News Release

Proposed Land Exchange in Kantishna

Date: March 5, 2020
Contact: Kara Sorbel, [phone]

The National Park Service (NPS) is proposing to acquire the Galena Lode Claim (U.S. Mineral Survey 1747, Alaska), in exchange for a parcel of federal land adjoining U.S. Survey 4334, Alaska, described as Lots 1 and 2, U.S. Survey 14500. The Galena Lode Claim is located off of Skyline Drive and is undeveloped land up slope from Moose Creek. U.S. Survey 4334 contains the Kantishna Roadhouse (Roadhouse) and the federal land proposed for exchange is adjoining the Roadhouse property to the north, south, and west. The authority for this exchange is Section 1302(h) of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of December 2, 1980, 16 U.S.C. 3192(h).

The land exchange would preserve undisturbed mountain slopes of the Galena parcel and provide administrative efficiencies relating to privately owned improvements that are currently installed for the use and operation of the Roadhouse. The federal land proposed for exchange will be subject to deed restrictions limiting use and development of the site. By mutual consent of the parties, adjustments to equalize value may be made to ensure that the exchange is for equal value.

Pursuant to the Land Water Conservation Fund Act, 16 USC 460l-22(b), upon request of the State or a party of interest, the National Park Service will hold a public hearing about this exchange. Please email requests and/or questions by April 22 to Kara Sorbel, Realty Specialist, Land Resources Program Center, or via mail: National Park Service, Attn: Kara Sorbel, 240 W. 5th Ave., Rm. 114, Anchorage, Alaska 99501. Adverse comments will be evaluated and this action may be modified or vacated accordingly. In the absence of any action to modify or vacate, this realty action will become the final determination of the Department of Interior.