NOTICE FOR A PROPOSED RESERVATION OF WATER
Sweetheart Creek; LAS 25882
Pursuant to AS 46.15 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, notice is hereby given that an application, with the priority date of October 12, 2006 has been received from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 333 Raspberry Road, Anchorage, Alaska, 99518, to reserve water within a reach of Sweetheart Creek, near Stephens Passage, Alaska, for the purpose of maintaining specified instream flow rates to protect fish and wildlife habitat, migration, and propagation. The Department of Natural Resources proposes to establish this reservation of water for the Department of Fish and Game for Sweetheart Creek from the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) of the outer bank (of the outside braid, where braided) of the left bank up to the OHWM of the (outer bank of the outside braid, where braided) of the right bank, including any sloughs, braids, or channels which carry water and are an integral part of Sweetheart Creek, beginning at the confluence of Sweetheart Creek with Gilbert Creek (river mile 0.0) at the closing line, upstream to approximately river mile 0.45, where a fish barrier marks the upper extent. Said portions of Sweetheart Creek are located within Township 45 South, Range 72 East, Section 25. All within the Copper River Meridian, Juneau Recording District, First Judicial District, State of Alaska.
Proposed Flow Rates: (cubic feet per second)
| Time Period | Original Flow Request |
| January | 40 |
| February | 40 |
| March | 45 |
| April | 119 |
| May | 406 |
| June | 605 |
| July | 518 |
| August | 410 |
| September | 456 |
| October | 324 |
| November | 117 |
| December | 117 |
A reservation of water is an appropriation of water that remains within the stream or lake for any one or a combination of four purposes authorized by statute, including the protection of fish and wildlife habitat, migration, and propagation; recreation and park purposes; navigation and transportation purposes; or sanitary and water quality purposes. Holders of water rights junior to established senior water rights may be unable to divert or withdraw significant amounts of water for consumptive use when stream flows fall below granted flows or water levels.
Further information about these specific conditions or about any other aspect of this proposed reservation of water may be obtained from the Division by contacting Kimberly Sager at (907) 269-2033 or by email at kimberly.sager@alaska.gov. Any facts tending to show that the rights of any person or the public interest would be adversely or positively affected by the proposed reservation must be submitted in writing by email, fax, or mail to the Department of Natural Resources, 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1020, Anchorage, Alaska 99501-3514 no later than May 2, 2017, before 5:00 PM to be considered. Similarly, comments that might otherwise assist the division in its determination of the public interest pursuant to AS 46.15.080 (b) are also requested and must be received by the above deadline.
Persons who may be affected by this proposed reservation of water or who have interest in tracking the status of this proposed reservation of water may request notification of the Departments final decision by writing to the Department at the above address.
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources complies with Title II of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. The State is prepared to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing aids when requested. Individuals with audio impairments who wish to respond to this notice by telephone may call the Departments Public Information Center in Anchorage between the hours of 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM, M-F at TDD # 269-8411.
The right is reserved to waive technical defects in this publication.
Kimberly Sager, Natural Resource Specialist