08/06/2026
A Major Decision Is Approaching for Alaska's Public Lands
The Alaska Snowmachine Alliance (ASA) and the Alaska Outdoor Council (AOC) are committed to keeping Alaskans informed about issues that could permanently affect public access, recreation, and our trail systems.
The State of Alaska, through a preliminary decision issued by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is considering the conveyance of approximately 19,950 acres of State land near Houston and Zero Lake to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA). According to the proposal, the property could be be developed as a multi-use industrial and energy development district, including potential data centers, energy and utility facilities, advanced manufacturing, logistics operations, and gravel resources. The proposal has generated significant public interest because it involves lands with important recreational value and established public access.
Source: Dunleavy Administration Backs 20,000-Acre Giveaway to AIDEA
https://www.dermotcole.com/reportingfromalaska/2026/7/13/khxwch2o4tgrjxuwycm8kmjzjtp69q
The proposed conveyance includes an area with established trails and long-standing historic public access used by snowmachiners, ATV and off-road riders, hunters, trappers, anglers, hikers, campers, cabin owners, berry pickers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
The (ASA) and (AOC) are sharing the publicly available information below because this proposal could affect public access, trail systems, RS 2477 rights-of-way, and 17(b) easements. Source documents are provided throughout so you can review the information for yourself.
Also being considered is
The U.S. Department of Energy selected the Terra Energy Center project for $89 million in federal funding, supported by an additional $101.4 million in non-federal funding, for a current project value of approximately $190.4 million. The Alaska project was also announced as part of a broader $700 million national energy initiative.
Sources:
New Coal Plant to be Built in Alaska as Part of $700M Trump Investment
U.S. Department of Energy – Project Selections
During a public Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) Board meeting, Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) disclosed that it had entered into a non-binding power purchase term sheet with Terra Energy and that the parties were operating under a confidentiality agreement while discussions continued.
Source: Alaska Energy Authority Board Meeting Minutes
Public planning documents also discuss future electrical generation and transmission needed to serve the growing demands of the Mat-Su Valley, including large industrial users, data centers, military installations, and critical mineral development.
Taken together, these publicly available records illustrate the scale of planning and investment being discussed for the Mat-Su Valley.
As the public comment process moves forward, Alaskans who value public lands and trail systems may wish to encourage the State to ensure that RS 2477 rights-of-way, 17(b) easements, existing and historic trail corridors, and public recreational access are protected as part of any final conveyance.
Public comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on August 19, 2026.
Comments may be submitted through the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) using the official public notice.
Official DNR Public NoticeA Major Decision Is Approaching for Alaska's Public Lands
Comments may be submitted through the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) using the official public notice.
Official DNR Public Notice: https://aws.state.ak.us/OnlinePublicNotices/Notices/View.aspx?id=224431
The Alaska Snowmachine Alliance (ASA) and the Alaska Outdoor Council (AOC) will continue reviewing the public record and sharing updates as additional information becomes available. We encourage everyone to review the available information, stay informed, and participate in the public comment process.
Michele Stevens
President Alaska Snowmachine Alliance and Vice President South Central Alaska Outdoor Council
