Public Access
Atlases
Notice: The
Public Access Atlases have not been updated with current 17(b) trail
and site easement, or land status information.
Extensive
changes in land ownership and land management have occurred in Alaska
over the past 20 years. Many areas which were previously open to
general public use, may now be a federal conservation unit, state
legislatively designated unit, or has been conveyed to a Native corporation
or other private party. Public use of these areas may now be restricted
or no longer available.
The original purpose of these atlases was to aid
the public and the land owners in dealing with access issues. However,
recent changes in land ownership status and management have resulted
in an increase of conflicts by the unauthorized use of land and resources. For
complete information on land ownership, contact the DNR Public Information
Office, the State Recorders Office or the land owner. Official
land status records are also available at government offices listed
in these atlases. You may need to contact several offices and
research different sources to obtain a complete picture of the area
you are interested in.
All land owned by Native corporations is considered
private land. It is your responsibility to obtain permission from the
land owner before entering or using their land. Except as specifically
noted, it is generally closed to public use, just like any other private
land. Land owned by Native corporations which block access to
public lands and waters are generally subject to specific, limited
public easements. Use of private land or use of a public easement
for an unauthorized purpose without obtaining prior permission from
the landowner may constitute trespass.
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Be aware that within state and federal parks, game
refuges and sanctuaries, critical habitat areas, and "special
use land" areas, there are additional restrictions on uses and
activities allowed on the land. Permits or special authorizations
may be required for certain uses in those areas.
For information on generally allowed uses and activities
on state land which is not in any special management category or status
please go to the Public Information Office website at /commis/pic/.
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Cabins and tent camps, used for trapping, fishing,
hunting, mining, and other purposes, are essential to the livelihood
of many rural residents. Only in a real emergency should the public
use someone else's cabin or camp without permission. A cabin or camp
may appear abandoned, but the owner probably will return and will need
everything in the cabin or camp during the coming season. Alaska's
pioneers established the honorable tradition of respecting cabins and
campsites. Please continue with this tradition.
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Other Publications
Public Atlas Atlases that have been published by the Division of Mining,
Land and Water are available
for sale (if available) or viewing at Public
Information Centers, and for viewing only in the libraries of the
areas covered by each atlas:
- Kodiak Island Borough Public Access Atlas, published
in March, 1997
- Prince William Sound Public Access Atlas, published
in March, 1997
- Kenai Penisula Public Easement Atlas, published
in December, 1993
- Bristol Bay Easement Atlas, published in
May, 1990
- Northwest Alaska Easement Atlas - Nome Area, published
in June, 1989
- Northwest Alaska Easement Atlas - Kotzebue Area, published
in May, 1988
- Copper River Basin Easement Atlas, published
in June, 1987
Contact the Public
Information Center in your area, or your regional Division
of Mining, Land & Water office for more information.
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