A new round of State of Alaska public notices includes upcoming meetings, proposed regulatory changes, and opportunities to comment on projects affecting Alaska’s lands, waters, wildlife, and communities.
Below are some of the notices we’re tracking, what we’re watching, and how Alaskans can participate.
West Susitna Access Project — Water Quality Certification
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is reviewing an application for Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification for the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority’s (AIDEA) proposed West Susitna Access Project.
The proposal involves approximately 78.5 miles of gravel road through the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, with crossings of rivers, streams, and wetlands.
What we’re watching
We’re watching potential impacts to water quality, wetlands, salmon habitat, fish passage, and subsistence resources. We’re also concerned about the broader environmental consequences of opening previously undeveloped areas to industrial access and future resource extraction.
How to comment
Email comments or requests for a public hearing to:
Reference: POA-2022-00165 v1.0
Deadline: October 29, 2026
Full notice: https://aws.state.ak.us/OnlinePublicNotices/Notices/View.aspx?id=225478
Board of Game — Hunting and Trapping Regulations Near Ambler Road
The Alaska Board of Game is considering proposed changes to hunting and trapping regulations in Game Management Units 23 and 24, including restrictions associated with the proposed Ambler Road corridor.
A public meeting is scheduled for November 20, 2026.
What we’re watching
We’re watching how proposed hunting and trapping restrictions could affect subsistence users, access to wildlife resources, and communities along the proposed Ambler Road corridor.
We’re also tracking how these changes relate to the broader implications of industrial development for caribou, traditional hunting areas, and local communities.
How to comment
Submit written comments through the Alaska Board of Game:
https://boardofgame.adfg.alaska.gov
Or fax: (907) 465-6094
Written comment deadline: November 16, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.
Board meeting: November 20, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.
The meeting will be conducted virtually. Public comments must be submitted ahead of the meeting.
Full notices:
Proposed regulations: https://aws.state.ak.us/OnlinePublicNotices/Notices/View.aspx?id=225509
Board meeting: https://aws.state.ak.us/OnlinePublicNotices/Notices/View.aspx?id=225512
Stirrup 2 Exploration Well — North Slope
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reviewing an amendment to Oil Search (Alaska), LLC’s Unit Plan of Operations for the proposed Stirrup 2 exploration well in the Horseshoe Unit.
The proposal includes exploration drilling, temporary ice-road construction, an ice pad, and associated infrastructure approximately 28 miles southwest of the Nanushuk Operations Pad.
What we’re watching
We’re tracking continued oil and gas exploration across the North Slope, including potential impacts to tundra, wildlife habitat, water resources, and subsistence activities.
Temporary infrastructure can still have lasting effects, particularly when considered alongside existing and proposed industrial development in the region.
How to comment
Submit written comments to:
Reference: LONS 26-003
Deadline: November 1, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Alaska time
Full notice: https://aws.state.ak.us/OnlinePublicNotices/Notices/View.aspx?id=225472
AIDEA Board of Directors Public Meeting
The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority will hold a public board meeting on October 21, 2026.
When: October 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
Where: 813 West Northern Lights Boulevard, Anchorage, with electronic participation options.
What we’re watching
AIDEA plays a significant role in financing industrial infrastructure and resource development projects across Alaska, including projects that raise questions about public investment, environmental impacts, and community priorities.
We’re tracking AIDEA’s decisions and investments, particularly those involving access roads and development proposals with significant implications for Alaska’s public lands and resources.
How to participate
Review the meeting agenda and participation details at:
Phone: (907) 771-0000
Meeting: October 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
Full notice: https://aws.state.ak.us/OnlinePublicNotices/Notices/View.aspx?id=225531
DNR — Public Use Area Regulation Information
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has published additional information about proposed public use area regulations, including a questions-and-answers document and map.
What we’re watching
We’re watching how potential changes to public use area regulations could affect public access, recreation, natural resource management, and the continued use of state-managed lands.
Clear public information and meaningful opportunities for input are especially important when decisions affect how Alaskans use and access public lands.
How to engage
Review the supporting materials and any associated proposed regulation notice for applicable comment instructions and deadlines.
Full notice: https://aws.state.ak.us/OnlinePublicNotices/Notices/View.aspx?id=225569
DEC — Repeal of Laser Protection Standards
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has adopted changes repealing the state’s laser protection standards under 18 AAC 85.
The repeal is scheduled to take effect November 8, 2026.
What we’re watching
We’re tracking changes to state environmental and public safety regulations, including how regulatory responsibilities and oversight may change.
This is a notice of adoption, not an open public comment period.
How to learn more
Review the adopted regulations and supporting documents through the State of Alaska Online Public Notice System.
Effective date: November 8, 2026
Full notice: https://aws.state.ak.us/OnlinePublicNotices/Notices/View.aspx?id=225493
Upcoming Deadlines at a Glance
- October 21 — AIDEA Board of Directors meeting
- October 29 — West Susitna Access Project water quality comments
- November 1 — Stirrup 2 exploration well comments
- November 8 — Laser protection regulations repeal takes effect
- November 16 — Board of Game written comments
- November 20 — Board of Game meeting
Why We Track Public Notices
Public notices are often where decisions affecting Alaska’s lands, waters, wildlife, subsistence resources, and communities first become visible.
These processes can be technical, deadlines can be short, and important opportunities for public participation are easy to miss.
The Northern Alaska Environmental Center will continue monitoring State and federal notices, helping Alaskans understand what is being proposed and highlighting opportunities for meaningful public engagement.
See a notice we should be tracking? Send it our way.