Notice of a Proposed Reservation of Water
Little Willow Creek LAS 30818

Pursuant to AS 46.15 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, notice is hereby given that an application, with the priority date of February 18, 2016 has been received from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), 333 Raspberry Road, Anchorage, Alaska, 99518, to reserve water within a reach of Little Willow Creek, near Willow, Alaska, for the purpose of maintaining specified instream flow rates to protect fish and wildlife habitat, migration, and propagation.  The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposes to establish this reservation of water for ADF&G for Little Willow 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 Little Willow Creek, beginning at the mouth of Little Willow Creek and extending upstream approximately 8 river miles to a major tributary known as Iron Creek.  Said portion of Little Willow Creek is located within Sections 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, Township 20 North, Range 5 West; and Sections 8, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 of Township 20 North, Range 4 West, Seward Meridian, Third Judicial District, State of Alaska.

Applicant Requested Flow Rates*:
   *Requested flow rates are those that are requested by the applicant. DNR is in ongoing discussions with the applicant regarding the flows requested and DNR proposed flows (as seen below). Any potential granted flow rates may be adjusted (but never more than the requested flows) based on adjudication findings. For more information about this, please contact DNR.

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.

Information about this proposed reservation of water may be obtained from DNR by contacting Meghan O’Brien at (907) 269-0899 or by email at meghan.obrien2@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 to meghan.obrien2@alaska.gov, fax to (907) 269-8904, or mail to DNR, 550 West 7^th Avenue, Suite 1020, Anchorage, Alaska 99501-3514 by October 1, 2020, before 5:00 PM to be considered.  Similarly, comments that might otherwise assist DNR 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 DNR’s final decision by writing to DNR 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. Meghan O’Brien, Natural Resource Specialist.