
Trail Management
Wetlands Management
"Resource Management"and Borough Land Bank
III.LAND ALLOCATION SUMMARY
Over three-quarters of the public land in the region will be retained in
public ownership and managed for multiple use,including protection of
fish and wildlife habitat and provision of hunting,fishing and other
wildlife use opportunities.Habitat protection and management is a
primary use on over 90%of retained public lands and a secondary use on
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the rest (e.g.,small recreation sites).Potential conflicts between
competing uses will be resolved through application of the management
guidelines in this plan,or through subsequent more detailed management
plans.
Significant areas are closed to uses that would be incompatible with fish
and wildlife habitat values.In particular,the major clearwater streams
--Lake Creek,the Talachulitna River,the Kroto Creek-Moose Creek system,
the Talkeetna River,and Alexander Creek --are closed to mineral entry
and coal leasing,and large areas are closed to grazing because of Dall
sheep or caribou range,moose winter range,.or bear concentration areas
along streams.Large areas are proposed for legislative or administrative
designation to protect their wildlife and habitat resources;these areas
are noted below (see Chapter 4,Implementation,for details).
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 this remote area is retained in public ownership.All mountainous
portions of the region --the Talkeetna,Chugach,and Alaska ranges --
are retained.In lowland remote areas --most of which presently are
in public ownership --the plan calls for approximately 100,000 net
acres to be sold over the next twenty years.Even where land is sold,
however,some important habitat lands will be retained.For example,
publicly owned buffers at least 200'wide will be retained on each
side of nearly all streams.
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As development occurs on existing private land and future land sales
in these remote areas,some effects on wildlife populations can be
expected.Populations of species sensitive to disturbance by people
such as grizzly bear will become smaller near growing
recreational and residential settlement areas.Populations of more
tolerant species --such as moose --probably will not be affected
seriously by land sales and resulting development in the near future
because many important habitat areas are retained and because of the
protection offered by the management guidelines for land use.In the
longer term,development of existing private lands and lands proposed
for sale may have significant effects on these species.Opportunities
for hunting and fishing,however,are likely to be affected sooner.
Hunting and fishing are likely to increase in rural areas because of
larger human populations and improved access.Although this
represents increased utilization of fish and wildlife,it also will
produce increased competition,likely eventual reductions in fish and
wildlife populations and an altered experience for prior users.
35
Road/Railroad Accessible Areas.In the 20%of the region that is
presently accessible by road or railroad,a much larger proportion of
the land already is in private ownership and proportionately more
In addition,road access to new areas is likely to be significantly
expanded by the economic activities that may follow the land use
designations of this plan.New road systems are particularly likely
for new timber harvest or farm proj ects,and eventually may link
concentrations of settlement lands.1
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additional sales are planned than in remote areas.Although sizeable
areas of important habitat will be retained some places,and smaller
areas with habitat value retained near land disposals,a large segment
of the lands presently accessible by road will be in private ownership
after completion of the sales called for in this plan.The principal
road-accessible areas to be retained and managed at least in part for
their habitat values include:lands along the upper Glenn Highway;
land in several river corridors that cross the Glenn and Parks
Highways and Petersville Road such as Kings River,Moose Creek,and
Kroto Creek;lands proposed for legislative or administrative
designation west of Kroto Creek;the existing Denali State Park;lands
along the upper Parks Highway;lands along the Lake Louise road;and
federal lands along the Denali Highway.
Where land is offered for sale some lands particularly important for
habitat will be retained.Firstly,the most important and sensitive
habi tat lands are excluded from disposal proj ects.Secondly,lands
near or within disposal projects are retained to establish intercon-
nected systems providing some habitat requirements --including move-
ment corridors --of fish and wildlife populations.These retained
areas include --where the land is still public --buffers along lakes
and streams,wetlands,other lands with low capability for settlement,
and forested areas serving as personal-use woodlots.(Protection of
wetlands important for habitat is provided in addition by the wetlands
policies presented later in this Chapter.)
C.Allocations and Management Guidelines.In addition to protecting a
substantial portion of the existing habitat of fish and wildlife
populations,the plan's land use allocations and management guidelines
are intended to protect or enhance human use of fish and wildlife
populations in most places in the region.
Fishing
To protect fishing,corridors along most important fishing streams
presently in public ownership will be retained and managed to provide
opportunities for fishing,camping,hiking,and other compatible
recreational activities.Of these,the major floatable,clearwater
streams --Lake Creek,Talachulitna River,the Kroto Creek-Moose Creek
system,the Talkeetna River,Alexander Creek;and portions of Sheep
Creek,the Kashwitna River,the North Fork Kashwitna River and Peters
Creek --are protected by retention of particularly large buffers (1/4
to 1/2 mile on each side).Nearly all the land in the buffers along
these rivers is in public ownership.
The banks of most of the other large rivers,including the Susitna,
Chulitna,Yentna and Skwentna rivers and the rivers in the Talkeetna
}lts.Subregion are predominantly publicly owned as well.A portion of
the middle reaches of the Susitna River,parts of the l1atanuska River,
and the upper portion of the Beluga River are in Native ownership.
There are existing and/or proposed disposals on short sections of the
Chulitna,Yentna and Skwentna Rivers.Public corridors will be
retained within these disposals subject to the areawide Stream
Corridor policy (q.v.,this chapter)and the management guidelines in
Chapter 3.Construction of public use cabins to support recreational
use is recommended for some of these corridors.
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On most smaller streams,the buffer of publicly-owned land on each
side of the stream will be at least 200 feet wide.These buffers will
allow public access to and along the streams for uses such as fishing
and picnicking.
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 pri-
vate lots on their shores.Some additional land sales will take place
on several of these,but a significant amount of the remaining public
lands will be retained on all these lakes.Only a few of the area's
largest lakes have little private land at present.The plan calls for
retention of all of the remaining public shoreline of several of these
lakes,notably Chelatna,Tyone,Strandline,and Alexander Lakes.Much
of the shoreline property around smaller lakes is privately owned,
particularly in the Petersville Road and South Parks Highway
Subregions,and in the large remote parcel areas in the central and
wes tern portions of the Susitna Lowlands subregion.Numerous small
lakes are and will remain in pUblic ownership in other portions of the
pla~ning area,although there will be additional sales of lakefront
property in some proposed disposals.Sales of lakefront property in
these disposals will not exceed 50%of the shoreline on any lake with
significant public recreation value.(See Lakeshore Management
policy,this chapter.)Additional sales will take place on HHine
Lake,Lake Louise,Little Lake Louise,Larson Lake,and possibly
Beaver Lake (in L.Louise subregion).On Susitna Lake,up to 25
additional lots may be offered for sale.Existing unsold surveyed
lots on Hewitt Lake and Shell Lake will continue to be available for
purchase over-the-counter.
The net effect of the plan's land allocations and management
guidelines on fishing opportunities will be protection of remaining
public land along the region's road-accessible fishing streams and the
most heavily used remote rivers.A few lakes will be kept wholly in
public ownership,and public use of the others will be protected
through retention of public lots and easements.On some lakes,
provision of public or commercial recreation facilities is recommended
to support public use.
Hunting
Moose hunting opportunities in mos t 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 and Peters Hills area is
recommended for legislative designation and will be managed partly to
perpetuate hunting opportunities.However,some hunting lands in the
eastern part of the area will be sold.A large area of the public
land along the lower Glenn Highway has been legislatively designated
as the Matanuska Valley Moose Range.Most public land along the
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Yentna,Skwentna,and Susitna rivers will be retained,although small
areas will be sold.The lower Yentna and Susitna River corridors,
including the Kroto Slough area near their confluence,also have been
recommended for legislative designation to permanently protect
riparian habitat and opportunities for public recreation.
Caribou hunting opportunities will be protected through retention of
most caribou habitat lands (including all of the Talkeetna ~10untains),
and restrictions on mining or other potentially disruptive activities
in caribou calving areas.The plan proposes legislative or
administrative designation of a Nelchina Public Use Area,largely for
caribou habitat protection.
Other Fish and Wildlife Uses
Trumpeter swans receive special protection through specific management
guidelines and recommended legislative or administrative designation
of four areas containing particularly important swan nesting habitat.
These areas are near the Kahiltna,Upper Yentna and Hayes Rivers,and
near the confluence of the Yentna and Susitna Rivers,where protection
of moose winter habitat is another reason for special protection.
Trumpeter swan habitat in the Lake Louise area also receives
particular protection through the same guidelines applied to the four
areas proposed for special designations.
Opportunities for other uses of fish and wildlife --including photo-
graphy,viewing and other non-consumptive uses --also will be pro-
tected in large part through retention of large and small blocks of
land in strategic locations,as mentioned above.In the road access-
ible portions of the study area,these opportunities will be
diminished,however,as development of private lands takes place.
D.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.Future
sales of public land will be concentrated in presently accessible
areas where considerable private land already exists,and this tnll
help minimize reduction of habitat.However,some land sales,and
increasing development of existing private land,will take place in
some remote areas.As noted above,populations of species that are
tolerant of disturbance are likely to be little affected in remote
regions until a significant degree of development takes place.
Populations of intolerant species can be expected to decline as
development and human land use intensifies.The plan's management
guidelines,in conjunction with existing statutes and regulations,are
expected to minimize the detrimental effects of land use activities on
habitat quality.Never-the-Iess,increasing development on existing
private lands and lands proposed for sale in the plan will have some
negative effects on fish and wildlife populations and habitat quality.
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FORESTRY
I.GOALS
A.Economic Development.Contribute to Alaska's economy with an
integrated forest products industry that provides ;l range of job
opportunities,competitively-priced products and increased per capita
income,while ensuring that personal-use needs of all Alaskans are met
within the capabilities of the land.
B.Land Base for Forestry.Maintain in public ownership a forested land
base that is adequate to meet the economic development goal above,and
is dedicated to the production of a full range of forest products for
commercial and personal use and associated resources such as
recreation,wildlife,soil,water and range.
C.Management of Alaska's Forest Resources.Manage the public forested
lands of Alaska to guarantee their long term productivity and the
continuous availability of forest products at reasonable cost,while
maintaining and enhancing other valuable resources and opportunities
for the public to use and enjoy them.
Protect valuable public and private forest lands from wildfire,
insects and other destructive agents,and protect significant human
improvements and all human life from wildfire.
tj I I.MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
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A.Multiple Use Management.Unless particular forms of natural resource
use are specifically prohibited,all lands designated for forest use
are intended to be managed for the fullest possible range of
beneficial uses.The relative importance of each use will be
specified in the management intent statements and controlled by 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 proposals for significant
land clearing actions to evaluate whether the timber is worth
salvaging and to advise the Director of the Division of Land and
Water Management on what method of salvage to use.
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Major projects that involve clearing large amounts of forested
land --such as agricultural proj ects --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 methods of harvest,and time to
carry out the inventories.
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3.If timber is not salvaged prior to sale of land to farmers,the
value of the timber will be included in the evaluation of the land
and in the price 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 blocks 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,
Division of Land and Water Management,Department of Fish and Game
and the U.S.D.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 and implementing regulations 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 regulations.
D.Personal Use Wood Harvest.An important objective of forest
management is to provide opportunities for people to harvest firewood
and house logs from public land for their personal 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,some of this land should be managed to help
provide personal-use wood products.(For guidelines on providing
personal-use harvest areas near land disposal projects,see Settlement
guidelines,this chapter.)
E.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 that is in conformance with the area plan and is
developed as part of the Alaska Interagency Fire Management Council
planning process.
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F.Other Guidelines Affecting Forest Hanagement.A number of
guidelines may affect forest management.For details of
guidelines,see the following sections of this chapter:
Fish and Wildlife Habitat
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other
these
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III.
Settlement
Subsurface Resources and Materials
Transportation
Lakeshore Management
Public Access
Stream Corridors
Trail Management
Wetlands Management
LAND ALLOCATION SUMMARY
In the Susitna study area there are approximately 900,000 acres of public
land with high or moderate potential for commercial timber management and
a significant additional area with potential for personal use.These
lands 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 and west.Large blocks of forest lands occur in the
Susitna Lowlands,Mt.Susitna,South Parks,Petersville Road and Glenn
Highway Subregions.Smaller blocks occur in the Beluga and Lake Louise
Subregions.
A.Remote Forest Lands.Most (approximately 60%)of the forest lands
with commercial potential are remote.The remote lands with the
highest capability for forestry (based on their soils and existing
vegetation)are between the Yentna and Susitna Rivers south of
Petersville Road,in the Lewis,Theodore and Beluga River drainages
southwest of Mt.Susitna and between Lake Creek and Donkey Slough.
The plan proposes administrative or legislative establishment of state
forests or forest reserves for most of these lands.
B.Accessible Forest Lands.Approximately 360,000 acres of commercial
forest lands have access,or are close enough to a road (within 5-6
miles)that they probably will have road access in the near future.
These accessible lands lie principally in the foothills of the
Talkeetna Hountains east of the Parks Highway,along the Chulitna
River,along Petersville Road and south of that road in the Peters
Creek and Kroto Creek drainages.In addition,there are over 100,000
acres of forest land with potential for personal use that are close to
either roads or settled areas in remote regions.
C.Allocations.In this plan approximately 464,000 acres are proposed
for legislative designation as multiple use areas with forestry as one
of the primary uses.Lands in the following areas are proposed for
legislative or administrative designation:
1.Peters Creek --Petersville Road Subregion (150,000 acres recom-
mended by plan;
Kashwitna --South Parks Highway Subregion (54,000 acres)L
2.
3.
Yentna-Susitna
acres)
Susitna Lowlands Subregion (approximately 40,000
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4.Mt.Susitna --Mt.Susitna Subregion (96,000 acres).
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5.Lake Creek --Ute Susitna Subregion (25,000 acres)
6.Kroto/Kahiltna --Susitna Lowlands,approximately 99,000 acres)
In addition to these proposed legislative designations,there is a
substantial amount of land 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 for legislative designation generally are large blocks
of high quality forest land,although,because they are committed to
multiple use management,some portions of these areas are included in
the special designations primarily for their habitat,recreation or
other public use value.Other retained forest lands are extremely
mixed,including both high quality forests and land where timber is
relatively scarce.
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough owns approximately 185,000 acres of
forested land.Due to ownership patterns and parcel sizes,however,
less than 60,000 acres are suitable for commercial management.The
plan designates most of this land "borough land bank";decisions
regarding appropriate uses are left to a later date when improved
access or changing economic conditions merit reevaluation.
Approximately 25,000 acres of commercial forest land near Chugiak Creek
have been classified by the Borough for forestry.
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RECREATION
I.GOALS
A.Recreation Opportunities.Alaskans and out-of-state visitors desire
and expect accessible outdoor recreational opportunities.Well
designed,maintained and conveniently located recreation facilities
should be provided to aid the physical and mental health of a highly
competitive society.These expectations shall be realized by:
1.Developing a state park system of recreation areas,trails,his-
toric parks,rivers and sites which provide a wide range of year-
round outdoor recreation opportunities for all ages,abilities and
use preferences in close proximity to population centers and major
travel routes;
2.Providing recreation opportunities on land and water areas which
serve multiple purposes such as habitat protection,timber manage-
ment,and mineral resource extraction;
3.Assisting communities through cooperative planning,conveyance of
state lands and grants-in-aid for parks and trails within popula-
tion centers;and,
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4.Encouraging commercial development of recreation facilities and
services through land sales,leases,loans and technical assis-
tance where public recreation needs can most effectively be pro-
vided by private enterprise.
In addition to developed recreation areas and multiple-use lands,the
state will attempt to provide some minimally developed or undeveloped
recreation opportunities if suitable areas are identifed.
Resource Protection.Alaska's natural and cultural resources are the
foundation for recreational activ~ties and tourism throughout the
state.Deterioration of recreation areas and cultural and historical
sites,loss of fish and wildlife habitat,and loss of scenic areas
must be prevented if recreation values are to be maintained over time
and not lost to future generations.Long-term public appreciation of
Alaska's natural and human history and perpetuation of Alaska's
distinctive identity will be accomplished by:
1.Protecting and portraying natural features of regional or state-
wide significance and cultural features representative of maj or
themes of Alaska history in historic sites,parks and preserves of
the State Park System;and,
2.Assisting other land managing agencies to perpetuate natural and
historic features on other state lands,in community park systems
and on private property by providing technical assistence and
grants-in-aid.
43
C.Economic Development.The Susitna area's scenic and recreation
resources have great potential to contribute to the tourism,
recreation and hospitality industry,the state's third largest.Areas
managed primarily for outdoor recreation and appreciation of scenic
and historic resources attract large numbers of out-of state
visitors;one fifth of the visitors to Alaska's state parks come from
out-of-state.Further contributions to increased recreation industry
employment will be achieved by:
1.Rehabilitating and maintaining recreation facilities which enable
greater appreciation of Alaska's scenic and historic resources;
2.Increasing the number of attractions through additions to the
Alaska State Park System;and,
3.Developing cooperative interagency visitor information centers.
II.MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
A.The Roles of Different Public Land Owners in Providing Public
Recreational 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 recreational 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 recreational opportunities.
2.In recognition of the borough's role in meeting community
recreational needs,the state should consider eventual transfer
under AS 38.05.315 of certain state recreation sites near existing
communities to borough ownership.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
recreational values of the sites as required by AS 38.05.315.
B.Public Use Cabins.A system of public use cabins should be estab-
lished in the Susitna Basin.The Department will develop adminis-
trative procedures for managing a state public use cabin program,set
priorities for cabin sites,and seek a budget for construction and
maintenance and for program management.Cooperation will be sought
with borough or federal governments or local non-profit organizations
for construction or maintenance of some cabins.Locations and prior-
ities for cabins will be based on comprehensive and region-wide con-
sideration of resource values and uses.
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C.Private Recreational Facilities on Public
or other private facilities designed
profitmaking recreation facilities will be
management plan,land planning report or
the following:1
1.Significant public recreational opportunities will not be lost or
blocked by the facility.
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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.
The facility will be sited,designed,constructed and operated in
a manner that creates the least conflict with natural values and
traditional uses of the area.
The facility will be sited and designed in accordance with stream
corridor,access,wetlands,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 and
Outdoor Recreation.
D.Promotion of Under-Utilized Areas.Promote use of under-utilized
recreation areas where appropriate to take pressure off overcrowded
recreation areas.
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consistent with maintaining high
environmental quality,and safety.
maximum
quality
use of recreation sites
recreation experiences,
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F.Other Guidelines Affecting Recreation.A number of other guidelines
may affect recreation management practices.For details of these
guidelines,see the following sections of this chapter:
A.Rivers and Streams.Rivers or streams that provide public
recreational opportunities generally will be protected through
retention of publicly owned buffers extending at least 200 feet each·
side of the stream.This width of buffer will allow access to and
along streams for uses such as fishing and camping.A publicly
retained buffer of this width will protect recreational values on the
majority of smaller streams in the study area.(See river and stream
policy,this Chapter,for details.)
On rivers where a larger buffer is desired to allow a wider variety of
recreational opportunities,a publicly owned buffer of between 200
feet and 1/4 mile on each side of the stream is retained in public
ownership.This width of 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 in
this category are Montana,Mendeltna,Rabideux Creeks and portions of
Trapper Creek and the Kings,Upper Susitna,Little Nelchina and Tyone
Rivers.Refer to Chapter 3,subregion summaries and management
guidelines,for futher information on corridor widths on individual
waterways.
Some 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 or administrative designa-
tion to protect their recreational uses.There are seven rivers with-
in the Susitna area proposed for such designation along all or part of
their length:Kroto/Moose Creek,Lake Creek,the Talachulitna River,
Alexander Creek,Lower Yentna and Susitna Rivers,Sheep Creek,and the
Talkeetna and Kashwitna Rivers.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 seven corridors totals 250,000
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 through retaining in public ownership at least 50%of the
land within 500 feet of the lake,a significant portion of which
should be suitable for recreational activities (see Lakeshore
Management Policy,this Chapter,for details).The impact of this
policy will be somewhat limited because a large percentage of the
area's lakes--particularly the larger lakes--already are ringed with
private land.However,where land surrounding lakes has been sold by
the state since 1979,several blocks of lakefront property usually
have been retained in public ownership to provide access to the lakes.
A special effort has been made in this plan to protect the recrea-
tional values of the largest lakes (those larger than 640 acres)in
the planning area.There are few of these lakes (28)and virtually
all those with potential for development already have been at
least partially settled.Remaining public land surrounding the large
lakes with relatively little development --notably Lake Susitna,
Chelatna Lake,Tyone Lake,Alexander Lake,Strandline Lake and Old Man
lake --will be retained in public ownership 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),those sales will
be designed to minimize damage to public recreation values by
retaining islands and lakefront property in public ownership,
protecting public access from lakes to backcountry areas and
protecting stream and trail corridors and other important open space
areas.
C.Dispersed Recreation Areas.The plan designates large areas to
support dispersed recreation act ivies such as cross-country skiing,
hiking,tent camping,snowmobiling,and dog mushing.These areas also
offer protection for scenic vistas,geologic features and unique
ecosystems for scientific,educational and aesthetic values.
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This is done in part through retention in public ownership of the
majority of state owned land in the study area.These lands will be
managed to support a variety of uses in addition to recreation,
including mining,forestry and protection and use of fish and wild-
life.Land retained for these purposes include most land in the
following subregions:Sunflower Basin,Mt.Susitna,Alaska Range,
Chugach Range and Talkeetna Mountains.Less land is retained in the
more developed accessible subregions,but the amount of retained land
suitable for recreation is nonetheless substantial.Details on spec-
ific areas are included in the subregion summaries,Chapter 3.
In addition,several large retention areas are proposed for legisla-
tive or administrative designation to protect their unique and high
quality public use values.Mulitple use forest/habitat/recreation
lands are proposed for designations in the Peters Creek,Mt.Susitna,
Kroto-Kahiltna,Lake Creek/Yenlo Hills and Kashwitna areas.These
areas are intended to provide for long term management of timber
resources,recreational opportunities and mineral development,
and protection of fish and wildlife habitat and opportunities for
human use.These proposals include large alpine areas with low or no
forestry potential and some important river corridors in order to
maintain the integrity of large contiguous blocks of land and to
protect recreation opportunities.
Other areas proposed for legislative or administrative designation
with recreation as a primary use include Jim-Swan Lakes,the Nelchina
Public Use Area,the Tyone Lake/Lake Susitna Area,an expansion of the
existing Long Lake recreation area,and the Gunsight Mountain public
recreation area.These areas also protect important fish and wildlife
habitat and opportunities for human use.Details on the amount and
management of land within these designations are presented in the
subregion summaries,Chapter 3.
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 basin.Additionally,the plan
recommends purchase of land presently in private ownership in several
areas where public recreation demand is particularly heavy.Capital
improvement funding for recreation facilities and funding for the land
purchase program are discussed in the implementation section,Chapter
4.
Details on specific sites are presented in each subregion description
in Chapter 3.The general types of sites designated and some examples
are outlined below.
1.Campgrounds and Picnic Sites.Land with potential for campgrounds
is identified and retained by the plan at several sites along the
Parks and Glenn Highways.In general,the plan follows a policy
of retaining isolated blocks 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.
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2.Parking/Access Sites on Lakes and Streams.As mentioned above in
the discussion of lakes and streams,the plan follows a policy of
retaining in public ownership land adjacent to water bodies with
important recreation values.In most cases this land may be used
to construct facilities to allow greater public recreational use.
(Retained land will not be available for developed facilities in
those few streams corridors intended to be kept in their natural
state.)
3.Other Recreation Facilities.Land is reserved in public ownership
near Petersville for possible use as a base for access to the
south side of Denali National Park and Preserve.(Alternatively,
visitor accommodations could be built along Curry Ridge or west of
the Chulitna River within Denali State Park.)Accommodations in
these locations could range from a campground and trail system at
the Petersville site to a four-season hotel and visi tors'center
near Curry Ridge.
4.Heritage Interpretation.Interpretation of the history of the
area will be pursued in conjunction with development of new facil-
i ties such as waysides or campgrounds.This interpretation can
emphasize the trapping history,mining history,development of the
highway and/or development of the railroad.These are important
aspects of the past and add a dimension to recreation develop-
ments.
E.Trails and Access.To ensure continued opportunities for public use
of trails,those recreation and historic trails of regional and
statewide significance generally will be protected through public
ownership of trail corridors.(See Trail Management policy,this
Chapter,for details.)
The Iditarod and the Chickaloon-Knik-Nelchina trails have special sig-
nificance because of their historical values and present public use.
They generally will be protected through a publicly owned corridor
500'each side of the centerline.
Other trails with statewide or regional significance will be protected
through publicly owned corridors of at least 50'each side of the cen-
terline.Use of these trails is likely to increase 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 are those
in a proposed trail system through the Talkeetna Mountains.This
trail system would link many trails used for recreation and mining in
the Talkeetna Mountains to trails in the Hatcher Pass Area and to
others in the west along the Susitna River.
In addition to protecting a system of trails in public ownership,the
plan attempts to improve road access to a number of areas with poten-
tial for expanded public recreation.In very few instances do
recreational benefits by themselves justify road construction.Tnere-
fore the plan generally proposes roads that serve a variety of uses,
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including settlement.Details of road improvement proposals are pre-
sented in Chapter 4.Examples of proposed 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.
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SETTLEMENT
I.GOALS
A.Private Land Use.Make available to present and future Alaskans suit-
able public land needed for the following private settlement purposes:
1.Year-round residences or community expansion.For this category
of use,DNR will offer land that has road access and is suitable
to meet the needs of growing communities.This category serves
people whose principal place of residence --and usually work --
is in the area of the disposal.
Where the state does have land suitable for this purpose disposal
will be a high priority unless there are overriding public
values.To address this important category of settlement the
state will concentrate its efforts on assisting municipalities
with their disposal programs under the provisions of AS 38.04.021.
2.Recreational use or seasonal residences.For this use,which is
the most common use of land disposed of by the state,DNR will
offer high quality sites with characteristics such as proximity to
water,views,good hunting,or interesting topography.The state
will be selective in land offered for this use.
Although the state also will offer a variety of lands for sale
commensurate with demand,expenditures of time and money will be
directed toward identifying high amenity disposals.
The state also will provide the opportunity for private
construction of cabins on state-owned land under a remote cabin
permit program.Under this program an individual can get a permit
allowing use of five acres for construction of a cabin without
gaining title to the land.
3.Year-round,relatively self-sufficient remote residences.For
this use,DNR will attempt to provide opportunities for a small
number of people who wish to pursue a remote,more or less
'self-sufficient lifestyle.Generally,the state will not offer
tracts large enough for families to subsist on,but rather offer
smaller parcels adjacent to public land that can be used for the
gathering of firewood and houselogs and for hunting and fishing.
This category,although important,will not be a high priority in
the disposal program because it requires low-density settlement
and thereby satisfies few people,and it is less in demand than
the preceding two categories.Committing sufficient land to allow
individuals to create a self-sufficient lifestyle in effect allo-
cates a massive land area to a few people.
4.Settlement associated with natural resource development projects.
The state will set a high priority on making land available for
the development of new towns or the expansion of areas adjacent to
such projects.In some cases this will require a decision by the
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state as to whether leasing lands for a campsite or temporary
settlement is preferable to selling land for a townsite.
Industrial or commercial development.In order to stimulate or
facilitate economic development,DNR will attempt to sell,lease
or protect for future use suitable land for private,commercial
and industrial use.Requirements for these uses are highly
site-specific,and disposal decisions will be made on a
case-by-case basis as demands arise.
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II.
B.Resource and Economic Impacts.Contribute positively to other uses
of natural resources and minimize undesired impacts from land dispos-
als.
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 personal investment of time and effort.
D.Fiscal Impacts.Minimize future fiscal costs to local or state gov-
ernment for services,wildfire management,and infrastructure require-
ments resulting from settlement of state lands.
E.Community and Social Impacts.Minimize undesired changes in the char-
acter of life among nearby communities or residents as a result of
land disposal projects.
F.Coordination with Local Governments.Coordinate state land offering
programs with similar programs of local governments to best achieve
common objectives.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
A.Land Use Needs.Regional demand assessments for settlement lands will
include estimates of land necessary for projected conversion to resi-
dential,commercial,industrial,public facility and recreational
uses,based on projected population levels.The disposal program will
give a high priority to ensuring the availability of an adequate sup-
ply of land to meet these needs,including an amount necessary for
market choice.
The state also will make available land for investment beyond what is
necessary for actual use.However,providing land for specific needs
will be a higher priority.
B.Long-Term Program.The disposal 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.Price and Terms.The state will make land available to be earned by
personal 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 pre-
clude offering generous payment terms.
51
D.Competition with
mize competition
land offerings.
artificially low
the Private Market.The state will not seek to m1n1-
with private land markets by changing or reducing its
The state,however,will not undercut the market with
prices.
E.Protection and Management of Natural Resources.In its settlement
program,the state will protect the economic potential of public lands
with high value for oil and gas development,minerals,coal,forest
products,public recreation,tourism,agriculture and the production
of fish and wildlife resources,including lands especially important
to the livelihood of local residents.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.
When the state sells land in locations and amounts that have high pot-
ential for commercial agricultural use,only agricultural rights to
that land should be sold.This policy is not intended to mean that
all land with high agricultural potential will be designated for agri-
cultural use.Some of these lands may be retained for forest manage-
ment,public recreation,fish and wildlife habitat,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.
Host lands of high potential or value for mining,commercial forestry,
fish and wildlife habitat or public recreation,or lands where
numerous active mining claims exist,will not be offered for sale for
residential or recreational purposes.However,much of the settlement
land offered by the Department also is valuable for public recreation
or habitat,and some lands of high value for public recreation or
habitat will continue to be offered.
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.The state will coordinate with local governments
to achieve this.
Public lands wi thin the surveyed lOa-year floodplain should remain in
public ownership except where a regulatory floodway and flood fringe
have been identified through detailed hydrologic 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.DNR
will provide available information about flood zones in land disposal
brochures when a disposal is in a potential flood hazard area.
In drainages where the lOa-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
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floodplain guidelines.
Lands generally will be retained where slopes are predominantly north-
facing and steeper than 2S percent.This will hold in public owner-
ship 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.
Protection and Management of Valuable Environmental Processes.The
state will provide a publicly-owned open space system to preserve
important fish and wildlife habitats and natural areas such as estu-
aries,shore lands ,freshwater wetlands,riparian lands,watersheds,
and surface and ground water recharge areas.
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Wetlands with important hydrologic,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 wild-
life movements.Some places it may be necessary to retain large areas
to provide adequate terrestrial habitat.
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H.Protection and Enhancement of Scenic Features.The state generally
will retain in public ownership unique natural features such as
cliffs,bluffs and waterfalls,as well as foreground open space for
panoramic vistas.Public access to such amenities also will be
preserved.
Land disposal 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 or rivers unless land disposals can be
designed to prevent negative effects 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,historic 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
belts,public-use corridors,personal-use wood lots,
commons,building setbacks,and other open spaces to
desirable land use pattern in developing areas.
reserve green-
buffer areas,
help create a
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,gravel pits,roads,parks,sewer treatment plants,etc.
t-53
L.Cost of Public Services.In accordance with AS 38.04.010,the Depart-
ment will attempt to guide year-round settlement to areas where serv-
ices exist or can be provided with reasonable efficiency.State land
that is located beyond the range of existing schools and other neces-
sary public services,or that is located where development of sources
of employment is improbable,may be made available for seasonal recre-
ation purposes or for low density settlement with sufficient separa-
tion between residences so that public services will not be necessary
or expected.Wildfire management costs resulting from settlement will
be considered and minimized to the extent feasible.
DNR will set a high priority on seeking funding to implement the pro-
visions of AS 38.04.021 to assist municipalities in their disposal
programs with the aim of making land available in and around estab-
lished communities.
DNR will seek the assistance of and cooperate with the Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT/PF)in evaluating the
impacts of proposed disposals on the costs of extending,improving and
maintaining transportation facilities.
M.Provision of Access.DNR will comply with the capital improvement
provisions of local government subdivision ordinances.Where no sub-
di vision ordinance is in effect,DNR will ensure the existence of
actual physical access (by road,rail,air or water)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 are inconsistent with a
major overriding state interest.
O.Personal Use of Nearby Resources.One of the considerations in
deciding the location,size and design of land disposal projects will
be the nearby supply for personal use of resources such as firewood,
house logs and fish and wildlife.Where it is anticipated that land
recipients will want to use wood resources,some blocks of land nearby
may be retained in public ownership to provide some firewood and/or
houselogs.
In general,in remote areas the Department will cluster disposal
offerings.This will provide some nearby public land for gathering of
firewood and houselogs and for hunting and fishing and will keep open
options for other uses of these lands when access develops.
P.Design Review Boards.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 disposal project.A design review board will consist of a
maximum of eight citizens and local government officials appointed by
an appropriate local government official.\Vhere local government does
not exist or is unwilling to appoint such a board,DNR will make the
appointments if sufficient interest exists.
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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.
Q.Cumulative Effects.Chances for inadvertent and undesired cumulative
effects of land offerings and disposals will be minimized by a
planning process that examines the impacts of various regionwide
comprehensive land use alternatives.DNR's statewide and area
planning program attempts to do this and will be used to establish and
revise regional land offering and disposal policies for state lands
(see Guideline V 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 disposal assumed):r1
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Percent Average Slope
0-12
13-20
21-30
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Minimum Lot Size
1 acre
4 acres
10 acres
No development
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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 one means to acquire rights
through privately owned lands needed for public use.
Easements generally will not be used as a means of retaining a public
interest in lands within a subdivision.Exceptions to this policy may
be made where the interest protected is very limited such as for local
pedestrian access that is not part of an integrated neighborhood or
community trail system.This policy will minimize confusion between
public use rights and private ownership rights.
T.Owner Staking.In areas where severe land use conflicts and ineffi-
cient use of resources are expected to result from owner staking,DNR
will offer homestead parcels with prestaked or predesignated bound-
aries.
u.Staking Outside Designated Areas.It is the responsibility of
entrants to establish the location of their parcels accurately.Title
will not be granted to parcels located outside the boundaries of
designated settlement areas.Entrants who incorrectly locate parcels
outside designated areas may be given a second opportunity to stake
within the proper area.
55
v.Statewide Land Disposal Plan.In partial fulfillment of the
provisions of AS 38.04.020,the Department will prepare annually a
statewide land offering and disposal plan.This plan will incorporate
existing area and management plans and describe the Department's
intentions for land offerings in each region of the state.These will
be based on the Department's settlement and land management policies
and on information on land suitability and competing land use values,
supply,demand and need for .disposal,effects of disposal on other
resources and resource uses,transportation systems,available funds
and other factors of regional or statewide concern.
w.Coordination with Local Governments.State land offering programs
should be coordinated with similar programs of local government to
best achieve common objectives.To this end,DNR proposes the annual
development of a joint disposal plan with each municipality (for both
state and municipal lands).This plan would be based on consideration
of the municipality's road extension priorities and its plans for
levels of services in different areas --in short,on local fiscal
planning.If a municipality has a comprehensive land use plan,that
plan will provide direction for disposal priorities.The disposal
plan should demonstrate what community objectives are being met,and
how the requested capital improvement funds would support
municipality-wide priorities for roads and service extensions to
benefit current and future residents.The disposal plan should
demonstrate how increased access and development would promote use of
other resources such as agriculture,mining,forestry and recreation,
and thus provide state as well as regional benefits.
Joint municipal/state disposal plans as described here would consti-
tute sections of the statewide disposal plan discussed above.The
Susitna Area Plan provides the means of coordinating borough and state
disposal planning in the l1atanuska-Susitna Borough.
x.Remote Cabin Permit Program
1.Remote cabin permits can be offered only in management units where
their use has been allowed by this area plan and where a subsequent
more detailed interagency planning process decides that permits are
in fact appropriate.
2.A unit may be eligible for remote cabin permits if:
a.Access by road or railroad is not likely for at least ten years;
and,
b.Settlement disposal of land in the local area is not desirable
or practical at this time because of public resource values,the
area's remoteness or the expense of surveying;or,
c.In a settlement area,after disposal offerings are completed or
on parcels of land unusable for disposal because they are too
small or scattered or because of some other reason.
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3.Remote cabins will be allowed only in locations,numbers and under
management guidelines that result in no significant conflicts with
other anticipated forms of resource use and management (e.g.,
wildlife habitat,forestry,agriculture,public recreation and
mining).
4.To avoid significant conflicts,specific guidelines for remote cabin
permits will be set for each unit or portion of a unit opened.In
every instance these guidelines will include the number of permits to
be offered.In addition,consideration should be given to setting
guidelines for the allowed density of cabin sites (e.g.,number of
cabins on a lake,number of cabins per township),location criteria
(e.g.,prohibited areas),limitations on the number or size of
buildings,allowed or prohibited forms of access,and any other
considerations appropriate to the area.
5.These guidelines and the decision whether remote cabin permits will
be offered in a management unit will be decided by an interagency
planning team,with public participation.Meetings of the planning
team for this purpose will be convened and chaired by the South-
central Regional Office of the Division of Land and Water Manage-
ment.If a management plan is prepared for the unit,these guide-
lines and decisions instead should be prepared as part of the plan.
6.The stream corridor,trail corridor,lake shore and wetlands
management guidelines for land disposal projects also apply to remote
cabin permits.
7.Remote cabin permits are not intended to be converted to fee simple
disposals.of land that otherwise would be retained in state owner-
ship.Guidelines for remote cabins in each area will be designed to
avoid creating future pressures for actual disposal (e.g,by setting
appropriate number and density limitations).
8.The remote cabin permit program will be paced to ensure that some
opportunities to acquire permits are available in the Susitna Area
Plan region for at least 20 years.The numbers of areas opened and
permits available will be set to achieve this.
9.New rights-of-way to remote cabin permit sites generally will not be
allowed.
10.Unless closed for other reasons than the presence of permitted remote
cabins,remote cabin permit areas will remain open to mineral entry.
Other Guidelines Affecting Settlement.A number of other guidelines may
affect settlement.For details of these guidelines,see the following
sections of this Chapter:
Agriculture
Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Forestry
Recreation
Subsurface Resources and Materials
Transportation
57
Lakeshore Hanagement
Public Access
Stream Corridors
Trail l1anagement
Wetlands ~funagement
"Resource l1anagement"and Borough Land Bank
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III.LAND ALLOCATION SUMMARY
A.Supply of Settlement Lands.The Susitna Basin,unlike some regions of
the state,has a large amount of undeveloped land with settlement
potential.Much of this land is near roads and is privately owned or
owned by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.There are approximately
300,000 acres of non-native private lands in the Susitna area,a
substantial portion of which is currently road accessible,yet unde-
veloped.(This includes approximately 70,000 acres of land sold by
the state since 1979.)There are approximately 360,000 acres of
native lands physically suited for settlement,much of which is near
roads.In addition,the majority of the borough's approximately
350,000 acres has good settlement potential;much of this land,also,
is near roads.
State and Borough Lands Allocated to Settlement.A total area of
approximately 602,000 acres is allocated to settlement in the plan.
Of this total,defined as the gross area allocated to settlement,it
is estimated that approximately 110,000 .acres of state land and 7,000
acres of borough land actually will be sold or otherwise transferred
to private ownership through various disposal programs.This esti-
mated level of actual disposals,called the estimated net disposal
offering,is lower than the gross area allocated to settlement as a
result of the retention .of land within disposal boundaries.Lands are
retained within these areas either because the have low physical capa-
bility for settlement or because they provide public rights-of-way,
stream buffers,woodlots,etc.Most state land disposals will be
used,at least in the near term,for recreational,seasonal or invest-
ment purposes.The net acreage figure should be considered a prelimi-
nary estimate prior to more detailed evaluations of site characterist-
ics and the decision regarding the type of disposal to be offered at
each settlement area.These decisions will occur with further agency
and public review through the department's disposal process.
Approximately 5%,or 700,000 acres,of the 15,000,000 acres of federal
and state land in the planning area is physically suited for settle-
ment (i.e.,it is land that is adequately drained,not too steep,
etc.).Nearly all of these 700,000 acres are state owned.However,
less than 10%of this land is within 2 miles of a road or railroad.
An additional 25%has access via fly-in lakes or boatable streams.
The remaining 65%of the net acreage of state land suitable for
settlement is located in areas that generally are considered too
remote to allow disposal without access improvements.
Tables 1 and 2 on the following pages present figures on the gross and
estimated net acreage designated for settlement on state and on bor-
ough lands in each of the area's 12 subregions.While these alloca-
tions reflect 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 recreation-
al/seasonal settlement is high.
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The first goal is achieved largely by relying on the abundant existing
supply of private lands in areas where communities are located.The
59
state owns very little land within or adjacent to existing
communities.Where the state does own land in or near communities,a
high priority will be placed on offering the land for disposal or
using it for comunity purposes such as schools,airfields,etc.
Borough lands in areas adjacent to communities are generally desig-
nated "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 will be in a good position to meet future needs for settle-
ment lands associated with resource development,simply because the
state owns large tracts of land in remote areas where future projects
might occur.Where there is a near term possibility of major resource
development,for example the development of coal reserves in Beluga,
the plan designates specific areas to support workcamps or townsites.
In other areas where there is some future possibility of resource
development but the exact locations are not yet known,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 existing private lands and the unsold por-
tions of past state offerings.Because of the location of state lands
relative to employment opportunities,most disposal lands will be used
for recreational/seasonal or investment purposes,at least in the near
term.New land designated for future disposals for this type of use
is concentrated in the Petersville Road,Glenn Highway,Lake Louise,
South Parks Highway and Susitna Lowlands subregions.In these
subregions state land is relatively accessible.Land offerings in the
more remote subregions generally also will provide some high amenity
areas for recreational/seasonal use.The relative quality of these
areas is expected to rise as access improves over the twenty year life
of the plan.Borough land,much of which has ve ry high quality for
recreational/seasonal settlement,generally will be designated
"borough land bank."An exception is borough land surrounding Larson
Lake and Amber Lake which is designated for settlement and which the
borough hopes to offer for sale after roads are constructed into the
areas.
Regarding the location of sales,overall the plan strives to concen-
trate settlement areas.To the extent state lands are available,
sales are concentrated in the vicinity of existing settlement areas,
for example,near Trapper Creek and Talkeetna.Concentrating sales
provides greater efficiency in the provision of public services and
facili ties and allows retention of blocks of public land for other
uses (e.g.,forestry,mining,public recreation and habitat protec-
tion).However,to reduce the impacts of disposals on existing rural
residents,substantial amounts of land within and near disposals will
be retained in public ownership to protect public access,water quali-
ty and habitat and to provide areas for public recreation and wood
lots.
60
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TABLE 2
ACREAGE IDENTIFIED FOR SETTLEHENT ON STATE·LANDS
(includes agricultural homesteads and spring '85 offerings)
SUBREGION
AND TYPE OF GROSS AREA NET AREA
OFFERING 1 (ACRES)(ACRES)
North Parks Hwy
New Offerings 22,000 2,610
Reofferings --------
South Parks Hwy
New Offerings 38,020 10,330
Reofferings 6,400 ----
Peters ville Road
New Offerings 41,000 9,490
Reofferings 29,790 1,570
Sunflower Basin
New Offerings 62,300 6,620
Reofferings 26,130 5,590
Susitna Lowlands
New Offerings 47,630 13,775
Reofferings 165,420 29,970
Beluga
New Offerings 5,440 1,400
Reofferings --------
Mt.Susitna
New Offerings 27,650 7,430
Reofferings 37,210 4,800
Alaska Range
New Offerings 16,320 3,330
Reofferings --------
Lake Louise
New Offerings 5,125 1,125
Reofferings 46,080 4,600
Glenn Hwy.
New Offerings 25,230 5,750
Reofferings --------
TOTALS
New Offerings 290,715 61,860
Reofferings 311,030 46,530
GRAND TOTALS 601,745 108,390
Col
1Acres shown as reofferings are planned land sales wi thin the boundaries of
areas previously offered under the remote parcel program.These areas will
be offered primarily as homesteads.No figures on land available
over-the-counter from past subdivisions are shown.It is estimated that
approximately,8,000 acres in over 1,400 unsold,subdivided parcels are
available over-the-counter in the Susitna area.
62
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In addition to land disposal,the state will meet demand for
recreational/seasonal settlement through opening portions of the
Susitna area to construction of privately owned cabins under the
remote cabin permit program.Under this program,individuals can get
a permit allowing use of five acres for construction of a cabin
without gaining title to the land.The permits are for at least 25
years.Finally,the state will institute a system of public use
cabins on appropriate public lands.Such a system will provide the
public with an inexpensive recreational cabin experience and will
provide the public an alternative to buying land and building a
cabin.
TABLE 3
ACREAGE IDENTIFIED FOR SETTLEMENT ON BOROUGH LANDSI
SUBREGION
AND TYPE OF GROSS AREA NET AREA
OFFERING (ACRES)(ACRES)
South Parks Hwy
New Offerings 8,000 1,870
Peters ville Road
New Offerings 9,030 3,630
Glenn Hwy
New Offerings 1,550 470
TOTALS 18,580 5,970
lIncluding settlement lands only.See agricultural section for information on
proposed agricultural land sales.
63
SUBSURFACE RESOURCES AND MATERIALS
I.GOALS
A.Mineral and Energy Supplies.Make metallic and non-metallic
minerals,coal,oil and gas,and geothermal resources available to
contribute to the energy and mineral supplies and independence of the
United States and Alaska.
B.Economic Development.Contribute to Alaska's economy by making sub-
surface resources available for development,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.When developing subsur-
face resources,protect the integrity of the environment and affected
cultures to the extent feasible and prudent.
D.State Support for Mining.Aid in the development of infrastructure
(ports,roads,railroads,etc.)and continue to provide geologic map-
ping and technical support to the mining industry.
II.MINERAL,MATERIAL AND COAL DEVELOPHENT GUIDELINES
A.Mineral and Coal Exploration.Recognized exploration methods for
locatable minerals will be allowed on all state lands unless specif-
ically closed to prospecting and will be subject to the conditions of
a land use permit.
Prospecting for coal may be permitted adjacent to anadromous fish
streams (other than those protected in specific corridors);however,
if a lease is given,the Department reserves the right to restrict
surface entry where it determines the surface values are significant
enough to warrant such a restriction.Decisions on surface entry for
coal adjacent to streams will be made in consultation with the
affected agencies.
B.Open to Mineral Entry.All state lands that are open to mineral
entry are multiple use areas where mineral development will be
accommodated and encouraged consistent with applicable state law and
the policies of this plan.
C.Reclamation of ~1ined Land.Land use permits and plans of operation
for mineral development and gravel extraction will specify measures
needed to return the land to a useful state.Determination of the
specific measures to be taken and whether or not a performance bond
will be required will be done in consultation with the affected
agencies.Specific measures may include:storage and reuse of top-
soil;disposal of overburden;regrading of tailings and revegetation;
reestablishment of natural (not necessarily original)contours;
reestablishment of natural drainage system;long-term erosion control
measures;and,removal of equipment,improvements and other man-made
items.
64
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D.Access for Mineral and Coal Development.Existing roads should be
used to provide access to mine sites wherever feasible.
Access across tundra,wetlands,and other environmentally sensitive
areas will be managed in a manner that minimizes damage.(See also
Transportation,this chapter.)
E.Unauthorized Use of State Lands.The Department will place a high
priority on taking appropriate action against construction of illegal
structures,blocking public access,or other unauthorized use of
public lands for private purposes.This will include taking
appropriate action against mining claimants who are using their
claims for facilities that are not necessary for prospecting,
extraction or basic mining activities.In carrying out this policy,
emphasis will be placed on unauthorized uses that are obstructing
significant settlement,public recreation or other public uses or
obstructing public access.
F.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 especially in settled areas,recreation
areas,and in areas viewed from roads.In such areas,guidelines
should consider,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.
G.Approval of Plans of Operation.DNR may approve plans of operation
required for locatable mineral leases if the plans adequately address
the guidelines of an area plan and DNR has consulted with and gi"en
careful consideration to the recommendations of ADF&G and DEC.Viola-
tion 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 vio-
lations.
III.GUIDELINES FOR LAND SALES IN AREAS WITH MINERAL,MATERIAL,OR COAL POTEN-
TIAL.
A.Land Sales in Areas with High Mineral or Material Potential.Gener-
ally,land sales will not occur in areas of high mineral potential;
areas with claims in good standing;or areas containing sand and
gravel deposits,rock sources or other similar,high value material
resources.
B.Land Sales in Areas with High or Moderate Coal Potential.Generally,
land sales will not occur in areas of existing coal leases,or areas
of high coal potential as defined in 11 AAC 85.010.Land sales should
be avoided in areas of moderate coal potential as defined in 11 AAC
85.010 except where land sales are determined to be the highest and
best use of the land.
65
IV.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 sur-
face values to be protected are significant and that other management
options are not adequate to protect the surface resources should sub-
surface resources be developed (see AS 38.05.185(a»;
B.The area to be closed to mineral entry and location will be limited to
the minimum necessary to protect the continued productivity and avail-
ability of the surface resources being protected;
C.Land scheduled for commercial,industrial,agricultural,or subdivi-
sion sale will be closed to mineral entry and location at the end of
the first year of the LADS process.(i.e.,approximately two years
prior to the anticipated sale of the land.)
D.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 (i.e.,approximately two years prior to the
anticipated sale of the land).These areas will remain closed until
the allowed number of homestead entries has occurred.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
the settlement pattern that has resulted creates significant irrecon-
cilable land use conflicts.
E.Lands proposed for exchange or trade will be closed to mineral entry
and location at the time a preliminary agreement to exchange the land
is reached.
F.Lands reserved for transfer to another public agency for development
of a public facility or reserved as a future townsite will be closed
to mineral entry and location at the time the area is classified
"reserved use".
V.GUIDELINES FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE LOCATABLE MINERAL LEASING PROGRAM.
Requiring that locatable mineral developments occur under a lease is 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)),or where the state does not own the land in full fee
estate or has previously disposed of other interests in the land.
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C.The area where locatable minerals will be developed under lea~e will
be limited to the minimum necessary to protect the continued produc-
tivity and availability of the resources being protected.
D.Concurrent with the designation of an area as being open to locatable
mineral entry under lease only due to potential conflicts between
other resources and mining,DNR,after consultation with ADF&G and
DEC,will identify the other resources needing protection and state
the general nature of stipulations to be used in leases to protect
those other resources.
CATEGORIES OF RESOURCE VALUES THAT ltAY BE IN CONFLICT WITH COAL OR MINERAL
DEVELOPMENT AND MAY BE CONSIDERED FOR CLOSURE,LOCATABLE MINERAL LEASING,
LAND USE STIPULATIONS OR OTHER MANAGEMENT.
In some circumstances the Commissioner may find that the following cate-
gories of resource values require either locatable mineral leasing or clo-
sure,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 locatable mineral closure,locatable mineral leasing,pro-
hibition of coal leasing or prospecting,or another management option is
needed to protect the continued productivity and availability of the
resource in conflict.
The decision to apply mineral closures or locatable mineral leasing will
be made by the commissioner within the parameters set by the Alaska
Statutes.As 38.05.185(a)requires that the Commissioner make a determin-
ation that mining is incompatible with a significant surface use before an
area can be closed to mining.The same section of the statutes requires
the commissioner to make a determination that there is a potential use
conflict before requiring the development of locatable minerals under a
lease.
A.Retained lands with significant commercial,industrial,or public use
values
Lands with significant coal,oil and gas,timber or other commer-
cial potential.
67
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 will 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
fishing,hunting,trapping,photography,and viewing.
Lands and waters that provide significant recreation opportuni-
ties,such as clearwater rivers that are now or are expected to be
important for recreation,key public access sites,and recreation
facilities.
Lands and waters that are the watershed of a community water
supply.
Sand and gravel pits,stone quarries or other significant known
material sites that might be lost to public use if mineral claims
were staked.
B.Retained Lands with Significant Fish or Wildlife Resources
Lands and waters that support protected species of plants,fish or
wildlife (e.g.,bald and golden eagles),threatened species (e.g.,
tundra and trumpeter swans or peregrine falcons),or endangered
species (e.g.,short-tailed albatrosses and eskimo curlews).
Lands and waters that support production or maintenance of fish or
wildlife species which have significant economic,recreational,
scientific,educational or cultural values or which have been
given special protection through state or federal legislation or
international treaty.
State game refuges,critical habitat areas and sanctuaries.(In
decision memorandum 1144 signed by the Commissioner in January of
1984 the Department did set the statewide policy that in legisla-
tively established Critical Habitat Areas and Wildlife Refuges
mining will occur under lease.Also,individual legislatively
designated areas may be recommended for mineral closure,but such
a closure would be decided on a case-by-case basis using the cri-
teria found in AS 38.05.185(a).)
Other lands and waters not included above that are known to sup-
port unique or unusually large assemblages of fish or wildlife.
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A.Preferred Material Sites.When responding to a request for a material
sale or identifying a source for materials,the highest priority
should be given to using existing upland material sources.Using
materials from wetlands,lakes and the activeI or inactive2 floodplain
of rivers or streams should be avoided unless no feasible alternative
exists.Sales or permits for gravel extraction will not be permitted
in fish spawning beds.
B.Material Extraction from Sensitive Areas.Material extraction from
wetlands,lakes,or stream corridors (including the active and inac-
tive floodplain)should occur only after design consultation with
ADF&G,DOT/PF,DPOR,DGGS and ADEC.
If the only feasible and prudent source of gravel is an active or
inactive flood plain of a stream or river,the following guidelines3
will be used,in addition to the design consultation required above,
to minimize negative impacts of material extraction on other resources
and uses.
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1.Streams types should be selected for material extraction based on
the following order of preference (most to least preferable):
braided,split,meandering,sinuous,and straight.This order of
preference reflects the availability of gravel from exposed bars:
the largest volumes are available from braided systems and the
least from straight systems.An additional factor is the
decreasing floodplain width of the stream types identified above.
Wider floodplains allow extraction further from the river channel
itself,reducing environmental impacts.
2.Generally the largest river feasible should be selected for a
gravel operation in a given area.Larger rivers have.higher
volumes of gravel and wider floodplain.The proportionally
smaller disturbance in large river systems will reduce the overall
effect of gravel removal.
3.Mining gravel from active channels should be avoided to reduce
detrimental effects on water quality,aquatic habitat,and biota.
However,if hydraulic changes can be minimized,in-channel sites
will replenish more rapidly than other areas and effects on the
terrestrial biota and scenic quality of the floodplain will be
avoided or greatly minimized.
1Active floodplain -the portion of the floodplain that is flooded frequently;
it contains flowing channels,high-water channels,and adjacent bars,usually
containing little or no vegetation.
2Inactive floodplain -the portion of the floodplain that is flooded infre-
quently;it may contain high-water and abandoned channels and is usually
lightly to heavily vegetated.
3These guidelines are adopted from:"Gravel Removal Studies in Arctic and
Subarctic Floodplains in Alaska",U.S.F.W.S.,Biological Services Program,
June 1980.More detailed guidelines are continued in the "Guidelines Manual"
that accompanies that report.
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Before gravel is extracted from the active floodplain or channel
of a stream or river DGGS should be consulted to ensure that the
planned operation does not exceed the annual rate of gravel
deposition and cause upstream erosion.It is particularly
important for DGGS to establish the rate of deposition in rivers
or streams when large quanities of gravel will be taken from the
active floodplain or channel over long periods of time.
4.Whenever possible,avoid vegetated habitats.
5.When scraping gravel in active or inactive floodplains,maintain
buffers that will contain active channels to their original loca-
tions and configurations.
6.When small quantities of gravel are required (approximately 50,000
m3),select sites that have only unvegetated gravel deposits.
7.When large quantities of gravel are required (approximately in ex-
cess of 50,000 m3),select large rivers containing sufficient
gravel in unvegetated areas,or select terrace locations on the
inactive side of the floodplain and mine by pit excavation.
8.If pit excavating is used,design a configuration with high shore-
line and water depth diversity and provide islands.
9.If mining in vegetated·areas,save all overburden and vegetative
slash and debris to use during site rehabilitation to facilitate
vegetative recovery.This material should be piled or broadcast
in a manner so it will not be washed downstream.
c.Maintaining Other Uses And Resources When Siting and Operating Mater-
ial sites.Before allowing the extraction of materials,the manager
will ensure that the requirements of the permit or lease give adequate
protection to other important resources and uses including,but not
limited to:existing water rights;water resource quantity and qual-
ity;navigation,fish and wildlife habitat and harvest;commercial
forest resources;recreation resources and opportunities;historic and
archaeological resources;adjacent land uses;and access to public or
private lands.The disposal of materials should be consistent with
the applicable management intent statement and management guidelines
of the plan.
The manager should also determine if other existing material sites can
be vacated and rehabilitated as a result of opening a new material
site.
D.Screening and Rehabilitation:11aterial 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.Where appropriate,
rehabilitation of material sites will be required.For additional
guidelines affecting material extraction see policies under the
section of subsurface resources.
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Oil and gas gUidelines are not addressed here.Oil and gas guidelines
specific to a particular management unit are found in Chapter 3.The
Department's statewide policies for oil and gas are found in the Five Year
Oil and Gas Leasing program and the Statewide Natural Resources Plan.
Specific stipulations for oil and gas exploration,development and produc-
tion activities will be developed and applied on a case-by-case basis for
each oil and gas lease sale using the lease sale process.
IX.OTHER GUIDELINES AFFECTING SUBSURFACE RESOURCES AND MATERIALS.A number
of other guidelines may affect subsurface resources and materials.For
details of these guidelines,see the following sections of this chapter:
Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
Transportation
Public Access
Stream Corridors
Trail Management
Wetlands Management
"Resource t1anagement"and Borough Land Bank
r .X.RESOURCE ALLOCATION SUMMARY
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Economic deposits of mineral resources are rare occurences in nature and
occupy a very small fraction of the land.These deposits can be developed
only where and when they are found.As mineral deposits often have little
or no surface exposure,they can not be readily inventoried as are surface
resources,but must be actively sought and discovered.For this reason,
the most practical way to encourage subsurface resource development is to
maintain the maximum amount of land open to mineral location or leasehold
location.
The large majority (approximately 95%)of state-and borough-owned subsur-
face lands in the Susitna Basin are currently open to exploration and
development of locatable minerals and to coal leasing and prospecting and
will remain open under this land use plan.However,this plan does close
certain limited areas to these activities.The areas closed are judged by
department geologists generally to have low or very low mineral values.
Oil and gas leasing is not prohibited anywhere by the Susitna Area Plan.
Subsurface resource designations such as "minerals,""coal,"or "oil and
gas"generally are not applied as primary or secondary surface land use
designations.This is because the problems in locating and measuring sub-
surface resources make it difficult and potentially misleading to apply
primary and secondary designations in the same way these can be applied to
surface resources like timber.In order to make clear the department's
policy regarding subsurf ace resource development,the plan provides a
statement for each management unit that the area is open or closed to
location and available or unavailable for leasing.In management units
that are open/available,mineral development will be encouraged and
accommodated consistent with state law,areawide land management policies
of chapter 2,and the statements of management intent and management
guidelines in the affected unit.Where a management unit is open to
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mineral location and it has a primary surface designation such as fish and
wildlife,this surface designation will not be construed to prevent
mineral development.
A primary surface designation for minerals,coal,and oil and gas is made
in certain cases where there is currently intensive subsurface resource
exploration and/or development of statewide significance or likely to be
such activity in the next several years.In these areas,as in areas that
are open/available,subsurface development will be encouraged and accommo-
dated.Other primary surface values will be protected,however,in so far
as possible through the application of existing state laws and procedures,
the policies in the plan,and the provisions of such instruments as SEEA
lease stipulations and approved plans of operation.
The following sections describe areas that are open and closed to mineral
entry and available and unavailable for coal prospecting and leasing.
A.Lands Open to Mineral Location.Approximately 95%of the roughly 10
million acres of state and borough lands in the Susitna Basin are open
to mineral location.Under this plan,all lands within the Nelchina,
Willow Creek,Yentna,Valdez and the Chulitna mining districts --"
locations where the maj ori ty of the region's mining has occurred and
is expected to occur in the future --will remain open to 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.
B.Lands Available for Locatable Mineral Development Under Lease.
Approximately 55,000 acres «.5%of the state and borough land in the
planning area)will be open to locatable mineral entry only under a
lease as a result of this plan.Areas restricted to leasehold
location are the lands surrounding ten Dall Sheep mineral licks
located in the Talkeetna and Chugach Mountains.
As a result of decision memorandum #44 signed by the Commissioner in
January '84,lands within three existing game refuges Susitna
Flats,Palmer Hay Flats,and Goose Bay State Game Refuges --are
currently only open to locatable mineral entry under a lease.
C.Lands Closed to Mineral Entry and Location.Approximately 5%of the
roughly 10 million acres of public land within the Susitna Basin will
be closed to new mineral entry and location within the Susitna area.
Virtually all of this acreage lies within areas of low or very low
mineral potential (see below).
It is important to note that 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 explora-
tion or development activities;any existing leases,prospecting per-
mits,or claims will not be affected.(Mineral closing orders will be
prepared for those areas in compliance with AS 38.05.185.)
The following categories of lands will be closed to mineral entry in
the Susitna Basin.
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Lands identified for settlement,agriculture,commercial,or
industrial use.The plan designates approximately 700,000 gross
acres for settlement of which approximately 130,000 will be sold
over a twenty year time period.The actual areas that will ulti-
mately be closed as a result of these land sales will be approxi-
mately 350,000 acres.(As was described earlier in this chapter
these areas will not be closed to mineral entry until a disposal
project has gone through the first year of the department's
detailed disposal design process.)This figure is greater than
the amount of acres to be sold because certain public lands
directly associated with sales areas (e.g.,roads,trails,
woodlots,greenbelts)are also closed to mineral entry.The
figure is lower than the total number of acres designated for
settlement because after some of these areas are offered for sale
large portions of the unsold areas will be reopened to mineral
entry.
2.Boatable clearwater rivers recommended for legislative designation
due to their existing public recreational use,anadromous fish
habitat,and their uniqueness among rivers in the study area.
Specific rivers which will be closed are:the Talachulitna River,
Alexander River,the Kroto/Hoose/Deshka system,Lake Creek,and
the Talkeetna River.On several of these streams selected
tributaries also will be closed,however,not those tributaries
judged to have high mineral potential.
3.Non-floatable,heavily used,clearwater anadromous fish streams
and selected tributaries.Only the lower reaches of these
streams,in areas that do not have concentrations of existing
claims,will be closed.The only streams in this category are
Montana Creek,Sheep Creek,and Goose Creek.
4.Certain areas proposed for legislative or administrative designa-
tion primarily due to their value for public recreation.The leg-
islation that created Nancy Lakes State Park (within the Willow
sub-basin)and Denali State Park has already prohibited mineral
entry in these areas.The only new such areas recommended closed
by the Susitna Plan are the Jim/Swan Lakes area,the proposed
expansion of Long Lake Recreation area and the Susitna Lake/Tyone
Lake area.The Jim/Swan and Susitna/Tyone areas receive heavy
hunting and fishing use;the Long Lake area is a popular hiking
and skiing areas.These three areas are thought to have generally
low mineral values.
5.Other smaller areas closed to new mineral entry and location are
described below.
Small (less than 640 acres)recreation sites
Transportation rights-of-way
A 25,000 acre parcel at the junction of the Yentna and Susitna
Rivers with exceptional recreation and habitat values;this
area also has a concentration of trumpeter swan nesting sites
and will be recommended for legislative designation.
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D.Lands Available for Coal Leasing and Prospecting.Over 1.3 million
acres of land in the Susitna Basin show high and/or moderate coal
potential.An additional 2.4 million acres are estimated to have low
or unknown coal potential.Over 95%of the study area's high and
moderate coal potential areas will remain available for coal leasing.
Approximately 50-60%of the low or unknown coal potential areas will
remain available for coal prospecting and leasing.
E.Lands Not Available for Coal Leasing or Prospecting.The 5%of the
area with high or moderate coal potential unavailable for coal leasing
occurs in two areas:in a portion of the Matanuska field where
limited land sales will occur in moderate potential coal areas;and on
some lands in the Sunflower Basin subregion which will be unavailable
due to the Lake Creek corridor and several of its tributaries which
flow through the area.
The lands with low or unknown coal potential that will not be avail-
able for coal prospecting and leasing are lands where surface
resources were deemed of higher value.Lands in this category are
generally the same lands closed to mineral location.These areas are
described below.
1.Lands identified for settlement,agriculture,commercial or indus-
trial use and lands designated resource management which contain
large blocks of agricultural soils.This category constitutes the
maj ority (approximately 50-60%)of the lands unavailable to coal
prospecting or leasing.
2.Clearwater rivers recommended for legislative designation due to
their existing public recreation use,anadromous fish habitat,and
their uniqueness among rivers in the study area.Specific rivers
and selected tributaries which will be closed are:the
Talachulitna River,Alexander Creek,the Kroto/l1oose/Deshka
system,Lake Creek,and the Talkeetna River.Other rivers will
generally remain available on a case-by-case basis.
3.Existing legislatively designated areas and certain areas proposed
for designation due to their public recreation fish and wildlife
values.These include the following:
Palmer Hay Flats
Susitna Game Ref~ge
Goose Bay -Closed prior to plan
Denali State Park
Jim/Swan Lakes (12,480 acres)
Long Lake Recreation Area Expansion (1,200 acres)
Lake Susitna/Tyone Lake (137,600 acres)
Yentna-Lower Susitna Rivers (25,000 acres)
4.Transportation rights-of-way.
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Lands Available for Oil and Gas Leasing.Oil and gas leasing is not
prohibited anywhere by the Susitna area plan.However,in order to
protect recreation,fish and wildlife and other public values,oil and
gas exploration and development activities will be sited and/or timed
to mitigate impacts on the fish and wildlife habitat and public use
values of the five streams proposed for legislative designation.
Specific mitigation measures necessary to protect the values for which
these river corridors were designated will be developed as part of the
lease sale process.Mitigation measures will be developed on a case
by case basis considering timing,topography,vegetation and other
factors affecting the impact of oil and gas exploration and
development activities on fish and wildlife,habitat and public use
values.
TRANSPORTATION
I.GOALS
These goals pertain to all forms of surface,air and water transportation
and all forms of utility or resource transportation corridors.
A.Support Plan Designations.Develop a transportation system that
supports the land use designations made by this plan and is integrated
with other area-wide transportation needs.
B.Minimize Costs.Develop a transportation system having the lowest
possible long run costs,including construction,operations and main-
tenance.
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C.Minimize Adverse Impacts.Develop a transportation
minimal adverse impact on the aquatic environment,the
environment,and aesthetic and cultural features.
system with
terrestrial
D.Promote Efficiency.Develop a transportation system that uses energy
efficiently and encourages compact,efficient development patterns.
E.Ensure Public Safety.Develop a transportation system with a high
standard of public safety.
II.MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
A.Identification of Potential Transportation Routes.This plan provides
general recommendations for transportation routes necessary to support
the land use designations made.However,more detailed route align-
ment and feasibility analysis must be completed before the routes can
be considered final.
To the extent feasible and prudent,DNR will avoid actions incom-
patible with the eventual construction of potential transporation
routes identified in this plan until final decisions are made on the
feasibility of these routes.
B.Access Plans for Land Disposals or Resource Development Projects.
Prior to a land disposal or the initiation of a resource development
project DNR will identify appropriate means of access and responsibil-
ities for design,construction and maintenance of any proposed trans-
portation facilities.Access plans will be developed in consultation
with DOT/PF and affected local governments.
C.Joint Use and Consolidation of Surface Access.Joint use and consoli-
dation of surface access routes and facilities will be encouraged
wherever it is feasible and prudent to do so.Surface access also
should be sited and designed to accommodate future development and
avoid unnecessary duplication.The feasiblity of using an existing
route or facility should be evaluated before the use of a new route or
facility is authorized.
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Protection of Hydrologic Systems.Transportation facilities will,to
the extent feasible and prudent,be located to avoid significant
effects on the quality or quantity of adjacent surface water
resources,or detracting from recreational use of the waterway.
1.Stream crossings should be avoided.When it is necessary to cross
a stream in road construction,the crossing should be as close as
possible to a 90 0 angle to the stream.Stream crossings should be
made at stable sections of the stream channel.
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2.Cons truction in wetlands,flood plains and other poorly drained
areas should be minimized,and existing drainage patterns main-
tained.Culverts should be installed where necessary to enable
free movement of fluids,mineral salts,nutrients,etc.
3.Bridges and culverts should be large enough to accommodate or pos-
itioned to avoid 1)altering direction and velocity of stream
flow,and 2)interfering with migrating or spawning activities of
fish and wildlife.Bridges and culverts should span the entire
nonvegetated stream channel and be large enough to accommodate the
25-year peak discharge (where known).Bridges and culverts should
provide adequate clearance for boat,pedestrian,horse and large
game passage whenever these uses occur or are anticipated at sign-
ificant levels.
4.Recontouring of disturbed streambanks and revegetation or other
protective measures should occur to prevent soil erosion into
adjacent waters.
5.During winter,snow ramps,snow bridges or other methods should be
used to provide access across frozen rivers,lakes and streams to
avoid the cutting,eroding or degrading of banks.These facili-
ties should be removed immediately after final use.
6.All transportation facility construction and maintenance should
comply with water quality standards of the State of Alaska.
E.Protection of Fish and Wildlife Resources.Important fish and wild-
life habitats such as riparian areas,wildlife movement corridors,
important wintering or calving areas,and threatened or endangered
species habitat should be avoided in siting transportation routes
unless no other feasible and prudent alternatives exist.Location of
routes and timing of construction should be determined in consultation
with the Department of Fish and Game.
F.Protection of Cultural Resources.Known historic and archaeological
sites should be avoided during construction of transportation facili-
ties unless no feasible and prudent alternative exists.
G.Road Pull-Outs.Where road corridors contact streams,habitat corri-
dors or other areas of expected recreational use,sufficient acreage
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
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Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation,Department of Transportation
and Public Facilities and Department of Fish and Game.
H.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.
I.Material Sites.To minimize the construction and maintenance costs of
transportation facilities,material sites should be located as near to
material use as practicable.It is recommended that the State Divi-
sion of Geological and Geophysical Surveys and the Department of Tran-
sportation inventory and analyze potential gravel sources near pro-
posed transportation corridors to locate the required material sites.
Material sites should be screened from roads,residential areas,
recreational areas and other areas of significant human use.Suffi-
cient land should be allocated to the material site to allow for such
screening.vlhere appropriate,rehabilitation of material sites will
be req ui red.
For additional guidelines affecting material extraction see policies
under the section on subsurface resources.
J.Off-Road Vehicle Activity.Most off-road vehicle activity does not
require a permit on state lands.By statute and regulation,off-road
use of vehicles such as snowmachines,jeeps and small all-terrain
vehicles does not require a permit if it takes place on open public
domain land and is occasional and infrequent or intermittent.Such
activity may require a permit on lands designated by the Department of
Natural Resources as "special use"lands (depending on the restric-
tions made for each particular area)and usually requires a permit on
state park system lands,fish and game sanctuaries,refuges and
critical habitat areas and for crossing anadromous fish streams.In
addition,repeated off-road vehicle activity in a given area and
activity by larger vehicles may require a permit on any state lands.
When permits are issued for vehicle use off roads,they will require
that disturbance of soils,vegetation,fish and wildlife populations,
drainage patterns,water quality and authorized land uses be mini-
mized.Operations should be scheduled when adequate snow and ground
frost are 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.(See also
Wetlands Management Guidelines,this chapter.)Before issuing permits
the land manager will consult with affected agencies.
In addition,off-road vehicle permits generally should not be given
for vehicle use in important wildlife habitats during sensitive
periods.If such vehicle activity is essential and there is no
practical alternative,it should be allowed only as an occasional
use.This policy will be applied only when significant wildlife
populations are likely to be present.The Department of Fish and Game
will be consulted to help identify important habitat areas and
sensitive periods that might warrant this restriction.
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K.Roadless Areas.Some areas may be designated by the state and local
governments as roadless and managed to exclude construction of new
roads,in order to protect particular resources or forms of resource
use.Settlement projects may be included in roadless areas.Roadless
areas would be designated in the course of transportation planning,
the disposal project review process,or other interagency decision
process conducted with public participation •
.L.Scenic Highways.The studies,Scenic Resources along the Parks
Highway (ADNR,1981)and Denali to Wrangell-St.Elias (ADNR,1982)
should be consulted for additional information on scenic resources
during planning for management activities that are likely to result in
significant changes to visual quality along these routes.
M.Other Design Standards.For other guidelines affecting the design of
transportation structures see DOT/PF's "Preconstruction Guidelines."
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N.Other Guidelines Affecting Transportation.A number of
gUidelines may affect transportation.For details of
guidelines,see the following sections of this chapter:
Agriculture
Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Forestry
Recreation
Settlement
Subsurface Resources and Materials
Public Access
Stream Corridors
Trail Management
Wetlands Management
"Resource Hanagement"and Borough Land Bank
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other
these
INSTREAH FLOW
I.GOAL
Maintain water quantity and quality sufficient to protect the human,fish,
and wildlife resources and uses of the region.
II.MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
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A.Studies and Reservations to Support Plan.In accordance with applic-
able statutes,regulations and procedures,give support to instream
flow studies and reservations that are necessary to protect and
promote resource values and uses identified in this area plan for
streams and other waterbodies.
B.Streams and Uses to Consider.All streams and other waterbodies that
are retained wholly or in part in public ownership for their public
values should be considered for instream flow reservations.Addi-
tional streams and other waterbodies may be identified for considera-
tion.
Under DNR's statutes
four types of uses:
reservation of instream flow is possible for
1.Protection of fish and wildlife habitat,migration and propaga-
tion;instream flow reservations to protect habitat may be made
for streams that:(a)have significant anadromous or resident
fish populations;(b)flow into wetlands that support significant
waterfowl,furbearer or other wildlife populations;or,(c)
provide the water supply needed for other habitat types that
support significant wildlife populations;
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2.Recreation and park purposes;
3.Navigation and transportation purposes;and,L
4.Sanitary and water quality purposes.
C.Priorities.High priority streams and othe~waterbodies for instream
flow study and possible reservation are identified in Chapter 4,
Implementation.These have been identified because of their high
public values particularly for habitat and recreation and the high
potential for conflicts with these values from resource developments.
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1.Identify the management objectives.
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3.Determine the quantities of water already appropriated.
2.Estimate the quantity of water seasonally available by
measurement (hydrograph),predictive methods (regional
graphic models)or other appropriate methods.
D.Process for Determining Reservations.The process of determining
instream flow reservations should include the following steps for each
stream or other waterbody.
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4.In consultation with appropriate agencies,use site-specific
studies or other information to determine the instream flow
requirements for the resources and uses to be protected.For
habitat resources this will require cooperative work and consulta-
tion with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to identify
necessary conditions for rearing,staging,reproduction,spawning,
overwintering and migration of valuable fish and wildlife
resources.
5.Specify in advance:(a)study methods;(b)agency or other respon-
sibilities for every aspect of the studies,including funding;
(c)schedule for the studies;and,(d)responsibility for applying
for instream flow reservation.
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LAKESHORE MANAGEMENT
I.GOALS
A.Recreation.Protect and enhance a variety of lakeshore public rec-
reation opportunities.Protect visual quality of lakeshores.
B.Habitat.Protect fish and wildlife habitat along lakeshores.
c.Private Ownership of Land.Provide opportunities for private
ownership of lakeshore property.
D.Water Quality.Haintain water quality.
II.MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
A.Land to be Retained.All islands and at least 50 percent of all
public land within 500 feet of the lakeshore will be retained in
public ownership and not made available for remote cabin permits 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
of use or other local conditions warrant.A significant portion of
the lakefront land retained in public ownership should be suitable for
recreational activities.Where feasible,the publicly retained land
should include the land adjacent to lake inlets and outlets.
B.Easements and Setbacks.Where lakefront property is conveyed to
private ownership or made available for remote cabin permits,a
minimum public access easement of 50 feet will be reserved along the
shoreline,and a minimum building setback of 100 feet will be
required.
c.Varitety of Management Strategies.DNR,through its management of
land surrounding different lakes,will provide a full spectrum of
public and private recreation opportunities.While there are a great
variety of possible lakeshore management strategies,in the Susitna
region DNR will attempt to provide at least the following three
general types of lake-related land use opportunities:
1.Wilderness Lakes -lakes that will be protected in their natural
state.This will be accomplished through retention of land
surrounding the lakeshore so that people using the lake generally
do not encounter the sights and sounds of human development.The
minimum provisions of guidelines A and B above will be expanded as
necessary to achieve this.
2.Recreational Development Lakes lakes managed to retain a primar-
ily natural character.This typically will be accomplished
through applying guidelines A and B above and,in addition,
retaining in public ownership the majority or all of the land
Within at least 200 feet of the entire shoreline,while allowing
residential and recreational development in some areas near the
lake beyond this buffer.
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3.General Development Lakes -lakes managed to allow a mixture of
natural and developed uses.On these lakes the minimum lakeshore
protection standards described above in A and B would apply.
Prior to land sales around a lake with significant existing or poten-
tial recreational or habitat values,DNR will determine through an
interagency process the most appropriate long term management for the
lands surrounding the lake.
D.Structures in Fish Habitat.
guidelines,this chapter.)
(See Fish and Wildlife Habitat
E.Water Intake Structures.(See Fish and Wildlife Habitat guidelines,
this chapter.)
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F.Other Guidelines Affecting Lakeshore Management.A number of other
guidelines may affect lakeshore management.For details of these
guidelines,see the following sections of this chapter:
Agriculture
Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Forestry
Recreation
Settlement
Subsurface Resources and Materials
Transportation
Public Access
Trail Management
Wetlands Management
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I.
1lJSE OF RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND BOROUGH LAND BANK DESIGNATIONS
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
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 use
when the uses are not compatible and one or more of the potential
uses requires land disposal (i.e.,settlement or agriculture);
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 by 4-whee1 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 values.
Under a resource management designation,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.
Resource management designations will be reevaluated either:
1)When plans are reviewed (at least 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 wi1 be done through an interagency planning team,and with
public review.
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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 disposal values,land
generally is designated for retention rather than resource
management.
II.BOROUGH LAND BANK
Most Matanuska-Susitna or Kenai Peninsula Borough lands will be designated
by the plan "borough land bank."This category signifies that an area
will be retained in borough ownership at least in the near term and
managed for various public uses (public recreation,forestry,etc.).In
the long term,however,many of these areas may be used for settlement or
agriculture.Lands in this category are not committed to either long term
re ten tion or nea r term sales.
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PUBLIC ACCESS
(see also the Transportation and Trails Management
sections of this chapter)
I.GOAL
Maintain or enhance access to publicly owned land and resources by protec-
ting rights-of-way or publicly-owned corridors such as trails,winter
roads,river corridors,etc.
II.MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
A.Retain Access.Retain access sites and corridors in public ownership,
or retain sufficient rights to lands that the state leases or sells,
where appropriate to protect or improve public access to areas with
significant public resources.
B.Reservation of Access.Appropriate public access will be reserved
when land is conveyed to private ownership.Section line easements
should not be vacated unless alternative physically useable public
access can be established.To the extent feasible,public access
rights through private use areas and along public waters should be
retained.
c.Access for Development.When an access route is constructed for
resource development,existing public access should be maintained or
improved to mineralized areas,recreation,fish,wildlife,and forest
resources,agriculture areas and other public resources.
D.Adequate Access Rights.Where practical and within the limits of
available funding,full public rights of access should be provided
when roads are constructed by state or local governments.Perpetual
exclusive easements should be acquired when the state acquires access
rights across property in other ownerships.
E.New Access.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
easements granted by land owners,state purchase of limited rights,
fee-simple purchase of the land or land exchange.
F.Limiting Access.Access to public lands may be curtailed at certain
times to protect public safety,to allow special uses and to prevent
harm to the environment.Examples of conditions that may justify
limiting public access are fire management,timber harvest operations,
and high soil moisture content when traffic may cause extensive damage
to roads and trails.
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G.Purchase of Access Sites.Public appropriations may be requested to
purchase access sites,easements or reservations to public use areas
and to proposed settlement and agricultural projects.
H.Other Guidelines Affecting Public Access.A number of other guide-
lines may affect public access.For details of these guidelines,see
the following sections of this chapter:
Agriculture
Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Foresty
Settlement
Subsurface Resources and Materials
Transportation
Lakeshore Management
Stream Corridors
Trail Management
Wetlands Management
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STREAM CORRIDORS
I.GOALS
A.Recreation.Provide opportunities
activities within stream corridors,
developed recreational activities.
for a variety of recreational
including both wilderness and
B.Habitat.Protect riparian fish and wildlife habitats.
C.Private Ownership of Land.
ship of land near streams.
Provide opportunities for private owner-
D.\vater Quality.Protect water quality to support domestic uses,fish
and wildlife production and recreational activities.
II.MANAGMENT GUIDELINES
E.Forest Products.
stream corridor,
forests.
Where consistent with the management objectives of a
provide for the harvest of timber from riparian
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A.Priori ty of Public Uses in Stream Corridors.As a general rule,ADNR
will set a higher priority on protecting public use values in stream
corridors than providing opportunities for private ownership of land.
However,the Department recognizes the strong demand for property
along streams and will provide land for private purchase in some
stream corridors.Prior to the disposal of stream corridor lands,
DNR,in consultation with other affected agencies and the public,will
assess existing and projected public use needs associated with the
stream corridor.Disposals 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.
B.Retention of Publicly Owned Buffers as a Hanagement Tool in Stream
Corridors.
1.When the management intent for land adj acent to a stream is to
permit uses such as fishing,picnicking,hunting,timber harvest,
building fires,camping or other similar active uses,public own-
ership of stream buffers should be used rather than easements to
provide for these uses.These buffers will not be opened to
remote cabin permits.
2.In state subdivisions,stream buffers should,in all cases,either
be retained in public ownership or dedicated to the public or the
local government.If streams in subdivisions have recreation or
habitat values of regional or statewide importance,or are
identified as pUblic waters,buffers should be retained in state
ownership.
3.Publicly owned buffers adjacent to a stream may be retained along
the full length of the stream or on the segments determined to
have high current or future public use and habitat values.
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C.Retention of Access Easements as a Management Tool in Stream Corri-
dors.
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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 this
right.The public rights reserved in an easement shall be
explicitly defined and normally will include only the right of
ingress/egress,inclusive of the right to pause briefly to observe
wildlife,take photographs or rest.On a case by case basis the
state may reserve other rights (e.g.,the right to fish or to pic-
nic)as necessary to protect the public interest.(The public use
rights protected by previously established easements are not
affected by this policy.)
2.Easements along streams should establish the right to travel by
foot,dogsled,horseback and snowmobile.On a case-by-case basis
the right to travel by all-terrain vehicles and wheeled vehicles
may be reserved,where doing so is in the public interest.Ease-
ments should be reserved for roads or railroads only if they are
planned for construction.
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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 or habitat values on other por-
tions of the stream.Therefore,although easements should not be
used where significant public use is to be encouraged,they may be
used on portions of a stream with important public recreation and
habi tat values when mos t portions of the stream are retained for
public use.
D.Establishing Widths of Publicly Owned Buffers,Easements and Building
Setbacks in Stream Corridors.
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Although buffer and easement widths may vary among streams,a
basic level of consistency is needed to avoid confusion about the
widths of public use and access areas along the state's many
streams and because it would be prohibitively expensive to estab-
lish by fieldwork and site analysis separate buffer widths for
each stream corridor.The following guidelines are intended to
establish a reasonable degree of consistency in buffer and ease-
ment widths:
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,
vegetation and landownership.Establishing buffer widths for
particular streams ,rill be based,at a minimum,on objectives for
the following:recreational activiti'es to be accommodated,
habi tat protection and management,noise abatement,visual
quality,water quality,prevention of erosion of the riverbank (in
which case the buffer should be widened to compensate),and land
dispos·al.
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a.When it is determined that a publicly owned buffer is appropri-
ate,a standard 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 when consistent with the
management objectives of the stream corridor.
b.As a general standard,publicly owned buffers of at least one-
fourth mile landward from the ordinary high water mark on each
back should be retained on streams recommended for legislative
designation as State Recreation Rivers to be managed as part of
the State Park System.Exceptions to this policy may be made
where land ownership,topography,or the nature of anticipated
public uses in a stream corridor warrant.
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 m1n~mum build-
ing setback of 100 feet landward from the ordinary high water
mark on each bank will 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
and prudent,require setbacks between these facilities and adj acent
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 public access to
riparian areas and to protect water quality in accordance with water
quality standards established by DEC.Adjacent to designated anadrom-
ous fish waters this setback will,to the extent feasible,never be
less than 100 feet landward of ordinary high water.
Where it is not feasible and prudent to maintain a setback adjacent to
fish habitat,public water supplies or recreational waters,other mea-
sures will be implemented to meet the intent of this guideline.
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F.Structures in Fish Habitat.
lines,this chapter.)
(See Fish and Wildlife Habitat guide-
G.Water Intake Structures.
this chapter.)
(See Fish and Wildlife Habitat guidelines,
H.Alteration of the Hydrologic System.To the extent feasible channel-
ization,diversion,or damming that will alter the natural hydrolog-
ical conditions and have a significant adverse impact on important
riverine habitat will be avoided.
1.Soil Erosion.Soil erosion will be minimized by restricting the
removal of vegetation adjacent to streams and by stablizing disturbed
soil as soon as possible.
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Other Guidelines Affecting Stream Corridors.A number of
guidelines may affect stream corridors.For details of
guidelines,see the following sections of this chapter:
Agriculture
Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Forestry
Recreation
Settlement
Subsurface Resources and Materials
Transportation
Instream Flow
Public Access
Trails r~nagement
Wetlands Management
other
these
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TRAIL MANAGEMENT
I.GOALS
A.Public Use Opportunities.Ensure continued opportunities for public
use of important recreation,public access and historic trails of
regional and statewide significance.
B.Local Trails.Assist in establishing local trail systems that provide
access to community recreation areas.
C.Trail Corridors.Protect or establish trail corridors to meet pro-
jected future use requirements as well as protecting current use.
II.MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
A.Special Trail Corridors.These are trails that require unusual widths
or management practices because of historical significance or unique
values.Management guidelines should be developed for such trails on
a case-by-case basis.As a general policy special trails ~nll be pro-
tected by publicly-owned corridors.These corridors will generally be
wider than the 100 foot minimum trail buffer width established for
trails of regional or statewide significance in C below.
The Iditarod Trial.Those portions of the Iditarod Trail in state and
borough ownership will be protected by a public ownership corridor
1000 feet wide (500 feet each side of the centerline).This width
allows flexibility to reroute the trails within the corridor,combine
motorized and non-motorized uses on separate trails within the corri-
dor,and include a visual and sound buffer between the recreation
corridor uses and adjacent uses.To minimize potential land use con-
flicts or the impact of the trail's existence on adjacent land uses,
the corridor width may be expanded or reduced.These width adjust-
ments,as well as rerouting of the trail corridor,may be permitted in
specific instances with the consultation of the Alaska Division of
Parks.The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Trail Committee shall also be
consulted if rerouting the trail corridor is proposed.The trail
corridor width may be reduced to a minimum total width of 400 feet
where the adjacent land use would not adversely affect the trail
experience.Such adjacent uses might include farming,grazing,per-
sonal use or commercial timber harvesting,habitat enhancement,or
similar low intensity uses.A corridor wider than 1000 feet may also
be desirable in certain instances to incorporate high quality adjacent
land features and scenery or where adjacent land use such as high den-
sity residential,industrial,or commercial uses would adversely
affect the trail.No permanent structures or equipment should be
placed within the trail corridor if they could adversely affect the
trail experience.Where necessary,trail crossings may be permitted
to allow access to lands on both sides of the trail.Crossings should
be limited to a few discrete areas rather than scattered crossings
many places along the trail.
B.Neighborhood and Community Trails.Local trails which are not of
regional or statewide significance will be identified and protected
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through management plans or disposal design under guidelines recom-
mended 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.If the trail is of regional or statewide importance or connects to
a public open space system,it will be kept in public ownership.
2.If the trail is to be used almost entirely by residents of a sub-
division,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 the public or local
government~
3.If the objective is to provide local pedestrian access that is not
part of an integrated neighborhood or community trail system,an
easement may be used.This would typically occur when the purpose
is to establish access between two lots in order to improve pedes-
trian circulation within a subdivision where a greenbelt and
neighborhood trail system does not provide adequate access or
where it is impractical to establish such an integrated trail
system.
4.In cases of land disposal projects other than subdivisions -for
example land opened to homesteading -either a publicly owned
buffer or an 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.
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 generally
provide foot,dogsled,horse and sometimes vehicle 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 such trails throughout the state while allowing some
flexibility to tailor management decisions on site specific con-
ditions.
Trail Buffer Width.Trails of regional or statewide significance on
state land shall be protected by publicly-owned corridors that have a
minimum width of 100 feet (50 feet each side of centerline).This
buffer should be designed to protect the quality of the experience of
the user and to minimize negative effects such as noise or dust from
adjacent land uses.Buffer widths may be increased to minimize land
use and ownership conflicts,to protect the privacy of adjacent
landowners,to separate motorized from non-motorized uses,to allow
future siting of public facilities,to allow flexibility for
rerouting,or to adopt a trail to specific public uses or aesthetic or
environmental concerns.Buffer widths may vary along the length of a
trail because of the above considerations.The width of a buffer on
91
any portion of a trail should also be based on the management intent
for adjacent public land as expressed through applicable land use
plans.However,in no case should the width of the buffer be less
than 100 feet.Trail buffers should be designed in consultation with
affected divisions of DNR,ADF&G,DOT/PF and local trail committees.
Activity areas of 10-40 acres may be identified along trails for
camping areas,rest areas,etc.
D.Identification of Trails.Prior to lease or disposal of public lands,
trails that merit consideration for protection by one of the methods
described in II.A.through II.C.above should be identified.When
identifying trails,the Matanuska-Susitna Borough trails plan (Compre-
hensive Development Plan--Trails,Mat-Su Borough,July 1984),the
Susitna Basin Land Use/Recreation Atlas (DNR/USDA Soil Conservation
Service,1980)and Alaska's Existing Trail System (Div.of Technical
Services,ADNR,1984)should be consulted.The Division of Land and
Water Management will be the lead agency for identification of trails
not included in these documents and will consult with the other
divisions of DNR,DOT/PF and ADF&G when identifying trails.In
addition,any agency,organization or individual may identify public
trails to be considered for protection.
E.Land Use in Corridors.To the extent feasible and prudent,land use
activities within a trail corridor --for example,permits,leases,
timber sales and material sales --will be managed so as to not
adversely affect trail use or the aesthetic character of the trail.
This does not preclude trail crossings or rerouting of trails as
described below.
F.Rerouting Trails.Rerouting of trails for a short distance may be
permitted to minimize land use 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 affected
Divisions of DNR,DOT/PF,ADF&G and local trail committees.~istoric
trails which follow well-established routes should not be rerouted
unless necessary to maintain trail use.
G.Trail Crossings.When it is necessary 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 utility or transportation corridor.Where
feasible,vegetative screening should be preserved when a utility
crosses a trail corridor.
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H.Other Guidelines Affecting Trail Management.A number of
guidelines may affect trail management.For details of
guidelines,see the following sections of this chapter:
Agriculture
Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Forestry
Recreation
Settlement
Subsurface Resources and Materials
other
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Transportation
Lakeshore Management
Public Access
Stream Corridors
Wetlands Management
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WETLANDS MANAGEMENT
I.GOAL
Protect Wetland Values Protect the hydrologic,habitat and recreational
values of public wetlands.Land management practices will be directed at
avoiding or 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 supplies by storing
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 and aesthetic values also are important.
II.MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
Wetlands includes both freshwater and saltwater
wetlands.Freshwater wetlands means those
environments characterized by rooted vegetation
which is partially submerged either continu-
ously or periodically by surface freshwater
with less than .S parts per thousand salt con-
tent and not exceeding three meters in depth;
saltwater wetlands means those coastal areas
along sheltered shorlines characterized by
halophilic 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.
A.Definition of Wetlands.
wetlands,ADNR will use
under the regulations
80.900(19):
For purposes of inventory and regulation of
the definition adopted by the State of Alaska
of the Coastal Management Program (6 ACC
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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.
B.Retention of Wetlands in Public Ownership.Class I and II wetlands
generally will be retained in public ownership.Based on field inven-
tory and analysis,however,DNR may determine,after consultation with
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ently 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 deter-
mine whether public retention or other measures are necessary to pro-
tect their values.
C.Retention of Land Adjacent to Wetlands.
3.Class III wetlands will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis
through the public land disposal process or applicable public land
management plans.
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 D below.
2.Class II wetlands and certain surrounding lands (buffers)should
remain in public ownership whenever feasible.A Class II wetland
buffer shall include,at minimum,a 60-foot strip adjacent to the
wetland.
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 cove-
nants and public access easements may be used rather than public own-
ership under the following conditions:
Where an entire wetland is included with a parcel 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 reserved adjacent to
the outlet and the wetland.
Where the configuration of the wetland is such that surveying the
meandering boundary of the wetland would be excessively
expensive.In this case an aliquot-part (rectangular)survey
rather than a meander survey may be used along the edge of the
wetland.This may result in small portions of wetlands being
conveyed to private ownership.Restrictive use covenants and
public access easements shall be applied to ensure that those
portions of wetlands and associated buffers conveyed to private
ownership remain in a natural state and that public access and use
are maintained.
2.
1.
1.Class I wetlands and certain surroundi ng lands (buffers)should
remain in public ownership whenever feasible.A Class I wetland
buffer shall include,at minimum,a lOO-foot strip adjacent to the
wetland.Restrictive use covenants and pUblic access easements
rather than public ownership may be used to protect Class I wet-
lands and associated buffers under conditions specified in D
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E.Dredge and Fill Permits in Wetlands.Permits for dredging and filling
in wetlands,including permits for gravel extraction and the construc-
tion of roads and pads,will not be granted unless it is determined
that the proposed activity will not cause significant adverse impacts
to important fish and wildlife habitat or important ecological
processes,or that no feasible and prudent alternative exists.Where
it is not feasible and prudent to avoid such activities,other
mitigative measures will be considered to meet the intent of this
guideline.
F.Operation of Heavy Equipment in Wetlands.Permits issued for activi-
ties that require the use of heavy equipment in wetlands that have
important hydrologic,recreation or habitat values will,to the extent
feasible and prudent,require that damage to wetlands and wetland
vegetation be avoided.Winter access only should be used in or across
wetlands whenever feasible.DNR will consult with other affected
agencies prior to issuing such permits.
G.Other Guidelines Affecting Wetlands Management.A number of other
guidelines may affect wetlands management.For details of these
guidelines,see the following sections of this chapter:
Agriculture
Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Recreation
Settlement
Subsurface Resources and Materials
Transportation
Instream Flow
Lakeshore Management
Public Access
Stream Corridors
Trails Hanagement
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Chapter 3
LAND MANAGEMENT
POLICIES FOR EACH
MANAGEMENT UNIT
NORTH PARKS HIGHWAY SUBREGION
SOUTH PARKS HIGHWAY SUBREGION
PETERSVILLE ROAD SUBREGION
SUNFLOWER BASIN SUBREGION
SUSITNA LOWLANDS SUBREGION
UT.SUSITNA SUBREGION
BELUGA SUBREGION
ALASKA RANGE SUBREGION
LAKE LOUISE SUBREGION
GLENN HIGHWAY SUBREGION
TALKEETNA MOUNTAINS SUBREGION
CHUGACH MOUNTAINS SUBREGION
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INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER 3
In this chapter land management policy is presented for specific sites
within the planning area.The chapter is organized into 12
subregions.A map of these areas is shown on the following page (and
in Chapter 1).Subregions are presented on the pages and in the order
shown on the divider sheet at the beginning of this chapter.
Subregions are further divided into management units.A management
unit is an area that is generally homogenous with respect to
resources,topography and land ownership.
Each subregion section is divided into two parts.The firs t is an
overview of resources and their management for the subregion as a
whole.The second presents specific land management policy for each
management unit is the subregion.A map showing land owners~ip in the
subregion and boundaries of management units and subunits is presented
at the end of the second part.
The land management policies presented for each management unit are
described below:
A.Statement of Management Intent--The statement of management intent
defines near and long-term management objectives for the
management unit and the methods to achieve these objectives.
B.Land Use Summary Chart--These charts include primary and secondary
surface land use designations,prohibited uses,subsurface
resource management policy and land ownership.The land use
designations provide a quick picture of planned uses within a
unit,but they must be used in conjunction with the statement of
management intent for the complete explanation of management
policy.
C.Hanagement Guidelines--This section includes management guidelines
that apply only to a specific management unit and a reference to
applicable area-wide management guidelines in Chapter 2.
D.Haps of Land Ownership and Management Unit and Subunit
Boundaries--Sub-units are divisions of land within management
units.
Surface and Subsurface Land Use Designations
The plan presents separate land use designations for surface and
subsurface resources.The plan designates the primary and secondary
surface land uses that are permitted.A primary surface use is one
that is of major importance in a management unit or subunit.The unit
will be managed to encourage this use,and its conservation and/or
development.A secondary surface use is permitted within a
management unit or subunit 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
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and public recreation,a small area may be identified for land disposal and
private recreational development.The plan also identifies prohibited surface
uses within each unit.These are uses that will not be permitted anywhere in
the unit without a plan amendment.In an area identified as critical habitat,
for example,cons truction of 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 (for state land)and the Matanuska-
Susitna Borough (for borough land)determine the proposed uses are consistent
with the statement of management intent for the unit is question and
applicable management guidelines.
Subsurface resource designations such as "minerals","coal","oil and gas
generally are not applied as primary or secondary surface land use
designations.This is because the problems in locating and measuring
subsurface resources make it difficult and potentially misleading to apply
primary and secondary designations in the same way these can be applied to
surface resources like timber.In order to make clear the department's policy
regarding subsurfce resource development,the plan provides a statement for
each management unit as to whether the area is open or closed to location and
available or unavailable for leasing.In management units that are
open/available,mineral development will be encouraged and accommodated
consistent with state,law,the areawide land management policies of Chapter 2
and the statements of management intent and management guidelines in the
affected unit.Where a management unit is open to mineral location and it has
a primary surface designation such as wildlife habitat,this surface
designation will not be construed to prevent mineral development.
A surface designation for primary use minerals,coal and oil and gas is made
in certain cases where there is intensive subsurface resource exploration
and/or development of statewide significance or likely to be such activity in
the next several years.In these areas,as in areas that are open/available,
subsurface development will be encouraged and accomodated.Primary surface
values will be protected,however,in so far as possible through the
application of existing state laws and procedures,the policies in the plan,
and the provisions of such instruments as SEEA lease stipulations and approved
plans of operation.
Management Guidelines
Most public lands will 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 specific location of different activities in order to make the
permitted uses compatible.For example,timber harvests along anadromous
streams will be designed to protect habitat values in the stream corridors.
Areas Proposed for Legislative or Administrative Designations
A number of are~s in this plan are recommended for legislative or
administrative designations as state recreation rivers,state forests,state
parks,wildlife refuges or public reserves.The areas recommended for these
special designations are lands and waters with outstanding public values that
should remain in public ownership permanently.Legislative designations
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(e.g.,state forests)must be established by the Alaska Legislature.
Administrative designations (e.g.,public reserves)can be established by the
governor.For more information on specific proposals for special designations
see the "Priorities for Legislative and Administrative Designation"section of
Chapter 4.
Flexibility of the Plan
The large majority of land addressed by this plan will be managed for multiple
use.The land use designations shown on the maps and charts in this chapter
are not intended to be inflexible.Uses not shown may be permitted on a
case-by-case basis if the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (on state
land)and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough (on borough land)determine they are
consistent with the statement of management intent for the management unit in
question and consistent with applicable management guidelines.Boundaries of
land use designations shown on the following maps may be modified through
on-the-ground implementation activites (site planning,disposal,etc.)as long
as modifications adhere to the intent of the plan.For example,field surveys
may be necessary to delineate precisely the wetland boundaries shown
on management unit mapse In addition,through implementation of the plan,
uses not originally designated may be permitted if they are not inconsistent
with the management intent for a particular management unit.This plan should
not be construed to preclude site decisions which are in c.ompliance with the
management intent and guidelines herein.
A related point is that this plan will not provide direct answers to many of
the site specific issues frequently encountered by state and borough land
managers.A plan that deals with a region the size of the Susitna Area cannot
provide a predetermined answer to,for example,a question related to a
proposed communication site on a ridge of the Chugach t>10untains.The plan
can,however,make clear the general management objectives for the area in
question and thereby provide the basis for a more informed decision.
Definitions
Definitions of terms used frequently in this chapter are given in a glossary
presented on Appendix B of this plan.
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NORTH PARKS HIGHWAY SUBREGION
The following section describes land use policy within the North Parks Highway
Subregion.It is divided into two parts.The first part provides an overview
of resources and their management for the entire subregion.The second part
presents specific statements of management intent,land use designations,pro-
hibited uses and management guidelines for each of the subregion's three man-
agement units.A map showing land ownership in the subregion and boundaries
of management units and subunits is presented at the end of the second part.
I.SUBREGION OVERVIEW
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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 223,300 acres in this subregion,of which 189,800 (85%)
are state owned or selected,26,800 (12%)are Native owned or
selected,and 4150 acres (2%)are owned by the federal government.
Approximately 1%of the subregion (approximately 2500 acres)is in
private ownership.
This subregion has high values for recreation,fish and wildlife and
minerals.The Parks Highway in this subregion provides one of the
most scenic drives in the planning area.The area east of the Parks
Highway between North Chulitna Butte and Summit Lake (Middle Fork
Chulitna River)contains the finest terrain and conditions for cross-
country skiing along the entire Parks Highway.It is largely a
subalpine zone with broad vistas of the Alaska Range and Talkeetna
Hountains.Winter recreation includes dog mushing,snowmobiling and
cross-country skiing,especially in the area between Hurricane and
Broad Pass.Summer activities include hiking,fishing,floating 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.The
Chulitna River is growing in popularity for floating and boating
trips.Moose,Dall sheep and caribou from the HcKinley Park herd also
frequent this subregion.
There are many mining claims in this area.Claims are 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.In addition,Subunit 2a includes a large limestone deposit,
and sand and gravel deposits exist throughout the subregion.There is
no oil and gas potential in this region and only very low to low
potential for coal.There is little potential within this subregion
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for agriculture or grazing.There are only limited areas with timber,
but these provide wood for personal use.State lands near the highway
have potential for disposals for private recreation.
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 several major trails lead 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.
B.Management Summary
The overall intent for land management in this subregion is to protect
or improve recreation,fish and wildlife and scenic values,while
allowing mining and a small number of land sales.To achieve this,
the majority of public lands will be retained in public ownership with
primary designations for recreation and wildlife habitat,and be open
to mineral exploration and development.An overview of management of
resources is presented below.
1.Settlement
A gross area of approximately 22,000 acres will be available for
sale in the North Parks Highway.This is expected to yield net
sales of approximately 2,610 acres.
New disposals will be offered near Colorado Station,Pass Creek
and Granite Creek.In addition,a small amount of land will be
identified for sale in the vicinity of Antimony Creek and/or
Hurricane Creek (see management uni t 3c).A large area wes t of
the Chulitna River (over 100,000 acres)will be open for remote
cabin permits.
A summary of acreage proposed for sale in the North Parks Highway
Subregion is shown in Table 1,below.
TABLE 1
Acreage Identified for Settlement*
I GROSS I NET I
STATE LAND AREA (ac.)AREA (ac.)
New
Offerings 22,000 2,610
*In addition,there are four unsold surveyed parcels within Indian River
Subdivision that remain available for sale.
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2.
Portions of this subregion are within the current boundaries of
the borough's Talkeetna Mountains Special Use District (TMSUD).
An ordinance regulates uses in this area.The TMSUD ordinance
allows land sales but requires a permit before construction of a
cabin.Limitations on residential uses imposed by the TMSUD
ordinance include restrictions on subdivision,the size and
appearance of cabins,allowable water systems,and the methods for
sanitary waste disposal.Conditions for issuance of a specific
permit may be modified on a case-by-case basis.
Agriculture/Grazing
There is little potential for agricultural or grazing due to cli-
matic limitations.There are no areas designated for agricultural
use.
3.Forestry
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Timber resources are of limited extent but locally important for
personal use.Forestry designations are limited to secondary
designations for personal use within proposed settlement areas.
Fish and Wildlife
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.
The majority of the subregion will be retained in public ownership
and managed to protect fish and wildlife habitat and use areas.
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5.Recreation
Public recreational opportunities will be protected by retaining
the majority of the area in public ownership.Protection of the
scenic quality of the Parks Highway corridor is a major
objective.Several public recreation c~bins 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 development of a commercial
recreation facility in this area to help support public use.
6.Subsurface
Mining and mineral exploration are,and will continue to be,very
important activities in this subregion.The great majority of
public lands will remain open to mineral ent ry except in areas
offered for disposal.In areas easily viewed from the Parks
Highway or Alaska Railroad,guidelines and stipulations attached
to miscellaneous land use permits will be designed to minimize
adverse impacts of mining on scenic quality.Public lands in this
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subregion will be available for coal leasing or prospecting except
in areas offered for disposal.All public lands will be available
for oil and gas exploration and development.
7.Transportation
No additional roads are proposed in the subregion at this time,
but DOT/PF is examining possible improvements to the Parks High-
way.The Colorado-Bull River Road also could be improved in the
next 10 years if mining activity increases.Finally,one of the
alternative routes for the proposed Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline
follows the Parks Highway-Alaska Railroad corridor through this
subregion.Selection of this route would result in additional
transportation developments in the subregion.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.
Chapter 4 includes a more detailed description of possible
transportation improvements.For this subregion these include
provision of parking areas along the Parks Highway and upgrading
of trails and foot bridges.
II.MANAGEMENT INTENT AND GUIDELINES BY 14ANAGEKENT UNIT
MANAGEMENT UNIT 1 -BROAD PASS
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This management unit is approximately 65%private land (primarily Native
or Native selected).It includes mos t land immediately adjacent to the
Parks Highway and railroad from two miles south of Broad Pass north to the
Matanuska-Susitna Borough boundary.Generally,state land in this area
should be managed to provide public recreation opportunities,and to
protect the quality of fish and wildlife habitat.The ~1cKinley Park
caribou herd ranges into this area,as do moose and sheep;the area is
especially important for winter recreation.All public lands in this unit
are available for oil and gas leasing.Public lands in this unit also
will remain open to mineral location and be available for coal leasing.
This management unit has been divided into 2 subunits:the primarily pri-
vate,Native and university land from Broad Pass to Summit (la),and the
four blocks of state land (lb).See the maps at the end of this section
for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of
land uses.
Subunit la is primarily private land which is not affected by this plan.
There are five small parcels of university land in this subunit,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 several public use sites
can be retained along the highway.
Subunit Ib will be managed to protect existing public use values --public
recreation,scenic values,and wildlife habitat --by retaining land in
public ownership.
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MANAGEMENT UNIT
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED
SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS
Primarily PrivatE ----
Land
Public Recreatior -Open Available for Remote Cabins
Wildlife Habitat leasing Land Disposals
SUBREGION
SUBUNIT LAND
OWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED
1a Native/
Broad Pass-Univer-
Private sity
Lands
1b State
Broad Pass-
Public
Lands
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·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses wHI be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
MANAGE~1ENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter
2 of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within
this management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable
are indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
Forestry
*Recreation
Settlement
*Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are
presented below.
Subunits 1a and 1b
Public Access
Trails and public access points from the highway and railroad into the
backcountry will be protected.Mining or other development will not be
allowed to block public access.
Mining
In areas easily viewed from the Parks Highway or Alaska Railroad,stipula-
tions attached to miscellaneous land use permits for mining operations
will be designed to minimize adverse impacts on scenic quality.Stipula-
tions should address reclamation;siting of processing facilities,access
roads and trailing piles;and other act ivies affecting visual quality.
Scenic Highways
The study Scenic Resources along the Parks Highway,(ADNR,1981)should be
consulted for additional information on scenic resources whenever planning
occurs for management activities which are likely to result in significant
changes to visual quality along the Parks Highway.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 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
including the drainage of Ohio Creek.The majority of land in this unit
is rugged,mountainous country above timberline.It is all state owned or
selected.The unit will be managed to protect fish and wildlife values
(caribou,sheep,and to a lesser extent,moose),and to provide
recreational opportunities (especially hiking,cross-country skiing and
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SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT "Z.-A LAS~A ~PttJl:n:.
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
2a State/Public Recreatior Remote Cabins Open Available for Land Disposals
Ohio Creek State Wildlife Habitat leasing Closed to
Selected grazing in
T22S RllW
2b State/Public Recreatior --Open Available for Land Disposals
Paradise State Wildlife Habitat leasing Remote Cabins
Lakes Selected Closed to
grazing in
T21S RlOW &
T21S RIIW
,
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
snowmobiling.All public lands in this unit are available for oil and gas
leasing.Public lands in this unit also will remain open to mineral
location and be available for coal leasing.
This management unit is divided into two subunits:lands around Paradise
Lake (2b)and the remainder of the management unit,including the Ohio
Creek Valley and Alaska Range (2a).See the maps at the end of this
section for boundaries and the accompanying chart for a summary of land
uses.
Subunit 2a will be retained in public ownership and managed for wildlife
habitat and recreation.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 some of the creeks running into the Chulitna River
north of the Susitna River.
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The complete set of areawide management guidelines are presented in
Chapter 2 of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses
wi thin this management unit;however,those that are lIIOS t likely to be
applicable are indicated with asterisks in the list below.
Subunit 2b (Paradise Lakes)will
managed for habitat and recreation.
values around the large lakes in
recommended~
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
Forestry
*Recreation
Settlement
*Subsurface
Transportation
be retained in public ownership and
Because of the high public recreation
this subunit,public use cabins are
Instream Flow
Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
*Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit 2a and 2b (Ohio Creek and Paradise lakes)
Mining
In areas easily viewed from the Parks Highway or Alaska Railroad,stipula-
tions attached to miscellaneous land use·permits for mining operations
will be designed to minimize adverse impacts on scenic quality.Stipula-
tions should address reclamation;siting of processing facilities,access
roads and tailing piles;and other activities affecting visual quality.
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MANAGEMENT UNIT 3 -CHULITNA RIVER
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This management unit extends south from near Broad Pass to the southern
border of the subregion along the Middle Fork of the Chulitna River.The
management unit contains a mix of public and private land.It will be
managed to provide public recreation opportunities and protect fish and
wildlife values while offering land to the private sector for seasonal
.recreational settlement.This is one of the few places in the planning
area where there is much state land along the Parks Highway or Alaska
Railroad --approximately 15 miles of the highway and railroad within this
unit are bordered on at least one side by state land.All public lands in
this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.Public lands in this
unit also will remain open to mineral location and be avaialable for
coal leasing except for existing and proposed disposal areas (subunits 3b,
3c,3e).
The management uni t has been divided into five subunits.The approxi-
mately 2,800 acres of private and Native lands scattered throughout the
management unit comprise subunit 3a.Past disposal areas comprise subunit
3b.The Antimony Creek subunit (3c)is state land mostly east of the
highway from near Hurricane north to the East Fork Chulitna River.The
Middle Fork Chulitna River unit (3d)is public land running along the
Parks Highway north of Honolulu.Subunit 3e includes all but one of the
new disposal offerings in the subregion.See the map at the end of this
section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a
summary of land uses.
Subunit 3a is primarily private land.Private lands are not affected by
this plan.
Subunit 3b includes two areas that were open for staking of remote parcels
in the spring of 1984.The Hurricane disposal has been closed to further
offerings,and any unstaked land will be retained in public ownership and
managed to protect habitat and public recreation values.The area is an
important fall and winter moose concentration area and spring
concentration area for black bear.It supports a high diversity of
species.Recreational uses in the winter include snowmobiling and cross-
country skiing and in the summer,hiking,fishing and camping.The Middle
Fork Chulitna remote parcel area is a smaller,more accessible area and
has been heavily staked.Remaining unstaked parcels will be retained in
public ownership.Subunit 3b also includes the existing Indian River
Subdivision (spring 1981)in which there are 4 unsold lots remaining
available over-the-counter.
In subunit 3c,sales of up to 500 acres (net area)of land will be
offered.The acreage shall be located in either one or two sites,the
location of which will be determined by the Division of Land and Water
Management in consultation with the Division of Parks arid Outdoor
Recreation.The land remaining in public ownership outside the sale area
will be managed for public recreation,wildlife habitat and timber harvest
for personal use.
III
MANAGEMENT UNIT .3 -CttuU11J't'\~t VERSUBREGION
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED
SUBUNIT LAND
SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTSOWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
3a Private Primarily Private ----Private Land
Land
3b State/Settlement Forestry Closed Not available Closed to Approximately 4ChulitnaPrivate(Past remote Public Rec.for coal Grazing on unsold surveyedBluffs,parcel offerings Wildlife Hab.leasing or public lands lots remainHurricane&existing prospecting in past available over-Remote,subdivisions)Hurricane the-counterIndianR.remote parcel in the IndianSubdivisionarea&Indian River SubdivisionandRiverMiddleForksubdivisionChulitnaRemoteCabinsRemote
3c State Settlement Forestry Settlement Settlement Portions Estimated netAntimonyPublicRecreation(personal use)area closed areas not closed to disposal areaCreek/Wildlife Hab.prior to available for Grazing (see =500 acresHurricanedisposal;coal leasing rngmt.
other areas or prospect-guidelines)
remain open ing;other Remote Cabins
areas
available
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•Other uses such as material sales,land leases.remote cabin permits.etc.,that rna flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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SUBREGION NC:~:ffi PAt4<-~MANAGEMENT UNIT
............w
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
3d State Public Recreation -Open Available for Portions -
Railbelt/Wildlife Habitat leasing closed to
Chulitna Grazing (see
Butte mgmt.
guidelines)
Land Disposals
Remote Cabins
3e State Settlement Forestry Closed prior ~t available Remote Cabins Estimated net
Hurricane (personal use)to disposal for coal Trapper Cabins disposal area
Addn •Public Rec.leasing or Closed to =2,210 acres
Pass Creek Wildlife Hab.prospecting grazing in
Hurricane
Addition &
Pass Creek
disposal areas
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
Subunit 3d will be retained in public ownership and managed to provide
buffers and open space between blocks of private land and settlement
areas.This will provide opportunities for hiking,cross-country skiing,
snowmobiling,-and other types of recreation,and protect especially scenic
views from the Parks Highway.
Subunit 3e is designated settlement.Within this area,three disposal
projects are proposed as homesteads -Hurricane Addition (FY 86),Pass
Creek (FY 86),and Chulitna Bluffs (FY 86 or 87).
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines are presented in
Chapter 2 of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially could apply to
uses within this management unit;however,those that are most likely to
be applicable are indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
*Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore t1anagement
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are pre-
sented below by subunit.
Subunits 3a,3c,3d (Private Land,Antimony Creek/Hurricane,Railbelt/Chulitna
Butte)
Scenic Highways
The study Scenic Resources along the Parks Highway,(ADNR,1981)should be
consulted for additional information on scenic resources whenever planning
occurs for management activities which are likely to result in significant
changes to visual quality along the Parks Highway.(See also Visual
Quality Guideline for subunit 3c below.)
Subunit 3b (Hurricane)
Grazing
The lands remaining in public ownership within the past Hurricane remote
parcel area (the portions of subunit 3b in T21S and 22S R11W F.M.)will be
closed to grazing because of the importance of this area for brown bear
and moose winter range.
Protection of Transportation Routes
Chapter 4 of this plan identifies a system of possible improvements to the
regional and local transportation system.One set of improvements is
proposed for this subunit.These include a trail into the Hurricane
disposal area,improvements to the foot bridge across the Chulitna River,
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acquisition of access to the bridge,and a parking area along the Parks
Highway.The precise locations of the trail and facilities has not been
determined,although a general location is given on the map in Chapter 4.
Land use authorizations in this unit,such as land sales,leases or other
actions should be located so as not to preclude the option to develop
these facilities at feasible and efficient locations.
Subunit 3b,3c,3d and 3e (All Public Lands)
lUning
In areas easily viewed from the Parks Highway or Alaska Railroad,
stipulations attached to miscellaneous land use permits for mining
operations will be designed to minimize adverse impacts on scenic
quality.Stipulations should address reclamation;siting of processing
facilities,access roads and tailing piles;and other activities affecting
visual quality.
Subunit 3c (Antimony Creek/Hurricane)
Visual Quality
Land sales or other development along the highway should be designed to
have minimal impact on views from the Parks Highway.This can be achieved
by retaining land immediately adjacent to the highway,locating sales that
are on the east side uphill from the road where they would be less visible
or concentrating sales in areas with existing development.Refer to
Scenic Resources Along the Parks Highway (DNR,1981)for further details.
Location of Land Sales
Sales should be located to produce minimum impacts on access and public
recreation values,including Hurricane Gulch.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.
Grazing
The portions of subunit 3c within Townships 21S R10W,and 22S R11W (F.M.)
will be closed to grazing because of the importance of this area as moose
winter range and the presence of brown bear concentration areas.
Subunit 3c and 3d (Antimony Creek/Hurricane and Railbelt/Chulitna Butte)
Protection of Access
Chapter 4 of this plan identifies a system of possible improvements to the
regional and local transportation system.Improvements for these subunits
include provision of parking areas along the Parks Highway to provide
public access into adjacent land.The precise location of these areas has
115
not been determined,although a general location is given on the maps in
Chapter 4.Land use authorizations in this unit,such as land sales,
leases or other actions should be located so as not to preclude the option
to develop these facilities at feasible and efficient locations.
Subunit 3c and 3e (Antimony Creek/Hurricane and Hurricane Addition/Pass Creek)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit uses such as fishing,camping and other active uses and to
protect water quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land
should be retained in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a
case-by-case basis using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum
buffer width (200'on each side of the river)should be used on Honolulu
and Little Honolulu creeks,Antimony Creek,Hardage Creek,Granite Creek
and unnamed creeks that appear on the 1:63 ,360 scale USGS topographic
maps.On the Chulitna River a wider corridor should be retained.The
wider buffer is intended to preserve the visual quality and natural
character along the river for boaters and floaters and to allow for
hunting in addition to the uses identified above.
Subunit 3d (Railbelt/Chulitna Butte)
Grazing
The portions of subunit 3d within Township 33N R2W (S.M.)will be closed
to grazing because of the importance of this area as moose winter range.
Subunit 3e (Hurricane Addition and Pass Creek)
Recreation/Access
In the proposed Pass Creek sale,land will not be sold above 2,000'
elevation.
Forestry
When sales are designed in this subunit,several sites within the sale
areas will be identified and reserved for woodlots to provide timber for
personal use.
Protection of Transportation Routes
Chapter 4 of this plan identifies a system of possible improvements to the
regional and local transporation system.One such route passes through
subuni t 3e.The precise location of this route has not been determined,
although a general location is given on the maps in Chapter 4.Land use
authorizations in this unit,such as land sales,leases or other actions
should be located so as not to preclude the option to build this road
along a feasible and efficient route.In addition,a trail into the
Chulitna Bluffs area should be built and parking facilities developed on
the Parks Highway.
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!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 resour-
ces and their management for the subregion as a whole.The second presents
specific statements of management intent,land use designations,prohibited
uses,and management guidelines for each of the subregion's fourteen manage-
ment units.A map showing land ownership in the subregion and boundaries of
management units and subunits is presented at the end of the second part.
[..I.SUBREGION OVERVIEW
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A.Background
The subregion encompasses the area from Chulitna Pass south to near
Little Willow Creek,west to the Susitna and Chulitna Rivers and east
to the foothills of the Talkeetna Hountains.It includes a strip of
land along the Susitna River and Alaska Railroad in the foothills of
the Talkeetna Mountains just east of Denali State Park.The lower
portions of several river drainages also are included --Montana
Creek,Sheep River and Sheep Creek,the Talkeetna River,and the North
Fork and mainstream of the Kashwitna River.The Parks Highway south
of the Susitna River bridge is included in this subregion.(North of
the bridge,it is within the Petersville Road Subregion.)
The subregion contains approximately 496,600 acres,of which approxi-
mately 61%is owned or selected by the State of Alaska,13%is owned
or selected by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough,and 7%is owned or
selected by Native corporations.Past state and borough land sales
(including agricultural sales)and other private land accounts for the
remaining 19%.
The presence or proximity of the Parks Highway,the Talkeetna Spur
Road and the Alaska Railroad makes much of the land in this subregion
relatively accessible.However,little of the state-owned land is
accessible by road.In addition to the railroad,Parks Highway,and
Talkeetna Spur Road,this subregion includes 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 some of the most popular sport fishing in the
study area,especially where the Parks Highway crosses anadromous fish
streams such as Sheep and Montana creeks.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
past,but there are still concentrations of claims just north of
Talkeetna along Chunilna Creek and at Gold Creek.Coal potential in
the area is low to very low and oil and gas potential is unknown.
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Much of the subregion,especially along the Talkeetna Spur Road,
agricultural potential.The state and borough have sold agricultural
lands at Talkeetna and Bartlett Hills,and agricultural homesteads at
Chase III.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 settlement
and commercial or personal use forestry.A number of state land
disposals have taken place in the subregion in recent years including
Talkeetna Bluffs,Talkeetna Bluffs Addi tion,Bald Uountain Remote,
Bald Mountain and Bald Mountain South subdivisions,Chase,Chase II
remote and sub-division,Bartlett Hills subdivision,and Indian River
subdivision and remote parcel area.
B.Management Summary
The overall management goal for this subregion is to preserve much of
the character of the area by retaining habitat and recreation lands,
protecting visual quality along the highway,and maintaining low
population densities in some settlement areas,while providing for
future growth in the area.Because of the large amount of private
land on or adjacent to the Parks Highway,most of the little remaining
state-owned land near the highway will be retained in public ownership
toprovide recreation sites,material sites,woodlots and open spaces,
and to maintain visual quality alongthe 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
disposal for settlement,including fee simple (i.e.,ownership of all
surface rights)and agricultural homesteads.Most borough land will
be designated borough land bank which signifies that the 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.Some borough land is designated for
long term retention (including land along the Susitna River,along
Birch Slough,and north of Goose Creek)..A small amount is designated
for settlement near Larson Lake.
1.Settlement
The majority of the public lands at lower elevations have high
potential for near term settlement due to their relative proximity
to access and existing communities.More than 52,000 acres in the
subregion (over 10%)already have been offered for settlement by
the state and borough.
A summary of the acreage proposed for future disposal in the sub-
region is shown in Table 1.Approximately 10,330 acres of state
land are recommended for disposal over the next twenty years.
Most of the offerings will be subdivisions or non-agricultural
homesteads,with approximately 3,620 acres to be offered as agri-
cultural homesteads.Approximately 1,870 acres of borough land
are proposed for sale,and 54,000 acres of land are designated
borough land bank.
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Portions of this subregion are within the current boundaries of
the borough's Talkeetna tfountains Special Use District (TI1SUD).
A borough ordinance regulates uses in this area.The TMSUD
ordinance allows land sales but requires a permit before
construction of a cabin.Limitations on residential uses imposed
by the ordinance include restrictions on subdivision,the size and
appearance of cabins,allowable water systems,and the methods for
sanitary waste disposal.Conditions for issuance of a specific
permit may be modified on a case-by-case basis.
Table 1
Acreage Identified for Settlement and Agriculture
GROSS NET
AREA (ac)AREA (ac)
STATE LAND
New Offer-31,980 6,710
ings
Reofferings
within Past 6,400 -0-
Disposal
Areas
Agriculture 6,040 3,620
(Homesteads)
STATE TOTAL 44,420 10,330
BOROUGH LAND
New Offer-8,000 1,870
ings
BOROUGH
TOTAL 8,000 1,870
STATE AND
BOROUGH 52,420 12,200
TOTAL
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2.Agriculture and Grazing
No additional state land in this subregion will be offered for
sale for commercial agriculture.However,a gross area of
approximately 6,040 acres (estimated net area =3,620 acres)of
state land have been identified as agricultural homesteads.This
is in an area east of Caswell Lake.
An estimated gross area of 25,680 acres of borough land are
suitable for agriculture.The largest block of borough land with
agricultural potential,over 14,000 acres,is located between the
Susitna and Chulitna Rivers.Most of the potential agricultural
lands owned by the borough,including this area,will be
designated borough land bank.(See explanation of borough land
bank in the introductory paragraph of the management summary for
this subregion.)
3.Forestry
This subregion has potential for both commercial and personal use
forestryo A substantial amount of state land will be retained in
long term public ownership to support these uses.One area
encompassing 75,280 acres is recommended for legislative
designation as multiple use forest land.This area is in the
southeastern portion of the subregion,extending from just nor.th
of Little Willow Creek to the Hiddle Fork of Montana Creek.and
from near timberline of the Talkeetna Mountains west about five
miles.Publicly owned river corridors in the area also will be
available for timber harvests wherever this does not impair the
value of the corridors for habitat and recreation.All areas
designated for forestry also will be managed for their habitat and
public recreation values.
4e Fish and Wildlife
This subregion is important as habitat for a variety of fish and
wildlife species and important for hunting and fishing due to its
relatively good access.Since much of the land east of the Parks
Highway from Wasilla to Talkeetna,including land along river
corridors,is at least partially in private ownership,and since
this area will be subjected to increased demands for recreation,
hunting and other public uses,the plan attempts to secure a
corridor of public land between the Talkeetna Mountains and the
Susitna River.This will provide for a variety of public
uses--personal use and commercial forestry,open space amid the
otherwise uninterrupted development along the Parks Highway,and a
movement corridor for animals,especially moose.Even though no
uninterrupted corridor remains in public ownership,the best place
to accomplish this is between Sheep Creek and Hontana Creek.In
November,1983,the borough offered agricultural land for sale in
this area,but is committed to long term retention of the
remainder of their lands in the corridor (Management Unit 11,
mostly in T23N R4W S.H.).
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5.
6.
Most of the 1i ttle remaining public land along rivers and creeks
--such as Hontana,Sheep,and Goose creeks,and the Talkeetna
River --will be retained in public ownership.The few small
sites of state land along the highway will be retained in public
ownership to provide access to fishing and hunting areas.In
addition,consideration should be given to purchase of valuable
habitat and access points at the mouths of some streams from
willing private owners.This is of particular importance on
those streams that are heavily fished,such as Montana Creek.In
addition,the areas proposed for retention and legislative
designation mentioned in the forestry section will be available
for habitat management and human use of wildlife resources.
Recreation
This subregion receives intense and growing pressure for a variety
of recreational activities,including fishing,tent and RV
camping,picnicking,cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.Many
of these activities require campsites,parking areas,pulloffs
along the highway,or other developed facilities.The existing
facilities to handle these demands are inadequate,and the state
and borough must cooperate to meet this demand.The Division of
Parks and Outdoor Recreation currently is acquiring private land
at Montana Creek to enlarge the recreation site,and consideration
should be given to developing new campgrounds at other sites.Two
important objectives in this category are development of an Alaska
Range viewsite on the hill just south of Talkeetna and development
of improved access and a boat launch facility on the Susitna
River.
Hiking,cross-country skiing,snowmobiling,etc.require large,
undeveloped areas.The large blocks of land retained in public
ownership for forestry and fish and wildlife also will be managed
to accommodate these uses.A corridor of 27,440 acres along the
Talkeetna River is recommended for legislative designation as a
state recreation river.(A portion of this corridor is in the
Talkeetna Mountains Subregion.)In addition,the plan recommends
funding be provided for construction of public use cabins (such as
those built and maintained by the U.S.Forest Service on the Kenai
Peninsula)in various backcountry areas of this subregion.
Finally,an area near Montana Creek has been identified as an
ecological reserve.It has high forestry,fisheries and wildlife
habitat values and has been proposed as an experimental forest.
Subsurface
Mining and mineral exploration are and will continue to be very
important activities in this subregion.The great majority of
public lands will remain open to mineral entry and available for
coal leasing,although densely settled areas and agricultural
areas will be closed to mineral location and unavailable for coal
leasing,as will homesteading areas until staking is completed.
Other areas,such as developed recreation sites and certain river
corridors (e.g.,the proposed Talkeetna state recreation river and
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portions of Montana,Clear,and Sheep creeks)also will be
closed.All public land in this subregion is open to exploration
and development of oil and gas.In the Talkeetna River corridor,
specific mitigation measures will be established to protect
habi tat and recreation values.Coal values in this subregion
generally are low to very low.
7.Transportation
Proposed transportation routes within the subregion include road
access to the Larson Lake area and the Chase III area.A route
into the proposed state forest in the southeast portion of the
subregion has been identified for further study.The borough
currently is requesting legislative funding for a road to Larson
Lake which would run north from Answer Creek and the Bartlett
Hills area.A 300'right-of-way which runs east from the railroad
north of Talkeetna 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 state forest
could run south from the Bartlett Hills area,east and north from
the Caswell Lake area,or enter both by both routes s See the
transportation section of Chaprer 4 for additional information on
these routes.See the T.ransportation section of Chapter 4 for
additional information on these routes.
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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 immedi-
ately to the east of the Alaska Railroad and at the northern end of the
subregion.The presence of the Susitna River adjacent to the western
boundary of this management unit makes it attractive and desirable for a
variety of uses.The railroad provides access,and there is some low den-
sity year-round settlement in the area from a past land disposal.The
unit is mostly in public ownership and will be managed to provide
additional land sales separated by blocks of publicly owned land.The
public lands will protect public recreation values,habitat,and firewood
for local use.Three small settlement areas will be offered in FY 85.
All public lands in this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.
Public lands in this unit also will remain open to mineral location and be
available for coal leasing except in existing and proposed disposal areas
(subunits la,Ib,Ic,and Ie).
The unit is divided into eight subunits:the proposed Indian River West
homestead disposal (la);the past Indian River remote parcel area (lb);
state selected land owned in part by the Alaska Railroad (Ic);two blocks
of land to be retained in public ownership (Id);lands which will be
offered for sale in FY 85 (Sherman,Curry North and McKenzie Creek)(Ie);
a block of borough selected land encompassing Lane Creek (If);land along
Indian River which encompasses Lake 1395 to be retained in public
ownership (Ig);and land owned by the Alaska Railroad in the southern
portion of the management unit (Ih).See the maps at the end of this
section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a
summary of land uses in each subunit.
Subunits Ia and Ie (Indian River West,Sherman,Curry North,and McKenzie
Creek)encompass land designated for settlement.Subunit Ie consists of
three areas which will be offered under th~homestead program in FY85.
They are (from north to south)Sherman,Curry North,and McKenzie Creek.
Up to 40 acres may be staked by each entrant in these areas;there are
three entries allowed in Curry North,eleven in McKenzie Creek and five in
the Sherman area.
Subunit Ib is the past Indian River remote parcel area.At some point in
the future,it may be reoffered under the homestead program.
Although subunit Ic is primarily public land,it has been designated
reserved l1se and very little of it is available for public use.Part of
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MANAGEMENT UNIT 1.-GoL.D CJt£EK.SUBREGION SO P~Vt..7 \-f~'(..
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
la State Settlement Public Rec.Closed prior Not available Remote Cabins Estimated net
Indian Wildlife Hab.to disposal for coal Trapper Cabins disposal area=100
River West leasing or Grazing acres
prospecting
Ib State/Settlement Public Rec.Closed Not available Portions
Indian Private (past Remote Par-Wildlife Hab.for coal closed to
River cel offering)leasing or grazing (see
Remote prospecting mgmt.guide-
lines)
lc State/lReserved Use --Closed Not available -
Gold Creek State for coal
Selected/leasing or
Native prospecting
Selected/
Railroad
Id State Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for Remote Cabins
Mile 255,j..lildlifeHabitat (personal use)leasing Land Disposals
261 Grazing
Retained
Areas
·Other uses such as material sales.land leases,remote cabin permits,etc..that me flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management Intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit.and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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MANAGEMENT UNIT 1-G-oLD CR.EE \<..SUBREGION 5::>PAA~S ~y -
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED
/SECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE lEASEABLE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
Ie State Settlement Public Rec.Closed prior tbt available Remote Cabins Estimated net
Sherman Wildlife Hab.to disposal for coal Land Disposals disposal area=760
Curry North leasing or Grazing acres
McKenzie prospecting
Creek
If Borough Borough Land Bank Open Available for -
Lane Creek Values:Forestry,Public leasing
Recreation,Settlement,
Wildlife Habitat
Ig State Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for Remote Cabins
tUami Wildlife Habitat (personal use)leasing Land Disposals
Lake Trapper Cabins
Grazing
Ih Alaska AK Railroad Land -------
Alaska Railroad --Not available
Railroad for public use
.......
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Ul
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
this land is managed by the Alaska Railroad,part is the subj ect of a
Native group claim,part encompasses a portion of the Healy-Willow
Intertie route,and one of the proposed routes to the possible Devils Can-
yon dam site crosses the subunit.The portion of the Susitna River in
this subunit will remain in public ownership and be managed to protect
fish and wildlife and recreation values.
Subunits Id and Ig (Mile 255 and 261 Retained Areas and Miami Lake)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.Subunit 1d consists of 2 parcels of land on either side of the
proposed Sherman settlement area.Subunit Ig is land in the northern part
of the management unit along Indian River.
The land in subunit If will be designated borough land bank.These lands
are not likely to be offered for settlement in the near term,but may be
offered in the future if competing resources are deemed less valuable and
demand merits such an offering.In the near term,the lands will be used
to support fish and wildlife habitat,recreation and personal use
forestry.
Subunit Ih in the southern portion of the management unit is owned and
managed by the Alaska Railroad and not available for public use.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are
presented below by subunit.
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter
2 of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within
the management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable
in this unit are indicated with asterisks in the list below.
Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore ~~nagement
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Subunit 1a and Ie (Indian River West;Sherman,Curry North and McKenzie Creek
land disposal areas)
Forestry
Sites within the planned sales areas that are able to provide personal use
timber should be identified and retained.
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Access
When land is conveyed,public access to the Susitna River,Alaska
Railroad,and remote areas to the east should be preserved.
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses and to protect water
quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land should be retained
in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on Deadhorse Creek,McKenzie Creek,
Lane Creek and most other unnamed tributaries to the Susitna River shown
on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographic maps.The corridor on the Susitna
River should be at least 300 feet on the north bank of the river in the
Indian River South subdivision and 300 feet on the east bank within the
disposal areas in subunit leo Indian River should be protected with a
corridor 300 feet on either side within subunit lao
Settlement (Sherman)
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Homes teads in this area should
of parcels should occur during
vegetation are more visible.
rights-of-way reserved.
be a m.l.n~mum of 20-acre parcels.Staking
the summer months so that the terrain and
Existing trails should be identified and
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Subunit lb (Indian River Remote Past Disposal)
Grazing
Due to conflicts with fish and wildlife habitat,grazing will not be
allowed in the western portion of this subunit (T32N RllW S.M.,sections
24,33,34 and T31N RllW S.M.,sections 3,4,9 and 10).
Subunit lc (Gold Creek)
Stream Coridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses and to protect water
quality and riparian habitat should land in this subunit be conveyed to
private ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on the unnamed tributaries to the
Susitna River.The corridor on Gold Creek should be at least 300'on both
sides of the river to protect brown bear feeding concentration areas.The
Susitna River should be protected with a 300'corridor on both sides.
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MANAGEMENT UNIT 2 -SUSITNA-CHULITNA RIVERS
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This unit is completely in public ownership and consists of those portions of
the Susitna and Chulitna Rivers and immediately adjacent land within the South
Parks Highway Subregion.All private land immediately surrounding Talkeetna
is excluded from this unit;the private land is included in subunit 9d.Two
small sites adj acent to the corridor are included in the unit to provide
public access points--one encompasses a portion of Sheep Creek Slough,and the
other is approximately two miles northwest of the Talkeetna Spur Road and
provides access to the river from the Parks Highway.This management unit has
not been divided into subunits because the entire area will be managed
similarly.It will be retained in public ownership and managed for forestry,
recreation,and protection of fish and wildlife and water resources.All
public lands in this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.Public lands
in this unit also will remain open to mineral location,except along Sheep,
Goose,and Montana Creeks,and be available for coal leasing.See the maps at
the end of this section for boundaries of the unit and the accompanying chart
for a summary of land uses.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within the
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable in this
unit are indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
Settlement
Subsurface
Transportation
*Instream Flow
Lakeshore Management
Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
l.
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below.
Mining
Public lands within 300'of Sheep,Goose,or Montana Creek will be closed to
mineral location.The closure is intended to protect water quality and fish
and wildlife habitat in some of the most important tributaries to the Susitna
River.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 3 -WHISKERS CREEK
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This unit of public land,located north of Talkeetna between the Susitna and
Chulitna rivers,contains large blocks suitable for agriculture,forestry or
settlement.The largest contiguous area is the approximately 14,000 acres of
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LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION SO PAR 1<5 t+lA)\j MANAGEMENT UNIT .;2 -'Sus ITN fT-C ttuL-\TIVI1 R wE RS
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED ISECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
2 State/Forestry -Open except Available for Trapper Cabins
Susitna/Borough Water Resources along Sheep,leasing Remote Cabins -Chulitna Wildlife Habitat Goose,and Land DisposalsRiversPublicRecreationMontanaCks.Grazing
(see mgmt.
guidelines)
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION .so P A-R K~ItW y MANAGEMENT UNIT 3-WH/st<6RS C-R
SUBUNIT
3a
Blair Lake
3b
Whiskers
Creek Ag.
Land
3c
Whiskers
Creek
Planned
Sale Area
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED)
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS
State Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for Trapper Cabins
Wildlife Habitat leasing Remote Cabins
Land Disposals
Borough Borough Land Bank Open Not available -
Values:Agriculture,Fores try ,for coal
Public Recreation,leasing or
Settlement,Wildlife prospecting
Habitat
State Settlement Forestry Closed prior Not available Remote Cabins Estimated net
Public Rec.to disposal for coal Trapper Cabins disposal area
Wildlife Hab.leasing or =470 acres
prospecting
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent witlt the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management gUidelines in chapter 2.
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borough land located between the Chulitna and Susitna rivers just north of
Talkeetna.Access to the area between the rivers is difficult--the Parks
Higb.way is west of the Chulitna River and the Alaska Railroad is east of the
Susitna River.The most logical route would be south from the Parks Highway
after it crosses the Chulitna River in Denali State Park.All public lands in
tb.is unit are available for oil and gas leasing.Public lands in this unit
also will remain open to mineral location except for the proposed disposal
area (subunit 3c)and will be available for coal leasing except in the
agricultural area in subunit 3b.
This management unit is divided into tb.ree subunits:state land surrounding
Blair Lake (3a),the borough land between the Chulitna and Susitna rivers
(3b),and the state land adjacent to the Susitna River (3c).See the maps at
the end of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying
chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit.
Subunit 3a is a small pocket of state land surrounding Blair Lake.It will be
retained in public ownership and managed to protect fish and wildlife habitat
and recreation opportunities.
Subunit 3b is borough land with potential for settlement,forestry and agri-
culture.It is designated land bank.Under the existing borough agricultural
policy,it eventually may be developed for agriculture.In the interim tt~is
likely to be managed for forestry.
Subunit 3c is a small state owned parcel between the borough land and the
Susitna River.An estimated 30%of the total area is suitable for settlement
and recommended for this use.However,the sale of this land is contingent
upon access to and plans for development of tb.e agricultural area.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management gUidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within the
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable in this
unit are indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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*Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
*Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Management guidelines that apply to this management uni t only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit 3b (Whiskers Creek Agricultural Land)
Agriculture
To the extent feasible,the borough should use Class II and III soils for
agricultural use rather than settlement.Where parcel configuration or
topography render large farms infeasible,small farm agricultural develop-
ment should be encouraged.
131
Trails and Public Access
Existing trails through the subunit should be retained in public ownership
with a width of at least SO 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
Land of marginal agricultural capability due to soils,parcel size or
configuration,topography,etc.should be used for settlement.In ad-
dition,land should be provided for any commercial development necessary
to support the possible future agriculture project or commercial rec-
reation needs associated with the river systems.
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses and to protect water
quality and riparian habitat should land in this subunit be conveyed to
private ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on most of the unnamed tributaries
to the Susitna and Chulitna Rivers and Whiskers Creek shown on the
1 :63,360 scale USGS topographic maps for the area.The corridor on
Whiskers Creek and the Susitna and Chulitna Rivers should be at least 300'
on both sides of the streams.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 4 -CHASE
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This large management unit extends 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 past open-to-entry (OTE)sites,mining claims,
state remote parcel and subdivision disposals,and the proximity of Talkeetna
and access via the Alaska Railroad,this area supports a number of year round
and many seasonal residents.The area will be managed to support additional
state land sales and to protect public access within and through the area,to
protect habitat,and to provide opportunities for public recreation and
harvest of personal use firewood.All public lands in this unit are available
for oil and gas leasing.Public lands in this unit also will remain open to
mineral location and be available for coal leasing except for existing and
proposed disposal areas (subunits 4c,4d,and 4e)and Lower Chunilna Creek
Corridor (subunit 4f).
The unit has been divided into seven subunits:a retention area east of the
Susitna River and north of the Chase III area (4a),a parcel of borough land
between the railroad and the Chase III area (4b),the Chase III agricultural
homestead area (4c),the Chase II remote parcel area (4d),an area in the
eastern corner of the management unit proposed for sale (4e),Lower Chunilna
Creek Corridor (4f),and Upper Chunilna Creek Corridor (4g).See the maps at
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SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT 1 -C-H A<:>t:..
SUBUNIT
4a
Mile 238
Retained
Area
4b
Mile 233
Borough
Land
4c
Chase III
Ag.
4d
Chase II
Remote
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE lEASEABlE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS
State Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for Trapper Cabins
(includes ~ildlife Habitat (personal use)leasing Remote Cabins
many Land Disposals
open-to-
entry
parcels
Borough !Borough Land Bank Open Available for ---
Walues:Agriculture,Forestry,leasing
Public Recreation,
Settlement,Wildlife
Habitat
State/~riculture Forestry Closed Not available Remote Cabins
Private (existing (personal use)for coal Trapper Cabins
homesteads)Wildlife Habitat leasing or
prospecting
State/~ttlement Forestry Closed Not available
Private "past relOOte (personal use)for coal ----..__.•
~arcel offering)Wildlife Habitat leasing or
prospecting
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
LAnu u,,~"'II;~.~.~~••~•.,."'V."••".~R..
SUBREGION SO rAA~'>H"vJ'-{MANAGEMENT UNIT 4 -c.."P\~E
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
4e State Settlement Public Rec.Closed prior Not available -Estimated net
Disappoint-Wildlife Habitat to disposal for coal disposal
ment Creek leasing or area=1,040 acres
prospecting
4f Stat.e Public Recreation Forestry Closed Not available Trapper Cabins
Lower (includes Water Resources (personal use)for coal leas-Remote Cabins
Chunilna many OTE Wildlife Habitat ing or pros-Land Disposals
Creek parcels)peeling Grazing
Corridor
4g State Minerals Forestry Open Available for Trapper Cabins
Upper (includes Public Recreation (personal use)leasing Remote Cabins
Chunilna many OTE Water Resources Land Disposals
Creek parcels)Wildlife Habitat Grazing
Corridor
•Other uses such as material sales.land leases.remote cabin permits,etc.,that Ole flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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the end of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying
chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit.
Subunit 4a encompasses some fairly steep land in the northwest corner of the
management unit.The unit will be managed to protect important fish and
wildlife habitat (e.g.,concentrations of black and brown bear,fall and
winter moose habitat)and recreation opportunities,and to provide open space.
Subunit 4b,borough land just east of the Susitna River,has high values for
settlement and forestry,provides moose winter range,and has some potential
for agriculture (Class III soils).This area is designated borough land
bank.It is accessible by railroad,but it is unlikely to be offered for sale
in the near term.
Subunit 4c (the Chase III area),was offered in 1984 for agricultural
homesteads.Parcels were awarded in September,1984,but staking was halted
by court order in April,1985.The project is currently in litigation.There
are 32 parcels ranging in size from 40 to 160 acres for a total of 3,530 net
acres.Local trails and access routes for existing residents have been
identified to protect pedestrian access and routes of possible future roads
through and within the area.Habitat concerns have been addressed primarily
through retention of land within the project 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 the creek is privately owned or under mining claims).It also
includes retention of much of the land in the southwest portion of the
project--the area where habitat concerns are greatest.(See also the
management guidelines section for this management unit.)
Subunit 4d
eye Lake.
area.It
until the
is a large area on either side of Chunilna Creek encompassing Sock-
This entire area was offered in 1980 as the Chase II remote parcel
was reopened to further stakings in February,1984 and remained open
close of the remote parcel program on June 30,1984.
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Subunit 4e is located in the eastern portion of the management unit,approx-
imately 14 miles east of the Alaska Railroad.It is just north of the
Talkeetna River corridor and west of Disappointment Creek and encompasses
several lakes.This area has values for fish and wildlife (it is near a
suspected brown bear denning area),recreation,and settlement.It is
designated for settlement,and probably will be offered under the homestead
program.
Subunits 4f and 4g comprise the Chunilna Creek Corridor.11uch of the land in
this corridor is already in private ownership due to past open-to-entry
disposals,or covered by mining claims.Remaining public land will be managed
to protect important fish and wildlife habitat (e.g.,concentrations of black
and brown bear,fall and winter moose habitat and anadromous fish)and
recreational opportunities,and to provide open space.The plan recommends
investigating the possibility of a buy back program to restore to public
ownership some of the private lots along the creek and retaining any
relinquished open-to-entry sites along the creek.Due to high public values
subunit 4f (Lower Chunilna Creek Corridor)will be closed to mineral entry and
unavailable for coal leasing.The Upper Chunilna Creek Corridor (subunit 4g)
has a surface use designation of minerals due to the high concentration of
existing claims in the area.
135
~1ANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within the
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable in this
unit are indicated with asterisks in the list below.
*Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
*Instream Flow
*Lakeshore ~1anagement
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
Resource Management
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit 4b (Mile 233)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses and to protect water
quality and riparian habitat should land ia this subunit be conveyed to
private ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies from Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on unnamed tributaries to the
Susitna River which appear on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographic maps.
Subunits 4b,4c and 4f (Mile 233 Borough Land,Chase III,and Lower Chunilna
Creek Corridor)
Protection of Transportation Routes
Chapter 4 of this plan identifies a system of possible improvements to the
regional and local transportation system.One route passes through these
subunits.The precise location of this route has not been determined,
although a general location is shown on the maps in Chapter 4.Land use
authorizations in these units such as land sales,leases,or other actions
should be located so as not to preclude the option to build this road
along a feasible and efficient route.
Subunit 4c (Chase III Agricultural Homestead Area)
Refer to the Summer,1984 disposal brochure for a parcel map and locations of
items discussed below.
Transportation Corridors
Haintaining pedestrian access and possible future road corridors through
and within the Chase project is an important objective for this area.The
platted right-of-way called Clear Creek Road on the brochure map,runs
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east from the Alaska Railroad and is 300'wide.Access to and between all
parcels will be retained through interior lot line easements linked to the
larger route described above.Interior lot line easements are 50'wide in
each lot for a total width of 100'.An easement of 25'will be retained
on all exterior lot lines.This allows alternative access through the
project in addition to the main access routes.
In the southwest portion of the project (sections 17,20,29)there is an
existing summer trail which bypasses a wetland and the Clear Creek Road
right-of-way crosses a narrow portion of the wetland in section 20.The
existing summer trail has been protected through issuance of a temporary
60'right-of-way and is shown on DNR status plats.If and when the Clear
Creek Road actually is constructed,the 60'temporary ROW will be vacated.
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
is used on a regular basis by a significant number of people,this route
generally will be retained in public ownership.Where a trail is
primarily used to provide access to the residence of one or just a few
people,and this route crosses a proposed homestead parcel,reasonable
alternative access will be provided through r~tention of easements along
the boundaries of the parcels or identification of other routes.Wherever
possible these parcel boundaries have been adjusted to better coincide
with existing trails.As an additional measure,temporary (3 year)
easement permits will be issued that allow access across homestead
parcels.These temporary easement permits will give existing users the
opportunity to establish new trails along homestead parcel 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 will be retained,however,
through sections 16 and 20 west of Chunilna Creek.North-south access
through the project will be provided by a corridor along Chunilna Creek
and an approximately 1/2-mile wide north/south corridor between the two
groups of parcels.
Retention of Land in Public Ownership
Public land immediately surrounding Hama and Papa Bear Lakes and to the
southwest of the lakes in T27N R4W S.M.,section 26 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.(See also subunit Sa).
Anadromous fish streams feeding into Mama and Papa Bear Lakes are primar-
ily of value as spawning and rearing areas.Public use is low or non-
existent,in part because the lower reaches of this tributary system are
lined with private land.The quality of water will be protected along
these streams through application of a 100'development setback on either
137
side of these streams on any new parcels sold.Fifty-foot pedestrian
easements also will be retained to provide a degree of public access.
In the western portion of the project where there are private parcels or
poor soils,any remaining public land will be retained in public
ownership.This includes all of sections 9 and 16.In addition,portions
of sections 20 and 29 have been retained in public ownership to provide
wood for residents on smaller parcels in the homestead area and in the
subdivisions to the south.
Land along Chuni1na Creek was heavily staked during the open-to-entry
(OTE)program,and there are.numerous mining claims in the area.
Remaining public land in this corridor will be retained in public
ownership for recreation,fish and wildlife habitat,hunting and fishing,
public access,and possibly wood lots.If relinquishment of OTE parcels
occurs within 1/2 mile either side of Chunilna Creek,these sites will be
retained in public ownership to protect habitat,recreation and other
public values.Determination of appropriate action on relinquished OTE
parcels outside the river corridor will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Fish &Wildlife/Recreation
Chuni1na Creek corridor will be managed to protect fish and wildlife
habitat and opportunities for recreational use by retaining the area in
public ownership in a natural state.See guidelines on "Retention of Land
in Public Ownership"for management of land around Mama and Papa Bear
Lakes.
Woodlots
To help meet the personal use firewood needs of present and future
residents in the Chase area and in subdivisions to the south,land
retained in public ownership,particularly in the southwest,southeast
(near Mama and Papa Bear lakes)and central (sections 9 and 16)portions
of the project,will be available for personal use woodlots or small
timber sales.
Wetlands
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On all water bodies and significant wetlands within
culture parcels,clearing and development setbacks
the farm conservation plan and conveyance documents.
lines,Chapter 2,for a definition of wetlands.)
or adjacent to agri-
will be specified in
(See regional guide-
Subunits 4d and 4e (Chase II Remote Parcel Area and Disappointment Creek)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses and to protect water
quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land should be retained
in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
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using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on the unnamed creek which runs
northwest from Sockeye Lake (4d).Buffers 100'wide should be used on
either side of all other unnamed creeks that appear on the 1:63,360 scale
USGS topographic maps in subunit 4d,and on all tributaries to the
Talkeetna River and Disappointment Creek which appear on the 1:63,360 USGS
topographic maps in subunit 4e.
Forestry
Personal use or small scale timber sale areas will be identified to sup-
ply some of the wood products for any future settlement in subunit 4e and
to the west.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 5 -LARSON LAKE
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This unit extends from the Susitna River east to Larson Lake and south to
Bartlett Hills and includes a portion of the Talkeetna River.It consists
primarily of borough land and past state disposals with a little remaining
state land along the western portion of the Talkeetna River.Borough land
on the west side of Larson Lake will be sold for settlement.The remaining
borough land will be designated land bank.State land along the Talkeetna
River will be retained in public ownership and recommended for legislative
designation as a state recreation river.All public lands in this unit are
available for oil and gas leasing.Only subunit 5d will remain open to
mineral location and be available for coal leasing.Subunits Sa and 5c will
be closed due to existing or proposed disposals,and 5b is closed due to
recreation and habitat values in the river corridor.
The management unit is divided into four subunits:private land,almost all
of which is a result of past state land sales (Sa);a corridor along the
Talkeetna River (5b);borough land proposed for settlement around Larson Lake
(5c),and other borough land to the west of Larson Lake (5d).See the map at
the end of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying
chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit.
Subunit Sa is primarily private land on the south bank of the Talkeetna
River.Where private land now abuts the river,the state will consider
purchase of land to improve public access and to enhance public enjoyment of
the river corridor.The state will not use the power of eminent domain in
such cases but will purchase land only from willing sellers.Purchase is
contingent upon funds being appropriated by the legislature for this purpose.
Subunit 5b encompasses approximately 10 miles of the Talkeetna River in a
corridor of approximately 1/3 to 1 mile wide.The corridor is primarily in
public ownership,although the mouth of the river is privately owned.The
river corridor is exceptionally valuable for fish and wildlife and recreation
and is easily accessible from Talkeetna and the Susitna River.The Talkeetna
River corridor supports concentrations of black bear,provides high and
139
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
MANAGEMENT UNIT S-lJ\~SCtJ L.Al.<..C:,
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED
SUBUNIT LAND
SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTSOWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED ISECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
Sa State!Settlement Forestry Closed Not available Trapper Cabins ·One unsoldTalkeetnaPrivate(existing sub-(personal use)for coal Remote Cabins surveyed lotBluffsanddivisions)Public Rec.leasing or remains availableChaseIIWildlifeHab.prospecting over-the-
Subdivision counter
5b State Public Recreation Forestry Closed Not available Remote Cabins Recommended forTalkeetnaWildlifeHabitatforcoalLandDisposalslegislativeRiverleasingorGrazingdesignationCorridorprospecting
5c Borough Settlement Forestry Closed prior Not available -Estimated net.Larson Lake (personal use)to disposal for coal disposal area
Public Rec.leasing or =1.870 acres
Wildlife Hab.prospecting
5d Borough llorouglJ Land Bank Open Available for -North ~alues:Agriculture.Forestry.leasing
Bartlett Public Recreation.
Hills Settlement.Wildlife
Habitat
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit.and with the relevant
management gUidelines in chapter 2.
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moderate winter moose habitat,is one of the most popular moose hunting areas
in the entire study area,and receives a great deal of river floating and
sport fishing use.The river is an anadromous fish stream supporting
populations of Dolly Varden,arctic char,trout,and five species of salmon.
This subunit is recommended for legislative designation as a state recreation
river.The remainder of the Talkeetna River (Subunit 6a,east of this area)
also is proposed for legislative designation.
Subunit 5b,in conjunction with Management Unit 6,will be managed to provide
recreation opportunities and protect scenic values.Principal recreational
uses will be on and adjacent to the river.To protect these recreation
opportunities,the unit should be managed to provide a visual and sound buffer
from uses outside the corridor,and to protect water quality.Public
recreation cabins should be developed with a coordinated river and trail
access system;no roads will be permitted to these cabins.Road access to or
across the corridor will be avoided.Fish and wildlife habitat will be
protected,with special emphasis placed on the stream and adjacent riparian
areas.
Subunit 5c is approximately 8,000 acres of borough land designated for
settlement that surrounds Larson Lake.preliminary development plan for the
Larson Lake area was completed in June,1984 by consultants to the borough.
Their recommendation is for a four phase development of the west shore of the
lake including private parcels,commercial recreation facilities,and public
recreation facilities.The major intent of the plan is to provide an area for
both public and private recreation.The borough established a committee which
is studying the current proposal and will make recommendations on it by
spring,1985.Thus,the current development plan prepared by the consultants
can be viewed as a base from which the final plan for Larson Lake will be
developed.The borough is committed to protection of important fish and
wildlife habitat areas and areas for public use.Under the proposed plan,40%
of the 1,870 acres in the project will be retained in public ownership as
trails,open space and as a 200-300'buffer around the lake.In addition,the
possi bility of a fish hatchery is being considered for the southwest end of
the lake.
A major aspect of designing land sales in this area is the provision of road
access.The borough is proceeding with development of the road to Larson Lake
from the south through Bartlett Hills.The state supports borough plans and
requests that the borough work with the Department of Fish and Game and
Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation 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.
Subunit 5d is borough land to the west of Larson Lake which will be designated
borough land bank.
~1ANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within the
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable in this
unit are indicated with asterisks in the list below.
141
Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
*Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit 5a (Talkeetna Bluffs and Chase II Subdivisions)
Retention of Land in Public Ownership
All lots within the Chase I subdivision have been sold.One lot remains
in the Chase II Subdivision and will continue to be available.Any other
parcels of public land in this area along the Talkeetna River should 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.
Grazing
Those portions of the subunit west of and including Chunilna Creek will be
closed to grazing.
Subunit 5b (Talkeetna River Corridor)
Retention of land in Public Ownership
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This subunit includes primarily state land along
However,pockets of private land staked under the
are interspersed throughout the corridor.If any
relinquished to the state they should then be
ownership.
Oil and Gas
the Talkeetna River.
open-to-entry program
of these parcels are
retained in public
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Oil and gas exploration and development activities will be sited and/or
timed to mitigate impacts on the fish and wildlife habitat and public use
values of the Talkeetna River Corridor.Specific mitigation measures
necessary to protect the values for which the river corridor was
established will be developed as part of the lease sale process.
Mitigation measures will be developed on a case-by-case basis considering
timing,topography,vegetation and other factors affecting the impact of
oil and gas exploration and development activities on fish and wildlife,
habitat,and public use values.
Management Planning/Remote Cabins [
A management plan should be prepared for subunit Sb.
will determine,among other things,whether remote
142
The management plan
cabins will be a
!
permitted use in this subunit.
until and unless areas open
management plan.
Subunit Sc (Larson Lake)
Recreation/Fish &Wildlife
Remote cabin permits will not be offered
to remote cabins are designated by a
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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.
Forestry
Personal use areas or small timber sale areas to support future settlement
in the area should be identified and reserved in the site plans for dis-
posals in this subunit.
Subunits Sa,Sb,Sc and Sd (Talkeetna Bluffs,Chase II,Talkeetna River
Corridor,Larson Lake and North Bartlett Hills)
Protection of Transportation Routes
Chapter 4 of this plan identifies a system of possible improvements to the
regional and local transportation system.Two routes pass through these
subunits,one to the Larson Lake area and one north across the Talkeetna
River to the Chase area.The precise location of these routes has not
been determined,although a general location is shown on the maps in
Chapter 4.Land use authorizations in these units such as land sales,
leases,or other actions should be located so as not to preclude the
option to build this road along a feasible and efficient route.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 6 -TALKEETNA 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 oppor-
tunities for public recreation.Timber harvest will be an allowed use where
it does not disrupt fish and wildlife or recreation values.All public lands
in this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.Subunit 6b will remain
open to mineral location and be available for coal leasing.Subunit 6a (the
recreation river)will be closed to mineral location and unavailable for coal
leasing.
The management unit has been divided into two subunits:the Talkeetna River
corridor (6a)and the area to the south including Sheep River (6b).See the
maps at the end of this section for boundaries of these areas and the
accompanying chart fora summary of land uses in each subunit.
143
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
MANAGEMENT UNIT b-Th~TNA ~\V~.
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURfACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED lOCATABLE lEASEABlE USE(S)·
PRIMARV USE(S)SECONDARV USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
6a State rublic Recreation Forestry Closed Not available Land Disposals ReconnnendedTalkeetnaWildlifeHabitatforcoalforlegislativeRiverleasingordesignation
prospecting.
6b State Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for Remote Cabins
Sheep Wildlife Habitat leasing Land DisposalsRiver
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•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that ore flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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Subunit 6a is the Talkeetna River corridor.This subunit,in conjunction with
subunit Sb,is recommended for legislative designation as a state recreation
river.See the discussion under subunit Sb for details of this proposal.
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 impor-
tant for moose and caribou fall and winter habitat and provides a buffer
between developed uses to the west and the Talkeetna Hountains to the east.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within the
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable in this
unit are indicated with asterisks in the list that follows.
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Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
Settlement
*Subsurface
Transportation
*Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
*Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetlands r1anagement
Resource Management
L
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit 6a (Talkeetna River)
Oil and Gas
Oil and gas exploration and development activities will be sited and/or
timed to mitigate impacts on the fish and wildlife habitat and public use
values of the Talkeetna River Corridor.Specific mitigation measures
necessary to protect the values for which the river corridor was
established will be developed as part of the lease sale process.
Mitigation measures will be developed on a case-by-case basis considering
timing,topography,vegetation and other factors affecting the impact of
oil and gas exploration and development activities on fish and wildlife,
habitat and public use values.
Management Planning/Remote Cabins
A management plan should be prepared for subunit 6a.The management plan
will determine,among other things,whether remote cabins will be a
permitted use in this subunit.Remote cabin permits will not be offered
until and unless areas open to remote cabins are designated by a
management plan.
14'i
MANAGEMENT UNIT 7 -BALD MOUNTAIN
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This unit,south of Sheep River and including the Bald Mountain area,encom-
passes several areas that have been offered for remote parcel and subdivision
sales in the past.The general intent for this area is to offer additional
land for sale (probably through the homestead program)while preserving some
important habitat and recreation areas.All public lands in this unit are
available for oil and gas leasing.Subunit 7d will remain open to mineral
location and be available for coal leasing.All other subunits will be closed
to mineral location and not available for coal leasing due to existing or
planned disposals.
The management unit has been divided into five subunits:a small parcel of
state land proposed for sale in the northern portion of the management unit
(7a),three past state land sale areas (7b),the proposed Talkeetna Foothills
homestead area (7c),a small retention area on the eastern edge of the
management unit (7d),and two small proposed settlement areas (7e).See the
maps at the end of this section for boundaries of these areas and the
accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit.
Subunit 7a consists of one parcel of fairly steep state land proposed for
settlement immediately south of the Sheep River and Talkeetna River.The
intent is to allow some sales (probably homesteads)while preserving the
integrity of the river corridors.
Subunit 7b includes the past Bald Mountain remote parcel area,Bald Mountain
Subdivision,and South Bald Mountain Subdivision.No additional acreage has
been identified for futher settlement offerings,but the option to do so in
the future will remain open.Remaining public land along the Hiddle Fork of
Montana Creek which has high fisheries values,and the area south of Bald
Mountain which includes peregrine falcon nests should remain in public
ownership to protect fish and wildlife habitat and provide opportunities for
recreational use.
Subunit 7c (the Talkeetna Foothills proposed sale)includes portions of the
North Fork of Montana Creek.Access near the area is provided from the Answer
Creek Road 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 south from Larson Lake.A portion of this area will
be offered for sale in FY 86.Land outside of this area will remain in the
20-year disposal pool and may be offered at some point in the future.
Subunit 7d is approximately 1,280 acres encompassing a large lake in the al-
pine region just south of the North Fork of Montana Creek.It will be retain-
ed in public ownership and managed to protect fish and wildlife and recreation
values.
Subunit 7e consists of two parcels of state land proposed for settlement.One
is just south of the existing South Bald Mountain Subdivision (and the Middle
Fork of Montana Creek)and the other is in the western portion of the manage-
ment unit near Baldy Lake.
146
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MANAGEMENT UNIT ,-BALD tv\OJNTh ItJSUBREGION£;0 PA~\l..S thNy
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED
SUBUNIT LAND
SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTSOWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
7a State Settlement Forestry Closed prior Not available Remote Cabins Estimated netSheepRiverWildlifeHab.to disposal for coal Trapper Cabins disposal area=340PlannedleasingoracresSaleAreaprospecting
7b State/Settlement (past Forestry Closed Not available Remote Cabins
Bald Mtn.Private remote parcel &Public Rec.for coal Portions
Remote and pffering existing Wildlife Hab.leasing or closed to
Subdivi-~ub.)prospecting grazing--see
sions guidelines
7c State pettlement Forestry Closed prior Not available Remote Cabins EstimatedTalkeetnaWildlifeHab.to disposal for coal Trapper Cabins net disposalFoothillsleasingorPortionsarea=3,440
prospecting closed to acres
grazing--see
guidelines
7d State fublic Recreation -Open Available for Remote Cabins
North Fork ~ildlife Habitat leasing Land Disposals
Lake (Lake
2125)
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•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that ore flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent,with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION S:::>.'P-Mw.S H-vJ,....MANAGEMENT UNIT 1-B~Lb MOUNThttJ
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LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
7e State Settlement Public Rec.Closed prior tbt available Remote Cabins Estimated net
Montana Wild life Hah.to disposal for coal Trapper Cabins disposal area=560
Ck.Planned leasing or Portions acres
sale areas prospecting closed to
grazing--see
guidelines
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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{-MANAG~IENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within the
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable in this
unit are indicated with asterisks in the list below.
*Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
*Instream Flow
*Lakeshore 11anagement
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Hanagement guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit 7a (Sheep River Sale)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses and to protect <<i'ater
quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land should be retained
in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on most unnamed tributaries to the
Talkeetna River which appear on the 1:63,360 USGS topographic map.On the
south side of Sheep River a 300'corridor should be retained in public
ownership.
Forestry
Personal use woodlots or small timber sale areas will be identified and
reserved in the site plans for disposals in this subunit.
Subunit 7b (Bald Mountain Remote and Subdivisions)
Grazing
Bald Mountain and South Bald Mountain subdivisions will be closed to
grazing to protect important fish and wildlife habitat areas associated
with the North Fork and Middle Fork of Montana Creek.
Subunit 7c (Talkeetna Foothills)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses and to protect water
quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land should be retained
in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on the south side of the Answer
Creek and on east side of Possum Creek.The corridor on the North and
Middle Forks of Montana Creek should be 300'on both sides of the streams
to protect important fish and wildlife habitat and guard against flood
hazards.
Forestry [;
Personal use woodlots or small timber sale areas will be identified and
reserved in the site plans for disposals in this subunit.
Grazing
Those corridors described in the stream corridor guideline for the North
and rUddle Forks of Montana Creek will be closed to grazing.
Subunit 7e (Montana Creek Planned Sale Areas)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses and to protect water
quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land should be retained
in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on Answer Creek and the stream that
runs into Baldy Lake.The South Fork of Montana Creek is just south of
the southern portion of this subunit.A 300'corridor should be retained
in public ownership on its north side.
Grazing
The southern block of this subunit is closed to grazing.The southern 1/4
mile of the western parcel is also closed to protect important fish and
wildlife habitat associated with the stream corridors.
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 blocks of public land,and to pre-
serve trail corridors and public access to rivers and streams.Montana Creek
and its three forks are anadromous fish streams which support a high level of
sport fishing.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,public land should be retained.All public lands in
this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.This unit is not open to
mineral location or coal leasing due to past disposals.
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LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
MANAGEMENT UNIT 8 -A~S\JJ"ER CK.SUBREGION ~PMK-:,~w'(.
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIP,SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED)
/SECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
8a Private/Agriculture Forestry Closed Not available Remote Cabins
Bartlett State/(past state Public Rec.for coal
Hills Borough and borough Wildlife Hab.leasing or
sales)prospecting
8b Primarily Private Ownership--Any public ---
Answer Recommended uses:Forestry,Public land along
Creek Native Recreation,Settlement (limited),the North,
Wildlife Habitat Middle or
South Fork of
Montana Creek
is closed
(see mgrnt.
guidelines)
Be Settlement Forestry Closed Not available Remote Cabins
Emil Lake (existing state Public Rec.for coal
Private/subdivision &Wildlife Hab.leasing or
State/past borough prospecting
Borough sales)
·Other uses such as material sales.land leases.remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit.and with the relevant
management gUidelines in chapter 2.
This unit is divided into three subunits:past state and borough agricultural
sale areas including the Bartlett Hills area (Sa),the Answer Creek area which
is in Native ownership (Sb),and past state and borough land sales,including
part of the Bartlett Hills subdivision (Sc).The plan does not affe~private
lands.See the maps at the end of this section for management unit boundaries
and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within the
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable in this
unit are indicated with asterisks in the list below.
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below.
Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Subunit Sa,Sb,and Sc (Bartlett Hills,Answer Creek and Emil Lake)
Retention of Land in Public Ownership
Unsold parcels of public land in this unit will be retained in public own-
ership.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.Public
access points to these amenities will be maintained.
Mining
Public lands within 300'of Goose Creek or the North,Middle or South
Fork of Montana Creek or the mainstream of Montana Creek will be closed to
mineral location The closure is intended to protect water quality and fish
and wildlife habitat in some of the most important tributaries to the
Susitna River.
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MANAGEMENT UNIT 9 -TALKEETNA
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This unit extends from the Susitna River east to Bartlett Hills and from
Talkeetna south to approximately five miles north of the junction of the Parks
Highway and the Talkeetna Spur Road.This unit includes a large block of
mostly Native land in the eastern half of the unit,mixed ownership in the
area south of Talkeetna along portions of the Talkeetna Spur Road,and one
isolated parcel of public land.All public lands in this unit are available
for oil and gas leasing.Public lands in this unit also will remain open to
mineral location and be available for coal leasing.
This management unit has been divided into four subunits:the borough and
private land in the west along the Susitna River and the Talkeetna Road (9a),
mostly Native land in the eastern portion of the management unit (9b),public
land along Birch Slough (9c),and primarily private land surrounding the
communi ty of Talkeetna (9d).See the maps at the end of this section for
boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land
uses in each subunit.
Subunit 9a encompasses mostly private land,but includes approximately 2,300
acres of borough land along the Talkeetna Road up to about three miles south
of Talkeetna.Borough land in this subunit has values for agriculture,
settlement,forestry,fish and wildlife habitat,and recreation.This land
will be designated land bank.An important goal for the area is to maintain
and improve public access to lakes,rivers and other amenities.Recreation
and habitat values should be protected by folloWing the guidelines for
lakeshores and rivers,by retaining at least 50%of the Talkeetna Lakes area
in public ownership,and possibly by developing additional recreation
facilities in the area.It is likely that the northern block of borough land
around Talkeetna Lakes will be classified public recreation by the borough.
L Subunit 9b,in the eastern portion of
Native land.Recommended uses for this
settlement and fish and wildlife habitat.
the management unit,
area include forestry,
is primarily
recreation,
Subunit 9c is public land between the Talkeetna Road and the Susitna River.
It will be retained in public ownership for its habitat and recreation
values.The land between the Susitna River and Birch Creek Slough is in
borough ownership.It will be designated for long term retention in public
ownership.This area has exceptional fish and wildlife and recreation
values--Birch Creek and Birch Creek Slough are anadromous fish streams,and
the area is important winter moose habitat.
Subunit 9d is approximately 3,300 acres of land around the community of Tal-
keetna which are primarily in private ownership but which include some state
and borough land.The state land in the area is classified "reserved use"for
the Talkeetna airfield.Recommended uses for the remainder of the subunit are
recreation and limited settlement.It is also recommended that the existing
boat launch and associated facilities on state land be upgraded.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within the
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable in this
unit are indicated with asterisks in the list below.
153
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION 9J PA~KS ~l'MANAGEMENT UNIT q -TA-LKE:E:n--\Pt
SUBUNIT
9a
Talkeetna
Spur Road
9b
Birch Creek
.....
~9c
Birch
Slough
9d
Talkeetna
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S}LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS
Borough!Borough Land Bank Open Available for -
Private Values:Agriculture,Forestry,leasing
Public Recreation,
Settlement,Widlife Habital
Native Prilnarily Private -----
Ownership--Recommended Uses:
Forestry,Public Recreation.
Settlement,Wildlife Habitat
State!Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for Rel1lOte Cabins
Borough Wildlife Habitat leasing Land Disposals
GraZing
Private!Primarily Private ._----
Borough!Ownership-Recommended Uses:
State Community Facilities (airport,
parking facilities),Limited
Settlement.Public Recreation
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management gUidelines in chapter 2.
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I Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are referenced
below by subunit.
Subunit 9a (Talkeetna Spur Road)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses and to protect water
quality and riparian habitat if land in this subunit is conveyed to
private ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on Question Creek and Birch Creek.
A 400'corridor on the east side of the Susitna River should be retained
in public ownership.
Recreation and Public Access
Access or public use sites along the Talkeetna Spur Road should be retain-
ed in public ownership.
Alaska Range View Site
There is a small hill located just south of Talkeetna off the Talkeetna
Spur Road that provides one of the only road-accessible views of the
Alaska Range in the South Parks Highway Subregion.This site is used in
part as an FAA electronics and communications facility.The state,
working with the FAA,should utilize the existing road to develop a
parking and viewing area.The view from this site is truly spectacular
and would please both tourists and local people.
Subunits 9b and 9d (Birch Creek and Talkeetna)
Protection of Transportation Routes
Chapter 4 of this plan identifies a system of possible improvements to the
regional and local transportation system.One route passes through these
subunits.The precise location of this route has not been determined,
although a general location is shown on the maps in Chapter 4.Land use
authorizations in these units such as land sales,leases,or other
actions should be 'located so as not to preclude the option to build this
road along a feasible and efficient route.
155
Subunit 9c (Birch Slough)
Forestry
Timber cutting may be allowed in this subunit on a site by site basis to
enhance habitat values.
Subunit 9d (Talkeetna)
Community Facilities
State or borough land in the community of Talkeetna should be reserved as
a parking area for those people who live outside of Talkeetna along the
railroad.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 10 -MONTANA CREEK
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This management unit extends from near Sheep Creek north to Answer Creek.It
is mostly private land but includes isolated parcels of state and borough
land.The majority of the land along the Parks Highway and Talkeetna Road is
in private ownership.A portion of this unit near Montana Creek has been
identified as an ecological reserve because of high forestry,fisheries and
wildlife habitat values.It has been proposed as an experimental forest.All
public lands in this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.Public lands
in this unit also will remain open to mineral location except for Sheep Creek
and Montana Creek.This management unit will be available for coal leasing.
This management unit has been divided into two subunits:the vast majority of
the area which is primarily private land (lOa),and a block of public land
near Sheep Creek (lOb).See the maps at the end of this section for
boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land
uses in each subunit.
Subunit lOa consists of mostly private,Native and University land,including
past state and borough l~nd sales.Present uses in this area are personal use
forestry,recreation,fish and wildlife habitat and settlement.It is
specifically recommended that parking facilities and a trail to the popular
fishing area on Sheep Creek be developed on public land at mile 88.The
borough has sold approximately 840 acres of agricultural land in the northwest
portion of the subunit just south of where the Parks Highway crosses the
Susitna River.There are several isolated parcels of land remaining in
borough ownership.Two of these are between the Susitna River and the Alaska
Railroad in the northern portion of the management unit.A third is in the
southern part of the unit adj acent to Sheep Creek and wes t of the Parks
Highway.These will be designated land bank.If sales occur,the borough
should retain some land along the road system and/or streams for various
public uses.
Subunit lOb is primarily swampy land in mixed state and borough ownership.
Sheep Creek runs through the southeast corner of the subunit.This subunit
will be retained in public ownership and managed for recreation and fish and
wildlife habitat.
156
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LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION ~.PA,VZ-K<;>\-\-WY MANAGEMENT UNIT 10 -1MON~A Gk.,
SUBUNIT
lOa
Montana
lOb
Sheep Creek
Corridor
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED)
PRIMARY USErS)ISECONDARY USErS)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)·
MINERALS MINERALS
Private/Primarily Private Ownership--Any public --
Native/Recommended Uses:Forestry land along
Univer-(personal use),Public Recreation,Montana,
sity/Settlement,Wildlife Habitat Goose,and
Borough Sheep Creeks
is closed
(see mgmt.
guidelines)
State/Public Recreation Forestry Open except Available for Grazing
Borough Wildlife Hahitat (personal use)along Sheep leasing Remote Cabins
Creek (see Trapper Cabins
mgmt.guide-
lines)
."".t
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within the
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable in this
unit are indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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*Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
Resource Management
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit lOa and lOb (Montana and Sheep Creek Corridors)
Mining
Public lands within 300'of Montana,Goose,or Sheep creeks will be closed
to mineral location.The closure is intended to protect water quality and
fish and wildlife habitat in one of the most important tributaries to the
Susitna River.
Scenic Highways
The study Scenic Resources along the Parks Highway (ADNR,1981)should be
consulted for additional information on scenic resources whenever planning
occurs for management activities which are likely to significantly affect
visual quality along the Parks Highway.
MANAGEKEHT UNIT 11 -GOOSE CREEK
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This management unit encompasses land from the Parks Highway near Goose Creek
north and east approximately six miles and includes portions of Goose Creek.
The unit is primarily public land and will be managed to support a variety of
public uses.All public lands in this unit are available for oil and gas
leasing.It will remain open to mineral location except along Goose Creek and
be available for coal leasing.
This management unit has not been divided into subunits.See the maps at the
end of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart
for a summary of land uses in each subunit.
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MANAGEMENT UNIT \1-&ooSE.L.K.SUBREGION .:::0 PA~\A,.~+tWY.
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
11 State/Forestry Public Rec.Open except Available for Land Disposals
Goose Creek Borough Wildlife Habitat along Goose leasing Remote Cabins
Creek (see Portions
mgmt.guide-closed to
lines)grazing--
see guidelines
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
Land in the wes t of the management unit 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.All land will be retained in
public ownership and ml-waged to protect public values,primarily forestry and
wildlife habitat.This unit is an important part of the east-west corridor of
public land (described previously in the management summary section of this
subregion)between the Talkeetna Mountains and the Susitna River.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within the
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable in this
unit are indicated with asterisks in the list below.
*Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
Settlement
Subsurface
Transportation
*Instream Flow
Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below.
Grazing
The majority of this unit is closed to grazing to protect important moose
habitat areas.The two sections in the eastern portion which remain open
to grazing are T23N R4W S.M.section 1,and T24N R4W S.M.section 36.
Scenic Highways
The study Scenic Resources along the Parks Highway (A.DNR,1981)should be
consulted for additional information on scenic resources whenever planning
occurs for management activities which are likely to significantly affect
visual quality along the Parks Highways.
tUning
Public lands within 300'of Goose Creek will be closed to mineral entry.
The closure is intended to protect water quality and fish and wildlife
habitat in Goose Creek.
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MANAGEMENT UNIT 12 -KASBWITHAI STATE FOREST
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This large unit is in state ownership except for 8,300 acres of borough land
and encompasses portions of the Kashwitna and the North Fork of the Kashwitna
River,Sheep Creek,and the South Fork of Montana Creek.This area has high
values for forestry,hunting,fishing,fish and wildlife habitat and
recreation.This unit is among the most valuable in the planning area for
commercial forest management,encompassing high or moderate capability stands
of cottonwood or white spruce.The area provides year-round moose habitat and
also contains concentrations of brown bear on the North Fork of the Kashwitna
River.Both rivers support anadromous fish and a great deal of sport
fishing.The management unit is recommended for legislative designation as a
state forest to protect these public values.The borough land is included in
the legislative designation but the borough will retain management authority
over its lands.Public use cabins are encouraged in this area.All public
lands in this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.This unit will
remain open to mineral location and be available for coal leasing.
The area has been divided into three subunits:the bulk of the area excluding
the river corridors and borough selected land (l2a),Sheep Creek,the North
Fork of the Kashwitna and Kashwitna River corridors (12b),and the 8,300 acres
of borough land (12c).See the maps at the end of this section for boundaries
of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each
subunit.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within the
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable in this
unit are indicated with asterisks in the list below.
Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
Settlement
Subsurface
Transportation
*Instream Flow
Lakeshore Management
Public Access
*Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource t1anagement
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t1anagement guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunits 12a &12b (Forest Area &River Corridors)
Grazing
Portions of these subunits are closed to grazing to protect fish and wild-
life values associated with the river corridors.The portions that are
closed are:one mile either side of the South Fork of Montana Creek and
those portions of subunit 12b which encompass the Kashwitna and the North
Fork of the Kashwitna Rivers.
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LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION 8:>.PA:~KS ++WY,MANAGEMENT UNIT \7.-kAS\f\A)\l1-J~/si.FoR.EST'"
.....
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SUBUNIT
12a
State
Forest Area
12b
River
Corridors
12c
Borough
Forest Area
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
State Forestry Public Rec.Open Available for Land Disposals Recommended
Wildlife Habitat leasing Portions for legislative
closed to designation
grazing-see
guidelines
State Forestry Open Available for Land Disposals Recommended
Public Recreation leasing Portions for legislative
Wildlife Habitat closed to designation
grazing--see
guidelines
Borough Forestry Public Rec.Open Available for Land Disposals
Wildlife Habitat leasing
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guic:ielines in chapter 2.
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Management Planning/Remote Cabins
A management plan should be prepared for subunits 12a and 12b.The
management plan will determine,among other things,whether remote cabins
will be permitted use in these subunits.Remote cabin permits will not be
offered until and unless areas open to remote cabins are designated by a
management plan.
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.
Subunit 12b (River Corridors)
Forestry
The major objective within the river corridors is to protect fish and
wildlife and recreation values.Timber management and harvest will be an
allowed use where it does not conflict with or where it e.nhances these
values.
Recreation
Public use cabins are an appropriate use 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 near Little Willow Creek and includes a large
amount of private land.The area has high values for a variety of uses--rec-
reation,fish and wildlife,forestry,settlement,and agriculture.It will be
managed to allow for private ownership through agricultural homesteads while
retaining important recreation and fish and wildlife areas in public owner-
ship.All public lands in this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.
The majority of this unit will be closed to mineral location and will not be
available for coal leasing due to a proposed disposal.
The management unit has been divided into two subunits:most of the private
land in the management unit,including areas surrounding Sheep Creek,Caswell
Lake and portions of Caswell Creek (13a),and a block of land in the eastern
portion of the management unit proposed for agricultural homesteads (13b).
See the maps at the end of this section for boundaries of these areas and the
accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit.
163
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION '?O.Pl\lZL(S ~Wy MANAGEMENT UNIT \3 -CA~U>E\..L 0<.
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(Sj LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS
13a Private/~imarily Private Ownership--Any public ----
Caswell Native ~commended Uses:Agriculture,land along
Lake 1It'0restry (personal use),Public Sheep Creek
~creation,Wildlife Habitat is closed
(see mgmt.
guidelines)
13b State ~riculture Public Rec.Closed prior Not available Remote Cabins Estimated net
North Fork (homesteads)Wildlife Hab.to disposal for coal Trapper Cabins disposal area
Kashwitna leasing or =3,620 acres
Ag.Area prospecting
·Other uses such as material sales.land leases,remote cabin permits.etc..that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management gUidelines in chapter 2.
Subunit 13a is almost entirely in private or Native ownership.Recommended
uses for the area include agriculture,personal use forestry,recreation and
fish and wildlife habitat.There are approximately 320 acres of state land in
the southwest part of the subunit which will be retained in public ownership
and managed for !ish and wildlife habitat and recreation.
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Subunit 13b is approximately 6,080 acres of state land between Caswell Lake
and the North Fork of the Kashwitna River which is proposed for agricultural
homesteads.There are 320 acres of borough land in the northwest portion of
this unit which will be designated land bank.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
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The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within the
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable in this
unit are indicated with asterisks in the list below.
*Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetlands 11anagement
Resource Management
{.l1anagement guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
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rUning
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Public lands within 300'of Sheep Creek will be closed to mineral entry.
The closure is intended to protect the water quality and fish and wildlife
habitat of the Sheep Creek corridor.
Subunit 13b (North Fork Kashwitna Agricultural Area)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses and to protect water
quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land should be retained
in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on mo~t unnamed streams that appear
on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographic map.A corridor of 300'on both
sides of Caswell Creek should be retained in public ownership.
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MANAGEMENT UNIT 14 -197 MILE CREEK
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This unit is in the southwest corner of the subregion and extends south from
Caswell Creek to near Little Willow Creek and east from the Susitna River
approximately five miles.It is mostly public land with a small amount of
private 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 and protects especially
important moose winter habitat along the Susitna River.Streams in the area
support anadromous fish.The area receives a lot of hunting and fishing
pressure in addition to other recreational uses.All public lands in this
unit are available for oil and gas leasing.Public lands in this unit also
will remain open to mineral location and be available for coal leasing.
The unit is divided into two subunits:primarily borough land (14a).and
remaining state land encompassing a portion of the Kashwitna River corridor
near its confluence with the Susitna River (14b).See the maps at the end of
this ~ection for boundaries of these aC'e:l~and the accompanying chart for a
summary of land uses in each subunit.
Subunit 14a has values for settlement,forestry,recreation and fish and wild-
life habitat.It will be desLgnated borough land bank.The area is access-
ible by means of the Parks Highway and Alaska Railroad,but it is unlikely it
will be offered for sale in the near term.
Subunit 14b is mostly state land which abuts the Susitna River and encompasses
a three mile stretch of the Kashwitna River.The Parks Highway and Alaska
Railroad also run through this subunit.Because of the high values for fish
and wildlife habitat and recreation associated with thl~river corridors this
subunit will be retained in public ownership and managed to protect habitat,
recreation and water resources.It is recommended that private land at mile
82 at the confluence of the Kashwitna and Susitna rivers be purchased to
provide a public boat launch and parking facilities.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areaWide management guide lines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses wi.thin the
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable in this
unit are indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
Settlement
Subsurface
Transportation
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Instream Flow
Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail ~fanagement
l-letlands rfanagement
Resource Management
SUBREGION f;I:J f1:\'(Zj,(,S W"{I MANAGEMENT UNIT \4--l~1-MILE C~£E}c..
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)·
MINERALS MINERALS
14a Borough Borough Land Bank--Open Available for
Caswell Values:Forestry,Public leasing
Creek Recreation,Settlement,
Wildlife Habitat
14b State Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for Remote Cabins
Kashwitna Water Resources leasing Grazing
Corridor Wildlife Habitat Land Disposals
.
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
Hanagement guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunits 14a and 14b (Caswell Creek and Kashwitna Corridor)
Access
Public access from the Parks Highway to fish and wildlife and recreation
use areas should be improved.Purchase of private land from willing
sellers should be considered.
Scenic Highways
The study Scenic Resources along the Parks Highway (ADNR,1981)should be
consulted for additional information on scenic resources whenever planning
occurs for management activities which are likely to significantly affect
visual quality along the Parks Highway.
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PETERSVILLE ROAD SUBREGION
I.SUBREGION OVERVIEW
The following section describes land use policy within the Petersville
Road subregion.It is divided into two parts.The first is an overview
of resources and their management for the subregion as a whole.The sec-
ond presents specific statements of management intent,land use designa-
tions,prohibited uses,and management guidelines for each of the subre-
gion's seven management units.A map showing land ownership in the
subregion and boundaries of management units and subunits is presented at
the end of the second part.
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A.Background
The Petersville Road Subregion comprises approximately 350,000 acres.
It is bounded on the east by the Chulitna and Susitna rivers and on
the north by the boundary of Denali State Park.The subregion extends
south of Petersville Road approximately 15 miles along the drainages
of Kroto,Gate,Seventeen Mile,Ninemile and Peters Creeks,and along
Oilwell Road.
This subregion is predominantly state owned with significant areas in
borough,Native and university ownership.Of the total area,approxi-
mately 72%(approximately 246,000 ac)is in state ownership,15%
borough (50,000 ac),10%university selected (36,000 ac),and (3 -4%)
(10,000 to 15,000 ac.)privately owned.Numerous state land disposals
have occurred in this area.
The Petersville Road Subregion is the focus of near term development
interests for settlement,forestry,and agriculture.It is currently
the most heavily hunted portion of the planning area.It also is used
for other recreational activities including snow-machining,dog
mushing,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 past borough agricultural land sales.There
is relatively little mining in this subregion.The majority of mining
activity that does occur is located along Peters Creek south of the
Petersville Road.
Unlike the other subregions west of the Susitna River,the Petersville
Road subregion has road access.It is bounded on the east by the
Parks Highway and crossed by the Petersville Road.Oilwell Road bran-
ches off Petersville Road approximately 6 miles from the Parks Highway
and travels south for approximately 6.5 miles to Moose Creek.It is
an all-weather road to this point.Beyond Moose Creek,it continues
south and west through the rest of the subregion as a winter road.
In FY 85,the state legislature appropriated $97,400 toward
construction of a bridge across Hoose Creek.Construction may begin
in the summer of 1985.Once the creek is crossed,the year-round road
could be extended south toward Amber Lake.There is also a winter
169
trail connecting Petersville Road to the Shulin Lake area,and there
are landing strips near the junction of Oilwell Road and Petersville
Road.Several lakes are used for float plane landings.
B.Management Summary
Road access and high resource values will result in increased use and
development of a variety of resources in the Petersville Road sub-
region.Addi tional state and borough land sales will be offered,
primarily in the eastern half of the subregion.Sales may include a
small number of agricultural homesteads where specific sites within
disposal areas have suitable soils.The land along the Petersville
Road will be the focus of much of the recreational activity and
development in the subregion.While some development will take place
close to the road,other parts of the road corridor will remain in
public ownership to enhance settlement values and protect visual
quality.A system of publicly owned lands will be retained throughout
the subregion to provide recreational opportunities and public access
and to protect scenic quality and habitat.In addition,much of the
southwest quarter of the subregion will remain in public ownership to
provide a base for forest management,including timber production,
habitat management and recreation.Portions of this area are proposed
for legislative designation as multiple use forest lands and state
recreation rivers.
r1anagement of each of the maj or resources and land uses in the sub-
region (settlement,agriculture,forestry,fish and wildlife,recrea-
tion,subsurface resources,and transportation)is summarized in the
following sections.
1.Settlement
The Petersville Road subregion contains some of the most desirable
land for private recreation,year-round settlement and commercial
development in the entire study area.There are good lands close
to road access in areas where topography and vegetation can reduce
adverse visual impacts of development.Numerous disposals have
been offered in this subregion in the past,including Gate Creek,
Denali View,Schneider Lake,Nine Mile and Amber Lakes remote
parcel areas,and subdivisions at Swan Lake,Trapper Creek/Glen,
Kenny Creek,Ninemile,Peters Creek South,and Safari Lake.State
and borough agricultural disposals also have taken place at Moose
Creek,Scotty Lake,and Rabideux.
A gross area of approximately 79,000 acres of state and borough
land is designated for settlement in this subregion (see Table
1).Settlement areas are concentrated between Moose Creek and the
Susitna River.Additional sales are proposed between Kroto Creek
and Moose Creek within and adjacent to existing disposal areas and
near Amber Lake.West of Kroto Creek,two small sales are located
near Schneider Lake,and over-the-counter sales of the approxi-
mately 90 unsold surveyed lots in the existing Kenny Creek,Safari
Lake,and Trapper Creek/Glen subdivisions are recommended.
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Set tlement is appropriate
that disposals meet
residents--protection of
lifestyles.Therefore,
implemented.
in this subregion,but it is essential
the goals emphasized by local
environmental quality and rural
the following policies will be
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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
parcel by the state/borough prior to sale.More remote areas
will be offered as homesteads with prestaked parcels.
TABLE I
Acreage Identified for Settlement and Agriculture
GROSS NET
AREA (ac)AREA (ac)
Planning Planning
Team Team
Recommend-Recommend-
ations ations
STATE LAND
New Offer-39,960 8,970
ings
Reofferings 29,790 1,570
within Past
Disposal
Areas
Agriculture 1,040 520
STATE TOTAL 70,790 II ,060
BOROUGH
LAND
New Offer-11 ,820 3,630
ings
STATE AND 82,610 14,690
BOROUGH
TOTAL
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b.New disposals generally will be concentrated in the eastern
half of the region,or in conjunction with resource develop-
ment or community establishment or expansion.
c.Sale of remaining parcels in existing disposal areas generally
will be a higher priority then offering new areas for sale,
although disposals will include both reofferings and new sale
areas.
d.Disposals will be designed to provide a variety of residential
and private recreational opportunities ranging from road
accessible subdivisions to low density settlement in an area
that may remain roadless.(See also the Transportation
section of this subregion for more information on the roadless
area proposal.)
e.Publicly owned buffers and setbacks from major roads,lake-
shores and streams will be used to help protect public access
and open space.The land along some 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.A net area of
approximately 10,740 acres of state land will be available for
sale 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.Approximately 3,180 acres
of borough land near Amber Lake and Trapper Creek also will be
offered for sale if they are needed to support community
development.
Approximately 35,300 acres of land are included in the borough
land bank.This may be available for settlement 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.In the interim,these
lands will be managed for existing public uses,including
forestry,habitat and recreation.
Construction of public use cabins is recommended for the Kroto
Creek and Moose Creek corridors to support public recreation along
the waterways.
2.Agriculture
Opportunities for agricultural development (including homesteads)
are limited by poor soil conditions in most of the subregion.The
only accessible area of state land with blocks of soils suitable
for commercial agriculture,the 2,360 acre Rabideux agricultural
project,was offered for sale in 1984.Approximately 520 acres of
state land may be available for agricultural homesteading adjacent
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to settlement areas if the soils prove to be suitable.There is
little potential for grazing in the Petersville Road subregion.
Therefore,grazing is not a designated use in any management
unit.A few areas are closed to grazing,where conflicts between
livestock and wildlife would be likely.On the remainder of the
public lands in the subregion,applications for grazing permits
will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.In addition,grazing
operations may take place on lands conveyed to private owners.
Approximately 19,000 acres of borough lands that may have
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.Future evaluation
should determine their agricultural potential as well as their
value for forestry,settlement,habitat,and public recreation.
In the interim,these lands will be managed for timber,wildlife
habitat,and public recreation.
3.Forestry
Host of this subregion supports timber resources with considerable
value for commercial and/or personal use.The timber is especial-
,ly valuable because it is much more accessible than most public
forest land in the study area.A number of state timber sales
have taken place in this subregion in recent years.Approximately
57,600 acres of land with high or moderate potential for commer-
cial forestry will be retained in state ownership with forestry
designated a primary use.These lands are primarily in the Peters
Creek-Kroto Creek area in the southwestern portion of the
subregion.Forestry is designated a secondary use on an
additional 25,800 acres of land retained for public ownership
along the Kroto Creek and Hoose Creek corridors.Both these
primary and secondary designations are within areas proposed for
legislative designation to provide for multiple use management
including timber harvest,habitat and public recreation.
Some smaller forested·areas will be identified for personal use to
provide firewood and houselogs to local residents.
4.Fish and Wildlife and Recreation
This subregion is hunted more heavily for moose than any other
area in the Susitna Basin.In addition,it contains extremely
popular fishing streams and important habitat for bears and
swans.Fish and wildlife resources are one of the main attrac-
tions that bring people to the area.These "resources must be
protected in order to preserve the settlement and recreational
values in the subregion.
Recreational activities occur throughout most of the subregion.
In addition to wildlife-based recreation,the area supports exten-
sive lake,trail,and river-based activities such as boating,
snowmachining and cross-country skiing.The subregion's cold,
snowy winters and relative accessibility have made it very popular
173
for dog mushing.Most of the Peters Creek and Kroto Creek
drainage south of Petersville Road will be proposed for
legislative designation to protect habitat,public recreation and
forest values (see forestry above).Where Kroto and Moose Creek
corridors are presently publicly owned,they will be retained in
public ownership and proposed for legislative or administrative
designation in recognition of their extremely high habitat and
public recreation values.In general,settlement will be
concentrated in the eastern half of the subregion,leaving most of
the western half in public ownership.
Public ownership of trail and river corridors,public access
points,campgrounds,and reservation of some lakefront property
also will serve to ensure that opportunities for public recreation
are protected.
5.Mining
a.Mining Resources and Mining Claims
A number of mining claims have been staked in the northern
part of the subregion,but there is little mining activity at
present.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,but the lands proposed for
closure have little mineral potential.In addition to settle-
ment and agricultural areas,public recreation sites and some
important recreational rivers (Kroto and Moose creeks and
their major tributaries)will be closed to mineral entry.All
other areas,including the large tracts of public land in the
western portion of the subregion proposed for legislative or
administrative designation for forestry,habitat and recrea-
tion,will be open to mining.
b.Coal
Potential for coal development.is low to very low in all but
the extreme northwest corner of the subregion.Recreation
sites,settlement and agricultural disposals,and the Kroto
and Moose Creek corridors will not be available for coal
leases or prospecting permits.The availability of these
areas will have little or no effect on coal development
because of the low coal potential involved.All other public
lands will be available for coal leasing.
c •Oil and Gas
Several portions of the subregion have been leased for oil and
gas exploration,but little activity is presently occurring.
Oil and gas exploration is permitted throughout the subregion.
In the Kroto and Moose Creek corridors specific mitigation
measures necessary to protect the recreation and habitat
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values of the corridors will be developed as part of the lease
sale process if and when such a sale occurs.(See guidelines
in Management Units 1 and 4.)
6.Transportation
This subregion is currently accessible via the Parks Highway,
Petersville Road,Oilwell Road,winter trails,and small
planes.A number of possible routes are recommended for
further consideration for expanding road access in this
subregion.These include 1)an extension of Oilwell Road to
Amber Lake and eventually farther south into the Susitna
Lowlands Subregion,2)spur roads from Pe tersville Road and
Oilwell Road to some settlement and agricultural areas,3)
an upgrade of the Shulin Lake trail for year-round use,and 4)
roads to lands intended for long term commercial forest
managemen t.
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 for designation as a
roadless area by a local group,the Tokosha Citizens Council.
Transpor ta tion under this proposal would be by summer foo t
paths,winter ski trails,snowmachine and dogsled routes,and
fly-in access.The final responsibility for the decision on
the proposal will res t wi th the Ma tanuska-Susi tna Borough.
The land use designations within this area should not be taken
as either opposition to or support for the roadless area
proposal.
I.MANAGEMENT INTENT AND GUIDELINES BY MANAGEMENT UNIT
MANAGEMENT UNIT 1:PETERS CREEK-KROTO CREEK
MANAGEMENT INTENT
Management Unit 1 includes the lands along and between Peters,Kroto,Twenty-
mile,and Bear creeks in the western portion of the subregion.This
management unit has the largest extent of accessible forest lands suitable for
long term timber management of any unit in the planning area.In addition,
there is more moose hunting in this unit than any other.Kroto Creek is part
of the Deshka River system,the most important waterway in the entire study
area for riparian habi ta t and public recrea tion.Pe ters Creek and its major
tributaries is rated the seventh most important waterway in the planning area
by the Department of Fish and Game.King,pink,coho,and silver salmon
populations supported by these streams contribute to the Cook Inlet commercial
fishery as well as sport fishing.This unit is to be re tained in public
ownership and managed for protection and enhancement of its very high
forestry,habitat,and public recreation values.Because of the importance of
these resources,most of the area will be proposed for legislative or
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LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
MANAGEMENT UNIT 1-P~RsO<./K~DTOa..<-SUBREGION ~$IJI L.U:.
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED
SUBUNIT LAND
SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTSOWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
la State Forestry -Open except Available for Land Disposals Reconmended forPetersPublicRecreationalongChijuk.leasing Grazing (along legislative
Creek Water Resources Creek (see Peters Creek &designation
Wildlife Habitat rngmt.Kroto Creek -
guidelines)see rogmt.
guidelines)
Ib State/Public Recreation Forestry Closed Not available Land Disposals Recommended for
Kroto Creek Borough Water Resources for coal Grazing legislative
corridor Wildlife Habitat leasing or designation
prospecting
Ie State/Settlement (past
Schneider Private disposal)
Lake Forestry Closed Not available -Estimated net
(personal use)for coal disposal area
Public Rec.leasing or =160 acres
Wildlife Hab.prospecting
Id Borough/Conmercial Forestry Open Available for --Forks Private !Development,Wildlife Hab.leasing
Wublic Recreation
Ie State Settlement Forestry Closed prior Not avail.for Reroote Cabins Estimated net
Kroto Creek Public Rec.to disposal coal leasing Trapper Cabins disposal area
West Wildlife Hab.or prospecting =430 acres
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases.remote cabin permits.etc.,that are flot
specilically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed If consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines In chapter 2.
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administrative designation.Two small locations in the southern portion of
the unit are designated for settlement.All public lands in this unit are
available for oil and gas leasing.The grea t majori ty of the land in this
management unit will open to mineral location and available for coal leasing.
However,the Kroto Creek corridor and the settlement areas will be closed to
mineral location and not available for coal leasing and land along Chijuk
Creek will be closed to mineral loca tion.
Road access should be expanded in this managemen t uni t to facili ta te resource
development.This includes upgrading of the Shulin Lake road for year-round
use,cons truc tion of spur roads for logging,and extens ion of 0 ilwell Road
across Kroto Creek to the southern part of the unit.In addition,chapter 4
recommends consideration of upgrading the trail that runs from the Forks road
house at Peters Creek to the Lower Cache Creek mining area.
There are five subunits within Management Unit 1:the forest lands that cons-
titute the main body of the unit (1a),Kroto Creek corridor (1b),the past
Schneider Lake remote parcel area (lc),borough lands around the Forks
roadhouse and existing development at Peters Creek (ld),and lands proposed
for settlement west of Kroto Creek (1e).See the maps at the end of this
section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary
of land uses in each subunit.
Subuni t la (Pe ters Creek)is s ta te land proposed for legislative designa tion
to provide for long term multiple use management for timber,habitat,public
recreation,and other uses that are compatible with these activities.Within
this subuni t,facili ties and ac tivi ties subj ec t to land use permi ts will be
restricted when they occur close to the major anadromous fish streams (Peters
Creek,South Fork Peters Creek,and Martin,Middle,Sand and Black Creeks).
See the management gUidelines for addi tional informa tion.In the riparian
zones of these streams,forestry is a secondary use.Timber management
activities are allowed when consistent with the habitat and public recreation
objectives along the streams.
Subunit Ib,Kroto Creek and the adjacent riparian habitat,will be proposed
for legislative designation.The designation on these state and borough lands
is intended to pro tect riparian habi ta t,fishery values and opportuni ties for
public recreation.It is proposed that public use cabins be built within
subunit Ib to support recreational use of Kroto Creek.
Subunit lc (Schneider Lake)is designated for settlement.This is a past
remote parcel area with a small amount of developable land still available for
disposal.
Subunit Id (Forks):Commercial development to support recreational activities
in the subregion and residential development for community expansion are
encouraged in this subunit.The subunit is primarily borough land around the
existing development at Petersville;the remaining area is in private
ownership.The borough is considering developing a campground or other
recreation facilities on the river in this subunit at some time in the future.
Subunit Ie is a new settlement area on state land on the periphery of the
management unit.It is accessible by float plane.Settlement on state land
within Management Unit 1 is limited to subunits lc and Ie in order to minimize
inholdings in the state forest and river corridor and to allow efficient long
term resource management.
177
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
*Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
Public Access
Remote Cabin Permit
*Stream Corridors
Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunits la and Ib (Peters Creek-Kroto Creek corridor)
Land Use Permits and Forestry
In subunit Ib and within 1/2 mile of Peters Creek or 1/4 mile of its
major tributaries in subunit la (South Fork Peters Creek,Middle,
Martin,Sand and Black creeks)development activities requiring land use
permits (e.g.,gravel extraction,airstrips)generally will be permitted
only where there are no feasible and prudent alternatives.
Grazing
Grazing is prohibited within the riparian zone along Peters and Kroto cks.
Mining
Public lands within 400'of Chijuk Creek will be closed to mineral
location.The closure is intended to protect water quality and fish and
wildlife habitat in some of the most important tributaries to Kroto Creek.
Oil and Gas
Oil and gas exploration and development activities will be sited and/or
timed to mitigate impacts on the fish and wildlife habitat and public use
values of the Peters Creek and Kroto Creek corridors.Specific mitigation
measures necessary to protect the public recreation,habitat and water
resource of values the river corridors will be developed as part of the
lease sale process.Mi tigation measures will be developed on a case by
case basis considering timing,topography,vegetation and other factors
affecting the impact of oil and gas exploration and development activities
on fish and wildlife,habitat and public use values.
Management Planning and Remote Cabins
A management plan should be prepared for the area proposed for legislative
designation in subunits la and Ib in conjunction with the other portions
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of the Kroto Creek-~100se Creek corridor in Subunit 4a and Susitna Lowlands
Subuni t 11 b.The management plan will determine,among other things,
whether remote cabins will be a permitted use in these subunits.Remote
cabin permits will not be offered in these subunits until and unless
remote cabin areas are designated by a management plan.
Interagency Consultation
Since protection of habitat and recreation values is of such importance in
this unit and the area is being recommended for administrative or legis-
lative designation,special consideration should be given to consulting
with the Division of Parks &Outdoor Recreation and the Department of Fish
&Game when reviewing permit or lease applications in this unit.
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 Department of Fish and Game.
Subunits la and Id (Peters Creek and Forks)
Protection of Transportation Routes
Chapter 4 of this plan identifies a system of possible improvements to the
regional and local transportation system.One route passes through this
subunit.The precise location of this route has not been determined,
although a general location is shown on the maps in Chapter 4.Land use
authorizations in this unit such as land sales,leases,or other actions
should be located so as not to preclude the option to build this road
along a feasible and efficient route.
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 subregion and extending south along Kenny
Creek.The landscape,the view of the Alaska Range and the access from the
Parks Highway and Petersville Road,have attracted scattered settlement
throughout much of the region.There is also a considerable amount of hunting
and other forms of public recreation.Several waterways are important for
riparian habitat and salmon spawning.These include Bunco Creek,Kenny Creek,
and the Tokositna River.The Trapper Creek corridor also is a focus for local
and regional travel and recreational activities.Under this plan,the Tokosha
area will continue to provide a mix of opportunities for private and public
recreational use.
All public lands in this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.
Management Unit 2 also will remain open to mineral location and available for
179
LAND USE DESIGNATION5UMMAKY
.....
00o
SUBREGION
SUBUNIT
2a
Bunco
Creek/
Tokositna
River
2b
Open space
2c
Tokosha
land dis-
posals
MANAGEMENT UNIT Z-'10 It<;.oSt\-A
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED lOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
State Forestry -Open Available for Land DisposalsPublicRecreatiorleasingRemoteCabinsWaterResources
Wildlife Habitat
State/Public Recreatior Forestry Open Available for Land DisposalsBoroughWildlifeHab.leasing Remote Cabins
Trapper Cabins
State Settlement Forestry Closed prior Not available Remote Cabins Estimat.ed net
(personal use)to disposal for coal disposal areaPublicRec.leasing or =2,230 acresWildlifeHab.prospecting
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases.remote cabin permits,etc.,that rne flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
MANAGEMENT UNIT "Z..-1'O-<DS#ASUBREGION~V\LL£..
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED
SUBUNIT LAND
SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTSOWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED
/SECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
2d State/Settlement Forestry Closed Not available Remote Cabins Estimated netPetersPrivate(past remote par-(personal use)for coal Trapper Cabins disposal area 290Creekcelofferings&Public Rec.leasing or acres plusSouth/existing sub-Wildlife Hab.prospecting approximately 80Kennydivisions)unsold surveyedCreek/lots remainSafariavailableLake/over-the-counterDenali
View/
Swan Lake
Disposals
2e Borough Borough Land Bank Open Available for --Bunco Bump leasing
and Parks Values:Settlement.Public
Hwy.Recreation.Wildlife
Habitat
2f Univer-------------University sity •Land
2g State Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for Land Disposals -Swan Lake Water Resources leasing Remote Cabins
Wildlife Habitat Trapper Cabins
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION F'~0ILLE.MANAGEMENT UNIT Z-lDlc:..o$ttP\
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SUBUNIT
2h
Upper
Trapper
Creek
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED lOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
State Settlement Forestry Closed prior tbt available Remote Cabins Estimated net
(pe rsonal use)to disposal for coal Trapper Cabins disposal area
Public Rec.leasing or =1,890 acres
Wildlife Hab.prospecting
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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coal leasing except for the areas to be offered for sale.Sale areas
(Subunits 2c and 2d)will be closed to mining and le~sing prior to their sale.
Existing access into Uanagement Unit 2 includes fly-in access to numerous
lakes and use.of snowmachines,3-wheelers and skis on trails throughout the
area,in addition to the road access in the southwestern and northeastern
corners of the unit.Possible access improvements identified in Chapter 4
include formal identification and recording of the trails,providing parking
at major trailheads along the Parks Highway and constructing the platted road
in the Kenny Creek Subdivision.For more information,see the Transportation
Section of Chapter 4.
This management unit has eight subunits--the Bunco Creek-Tokositna River area
(2a),open space lands connecting the Parks Highway and Trapper Creek (2b),
lands available for settlement in several blocks throughout the region (2c),
existing subdivisions and past remote parcel areas (2d),borough lands south
and eas t of Bunco Lake (..Bunco Bump")and along the Parks Highway (2e),
university selected lands south of Kroto Lake (2f),and state lands around
Swan Lake (2g),and the upper Trapper Creek area proposed for sale (2h).See
the maps at the end of this section for boundaries of these areas and the
accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit.
Subunit 2a (Bunco Creek/Tokositna River)will be retained in public ownership
and managed for fish and wildlife habitat,public recreation,water resources
and forestry.This state-owned 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 Bunco Creek areas are important
moose winter range and bear habitat.The Tokositna River is used for boating
and provides access to a portion of Denali State Park and Denali National
Park.Twentyfive Mile Lake is relatively undeveloped compared to most of the
lakes in the subregion and offers opportunities for public recreation.
Subunit 2b (Open Space)will be retained in public ownership.These state and
borough lands are 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
numbe r of the lakes and muskegs in the area,and includes one of the area's
major trails.It also retains a north-south corridor along Trapper Creek with
a total width of approximately 1/4 mile.Forestry and wildlife habitat are
secondary uses in this subunit.Timber harvesting for personal use will be
allowed when consistent with the public recreation objectives for the subunit.
In Subunit 2c (Tokosha land disposals),settlement will be the primary use of
these state lands.These lands will provide opportunities for recreational
and some year-round settlement with recreational amenities.Parts of the area
are relatively close to road access.Within this area it is important that
public recreational values be maintained as well.Sections of lakeshores will
be retained in public ownership around water bodies with values for public
recreation.Publicly owned corridors will be retained along major trails.
Major trailheads on the Parks Highway also will be retained in public
ownership.Before additional disposals are offered in the Tokosha area (the
eastern portion of Management Unit 2 for which primary access is from the
Parks Highway),DNR should investigate means of providing adequate parking for
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existing and future area residents.This shall include,but not be limited
to,study of sites on the east side of the Parks Highway in existing gravel
pits at miles 126 and 128.
Subunit 2d includes the past Kenny Creek,Safari Lake,Peters Creek South,
Denali View and Swan Lake Subdivisions and the Denali View remote parcel
area.Settlement is the primary use of this area.Remaining,unsold,
surveyed parcels in the subdivisions will be offered for sale,but no
new parcels will be designed or sold.A maximum of 290 acres may be offered
for sale within the past Denali View remote parcel area.The feasiblity of
offering this much land will be determined if and when an additional land
offering is considered for this site and the project goes through the Land
Availability Determination System (LADS).
Subunit 2e(Bunco Bump and Parks Highway)will be included in the borough land
bank.Although parcels may be available for disposal in the long term,there
are no plans for immediate sale.In the near term,these lands will be
managed for public recreation,wildlife habitat,and timber harvest for
personal and commercial use.Evaluation to determine the best long term use
of the land will consider agricultural,forestry,habitat (including trumpeter
swan habitat),recreation and settlement values.
Subunit 2f is university land southeast of Kroto Lake.This plan does not
designate uses on university lands.However,it is recommended that lands in
T27N R7W S.M.section 8 NW 1/4 and SE 1/4 and section 17 S 1/2 NW 1/4,S 1/2
SE 1/4 be included in the Kroto Creek corridor proposed for legislative
designation.These lands are close to the creek and are an integral part of
the corridor.If and when any of the selections in 2f,other than the lands
in the Kroto Creek corridor,are relinquished by the university and returned
to ADNR management,decisions on appropriate management should be made through
an interagency planning process.
Subunit 2g,the state land immediately adjacent to Swan Lake and the wetland
north of Swan Lake,is designated for wildlife habitat,water resources and
public recreation.This area includes important trumpeter swan habi tat.
Therefore,the swan guidelines in the fish and wildlife section of Chapter 2
will apply to this subunit.(See the management guidelines section that
follows.)
Subunit 2h is state land on both sides of the Trapper Creek corridor proposed
for disposal in FY 86 under the fee simple homestead program.These lands
offer opportunities for both private and public recreational use of the lakes
and streams within and adjacent to Subunit 2h.There is likely to be some
year-round settlement use of this area because of its proximity to road
access.Public recreation values will be protected by retaining major trail
corridors,stream corridors,and portions of lakeshores in public ownership.
MANAGEHENT GUIDELINES:
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Hanagement
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permit
*Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunits 2b,2c and 2h (Open Space,Tokosha Land Disposals and Upper Trapper
Creek)
Trail Corridors
Prior to additional sales,a publicly owned corridor of at least 200'wide
should be retained along the north/south ridge running through the portion
of Subunit 2c located just east of Swan Lake.The exact width and
location of this corridor should be defined after field work to determine
the best way to protect opportunities for public use along this ridge.
Subunits 2b and 2g (Open Space and Swan Lake)
Forestry
In Subunits 2b and 2g,only personal use harvesting and/or limited
commercial sales for firewood and house log harvesting will be permitted.
Subunits 2c,2d &2e (Tokosha Land,Kenny Creek/Safari Lake/Denali View/Swan
Lake,and Bunco Bump East/Parks Highway Disposals)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses,and to protect water
quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land should be retained
in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on unnamed streams that appear on
the 1:63,360 scale U.S.G.S.topographic map.The corridor on the Chulitna
River should be at least 300'on each side of the river in order to
provide opportunities for camping in a natural setting and protect visual
quality for river users.The corridor along the stream connecting Life
Lake and Swan Lake should be at least 200'wide on each side of the
creek.At the time sales are designed for this area,consideration should
be given to establishing a corridor wider than the standard 200'buffer,
since this corridor also serves as a skiing and dog mushing route,and
provides important habitat,including trumpeter swan habitat.
Subunits 2c and 2e (Tokosha Land Disposals and Parks Highway)
Public Recreation Sites/Parking
Public recreation sites will be identified and retained in public
ownership at major trailheads along the Parks Highway (e.g.,Mile 126 and
Mile 131).Parking areas will be provided at these sites where possible.
Camping facilities may be provided at one or more of the sites.
Subunits 2c and 2e (Tokosha Land Disposals and Parks Highway)
Scenic Highways
The study Scenic Resources along the Parks Highway (ADNR,1981)should be
consulted for additional information on scenic resources whenever planning
occurs for·management activities which are likely to result in significant
changes to visual quality along the Parks Highway.
Subunit 2d (Denali View/Swan Lake Disposals)
Trail Corridors
Publicly owned north/south corridors coinciding with existing trails in
the Denali View/Swan Lake area should be retained before additional land
is sold.The exact routes should be determined after on-site inspection
of the area.The most important of these corridors should be at least
200'wide.In areas with poor land capability,the flexibility exists to
widen the corridor.
Subunit 2g (Swan Lake)
Trumpeter Swans
All land use activities in or near trumpeter swan nesting habitat,
including sales or the granting of leases or permits,should be conducted
so as to avoid disturbance to swans or detrimental alteration to the
habitat.Leases or permits may include seasonal restrictions on
activities to avoid disturbance to swans.Consultation with the ADF&G
should be used to identify current or potential nesting habitat and to
determine guidelines to follow and activities to avoid.
Construction of transmission lines in trumpeter swan habitat should be
avoided.If transmission lines are constructed they should be sited in
forested areas and kept close to treetop level,and wires should be strung
in one horizontal plane rather than in multiple,vertical stacks.Where
wires cross rivers,marshes and other open spaces,they should be marked
in a fashion to try to make them visible to swans.
Subunit 2h (Upper Trapper Creek)
Stream Corridors
The Moose Creek (Subunit 4a)and Trapper Creek corridors and the corridor
along the main east-west trail to the Parks Highway at approximately mile
126 are intended to be the foundation of a permanent public open space
system within this portion of the subregion.Therefore,there will be a
660'(one-eighth mile)staking setback on Trapper Creek (see Subunit 2b).
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Corridor widths on other streams will be set on a case-by-case basis using
the policies in Chapter 2.
Lakeshore Management
The larger lakes in this subunit have been staked heavily in the pas t.
Wherever possible (e.g.,on the lake in section 34,T27N R6W)at least 50%
of the shorelines and adjacent lands should be retained in public
ownership.
Trail Management
Si te planning for the disposal mus t designa te trail access to and through
the sale area.Extensive wetlands make this 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 (see the Trail
Management Section in Chapter 2).
Forestry
Public woodlots should be identified in the site plan for the Upper
Trapper Creek disposal.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 3:GATE CREEK-AMBER LAKE
MANAGEMENT INTENT
Management Unit 3 lies between the Kroto Creek and Moose Creek corridors.It
is an area that is highly desirable for settlement because of the lakes,
recreation opportunities,and road access.It also supports valuable
timber and moose habitat,and provides opportunities for hunting and
recreation.Hunting and other recreational activities are centered around the
lakes and major streams--the west fork of Moose Creek and the tributary to
Kro to Creek tha t rises in sec tion 1,T24N R9W.The la t ter is an impor tan t
tributary of Kroto Creek and supports populations of silver,coho,and king
salmon.Generalized soil da ta indica te tha t there is some po ten tial for
agricultural homesteads,although the opportunities for agricultural
produc tion are limi ted by clima te and local occurrences of rocky and shallow
soil.Because of its recrea tional amenities,exis ting access by air,and
potential access from Oilwell Road,this area is expected to be an important
center for settlement and private recreation.Most of the land in Management
Unit 3 is designated for these purposes.
All public lands in this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.
Management Unit 3 also will remain open to mineral location and available for
coal leasing except for the lands that will be offered for sale (subuni ts 3b,
3c and 3f)which will be closed to location and coal leasing,and land within
200'of Gate Creek,which will be closed to location only.
Land and resource development in this management unit will necessitate
expansion of the road system.This will include,but not be limited to,
improvemen t of the Pe tersville Road,upgrading and extens ion of the Oilwell
Road across Moose Creek to the Amber Lake area and beyond into Management Unit
187
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
MANAGEMENT UNIT 3 -&~1t.<:'k I AM6~(t Ck~SV'u...tSUBREGION
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED
SUBUNIT LAND
SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTSOWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
3a State Public Recreation Forestry Open except Available for Remote Cabins -Wetlands Water Resources along Gate leasing
Wildlife Habitat Creek (see
mgmt.
guidelines)
3b
Gate Creek State/Settlement (past Forestry Closed Not available Remote Cabins Estimated net
and Amber Private remote parcel (personal use)for coal Trapper Cabins disposal area
Lakes offerings and Public Rec.leasing or =520 acres
existing Wildlife Hab.prospecting
subdivision)
3c State Settlement Forestry Closed along Not available Remote Cabins Est;.imated net
Gate Creek (personal use)Gate Creek,for coal Trapper Cabins disposal area
South Public Rec.rest of unit leasing or Grazing (in =2,600 acres
Wildlife Hab.closed prior prospecting portion of
to disposal subunit near
Amber Lake)
oo
·Other uses such as material sales.land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that ore flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines In chapter 2.
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LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT 3 -t:rATE Ck I AM3ER CJ<.
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIP,SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED)
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS
3d Univer-Primarily Private Land--Recommended Any public ---
University sity Uses:Public Recreation,Wildlife land along
Land Habitat Gate Creek is
closed (see
management
guidelines)
3e Borough Borough Land Bank Open Available for --
West Fork leasing
Moose Creek Values:Agriculture (small farms/
homesteads),Public
Recreation,Settlement,
Wildlife Habitat
3f Borough Settlement Forestry Closed prior Not available -Estimated net
Amber Lakes Public Rec.to disposal for coal disposal area =
-tlorough Wildlife Hab.leasing or 970 acres
prospecting
3g State Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for Land Disposals -
Amber Lakes ~ildlife Habitat leasing Remote Cabins
South Trapper Cabins
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·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
1 (See Transportation section in Chapter 4).Providing 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.
Management Unit 3 is divided into seven subunits:wetlands along Petersville
Road and in the northern part of the unit (3a),the past Gate Creek and Amber
Lake disposals (3b),Gate Creek South and Amber Lake settlement lands (3c),
university selections (3d),borough lands along the west fork of Moose Creek
and Petersville Road (3e),borough lands near Amber Lake (3f),and a small
parcel of state land south of Amber Lakes (3g).See the maps at the end of
this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a
summary of land uses for each subunit.
Subunit 3a will remain in state ownership to provide open space,protect
wetlands,and provide some wildlife habitat areas,and protect visual quality
along Petersville Road.
Subuni t 3b contains the pas t Gate Creek and Amber Lakes remo te parcel land
disposals and the Amber Lake North subdivision.Settlement is the primary use
of this subunit.Because of the high density of remote parcel stakings in *
Gate Creek,there are presently no plans for additional land sales within this
disposal.The subuni t may be reevalua ted in the fu ture to de termine whe ther
or not addi tional sales are appropria teo Addi tional sales of approxima tely
520 acres will be offered in the Amber Lakes area.
Subunit 3c contains state land along Gate Creek south of Petersville Road and
a small parcel near Amber Lakes that will be available for disposal.These
lands are presently near road or floatplane access and will become more
accessible if Oilwell Road is extended across Moose Creek.The Amber Lakes
area is a particularly attractive settlement area and likely to become one of
the foci for seasonal and year-round settlement in the subregion.
Subuni t 3d is land wi th development potential that has been selected by the
uni vers i ty as par t of its en ti tlemen t.If and when some of these selec tions
are relinquished,decisions on appropriate management of these lands should be
made through an interagency planning process.I t is recommended tha t land
within T24N R6W S.M.section 8 N 1/2,E 1/2 SW 1/4,SE 1/4;section 17 NE 1/4,
N 1/2 SE 1/4;section 21 NW 1/4,NE 1/4 SW 1/4;section 28 W 1/2 W 1/2;and
section 35 S 1/2 NE 1/4 be included in the Moose Creek and Kroto Creek
corridors proposed for legisla tive designa tion.These lands are close to the
creeks and would be a valuable addition to the corridors.
Subuni t 3e (West Fork Moose Creek)contains borough lands along Petersville
Road tha t will be included in the borough land bank.They may be available
for long term settlement,but there are no plans for sale in the immedia te
future.In the interim,they will be managed for public recreation,wildlife
habitat,and timber sales for personal and commercial use.
Subunit 3f consists of borough lands near Amber Lakes that are designated'for
settlement and will be available for sale when needed for community
expansion.When lands in this area are offered for sale,the Borough will
consider carrying capacity,public recreation opportunities,and other public
values in designing the disposal.In keeping wi th the regional lakeshore
policy,only a portion of the land adjacent to Amber Lakes will be available
for private purchase.
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Subunit 3g is a small parcel of state land south of Amber Lakes.This area is
designated for public recreation and wildlife habitat and will provide open
space for the settlement lands surrounding it.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetland Management
Resource Management
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunits 3a,3b,3c,and 3d (Wetlands,Gate Creek and Amber Lakes,Gate C~eek
South &University Land)
Mining
Public lands within 200'of Gate Creek will be closed to mineral
location.The closure is intended to protect water quality and fish and
wildlife habitat in one of the most important tributaries to Kroto Creek.
Subunits 3b,3c,3e and 3f (Gate Creek and Amber Lakes,Gate Creek South,
University Land,and West Fork Moose Creek)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses,and to protect water
quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land should be retained
in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on Seventeen Mile Creek,the west
fork of Moose Creek,Gate Creek and unnamed st reams that appear on the
1:63,360 scale USGS topographic maps.The corridor on the unnamed
tributary to Kroto Creek that originates in the lake in Section 1 of T24N
R7W SM.,should be up to 1/4 mile wide on each side.The wider buffer on
this stream is intended to provide open space in a densely settled area,
allow for hunting,and protect riparian habitat along one of the most
important tributaries to Kroto Creek.
Subunit 3c (Gate Creek South)
Grazing is prohibited in the southern block of subunit 3c near Amber Lakes
and in the riparian zone of the stream identif ied on the USGS 1:63,360
topographic map crossing sections 35 and 36 of T25N R7W.
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MANAGEMENT UNIT 4:MOOSE CREEK CORRIDOR
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This management uni t is a corridor of land one-half to two miles wide along
Moose Creek.-Moose Creek is part of the Deshka River system,the most
important waterway in the entire Susitna area for riparian habitat and public
recreation.Salmon populations in this stream contribute to the Cook Inlet
commercial fishery as well as sport fishing.
Public lands in Management Uni t 4 will be retained in public ownership and
managed for public recreation and fish and wildlife habitat.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 end of
this section for boundaries of these areas,and the accompanying chart for a
summary of land uses in each subuni t.All public lands in this uni tare
available for oil and gas leasing.Subunit 4a will be closed to mineral entry
and unavailable for coal leasing due to its value for public recrea tion,
habitat,and water resources and the potential for conflict between these uses
and mining.Subunit 4b was closed to mining prior to its sale for
agricultural purposes.
The Petersville Road and Oilwell Road currently provide year-round access to
the cen tral portion of this managemen t uni t.One of the borough's highes t
priorities for road building is construction of a bridge across Moose Creek to
extend Oilwell Road south and west.This would provide additional access to
the southern part of the unit.Bridge construction may begin as early as the
summer of 1985.Improvements of Petersville Road also have been proposed (see
transportation section in Chapter 4).
Subunit 4a,the state and borough lands in the Moose Creek corridor,will be
re tained in public ownership and proposed for legisla tive des igna tion to
protect riparian habi ta t and provide opportunities for public recrea tion.
Because Moose Creek receives intensive public recreational use and provides
highly valuable riparian ha bi ta t,including moose winter range and salmon
spawning areas,no land sales will be permi tted in subuni t 4a.I t is
recommended that public use cabins be built within this subunit to support
recrea tional use of Moose Creek.Road cross ings should be held to the
absolu te minimum necessary to achieve the recreation and habi tat management
objectives.Forestry is a secondary use in this subunit.Timber harvesting
for personal use will be allowed when consistent with the habitat and
recrea tion obj ec tives for the subuni t.
Although most of the subunit is in public ownership,numerous private parcels
line the banks along segments of the creek and limi t public access.I t is
recommended that public land be acquired at the junction of Moose Creek and
Oilwell Road to provide public access to the creek.The junction is a major
starting point for fishing trips and float trips on Moose Creek.
Subunit 4b includes lands just south of Petersville Road which already have
been sold by the state and borough for agricultural use.These are primarily
private lands and therefore unaffected by this plan.
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SUBUNIT
4a
Moose Creek
corridor
4b
Moose Creek
Ag.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 4 -MOOSE C\.<..(.ORRI ~
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURIFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE lEASEABLE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
State/Public Recreatior Forestry Closed Not available Trapper Cabins Reconmended forBoroughWaterResourcesforcoalLandDisposalslegislativeWildlifeHabitatleasingorGrazingdesignation
prospecting
Private Primarily Private -Closed Not available --Land (past agri-for coal
cultural dispos-leasing or
als)prospecting
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
11ANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this report.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
*Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
*Instream Flow
Lakeshore 11anagement
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetland ~1anagement
Resource ~1anagement
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit 4a (Moose Creek corridor)
Transportation
Bridges and road improvements must be designed in consultation with the
Di vision of Parks and Outdoor Recreation and the Department of Fish and
Game.
Oil and Gas
Oil and gas exploration and development activities will be sited and/or
timed to mitigate impacts on the fish and wildlife habitat and public use
values of the Moose Creek corridor.Specific mitigation measures
necessary to protect the values for which the river corridor was
established will be developed as part of the lease sale process.
Mitigation measures will be developed on a case-by-case basis considering
timing,topography,vegetation and other factors affecting the impact of
oil and gas exploration and development activities on fish and wildlife,
habitat and pUblic use values.
Land Use Permits
Activities and facilities requiring land use permits (e.g.,gravel extrac-
tion and airstrips)generally will be permitted only where there are no
feasible and prudent alternatives.
Management Planning/Remote Cabins
A management plan should be prepared for the area proposed for legislative
designation in Subunit 4a in conjuction with planning for the other
portions of the Moose Creek and Kroto Creek corridors in Subuni t lb and
Susitna Lowlands Subunit lIb.The management plan will determine,among
other things,whether remote cabins will be a permitted use in this
subunit.Remote cabin permits will not be offered in this subunit until
and unless remote cabin areas are designated by a management plan.
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Interagency Consultation
Since protection of habitat and recreation values is of such importance in
this unit and the area is being recommended for administrative or legis-
la tive des igna tion,special cons idera tion should be given to consul ting
with the Division of Parks &Outdoor Recreation and the Department of Fish
&Game when reviewing permit or lease applications in this unit.
MANAGMENT UNIT 5:TRAPPER CREEK
MANAGEMENT INTENT
Managemen t Uni t 5 is an area of in ters persed low ridges,lakes,and we tlands
tha t lies between Moose Creek and the Parks Highway.Mos t of the lands in
this uni t are near road access via the highway,Petersville Road or Oilwell
Road.Because of this accessibility,the degree of existing development,and
the demand for additional land for year-round as well as seasonal recreational
settlement,a large percentage of the land in this unit will be available for
fu ture se t tIe men t.The major purpose of land disposal in the region is to
allow for communi ty expansion and year-round settlement.In order to allow
for orderly growth wi thin the area and to ensure that there will be
opportuni ties for individuals to purchase land in this area for a number of
years to come,not all the land will be disposed of in the next few years.It
is intended that sales be spread over a 20 year period.In determining the
appropriate rate and type of disposals,the location of woodlots near
se t tlemen t areas,and the des ign of individual sales,disposal plans for this
uni t should be coordina ted wi th those in the res t of the subregion.Where
borough lands in the subunit have agricul tural po ten tial they may be disposed
of for agricultural use.All public lands in this unit are available for oil
and gas leasing.Most of this management unit will be closed to mineral entry
and unavailable for coal leasing.Subunits Sa,5c,and Sd will be closed to
location and coal leasing due to past or proposed land disposals.Land along
Ninemile Creek will be closed to location to protect water quality and habitat
values.
Several possible access improvements have been identified in this management
uni t.They include upgrading the Pe tersville Road,formally identifying and
recording existing trails,providing parking along the Parks Highway at major
trailheads,and cons tructing a road to the region north of the Parks Highway
between Trapper Creek and Moose Creek.For a more detailed description of
these possibilities,see the transportation section of Chapter 4 •
There are five subuni ts in Management Uni t S:a small area of borough land
along the Parks Highway (5b),the existing Ninemile and Trapper Creek/Glen
Subdivisions (Sc),Scotty Lake agricultural disposal (Sd),university selec-
tions (Se),and the remaining s ta te and borough lands (Sa).See the maps at
the end of this section for boundaries of these areas,and the accompanying
chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit.
Subunit Sa (Trapper Creek)is state land that will be available for
settlement.Within this area,important public values will be protected by
retaining corridors along major streams (e.g.,Trapper,Ninemile and Sawmill
195
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
MANAGEMENT UNIT
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED
SUBUNIT LAND
SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTSOWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
Sa State/settlement Forestry Closed along Not available Remote Cabins Estimated net
Trapper Borough!Public Rec.Ninemile Cr.,for coal Trapper Cabins disposal area =Creek Private Widlife Hab.rest of unit leasing or 1,370 acres of
closed prior prospecting state land;
to disposal 2,210 acres of
borough land
Sb Borough Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for --
Parks High-Wildlife Hab.leasing
way
Sc State/settlement Forestry Closed Not available Remote Cabins Approximately 10
Ninemile &Private (existing subdi-(personal use)for coal Trapper Cabins unsold surveyed
Trapper visions)Public Rec.leasing or lots remain
Creek/Glen Wildlife Hab.prospecting available over-
the-counter
Sd Private Primarily private -Closed Not available --
Scotty Lake land (past ago for coal
disposal)leasing or
prospecting
Se Private/--Any public ---
University Univer-land along
sity Ninemile
Creek is
closed (see
guidelines)
-
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that rne flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed If consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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Creeks)in public ownership and keeping a large portion of the shoreline on
the larger lakes in the area in public ownership (see Lakeshore Management and
Stream Corridor policies in Chapter 2).Provision of road access will be a
major factor in the timing of land sales in subunit Sa.Most of these areas
will no t be sold un til roads are funded or buil t.Borough lands in this
subuni t will be sold only when there is a demons tra ted need for addi tional
land to support community expansion around Trapper Creek.
Subuni t Sb is a parcel of borough land on the Parks Highway.I t will be
retained in public ownership to help protect scenic vistas along this major
route.A public campsite is within this unit at mile 121.6 on the Parks High-
way.Forestry is a secondary use in this subunit.Timber harvesting for per-
sonal use ~vill be allowed when cons is ten t wi th the recrea tion and scenic
quality objectives for the subunit.
Subunit Sc contains the existing Ninemile Lake and Trapper Creek/Glen
Subdivisions.Settlement is the primary use in this subunit.A number of the
subdivided parcels in Trapper Creek/Glen have not been sold yet.They will
remain available for sale over-the-counter.
Subunit Sd is the past Scotty Lake agricultural disposal.This subuni t is
primarily private land and therefore unaffected by this plan.
Subunit Se is land with development potential that has been selected by the
university as part of their entitlement.If some of these selections are
relinquished,decisions on appropria te management of these lands should be
made through an interagency planning process.I t is recommended tha t lands
within T2SN R6W S.M.sec tions 20 and 29 be included in the Moose Creek
corridor proposed for legisla tive designa tion.These lands are close to the
creek and would be a valuable addition to the corridor.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses wi thin this
management uni t;however those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
!-
f Agricul ture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recrea tion
*Se t tlemen t
Subsurface
*Transporta tion
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetland Management
Resource Management
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Management guidelines tha t apply to this management uni t only are presented
below by subuni t.
Subunit Sa (Trapper Creek)
Stream corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses,and to protect water
197
in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on Ninemile Creek,Sawmill Creek
and the unnamed streams that appear on the USGS 1:63,360 scale topographic
maps.Wider buffers should be retained on the Chulitna River (at least
300'each side)and Trapper Creek (at least 400'each side).The wider
buffer on the Chulitna River is intended to protect visual quality along
the river and provide additional camping opportunities.The Trapper Creek
corridor will serve as the main open space corridor in an area that is
likely to become densely settled.It is contiguous with the wider
publicly retained corridor in subunit 2b.
Forestry
Only personal use harvesting and/or limited commercial sales for firewood
and/or houselog harvesting will be permitted in the portions of subunit Sa
in T27N R6W S.M.
Subunits Sa and Sb (Trapper Creek and Parks Highway)_
Scenic Highways
The study Scenic Resources along the Parks Highway (ADNR,1981)should be
consulted for additional information on scenic resources whenever planning
occurs for management activities which are likely to result in significant
changes to visual quality along the Parks Highway.
Subunits Sa,Sc and Sd (Trapper Creek,Trapper Creek/Glen and Scotty Lake)
Protection of Transportation Routes
Chapter 4 of this plan identifies a system of possible improvements to the
regional and local transportation system.One route passes through this
subunit.The precise location of this route has not been determined,
although a general location is shown on the maps in Chapter 4.Land use
authorizations in this unit such as land sales,leases,or other actions
should be located so as not to preclude the option to build this road
along a feasible and efficient route.
Subunits 5a and 5e (Trapper Creek and University Lands)
Mining
Public lands within 200'of Ninemile Creek will be closed to mineral
location.The closure is intended to protect water quality and fish and
wildlife habitat in one of the most important tributaries to Moose Creek.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 6:ROCKY I S LAKES
MANAGEMENT INTENT:
This is an area of mixed wetlands,low ridges and abundant lakes south of Saw-
mill Creek between the Parks Highway and Ninemile Creek.It is intended that
this varied landscape accommodate a range of public and private uses.All
public lands in this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.Management
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LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION P~Y<."V ILl£
\
MANAGEMENT UNIT b -RDO<.'(SLAkE.S
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED)
/SECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
6a State Settlement Forestry Closed Not available Remote Cabins Estimated net
Ninemile (partly past (personal use)for coal Trapper Cabins disposal area =
Creek.remote parcel Public Rec.leasing or 220 acres
offering)Wildlife Hab.prospecting
6b Borough Borough Land Bank.Open Available for ---
Borough leasing
Lands Values:Agriculture,Fores try ,
Public Recreation,
Settlement,Wildlife
Habitat
6c State Water Resources Forestry Open (Note:Available for Land Disposals -
Wetlands Wildlife Habitat Public Rec.swan nesting leasing Remote Cabins
areas may
require
special MLUP
stipulations)
6d Borough Forestry -Open Available for Grazing -
Susitna Public Recreation leasing Remote Cabins
River Water Resources
Corridor Widlife Habitat
6e Private Primarily private -----
Private land
Lands
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·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management gUidelines in chapter 2.
Uni t 6 also will be open to mineral location and available for coal leasing
except for the existing settlement area around Nine Mile Creek (subunit 6a).
In addition,land along Ninemile Creek will be closed to mineral location to
protect water quality and habitat.
The eastern portion of the area is accessible from the Parks Highway.Some
additional road access may develop west of the highway,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.
There are five subunits in Management Unit 6;areas of lakes and wetlands
available for land disposal (6a),borough lands (6b),lands retained for pub-
lic use (6c),and the Susitna River corridor (6d),and private lands just west
of the Susi tna River (6e).See the maps at the end of this section for
boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart f or a summary of land
uses in each subunit.
In subunit 6a (Ninemile Creek),settlement is the primary use.This
state-owned area will provide opportunities for private ownership on a number
of fly-in lakes that are two to five miles from the road system.The past
Ninemile Creek remote parcel'area is included within this subunit.A small
amount of additional land may be made made available for sale within the past
disposal area.
Subunit 6b will be included in the borough land bank.It may be available for
settlement in the long term,but there are no immediate plans for sale.In
the interim,these lands will be managed for timber harvest,wildlife habitat,
and public recreation.
Subunit 6c (Wetlands)will be retained in state ownership to protect the
habitat and water resource values of the unit's lakes and wetlands.This area
contains some sites that have been used for trumpeter swan nesting.Forestry
and public recreation are secondary uses in this subunit;they will be allowed
when consistent with the habitat objectives.
Subunit 6d:Borough lands in the Susitna River corridor form subunit 6d.This
subunit will be retained in public ownership and managed for hunting,fishing,
and other public recreation activities;forestry;visual quality and use of
the river for transportation.
Subunit 6e,on the west bank of the Susitna River consists of primarily
private lands which are unaffected by this plan.Any remaining public lands
in this subunit within 1/4 mile of the Susitna River will be retained in
public ownership and manged for hunting,fishing and other public recreation
consistent with mangement of the Susitna River corridor lands in subunit 6d.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES:
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of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this'
management unit;however those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.1.
Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
200
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
Public Access L
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*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetland Management
Resource Management
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit 6a (Ninemile Creek)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses and to protect water
quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land should be retained
in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on Queer Creek.Narrower buffers
may be applied to the unnamed streams that appear on the 1 :63,360 scale
USGS topographic maps.
Mining
Public lands within 200'of Ninemile Creek will be closed to mine:ral
location.The closure is intended to protect water quality and fish and
wildlife habitat in one of the most important tributaries to Moose Creek.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 7:RABIDEUX CREEK
MANAGEMENT INTENT:
This unit contains a mixture of wetlands and uplands that follow the Parks
Highway and extend east to the Susitna River.Parts of the area have class II
and III soils capable of supporting agriculture.These and other areas are
also valuable for settlement,particularly because of their proximity to
year-round access.The Susitna River corridor,Rabideux Creek,and the wet-
land areas are important for recreation and fish and wildlife habitat.In
addition,the Susitna River serves as a transportation corridor along the
eastern edge of the unit.A variety of public and-private uses are intended
for these lands.All public lands in this unit are available for oil and gas
leasing.Management Unit 7 also will be open to mineral location and
available for coal leasing except for the existing and proposed settlement
areas (subunits 7a and 7b).
Much of Management Unit 7 is accessible via the Parks Highway and unpaved spur
roads running east from the highway.Additional access will be provided by
roads constructed to agricultural and residential developments in subunits 7a
and 7b.
Management Unit 7 is divided into six subunits:State and borough lands
available for disposal near Sawmill Creek and the Susitna River (7a),Rabideux
agricultural sale (7b),the Rabideux Creek corridor and wetlands (7c),the
Susitna River corridor (7d),borough lands (7e),and private lands along the
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT 1-RABl O£u'A crEEk:;
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED ISECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
7a State/Settlement Forestry Closed prior Not available Remote Cabins .Estimated net
Sawmill Borough (personal use)to disposal for coal Trapper Cabins disposal area =
Creek/Public Rec.leasing or Grazing (in 1,140 acres
Susitna Wildlife Hab.prospecting portions of
River Sales subunit
adjacent to
Susitna River)
7b Primarily Agriculture -Closed Not available Remote Cabins -
Rabideux Private (past agricul-for coal Trapper Cabins
Agricul-land tural disposals)leasing or
tural Pro-prospecting
ject
7c State/Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for Remote Cabins -
Rabideux Borough Water Resources leasing Trapper Cabins
Creek Wildlife Habitat Land Disposals
Grazing
Remote Cabins -
7d State/Forestry -Open Available for Trapper Cabins
Susitna Borough Public Recreation leasing Land Disposals
River Cor-Water Resources GraZing
ridor Wildlife Habitat
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc..that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
COMMENTS
PROHIBITED
SURFACE
USE(S)*LEASEABLE
MINERALS
SUBSURFACE
LOCATABLE
MINERALS
,SURFACE
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S)
LAND
OWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED)
SUBUNIT
~~~ON~~~~S~U=I=~~-~~~~~M~A~N~~~~~E~N~T~T l-R~'~~.
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
7e
Borough
lands
Borough Borough Land Bank
Values:Agriculture,Forestry,
Public Recreation,
Settlement,Wildlife
Habitat
Open Available for
leasing
7£
Private
lands
Private Primarily private
land
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management gUidelines in chapter 2.
Petersville Road and between the Parks Highway and Susitna River (7£).See
the maps at the end of this section for boundaries of this area,and the
accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit.
Subunit 7a:Settlement will be the primary use in subunit 7a.
relatively accessible state and borough lands between Sawmill
Petersville Road,and adjacent to the Susitna River corridor.
These are
Creek and
Subunit 7b (Rabideux agricultural sale)will be used primarily for
agriculture.Subunit 7b consists of state lands within the Rabideux
agricultural disposal that were offered for sale in 1984.
Subunit 7c (Rabideux Creek)consists of state and borough-owned wetlands along
the Parks Highway.This area will be retained in public ownership to protect
scenic quality along the highway,protect water resources,and provide road
accessible public recreation opportunities.
Subunit 7d,state and borough lands in the Susitna River corridor,will be
retained in public ownership and managed for hunting,fishing and other public
recreation activities;forestry;visual quality and use of the river for
transporta tion.
Subuni t 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 disposal.In the interim,these lands will be managed for
timber harvest,wildlife habitat,and public recreation.
Subunit 7f consists primarily of private lands near the junction of the
Petersville Road and Parks Highway,and between the highway and the Susitna
River.Priva te lands are not affected by this plan.Any remaining public
lands in this subuni t tha t are wi thin 1/4 mile of the Susitna Rvier will be
retained in public ownership and managed for hunting,fishing and other public
recreation activities consistent with the management of the Susitna River
corridor lands in subunit 7d.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES:
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses wi thin this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list that follows.
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*Agricul ture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recrea tion
*Se t tlemen t
Subsurface
*Transporta tion
Ins tream Flow
Lakeshore Management
Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetland Management
Resource Management
Managemen t guidelines tha t apply to this management uni t only are presented
below by subuni t.
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Subunit 7a and 7b (Sawmill Creek/Susitna River Sales/Rabideux Agricultural
Project)
Stream corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and active uses,and to protect water quality
and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land should be retained in
public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using the policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'
on each side of the river)should be used on Rabideux,Sawmill and Trapper
Creeks [Note:This is a different stream than the Trapper Creek discussed
in Susitna Lowlands Management Unit 14].Narrower buffers may be retained
on unnamed streams that appear on the USGS 1:63,360 scale topographic map.
Subunits 7a,7b and 7c (Sawmill Creek/Susitna River Sales,Rabideux
Agricultural Project and Rabideux Creek)
Protection of Transportation Routes
Chapter 4 of this plan identifies a system of possible improvements to the
regional and local transportation system.One route passes through this
subunit.The precise location of this route has not been determined,
although a general location is shown on the maps in Chapter 4.Land use
authorizations in this unit such as land sales,leases,or other actions
should be located so as not to preclude the option to build this road
along a feasible and efficient route.
Subunits 7c,7d and 7e (Rabideux Creek,Susitna River Corridor,Borough lands)
Scenic Highways
The study Scenic Resources along the Parks Highway (ADNR,1981)should be
consulted for additional informaton on scenic resources whenever planning
occurs for mangement activities which are likely to result in significant
changes to visual quality along the Parks Highway.
SUNFLOWER BASIN SUBREGION
The following section describes land use policy within the Sunflower Basin
Subregion.It is divided into two parts.The first is an overview of resour-
ces and their management for the subregion as a whole.The second presents
specific statements of management intent,land use designations,prohibited
uses,and management guidelines for each of the subregion's seven management
uni ts.A map showing land ownership in the subregion and boundaries of
management units and subunits is presented at the end of the second part.
I.SUBREGION OVERVIEW
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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 southwest
boundary follows the Yentna River and Donkey Creek Slough.The east-
ern border lies between Peters Creek and the Peters Hills and Little
Peters Hills.The southern part of the subregion includes Mt.Yenlo.
The area encompasses approximately 482,000 acres.The state owns or
has selected all the land within this subregion with the exception of
some small private parcels in the past Yenlo Hills remote parcel
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 most prevalent uses in this subregion are placer man1ng,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 area.Hineral potential is high,and approximately 35,000
acres of high and 140,000 acres of moderate coal potential also are
found here.In addition,this subregion and the adjoining Petersville
Road Subregion form one of the most heavily hunted areas in the
Susitna Basin.Moose,black and brown bear are the roost popular big
game species.Through habitat enhancement techniques,moose produc-
tion and associated public use could be increased greatly.Favorite
hunting areas overlap the mining areas due in large part to the ready
access (airstrips and roads)mining has provided.Commercial trapping
also occurs in this area.Maj or anadromous streams such as Lake
Creek,Peters Creek,the Yentna and Kahiltna rivers have headwaters in
the Sunflower Basin SUbregion.Lake Creek and Peters Creek are heav-
ily used fishing streams.The Department of Fish and Game has rated
these creeks among the top ten streams in the entire study area for
riparian habi tat and public use.In addition,Lake Creek is one of
five streams in the study area proposed for state recreation river
status in the Southcentral Recreation Action Plan prepared by ADNR and
ADF&G.Recreation activities are focused on Lake Creek,a popular
rafting stream,and the Peters Hills and Fairview Mountains which
provide hiking,berrypicking,skiing and snowmobiling areas.
Access into the Sunf lower Basin 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 and hunting and recreational areas.These trails receive
extensive all-terrain vehicle use for hunting on the east side of the
Kahiltna River.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 predominantly by air.
B.Management Summary
The overall purpose of resource management in 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 --minerals,
wildlife habitat,and recreation.The Lake Creek corridor and some
very important habitat lands east and south of the Peters Hills are
recommended for legislative designation,primarily to protect habitat
and provide opportunities for public recreation.Three areas have
been identified where land will be offered for sale for settlement and
private recreation in remote areas.Details of the management intent
by resource are presented below.
1.Settlement
Settlement in this subregion has been and will continue to be
limited.Much of the area is remote,and the existing resource
uses --mining,habitat,and pUblic recreation --conflict with
land sales.Settlement is designated the primary use on four
sites with a net area of approximately 12,210 acres available for
sale (see Table 1).The gross acreage totals 88,430.One of the
four sites has been offered previously as the Yenlo Hills Remote
Parcel sale.The remaining lands --a gross area of 62,300 acres
and net area of 6,620 acres --are newly designated disposal
areas.The first location proposed for new settlement is north-
west of the Yenlo Hills remote parcel land offering.This area
parallels the Yentna River but lies further north.This portion
of the study area is likely to remain without road access and
undeveloped for many years given its geographic isolation.As a
result,this sale is intended to provide land for long term,
remote,self-sufficient lifestyles.This is the only area in the
Susitna Basin specifically proposed for this type of use.The
remaining two areas are located on either side of Lake Creek.
These sales would prOVide primarily recreational properties.Fly-
in access is available at both locations.
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TABLE I
Acreage Identified for Settlement
Gross Area Net Area
(Acres)(Acres)
New
Offerings 62,300 6,620
Reofferings
Within Past 26,130 5,590
Disposal Areas
TOTAL 88,430 12,210
Other disposals in this subregion will be limited to lands neces-
sary to support resource development (primarily placer mining and
coal).Land will not be sold for these purposes until such devel-·
opment occurs.
In addition to land disposals,a large area west of Lake Creek
will be open to remote cabin permits (approximately 40,000
acres).Construction of public use cabins is recommended in the
Lake Creek corridor.
2.Agriculture
Agricultural potential is limited to graZing in the vicinity of
the Fairview Uountains.Because this area is remote from road
access or farm headquarter sites,grazing is not a designated use
at this time.·Applications for grazing permits or leases will be
reviewed on a case-by-case basis as provided for by the areawide
grazing policies in Chapter 2.
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3.Forestry
Timber values are limited in this subregion.Forest lands
generally will be managed to provide personal use fuelwood and
houselogs for the area's few seasonal and year-round residents,
but there is also long term potential for a small amount of
commercial production from forest lands near the major rivers.
Forestry is designated a primary use on the 61,800 acres proposed
for legislative designation as a multiple use area,although
commercial potential is generally low in this area.Forestry is a
secondary use on an additional 85,400 acres of land to be returned
in public ownership,including the Lake Creek corridor.
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4.Recreation/Fish and Wildlife
Recreation and habitat are some of the most valuable resources in the
Sunflower Basin Subregion.The subregion will be managed to protect
existing opportunities for hunting,fishing,and other types of
recreation.Special emphasis should be placed on maintaining the
quality of big game and salmon habitat.Improved public access and
habitat enhancement should be encouraged.
A large wetland area adjacent to the Kahiltna River will be proposed
for legislative or administrative designation to protect trumpeter
swan nesting sites.In addition,the Lake Creek corridor,a very pop-
ular fishing and boating stream,is proposed for legislative designa-
tion as a state recreational river.A large area east and south of
the Peters Hills is proposed for legislative or administrative desig-
nation as a multiple use area.Fish and wildlife habitat and public
recreation are two of the primary uses on this area.It is a particu-
larly valuable area for moose hunting.
5.Subsurface
Mining and mineral exploration are,and will continue to be,very
important activities in this subregion.The great majority of the
subregion will remain open to locatable mineral entry.The only
exceptions are in settlement areas and corridors along Lake Creek and
selected tributaries,and land adjacent to Chelatna Lake.The
corridors will be closed to mineral entry in recognition of their
important recreation and habitat values.For the most part,these
closures are in areas of low mineral potential.Near trumpeter swan
nesting sites,stipulations attached to miscellaneous land use permits
for mining will be designed to prevent disturbance to swans and their
habitat.
Coal leasing and prospecting are allowed throughout most of this sub-
region.However,the Lake Creek corridor (including lands adjacent to
Chelatna Lake)and selected tributaries to Lake Creek will be unavail-
able for coal leasing and prospecting.Existing and proposed settle-
ment areas also are unavailable for coal leasing or prospecting.Por-
tions of the high and moderate coal potential areas located southwest
of Chelatna Lake and in the Peters Hills/Cache Creek area may be
offered for lease under the competitive coal lease program.All pub-
lic land in this subregion is open to exploration and development of
oil and gas.In the Lake Creek corridor,howeve r,exploration and
development activities are subject to special restrictions designed to
protect public recreation and habitat values.
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.Improved public access is recommended
for this subregion.This may include upgrading the existing trail
from Peters Creek to Collinsville.
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MANAGEMENT INTENT
This management unit includes a system of lakes and moderately sloping,south-
west-facing forested terraces adjacent to the Yentna River.The Yentna River
and several lakes in the area provide acc~ss to this unit.In addition,
several small tundra strips have been created in the northeastern portion of
the management unit where the terrain is relatively flat.A landing site has
been reserved southwest of Donkey Creek Lake.
This uni t is divided into two subuni ts:the Yenlo Hills remote parcel sale
(la),and land not previously offered for sale on Donkey Creek terraces (lb).
See the map at the end of this section for boundaries of these areas and the
accompanying chart for a summary of land uses.
Subunits la and Ib (Yenlo Hills and Donkey Terraces):Settlement is the
primary land use designation in both subunits with secondary designations for
forestry and wildlife habitat.Forest resources will be managed to provide
persooal use timber for local use.Although a number of stakings already have
occurred in this area,ample land is still available for disposal.Subunit Ib
is a new settlement area on the lakes and terraces above Donkey Creek.The
intent in offering this land for sale is to provide opportunities for remote,
self-sufficient lifestyles.This is the one place in the planning area
specifically identified for such sales.Subunit la is currently closed to
mineral location and unavailable for coal leasing,since it is available for
sale.Subunit Ib will be closed to location and coal leasing prior to being
offered for sale.All public lands in management unit 1 are available for oil
and gas leasing.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most·likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
Recreation
*Settlement
*Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Hanagement
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
1
Management guidelines that are specific to this management unit are presented
below by subunit.
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LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT
SUBUNIT
la
Yenlo Hills
Ib
Donkey
Terraces
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE lEASEABlE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
State/Settlement (past Forestry Closed Not available Grazing Estimated net
Private remote parcel (personal use)for coal disposal area =
offering)Public leasing or 5,590 acres
Recreation prospecting
Wildlife Habita
State Settlement Forestry Closed prior rbt available Grazing Estimated net
(personal use)to disposal for coal disposal area =
Public leasing or 4,320 acres
Recreation prospecting
Wildlife Habital
·Other uses such as material sales.land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed it consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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Subunits 1a/1b (Yenlo Hills Disposal/Additional Settlement Lands)
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 personal use.The density of land sales will be limited to
a number that can be provided with adequate wood resources to support the
remote subsistence lifestyle objective.
Forestry
Forestry is a secondary use in subunits 1a and lb.Forest lands will be
managed for personal use to support remote self-sufficient settlement.
Woodlots of sufficient size and density and appropriate location to pro-
vide sustained yield firewood and houselog products will be identified and
reserved prior to conveying lands.
Trails
When lands are conveyed in these units,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 1a (Yenlo Hills Disposal)
Stream Corridors
The corridors established in the spring 1982 offering of this land will
continue to be in force when the land is reoffered in 1985.In addition,
there will be a 100'setback on either side of the major tributary to
Donkey Creek Lake.
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
access.
Before additional lakefront is offered for sale or conveyed around lake
240 (T24N R12W Sec 7,S.M.),remaining parcels of public land will be
identified.If the remaining parcels of land comprise less than 50%of
the lakefront,all remaining lakeshore property within 500'will be
retained in public ownership to protect public access.Unsold land in
excess of 50%may be conveyed to private individuals.
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Subunit 1b (Additional Settlement Lands)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses,and to protect water
quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land should be retained
in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on the Yentna River,Rich Creek,
Donkey Creek,Clearwater Creek,and the unnamed streams that appear on the
1:63,360 scale USGS topographic maps.
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 ownership to protect public
access and retain some open space.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 2 -FAIRVIEW MOUNTAINS
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This unit is a large block of public land encompassing the Fairview Mountains,
an active placer mining area.The area provides important moose winter habi-
tat 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 pro-
vide easy access.Some high to moderate values for coal are present in the
eastern part of the management unit.There is potential for grazing through-
out most of the unit.
Management Unit 2 will be retained in public ownership and managed to support
mining and maintain wildlife habitat,the two primary land use designations.
Because this unit is remote from road access or farm headquarter sites,and
because of potential conflicts between livestock and bears,portions of the
unit will be closed to grazing.In the remainder of the unit,applications
for grazing leases will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis subject to the
areawide guidelines in Chapter 2.This unit will remain open to mineral entry
and available for coal and oil and gas leasing.
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This unit has not been divided into subunits.
section for management unit boundaries and
summary of land uses.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
See the map at the end of this
the accompanying chart for a
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT 2.-PAIR VIEV-.\M{)J.Sl~/tJc.,
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LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED lOCATABLE lEASEABlE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
2 State/Minerals Public Open Available for Remote CabinsFairviewStateWildlifeHabitatRecreationleasingLandDisposalsMountainsSelectedPortions
closed to
grazing (see
mgmt.
guidelines)
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'Other uses such as material sates.land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that me flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines 0'this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines In chapter 2.
*Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
Forestry
*Recreation
Settlement
*Subsurface
Transportation
*Instream Flow
Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
Stream Corridors
Trail Management
Wetlands Hanagement
Resource Management
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Hanagement guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below.
Grazing
The riparian zone along Sunflower and Camp creeks will be closed to pre-
vent conflicts between livestock and the bears that concentrate seasonally
along these streams.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 3 -CHELA-TNA LAKE/LAKE CREEK
MANAGEMENT INTENT
Management Unit 3 includes the land surrounding Chelatna Lake and a wide cor-
ridor along approximately 10 miles of Lake Creek.Aside from several private
parcels on Chelatna Lake,this unit is entirely in state ownership.Chelatna
Lake is a scenic lake nestled at the base of the Alaska Range.It is the
starting pgint for recreationists floating Lake Creek.This lake is one of
the few lakes larger than 640 acres in the study area not surrounded by
private lands.
Lake Creek is an important anadromous fish stream and popular float trip.
This creek,nationally known for fishing,is one of only five streams in the
study area proposed for legislative designation as a state recreation river.
The Department of Fish and Game rated this the second most important river in
the entire study area for habitat values and public use.
Management Unit 3 will be retained in public ownership and managed to protect
recreational opportunities and riparian habitat.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.Recreational developments
should be designed to protect the natural character of the region.
There is some coal,placer gold,and oil and gas potential in this unit.Due
to the extremely high public recreation and habitat values described above,
portions of this subunit will be unavailable for coal leasing or prospecting
and closed to mineral entry.Public lands in this unit are available for oil
and gas leasing,but exploration and development for oil and gas near Lake
Creek will be subject to restrictions designed to protect the public rec-
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SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE lEASEABlE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
3 State Public Recreatior Forestry Closed Not available Cabins Reconmended forChelatnaSelectedWaterResourcesforcoalLandDisposalslegislativeLake&Lake Wildlife Habitat leasing or Trapper cabins designationCreekprospecting.
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•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines In chapter 2.
reation and habitat values of the creek corridor (see management guidelines
that follow).Public retention of this unit will allow maintenance of visual
quality along the creek banks and protection of riparian habitat and
recreation opportunities.
This management unit is not divided into subunits.See the map at the end of
this section for management unit boundaries and the accompanying chart for a
summary of land uses.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses \nthin this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
*Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below.
Forestry
Timber values are limited in this portion of the Lake Creek corridor.
Timber harvest for personal use will be allowed only when the visual and
wilderness qualities of this unit can be protected.Timber harvests shall
be designed in consultation with the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recrea-
tion.
Transportation
Road crossings in Lake Creek corridor should be minimized.All crossings
and roads within the corridor must be designed in consultation with the
Di vision of Parks and Oudoor Recreation and the Department of Fish and
Game.
Oil and Gas
Oil and gas exploration and development activities will be sited and/or
timed to mitigate impacts on the fish and wildlife habitat and public use
values of Lake Creek corridor.Specific mitigation measures necessary to
protect the values for which the river corridor was designated will be
developed as part of the lease sale process.Mitigation measures will be
developed on a case by case basis considering timing,topography,vegeta-
tion and other factors affecting the impact of oil and gas explorat.ion and
development activities on fish and wildlife,habitat and public use val-
ues.
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Interagency Consultation
Because protection of habitat and recreational values is of such
importance in this uni t and the area is being recommended for
administrative or legislative designation,special consideration should be
given to consulting with the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation and
the Department of Fish and Game when reviewing permit or lease application
in this uni t.
Management Plans and Remote Cabins
It is recommended that a management plan be prepared for Management Unit
3.The management plan will determine,among other things,whether or not
remote cabins will be permitted in this subunit.Remote cabin permits
will not be offered until and unless areas open to remote cabins are
designated by a management plan.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 4 -WETLANDS
MANAGEMENT INTENT
Managemen t Uni t 4 is a lowland area bordered by Lake Creek,the Fairview
Mountains,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 uni t.The area sou th of
Home Creek is high value moose habitat and may contain trumpeter swan nesting
sites.Access to this unit is provided via a winter trail located between
Home and Camp creeks and airstrips located to the west around Collinsville.
Management Unit 4 will be retained in public ownership and managed to preserve
the habitat and water resources values within its boundaries.Remote cabins
are a secondary use to allow for some priva te recreation in the uni t.
This uni twill rema in open to mineral loca tion excep t for land along Home
Creek and an adjacent unnamed tributary to Lake Creek.All public lands in
this unit are available for coal and oil and gas leasing.
This management unit has no subunits.See the map at the end of this section
for management uni t boundaries and the accompanying chart for a summary of
land uses.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
managemen t uni t;however,those tha tare mos t likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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Agricul ture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
Recrea tion
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Ins tream Flow
Lakeshore Management
Public Access
*Remote Cabin Permits
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT 4--W~NOc:,
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE I LEASEABLE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(Sj SECONDARY USE(Sj MINERALS MINERALS
4 State/Water Resources Remote Cabins Open except Available for Land Disposals
Camp Creek:State Wildlife Habitat along Home leasing Portions
Home Creek Selected Creek and an closed to
wetlands unnamed grazing (see
tributary to mgmt.
Lake Creek guidelines)
(see mgmt.
guidelines)
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·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits.etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management Intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
Settlement
Subsurface
Transportation
Stream Corridors
Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below.
Remote Cabins and Stream Corridors
Remote cabin permits will not be offered in Management Unit 4 for at least
10 years following adoption of this plan.When permits are offered,,they
should not be permitted within the buffers listed below on either side of
the mean high water mark on the following streams:
Sunflower Creek -300'
Home Creek -300'
Unnamed tributaries to Lake Creek shown on the 1:63,360 USGS
topographic maps -200'
Development will be kept out of these buffers to minimize the impacts of
development on wildlife migration corridors.
Remote Cabins and Trails
A buffer of 200'on either side of the centerline of the winter trail from
Peters Creek to Collinsville shown on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographic
map will be identified.Remote cabins should not be permitted within thi~
trail corridor.
Grazing
The riparian zones along Sunflower Creek and Camp Creek will be closed to
grazing to prevent conflicts between livestock and the bears that concen-
trate seasonally along these streams.
Mining
Lands within 300'either side of Home Creek and lands within 1/4-mile of
the unnamed tributary to Lake Creek just south of Home Creek that
encircles the north side of Mt.Yenlo and Willow Mt.will be closed to
mineral location.These closures are intended to protect water quality
and fish and wildlife habitat in two of the most important tributaries to
Lake Creek.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 5 -YENLO HILLS
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 that cross the unit are important ana-
dromous fish streams.Large numbers of brown bear den around Mt.Yenlo,and
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LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT S-'teNLO l4\LLS
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
Sa State Wildlife Habitat Public Open except Available for Remote Cabins -
Mt.Yenlo Recreation along Yenlo leasing Land Disposals
Creek lie un-Closed to
named tribu-grazing below
tary to Lake 1,500'
Creek (see elevation
mgrnt.guide-
lines)
Sb State Public Recreatio Forestry Settlement Not available Grazing Estimated net
Yenlo Cree~Settlement areas closed for coal disposal area =
lowlands Wildlife Habitat prior to dis leasing or 1,000 acres
posal;Yenlo prospecting
creek and un-
named tribu-
tary to Lake
Creek closed
(see rngmt.
guidelines);
remaining
area open
·Other uses such as material sales.land leases.remote cabin permits.etc.,that ore flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management Intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines In chapter 2.
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moose densities are high throughout most of the area.The lowland areas are
attractive for private recreational use.This unit will be managed to support
a mixture of wildlife habitat,recreation and settlement.
There are no known mineral terranes in this management uni t 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.All public lands in this unit are
available for oil &gas leasing.The portions of Subunit Sa that will be
offered for sale will be closed to mineral location and unavailable for
coal leasing prior to sale.The remainder of Management Unit S will remain
open to mineral location and available for coal leasing.
This unit has been divided into two subunits:Mt.Yenlo (Sa),and the
lowlands between the Yenlo Hills and Yentna River along Yenlo Creek (Sb).See
the map at the end of this section for boundaries of these areas and the
accompanying chart for a summary of land uses.
Subunit Sa (Mt.Yenlo)will be retained in public ownership with a primary
designation for wildlife habitat.The principal human use which occurs here
is hunting.
Subunit Sb will be designated settlement,public recreation,and wildlife hab-
itat,and managed to support a mixture of these uses.The northeastern edge
of this unit borders the Lake Creek corridor,making portions of it desirable
for recreational settlement.Fly-in access may be provided by the lakes in
the north half of the unit.Land sales will be offered in portions of this
subunit and will be designed to minimize the impacts on the wildlife migration
corridors along Yenlo Creek and tributaries to Lake Creek.Forestry is a
secondary use within this subunit.Timber harvesting for personal use will be
allowed when consistent with the objectives for public and private recreation
and habitat management.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
Recreation
*Settlement
*Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
223
Subunits 5a and 5b (Yenlo Hills and Lowlands)
Mining
A corridor 1/4 mile wide on either side of Yenlo Creek and the unnamed
tributary to Lake Creek which encircles the northern portions of Mt.Yenlo
and Willow Mountain ending west of Shovel Lake,will be closed to mineral
location to protect water-based public recreation (including recreation on
Lake Creek),moose winter range,anadromous fish habitat and water
quality.
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping,hunting and other active uses,and to protect
water quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land should be
retained in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-
case basis using policies in Chapter 2.The buffer width should be at
least 300'on each side of the Lake Creek tributaries shown on the
1:63,360 scale USGS topographic map and 1/4 mile each side on Yenlo
Creek;These wide buffers are intended to provide for the uses named
above and protect riparian habitat,moose migration corridors and the
natural setting along important tributaries to Lake Creek.
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 tribu-
taries,Wetbutt Creek and Treasure Creek,also are included in this unit.
Much of this area contains concentrations of trumpeter swan nesting sites.
The majority of this area will be retained in public ownership to protect the
habitat and water resources.One area between Lake Creek and Treasure Creek
is recommended for recreational settlement.This management unit will remain
open to mineral location and available for mineral leasing except for Subunit
6b,which will be closed prior to offering it for sale.All public lands in
Management Unit 6 are available for oil &gas leasing.
Access into this unit is provided by the winter trail that connects
Petersville Road to the lower Cache Creek llll.n~ng area as shown on the USGS
topographic maps,and via floatplanes to Shovel Lake located just to the west
of this uni t •The trail to the Cache Creek area is recommended for future
consideration for upgrading to improve access to the Sunflower Basin
Subregion.(For additional information,see the Transportation section of
Chapter 4.)
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SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
6a State/Water Resources Forestry Open Available for Grazing --
Kahiltna State Wildlife Habitat leasing Remote Cabins
West Selected Land Disposals
6b State/Settle~nt Forestry Closed prior Not available GraZing Estimated net
Treasure State Wildlife Habi ta to disposal for coal disposal area =
Creek Selected leasing or 1,300 acres
prospecting
6c State/Water Resources Public
Kahiltna State Wildlife Habitat Recreation Open Available for GraZing Recoonnended for
River Selected Forestry leasing Land Disposals legislative or
administrative
designation
i.
·Other uses such as material sales.land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
The area has been divided into three subunits.Wetlands along the Kahiltna
River are subunit 6a.Subunit 6b is a settlement area between Lake Creek and
Treasure Creek.The Kahiltna floodplain with concentrations of trumpeter swan
nesting sites is 6c.See the map at the end of this section for boundaries of
these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses.
Subunit 6a (Kahiltna West)is a wetland area along the Kahiltna River that is
under state selection.It will be retained in public ownership and managed to
protect the wetlands and lowland habitat,including important moose winter
range.
Subunit 6b will be designated for recreational and seasonal settlement use.
It consists of a strip of land approximately 2 to 3 miles wide on the west
side of Treasure Creek.
Subunit 6c encompasses the Kahiltna floodplain and contains one of the largest
concentrations of trumpeter swan nesting sites in the study area.Wildlife
habitat and water resources are the primary designations in 6c.Protection of
swan nesting areas is the major objective for this subunit.It will be pro-
posed for legislative or administrative designation in order to protect swan
habitat.Subunit 6c also provides important moose winter range.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
Recreation
*Settlement
*Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
Resource }~nagement
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Subunit 6a &6b (Kahiltna West &Treasure Creek)
Protection of Transportation Routes
Chapter 4 of this plan identifies a system of possible improvements to the
regional and local transportation system.One route passes through this
subunit.The precise location of this route has not been determined
although a general location is shown on the maps in Chapter 4.Land use
authorizations in this unit such as land sales,leases,or other actions
should be located so as not to preclude the option to build this road
along a feasible and efficient route.
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Subunits 6a,6b,6c (Kahiltna West,Treasure Creek,Kahiltna River)
Grazing
Lands within these management units will be closed to grazing because of
their importance as moose winter range.
Subunit 6b (Settlement Area)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses,and to protect water
quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land should be retained
in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on Shovel Creek and the unnamed
streams that appear on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographic maps.
Subunit 6c (Kahiltna River)
Swan Habitat
This subunit is recommended for legislative or administrative designation
to protect swans.Until designation takes place,the following gUidelines
are intended to provide sufficient protection and will be applied by the
Department.
1.Restricted Activities.Activities that potentially will damage swan
nesting habitat or cause visual or noise disturbance should be prohib-
ited from April 1 through August 31 within at least one-quarter mile
of current or potential swan nesting or staging ponds,marshes or
lakes.Particular activities may be restricted in a wider area if
their potential level of damage or disturbance warrants doing so.
Activities that may be restricted include,but are not limited to,use
of off-road vehicles,airplanes and motorboats.However,some tradi-
tional access routes and sites will be designated that will remain
open to motorized access.[Note:This guideline will result in the
restriction of the activities described above on most ponds,marshes
and lakes other than those that are identifed as tradi tional access
points.]
2.Off-road vehicles.At a minimum,permits should not be issued for
those types of off-road vehicle use requiring permits in the areas and
during the period described in 1.above.
3.Aircraft.At a minimum,landing of aircraft should be prohibited in
the areas and during the period described in 1.above except at desig-
nated access sites.
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Management Plans/Remote Cabins
A management plan should be prepared for Subunit 6c.The management plan
will determine,among other things whether or not remote cabins will be
permitted in this subunit.Remote cabin permits will not be offered until
and unless areas open to remote cabins are designated by a management
plan.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 7 -PETERS HILLS
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 manage-
ment intent of this unit is to retain the area in public ownership emphasizing
the existing mining,wildlife habitat and recreation values.This unit's
large moose population and accessibility via the Petersville Road make it one
of the most heavily used units in this subregion for hunting and fishing.
Panoramic views of the Alaska Range also make the Peters Hills a popular hik-
ing and skiing destination.
Nearly all of this area will be retained in public ownership and managed for
wildlife habitat,public recreation and mining.The southeastern portion of
this unit is proposed for legislative designation as a multiple use area along
with the adjacent lands proposed for a similar designation in the Petersville
Road Subregion to the east.The limited timber values in this area will be
managed to enhance habitat values and recreational opportunities as well as to
provide timber for personal use.Management Unit 7 is open to mineral loca-
tion and available for coal and oil and gas leasing.
Numerous trails originate on the Petersville Road east of this unit and then
honeycomb this area,providing access for uses such as fishing,hunting,snow-
mobiling,cross-country skiing and berry picking.The trail that connects
Petersville Road to the lower Cache Creek mining area crosses this management
unit.It is recommended for future consideration for upgrading to improve
access into the Sunflower Basin Subregion.(For additional information,see
Chapter 4.)
This unit is divided into two subunits:the Dutch Hills-Cache Creek area in
the northern half of the management unit (7a),and the southern half including
Peters Hills and Little Peters Hills (7b).See the map at the end of this
section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary
of land uses.
Subunit.7a comprises the Dutch Hills,the northwest side of the Peters Hills,
and the upper reaches of Cache Creek and Peters Creek.Petersville Road
extends into this area,and numerous airstrips and seasonal trails provide
additional access.Most of this subunit is either state owned or state selec-
ted.However,there are approximately 4,200 acres of federal land along
Peters ville Road from Petersville to Cottonwood Creek.Within the federally-
owned area there are strips of federal mining claims along Dutch Creek,Cache
Creek,Peters Creek,and a number of their major tributaries.Some of these
claims have been transferred to private ownership under the federal claim
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SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT 7 -PE.TE:I<-S ttl LLC7
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LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED)lOCATABLE lEASEABlE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
7a State/Minerals -Open Available for Remote Cabins -
Dutch State Public Recreation leasing Land Disposals
Hills/Selected/Wildlife Habitat
Cache Creek Federal/
Private
7b State/Forestry --Open Available for Land Disposals Recommended for
Peters State Public Recreation leasing legislative
Hills Selected Wildlife Habitat designation
.
·Other uses such as material sales.land leases.remote cabin permits,etc.,that are flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit.and with the relevant
management gUidelines in chapter 2.
laws,and others likely will receive private patents in the future.The
surface estate on remaining pUblic land in Subunit 7a will be retained in
public ownership.Because of this area's high value for moose habitat and
hunting,wildlife habitat and public recreation are primary designations.
In recognition of the large amount of ongoing mining,minerals also is a
primary designation.
Subunit 7b (Peters Hills)will be retained in public ownership and managed for
wildlife habitat,especially moose range;hunting and other types of public
recreation;and mining.The public lands in 7b merit additional protection
and will be proposed for legislative designation as a multiple use area along
with the lands in Subunits 1a and 1b in the Petersville Road Subregion.Of
particular concern are the anadromous fish streams that are major tributaries
to Peters Creek (Black,Sand,South Fork Peters,String,Big,JlUddle,and
Martin creeks and Lunch Gulch).Moose range is also extremely important,
since this area receives a great deal of hunting pressure.Other public
recreation opportunities in the Peters Hills,including hiking and skiing,are
among the major values of this area.Finally,forestry is one of the primary
uses in 7b.Timber resources offer a little potential for commercial use and
have some value for personal use as well.Remote cabins may be an allowed use
in Subunit 7b,but cabin permits will be issued only when guidelines for
siting and use of remote cabins have been adopted in a management plan for
this area.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
.of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below.
Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
Settlement
*Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail r~nagement
Wetlands Management
Resource Management o
Subunits 7a and 7b (Dutch Hills-Cache Creek and Peters Hills)
Subsurface Management
Miners holding claims adjacent to the Petersville Road system (defined as
the road plus one mile on either side)shall be notified by receipt of
their miscellaneous land use permits that the road system is a public
right-of-way which is to remain open to the pUblic.
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Land within these subunits will not be made available for coal 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.
Grazing
Those portions of these subunits within the following area will be closed
to grazing.The closure is intended to avoid conflicts between livestock
and the moose that depend on this area for winter range.
T25N R8W S.M.
T25N R9W S.M.
T26N R8W S.M.
T26N R9W 8.M.
T26N RIOW 8.M.
Subunit 7b (Peters Hills)
T27N R9W S.M.,sections 3-10 and sections 15-36
T27N RIOW S.M.
T28N R9W S.M.8 1/2
T28N RIOW S.M.
T29N RIOW S.M.
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Management Plans/Remote Cabins
A management plan should be prepared for Subunit 7b in conjuction with
management planning for Petersville Road Subunits la and lb.The manage-
ment plan will determine,among other things,whether remote cabins will
be permitted in Subunit 7b.Remote cabin permits will not be offered
until and unless areas open to remote cabins are designated by a manage-
ment plan.
Protection of Transportation Routes
Chapter 4 of this plan identifies a system of possible improvements to the
regional and local transportation system.One route passes through this
subunit.The precise location of this route has not been determined
although a general location is shown on the maps in Chapter 4.Land use
authorizations in this unit such as land sales,leases,or other actions
should be located so as not to preclude the option to build this road
along a feasible and efficient route.
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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 their management for the subregion as a whole.The
second presents specific statements of management intent,land use
designations,prohibited uses,and management guidelines for each of
the subregion's fourteen management units.Maps showing land owner-
ship in the subregion and boundaries of management units and subunits
are presented at the end of the second part.
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A.Background
This area contains the greatest untapped wealth of surface resources
within the planning area.The subregion has the potential to provide
large amounts of forest and agricultural products.It presently pro-
vides 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 or recreational settlement.
This subregion is bounded on the east by the Big Susitna River,and on
the west by the lowlands north of Mt.Susitna and Mt.Beluga.The
north boundary follows the Yentna River southeast for approximately 20
miles,then 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 comprises approximately 1,200,000
acres.
The great majority of lands within the Susitna Lowlands Subregion is
owned or selected by the State of Alaska.The Matanuska-Susitna
Borough owns approximately 51,000 acres.
There are numerous small parcels in private ownership (10,000-15,000
acres total)which were purchased under the state's open-to-entry pro-
gram and more recent land disposal programs.Hos t of these parcels
are located on or near water.A small amount of land --approximately
1,500 acres --is in Native ownership.
The Susitna Lowlands area is currently are reached by air or trail.
In this area there is are public landing strips at Eightmile Lake and
Skwentna and at least three private landing strips:at Yenlo Lake,
Trail Ridge,and Alexander Lake.Gravel bars along the major rivers
and many of the lakes scattered throughout the region provide
additional fly-in access.Boat access from Anchorage or the Parks
highway is possible via the Skwentna,Yentna and Susitna Rivers,and
other lateral streams.
There are no year-round roads within this subregion.Winter and/or
four-wheel drive roads provide access to Shulin Lake,to the Amber
Lakes just outside the northeastern boundary of the subregion,and to
lands within the Beluga Subregion adjacent to the southern tip of the
Susitna Lowlands.Primary trails include 60 miles of the Iditarod
Trail,another winter trail running southward from Oilwell Road that
connects with the Iditarod,and a 3D-mile winter tractor trail from
the Parks Highway near Trapper Creek south to the Delta Island area on
the Susitna River.In addition,seismic lines crossing the area are
used as winter trails.
B.Management Summary
The Susitna Lowlands Subregion is inaccessible by year-round road,
rendering large-scale development in the next 5 years unlikely.The
wealth of resources in the subregion and the potential for development
in the longer term argue strongly that land use designations should:
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Protect important public resources such as critical habitats,
wetlands,and prime recreational rivers;
Allocate sufficient land that is relatively near existing access
to forestry and settlement to encourage expansion of the road
system into the subregion;
Protect the options for future resource development on remote
lands;and
Provide some lands for private ownership near recreational
attractions and future development centers.
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The 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 may include a large proportion
of borough holdings.Some land also will be offered by the state
to complement future agriculture and forestry development and to
offer some private recreational sites.Most of the near term
state sales will be homesteads in remote regions.In order to
provide for efficient development patterns and minimize adverse
impacts of settlement,the majority of sales will be within areas
where lands have been offered previously.Sales associated with
resource development likely will be subdivisions.These will not
be offered until road access is available.In addition,several
areas will be open to remote cabin permits.
A summary of the acreage proposed for sale is shown in Table 1.
Approximately 37,700 acres of state subdivision and fee simple
homestead parcels will be offered for sale in the Susitna Lowlands
subregion over the next twenty years.Sales will be offered in a
number of locations along the Yentna and Kahiltna Rivers;near
Lockwood,Sucker,Neil,Shell and Onestone Lakes;between the
Skwentna and Kichatna Rivers in the western part of the subregion;
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and near the confluence of the Skwentna and Hayes Rivers on the
south side of the Skwentna River.Much of the land is within the
boundaries of past remote parcel areas.In addition,over 900
surveyed lots (approximately 6000 ac.)in existing subdivisions
are available for sale over-the-counter.
Approximately 39,000 acres are designated resource management,and
14,600 acres are included in the borough land bank.Resource
management areas include Deshka Flats,the southern portion of the
past Lake Creek -McDougal remote parcel offering between Lake
Creek and the Kahiltna River,lands between Alexander Creek and
Sucker Lake,and lands south of Sevenmile Lake.Land bank
designations cover parcels around Sevenmile,Lockwood,Whitsol,
and Witsoe Lakes;and at the confluence of the Yentna and Susitna
Rivers.Some 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 best long term use,their
high values for forestry,wildlife habitat,agriculture,and
public recreation will be considered in addition to their
settlement potential.
TABLE 1
Acreage Identified for Settlement*
GROSS NET
AREA (ac)AREA (ac)
STATE LAND
New Offer-36,990 7,735
ings
Reofferings 165,420 29,970
within Past
Disposal
Areas
Agriculture 10,640 6,040
Homesteads
TOTAL 213,050 43,745
*In addition to the sales listed above,approximately 900 surveyed parcels in
existing subdivisions are currently available for sale over-the-counter.
These parcels total approximately 6,000 acres.
2.Agriculture
This subregion is presently inaccessible,but has the potential to
become a productive agricultural area.Approximately 18,000 acres of
land with commercial potential are designated for agriculture in the
Kashwitna Knobs area.An additional 10,640 acres are designated for
agricultural homesteads in smaller blocks of land just west of Kroto
Creek and southeast of Lockwood Lake.In addition,to protect the
option for future agricultural development in more remote areas,
including Deshka Flats,approximately 39,000 acres of land are
designated resource management and 14,600 acres are in the borough
land bank (see description of location in settlement section above).
There are no grazing lands identified in this subregion.
3.Forestry
Inaccessibility makes most forest development in this subregion
unlikely in the next few years,although access can be provided by
winter roads to some timberlands.Long term forestry values are high
enough to justify retention of several large areas for forest
management,however.Designation of lands for forestry will encourage
development of access that will support other land uses.Forestry is
designated a primary use on approximately 283,600 acres of state and
borough land of which approximately half has high or moderate
potential for commercial timber management.These lands are primarily
between the Yentna and Susitna Rivers south and west of Parker Lake,
along Trail Ridge,and between Lake Creek and the Yenlo Hills.
141,400 acres of this land are proposed for legislative or
administrative designation to provide for long-term timber management
as well as other forest uses.Forestry is a secondary use on an
additional 465,000 acres of land retained in public ownership
including 125,000 acres of timberland along the Yentna and Susitna
Rivers and Alexander,Kroto and Moose Creeks,where public recreation
and fish and wildlife habitat are the primary uses.
4.Habitat and Recreation
The Susitna Lowlands Subregion 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,
Kroto Creek,and Alexander Creek are also important for floating and
canoeing.
Much of the highly valuable habitat land is retained in public
ownership,and several areas are identified for special designation.
The Lake Creek,Kroto Creek,Moose Creek,and Alexander Creek
corridors will be retained entirely in public ownership and proposed
for legislative or administrative designation to provide for habitat
management and protect public recreation opportunities.Lands along
the Yentna and Susitna Rivers and near their confluence also are
proposed for legislative or administrative designation primarily to
protect their habitat values.The forested lands identified in
section 3 above also will serve to protect important moose winter
range and recreation opportunities.
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I 5.Hining
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,Kichatna and Kahiltna rivers.Areas
designated for settlement as agriculture will be closed to mineral
location,as will the Lake,Kroto,Moose,and Alexander Creek
corridors,and one recreation site on the Kahiltna River.Chijuk
Creek,and important tributary of Kroto Creek,also will be closed
to mineral location.The remainder of the area will be open .to
mineral location.
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b.Coal
The potential for coal development is low to very low throughout
most of the subregion.A limited amount of land with high and
moderate coal potential occurs in the far western part of the
area,and there are existing coal leases on this site.There is
also moderate coal potential in a small area in the southern tip
of the subregion.
Nearly all the land with high to moderate coal potential will be
retained in public ownership and managed to permit exploration and
development of these resources.
Coal leasing is permitted throughout the area except in densely
settled areas and the Lake Creek,Kroto Creek,Moose Creek,and
Alexander Creek corridors.
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c.Oil and gas
There is some potential for future oil and gas development in the
subregion,although little exploration or development is currently
underway.All areas will be available for oil and gas leasing.
However,within the Lake,Kroto,Moose,and Alexander Creek
corridors specific mitigation measures will be established to
protect public recreation and habitat values.
6.Resource Management
Several large areas are designated resource management in this
subregion.These are areas that are valuable for a number of
different and potentially conflicting land uses.Because these areas
presently are not accessible,resource development is not likely in
the near term.Therefore,they will be managed for existing uses in
the near term (primarily habitat,recreation,and some timber
harves ting)and reevaluated in the future to determine whether their
best long term use is for public resource management or sale for
residential or agricultural development.The location of these areas
is described in the settlement section above (I.B.I.).
7.Transportation
A priority for implementation of the Susitna Area Plan will be to
improve road access into the Susitna Lowlands by extending roads south
717
from Petersville Road.Road access is necessary for forestry and
agricultural development and for most residential use.
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 road,and (2)extension
and upgrading of the Shulin Lake winter trail across the Kahiltna
River and Lake Creek.Construction of the northern half 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 management
unit 10 and state and borough lands in management units 11,12,13 and
14.The Shulin Lake route is a longer term project that eventually
could provide access to settlement and forestry lands on both sides of
the Kahiltna and open up large areas to hunting and other recreational
activities.
II.MANAGEMENT INTENT AND GUIDELINES 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 hab-
itat.The Yentna River is the main transportation route through the unit.
The Yentna,Donkey Creek Slough,and Gagnan Creek also prOVide access for
moose hunting and fishing.This management unit is virtually all state owned
or state selected.These lands will be retained in public ownership to
protect wetlands and fish and wildlife habitat,including swan nesting areas
and moose winter range,and to provide for public recreation.Management unit
1 will remain open to mineral location and available for coal leasing.
There are two subunits within management unit 1:the swan nesting area in the
northwest half of the region (lb),and the lowlands and Yentna River flood-
plain that make up the southeast half of the area (la).See the maps at the
end of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart
for a summary of lan~uses for each subunit.
Subunit 1a (Yentna Valley)will be retained in public ownership and managed
for fish and wildlife habitat;water resources;and hunting,fishing and
boating on the Yentna River and Donkey Creek slough.
Subunit 1b (Swan Habitat)will be retained in public ownership and proposed
for legislative or administrative designation to protect swan nesting areas,
salmon spawning streams,moose winter range,and public recreation
opportunities.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses wi thin this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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SUBREGION $l)s~LOW~MANAGEMENT UNIT 1-UPPER ...,~
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE LEASE ABLE USE(S)*PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
la State Water Resources Public Rec.Open Available for Grazing -
Yentna Wildlife Habitat Forestry leasing Remote Cabins
Valley Land Disposals
Ib State/Water Resources Forestry Open Available for Grazing RecOlllJDCnded for
Swan State Wildlife Habitat Public leasing Land Disposals legislative or
Habitat Selected Rec.administrative
designation
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are f10t
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
Agriculture
Fish &Wildlife
*Forestry
*Recreation
Settlement
Subsurface
Transportation
*Lakeshore Management
Instream Flow
Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
Resource Management r
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit la and Ib (Yentna Valley and Swan Habitat)
Grazing
The lands within this area will be closed to grazing because of their
importance as moose winter range.
Subunit Ib (Swan Habitat)
Swan Nesting Habitat
This subunit is recommended for legislative or administrative designation
to protect swans.Until designation takes place,the following gUidelines
are intended to provide sufficient protection and will be applied by the
Department.
1.Restricted Activities.Activities that potentially will damage swan
nesting habitat or cause visual or noise disturbance should be prohibited
from April 1 through August 31 within at least one-quarter mile of current
or potential swan nesting or staging ponds,marshes or lakes.Particular
activities may be restricted in a wider area if their potential level of
damage or disturbance warrants doing so.Activities that may be
restricted include,but are not limited to,use of off-road vehicles,
airplanes and motorboats.However,some traditional access routes and
sites will be designated that will remain open to motorized access.
[Note:This guideline will result in the restriction of the activities
described above on most ponds,marshes and lakes other than those that
have been identified as traditional access points.]
2.At a minium,permits should not be issued for those types of off-road
vehicle use requiring permits in the areas and during the period described
in 1.above.
3.Aircraft.At a minimum,landing of aircraft should be prohibited in
the areas and during the period described in 1.above unless at designated
access sites.
Management Planning/Remote Cabins
A management plan should be prepared for subunit lb.The management plan
will determine,among other things,whether remote cabins will be a per-
mitted use in this subunit.Remote cabin permits will not be offered
until and unless areas open to remote cabins are designated by a
management plan.
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MANAGEMENT UNIT 2:KICHATNA/NAlC.OCHNA
MANAG~IENT INTENT
This unit comprises the drainages of Johnson Creek and the Kichatna and
Nakochna Rivers,and land surrounding large recreational lakes such as Shell,
Ones tone ,Hewitt and Whiskey Lakes.The Nakochna and Kichatna Rivers,Johnson
and Red Creeks are all anadromous fish streams with high value as moose winter
range.Hewitt and Shell Creeks are also anadromous fish streams,and Shell
Creek is an important recreational stream as well.The Iditarod Trail runs
along the southern edge of the management unit.Approximately two-thirds of
the lands in the unit are within the boundaries of past state disposal
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 exist along
the Nakochna and Kichatna Rivers above their confluence.A mix of public and
private uses will be accommodated on lands within this management unit.
Management unit 2 will remain open to mineral location and available for
coal leasing with the exception of the existing and proposed disposal areas
(subunits 2b and 2c).All public lands in this unit are available for oil and
gas leasing.
The six 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);lands between the rivers within the
boundaries of past land disposals that are available for additional settlement
(2b);existing subdivisions (2c);Shell Creek corridor (2d);Shell Hill (2e);
and four parcels of land adjacent to past sales in the Shell Lake-Skwentna
River vicinity (2f).See the maps at the end of this section for boundaries
of these areas,and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses for each
subunit.
Subunit 2a,the western reaches of the management unit and the corridors of
the Nakochna River,Kichatna River and Johnson Creek will be retained in
public ownership for habitat,public recreation,timber management,mining,
and coal development.Remote cabin permits are an allowed use on state lands
within this area.
Subunit 2b is made up primarily of land within the past Kichatna,Johnson
Creek,Hewitt-Whiskey Lake and Shell Hills remote parcel offerings.Host of
the area included in past land disposal areas will remain available for
additional settlement.Subunit 2b also includes one new settlement area west
of the existing disposals between the Kichatna River and Johnson Creek.
Consistent with the general subsurface policy in Chapter 2,the unstaked
portions of the past Johnson Creek,Kichatna,and Nakochna remote parcel areas
in this subunit will be reopened to mineral location and mineral leasing.The
portions of subunit 2b outside the past disposal areas will continue to be
open to location and mineral leasing.
Subunit 2c is composed of the existing Shell Hills,Onestone Lake,Shell Lake
North and Hewitt-Whiskey subdivisions.There are 400 to SOO surveyed lots
within these subdivisions that are as yet unsold and will remain available for
sale over-the-counter.
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LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
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SUBREGION
SUBUNIT
2a
Western
region
2b
KichaLna,
Johnson
Cr.,Hewit t
Lake &
Shell Hills
remote
parcel
areas
MANAGEMENT UNIT Z-k\(.H'A-ThJA INtlKOC\.H'I~
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE lEASEABlE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
StaLe Public Recreatior.Forestry Open Available for Land Disposals
Wildlife Habitat Remote Cabins leasing Portions
closed to
grazing (see
mgmt.
guidelines)
Stat.e/Settlement Forestry Closed Not available Portions Estimated netPrivate(partly past (personal use)for coal closed to disposal area =remote parcel Public Rec.leasing or grazing (see 16,580 acresofferings)Wildlife Hab.prospecting mgmt.
guidelines)
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that me flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with Ihe
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
Subuni t 2d (Shell Creek corridor)will be retained in public ownership for
public recreation and fish and wildlife habitat.This creek is an important
recreational route connecting Shell Lake to the Yentna River.
Subunit 2e (Shell Hill)is a highland area,largely above treeline,that
provides moose winter range and grizzly habitat.These state lands will be
retained in public ownership and designated for public recreation and wildlife
habitat.
Subunit 2f consists of four parcels of state land in the Shell Lake-Skwentna
River vicinity.These lands,like the surrounding areas that have been offered
for sale previously,have good capability to support settlement.However,
because much of the surrounding area is within past and future sales these
parcels also are valuable for public use and open space.This subunit is
designated resource management-high value,and this area will be reevaluated
in the future to determine its best long term use,and to decide whether it
will be offered for sale or retained in public ownership.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses wi thin this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the following list.L
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Agriculture
Fish &Wildlife
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
Transportation
*Lakeshore ~1anagement
Instream Flow
*Public Access
*Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Subunit 2a (Western Region)
Grazing
Grazing is prohibited within those portions of subunit 2a in T23N R12W
S.M.and T23N R13W S.M.
Subunit 2b (Kichatna,Johnson Creek,HeWitt-Whiskey Lake and Shell Hills Past
Remote Parcel Areas)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit uses such as fishing,camping and other active uses,and to
protect water quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land
should be retained in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a
case-by-case basis using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum
buffer width (200'on each side of the river)should be used on Red Creek
downstream from the unnamed tributary in T23N R14W S.M.section 25,on the
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unnamed stream crossing TZZN RIZW S.M.section 4,on the two major
branches of this stream that join in Section 4,and on the main tributary
to the Kichatna River that crosses TZ3N R13W S.M.section 9.A 100'
buffer will be retained on Red Creek upstream from the unnamed tributary
in TZ3N R14W S.M.section Z5,and on the stream crossing TZZN RIZW S.M.
sections 15 &16.
A 50'access easement and 50'building setback will be applied to all
other streams in the existing disposal areas.In the portion of this
subunit that has not been offered for sale previously (i.e.,that portion
of Zb in TZZN and Z3N R15W,TZ3N R14W Sections 31 &3Z,and T2ZN R14W
Sections 5,6 &8),the standard minimum buffer width (ZOO'on each side of
the river)should be used on the unnamed streains that appear on the
1:63,360 scale USGS topographic maps.
Grazing
Grazing is prohibited in those portions of Subunit Zb within the following
areas because of their importance as moose winter range:
TZ3N R14W Sections 1,2,lZ and 13,S.M.
TZ2N R13W Sections 1 -3,and 11,S.M.
T2ZN RIZW,S.~1.
TZIN RIZW,S.M.
Woodlots
Additional woodlots must be identified and retained in public ownership
near settlement areas south of Johnson Creek prior to more disposal
offerings in these areas.
Subunit Zc (Shell Hills,Shell L.North,Hewitt-Whiskey and Onestone
Subdivisions)
Grazing
Grazing is prohibited in all of subunit Zc except for the portion within
T2ZN RIZW and 13W.The closure is intended to protect the important moose
winter range in this area.
Subunit 2d (Shell Creek Corridor)
Trail Management
A trail corridor connecting Shell Lake with the Shell Creek corridor will
be identified and retained in public ownership subject to the trail man-
agement policies in Chapter Z.
Subunit 2f (Shell Lake Perimeter)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the unnamed streams that appear
on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographic maps is to permit uses such as
fishing,camping and other active uses and to protect water quality and
riparian habitat.Consequently,this land should be retained in public
ownership.Corridor widths w;1l1 be set on a case-by-case basis using
policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on each
side of the river)should be used.
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Grazing
Grazing is prohibited within the portions of subunit 2f in T24N R13W S.M.
sections 1,2 and 11 and T21N R12W S.M.This closure is intended to
protect important moose winter range.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 3:SKWENTNA RIVER '
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This unit includes the floodplains of the Skwentna and Hayes Rivers and the
uplands between the two rivers.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 and adja-
cent riparian lands support several species of salmon,provide important moose
winter range and have important swan nesting areas.The river corridors
support forests that can supply timber for personal use.The Iditarod Trail
follows the Skwentna River through this unit.Mobil Oil Company has a coal
lease that extends south to the Skwentna River near its confluence with the
Hayes River.Some of the adjacent lands have high to moderate potential for
coal development as well.Most of the management unit will remain in public
ownership to protect habitat and public recreation values.One area of land
between the Hayes and Skwentna Rivers will be available for remote
settlement.Management unit 3 will remain open to mineral location and
available for coal leasing with the exception of the proposed disposal area
(subunit 3b),which will be closed prior to sale.All public lands in this
unit are available for oil and gas leasing.
The three subunits in Management Unit 3 are the Skwentna River and Spring
Creek corridors (3a),lands identified for settlement west of Porcupine Butte
(3b),and important swan habitat along the Hayes River (3c).See the maps at
the end of this section for boundaries of these areas,and the accompanying
chart for a summary of land uses for each subunit.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
Subunit 3b (Porcupine Butte West)will be designated for settlement.This
state land is accessible from the Skwentna River and offers opportunities for
remote settlement,particularly recreation and seasonal use.
Subunit 3c contains state-owned and state-selected lands with critical
trumpeter swan nesting habitat along the Hayes River.It will be retained in
public ownership and proposed for legislative or administrative designation to
protect the swans and their nesting habitat,water resources,and other
riparian habitat values.
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Subunit 3a (Skwentna
in the long term.
state-selected lands
above.
Valley/Spring Creek)will be retained in public ownership
The management intent for these state-owned and
is to protect water resources and the public values noted
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the gUidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
245
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
3-$KWe.NTh l<\~MANAGEMENT UNIT
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED
SUBUNIT LAND
SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTSOWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED JSECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)-
PRIMARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
2c State/Settlement Forestry Closed Not available Remote Cabins Approximately 450ShellBorough/(existing (personal use)for coal Trapper Cabins unsold surveyedHills.Private subdiVisions)Public Rec.leasing or Portions lots remainShellLakeWildlifeHab.prospecting closed to availableNorth.grazing (see over-the-counterHewitt-rngmt.
Whiskey.&guidelines)
Onestone
Lake
Subdivi-
sions
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2d State Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for Land Disposals -Shell Creek Water Resources leasing Remote CabinscorridorWildlifeHabitatTrapperCabins
2e State Publk Recr~at ion --Open Available for Land Disposals -Shell Hill Wildlife Habitat leasing Remote Cabins
2f State Resource Management (high)Open Available for Land Disposals -Shell Lake Values:For~stry,Settlement,leasing
perimeter Wildlife Habitation
'Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
MANAGEMENT UNITSUBREGION
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED
SUBUNIT LAND
SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTSOWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
3a State/Forestry Remote Cabins Open Available for Grazing -Skwentna State Public Recreation leasing Land DisposalsValley/selected Water Resources
Spring Wildlife Habitat
Creek
3b State/Settlement Forestry Closed prior Not available Grazing Estimated netPorcupineStatePublicRec.to disposal for leasing Land Disposals disposal area =Butte West selected Wildlife Hab.1600 acres
State/Wat.er Resources Forestry Open Available for Grazing Proposed for3cStateWildlifeHabitatPublicRec.leasing Land Disposals legislative orSwanselectedadministrativeHabitatdesignation
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that rne flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management gUidelines In chapter 2.
Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife
*Forestry
*Recreation
Settlement
Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
Lakeshore Management
Public Access
*Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetlands Management
*Resource Management
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit 3b (Porcupine Butte West)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit uses such as fishing,camping and other active uses and to
protect water quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land
should be retained in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a
case-by-case basis using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum
buffer width (200'on each side of the river)should be used on the
unnamed streams that appear on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographic maps.
Subunit 3c (Swan Habitat)
Critical Swan Habitat
This subunit is recommended for legislative or administrative designation
to protect swans.Until designation takes place,the following guidelines
are intended to provide sufficient protection and will be applied by the
Department.
1.Restricted Activities.Activities that potentially will damage swan
nesting habitat or cause visual or noise disturbance should be prohibited
from April 1 through August 31 within at least one-quarter mile of current
or potential swan nesting or staging ponds,marshes or lakes.Particular
activities may be restricted in a wider area if their potential level of
damage or disturbance warrants doing so.Activities that may be
restricted include,but are not limited to,use of off-road vehicles,
airplanes and motorboats.However,some traditional access routes and
sites will be designated that will remain open to motorized access.
[Note:This guideline will result in the restriction of the activities
described above on most ponds,marshes and lakes other than those that
have been identified as traditional access points.]
2.At a minium,permits should not be issued for those types of off-road
vehicle use requiring permits in the areas and during the period described
in 1.above.
3.Aircraft.At a minimum,landing of aircraft should be prohibited in
the areas and during the period described in 1.above unless at designated
access sites.
248
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Management Planning/Remote Cabins
A management plan should be prepared for subunit 3c.The management plan
will determine,among other things,whether remote cabins will be a per-
mitted use in this subunit.Remote cabin permits will not be offered
until and unless areas open to remote cabins are designated by a
management plan.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 4:SKWENTNA.FLATS
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 nor-
thern part of the management unit.The amount of subsistence-related fish and
wildlife use in this area is the second greatest in the study area.The
Iditarod Trail crosses the southern part of the area.The Skwentna River and
Eightmile Creek are important anadromous fish streams and provide moose winter
range.The lowlands offer some opportunities for additional remote,low den-
sity 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 mix-
ture of public and private uses.The population in this management unit is
likely to grow on past and proposed land sales and other private lands in this
area.State and/or borough land should be set aside for community facilities
near Skwentna,and if it becomes necessary,near other growing settlements.
(See also management guidelines regarding community facilities in subunit
Sa).Management unit 4 will be open to mineral location and available for
coal leasing with the exception of the existing and proposed disposal areas
(subunits 4c,4e,and a portion of subunit 4a).All public lands in this unit
are available for oil and gas leasing.
There are five subunits within this management unit:private and Native lands
around the town of 'Skwentna (4a),Skwentna Flats (4b),land adjacent to the
Skwentna River available for settlement (4c),borough lands at Sevenmile Lake
(4d),and Skwentna Flats Subdivision (4e).See the maps at the end of this
section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary
of land uses for each subunit.
Subunit 4a:Private and Native lands around the town of Skwentna,including
the existing Skwentna Station Subdivision,will be a focus of settlement
activity.Unsold surveyed lots in the subdivision will remain available for
sale over-the-counter.
Subunit 4b ,state land in the Skwentna Flats,including the Eightmile Creek
drainage,will be retained in public ownership for forestry,fish and wildlife
habitat,and public recreation.The lands in this unit within the boundaries
of the past Skwentna Flats/Skwentna Flats Addition remote parcel disposals
will be closed to further land sales,but the lands east of Eightmile Creek
will be open to remote cabin permits.Retention of subunit 4b will protect
Eightmile Creek,a particularly valuable salmon spawning stream.It also will
help keep timber available for personal use by local residents.Consistent
with the general subsurface policy in Chapter 2,the unstaked portions of the
past Skwentna Flats remote parcel area will be reopened to mineral entry.
249
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
MANAGEMENT UNITONSUBREGI
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED
SUBUNIT LAND
SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTSOWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S)
lDCATABlE lEASEABlE USE(S)·
MINERALS MINERALS
4a Native Primarily private -Closed within Not available -Approximately 15SkwentnaPrivateland(part exist-existing for coal unsold surveyedStationingsubdivisionsubdivisionleasingorlotsremain
prospecting available
within over-the-counter
existing
subdivision
4b State Forestry Remote Cabins Open Available for Grazing -Skwentna (personal use)(east of leasing Remote Cabins
Flats Public Recreation Eight-mile Land Disposals
Water Resources Creek)
Wildlife Habitat
4c State Settlement Forestry Closed Not available Grazing Estimat.ed net.Skwentna (part past re-(personal use)for coal disposal area =River Sale mote parcel Public Rec.leasing or 1.320 acres
offering)Wildlife Hab.prospecting
4d Borough Borough Land Bank Open Available for ---Severunile Values:Wildlife Habitat..leasing
L.Settlement,Public
Recreation
4e State/Settlement Forestry Closed Not available Grazing Approximat.ely 20SkwentnaPrivate(existing sub-Public Rec.for coal Remote Cabins unsold surveyedFlatsdivision)Wildlife Hab.leasing or Trapper Cabins lots remainSubdivisionprospectingavailable
over-the-counter
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·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit.and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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Subunit 4c:Additional low density settlement is the primary use.These are
state-owned lowlands accessible from the Skwentna River.
Subunit 4d,borough lands around Sevenmile Lake,will be included in the
borough land bank.These lands may be available for sale in the long term,
but there are no plans for disposal in the near future.Reevaluation to
determine the best long term use of this area will consider settlement,
forestry,fish and wildlife habitat and public recreation values.
Subunit 4e is the existing Skwentna Flats Subdivision.Unsold surveyed lots
in the subdivision will remain available for sale over-the-counter.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore }~nagement
*Public Access
*Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
Resource l1anagement
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit 4b (Skwentna Flats)
Remote Cabins
Remote cabin permits will not be allowed within a corridor along Eightmile
creek that is at least 200'wide on either side of the stream.[Note:
the standard Chapter 2 policies on location of cabins near lakes,streams,
trails and wetlands also will apply to this subunit.]
Subunits 4c and 4d (Skwentna River Sale and Sevenmile Lake)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the unnamed streams that appear
on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographic maps is to permit fishing,camping
and other active uses,and to protect water quality and riparian habitat.
Consequently,this land should be retained in public ownership.Corridor
widths will be set on a case-by-case basis using policies in Chapter 2.
The standard minimum buffer width (200'on each side of the river)should
be used on these streams.
251
MANAGID1ENT INTENT
MANAGEUENT UNIT 5:MIDDLE YENTNA.
Management unit 5 includes the Yentna River floodplain,Twentymile Slough,and
and the Fish Lake/Bulchitna Lake country.The Yentna River serves as an
important transportation route through this management unit.Twentymile
Slough,Fish Creek and the Yentna are important waterways for salmon,and the
land along these streams provides black bear habitat,moose winter range and
timber for local use.There is a concentration of mining claims along the
Kahiltna River where it joins the Yentna.The numerous lakes north of the
Yentna provide attractive sites for private recreation,and there is some
potential for agricultural development in a small area southwest of Bulchitna
River.The corridor of the Yentna River will be retained in public ownership
to protect opportunities for public recreation,fish and wildlife habitat
management,and timber management,and to maintain visual quality along the
river banks.Private land uses will be supported on other lands in the unit.
The population in this management unit is likely to grow as a result of past
and proposed land sales.State and/or borough land should be set aside for
community facilities near Skwentna (see guidelines for subunit Sa)and,if it
becomes necessary,near other growing settlements in this area (e.g.,Lake
Creek).All public lands in this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.
Management unit 5 will be open to mineral location and available for coal
leasing except for the existing and proposed disposal areas (subunits 5c,5d,
5e)•
The six subunits in management unit 5 are:the northern part of the Yentna
River floodplain from Bottle Creek west (5a);lands with agricultural poten-
tial (5b);the existing Alder View disposal (5c);Bulchitna Lake (5d),a
proposed addition to Alder View Subdivision (5e),and the southern floodplain
area (Sf)See the maps at the end of this section for boundaries of these
areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses for each subunit.
Subunit Sa consists of riparian lands in state ownership along the Yentna and
lower Skwentna Rivers.These lands will be retained in public ownership and
managed for public recreation,wildlife habitat,forestry,scenic quality,and
transportation.In addition,a portion of this subunit may be used for
community facilities for the town of Skwentna.
Subunit 5b:The state lands in this subunit will be designated resource
management/high value.For the near term (approximately 5 years),subunit 5b
will be retained in public ownership and managed for public recreation,
habitat,forestry,transportation and scenic quality.When these lands are
reevaluated to determine their the best long term use,major values to be
considered are wildlife habitat,water resources,public recreation,forestry,
settlement,and transportation.
Subunit 5c:Settlement is the primary use of this subunit,the existing Alder
View Subdivision.Unsold surveyed lots in the subdivision will remain
available for sale over-the-counter.
Subunit 5d:The borough land surrounding Bulchitna Lake generally will be
retained in public ownership for public recreation and fish and wildlife
habitat.Commercial development to support recreation activities is
designated a primary use of this subunit.Most of the large lakes within this
252
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SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS
5a State Forestry Open Available for Grazing -
Yentna Public Recreation leasing Land Disposals
floodplain-Water Resources ReJoote Cabins
(north Wildlife Habitat
half)
5b State Resource Managerent (high)Open Available "for Grazing --
Southwest leasing Land Disposals
Bulchitna Values:Agriculture,Forestry,
Settlement,Public
Recreation,Wildlife
Habitat
5c State/Settlerent Forestry Closed Not available Grazing Approximately 60
Alder View Private (existing sub-(personal use)for coal ReIoote Cabins unsold surveyed
division)Public Rec.leasing or Trapper Cabins lots remain
Wildlife Hab.prospecting available
ove r-the-counte r
5d Borough Commercial Forestry Closed Not available Grazing --
Bulchitna Development for coal Land Disposals
L.Public Recreation leasing or
Wildlife Habitat prospecting
5e State Settlement Forestry Closed prior Not available Remote Cabins Estimated net
Alder View (personal use)to disposal for coal Trapper Cabins disposal area =
Addition Public Rec.leasing or 375 acres
Wildlife'Hab.prospecting
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the r~levant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
MANAGEMENT UNIT 5 -1'1\\DDLE....../ENnJ ~
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SUBUNIT
Sf
Yentna
Floodplain
(south
half)
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE LEASEABlE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
State Forestry Open Available for Grazing Recoounended for
Public Recreation leasing Land Disposals legis lative
Water Resources designation
Wildlife Habitat
•Other uses such as material sales.land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that ore flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with tlhe
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management gUidelines in chapter 2.
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management unit are surrounded by private lands,increasing the importance of
retaining some lakeshore for public use.Forestry is a secondary use in the
subunit.Timber harvesting is an allowed use when consistent with the
recreation and habitat objectives for the subunit.
Subunit 5e is a proposed state disposal area adjacent to the northern edge of
Alder View SUbdivision.
Subunit Sf is the Yentna floodplain south of Alder View Subdivision.This
land will be retained in public ownership and managed to protect riparian
habitat and water resources and to provide opportunities for public recreation
and timber management.Because of the high public values present,and
particularly because of the unit's importance as moose winter range,this area
is recommended for legislative designation as a multiple use foresty and
habitat area.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are mos t likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
Subunit Sa (Yentna Floodplain -north half)
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
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Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Community Facilities.
A portion of subunit Sa between the Skwentna and Yentna Rivers may be
needed in the future as a site for a school or other necessary community
facilities.Actions that would preclude the option to designate land for
this purpose will be prohibited until a determination of the need for
community facility land has been made.
Subunit 5c (Alder View)
Lakeshore Management
Where more than 50%of the land within 500'of the lakes in subunit 5c is
already in private ownership,remaining public land should be kept in pub-
lic ownership because of the lakes'value for public recreation.
255
Subunit 5c and 5e (Alder View and Alder View Addition)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adj acent to Fish Creek is to permit fish-
ing,camping and other active uses,to protect water quality and riparian
habitat and to minimize conflicts with bear concentration areas.
Consequently,this land should be retained in public ownership.The
corridor on Fish Creek should be at least 300'wide on each side of the
creek to achieve these purposes.
Woodlots
Woodlots for personal use should be designated and retained prior to
design of additional sales in subunit 5c and 5e.
Subunit 5f (Yentna Floodplain -south half)
Management Planning and Remote Cabins
A management plan should be prepared for subunit 5f.The management plan
will determine,among other things,whether remote cabins will be a
permitted use in this subunit.Remote cabin permits will not be offered
until and unless areas open to remote cabins are designated by a
management plan.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 6:ALEXANDER CREEK
MANAGEMENT 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.Several 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 very popular destination for
fishing and float trips.Many of the smaller creeks also support anadromous
fish populations (Lower Sucker,Wolverine,Clear,Texas,Anderson and Bear
Creeks)and provide winter range for moose (Deep,Fox,Rabbit,Kutna,Lower
Sucker,Clear,Texas and Bear Creeks).The Iditarod Trail crosses through the
center of the management unit.Lands around Sucker Lake and near the
Yentna-Susitna confluence also have some 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 disposals in portions of the management unit.All public
lands in this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.Management Unit 6
will remain open to mineral location and available for coal leasing except for
the existing and proposed disposal areas (subunits 6c and 6f),and the
Alexander Creek corridor which is proposed for legislative designation as a
state recreation river (subunit 6d),and land along Lower Sucker Creek (closed
to location only,available for leasing).
256
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LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
SUBSURFACESUBUNITLAND
OWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED)
SURFACE
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S)
LOCATABLE
MINERALS
LEASEABLE
MINERALS
PROHIBITED
SURFACE
USE(S)*
COMMENTS
6a
Kutna Flats
State Water Resources
Wildlife Habitat
Forestry
Public Rec.
Remote Cabins
Open Available for
leasing
Grazing
Land Disposals
6b State/Resource Management (high)/Borough Open except Available for Grazing -
Trail L./Borough Land Bank along Lower leasing Land Disposals
Anderson Sucker Creek
Creek Values:Agriculture,Forestry,(see mgmt.
Settlement,Wildlife guidelines
Habitat
oJ
n....
6c State Settlement Forestry Closed prior Not available Remote Cabins Estimated net
Rabbit (personal use)to disposal for coal Trapper Cabins disposal area =
Lake/Public Rec.leasing or 240 acres
Toms Creek Wildlife Hab.prospecting
6d
Alexander
Cr.
State Public Recreation
Water Resources
Wildlife Habitat
Forestry Closed
.,
;
Not available
for coal
leasing or
prospecting
Grazing
Trapper Cabins
Land Disposals
Recommended for
legislative
designation
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION 5VS~lOJJ 1.....A-14 Des MANAGEMENT UNIT b-AL~ANOCV<..CK
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED)
ISECONDARY USErS)
LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USErS)MINERALS MINERALS
6e State Forestry -Open Available for Grazing Reconmended for
Trail Ridge Public Recreation leasing legislative
Wildlife Habitat designation
Approximately 160
6f State/Settlement (past Forestry Closed Not available Grazing unsold surveyed
Kutna Private subdivisions &(personal use)for coal Remote Cabins lots remain
Creek,remote parcel Public Rec.leasing or Trapper Cabins available
Otter offering)Wlldlife Hab.prospecting over-the-counter
Lakes,&
Trail Ridge
Disposals
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
,.....!!l..anapement gUideli~s in chapt~r 2.,__,__
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Although presently remote from year-round roads,the southern portion of the
unit is accessible by winter roads that cross the ,Susitna River on an ice
bridge.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 the low level of
resource development that is likely in the near future (approximately 5 years)
will not require additional access.
There are six subuni ts in the management unit:the large wetlands in Kutna
Flats (6a);resource management lands around Trail Lake,Deep Creek and Clear
Creek and borough land bank lands west of Susitna Station and around Sucker
Lake (6b);state owned areas proposed for settlement in the Sucker Lake area
(6c);Alexander Creek corridor (6d);Trail Ridge and Anderson Creek (6e);and
past remote parcel offerings and existing subdivisions (6f).See the maps at
the end of this section for the boundaries of these areas,and the
accompanying chart for a summary of land uses for each subunit.
Subunit 6a:The large wetland areas in the Kutna Flats will be retained in
public ownership for wildlife habitat and water resource protection and public
use.
Subunit 6b:These lands 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.The
potential for future development is high,but since provision of access#:i.s
unlikely in the next few years,state lands in this subunit are designated
resource management-high value,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.
Subunit 6c:Settlement is the primary designation on state-owned lands around
Rabbit Lake and Toms Creek.
Subunit 6d:Alexander Creek corridor and Alexander Lake will be retained in
public ownership and managed for fish and wildlife habitat,public recreation
and watershed protection.Because of its extremely high habitat and
recreation values,this unit is recommended for legislative designation as a
state recreation river.It is rated by the Department of Fish and Game as the
third most important river in the Susitna Area for habitat and public use,and
is one of five rivers in the study area proposed for designation as a state
recreation river in the Southcentral Recreation Action Plan prepared by ADNR
and ADF&G.Public cabins should be built in subunit 6d to support
recreational use of Alexander Creek.Forestry is a secondary use in this
subunit.Timber harvesting will be allowed when consistent with the habitat
and recreation objectives for the subunit.
Subunit 6e consists of state lands along Trail Ridge.These lands have very
high habitat value (especially as moose winter range)and potential for
commercial forestry.They have been proposed for legislative designation to
provide for long-term timber and habitat management, and to provide public
recreation opportunities adjacent to the Yentna and Susitna River corridors.
Subunit 6f:Settlement is the primary designation along the Yentna River in
the past Kutna remote parcel disposal area,and in the existing Kutna,Otter
Lake and Trail Ridge subdivisions.Unsold surveyed lots in the subdivisions
will remain available over-the-counter.Numerous parcels have been staked in
the Kutna remote area in the past.There are no immediate plans for
259
additional sales in the past Kutna remote parcel area,but this area may be
reconsidered for additional offerings in the future.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
Public Access
*Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
Resource Management
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit 6d (Alexander Creek)
Commercial development
Commercial development to support recreational activities is a permitted
use in the Alexander Creek subunit.
Management Planning and Remote Cabins
A management plan should be prepared for subunit 6d in conjuction with
management planning for the portion of Alexander Creek corridor in the
Mt.Susitna subregion.The management plan should develop g~idelines to
prevent snowmachine disturbance of moose populations that winter along
Alexander Creek.The management plan will determine whether remote cabins
will be a permitted use in this subunit.Remote cabin permits will not be
offered until and unless areas open to remote cabins are disignated by a
management plan.
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Mining
Public lands within 200'of Lower Sucker Creek will be closed to mineral l
location.The closure is intended to protect water quality and fish and -
wildlife habitat in oner of the most important tributaries to Alexander
Creek.
Oil and Gas
Oil and gas exploration and development activities will be sited and/or [•
timed to mitigate impacts on the fish and wildlife habitat and public use
values of the Alexander Creek corridor.Specific mitigation measures
necessary to protect the values for which the river corridor was
established will be developed as part of the lease sale process.
Mitigation measures will be developed on a case by case basis considering
timing,topography,vegetation and other factors affecting the impact of
oil and gas exploration and development activities on fish and wildlife,
habitat and public use values.
260
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Interagency Consultation
Since protecion of habitat and recreation values is of"such importance in
this unit and the area is being recommended for legislative designation,
special consideration should be given to consulting with the Division of
Parks and Outdoor Recreation and the Department of Fish and Game when
reviewing permit or lease applications in this unit.
Transportation
Road crossings of Alexander Creek should be minimized.Road crossings
must be designed in consultation with the Division of Parks and Outdoor
Recreation and the Department of Fish and Game.
Subunits 6b,6c,and 6f (Sucker Lake-Trail Lake,Rabbit Lake,and Past Dis-
posal)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit uses such as fishing,camping and other active uses,and to
protect water quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land
should be retained in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a
case-by-case basis using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum
buf fer width (200'on each side of the river)should be used on Deep,
Clear,Toms,Anderson,Kutna and Snag CreekS,and unnamed creeks th~t
appear on the USGS 1:63,360 scale topographic maps.The corridor on lower
Sucker Creek should be 1/4 mile wide on each side to protect the
opportunities for "wilderness camping"and hunting on one of the most
important tributaries to Alexander Creek.
Subunit 6e (Trail Ridge)
Management Plans and Remote Cabins
It is recommended that a management plan be prepared for units 6e,13d and
13e.The management plan will determine,among other things,whether or
not remote cabins will be permitted in these subunits.Remote cabin
permits will not be offered until and unless areas open to remote cabins
are designated by a management plan.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 7:LAKE CREEK
MANAGEMENT INTENT
Management Unit 7 covers state-owned and state-selected lands in the Lake
Creek corridor,lowland 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 fish streams.Yenlo Creek is the site
*Those streams with headwaters rising in Sections 25 and 35,T25N RllW,and
in T24N lOW S.M.,section 23.
261
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION 8J5\"fML\LOW LANO?MANAGEMENT UNIT 1-LAK.e..Cv<..~
N
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LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
7a State Forestry -Open except Available for Land Disposals RecoIllIlended for
Forest Public Recreation along Yenlo leasing legislative
Lands Wildlife Habitat Creek (see designation
mgmt.
guidelines)
7b State/Public Recreation Forestry Closed Not available Land Disposals Recommended for
Lake Creek State Water Resources for coal legislative
Corridor Selected Wildlife Habitat leasing or designation
prospecting
,
7c State Settlement Forestry Closed prior Not available
Shovel Lake Selected (personal use)to disposal for coal Grazing Estimated net
East Public leasing or disposal area =
Recreation prospecting 1,070 acres
Wildlife Habitat
·Other uses such as material sales.land leases,remote cabin permits.etc.,that ore flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit.and with the relevant
management guidelines In chapter 2.
r
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!I.
of seasonal concentrations of black bear,while Lake Creek is a popular
destination for fishing and float trips.Concentrations of mining claims 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.
All public lands in this unit are available for oil and gas .leasing •In
addition,subunit 7a will remain open to mineral location except for lands
along Yenlo Creek and be available for coal leasing.
There is no existing road access to this area and provision of access is not
imminent.It is recommended that an extension of the Shulin Lake trail across
the Kahiltna River be considered to provide access to the forest lands west of
Lake Creek.See the transportation section of chapter 4 for additional
information.
The three subunits in this management unit are the forest lands west of Lake
Creek (7a),Lake Creek corridor (7b),and an area available for settlement
east of Shovel Lake (7c).See the maps at the end of this section for
boundaries of these areas,and the accompanying chart for a summary of land
uses for each subunit.
Subunit 7a is densely forested land west of Lake Creek and north of Link
Lake.This subunit will be retained in public ownership and recommended for
legislative designation in recognition of the high forest values throughout
the subunit.The land will be managed for timber,habitat and public
recreation.
Subunit 7b,the Lake Creek corridor will be retained in public ownership and
managed for fish and wildlife habitat,public recreation and water resources.
Because of its extremely high value for recreation and habitat,this subunit
is recommended for legislative designation.The Department of Fish and Game
rated Lake Creek the second most important river in the study area for habitat
values and public use.It is one of five rivers in the study area proposed
for legislative designation by the ADNR and ADF&G in the Southcentral
Recreation Action Plan.This is a high priority area for construction of
public use cabins.Forestry is a secondary use in the Lake Creek corridor.
Timber harvesting will be allowed when consistent with the public recreation
and habitat objectives of the subunit.
Subunit 7c:Settlement is the primary designation on the lands around the
string of lakes to the north of Shovel Lake.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
263
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
Subsurface
*Transportation
*Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit 7a (Forest Land)
Mining
Public lands within 1/4-mile of Yenlo Creek will be closed to mineral
location.The closure is intended to protect water quality and fish and
wildlife habitat in one of the most important tributaries to Lake Creek.
Subunit 7a and 7b (Forest Land and Lake Creek Corridor)
Remote Cabins and Management Planning
A management plan should be prepared for subunits 7a and 7b.The
management plan will determine,among other things,whether or not remote
cabins will be permitted within these subunits.Remote cabin permits will
not be offered until and unless areas open to remote cabins are designated
by a management plan.
Transportation
Chapter 4 of this plan indentifies a system of possible improvements to
the regional and local transportation system.One route passes through
subunit 7b.The precise location of this route has not been determined,
although a general location is shown on the maps in Chapter 4.Land use
authorization in this unit such as land sales,leases,or other actions
should be located so as not to preclude the option to build this road
along a feasible and efficient route.L
Road crossings in the Lake Creek corridor should be minimized.All cross-
ings 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.
Oil and Gas
Oil and gas exploration and development activities will be sited and/or
timed to mitigate impacts on the fish and wildlife habitat and public use
values of the Lake Creek corridor.Specific mitigation measures necessary
to protect the values for which the river corridor was established will be
developed as part of the lease sale process.Mitigation measures will be
developed on a case by case basis considering timing,topography,
vegetation and other factors affecting the impact of oil and gas
exploration and development activities on fish and wildlife,habitat and
public use values.
Interagency Consultation
Since protection of habitat and recreation values is of such importance in
this unit and the area is being recommended for administrative or legisla-
tive designation,special consideration should be given to consulting with
the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation and the Department of Fish
and Game when reviewing permit or lease applications in this unit.
264
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MANAGEMENT uNIT 8:McDOUGAL
MANAGEMENT INTENT
The McDougal management unit is composed of state lands between Lake Creek and
the Kahiltna River within the boundaries of past remote parcel disposal
areas.The lands are a mixture of lowland forests,lakes and
wetlands.Although the Kahiltna River is not boatable,it supports runs of
king,coho,silver,pink and chum salmon.There are concentrations of mining
claims along the Kahiltna.This area has some potential for additional remote
settlement,especially in the southern half of the unit.Potential for
agriculture and forestry also exists in the southern portion of this
management unit.Management unit 8 will be open to mineral location and
available for coal leasing except for the area open to settlement (subunit
8a).All public lands in this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.
Existing access into this unit is by plane to the lakes or by boat along Lake
Creek.There is presently no road access,but construction of an extension of
the Shulin Lake trail that crosses Management Unit 8 is recommended for
consideration.See Chapter 4 for additional information.
The McDougal management unit is divided into the north (subunit 8a)and south
(subunit 8b)halves.See the maps at the end of this section for boundaries
of these areas,and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses for each
subunit.
Subunit 8a,the northern part of this·region,will remain open for
additional settlement.This subunit is within the boundaries of the past Lake
Creek/McDougal remote parcel disposal area.
Subunit 8b,the southern part of the region,is designated resource
management-high value to preserve options for future use.Values for
settlement,forestry,habitat and agriculture all are higher in 8b than in the
northern section of the management unit (8a).All these values will be
considered when the area is reevaluated to determine its best use for the long
term.The portion of the existing Lake Creek/McDougal remote parcel disposal
area within subunit 8b will be closed to further sales as long as the subunit
is designated for resource management.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
!-
Agriculture
Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Set tlement
Subsurface
Transportation
265
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore t1anagement
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetlands t1anagement
*Resource l1anagement
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT B -Me..t:'OV&P>..L
N
C1'
C1'
SUBUNIT
8a
Lake Cr./
McDougal
North
8b
Lake Cr./
HcDougal
South
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURfACE SUBSURfACE SURfACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED ISECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE lEASE ABLE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
State Settlement Forestry Closed Not available -Estimated net
(past remote (personal use)for coal disposal area'=
parcel offer-Public Rec.leasing or 5,750 acres
ing)Wildlife Hab.prospecting
State Resource Management (high)Open Available for Land Disposals --
leasing Portions
Values:Agriculture,Forestry,closed to
Settlement,Wildlife grazing (see
Habitat mgrnt.
guidelines)-
_.-
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc"that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed,Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2,
\
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit 8a (Lake Creek/McDougal North)
Protection of Transportation Routes
Chapter 4 of this plan indentifies a system of possible improvements to
the regional and local transportation system.One route passes through
this subunit.The precise location of this route has not been determined,
although a general location is shown on the maps in Chapter 4.Land use
authorizations in this unit such as land sales,leases,or other actions
should be located so as not to preclude the option to build this road
along a feasible and efficient route.
Subunits 8a and 8b (Lake Creek/McDougal north and resource management areas)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses,and to protect water
quality and riparian habitats.Consequently,this land should be retained
in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on Indian Creek and the unnamed
creeks that appear on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographic maps.
Subunit 8b (Lake Creek/llcDougal south)
Grazing
Grazing is prohibited within the riparian zone along the Kahiltna River.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 9:KAHILTNA RIVER
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This unit includes the Kahiltna River corridor,Shulin 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 disposal
area.Shulin Lake is a fly-in lake that provides opportunities for public and
private recreation.The Kahiltna River,although not boatable,is an import-
ant 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.There are concentrations
of mining claims along the Whole length of the Kahiltna in this management
unit.Although not accessible by year-round road,the Shulin Lake winter
trail provides seasonal access to the northern part of the unit.This route is
recommended for consideration for upgrading to provid'e year-round access to
this area.Consideration also is recommended for a route to tie the Shulin
Lake trail to the forest lands between the Kahiltna River and Kroto Creek.
See the transportation section of Chapter 4 for additional information on both
these routes.This management unit will be managed to provide for both public
267
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT 9-KAt\ILTN~RIVER.
N
(J\
co
SUBUNIT
9a
Kahiltna
R.corridor
9b
Shulin Lake
9c
Kahiltna
lowlands
9d
Kahiltna
disposal
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED ISECONDARY USErS)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USErS)MINERALS MINERALS
State/Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for Grazing
Borough ~ildlife Habitat leasing Remote Cabins
Land Disposals
Borough Borough Land Bank Open Available for Grazing
leasing
Values:Commercial Development,
Forestry,Public
Recreation,Settlement,
Wildlife Habitat
State Resource Management (high)Open Available for Land Disposals
leasing Portions
Values:Agriculture,Forestry,closed to
Settlement,Wildlife grazing (see
Habitat mgmt.
guideli nes )
State/Settlement (past Forestry Closed l'bt available --Estimated net
Private remote parcel (personal use)for coal disposal area =
offering)Public Rec.leasing or 5360 acres
Wildlife Bab.prospecting
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
[
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,
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and private land use.Management Unit 9 will be open to mineral location and
available for coal leasing except for the existing disposal area in subunit
9d.All public lands in this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.
Four subunits are included in the Kahiltna management unit:the Kahiltna
Ri ver corridor (9a),borough lands around Shulin Lake (9b),the lowlands
between the river corridor and the past disposal area (9c),and the past
Kahiltna Flats remote parcel area (9d).See the maps at the end of this
section for boundaries of these areas,and the accompanying chart for a sum-
mary of land uses for each subunit.
Subunit 9a,the Kahiltna River corridor,will be retained in public ownership
for recreation,fish and wildlife habitat and mining.Forestry is a secondary
use in this subunit.Timber harvesting will be allowed when consistent with
the habitat and recreation objectives for the subunit.Provision will be made
for logging road access through subunit 9a where necessary for harvest and
management of timber resources further west,particularly in subunit 7a.
Subunit 9b,borough lands around Shulin Lake,will be put in the borough land
bank.The southern and eastern portions of the unit have some potential for
agriculture.Portions of the area may be available for future sales if
residential land is needed to support resource development nearby.Because of
the lake and the unit's proximity to the Kahiltna River,the Shulin Lake area
would be an attractive location for settlement if forestry,coal,or other
development occurs.There are no plans for disposals in the immediate
future.Additional sales will be unnecessary if resource development does not
occur.
Subunit 9c (Kahiltna Lowlands)also will remain in public ownership,at least
in the near term,and will be designated resource management-high value.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 some possibility of agricultural use.All these values
must be considered in determining its long term designation.The relative
ease of improving access to the subuni t ,especially if resource development
occurs in subunits la and/or lOa,increases the area's value for all these
uses.
Subunit 9d,the past Kahiltna remote parcel area,will remain available for
additional settlement.A net area of approximately 5,360 acres will be
available for additional disposal off~rings within this subunit.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the gUidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
269
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
*Resource Management
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit 9b and 9c (Shulin Lake and Kahiltna Lowlands)
Protection of Transportation Routes
Chapter 4 of this plan identifies a system of possible improvements to the
regional and local transportation system.Two of those routes pass
through these subunits.The precise location of these routes has not been
determined,although a general location is shown on the maps in Chapter
4.Land use authorizations in these units such as land sales,leases,or
other actions should be located so as not to preclude the option to build
these roads along feasible and efficient routes.
Subunits 9b,9c,and 9d (borough lands,Kahiltna disposal and resource manage-
ment lands)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the unnamed streams that appear
on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographic maps is to permit fishing,camping
and other active uses,and to protect water quality and riparian habitat.
Consequently,this land should be retained in public ownership.Corridor
widths will be set on a case-by-case basis using policies in Chapter 2.
The standard minimum buffer width (200'on each side of the river)should
be used.
Subunit 9c (Kahiltna Lowlands)
Grazing
Grazing is prohibited in those portions of subunit 9c within T23N R9W and
T24N R9W.
MANAGEMENT INTENT
MANAGEMENT UNIT 10:PARKER LAKE
Management Unit 10 is a large block of primarily borough-owned land that lies
just to the west of the Kroto Creek corridor and includes Parker Lake.It
contains large contiguous areas of soils with good agricultural potential and
some of the best stands of timber in the Susitna Basin.It also serves as
habitat and offers opportunities for Qettlement.Although presently inaccess-
ible by road,access will be relatively easy to provide via an Oilwell Road
extension or a route through the forest lands proposed for legislative
designation in Petersville Road subunit lao See the Transportation section of
Chapter 4 for additional information on routes proposed for consideration for
future access development.In short,this area has some of the highest
surface resource values in the planning area.Management Unit 10 will be open
to mineral location and available for coal leasing except for the area
designated for settlement in subunit lOb.Land along Chijuk Creek is
available for coal leasing but closed to location.All public lands in this
unit are available for oil and gas leasing.
There are two subunits within the Parker Lake Management Unit.Most of the
region is included in subunit lOa,the land in borough ownership around Chijuk
Creek.State lands surrounding Parker Lake are subunit lOb.See the maps at
270
[
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION su~LoWLANOS>MANAGEMENT UNIT \0 -pAR.'<.B<..LAk£.
SUBUNIT
lOa
Chijuk
Creek
lOb
Parker Lake
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE LEASEABlE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USEIS)MINERALS MINERALS
Borough Forestry -Open except Not available --Public Recreation along Chij uk for coal
Wildlife Habitat Creek (see leasing or
management prospecting
guidelines)
State Settlement (part Agriculture Closed prior Not available Reroote Cabins Estimated netexisting(homesteads)to disposal for coal Trapper Cabins offerings in newsubdivision)Forestry leasing or disposal =430
(personal use)prospecting acres,approxi-
Public Rec.mately 20 unsold
Wildlife Hab.surveyed lots
remain available
over-the-counter
in the existing
subdivision
k"'
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are flat
specitlcally prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines In chapter 2.
the end of this section for boundaries of these areas,and the accompanying
chart for a summary of land uses for each subunit.
Subunit lOa is designated for forestry,public recreation and wildlife
habitat.This subunit also contains soils with high potential for
agricultural use.Because of the value of the resources present,this area
should be carefully reevaluated to determine its best long term use when
better information is available on the economic benefits of agriculture and
forestry in the Susitna Basin.Opportunities for settlement and habitat
management also should be considered when the area is reevaluated.
Subunit lab:A small area surrounding Parker Lake is identified for
additional land disposals.This includes the Parker Lake subdivision
offered for sale in FY85 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 consist of small lot
subdivisions designed to enhance both public and private recreational values.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that ar most likely to be applicable are in-
dicated with asterisks in the list below.
j
r~
l
*Agriculture
Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
*Resource Management
L
I
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit lOa (Chijuk Creek)
Access
When public lands are conveyed to private interests in this subunit,a
public corridor will be retained to connect this subunit with the Kroto
Creek corridor.(See also subunit lab).
Mining
Public lands within 400'of Chijuk Creek will be closed to mineral
location.The closure is intended to protect water quality and fish and
wildlife habitat on one of the most important tributaries to Kroto Creek.
Subunit lOa &lab (Chijuk Creek and Parker Lake)
Protection of Transportation Routes
Chapter 4 of this plan indentifies a system of possible improvements to
the regional and local transportation system.Two of these routes pass
through these subunits.The precise location of these routes has not been
272
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determined,although a general location is shown on the maps in Chapter
4.Land use authorizations in these units such as land sales,leases,or
other actions should be located so as not to preclude the option to build
these roads along feasible and efficient routes.
Subunit lOb (Parker Lake)
Lakeshore Management and Settlement
Waterfront property remal.nl.ng in state ownership will not be sold when
additional disposals are offered.These lands will be retained to keep
public access to and around the lake and to provide public recreation
opportunities in the area.An area of public land connecting the disposal
area to Kroto Creek also will be retained for future use as a local rec-
reation site and/or campground.
Subunits lOa and lOb (Chijuk Creek and Parker Lake)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses,and to protect water
quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land should be retarned
in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies in Chapter 2.The buffer width on Chijuk Creek,one of the
most important tributaries to Kroto Creek,should be 200'on each side of
the stream in order to protect opportunities for hunting as well as the
uses identified above.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on each
side)also should be used on unnamed streams that appear on the USGS
1:63,360 scale topographic maps.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 11:KAHILTNA-KROTO
MANAGEMENT INTENT
Management Unit 11 contains the corridors of Kroto and Moose Creeks,a section
of the Kahiltna River corridor,and a large area of lowland forest with strin-
gers of wetlands between Kroto Creek and the Kahiltna.Kroto and Moose Creeks
and their maj or tributary,Chij uk Creek (the stream entering Kroto Creek in
Section 28 of T21N R6W S.M.),are important anadromous fish streams and spring
concentration areas for black bear and are used extensively for fishing and
boating.The unit is highly productive for timber of commercial value and is
of moderate value for moose winter range.It offers opportunities for settle-
ment and small scale agricultural development.There are concentrations of
mining claims along the Kahiltna although there is little mining activity at
present.The river corridors in the unit will be retained in public ownership
and managed for public recreation and fish and wildlife habitat as well as
protection of water resources.Most of the forest lands also will be retained
in public ownership and managed for timber and wildlife habitat.Several
sites have been designated for agricultural homesteads,and a small settlement
area is designated near Neil Lake.
273
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT H -"N4\~-\<AAO
,--
\
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIP,SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED)ISECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
lla State Forestry Public Rec.Open except Available for Land Disposals Recommended for
Forest land Water Resources along Chij uk.leasing Portions legislative
Wildlife Habitat Creek (see closed to designation
mgrnt.guide-grazing (see
lines)mgrnt.
guidelines)
llb State/Public Recreation Forestry Closed Not available Grazing Recommended for
Kroto Borough Water Resources for coal Land Disposals legislative
Cr./Moose Wildlife Habitat leasing or designation
Cr.prospecting
Corridor
llc State Public Recreation Forestry Closed Not available Remote Cabins -
Kahiltna Wildlife Hab.for coal Trapper Cabins
River leasing or Land Disposals
Recreation prospecting
site
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
-r-!.------.,--I --
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1,,1
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTSOWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED lOCATABLE lEASEABlE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
State/Settlement (past Forestry Closed Not available Remote Cabins -
Private remote parcel Public Rec.for coal Trapper Cabins
area)Wildlife Hab.leasing or
prospecting
State Settlement Forestry Closed prior Not available Reroote Cabins Estimated net
(personal use)to disposal for coal Trapper Cabins disposal area =
Public Rec.leasing or 510 acres
Wildlife Hab.prospecting
State Wildlife Habitat Forestry Open Available for Land Disposals -Water Resources Public Rec.leasing
Remote Cabins
State Agriculture Forestry Closed along Not available Reroote Cabins Estimated net
(homesteads)Public Rec.Chijuk.Creek;for coal Trapper Cabins disposal area =
Wildlife Hab.rest of unit leasing or 2)200 acres
closed prior prospecting
to disposal
r
SUBREGION
SUBUNIT
lId
Neil Lake
lIe
Neil Lake
East
N
~lIf
Wetlands
lIg
Kroto West
homesteads
SUS\~LoWLANOS MANAGEMENT UNIT l\-kI-\H\L.:fNA-\<.R.oro
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines In chapter 2.
This management unit is currently inaccessible by road.It is likely that
roads eventually will extend south into and through the Amber Lake area and
into this management unit.A road would make these lands accessible for
timber management;hunting,fishing and other types of recreation;
agricultural development and settlement.See the Transportation section of
Chapter 4 for additional information on the routes proposed for consideration
for future access development.
The large forest and wetland areas in subunit lla and lIe will remain open to
mineral location except for land along Chijuk Creek and be available for coal
leasing.Five subunits will be closed to mineral location and unavailable for
coal leasing.They include areas open to settlement (lId and lIe)or
agriculture (llg),the Kroto Creek-Moose Creek corridor proposed for
legislative designation (llb),and a public recreation site on the Kahiltna
River (llc).All public lands in this unit are available for oil and gas
leasing.
The seven subunits within this area are the forest land and wetlands between
the Kahiltna River and Kroto Creek corridor (lla),the Kroto-Creek-Moose Creek
corridor (lIb),a public recreation site on the Kahiltna River (lIe),the past
Neil Lake remote parcel area (lId),an additional disposal area at Neil Lake
(lIe),the wetlands between Kroto Creek and Moose Creek (llf),and
agricultural homestead areas west of Kroto Creek (llg).See the maps at the
end of this section for boundaries of these areas,and the accompanying chart
for a summary of land uses for each subunit.
Subunit lla,the forest and wetland areas between Kroto Creek and the Kahiltna
River will be retained in public ownership and managed for timber,water and
wildlife resources.Because of the high potential for commercial forestry and
importance of the area for moose winter range,this subunit is recommended
for legislative designation.Although there is no existing road access into
this subunit,access could be provided in the next 5-10 years via extensions
from Oilwell Road,or construction of a winter or year-round logging road that
continues south of forest lands in Petersville Road subunit lao
Subunit llb,the Kroto Creek-Moose Creek (Deshka River)corridor will be
retained in public ownership and managed for hunting,fishing,riparian
habitat and public recreation.Because of its extremely high public value it
is recommended for legislative designation.The Department 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 one of five
rivers in the study area proposed for legislative designation by
ADNR and ADF&G in the Southcentral Recreation Action Plan.This corridor is
an extension of the Kroto Creek and Moose Creek corridors proposed for
legislative or administrative designation in Petersville Road subunits lb and
4a.It is recommended that public use cabins be built on state lands in this
subunit to support recreational use of Kroto and Moose Creeks.
Subunit llc:A small area of land on the Kahiltna River is identified as a
public recreation site.This unit will provide a public wayside and
campground for river users.
Subunit lId is the past Neil Lake remote parcel area.No additional sales are
planned in this subunit because there are a large number of existing private
parcels in the area and because it is important to keep some of the land near
276
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the lake available for public recreation.
the state aquire property on Neil Lake
public access from the lake to the creek.
In addition,it is recommended that
adj acent to Kroto Creek to provide
Subunit lIe (Neil Lake East)is identified for additional settlement.Because
of its proximity to the Kroto Creek corridor and its accessibility by
floatplane,this subunit is an important site for public as well as private
recreation.Additional land sales shall be in a subdivision that will be
designed to protect both public and private recreation opportunities.It is
recommended that one or more public use cabins be constructed at Neil Lake.
Subunit 11f is a large wetland lying between Kroto and Moose Creeks.
be retained in public ownership to protect water resources and
habitat.
It will
wildlife
f
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Subunit 11g includes three separate blocks of land near the eastern boundary
of the management unit.These areas will be offered for private use through
the agricultural homestead program.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
L
l *Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Management gUidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Management Unit 11 (all subunits)
Protection of Transportation Routes
Chapter 4 of this plan identifies a system of possible improvements to the
regional and local transportation system.Two of these routes pass
through this management uni t.The precise location of these routes has
not been determined,although a general location is shown on the maps in
Chapter 4.Land use authorizations in this unit such as land sales,
leases,or other actions should be located so as not to preclude the
option to build these roads along feasible and efficient routes.
Subunit 11a (forest lands)
Mining
Lands within 400'each side of the Chijuk Creek will be closed to mineral
entry.The closure is intended to protect water quality and fish and
wildlife habitat on one of the most important tributaries to Kroto Creek.
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Grazing
Grazing is prohibited within the riparian zone along the Kahiltna River.
Subunits lla &lIb (Forest lands and Kroto Creek-Moose Creek)
Management Plans and Remote Cabins
It is recommended that a joint management plan be prepared for subunits
lla and lIb.The management plan will determine,among other things,
whether or not remote cabins will be permitted in these subunits.Remote
cabin permits will not be offered until and unless areas open to remote
cabins are designated by a management plan.
Subunit lIb (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 Department of Fish and Game.
Since protection of habitat and recreation values is of such importance in
this unit and the area is being recommended for legislative designation,
special consideration should be given to consulting with the Division of
Parks and Outdoor Recreation and the Department of Fish and Game when
reviewing permit or lease applications in this unit.
Oil and Gas
Oil and gas exploration and development activities will be sited and/or
timed to mitigate impacts on the fish and wildlife habitat and public use
values of the Kroto Creek-Moose Creek corridor.Specific mitigation
measures necessary to protect the values for which the river corridor was
established will be developed as part of the lease sale process.
Mitigation measures will be developed on a case by case basis considering
timing,topography,vegetation and other factors affecting the impact of
oil and gas exploration and development activities on fish and wildlife,
habitat and public use values.
Subunit llc (Kahiltna River Recreation site)
Recreation
Exact boundaries of subunit llc will be determined following site planning
for recreation facilities.Acreage in subunit lic not included in the
recreation site will be added to subunit lla.
Subunits lId and lIe (Neil Lake and Neil Lake East)
Lakeshore Management
No additional land within 500 feet of the shoreline of Neil Lake will be
sold.Public access from the lake to Kroto Creek must be maintained.If
necessary,access will be maintained through purchase of a public
corridor.
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Subunits lId,lIe &llg (Neil Lake,Neil Lake East,and agricultural
homesteads)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses,and to protect water
quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land should be retained
in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on the unnamed streams that appear
on the I:63,360 scale USGS topographic maps.O~uk G.:r;:~~_~!.()_r:;~()Lt:~l:
most important tributaries to Kroto Creek,the buffer~.§..hQ1JJq .'be 400'on
each side of the creek to permit hunting and provide camping
opportunIt-ies'~"---.--'--.~"..~...~"-..--..,,-,.~-...-'-'.__.---~--""'--'-~".'-"·_"'_··,.,'",_._.c._.-,,'
Subunit llg (Kroto West Ag Homesteads)
Subsurface
Lands within 400'each side of Chijuk Creek are closed to mineral entry.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 12:DESHKA FLATS
MANAGEMENT INTENT
Deshka Flats management unit lies east of the Kahiltna and Yentna Rivers,
north of Lockwood Lake and west of the existing Kahiltna Flats state sub-
division.It is dominated by lowland forest with interspersed wetlands.The
land is highly productive for wildlife and commercially valuable for timber.
Moose Creek is an anadromous fish stream that receives a moderate amount of
public use for fishing.*The area includes extensive zones with moderate
suitability for moose winte~range.It also has large areas of soils
that offer opportunities for agricultural development or settlement.In
addition,the portion of the Kahiltna River within the unit is lined with
numerous mining claims.Both public and private land uses will be
accommodated in this subregion,and a large area will be designated resource
management to allow future reevaluation of its best long term use.Management
Unit 12 will remain open to mineral location and available for coal leasing
except for the existing and proposed disposal areas (subunits 12c and 12d).
All public lands in this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.
Access into this management unit is limited to fly-in access to lakes.Two
routes are proposed for consideration for future road construction.These
routes would connect this unit with the Amber Lakes area to the north.
!*Note:The Moose Creek in Management Unit 12 is a different stream than that
I.in the lfuose Creek/Kroto Creek (DeshkaoRiver)system proposed for
legislative designation.
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT '1..-tA::.S\-\KA T1..ATS
Ncoo
SUBUNIT
12a
Deshka
Flats
12b
Yentna
Forest
12c
Kahiltna
Flats
12d
Kahiltna
Flats
addition
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S)lOCATABLE lEASEABlE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS
State Resource Management (high)Open Not available Land Disposals --
for coal
Values:Agriculture,Forestry,leasing or
Settlement,Wildlife prospecting
Habitat
State Forestry Open Available for Land Disposals Recommended for
Public Recreation leasing legislative
Wildlife Habitat designation
State/Settlement Forestry Closed Not available Remote Cabins Approximately 200
Private (existing sub-(personal use)for coal Trapper Cabins unsold surveyed
division)Public Rec.leasing or lots remain
Wildlife Hab.prospecting available
over-the-counter
State Settlement Forestry Closed prior Not available -Estimated net
Public Rec.to disposal for coal disposal area =
Wildlife Hab.leasing or 670 acres
prospecting
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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Four subunits are contained in ~1anagement Unit 12:the densely forested
central region around Deshka Flats (12a),the mixed wetlands and forests
adjacent to the Kahiltna River and Yentna River corridor (l2b),the existing
Kahiltna Flats subdivision (12c),and an additional settlement area adjacent
to the subdivision (12d).See the maps -at the end of this section for
boundaries of these areas,and the accompanying chart for a summary of land
uses for each subunit.
Subunit 12a (Deshka Flats)contains relatively large contiguous areas of class
II and III soils considered to have potential for commercial agriculture.
This area is also densely forested and contains valuable upland habitat.It
will be designated resource management.In the near term (5-10 years)it will
be retained in public ownership and managed for timber,wildlife,and water
resources.This area will be reevaluated to determine its best long-term use
when the Susitna Area Plan is revised or when road access to the area is
imminent.Agriculture,forestry,settlement and habitat values will be con-
sidered when the area is reevaluated.
Subunit 12b will be retained in public ownership.It has a higher proportion
of wetlands and lower agriculture and settlement values than does the remain-
der of the management unit.Its major values are for timber and riparian hab-
itat.It is particularly important for moose winter range.This subunit will
be managed for forestry,mining,habitat,and protection of water resources.
In addition,it will be proposed for legislative designation as a multiple use
area.
Subunit 12c is the existing Kahiltna Flats subdivision.Its primary
designation is settlement.There are many unsold surveyed lots in this
subdivision,and they will remain available for sale over-the-counter.
Subunit 12d is adjacent to the existing Kahiltna Flats subdivision.It is
designated for settlement and may be offered for sale in the future as either
an extension to the existing subdivision or a homestead area.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are ind-
icated with asterisks in the list below.
*Agriculture
Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
Instream Flow
Lakeshore Hanagement
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
Trail Management
*Wetlands ~1anagement
*Resource t1anagement
!Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
I ~below by subunit.
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Subunits 12a,12b,&12c (Deshka Flats,Yentna Forest,and Kahiltna Flats)
Protection of Transportation Routes
Chapter 4 of this plan identifies a system of possible improvements to the
regional and local transportation system.One route passes through this
subunit.The precise location of this route has not been determined,
although a general location is shown on the maps in Chapter 4.Land use
authorizations in this unit such as land sales,leases,or other actions
should be located so as not to preclude the option to build this road
along a feasible and efficient route.
Subunits 12a and 12d (Deshka Flats and Kahiltna Flats addition)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to unnamed streams that appear on
the USGS 1:63,360 scale topographic maps is to permit fishing,camping and
other active uses and to protect water quality and riparian habitat.
Consequently,this land should be retained in public ownership.Corridor
widths will be set on a case-by-case basis using policies in Chapter 2.
The standard minimum buffer width (200'on each side of the river)should
be used.
Subunit 12b (Yentna Forest)
Management Plans/Remote Cabins
It is recommended that a management plan be prepared for subunit 12b.The
management plan will determine,among other things,whether or not remote
cabins will be permitted in this subunit.Remote cabin permits will not
be offered until and unless areas open to remote cabins are designated by
a management plan.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 13:YENTNA-SUSITNA
MANAGEMENT INTENT
The land between the Yentna and Susitna Rivers is highly valued for a wide
range of resources.There are large blocks of soils with good agricultural
potential (class II and III soils in USDA's classification)and productive
forests suitable for commercial management.Two land disposals have occured
in the unit,and there is potential for new 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 several moose populations
and several 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.Finally,the southern part
of the unit has moderate potential for coal development.In short,values in
this unit are among the highest in the study area for a variety of uses.The
Yentna-Susitna area will be managed to provide for a variety of public and
private uses.Management unit 13 will remain open to mineral location and
available for coal leasing except for the existing and proposed disposal areas
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SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT \5 -'/EN~-SO$l1\JA
SUBUNIT
13a
Yentna &
lDckwood
disposals
13b
Fish Creek
East
13c
lDckwood
East
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED lOCATABLE lEASEABlE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
State/Settlement Forestry Closed Not available Grazing Estimated net
Private (existing (personal use)for coal offerings in new
homestead areas &Public leasing or disposal area :=
subdivision)Recreation prospecting 2,200 acres;
Wildlife Habitat approximately 10
unsold surveyed
lots remain
available
over-the-counter
in existing
.subdivis ion
State .Forestry -Open Available for Remote Cabins -
Public Recreation leasing Trapper Cabins
Wildlife Habitat Land Disposals
State Settlement Forestry Closed prior Not available Grazing Estimated net
Public to disposal for coal disposal area :=
Recreation leasing or 600 acres
Wildlife Habitat prospecting
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
MANAGEMENT UNIT \3 -'(eNTN~-S\JSI1l-JA
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
SURFACE SUBSURfACE SURFACE COMMENTSOWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED
PRIMARY USE(S)/SECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE lEASE ABLE USE(S)·
MINERALS MINERALS
State/Water Resources Public Rec.Closed'Not available Grazing Recommended forBoroughWildlifeHabitatForestryforcoalLandDisposalslegislative
leasing or designation
prospecting
State/Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for Grazing Recolllllended forBoroughWaterResourcesleasingLandDisposalslegislativeWildlifeHabitatdesignation
Borough Borough Land Bank Open Available for Closed to -
leasing grazing in
Values:Public Recreation.Witsoe Lake
Settlement.Wildlife block (see
Habitat.Forestry mgmt..
guidelines)
State/Agriculture Forestry Closed prior Not available Remote Cabins Estimated netPrivate(homesteads)Public Rec.to disposal for coal Trapper Cabins disposal area =(part past dis-Wildlife Hab.leasing or 3.840 acresposalprospecting
l3d
Kroto
Slough
SUBUNIT
l3e
Yentna
River
13g
Yentna
Uplands
SUBREGION SIJS\TN~LoWLANDS
l:i l3f
.p.Lockwood
L./
Witsoe Lake
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
;---r--.~.r----1 ~,'r-----"'1..~,...'.'r-----I c-----,r--\-,
I I :i J I....: "I I..,.,r.J rJ.~-,
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(subunits 13a,13c
designation (13d).
gas leasing.
and 13g)and the habitat area recommended for legislative
All public lands in this unit are available for oil and
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This area is presently inaccessible by road,but resource development to the
east in the Willow Sub-basin and to the north in the Peters ville Road
subregion may eventually encourage construction of a Susitna River bridge and
roads from the north and south that would make the region much more accessible
(see also discussion of transportation in Uanagement Unit 12).See the
Transportation section of Chapter 4 for more information on routes proposed
for consideration for future road construction.
The management unit is divided into seven subunits:the existing Yentna and
Lockwood disposals (13a);a wedge of public land between these disposals on
the east side of Fish Creek (13b);Lockwood East,a proposed settlement area
adjacent to the Lockwood disposal (13c);Kroto Slough (13d);the Yentna River
(13e);borough lands around Lockwood and Witsoe Lakes (13f);and agricultural
homesteads within and near the Yentna disposal (13g).See the maps at the end
of this section for boundaries of these areas,and the accompanying chart for
a summary of land uses for each subunit.
In Subunit 13a,settlement is the primary use.This subunit includes the
existing Lockwood subdivision and the Lockwood and Yentna homestead areas that
were offered for disposal in the summer of 1984.Unsold surveyed parcels in
the subdivision will remain available for sale over-the-counter.
Subunit 13b will remain in public ownership.It will provide open space,
wildlife habitat,and opportunities for camping and other recreational activi-
ties along Fish Creek between the Yentna and Lockwood disposals in 13a.
Subunit 13c is a new settlement area adjacent to the Lockwood disposals.It
offers opportunities for recreational/seasonal settlement with floatplane
access.
Subunit 13d includes state land around Kroto Slough and in the Susitna flood-
plain,and borough lands adjacent to Whitsol Lake.The lands in subunit 13d
are extremely important for trumpeter swan nesting and are in the heart of the
most important moose winter range in the study area.The land also supports
commercially valuable timber,and there is fishing and hunting along the
Yentna and Susitna Rivers that border the unit.It will be kept in public
ownership and recommended for legislative designation with habitat protection
and management the major objective for the unit.Because of the sensitivity
of swans to disturbance,forestry is a secondary use in subunit 13d.Timber
harvesting will be allowed when consistent with the habitat objectives.
Subunit 13e is the Yentna River corridor.The riparian habitat along the
Yentna is very important moose winter range,and portions of it are trumpeter
swan nesting habitat.The Yentna serves as a transportation route and is used
for recreational boating as well.This subunit will be retained in public
ownership and managed for habitat and public recreation.In addition,it will
be recommended for legislative designation in recognition of its importance
for habitat and recreation.
Subunit 13f consists of borough land around Witsoe and Lockwood Lakes.This
subunit will be designated bOl:"ough land bank.The land may be available for
settlement in the long term,but thel:"e are no plans fOI:"sale in the immediate
future.In addition to settlement potential,the Lockwood/Witsoe Lake area
has high value for moose wintel:"range and potential for public recreation.
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Subunit 13g:Three blocks of land within the existing Yentna homestead area
and just southeast of the existing Lockwood Lake disposal are included in
subunit 13g.These areas will be offered for private use as agricultural
homesteads.
UANAGEHENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management uni t;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
*Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Uanagement
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Uanagement
*Wetlands f1anagement
Resource Management
fI .
Subunits 13a,13c,&13f (Yentna/Lockwood,Lockwood East,and Lockwood
L./Wi tsoe L.)
Protection of Transportation Routes
Chapter 4 of this plan identifies a system of possible improvements to the
regional and local transportation system.Two of these routes pass
through these subunits.The precise location of this route has not been
determined,although a general location is shown on the maps in Chapter
4.Land use authorizations in this unit such as land sales,leases,or
others actions should be located so as not to preclude the option to build
these roads along feasible and efficient routes.
Subunits 13a,13c &13g (Yentna/Lockwood,Lockwood East,&agricultural home-
steads)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit uses such as fishing,camping and other active uses and to
protect water quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land
should be retained in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a
case-by-case basis using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum
buffer width (200'on each side of the river)should be used on unnamed
streams that appear on the USGS 1:63,360 scale topographic maps.The
corridors on Fish Creek and the Yentna River should be 300'and 400'(on
each side of the river)respectively.The wider corridors on Fish Creek
and the Yentna are intended to provide for hunting,to protect visual
quality,and to maintain opportunities for camping in a more natural
setting than that ensured by narrower buffers.
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Subunits 13a &13g (Yentna disposal &Yentna Uplands)
Agriculture/Settlement
Recent soil survey information indicates that some of the soils with the
best potential for agricultural use in unit 13 are presently within the
area open to fee simple homesteads rather than agricultural homesteads.
In order to make homestead offerings consistent with soil quality,the
boundaries of the agricultural and fee simple homestead areas in the
portions of subunits 13a and 13g within the past Yentna remote parcel area
boundary will be redesigned following the close of the FY85 staking
period.Total acreage offered in this area under each of the homestead
programs will not be substantially changed when the boundaries are
adjusted.
(Subunits 13d &13e (Kroto Slough &Yentna River)
Management Plans/Remote Cabins
It is recommended that a management plan be prepared for subunits 13d and
13e.The management plan will determine,among other things,whether or
not remote cabins will be permitted in these subunits.Remote cabin
premits will not be offered until and unless areas open to remote cabins
are designated by a management plan.
Subunit 13a (Yentna/Lockwood Sales)
Grazing
Grazing is prohibited within the portions of subunit 13a in T19N RlW and
T19N R8W.
Subunit 13d (Kroto Slough)
Swan Habitat
This subunit is recommended for legislative or administrative designation
to protect swans.Until designation takes place,the following guidelines
are intended to provide sufficient protection and will be applied by the
Department.
1.Restricted Activities.Activities that potentially will damage swan
nesting habitat or cause visual or noise disturbance should be prohibited
from April 1 through August 31 within at least one-quarter mile of current
or potential swan nesting or staging ponds,marshes or lakes.Particular
activities may be restricted in a wider area if their potential level of
damage or disturbance warrants doing so.Activities that may be
restricted include,but are not limited to,use of off-road vehicles,
airplanes and motorboats.However,some traditional access routes and
sites will be designated that will remain open to motorized access.
[Note:This guideline will result in the restriction of the activities
described above on most ponds,marshes and lakes other than those that
have been identified as traditional access points.]
?P.7
2.At a minium,permits should not be issued for those types of off-road
vehicle use requiring permits in the areas and during the period described
in 1.above.
3.Aircraft.At a minimum,landing of aircraft should be prohibited in
the areas and during the period described in 1.above unless at designated
access sites.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 14:KASBWITNA KNOBS
MANAGEMENT INTENT
Much of this management unit is dominated by wetlands and the Susitna River
floodplain.In these areas,the primary values are for water resources and
wildlife habitat.In the center of the unit,around Kashwitna Knobs,there is
a large area of better-drained soils with potential for agricultural develop-
ment,commercial forestry and settlement.The Kashwitna Knobs area is also
one of the largest regions 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 boat-
ing and fishing.Trapper Creek is a fishing stream with important riparian
habitat.It supports runs of king and coho salmon.The existing and proposed
agricultural and settlement areas in subunits 14b,14c and 14d will be closed
to mineral location and coal leasing.The rest of the management unit will
remain open and available.All public lands in this unit are available for
oil and gas leasing.
This unit is not presently accessible by road,nor is road access likely in
the near future (5 years).Eventually access may be provided by a spur from a
major north-south road running through the Susitna Lowlands subregion between
Kroto Creek and the Kahiltna River.See the Transportation section of Chapter
4 for additional information on this route.
Five subunits are contained within the Kashwitna Knobs management unit:the
Kashwitna Flats wetlands (14a),and the Kashwitna Knobs area (14b),settlement
lands in the northern part of the region east of Moose Creek (14c),the
borough and private lands around Trapper Lake (14d)and the Susitna River
floodplain (14e).See the maps at the end of this section for boundaries of
these areas,and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses for each
subunit.
Subunit 14a (Kashwitna Wetlands)will be retained in public ownership and
managed for fish and wildlife habitat and protection of water resources.This
area will be available for remote cabin permits.Consistent with the general
policy in Chapter 2,the unstaked portions of the past Big Eleven remote
parcel area will be reopened to mineral location and available for coal
leasing.The remainder of subunit 14a is already open to location and
available for leasing.
Subunit 14b:The Kashwitna Knobs area,one of the largest contiguous blocks
of good agricultural soils in the Susitna Basin,is designated for commercial
agricultural use.Some agricultural homesteads may be offered in conjunction
wi th comme rcial agricultural disposals.This area will not be offered for
sale for at least 5 years,nor until year-round roads have been funded.The 5
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SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT 14--KA~\4-w11)J~{CNQgS
SUBUNIT
14a
Kashwitna
Wetlands
14b
Kashwitna
Knobs
14c
Moose Cr.
East
14d
Trapper
Lake
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)·
MINERALS MINERALS
State/Water Resources Forestry Open Available for Land Disposals -
Borough/Wildlife Habitat Public Rec.leasing Portions
Private Remote Cabins closed to
I grazing (see
mgmt..guidelines)
State Agriculture Forestry Closed prior Not available Remote Cabins --
Public Rec.to disposal for coal Trapper Cabins
Settlement leasing or
Wildlife Hab.prospecting
State Settlement Forestry Closed l'bt available Remote Cabins Estimated net
(personal use)for coal Trapper Cabins disposal area =
Public Rec.leasing or 1,000 acres
Water Resources prospecting
Wildlife Bab.
Private/Primarily Private Land--Recommended Closed Not available Land Disposal ---
Borough uses on relnaining public land:for coal
Forestry,Public Recreation,Water leasing or
Resources,Wildlife Habitat prosecting
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT 14 -t<~W}TNf\\:=-(\)015 s
SUBUNIT
14e
Susitna
Floodplain
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED lOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
State Forestry -Open Not available Grazing Recommended for
Public Recreation for coal Land Disposal legislati ve
Water Resources leasing or designation
Wildlife Habitat prospecting
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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year holding period is intended to allow sufficient time to 1)inventory and
plan timber harvest from the site,and 2)review and evaluate the results of
previous agricultural disposals to determine the economic feasibility of
farming at Kashwitna Knobs.
Subunit 14c (Moose Creek East)is designated for settlement.It is currently
accessible by winter trail and via float plane to lakes along the western
border of the unit.
In Subunit 14d,Trapper Lake is surrounded by numerous small private lots.
The land remaining in public ownership within 500'of the lake (primarily
borough land)should be retained to provide public access to the lake and
opportunities for public recreation,and to allow for timber harvesting for
personal use when consistent with recreation objectives for the subunit.
Subunit 14e is the Susitna River floodplain.Since the floodplain provides
very valuable moose winter range and commercial timber and because it is
hazardous for residential development,it will be retained in public
ownership.The subunit will be managed for forestry,habitat and the public
recreation and transportation activities that occur along the river.The
subunit will be recommended for legislative designation to protect
opportunities for long term timber and habitat management and public
recreation.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are in-
dicated with asterisks in the list below.
*Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore tfunagement
*Public Access
*Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
*Resource tfunagement
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit 14a (Kashwitna Wetlands)
Grazing
Grazing is prohibited in those portions of subunit 14a within T21N R5W,
T22N R5W,T23N R5W,and T24N RSW.
Subunit 14b (Kashwitna Knobs)
Protection of Transporation Routes
Chapter 4 of this plan identifies a system of possible improvements to the
regional and local transportation system.One route passes through this
subunit.The precise location of this route has not been determined,
291
although a general location is shown on the maps in Chapter 4.Land use
authorizations in this unit such as land sales,leases,or other actions
should be located so as not to preclude the option to build this road
along a feasible and efficient route.
Subunit 14b &14c (Kashwitna Knobs &Moose Creek East)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams described below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses,and to protect water
quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land should be retained
in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on unnamed streams that appear on
the 1:63,360 sale USGS topographic maps.The buffer on Trapper Creek
should be approximately 1/4 mile wide on either side to protect hunting
opportunities and camping in a natural setting on one of the most
important tributaries to the Kroto Creek-Moose Creek system.
Subunit 14e (Susitna Floodplain)
Management Plans/Remote Cabins
It is recommended that a management plan be prepared for subunit 14e.The
management plan will determine,among other things,whether or not remote
cabins will be permitted in this subunit.Remote cabin permits will not
be offered until and unless areas open to remote cabins are designated by
a management plan.
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[-HT.SUSITNA SUBREGION
The following section describes land use policy within the Mt.Susitna Sub-
region.It is divided into two parts.The first part is an overview of
resources and their management for the subregion as a whole.The second part
presents specific 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 second part.
I.SUBREGION OVERVIEW
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A.Background
The Mt.Susitna Subregion is a remote area of approximately 800,000
acres containing a variety of resources,predominantly in a natural
undisturbed state.Among activities presently taking place are oil
and gas exploration,fishing,hunting,and boating.Public recreation
is focused along the rivers,particularly the Talachulit::la.The
western half of the Susitna Game Flats--the number one waterfowl
hunting area in the state--also falls withirl the snbregion.There is
placer mining in several streams in the area,and parts of the area
have high mineral potential.Substantial portions of the area are
judged to have high or moderate coal values,al.~one area is currently
under lease.Recreational/seasonal settlement has taken pla~e around
several of the lakes and in the Alexander Creek drainage as a result
of past state land disposals.
The subregion encompasses the lands between the Beluga and Skwentna
rivers,including the ~1t.Susitna,Little Ht.Susitna and Beluga at.
uplands;the drainages of the Talachulitna,Theodore and Le~is rivers
and the eastern edge of the Alaska Range above Hayes River Pass.The
great majority of these lands is owned by the State of Alaska,
although 92,000 acres in the southern portion of the subregion are
owned by Cook Inlet Region Incorporated;2,000 acres belong to
Alexander Creek Village;and 16,000 acres,primarily around major
lakes and along Alexander Creek,are owned by the Matanuska-Susitna
Borough.Approximately 3,000 to 5,000 acres,largely parcels within
the eleven past disposal areas,are in other private ownerships.
Except for a winter ice road which crosses the Susitna River and
extends through the southern portion of the subregion to the Beluga
area,there are no roads or major trails connecting the Mt.Susitna
Subregion to the eastern portion of the planning area.There is,
however,an all-season gravel road running from the airstrip near
Beluga across the Beluga and Theodore Rivers to the Lewis River in the
southwestern portion of the Mt.Susitna Subregion.
Five privately owned landing strips provide access to the subregion.
Three are in the Susitna Game Flats,one southwest of Mt.Susitna,and
one at Alder Creek.There are also several lakes in the area used for
float plane landings,including Hiline,Trinity,Judd,Coal Creek,and
Stump Lake.
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B.Management Summary
The Mt.Susitna Subregion is presently a remote area with high values
for public recreation and fish and wildlife use and potential for oil
and gas production.In addition there is potential for cornme rcial
forest management in the southeast portion of the subregion,for.coal
development,and for some extraction of placer gold and other min-
erals.Suitability for settlement and agriculture is relatively low,
but there are some good opportunities for private recreational devel-
opment just south of the Skwentna River,near Alexander Creek,and on
borough and state.lands adjacent to several 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 dellelop1uent.
Land adjacent to a number of rivers and lakes of prime i1npor-tance for.
public recreation and habitat will be retained entirely in public
ownership,but some waterfront areas will be made available for
private purchase over the next 20 years.In addition,some of the
lands with high potential for settlement or agriculture as well as
public use will be placed in a resource management category for future
reevaluation.
1.Settlement
A gross area of approximately 63,900 acres will be available for
sale in the Mt.Susitna Subregion.This land is expected to yield
net sales of approximately 12,230 acres (see Table 1).These
areas are intended to offer opportunities for private recreation
without generating demand for roads and other services.Lands
available for settlement are located primarily west of the
Talachulitna River near Quartz Creek,Deep Creek,and Coal Creek;
along the southern side of the Skwentna River and south of
Saturday Creek.In the eastern part of the study area,a disposal
has been identified along Trail Creek.Finally,approximately 350
surveyed lots (approximately 1500 ac.)curreQtly remain available
for sale within state subdivisions at Canyon Lake,High Mountain
Lakes,Alexander Creek West,and Super Cub.
Approximately 19,800 acres of state land with potential for set-
tlement are designated resource management.These laads will be
retained in public ownership for the near term (5-10)years and
then reevaluated to determine their best long term use.When they
are reevaluated,their potential for settlemeat aad agri.cultural
development will be considered along with their values for fores-
try,fish and wildlife habitat,public recreation and miniag.
Resource management designations are applil~d to areas on Trinity
Lake,east of DingLtshna Hi.ll,and northeast ot Ht.Sus.Una and
Beluga Hountain.
A large amount of good settlement land,including land with water-
frontage,is in borough ownership.Approximately 6,100 acres of
borough land around Hiline,Movie,Trinity and Coal Creek Lakes
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and 6,000 acres south of the Theodore River will be retained in a
land bank with the possibility of future sales.Should these
areas eventually be sold,setbacks and retention of large portions
of the shoreline will be used to protect public access and recrea-
tion values (see Lakeshore ~~nagement policy in Chapter 2).
Several large areas are open to remote cabin permits.These
include lands east of the Talachulitna River around Beluga Ht.and
Little Mt.Susitna,lowlands ~'1est of the Talachulitna,and the
foothills of the Alaska Range.Public use cabins are recommended
for the Talachulitna River corridor.
Table I
Acreage Identified for Settlement and Agri~ult~
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GROSS NET AREA
AREA (ac)AREA (ac)
I-----~----!---------_._--------.---
STATE LAND
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New Offer-
ings
Reofferings
within Past
Disposal
Areas
Agriculture
26,370
37,210
1,280
6,630
4,800
800
----+---------_._--------
--------'--L..--lLSTATETOTAL64,860 12,230
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2.Agriculture
The lack of road access to the subregion inakes large scale agri-
cultural development infeasible for at least the next 10 years.
Relatively few areas of cultivable soils exist in this area,but
some areas have been identified along the northern and eilstern
frInges of the area and in scattered locations in the western
portion of the region.These lands,typically contain soils with
good agricultural potential only in relatively small blocks (less
than 160 acres in size).Some of the lands fall within prime
recreation and habitat areas that are proposed for long term
public ownership,such as the Talachulitna River corridor and the
area around Judd Lake.In the remaining areas,howeve r,
approximately 16,500 acres of land with agricultural potential
will be placed in a resource rnanagelilerJ.t category and 6,000 acres
in the borough land hilak to .~a8I.lre later-con"ideeation foe
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agricultural use.In addition,approximately 1,280 acres on the
east side of Trail Creek will be available for disposal as
agricultural homesteads.
Near Ht.Susitna and Little at.Susitna there are lands with
potential for grazing.These lands will be retained in public
ownership,and grazing will be permitted as a secondary use.
3.Forestry
There are approximately 150,000 acres with some potential for com-
mercial forestry in the subcegion.Commercial forestry values are
concentrated in the southeastern part of the subregion,on the
lower slopes of t1ts.Susitna,Little Sllsitna and Beluga,and in
the lowlands along the Talachulitna River.High priority areas
for personal use timber harvesting also have been identified near
past and proposed settlement areas,including High Mt.Lakes,
Trinity/Hovie Lakes,Hiline Lake,Sunday Lake Remote,Quartz
Creek,lands south of the Skwentna River,and south of Mt.
Susitna.
Approximately 52,000 acres of the forested lands with high or
moderate commercial potential will be retained in public ownership
with forestry as one of the primary uses.Most of the retained
lands are within the area recommended for legislat ive designation
around Mt.Susitna and Little Mt.Susitna.In addition,forestry
is a secondary use on 23,000 acres of public land in the
Talachulitna River and Creek,Sllsitna River,a:1d Alex:ander Creek.
corridors.Timber harvests will be permitted when consistent with
the recreation and habitat objectives for the rilTer corridors.
Another 15,000 acres of forest lands along the northeastern border
of the subregion are designated resource management,and 4,000
acres of borough forest land are included in borough land bank.
designations.
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 the 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 Mt.Susitna -Little Mt.Susitna area is particularly
important for hunting.
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 recommended for
legislative designation,with fish and wildlife habitat identified
as one of the primary uses.Several lakes will be retained
completely in public ownership,including Judd Lake,Talachulitna
Lake,Kitty Lake,and Top Lake.
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5.Recreation
Public recreation is focused on the Alexander and Susitna rivers,
the Talachulitna River and Creek corridors and the area around
Mt.Susitna.These areas are recommended for legislative
designation,with public recreation one of the primary uses.
6.Subsurface
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a.Locatable Minerals
Mining and mineral exploration are and will continue to be
important activities in this subregion.The vast majority of
the Mt.Susitna Subregion will remain open to mineral entry.
Mineral closures will be limited to the Talachulitna River and
Talachulitna Creek corridors and their major tributaries,the
Alexander Creek corridor,and areas that are likely to be
densely settled now or in the future.The Susitna Game Flats
wildlife refuge is open to mining under the leasehold location
system.The closures and leasehold location areas include
relatively little land with high mineral potential.There are
concentrations of existing claims on the Theodore and Lewis
rivers which may contain sulfide or vein deposits.These
areas and the mining areas around Mt.Susitna will remain open
to mineral location.
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b.Coal
Large areas of this subregion have moderate to high coal
potential.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,Alexander Creek corridor,
and areas likely to be densely settled.The area proposed for
legislative designation around Mt.Susitna and Little Mt.
Susitna will be available for coal prospecting.
c •Oil and Gas
All public lands will be open for oil and gas leasing.In the
Alexander Creek,Talachulitna River and Talachulitna Creek
corridors,specific mitigation measures will be established to
protect habitat and recreation values.These corridors have
little oil and gas potential.
7.Resource Hanagement/Borough Land Bank
A total of 106,190 acres are designated for resource management--
86,350 acres of which are low resource value lands east of Trimble
River.An additional 16,500 acres east of Beluga Ut.have high
value agricultural,wildlife habitat and forest lands.The
remaining 3,340 acres near Trinity Lakes and Dinglishna Hill have
good potential for settlement as well as public use.
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An additional 12,100 acres of Matanuska-Susitna Borough lands in
the area are designated as part of the borough's land bank.These
lands probably will be retained in the near term (5-10 years)and
be managed for habitat,public recreation and fo~estry.They will
be reevaluated in the future to determine their best long term
use.
8.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 pub-
lic ownership under forestry,habitat,recreation or resource
managelilent categories.The extensive wetland area between
Talachuli tna River and Talachuli tna Creek is classified specifi-
cally for water resource protection.
9.Transportation
There are two transportation corridors which have been proposed as
long-term possibilities within this subregion:1)a road or rail
extension from the railbelt east of the Susitna River that crosses
through this area into the Beluga vicinity;and 2)a route to
transport coal out of the Canyon Creek lease area located in th(~
northern part of the management unit.No specific right-of-way
has been identified for the Canyon Creek route,and there a~e no
plans to develop these coal deposits in the near te~u.
Additional road access may accompany fores t developcaent in the
Mt.Susitna vicinity.Additional airstrips and trails are r.ecom-
mended for public access to the portion of the subregion eas t of
the Talachulitna River corridor.
II.MANAGEMENT INTENT AND GUIDELINES BY liANAGEHENT UNIT
MANAGEMENT UNIT 1 -SUSITNA GAME FLATS
MANAGEMENT INTENT
Management Unit 1 is made up entirely of land within the Susit;J.a Game Flau;
which was legislatively established as a state gar!l(~refuge in 1976.Fish ;{'ld
wildlife habi tat and activities such as waterfowl lIes ting,feeding ao.d lugr':l-
tion;moose calvio.g aceas;spring ao.d fall bear feedio.g ;H't~a$;ao.d 8almoo.
spawning and reario.g habitats all are protected under the refuge designation..
Public uses such as waterfowl,luoose and bear huntio.g;t<7ildlife viewing;
photography;and general public r,~creation are per1uitted.Access into the
game flats is by boat or plane or from the east via a winter ice road which
crosses the Susito.a River ao.d tr.aver~;es the southero.portion of the refuge.
Access from the southeast is provided by a four-season gra"el road which runs
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LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
PROHIBITED
SURFACE COMMENTS
USE(S)*,
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Land Disposals Legislatively
Remote Cabins designated state
game refuge (AS.
16.20.036(a».
For additional
information see
"The Susitna Game
Flats State
Refuge Management
Plan,"ADF&G)
1980
LEASEABLE
MINERALS
Not available
for coal
leasing or
prospecting
SUBSURFACE
LOCATABLE
MINERALS
Leasehold
Location
SURFACE
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S)
See management
plan (reference
at right.)
State
LAND
OWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED)
SUBUNIT
1
Susitna
Game
Flats
SUBREGION t'J\T.5\)S>\~MANAGEMENT UNIT 1-SUs ~&A1N\€'FLArs:::::::::::=-.=:-~~========------_---.:..~:.:...::::.::.:.:.::~.
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
from an airstrip near the Beluga Power Plant across the Beluga and Theodore
rivers to the edge of the Lewis River.The Game Flats are open to mineral
entry under leasehold location.
Although there are-no plans for construction,a right-of-way has been estab-
lished for a road or rail extension from the rail belt 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 with potential coal development in the Beluga
area.This route is intended to link the townsite or work camp that would
accompany coal development with the Palmer-Anchorage area.It would not be
used to transport coal.Coal would be shipped to markets directly from the
Beluga area.
For specific allowable uses within the game refuge boundary,see "The Susitna
Flats State Game Refuge Management Plan,"Alaska Department of Fish and Game,
1980,and Alaska Statutes 16.20.036(a).
MANAGEMENT UNIT 2 -LITTLE MT.SUSITNA
MANAGEMENT INTENT
Management Unit 2 lies southwest of Alexander Creek and north of the Susitna
Game Flats.The unit includes Little Mt.Susitna and Mt.Susitna which con-
tain important habitat for moose and bear.It also has potential for grazing
for domestic livestock and provides opportunities for sport and subsistence
hunting.The alpine areas have potential for public recreation,especially
skiing and hiking.Adjacent lowlands support high value hardwood and mixed
timber stands.There are significant fishing and mining values on Wolverine
Creek and Theodore River.The lowland areas east of Mt.Susitna also offer
some potential for settlement and agricultural homesteads.Because of the
importance of its public values,nearly all the management unit is designated
for long term retention and will be managed primarily for forestry,wildlife
habitat,and public recreation.The area's exceptionally high value timber,
large moose populations,important riparian habitat,and hunting activity make
most of the area a priority proposal for legislative designation as a multiple
use area.Management Unit 2 is open to mineral entry and available for
coal leasing except for the existing and proposed settlement and agricultural
areas in subunits 2d,2e,and 2f.All public lands in this unit are available
for oil and gas leasing.
Management Unit 2 is divided into seven subunits:the area above timberline
on Little Mt.Susitna and Mt.Susitna (2a),the corridors along Lewis and
Theodore rivers and Wolverine Creek (2b),the lowlands which contain high
value timber stands (2c),the existing Alexander Creek West Subdivision (2d),
lands north of the subdivision designated for agriculture (2e),lands south of
the subdivision that will be offered for additional settlement (2f),and
borough land bank lands along Olson Creek (2g).See the maps at the end of
this section for the boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for
a summary of land uses for each subunit.
300
SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT 2--LmU~_MT Sc>S/n-.A
SUBUNIT
2a
Little Mt.
Susitna/Mt.
Susitna
2b
\Jolverine
Creek/Theod
ore River
2c
Forested
Lowlands
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE lEASEABlE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
State Public Recreation Grazing Open Available for Remote cabins Recommended for
Wildlife Habitat leasing Trapper cabins legislative
Lam Disposals designation
State Forestry Open Available for Grazing Recommended for
Public Recreation leasing Land Disposals legislative
Wildlife Habitat designation
State Forestry Grazing Open Available for Land Disposals Recoourended fo r
Wildlife Habitat (except on Trai leasing legislative
Creek.:see designation
rngmt.
guidelines)
Public
Recreation
·Other uses such as material sales.land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit.and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
1.-L\TT\.E..MT.SuS rrl'-IAMANAGEMENTUNITSBRGIONUE
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED
SUBUNIT LAND
SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTSOWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED ISECONDARY USE(S)lOCATABLE lEASEABlE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
2d State/Settlement Forestry Closed Not available Trapper Cabins Approximately 100AlexanderPrivate(existing sub-Public Rec.for coal Remote Cabins unsold surveyedCreekWestdivision)Wildlife Hab.leasing or lots remainSubdivisionprospectingavailable
over-the-counter
2e State Agriculture Forestry Closed prior Not available Trapper Cabins Estimated netLower(homesteads)Public Rec.to disposal for coal Remote Cabins disposal area =Sucker Wildlife Hab.leasing or 800 acresCreekSouthprospecting
2f State Settlement Forestry Closed prior Not available Trapper Cabins Estimated netTrailCreekPublicRec.to disposal for coal Remote Cabins disposal area =Wildlife Hab.leasing or Closed to 800 acres
prospecting grazing along
Trail Creek
(see mgmt.
guidelines)
2g Borough Borough Land Bank -Values:Open Available for -Olson Creek Agriculture,Forestry,leasing
Settlement,Wildlife Habitat
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•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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As stated above,most of the area (subunits 2a,2b and 2c)is recommended for
legislative designation to provide for long term management of timber and
habitat resources and development of recreation areas.A management plan will
be developed for subunits 2a,2b and 2c by an interagency planning team.The
management plan should,among other things,design additional access to public
lands,e.g.,logging roads,recreational trails and airstrips,and determine
whether remote cabins will be a permitted use in this area.
Subunit 2a includes the alpine areas of Mt.Susitna and Little Mt.Susitna.
This unit will be managed for the protection and enhancement of moose and bear
habitat,hunting,skiing,hiking and other types of recreation,and will be
open to trapping and mining.If it becomes economically fea:pible,domestic
livestock grazing may be permitted in subunit 2a.
Subunit 2b,riparian habitat adjacent to Wolverine Creek and the Theodore and
Lewis rivers,will be retained in public ownership.The existing uses within
these subuni ts are hunting,trapping,fishing,and mining.Management of
subunit 2b will encourage public recreation,emphasizing fishing,hunting and
camping,as well as the preservation of riparian habitat and timber
harvesting.
Subunit 2c contains the lands with the best potential for commercial timber
production in the subregion.This subunit will be managed primarily for long
term,sustained yield commercial timber production and harvest.Personal use
timber cut ting also will be allowed,and will be particularly important in
proximity to the existing Alexander Creek West Subdivision and the adjacent
agricultural and settlement areas (subunits 2d,2e and 2f).
Subunit 2d is the existing Alexander Creek West Subdivision.Settlement is
the primary designation for this subunit.There are approximately 100
surveyed parcels remaining available over-the-counter within the subdivision.
Subunit 2e abuts the north side of Alexander Creek West Subdivision.It con-
tains soils with good potential for agricultural use and is designated for use
as agricultural homesteads.
In Subunit 2f,settlement is the primary use.It is adjacent to the south
side of Alexander Creek West Subdivision along Trail Creek.This subunit is
presently accessible by floatplane.
Subunit 2g,borough lands along Olson Creek will be included in the borough
land bank.These are lands with commercial forestry,agriculture and
settlement potential,and they currently provide wildlife habitat.These are
no immediate plans for sale,but this land may be available for disposal in
the future.The subunit will be reevaluated in the future to determine its
best long term use.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially a;.)ply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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*Agriculture
Fish and Wildlife
*Forestry
*Recreation
Settlement
*Subsurface
*Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore f1anagement
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetlands }~nagement
Resource Management
Hanagement guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunits 2a,2b and 2c (Mt.Susitna/Little Mt.Susitna,Wolverine Creek/
Theodore River,Forested Lowlands)
It is recommended that a illanagement plan b(~prep::lred for.8uh'lfli.ts 2a,2b,
and 2c.The management plan will determine,among other things,whether
or not remote cabins TNill be permitted in the subunits.Remote cabin
permits will not be offered until and unless areas open to remote cabins
are designated by a management plan.
Subunit 2b (Wolverine Creek and Toeodore River Corridors)
Transportation
Road crossings in the Wolverine Creek and Theodore River Gor.ridors should
be minimized.All crossings and roads within the corridor should be
designed in consultation with the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
and the Department of Fish and Game.
Subunits 2c and 2f (Forested Lowlands and Trail Cr(~ek)
Grazing,
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The riparian zone along Trail Creek will be closed to grazing.
prohibited in order to avoid conflicts with bears,which
seasonally in this zone.
Subunits 2e and 2f (Lower Sucker Creek South and Trail Creek)
Stream Corridors
Grazing is
concent rat.~
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit uses such as fishing,camping and other active uses,and to
protect water quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land
should be retained in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a
case-by-case basis using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum
buffer width (200'on each side of the river)should be used on Trail
Creek and the unnamed creeks that appear on the 1:63,360 scale USGS
topographic maps.
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MANAGEMENT UlUT 3 -DINGLISHNA HILL
MANAGEMENT INTENT·
Dinglishna .H-ill Management Unit includes approximately 15,500 acres located
north of the Susitna Game Flats between Mt.Susitna and the Susitna River.
This area includes well drained lowlands east of Mt.Susitna,and a consider-
able 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.A variety of land
uses will occur within this area.The river corridors and lands immediately
adjacent to the Susitna Game Flats will be retained in long term public owner-
ship and managed for water resources and wildlife habitat.An area adjacent
to the existing Dinglishna Hill subdivision will be designated resource man-
agement and be retained at least temporarily in public ownership and managed
for recreation and wildlife habitat.This area will be reevaluated for pos-
sible future sale contingent upon access improvements and/or community expan-
sion.The existing Dinglishna Hill Subdivision and the Alexander Creek
corridor will be closed to mineral location and unavailable for coal leasing.
The remaining lands will be open to mineral location and available for coal
leasing.All public lands in this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.
Access into this unit currently is provided by boat.A right-of-way has been
established by DOT/PF as part of a route (the Goose Bay extension)to link the
McGrath and Beluga areas to lands east of the Susitna River by either road or
rail.This right-of-way originates at the Parks 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,one spur would head
northwest through Rainy Pass towards McGrath.The second spur would travel
south through the Game Flats to Beluga.Actual construction of this corridor
across the Susitna River has not yet been planned and will be contingent upon
the economic feasibility of providing access to lands and resources west of
the Susitna River.
There are six subunits within Management Unit 3:Alexander Creek and Susitna
River corridors (3a),Dinglishna Hill Subdivision (3b),land east of the sub-
di vision that is designated resource management (3c),Native lands at the
mouth of Alexander Creek (3d),borough lands west of Dinglishna Hill (3e),and
state lands along the Susitna River Of).See the maps at the end of this
section for boundaries of these areas and the accompar.ying chart for a summary
of land uses in each subunit.
Subunit 3a,comprises state and borough land along Alexander Creek.This
subunit will be retained in long term public ownership.Alexander Creek
supports very high recreational use and wildlife values,including fishing,
boating,hunting,and moose and riparian habitat.The corridor generally will
be retained in a natural state and managed to provide a variety of recreation
opportunities,including campgrounds,public use cabins,boat launches,and
easy public access,while protecting fish and wildlife habitat.Areas also
will be available for personal use timber cutting where it is compatible with
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LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION M1'S0S \1'\JV\MANAGEMENT UNIT 3-D IN&-L\<;t-\N~H\LL
SUBUNIT
3a
Alexander
Creek
3b
Dinglishna
Hill
Subdivision
3c
Dinglishna
Hill East
3d
Alexander
Village
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S}LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS ,
State/Public Recreation Forestry Closed Not available Grazing RecollJlllended for
Borough Wildlife Habitat for coal leas-Land Disposals legislative
ing or pros-designation
pecting
State/settlement Forestry Closed Not available Trapper Cabins
Private (existing sub-Public Rec.for coal leas-Remote Cabins
division)Wildlife Hab.ing or pros-
pecting
State Hesource Management (high)Open Available for Remote cabins
Values:Forestry,Public Rec.,leasing
Settlement,Wildlife Hab.
Native Primarily Private ----
Land
·Other uses such as material sales.land leases.remote cabin permits.etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
,~---~..~.-~.,~-~------.,'---"e_,
*Subsurface
*Transportation
*Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource t1anagement
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Management guidelines that apply to this management uni t only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit 3a (Alexander Creek)
Management Planning and Remote Cabins
It is recommended that a management plan be prepared for subunit 3a.The
management plan will determine,among other things,whether or not remote
cabins will be permitted in this subunit.Remote cabin permits will not
be offered until and unless areas open to remote cabins are designated by
a management plan.
Subsurface and Oil and Gas
Oil and gas exploration and development activities will be sited and/or
timed to mitigate impacts on the fish and wildlife habitat and public use
values of Alexander Creek corridor.Specific mitigation measures
necessary to protect the values for which the river corridor is design~~~d
will be developed as part of the lease sale process.Mitigation measures
will be developed on a case-by-case basis considering timing,topography,
vegetation and other factors affecting the impact of oil and gas
exploration and development activities on fish and wildlife,habitat and
public use values.
Commercial development
Commercial development to support recreational activities is a permitted
use in the Alexander Creek corridor.
Subunits 3a and 3f (Alexander Creek and Susitna River Corridors)
Grazing
Lands within this subunit are closed to graZing because of their
importance as moose winter range and brown bear concentration areas.
Transportation
Road crossings in the Alexander Creek and Susitna River corridors should
be minimized.All crossings and roads within the corridors should be
designed in consultation with the Divisions of Parks and Outdoor
Recreation and Land and Water Management,and the Department of Fish and
Game.
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Subunit 3c and 3e (Dinglishna Hill East and Dinglishna Hill West)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit ·uses such as fishing,camping and other active uses,and to
protect water quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land
should be retained in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a
case-by-case basis using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum
buffer width (200'on each side of the river)should be used on Granite
Creek and the unnamed streams that appear on the 1:63,360 scale USGS
topographic maps.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 4 -BELUGA KT.
MANAGEMENT INTENT
Management Unit 4 extends from the Talachulitna River corridor east to include
lowlands within the Talachulitna drainage,Beluga Mt.and adjacent foothills.
The unit contains a variety of important habitat for moose and small game in
the lowlands;salmon in Bear and Clear creeks,and in the Talachulitna River
and its tributaries;black bear along the foothills of Beluga Mt.;and brown
bear above the 2000'elevation level on Beluga Mt.At present,the major land
uses in Management Unit 4 are sport and subsistence hunting and trapping.In
addition to important habitat values,the unit contains mineral resources,
good agricultural soils,and areas suitable for settlement.With the
exception of areas containing settlement and agricultural values,this unit
will be retained in long term public ownership and managed for preservation of
the fish and wildlife habitat.The foothills of Beluga Mt.may be open to
domestic livestock grazing in the future if grazing becomes economically
feasible and access is developed.The area containing agricultural soils will
be retained in public ownership in the near term,and later reevaluated for
possible agricultural use.Low density land disposals will be offered south
of Hiline Lake.Access into Management Unit 4 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 extends into
Management Unit 4 through subunit 4d.Management Unit 4 will remain open to
mineral location and available for coal leasing except for the proposed
settlement area south of Hiline Lake (subunit 4b).Land along Lower Sucker
Creek is closed to mineral location.All public lands in this unit are
available for oil and gas leasing.
There are four subunits within Management Unit 4:high value forest,fish and
wildlife lands which constitute the majority of the management unit (4a),
state lands suitable for settlement south of Hiline Lake (4b),borough owned
lands around Hiline Lake (4c),and about 17,000 acres of agricultural soils on
the lowlands southeast of Beluga Mt.(4d).See the maps at the end of this
section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary
of land uses in each subunit.
Subunit 4a,the forest and fish and wildlife lands which include a large por-
tion of the Talachulitna drainage and Beluga Mt.,will be retained in long
term public ownership and managed to protect fish and wildlife habitat and to
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LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION M\S\Js.\TtJP\MANAGEMENT UNIT .,-\3 a..Ul.:-I\'y'vrrtJ.
.LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED)
PRIMARY USE(Sj /SECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*:
MINERALS MINERALS
4a State Forestry Remote Cabins Open Available for Land Disposals -
Beluga Mt.Public Recreation leasing
Wildlife Habitat
4b Settlement \Closed priorStateForestry Not available -Estimated net
RHine Lake (personal use)to disposal for coal disposal area =
South Public Rec.leasing or 600 acres
WildHfe Hab.prospecting
4c Borough/Borough Land Bank Open Available for --
Hiline Lake Private Values:Forestry,Public Recrea-leasing
tion,Settlement,Wild-
life Habitat
4d State Resource Management (high)Open except Available for --
Beluga Mt.Values:Agriculture,Forestry,along Lower leasing
Ridge Grazing,Wildlife Suck.e r Creek
Habitat,Settlement (see mgmt.
guidelines)
).
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
encourage fishing and hunting activities.Timber harvesting for personal use
is also a primary land use.It will be particularly important in the vicinity
of potential settlement areas around Hiline Lake.Additional public access to
this subunit,particularly airstrips,is encouraged.Remote cabins are an
allowed use in subunit 4a.
Subunit 4b,state lands between the Talachulitna River and Hiline Lake,is
designated for settlement.The subunit is accessible by floatplane to Hiline
Lake.
Subunit 4c,borough owned lands surrounding Hiline Lake,is designated as
borough land bank.Some of the surveyed lots around the lake are in private
ownership.Additional land sales are not likely in the near term (5 years),
but may occur in the long term.
Subunit 4d (Beluga Mt.Ridge)contains some soils with agricultural potential
and will be designated resource management.In the short term,timber and
habitat management are encouraged.Agricultural sales and grazing may be
allowed uses in the future if they are determined to be the best long term
land use.Should the land be sold for agricul ture,personal use timber
harvest will be a secondary land use.Should a road along the existing
right-of-way through subunit 4d be funded,the resource management lands in 4d
should be reevaluated with respect to the economic feasibility of agricultural
development and grazing.When these lands are reevaluated,forestry,habitat
and settlement values also will be considered.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management gUidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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Agriculture
Fish and Wildlife
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
*Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
Resource Management
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit 4b,4c and 4d (Hiline Lake South,Hiline Lake and Beluga Mt.Ridge)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses,and to,protect water
quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land should be retained
in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on unnamed creeks that appear on
the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographic maps,including but not limited to the
several tributaries to the Talachulitna River in subunit 4c.The public
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corridor on Lower Sucker Creek should be approximately 1/4 mile on each
side to accommodate hunting within the corridor and provide opportunities
for camping in a natural setting along one of the most important
tributaries to Alexander Creek.
Subunit 4c (Hiline Lake)
Lakeshore Management
Although the state has retained portions of the north and south shores of
Hiline Lake in public ownership,the plan recommends that the borough
retain additional public land when lakefront property is sold.The total
amount of land sold should not exceed 50%of the land within 500'of the
lakeshore.Retained lands should include at least 50%of the lakeshore.
This will ensure public access to and around the lake and retain the
opportunities for future use of the area as a local recreation site and/or
campground.
Subunit 4d (Beluga Mt.Ridge)
Mining
Public lands within 200'of Lower Sucker Creek will be closed to mineral
location.The closure is intended to protect water quality and fish';c;{ind
wildlife habitat on one of the most important tributaries to AlexanderJ~r.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 5 -CANYON CREEK
MANAGEMENT INTENT
Management Unit S is south of the Skwentna River and west of the Talachulitna
River corridor.This area is accessible along the Skwentna and Talachulitna
rivers,and via floatplane to a few lakes scattered throughout the region.
Present land uses are boating,fishing,hunting,and fish and wildlife
habitat.There are a number of seasonal or recreational dwellings in the
subregion,primarily on past state land disposals.This units contains some
land with moderate/high coal potential,most of which is under lease.The
area will be managed to support a variety of uses.Over half the management
unit will be retained in long term public ownership to encourage public
recreation,protect fish and wildlife habitat,and promote coal exploration.
Other areas along the Skwentna River and west of the Talachulitna River will
be sold for settlement.Open space areas,public access and personal use
woodlots will be retained in public ownership within disposals.Management
Unit 5 will remain open to mineral location and available for coal leasing
except for the existing and proposed settlement areas in subunits 5c and Sd.
All public lands in this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.
Construction of road access is not likely in this area.The right-of-way
providing access to lands west of the Susitna River lies on the north side of
the Skwentna River.Unless this road and a bridge crossing the Skwentna
and/or Talachulitna rivers are built,access into Management Unit Swill
continue to be by boat or air.The development of public boat facilities
along the Skwentna and Talachulitna rivers,a public airstrip and a trail
system are recommended to provide access into existing and proposed settlement
areas.
313
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT 5-(~'10~c~e:x.
SUBUNIT
5a
Dickason
Mt./
Thursday
Creek
5b
Mobil Coal
Lease
5c
Quartz
Creek,
Talachulitn
a West,
Friday
Creek
5d
Canyon Lake
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP ,SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED)
PRIMARY USErS)/SECONDARY USErS)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS ,
State Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for Land -
Wildlife Habitat !<emote Cabins leasing Disposals
\
State Public Recreation Remote Cabins Open Available for Land -
Wildlife Hab.leasing Disposals
State/Settlement Forestry Closed 'Not available -Estimated net
Private (partly past (personal use)for coal disposal area =
disposals)Public Rec.leasing or 6,000 acres
Wildlife Hab.prospecting
State/Settlement Forestry Closed Not available Grazing Approximately 25
Private (existing Public Rec.for coal Remote Cabins unsold surveyed
subdivision)Wildlife Hab.leasing or Trapper lots remain
prospecting Cabins available
over-the-counter
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc"that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.-,-
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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 Tala-
chulitna River.The unit contains several anadromous fish streams that flow
into the Talachulitna River which,in addition to their value for fish,
provide valuable riparian habitat where hunting activities are concentrated.
Habitat values and hunting decrease closer to the Alaska Range.The eastern
portion of the management unit contains some 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 ownership and managed
for mining;public recreation (especially hunting,fishing,and boating);
fish,moose and small game habitat;and water resources.Low resource value
areas within the Alaska Range will be retained in public ownership at least
for the near term and designated resource management-low value.Management
Unit 6 will remain open to mineral location except along the lower reaches of
Friday and Saturday Creeks and along an unnamed tributary to Talachulitna
Creek from Trinity Lakes.All public lands in this unit are available for
coal and oil and gas leasing.
Access into Management Unit 6 presently is limited to one privately owned
landing strip at the northwest corner of the Meadowlark coal lease.The plan
recommends extension of trail access along Friday and Saturday Creeks from the
Talachulitna River.
There are three subunits in the Hayes River Management Unit:Friday and
Saturday Creek drainages (6a),the Meadowlark coal lease (6b),and Trimble
River (6c).See the maps at the end of this section for boundaries of these
areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit.
Subunit 6a,the Friday and Saturday Creek drainages,support fish,moose,
small game,and waterfowl;hunting and fishing;wilderness camping;and some
rafting.The subunit will be retained in long term public ownership and
managed for public recreation,mining,and water resources.
Subunit 6b,the Meadowlark coal lease,includes several miles of Friday and
Saturday creeks and adjacent riparian corridors.This area will be retained
in public ownership and managed for coal development,fish and wildlife habi-
tat and public recreation (rafting,fishing,and hunting).
Subunit 6c,Trimble River,generally contains low surface and subsurface
values and will be classified resource management--low value.It will be
retained in public ownership at least for the near term and managed for exist-
ing uses.Requests for other uses will be considered on a case-by-case
basis.The area will be open to remote cabin permits.This subunit may be
reevaluated in the future if new data is gathered that indicates higher
resource values are present.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines could potentially apply to uses within
this management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks.
317
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION M\S\JS'~MANAGEMENT UNIT b -ttA'tES R\V£R f1\SS
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED)
PRIMARY USE(S)/SECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)·
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MINERALS MINERALS
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6a State Public Recreation Forestry Open except Available for Land Disposals
Friday and Wildlife Habitat (personal use)along Friday leasing Closed to
Saturday Remote Cabins &Saturday grazing along
Creeks Crks.&an Friday &
unnamed creek Saturday
from Trinity Creeks (see
Lakes (see management
managment guidelines)
j guidelines)
6b State Coal Public Rec.Open except Available for Land Disposals
Meadowlark Remote Cabins along Friday leasing
Coal Lease Wildlife Hab.&Saturday
Creeks (see
management
guidelines
6c State Resource Management (Low)Open Available for -
Trimble Selected (open to remote cabin permits)leasing
River
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
~-..
Agriculture
Fish and Wildlife
Forestry
*Recrea t_ion
Settlement
*-Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
*Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit 6a and 6b (Friday and Saturday Creeks and Meadowlark Coal Lease)
Grazing
The riparian zone along Friday and Saturday creeks in TI8N,R13W and TI9N,
R13W,SM.will be closed to grazing.Grazing is prohibited in order to
avoid conflicts with bears,which concentrate seasonally in this zone.
Mining
Lands within 300'of the portion of Friday and Saturday Creeks eaS~~RI3W
S.M.,and lands within 200'of the unnamed tributary to the Talachulitna
River from Trinity Lakes will be closed to mineral location.These
closures are intended to protect water quality and wildlife habitat on
these important tributaries of the Talachulitna River.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 7 -TALACHULITNA RIVER.
MANAGEMENT INTENT
Management Unit 7 includes lands along the Talachulitna River and Creek system
from its confluence with the Skwentna River to Judd and Wolf lakes.The head-
waters 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
Talachulitna and Judd lakes.Most of the recreational values are concentrated
along the boatable portions of Talachulitna Creek from Judd Lake to the con-
fluence with the Talachulitna River and from there north to the confluence
with the Skwentna River.The Talachulitna system is one of the most valuable
sport fishing waterways in the entire Susitna drainage and is one of the major
contributors to the Cook Inlet sockeye and pink salmon commercial fishery.It
is also extremely valuable for public recreation,particularly floating.
This management unit will be retained in public ownership.In addition it is
recommended for legislative designation to protect water quality,fishery and
riparian habitat values,and recreational opportunities along the river and
creek.The lands will be managed to provide wilderness recreation while
protecting the existing natural resources.At appropriate locations,boat
launches and public use cabins or other facilities should be constructed.
Land sales and grazing are prohibited throughout the management unit.Public
facilities such as campgrounds and boat launches also will be encouraged at
319
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION t\t\T S\J5>\Th/P-.MANAGEMENT UNIT 1-TALACHULfThJA Rl ~
SUBUNIT
7
Talachulit-
na River
Corridor
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE I LEASEABLE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
State/Public Recreation Forestry Closed Not available Grazing HecolIllllended for
Borough ~ater Resources (personal use)for;coal Land Disposals legislative des-
Wildlife Habitat leasing or ignation
prospecting
.
.
,
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed it consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
----!'Y'Ianag~meIlLQJJide~in chapterL .__.
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Judd Lake,a key access point for float trips.Forestry is a secondary use in
this management unit.Timber harvesting is allowed only for personal use and
only when consistent with the habitat and public objectives for the corridor,
including the intent to maintain the wilderness character of the corridor.
It is recommended that a management plan be prepared for Management Unit 7.
The management plan will,among other things,determine what facilities (e.g.,
campgrounds,put-in and take-out points for float trips,public use cabins)
are necessary to support public use of the river and to protect the fish and
wildlife and recreation resources within the corridor.Facilities should be
designed to preserve the wilderness character of the river corridor.The
management plan also will determine whether or not remote cabins will be
permitted in this subunit.See the map at the end of this section for the
boundary of the management unit and the accompanying chart for a summary of
allowed land uses.Management Unit 7 will be closed to mineral location and
unavailable for coal leasing to protect the habitat and recreation resources
and water quality along the Talachulitna River and Talachulitna Creek.All
public lands in this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.
l1ANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below.
r
Agriculture
*Fish and Wildlife
Forestry
*Recreation
Settlement
Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Interagency Consultation
Since protection of habitat and recreational values is of such importance in
this unit,and the area is being recommended for legislative designation,
special consideration should be given to consulting with the Division of Parks
and Outdoor Recreation and the Department of Fish and Game when reviewing
permit or lease applications in this unit.
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 Department of
Natural Resources in consultation with the Department of Fish and Game and the
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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 impacts along the shore.
Cabin sites shall be dispersed along the river and creek corridors in a very
low density because of the limited forest resources.Public use cabins shall
not be permitted within 200'on either side of the Talachulitna River or
Creek.Public use cabins will not be permitted within 100'of any of the
other streams shown on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographic maps.
Oil and Gas
Oil and gas exploration and development activities will be sited and/or timed
to mitigate impacts on the fish and wildlife habitat and public use values of
the Talachulitna River corridor.Specific mitigation measures necessary to
protect the values for which the river corridor was designated will be
developed as part of the lease sale process.Mitigation measures will be
developed on a case-by-case basis considering timing topography,vegetation
and other factors affecting the impact of oil and gas exploration and
development activities on fish and wildlife,habitat and public use values.
Water Quality
Water entering the Talachulitna River should remain undiminished in quality (
and quantity.1
Management Planning and Remote Cabins
Remote cabin permits will not be offered until and unless areas open to remote
cabins are designated by a management plan.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 8 -TALACHDLITNA LAKE
MANAGEMENT INTENT
Management Unit 8 includes the Coal Creek drainage and lands adj acent to the
Talachulitna River corridor in the vicinity of Judd Lake.Present uses
include recreation activities such as boating,fishing,and hunting;and
seasonal/recreational settlement.Fish and wildlife habitat,lands capable of
supporting remote settlement,and moderate to high coal potential are among
the unit's resources.The major land use objective for the area will be to
provide opportunities for public recreation,recreational settlement,and
mining.Management Unit 8 will remain open to mineral location and coal
leasing except for existing disposals in subunit 8c.Lands along three
important tributaries to Talachulitna Creek that cross subunits 8a and 8b will
be closed to mineral location.All public lands in this unit are available
for oil and gas leasing.
There are four subunits within Management Unit 8:Talachulitna and Kitty
lakes (8a),Trinity and Movie lakes (8b),the past Coal Creek remote parcel
offering and the southeastern portion of the past Sunday Lake remote parcel
area (8c),and the High Mt.Lake Subdivision and remote parcel area (8d).See
the maps at the end of this section for boundaries of these areas and the
accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit.
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SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT 6·ThLA<H-UL\N';\~
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED)
PRIMARY USE(S)/SECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS
8a State Public Recreation Forestry Open except Available for Remote Cabins -
Talachu-Wildlife Habitat (personal use)along unnamed leasing Land Disposals
litna tributaries Portion closed
Kitty Lakes to Talachu-to grazing
litna Creek &(see mgmt.
River(see guidelines)
management
guidelines)
8b State/Resource Management (high)/Borough Open except Available for Remote Cabins -
Trinity and Borough Land Bank along unnamed leasing
M:>vie Lakes Values:Forestry,Recreation,tributaries
Settlement,Wildlife to Talachu-
Habitat litna Creek &
River (see
management
guidelines)
Bc State Settlement Public Rec.Closed prior Not available Closed to Estimated net
Sunday Lake Wildlife Hab.to disposal for coal grazing along disposal area =
and Coal leasing or Coal Creek 2,560 acres
Creek prospecting (see mgmt.
Remotes guidelines)
&i State/Settlement Forestry Closed Not available Remote Cabins Approximately 100
High Mt.Private (exis ting sub-(personal use)for coal Trapper Cabins unsold surveyed
Lakes division &past Public Rec.leasing or lots remain
remote parcel Wildlife Hab.prospecting available over-
area)the-counter
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'Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
Subunit 8a,Talachulitna and Kitty lakes and the surrounding lands,contains
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~wnership and managed for public recreation and fish and wildlife
habitat.Since this area contains moderate coal potential,coal prospecting
also will be allowed.
Subunit 8b,the land around Trinity and Movie lakes,is accessible by float
plane and attractive for recreational settlement.The land immediately
surrounding the lakes is borough owned and will be retained in the borough
land bank in the near term.The state owned land southwest of the lakes will
be retained in resource management and managed for public recreation in the
near term (5-10 years).Land in this subunit will be reevaluated for possible
future sales contingent upon the borough's management decisions for this area.
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Subunit 8c
offerings.
(Sunday Lakes-Coal Creek)includes two past remote
Subunit 8c will remain open for additional disposals.
parcel
Subunit 8d comprises the existing High Mt.Lakes Subdivision and past remote
parcel area.The primary use of the subunit will be settlement.There are no
additional sales planned for the immediate future.However,unsold surveyed
lots in the subdivision will remain available over-the-counter.
Access into Management Unit 8 is primarily by boat via the Talachulitna River,
or by float plane.Although there are currently no plans for road or rail
construction,a right-of-way has been established originating on the east side
of the Susitna River,crossing the river and running south into the Beluga
Subregion.A second right-of-way then travels northwestward to the area
immediately west of Coal Creek Lake and ends at the southern boundary of Man-
agement Unit 8.The construction of this road will be dependent mainly upon
the economic returns expected from coal extraction in the Beluga area.A
trail system should be designed and built to provide public access from past
and proposed settlement areas to Judd Lake and the Talachulitna River until,
and if,the road is constructed.Such a system would not only provide access
into settlement areas,but enable increased use of the recreational resources
in and adjacent to the Talachulitna River corridor.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
~The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this report.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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Agriculture
*Fish and Wildlife
Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
*Subsurface
Transportation
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Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below.by subunit.
Subunit 8b,8c,and 8d (Trinity and Movie Lakes,Sunday Lak -Coal Creek,and
High Mt.Lakes)
Stream"Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses,and to protect water
quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land should be retained
in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on Coal Creek and West Fork Coal
Creek.A 200'buffer generally should also be retained on the unnamed
streams that appear on the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographic maps.The
corridors on tributaries to Talachulitna Creek should be 300'to permit
hunting and protect the natural setting on streams that feed the boatable
portion of the Talachulitna system.
Wood Lots
Woodlot areas will be identified near settlement and land bank areas prior
to disposal.~k
Subunits 8a &8b (Talachulitna and Kitty Lakes,Trinity and Movie Lakes)
Mining
Lands within 200'of the unnamed tributaries to the Talachulitna River
that originate in Kitty Lake and Trinity Lake and within 300'of Grayling
Creek (the unnamed tributary to Talachulitna Creek arising in Tl7N R12W
S.M.,section 6)will be closed to mineral location.The closure is
intended to protect water quality and fish and wildlife habitat in some of
the most important tributaries to the Talachulitna River.
Subunit 8a &8c (Talachulitna and Kitty Lakes and Sunday Lake-Coal Creek)
Grazing
The riparian zone along Coal Creek and the west fork of Coal Creek will be
closed to grazing.Grazing is prohibited in order to avoid conflicts with
bears,which concentrate seasonally in this zone.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 9 -TALACHULITNA WETLANDS
MANAGEMENT INTENT
Management Unit 9 contains approximately 30,000 acres of wetlands immediately
south of Talachulitna Creek and west of the Talachulitna River.Tributaries
of Talachulitna Creek and River drain out of this wetland,which serves as a
water recharge area and provides salmon spawning and rearing habitat.
Additionally,the wetland supports moose feeding and calving.This management
unit is also underlain by moderate coal values.Nearly all of this unit will
be retained in public ownership and managed for fish and wildlife habitat,
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION N\1'S\J~rrN~MANAGEMENT UNIT '1-ThLA(~UL\~~uJET'l.ANt>S
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE lEASEABlE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
9a State Water Resources Public Rec.Open except Available for Land Disposal
Wetlands Wildlife Habitat along unnamed leasing Remote Cabins
tributary to
Talachulitna
River (see
management Approximately 120
guidelines)surveyed lots
remain available
over-the-counter
9b State Settlement Forestry Closed Not available Remote Cabins
Super Cub (existing (personal use)for coal
subdivision)Public Rec.leasing or
Wildlife Hab.prospecting
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·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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water resources and coal development.A small area in the southeastern
portion of the unit will be available for disposal.All public lands in this
unit are available for coal and oil and gas leasing.Public lands in this
unit also will be open for mineral location except along the unnamed tributary
to the Talachulitna River from Kitty Lakes.
There are two subunits in this management unit:the wetlands that comprise
the maj ority -of the unit (9a)and the existing Super Cub Subdivision (9b).
See the maps at the end of this section for boundaries of this area and the
accompanying chart for a summary of the land uses within this management unit.
Subunit 9a,the wetland area,will be retained in long term public ownership
for the protection of the water resources and fish and wildlife habitat.
Subunit 9b is the existing Super Cub Subdivision.There are over 100 surveyed
lots within the subdivision that have not been sold yet.Remaining lots will
continue to be available for sale over-the-counter.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below."~..,
Agriculture
*Fish and Wildlife
Forestry
Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
Lakeshore Management
Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
Stream Corridors
Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below.
Subunit 9a (Wetlands)
Mining
Public lands within 200'of the unnamed tributary to the Talachulitna River
from Kitty Lakes will be closed to mineral location.The closure is intended
to protect water quality and fish and wildlife habitat in one of the most
important tributaries to the Talachulitna River.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 10 -NATIVE LANDS
MANAGEMENT INTENT
Management Unit 10 is a 135,000 acre block of valuable land owned almost
entirely by Cook Inlet Region,Inc.,a Native corporation.Approximately
2,500 acres are in borough ownership.The unit is located in the southwestern
portion of the Mt.Susitna Subregion 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
327
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
COMMENTS
PROHIBITED
SURFACE
USE(S)*LEASEABLE
MINERALS
SUBSURFACE
LOCATABLE
MINERALS
MANAGEMENT UNIT to -N~1\\lE lANDS
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
SURFACE
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S)
LAND
OWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED)
SUBUNIT
SUBREGION MT 9JSl~
lOa
Native
Lands
Native Primarily Private Lands--Recommend
ed Uses:Public Recreation
Wildlife Habitat
lOb Borough
Coal Creek
Lake and
Northeast-
ern Borough
Lands
Borough Land Bank
Values:Forestry,Recreation
Settlement,Wildlife
Habitat
Open Available for
leasing
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·Other uses such .as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
manqgement intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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stands,agricultural soils,fish and wildlife habitat--particularly along
anadromous fish streams--and land suitable for settlement.EXisting land uses
consist of sport and subsistence hunting and fishing,trapping,boating,
placer mining,and very scattered settlement.Access into these areas is
presently provided by boat,float plane,or along a four season gravel road
extending from the Beluga power plant to the Lewis River.Although there are
no plans for-construction of a public road,a public right-of-way has been
established running north from the Beluga area parallel to the Beluga River,
ending at Coal Creek Lake.All public lands in this unit are available for
oil and gas leasing.Public lands in this unit also will remain open to
mineral location and be available for coal leasing.
There are two subunits in this management unit:that which comprises the
majority of the territory (lOa),and the borough lands around Coal Creek Lake
in the northeastern corner of the management unit (lOb).See the maps at the
end of this section for boundaries and the accompanying chart for a summary of
the land uses within this management unit.
Subunit lOa (Native lands):The Susitna Area Plan does not affect management
of Native lands.However,due to the abundance of resources in the area and
potential access from either the right-of-way leading to Coal Creek Lake or
from the existing local road network extending from Beluga to the Lewis River,
the state recommends that Cook Inlet Region,Inc.continue their policy of
keeping the area open to public recreation (hunting,fishing and other trypes
of recreation),and allowing public access through the region.The state
encourages the development of the area's subsurface and forestry resources.
W"here feasible,DNR and Cook Inlet Region Inc.should work cooperatively on
access improvements,timber harvest plans,recreation development and other
land management activities.
Subunit lOb:This subunit consists of borough lands in the northeastern
corner of the management unit and land around Coal Creek Lake.Those
subdivided lots on the borough lands surrounding Coal Creek Lake which have
not yet been sold will be retained in the borough land bank and reconsidered
for possible sale in the long term should the borough decide to offer sales in
remote areas.In the interim,this area will be managed primarily for private
and public recreation.Management of fish and wildlife habitat is the major
objective on lands that remain in public ownership.W"hile there are no plans
for sale of the borough lands in the northeastern portion of Management Unit
10 at present,this area does contain lakefront property capable of supporting
settlement.It may be considered for sales at some time in the future.In
the interim,it will be retained in the borough land bank and managed for
existing uses,primarily habitat.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES:
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
329
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
Public Access
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetland Management
Resource Management
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit lOb (Coal Creek Lake &Northeastern Borough Lands)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,camping and other active uses,and to protect water
quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land should be retained
in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a case-by-case basis
using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum buffer width (200'on
each side of the river)should be used on Coal Creek.A 200'buf fe r
generally should also be retained on the unnamed streams that appear on
the 1:63,360 scale USGS topographic maps.
330
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BELUGA SUBREGION
SUBREGION OVERVIEW
The following section describes land use policy within the Beluga Sub-
region.It is divided into two parts.The firs t section is an overview
of resources and their management for the subregion as a whole.The sec-
ond section presents specific statements of management intent,land use
designations,prohibited uses and management guidelines for each of the
subregion's three management units.A map showing land ownership in the
subregion and boundaries of management units and subunits is presented at
the end of the second part.
A.Background
The Beluga Subregion is bounded on the north and east by Beluga River
and Lake,on the south by Cook Inlet,and on the west by the Chaka-
chatna River and the edge of the Alaska Range (approximately the 1500'
elevation contour).The line dividing the Kenai Peninsula Borough
from the Hatanuska-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 divided roughly between the State of
Alaska and the Native regional and village corporations.Addition-
ally,the Kenai Pennisula Borough has surface ownership of approxi-
mately 8,500 acres.There are also a number of isolated parcels,pri-
marily along the coast,owned by private individuals.
The large coal reserves of the Beluga Subregion suggest that this
area faces a greater range of development possibilities than virtually
any other subregion in the planning area.By the year 2000,the area
could be a highly developed coal mining and export center,with a town
of several thousand people and a road to the railbelt.On the other
hand,the area could easily remain remote and largely undeveloped.
The area possesses a variety of existing and potential land uses in
addition to coal.The subregion is the location of the Native village
of Tyonek --a community that continues to depend on the area's rich
reserves of salmon,moose and other food sources for its mix of sub-
sistence and cash economy lifestyle.Until recently,the area has
been the scene of large scale timber harvests and an export chipping
operation.It is also the location of substantial offshore and some
onshore oil and gas production.The majority of Anchorage's electri-
city is generated within this subregion by gas-fired turbines located
at a plant near the Beluga River.
The area possesses enormous coal resources.These reserves are pre-
sently the subject of multi-million dollar feasibility and pre-permit
application environmental studies which could lead to coal mining and
export by as early as 1990.
Although there is no year-round land access into the Beluga Subregion,
there is an extensive road system within the area.These roads were
built primarily as part of the previous timber harvests.The largest
network of roads leads from logging areas west of Tyonek to the dock
and former chip mill operation at the North Forelands.In addition to
logging roads,there is a smaller private road system for local
traffic on the Tyonek Native Corporation (TNC)lands.On the coast
just north of the TNC lands there are also roads connecting an
airstrip,the electrical generation plant,and several oil and gas
wells and drilling sites.Regularly scheduled air taxi service runs
between Anchorage and Beluga and the village of Tyonek.
B•HANAGEMENT SUMHARY
The major management objective for the Beluga Subregion is to manage
the land in a way that best facilitates development of the area's coal
resources.This will be achieved largely by retaining land with
potential for coal development in public ownership and ensuring that
public land is available for a townsite or work camp,processing and
port facilities,and other uses that would accompany coal
development.Other important management objectives are protection of
fish and wildlife habitat,continued oil and gas development and
commercial timber management.Secondary uses include mining and
settlement other than what would be associated with coal,agriculture
and public recreation.
1.Settlement
In addition to the several sites identified as potential coal
mining townsites,three areas of public land within this subregion
are suitable candidates for land disposal.Two of these sites are
borough owned;the other is state.Only the area owned by the
state is designated for near term settlement.This area,
surrounding Primo and Bishop lakes and an unnamed lake to the
northwest,includes a gross area of approximately 5,440 acres.Of
this,a net area of approximately 1,400 acres will be offered for
sale.The three lakes provide fly-in access.This area is
outside those portions of the subregion with moderate or high coal
potential.
The two borough-owned areas may be considered for settlement in
the long-term.These are an area owned by the Hatanuska-Susitna
Borough adjacent to the Beluga River and an area owned by the
Kenai Peninsula Borough which stretches along the coast near
Viapan Lake.These lands are designated borough land bank,which
signifies they will be retained in borough ownership in the
near-term and managed for present uses.In the long term,
however,these lands may be sold for settlement.These lands
include approximately 7,300 acres of which approximately 1,500
acres could be offered for sale.Access to these sites is via
boat or plane.
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The only
necessary
other settlement
to support coal
117
proposed in
development,
this subregion is that
if and When it occurs.
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Coal mining is anticipated to last for a period of 30 -50 years;
thus it seems likely that a permanent townsite would be
established rather than a "temporary"work camp.Four sites --
Nikolai Ridge,Congahbuna Lake,Beluga and Three Mile --will be
designated "reserved use"to preserve future townsite options.
Decisions on the most appropriate site will be made through the
permit and regulatory process as coal development moves toward
reality.In the interim,these sites will be managed as wildlife
habitat and forestry.
2.Agriculture
There are several pockets of publicly-owned cultivable soils in
this subregion.At present,they are remote sites and competing
wildlife,forestry,and coal values are considered higher value.
There are also several large blocks of cultivable soils on native
lands.
3.Forestry
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Forestry is a primary land use designation on approximately 32,000
acres where high and moderate forest values occur,typically along
with wildlife habitat and coal.Timbered lands will be available
for harvest up until the time of coal development.A management
plan should be developed cooperatively with coal operators,the
Divisions of Forestry and Minerals,and the Department of Fish and
Game to allow maximum timber harvest before coal mining and to
develop appropriate revegetation strategies.Areas may be
identified for habitat enhancement to support moose and other
species while their normal habitats are being disrupted.
4.Fish and Wildlife Habitat
This subregion is an important moose harvest area for local
residents and fly-in hunters.Substantial trapping and fishing
also occurs.An important near-term management obj ective is to
improve public access into the area so that increased 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,habitat enhancement and reclamation.To
the extent practical,water quality should be protected in impor-
tant salmon streams such as Chuitna,Nicolai and Beluga rivers.A
comprehensive management plan to protect fish and wildlife resour-
ces will need to be completed as part of the detailed planning
associated with coal development.In addition to direct impacts
of coal development on habitat quality,such a plan should
consider secondary impacts on fish and wildlife resources
resulting from a large influx of people into the region.
5.Recreation
Host of the current recreational activity in this subunit is wild-
life-based hunting and fishing.These activities will be protec-
ted through public ownership of most of the area.In areas pro-
333
posed for land sales,stream and trail corridors,some lakefront
property and public access points will be identified and retained
in public ownership.If coal is developed,an effort should be
made to minimize the impact on these recreation opportunities.
Post mining reclamation plans should consider ways to provide
opportunities for public recreation (e.g.creation of lakes,
improved access,etc.).
6.Subsurface Resources
Coal mining is likely to be the dominant future use of this sub-
region.Over 90%(380,000 acres)of the subregion is judged to
have high or moderate coal potential.Over 70,000 acres are
currently under lease (9,240 acres are leased Natl'1e lands;the
remainder are state leases).Most of the rest of the area will be
offered for coal leasing in the future.If coal is developed,
existing state and federal laws (Alaska Surface Coal Mining 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.
Lands that currently are intended for coal-related uses may
ultimately be used for a variety of other purposes.This will be
possible either after areas are mined and rehabilitated or after
the areas are found not to have potential for commercial coal
mining.Alternative surface land uses of these areas,including
land sales,should be determined as part of the periodic review of
the plan.
Public lands in this subregion will remain open for coal leasing
except for those few sites offered for settlement (all of which
have low or very low coal potential)and lands designated reserved
use for a possible future coal related townsite.Once a coal
townsite is selected,the remaining areas can be opened to coal
mining or other uses.
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.There are several existing
gas wells in the southern portion of the subregion.All state and
borough land remains open to oil and gas leasing.Much of the
infrastructure to develop and transport these resources is in
place.
The potential for development of other minerals is believed to be
low,but the area generally will remain open for locatable mineral
entry.Mining operations in the area are likely to be placer
mines.
7.Transportation/Facilities
Two potential major transportation improvements have been dis-
cussed for this subregion:one is a coal transport and mining
support transportation system from the coal fields to a potential
port site at Granite Point;the second is a road or rail extension
into this subregion from the east side of the Susitna River.The
first of these routes has been protected with a 100-300'wide
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right-of-way for coal transportation from mine sites to Granite
Point.A preliminary right of way R.O.W.for the road or rail
link from the rail belt also has been reserved.
There are two principal candidates for the port site that would be
used to export coal from this area:Granite Point and North Fore-
lands.The state-owned uplands at Granite Point are designated
as an industrial site and are currently under lease to a coal
company;the lat te r area is on Nat i ve lands wi thin the Tyonek
Native reservation.
8.Chakachatna Hydroelectric Project
A hydroelectric project has been proposed on a site just outside
the study area on the Chakachatna drainage.If this project is
constructed,state land may be needed for transportation of mater-
ials,workcamps,or other uses associated with the construction
and maintenance of the project.
II.MANAGEMENT INTENT AND GUIDELINES BY MANAGEMENT UNIT
MANAGEtfENT UNIT 1 -COOK INLET REGION,INCORPORATED
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This management uni t occupies approximately the wes t half of the Beluga Sub-
region.Upper and Lower Beluga lakes,the terminus of the Capps Glacier and
the Chakachatna River are key geographic features.Nikolai Creek and several
other streams which flow through this unit are anadromous fish streams.Pub-
lic 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 wildlife habitat,coal
and,in the south half,forestry.Recreation activity is generally limited to
hunting.The plan commends and supports Cook Inlet Region,Incorporated's
decision to allow public recreational use of this area and encourages oppor-
tunities for cooperative management between the state and the Native corpora-
tion in timber harvesting and coal development.
This management unit has been divided into two subunits on the basis of land
ownership.Subunit la is comprised of Native lands;subunit Ib is the fed-
eral land along the Chakachatna River.See the map at the end of this section
for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for designations in
each subunit.
Subunit la has valuable forest and habitat resources.Cooperative management
is encouraged to allow public access for hunting and other recreational activ-
ities and joint timber harvests.
Subunit Ib is under a federal power site withdrawal for the Chakachatna hydro-
electric project.This land will remain in federal ownership until the power
site application is withdrawn.
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LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT 1-~I:N\.ET ~<:.\OtJ J r~.
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS
1a Native Primarily Private Land -----
Native Land Recommended Uses:Wildlife
Habitat,Public Recreation.Coal
Mining
1b Federal Water Resources -Open Available for Land Disposals
Chakachatna Wildlife Habitat Leasing Remote Cabins
River
·Other uses such as material sales.land leases,remote cabin permits.etc.•that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
f.MANAGID1ENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this report.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are mos t likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
Agriculture
Fish and Wildlife
*Forestry
Recreation
Settlement
*Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit 1a (Native Land)
Areas of particular value or environmental sensitivity within this manage-
ment unit include Beluga Lake (this area receives the seventh highest num-
ber of hunting days in the study area),the Chuitna River and Nikolai and
Bishop creeks.
Two portions of this unit (T15N R13W,Sections 29-36;T15N R1~W,Sections
25,36;T14N R14W,Section 1;Tl4N R13W,Sections 1-6,9-12;T12N R14W,
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 will be proposed as
trumpeter swan reserves to be protected through legislative or
administrative designation.In recognition of the scarcity and
vulnerability to disturbance of these sites,the state recommends that
special caution be used in the development of coal or other resources 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.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 2 -BISHOP CREEK
MANAGEMENT INTENT
Management Unit 2 includes portions of the Beluga River,Chuit and Bishop
creeks,Bishop and Primo lakes,and portions of Lone Ridge.This unit will be
managed to support wildlife habitat,coal development,recreation and limited
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LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT 2 -l3>\sr-top C-YZEEK..
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS
2a State Wildlife Habitat Public Rec.Open Available for Remote Cabins -
Chichantna leasing Land Disposals
Creek
2b State Settlement Forestry Closed prior Not available -Estimated net
Primo/Public Rec.to land dis-for coal disposal area
Bishop Wildlife Hab.posal leasing or =1.400 acres
Lake prospecting
2c Mat-Su Borough Land Bank/Resource Mgt.Open Available for --
Beluga Borough/(high)Values:Settlement.Public leasing
River State Recreation,Wildlife
Habitat.Forestry.Oil
&Gas.Coal,Minerals
2d Native Primarily Private Land----------
Felts Lake Recommended Uses:Wildlife
Habitat,Public Recreation
2e
Lone Ridge State Wildlife Habitat Public Rec.Open Available for Land Disposals -
Remote Cabins leasing
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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amounts of settlement.These objectives will be achieved by retaining the
majority of the land in public ownership and clustering land sales.This unit
will remain open to mineral location and be available for coal leasing except
for subunit 2b which is closed due to a proposed land disposal.The entire
unit is open to oil and gas leasing.
This management unit has five subunits:the Chichantna Creek area (2a),
Primo/Bishop Lakes (2b),the Beluga River (2c),Felts Lake (2d)and Lone Ridge
(2e).See the map at the end of this section for boundaries of these areas
and the accompanying chart for a summary of land use designations in each
subunit.
Subunit 2a,the Chichantna Creek area,will be retained in public ownership
and managed for coal and wildlife habitat values.Coal potential is high in
this subunit,and areas to the wes t are currently unde r lease.Portions of
this area have been identified as trumpeter swan nesting sites which are
sensitive to disturbance.This subunit,particularly along Bishop Creek,also
supports a high number of moose in winter months.
Subunit 2b includes land sales around the area's three largest lakes --
Bishop,Primo,and a lake that is unnamed on the USGS topographic maps.The
objective of land sales in this unit is to 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 subunit has
low coal potential.
Subunit 2c:The Beluga River flows through the center of this subunit.Land
on the eastside of the river is owned by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and
will be designated borough land bank.Land west of the Beluga River is in
state ownership and will be designated resource management.This subunit has
settlement potential as well as values for habitat and recreation,coal and
forestry.This subunitwill be retained in public ownership in the near term.
The ultimate use of the area should be decided after more is known about the
likely timing and magnitude of coal development.
Subunit 2d (Felts Lake)is in native ownership.It is hoped that this area
will continue to provide Wildlife habitat and opportunities for public
recreation around Felts Lake.Felts Lake also could accommodate some
recreational settlement.High coal values exist in the southern part of the
subunit and may be developed in the future.
Subunit 2e (Lone Ridge)has lower overall resource potential than the other
units,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 several of its tributaries run through this unit.The Chuitna River has
been identified as a river of statewide significance by the Department of Fish
and Game due to the number of anadromous fish it supports and its potential
for sport fishing.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this report.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are mos t likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
Agriculture
*Fish and Wildlife
Forestry
Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore l~nagement
*Public Access
*Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
Trail Management
Wetlands t~nagement
Resource Management
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit 2a (Chichantna Creek)
Critical Habitat/Subsurface
A portion of this unit (T14N R13W S.M.Sections 1-3,10-12)contains an
important trumpeter swan nesting area.Trumpeter swans are relatively
scarce and nesting areas are vulnerable to disturbance.Activities and
facilities requiring land use permits (e.g.,gravel extraction,remote
cabins and utility lines),coal mining and other potentially disruptive
activities should be designed to minimize their impacts on the swans and
will be permitted only after consultation with the Department of Fish and
Game.
Subunit 2b and 2c (Bishop/Primo Lake and Beluga River)
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,picnicing,camping and other active uses,and to
protect water quality and riparian habitat.Consequently this land should
be retained in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a
case-by-case basis using the policies in chapter 2.The standard minimum
width (200'on both sides of the river)should be used on the stream
running from Bishop Lake to Bishop Creek and on the other tributaries to
Bishop Creek shown on the 1:63,360 topographic quad for the area.The
corridor on Bishop Creek and Beluga River should be 300'on both sides of
the river in order to protect the riparian habitat along the river and
provide room for a greater variety of public recreation activities along
these streams.
Subunit 2e (Lone Ridge)
Forestry
Forestry is a secondary use in this management unit.The limited forest
resources will be managed for personal use.Timber harvests will be
designed to minimize impacts on habitat.
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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 two to four miles)to maintain limited forest resources and
to reduce human impacts on wildlife.
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 geographic
features included in this unit are the Beluga and Chuitna Rivers,Congahbuna
Lake,and Nikolai Ridge.Several large portions of the unit are either in
native or borough ownership.The overall management intent emphasizes
retention and multiple use management of public lands.A particular objective
for this area is to manage land in a way that facilitates development of the
area's coal and oil and gas resources.Specific lands have been set aside as
possible townsites and for a port site to support possible coal development.
This unit will remain open to mineral location and be available for coal
leasing except for subunits 3b and 3c which are closed to mineral location to
protect potential townsites and industrial/port area.The entire unit is
available for oil and gas leasing.
This management unit has been divided into six subunits primarily on the basis
of land ownership and land use requirements associated with possible coal
development.The subunits are the upper Chuitna River and Lone Creek drain-
ages (3a);potential townsites (3b);the proposed Granite Point industrial and
port site (3c);native lands (3d);the forested areas around the upper ends of
Nikolai,Tyonek and Threemi~e creeks (3e);and Viapan Lake (3f).Refer to the
maps at the end of this section for boundaries of these areas and the
accompanying chart for a summary of land use designations in each subunit.
Subunit 3a contains two large coal leases,known as the Lone Ridge and Center
Ridge sites.The lands in this subunit will be retained in public ownership
and managed primarily for coal,oil and gas and wildlife habitat values.
Subunit 3b consists of four townsites that are designated reserved use to pre-
serve future townsite options.Three of the sites are in state ownership;the
fourth site is in borough ownership.In the interim,these sites will be man-
aged for wildlife habitat and forest values.
Subunit 3c is a potential site for industrial and/or port development if
resource development occurs in the Beluga area.This is the only public-owned
port site in this area of Cook Inlet.
Subunit 3d is land owned by the Tyonek Native Corporation and not affected by
this plan.
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LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
3 -C \-\u rfNf\'R\\)ERMANAGEMENTUNITSUBREGION
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED lOCATABLE lEASEABlE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
3a State Coal Public Rec.Open Available for Portions
Chuitna Oil and Gas Forestry leasing closed to
River Wildlife Habitat Grazing (see
Drainage management
guidelines)
Remote Cabins
Land Disposals
Trapper Cabins
3b State/Reserved Use -Closed Not available Remote Cabins
Potential Kenai (Potential for coal Trapper Cabins
Townsites Peninsula Townsites)leasing or
Borough prospecting
3c State Pil and Gas Wildlife Hab.Closed Not available Remote Cabins
Granite !Set llement for coal Trapper Cabins
Point (Port/Industrial leasing or Land Disposals
Site)prospecting
•Othetr uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that (He flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and wlfh the relevant
management guidelines In chapter 2.
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MANAGEMENT UNIT ----.-
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASE ABLE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS
Native Primarily Private land-----
Recommended Uses:Forestry,
Settlement,Wildlife Habitat
State/Forestry Public Rec.Open Available for Remote Cabins
Kenai Wildlife Habitat coal leasing Land Disposals
Peninsula Oil &Gas and (portions
Borough prospecting closed to
grazing-see
guidelines)
Kenai Borough Land Bank Open Available for -Peninsula Values:Settlement,Wildlife coal leasing
Borough Habitat,Forestry,Public and
(subsur-Recreation,Oil &Gas,prospecting
face is Coal,Minerals
native),
SUBUNIT
3d
Tyonek
Village
Corporation
Land
3e
Nicolai/
Threemile
3f
Viapan Lake
SUBREGION
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are l1Iot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
Subunit 3e is different from unit 3a only in that it is at lower elevations
and has potential for commercial forestry in addition to coal,oil and gas and
wildlife values.Subunit 3e contains a smaller coal lease in the vicinity of
Threemile Creek.
The majority of the surface estate of subunit 3f is owned by the Kenai
Peninsula Borough and the subsurface estate by Cook Inlet Region,
Incorporated.Coal values in the subunit are high.Borough lands within this
unit will be designated borough land bank and managed in the near term for
present uses--primarily wildlife habitat and recreation.If coal is not
developed in this unit (or after coal mining)the state recommends this area
for future settlement.There are several large undeveloped lakes in this
subunit which could provide attractive seasonal recreational cabin sites and
land for year round residences for people who work in the area.Settlement is
preferable here because it will concentrate private land holdings in one area,
leaving resource development options open on other public lands.
There are several blocks of private land within this subunit,including a past
state subdivision called Three Hile Lake.A number of the people who work at
the adjacent Beluga Power Plant own lots and live in this subdivision.Prior
to land sales in this subunit,the Kenai Borough should work with residents
and landowners of this·area to identify lands that should be retained in
public ownership for community facilities or community open space areas.
This management unit is crossed by an extensive system of roads,most built as
a result of oil and gas or timber harvesting activities.As part of the
implementation of this plan,the state should investigate the status of
existing rights-of-way in this management unit and attempt,where appropriate,
to secure the right for their continued public use.Future public use of
several well traveled roads is uncertain due to Native land selections and
because many roads were built by private companies for a specific,non-public
purpose.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this report.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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Agriculture
Fish and Wildlife
*Forestry
Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
I·Subunit 3a (Chuitna River Drainage)
Access
Most of the lower portion of the Chuitna River is in Native
ownership.Public access to fishing areas in the publicly owned portions of
the Chuitna River should be identified and reserved.This river is one of
the few rivers open to king salmon fishing,and its popularity is expected
to increase significantly as a result.The Department of Fish and Game
has rated this stream the ninth most important in the study area.
Grazing
The riparian zone along the Chuitna River and Chuit Creek will be closed
to grazing.Grazing is prohibited in order to avoid conflicts with brown
bears,which concentrate seasonally in this zone.
Subunit 3d (Tyonek Native Corporation)
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Stream Corridors
The state recommends that Cook Inlet Region,Incorporated and Tyonek
Native Corporation strive to protect high value or particularly sensitive
fish and wildlife habitat on their lands.Areas of particular concern
include the Chuitna River,Chuitna Lake,and Third,Second,Bunka,and
Kaldachabuna lakes.
Subunit 3e (Nikolai/Threemile)
Grazing
The Riparian zone along the Chuitna River will be closed to grazing.
Grazing is prohibited in order to avoid conflict with brown bear,which
concentrate seasonally in this zone.The portions of subunit 3e within
TUN R10W S.M.sections 20, 21, 28,29,31-33,and in Tl3N RllW S.H.
section 36,will be closed to grazing because of their importance as moose
winter range.
Subunit 3f (Viapan Lake)
Chuitna River
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The mouth of the Chuitna River--an important anadromous fish stream--has
been identified by the Department of Fish and Game as an area where the
state should investigate the possibility of buying private land in order
to improve public access.Access at present is limited and a source of
conflict within this unit.
Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to Three Mile Creek is to permit
fishing,picnicing,camping and other active uses,and to protect water
quality and riparien habitat.Consequently this land should be retained
in public ownership.The final corridor width should be determined after
field analysis using the policies in Chapter 2.It is recommended that
recreation and habitat values be protected through retention of a corridor
of at least the standard minimum buffer width (200'on both sides of the
river).
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1-ALASKA RANGE SUBREGION
The following section describes land use policy within the Alaska Range Subre-
gion.It is divided into two parts.The first part is a general overview of
resources and their management for the entire subdivision.The second part
presents specific statements of management intent,land use designations,pro-
hibited uses,and management guidelines.This entire subregion is treated as
one management unit.Maps showing land ownership in the subregion and boun-
daries of the management unit and subunits are presented at the end of the
second part.
!_I.SUBREGION OVERVIEW
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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
elevation contour to the east.The subregion encompasses approxi-
mately 1,510,000 acres.Almost all the land within this subregion is
owned by the State of Alaska with the exception of T16N,R19 and 20W,
and T21N,R16W,S.M.,which are state selected,and T16N,R21W,S.M.,
which is federal land within Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.
Mining,commercial guiding for big game,trapping,non-guided hunting
and recreational activities are the primary uses within this subre-
gion.The amount of use this area receives in comparison to other
portions of the study area is light,however,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 minerals --molybdenum,copper,
silver,gold,etc.The unit provides habitat for a variety of
animals.Moose,sheep,caribou,black and brown bear are hunted in
the area.The Kichatna,Skwentna,and Happy rivers plus their tribu-
taries 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 bisects the unit and
is used annually for the Idi tarod 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.,recrea-
tion,fish and wildlife use,and mineral extraction.An increase in
these activities will be dependent to a large degree upon provision of
access.
Access to the area at present is along the Iditarod Trail and smaller
local trails;via air to several privately owned landing strips,some
347
fly-in lakes and gravel bars;and to a limited degree by boat on the
Skwentna River.As shown on the land use designation map,the
Iditarod Trail,a national historic 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.Management Summary
This unit is expected to remain largely undeveloped and roadless for
years.The great majority of the area 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 presentd below.
1.Settlement
Land sales and remote cabin permits generally are 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 net acreage of approximately 3,330 will be
offered for sale.The gross acreage is approximately 23,700.
The objective of land sales in this area is to provide seasonal
recreation homesteads.The Skwentna River provides only limited
boat access up to Emerald Creek.The sand bars along its braided
channel provide some wheel plane access,although conditions are
often dangerous.Primary access is expected to be by plane to
Shirley Lake and an unnamed lake south of the Skwentna River in
T22N,R18W S.M.,section 25.
2.Agriculture
There will be no agricultural sales or homesteads.There is
little potential for agriculture due to the soils,topography and
climate of the area.
3.Forestry
Slow growth rates and uncertainties regarding results of regenera-
tion following timber harvest limit forest management opportun-
ities in this subregion.The scarce forest resources will be
managed to provide wood for personal 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 of
wildlife including guiding and hunting.The Skwentna,Happy,and
Kichatna rivers are major anadromous fish streams which flow
through the subregion.
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A number of smaller streams and rivers also support populations of
anadromous fish.Most riparian lands will be retained in public
ownership;fish habitat and water quality will be protected when
land is sold by retaining publicly owned buffers on either side of
the waterway.
5.Recreation
In order to protect public recreational opportunities,most land
will be retained in public ownership and managed for recreation in
addition to mining and wildlife habitat.Due to the historical
and recreational significance of the Iditarod Trail,a wide
publicly owned corridor will be retained along its length.
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6.Subsurface
Hining and mineral exploration are and will continue to be
important uses of this subregion.The subregion will remain open
to mineral entry,except for one area along the Happy and Skwentna
rivers which will be offered for sale.This subunit will be
closed to mineral entry prior to land sales.
There is little potential for oil,gas or coal.All public land
in this subregion is open to exploration and development of oil
and gas.Coal leasing and prospecting are permitted throughout
the subregion with the exception of the area that will be
available for land disposal.Geothermal leasing has occurred on
Mt.Spurr and is an allowed use in this area.
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7.Transportation
There are no immediate plans to increase access to this
subregion.The Department 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 some mineral deposits in the Alaska Range just outside
the study area that may have economic potential.Additionally,if
the coal lease north of the Skwentna River in the adjoining Susit-
na Lowlands subregion ever is 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 remote at this time.
II.MANAGEMENT INTENT AND GUIDELINES BY SUBUNIT
MANAGEMENT INTENT
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This subregion consists of a single management unit.
retain this subregion in public ownership and
349
The general intent is to
manage it for habitat,
LAND USE D~51(jNAIIUN ~UMMAKT
MANAGEMENT UNIT 1-ALAsv:..A RANbrESUBREGION
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED lOCATABLE lEASEABlE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
1a State/Settlement Forestry Closed prior Not available Grazing Estimated net
Shirley State Public Rec.to disposal for coal disposal area =
Lake Selected Wildlife Hab.leasing or 3,330 acres
prospecting
1b State/Wildlife Habitat Forestry Open Available for Land Disposals
Skwentna,State Public Recreation Remote Cabins leasing Closed to
Happy &Selected grazing in
Kichatna Happy River
Rivers portion of
Subunit (see
mgmt.
guidelines)
Ic State/Wildlife Habitat Public Rec.Open Available for Grazing
Kichatna State leasing Land Disposals
Mountains Selected Remote Cabins
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•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits.etc.,that me flot
specillcally prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines In chapter 2.
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SUBREGION
SUBUNIT
Id
Tordrillo
Mountains
Ie
Relinquish-
ment
If
Chakachatna
River
Ig
Lake Clark
National
Park
and
Preserve
MANAGEMENT UNIT
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED lOCATABLE lEASEABlE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
State/Minerals Public Rec.Open Available for Land DisposalsStateWildlifeHab.leasing Remote CabinsSelectedClosedto
grazing west
of Skwentna
River
State Reserved Use Wildlife Hab.Open Available for Land Disposals Recommended forSelectedleasingRemoteCabinsrelinquishment
Closed to
grazing west
of Skwent.a
River
State Water Resources -Open Available for Land Disposals
Wildlife Hab.leasing Remote Cabins
Federal -------Legislatively
designat.ed as
Lake Clark
National Park
and Preserve
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits.etc.,that me flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant I
management guidelines in chapter 2.
recreation,and the trapping,guiding and hunting that depend on the wildlife
resources.In addition,one area will be offered for sale,primarily to
provide sites for dwellings to support private recreation.The Alaska Range
Subregion will be open to mineral entry and available for coal leasing except
for the area proposed for sale in subunit 1a.All public lands in this unit
are available for oil and gas leasing.
The subregion is divided into seven subunits:a proposed land sale area
around Shirley Lake (la),the Skwentna,Happy and Kichatna river corridors
(lb),mountainous uplands with high habitat values (Ie),mountainous uplands
with lower habitat values (ld),state owned and state selected lands (Ie),the
Chakachatna River corridor (If),and federal lands within Lake Clark National
Park (lg).See the land use designation chart for a summary of land uses and
the maps at the end of this section for subunit boundaries.
~Subunit 1a (Shirley Lake):This subunit will be designated for settlement.
Land disposals will be located in the lowland portions of this subunit where
forest resources are more abundant and provide greater screening potential
along trails and lakeshores.
Subunit Ib will be retained in public ownership and managed for public recrea-
tion and riparian habitat.Remote cabin permits are an allowed use,and pro-
vide opportuni ties for private recreation along the Happy,Skwentna and the
Kichatna rivers.Commercial development to support recreational activities is
encouraged in the Rainy Pass-Puntilla Lake area of this subunit.
Subunits Ie and 1d:State land in these subunits will be retained in public
ownership and managed to protect fish and wildlife habitat and use and allow
for mineral exploration and development.
Subunit Ie:State selected lands in T16N,R19 and 20W,S.M.are recommended
for relinquishment.The benefit to the state in relinquishing these lands
would be the ability to select approximately 46,000 acres of more valuable
land elsewhere.If relinquished,the unit should remain open to mineral entry
unless specifically closed,and the Department of Fish and Game would retain
management authority over fish and wildlife use.Therefore,the two primary
resource values in this unit would not be seriously affected.
Subunit If (Chakachatna River):A hydroelectric project has been proposed on
the Chakachatna River just outside the planning area..If·the project is
eventually constructed,this subunit may be used for access to the dam site
and for transportation of materials or other uses associated with the
proj ect.In the interim,this subunit will be retained in public ownership
and managed for habitat and pUblic recreation.
Subunit 19 is within the boundaries of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
and is not affected by provisions of this plan.
MANAGID1ENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated below with asterisks.
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Agriculture
*Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
*Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
Public Access
*Remote Cabin Permits
Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetlands ~~nagement
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Management guidelines that are specific to this management unit are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit la (Shirley Lake)
Settlement
Remote Cabins/Stream Corridors/Trails
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 because of the limited forest resources (approximately I cabin
per mile or clustered putting 3-4 cabins every few miles).Remote cabins
will not be permitted within 500'of the Iditarod Trail.
Grazing
The riparian zone along the Happy River will be closed to grazing because
of the importance of the area for moose winter range.
Subunits la/lb (Land Sale Area/Remote Cabin Permit Area)
Stream Corridors
TIle management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit uses such as fishing,camping and other active uses,and to
protect water quality and riparian habitat.Consequently,this land
should be retained in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a
case-by-case basis using policies in Chapter 2.The standard minimum
buffer width (200'on each side of the river)should be used on the Happy,
Skwentna and Kichatna Rivers.
Subunit ld and Ie (Tordrillo Mts./Proposed Relinquishments)
Grazing
The portions of subunits ld and Ie west of the Skwentna River are closed
to grazing because of the importance of these areas for Dall sheep habi-
tat.
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LAKE LOUISE SUBREGION
I.SUBREGION OVERVIEW
The following section describes land use policy within the Lake Louise Sub-
region.It is divided into two parts.The first is an overview of resources
and their management for the subregion as a whole.The second presents spe-
cific statements of management intent,land use designations,prohibited uses
and management guidelines for each of the subregion's three management units.
A map showing land ownership in the subregion and boundaries of management
units and subunits is presented at the end of the second part.
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A.Background
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The Lake Louise Subregion contains approximately 570,000 acres of which
25,000 acres are comprised of Lakes Louise,Susitna and Tyone.The
subregion's northern boundary is six miles north of Tyone Lake,and the
western border is twelve miles west of Lake Louise.The eastern and
southern borders follow the boundary of the Mat-Su Borough.Approximately
two-thirds of the land in this subregion is state owned or selected.The
remainder is mostly federal land.Private land in the area is limited to
several Native allotments and a ring of lots surrounding much of Lake
Louise and a scattering of lakefront lots around Lake Susitna.
The Lake Louise Subregion is a unique and popular residential and visitor
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 include sub-
stantial amounts of hunting,fishing,and boating;seasonal/recreational
settlement;wildlife photography;smowmobilingj and cross-country skiing.
In contrast to high recreational and fish and wildlife values,the poten-
tial for commercial timber harvest and agriculture is very low.This is
attributable to past forest fires which have destroyed many of the
hardwood stands,high average elevation,and the scarcity of well-drained
soils without permafrost.*
Road access into the subregion is by a gravel surfaced,state maintained
road,from mile 160 of the Glenn Highway that runs north approximately 21
miles 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 large,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
gravel bars and rock outcroppings are navigational hazards.
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*A useful study that includes analysis of development potential,recreation
use,vegetation,water quality protection,etc.,was prepared for this area
under contract to DNR,Division of Parks in the early 1970's.Readers
seeking more information on the area should seek out this report.A copy of
the study,entitled Lake Louise,is in the Southcentral Regional Office of
the Division of Land and Water Management in Anchorage.
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The numerous lakes provide excellent access for float planes.There is a
state-owned 2,400-foot strip located at the south end of Lake Louise and
two privately owned air strips in the area.
There are few trails within the study area,largely due to the difficulty
of travel through the wet terrain.In winter months,lodge operators and
cabin owners open a network of snowmachine and cross-country ski trails in
the southern portion of the subregion.Routes are changed from year to
year depending on game migration patterns and the best locations for ice
fishing.
B.Management Summary
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
a.Location and Type of Sales
Land will be offered in relatively concentrated areas in order to
limit impacts on habitat,water quality and hunting opportun-
ities.Offerings around Lake Louise will include a limited number
of additional lake front lots.Most lakefront lots not already
conveyed to private ownership will be retained in public ownership
for recreation use.As an alternative to extensive further sales
directly on the lake,2 - 3 sites will be developed as small
subdivisions at locations between Lake Louise and the shores of
several large adjacent 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.)Small clustered
settlements at several sites around the lakeshore will be offered
at spots that have adequate physical capability,good views and
other recreational amenities.Possible sites include land between
the main lake and either Little Lake Louise or Dog Lake,and land
adjacent to the small lakes in T6N R~~S.M.,section 24.
A limited number (less than 25)of the existing surveyed lots
around Lake Susitna will be offered for sale.Lots selected for
sale will be adjacent to lots already in private ownership.
Lake Louise East,a past remote parcel area,will remain open to
settlement through the homestead program.There remain sizeable
amounts of good land within this area.The Greenacres past remote
parcel area,located just outside the planning area,will be
closed to further land disposal,but will be open to remote
cabins.
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b.Pace/Amount of Sales
The new disposal offerings described above encompass a gross area
of approximately 5,125 acres;with the previous remote parcel
area added,the total land designated for disposals is
approximately 51,205 acres.This yields a net disposal area of
approximately 5,725 acres (see Table 1).
TABLE I
Acreage Identified for Settlement
GROSS AREA (ac)NET AREA (ac)
New Offer-5,125 1,125
ings
Reoffering 46,080 4,600
Within Past
Disposals
TOTAL 51,205 5,725
These offerings will be made slowly over the full 20-year life of
the plan.Existing settlement areas and areas offered for sales
in the early years of this program should be carefully monitored
to determine effects of settlement on 'water quality and on use of
the area by caribou.If it appears that there is little or no
appreciable effect on caribou and on water quality,especially on
the area's smaller water bodies,then the state will go ahead with
the full level of sales described above.
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c.Talkeetna Mountains Special Use District
This subregion is within the current boundaries of the borough's
Talkeetna Mountains Special Use District (TMSUD).The ordinance
which regulates uses in this area allows land sales but requires a
permit before construction of a cabin.Limitations on residential
uses imposed by the TMSUD ordinance include restrictions on
subdi vision,the size and appearance of cabins,allowable water
systems,and the methods for sanitary waste disposal.Conditions
for issuance of a specific permit may be modified on a
case-by-case basis..
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2.Agriculture/Grazing
Agriculture and grazing potential within this subregion are very low
and no publicly owned lands are designated for these uses.Any
proposed agricultural activities would be considered on a case-by-case
basis.
3.Forestry
Forest stands are limited in this area;growth rates are slow,and
careful management of the few existing stands is important.Forestry
is not designated as either a primary or secondary use in this
subregion.Limited timber harvests for personal use may be permitted
on a case-by-case basis.
4.Fish and Wildlife and Recreation
This area provides an abundance of accessible public recreation
opportunities,including hunting,fishing,boating,skiing and
snowmobiling.Areas not described as sites for settlement--the
majority of the subregion--will be retained in public ownership and
managed to protect habitat and allow public recreational use.Land
along the western third of the subregion will be proposed for
legislative designation to protect the area's caribou population (see
more on this proposal in the section on the Talkeetna Mountains
Subregion).
Several areas within this subregion contain concentrations of
trumpeter swan nesting sites.Where these occur on state lands the
state will try to control development to protect these areas and may
in the future recommend these areas be designated by the governor or
legislature as swan reserves.The same policy is recommended for
similar federal lands.On federal lands these areas should be
considered for designation as areas of critical environmental concern.
Recreation opportunities will be provided through the following
actions:
a.Developed recreation sites -There is a state recreation site on
Lake Louise and a number of lakeshore tent camping areas and canoe
trails.The recreation site should be a high priority for
improvements such as tree planting,grading,etc.The Division of
Parks and Outdoor Recreation has identified several smaller lake
complexes in areas near Lake Louise that should receive further
study to determine their feasibility as canoe trail systems and/or
camping sites.
b.Dispersed recreation areas All areas retained in public
ownership will be managed to protect or improve recreation
opportunities.Corridors along the Little Nelchina River and
Tyone River will be retained and managed for recreational use.
The land surrounding Susitna Lake and the Tyone Lake/River system
will be recommended for legislative or administrative designation
to protect its public recreation and wildlife values.
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c.Within disposal areas -Trails,public access sites,and small
waterfront access and recreation sites will be identified and
protected within the boundaries of all disposal areas.
d.l1ajor trails - A system of trails will be identified and retained
in public ownership.(A number of trails already have been iden-
tified within the Lake Louise East past disposal area.)
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5.
6.
Subsurface
l1ineral and energy resources within the unit are minimal and generally
are regarded as not having economic development potential.Mineral
entry,coal leasing and coal prospecting,however,will be permitted
throughout the subregion except in areas of existing and proposed
settlement.All public land in this subregion is open to exploration
and development of oil and gas.
Transportation
There are no road improvements proposed for this area.Other possible
access improvement projects are described below.
A foot trail is proposed,starting at the north shore of the canal
between Lake Louise and Susitna Lake.The trail would follow the
shoreline around the east side of the lake until it terminates at the
road on the south shoreline of Lake Louise.
A canoe portage trail has been recommended by the Division of Parks
and Outdoor Recreation which would follow a group of lakes located
near the eastern shores of Lake Louise and Lake Susitna.Other canoe
trails would be possible throughout this lake-strewn region.
The state should investigate the need for public parking facilities at
the south end of Lake Louise related to public recreation,hunting,
use of lakefront cabins and other public activities in the area.
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II.MANAGEMENT INTENT AND GUIDELINES BY MANAGEMENT UNIT
MANAGEMENT UNIT 1:LAKE LOUISE!SUSITNA LAKE
MANAGEMENT INTENT
Management Unit 1 includes Lake Louise,Susitna Lake,and adjacent uplands.
The unique character and accessibility of this management unit results in
substantial pressure both for the protection of the area's existing resources
and for additional state land sales and recreational development.
Lake Louise and Susitna Lake are cold clear lakes covering 37 square miles of
surface area,and are fed by streams emanating from smaller spring-fed lakes
to the north and west.Water from Lake Louise flows north into Susitna Lake
through a narrow channel at the northwest end of Lake Louise.The outlet of
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LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT 1.-Lf*.f:-LDJI$E./s~(llJA L.\.<...
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE lEASEABlE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
1a State Public Recreatior -Open Available for Remote cabins
Lake Louise Wildlife Habitat leasing Lake Disposals
Public Grazing
Lands
Ib State/Public Recreatior.Sett1e~nt Open (except Available for Remote cabins ReCOlllJllended for
Susitna Private Wildlife Habitat for 25 sites leasing Grazing legislative or
Lake to be sold by administrative
the state)designation;
estimated net
disposal area
=125 acres
Estimated net
lc State/Settlement Public Rec.Closed prior Not available Remote cabi ns disposal area
Lake Louise Private (Past and planned Wildlife Hab.to land for coal Trapper cabins =1,000 acres
Settle~nt sales)disposal leasing or Grazing (includes acres
Lands prospecting offered in
Spring '84)
I·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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this hydrologic system is Tyone Lake located at the north end of the
management unit.Tyone Lake narrows to Tyone River and flows into the Susitna
River.The lakes support good fishing for arctic grayling,freshwater
lingcod,whitefish,longnose sucker and lake trout.Bird Island,located off
the west shore of Lake Louise,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 is located on the isthmus between Lake Louise and Susitna Lake.
There is already a large amount of private land located around the shore of
Lake Louise and a much smaller amount around Lake Susitna.In addition to the
land sold to private owners by the BLM years ago,the state sold approximately
375 acres on the north and eastern shores of Lake Louise over the last 3
years.Approximately 120 acres along the shoreline in the vicinity of these
past state sales were retained in state ownership for public recreation.
Although Lake Louise and Lake Susitna have very high recreation value,the
area's cold climate,high water table,and permafrost limit the supply of
settlement land.Lodges and residences rely mainly on the lakes as a source
of water.Sewage disposal is handled throughout the area with open pit
toilets and seepage pits.High settlement densities without proper controls
could pose water quality hazards.
Access into the Lake Louise/Susitna Lake management unit is by road,air and
water.Lake Louise Road ends at the south shore of Lake Louise.Three short
spur roads branch off this road to the east providing access to several boat
landing sites.Additionally,there are several local roads serving a private
subdivision containing 40 one-acre parcels along the waterfront of Lake
Louise.A publicly owned landing strip and a float plane site are located at
the southern shore of Lake Louise.Boat access is possible via the Susitna
River starting at the Denali Highway and proceding to the Tyone River and
south through Susitna Lake into Lake Louise.Boat travel on the lakes,
however,can often be dangerous due to high winds and choppy waters.
This area will be managed to support a mixture of public and private recrea-
tion uses and to protect and allow public use of fish and wildlife resources.
In broad terms,this will be achieved by retaining most of the land in public
ovmership but allowing a few sales at Lake Susitna and Lake Louise.At
Lake Louise,limited amounts of land will be sold along the shore and in
several clus ters back from the lakefront.Additionally,funding will be
sought to improve the area's public recreation facilities and to better
control public recreational use.
This management unit will be open to mineral location and available for coal
leasing except for areas designated for settlement.All public land within
this unit is available for oil and gas leasing.
Access improvements should include identification and reservation of a trail
system for winter and summer use.One section of this system which should be
considered is a foot trail starting at the north shore of the channel between
Lake Louise and Susitna Lake and following the shoreline around the east side
of the lake until it terminates at the road on the south shoreline of Lake
Louise.This area is spotted with fresh water lakes,and canoe portage trails
should also be developed.The most promising route follows a system of lakes
located roughly 1 mile east of Lake Louise and Susitna Lake.
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Management Unit 1 consists of three subunits:Lake Louise public lands (la),
Susitna Lake (lb),and Lake Louise settlement lands (Ie).See the maps at the
end of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart
for a summary of land uses for each subunit.
Subunits la and Ie,which comprise land surrounding Lake Louise intended for
retention and sales,respectively,should be planned and managed as an
integrated block.The values that make the Lake Louise area attractive are
qui te fragile and could be damaged by excessive or poorly located
development.As a result,funding should be requested for further,more
detailed planning in the area,especially for the location of land sales and
recreation improvements.The sales sites identified in this plan should be
viewed as preliminary judgments but not necessarily the final locations.
A portion of the area considered for land sales--the area surrounding Little
Lake Louise--is subject to a 1,600 acre Native group selection.The original
selection was denied and is now under appeal.The status of this selection
should be ascertained prior to the disposal design process.
Subunit Ib,the land in the vicinity of Lake Susitna,generally will be re-
tained in public ownership and managed to provide opportunities for hunting,
fishing,boating and other recreational activities in a natural setting.In
order to ensure the long term protection of these values,this area will be
proposed for legislative or administrative designation.A small amount of
additional land sales will be allowed in this area «25 parcels).These will
be located to minimize their impacts on the area's public recreation values.
This subunit will be a high priority for the construction of public use
cabins.
The area within the legal description specified below under management
guidelines,"Swan Nesting Habitat,"provides extremely important trumpeter
swan habitat.It is the intent of the state and federal governments to
protect swan populations in these areas.These lands and waters may be
nominated for special legislative or administrative designation to protect
swan habitat.The swan population in this area depends on lands and waters in
both the Lake Louise Subregion and in the adj acent Copper River Basin.The
determination of whether to propose Lake Louise Subregion swan habitat for
special designation will be made at the time that proposals are developed for
swan habitat designations within the Copper River Basin Area Plan.Any
propo~als developed at that time will be reviewed by the public.Proposals
for special designations within the Susitna Area will require an amendment to
this plan.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses wi thin this
management uni t;however,those that are mos t likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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Agriculture
*Fish &Widlife Habitat
Forestry
*Recreation
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Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
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Subsurface
Transportation
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetlands ~funagement
Resource Management
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit la and lc (Lake Louise Public Lands and Settlement Lands)
Location of Land Sales
Future sales around the lake should be limited to 30r 4 clustered sites.
These sites should be chosen and planned to provide good views and lake
access to both lakefront lots and lots that are located several tiers back
from the lake.Preliminary investigation suggests use of sites
between Lake Louise and Little Lake Louise,at Dog Lake,and at the lakes
in T6N,R7W C.R.M.Sections 13,14,23 and 24.These locations appear to
have soils capable of supporting residential use as well as proximity to
large attractive lakes located adjacent to the main lake.If these sites
prove not to be appropriate,others in these two subunits (including lands
designated as retention)should be considered.Sales of a limited number
(less than 25)of previously surveyed lake front lots is allowed;however,
the amount and location should be carefully selected so as not to diminish
the value of rear lots.The tfutanuska-Susitna Borough has agreed to work
out exceptions to the road building requirements of the borough
subdivision ordinance for small lots in this area that will be accessible
through a combination of water and foot access.
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Water Quality
This area is particularly vulnerable to water quality
its high water tables,climatic and soil factors and
land sales in the area,as throughout the state,will
with DEC water quality protection laws.Because
sensitivity of water resources in this area,however,
take special care to protect this resource.
Trails and Access Improvements
degredation due to
permafrost.All
requi re compliance
of the value and
DNR and DEC should
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Prior to land sales in this area,the state Division of Parks and Outdoor
Recreation should investigate and identify public access routes that need
need to be retained in pubic ownership or protected by easement.Public
access routes of known importance include routes into small lakes at the
southeast end of Lake Louise and from Denny Lake Campground over the hill
to Little Lake Louise Creek and other adjacent creeks.Prior to
additional sales,the state and borough should investigate the need for
parking facilities at the southern end of Lake Louise and,if necessary,
seek funding for parking improvements.
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Campground Improvements
The Department of Natural Resources should seek funding to upgrade the
campground on the south shore of Lake Louise.Improvements should include
tree planing,grading,etc.
Public Use Cabins
Construction of public use cabins is recommended in subunit lc.
public cabins should be determined in consultation with local
Public cabins should be constructed only if adequate staff
management is ensured.
Location of Recreation Sites
Sites for
residents.
for their
Lakefront public recreation sites should be concentrated in large blocks
(10-40 acres or more)rather than scattered over a wider area in smaller
parcels.This policy will help reduce the impacts of public recreation
use --fires,litter,etc.
Protection of Bird Island
Bird Island,located in Lake Louise,is a nesting site for large groups of
shorebirds.Heasures to protect this valuable habitat should be taken
including proposing this area for legislative or administrative
designation as a wildlife sanctuary or reserve.
Subunits la,Ib and lc (Lake Louise Public and Settlement Lands and Susitna
Lake)
Swan Nesting Habitat
Portions of these subunits may be recommended for legislative or adminis-
trative designation to protect swans.Until it is determined whether or
not they will be included in proposals for special designation,the
following guidelines are intended to provide sufficient protection and
will be applied by the Department.
1.Res tricted Activities.Activities that potentially will damage swan
nesting habitat or cause visual or noise disturbance should be prohibited
from April 1 through August 31 within at least one-quarter mile of current
or potential swan nesting or staging ponds,marshes or lakes.Particular
activities may be restricted in a wider area if their potential level of
damage or disturbance warrants doing so.Activities that may be restrict-
ed include,but are not limited to,use of off-road vehicles,airplanes
and motorboats.However,some traditional access routes and sites will be
designated that will remain open to motorized access.This guideline will
result in the restriction of the activities described above on most ponds,
marshes and lakes other than those that have been identified as
traditional access points.
2.At a minimum,permits should not be issued for those types of off-road
vehicle use requiring permits in the areas and during the period described
in 1.above.
3.Aircraft.At a m~n~mum,landing of aircraft should be prohibited in
the areas and during the period described in 1.above except at designated
access sites.
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The area where swan guidelines apply is described below:
T6N R8W C.R.ll.
section 3-10;section 15-22;section 23 W1/2;section 26 W 1/2;
section 27-34;section 35 Wl/2;
T7N R8W C.R.M.
section 4-9;section 16-21;section 28-34;
T7N R7W C.R.M.
section 4 Wl/2;section 5;section 6 Wl/2;section 7 Wl/2;section 8;
section 9;section 10 Wl/2;section 14 Wl/2;section 15;section 16;
section 21-23;section 25;section 26 Wl/2 NWI/4;section 35 NEI/4;
section 36;
T8N R7W C.R.~1.
section 7-8;section 17-20;section 29;section 30 Wl/2;section
31 Wl/2;section 32.
Trails
Foot trail and canoe trail systems that maybe developed in these subunits
will be designed to minimize adverse impacts on trumpeter swan
populations.
Subunit Ib (Lake Susitna)
Location and Amount of Land Sales
Lots offered in this area will be limited to the existing vacant,state
owned surveyed lots at various locations around the lake.The total num-
ber offered will not exceed 25 lots.Sites should be selected to allow
additional sales without creating the perception of more development.
This can be done by concentrating new sales into areas where there are
currently privately owned lots.
Management Planning/Remote Cabins
It is recommended that a management plan be prepared for this management
unit.The management plan will determine,among other things,whether
remote cabins will be permitted in this area.Remote cabin permits will
not be offered until and unless areas open to remote cabins are designated
by a management plan.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 2:LAKE LOUISE EAST
MANAGEHENT INTENT
Management Unit 2 contains about 46,000 acres located east of Lake Louise.
The unit has many small lakes and creeks which support grayling and trout
fishing.The vegetation consists mainly of high brush and open forests which
provide habitat for caribou,moose and other game species.Current land uses
include fishing,hunting,and scattered,low density settlement.The entire
management unit was offered as a remote parcel staking area called Lake Louise
East.To date,about 2,000 acres have been staked in the area.
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LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
MANAGEMENT UNIT L.-LA-lC.E.LOLJlc;E:EJ;":>T
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED
SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)·
MINERALS MINERALS
Settlement Public Rec.Closed Not available GraZing Estimated net
(past remote Water Resources for coal disposal area
parcel offering)Wildlife Hab.leasing or =4,600 acres
prospecting
SUBREGION l-P\t:~\.JAJI~
SUBUNIT LAND
OWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED
Lake Louise State/
East Remote Private
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are f10t
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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Management Uni t 2 is not divided into subunits.See the maps at the end of
this section for boundaries of this area and the accompanying chart for a
summary of land uses.
Lake Louise East will continue to be open to staking under the homestead
program.Certain areas within the management unit will be retained in public
ownership and managed for the protection of wildlife habitat and recreational
opportunities.
This area is closed to mineral location and coal leasing due to its use for
land disposals.Portions of the unit may be reopened to mineral location and
coal leasing in the future.The entire unit is available to oil and gas
leasing.
Surface access into the unit is via snowmachine,dog sled,and cross-country
skis during winter and all-terrain vehicles and foot in the summer along the
numerous trails within this project.Additional access is via float or ski-
equipped aircraft to the numerous large unnamed lakes within the disposal
areas.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the gUidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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[:Agriculture
Fish &Widlife Habitat
Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
*Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Hanagement
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l1anagement guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Management Unit 2 (Lake Louise East)
Stream buffers,lakeshore management and trail setbacks specified under the
original remote parcel offering will apply to homestead staking entries.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 3:TYONE LAKE
MANAGEMENT INTENT
Hanagement Unit 3 includes lands north and east of Lake Louise extending to
the Talkeetna Mountains Subregion.Land cover consists largely of high shrubs
and open forest which provide habitat used by the Nelchina caribou herd--the
state's third largest herd--as well as moose and brown bear.
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LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT .3-TYDt--JE LA-Kt:,.
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED lOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
3a State/Wildlife Habitat Public Rec.Open Available for Remote cabins -
Bell Lake Federal Forestry leasing Land Disposals
(personal use Grazing
and small
cOlllllercial
sales).
3b State/Public Recreatior Forestry Open Available for Land Disposals Proposed for
Nelchina Federal Wildlife Habitat (personal use)leasing Grazing legislative
Public Use designation
Area
3c State/Settlement Public Rec.Closed Not available Grazing All lots sold
John Lake Private (existing Wildlife Hab.for coal Remote Cabins
Subdivision subdivision)leasing or
prospecting
3d State/Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for Land Disposals Proposed for
Tyone River Federal Wildlife Habitat (personal use leasing Grazing legislative or
Native administrative
designation
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that (]fe flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines In chapter 2.
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Host of this management unit is relatively flat and contains an abundance of
lakes and streams of all sizes,including the Tyone River.The Tyone River
provides boat access into the Susitna River and is often used for wilderness
camping,hunting and fishing.The Tyone River also provides access to the
Tyone Village site which is a unique historical and archaeological area dating
back 3,000 -6,000 years.The entire management unit will be retained in
public ownership and managed for the protection of fish and wildlife habitat
and historical sites,and protection and enhancement of hunting,fishing and
boating opportunities.
Hanagement Unit 3 contains four subunits:the broad,generally flat lands
northeast of Lake Louise (3a),a similar area west of Lake Louise proposed to
be designated as part of the Nelchina public use area (3b),the John Lake
Subdivision (3c),and a corridor adjacent to Tyone Lake and River (3d).See
the maps at the end of this section for boundaries of these areas and the
accompanying chart for a summary of land uses in each subunit.
Subunits 3a and 3b --the large subunits north and west of Lake Louise --will
be retained in public ownership to protect and enhance wildlife habi tat --
particularly the habitat and migration corridors necessary to support the
Nelchina caribou herd.Subunit 3b will be proposed for legislative
designation as the "Nelchina Public Use Area."For specific management intent
within the Nelchina Public Use Area,refer to the section of the plan on the
Talkeetna Hountains Subregion.
.Subunit 3c is the John Lake state subdivision.The few remaining unsold lots
in this area will be offered for sale over-the-counter.
Subunit 3d,Tyone River and Lake,will be managed to protect recreation and
habitat values.This river and stream,in addition to hunting and
fishing,provide access via an extended portage into the upper Gulkana River
drainage.The Gulkana is a federally designated Wild and Scenic River.Among
the management objectives for this area is the protection of the popular
wilderness canoe trip from the Lake Louise area into the Gulkana River.The
Tyone River and Lake subunit will be proposed for legislative or
administrative designation,to be included with the proposal to protect
recreation and habitat values in the adjacent Lake Susitna area (Subunit Ib).
Both of these legislative or administrative designation proposals are lower
priority than most other similar proposals in the plan.See Chapter 4 for
details.The Tyone River area is a priority area for construction of public
use cabins.
The area within the legal description specified in the management guidelines
section that follows provides extremely important trumpeter swan habitat.It
is the intent of the state and federal governments to protect swan populations
in these areas.These lands and waters may be nominated for special
legislative or administrative designation to protect swan habitat.The swan
population in this area depends on lands and waters in both the Lake Louise
Subregion and in the adjacent Copper River Basin.The determination of
whether to propose Lake Louise Subregion swan habitat for special designation
will be made at the time that proposals are developed for swan habitat
designations within the Copper River Basin Area Plan.Any proposals developed
at that time will be reviewed by the public.Proposals for special
designations within the Susitna Area will require an amendment to this plan.
369
HANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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Agriculture
*Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Forestry
*Recreation
Settlement
Subsurface
*Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Hanagement
Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetlands Hanagement
Resource Management
Subunit 3b and 3d (Tyone River and Nelchina Public Use Area)
Management Planning/Remote Cabins
A management plan should be prepared for Subunits 3b and 3d.The
management plan will determine,among other things,whether remote cabins
will be permitted in these subunits.Remote cabin permits will not be.
offered until and unless areas open to remote cabins are designated by a
management plan.
Swan Nesting Habitat
Portions of these subunits may be recommended for legislative or
administrative designation to protect swans.Until it is determined
whether or not they will be included in proposals for special designation,
the following guidelines are intended to provide sufficient protection and
will be applied by the Department.
1.Restricted Activities.Activities that potentially will damage swan
nesting habitat or cause visual or noise disturbance should be
prohibited from April 1 through August 31 within at least one-quarter
mile of current or potential swan nesting or staging ponds,marshes or
lakes.Particular activities may be restricted in a wider area if
their potential level of damage or disturbance warrants doing so.
Activities that may be restricted include,but are not limited to,use
of off-road vehicles,airplanes and motorboats.However,some
traditional access routes and sites will be designated that will
remain open to motorized access.This guideline will result in the
res triction of the activities described above on most ponds,marshes
and lakes other than those that have been identified as traditional
access points.
2.At a minimum,permits should not be issued for those types of off-road
vehicle use requiring permits in the areas and during the period
described in 1.above.
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3.Aircraft.At a m1n1mum,landing of aircraft should be prohibited in
the areas and during the period described in 1.above unless at designated
access sites.
The area where swan guidelines apply is described below:
T5N R9W C.R.M.
section 1-24;section 25-30 north half of each;
T6N R9W C.R.M.
T7N R9\v C.R.M.
T8N RI0W C.R.M.
section 1;
T8N R9W C.R.M.
section 1-6;
T8N R7W C.R.M.
section 1-6;section 9-16;section 21-28;section 33-36;
T8N R6W C.R.M.
T8N RSW C.R.M.
T9N R9W C.R.M.
T9N R8\v C.R.H.
section 1-5;section 11-14;section 23-26;
T9N R7W C.R.M.
All except section 31;
T9N R6W C.R.H.
T9N R5W C.R.H.
TI0N R9W C.R.H.
section 20-23;26-29;32-35;
TlON R8W C.R.H.
section 8-17;section 20-29;section 32-36;
TlON R7W C.R.H.
section 1-2;section 7-36;
Trails
Foot trail and canoe trail systems that may be developed in these subunits
will be designed to minimize adverse impacts on trumpeter swan
populations.
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r GLENN HIGHWAY SUBREGION
The following section describes land use policy within the Glenn Highway Sub-
region.It is divided into two parts.The first part provides an overview of
resources and their management intent for the subregion as a whole.The sec-
ond part presents specific statements of management intent,land use desig-
nations,prohibited uses and management guidelines for each of the subregion's
12 management units.Maps showing land ownership in the subregion and boun-
daries of management units and subunits are presented at the end of the first
part.
I.SUBREGION OVERVIEW
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A.Background
The Glenn Highway Subregion encompasses land along the highway from
the boundary of the planning area near Palmer to where the highway
crosses the Little Nelchina River.The southern boundary of the sub-
region 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 gener-
ally follows the northern edge of the Matanuska River drainage.The
western portion of the subregion also includes the lower-lying por-
tions of the Knik River drainage and the Jim-Swan Lakes area.
This subregion contains approximately 1 ,060,000 acres.Of this,
roughly 70%is state-owned or selected.Native corporations own or
have selected approximately 10%or roughly 100,000 acres.Most of the
Native land west of the Matanuska Glacier has been patented or inter-
imly conveyed to Native regional or village corporations.A large
block of land near Tahneta Pass is part of Ahtna Corporations's
extensive over-selection of lands and mayor may not ultimately go
into Native ownership.Of the remaining 20%of the lands in the sub-
region,most is in private ownership with a small portion in borough
ownership.Although the state owns the majority of the land,much of
the accessible,developable land is in private or native ownership.
See the ownership maps at the end of this section for more
information.
Despite the relative abundance of state land in this unit there has
been only a single state land sale--the Bench Lake Subdivision near
the Matanuska Glacier.Another action affecting state land in this
subregion was the creation of the 130,000 acre Matanuska Valley Hoose
Range.This area was created by the Alaska legislature in 1984 in
order to protect and enhance moose habitat while permitting a variety
of other land uses.
The Glenn Highway area is unique in that it possesses an abundance of
valuable resources and is accessible by road within a short drive of
the majority of the state's population.The area offers beautiful
mountain scenery;excellent hunting,hiking,snow mobiling and
373
cross-country skiing;good land
forestry;and high value mineral,
Another unusual characteristic is
areas relatively near population
amounts of state-owned land.
for settlement;potential for
coal and other energy resources.
that,unlike most road accessible
centers,it contains significant
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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,and existing
community character--while taking advantage of the area's potential
for resource development and settlement.Access improvements are
another key issue,including the possible upgrade of the Glenn Highway
and development and/or protection of access from the highway into
backcountry hunting and recreation areas and timber,coal mining and
settlement areas.
B.Management of Resources
The overall management intent for this area is to protect and improve
recreation,fish and wildlife,and visual values while developing the
area's coal and timber resources and selling moderate amounts of state
land.This will be achieved by careful selection of the location of
settlement areas,controls on the type and pace of settlement and
careful planning of timber harvests,coal mining and other
development.
Details of planned land management policies are presented below by
resource and type of land use.
1.Settlement
a.General Policy
The Glenn Highway Subregion contains a significant amount of
accessible,state-owned land suitable for settlement.At
least some of this land can be offered for sale with less
severe resource conflicts than land in other parts of the
planning area.Because of these two facts this area will
contain a moderate number of land sales over the next twenty
years.There is relatively little borough land in the Glenn
Highway subregion,but this has relatively good access and
physical capability for settlement and therefore should be
available for land sales over the long-term.
b.Specific Recommendations
Types of Sales -Land offered will be a mixture of large par-
cels (20 -40 acres)and subdivisions.The owners of large
parcels are likely to be slow to subdivide and develop the
parcels due to the cost of complying with borough road
building requirements.In order that some land be available
in the near term to meet the large demand for recreational-
seasonal settlement,some land will be offered as subdivisions
with road access built and initially paid for by the state but
with the cost added to the price of each parcel.
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Sales should be designed to minimize impacts on recreation,
visual and habitat values.Land sales should not preclude
access from the Glenn Highway into more remote areas used for
hunting and other types of recreation.With proper siting
land sales can provide opportunities to improve public access
to hunting and recreation areas.
In addition to the sale of subdivisions,at least two sites in
this subregion are identified for homesteads.Both are on the
south side of the Uatanuska River east of Kings Mountain.
Lastly,several areas that are close to the highway but
difficult to reach due to topography will be open to remote
cabin permits.
Location of Sales - A major goal for this area is the protec-
tion of visual quality.This will be carried out by generally
not offering land directly adjacent to the highway unless
there is adequate screening by vegetation or topography.The
lower two-thirds of the subregion generally can absorb more
settlement without adverse visual impacts than the eastern
portion of the subregion,and as a result the majority of the
sales sites are located in this area.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.
Several parcels of publicly-owned land along the highway will
be retained in public ownership to reduce costs of coal
development,protect habitat,provide personal use timber,and
separate and concentrate development areas in order to reduce
fiscal impacts.Future sales generally are located near
communities and blocks of private land and where some degree
of public services and facilities are already available (e.g.,
Glacier View,Sutton,and Tahneta Pass).
Generally there are not sales south of the road except for the
homestead sales planned for the vicinity of the Matanuska
Glacier and the Nelchina River.
Amount and Pace of Sales -Land sales will be distributed over
the full twenty year planning period to provide sufficient
time for road construction and to lessen fiscal impacts and
impacts on community character.Total net offerings over 20
years will be approximately 5,800 acres of
37')
state land and roughly 500 acres of borough land.The table
below summarizes planned land disposals.
TABLE 1
ACREAGE IDENTIFIED FOR SETTLEMENT AND AGRICULTURE*
GROSS NET
AREA (ac)AREA (ac)
STATE LAND 25,230 5,750
New Offerings
BOROUGH LAND 1,550 470
New Offerings
TOTAL STATE
AND BOROUGH 26,780 6,220
2.Agriculture
The potential for commercial crop production on public lands in
this subregion is very limited.Several areas within the Hoose
Range west of Cascade Creek have some potential for grazing.
These areas are open to grazing permits and leases under the
regional guidelines presented in Chapter 2 of this plan.
3.Forestry
Lands are retained in several areas for commercial and personal
use timber harvests.Personal use wood lots are located at
intervals along the highway in locations with reasonable access.
The Division of Forestry hopes to work with private land owners to
set up joint forestry management programs in the lower portion of
the subregion.The prime spot for commercial harvest is on the
north side of the river within the boundaries of the Matanuska
Valley Moose Range.In this area and throughout the subregion,
timber sales and management programs should be designed,where
*In addition there are 26 unsold surveyed parcels available for sale as of
June '84 within the Bench Lake subdivision (subunit 10d).
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possible,to improve moose habitat and to minimize adverse visual
impacts.
4.Fish and Wildlife
Protection of fish and wildlife values is a primary management
objective within the boundaries of the Moose Range,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 where
low capability for settlement reduce opportunities for land
sales.Another area where fish and wildlife is a primary value is
on state lands within the Knik River drainage and in the adjacent
Jim-Swan Lakes area.The Jim-Swan area is recommended for
legislative designation as a state recreation area.In all the
areas described above,fish and wildlife is designated a
co-primary use with forestry and/or recreation.
5.Recreation
Opportunities for public recreation are provided through the
following actions:retention of land for a number of developed
campgrounds (including land for expansion of the existing
recreation sites at Long Lake and Moose Creek),retention of
several larger blocks of multi-purpose forestry and/or habitat
lands for dispersed activities such as snowmobiling or
cross-country skiing (including the Matanuska Valley Hoose Range),
a proposal for future legislative or administrative designation of
recreation lands at Gunsight Mt.,protection/improvement of access
to recreation attractions when land is sold or new roads are built
for other purposes,and retention in public ownership of corridors
along the Nelchina and Chickaloon Trails.The plan also
recommends that funding be provided to improve campsites and
trails in this area.
In addition to direct provision of land for recreation use,a
major objective for management of any type of land use is pro-
tection of visual quality along the highway-.This will in-
clude 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.ADNR recommends that the borough
undertake a program with local landowners to encourage voluntary
protection of visual quality on private land.Such a program
might include restrictions on removal of vegetation,incentives to
remove from sight junk cars and snowmobiles,walrus heads and
similar treasures.In previous sessions of the Alaska
Legislature,bills to protect the visual quality along the Glenn
Highway were introduced but not acted upon.
'},,
6.Coal and Other Subsurface Resources
Mining and mineral exploration are and will·continue to be
important activities in the subregion.The western half of this
subregion contains substantial coal reserves.The state held the
first in a series of coal lease sales in this area in December
1984.The coal lessees currently are negotiating with various
utility companies with hopes of building a mine-mouth power plant
and selling electricity to the utility companies.
It is anticipated there will be several additional coal lease
sales over the next 3 to 4 years.The plan protects the
opportunity to develop coal by locating land sales on areas ~dth
little or no coal potential and by making it clear that areas with
coal potential should be managed to allow coal development.
No state land is offered for disposal in areas with high coal
value as shown on maps prepared by the State Division of Geo-
logical and Geophysical Surveys.Sales are also quite limited
in areas with moderate coal value.~lhere sales are planned in
areas with moderate coal potential,the sites have been selected
to minimize impacts on future costs of coal development.This has
been achieved by concentrating sales and selling land in areas
less likely to be developed for coal due to existing land use
patterns.
The Alaska surface mining control and reclamation act requires
that land be returned to a useable state after mining is complete,
and that mining be regulated to minimize environmental impacts.
In some areas future land sales may be possible either after
mining and reclamation have taken place or after the areas have
proven not to contain commercial reserves.
All public land in this subregion is open to exploration and
development of oil and gas.All land is open to mineral location
except for planned settlement areas,the Jim-Swan Lakes area and
several small developed public recreation sites and the land
surrounding several sheep mineral licks.These latter areas are
open under leasehold location.
7.Transportation/Access
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities is
currently working on preliminary engineering and environmental
assessment related to upgrading and realigning the Glenn Highway
from mile 35 to mile 135.There are a number of important and
potentially conflicting objectives for the improvement of this
stretch of the highway.These include moving people through the
area as quickly and safely as possible,keeping project costs low,
protecting and enhancing environmental values and views as seen
from the highway and,where desirable,improving access to
existing and planned uses occurring within the subregion.
Additional concerns are the federal standards for interstate
highways,including limits on the number of access points to the
highway and a policy of strongly discouraging construction through
park and recreation areas.
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DOT/PF is considering realigning the highway along portions of its
present route.Several of the sections that may require
realignment pass through areas planned for land sales or public
recreation areas.Park designations will not preclude realign-
ment of the highway if realignment is required in these
areas.Resolving the details of this as well as the other issues
described above will require close and ongoing coordination
between DOT/PF,DNR,the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and other
interested parties.Subunits affected by these concerns are units
ld,Sa,Sc,Sd,7a and IOe (pla~ned disposal areas)and Sb,6a,8b
and lIb (recreation areas).
Other transportation improvements that may be proposed to
implement this plan include short access roads for settlement,
public recreation and timber harvest in the following locations:
the Moose Range,land north of Kings River,between Kings River
and the Glenn Highway,Long Lake recreation area,Bonnie
Lake/Sawmill Creek area,and the Lions Head,Cascade and Nelchina
settlement areas.
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{J II.MANAGEMENT INTENT AND GUIDEINES BY MANAGEMENT UNIT
MANAGEMENT 1 -PALKER/SUTrON/BUTrE
MANAGEMENT INTENT
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This unit includes the primarily private,mostly 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 public and private land needs
of these communities and be consistent with land use plans they 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
other public facilities.Disposal for private use is a low priority due to
the present abundance of private lands available in the area.Disposals are
not prohibited however,if local plans propose such a use.All public lands
in this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.Public lands in this unit
will remain open to mineral location and be available for coal leasing except
for areas intended for land sales,trades or for developed uses such as the
prison site (subunits lc and ld),and existing state parks (subunit la).
There are nine subunits in this management unit:the Kepler-Bradley Lakes
Area (la),the Plant Materials Center (lb),the two isolated sections of state
land north of Palmer (lc &ld),the parcel of state land south of the Butte
near the Knik River (Ie),the approximately dozen parcels of borough lan·d
either adjacent to or east of the 11atanuska River (If),the land surrounding
Wolverine Lake (lg),the Matanuska River above the limit of tidal influence
(lh),and the remainder of the management unit (Ii).See the maps at the end
of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a
summary of land uses.
Subunit la contains a mixture of university,state park,general state and
borough land.The southern portion of subunit la is Kepler-Bradley State
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED
SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS
Public Recreation Forestry Closed Not available Trapper Cabins Includes Kepler-
(personal use)for coal Remote Cabins Bradley State
leasing or land Disposal Park
prospecting
Public Recreation Forestry r;lo~erl (Plant Available ft)r Remote Cabins ---
(rest of subunit)tlalerials leasing land Disposal
Reserved Use Ctr.)Trapper Cabins
(plant mat.ctr.)Open (Rest of
Subunit)
Rese rved Use Closed Not available Remote Cabins -
for coal Trapper Cabins
leasing or
prospecting
Settlement in Public Rec.Closed prior Not available Remote Cabins Estimated net
S 1/2 of Sec.35 Forestry to disposal for coal Trapper Cabins disposal area =
(personal use leasing or 320 acres
Reserved Use Closed prospecting
(prison site)in
Sec.36
Public Recreation Settlement Open Available for Remote Cabins -
Forestry leasing Trapper Cabins
State
State/
Borough/
Private
Ie
Race Track
Id
Tsadaka
Canyon/
Prison Site
LAND USIC [JI:~I~NAIIUN ~UMMAK'
MANAGEMENT UNIT 1 -PALM~I S0TIl?~I e u1TE:.SUBREGION
SUBUNIT LAND
OWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED
la State/
Kepler-Borough/
Bradley Univer-
sity
Ih State
Plant
~1ateri.als
Center
w lc State00
0 Carnegie
Creek
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that rne -flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED
PRIMARY USE(S)/SECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS
If Borough Borough Land Bank Open Available for --
Borough Values:Settlement,Public leasing
lands east Recreation,Forestry
of Matanus-(personal use)&
ka River Retention:Public Recreation,Wate
Resources
19 State/Primarily Private Land ----
Wolverine Borough/Recommended uses:Settlement,
Lake Private Public Recreation,Forestry
(pe rsonal use)
Ih State Water Resources Public Rec.Open Available for Trapper Cabins
Matanuska Wildlife Habitat Gravel Extrac-leasing Remote Cabins
River tion Land Disposals
Ii Private/Primarily Private Land ---
Rest of Native/Recommended uses:Public
Hgt.Unit Borough Recreation,Forestry (personal
use),Settlement
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin"permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
Park.The land just north of this park is owned by the University of Alaska
and used as an agricultural research area.Other state and borough land in
this subunit should be used for community needs such as recreation and open
space.
Most of subunit 1b will continue to be used by the state for the Plant
Materials Center.The remaining state land in this unit should be managed to
protect public recreation values adjacent to the Knik River.
Subunit 1c (Carnegie Creek)is state-owned and has potential for settlement.
It will be classified reserved use and retained in public ownership for at
least the near term and managed consistently with local land use plans.This
site may have value as potential exchange lands with the borough or other
groups.
Subunit 1d (Tsadaka Canyon/Prison Site)is divided into two parts.The
eastern portion of the subunit is classified reserved use and is used as a
prison site.The remainder of this subunit (Tsadaka Canyon)will be offered
for sale either as a high density subdivision with road access or in large
aliquot parts.The sale should be designed to be consistent with guidelines
affecting trails,retention of open space,and other settlement guidelines.
Any sale in this subunit should be delayed until timber harvests currently
underway in the area are complete and the possible need for prison-related
uses on this land has been evaluated.
Subunit Ie (Race Track)is state and borough owned and is presently used for a
variety of public uses,including personal use timber harvest,hiking and
skiing (the area contains a number of trails).Additionally a portion of this
unit is used for a race track.Borough land in this subunit is designated
borough land bank;state land will be retained and managed consistently with
local land use plans.
Subunit If,borough lands east of the ~~tanuska River,includes approximately
half a dozen scattered,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.for settlement or for retention
for community recreation,personal use firewood,community open space,etc.
There is sufficiently little publicly owned land in this area that the borough
should commit to retention of at least several of these parcels.(A
preliminary review of these parcels with the borough resulted in the following
suggested policy:T18N R2E S.M.section 36 -retain (used by Morgan Horse
Assn.);section 24 -retain (area is too steep for sales);sections 22,27 -
retain (located along Matanusuka River);T17N R2E S.M.sections 10,14,15 -
retain (located along Matanuska River);section 13,24 retain (possible
community facilities site for Butte).
Subunit 19 contains mostly private and some state and borough land surrounding
~-lolverine Lake and adjacer:t to the Matanuska River.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 for trout
fishing and should be protected.The remainder of the public land in the
subunit,most of which is borough owned,is designated land bank.The borough
has authorized a small timber sale and a grazing lease in this area.This
area has some potential for cultivation for hay,and it is recommended that
382
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the possibility of offering small agricultural parcels be investigated.(Much
of the land in the area has already been sold for this purpose.)Public land
wi thin 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 should be managed to protect its values for recreation,
gravel extraction and habitat.Gravel extraction within this subunit will be
managed with special consideration to avoid downstream impacts on waterfowl
and moose habitat.
Subunit Ii,the remainder of the land in the management unit,is largely in
private ownership.Any public land within this subunit should be managed for
public and private community uses consistently with the wishes of local
governments.One small site within this area where mangement intent can be
stated now,however,is T.18N.,R.2E.,Sec.3,NE 1/4.This site is proposed
to be used for expansion of the Moose Creek campground,a use supported by the
plan.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this report.All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within
this management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
Agriculture
Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
*Subsurface (materials)
Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore t1anagement
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
Il
Management guidelines that apply to just this management unit are presented
below,by subunit.
Subunit ld (Tsadaka Canyon/Prison site)
Protection of Transporation Routes
Chapter 4 of this plan identifies a system of possible improvements to the
regional and local transportation system.One such route--the proposed
upgrading and realignment of the Glenn Highway--passes through this
subunit.The precise location of this route has not been determined.
Information on the alternative routes under consideration is available
from the State DOT/PF.Land use authorizations in this unit,such as land
sales,leases or other actions,should be located so as not to preclude
the option to reconstruct the Glenn Highway along a feasible and efficient
route.
383
Subunit 19 (Wolverine Lake)
Access
Possible future land sales in this area should be designed to protect the
public's opportunity to use the existing system of local trails and to
include a publicly owned buffer of at least 100 feet along the bluff above
the Matanuska River.
DNAGEMENT UNIT 2 -PALMER HAY FLATS
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This unit includes the tidal flats at the far eastern end of Knik Arm and the
lower segments of the 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 wi thin 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 protection and use of fish
and wildlife populations.All public lands within this unit are available for
oil and gas leasing.Public lands in this unit will remain open to mineral
location and be available for coal leasing except for the state game refuge
(subunit 2a),which is open to mineral entry by leasehold location.
Management Unit 2 has five subunits:the game refuge (2a),private land north
of the refuge (2b),the confluence of the Knik and Matanuska rivers (2c),and
units along the Matanuska (2d)and Knik (2e)rivers.See the maps at the end
of this section for boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a
summary of land uses.
Subunit 2a,Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge was set aside by the
legislature as a hunting and wildlife habitat protection area.For the most
accurate definition of permitted uses in this area see the original enabling
legislation (A.S.16.20.032).
Subunit 2b is mostly in private ownership.The area is largely a wetland and
serves similar biological and habitat functions as land within the adjacent
game refuge.Borough,federal and state governments should use zoning power
and coastal zone,wetlands and other applicable laws to protect the visual and
environmental values of this area.This plan supports public purchase of land
to enhance public enjoyment of the area,particularly of land directly along
the highway.Such purchases should occur,however,only from willing
sellers.They are contingent upon the availability of funds and inclusion of
purchased areas within the boundaries of the refuge.As this plan goes to
print the Alaska Legislature is considering legislation that would expand the
refuge boundaries to include this area and subunit 2c,and to allocate funds
to purchase private land within the expanded boundaries.
Subunit 2c is located at the confluence of the Knik and Matanuska rivers,bet-
ween the boundary of the Palmer Hays Flats refuge and the Alaska Railroad.
This area will be managed generally the same as land within the refuge and
will be proposed as an addition to be added to the refuge (see note above on
pending legislation).
1R4
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SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT
w
00
\J1
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED ISECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
2a State Wildlife Habitat Public Rec.Open under Not available GraZing Existing State
Palmer Leasehold for coal Remote Cabins Game Refuge
Highway Incation leasing or Trapper Cabins
Flats prospecting Land Disposals
2b Private/Primarily Private Land---------
Private Borough Recoonnended Uses:Wildlife
Land Habitat,Water Resources,Public
North of Recreation
Refuge
/~~)
2c State i Wildlife Habitat Gravel Extrac-Open Available for Remote Cabi ns Proposed for
,Knik/(Public Recreation tion leasing Land Disposals legislative
Matanuska Trapper Cabins designation as an
Confluence addition to the
Palmer Hay Flats
Refuge
~~
2d State/I(Wildlife Habitat Gravel Extrac-Open Available for Remote Cabins\.Matanuska Borough l~blic Recreation tion leasing Land Disposals
River Trapper Cabins
2e Native/Primarily Private Land--Recommended -----
Knik River Private Land Uses:Wildlife Habitat,Water
Resources,Public Recreation,
Gravel Extraction
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
MANAGEMENT UNITSUBREGION.
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED
SUBUNIT LAND
SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTSOWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS
2a State Wildlife Habitat Public Rec.Open under Not available Grazing Existing StatePalmerLeaseholdforcoalRemot.e Cabins Game RefugeHighwayLocationleasingorTrapperCabinsFlatsprospectingLandDisposals
2b Privat.e/Primarily Privat.e Land---...--------Private Borough Recommended Uses:Wildlife
Land Habitat.,Water Resources,Public
North of Recreation
Refuge
2e-Stat.e Public Recreation Gravel Extrac-Open Available for Remote Cabins Proposed forKnik/Wildlife Habitat tion leasing Land Disposals legislativeMatanuskaTrapperCabinsdesignation as anConfluenceadditiontothe
Palmer Hay Flats
Refuge
2d State/Public Recreation Gravel Extrac-Open Available for Remote CabinsMatanuskaBoroughWildlifeHabitattionleasingLandDisposalsRiverTrapperCabins
2e Native/Primarily Private Land-Recommende(-------Knik River Private Land Uses:Wildlife Habitat,Watel
Resources,Public Recreation,
Gravel Extraction
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
Subunit 2d is made up of the bed of Matanuska River below the upriver limit of
tidal influence.Also included is a large tract of borough land on the south
side of the river.This latter area,while not located in the active bed of
the river,is essentially a large gravel bar.The subunit will be managed to
protect habitat values in the river bed and downstream in the Palmer Hay Flats
Refuge while simultaneously permitting recreation use and gravel extraction.
Another important objective is protection of visual quality,particularly
within the area visible from the train and highway crossings.
Subunit 2e along the Knik River is primarily in private ownership.It is
recommended that this area be managed similar to public lands in subunit 2d.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within
this management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
Agriculture
Fish &Wildlife Habitat
Forestry
Recreation
Settlement
*Subsurface (Materials)
Transportation
Instream Flow
Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
Resource ~funagement
L
Management guidelines that apply to just this management unit are presented
below,by subunit.
Subunits 2c,2d,2e (Lower Knik &Matanuska Rivers)
Habitat Protection/Gravel Extraction
A detailed,comprehensive plan for gravel extraction in this area should
be prepared by DNR and private owners in consultation with the Department
of Fish and Game and DOT/PF.As part of the completion of such a plan
more information should be collected on gravel deposition,recreation and
habitat values,and other related concerns.
Protection of Visual Quality
This area provides attractive views to motorists and is an important
visual buffer between more developed area to the north and south.Subunit
2c and the western part of 2e are of particular importance.Any
developments proposed for this area,such as electrical transmission
lines,transportation corridors,pipelines or related supporting
developments,should be designed to minimize adverse visual impacts.
')0,
MANAGEMENT UNIT 3 -KNIK RIVER
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This unit includes the broad channel of the Knik River up to the boundary of
the planning area (near the mouth of Knik Glacier)and adjacent uplands.It
is a surprisingly 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.
Much of this unit is in Native ownership.The public lands in the unit will
be managed to protect or improve public recreation opportunities,including
fishing,hunting,hiking and boating,and to protect the quality of fish,
waterfowl and wildlife habitat.State-owned land within the management unit
includes three popular recreation features--Pioneer Peak,the Jim-Swan Lakes
area,and portions of the Knik River waterway.This management unit provides
the overland and water routes to the upper Knik River and Knik Glacier/Lake
George scenic and hunting area.All public lands within this unit are
available for oil and gas leasing.Public lands in this unit will remain open
to mineral location and be available for coal leasing except for land within
Chugach State Park and the proposed Jim-Swan Lakes State Parks Recreation
Area.
The management unit has four subunits:the Pioneer Peak area (3a),the
Jim-Swan Lake area (3b),the Knik River-Friday Creek area (3c),and lands
within Chugach State Park (3d).See the maps at the end of this section for
boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land
use.
All public land in subunit 3a,The Pioneer Peak area,will be retained and
managed to provide opportunities for hiking,climbing and other types of
public recreation.In order 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,will 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 vul-
nerability to overuse and environmental degradation,the area should be desig-
nated by the legislature as a state recreation area.(The portion of this
subunit within T16N R3E S.M.is Native owned land managed by the state under
provisions of the North Anchorage Land Agreement).
Subunit 3c is mostly in private ownership (primarily Native).The state,in
its management of the public land within and along the Knik River and also in
dealings with the Native and other private land holders,will attempt to
maximize opportunities for public recreational use of this area.A particular
objective should be to maintain public access into the Upper Knik and Hunter
Creek areas for hiking,hunting and climbing.
Uses within subunit 3d,Chugach State Park,are described in the Alaska
Statutes Title 41.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses ~nthin
388
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MANAGEMENT UNIT
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED
SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S)
LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)·
MINERALS MINERALS
Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for Trapper Cabins -
Wildlife Habitat (pe rsonal use)leasing Remote Cabins
Land Disposals
Grazing
Public Recreation Water Re-Closed tbt available Trapper Cabins Proposed for
Wildlife Habitat sources for coal Remote Cabins legislative
leasing or Land Disposals designation
prospecting Grazing
Primarily Private Land--Recommendec ------
Uses:Public Recreation,Forestry
(personal use),Wildlife Habitat,
Water Resources
Public Recreation Wildlife Hab.Closed tbt available Trappe r Cabi ns Existing State
Forestry for coal Remote Cabins Recreation Area
(personal use)leasing or Land Disposals
prospecting Grazing
SUBREGION __&_l£).J__~\-\-VJ Y
SUBUNIT LAND
OWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED
3a State/
Pioneer Private
Peak
3b State
Jim/Swan
1
3C State/
.Knik River Selected
Native
Selected
3d State
Chugach
St.Park
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
this management unit;however,those
indicated with asterisks in the list
Agriculture
Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
Recreation
Settlement
*Subsurface (Haterials)
Transportation
that are most likely to be applicable are
that follows.
Instream Flow
Lakeshore 11anagement
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail l1anagement
*Wetlands Management
Resource Management
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below,by subunit.
Subunit 3a (Pioneer Peak)
Forestry
Personal use timber permits may be issued in limited quantities in this
area.Permits for firewood,Christmas trees or other timber uses shall be
limited to amounts and locations that do not significantly reduce rec-
reational 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 T16N R2E S.M.sections 7 and 8 in particular should be used as a picnic
area,public boat launch or 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 difficult for at least several months of
the year since the only public roads into the lakes traverse wet ground.
Legislation setting this area aside as a park or refuge should include
funding to improve the existing roads--to the extent this objective is
compatible with the area's fish and wildlife management objectives.Land
use authorizations within this unit should be located to ensure that
appropriate public access into this area is available.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 4 -MATANUSKA 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 steep-
ly sloping forested hills and river terraces.
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SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT 4 -MPtTMJ~\<.A R.L.otJm5.SlD
SUBUNIT
4a
Hatanuska
River Lower
South Side
4b
Holverine
Creek
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS .
Native Primarily Private Land--Recommended ------
Uses:Forestry,Settlement,Public
Recreation,Remote Cabins,Wildlife
Habitat
State Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for Remote Cabins
Iwildlife Habitat (personal use)leasing Trapper Cabins
Land Disposals
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
The management unit is largely in Native ownership.Where public land exists
in this unit it generally should be retained and managed to provide
opportunities for personal timber harvest and public recreation.The state
should work with the Native corporations to allow public access through this
area for recreation and resource development purposes.Public land within
this unit will remain open to mineral location and be available for coal
leasing.
The area is divided into two subunits:the private land that constitutes the
majority of the unit (4a),and the section of state land in the vicinity of
Wolverine Creek (4b).See the maps at the end of this section for boundaries
of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES Iu
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within
this management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list that follows.
Agriculture
Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
c
nu
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below,by subunit.
Subunit 4a (Lower South Side)
Settlement
This subunit includes areas selected by both the state and Chickaloon
Native corporation.If the state gets title to this land,it should be
considered for possible land sales.Any sales that occur should be
designed to maintain or improve opportunities for public recreation.
Particular attention should be given to protecting public use of lands
along the bluff above the Matanuska River and,if feasible,access down to
the river.
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UANAGEMENT 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.Public lands is this unit will be managed to provide
opportunities for settlement and to protect and enhance forestry,public
recreation,and habitat values.All public lands within this unit are
available for oil and gas leasing.Public lands in this unit will remain open
to mineral location and be available for coal leasing except for small
developed recreation sites (subunit 5b)and areas designated for settlement
(subunits 5a, 5c,5d)
This unit is divided into six subunits:an area at the mouth of Kings River
(5b),two settlement areas located on either side of the Kings River corridor
(5a &5c),the state and borough land in the vicinity of Drill Lake (5d),the
areas generally east of Thirty-mile Lake that are mostly privately owned (5e)
/.and the Hatanuska River (5f).See the maps at the end of this section for
1 boundaries of these areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land
uses.
I..
Subunit 5a,which is located adjacent to the Glenn Highway and contains a
mixture of state and private land,is designated for set tlement.Sales in
this subunit will be located to minimize impacts on visual and public
recreation values.At present a state land sale of approximately 80 acres
(Pinnacle Mt.)is planned in an area below the bluff.There is some
possibility of a small additional sale on the bluff in the vicinity of T19N
R4E S.M.,Section 18.
Subunit 5b is a small unit located at the mouth of Kings River where it is
crossed by the Glenn Highway.This area will be retained in public ownership
and managed to provide access to opportunities for hiking,skiing,snow-
mobiling,fishing,and other types of recreation that occur along the river.
The Chickaloon Trail begins in this subunit.
Subunit 5c (Two Rivers Ridge)will be offered for sale either as large parcels
(>10 acres)without road access or as a small parcel subdivision with roads
built by the state.This unit contains a mixture of state and private land.
Subunit 5d is located on public lands between the Glenn Highway and Fish and
l o Drill lakes.The area is designated for settlement.Land disposals should be
designed to minimize effects on visual quality.Portions of this subunit
-----~--=contain soils with-agricultural potential.
Subunit 5e is largely in private ownership.Where public lands exist within
the subunit they should be used primarily for public wood lots and public open
space.Some land may be used for settlement where consistent with goals for
visual quality protection,maintenance of public access and other
settlement-related guidelines.
Subunit 5f is made up of the r1atanuska River from approximately the Chickaloon
to the Kings River.This stretch of the river is particularly popular with
commercial and private river runners.Land within the subunit and visible
from the subunit should be managed to protect the qualities that make this a
popular recreational area.
393
LAND USE DESIGNATION ~UMMARY
COMMENTS
PROHIBITED
SURFACE
USE(S)·LEASEABLE
MINERALS
SUBSURFACE
LOCATABLE
MINERALS
MANAGEMENT U~N~lT-===S=-=K=l::;--N-;::6-=S=R=\=UEl'<-=======-
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
SURFACE
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE IS)
LAND
OWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED
SUBUNIT
SUBREGION
5a
King River
North Bluff
State/
Private
Settlement Forestry
Public Rec.
Wildlife Hab.
Closed Prior
to Land
Disposal
Not availablE
for coal leas
ing or pros-
pecting
Remote Cabins
Trapper Cabiru
Estimated dispos-,
al area =180
acres (120 acres
w/in FY86 Pinna-
cle Mt.sale;60
acres elsewhere)
5b State
Kings River
Mouth
Public Recreation Forestry
Wildlife Habitat
Closed Available for
leasing
Remote Cabins
Land Disposall
Trapper Cabiru
5c
Two Rivers
Ridge
State/
Borough
Settlement Forestry
Public Rec.
Wildlife Hab.
Closed Prior
to Land
Disposal
Not available
for coal leas
ing or pros-
pecting
Remote Cabins
Trapper Cabiru:
Estimated net
disposal area =
400 acres
5d
Drill Lake
State/
Borough
Settlement Forestry
Public Rec.
Wildlife Hab.
Closed Not available
for coal leas
ing or pros-
pecting
Remote Cabins
Trapper Cabins
Max:imum net
disposal area =
400 acr.es
5e
Thirty Mile
Lk.
Private/
Borough
Primarily Private Land--Recommende
Uses:Settlement,Forestry
(personal use),Public Recreation
5f
Matanuska
River
State Public Recreation
Wat.er Resources
Wildlife Habitat
Gravel EKtrac-
lion
Open Available for
leasing
Remote Cabins
Trapper Cabins
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management gUidelines in chapter 2.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within
this management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
Agriculture
Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
Recreation
*Settlement
*Subsurface (Materials)
*Transportation
Instream Flow
Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
Trail Management
Wetlands t1anagement
Resource Management
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below,by subunit.
Subunit Sa (Settlement Area North of Kings River)
Visual Impact
Land sales should be designed to have minimal impact on views from the
Glenn Highway.This can be achieved by maintaining a buffer of trees and
other vegetation along the highway and by limiting sales along the edge of
the bluff.If a road is built leading from the highway up to the possible
settlement area in section 18 or into the Moose Range,it should be
located to minimize its visibility from the Kings River corridor and the
Glenn Highway.
Access Improvements
The area above the bluff is within the Matanuska Valley Moose Range (a
portion of subunit 6a)and offers good potential for forestry,hunting,
habitat enhancement and to a lesser extent,settlement.At present the
area is not accessible to the public by road because private ownership
blocks the two existing routes.The various state land management
agencies that would benefit by improved access into the Moose Range should
jointly seek funding either to buy a right-of-way along one of the
existing routes or to construct 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 in
subunit Sa,limited amounts of settlement.Any access improvement plans
in this area should be coordinated with DOT/PF which is considering
possible realignment of the Glenn Highway through this area.
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Subunit 5b (lUngs River Mouth)
Glenn Highway Realignment
DOT/PF is currently conducting preliminary engineering and environmental
evaluations to reconstruct the Glenn Highway from mile 35 to mile 135.
Portions of the highway,including the segment in this unit,may require
realignment.The stated policy to expand/establish public recreation uses
in this unit is not intended to preclude this possible realignment.A
final decision on this issue should be made,however,with the
consultation of DNR and after a throrough consideration of the impacts of
realignment on this unit's public recreational values.
Forestry
Timber harvesting will not be prohibited in this small unit,but harvests
will be allowed only if it is possible to avoid significantly reducing
public recreation values.
Subunit 5c (Two Rivers Ridge)
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 flatter portions of the ridge above the bluff.Any road construction
associated with this land disposal project likewise should be designed to
minimize adverse visual impacts.
Access Improvements
A legal and feasible road system through this subunit should be designed
and reserved prior to sale.Preferably this road should be built before
sales occur and the costs passed on to people buying the land.Prelim-
inary analysis suggests the road should come down the ridge from the east,
either leaving directly from the Glenn Highway near Thirty-Mile Lake or
branching off from the Fish Lake Road.Any land use authorization in
this unit should be located so it does not preclude the option to build
these roads along a feasible and efficient route.
Subunit 5d (Drill Lake)
Land Disposal
Land sales planned for this subunit will be limited to a net area of 400
acres.Sales should be designed to minimize adverse impacts on existing
and possible future public recreational uses in the area.If funding for
roads can be secured,disposal should occur as a subdivision rather than
as a large lot,aliquot part sale.This would facilitate better
protection of public trails,wood lots and other public open spaces.Any
land use authorizations within this area should be located so they do not
preclude the option to build roads along feasible and efficient routes.
This area will not be offered until at least 1990 in order to slow the
possible impacts of the sale on community character and on the demand for
public services and facilities.A portion of the borough land within the
subunit will be set aside for public uses such as a community center or
recreation area.
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MANAGEMENT UNIT 6 -MOOSE CREEK HOOSE RESERVE
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This area is located along the southern edge of the Talkeetna Mountains north
of Palmer and Sutton.The area is predominately state-owned and mostly
covered by fairly dense stands of spruce and birch.The overall management
intent for this unit was set by the legislature through passage of a law in
1984 designating this area as the Matanuska Valley Moose Range.Public land
within this area will be retained in public ownership and,consistent with the
legislation (AS 16.20.340),be managed to maintain,improve and enhance moose
populations and ,habitat and other wildlife resources of the area and to
perpetuate multiple use of the area,including fishing,grazing,forest
management,hunting,trapping,mineral and coal entry and development and
other forms of public uses compatible with these purposes.
Details of the management of this area will be worked out through preparation
of a management plan.This plan,which is required by the Moose Range
legislation to be completed before 1987,will be prepared cooperatively by
ADNR,ADF&G and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.
Although the Moose Range legislation directly affects only state land,the
Moose Range boundaries include substantial quantities of private land.To
help clarify which lands will be affected by the law,this management unit is
divided into subunit 6a (the state land within the Moose Range)and 6b (the
private land).The few parcels of borough land in the area are included in
subunit 6a.This division identifies only the larger blocks of private land.
See the maps at the end of this section for boundaries of these subunits and
the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within
this management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.r
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*Agricu1ture
*Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
Settlement
*Subsurface (Materials)
*Transportation
Instream Flow
Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below,by subunit.
397
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
MANAGEMENT UNITSUBREGION
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED ISECONDARY USHSj
LOCATABLE LEASE ABLE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(Sj MINERALS MINERALS .-
6a State/Coal Grazing Open Available for Land Disposall ExistingMooseRangeBoroughForestryleasinglegislatively(Public Publlc Recreation designated MooseLand)Wildlife Habitat Range
6b Native/Primarily Private Land--------ExistingMooseRangePrivateRecommendedUses:Wildlife legislatively(Private Habitat,Forestry,Coal,Public designated MooseLand)Recreation Range (Note:
legislation does
not directly
affect private
land)
*AS 16.20.350(b)provides that the
management plan developed by the
Department of Natural Resources fo.
the Matanuska Moose Range shall
reflect the concurrence of the
Department of Fish and Game.AS
16.20.350(d)provides tht the area
shall be managed to sustain fish
and wildlife resources in perpetu-
ity,according to the principle of
sustained yield.
·Olher uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits.etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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Subunit 6a (Moose Range -State Land)
Habitat Enhancement
Enhancement of habitat will occur through a combination of commercial and
individual timber harvests and direct vegetation manipulation by mechan-
ical methods (chaining)or prescribed fire.Limits on available funding
likely will result in emphasis on timber harvesting methods.Plans for
timber harvests,other habitat enhancement activities,road building and
the provision of recreational opportunities should be worked out in a
management plan for this area prepared cooperatively by the Mat-Su
Borough,ADNR and ADF&G.
Coal Leasing and Development
a.Environmental Protection
Any coal mining in this area will be regulated under the strict
guidelines of the Alaska Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act,
federal clean air and water laws and a variety of other state,
federal,and local laws.As a result,this plan proposes no
additional guidelines to regulate the environmental impacts of coal
mining in this management unit.
b.Terms of Lease
Terms of coal lease diligence requirements will be written to provide
significant financial incentives to the lessee to reduce acreage under
lease or,if production appears unlikely,to give up the lease
entirely.This will keep as much land as possible open for various
public uses.
Access
Habitat enhancement methods,especially those based on issuance of timber
harvest permits to individuals,will require construction of access
roads.These roads shall be laid out as part of the management plan for
the area.
Protection of Sheep Mineral Licks
Several small portions of this unit will be open to mineral location under
lease.This policy is intended to protect several sheep mineral licks.
The exact boundaries of these areas,and the stipulations associated with
mineral leases or permits,are set out in the management intent statement
and management guidelines of Hanagement Unit 12,this subregion.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 7 -BONNIE LAKE
MANAGEMENT INTENT
The Bonnie Lake management unit is located just north of the Hatanuska River
on the southern flanks of the Talkeetna Mountains in the vicinity of the
Chickaloon River.
399
LANU U~IC UI:~I~NAIIUrt ~UIVIIVIAKI
SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT"l-BoN~\E.LA~
.j:>-oo
SUBUNIT
7a
Bonnie Lake
7b
Matanuska
River
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED lOCATABLE I lEASEABlE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
State/Public Recreation Forestry Lands Retained in Public Trapper Cabins Estimated net
Borough!Settlement OwnershiE.:disposal area =
Native/Wildlife Hbitat Open Available 600 acres
Privat.e for leas-
ing
Lands to be offered for
Settlement:
Closed prior Not avail-
to land disposal able for
coal leas-
ing or
prospect-
ing
State Public Recreation Gravel Open Available Remote Cabins -
Water Resources Extraction for Trapper Cabins
Wildlife Habitat Leasing Land Disposals
·Other uses such as material sales.land leases,remote cabin permits.etc.,that are f10t
specifically prohibifed may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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This unit will be managed to provide a mixture of land for settlement,public
recreation,habitat protection,and personal use timber harvest.The unit
contains a scenic,complex mixture of rugged and rolling country including
several rock escarpments,steep river drainages and a number of lakes.It is
a popular hiking and fishing area with good potential for further recreational
development and increased use.Land ownership is a mixture of public and
private.Part of the unit is accessible by road.With good site design,DNR
should be able to provide a significant amount of land for private settlement
in this unit,while simultaneously maintaining and even improving
opportunities for public use,including hunting,fishing,hiking and skiing.
Final decisions on the appropriate location and amount of settlement may
require either an extensive agency and public review process or completion of
a more detailed management plan.
All public lands in this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.Public
lands in this unit will remain open to mineral location and available for coal
leasing except for the portions of subunit 7a designated for sale.
This management unit has been divided into two subunits:the area north of
the Matanuska River (7a)and the river itself (7b).See the maps at the
end of this section for boundaries of these subunits and the accompanying
chart for a summary of land uses.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within
this management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
L
Agriculture
Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
*Subsurface (Materials)
*Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
*Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below,by subunit.
Subunit 7a (Bonnie Lake)
Visual Quality
Land sales and any new road construction shall be designed and sited to
minimize their visibility from the Glenn Highway and to minimize adverse
impacts on any especially attractive views visible from within the re-
mainder 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 rec-
f.()1
reation needs.The locations of these roads and trails have not been
determined.Any land use authorizations in this unit should be located so
they do not preclude the option to build these roads and trails along
feasible and efficient routes.The Chickaloon Trail specifically should
be protected through retention of land approximately 500 feet on each side
of the trail,but no less than 300 feet.
In addition to access improvements internal to this unit,DOT/PF is
considering upgrading the Glenn Highway in this vicinity including a
possible realignment of the highway.No final decision on these proposed
road improvements has been made.Information on alternative alignments
under consideration is available from DOT/PF.Land use authorizations in
this unit should be located so as to not preclude the option to recon-
struct the Glenn Highway along a feasible and efficient route.
Coal Development
This management unit is underlain by coal that has moderate potential for
development.On either side of the unit are areas with high value for
coal.One important criterion in designing land sales in this area is to
minimize the area that would be closed to coal development due to sales of
the surface estate.This will help reduce the cost to coal operators of
developing coal.
Amount and Type of Settlement
Because of this area's topography,proximity to roads,scenic quality and
high public recreation values,only subdivisions or prestaked homesteads
sales will be allowed in the area.The total amount of sales should be
limited to a net area of approximately 600 acres.
Remote Cabins
A limited number of remote cabin permits may be issued for land located
between the ~1atanuska River and the Glenn Highway and east of T20N R6E S.
M.,section 27.This area can be considered for this use because,while
it is near the highway,the large bluff below the highway makes
construction of roads into the area very unlikely.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 8 -PURINTON
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This management unit is located north of the Matanuska River on the southern
edge of the Talkeetna Mountains in the vicinity of Purinton and Cascade
Creeks.
Public lands in this area will be retained in public ownership and managed to
provide public recreation opportunities and personal use timber products.A
second objective is to retain lands in public ownership to reduce the costs to
coal operators of possible coal development.Host of the management unit is
underlain by land rated high or moderate for potential coal development.Due
to its elevation (approximately 2500')and inland location,the area is
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MANAGEMENT UNIT
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED
SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
Public Recreatior.Forestry Open Available for Trapper Cabins -
Wildlife Habitat (personal use)leasing Land Disposal
Public Recreation -Closed Not available Trapper Cabins Expansion of Long
Wildlife Habitat for coal Remote Cabins Lake Recreation
leasing or Land Disposals Area is proposed
prospecting Gravel Extrac-for legislative or
tion administrative.
designation
Public Recreation Gravel Open Available for Remote Cabins
Water Resources Extraction leasing Land Disposals
Wildlife Habitat Trapper Cabins
SUBREGION ~_
SUBUNIT LAND
OWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED
8a State/
Purinton Borough
Creek
8b State
Long Lake
Recreation
Area
8c State
Matanuska
River
~~t;;~t~.JEOI~~1~r::~C::-JYr::-5Ir::xL
&~\-i-WY
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that rne flot
specitically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines In chapter 2.
particularily suited for winter recreation,including snowmobiling and
cross-country skiing.This area often has adequate 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.All public lands in
this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.Public lands in this unit
will remain open to mineral location and be available for coal leasing except
for the Long Lake State Recreation Area.One small area is open under
leasehold location to protect a sheep mineral lick.
The area is divided into three subunits:a large area north and south of the
Glenn Highway (8a),the Long Lake State recreation area and adjacent land
(8b),and the Uatanuska River (8c).Long Lake State Recreation Area will be
proposed for legislatively or administratively approved expansion to include
land to the south and east as shown in the Division of Parks and Outdoor
Recreation's Southcentral Recreation Plan.See the maps at the end of this
section for boundaries of these subunits and the accompanying chart for a
summary of land uses.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within
this management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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Agriculture
Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
*Subsurface (Materials)
*Transportation
Subunit 8a (Purinton Creek)
Protection of Sheep Mineral Licks
Instream Flow
Lakeshore l~nagement
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
Trail Management
Wetlands l~nagement
Resource ~nagement
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A small portion of this unit will be open to mineral location under a
lease.This policy is intended to protect a sheep mineral lick.The
exact boundaries of this area,and the stipulations associated with
mineral leases or permits,are set out in the management intent statement
and management guidelines of lfunagement Unit 12,this subregion.
Glenn Highway Realignment
DOT/PF is currently conducting preliminary engineering and environmental
evaluations to reconstruct the Glenn Highway from mile 35 to mile 135.
Portions of the highway,including the segment in this unit,may require
realignment.The plan policy to expand/establish public recreation uses
in this unit is not intended to preclude this possible realignment.A
final decision on this issue should be made,however,with the
consultation of ADNR after a thorough consideration of the impacts of
realignment on this unit's public recreational values.
404
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Protection of Transportation Routes
The Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation is proposing
development of a system of trails and construction of a road from the Long
Lake Wayside parking lot south to the Matanuska River.Any land use
authorizations in this unit should be located so they do not preclude the
construction of these roads and trails along efficient and feasible
routes.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 9 -COAL CREEK
MANAGID1ENT INTENT
This management unit is located on the south side of the Matanuska River
across from the Chickaloon and Kings River areas.The area has potential for
settlement and coal development as well as recreation and personal use forest-
ry.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 and managed to allow development of the area's high value
coal resources and provide for timber harvests.All public lands within this
unit will remain open to mineral location and be available for coal and oil
and gas leasing.
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 end of this section for boundaries of these subunits
and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses.
MANAGEt1ENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the gUidelines potentially could apply to uses within
this management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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Agriculture
Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
Recreation
*Settlement
*Subsurface
*Transportation
Instream Flow
Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below,by subunit.
Subunit 9a (Coal Creek)
Timber Harvests
Timber harvests for commercial or personal use shall be designed so they
do not significantly reduce the quality of views seen from the Glenn
Highway or recreation quality within the unit.If this area is leased for
coal development,plans should be developed to utilize the area's timber
prior to mining.
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
MANAGEMENT UNIT --
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDNO
ERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
RALIZED
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS
e Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for Land Disposals
Wildlife Habitat leasing
ve Primarily Private Land-RecollJllended ._._-----
uses:Public Recreation,Wildlife
~abitat,Forestry,Coal
Stat
Nat!
LA
OWN
GENE
SUBUNIT
9a
Coal Creek
9b
Riley Creek
SUBREGION __G-LE:\Jl--J \-tw'(
•Other uses such as material sales.land leases,remote cabin permits,etc..that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit.and wifh the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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Settlement
The area may be appropriate for land sales or issuance of remote cabin
permits either after coal mining has occurred or after it is determined
that coal mining is not feasible.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 10 -MATANUSKA GLACIER
HANAGEMENT INTENT
This unit is located on either side of the Glenn Highway in the area of the
Hatanuska Glacier.The unit contains a mixture of public and private land,
much of which is potentially sui table for settlement.It also contains the
mouth of the Matanuska Glacier,a popular tourist destination.The area
currently supports moderate numbers of existing cabins,most of which are
occupied only on 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.This area,which already has a school,several
lodges,and other developments,should be one of several locations along the
highway that serve as a focus for seasonal and some year-round settlement.
Several areas are proposed for disposal on either side of the river.Huch of
the unit,mos tly in the steeper,less accessible areas,will be retained in
public ownership.All public lands within this unit are available for oil and
gas leasing.Public lands in this unit also will remain open to mineral
location and be available for coal leasing except for settlement areas in
subunits lOa,10d and 10e.One small area is open under leasehold location to
protect a sheep mineral lick.
The area is divided into seven subunits:the tfonument and Lake creeks settle-
ment areas south of the Matanuska River (lOa),the areas planned for retention
on the south side of the river (lOb),the Matanuska River itself (lOc),Bench
Lake Subdivision (lOd),the areas north of the river which are planned for
land sales -Lions Head,Chugach View and Cascade (lOe),retention areas on
the north side of the river (lOf),and the township of native land surrounding
Hundred Mile Lake (lOg).See the maps at the end of this section for
boundaries of these subunits and the accompanying chart for a summary of land
uses.
Land in subunits lOa and lOb (the Monument and Lake creeks settlement areas
and adjacent retention lands)is lightly used for hunting and other types of
recreation.Several trails lead through this area into sheep and goat hunting
areas located up drainages of the adjacent Chugach Range.The state land
within subunit lOb will be retained in public ownership to provide personal
use timber and public recreation.As more land is sold and developed along
the highway,recreation activities in this subunit,particularly winter
recreation,are likely to grow in popularity.Settlement will be allowed in
subunit lOa in the vicinity of Lake Creek and along the Matanuska River near
Monument Creek.These sites were chosen to minimize impacts of settlement on
public uses and visual quality.Land should be offered either as large
subdivision parcels (10-20 acres)or under the homestead program.
b-n7
LANU U:it UI:~I\:rnAII\Jn .,UIYIIYIRK I
lOa State
Monument
Creek,Lake
Creek
lOb State/
Gravel Borough
Creek,
Glacier
Creek
.p-IDe Stat.e0Matanuska(Xl
River
IOd St.ate/
Bench Lake Privat.e
10-MP.1t\rJlJS LU\QfiCIEJ<..MANAGEMENT UNIT
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED
SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
lOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USUS)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
Settlement Public Rec.Closed prior Not available -Estimated net
Wildlife Hab.to land dis-for disposal area =
Forestry posal coal leasing 850 acres
(personal use or prospecting
Public Recreat.ior Forestry Open Available for Land Disposals -
Wildlife Habitat leasing
Public Recreatior.-Open Available for Trapper Cabins -Water Resources leasing Remote Cabins
Wildlife Habitat.Land Disposal
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Settlement Public Rec.Closed Not available Remote Cabins 25 unsold,(existing Wildlife Hab.for coal Trapper Cabins surveyed lotssubdivision)leasing or r.emain available
prospecting over-the-counter
Settlement Public Rec.Closed prior Not available Trapper Cabins Estimated net
For.estry to land dis-for coal Remote Cabins disposal area =
Wildlife Hab.posal leasing or 1,430 acres
prospecting
State/
Borough
LAND
OWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED
SUBUNIT
lOe
Cascade
Creek,
Lions Head,
Chugach
View
SUBREGION
'Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that me flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management gUidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
SUBREGION MANAGEMENT UNIT .to -lYl';'~\JS.It(A &L.AOtR
SUBUNIT
IOf
Hicks Creek
109
Hundred
Hile Lake
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED
PRIMARY USE(S)ISECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS
State Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for Trapper Cabins
Wildlife Habitat (personal use)leasing Land Disposals
Private/Primarily Private Land----------
Native Recommended Uses:Settlement,
~lblic Recreation,Wildlife
Habitat,Forestry
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management gUidelines in chapter 2.
More and higher density settlement would be allowed in this subunit if doing
so would help improve public access into the recreation area at the mouth of
the Matanuska Glacier.
Subunit 10c,the Matanuska River,should be managed -to protect its
recreational value,which is primarily associated with white water boating but
may expand to include riverside hiking and winter recreation.
Subunit 10d,the previously offered Bench Lake subdivision,is located on the
south side of the river,near subunits lOa and lOb.Public response to this
offering has been typical of the response to most state lake front sales:all
the parcels located on the lake have been sold and the majority of the parcels
(approx.25)away from the lake have not yet been sold.Land in this
subdivision should remain available over-the-counter.
Subunit 10e contains three separate land sales proposed for the next two
years.Each of these sale areas was selected for its relatively low impacts
on views from the highway and on pUblic recreation and wildlife habitat
values.The sales are Cascade (FY85),Chugach View (FY87)and Lions Head
(FY86).
Subunit 10e is comprised of the remaining public land on the north side of the
river.Most of this area is steep or otherwise has poor capability for
settlement and should be retained and managed for community open space,
wildlife habitat,personal use forestry and public recreation.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within
this management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list that follows.
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Subunits lOa &lOb (Monument,Lake,Gravel and Glacier creeks)
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below,by subunit.
Agriculture
Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface (Materials)
*Transportation
Instream Flow
Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
*Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Tatondan Lake -Management of Adjacent Land
This small lake is one of the few lakes in the Matanuska Valley still
primarily in public ownership.The borough owns the surrounding area and
may consider land disposals here in the future.Any sales that do occur
should be designed to retain much of the land surrounding the lake in
public ownership and to protect the lake's recreation values.
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Stream Buffers
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit public uses such as fishing,camping and other active uses and
to protect water quality and riparian habitat.Consequently this land
should remain in public ownership.Corridor widths should be set on a
c8'se-by-case basis using policies in chapter 2.The standard minimum
buffer width (200'on each side of the river)should be used on Honument,
Glacier,Lake,and Gravel creeks.A buffer (at least 300'wide)should be
retained on either side of the Matanuska River.
Protection of Visual Quality/Boundaries of Settlement Areas
Protection of views seen from the Glenn Highway and the Matanuska River
will be an important goal in the design of land disposals.Shifting the
boundaries of the areas designated for disposal and for retention to
better achieve this goal is acceptable under this plan.
Subunit 10e &10f (Cascade Cr.,Lions Head and Purinton Creek north disposals,
and Hicks Creek)
Cascade 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 pro-
ject and includes the land east of a trail (and the trail itself)that
runs from the Glenn Highway south towards the tfutanuska River across from
Gravel 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 be attractive open space for current and future residents of the
area.
Stream Buffers
The standard minimum buffer width (200'on each side of the river)should
be used on both forks of Muddy Creek.
Lions Head Disposal Design and Access
Preliminary information on the Lions Head area suggests that this is an
area underlain by bedrock with only thin soils.Site design should take
this characteristic into account,especially as it relates to sewage dis-
posal and provision of drinking water.The likely access into this area
would follow an existing dirt road that leaves the Glenn Highway on the
south side of this project.Any land use authorizations in this area
should be located so they do not preclude the option to use this road.
In addition to access improvements internal to this unit,DOT/PF is
considering upgrading the Glenn Highway in this vicinity including a
possible realignment of the highway.No final decision on these proposed
road improvements has been made.Information on alternative alignments
under consideration is available from DOT/PF.Land use authorizations in
this unit should be located so as to not preclude the option to recon-
struct the Glenn Highway along a feasible and efficient route.
Protection of Sheep Mineral Licks
A small portion of this unit will be open to mineral location under a
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lease.This policy is intended to protect a sheep mineral lick.The
exact boundaries of this area,and the stipulations associated with
mineral leases or permits,are set out in the management intent statement
and management guidelines of Management Unit 12,this subregion.
Protection of Trails
Several traditional trails cross through or near planned disposals en
route to backcountry hunting and recreation areas.These trails include a
fork of the Chickaloon Trail and trails up the drainage of Hicks and
Pinochle Creeks.Public use of these trails will be protected when these
disposals are designed.If disposal plans include construction of new
roads crossing these trails,adequate parking should be designed at
trailheads.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 11 -GUNSIGHT MOUNTAIN
MANAGID1ENT INTENT
This is a large management unit which includes land 5 -10 miles on either
side of the Glenn Highway from Caribou Creek on the west to approximately six
miles east of the 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 provides unusual and popular recreation
opportunities,including excellent hunting and winter recreation,quality
wildlife habitat,particularly for caribou and moose,and great views both
down the Hatanuska drainage and east towards the Wrangell Hountains.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.
Portions of this management unit are within the boundary of the proposal
Nelchina public use area.Information on this area is presented in the
subregion summary of the Talkeetna Mountains section of this chapter.Other
portions of this unit are proposed for a separate legislative or
administrative designation to protect this area's recreation value.
The primary management intent for public land in the area is to protect and
allow for the use of these recreational,visual,subsurface and wildlife
values.This will be done by retaining the large majority of the land in
public ownership;however,there will be one area open for land disposal in
the eastern part of the management unit.To help provide for public
recreation needs,this unit is one of the highest priority areas in the
planning area for construction of public use cabins.
All public lands within this unit are available for oil and gas leasing.
Public land in this unit will remain open to mineral location and be available
for coal leasing except for land that will be offered for settlement (subunit
lla)•
The area is divided into five subunits:the area between the Glenn Highway
and the Big Nelchina River that is planned for settlement (lla);Gunsight
Hountain and other state-owned areas pL..med for retention (lIb);Native
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MANAGEMENT UNITSUBREGION
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED
SUBUNIT LAND
SURFACE SUBSURfACE SURFACE COMMENTSOWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED
TSECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
PRIMARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
lIa State Settlement Public Rec.Closed prior fut available Remote Cabins Estimated netNelchinaWildlifeHab.to land dis-fot coal disposal area =River Forestry posa1 leasing or 1,565 acres
(pe rsonal use)prospecting
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lIb State Public Recreation Forestry Available for Remote Cabins Proposed forGunsiteWildlifeHabitat(personal use)leasing Trapper Cabins legislative orMountainLandDisposalsadministrative
designation
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llc Native Primarily Private Land--Recormnende(---Proposed forAhtnaBlockSelected/Uses:Public Recreation,Wildlife legislative or
State Habitat,Forestry (personal use)administrative
Selected designation
Open
lId Native Primarily Private Land--Reconunended Available for -Proposed forNelchinaSelected/Uses:Public Recreation,Wildlife leasing legislativePublicUseStateHabitat,Fores try (pe rsonal use)designationAreaSelected
Open
lle State·Public Recreation Available for GraZing Proposed forHorn~ildlife Habitat leasing legislativeMountaindesignation
•Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
selected land,including a tract proposed for legislative designation as part
of the Nelchina public use area (lId),the rest of the Native selected land
(llc);and the Horn Mountain area also proposed for legislative designation as
part of the Nelchina public use area (lIe).
Land sales in subunit lla will be located on the southeast facing slopes above
the Nelchina River.The specific northern and western boundaries will be
located so that areas sold will not be visible from the Glenn Highway;the
boundary given in the plan is an estimate of where this line should be.
Subunits lIb and llc (Gunsight Mtn.and Ahtna block)are proposed for
designation by the legislature or the governor as a state recreation area.
This proposed special designation is intended to provide special and lasting
protection for this area's unique public recreational value.This proposal
has a lower priority than other areas in the study area proposed for
legislative or administrative designation because of the general lack of land
use conflicts in the area and also due to uncertainties regarding land
ownership.Subunit llc has been selected by both the state and Ahtna,The
Copper River Area Native Corporation.Final determination of land ownership
is unlikely for at least several years.
A large area of land within subunit lIb currently is leased for grazing.This
lease was issued by the BLM prior to the state receiving title to the land and
is partly within the area the plan proposes to close to grazing due to
potential conflicts between livestock,Dall sheep,mountain goat and caribou.
Decisions on the eventual renewal of the leases should be made in a manner
consistent with the grazing policies in the Agriculture section of Chapter 2
of this plan (agriculture section)and with the land use designations in this
chapter.
Subunits lId and lIe (Nelchina public use area and Horn Mtn.)in the northern
part of this management unit are recommended for legislative designation to
protect caribou.Subunit lId was selected by both the state and Ahtna
Corporation;subunit lIe is state-owned.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within
this management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list that follows.
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Agriculture
Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface (Materials)
*Transportation
Instream Flow
*Lakeshore t1anagement
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
Trail Management
*Wetlands Management
Resource Hanagement
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below,by subunit.
Subunit lla (Nelchina River)
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Stream Corridors
The management intent for land adjacent to the streams referenced below is
to permit fishing,trapping,camping and other active uses and to protect
water quali ty and riparian habitat.Consequently this land should be
retained in public ownership.Corridor widths will be set on a
case-by-case basis using the policies in chapter 2.The standard minimum
buffer width (200'on each side of the river)should be used on Eureka
Creek,the Nelchina River and other unnamed tributaries to the Nelchina
shown on the USGS I:63,360 quads for this area.The corridor on the
Little Nelchina River should be 500'on both sides of the river in order
to protect the opportunity for wilderness camping and fishing in the area
and to protect visual quality for people boating this river.
Protection of Transportation Routes
No de tailed plans fo r access into this area have been made.Any land use
authorizations in this unit or the vicinity should be located so they do
not preclude the option for a "feasible and efficient system of roads
and/or trails into this area from the Glenn highway.
Subunit lIb,lIe,lld &lle (Gunsight Mtn.,Ahtna Block,Nelchina Public Use
Area and Horn Mt.)
Timber Harvests and Visual Quality
Personal use or commercial timber harvests,where visible from the Glenn
Highway,will be designed to minimize adverse visual impacts on highway
views.Some si te specific guidance in implementing this guideline is
provided 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 or south of the Glenn Highway within a convenient one-day ski
or hike from highway trailheads.
Remote Cabins
It is recommended that a management plan be prepared for the lands in
subunits lIb,lIe,lId and lIe.The management plan will determine,among
other things,whether remote cabins will be permitted in the subunits.
Remote cabins premits will not be offered until and unless areas open to
remote cabins are designated by a management plan.
Glenn Highway Realignment
DOT/PF currently is conducting preliminary engineering and environmental
evaluations to reconstruct the Glenn Highway from mile 35 to mile 135.
Portions of the highway,including the segment in this unit,may req ui re
realignment.The plan policy to expand/establish public recreation uses
in this unit is not intended to preclude this possible realignment.A
final decision on this issue should be made,however,with the
consultation of DNR and after a thorough consideration of the impact of
realignment on this unit's public recreational values.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 12 -ALPINE AREAS
MANAGEHENT INTENT
This is a large mountainous area which extends along much of the northern
boundary of the subregion.The area is important for hunting of Dall sheep
and to a lesser extent moose,bear,caribou and other species.Additionally,
this area contains known and potential mineral resources.These include gold,
silver,copper and other metallic minerals,and limestone.
The management unit will be retained entirely in public ownership and managed
to protect fish and wildlife habitat,allow hunting and other public recrea-
tional activities and allow exploration and development of mineral resources.
The major means of achieving these objectives will be retaining land in public
ownership and protecting public access through and within the unit.
All public lands within this unit will remain open to mineral location except
for several areas which will be open under leasehold location.All public
land will be available for coal and oil and gas leasing.There are several
large deposits of limestone under lease in this management unit in the
vicinity of Kings River.A road from the Glenn Highway built by the lessees
goes most of the way to these deposits.
The mineral licks identified within this management unit are used by
significant numbers of wildlife primarily during the spring and early summer.
No information curently exists on the biological function served by these
licks;however,the regular use of these areas suggests that the licks play
an important role in the life history of the animals that use them.These
same areas also may have significant mineral values.
The management intent for the area around the licks is to protect their value
for wildlife and also to allow exploration and development of mineral
resources.This will be done through developing a general policy for
management of all mineral licks in the Talkeetna Hountains.Although mineral
development may result in disruption of a particular lick or animal acces
trail,this policy will ensure that at least some licks are open to wildlife
use at all times.
In order to ensure these areas can be managed successfully for both wildlife
protection and development of mineral values,mineral licks and the adj acent
land (the nine sections surrounding each lick)will be open to mineral entry
by leasehold location.Stipulations will be applied to individual leases to
balance habitat values and mineral development.The general subjects and
objectives of these stipulations are presented in the management guideline
section below.Existing mining claims within or adjacent to leasehold areas
will not be converted to leasehold locations nor will holders of existing
claims be required to get a lease from the state prior to production.
However,explorations and mining on existing claims will be managed as
outlined in the management guidelines through miscellaneous land use permits
to afford protection to the mineral lick areas.
This management unit is divided into two subunits:the portion proposed to be
legislatively designated to protect caribou (12b),and the remainder of the
unit (12a).See the maps at the end of this section for boundary of this area
and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses.
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SUBREGION &LaJN +\\tJy,MANAGEMENT UNIT
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE lEASEABlE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
12a State Wildlife Habitat -Open except Available for Remote Cabins -
Alpine Public Recreation for specified leasing Land Disposals
Areas sheep mineral Grazing
licks which
are open un-
der leasehold
lne'itio:l.
Land Disposals Proposed for
12b State Wildlife Habitat -Open except Available for Grazing legislative or
Nelchina Public Recreation for specified leasing Adminis trative
Public Use sheep mineral Designation
Area licks which
are open un-
der leasehold
location
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•Other uses such as material sales,land leases.remote cabin permits.etc.,that ore flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
Subunit 12a will be retained in public ownership and managed to protect fish
and wildlife habitat and to allow hunting and other public recreation
activities.
Subunit 12b is recommended for legislative designation to protect caribou.
This proposal,which is tentatively called the Nelchina Public Use Area,is
discussed in detail in the management summary for the Talkeetna !10untains
Subregion.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially could apply to uses within
this management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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Agriculture
Fish &Wildlife Habitat
*Forestry
Recreation
*Settlement
Subsurface (Materials)
*Transportation
Instream Flow
Lakeshore Management
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
Trail t1anagement
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
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Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below by subunit.
Subunit 12b (Nelchina Public Use Area)
Management Planning/Remote Cabins
It is recommended that a management plan be prepared for the lands in
subunit·12b.The management plan will determine,among other things,
whether remote cabins will be permitted in this subunit.Remote cabin
permits will not be offered until and unless areas open to remote cabins
are designated by a management plan.
Subunits 12a and 12b (Anthracite Ridge/Castle Mt.and Nelchina Public Use
Area)
Mineral Licks
Mineral exploration and development will be allowed in the nine sections
surrounding specified mineral licks.Stipulations included as part of the
mining lease and/or permit will include ·measures to minimize,to the
extent feasible and prudent,the potential impacts of mining on wildlife
use of these areas.The folloWing guidelines will be followed in
preparing stipulations for specific leases and permits.
1.Stipulations will be developed on a case-by-case basis for specific
leases or permits considering the type and importance of wildlife use
and of planned mining activities at a particular site.At the same
time,the status of wildlife use and potential for mineral development
of other mineral licks in the region will be taken into
consideration.The Alaska Department of Natural Resources,to the
extent feasible and prudent,will ensure that a minimal number of
licks are being intensely explored or developed at anyone time.
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2.Stipulations associated with the lease or permit must address the
following concerns:
a.The avoidance of direct and indirect impact on the mineral licks,
the animal trails leading to them and other areas of concentrated
animal use that are associated with the mineral lick.
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b.Hethods for compensating for the destruction or loss of a lick.
This could take the form of relocating or introducing new
mineralized material.
c.The method and routing of mining-related access to these areas.
Areas open to mineral entry under leasehold location and subject to these
guidelines are listed below.
T20N R4E S.M.section 16 Wl/2,W1/2 E1/2;sections 17-20;
section 21 W1/2,Wl/2 El/2;section 28 Wl/2,Wl/2 El/2;sections
29-30
1.T20W R3E S.M.section 13
section 25 El/2 El/2
El/2 El/2;section 24 El/2 El/2;
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Wl/2;section 13 E1/2,E1/2 W1/2
T20N R8E S.M.section 4 W1/2 w1/2;sections 5-8;section 9 W1/2
W1/2;section 16 W1/2 W1/2;section 17-18
3.T2lN R4E S.M.section 12 SE1/4;section 13 E1/2;section 24
El/2;section 25 NE1/4
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T2lN R5E S.M.section 7 Sl/2;section 8 Sl/2;section 9 SW1/4;
section 16 W1/2;sections 17-20;section 21 W1/2;section 28
NW1/4;section 29 N1/2;section 30 N1/2
T2lN R6E S.M.section 1 Sl/2;section 2 Sl/2;section 3 Sl/2;
sections 10-15;section 22 N1/2;section 23 N1/2;section 24
N1/2
T23N R9E S.M.section 28
Sl/2;sections 31-33
N1/2;section 8 N1/2;
S1/2;section 30Sl/2;section 29
sections 4-6;section 7S.M.
N1/2
T22N R9E
section 9
5.
4.
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TALKEETNA 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 resour-
ces and their management for the subregion as a whole.The second presents
specific 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 second part.
The land use plan's proposals on two issues--the management of lands
surrounding three sheep mineral licks and the proposed Susitna hydroelectric
project--overlap several management units and are therefore presented in the
management summary part of the subregion overview section.The plan's policy
on mineral licks is presented in the section on subsurface resources;the
material on the Susitna Hydroelectric project is presented in a separate
section dealing with just that subject.
I.SUBREGION OVERVIEW
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A.Background
The boundaries of the Talkeenta 110untains Subregion are the planning
area boundaries on the north and east (these coincide with the boun-
dary 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'elevation contour.These
boundaries generally encompass only the upper portions of the
mountains.Lower-lying portions of river valleys which extend into
the area,such as the Talkeetna,Sheep,and Kashwitna valleys are
included in the adjacent subregions.
This subregion encompasses roughly 6 million acres,the majority 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 tentative approval for 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 approxi-
mately 206,000 acres of Native selected and interimly conveyed lands
in the area.Most of these lands are located in the Susitna River -
Stephan Lake area and in the East Fork of the Chulitna River drain-
age.Only a portion of the Native selected lands in this area are
likely to be conveyed.In addition to private land held by Native
corporations,there are also numerous scattered small parcels owned 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 }fuuntains and·other
mining areas.See the ownership maps at the end of this section for
more information.
421
The only road access into the subregion is provided by the Denali
Highway.This highway traverses the northern part of the subregion
through mostly alpine country in federal ownership from Paxson to
Cantwell.The State Department of Transportation presently is working
on improvements to the western end of this highway.A number of
trails branch off from these highways and provide a measure of access
into other parts of the subregion.Access to the periphery of the
subregion is provided by two major highways --the Glenn on the south
and the Parks on the west.Other means of access into the area
include landing strips,fly-in lakes,and boatable rivers.
Although most of this rugged area does not offer the potential for
agriculture,forestry,or settlement found elsewhere in the planning
area,these limitations are 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 here.The
area's many lakes and rivers offer excellent fishing for salmon,lake
and rainbow trout,grayling and other species.The subregion offers
millions of acres of alpine country for 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 minerals.In addition,portions of this subregion
have some potential for grazing.
The Alaska Power Authority recently applied to the Federal Energy and
Regulatory Commission (FERC)for a license to build a major hydroelec-
tric project on the Susitna River.Two dams are proposed for sites,
at Devil's Canyon and Watana.(More on this proposal below.)
B.Management Summary
The Talkeetna Subregion will be managed as a multiple use area emphas-
izing the uses that are most important in the area now:recreation,
including hunting and fishing;protection of fish and wildlife hab-
itat;and mining.Grazing,private recreational settlement (remote
cabins),and personal use timber harvests also are appropriate uses in
specific portions of this subregion.The vast majority of this
rugged,mountainous area is expected to remain remote and very sparse-
ly developed.Additional road access to the area and concentrated
settlement on public lands will be contingent on a demonstrated need
for such development in order to facilitate activities such as mining
or dam construction.
1.Settlement
State and federal land disposals for private recreational settle-
ment are a very low priority in this subregion.The state will
issue permits for remote cabin sites under the remote cabin permit
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program in a limited number of select sites.Should major mineral
development occur or the proposed Susitna hydro-power project be
constructed,state land will be made available for a workcamp or
other settlement uses associated with these developments.Most
hydro-project related settlement,however,is expected to occur on
lands in Native ownership.If road access into this area is
provided as a result of the hydro-project,Native lands are likely
to be developed for private recreational purposes as well.
Settlement may be an appropriate use on public lands adjacent to
areas developed by the Natives,although no lands are designated
for this purpose at this time.(Demand for private residential
and commercial uses that may be associated with the project are
discussed further under section 8 dealing with the proposed
hydroelectric project.)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
within the highway corridors.
Agriculture
Grazing is the only agricultural use that is possible in this
subregion.Several hundred thousand acres are designated for gra-
zing in the southwestern portion of the subregion.This area is
relatively close to access and to land that could be used for farm
headquarter sites.Management guidelines will be applied to gra-
zing activities to ensure compatibility with wildlife.
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3.Forestry
Although most of this unit is above timberline,lands adjacent to
several major rivers (e.g.,the Susitna and Talkeetna)have per-
sonal use and,perhaps,commercial timber harvest potential.If
major developments such as the Susitna hydro-project occur,there
undoubtedly will be associated demands for wood products 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 than on commercial
uses.Limited personal use harvests will be permitted in some
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 for moose,cari-
bou and sheep.Streams will be managed to protect their recrea-
tion and commercial fishery values.The area also will be managed
to maintain a full range of summer and winter recreation activi-
ties,including skiing,mountain climbing,hiking,and snowmobil-
ing.Adequate access for these recreation purposes should be
maintained in public ownership.Because the Talkeetna Mountains
are a highly scenic but still relatively gentle mountain range,
the area is particularly suited for cross country hiking,skiing
and snowmobiling.In most of the area the terrain and vegetation
42.1
permit cross country travel without construction of improved
trails.The state and borough should seek funding to build and,if
necessary,operate public use cabins in select areas of the
subregion.
Construction of the Susitna hydroelectric project also could pro-
vide increased opportunities for public recreation,primarily due
to improved access.Any plans for recreation improvements in the
subregion--for example a trails system--should be coordinated with
recreation plans associated with the proposed hydro-project.
The plan recommends that the southeastern portion of the Talkeetna
Mountains be legislatively or administratively designated as the
"Nelchina Public Use Area"to protect the Nelchina caribou herd.
This proposal would allow multiple use of the area,including min-
ing,but would prohibit lands sales except for what might be
required for resource development.(See Management Unit 3 for
more details.)
5.Subsurface Resources
Mining and mineral exploration are and will continue to be very
important activities in this area.The entire subregion will
remain open to mineral location except for three sites to be open
under leasehold location.All public lands are available for coal
and oil and gas leasing.Mineral exploration and development,
including necessary roads and workcamps,should be designed to
minimize impacts on important wildlife and recreation values in
this unit.
There are three mineral licks identified within this subregion
that are used by significant numbers of wildlife,primarily during
the spring and early summer.No information currently exists on
the biological function served by these licks;however,the
regular use of these areas suggests that the licks play an
important role in the life history of the animals that use them.
These same areas may also have significant mineral values.
The management intent for the area around the licks is to protect
their value for wildlife and also to allow exploration and
development of mineral resources.This will be done through
developing a general policy for management of all mineral licks in
the Talkeetna Mountains area.Although mineral development may
result in disruption of a particular lick or animal access trail,
this policy will ensure that at least some licks are open to
wildlife uae at all times.
In order to ensure these areas can be managed successfully for
both wildlife protection and development of mineral values,
mineral licks and the adjacent land (the nine sections surrounding
each lick)will be open to mineral entry by leasehold location.
Stipulations will be applied to individual leases to balance
habitat values and mineral development.The general subjects and
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objectives of these stipulations are presented in the management
guideline section below.Existing mining claims within or
adjacent to leasehold areas will not be converted to leasehold
locations nor will holders of existing claims be required to get a
lease from the state prior to production.However,exploration
and mining on existing claims will be managed as outlined in the
management guidelines through miscellaneous land use permits to
afford protection to the mineral lick areas.
Mineral Lick Management Guidelines
Mineral exploration and development will be allowed in the 9
sections surrounding specified mineral licks.Stipulations
included as part of the mining lease and/or permit will include
measures to minimize,to the extent feasible and prudent,the
potential impacts of mining on wildlife use of these areas.The
following guidelines wil be followed in preparing stipulations for
specific leases and permits.
a.Stipulations will be developed on a case-by-case basis for
specific leases or permits considering the type and importance
of wildlife use and of planned mining activities at a
particular site.At the same time,the status of wildlife use
and potential for mineral development of other mineral licks
in the region will be taken into consideration.The Alaska
Department of Natural Resources,to the extent feasible and
prudent,will ensure that a minimal number of licks are being
intensely explored or developed at anyone time.
b.Stipulations associated with the lease or permit must address
the following concerns:
i.The avoidance of direct and indirect impact on the mineral
licks,the animal trails leading to them and other areas
of concentrated animal use that are associated with the
mineral lick.
ii.Methods for compensating for the destruction or loss of a
lick (this could take the form of relocating or
introducing new mineralized material).
iii.The method and routing of mining-related access to these
areas.
Areas open under leasehold location and affected by these
guidelines are listed below:
a.T31N R8E S.M.
Sections 1;sec.2;sec.11;sec.12;sec.13 Nl/2;sec.14
Nl/2
T31N R9E S.M.-Sec.6;Sec.7;Sec.18 Nl/2
T32N R8E S.M.-Sec.35 S1/2;Sec.36 SI/2
T32N R9E S.M.-Sec.31 SI/2
425
b.T33N R8E S.M.-Sec.13 SI/2;Sec.14 SI/2;Sec.15 SEI/4;
Sec.22 El/2;Sec.23;Sec.24
T32N R8E S.M.-Sec.1;Sec.2;Sec.11 Nl/2;Sec.12 Nl/2
T32N R9E S.M.-Sec.6;Sec.7 Nl/2
T33N R9E S.M.-Sec.30 SWI/4;Sec.31 Wl/2
c.T26N RIE S.M.-Sec.25 Wl/2,Wl/2 El/2;Sec.26;Sec.27;
Sec.28 El/2 El/2;Sec.33 El/2 El/2;Sec.34;Sec.35;Sec.
36 Wl/2,Wl/2 El/2
T25N RIE S.M.-Sec.1 Wl/2,Wl/2 El/2;Sec.2;Sec.3;Sec.4
El/2 El/2
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 Alaska 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
Alaska Railroad line)and via a road on the north side of the
Susitna River from the Watana site.A final decision on the
planned access route will be made through the environmental impact
statement review process.
7.Stream Corridors
The headwaters of many major streams lie 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.
8.Susitna Hydroelectric Project
As mentioned,the sites of the two proposed Susitna hydroelectric
dams are located within this subregion.The plan does not address
any of the issues concerning the direct social,fiscal or
environmental impacts of this project.That task is being
addressed by the FERC licensing process and by the many state and
federal agencies already working on the project.Several of the
indirect impacts of the hydro-project are,however,within the
purview of the plan,and will be addressed here.Because the
issues associated with the hydro-project affect virtually the
entire subregion,these issues will be discussed here for the
whole subregion rather than within each of the three management
units.
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Four issues addressed by the plan are mitigation lands,land own-
ership,settlement and recreation associated with the project.
Each is discussed below.
a.Mitigation Lands
Construction of the Susitna Hydroelectric project would have
significant effects on terrestrial and aquatic habitats.One
proposed method for mitigating the loss of wildlife habitat
that would be inundated or disturbed by the hydro-project is
to designate and 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.
No compensation lands have been depicted in this plan.The
Power Authority has prepared a description of the objectives
to be met in identifying mitigation lands and criteria for
selecting such areas,and has identified a large pool of
possible mitigation lands.This information is available from
the Alaska Power Authority or from the Alaska Department of
Na tural Resources,Division of Land and Water Management,
Southcentral Regional Office.The final determination of
mitigation strategies and,if appropriate,mitigation lands,
will be made after the plan is complete.
Ih
b.Land Ownership
Nearly all of the land where the proposed dams,reservoirs,
and associated facilities are planned to be located are selec-
ted by or interimly 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 40,000 acres of land
are at issue.However,the Power Authority estimates as little
as 16,000 acres actually will have to be acquired.Final
decisions related to land acquisition will be made in light of
the plan's designations on land adjacent to the project and on
the availability of state lands for trade.
c.Settlement Associated with the Dam Project
If the proj ect is cons tructed,development pressures would
increase 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 in areas
like Cantwell,Trapper Creek and Talkeetna to accommodate the
predicted level of population growth associated with the pro-
ject.Regarding possible new settlement areas,no plans can
be made until a final decision is reached on the location and
mode of new access into the area.However,whatever route is
ultimately chosen,DNR will follow a settlement policy of
427
"commensurate impact."This means that in locations where the
Power Authority is making a special effort (e.g.,through road
design and siting)to protect some aspect of environmental
quality,DNR will not negate this effort through selling land
in the particularly sensitive area.On the other hand,por-
tions of the area opened as a result of the project likely
will be able to support some land sales (or cabin construction
under the remote cabin program)with an acceptable level of
environmental impact.Overall,DNR does not intend to sell
much land in this area,since it has limited physical capabil-
ity to support settlement and is generally sensitive to devel-
opment.
d.Recreation Associated with the Proposed Dam Project
The area surrounding the project has good potential for var-
ious types of public recreation activities.As part of the
FERC application,the Power Authority and the State Division
of Parks and Outdoor Recreation are working together to final-
ize a plan identifying areas for trails,camping,dispersed
recreation,etc.The Department of Natural Resources supports
the proposal to expand public recreation opportunities in the
area.Decisiol.'ls on specific recreation-related land uses
(e.g.,campgrounds,trails,etc.)will be made on a case-by-
case basis when the details of the project are known.
9.Talkeetna Mountains Special Use District
This subregion is within the boundaries of the borough's Talkeetna
Mountains Special Use District (TMSUD).Land within this district
can be used for recreation,protection and use of fish and
wildlife,mining,and grazing.The TMSUD ordinance allows land
sales but requires a permit before construction of a cabin.
Limitations on residential uses imposed by the ordinanceinclude
restrictions on subdivision,the size and appearance of cabins,
allowable water systems,and the methods for sanitary waste
disposal.Conditions for issuance of a specific permit may be
modified on a case-by-case basis.
II e MANAGEMENT INTENT AND GUIDELINES BY MANAGEMENT UNIT
MANAGEMENT UNIT 1 -DENALI HIGHWAY
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 major-
ity of the land in the management unit is federally owned.The remainder
42R
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MANAGEMENT UNIT .1 -'DaJAL.\H-WY ...__..~-
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLAND
OWNERSHIP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED
PRIMARY USE(S)··fSECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASE ABLE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS
Native Primarily Private Land---------(patent~Recommended Uses:Wildlife Habi-
ed,tat,Public Recreation,
interim Limdted Settlement
conveyed
and
selected)
Federal/Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for Remote Cabins -Private Wildlife Habitat (personal use)leasing Grazing
Federal/Public Recreation Forestry Open Available for Remote Cabins -State/Wildlife Habitat (personal use)leasing Grazing
State
Selected
la
Native
Lands
SUBUNIT
lc
Upper
SusHna
SUBREGION -rAL~~MiN?
Ib
.po.Denali
~Highway
East
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits.etc.,that are not
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines 01 this unit.and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
(approximately 15%)is roughly divided between state land and land either
Native owned or selected.
Public land in this unit should be retained in public ownership and managed to
continue to provide opportunities for a variety of public recreational activi-
ties,to protect fish and wildlife habitat and to allow mining.Of particular
concern is protection of the habitat of the Nelchina caribou herd which ranges
into this unit from the south.Recreation activities include hunting,fish-
ing,boating,wilderness hiking,berry picking and driving for pleasure along
the Denali Highway.Host of the activity in the management unit is focused
along this highway corridor and to a lesser extent along the Susitna and
Haclaren rivers.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.
Settlement,where necessary to support resource development,is allowed in the
management unit;however,disposals to provide land for recreational/seasonal
settlement are not permitted.All public lands within this management unit
will remain open to mineral location except for specified sheep mineral
licks.These areas are open under leasehold location.Hore on this subject
is presented in the subregion overview at the beginning of this subregion
section.All public lands will be available for coal and oil and gas leasing.
It is recommended that the state not select any of the federal lands in this
area.The plan's recommended management policy for federal land in this area
can be well carried out under the management of the BLM.
While this plan gives a general overview of intended uses on federal lands,
any specific land use authorization for federal lands will require federal
approval.Such approvals may follow different procedures than those for the
same activity on state land.
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 where it parallels the Susitna River (lb);and
the remainder of the unit (lc).See the maps at the end of this section for
boundaries of this area and the chart on the following page for a summary of
land uses.
Subunit la is comprised of the Native owned and selected lands within the
area.Because of the nature of these selections,it is anticipated that most
of these lands will not be conveyed to Native ownership.It is recommended
that these lands 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 seasonal concentration of black and brown bears.
Subunit Ib,which is located on either side of the Denali Highway and south of
the Clearwater Mountains,is an area with some 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 rec-
430
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reational/seasonal use.The plan does not recommend settlement in this area.
Instead,the area should be used for hunting and other public uses,with some
land being made available through leasing or where appropriate sale for com-
mercial recreation development.
Development of public use cabins,picnicing and parking areas,and campgrounds
are encouraged in subunit Ib and in other areas along the highway.These
areas receive a tremendous amount of public use,particularly in hunting sea-
son,and existing facilities are often overcrowded.
Subunit lc,the federal and state lands that constitute the remainder of the
area,should be managed for multiple use including habitat protection,mining
and public recreation.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are in-
dicated with asterisks in the following list.
Agriculture
Fish &Wildlife
*Forestry
*Recreation
Settlement
Subsurface
Transportation
Lakeshore Hanagement
Instream Flow
*Public Access
*Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
tletlands Management
Resource t1anagement
r'
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 docu-
ment is available from the Division of Land and Water Management and the
Bureau of Land Management.It should be consulted for additional information
on scenic resources during planning for activities likely to affect visual
quality along these routes.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 2 -NELCHINA PUBLIC USE AREA
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This unit includes the majority of an area proposed by the plan for legisla-
tive designation as the "Nelchina Public Use Area."(Someof the area lies
within portions of the Glenn Highway and Lake Louise subregions.)Legislation
creating this public use area was introduced but not acted upon during the
1984 legislature.Revised legislation was reintroduced during the 1985
session.As this plan goes to press,the fate of the legislation is not
known.
431
LAND USE DI:~I(jNAIIUN ~UIVIIVIAK'
MANAGEMENT UNIT Z-NB..CH It-JP--.~(.u~f.Af<.EJA,
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED
IP SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
ED lOCATABLE LEASEABlE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
Public Recreatiol Forestry Open Available for Grazing Reconmended
Wildlife Habitat leasing Land Disposals forlegislative
designation as
the Nelchina
Public Use Area
-Open Available for Grazing Reconmended
leasing Land Disposals forlegislativePublicRecreatiordesignationas
Wildlife Habitat the Nelchina
Public Use Area
State/
State
Selected
State
LAND
OWNERSH
GENERALIZ
SUBUNIT
2a
Nelchfna
Public Use
Area except
caribou
calving
grounds
2b
Caribou
Calving
Grounds
•Other uses such as material sales.land leases,remote cabin permits.etc.,that me flat
spec meally prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statemeni and management guidelines of this unit.and with the relevant
management guidelines In chapter 2.
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ADNR's overall management intent for this area is that it be retained in
public ownership (disposals 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.A
cooperative management plan should be prepared by ADNR,ADF&G and the
Matanuska-Susitna Borough to work out the potential conflicts between these
general management goals.All lands in this management unit are open to
mineral location except for specified sheep mineral licks.These areas are
open under leasehold location.More on this subject is presented in the
subregion overview at the beginning of this subregion section.All public
lands will be available for coal and oil and gas leasing.
This management unit has been divided into two subunits.Subunit 2a encompas-
ses the maj ori ty of land in the uni t;subuni t 2b is located in the center of
the unit and is the area where the majority of caribou calving occurs.
Although the plan recommends that this entire management unit be legislatively
designated,only the area where the majority of calving occurs (subunit 2b)is
recommended for near-term designation.This is because the central portion is
critical to the survival of the Nelchina herd and is more vulnerable to
disruption.See the maps at the end of this section for boundaries of these
areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of designated uses.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the following list.
Agriculture
Fish &Wildlife
*Forestry
*Recreation
Settlement
*Subsurface
Transportation
Lakeshore Management
Instream Flow
Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetlands r~nagement
Resource Management
L
Management guidelines that apply to this management unit only are presented
below.
Subunit 2b (Caribou Calving Grounds)
Mining
This subunit is open to mineral entry and mineral leasing.Because this
area is used on a regular basis for caribou calving,mining will be
regulated through the application of the lease stipulations or
miscellaneous land use permit guidelines below:
Exploration
1.Exploration is prohibited in caribou calving areas during the period
May 1 to June 15.
2.Construction of improved roads will be discouraged until pre-produc-
tion development necessitates such access.Roads constructed during
exploration should be limited to winter roads.
Development
1.In caribou calving areas,access to and from the ml.nl.ng site will be
minimized during the period May 1 to June 15.Only traffic essential
to the health,safety and maintenance of the staff will be permitted
during that period.Transportation of ore and heavy equipment will be
prohibited during this period unless approved by DNR in consultation
with ADF&G.\
2.Pipelines,fences and other obstructions to caribou movement shall be
designed in consultation with DNR and ADF&G so as not to impede cari-
bou movement.
3.Use of explosives shall be done so as to minimize impact on caribou.
4.During the period May 1 to June 15,aircraft associated with mining
operations shall maintain an altitude at least 1000'above the ground
when weather conditions allow.Airstrips and appropriate landing
patterns shall be established in consultation with DNR and ADF&G to
minimize adverse effects on caribou.
The miscellaneous land use permits associated with existing state mining
claims will be modified to include these same restrictions.The terms and
plans of operation associated with the development of any leaseable mineral
(e.g.coal)will be worked out with the consultation of ADF&G and be consis-
tent with the land management objectives of this unit.
Subunits 2a &2b (Caribou Range and Calving Grounds)
Settlement
No land sales are allowed within this management unit.Non-permanent
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.
Road Construction
Construction of new roads will be allowed in this area only if required
for resource development.Presently there are no firm plans for road
construction within this unit.The only road that has been suggested is a
road from the Glenn Highway into the Nelchina tUning Dis trict.This road,
which was proposed by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and not by the
planning team as a whole,would reduce the environmental impacts of people
coming and going from this area by consolidating traffic to a single
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route.The road,if extended further north,also could be a means of
linking the Glenn and Denali highways.Should a decision be reached to
build this or other road/rail projects they will be designed to minimize
impacts on habitat and the following guidelines will apply:
a.roads will be limited to narrow «20')gravel or dirt roads;
b.roads/rail routes will be located to minimize the need to modify
topography (cut/fill)wherever such routes would be consistent with
other habitat protection objectives;and
c.wherever economically feasible,alternatives to permanent road or rail
construction should be pursued (e.g.,winter roads,
airstrips/airplanes,etc.).
Management Planning/Remote Cabins
It is recommended that a management plan be prepared for this management
unit.The management unit will determine,among other things,whether
remote cabins wiil be permitted in this area.Remote cabin permits will
not be offered until and unless areas open to remote cabins are designated
by a management plan.
Grazing
Grazing will be prohibited in this area for at least 5 years following the
adoption of this plan but will be reconsidered in the management plan done
for the area.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 all or part of this area.If the management unit is opened,grazing
will be allowed as a secondary use subject to the areawide grazing
guidelines presented in the Agriculture section of Chapter 2.
MANAGEMENT UNIT 3 -WESTERN TALKEETNAS
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,Hontana and Sheep Creeks.This unit will be
retained in public ownership and managed to protect fish and wildlife hahitat
and provide opportunities for public recreation.Portions of the area have
natural vegetation suitable for grazing domestic livestock and grazing is a
secondary use in most of these areas.::;,~ttlement is allowed in this area oaly
if required for resource development such as mining.All lands within thi8
this unit will remain open to mineral location except for specified sheep
mineral licks.These areas will be open under leasehold location.More on
this subject is presented in the subregion overview at the beginning of this
subregion section.All public lands will be available for coal and oil and
gas leasing.
This management unit is divided into four subunits:
(3a),a corridor along the Talkeetna River (3b),the
43')
the Rainbow Lake area
northern and western
LAND USE DESIGNATION SUMMARY
SUBREGION
SUBUNIT
3a
Rainbow
Lake
3b
Talkeetna
River
3c
Wells
Mountain
3d
Sheep Haven
LAND
OWNERSHIP
GENERALIZED
State
State
State/
State
Selected
State
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITED
SURFACE SUBSURFACE SURFACE COMMENTS
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)*
MINERALS MINERALS
Public Recreatior RelIIOte Cabins Open Available for Land Disposals -
Wildlife Habitat Grazing leasing
Public Recreatior Forestry Open Available for Trapper Cabins Recomme nded fo r
Wildlife Habitat (personal use)leasing Land Disposals legislative
Grazing designation
Public Recreatior Grazing Open Available for Land Disposals -
Wildlife Habitat RelllOte Cabins leasing
Public Recreation Remote Cabins Open Available for Grazing -
Wildlife Habitat leasing Land Disposals
·Other uses such as material sales,land leases,remote cabin permits,etc.,that are flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this unit,and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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portions of the management unit open to grazing (3c),and the sheep habitat
closed to grazing in the vicinity of the headwaters of the Kashwitna and Sheep
rivers (3d).See the maps at the end of this section for boundaries of these
areas and the accompanying chart for a summary of land uses.
Subunit 3a,the land surrounding Rainbow Lake,has been considered in the past
for a state land sale.The decision has been made to not sell any land here
due to the poor capability of the land to support settlement and impacts of
the proposed sales on public use.The area will be open to a limited number
of remote cabin permits.
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,be proposed for legislative designa-
tion as a state recreation river.This subunit should be managed in the same
way as the lower portion of the river,the management intent for which is
presented in the South Parks Highway Subregion (Subunits 5b and 6a).
Subunit 3c (Wells Mountain)will be retained and managed for protection of
wildlife and public recreation values and for grazing.This area comprises
the middle portions of the drainages of several clear water streams that,in
their lower stretches are heavily used for fishing and other public recreation
activities.These streams include Sheep Creek,Montana Creek,the North Fork
of the Kashwitna River and all of the upper drainage of Chunilna Creek (Clear
Creek).Consequently,a major objective for this area will be to control land
uses to protect the quality of these streams.The area is also important for
moose hunting and provides valuable spring,summer,and fallmaose habitat.
Portions of this management unit are suitable for remote cabins.Settlement
is allowed in this subunit only if required for resource development,such as
mining.
Subunit 3d will be managed in the same way as Subunit 3c,except grazing will
not be allowed.Grazing is prohibited in this area because of concern over
conflicts between livestock and Dall sheep.This prohibition will not have
much effect on the supply of grazing lands,because relatively little of this
subunit has vegetation suitable for grazing.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses within this
management unit;however,those that are mos t likely to be applicable are
indicated with asterisks in the following list.
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*Agriculture
*Fish &Wildlife
*Forestry
*Recreation
*Settlement
*Subsurface
Transportation
Lakeshore Management
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Instream Flow
*Public Access
*Remote Cabin Permits
*Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetlands rfunagement
Resource Management
Subunit 3b (Talkeetna River)
Management Planning/Remote Cabins
It is recommended that a management plan be prepared jointly for subunit
3b and South Parks Highway subunits Sb and 6a.The management plan will
determine among other things,whether remote cabins will be permitted in
this subunit.Remote cabin permits will not be offered until and unless
areas open to remote cabins are designated by a management plan.
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CHUGACH MOUNTAINS SUBREGION
The following section describes land use policy within the Chugach Hountains
Subregion.It is divided into two parts.The first is an overview of
resources and their management for the subregion as a whole.The second pre-
sents specific statements of management intent,land use designations,prohi-
bi ted uses,and management guidelines for each of the subregion's four sub-
units.Maps showing land ownership in the subregion and boundaries of sub-
units are presented at the end of the second 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 eleva-
tion.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 some land in the western portion.The
Hatanuska River is a 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 (apprOXimately 50,000 acres)that is mostly south of the
Glenn Highway in the northeast portion of the subregion.The lease
also extends north into the Glenn Highway Subregion as far as Tahneta
Lake.It encompasses portions of the South and East forks of the
Hatanuska River and Trail Creek.
Existing access into the area is primarily by air and trail.Several
trails run up the Knik River Valley and along Moose Creek.In addi-
tion,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.Uanagement Summary
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 minerals.Two townships of federal
land in the southeast portion of the subregion have been selected as
part of the state's land entitlement.This land has not yet been con-
veyed to the state.Because the land has low resource values,it is
recommended that the selection be relinquished so the state may select
more valuable land elsewhere.
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Further details of management intent by resource are presented below:
1.Settlement
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 topographic limi-
tations,climate,and poor soils.Land in the Lazy Mountain area,
however,has potential for grazing.Grazing will be designated a
secondary use in this area.
3.Forestry
There is little potential for forestry due to topographic and cli-
matic limitations.Forestry is not a designated use in this
subregion because of these 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 ele-
vations.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 ownership to support fish and wildlife habi-
tat and human use.
5.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
Hardrock mining and mineral exploration are and will continue to
be very important activities in this subregion.Known deposits
include chromium,copper,nickel,zinc,and gold.Concentrations
of claims generally occur near river valleys.There is little
potential for coal or oil and gas.The great majority of public
lands will remain open to mineral location except for the mineral
lick area (within subunits la &lc)which is open under
leasehold.All public land in this subregion is open to
exploration and development of coal and oil and gas.
7.Transportation
There are no immediate plans to increase access to this area.
Access will continue to be primarily by air and trail.
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II.MAllAGKMENT INTENT AND GUIDELINES BY SUBUNIT
MANAGEMENT INTENT
This subregion consists of a single management unit that is divided into
four subunits:an area near Lazy Hountain with grazing potential (la);
state land selections near Harvard Glacier recommended for relinquishment
(Ib);glaciated areas (Ie);and areas closed to grazing to protect habitat
values (ld).All public lands in this unit are available for oil and gas
leasing.Public lands in this unit also will remain open to mineral
location and be available for coal leasing except for the mineral lick
area (parts of subunits la &Ie)which will be open under leasehold
location.See the maps at the end of this section for boundaries and the
accompanying chart for a summary of land uses.
Subunit la consists of approximately 8,300 acres of land in the Lazy Moun-
tain area that have grazing potential.These lands·will retained in
public ownership and managed to protect fish and wildlife and recreation
values.Due to high values for fish and wildlife and recreation,grazing
will be a secondary use in this area.
Subunit Ib contains two townships of federal land (TI6N Rll and 12E,S.M.)
which the state selected as part of its land entitlement.They 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 Ie consists of those portions of the subregion with generally low
surface values for fish and wildlife and recreation but which have mineral
potential.The area will be managed to protect existing fish and wildlife
habitat and use,recreational opportunities,and mining.There are a sig-
nificant number of mining claims in this subregion and the area will
remain open to new mining claims •
.Subunit Id encompasses the majority of the subregion which has value for
fish and wildlife habitat,recreation and minerals.Due to the high
values for fish and wildlife (the area provides moose winter habitat,bear
denning and feeding areas,and important sheep habitat)and recreation,
this subunit will be retained in public ownership and managed for habitat
and recreation.To avoid potential conflicts between wildlife and
livestock,it will be closed to additional grazing.Decisions on the
eventual renewal of the existing grazing lease in this unit should be made
in a manner consistent with the grazing policies in the Agriculture
section of Chapter 2 of this plan and with the land use designations for
the subunit.This subunit will remain open to new mining claims.
The mineral licks identified within this management unit ace used by
significant numbers of wildlife,primarily during the spring and early
summer.No information currently exists on the biological function served
by these licks;howeve r,the regular use of these areflS sugges ts that the
licks play an important role in the life history of the animals that use
them.These same licks also may have significant mineral values.
The management intent for the area around the licks is to protect their
value for wildlife and also to allow exploration and development of
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LAND USE DESIGNATION ~UMMARY
MANAGEMENT UNIT i -(}\U&f1Ct-\W\OUt$AI tJ SSUBREGION,
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS PROHIBITEDLANDSUBUNITOWNERSHIPSURFACESUBSURFACESURFACE COMMENTS
GENERALIZED LOCATABLE LEASEABLE USE(S)·
PRIMARY USE(S)SECONDARY USE(S)MINERALS MINERALS
la State Public Recreatior Grazing Mineral Lick-Available for Remote Cabins -Lazy Wildlife Habitat leasehold leasing
Mountai!l location (see
mgt.guide-
lines)other
areas open
Ib State Reserved Use -Open Available for -Reconnnended forRelinquish-Selected leasing relinquishmentment
Ie State/Public RecreatioD -Mineral Lick-Available for Remot.e Cabins -Matanuska State Wildlife Habitat leasehold leasing
Glacier Selected/location (see
Native mgt.guide-
Selected lines)other
areas open
Id --Public Recreation -Open Available for Grazing -Metal Creek Wildlife Habitat leasing Remote Cabins
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•Other uses such as material sales,land leases.remote cabin permits.etc..that rne flot
specifically prohibited may be allowed.Such uses will be allowed if consistent with the
management intent statement and management guidelines of this uni.t.and with the relevant
management guidelines in chapter 2.
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mineral resources.This will be done through developing a general policy for
management of all mineral licks in the Chugach 110untains.Although mineral
development may result in disruption of a particular lick or animal access
trail,this policy will ensure that at least some licks are open to wildlife
use at all times.
In order to ensure these areas can be managed successfully for both wildlife
protection and development of mineral values,mineral licks and the adj acent
land (the nine sections surrounding each lick)will be open to mineral entry
by leasehold location.Stipulations will be applied to individual leases to
balance habitat values and mineral development.The general subjects and
objectives of these stipulations are presented in the management guideline
section below.Existing mining claims within or adjacent to leasehold areas
will not be converted to leasehold locations nor will holders of existing
claims be required to get a lease from the state prior to production.
However,exploration and mining on existing claims will be managed as outlined
in the management guidelines through miscellaneous land use permits to afford
protection to the mineral lick areas.
MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES
The complete set of areawide management guidelines is presented in Chapter 2
of this plan.All of the guidelines potentially apply to uses ~dthin thisr'management unit;however,those that are most likely to be applicable areI.indicated with asterisks in the list below.
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*Agriculture
*Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Forestry
*Recreation
Settlement
*Subsurface
Transportation
Instream Flow
Lakeshore t~nagement
*Public Access
Remote Cabin Permits
Stream Corridors
*Trail Management
Wetlands Management
Resource Management
Subunits la and lc (Lazy Mountain and Matanuska Glacier)
Subsurface
Mineral exploration and development will be allowed in the nine sections
surrounding specified mineral licks.Stipulations included as part of the
mining lease and/or permit will include measures to minimize,to the
extent feasible and prudent,the potential impacts of mining on wildlife
use of these areas.The following guidelines will be followed in
preparing stipulations for specific leases and permits.
1.Stipulations will be developed on a case-by-case basis for specific
leases or permits considering the type and importance of wildlife use
and of planned mining activities at a particular site.At the same
time,the status of wildlife use and potential for mineral development
441
of other mineral licks in the region will be taken into
consideration.The Alaska Department of Natural Resources,to the
extent feasible and prudent,will ensure that a minimal number of
licks are being intensely explored or developed at anyone time.
2.Stipulations associated with the lease or permit must address the
following concerns:
a.The avoidance of direct and indirect impact on the mineral licks,
the animal trails leading to them and other areas of concentrated
animal use that are associated with the mineral lick.
b.l1ethods for compensating for the destruction or loss of a lick
(this could take the form of relocating or introducing new
mineralized material).
c.The method and routing of mining-related access to these areas.
Areas open under leasehold location affected by these guidelines are
listed below:
T17N R3E S.U.-Sec.9 SEI/4;Sec.10 SI/2;Sec.11 SI/2;Sec.12
SWI/4;Sec.13 Wl/2;Sec.14;Sec.15;Sec.16 El/2;Sec.21 El/2;
Sec.22;Sec.23;Sec.24 Wl/2;Sec.25 NWI/4;Sec.26 Nl/2;Sec.27
Nl/2;Sec.28 NEI/4
Subunit Id (Metal Creek)
Grazing
The subunit is closed to grazing.However,there is a large (50,000 acre)
existing grazing lease in the northeast part of this subunit.Decisions
on the eventual renewal of the lease should be made in a manner consistent
with the grazing policies in the Agriculture section of Chapter 2.
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Chapter 4
IMPLEMENTATION
PROPOSALS FOR LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DESIGNATIONS
TRANSPORTATION
LAND DISPOSAL SCHEDULE
PROPOSED SELECTIONS AND RELINQUISHMENTS
PUBLIC RECREATION IMPROVEMENTS
LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONS
PRIORITIES FOR INSTREAM FLOW
MANAGEMENT PLANNING PRIORITIES
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!IMPLEMENTATION
INTRODUCTION
This chapter describes the actions nesessary to implement the land use poli-
cies proposed by this area plan.These actions include proposals for legisla-
tive or administrative designation of certain lands;improvements to the reg-
ional transportation system;a twenty-year land disposal schedule;recommended
land exchanges,relinquish1nents and selections;priorities for capital
improvements for recreation;land use classifications;priorities for instream
flow studies;and a list of possible locations for management plans.Most of
these proposed actions are discussed in more detail in other portions of the
plan.For example,proposals for legislative designations are included in the
lnanageillent intent summaries for the appropciate subregions.
The list implementation actions included in this chapter is not complete.
Each land management division within ADNR and ADF&G will need to pr.epare
detailed regional implementatio::l programs built around the land use
designations and guidelines specified in this plan.For example,now that the
tirnber land base of the area is definer!,the Division of Forestry needs to
determine allowable levels of comme rcial and personal use harvest,prepare and
implement a plan of annual timber sales,and develop plans for access
improvement and timber marketing.
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,datil collection or other actions neces':;ilCj to
implement the plan.
A.PRIORITIES FOR LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DESIGNATION
A number of areas \Ytthin the Susitna plan are proposed fot"h'!gislative or
administrative designation.This means that the plan recommends that the leg-
islature or governor gra:1t these areas recreational rivers,parks,recreation
areas,fo r(~s ts or wildlife refuges,or include them in the public reserve sys-
tem.These special designations would serve as official recognition of the
outs tanding public values in these areas and of tile state's intent to retain
these areas in public ownership in perpetuity.A legislative or administra-
tive (gubernatorial)designation is reco;nmended when an area proposed by the
plan for long-term retention possesses such high resource values th::lt:
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2.
It is clear that the area should remain in public ownership
manently;and/or
the nature and value of the t"esources present require more
strictLve management for their protection than is possible
a general multiple use classification.
per-
re-
under
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A detailed manage1nent plan will need to be prepared for ~dch area once it is
legally designat,:d.Issues addressed by management plans ~vill include siting
of public facilities (e.g.,campgrounds,boat launches),clarification of the
The areas that are proposed for legislative or aclrulaistrative designation have
been divided into two priorities.thl~first priority areas are those that ar.e
either particularly high value are::l':;or appear particularly vulnerable tl)
447
,Hsruption.The second priority areas ace also high value,but it was judged
that either their resource values are not as likely to be in jeopardy without
a special designation or that they are not quite as valuable as firs t priodtj
areas.Only the first priority areas ace shown on the colored,1:500,000
scale map that accompanies this plan.First and second priority areas both
are indicated on the designation maps in Chapter 3.
In most cases the aceas proposed for special designation contain multiple
resource values,for example,high value fishing and float lrlg rivers running
through timbl~r lands that are popular for hunting.In th(~se cases the plan
has not tried to split the proposal within a single area into a portion that
is proposed as a state forest,a portion proposed as a state recreation area,
etc.Instead,the plan's rcommendations for special designation extend to the
entire block of high value land.
The first priority areas are recommended for legislative designation.For
second priority areas the plan does not distinquish between legislative and
administrative designations.The decision on the type of designation is left
to the legisLltur(~or governor.
The areas proposed for special designations are grouped below according to
their priority for legislative or administrative action.The total area pro-
posed for legislative or administrative designation is appr.oximately 3.6 mil-
lion acres.For additional information on individual [>cop08:1l8,see the
appropriate management unit summaries in Chapter 1.
FIRST PRIORITY AREAS
Recreation River Corridors:Kroto Creek/Moose Creek,Lake Creek,
Talacrntlitna River,Alexander Creek,Talkeetna River..
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Lower SusitfH-Yt~:lt1.a;Jim-Swan
Multiple Use Forest/Habitat/Recreation/tUning Are!:1.s:
Mt.Susitna,Kashwitna,Lake Creek,Kroto-Kahiltna.
Wi lcl1 i.fe Habitat/Recreation Areas:
Lakes,Palluf~r HZ1f 'F'ldi:S Add1.tton-.--
Peters Creek,
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Multiple Use Habitat/Recreation/Mining Areas:
Area (core caribou calving area).
SECOND PRIORITY AREAS
Nelchina Public Use
Trumpeter Swan Nesting Habitat:
UpperYe-ntna River.
Upper Kahiltna River,Hayes RtlJ{~r,
Wil(ilife Habitat/Recreation Areas:Gunsight Mountain,Susltrla Lake/Tyonek
The remai~ld{7.r <If t'lls''3;~ction presents brief descriptions of the size and
resource values of each of the areas listed above.
448
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1.Recreational River Corridors
River or Stream
a.Kroto Creek/Moose Creek
b.Lake Creek
c.Talachulitna Creek
d.Alexander Creek
e.Talkeetna River
TOTAL AREA
Acreage Subregion
75,000 ac.Petersville Rd.subunits 1b &4a
Susitna Lowlands subunit lIb
64,160 ac.Sunflower Basin Mgmt.Unit 3;
Susitna Lowlands subunit 7b.
50,840 ac.Mt.Susitna Management Unit 7
22,600 ac.Susitna Lowlands subunit 6d
27,440 ac.Talkeetna Mts.subunit 3b;
South Parks Hwy subunits 5b &6a
240,040 ac.
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These waterways are very high priority for legislative designation.They
are extremely valuable to the region's economy and environment.These
streams and rivers are heavily used by the public for fishing,floating
and boating,transportation,and public access to hunting and recreation
sites.They attract people from across the nation as well as .4laska .resi-
dents,and the money spent on transportation and river-based recreation is
an important source of local income.All five of these waterways are ana-
dromous fish 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 contributors 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.
The proposed legislative designation boundaries run approximately one-half
landward on each side of the rivers.With the exception of the Talkeetna
River,which is partly in Native ownership,each corridor includes the
full length of the river's main stem from headwaters to 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 some instances commercial recreation facilities would be allowed.
Mineral entry and coal leasing or prospecting also would be prohibited.
2.Multiple Use Forestry/Habitat/Recreation/Mining Areas
Five areas proposed fpr legislative designation contain a combination of
Mt.Susitna,Kashwitna,Lake Creek and Kroto-Kahiltna areas would be man-
aged for multiple use,including timber management;habitat enhancement;
hunting,fishing and other recreational activites;and,protection of
water quality and visual quality.These areas would be open to mineral
entry and coal leasing and prospecting.Details of each area are given
below.
449
a.Peters Creek--161,000 acres--Petersville Road subunit 1a
Sunflower Basin subunit 7b
The proposed Peters Creek special designation is the most important of
the forestry areas proposed by the Susitna Area Plan.The area is
accesible from Petersville Road and the Shulin Lake trail.Accessi-
bility makes lands within the proposal suitable for near term commer-
cial timber management.The forests south of Petersville Road contain
some of the most valuable timber in the study area.Numerous state
and borough timber sales have taken place nearby along the Petersville
Road.Road access also has contributed to the area's popularity for
other uses.While the timber north of Petersville Road and west of
Peters Creek is less suitable for commercial management,these lands
are extremely valuable for wildlife habitat and hunting.This
proposed multiple use area includes a large part of most heavily
hunted region in the entire planning area.The scenery along the wes-
tern Petersville Road with views to the Peters Hills and Alaska Range
also attracts other recreationists for sightseeing,skiing,snowma-
chining,hiking and camping.Finally,the area surrounds two of the
most important anadromous fish streams in the study area,in terms of
recreation use and riparian habitat--Kroto Creek (see 1.a.above)and
Peters Creek.
b.Mt.Susitna--146,000 acres--Mt.Susitna subunits 2a,2b and 2c;
Susitna Lowlands subunit 6e
The proposed lit.Susitna designation 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,which includes lands along Trail
Ridge,is an important moose 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 the Theodore River run through the
area and are regionally important anadromous fish 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 (pos-
sibly including an alpine ski area)if road access is provided to the
area.Existing access is by air,but the area proposed for designa-
tion is adjacent to the right-of-way connecting the Beluga/Tyonek area
wi th th rail bel t.There are also exis ting roads in the Tyonek area
that extend nearly to the western boundary of this area.
c.Kashwitna--75,000 acres--South Parks Highway Management Unit 12
The proposed special designation in the Kashwitna area lies between
the Parks Highway and the wes tern front of the Talkeetna Mountains.
It is an area with valuable timber for commercial and/or personal use
near to areas with growing populations.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 impor-
tant anadromous fish streams that run through the proposed state for-
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est.Finally,the area offers opportunities for other forms of recre-
ation (e.g.skiing,hiking,and snowmachining)that will increase in
popularity as access could be provided from existing roads in eithe.r
the Caswell Lakes or Bartlett Hills areas.
Lake Creek forest lands--29,000 acres--Susitna Lowlands subunit 7a
The land west of Lake Creek is one of the most densely ..forested
regions in the entire study area.It has potential for commercial
management and valuable for wildlife habitat,including moose winter
range.The forest lands abut the proposed Lake Creek recreational
river corridor (see l.b.above)and include Yenlo Creek,an anadromous
fish stream that is one of the most important tributaries to Lake
Creek.This area is recommended for legislative designation in recog-
nition of the high timber and habitat values even though the remote-
ness of the site makes it unlikely that active forest management will
begin in the near future.
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e.Kroto-Kahiltna--118,000 acres--Susitna Lowlands subunits Sf,lla &12b
A large,forested lowland area between Kroto Creek and the Kahiltna
River,and along a portion of the Yentna River floodplain is proposed
for legislative designation for long term timber and habitat manage-
ment.The area supports extensive stands of commercially valuable
timber and provides important moose winter range.Although currently
inaccessible by road,relatively inexpensive road access
could be provided in the future to link this area to the Petersville
Road via Oilwel1 Road.The value of this area for hunting,hiking,
snowmobiling and other dispersed recreation activities is likely to
grow substantially in the future as adjacent lands designed for
agriculture,settlement and resource management are developed.
Wildlife Habitat/Recreation Areas
a.Lower Susitna-Yentna public use area--54,000 acres--Susitna Lowlands,
subunits 13d,13e &14e
Approximately 25,000 acres of extremely valuable habitat land and
associated timber land around Kroto slough and 21,000 acres along the
lower reaches of the Yentna and Susitna Rivers are recommended for leg-
islative designation.The principal goal of this proposal is the pro-
tection of winter range essential to several moose populations and cri-
tical nesting habitat for trumpeter swans.Commercial timber manage-
ment also would be a primary use is the Susitna River corridor,a sec-
ondary use in the Kroto Slough area,where swan nesting sites are con-
centrated,and a secondary use in the Yentna River corridor where there
are few timber lands.
b.Jim-Swan Lakes State Recreation Area--7,600 acres--Glenn Highway sub-
unit 3b
The Jim-Swan Lakes area near Bodenburg Butte is proposed for legisla-
tive designation because of the heavy public use of the area's lakes
and streams for salmon and trout fishing,waterfowl hunting,canoeing,
hiking and winter recreation activities.Use is likely to increase as
4'11
the population of the surrounding area grows.Limited timber harvest-
ing may be permitted in the area if it is consistent with the major
goals of providing recreation,protecting and enhancing wildlife habi-
tat,and protecting visual quality.
c.Palmer Hay Flats Extension--1,200 acres--Glenn Highway subunit 2a
A small extension is proposed for the Palmer Hay Flats game refuge.
The refuge is managed primarily for waterfowl habitat and hunting.The
proposed addition is a small parcel of land to the east of the refuge
at the mouth of the Knik and l1atanuska 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.The objective for this area is to provide for protection and
enhancement of wildlife habitat.Other activities,including hunting,
other forms of recreation,and timber harvesting would be allowed when
consistent with the habitat management goals for the refuge.
d.Gunsight Mountain--97,000 acres--Glenn Highway subunit lIb and llc
Approximately 97,000 acres around Gunsight Mountain just north of the
Glenn Highway is suitable for legislative or administrative designation
on the basis of the existing and future public use and recreational
opportunities of the area.The area is located at the upper end of the
Matanuska Valley and offers a spectacular combination of rugged to rol-
ling mountain terrain with superb views across the Copper River towards
Lions Head and the Chugach Range.Because of its inland location and
interesting topography,the area is particularly suited for winter rec-
reation,including excellent cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Summer activities include popular hikes on Gunsight Mountain,picnick-
ing and sightseeing.Hunting,skiing,snowmobiling,fishing and other
types of recreation collectively support at least four roadside lodges
that cater to these recreational users.It is also a popular wildlife
viewing area,as Dall sheep are often visible from the road.A large
portion of the area is within Ahtna Native Corporation selections at
present,however,and thus unavailable for immediate legislative or
administrative designation.Public lands within the area should be
retained in public ownership and managed for public recreation and
wildlife habitat until the Native selections are either conveyed or
relinquished and a decision can be made to designate the whole area or
only those lands in state ownership..
e.Susitna Lake/Tyone River--138,000 acres--Lake Louise subunits lb and 3d
The Susitna Lake/Tyone River area is intended to provide a public rec-
reation area to complement the settlement lands surrounding Lake
Louise.This area offers miles of interesting waterways for boating,
excellent fishing and hunting,and the water access route into the
Uppe r Susi tna,McKenzie and Gulkana Rive r sys terns.The area also is
used by the Nelchina Caribou herd.
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4.Multiple Use Habitat/Recreation/Mining Area:Nelchina Public Use Area--
2.5 million acres--Lake Louise subunit 3b"
Glenn Highway subunit 12a
Talkeetna Mountains subunits 2a,2b
There are currently approximately 25,000 caribou in the Nelchina Caribou
herd -the third largest caribou herd in the state.The herd is centered
in the eastern and central Talkeetna Mountains.The proposed Nelchina
public use area would protect the core of the caribou calving grounds and
a significant portion of the herd's commonly used range.
The proposed Nelchina public use area contains a core area of a million
acres that are critical calving grounds for the Nelchina herd.This area
is a first priority proposal for legislative designation for protection of
caribou habitat,and for other public uses when compatible with the habi-
tat protection goals (e.g.seasonal use for hunting,hiking,and other
recreational activities).
Surrounding the core area are approximately 1.5 million acres of less fre-
quently used calving grounds and general caribou range.This area also
shoud be retained in public ownership and managed to protect caribou habi-
tat,other habitat values,and public recreation opportunities.This
outer ring is a second priority for legislative or administrative action
due to its less critical role in the protection of the herd.
Mining presently occurs throughout much of the 2.5 million acres in the
Nelchina public use area.The plans proposals for legislative or admini-
strative designation would leave the area open to mining and allow for its
continuation as one of the area's primary uses.
5.Swan Nesting Habitat--80,000--Susitna Lowlands,subunits 1b and 3c;
Sunflower Basin subunit 6c
Three wetland and floodplain areas are proposed for legislative or admini-
strative designation to protect trumpeter swan nesting habitat.These
areas along the Kahiltna,Hayes and upper Yentna Rivers are critical to
the perpetuation of trumpeter swan populations in the Susitna Basin.In
addition,the riparian lands within these proposals provide important win-
ter range for several moose populations.Public uses such as hunting,
fishing and other recreational activities would be permitted in these
areas when they do not conflict with swan nesting sites.Mining will be
permitted in these areas under guidelines designed to minimize its effect
on swan habitat.These areas are thought to have very low mineral poten-
tial.
B.TRANSPORTATION PROPOSALS
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.
Host of the past transportation planning and road construction in the
Susitna region has focused on upgrading major highways (e.g.the
Glenn)or improving road access within and through areas that are
already developed.In contrast to these ongoing efforts,
transportation planning in the area plan focuses on the need for near
and long-term expansion of the regional transportation system.
Particular emphasis is placed on identifying improvements that could
facilitate resource development,increase opportunities for public
recreation and tourism,and open more land for settlement.
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities is cur-
rently studying regional transportation needs in the Cook Inlet area.
Results of this study,expected in late 1985,should be used to help
prioritize and implement the transportation recommendations presented
here.
The remainder of this section has three parts:1)current regional
transportation projects,2)routes of possible future roads and
locations of other transportation improvements that could provide
future access to resource development,recreation and settlement
areas,and 3)a preliminary listing of priorities among the projects
described in the second part.
2.Current Regional Transportation Projects
Three major transportation projects currently being considered are
described below.The area plan did not address these proposals;they
are listed here to provide background to the general subject of
transportation improvements within the Susitna area.
a.Access to the Susitna Hydroelectric Project
Two large hydroelectric dams have been proposed at Devils Canyon
and Watana located on the upper Susitna River (See Chapter 3 --
Talkeetna Mountains Subregion for details).The transportation
system proposed by the Alaska 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
through the Deadhorse Creek drainage.
Issues related to this proposed road/rail system include the
impacts from the proposed northern road vs.access from the west,
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design standards for the Denali highway (which would be upgraded
if the northern route is selected),and use of these roads by the
general public during and after construction.
Glenn Highway Realignment
The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT/PF)is
working on preliminary environmental and engineering assessment
for upgrading the Glenn Highway from mile 35 near Palmer to
approximately mile 135.No schedule has been set for highway
construction or more detailed engineering and environmental
assessment work.It is likely that it will be at least 5 years
before any construction on the route actually occurs.
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When construction does occur,DOT/PF engineers expect the
realignment generally to follow the existing road corridor.
DOT/PF's major objectives for the project are to improve road
safety while upgrading the road to enable higher travel speeds and
greater traffic volumes.In addition to these objectives,the
Department of Natural Resources wants to protect and improve
visual quality and improve access to existing and proposed
settlement and recreation areas along the route.(Refer to
Chapter 3 --~he Glenn Highway Subregion.)
c.Knik Arm Crossing
The Knik Arm crossing has been under consideration for at least 15
years.A draft environmental impact statement,preliminary
engineering study and set of public hearings on this subject were
completed during 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 cos ts for one
alternative have been estimated at $500 million.As this document
goes to press,the combination of falling state revenues and the
lack of strong pUblic/local government support make it unlikely
that the project will be funded in the 1985 legislative session.
The proposed crossing would tie Anchorage to Point McKenzie,and
provide a route that would shorten the driving 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
perhaps stimulate other types of economic development,including a
possible port and industrial park area.
Possible Road and Trail Routes to be Reserved in Public Ownership
The following section identifies a system of road and trail routes and
related transportation improvements to be retained in public owner-
ship.Eleven packages of possible access improvements have been
identified in Petersville Road,Susitna Lowlands and North and South
Parks Highway and Glenn Highway Subregions.These access improvements
are designed to implement the land use decisions made by this plan.
455
They are depicted on maps on the following pages.Also included here
are a description of several routes where rights-of-way have already
been established.These are included to give a more complete picture
of the regional transportation system and because several of these
undeveloped rights-of way serve areas that are identified as needing
access in the plan.
Host of the routes presented here are intended to be regional
transportation corridors,although some more localized projects are
also included.Most of these regional routes would provide access to
a number of different public and private land use activities.For
more information on proposed local access projects (for example to a
single subdivision)refer to management intent statements for
individual subregions in Chapter 3.
By proposing to retain these transportation routes,this plan is not
necessarily proposing the roads actually be built.The major purpose
is to protect the option to build roads along efficient routes should
the time come when the benefits of construction outweigh the costs.
Another important point is that the locations of the routes are
intended to be quite general;more detailed engineering and
environmental work will be needed prior to establishing actual
rights-of-way.
Shulin Lake --Access Improvement Package #1
The Shulin Lake package consists of two segments (see map):a southward
route following the existing Shulin Lake Trail (segment la)and a possible
route for extending past Shulin Lake across the Kahiltna River into the
McDougal,Lake Creek and Kahiltna land disposals.(Segment lb)
Segment Ia travels southward from Petersville Road for roughly twelve
miles paralleling Peters Creek to Shulin Lake.The route then continues
for approximately another 8 miles to the Oilwell Road system.Segment la
would provide access into the large Peters Creek timber and habitat area
recommended for legislative designation for long-term multiple use
management.This route would also provide access to an area designated
resource management containing both good timber stands and a large block
of state-owned agricultural soils.(See Petersville Subregion,Subunits
la,Ie and Susitna Lowlands Subregion,Subunits 9b,9c.)
Segment Ib extends 7.5 miles southwest across the Kahiltna River from
where segment Ia goes past Shulin Lake.This route provides access to
remote settlement areas,to borough-and state-owned lands having good
potential for timber production and settlement,and to the edge of the
Lake Creek corridor.(See Susitna Lowlands Subregion,Subunits 7b and
8a.)The route also provides a portion of a road link with a number of
mining areas located further west.
Oilwell Road Extension--Access Improvements Package #2
This package is comprised of improvements to Oilwell Road south of Moose
Creek.Oilwell Road follows a 100'surveyed right-of-way from where it
begins at mile 6.5 of the Petersville Road.The road extends south across
Moose Creek into the Amber Lakes area,continues southwest across Kroto
Creek through state and borough lands,then crosses the Kahiltna River and
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Susitna Study Area
q .,It-,...
ICAl.I
RIGHTS-OF-WAY
TO BE RESERVED
FOR POSSIBLE
FUTURE ROADS
1 Shulin Lake Routes
2 Oilwell Road Extension
3 Chijuk Creek LoopH.>,O__
4 Lockwood Lake Loop
5 Petersville Road
6 Trapper Creek Routes
7 Chase/Larson Lake Routes
8 Kashwitna Routes
9 North Parks Hwy.Routes
10 Glenn Hwy.Area Routes
11 Beluga-Tyonek Route
continues to the Yentna River.Much of this route is already
constructed.From the Petersville Road to Moose Creek it is a four
season,borough maintained road;beyond Moose Creek it currently is
passable during the summer by four wheel drive vehicles except where it
crosses Kroto and Moose Creeks and the Kahiltna River and a bog just west
of Moose Creek.
The Mat-Su Borough received approximately $100,000 for design and improve-
ments to this road.The borough is hoping to use the funds to buy a
surplus bridge to cross Moose Creek.Once the bridge across Moose Creek
is complete and the adjacent bog crossed,the existing road would provide
access into existing and proposed state and borough settlement areas at
Ga te Creek and Amber Lake.The road also would tie into the southern
boundary of the Peters Creek multiple use forestry-habitat area recommend-
ed for legislative designation.(See Petersville Road Subregion,Subunits
3b,3c,3f and lb.)
South of Kroto Creek,the road passes through a another proposed
settlement area and then through the northern edge of the Chijuk Creek
area - a large block of primarily borough land with high potential for
forestry,agriculture and a variety of other uses.Near the Kahiltna
River,route 1a crosses the route from Shulin Lake.
Chijuk Creek Loop--Access Improvements Package #3
The Chijuk Creek access improvements package consists of two north-south
routes that loop together at their southern ends.On the east side,
segment 3a comprises a southernly extension of the Oilwell Road.This
segment runs south of Amber Lake and parallel to Kroto Creek.On the west
side,segment 3b travels north and south parallel to the Kahiltna River,
tying into the Shulin Lake route.(See Chapter 3,Susitna Lowlands
Subregion,Subunits 9c,lOa,lOb,11a,11g,12a,12c.and 14b.)
The eastern part of the system passes through the center of the Chijuk
Creek block,providing access to these borough lands with high value for
timber production,agriculture,fish and Wildlife,and public recreation.
The remaining length of the proposed right-of-way travels through the
Kroto-Kahiltna area that is recommended for legislative designation as a
multiple use forestry/habitat area.Along the way it passes the Parker
and Niel Lakes state subdivisions and other lands proposed for future
residential and agricultural homestead land sales.
The western route (3b)provides access to the western portion of the
Kroto-Kahiltna lands discussed above.The loop connecting these two
routes would provide access into the Deshka Flats area - a parcel with
agriculture,forest and other resource values designated resource
management.
Lockwood Lake Loop -Access Improvements Package #4
This package of routes is an extension of the Chijuk Creek system
described above.Segment 4a is a loop that runs north-south parallel to
Kroto Creek,cuts across through the Lockwood Lakes area and then swings
back to the north,paralleling the Kahiltna and Yentna Rivers.Extending
access into this area would open more of the Kroto-Kahiltna multiple use
retention area and,in the south,provide access to the Fish Lakes and
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Lockwood Lakes areas.These latter areas include several past and planned
state land sales and blocks of borough land with settlement values.
Segment 4b extends further south to link up with a possible bridge
crossing of the Big Susitna River.(See Susitna Lowlands SUbregion,
Subunits 12a,12b,11a,11g,13a,13c and 13f.)The final portion of this
access package,segment 4c,is a spur route extending eastward across
Kroto Creek.This route would provide access into the Kashwitna Knobs
area,a large,continguous block of class II and III soils designated for
agriculture.(See Susitna Lowlands Subregion,subunit 14b)
Petersville Road--Access Improvements Package #5
It is recommended that the existing Petersville road,from approximately
Gate Creek east,be considered for improvement in order to permit greater
access to settlement,forestry,recreation and mining activities.in
addition,a spur off this route should also be retained in public
ownership.This spur follows the route of an existing trail from the
Forks Roadhouse due west across Peters Creek.This spur route provides
access into the Lower Cache Creek mining area as well as adjacent hunting
and timber areas.(See Petersville Road Subregion,subunits 1a and 1d,
and Sunflower Basin Subregion,subunit 6a,6c,7a and 7b.)
Trapper Creek--Access Improvements Package #6
This set of proposed improvements is primarily designed to provide access
into existing agricultural and settlement areas.It includes several
proposed road routes and also several parking and trail improvement
proposals.These proposed routes and other access projects are of lesser
regional importance than the projects discussed previously,but are
included here due to public requests for access improvements in these
areas.
One of these routes,(segment 6a),travels north from the Petersville Road
near Trapper Creek and would enable access to existing and proposed
seasonal and year round settlement areas between Hoose Creek and Trapper
Creek.This route would also provide access into the Scotty Lake
agricultural area.Some additional public recreation opportunities would
be opened,although the density of settlement will probably limit
opportunities for recreation by non-residents.(See Petersville Road
Subregion,subunits Sa,5c,5d.)
The Kenny Creek right-of-way (Segment 6b)originates approximately 10
miles west of the Parks Highway on the Petersville Road.It is already
platted through the existing Kenny Creek State Subdivision.(See
Petersville Road Subregion,subunit 2d.)
The Rabideux route (segment 6c)is located between the Susitna River and
Rabideux Creek.This area contains a mixture of state,borough and
private lands including a past state agricultural land sale.There are
currently unimproved,short spur roads extending along the first several
miles of both ends of this route.(See Petersville Road Subregion,
subunits 7a-7c.)
In addition to retention of
access-related projects in this
possible
area are
road routes,
construction of
two possible
parking areas
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along the Parks Highway between Trapper Creek and Denali state park.This
stretch of the Parks Highway is currently used as a departure point for
foot and off-road vehicle access into a number of past state land sales.
Lack of established parking facilities leads to unsafe parking along the
main highway,vandalism and cars stuck in snow or mud.In addition to
parking facilities,trails from these areas (in most cases already in use)
need to be formally established in state and borough records.(See
Petersville Road Subregion,units 2 and 5.)
Chase/Larson Lake--Access Improvements Package #7
This package of possible improvements consists of several independent
segments originating in the Chase area and on the Talkeetna Spur Road.
These segments would provide access to the Chase Agricultural Homestead
and past remote parcel and subdivision areas and to Larson Lake.
The Chase Agricultural Homestead project was offered in the summer of
1984.The state also offered a large subdivision and several other land
sales in the area.(See South Parks Highway Subregion,unit 4.)A
system of platted rights-of-way,(segment 7a)runs through this area.)
This system includes a platted right-of-way that crosses the Talkeetna
River north of the Satellite Earth Station and connects the subdivision
and the Chase Agricultural homestead areas with the existing road system.
The other route included in this package (segment 7b)primarily would
enable access to borough-owned lands adjacent to Larson Lake.The borough
is requesting funding from the legislature for this project.This road
would provide access to public and private recreational lands around the
lake and encourage tourism development.Future borough land sales are
contingent on the provision of access.This route would also provide
access to several small past and planned state subdivisions and the middle
portion of the Talkeetna River.(See Chapter 3,South Parks Highway
Subregion,subunit 5c.)
Kashwitna--Access Improvements Package #8
Routes included in this package would provide access into a large
block of state-owned land in the Kashwitna and Willow drainages
recommended for legislative or administrative designation for recreation,
timber and habitat management.In addition to these uses,access into the
area would open lands for disposal of agricultural homesteads.The first
possible route into this area (segment 8b)extends east from the Caswell
Lakes Subdivision area.(See South Parks Highway,Subunits 12a and 12b.)
A second possible route (segment 8b)is located outside the Susitna
planning area in the adjacent Willow Sub-basin.This route would leave
the Parks Highway between Willow and Little Willow Creeks and provide
access to borough lands with agricultural,forestry and settlement
potential as well as to the Kashwitna habitat/timber multiple use area.
North Parks Highway--Access Improvements Package #9
This package includes several small scale possible improvements -mostly
parking and trails developments -to provide or improve access into
several settlement areas.These improvements,if well designed,could
also improve public recreation access.Specific improvements include:
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a.Hurricane (North Parks Highway Subregion,subunit 3b)-trail to
disposal area including improvements to the foot bridge across the
Chulitna River and acquisition of public access to bridge from the
Parks Highway,parking area on Parks Highway.
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b.Chulitna Bluff (subunit 3e)-trail and parking
c.Hurricane Addition (subunit 3e)route from Parks Highway into
settlement area and footbridge across Chulitna River.
d.Public Parking (subunits 3c,3d)-parking areas along the Parks
Highway to provide pUblic access into adjacent recreation and hunting
areas.
Glenn Highway--Access Improvements Package #10
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Like the possible improvements identified for the North Parks Highway
area,transportation improvements in the Glenn Highway area are generally
not of regional significance.Most of these projects are designed to
provide access to settlement and/or recreational uses.Specific possible
improvements include:
Drill Lake/Fish Lake and Two Rivers Ridge areas (subunits 5c and 5d)-
retention of rights-of-way to planned state subdivision areas.
Jim-Swan Lakes area (subunit 3b)-acquisition of public rights-of-
way,improvements to trails and possible roads.
Tsadaka Canyon (Glenn Highway Subregion,subunit Id)~possible
improvements related to Glenn Highway relocation and timber harvests.
Matanuska Valley Moose Range (Managem:ent Unit 6)- a number of
possible road and trail improvements are being considered for this
area through a management plan currently underway.These improvements
are intended principally to permit commercial and personal use timber
harvests and habitat enhancement.Improving the existing Permanente
Road is one good option.
and
and
rights-of-way
to settlement
Bonnie Lake Area (subunit 7a)retention of
corridors for possible roads and trails related
recreation use.
b.
d.
a.
e.
c.
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f.Long Lake (subunit 8b)-trail and possible road improvements within
the Long Lake State Recreation Area and proposed expansion of that
area.
g.Cascade Creek Homestead (subunit 10e)-parking area and possible
access road.
h.Lion Head (subunit 10e)- a short access road and parking area for
planned land disposal area.
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i.Nelchina River (unit lla)-access to center of area by road or trail.
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Beluga/Tyonek--Access Improvements Package #11
This right-of-way is already on the status plats.This route is intended
to link the railbelt with land in the Tyonek/Beluga area.If coal
resources are developed in the Beluga area,the coal would be shipped to
markets directly from the Beluga area.(The economic viability of
production of Beluga coal is based on its proximity to deep water ports
within 15 miles of the coal deposits.)The purpose of this route,
therefore,would be to connect the townsite or work camp that would
accompany coal development with the Palmer/Anchorage area.
4.Summary and Priorities of Possible Access Improvements
The possible access improvements described above are intended to provide
an overview of the principal transportation projects that may be needed to
implement the plan's land use policies.As explained,there has not been
sufficient public review nor agency analysis of the costs and benefits of
these projects to recommend that they be funded at this time.The
planning team has,however,made a preliminary effort to identify projects
that appear to be most needed.These priorities are not based on detailed
cost-benefit analysis and are only included here as a guide to subsequent,
more thorough assessment and public review.For these reasons,the
priorities are presented in 4 general categories (l:high -4:10w).
This identification and prioritization of possible access improvements
includes both routes for major roads and more modest improvements that are
chiefly beneficial at a particular site.
A list of access projects and priorities is shown below.These priorities
are based on a consideration of three criteria:1)requests for access
improvements by numerous people over the course of the 3 year public
involvement process associated with the plan,2)the presence of land
disposals,mining,recreational activities or other uses that currently
need access ,and/or 3)land use designations in this plan,such as
forestry,agriculture,settlement or recreation,that are likely to result
in the need for improved access in the future.
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Shulin Lake Access Improvements--Package #1
a.Shulin Lake Trail
b.Kahiltna Crossing
Oilwell Road Extension--Package #2
Chijuk Creek Loop Access Improvements--Package #3
a.East side
b.West side
Lockwood Lake Loop Access Improvements--Package #4
a.Lockwood Lakes
b.Susitna River access
c.Kashwitna Knobs access
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PRIORITY RATING
KEY:
l=high-.4=10w
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4
1
2
2
3
4
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Petersville Road Access Impro~ements--Package #5
a.Petersville Road .
b.Cache Creek Trail
Trapper Creek Access Improvements--Package #6
a.Scotty Lake
b.Kenny Creek
c.Rabideux
d.Parks Hwy Parking/Trails
Chase/Larson Lake Access Improvements--Package #7
a.Chase Ag Homestead
b.Talkeetna River Crossing
c.Larson Lake
Kashwitna Access Improvements--Package #8
a.Caswell-Kashwitna
b.Willow Creeks
PRIORITY RATING
KEY:
l=high-4=low
3
4
3
3
2
2
1
2
1
2
1
North Parks Highway Access Improvements--Package #9
a.Hurricane
b.Chulitna Bluff
c.Hurricane Addition
d.Public Parking
2
1
3
3
L Glenn Highway Access Improvements--Package IF10
a.Tsadaka Canyon 3
b.Jim Swan Lakes 1
c.Drill and Fish Lakes/
Two Rivers Ridge 2
d.Bonny Lake Area 3
e.Matanuska Valley Hoose Range 2
f.Long Lake 3
g.Cascade Creek Homestead 2
h.Lions Head 3
i.Nelchina River 4
Beluga/Tyonek Access Improvements--Package #11 4
C.LAND DISPOSAL SCHEDULE FOR THE SUSITNA AREA:1984-2004
1.Introduction
The following section discusses the state land disposal program in
the Susitna Area for the next 19 years.*The section is broken into
three parts.The first part outlines the general goals that will
guide the Department as it develops its yearly land disposal program
in the Susitna Area.
The second part outlines several guidelines that provide specific
guidance to the Division of Land and Water Management for meeting
the land disposal program's goals.These guidelines outline how
much land the Department will offer each year,the quality and
location of that land and how the land disposal areas identified in
the plan relate to the Land Availability Detemination System (LADS)
process currently used by the Department to prepare land for
disposal.
The final part contains a comprehensive list of all projects that
will be available for disposal sometime in the next 20 years.It is
organized in the following order:past subdivisions to be offered
over the counter,past remote projects to be converted to homestead
areas,and new disposal projects (subdivisions,agriculture sales
and homesteading areas).
*The public review draft of the plan identified disposals for a 20 year
period.A portion of those disposal areas were offered for sale in FY
84.The remaining lands identified for disposal in the plan therefore
will be offered over the next 19 years.
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The total supply of ~land identified in the Susitna Plan for
disposal should be offered in roughly even increments over the
next 20 years.
Offering of Past Projects
The majority of the large stock of land identified for disposals
within the boundaries of past land offerings should be offered to
the public over the next five to eight years.All unsold
subdivisions lots should be made available over-the-counter.
Land within past remote parcel areas should be offered under the
homestead program.After new disposal areas are initially
offered,unsold areas intended for disposal should likewise
remain available for future over-the-counter offerings.
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c.Offering of Quality Settlement Land
The public should have an opportunity each year to acquire
of the most suitable settlement land the plan has to offer.
result,the best new land should not all be offered in the
term but distributed over the life of the plan.
some
As a
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D.Diversity of Yearly Offerings
The department should attempt each year to offer land under all
of the various state land disposal programs subdivision,
fee-homestead,agricultural homesteads and large lot-aliquot part
sales.
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3.Guidelines for Disposal Program
A.Amount of Land Offered Each Year
To ensure that the disposal of the new land of fered in the plan
is distributed over the 20-year planning period,it is necessary
to calculate each year the disposal acreage necessary to maintain
an approximately even flow of land disposals over the life of the
plan.This will be done by dividing the net supply of new lands
remaining for disposal in the plan by the number of years
remaining in the life of the plan.Expressed as a formula this
calculation is as follows:
Annual =
Offerings
Net Acreage Available for Disposal Remaining in Plan
Years Remaining in Life of Plan
This calculation provides a general guideline for the appropriate
amount of annual sales.Departures from the annual offering
level,as calculated above,may be made for administrative
purposes as long as the level of annual offerings remains
generally consistent with the objective of distributing disposals
of new lands evenly over the planning period.However,a
decision to offer the new settlement land at a pace that would
exhaust the supply prior to the life of the plan will require a
plan amendment.
In addition to these new offerings,all past remote areas
identified for conversion to the homesteading program should be
offered within the next five to eight years (see list in Part IV
of this chapter).These additions will result in a gradually
declining pace of annual offerings over the life of the plan.
B.Identification of Additional Land for Sale
If changing social or economic conditions warrant an increase in
the amount of land allocated to settlement,the plan may be
amended.In the event this occurs,the Susitna Area Plan,
Settlement Element (DNR,1985),a background report on lands
suitable for settlement within the study area,will be used to
help identify additional lands for disposal.Other relevant
information on soils,access,public preferences,etc.also may
be used to identify sui table lands.Modifying the land use
allocations in the plan requires public review through the plan
amendment process outlined in Appendix 1.
c.Phasing of Projects
In order to ensure there are high quality offerings available
through the life of the plan,and that there are enough areas
available so a project can be offered each year in the various
regions of the Basin,the Division of Land and ~vater Management
466
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will offer certain projects in phases,rather than all at once.
For example,the Lake Louise settlement areas may be offered over
seven or eight years.
D.The LADS Process
The Land Availability Determination System (LADS)is the process
used by DNR to identify,process,and offer state land for sale
to the general public.All areas identified for settlement in
the plan will go through the LADS process.
The Susitna Area Plan should help streamline the LADS process
since one of the key decisions previously made through LADS --
the decision on whether or not a project should be sold ,..-has
already been made.The LADS process will not address this issue;
rather LADS will be used to involve agencies and the public to
address such concerns as parcel layout and design.Through this
plan DNR makes a strong commitment to dispose of the projects
identified for sale.Only if new information should become
available which indicates an overwhelming impact on a resource
should any project be reconsidered.Such a change will require a
plan amendment.
E.The Statewide Disposal Plan
In partial fullfillment of the provisions of AS 38.04.020,the
Department will prepare an annual statewide land disposal plan.
This plan will incorporate existing area and management plans and
describe the Department's planned land offerings in each region
of the state.These proposals will be based on the Department's
settlement and land management policies;on land suitability
information;competing land use values;supply,demand and need
for disposal;effects of disposal on other resources and resource
uses;transportation systems;available funds and other factors
of regional and statewide concern.
467
F.Changes in Net Offerings from Those Identified in Plan
The net disposal acreages identified in the plan for each sale
areaare estimates only.The actual level of sales,which may be
above or below what is estimated in the plan,will be set on a
case by case basis through the Departments'LADS process.While
the availability of more detailed site information often will
result in sales levels different from the plan estimates,DNR
will strive to offer land at or near the level estimated in the
plan.
G.Selling Areas Identified for Agriculture
The plan specifies whether proposed sales areas should be used
for agriculture or settlement.During the LADS process,sales
areas will be evaluated in detail to determine soil
characteristics including the quality of the sites for
agriculture.If a site designated for agriculture land sales
proves not to be feasible for agriculture,the area may be sold
for settlement.Such a decision would either be a minor change
or an amendment to the plan depending on the significance of the
change at a specific site.The minor change/amendment procedure
would occur as part of the agency and public review occuring
through the LADS process.
Because of the limited opportunities for agriculuture in the
state and the popularity of agricultural offerings,if a site
proposed for settlement in the plan is discovered to have good
potential for agriculture,the disposal may be made for this
latter use.Such a change would follow the same procedure as
outlined in the preceeding paragraph for changes from agriculture
to settlement.
H.Changes in Project Boundaries.
If during the LADS process the Division of Land and Water
Management determines that the boundaries of an area identified
in the plan for settlement need revision,the change will follow
the procedures for minor changes or amendments as outlined in
Appendix A.
468
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\--4.List of Land Disposal Projects in the Susitna Area
I
\
(N)=New Offering (R)=Reoffering of Past Remote Parcel Area
(OTC)=Past Subdivision with Unsold Lots Available "Over-the-Counter"
NOTE:Includes FY 85 offerings
{
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PROJECT
maTH PARKS HIGHWAY SUBREGION
Ind~an River Subdivision (OTC)
Antimony Creek (N)
Chulitna Bluffs (N)
Pass Creek (N)
Hurricane Addition (N)
SOUTH PARKS HIGHWAY SUBREGION
Indian River West (N)
Sherman (N)
Curry North (N)
HcKenzie Creek (N)
Whiskers Creek (N)
Disappointment Creek (N)
Chase II Subdivision (OTC)
Talkeetna Bluffs (OTC)
Sheep River (N)
Bald Mountain Subdivison (OTC)
Talkeetna Foothills (N)
Talkeetna Foothills Extension (N)
Montana Creek (N)
Caswell Creek Ag.Homestead (N)
PETERSVILLE ROAD SUBREGION
Schneider Lake (R)
Kroto Creek West (N)
Tokosha Sales (N)
Denali View (R)
Swan Lake Subdivision (OTC)
Kenny Creek Subdivison (OTC)
Safari Lake Subdivision (OTC)
Upper Trapper Creek (N)
Amber Lakes Addition (N)
Gate Creek South (N)
Amber Lakes (R)
Trapper Creek Sales (N)
Trapper Creek/Glen Subdivision (OTC)
Nine Mile Additions (N)
Nine Mile (R)
Susitna River (N)
Miscellaneous Ag.Homesteads (N)
469
MGT.UNIT
3b
3c
3e
3e
3e
1a
Ie
Ie
Ie
3c
4e
Sa
Sa
7a
7b
7c
7c
7e
13b
1c
Ie
2c
2d
2d
2d
2d
2h
3c
3c
3b
Sa
5c
6a
6a
7a
(Misc.)
NET AREA (ACRES)!
LOTS AVAILABLE
(APRIL,1985)
4 lots
500 acres
540 acres
1,240 acres
330 acres
100 acres
200 acres
120 acres
440 acres
470 acres
1,040 acres
1 lot
1 lot
340 acres
1 lot
1,520 acres
1,920 acres
560 acres
3,620 acres
160 acres
320 acres
2,330 acres
290 acres
1 lot
73 lots
15 lots
1,890 acres
320 acres
2,280 acres
520 acres
1,370 acres
14 lots
240 acres
600 acres
220 acres
520 acres
470
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I PROJECT MGT.UNIT NET AREA (ACRES)!
LOTS AVAILABLE
I m.SUSITNA SUBREGION
Alexander Creek West Subdivision (OTC)2d 102 lots
Lower Sucker Ck.South (ag.hmstd.)(N)2e 800 acres
Trail Creek (N)2f 800 acres
Hiline Lake South (N)4b 600 acres
Quartz Creek (R)5c 770 acres
Friday Creek (R)5c 1,470 acres
Talachulitna West (N)5c 2,320 acres
Canyon Creek (N)5c 670 acres
Quartz Creek West (N)5c 2,240 acres
Canyon Lake Subdivision (OTC)5d 25 lots
Coal Creek (R)8c 1,960 acres
Sunday Lakes (R)8c 600 acres
High }lountain Lakes Subdivision (OTC)8e 71 lots
Super Cub Subdivision (OTC)9d 120 lots
r BELUGA SUBREGION
{Primo/Bishop Lake (N)2b 1,400 acres
{
I ALASKA RANGE SUBREGION
Shirley Lake (N)1a 3,330 acres
L lLAKE LOUISE SUBREGION
Lake Susitna (N)1b 125 acres
{Lake Louise (N)1c 1,000 acres
'c-c Lake Louise East (R)2 4,600 acres
I GLENN HIGHWAY SUBREGION
\..-~Tsadaka Canyon (N)Ie 320 acres
1
Pinnacle Mountain (N)5a 80 acres
Kings River North (N)5a 80 acres
Two Rivers (N)5c 400 acres
Drill Lake (N)5d 400 acres
1 Bonnie Lake (N)7a 600 acres
Monument and Lake Creeks (N)lOa 850 acres
Bench Lake (OTC)10d 25 lots
J
Chugach View (N)10e 560 acres
Cascade (N)10e 570 acres
Lions Head (N)10e 300 acres
r Nelchina River (N)lla 1,565 acres
~.
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!t.71
D.LAND TRADES,RELINQUISID1ENTS A1~D SELECTIONS
1.Land Trades
It is ADNR's policy that land exchanges involving state lands or state
interests in land be consistent with area plans.Because the type and
location of state land needed for exchanges varies greatly,depending
on the exchange under consideration,area plans generally do n.ot
predesignate specific parcels of land for future exchanges.When a
specific exchange is proposed,the area plann.in.g team will be
responsible for identifying and prioritizing state lands suitable for
exchange.
Listed below are presently known land trading needs which may have to
be met from state lands in the Susitna area.
a.Seldovia Native Association --19,000 acces statewide
(Kachemak Bay State Park tradeout)
b.Matanuska-Susitna Borough less than 5,000 acres.
(Small stock for tradeout,if
necessary,of valuable fish and
wildlife or public recreation
lands patented to or selected
by borough)
c.CIRI (Subsurface land in Kachemak Bay)30,000 acres
(
I
d.Susitna Hydro Native Lands
(Sites for proposed dams,
reservoirs and related faci-
lities are all in native owner-
ship and will need to be con.-
demned or traded out)
60,000 -20,000 acres affected
by the hydro projects
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e.Mental Health Lands
2.Relinquishments and Selections
unknown
The planning team reviewed all state land selections in the Susitna
area to determine which if any should be relinquished.The team
recommends relinquishlilent of only four townships.'r'"..,ro are located in
the Alaska Range Subregion (T.16N,R.19W and 20W S.M.),the othec two
in the Chugach Range Subregion (T.16N,R.1lE and 12E S.M.).The fed-
eral 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 conBider for relinquishment.
The block of federal land adj acent to the Derl81.i.Highway in the
northeast part of the planning area is the only potential candidate
for state selection.The teillU agreed this area should remain.1.:1-
federal ownership and be managed for public recreation,protection and
use of fish and wildlife,and exploration and development of mineral
resources.
472
1
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E.PUBLIC RECREATION CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
The following section summarizes the priorities of ADNR,ADF&G,and the
Matanuska-Susitna Borough for capital improvements to improve opportunities
for public recreation in the Susitna planning area and the Willow Sub-basin.
These priorites were prepared in response to a request by the Governor in
November,1984 for priorities to improve public recreation opportunities
throughout the southcentral portion of Alaska.Readers interested in more
details of these proposals should obtain a copy of the report,Southcentral
Recreation Action plan (ADF&G and ADNR December,1984).This report is
available from the Anchorage offices of either of these Departments.
Proposed improvements are divided into two categories:
facilities developments.A table on each of these
below:
land acquisitions and
subjects is presented
I
l Project
Proposed Land Acquisitions
Features and Benefits Approx.Cost ($)
L
1.Cottonwood Creek
2.Kashwitna Landing
3.Wasilla Creek
4.Little Willow Cr.
5.Neil Lake
6.Moose Creek
(Deshka River)
7.Nancy Lakes
Fishing and hunting near Wasilla;
9,000 fishing days/yr;important
hunting area
Boat launch on lower Susitna R.
Coho fishery access,hunting
Access from Parks Highway to
popular fishing area
Floatplane access to Kroto Creek
(Deshka River)
Road access for fishing and
boating
Acquisition of inholdings for
trail system
473
40,000
(+212,000/yr
operating budget)
500,000
180,000
180,000
200,000
250,000+
Proposed Facilities Developments
1.River Related Facilities
2.Park and Recreation Facilities (Non-Riverine)
Project
a.Willow Creek State
Recreation Area
b.Little Susitna R.
c.Talkeetna Boat
Launch
d.Kepler-Bradley
Lakes
e.Sheep Creek
Project
a.Independence Hine
Historic Site
b.Public Cabins in
Parks and Other
Recreation Areas
c.Park Signs
Features and Benefits
Major southcentral fishing and
camping site
50 parking units and boat launch
Campground,public access,launch
Fishing,boating,other public
recreation;barrier-free public
access
Trails,fishing accessible from
Parks Highway
Features and Benefits
Enhance historic structures
Construct and lor repair 14
cabins for public use
for public use
Visitor information
474
Approx.Cost ($)
7,735,000
400,000
173,000
(+10,000/yr
operating budget)
500,000
200,000
Approx.Cost ($)
600,000
225,000
135,000
(statewide)
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!MANAGEMENT
UNIT/SUBUNIT
North Parks Highway
Subregion
Ia
Ib
2a
2b
3a
3b
3c
3d
3e
r
L South Parks Highway
Subregion
I Ia
L Ib
Ic
Id
I :Ie
If
Ig
t Ih
(.2
3a
3b
3c
4a
4b
I 4c
4d
4e
I 4f
4g
5a
I 5b
5c
5d
6a
l 6b
7a
7b
7c
7d
7e
t 8a
8bLBc
I
F.LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONS
CLASSIFICATION(S)
(private land)
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
(private land)
Settlement
Settlement/Public Recreation
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
Settlement
Settlement
Reserved Use
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
(Borough Land Bank)
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
(railroad land)
Forestry/public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
(Borough Land Bank)
Settlement
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
(Borough Land Bank)
Agriculture
Settlement
Settlement
Public Recreation/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Minerals/Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
(Borough Land Bank)
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
Settlement
Settlement
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
Agriculture
(private land)
Settlement
MANAGEMENT
UNIT/SUBUNIT
9a
9b
9c
9d
lOa
lOb
11
12a
12b
12c
13a
13b
14a
14b
Petersville Road
Subregion
la
lb
lc
ld
Ie
2a
2b
2c
2d
2e
2f
2g
2h
3a
3b
3c
3d
3e
3f
3g
4a
4b
5a
5b
5c
5d
5e
6a
6b
6c
6d
6e
7a
7b
CLASSIFICATION(S)
(Borough Land Bank)
(private land)
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
(private land)
(private land)
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Forestry/Wildlife Habitat
Forestry/Wildlife Habitat
Forestry/Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Forestry/Wildlife Habitat
(private land)
Agriculture
(Borough Land Bank)
Public Recreation/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Forestry/Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
Public Recreation/Settlement
Settlement
Forestry/Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation
Settlement
Settlement
(Borough Land Bank)
(university land)
Public Recreation/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
Public Recreation/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
Settlement
(university land)
(Borough Land Bank)
Settlement
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
(private land)
Settlement
Public Recreation
Settlement
(private land)
(university land)
Settlement
(Borough Land Bank)
Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Forestry/Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
(private land)
Settlement
Agriculture
47h
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MANAGEMENT
UNIT/SUBUNIT
7c
7d
7e
7f
Sunflower Basin
Subregion
la
Ib
2
3
4
Sa
Sb
6a
6b
6c
7a
7b
Susitna Lowlands
Subregion
la
Ib
2a
2b
2c
2d
2e
2f
3a
3b
3c
4a
4b
4c
4d
4e
Sa
sb
Sc
sd
Se
Sf
6a
6b
6c
6d
6e
6f
7a
CLASSIFICATION(S)
Public Recreation/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Forestry/Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
(Borough Land Bank)
(private land)
Settlement
Settlement
Minerals/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Settlement/Wildlife Habitat
Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Minerals/Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Forestry/Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
Settlement
Public Recreation/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Resource Management
Forestry/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
(private land)
Forestry/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
(Borough Land Bank)
Settlement
Forestry/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Resource Management
Settlement
Public Recreation/Settlement/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
Forestry/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Resource Management/(Borough Land Bank)
Settlement
Public Recreation/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Forestry/Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
Forestry/Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
477
MANAGEMENT
UNIT/SUBUNIT
(Susitna Lowlands
Subregion
7b
7c
8a
8b
9a
9b
9c
9d
lOa
lOb
lla
llb
llc
lld
lle
llf
llg
12a
12b
12c
12d
13a
13b
13c
13d
13e
13f
13g
14a
14b
14c
14d
14e
Mt.Susitna Subregion
1
2a
2b
2c
2d
2e
2f
2g
3a
3b
3c
3d
3e
3f
CLASSIFICATION(S)
Public Recreation/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
Settlement
Resource Management
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
(Borough Land Bank)
Resource Management
Settlement
Forestry/Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
Forestry/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation
Settlement
Settlement
Wildlife Habitat/Water Resources
Agriculture
Resource Management
Forestry/Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
Settlement
Settlement
Forestry/Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
(Borough Land Bank)
Agriculture
Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Agriculture
Settlement
(private land)
Forestry/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Susitna Game Flats Wildlife Refuge
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Forestry/Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Forestry/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
Agriculture
Settlement
(Borough Land Bank)
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
Resource Management
(pri vate land)
(Borough Land Bank)
Forestry/Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
47R
\
I
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I
l
r={
I
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t
I
f
It
,
I
r
L
L
I
f
I
f
l
I
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MANAGEMENT
UNIT/SUBUNIT
(Mt.Susitna Subregion)
4a
4b
4c
4d
Sa
Sb
Sc
Sd
6a
6b
6c
7
8a
8b
8c
8d
9a
9b
lOa
lOb
Beluga Subregion
la
lb
2a
2b
2c
2d
2e
3a
3b
3c
3d
3e
3f
Alaska Range Subregion
la
lb
lc
ld
Ie
If
19
Lake Louise Subregion
la
lb
lc
CLASSIFICATION(S)
Forestry/Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
(Borough Land Bank)
Resource Management/Borough Land Bank
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation
Settlement
Settlement
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Coal
Resource Management
Public Recreation/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Resource Management (and Borough Land Bank)
Settlement
Settlement
Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
(private land)
(Borough Land Bank)
(private land)
Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
Resource Management (and Borough Land Bank)
(private land)
Wildlife Habitat
Coal/Oil and Gas/Wildlife Habitat
Reserved Use
Oil and Gas/Settlement
(private land)
Forestry/Oil and Gas/Wildlife Habitat
(Borough Land Bank)
Settlement
Wildlife Habitat/Public Recreation
Wildlife Habitat
Minerals
Reserved Use
Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
(National Park and Preserve)
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Settlement
MANAGEMENT
1
UNIT/SUBUNIT CLASSIFICATION(S)
2 Settlement .!3a Wildlife Habitat
3b Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
3c Settlement 13dPublicRecreation/Wildlife Habitat
Glenn Highway Subregion
la Public Recreation
lb Reserved Use (Plant Materials Center)
Public Recreation (rest of subunit)
lc Reserved Use
ld Settlement (Sl/2 of Section 35)
Reserved Use (Section 36)
Ie Public Recreation
If (Borough Land Bank)
19 (private land)
lh Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
Ii (private land)
2a Wildlife Habitat
2b (private land)
2c Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat !
1
2d Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat \
2e (private land)
3a Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat I3bPublicRecreation/Wildlife Habitat
3c (private land)
3d Public Recreation I4a(private land)
4b Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat [.
Sa Settlement
Sb Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat lScSettlement
Sd Settlement
Se (private land)rSfPublicRecreation/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
6a Coal/Forestry/Wildlife Habitat
6b (private land)j7aPublicRecreation/Settlement/Wildlife Habitat
7b Public Recreation/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat I
8a Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
8b Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
8c Public Recreation/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
9a Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
9b (private land)
lOa Settlement
lOb Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
10c Public Recreation/Water Resources/Wildlife Habitat
10d Settlement I
10e Settlement I .
10£Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
109 (private land)
4RO
r
I
L
r
L
1
L
L
L
I
MANAGEMENT
UNIT/SUBUNIT
(Glenn Highway
Subregion)
11a
11b
llc
lld
lle
12a
12b
Talkeetna Mts.
Subregion
la
Ib
lc
2a
2b
3a
3b
3c
3d
Chugach Mountains
Subregion
la
Ib
lc
Id
CLASSIFICATION(S)
Settlement
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
(private land)
(private land)
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
(private land)
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Reserved Use
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
Public Recreation/Wildlife Habitat
481
G.PRIORITIES FOR INSTREAM FLOW STUDIES
Studies are needed to determine where instream flow reservations are necessary
for maintenance of the water quality and quantity upon which human,fish and
wildlife uses of waterways within the Susitna Basin are based (see Chapter 2,
Instream Flow).Priorities for instream flow studies are listed below.
Recommendations for study priorities are determined by:
A.The merits of the stream for human use and fish and wildlife
habitat,including
1.Values of the stream for fish,especially anadromous
fish,
2.Existing and potential recreation value,and
3.Water quality.
B.The vulnerability of the stream to disturbance and the
likelihood that such disturbance will occur in the near
future.
Based on these criteria,the following streams have been identified as
candidates for instream flow studies.
1.First priority:Major recreational and anadromous fish streams.
These waterways were identified by the planning team as the most
important clearwater streams in the study area for their fisheries,
riparian habitat and public use.Many of these streams are boatable,
and most currently receive ~5,000 fishing days per year.
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a.Alexander Creek
b.Chijuk Creek
c.Chuitna River
d.Chunilna Creek (Clear
Creek)
e.Friday Creek
f.Gate Creek
g.Goose Creek
h.Kroto Creek
j.Lake Creek
k.Little Susitna
Ri ver (Willow
Sub-basin)
1.Montana Creek
m.Moose Creek (Petersville Rd.4a/
Susitna Lowlands lIb)
n.Peters Creek
o.Sheep Creek
p.Talachulitna River
q.Thursday Creek
r.Trapper Creek (Susitna Lowlands 14a)
s.Willow Creek (Willow Sub-basin)
t.Yenlo Creek
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2.Second priority:Important recreational and anadromous fish streams
adjacent to existing or proposed development areas.These streams
currently receive>500 fishing days/year.
a.Beluga River
b.Caswell Creek
c.Chakachatna River
d.Cottonwood Creek
1.Larson Creek (Larson L.outlet)
m.Lewis River
n.Little Willow Creek
o.Lower Sucker Creek
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e.Donkey Creek p.Nikolai Creek
f.Fish Creek q.Prairie Creek
(Su Lowlands lc/le)r.Quartz Creek
g.Fish Creek s.Red Creek
(Su Lowlands 13a)t.Seventeenmile Creek
h.Indian River u.Sunshine Creek
(S.Parks Hwy.la,v.Theodore River
lb,19)
i.Ivan River w.Unnamed tributary to Fish Lake
j.Kashwitna River (South Parks Highway 9a)
k.Kichatna River x.Whiskers Creek
3.Third priority:Other anadromous fish streams adjacent to existing or
potential development areas.
a.Ande rson Creek p.Lane CreeK
b.Answer Creek q.Little Honolulu Creek
c.Birch Creek r.McKenzie Creek
(S.Parks Hwy.9a,9c)s.Moose Creek (Glenn Hwy.5b,6a)
d.Bishop Creek *t.Olson Creek
e.Byers Creek u.Queer Creek
f.Chickaloon River v.Question Creek
g.Chulitna River w.Rabideux Creek
(Middle Fork)x.Sawmill Creek
h.Coal Creek y.Threemile Creek
i.Deep Creek *z.Trail Creek
*j.Drill Creek aa.Trapper Creek
k.Gold Creek (Petersville Rd.2b,5a,
1.Happy River 5c,7e)
m.Honolulu Creek bb.Troublesome Creek
n.Johnson Creek cc.West Fork Coal Creek
o.Kings River
4.Fourth priority:
development areas.
runs.
Other streams adjacent to existing or proposed
These streams do not have known anadromous fish
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a.Cascade Creek j.Mendeltna Creek
b.Eureka Creek k.Monument Creek
(Glenn Hwy.lla,1.Muddy Creek
llb,llc)m.Nelchina River
c.Glacier Creek n.Ninemile Creek
(Glenn Hwy.lOb)o.Possum Creek
d.Granite Creek p.Purinton Creek
e.Gravel Creek q.Snag Creek
f.Hardage Creek r.Unnamed tributary to
g.Kutna Creek Sockeye Lake from the NW
h.Lake Creek s.Unnamed tributary to Baldy
(Glenn Hwy.lOa)Lake
i.Little Nelchina R.t.West Fork Moose Creek
*These streams are in the vicinity of potential Beluga coal field
development.Ins tream flow studies would likely be unde rtake~as part
of planning for coal development.
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5.Fifth Priority:Anadromous fish streams in areas designated resource
management.Near term (5-10 years)development is less likely in
these areas.
a.Clear Creek (Mt.Susitna 4a/Susitna Lowlands 6a,6b,6d)
b.Deep Creek (Mt.Susitna 4a/Susitna Lowlands 6a,6b)
c.Toms Creek
6.Sixth Priority:Hajor glacial rivers that generally are not
vulnerable to disturbance except from major projects.If such
projects are undertaken on these rivers (e.g.,the Susitna
hydroelectric project)appropriate studies should will accompany
project planning.All of these rivers are boatable except the
Kahiltna River,and all are very important for recreation and fish and
wildlife habitat.
a.Chulitna River
(Main Fork)
b.Kahiltna River
c.Matanuska River
d.Skwentna River
e.Susitna River
f.Talkeetna River
g.Yentna River
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H.MANAGEHENT PLANNING PRIORITIES
The lands and waters within the Susitna planning area that most require
additional,more detailed planning are listed below.They are not listed
in any order of priority within or between categories.In some areas,
such as the proposed legislative designations,comprehensive interagency
management plans and a broad public involvement process will be needed.
In other sites,for example,the smaller settlement/retention areas,an
abbreviated planning process may suffice.This shorter process could
focus on smaller areas and/or fewer issues,and would require less
extensive agency and public involvement.
1.Mixed settlement and retention areas
a.Antimony Creek-Hurricane area:North Parks Highway subunit 3c
b.Northern and eastern Petersville Road area:Petersville Road sub-
units 2,3,5,6,and 7
c.Lake Louise area:Lake Louise subunits la and lc
d.Bonnie Lake area:Glenn Highway subunit 7a
2.Areas proposed for legislative designation
a.Recreation river corridors:South Parks Highway subunits 5b and
6a;Petersville Road subunits lb and 4a;Sunflower Basin Manage-
ment Unit 3;Susitna Lowlands subunits 6d,7b and lIb;Mt.Susitna
!1anagement Unit 7;Talkeetna Mts.subunit 3b;and Willow Subbasin
Little Susitna Corridor subunit
b.Uultiple use forest lands:South Parks Highway Hanagement Unit
12;Petersville Road subunit la;Sunflower Basin subunit 7b;
Susitna Lowlands subunits Sf,6e,7a,lla and l2b;Ht.Susitna
subunits 2a,2b and 2c;and Willow Subbasin Kashwitna subunit
c.Jim-Swan Lakes habitat/recreation area:Glenn Highway subunit 3b
d.Lower Susitna-Yentna habitat/forestry/recreation area:Susitna
Lowlands subunits l3d,l3e and l4e
e.Nelchina public use area:Lake Louise subunit 3b,Glenn Highway
subunits lId,lIe and l2b,and Talkeetna Hts.subunits 2a and 2b
3.Areas recommended for legislative or administrative designation
a.Susitna Lake-Tyone River habitat/recreation area:Lake Louise
subunit 3d
b.Trumpeter swan nesting habitat:Sunflower Basin subunit 6c and
Susitna Lowlands subunits lb and 3c
c.Gunsight Ht.habitat/recreation area:Glenn Highway subunits lIb
and llc
4.Areawide transportation and trails plan
485
APPENDIX A
PROCEDURES FOR PLAN MODIFICATION AND EXCEPTIONS TO ITS PROVISIONS
PLAN MODIFICATION
The land use designations,policies,implementation actions and management
guidelines of this plan may be changed if conditions warrant.The plan will be I'
updated periodically as new data and new technologies become available and as "
changing social and economic conditions place different demands on public
lands.The Department of Natural Resources and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough
jointly will review proposed modifications of the plan.
A.Periodic Review
The plan will be reviewed at least every five years to determine if
revisions are necessary.An interagency planning team will coordinate this
periodic review at the request of the Commissioner of the Department of
Natural Resources or the Manager of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.The
planning team will be coordinated by the Division of Land and Water
Management if the emphasis of the review is on state lands and by the
borough if the emphasis of the review is on lands in borough ownership.The
plan review will include meetings with all interested groups and the general
public.
B.Amendments
The plan may be amended.An amendment adds to or modifies the basic intent
of the plan.Changes to the planned uses,policies,guidelines or certain
implementation actions constitute amendments.Amendments must be approved
by the Commissioner of ADNR on state lands and by the Borough Assembly on
borough lands.Amendments require public notice and consultation with
affected agencies and may require public hearings if the Commissioner or
Borough Assembly decides the level of controversy warrants.Management
plans developed by the Division of Land and Water Management or the
Matanuska-Susitna Borough may amend the plan.Results of the t~tanuska
Susitna Borough's comprehensive planning process also may be used as a basis
for plan amendment.Amendments also may be proposed by agencies,
municipalities,or members of the public.Requests for amendments are
submitted to the Anchorage office of the Division of Land and Water
Management,ADNR and the Planning Department,Matanuska-Susitna Borough.
The following actions are examples of changes which would require an
amendment:
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0 A proposal to close an area to mineral entry '"-f0Allowingauseinanareawhereitiscurrentlyprohibited
0 A disposal in an area recommended for retention
0 Retention of an area recommended for disposal 1
0 Changing the classification of from management to 1anarearesource
agriculture
On state land,the Director of the Division of Land and Water Management
determines what constitutes an amendment or just a minor change.On borough
land,this decision will be made by the Borough Manager.
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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 are made at the
discretion of the Director of the Division of Land and Water Management and
do not require public review.Minor changes may be proposed by agencies,
municipalities,or members of the public.Requests for minor changes
affecting state land are submitted to the Southcentral Regional Office of
the Division of Land and Water Management,ADNR.Requests for changes
affecting borough land are submitted to the Planning Department of the
Matanuska-Susitna Borough.The state and borough will provide one another
the opportunity to review proposed minor changes.The Director will notify
affected agencies when minor changes are made.Affected agencies will have
the opportunity to comment on minor changes following notification;the
comment period may be provided through existing interagency review processes
for associated actions that necessitate minor changes.
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SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS--ADNR PROCEDURES
Exceptions to the provisions of the plan may be made ~nthout 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~d 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 Regional Hanager 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.In the event of disagreement
with the Regional Manager's decision,the decision may be appealed to the
Director of the Divison 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 Matanuska-Susitna
Borough if appropriate.
SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS--BOROUGH PROCEDURES
To be worked out by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough as part of the borough
comprehensive planning process.
487
APPENDIX B
GLOSSARY
Consultation:Processes followed by the Department of Natural Resources under
existing statutes,regulations and procedures to inform other groups of the
intention to take some action,and seek their advice or assistance in deciding
what to do.Consultation is not intended to be binding on a decision.It is
a means of informing affected organizations and individuals about forthcoming
decisions and getting the benefit of their expertise.
Feasible:Capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a
reasonable period of time,taking into account economic,environmental,
technical,and safety factors.
Feasible and Prudent:Consistent with sound engineering practice and not
causing environmental,social or economic problems that outweigh the public
benefit to be derived from compliance with the guideline.
Goal:A statement of basic intent or of a general condition desired in the
long term.Goals usually are not quantifiable nor do they have specified
dates for achievement.
Guideline:A specific course of action required to be followed by resource
managers or required of land or water uses when the manager permits,leases or
otherwise authorizes use of state lands.Some guidelines state the intent
that must be followed and allow flexibility in achieving it.Guidelines also
vary in specificity,from giving general guidance for decision-making or
identifying factors to consider,to setting detailed standards for
on-the-ground decisions.
Land Disposals:Disposal of state land to private ownership as authorized by
AS 38.04.010,including fee-simple sale,homesteading and sale of agricultural
rights,but not including leases,land use permits,water rights,rights of
way,material sales or other disposal of interest in lands or waters.
Land Sales:Used with same meaning as "Land disposals"as defined above.
Management Plan:A land and resource use plan that makes more detailed
allocation decisions and gives more detailed guidance for management than an
area plan.Management plans are a maj or means of implementing this area
plan.They translate the management intent statements,land use designations
and guidelines into detailed decisions on resource use or development.The
scale and scope of management plans varies considerably,from large projects
taking one or two years and dealing with a variety of management decisions,to
small,short-term projects affecting only a limited number of actions on a few
thousand acres.Some management plans deal with a single issue for
example,trails or transportation--for a whole region.Management plans are
prepared according to Departmental procedures that involve interagency and
public participation.
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Policy:An intended course of action or a principle for guiding actions.
Department policies for land and resource management given in this plan
include goals,management intent statements,management guidelines,land use
designations,implementation plans and procedures and the various other
statements of the Department's intentions.
Primary Use:A designated,allowed use of major importance in a particular
management unit.Resources in the unit will be managed to encourage,develop
or protect this use.Where a management unit has two or more designated
primary uses,the management intent statement and guidelines for the unit --
together with existing regulations and procedures --will direct how resources
are managed to avoid or minimize conflict between these primary uses.
Prohibited Use:A use not allowed in a management unit because of conflicts
with mangement intent,designated primary or secondary uses,or management
gUidelines.Uses not specifically prohibited nor designated as primary or
secondary uses in a management unit are allowed if compatible with primary and
secondary uses,the management intent statements for the unit and the plan's
guidelines.
Remote Cabin:Cabin constructed under a permit issued through the Remote
Cabin Permit program authorized in AS 38.05.079 and further described in 11
AAC 67.700-.790.
Secondary Use:A designated,allowed use considered important but intended to
receive less emphasis than a primary use because it:(a)has less potential
than a primary use or contributes less to achieving the management intent of
the unit than a primary use;or,(b)occurs only on limited sites.In those
very site-specific situations where a secondary use has higher value than a
primary use,the secondary use may take precedence over the primary use.
Hanagement for a secondary use will recognize and protect primary uses through
application of guidelines,regulations and procedures.However,if a
secondary use can not take place without detrimentally affecting a primary use
in the management unit as a whole,the secondary use will not be allowed.
Shall:Requiring a course of action or a set of conditions to be achieved.A
guideline modified by the word "shall"is required to be followed by resource
managers or users.If a .guideline constrained by the term "shall"is not
complied with,a written decision justifying the variation is required (see
Plan Hodification --Chapter 4).
Should:Stating intent for a course of action or a set of conditions to be
achieved.A guideline modified by the word "should"states the intent of the
plan and allows a resource manager to use judgment and discretion in deciding
either:(a)the specific means for best achieving the intent;or,(b)whether
particular circumstances justify deviation from the intended action or set of
conditions.A guideline may include criteria for deciding whether such a
deviation is justified.
Trapping (or Trapper)Cabin:Cabin constructed under a Trapping Cabin
Construction Permit as authorized and described in AS 38.95.080 and 11 AAC 94.
Will:Used interchangeably with and meaning the same as "shall"(see above).
489
APPENDIX C
PUBLICATIONS RELATED TO THE SUSITNA AREA PLAN
Background Planning Reports/Related Planning Programs
FY 83 Statewide Natural Resources Plan.ADNR.1982.
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Matanuska-Susitna-Beluga Cooperative Planning Program--Vol.I:
Issues and Preliminary Resource Inventory.ADNR.1982.
Land Use
Matanuska-Susitna-Beluga Cooperative Planning Program:
potential,development issues,settlement patterns.
Matanuska-Susitna Borough.1982
Vol.
DOWL
II:Growth
Engineers for
Susitna River Basin Study,Alaska--Willow Subbasin final report.USDA.1981.
Willow Sub-basin Area Plan--A land use plan for public lands.ADNR.1982.
Bibliographies
Susitna River Basin--Resource Bibliography.
USDA/ADNR.1977.
Alaska Rivers Coop.Study.
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Susitna River Basin--Resource Bibliography:Supplement.Alaska Rivers Coop.
Study.USDA/ADNR.1979.
Cultural Resources
Susitna River Basin--Cultural resource assessment of the Willow-Talkeetna-
Beluga areas.USDA.1983.
Carrying Capacity
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Carrying capacity of remote lands for settlement.
1982.
Data Systems
M.L.Welbourn.ADNR.
Susitna River Basin--Alaska automated geographic infomation system.Final
report.Willow Subbasin land capability/suitability analysis.Environmental
Systems Research Institute.1981.
Economic Analysis
The Susitna Cooperative River Basin Study economic development analysis:
Talkeetna Subbasin.P.Fuglestad and J.L.O'Neill.USDA.1983.
490
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1':"-I Element Reports
Fish and wildlife resource element for the Susitna Area planning study.ADF&G
Habitat Division.1984.
Susitna Area Plan--Agriculture:Recommendations for management of agriculture
lands in the Susitna Area.ADNR.1983.
Susitna Area Plan--Forestry:Recommendations for management of forest lands
in the Susitna Area.ADNR,1984.
Susitna Area Plan--Recreation:Recommendations for management of recreation
lands in the Susitna Area.ADNR.1984.
Susitna Area Plan--Settlement:
lands in the Susitna Area.ADNR.
Flood Hazards
Recommendations for management of settlement
in prep.,(draft available)
Flood hazard study--Kroto,Rabideux,Trapper and Peters Creeks.Alaska Rivers
Coop.Study.Susitna River Basin,Talkeetna Subbasin.USDA/ADNR.1982.
Flood hazard study--Troublesome,Byers,Honolulu Creeks,East and Middle Forks
of the Chulitna River.Alaska Rivers Coop.Study.Susitna River Basin,
Talkeetna Subbasin.USDA/ADNR.1981.
Floodplain management study--Kashwitna River,Wasilla,Cottonwood and Lucile
Creeks.Alaska Rivers Coop.Study.Susitna River Basin,Talkeetna Subbasin.
USDA/ADNR.1982.
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Floodplain management study--Beluga Subbasin streams.
Study.Susitna River Basin,Beluga Subbasin.USDA/ADNR.
Alaska Rivers Coop.
1982.
r Geology
Susitna Basin planning background report--Surficial geology of the Susitna-
Chulitna River Area,Alaska.Part I:text.K.G.Dean.ADNR.1980.
Susitna Basin planning background report--Surficial geology of the Susitna-
Chulitna River Area,Alaska.Part II:Haps.K.G.Dean.ADNR.1980.
Public Participation
Susitna Area Plan public workshops,Spring 1983--Summary of results and staff
analysis.ADNR.1983
Susitna Area Plan--Response to public comments on the draft plan.
1985.
Public Recreation/Land Use
Susitna Basin Land Use/Recreation Atlas.DNR/USDA.1980.
ADNR.
Matanuska-Susitna Borough Trails System.t~tanuska-Susitna Borough.1982.
491
Scenic Highways
Denali to Wrangell-St.Elias--Assessment and management of
along the highways between Denali and Wrangell-St.Elias
D.L.Kuklok,et al.ADNR.1982.
Susitna Basin planning background report--Scenic resources
Highway:Inventory and management recommendations.D.L.
1981.
scenic resources
national parks.
along the Parks
Kuklok.ADNR.
Visual assessment of the Glenn Highway,Palmer to Eureka.Environmental Sys-
tems Research Institute.ADNR.1981.
Soils
Soil survey of Uatanuska Valley Area,Alaska.
vice.1973.
USDA Soil Conservation Ser-
Soil survey of Susitna Valley Area,Alaska.USDA Soil Conservation Service.
1968.
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Soil survey of Yentna Area,Alaska.
prep.
Water Resources
USDA Soil Conservation Service.in
Susitna Basin planning background report--Water quality.B.W.Rummel.ADNR.
1980.
Susitna Basin planning background report--Water supply and demand.
Loeffler.ADNR.1980.
492
R.M.
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APPENDIX D
AREAS OPEN TO REMOTE CABIN PERMITS BY SUBUNIT
A.Subunits Open to Remote Cabins as a Secondary Use
Remote cabins are a permitted use in these subunits subject to the remote
cabin policies in Chapter 2 and the management intent statements for the
individual subunits.
North Parks Highway
Sunflower Basin
Susitna Lowlands
Mt.Susitna
Beluga
Alaska Range
Lake Louise
Talkeetna Mts.
2a
4
2a;3a;6a;llf;14a
4a;5a,5b;6a,6b,6c
2e
1b
2b
3a,3c,3d
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B.Subunits in which Remote Cabins are Nei.ther Specifically Prohibited nor
Allowed
These are remote parcel/homestead areas,resource management lands,re-
served use lands,and proposed relinquishments of state selections.Deci-
sions on whether to open these subunits to remote cabin permits will be
made on a case-by-case basis subject to the remote cabin policies in
Chapter 2 and the management intent statements for the individual subunits.
North Parks Highway
South Parks Highway
Peters ville Road
Sunflower Basin
Susitna Lowlands
Mt.Susitna
Beluga
Alaska Range
Lake Louise
Glenn Highway
Chugach Mts.
3b
1b,1c,1h;4d
1c
la,1b;5b;6b
2b,2f;3b;4c;5b;6b;7c;8a,8b;9c,9d;12a,12d;
13a,13c
4b,4d;5c;8c
2b
1a
2;5a,5c
7a;8a;9a;lOa,lOb,10f;lId
1b
C.Areas Proposed for Legislative or Administrative Designation;Select
Legislatively Designated Areas
These are areas proposed for legislative or administrative designation.
In these subunits,the decision on whether or not to allow remote cabin
permits will be made by the management plan for each area.Remote cabin
permits will not be allowed until and unless a management plan designates
specific areas open to remote cabins.
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South Parks Highway
Peters ville Road
Sunflower Basin
Susitna Lowlands
5b;6a;12a,12b
la,1b;4a
3;6c;7b
1b;3c;Sf;6d,6e;7a,7b;11a,11 b;12b;13d,13e;
14e
493
Ut.Susitna
Lake Louise
Glenn Highway
Talkeetna Mts.
2a,2b,2c;3a;7
If;3b,3d
6a;lId,lIe;l2b
2a,2b;3b;3d
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D.Remote Cabins Prohibited
North Parks Highway lb;2b;3b,3c,3d,3e
South Parks Highway la,ld,Ie,19;2;3a,3c;4a,4c,4f,4g;5a,5b;6b;
7a,7b,7c,7d,7e;8a,8c;9c;lOb;11;l3b;l4b
Petersville Road Ie;2a,2b,2c,2d,2g,2h;3a,3b,3c,3g;5a,5c;
6a,6c,6d;7a,7b,7c,7d
Sunflower Basin 2·5a;6a;7a,
Susitna Lowlands la;2c,2d,2e;4b,4e;5a,5c,5e;6c,6f;7b;9a;
lOb;lIc,lId,lIf,lIg;l2c;l3b,l3g;l4b,l4c
Mt.Susitna 1;2d,2e,2f;3b,3c,3f;5d;7·8a,8b,8d;9a,9b,
Beluga lb;2a;3a,3b,3c,3e
Alaska Range lc,ld,Ie,1£
Lake Louise la,lb,lc;3a,3c
Glenn Highway la,lb,lc,ld,Ie,lh;2a,2c,2d;3a,3b,3d;4b;5a,
5b,5c,5d,5f;7b;8b,8c;10c,10d,10e;lIa,lIb;l2a
Talkeetna Mts.lb,lc
Chugach Mts.la, lc,ld
E.Non-State Lands
North Parks Highway la;3a
South Parks Highway 1£;3b;4b;5c,5d;8b;9a,9b,9d;lOa;l2c;l3a;l4a
Petersville Road ld;2e,2f;3d,3e,3f;4b;5b,5d,5e;6b,6e;7e,7£
Susitna Lowlands 4a,4d;5d;9b;lOa;l3f;l4d
Ht.Susitna 2g;3d,3e;4c;lOa,lOb
Beluga la;2c,2d;3d,3£
Alaska Range 19
Glenn Highway If,19,Ii;2b,2e;3c;4a;5e;6b;9b;109;lIc,lId
Talkeetna Mts.la
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