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 land sections across various townships and ranges within the Fairbanks Meridian, specifying inclusions and exclusions for certain areas, particularly those near rivers and other landmarks. This includes detailed specifications for land designations and exclusions related to the Alyeska Pipeline right-of-way, the Chena River, and the Chena River Lakes Flood Control Project, ensuring that these areas are not subject to the bill's provisions.

Additionally, the bill amends land management regulations concerning the ordinary high water marks of the Tanana and Delta Rivers, clarifying land ownership and usage rights while respecting military reservations and government lots, particularly Fort Greely. Key changes include the exclusion of various government lots and military reservations from certain sections, as well as a new subsection that clarifies the definition of "section" to encompass both surveyed and unsurveyed protracted sections. The bill also empowers the Department of Natural Resources to adopt necessary regulations for implementation, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025, except for certain provisions that take effect immediately. Overall, this legislative action aims to enhance land management and conservation efforts in the region.

Statutes affected:
HB0218A, AM HB 218, introduced 05/02/2025: 41.17.400