Public Questions and Answers
On Proposed Changes on Use of Firearms in the Hatcher Pass Special Management Unit in the Regulations of the Department of Natural Resources
11 AAC 96.014(b)(3)(E)
As of September 7, 2018
Question: Is it possible to show a better map of the Government Peak area as a whole that includes the proposed biathlon range?
Answer: Map 1-2, Hatcher Pass Management Plan, Land Status, Topography and Management Boundaries, which is from the Hatcher Pass Management Plan at http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/planning/mgtplans/hatcher/ depicts the Government Peak Unit. DNR will also make this map available at http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/hottopics/. The map shows the Government Peak Unit as a whole and as it relates to the entire Hatcher Pass Management Plan.
The exact location of a possible biathlon range has not yet been determined. The Mat-Su Borough (MSB) is considering siting a possible biathlon range on MSB-owned land located in the Government Peak Unit of the Hatcher Pass Management Plan. As of the date of these proposed regulations, DNR understands that the Mat-Su Borough wanted the shooting restriction removed for that purpose in the NW1/4NW1/4 of Section 27 or the NE1/4NE1/4 of Section 28 of Township 19 North, Range 1 East Seward Meridian (as shown on the map entitled Hatcher Pass Management Plan Government Peak Unit Possible Biathlon Range Area). There are regulations (11 AAC 96.014(b)(3)(E)) that prevent shooting in that area; and thus, that prevent a possible biathlon range in that area. If the regulations are revised as proposed to allow the discharge of fire arms, the borough will be able to allow biathlon participants to shoot in that area for biathlon training or competition within a biathlon range approved by the MSB. It will be the MSB’s responsibility to make plans and decisions regarding whether to put a biathlon range in that area, the exact location of a biathlon range, what a biathlon range and usage will entail, and anything else regarding the biathlon range itself.
Question: What will the impact be to all users? Will this now shut down trails in and around this area and/or limit Alaskans who use the trails in the area in anyway?
Answer: The area where the MSB is considering putting a possible biathlon range (on MSB land in the Government Peak Unit of the Hatcher Pass Management Plan; and more specifically, in the NW1/4NW1/4 of Section 27 or the NE1/4NE1/4 of Section 28 of Township 19 North, Range 1 East Seward Meridian (as shown on the map entitled Hatcher Pass Management Plan Government Peak Unit Possible Biathlon Range Area)), is currently not accessible via trail. The significant trail system in the Government Peak Unit is located to the south of the area under consideration in these proposed regulations. The only uses of that area would be off-trail. If the regulations are revised to allow biathlon participants to shoot in that area for biathlon training or competition within a biathlon range approved by the MSB, the layout of the biathlon range would minimize its effects on existing land uses and users of adjacent trails.
It is not anticipated that a biathlon range will result in any trail closures. Trail restrictions will likely be imposed on any new ski race trails constructed in connection to the biathlon range during live fire exercises or competitions. Any shooting not associated with biathlon training or competition within a biathlon range approved by the MSB will still be prohibited.
It is anticipated that the shooting area of the biathlon range will be located at least one mile away from any main parking area, and accessible via ski race trail only. Biathlon range use would likely occur for short periods a few days during the week from November through March. A 0.3-mile ski race trail connection, out of the 15 miles of groomed ski trails, may be closed to the public during biathlon practice and competitions.