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Based
on a number of concerns expressed during an initial public comment
period on a draft guide to access in national park units, the Alaska
Region of the National Park Service has decided to revise the draft
over the summer and release a second draft document later this year.
Within
Alaska's national park units, there are more than 1.6 million acres
of land owned by private individuals and corporations, the state
of Alaska and local governments. These owners and other valid occupants
are entitled to adequate and feasible access to their property,
but the process of obtaining legal access across public land has
never been well described in a single document.
In February, the Park Service released for public review a draft
user's guide to help landowners and others understand the process
to authorize access across park areas. More than 40 comment letters
were received from individuals, corporations and governments; in
addition, four public meetings were held with more than 60 people
participating.
Titled
"A User's Guide to Accessing Inholdings in a National Park Service
Area in Alaska," the 22-page draft was an outcome of conversations
held last year among U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Gale
Norton, Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski, and NPS Alaska Regional
Director Marcia Blaszak. The draft described how landowners and
valid occupants can secure rights under Section 1110(b) of the 1980
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). This section
addresses motorized access to inholdings, as well as access that
would require improvements such as construction or maintenance of
a road, power line, or landing strip, or similar undertakings on
publicly owned park land.
Access by airplane, boat, snowmachine and various methods of non-motorized
travel not requiring improvements generally does not require a permit.
Comments covered a wide variety of concerns, and these will be considered
when revising the document, said NPS Regional Director Marcia Blaszak.
Among the areas to be considered for revision are: · Fees: Several
comments objected to a proposed fee schedule. · Environmental Review:
Several comments asserted that the National Environmental Policy
Act does not apply to the section of the ANILCA addressed by the
guide. The NPS will seek a formal opinion on the legal requirements
from the Department of the Interior's Office of the Solicitor. ·
Existing Access Provisions: Some routes to private property within
national parks existed prior to the establishment of national park
units in 1980, and others have been established since 1980. The
NPS will consider if there can be different approaches for documenting
existing access routes and considering proposals for new route construction.
The National Park Service will provide public notice when the revised
draft is complete as well as announce a new round of public meetings.
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The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the
American people so that all may experience our heritage.
Privacy
& Disclaimer
Author:Jane
Ahern
www.nps.gov/akso
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