March 17, 2017

Bureau of Land Management Central Yukon Field Office
222 University Avenue
Fairbanks, Alaska 99709

Via e-mail to:  [email protected]

To Whom It May Concern:

The Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc. (RDC) is writing to comment on the Central Yukon Resource Management Plan (RMP).

RDC is a statewide business association comprised of individuals and companies from Alaska’s oil and gas, mining, forest products, tourism and fisheries industries. RDC’s membership includes Alaska Native Corporations, local communities, organized labor, and industry support firms. RDC’s purpose is to encourage a strong, diversified private sector in Alaska and expand the state’s economic base through the responsible development of our natural resources.

One of RDC’s priorities is to encourage the new exploration and responsible development of Alaska’s mineral resources. RDC supports Alternative D as it adheres most closely to the “multiple use” mandate of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Previously, RDC urged the BLM to incorporate resource management, such as opening the area to resource development, increased access for exploration, mineral leasing, mining, and oil and gas development.

Much of Alaska’s federally managed lands are closed to responsible resource development, and Alternative D provides the greatest opportunities for public access, including potentially necessary access to State and private projects (primarily land owned by Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [ANCSA] corporations), and provides opportunities for overland access to remote communities.  

As this RMP will provide future direction for approximately 13 million acres of BLM-managed land in central and northern Alaska, including the Dalton Highway Corridor and central Yukon River watershed it is vital BLM plan for multiple use.

In addition, RDC urges the BLM to carefully review and incorporate the recommendations of the Alaska Miners Association (March 17, 2017).

RDC appreciates the opportunity to comment.

Sincerely,
Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc.