Alaska Seeks Disclaimer for Arolik River and Lake Bed Ownership
Published Date: 1/7/2026
Notice
Summary
The State of Alaska wants to officially claim the land under parts of the Arolik River, East Fork, and Arolik Lake by asking the U.S. government to give up its interest in these underwater lands. This affects local land ownership and could change who controls these areas. People have until February 6, 2026, to share their thoughts before a decision is made after April 7, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Possible Transfer of Submerged Land Title
The State of Alaska applied on November 2, 2017 for a recordable disclaimer of interest (RDI) that would disclaim the United States' interest in submerged lands under parts of the East Fork Arolik River, the Arolik River, and Arolik Lake. If the BLM issues the RDI, ownership/control of those submerged lands could pass from the United States to the State of Alaska; the BLM will decide on or after April 7, 2026.
BLM Seeks Local Evidence About Water Use
The BLM requests additional information to evaluate the State's RDI, such as photographs or videos of boats being used on the waterbodies, historical or present-day use diaries, descriptions of boat or watercraft types and seasons of use, and hydrological data showing depth, width, or obstructions. You can submit this evidence as part of the public comment process before February 6, 2026.
Public Comments May Be Made Public
If you submit a comment, the BLM warns that your entire comment—including your address, phone number, email, or other personally identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. You may request that personally identifying information be withheld, but the BLM says it cannot guarantee it will be able to do so.
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