Alaska Eyes Control of Eek and Ugaklik Riverbeds from Feds
Published Date: 3/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The State of Alaska has asked the government to officially say it doesn’t own the land under parts of the Eek River, Middle Fork Eek River, and Ugaklik River near Bethel. This means the state wants full control over these underwater lands. People can share their thoughts by April 15, 2026, and a decision will come after June 15, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
State Seeks Ownership of Riverbeds
The State of Alaska filed an application (finalized January 4, 2018) asking the Bureau of Land Management to disclaim the United States' interest in submerged lands under parts of the Eek River, Middle Fork Eek River, and Ugaklik River south of Bethel. If the recordable disclaimer of interest (RDI) is issued, ownership and control of those underwater lands would rest with the State of Alaska. The public may comment by April 15, 2026, and the BLM will decide on or after June 15, 2026.
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