Plans and Studies Underway – Alaska Division of Mining, Land, and Water

Prince of Wales Island Area Plan

This planning effort, initiated in 2026 will revise the current 1998 plan and the 2008 amendment. When adopted, the revision will guide the management of state owned and selected land and waters within the plan boundary. The area offers high‑value fish and wildlife, timber, and mineral resources that provide significant economic development opportunities for the state and its citizens, while also offering a wealth of recreation opportunities. The planning area includes the communities of Point Baker, Port Protection, Whale Pass, Coffman Cove, Naukati Bay, Thorne Bay, Klawock, Craig, and Hydaburg as well as the Alaska Native communities located throughout the island.

Copper River Basin Area Plan Revision

This planning effort, initiated in 2016 will revise the current 1986 plan. This plan covers approximately 3.3 million acres of state land in the Copper River Basin, including Glennallen, McCarthy, Copper Center and Kenny Lake.

Fortymile Travel Management Plan

The process is underway to develop a management plan focused on travel on State lands within the Fortymile River region. The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is preparing the plan to sort through concerns and expectations users and stakeholders have for the Fortymile River and trail corridors within this unique area. Scoping to gather public input and information on the area occurred in September and October 2022. A summary of the information received during the scoping period can be found at the project website at the link above. Currently the planning team is preparing the draft plan that will be available for public review in spring 2023.

Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers Management Plan

The process to revise the 1991 management plan is underway. The six designated recreation rivers that are included in the plan include Alexander Creek, Deshka River (Kroto Creek / Moose Creek), Lake Creek, Little Susitna River, Talachulitna River and Talkeetna River.