Earlier this month, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources issued a preliminary determination that could open large areas of the Yukon Flats region to oil and gas exploration licensing.
While this decision does not approve a specific drilling project, it represents the first major step that would allow companies to later propose industrial exploration across a vast portion of Interior Alaska.
The Northern Alaska Environmental Center is working in partnership with the Beaver Village Council and other community members to ensure the voices of people who live in and depend on this landscape are heard before the state moves forward.
What the State Is Proposing
Under Alaska’s exploration licensing program, the state may designate lands where companies can apply for licenses to conduct oil and gas exploration. If the proposal moves forward, companies could later pursue activities such as:
-
Seismic exploration
-
Test drilling
-
Road and infrastructure development
-
Industrial water withdrawals
The March 4 preliminary determination proposes making all state-owned mineral estates within a large Yukon Flats determination area eligible for exploration licensing.
Once lands are designated as eligible, companies may submit exploration proposals in the future.
Why Yukon Flats Matters
The Yukon Flats region is one of Alaska’s most significant ecological landscapes. The area contains:
-
One of the largest wetland complexes in North America
-
Critical habitat for migratory birds and wildlife
-
Rivers and lakes that support salmon and freshwater fish
-
Lands and waters that sustain subsistence hunting and fishing
Communities across the Yukon Flats rely heavily on locally harvested foods including salmon, whitefish, grayling, pike, and other fish species. These resources are essential for food security, cultural traditions, and the local economy.
Many of these ecosystems are already under pressure. Yukon River salmon populations have experienced historic declines in recent years, placing additional strain on subsistence communities.
Introducing industrial exploration into the watershed could further affect water quality, fish habitat, and wildlife migration corridors.
Standing with Beaver Village Council
The Beaver Village Council, whose traditional lands lie within the Yukon Flats region, has raised concerns about the potential impacts this proposal could have on subsistence resources, fish habitat, and culturally important lands.
The Northern Alaska Environmental Center is working alongside Beaver Village Council to support community outreach and help amplify the Tribe’s priorities so they are heard by allies and reflected in the public comment process.
Meaningful consultation with Tribal governments and careful evaluation of ecological and subsistence impacts must occur before decisions are made that could affect the Yukon Flats region.
Public Comments Are Open
The state is currently accepting public comments on the preliminary determination.
Comments submitted during this period will help determine whether the Department of Natural Resources moves forward with making Yukon Flats lands eligible for exploration licensing.
Public participation is especially important because only individuals who submit comments during this stage will have the opportunity to participate in any future appeals.
Comment Templates Available
To make it easier to participate, we’ve created comment templates for individuals and Tribal governments. These templates provide background information and suggested talking points that you can personalize to share why Yukon Flats and its fish, wildlife, and subsistence resources matter to you.
Click here to download the public comment template: Public-Comment-Letter-DNR-YF.docx
Click here to download the Tribal Government comment template: Tribal-Gov-Comment-Letter-DNR-YF.docx
Read the Preliminary Determination letter here: 4-Mar-2026_Decision_Signed-Regional-Determination_Preliminary-Determination-of-Land.pdf
Comment Deadline
April 6, 2026 – 5:00 PM
Submit Comments
Email:
DOG.BIF@alaska.gov
Mail:
Alaska Department of Natural Resources
Division of Oil & Gas
550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 1100
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
What Comes Next
After the comment period closes, the state will evaluate public input before issuing a final determination on whether Yukon Flats lands will be designated for exploration licensing.
NAEC will continue working with the Beaver Village Council and other partners to ensure that the ecological, cultural, and subsistence importance of the Yukon Flats region is fully considered in this process.
