CHUGACH STATE PARK EASEMENTS

New road and management rules for Chugach

Beginning July 1, 2025, Alaska's natural resources department may grant municipalities requested road easements or rights-of-way in Chugach State Park. These grants allow road construction, repairs, maintenance, and related facilities. The commissioner must find that each grant improves, supports, or maintains public access and serves the public interest. The department must give public notice and hold at least one hearing. Municipalities pay associated costs and maintain the granted access and related facilities for the stated term, whether temporary or permanent. The state transportation department remains responsible for existing public roads, except for repairs and maintenance municipalities perform under these grants. The natural resources department controls, develops, and maintains park land and water, and controls roadside structures. Fish and Game must cooperate on park purposes tied to its duties. The commissioner may change park boundaries when ownership, jurisdiction, or authority conflicts cannot be resolved or managed without unreasonable state costs. Boundary changes require a public hearing and legislative approval and cannot exceed 20% of the park's statutory acreage.