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KOBUK-SEWARD PENINSULA RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

SCOPING REPORT

August 24, 2004

I. INTRODUCTION

a. Overview, Purpose and Need for the Kobuk-Seward Peninsula RMP.

The Northern Field Office (NFO) and Anchorage Field Office (AFO) of

the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are preparing the Kobuk-Seward

Peninsula Resource Management Plan (KSPRMP) to provide a

comprehensive framework for managing and allocating uses of the public

lands and resources within northwestern Alaska. Currently, the Northwest

Management Framework Plan (MFP) completed in 1982 guides the use of

these lands. The MFP has not been maintained, amended, or revised. A

new Resource Management Plan (RMP) is necessary to comply with

Appendix C of the Land Use Planning Handbook (H-1601-1), and to

address any new issues that evolved since the MFP was approved. The

RMP will resolve resource management issues not adequately addressed

by the MFP and provide direction for site-specific activity planning and

implementation of specific tasks in the future. Ultimately, a new RMP will

supersede the existing Northwest MFP.

The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), as

amended, provides the authority for the Bureau of Land Management to

conduct land use planning on public lands. In particular, Sec. 202 (a)

requires the Secretary of the Interior, with public involvement, to develop,

maintain, and when appropriate, revise land use plans that provide for the

use of the public lands by tracts or areas. Implementing regulations are

contained in the Code of Federal Regulations, 43 CFR 1610. BLM

Manual, 1601 Land Use Planning, and Land Use Planning Handbook

(H-1601-1) provide procedures and guidance for the planning process.

b. Description of the Planning Area

The Kobuk-Seward Peninsula planning area encompasses approximately

31.6 million acres, of which 13 million acres are administered by BLM

(Planning area Map 1). The planning area encompasses the area from

Point Lay, south to the Norton Sound, and from the Bering and Chukchi

seas east to the upper Kobuk River. It includes the Seward Peninsula, east

to the Nulato Hills and the boundary of the Central Yukon Planning area.

It generally encompasses the area included in the NW Arctic Borough, the

northern portion of the Bering Straits Region, and the western edge of the

North Slope Borough. There are 25 villages or small communities within

the area. The planning area is mostly roadless except for about 200 miles

of road on the Seward Peninsula, originating in Nome, and roads within
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villages. The planning area includes lands administered by the National

Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), as well as

lands conveyed to the State, Native corporations, or other private

landowners (Table 1). It also includes lands selected, but not yet

conveyed, to the State of Alaska and Native Corporations.

The planning area boundary is based upon the area covered by the

Northwest MFP (all BLM lands in Northwest Alaska excluding the

National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska). This area encompasses lands

currently managed by the Northern Field Office. The BLM has proposed

revising the Northern Field Office’s boundaries in fiscal year 2005. Under

the proposal, the Seward Peninsula would become part of the Anchorage

Field Office. Accordingly, both field offices will be involved in

completing and adopting the KSPRMP to guide management on their

respective lands.

Table 1: Land Status Within the KSP Planning Area

Land Category Subtotal Acres Total Acres

BLM-Administered Lands

BLM Public Lands 4,990,000

State Selected (BLM) 3,568,000

AK Native Claims Settlement Act

(ANCSA) Selected (BLM)

4,419,000

Both State & ANCSA Selected 109,000

Total BLM 12,977,000

National Park Service Lands 4,222,000

Fish and Wildlife Service Lands 2,978,000

State of Alaska Lands 5,635,000

Native (ANCSA) Lands 5,596,000

Private 233,000

Military 20,000

Total Lands within Planning Area 31,661,000

Note: All acreage figures are rounded to the nearest 1,000 acres to account for future

updates to improve land status data. No warranty is made by BLM as to the accuracy,

reliability, or completeness of these data for individual use or aggregate use with other

data. For official land status and boundary information, refer to cadastral survey plats,

master title plats, and land status case-files.

c. Description of the Scoping Process

Notice of Intent for the Kobuk-Seward Peninsula Resource Management

Plan was published in the Federal Register on January 30, 2004. The

formal scoping period began at the end of January and extended until the

end of April. Nine public meetings were held during the formal scoping

period. Meetings were held in the larger communities of Fairbanks and

Anchorage, as well as in several smaller communities and villages within
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the planning area, including Nome, Shaktoolik, Koyuk, Kotzebue, Kiana,

Kivalina, and Buckland.

The purpose of the meetings was to introduce the public to BLM planning

process and the RMP. Information presented at the meetings included:

• the need for a new plan

• a description of the planning area

• the planning schedule

• an outline of the types of land use allocations and management

objectives to be considered during planning

• specific examples of decisions that might come out of the plan.

The meetings ended with a public comment period where participants

identified issues and concerns, and raised questions regarding BLMmanaged lands. At each meeting, BLM made available for review

numerous maps depicting land status, guide use areas, State-identified RS

2477 routes, proposed research natural areas, vegetation types, reindeer

grazing allotments, mineral entry, and distribution of anadromous fish.

The BLM also involved the public in the planning process and solicited

input by giving the scoping presentation to various groups at their request

and by presenting information about the planning process at various other

meetings open to the public. Presentations were given at the Fairbanks

Chapter of the Alaska Miners Association and International ROW

Association meetings. Bering Strait Region ANSCA Corporations

attending a BLM conveyance meeting in Nome on April 29, 2004 were

invited to submit comments and were provided with background material

on the planning effort.

Concurrent with the scoping period, a Kobuk-Seward Peninsula RMP

website was developed. The website included the schedule of public

meetings, an explanation of the planning process, and various background

documents such as the Northwest MFP Evaluation (2002). As the scoping

meetings were completed, meeting notes and a summary of the issues,

concerns, and questions raised at each meeting were listed on the website.

Additional written comments were received during the scoping period and

are incorporated into this report. When finalized, this scoping report will

be posted on the website.

d. Cooperating Groups/Agencies

The State of Alaska and BLM recently developed a strategy for

interagency cooperation and consultation on land use planning efforts. As

part of this strategy, the State of Alaska and BLM agreed to jointly fund a

liaison position. BLM requested State input into the scoping process by
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contacting the State of Alaska liaison office by letter on February 5, 2004.

On May 7, 2004 consolidated scoping comments were received.

On March 1, 2004 BLM held a training session entitled “Planning Nuts

and Bolts” in preparation for development of the RMP. Representatives

from Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Alaska Department

of Fish and Game (ADF&G) and NPS, Western Alaska Parklands were

invited to participate in the training. Four people from the Northern

Region of DNR attended the training course.

To promote scoping participation, BLM mailed letters to Boroughs,

Native corporations and cities listed below. The letters explained the RMP

process, stressed the need for cooperation/consultation, invited

participation, and included background material. A similar letter providing

background material for the meeting was sent to all the Village IRA

councils where scoping meetings were scheduled.

• Bering Straits Native Corporation, Nome

• Cities within the Bering Straits Region

• Kawerak Inc., Nome

• Kawerak Reindeer Herders Association, Nome

• NANA Regional Corporation, Kotzebue

• Northwest Arctic Borough

• Cities within the Northwest Arctic Borough

• Maniilaq Association, Kotzebue

• Arctic Slope Regional Corporation

• Cities within the North Slope Borough that are also within the

Planning area.

• North Slope Borough

A BLM news release that included the scoping meeting schedule and

invited public comment was faxed or e-mailed to BLM media list, NPS

offices in Nome and Kotzebue, Selawik National Wildlife Refuge, FWS

offices in Anchorage and Fairbanks, National Resource Conservation

Service offices in Nome and Anchorage, ADF&G offices in Fairbanks,

Anchorage and Nome, Northern Alaska Environmental Center, Alaska

Audubon, and the Cities and Village Corporations of Nome, Kotzebue,

Koyuk, Kivalina, Shaktoolik, Buckland, and Kiana. A flyer announcing

the time and location of nearby meetings was faxed to IRA councils for

Nome, Kotzebue, Koyuk, Kivalina, Shaktoolik, Buckland, Kiana, Teller,

Council, and Solomon.

During the scoping period, BLM representatives met with the Nome City

Manager, ADF&G in Nome, and Selawik National Wildlife Refuge.

Bering Strait Region ANCSA Corporations attending a BLM conveyance
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meeting in Nome on April 29, 2004 were invited to submit scoping

comments and provided with background material on the planning effort.

e. Collaboration With Tribes

On March 8, 2004 letters requesting government-to-government

consultation were sent to the following 25 tribes within the planning area.

As mentioned in the previous section, letters providing background

information were also sent to several Native corporations and tribal

entities, particularly in those communities where public meetings were

scheduled. Follow-up calls and/or faxes to all the tribes reminding them

of the comment period were completed in late April. The Kotzebue IRA

and Shaktoolik IRA sent letters in response to our request for governmentto-government consultation.

Native Village of Buckland

Native Village of Brevig Mission

Native Village of Wales

Teller Traditional Council

Solomon Tribal Council

Native Village of Shishmaref

Native Village of Shaktoolik

Selawik IRA Council

Native Village of Elim

Native Village of Deering

Native Village of Council

Chinik Eskimo Community

Ambler Traditional Council

Native Village of Shungnak

Native Village of Kobuk

Native Village of White Mountain

Native Village of Point Hope

Native Village of Point Lay

Nome Eskimo Community

Native Village of Notatak

Mary’s Igloo Traditional Council

Native Village of Koyuk

Kotzebue IRA Council

Native Village of Kivalina

Kiana Traditional Council
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II. COMMENT AND ISSUE SUMMARY

a. Summary of Public Comments

Following is a summary of public comments. For a full listing of scoping

comments, see VI. Appendix A.

Recreation: Many of the comments addressed the impact of recreational use

of BLM-administered lands on subsistence resources and uses. Several

comments stated that BLM should set limits of acceptable use and identify an

appropriate number of guide/outfitter permits in the planning area and if

possible, address the issue of air taxis and transporters. One specific area of

concern that was raised numerous times was the Squirrel River. Comments

indicated that user conflicts on the Squirrel River should be specifically

addressed in the RMP and that a carrying capacity should be established for

the area. Several comments suggested that the Squirrel River should be

designated as a special recreation management area. It was also noted that the

NPS is currently developing a commercial services plan for the Northwest

Alaska Parklands. This plan may limit commercial uses on adjacent parks and

preserves, possibly leading to increased use levels on BLM-administered land

in the Squirrel River. Other areas where increased recreational use was of

concern included the northeastern Seward Peninsula and the upper Kobuk

River. Related to the conflict between recreation and subsistence hunting were

several comments mentioning the need for increased efforts to educate

recreational users on local culture including game movement, hunting

techniques, reducing waste, respect for private land, keeping a clean camp,

proper use of campfires, etc.

A second category of recreation comments mentioned the need for more

recreational facilities such as campgrounds, trails, and shelter cabins. The City

of Nome is promoting bird-watching and snowmachining as a way of

increasing tourism. There may be some opportunity to promote tourism by

providing more facilities on BLM land. Commenters said BLM should

develop maps or brochures that suggest routes of travel and likely camping

spots that avoid private property. Many people would enjoy hiking or

snowmachining in the area but are intimidated because of the lack of

information and facilities.

OHV: There was a wide variety of comments on OHV designations, ranging

from recommendations to limit OHV use to designated roads and trails to

designating the area as “open” with no restrictions. Four-wheeler (ATV) use

was cited as a problem in a few localized areas such as the Squirrel River and

on private lands near villages. One comment was that BLM should consider

closing the Squirrel River to ATVs or setting limits on the number of ATVs
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allowed in the Squirrel River, as the local people do not use them for hunting.

OHVs are an important tool in the rural subsistence lifestyle, and Section 811

of ANILCA allows for the appropriate use of motorized vehicles traditionally

used for subsistence purposes. Snowmachines and boats are widely used in the

harvest of subsistence resources.

Minerals: Comments on mineral development were varied and most were

submitted in written form rather than as oral comments at the public meetings.

Comments were mixed, with some favoring mineral development and some

opposed. One general concern was the conflict between subsistence resources

and mineral development. It was suggested that the State of Alaska’s planning

intent for selected lands should be considered as BLM develops planning

recommendations for this area, because the State is interested in encouraging

exploration and development of mineral resources.

Coal and Oil Shale: Comments were related to granting the State authority to

implement the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (1977) if coal

resources were to be developed in the planning area.

Fluid Minerals - Oil and Gas, Tar Sands, Geothermal Resources, and Coal

Bed Methane: Comments on this topic were varied, with some supporting

development of energy minerals for local use, others supporting widespread

exploration and development, and others opposed to development. Because of

the high cost of heating oil in local communities, there is interest in local use

of natural gas where it occurs. Coal bed methane may provide an economical

source of energy for rural Alaska, and local communities are interested in

hearing about BLM’s research on the viability of this potential energy source.

While there are currently no State leases planned in this area, the geologic

formations in portions of the planning area contain gas suitable for rural use.

Norton Bay is important both locally for subsistence, and on a large ecological

scale for migrating birds and mammals. Some comments supported

development in Norton Bay, but others were concerned with how BLM will

address the effects of off-shore exploration and leasing in Norton Bay on

BLM- administered lands in the planning area (i.e., access, directional

drilling, etc). The State is encouraging oil and gas development in Alaska and

would like to review any proposed action that may limit or discourage

exploration and development. The planning area contains basins previously

identified for shallow gas leasing, and some State lands in the planning area

are available for oil and gas exploration licensing. Another comment noted

that the current objective in the MFP of opening all lands to oil and gas

leasing should be reevaluated and that not all BLM-administered lands should

be open to fluid mineral leasing. There were also comments about providing

better information on current fluid mineral leasing availability and providing

maps outlining resource potential.
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Locatable minerals, Mineral Materials, and Nonenergy Leasable Minerals:

Comments on this topic were varied, with many favoring mineral exploration

and others opposed. Assuring access for mineral development was a concern

with many. There were several suggestions that this is an opportunity for

BLM to review existing withdrawals and determine if they are still valid.

Several comments noted that the planning area is still largely unexplored for

mineral values and should remain open to mineral entry to allow for further

exploration and discovery. Some comments noted specific areas that should

be open or closed to mineral entry. It was mentioned that there are numerous

areas that have experienced considerable mineral exploration and

development in the planning area, including the following mines and placer

districts: Rock Creek Mine Development, Nome Third Beach Placer Gold

Project, Big Bar, Think Zinc and Rocky Mountain Exploration Projects,

Ambler Volcanic Massive Sulfide Belt, Shungnak, Squirrel River, FairhavenImmachuk, Candle, Serpentine, Fort Clarence, Council-Solomon and Koyuk

Mining District, Tin City, Kigluaik Mountains, and Kougarok Placer Mining

District. Some comments noted the need for better enforcement of

stipulations on mining. There were comments noting the need for information

and maps regarding known mineral occurrences, past exploration and mining

activity, and lands currently closed to mineral entry. There were comments

relating to making mineral materials available for existing and future State

and local roads, airports, and relocation of villages

Realty: Comments on realty were varied and some were outside of the scope

of the RMP, such as land conveyance and Native allotments. There was no

support expressed for making BLM lands available for disposal and at least

two comments were specifically opposed to it. There is concern in the region

that sale of property to private individuals may result in development that

would negatively affect subsistence users. There was one request that BLM

make specific parcels available for inclusion in the National Park System. A

second area of concern was review and possible changes to existing

withdrawals. Some favored lifting these withdrawals, particularly in areas

where resource development could potentially occur, while others were

opposed. There was concern that BLM adequately address the implications

and impacts of lifting withdrawals. The State of Alaska requested notification

if BLM planners identify any areas where BLM owns the subsurface estate

and a different entity owns the surface estate. There was confusion about the

definition of mean high water, particularly as it relates to land status,

including status of sand bars. The State would like BLM to work on specific

water bodies to resolve issues concerning ownership and use of rivers, lakes,

and streams within BLM-administered lands where management conflicts

arise. There was interest expressed in whether BLM could authorize

subsistence use cabins. There were several requests that specific data and

maps be provided in the plan.
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Access: Comments related to access were varied, with some favoring

additional access development and others opposed to new access. Pro: More

roads may be needed to develop natural resources; BLM should provide

access to public lands adjacent to private land; Aircraft landing areas on BLM

lands commonly used by the public should be identified and, where not in

conflict with land use designations, permitted by the plan. Con: Future

development of roads is of concern, especially its effects on wildlife and

subsistence; BLM should not authorize new airstrips that would increase

access to remote areas.

There was interest in the identification of transportation corridors including:

• two alternative railroad routes between the coalfields near Point Lay to

Norton Sound

• a railroad route from Ambler Copper District to Norton Sound

• transportation corridors to areas open to mining

• utility corridors for the transport of oil and gas and other mineral

resources

• transportation corridors to support future economic growth in the

planning area.

A second area of concern was the potential impacts of access and

transportation corridors on wildlife. Transportation planning will be of

concern in terms of the Western Arctic caribou herd and other wildlife. Roads

fragment habitat and increase human access, which could have significant

impacts on wildlife populations. Other comments mentioned the need for

BLM to coordinate the RMP with other transportation plans such as the State

of Alaska NW Transportation Plan, and for BLM to outline a process to

resolve RS 2477 claims.

Grazing: Comments on grazing were divided into two categories: reindeer

and bison. There were no specific comments recommending that the reindeer

grazing program be eliminated. Some comments favored expansion of the

program, while others recommended keeping the program at its current level.

Pro: There should be no change in the reindeer grazing program because

herders have enough problems without BLM restricting the areas they can use.

Reindeer grazing leases should be a minimum of 10 years to allow herders to

develop stable businesses and get loans. BLM should allow for reindeer

grazing in other areas outside of the Seward Peninsula. There are highs and

lows with reindeer and caribou, and herders need the flexibility to deal with

the cyclical nature of the industry. Detailed and consistent goals and standards

for reindeer herding should be developed in the RMP. Con: BLM should

balance the impacts of grazing with the need for grazing on federally

administered lands. If some areas have been overgrazed, BLM should

consider permit closure. Areas such as the upper Kuzitrin Valley and

McCarty’s Marsh may qualify for such closures. BLM should commit to a

long-term inventory and monitoring system specific to reindeer grazing.
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Special attention should be given to the impacts of reindeer grazing on caribou

populations and migratory patterns.

One person stated that BLM should consider authorizing buffalo (bison) as an

alternative type of livestock. Other concerns expressed about BLM

authorizing bison grazing included the potential effect it could have on local

ungulates and vegetation, the minimal economic gain that bison introduction

may add to the region, and social issues related to the introduction of another

large ungulate.

Soil, Water, and Air: Water quality and air pollution concerns were the most

frequent comments received on soil, water, and air issues. One comment noted

concerns about water pollution caused by the release of fuel and oil from

abandoned boats and OHVs. Water quality in rivers serving as municipal

water sources was of concern in several communities. This was of particular

concern in the community of Kivalina regarding the Wulik River and potential

contamination from Red Dog Mine. Dust from Red Dog mine was also

mentioned as a concern. One commenter said that BLM should not assume

that soil, water, and air are in good condition but should go out and inventory

current conditions.

Vegetation: BLM received comments related to maintaining fish, wildlife,

and vegetative habitats in their natural condition, protecting riparian habitat,

and preventing the spread of noxious and invasive plant species. One

comment noted that BLM should not assume that vegetation is in good

condition but should inventory current conditions.

Cultural and Paleontological Resources: Comments mostly noted general

areas with known cultural resources requiring protection. For example,

prehistoric settlements on the coast of Northwest Alaska may be at risk from

modern development. Similarly, historic mining sites on the Seward Peninsula

may be at risk from modern mining activity. If archaeological or historical

sites are identified through this planning process, the State may request that

recreational or commercial uses be precluded in order to protect

archaeological and historic sites.

Visual Resources: Three comments were received on visual resource

management (VRM). The comments received related to the need to complete

a visual resource inventory, the need to preserve the scenic quality of the land

in support of the tourism industry, and the need to avoid unnecessary

limitations on development and uses of the land. Most of the discussion on

VRM occurred at the public meeting in Nome.

Special Status Species: BLM received four comments specific to special

status species. The few comments received were related to addressing special

status species management in the RMP, identifying special status species
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occurring in the planning area, the recommendation that Arctic char should be

a special status species (the Kigluaik char is a BLM sensitive species), and

possibly designating a research natural area for populations of genetically

isolated Arctic char in the Kigluaik Mountains.

Wildlife: BLM received many comments relating to management of habitat of

important subsistence species such as caribou and moose. This was a common

theme at most of the public meetings held in the region. Several comments

noted that the planning area includes important habitats and migration routes

for the Western Arctic caribou herd (WACH). The planning area includes

most of the villages that depend on the Western Arctic herd and should

address caribou management and human uses like subsistence that are

dependent on caribou. Development needs to be done in a controlled manner

so that it does not negatively affect subsistence resources and access. Over the

last 20 years people have seen changes in location and migration of caribou. It

is important that the caribou migrate close to communities. The plan needs

special consideration of caribou migration routes and calving areas. BLM

should maintain a working relationship with the Western Arctic Caribou Herd

Working Group and seek to integrate the WACH Management Plan into the

RMP. Of increasing importance in this area are the strategic impacts of

industrial development, particularly transportation corridors, on caribou

habitats, caribou movements, and subsistence lifestyles. Given the patchwork

nature of land ownership in the planning area, it is very important that

management approaches for fish and wildlife be integrated and

complimentary to the greatest degree possible. An ecosystem management

approach is highly desirable, especially for caribou. BLM could consider comanagement of the Squirrel River between BLM and the Tribes. Moose

populations are declining throughout the Seward Peninsula and it is becoming

more difficult to obtain moose for subsistence. Several comments were related

to management of bird habitats. Bird-watching is becoming an increasingly

popular activity in western Alaska, especially on the Seward Peninsula road

system. Habitats for certain upland species like bristle-thighed curlew, lesser

golden plover, bluethroat, Arctic warbler and gray-headed chickadee may

require special management consideration by BLM. The planning area

encompasses important habitats for certain charismatic raptors like gyrfalcons,

peregrine falcons, rough-legged hawks, and golden eagles.

Fish: Comments were primarily related to preservation of fish habitat in its

natural state, the recent decline of salmon in Norton Sound (particularly in the

Nome area), and the importance of specific streams within the planning area

for both resident and anadromous fish. The planning area includes fisheries

such as the Tubutulik, Ungalik, Inglutalik, and Shaktoolik that are among the

richest in the region. One comment noted that salmon spawning habitat in the

Kivalina and Ungalik watersheds, as well as in other watersheds identified as

critical spawning habitat, should be recognized and protected. In addition, the

Wulik and parts of the Noatak river systems are of international significance
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for maintaining and managing Dolly Varden populations. One comment

noted that additional data is needed to determine the upstream limits of

anadromous fish species for most rivers in the planning area. Some people

have noticed a decline in fish numbers and quality over the years. The

undeveloped streams in Norton Sound such as the Tubutulik, Inglutalik,

Shaktoolik, Ungalik, and portions of the Koyuk, Agiapuk, and Fish rivers are

all very important fish habitat, as are their riparian zones. All of these

drainages are important to salmon (chum, coho, pink and to some degree

king), Dolly Varden, and Arctic grayling. It may be desirable to implement

some sort of designation that would afford these drainages protection from

development without going to the length of designation as a wild and scenic

river (WSR).

Subsistence: BLM received many comments on subsistence. Comments were

related to making subsistence a priority in the plan, protecting subsistence

resources, identifying important subsistence use areas, and measuring impacts

on subsistence from other uses. Some comments were outside the scope of the

RMP such as changing hunting regulations. Many comments stated that

subsistence is the most important issue for the plan to address or should be the

highest priority. There is concern about competition between subsistence

hunters and sport hunters. There is interest in co-management between BLM

and the Tribes. It was suggested that BLM support the findings of the Bering

Straits Coastal Resource Service Area Board, which found that subsistence

was the most important use of the region. Some comments identified locally

important subsistence use areas such as the headwaters of the Koyuk, Ungalik,

and Inglutalik rivers; Nulato Hills; and Norton Bay. Norton Bay was

identified as an area that is important for subsistence on a statewide level. This

area supports fish and wildlife resources that migrate to other areas of the

state. Although the highest subsistence use areas were selected by the Native

Corporations to protect those lands, federal lands outside of Native

corporation boundaries in the Nulato Hills are important for subsistence use.

The plan should document and describe subsistence use patterns in those

communities located near BLM lands, including but not limited to Kivalina,

Point Hope, Kotzebue, Noatak, Kiana, Shungnak, Wales, Teller, Buckland,

Koyuk, Shaktoolik, White Mountain, and Elim. Planning decisions for lands

within the planning area could affect subsistence activities by communities

located outside of, but near the planning area, including but not necessarily

limited to Unalakleet, Kaltag, Nulato, Koyukuk, and Hughes.

Forestry: BLM received four comments related to forestry. Comments were

made relative to harvest of firewood and house logs. In the past, house logs

have been gathered upriver on the Buckland and South Fork of the Buckland

River. One comment noted that no logging should be allowed but that

firewood harvest would be okay.
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Fire Management: BLM received two comments related to fire. Comments

concerned the review of fire control plans, application of potentially toxic fire

suppressant material, and the role fire plays in the ecosystem, particularly as it

relates to management of lichen habitats for caribou.

Planning: Confusion about the scoping process, the need for coordinated

management, and interim management of selected lands were the most

common themes. Several comments concerned ensuring that resource

development, levels of use and restrictions on BLM-administered lands are

coordinated with existing management identified in other federal, state, and

local plans, including coastal management plans. The State of Alaska

requested that BLM fully recognize the State’s authorities and avoid making

decisions that unnecessarily encumber State-selected lands, particularly those

identified as a high priority for conveyance. The plan should not develop

management intent for these parcels that deviates significantly from existing

DNR land use plans. On the other hand, other comments noted that BLM

should commit to management of State- and Native-selected lands as BLMadministered lands until conveyed, including protective or special status and

appropriate conservation measures for lands that qualify. There was concern

expressed that BLM should make an effort to hold meetings in more

communities within the planning area.

Special Designations: Comments on special designations included

wilderness, wild and scenic rivers and areas of critical environmental concern

(ACECs). As discussed below, wilderness inventory will not be addressed in

the plan. Most of the comments on wild and scenic rivers were questions on

how designation would affect management. One comment was made that the

Kivalina should be wild and scenic. Another comment recommended that

BLM conduct a suitability study for potential wild and scenic rivers within the

planning area, including the Kivalina and Wulik Rivers. One comment

recommended the North Fork, Old Woman, and North rivers of the Unalakleet

as nominees for wild and scenic rivers.

Many of the comments relating to ACEC designations were questions on what

would qualify. There was a recommendation that four research natural areas

(RNAs) proposed in the mid-1980s be reviewed for designation as ACECs in

the light of current land status and other new information. Two commenters

mentioned the Kigluaik Mountains with their unique cirque lakes and

associated fish populations as a potential ACEC. There was also a

recommendation that BLM extend the existing Ungalik River Watershed

ACEC, Inglutalik River Watershed ACEC, and Shaktoolik River Watershed

ACEC, which are adjacent to the planning area, to include the remainder of

these watersheds within the planning area. There was a comment that ACEC

designation might be appropriate to protect some of the undeveloped streams

in Norton Sound such as the Tubutulik, Inglutalik, Shaktoolik, Ungalik, and

portions of the Koyuk, Agiapuk, and Fish rivers, all of which are all very
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important habitat for salmon, Dolly Varden, and Arctic grayling. One

comment noted that the Western Arctic caribou herd wintering habitat should

be evaluated for special protection such as ACEC.

b. Issues Identified During Scoping

The following issues were identified during scoping and through internal

Planning Team review. A planning issue is identified as a matter of

controversy or dispute over resource management activities or land use that is

well defined and/or topically discrete, and entails alternatives between which

to decide. Usually, the causal relationship between the activity or use and

undesirable results are well defined or can be documented, and the level of

controversy is high enough to merit further analysis. Statement of planning

issues orients the planning process so that interdisciplinary thought, analysis,

and documentation is directed toward resolving the planning issues during

preparation of the RMP.

• Management of recreational use of BLM-administered lands

• Management of the Western Arctic caribou herd’s important habitats

and migration routes

• Management of BLM administered lands to provide continued access

to subsistence resources

• Access (transportation corridors and access to mineral properties)

• Mineral withdrawal.

Many other management concerns were identified during scoping. A

management concern is an apprehension or point of dispute involving

resource management activity or land use where the relationship between the

activity or use and potential undesirable effects is apparent, but not well

defined. Generally a concern is of note to a few individuals, as opposed to a

planning issue, which is of general importance. Many of these concerns will

be addressed in the plan but did not have a high enough level of controversy

to be raised to the issue level.

c. Anticipated Decisions To Be Made

The following describes the type of decisions that will come out of the RMP.

These decisions will either meet the requirements of the BLM Planning

Handbook 1601-1, or will help address management concerns and issues

identified during public scoping, evaluation of the existing land use plan, and

internal BLM management concerns. Other resources not listed below will

also be addressed in the RMP as required by the Planning Handbook.

Off Road Vehicle/Trail Management: Areas will be designated as open,

limited, or closed to OHVs.
15

Recreation: The RMP will delineate Recreation Opportunity Spectrum

(ROS) classes, extensive recreation management areas, and special

recreation management areas. It will also describe (by area) what

recreation experience currently exists and what recreation experience will

be managed for in the future. In special recreation management areas,

recreation use objectives will be developed to identify levels of use that

would meet the opportunities defined in the ROS. These recreation use

objectives could include a range of user numbers for commercial vs.

noncommercial use, party size, etc.

Lands and Realty: The RMP will identify which lands, if any, are

available for disposal under the criteria provided in FLPMA (Section 203

and 206) or other statutes and regulations. It will identify criteria under

which acquisition of land would occur, as well as identify proposed

withdrawal areas or those areas where existing withdrawals may be

revoked. The RMP will identify where and under what circumstances land

use authorizations such as major leases and land use permits may be

granted. If appropriate, the RMP may identify right-of-way

(transportation) corridors, avoidance areas, and exclusion areas.

Access: The RMP will determine what needs exist for acquisition,

termination, or relocation of 17(b) and other easements for access to

public lands. Ultimately, this RMP will need to develop a strategy for

management of 17(b) easements, in cooperation with Native entities and

the State of Alaska.

Wildlife/Fisheries: The RMP will identify habitat management goals and

objectives for habitats that support a wide variety of game and non-game

species in cooperation with the State of Alaska. It will also identify actions

and area-wide use restrictions needed to achieve desired habitat

conditions.

Special Status Species: The RMP will identify strategies, use restrictions,

and actions to conserve special status species.

Fire Management: The RMP will identify landscape-level fire

management goals and objectives.

Fluid Minerals (Oil and Gas, Geothermal Resources, and Coal Bed

Methane): The RMP will identify areas open to leasing, subject to the

terms and conditions of the standard lease form or to major constraints

such as no-surface-occupancy stipulations. Areas closed to leasing will

also be identified.

Minerals: The RMP will identify areas open or closed to the operation of

the mining laws, mineral material disposal, and nonenergy leasing. In
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open areas, it will identify any area-wide terms, conditions, or other

special considerations needed to protect resource values.

Special Designations: Consistent with the goals, standards, and objectives

for the planning area, the RMP will make the following determinations:

• Determine if any rivers are suitable for inclusion in the National

Wild and Scenic River System

• Evaluate areas nominated for ACEC designation and if

appropriate, designate as such. For each designated ACEC,

identify goals, standards, and objectives, as well as general

management practices and uses, including necessary constraints

and mitigation measures

• Designate Research Natural Areas and Outstanding Natural Areas

as types of ACECs using the ACEC designation process

• Determine if any other BLM administrative determinations (e.g.,

Back Country Byways, National Recreational Trails, or Watchable

Wildlife viewing sites) are desired and if so, designate as such.

d. Topics Raised During Scoping That Will Not Be Addressed

The following topics were raised during public scoping. Some are beyond the

scope of the plan and thus will not be addressed in the RMP. In other cases, it

has already been determined through BLM policy or planning criteria that the

topic would not be addressed.

Wilderness Inventory: Current policy, as outlined in a Memorandum

from the Secretary of the Interior (April 11, 2003), is that BLM will

address wilderness in new resource management planning efforts only if

there is broad support from the State and federal elected officials

representing Alaska. At this time, there is not broad support for wilderness

consideration from State and federal elected officials representing Alaska.

The State of Alaska requested that BLM adhere to this policy. Therefore,

wilderness will not be addressed in the RMP.

Lands and Realty: The RMP will not affect conveyances or Native

allotment administration.

Commercial Activities: The RMP will not change Special Recreation

Permit administration (application requirements, fee structures, etc.). The

RMP will not affect the State of Alaska’s administration of guides and

transporters. The RMP will not change reindeer grazing regulations.

Subsistence: The RMP will not change administration of the federal

subsistence program by the Federal Subsistence Board. The RMP will

consider impacts to subsistence activities, stipulations to protect
17

subsistence resources, access for subsistence, and management of fish and

wildlife habitat to support subsistence species.

Wildlife/Fish: The RMP will not affect hunting or fishing regulations, or

predator control. ADF&G manages fish and wildlife populations. Changes

in hunting and fishing regulations are controlled by the Boards of Game

and Fish and are beyond the scope of the plan.

Wild and Scenic Rivers: The North Fork, Old Woman, and North rivers

of the Unalakleet will not be considered for suitability for inclusion in the

National Wild and Scenic River System as they are outside of the planning

area boundary.

e. Valid Existing Management To Be Carried Forward

No determination has yet been made on valid existing management to be

carried forward. This determination will be made after completion of the

Analysis of the Management Situation.

f. Special Designations Including Nominations

Currently, the only special designation within the planning area is the

Iditarod Historic Trail. However, there was a recommendation that four

research natural areas (RNAs) proposed in the mid-1980s be reviewed to

see if designation as an ACEC is appropriate in the light of current land

status and other new information. There was also a recommendation that

BLM extend the existing Ungalik River Watershed ACEC, the Inglutalik

River Watershed ACEC, and the Shaktoolik River Watershed ACEC to

include the remainder of these watersheds within the planning area. There

were suggestions that ACEC designation might be appropriate to protect

caribou habitat and some of the undeveloped streams in Norton Sound,

such as the Tubutulik, Inglutalik, Shaktoolik, Ungalik, and portions of the

Koyuk, Agiapuk, and Fish rivers, which are all very important habitat for

salmon, Dolly Varden and Arctic grayling. During scoping BLM asked the

public what rivers had outstandingly remarkable values (i.e., are eligible

for addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System). Numerous

rivers including the Kivalina, Wulik, Tubutulik, Inglutalik, Shaktoolik,

Ungalik, Koyuk, Agiapuk and Fish rivers were mentioned by the public as

having outstandingly remarkable values. One comment recommended that

BLM conduct a suitability study for potential wild and scenic rivers within

the planning area including the Kivalina and Wulik rivers. One comment

suggested the following nominees for WSR designation: North Fork, Old

Woman, and North rivers of the Unalakleet. However, these rivers are

outside the planning area.

III. DRAFT PLANNING CRITERIA
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The draft planning criteria were included in the RMP preparation plan, which

is posted on the Northern Field Office website

(http://aurora.ak.blm.gov/Northwest/nwplanning/index.html). There were no

specific comments on the planning criteria during scoping; however, some of

the criteria were independently brought up by the public as something that

BLM should do during planning. The following draft planning criterion was

modified from its original form, which was published in the prep plan, based

on the approval of the Alaska Land Health Standards in March 2004.

• Alaska Land Health Standards and Guidelines will be incorporated into

this plan.

IV. DATA SUMMARY AND DATA GAPS

A data needs summary is available in the RMP preparation plan which is

posted on the Northern Field Office website

(http://aurora.ak.blm.gov/Northwest/nwplanning/index.html). Additional data

gaps identified by the public during scoping are listed below. Although it

would be useful for planning, impact analysis, and future management, there

is no commitment by BLM to obtain this data.

Additional data gaps were identified during scoping:

• Upstream limits of anadromous fish species for most rivers in the

planning area

• Detailed subsistence use areas for some of the communities within the

planning area

• Location of all navigable waters

• Location of all mineral occurrences within the planning area

• Location of all trails within the planning area

• The suitability of all coastal areas for port facilities.

Relevant available data was identified during scoping:

• Alaska Department of Fish and Game subsistence maps and harvest

studies

• NANA subsistence maps and harvest information

• Eskimo Heritage Program information from Kawerak

• The State of Alaska identified numerous sources of additional

available data in its letter dated April 29, 2004.

V. SUMMARY OF FUTURE STEPS IN THE PLANNING PROCESS

a. Analysis of the Management Situation (AMS): The Analysis of the

Management Situation is the next step in the process after scoping. The

AMS describes the current condition and trend of resources in the

planning area, the way BLM currently manages those resources, and
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opportunities to resolve issues identified during scoping. This analysis

provides the baseline reference for development and evaluation of

alternatives. The AMS for the KSP planning area will be developed during

the summer and fall of 2004.

b. Formulation of Alternatives: Alternatives will be formulated by

identifying a range of resource objectives and management practices that

will address issues. This will include a no action alternative. Alternatives

will be developed for the KSPRMP in the winter of 2005.

c. Analysis of Effects: Once the alternatives are developed, the effects of

each alternative on the human environment will be analyzed using the

NEPA process. BLM expects to begin this process in spring 2005.

d. Publish the Draft RMP/EIS: This step will begin with the release of the

draft RMP/EIS for a 90-day public review period that will include public

meetings. A notice of availability (NOA) will be published in the Federal

Register around October 2005. The public comment period will extend for

90 days after publication of the NOA.

e. Issue the Proposed Final RMP/EIS: Based on the information contained

in the draft RMP/EIS and public comment received, BLM will select a

proposed RMP and present it to the public as the Final RMP/EIS. This

step will include public notices of the document’s availability, the

distribution of the document, and a 30-day protest period on the final

document. BLM will begin this step in July 2006 and expects to complete

the project by October 2006.
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VI. APPENDIX A: SUMMARY OF SCOPING COMMENTS KOBUK-SEWARD PENINSULA RMP

(*Source of comments: comments from public scoping meetings are identified by the location of the meeting)

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Access written Access for mining needs to be assured. Is access to BLM lands for mining guaranteed? Should identify

needed access routes to areas open to mining and make sure they are covered in the plan. Current OHV

limitation of 2,000 pounds does not provide for movement of mining equipment

Access written Address potential airport expansion for both economic development and for runway expansion, as well as

access roads to such existing and future facilities. Of particular importance are transportation corridors for

resource development, rural airports, and harbors and docks.

Access written Aircraft landing areas on BLM lands commonly used by the public should be identified and, where not in

conflict with land use designations, permitted by the plan.

Access written All 17B easements should be shown in the plan with their ID number/name.

Access written All roads, trails, and historic access routes should be shown and identified with BLM or State of Alaska

ID numbers. These should include all trails, whether they qualify as RS 2477s or not.

Access written Alternative railroad routes should be defined between the coalfields near Point Lay to Norton Sound. The

starting point in the north should be near Point Lay with at least two possible port alternatives on Norton

Sound – at Nome and Cape Darby. Also a railroad route from Ambler Copper District to the two sites on

Norton Sound should be defined.

Access written An appendix providing a comprehensive list of all trails of every type should be included.

Access written BLM should address any public easements that were not completed in its 2001 review of all public

easements, including RS 2477 rights-of-way and ANCSA 17(b) cases, if any exist.

Access Nome,

written

BLM should consider State transportation planning policies and documents relevant to the KSP planning

area including: Vision 2020, the Statewide Transportation Policy Plan, Northwest Alaska Transportation

Plan, Community Transportation Analysis, February 11, 2004.

Access written BLM needs to collaborate/cooperate in transportation planning in adjacent areas, i.e., the planning area

boundary cuts off in the middle of the Nulato Hills, while the routes proposed in the NW transportation

plan go into adjacent areas such as the Anchorage FO and Central Yukon Mgmt. Area.

Access Nome BLM should consider transportation corridors to areas open to mining and coordination with the NW

Transportation Plan. Also consider RS 2477 claims by the State.

Access Anchorage BLM should provide access to public lands that are adjacent to private lands.
21

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Access written Consider development of utility corridors for the transportation of oil and gas and other mineral resources,

as well as transportation corridors to support future economic growth in the KSP planning area.

Access Kotzebue Future development of roads is of concern, especially its effects on wildlife and subsistence.

Access written How will BLM plan for future impacts of regional access (i.e., Alaska State Department of Transportation

and Public Facilities Northwest Transportation Plan roads and corridors)?

Access written In the event that 17(b) easements are proposed for termination, the State requests that interested parties,

including the State of Alaska, be given adequate public notice and opportunity to participate and comment.

Access written May want to have more road access to resources to balance family with economic development.

Access Kiana More roads may be needed to develop natural resources. Another person expressed the opinion that they

did not need any additional roads.

Access written Plan needs to consider impacts of regional access. Proposed state roads are concern; is not in favor of

increased road access.

Access written Roads fragment habitat and increase human access. This could have significant impacts on wildlife

populations.

Access written RS 2477 rights-of-way can have adverse impacts on both private and public lands. These claims should

be carefully evaluated for legitimacy. RS 2477 applicants should have adequate proof and meet strict

standards for their claims to be considered. The RMP should determine these standards, as well as the

procedure through a meaningful public process. The rights-of-way should be limited to the historic type of

use, and the routes should be surveyed prior to processing.

Access written Surface access is a major issue and should be treated as such.

Access written The plan should include and integrate the State of Alaska land selections that were established for access

wherever they exist in the planning area.

Access written The plan should recognize the state’s need for future upgrading, realignment, and expansion of its

transportation system.

Access written The RMP should articulate how the BLM will address RS 2477 claims.

Access written The State requests that all easements and rights-of-way be identified and recognized in this planning

effort. We recognize that this does not constitute a final determination, but request that BLM work with

the state to pursue a recordable disclaimer of interest on the part of BLM for the rights-of-way in this

planning area. (Ref: Letter from Governor Murkowski to The Honorable Steve Griles, March 25, 2004)
22

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Access written There are many mineral prospects, operating mines, placer districts and coalfields located within the KSP

planning area. The state requests that access for transportation and utility infrastructure to these

mineralized areas be considered.

Access Koyuk There was opposition to the idea of BLM authorizing construction of airstrips to improve access to the

area (Koyuk).

Access Kiana Trespass on Native corporation lands: How does BLM determine the mean high (OHW) water mark for

the Squirrel River, and how will the public know where the OHW mark is and when they are in trespass?

Where do the BLM lands begin on the edge of the Squirrel River? Can you assume that the edge of the

vegetation is the mean water line?

Access Kiana What is the status of legal easements going up the Squirrel River? The original site of the easement was a

boat landing. It consisted of a cat trail through NANA lands to BLM lands. NANA has been putting up no

trespass signs. It is at the confluence of two creeks then goes north to Klery Creek mine area. EIN 8 is the

easement in the Squirrel River to Klery Creek.

Air Kivalina Dust from Red Dog Mine is of concern.

Air Kotzebue Need to include pollution prevention in the plan. From all pollutant sources including garbage, toxic

waste, and ATV emissions, etc. (2)

Climate Kotzebue

Kiana

Concerns with global warming: the caribou are migrating south later and later. Will BLM be doing climate

research or impacts?

Cultural Buckland Buckland traditional village site is 40-50 miles up river. It is a special historic site and should be protected

(might be on Native land).

Cultural Kivalina Cultural sites exist on the Kivalina River and may need special protection (old mud house cabins).

Cultural Koyuk Granite Mountain (Koyuk) Hot Springs is a cultural resource that should be protected.

Cultural written If archaeological or historical sites are identified through this planning process, the state requests that the

State Historic Preservation Officer be notified. The State may request that recreational or commercial uses

be precluded in order to protect archaeological and historic sites.

Cultural written In what way will BLM protect cultural resources for future generations? Past practices left much to be

desired, with artifacts placed in museums thousands of miles away and digs left exposed without proper

handling.
23

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Cultural Anchorage Paleontological sites: Wrench Creek and Deering (location of oldest record of caribou for North America,

1.5 million years).

Cultural written The coast of Northwest Alaska contains some of the most significant archaeological sites in Alaska. Large

settlements with an elaborate material culture were able to develop due to the relatively stable resource

base of sea mammals and other marine resources. These prehistoric settlements are often at risk from

impacts from modern development. The Seward Peninsula has had a long mining history starting with the

Gold Rush in the late 1800s. Remains of historic mining camps, equipment, and features such as mining

ditches and tailing piles are still evident today. Historic mining remains are often at risk from impacts

from modern mining activities.

Cultural Kiana There are many cultural sites on the Squirrel River. Some may already be impacted. Many are probably

undocumented.

Cultural written What has BLM done to identify cultural resources within the plan area?

Cultural Kotzebue Would like to see BLM identify cultural and paleontological resources on BLM lands.

Fire written Fire control plans should be reviewed, especially for the application of potentially toxic fire suppressant

material and the role fire plays in healthy ecosystems.

Fire Anchorage Fire management as related to winter range and lichen for WACH. BLM should protect lichen habitats for

caribou.

Fish written,

Shaktoolik

Beavers impact salmon. How will BLM address this issue?

Fish written BLM should collaborate with ADF&G to describe existing and desired populations and conditions on

major habitat types for fish and wildlife.

Fish written BLM should collaborate with Native communities to identify protection measures to support fish and

wildlife.

Fish Shaktoolik Dog (chum) salmon populations in the Shaktoolik River are declining.

Fish Shaktoolik Elders of Shaktoolik are taping a documentary on tribal laws. One is that beaver are not allowed in the

home. In the past, beavers were not abundant. They are common now. They block rivers. How does this

affect fish, and can the beaver dams be removed?

Fish Buckland Fish in the Buckland River are bigger and fatter than those in the Kobuk River.
24

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Fish Fairbanks Fish River is a heat sink; the water warms up disproportionately fast compared to other rivers in southern

Norton Sound. It is an important river but not higher in importance than some of the other rivers in this

region.

Fish written Fish, wildlife, and vegetative habitats need to be preserved in their natural state.

Fish Nome In wild and scenic rivers there is a concern about catch and release of fish.

Fish Fairbanks Needed data: upstream limits of anadromous fish species for most rivers in the planning area.

Fish Kivalina Noticed a decline in fish numbers and quality over the years (Kivalina). One fish was so soft coming out

of the net that it broke in half. This is attributed to poor water quality.

Fish Buckland Smelt fishery in the Buckland River is an important resource.

Fish Fairbanks Southern Norton Sound has many important subsistence rivers that support Dolly Varden, salmon, and

whitefish. A few are Tubutulik, Ungalik, Inglutalik, and Shaktoolik. This is not a full list; most of the

rivers are important and deserve special management consideration.

Fish written Streams in the area are important to both resident and anadromous fish. In particular, the undeveloped

streams in Norton Sound such as the Tubutulik, Inglutalik, Shaktoolik, Ungalik, and portions of the

Koyuk, Agiapuk, and Fish rivers are all very important, as are their riparian zones. All of these drainages

are important to salmon (chum, coho, pink and to some degree king), Dolly Varden, and Arctic grayling.

Some sort of designation that would afford these drainages protection from development without going to

the length of designation as a WSR would be desired. WSR designation only directs additional attention to

drainages, and in some cases, this is not beneficial.

Fish Fairbanks The Kivalina River is very important for subsistence harvest of fish, Dolly Varden rearing and spawning.

Fish Anchorage The planning area includes important riverine habitats for fish species including Dolly Varden, Arctic

char, Arctic grayling, chum salmon, sheefish, and other whitefish species.

Fish written The RMP should address salmon management in the planning area. The fisheries in the KSP planning

area, such as the Tubutulik, Ungalik, Inglutalik, and Shaktoolik, are among the richest in the region.

Salmon spawning habitat in the Kivilina and Ungalik watersheds, as well as in other watersheds identified

as critical spawning habitat, should be recognized and protected. In addition, the Wulik and parts of the

Noatak river systems are probably of international significance for maintaining and managing Dolly

Varden populations.

Fish Kotzebue The Squirrel River contains important early spawning habitat for salmon. It needs to be protected.
25

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Fish The Wulik, Kivalina, and parts of the Noatak river systems are probably of international significance for

maintaining and managing Dolly Varden populations

Fish Fairbanks What is BLM’s primary goal for fisheries management? Subsistence or sport?

Fish Fairbanks Will BLM look at using egg boxes as a fisheries management tool?

Fish Kiana BLM should consider some kind of escapement strategy for caribou (like salmon). Let a certain number go

through before allow hunting to begin in the fall.

Forestry written BLM should comply with Healthy Forest Initiatives in the plan area as needed.

Forestry Buckland House logs have been gathered upriver on the Buckland and South Fork of the Buckland.

Forestry Kotzebue No commercial logging should be allowed. Firewood harvest would be okay.

Forestry Kivalina Some harvest of logs from upriver during whaling. Most people use driftwood for firewood.

GIS written A map of all mineral occurrences should be included in the plan. This map should also identify all

locations where mining has occurred in the past.

GIS Kotzebue Alaska Department of Fish and Game has subsistence maps and harvest studies. BLM should get this data.

GIS written All active state and federal claims should be shown on maps.

GIS written All federal withdrawals including public land orders (PLOs), secretarial orders, congressional acts, etc.

should be identified on maps and the purpose of each included in the plan (2). Those withdrawals for

which the defined purpose is no longer exists should be highlighted. The purpose for each withdrawal be

noted either in annotation or in the map legend.

GIS written All roads, trails, and historic access routes should be shown and identified with BLM or State of Alaska

ID numbers. These should include all trails, whether they qualify as RS 2477s or not.

GIS written All sedimentary basins onshore and offshore should be shown and identified for their petroleum potential.

GIS written BLM should build a good GIS data base and acquire adequate resource inventory data so that a regional

Gap analysis can be accomplished for this area.

GIS written Navigable rivers should be shown on a map in the plan.

GIS written State and Native selections should be identified in the plan and shown on maps (2).

GIS written The State requests that 17(b) trail and site easements be recognized and mapped as part of this planning

process so that the public is aware of their location. Include their ID number/name.

Minerals written A map of all mineral occurrences should be included in the plan. This map should also identify all

locations where mining has occurred in the past.
26

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Minerals written All active state and federal claims should be shown on maps.

Minerals written All sedimentary basins onshore and offshore should be shown and identified for their petroleum potential.

Minerals Fairbanks Are there coal reserves within the planning area?

Minerals Nome Bring DGGS data into the plan regarding oil and gas and coal bed methane. BLM land north of Council

and Solomon should remain open to mineral entry. Oil, gas, and methane: are there any studies being done

by the State or BLM?

Minerals written Coal bed methane may provide an economical source of energy for rural Alaska. While there are currently

no leases planned in this area, the geology of portions of this planning area may provide gas content for

rural use.

Minerals written Has the BIA issued any leases on Indian lands in the planning area where BLM may have handled the

operational approvals and supervised the operations?

Minerals Nome High mineral values in the Kigluaik Mountains: graphite

Minerals Kotzebue How is BLM going to address the inherent conflict between subsistence resources and mineral

development?

Minerals written It is important that State planning intent as specified for selected lands in existing management plans be

considered as BLM develops planning recommendations for this area. The State is interested in

encouraging exploration and development of mineral resources. Areas experiencing considerable mineral

exploration and development include the following mines and placer districts: Rock Creek Mine

Development, Nome Third Beach Placer Gold Project, Big Bar, Think Zinc and Rocky Mountain

Exploration Projects, Ambler Volcanic Massive Sulfide Belt, Kougarok Placer Mining District.

Minerals Kivalina Kivalina Relocation – Massive amounts of gravel will be needed for the relocation.

Minerals Kivalina Lead and zinc in the road dust from the Red Dog Mine is covering vegetation that the caribou eat (lichen,

etc.). During migration, caribou congregate along road and feed on dusty roadside vegetation. If mining is

authorized on BLM land, we should learn from the Red Dog experience and avoid some of the problems.

Minerals written Material sites – Adequate material sites should be made available for existing and future State and local

roads and airports.

Minerals written Mineral Objective #2 of the MFP, opening all federally managed BLM lands to oil and gas, should be reevaluated. All BLM-administered lands should not be open to oil and gas leasing.

Minerals Kivalina Need better enforcement on mine effluent.
27

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Minerals written Norton Bay is both locally important to subsistence and important on a large ecological scale to migrating

birds and mammals. The BLM should address how offshore exploration and leasing in Norton Bay will

impact BLM lands in the planning area (i.e., access, directional drilling, etc).

Minerals written Opposed to mineral development on lands surrounding ANSCA lands held by Shaktoolik. Under tribal

laws governing mineral use, those minerals belong to the tribes who utilized the lands. Will traditional

laws be upheld by the Department of Interior?

Minerals Kiana People have seen natural gas bubbling out of the ground, especially in the spring. There is concern about

high cost of heating oil and shipping costs are high. If there is natural gas nearby, they should be able to

use it in their community.

Minerals Kotzebue Question on coal bed methane research by BLM. Is BLM going to go to the people (Selawik) and ask

their thoughts on energy leasing and development of energy minerals?

Minerals written Some State lands in the planning area are available for oil and gas exploration licensing.

Minerals Kiana Squirrel River may have high mineral potential. Mining could be developed on BLM lands. One person

expressed the thought that they didn’t need more mining in the area.

Minerals written The governor of any state with an approved regulatory program may request that the Secretary of the

Interior enter into a cooperative agreement to grant the State the authority to implement the Surface

Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) on federal lands. At present, Alaska has no such

agreement in place. However, should coal operations be developed on federal lands in this area, such an

agreement would likely be developed between the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) and the State. The

agreement would set out the respective roles of the State and Interior relative to regulation of mining

operations on federal lands (Ref: 30 CFR 745).

Minerals written The KSP planning area contains basins previously identified for Shallow Gas Leasing. Teck-Cominco has

leased an area adjacent to the Red Dog mine and is pursuing the use of fractured shale as a potential gas

source for mining operations.

Minerals written The plan should include an appendix with a bibliography of all known mineral reports for the planning

area. This should include a compilation of all companies that have operated at each of the sites and

reference to private data sources.
28

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Minerals written The planning area has widespread, historic mineral activity and far greater mineral potential than most

areas of the state, i.e., Red Dog, Ambler Copper District, Nome Mining District, Shungnak, Squirrel

River, Fairhaven-Inmachuk, Candle, Serpentine, Port Clarence, Kougarok, Council-Solomon, and Koyuk

Mining Districts, Tin City.

Minerals written The planning area is still largely unexplored for mineral potential.

Minerals written The primary focus of the plan should be on minerals

Minerals written The State is encouraging oil and gas development in the state and would appreciate the opportunity to

specifically review and comment on any proposed actions that may limit or discourage exploration and

development in this area. At this time there are no anticipated lease sales proposed for this area.

Minerals Nome There are existing claims/mineral deposits in the planning area. BLM needs to recognize prior existing

rights.

Minerals Kivalina There has been a lot of interest in mineral exploration on the Wulik and Kivalina Rivers. These two rivers

are very important to the people of Kivalina for fishing and drinking water.

Minerals Shaktoolik There is interest in oil and gas leasing in Norton Bay. Some people favor oil and gas development in

Norton Bay.

Minerals Kotzebue There is probably high unexplored mineral potential in the Squirrel River. Mineral development is a good

area to focus on. A better tax base is needed for the NW Arctic Borough. There is not much forestry or

other resource development potential.

Minerals Buckland There may be coal resources upriver or on the uplands. The Elders speak of high mineral potential around

Buckland.

Minerals written Under what authority does BLM oversee mining on Indian lands?

Minerals written What areas are currently open or closed to fluid mineral leasing?

Minerals written What has BLM done to identify open or closed areas to the operation of mining laws, mineral material

disposal, and nonenergy leasing within the plan area?

Minerals written What laws, regulations, and policies exist that help BLM make the determination on what terms and

conditions or other special considerations are needed to protect resource values in areas open to mineral

entry?
29

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Misc. written All areas where a water depth of 45 feet that could be accessed within either 1)1000 feet of mean high

tide line, 2) 2000 feet of mean high tide line, 3) or 3000 feet of mean high tide line should be identified on

maps.

Misc. written All coastal areas should be evaluated and categorized for their suitability for use as a port or transfer point.

Misc. Shaktoolik BLM should protect Norton Bay, specifically Reindeer Cove.

Monitoring written BLM should monitor development projects that may negatively impact local uses and the habitat on which

those uses depend, including transportation corridors, communication infrastructure, OHV use, and major

disturbances to waterways such as mining, bridges, and pollution sources.

OHV Kiana Access to mining claims requires carrying a letter stating that the GVW is less than 2000 lbs. Want this

restriction evenly applied to hunters and other users.

OHV written An ORV trails inventory would identify “hot spots,” such as the Squirrel River watershed, where ORV use

is degrading the landscape. The RMP should utilize data such as this specific inventory to define zones of

use.

OHV Kiana ATV use in the Squirrel River is tearing up the vegetation.

OHV written BLM should consider limiting ORV use to designated routes. Limited areas are much more favorable than

open areas because it allows the BLM to control ORV use. BLM should set weight limits for vehicles on

off-road trails taking into account the impact and potential disturbance to the soils and vegetation.

OHV Kiana Clarify what permits, if any, would be necessary to take a jet boat up to the North Fork of the Squirrel

River, drop off a four-wheeler and go hunt sheep. If this becomes a common request, does BLM foresee

problems with jet boats? Jet boat use is an emerging issue.

OHV Koyuk Concern about OHVs: They are getting larger and more powerful, allowing people to go farther and into

areas they couldn’t get into before. Given this situation, will any OHV designations that we come up with

in the plan still be effective after 10-15 years? OHV might not be an issue now, but could be before the

new plan is outdated in another 15 years.

OHV Koyuk Four-wheelers are becoming more of a problem/issue. They destroy the berries. More of a problem on

Native corporation lands near the village than on BLM land.

OHV Buckland Locals use mostly boats in the summer and snowmachines in the winter to get around. There is some local

summer use of ATVs close to the village.

OHV Kotzebue NANA may have maps of existing trails within the planning area.
30

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

OHV Koyuk Not in favor of restricting four-wheeler use: “We might want to use four-wheelers to go and get a moose

sometime.”

OHV Anchorage OHV designations: There are many trails in the northwest area that have been used by the people who live

there for hundreds or thousands of years.

OHV Kiana Recreation and OHV management: If zoning is done, need to set a limit on the number of users that would

be allowed in the Squirrel River. Should be some type of ATV zoning – a restriction on how many are

allowed. Could BLM require a permit for hunters using four-wheelers on BLM lands? How would trails

be designated for four-wheeler use? The local residents should have a say in what trails are designated.

OHV written Recreational OHV use is around towns and villages. Non-recreational use is berry picking, hauling trash,

or hunting.

OHV Kotzebue Should consider closing the Squirrel River to ATVs. Local people don’t use them much for hunting in that

area. Concerns with ATVs include: tearing up the country, bringing more people, trash left behind, and

pollution.

OHV written The Bureau must develop the plan in accordance with the provisions of the Alaska National Interest Lands

Conservation Act (ANILCA, P.L. 96-487). Provisions of ANILCA important to the Department include

Sections 811, 1110(a), and 1316(a), among others.

OHV written The National Management Strategy for Motorized Off-Highway Vehicle Use on the Public Lands is too

vague for management of ORV use. BLM should articulate a more defined management strategy in the

RMP.

OHV written Until BLM can provide the public with a description of OHV use on their lands, it is difficult to determine

which areas should be open, closed, or limited.

OHV Fairbanks What are the existing OHV designations and how will new designations be determined?

OHV written While recognizing that ATVs are an important tool to the rural subsistence lifestyle, they should be

allowed only on designated routes. The appropriate routes should be researched and established by the

BLM with input and cooperation from the public.

Planning Koyuk “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Planning written At least one geologist from the USGS AK Science Tech Center should be on the planning team.

Planning written Available data seems to be lacking.
31

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Planning written BLM should carefully review the Northwest Area Plan, which includes decisions on how State-selected

lands are to be managed after conveyance. Especially look at State-selected lands that have been identified

as a high priority for conveyance and are likely to be conveyed. Consistent with 43 CFR 1610.3-2, the

management intent for these parcels outlined in the KSPRMP/EIS should not deviate significantly from

existing DNR land use plans.

Planning written BLM needs to use collaborative planning because of the checkerboard land ownership in the planning

area. Need to coordinate planning with all land managers.

Planning Kiana BLM should bring a state representative to planning meetings so they could answer some of the questions

and hear the concerns related to State lands.

Planning Koyuk BLM should come back and have another meeting in Koyuk when the draft plan is available.

Planning written BLM should consider approved coastal management plans and policies when developing

recommendations for BLM lands within a coastal zone area. It should be noted that coastal zone

management plans are being revised to comply with new regulations; currency of documents should be

verified.

Planning written BLM should fully recognize the State’s authorities that overlay BLM’s land management responsibilities.

Planning written,

Nome,

Kotzebue

BLM should integrate planning and management with other agencies and governments.

Planning Koyuk BLM should support the findings of the Bering Straits Coastal Resource Service Area Board and not make

any changes. The Board found that subsistence was the most important use of the area.

planning Kotzebue Concerned that during the 20-year lifespan of the plan, BLM will not be able to forecast or adequately

address impacts of future roads, pipelines, etc. Plan needs to consider impacts of regional access. Proposed

state roads are a concern; is not in favor of increased road access.

Planning Kiana Concerned that the RMP covers a very large area and impacts many communities. BLM should make an

effort to go to more communities because the impacts to villages further from the BLM lands are

significant. Selawik is 30 miles south but activities and regulations in the Squirrel River highly impact

their lifestyle. Even things happening on the North Slope affect the villages further south.

Planning written Do not allow hunting, trapping, OHVs, logging, mining, or grazing.

Planning written In order to provide comment, the public needs to know what was in the MFP.
32

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Planning Koyuk Keep the BLM lands the same as they are now.

Planning written Resource development, levels of use, and restrictions on BLM lands should adhere to existing protocols

identified in other federal, State, and local lands.

Planning Kotzebue Should just do one plan for the entire NW area for all agencies. The resources, issues, and conflicts cut

across jurisdictions.

Planning Kotzebue Should make the plan broad enough to be responsive to future changes.

Planning Kotzebue TEPA – Tribal Environmental Policy Act. TEPA will be done soon on NANA lands. BLM should honor

this effort, now in a very initial development stage. Maniilaq is collaborating with member villages.

Planning Koyuk The backgrounds of the people writing the plan should be made available so people know how much

experience they have.

Planning written The BLM should commit to management of State- and Native-selected lands as BLM-administered lands

until conveyed. This includes protective or special status and appropriate conservation measures for lands

that qualify, regardless of over-selection. We request that this is explicitly addressed in the RMP.

Planning written The minerals and access data should be incorporated into the first phase of planning and will then provide

a base map for all other work and assist to minimize future conflicts.

Planning written The outcome of the plan should be for future generations to have the same opportunities to enjoy public

land that the current generation has.

Planning written The plan needs to contain EISs on all proposed development within the plan area in compliance with

NEPA.

Planning written The planning team should include an experienced geologist or mining engineer.

Planning written The State requests that the appropriate Native corporation and/or the State of Alaska be contacted, and

their views considered, prior to implementing a more specific management program or issuing a permit

involving selected lands.

Planning written The State requests that the planning process avoid making decisions that unnecessarily encumber Stateselected lands.

Planning written Under what authority is BLM developing this RMP and managing natural resources and uses of public

land?

Planning written Will the Department of Interior honor the tribe’s potential benefits if these laws (tribal minerals laws) are

recognized and utilized?
33

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Range Buckland

Shaktoolik

Bison grazing is not a good idea. Introduction of muskoxen created a problem. Don’t do the same thing

with bison. Don’t want bison (buffalo) or similar big game introduced in Nulato Hills (2).

Range Anchorage BLM policy should prohibit reintroduction of any non-indigenous species (comment made in relation to

authorizing other types of livestock besides reindeer).

Range Nome BLM should allow for reindeer grazing in other areas, not just the Seward Peninsula. The reindeer

industry wants/needs to expand. There are highs and lows with reindeer and caribou herds, and herders

need the flexibility to deal with this cyclical nature of the industry.

Range Nome BLM should consider authorizing buffalo as an alternative form of livestock.

Range Shaktoolik BLM should look into allowing reindeer cooperatives again. Reindeer provide economic benefits and

employment opportunities to the village. Shaktoolik would like to see reindeer grazing an option in their

area.

Range Koyuk Concern about feasibility of grazing by bison: How much would they eat and is there enough forage

available? Would they become a problem like the muskoxen? People prefer to eat caribou and moose.

Range written If a permit for the introduction of buffalo is submitted, BLM should carefully consider the potentially

devastating effect buffalo could have on local ungulates and vegetation. These potential adverse impacts

probably would outweigh the small economic gain that the introduction of buffalo may add to the region.

Range Buckland It is difficult to keep reindeer from mixing with caribou.

Range Koyuk Recommend no change in the reindeer grazing program. Herders have enough problems with caribou

without BLM restricting the areas they can use.

Range written Reindeer grazing could cause degrading impacts on the resources of the area. Detailed and consistent

goals and standards for reindeer herding should be developed in the RMP. Detailed allotment management

plans are important to the sustainable future of this activity. BLM should balance the impacts of grazing

with the need for grazing on federally administered lands. If some areas have been over-grazed, the BLM

should consider permit closure. Areas such as the upper Kuzitrin Valley and McCarty’s Marsh may

qualify for such closures. The BLM should commit to a long-term inventory and monitoring system

specific to reindeer grazing in the planning area. Special attention should be given to the impacts of

reindeer grazing on caribou populations and migratory patterns.

Range Nome Reindeer grazing leases: Leases should be for at least 10 years (20-30 years if possible) to allow herders

more opportunity to develop a stable business and get loans.
34

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Realty written All federal withdrawals including PLOs, secretarial orders, congressional acts, etc. should be identified on

maps and the purpose of each included in the plan. Those withdrawals for which the defined purpose is no

longer exists should be highlighted.

Realty written All navigable waters should be defined in the plan and identified on maps.

Realty written Any fees collected for special use or right-of-way permits should be held in escrow until the selected lands

are conveyed or relinquished, consistent with ANILCA Sec. 906(k)(2).

Realty Kiana Are the gravel bars in the Squirrel River State land or Native corporation lands? BLM needs to clarify

mean high water and land status in RMP including status of sand bars. The sand bars are large and can be

used to land planes. Four-wheelers can take off from there.

Realty Buckland BLM should explore the possibility of authorizing subsistence use cabins.

Realty Shaktoolik BLM should not convey the following lands, T.11S., R.11S., sections 31-36, KM, to the State of Alaska

because they are traditional tribal lands. How will the people of Shaktoolik be compensated for the loss of

traditionally held lands if conveyance to the State of Alaska occurs?

Realty Buckland BLM should protect Elephant Point (keep it available for use) for beluga hunting (near Buckland).

Realty written BLM should work with the State on specific water bodies to resolve issues concerning ownership and use

of rivers, lakes, and streams within BLM-owned lands where management conflicts arise. Cooperative

management agreements between the BLM, the State of Alaska, and other landowners may be developed

when needed for specific waterways within the planning area.

Realty Kiana Can a semi-permanent seasonal tent/camp be set up for a traditional trapping operation? Could past use of

a site for traditional hunting and trapping result in allowance for some sort of subsistence use of a site?

BLM should consider authorization of subsistence camps on the Squirrel River.

Realty Koyuk Concern about land disposal: Would not want outsiders coming in and buying land near the village. They

would be interested if land sales could be limited to local residents.

Realty written Consider the following lands for inclusion in the National Park System: Bering Land Bridge: several

townships just above the deltas of the Nuluk and Pinuk rivers south of the preserve; uplands and

headwaters of Boston Creek, Niukluk, and Koyuk rivers adjacent to SE boundary of preserve. Notatak

Preserve: Headwaters of the north fork of the Squirrel and Omar rivers southwest of the preserve.

Realty Shaktoolik Land disposal: Shaktoolik would like additional BLM lands in the Nulato Hills.
35

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Realty Kotzebue NANA region has traditionally been against land disposal. They fear sale of property to private individuals

who might develop lodges and then bring in clients. These clients would compete with subsistence users

(2).

Realty written State and Native selections should be identified in the plan and shown on maps (2).

Realty written State land sales are generally directed toward areas identified in the Northwest Area Plan for Settlement.

The state has several types of disposal programs. At present two are being utilized. The first is a land sale

program that initially makes state land available for sale through auction. Then, if not sold, parcels become

available over the counter for public purchase by Alaska residents. Remote recreational cabin sites are also

available through a staking program.

Realty Nome The accelerated land conveyance program should be addressed in the plan.

Realty written The implications and impacts of lifting the 1008 Seward Peninsula Study should be explicitly explained in

the draft RMP and made clear to the public. Lifting the withdrawals of mineral entry in the Seward

Peninsula should include a separate NEPA process.

Realty written The RMP planning effort presents an appropriate opportunity for BLM to review all PLOs and

withdrawals and remove those where the intended purposes are no longer present, particularly in areas

where resource development could potentially occur.

Realty Koyuk There are not enough Native corporation lands around Koyuk. Koyuk should have gotten a reservation.

Realty written To identify where and when land use authorizations and land use permits should be granted, BLM should

review it land use and disposition policies. Whatever BLM proposes should then be brought forward for

public review and comment.

Realty written What has BLM done to identify tracts for disposal, acquisition, and withdrawal?

Realty Shaktoolik What in ANSCA and its provisions allowed Bering Straits Native Corporation’s selection on Shaktoolik’s

traditionally held lands at Diamond Creek, at the base of Christmas Mountain?

Realty written Where does one find information on the number of acres of subsurface mineral estate the BLM manages in

the planning area?

Realty written Which lands in the planning area are withdrawn from mineral leasing and development?

Realty Nome Who gets priority on the Salmon Lake selections? Individual use (Native allotment applicants) predates

other use of the area and should have priority.
36

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Realty and

access

written If detailed land status identifies any areas where BLM owns the subsurface estate and a different entity

owns the surface estate, the State would like to know where these areas are before making final comments,

particularly with respect to access.

Recreation Kiana Air traffic from guides and transporters over Selawik has affected the number of caribou and is affecting

their migration. Not all air traffic is from Kotzebue; some is directly from Anchorage.

Recreation written Appropriate levels of use by guides, transporters, and air taxi should be determined and implemented.

Recreation Nome BLM lands are important for public, recreational, and commercial uses. These uses need to be considered,

and BLM should keep the lands open for these types of use. Nome would like to see the BLM lands

remain open to tours. They do not want too many restrictions.

Recreation Kiana BLM needs to do better enforcement to ensure compliance on the stipulations in the guiding permits, i.e.,

human waste disposal, caching of equipment, tent frames, burning of trash. The NPS comes in and checks

camps after the guides leave. Burying trash is not a good idea.

Recreation written BLM should address the resolution of conflicts between local hunters and recreational users.

Recreation Anchorage BLM should allocate the number of commercial operators and assign them to certain areas as the U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service and National Park Service do. Need to set recreational carrying capacity in the

Squirrel River.

Recreation Nome BLM should consider more facilities such as trails, campgrounds, and shelter cabins. Teller Road was one

area mentioned for a possible campground. BLM could cooperate with local groups to maintain facilities.

Recreation Nome BLM should consider the upper Kuzitrin drainage as an access corridor to Bering Land Bridge NP. This

would provide access from a public road across BLM into the NP. A coordinated trail system with shelter

cabins could be developed between the NPS and BLM land.

Recreation Nome BLM should develop maps or brochures with suggested routes of travel and likely camping spots that

avoid private property. Many people would enjoy hiking or snowmachining in the area but are intimidated

because of the lack of information, trails, etc.

Recreation Kiana BLM should look into assigning guides exclusive use areas that would limit them to a certain area.

Recreation Kotzebue BLM should make the Squirrel River a special management area so the agency can better manage

recreational use.

Recreation Kiana BLM should set a time frame when hunting guides are allowed in the Squirrel River such that it does not

affect migration of caribou.
37

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Recreation written BLM should specifically address the conflicts between sport hunting and other users in the planning area.

Recreation Nome Can BLM permit recreational cabins? There seems to be general support for recreational use cabins

Recreation Kiana Concerned that the big game hunters may be harvesting a lot of fish on the Squirrel River and the

tributaries to it. BLM may want to set limits on the numbers of fish allowed per day through the guide

permits.

Recreation Kiana Educate sport hunters to respect local people and resources.

Recreation Kotzebue Follow the lead of National Park Service (NPS) regarding commercial services. NPS Draft Commercial

Services Plan for Northwest Parks will be out soon. When NPS begins limiting commercial uses in the

parks and preserves, this will put additional pressure on BLM lands. NPS public scoping meetings show

that concerns are primarily about transporters. Guides are of lesser concern because they can only bring in

a limited number of hunters.

Recreation Nome Guides and outfitters: Competition with local subsistence users is an issue. If we set limits of acceptable

use and allocate the number of guide/outfitter permits, there should be preference given to local resident

guides over non-residents. If changes to guiding permits/regulations are proposed, the guides would

appreciate a phone call as it affects their livelihood.

Recreation Buckland In 2003 the fly-in hunters affected the fall hunting. They diverted the caribou upriver, where it is shallow

and not boat-accessible. There were many hunters going through the airport. Planes were flying in and out

at all hours of the day (Buckland).

Recreation Kiana Need better law enforcement on guides and transporters. Waste and meat spoilage is a problem people

have observed. People are trophy hunting and are not concerned about bringing the meat out in good

condition. Make hunters take the meat all the way home with them instead of leaving it in Alaska. BLM

needs to do something to insure that the meat is not wasted.

Recreation Nome Nome developed a comprehensive plan last year. It focuses on bird-watching and snowmachine use as

potential tourist draws to the area. Bird-watching is a major tourist draw to Nome and is expected to

double in the next 20 years.

Recreation Kivalina Noticing a lot of guide activity on the Wulik River. People are flown in from Kotzebue. When the plane

leaves, all their trash is there. There are problems with the trash and also less moose.
38

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Recreation Kotzebue Other uses are affecting subsistence and caribou migration routes, and people in Noorvik and Kiana are

not seeing as many caribou as they should. People are happy to hear that BLM will attempt to address the

user conflict issue especially in the Squirrel River. Caribou come through the Squirrel River when sport

hunters are there; this shifts migration further east. Noorvik, Kiana, and Kotzebue have to go further to

find caribou

Recreation Kivalina People in rafts and canoes float the rivers. They are dropped off by plane. They take out near Kivalina and

then fly out. They float right to the airport and leave. There could be some economic opportunity for the

village if people stopped there for a time before leaving.

Recreation People who live adjacent to BLM lands use it primarily for the fish and wildlife it provides.

Recreation Shaktoolik People would like to see a shelter cabin in Agaanuk area (Shaktoolik River). There used to be a cabin up

there.

Recreation written Recreational objectives in the RMP should include a full spectrum of recreational opportunity including

the classification of primitive. Recreation Objective #2 should include OHV designation of limited,

closed, and open status. The BLM should also set limits of acceptable use and allocation of the number of

guide/outfitter permits in the planning area. The user conflicts on the Squirrel River should be specifically

addressed. We support a management methodology based on the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC)

model. A carrying capacity must be established for the Squirrel River.

Recreation written Recreational uses should be focused in areas that do not have significant mineral potential.

Recreation Kotzebue Sport hunters and guides are leaving trash behind in the Squirrel River.

Recreation Shaktoolik Sport hunting and guides are an emerging issue in the Shaktoolik River where people can fly in. They

have no problems with guides taking hunters in to get bears. They do have concerns about guides bringing

in moose or caribou hunters.

Recreation Kotzebue Sport hunting in the Squirrel River: BLM should limit the number of transporters/guides and/or the

number of clients per guide. NANA Purcell Security counted 75 tents (not camps) in one day in the

Squirrel River.

Recreation Fairbanks Squirrel River is important for both subsistence use and recreational use.

Recreation Kiana

Nome

State guide system is a closed system. You cannot get a guide license unless the other registered guides

want you to. Registered guides from other states fill up Alaska. It is better to encourage local guides to get

into the business. Could there be some preference for local guides?
39

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Recreation written State-selected lands should be managed consistent with DNR policies as outlined in the DNR fact sheet

“Generally Allowed Uses on State Land.”

Recreation Anchorage Subsistence and recreational use conflicts are an important issue in some parts of the planning area and

need to be addressed for the long term, especially on the Squirrel and upper Kobuk Rivers. This will

require an integrated effort on the part of all agencies and land owners.

Recreation written Survival cabins are an appropriate regional safety and recreational improvement. They only need to be

built to standards of similar local cabins. A hut with a metal roof, plywood bunks, and Yukon stove is

sufficient and proper.

Recreation written The BLM should consider the National Park Service (NPS) Draft Commercial Services Plan Northwest

Parks (when this document is released). There may be an increase in commercial services on BLM lands

should NPS limit commercial uses in the adjacent parks and preserves. In anticipation of increased

commercial activity over the next several decades, the appropriate levels of use by guides, transporters,

and air taxis should be determined and implemented by the BLM.

Recreation Kotzebue The Buckland/Selawik area is starting to see a higher number of sport hunters, especially in the past year.

Recreation Kiana The dates when big game hunters are allowed in the Squirrel River has impacted the migration route of

caribou, especially in the last three to four years. Traditional knowledge says to allow the first group of

migrating caribou to pass through the area before hunting. Outside hunters do not honor this.

Recreation Anchorage The fee for commercial guides is too high.

Recreation The Iditarod is an important existing trail that is used for local travel between communities.

Recreation Kotzebue The most important issue to address in the plan is user conflict over access to game resources. There is a

continuing increase in the number of sport hunters, guides, and transporters in the region.

Recreation Kiana The smoke from non-emergency campfires alerts the caribou in the fall and causes less successful hunts.

Campers should be encouraged to use primus stoves rather than big campfires during the caribou

migration.

Recreation Buckland The sport hunting season is early in the year when it is still warm. People are concerned about spoilage of

meat that occurs when people hunt too early in the season.
40

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Recreation written The State is concerned about protecting continued access to State-owned land and water, BLM should also

consider management options that protect federal land from significant impacts from OHV use in sensitive

areas, such as wetlands, stream crossings, and important wildlife habitat. BLM should work with the

ADF&G and DNR to determine traditional routes of access and protect sensitive areas.

Recreation written The State’s primary recreational interest in BLM lands or State-selected BLM lands is continued

recreational access, both motorized and non-motorized. Equally important is management of these lands

so that the land is not subject to disruptive and destructive use by the public.

Recreation Kiana There is no State limit on the number of guides and transporters now in NW Alaska.; we currently have

about 60 operators in NW Alaska. We need help from state legislators.

Recreation Koyuk Tourism: If tourism would benefit Koyuk, then some people are in favor of non-consumptive type uses

like bird-watching or floaters. Others at the meeting were opposed to increasing tourism in the area.

Recreation written User conflicts on the Squirrel River and other rivers that do not qualify for wild and scenic river status

may necessitate a specific plan that addresses OHV use and VRM and/or a LAC plan that will minimize

user conflict. These areas, such as the Squirrel River, may warrant Special Recreational Management Area

(SRMA) status.

Recreation Kiana We are experiencing later arrival of bull caribou in the fall in Selawik. This may or may not be attributable

to the number of Squirrel River hunters during the same time. As a control factor, we request that BLM

assess whether to implement mid-September as start dates for “commercial drop offs,” guiding, etc. as a

policy for a few years (three to four years).

Recreation Kiana What is the upper limit of recreation users/guides on the Squirrel River? BLM should limit the number of

hunters in the Squirrel River.

Recreation Nome What types of recreational development are anticipated? (campgrounds, etc).

Special

designations

written ACEC might be a good classification for rivers and their associated riparian zones. The Kigluaik

Mountains with their unique cirque lakes and associated fish populations would be great candidate for

inclusion as an ACEC.
41

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Special

designations

written Additional wild and scenic river assessment done for the KSPRMP must consider the potential land

ownership pattern following completion of conveyances. Virtually all of the rivers previously identified as

eligible for the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System by BLM in 1990 are in areas that are State- or

ANCSA-selected. Therefore, it is unlikely that any rivers in the planning area are suitable for wild and

scenic river designation.

Special

designations

Kotzebue Areas of critical environmental concern (ACEC): What types of areas will BLM consider for ACECs?

Can a Hazmat site be considered for an ACEC? The entire earth should be considered an ACEC.

Special

designations

Kotzebue BLM should consider making the entire plan area an ACEC until such time as they identify specific areas

with features consistent with ACEC designation.

Special

designations

written BLM should undertake a thorough inventory to identify potential lands for wilderness and other special

designations such as ACECs and RNAs. This also includes an evaluation of these lands for other special

land use designations.

Special

designations

Kotzebue Do not designate any rivers as wild and scenic.

Special

designations

written Dr. Glenn Juday recommends four biologically unique areas within the KSP planning area for RNA status:

Windy Cove, Mt. Osborne, Camp Haven Gap, and Clear Creek Hot Springs. BLM should consider new

information that might affect the designation of these areas, such as land ownership of the planning area

and additional biological research that may augment his recommendations. For example, populations of

genetically isolated Arctic char have been identified in the Kigluiak Mountains suggesting that there may

be a need for extending boundaries for the original RNA suggestions, or for additional RNAs.

Special

designations

written Gale Norton instructed the BLM on April 11, 2003 to cease wilderness reviews in its resource

management planning in Alaska and consider wilderness only where it is broadly supported by elected

Alaska officials. ANILCA authorizes the Secretary to consider and recommend wilderness on BLM lands

in Alaska. While her action implies agreement with that authority, her decision amounts to a de facto “no

more wilderness.”

Special

designations

Fairbanks Many rivers in the planning area probably qualify as wild and scenic.
42

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Special

designations

Kivalina Might look at special designation to protect the Kivalina and Wulik Rivers. The Kivalina River is about

six miles away. Leave it alone – It is wild and scenic now. There is a nice canyon upriver that opens up

into a nice wide valley, very scenic.

Special

designations

written No areas should be studied for further land management restrictions including wilderness designation,

wild and scenic rivers, etc.

Special

designations

written Nominees for WSR designation: North Fork, Old Woman, and North rivers of the Unalakleet; to provide

consistent management within the drainage. Both are very scenic and contain important spawning and

rearing areas for fish, probably as important as the mainstem Unalakleet, which is already in the system.

Special

designations

written

Fairbanks

Streams in the area are important to both resident and anadromous fish. In particular, the undeveloped

streams in Norton Sound such as the Tubutulik, Inglutalik, Shaktoolik, Ungalik, and portions of the

Koyuk, Agiapuk, and Fish rivers are all very important as are their riparian zones. All of these drainages

are important to salmon (chum, coho, pink and to some degree king) Dolly Varden and Arctic grayling.

Some sort of designation that would afford these drainages protection from development without going to

the length of designation as a WSR would be desired. WSR designation only directs additional attention to

drainages that in some cases is not beneficial.

Special

designations

written The BLM should extend the three designated ACECs focused on critical salmon habitat in the Central

Yukon RMP that are adjacent to the KSP planning area. The areas include the Ungalik River Watershed

ACEC, the Inglutalik River Watershed ACEC, and the Shaktoolik River Watershed ACEC. The RMP

should use watershed boundaries when delineating areas such as RNAs and ACECs.

Special

designations

written The Northern Field Office should conduct a suitability study for potential wild and scenic rivers. The

Kivalina and Wulik Rivers should be included in the evaluation

Special

designations

written The planning process should include a thorough wilderness review and inventory of the planning area. The

EIS must include a reasonable range of alternatives that include recommendations to Congress for new

wilderness designations.

Special

designations

written The WACH wintering habitat should be identified and evaluated for special protection such as ACEC or

other special status.

Special

designations

Shaktoolik Wild and scenic rivers: how would designation affect ability to manage beaver and fish populations?

Would designation of a river as wild and scenic prevent or assist in management of beaver dams (i.e.,

destruction of dams that are degrading fish habitat).
43

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Special

designations

Anchorage Wild and scenic rivers: many rivers in the planning area would probably qualify as wild and scenic. The

Kivalina River was mentioned as one that might be eligible. Values include Arctic char and post-calving

caribou aggregations. Red Dog Mine is at the headwaters of the Wulik River.

Special

designations

Koyuk Wild and scenic rivers: Would designation of a river as wild and scenic put restrictions on subsistence use

such as motorized boats? Would it stop the State from putting roads across the rivers? Would uses be

curtailed?

Special

designations

Anchorage Would it be appropriate to designate the WACH calving grounds, insect relief corridors, and major

migration routes as ACECs?

Special

designations

Buckland Would not want the Buckland River designated as wild and scenic.

Special

designations

wilderness

written BLM should adhere to the policy set forth in the Memorandum from Secretary of the Interior, Gale A.

Norton to the Director of BLM dated April 11, 2003 and not consider wilderness in the plan. In the event

that any such proposal is considered, the State requests that there be additional consultations with the State

and that any areas proposed for wilderness designation be managed consistent with the special provisions

of ANILCA that amend the Wilderness Act of 1964.

Special

status

species

written BLM should collaborate with researchers to identify special status plants and animals on its lands.

Special

status

species

Fairbanks How will BLM manage for endangered species such as eiders?

Special

status

species

written Special status species should be specifically addressed in the RMP. Some species that may qualify for

special status, such as Arctic char, should also be identified.

Special

status

species

written Populations of genetically isolated Arctic char have been identified in the Kigluiak Mountains suggesting

there may be a need to extend boundaries of original RNA suggestions or additional RNAs.

Subsistence Koyuk “Local people are tied to the fish and wildlife”

Subsistence Koyuk “What are we going to eat if recreational hunters take all the moose?”
44

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Subsistence Alaska Department of Fish and Game has subsistence maps and harvest studies. BLM should get this data.

Subsistence Koyuk As transportation improves, more people from other villages in the region come to the Koyuk area to hunt.

The area is very important to more than just the residents of Koyuk. The area is important to the entire

Bering Straits region.

Subsistence Kotzebue BLM should ask NANA for access to resource and subsistence data they have collected.

Subsistence Shaktoolik BLM should check with Kawerak on their subsistence use area database (Eskimo Heritage Program).

Subsistence Kotzebue BLM should incorporate traditional knowledge into the plan. How do they plan to do this?

Subsistence Koyuk BLM should support the findings of the Bering Straits Coastal Resource Service Area Board and not make

any changes. The Board found that subsistence was the most important use of the area.

Subsistence written How is BLM going to address the inherent conflict between subsistence resources and mineral

development?

Subsistence written How will the BLM address and prioritize subsistence resources in the RMP?

Subsistence Koyuk Norton Bay is a very important area for subsistence and supporting wildlife/fisheries populations. The area

supports fish/wildlife resources that migrate to other areas of the State. The area is important on a Statewide level.

Subsistence Shaktoolik

Kiana

Koyuk

Protection of subsistence resources should be a priority and is the most important issue for the plan (3).

Subsistence Koyuk The headwaters of the rivers around Koyuk are very important for subsistence (Koyuk, Ungalik, and

Inglutalik).

Subsistence Shaktoolik The Nulato Hills are an important subsistence area (federal lands outside Native corporation boundaries).

Highest subsistence use areas were selected by the Native corporations to protect those lands.

Subsistence written The plan should document and describe subsistence use patterns in those communities located near BLM

lands, including but not limited to Kivalina, Point Hope, Kotzebue, Noatak, Kiana, Shungnak, Wales,

Teller, Buckland, Koyuk, Shaktoolik, White Mountain, and Elim. Subsistence activities by several

communities located outside of, but near the planning area could be affected by planning decisions made

for lands within the planning area, including but not necessarily limited to Unalakleet, Kaltag, Nulato,

Koyukuk, and Hughes.
45

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Subsistence Koyuk The Tribes should be asked first what they want. They have hunted first before any others. They are

interested in co-management.

Subsistence Nome There should be state and federal cooperation to align the regulations on state and federal land, e.g.,

cooperative state/federal hunts so that hunters don’t have to worry about land status. The animals don’t

recognize land status.

Trespass Kiana

Kotzebue

BLM needs to clean up the trespass site on headwaters fork of Squirrel River- on the low hill on the west

side of the drainage. There are blue tarps and signs of prospecting activity (2).

Trespass Koyuk There was some bulldozer work done about ten years ago at head of Ungalik and Shaktoolik Rivers. They

scraped off the top of a hill. Did BLM authorize this and has it been restored? It was in the Traverse Peak

area (between Ungalik and Inglutalik Rivers). Erosion into the rivers is of concern. (T1S, R5W?)

Trespass Buckland Trash in the Selawik Hills needs cleaning up. There are hundreds of feet of wire and barrels.

Vegetation Fairbanks All riparian areas need special protection.

Vegetation Kiana ATV use in the Squirrel River is tearing up the vegetation.

Vegetation Buckland BLM needs to protect lichen all around Buckland for caribou.

Vegetation written BLM should collaborate with ADF&G to describe existing and desired populations and conditions on

major habitat types for fish and wildlife.

Vegetation written BLM should not assume that vegetation is in good condition but should go out and map current

conditions.

Vegetation written BLM should take measures to prevent the spread of noxious and invasive plant species.

Vegetation written Fish, wildlife, and vegetative habitats need to be preserved in their natural state.

Vegetation Buckland Grass baskets are made locally. Grass is gathered from Elephant Point (beach rye grass?) and the edge of

the river.

Vegetation written What has BLM done to identify vegetation within the plan area?

VRM Nome BLM should be careful about limitations on development for VRM. NPS and FWS lands are already tied

up and protected. BLM and State lands need to remain open for development and access.

VRM written The Visual Resources Plan should be completed for the RMP.

VRM Nome Visual resources are very important especially in the Nome area. BLM needs to preserve the scenic quality

of the land for tourism.

Water Kivalina Kivalina needs a mechanism to check water quality in-house to protect the people who drink the water.
46

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Water Kiana Squirrel River mineralization (i.e., naturally occurring arsenic) may be leaching out into the water.

Water Buckland The Buckland River is the primary source of drinking water for Buckland. People are concerned about

past mining activity on Quartz Creek (tributary of the Buckland River) affecting water quality. The water

was black.

Water written The Department of Natural Resources shall determine and adjudicate rights in the water of the State, and

its appropriation and distribution.

Water Buckland The river (Buckland) is shallower than it used to be. It is filling in with gravel.

Water Kivalina There has been a lot of interest in mineral exploration on the Wulik and Kivalina Rivers. These two rivers

are very important to the people of Kivalina for fishing and drinking water.

Water Kivalina There have been numerous (maybe 3000+) documented water quality violations on the Wulik River since

the Red Dog Mine began. The mine turns its water quality results over to the city of Kivalina since it is

their primary source of drinking water.

Water Koyuk Water pollution caused by abandoned boats and off-road vehicles that still have fuel and oil in the engine

should be addressed in the EIS. There are many abandoned motors and vehicles lying around along the

rivers.

Water, air,

soil

written BLM should not assume that soil, water, and air are in good condition but should go out and map current

conditions.

Wildlife Anchorage An ecosystem approach to managing these caribou is strongly recommended.

Wildlife Anchorage Bird-watching is becoming an increasingly popular activity in western Alaska, especially on the Seward

Peninsula road system. Habitats for certain upland species like bristle-thighed curlew, lesser golden

plover, bluethroat, Arctic warbler, and gray-headed chickadee may require special management

consideration by BLM.

Wildlife Kiana BLM could cooperate with local government for law enforcement. Would like to know what the procedure

would be for co-management of the Squirrel River between BLM and the Traditional Council. Give them

some authority—they can patrol. They know their own people. Work with tribal authority.

Wildlife Anchorage BLM needs to monitor caribou habitat on the summer and calving grounds for the Western Arctic herd.

Wildlife Buckland BLM needs to protect lichen all around Buckland for caribou.

Wildlife Anchorage BLM policy should prohibit introduction of any non-indigenous species (comment made in relation to

authorizing other types of livestock besides reindeer).
47

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Wildlife written BLM should collaborate with ADF&G to describe existing and desired populations and conditions on

major habitat types for fish and wildlife.

Wildlife written BLM should collaborate with Native communities to identify protection measures to support fish and

wildlife.

Wildlife Anchorage BLM should maintain a continued close working relationship with the Western Arctic caribou herd

(WACH) Working Group and seek to integrate the WACH Management Plan into the RMP.

Wildlife written Fish, wildlife, and vegetative habitats need to be preserved in their natural state.

Wildlife Koyuk Furbearer populations cycle from low to high and no one can manage that; it is a natural process.

Wildlife Anchorage Given the patchwork nature of land ownership in the planning area, it is very important that management

approaches for fish and wildlife be integrated and complimentary to the greatest degree possible. An

ecosystem management approach is highly desirable, especially for caribou.

Wildlife Anchorage Impacts of industrial development on caribou habitats, caribou movements, and subsistence lifestyles are

an issue of increasing importance in this area. Of particular interest are transportation corridors associated

with industrial development.

Wildlife written Migratory birds: The RMP should follow the consultation and coordination put forth in EO 13186.

Wildlife Koyuk Moose populations are declining in the area. It is more difficult to get moose.

Wildlife Kivalina Need special consideration of caribou migration routes and calving areas. Caribou from the Western

Arctic herd aggregate near the Kivalina River after calving. There have been caribou die-offs in the past

north of Kivalina.

Wildlife Kotzebue Need to identify important mineral licks and manage them for the benefit of all the animals.

Wildlife written Norton Bay is both locally important to subsistence and important on a large ecological scale to migrating

birds and mammals. The BLM should address how off-shore exploration and leasing in Norton Bay will

impact BLM lands in the planning area (i.e. access, directional drilling, etc).

Wildlife Fairbanks Nuclear contamination from Chernobyl and effects on caribou.

Wildlife Koyuk People caribou hunt in the headwaters of the Ungalik River and East Fork. All the headwaters are

important.

Wildlife Anchorage Reindeer–caribou management conflicts will be an issue on or near the Seward Peninsula.

Wildlife written The BLM should identify a conservation strategy for the habitat of important raptors like gyrfalcons,

peregrine falcons, rough-legged hawks, and some golden eagles
48

Resource Source* Issues/Questions/Concerns:

Wildlife Anchorage The planning area encompasses important habitats for certain charismatic raptors like gyrfalcons,

peregrine falcons, rough-legged hawks, and some golden eagles.

Wildlife Anchorage The planning area includes much of the known range and crucial habitats for the Western Arctic caribou

herd, including part of the calving grounds, insect relief, winter summer migratory routes, and wintering

areas.

Wildlife written The State requests that BLM recognize existing state authorities relative to fish and wildlife management.

Wildlife written The Western Arctic caribou herd wintering habitat should be identified and evaluated for special

protection such as ACEC or other special status.

Wildlife Kiana There have been big changes in location and migration of caribou in the past 20 years. Caribou are going

to the Squirrel River and Selawik later and later in the fall. When people have extra money they can

follow and find caribou by boat, but can’t do that if they don’t have extra cash . So it is important that the

caribou migrate close to Kiana, Selawik, and other communities.

Wildlife Anchorage This plan needs to address caribou management and human uses like subsistence that are dependent on

caribou. The plan area includes most of the villages that depend on the Western Arctic caribou herd.

Wildlife written Transportation planning will be a key issue in terms of the WACH and other wildlife, particularly large

carnivore conservation. Roads fragment habitat and increase human access, which could have significant

impacts on wildlife populations.

Wildlife Koyuk When economic development starts affecting the caribou migration, people will start objecting to it.

Development needs to be done in a controlled manner so that it does not negatively affect subsistence

resources and access.

Wildlife,

vegetation

Kivalina Caribou from the Kobuk Valley have a lot more of a red color to the meat compared to the meat from

caribou around Kivalina. Caribou meat from Kivalina area is greyer and not as tasty. Is there better forage

upriver?
49

VII. Appendix B: ACRONYMS USED IN THIS REPORT

ACEC Area of Critical Environmental Concern

ADF&G Alaska Department of Fish & Game

AMS Analysis of the Management Situation

ANCSA Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act

ANILCA Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act

ATV All-Terrain Vehicle

BLM Bureau of Land Management

DNR Alaska Department of Natural Resources

EIS Environmental Impact Statement

FLPMA Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976

FWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

GIS Geographic Information System

IRA Indian Reorganization Act

KSPRMP Kobuk – Seward Peninsula Regional Management Plan

LAC Limits of Acceptable Change

MFP Management Framework Plan

NPS National Park Service

OHV Off-Highway Vehicle

OHW Ordinary High Water

ORV Off-Road Vehicle

PLO Public Land Order

ROS Recreation Opportunity Spectrum

RMP Regional Management Plan

RNA Research Natural Area

VRM Visual Resource Management

WACH Western Arctic Caribou Herd

WSR Wild & Scenic River