This history has resulted in land ownership patterns that are unique to Alaska. Signs often indicate boundaries between public and private lands When all land entitlements are finalized, Alaska Native corporations, the State of Alaska, and private individuals will have received title to over 15,000,000 acres of land within the boundaries of Alaskan refuges. Visitors to Togiak National Wildlife Refuge should familiarize themselves with private land ownership patterns to avoid trespassing.
Native corporations have land use permits available for visitors.
This legislation conveyed ownership of many Alaska lands to Native corporations and individual Native shareholders. Native corporations usually own much of the land near their respective village. Individual Native allotments are frequently in areas accessible by water, such as along rivers, and may be in areas historically used by the individual's family group. Visitors who are traveling on main Togiak Refuge waterways will see signs on the riverbank indicating to them that they have passed from refuge lands onto native corporation areas. Native allotments may be marked with signs, but any alteration of the land from its original state, including clearings, cabins, or fish racks, should be taken as indicators of private allotment lands.