The bill seeks to expand the Tanana Valley State Forest by repealing and reenacting AS 41.17.400(d), which details the specific parcels of state-owned or acquired land and water included in the forest. The new legal language provides a comprehensive list of townships, ranges, and sections to be incorporated into the forest, while also specifying exclusions for certain areas marked by ASLS and USS designations. This expansion is intended to enhance conservation efforts and improve management of the forested areas, thereby supporting environmental protection and recreational opportunities in the region.

Additionally, the bill introduces various amendments to land designations and exclusions within the Fairbanks Meridian area, particularly concerning land sections near significant geographical features like the ordinary high water marks of the Slate Creek, Chena River, and Tanana River. It specifies exclusions for lands within the bed of the Chena River and near the Alyeska Pipeline right-of-way, while also clarifying ownership and usage rights in the specified regions. The bill includes a new subsection to AS 41.17.400, broadening the definition of "section" to encompass both surveyed and unsurveyed protracted sections. The provisions of the bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, with the regulations allowing the Department of Natural Resources to implement these changes taking effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
SB0188A, AM SB 188, introduced 05/02/2025: 41.17.400