Notice of Decision Partial Release of State Interest, GS-3386 (Medicine Lake)

This notice documents the State of Alaska’s decision to conditionally relinquish portions of State‑selected land (approximately 2,204.44 acres) around Medicine Lake to the University of Alaska under the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023. The relinquishment is intended to satisfy federal requirements that allow the University to receive land to fulfill its land‑grant mission, while retaining critical access corridors for public hunting, fishing, subsistence, and transportation. The decision retains State ownership of specific parcels that protect navigation, trail access, and settlement potential, and excludes mineral rights and certain water bodies. Public comments (41 total) were overwhelmingly opposed, prompting the agency to modify the relinquishment to preserve access and cultural resources. The final action, approved on September 10 2026, conditionally releases the identified acres, with the University expected to manage the land under its own permitting processes. • Relinquishment of ~2,204 acres of State‑selected land to the University of Alaska. • Retention of access corridors, mineral rights, and navigable waterbeds for public use. • Public comment period: March 12 – April 20 2026 (41 comments, all opposing). • Decision alternatives evaluated; Alternative 2 (conditional relinquishment) selected. • Impacts: Enables University land‑grant goals; preserves hunting, fishing, subsistence, and trail access for local communities.