The Alaska Departments of Fish and Game (ADFG) and Natural Resources (DNR) are requesting public input on the potential development of a program to re-purpose relinquished cabins (also known as duck shacks) from the historic Personal Use Cabin Program (PUCP) in Susitna Flats State Game Refuge (SGR) (https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=susitnaflats.main) to public use. When the PUCP was created in 1984, the intent was to eventually convert the cabins to public use, allowing for the opportunity to access and use the refuge, especially for waterfowl hunting.  A history of Personal Cabins and other similar cabins in Special Areas is attached to this notice.  The intent of this information gathering process is to understand the public’s interest and concerns for developing public access to relinquished cabins in the refuge through a program managed by a commercial or non-profit entity.

In a permitted cabin program, the permittee would be responsible for the costs of cabin improvements and maintenance. The DNR permit term is 5 years with an annual fee of $1,600 plus user fees of $4.00 per client per day. DNR authorizations also require commercial liability insurance and a performance guaranty in the form of a cash bond, certificate of deposit, or corporate surety, which would stay in place for the life of the permit.

We are not considering current or future private use of cabins during this scoping period.  We will not accept comments on the current PUCP regulations, continuing private use of permitted cabins, or constructing new private cabins. Current Personal Use Cabins will continue to be authorized as long as their permits are valid. Existing relinquished cabins cannot be used for a PUCP such as those already existing at State Parks: ADFG and DNR do not have the regulatory authority or capacity to convert existing structures to the current PUCP. The cabins will not be made available for private ownership; no new construction of private cabins will be authorized. The length of stay will be defined in the DNR Land Use Permit; cabins will not be available for permanent residence.

No future action by the agencies is guaranteed by this comment period. We are seeking public comments on the need to formulate a program. If we do formulate a program, these comments will help identify elements that should be considered or integrated. At this time, we are focusing on Susitna Flats SGR. If a program is developed and applicable to other areas, it may be expanded to include relinquished cabins in Palmer Hay Flats SGR, Trading Bay SGR, Redoubt Bay CHA, and Minto Flats SGR.

How to Submit Information

ADFG and DNR are hosting a survey to gauge 1) the interest of the public in having access to these cabins, and 2) if commercial or non-profit entities are interested in facilitating a cabin rental program. For survey participants: not all questions need to be answered, and some questions can have more than one answer.

Use this link to access the survey:  https://alaskadnr.commentinput.com?id=UJ4ZfN8CS

This survey and comment period will be open March 22 to May 22, 2024.  If you need a paper survey mailed to you, please leave your name and address on the voicemail at (907) 267-2281. Surveys must be postmarked by May 22, 2024. Send completed surveys to:

Alaska Department of Fish & Game
Lands & Refuges Program
333 Raspberry Road
Anchorage, AK 99518

DNR and ADF&G will jointly review the comments and determine how to proceed.  If a determination to develop a program is made, additional public notices will be posted pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act.