Notice of Public Scoping Under Administrative Order 360 for possible Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Office of History and Archaeology (OHA), Regulation Changes contained in 11 AAC Chapter 16 and implemented by OHA.
Background. In response to Administrative Order 360, the Department of Natural Resources is soliciting written comments from affected industries, community organizations, and the general public regarding regulations and materials incorporated by reference in 11 AAC 16.
The Department of Natural Resources is undertaking this solicitation process to ask the public for ideas, suggestions, and input before the Office of History and Archeology drafts or propose any specific regulation amendments or repeals for public review.
The Office of History and Archeology is particularly interested in specific ideas for regulatory change that may:
- Clarify permitting procedures for archaeological investigations;
- Improve coordination with landowners and other agencies;
- Streamline the process for historic site nominations and grant applications;
- Modernize reporting and documentation requirements;
- Reduce administrative burdens for qualified researchers and institutions;
- Improve transparency and public access to information on historic preservation;
- Align state procedures with federal standards under the National Historic Preservation Act.
Written comments are desired on any potential regulation changes, including:
- Specific regulation citations you recommend be amended or repealed, with explanation of the issue and suggested solutions.
- Opportunities for modernization to align with federal standards, technological advancements, or industry best practices.
- Process improvements or administrative changes to improve regulatory outcomes.
- Any other ideas to streamline compliance while supporting preservation, stewardship, and public access.
Written comments can be submitted electronically to the Department of Natural Resources via email at dnr.dpor.AO360Comments@alaska.gov. Additionally, DPOR will accept comments submitted by mail and addressed to Matt Wedeking, DPOR at 550 West 7th Ave, Suite 1380. Anchorage Alaska 99501, Suite 1380. The comments must be received no later than October 31st, 2025.
Written comments are desired. Questions about regulations can be asked at a hearing to be held virtually on October 7th.
Meeting link and registration:
Solicitation for Public Input on the Regulations of the Office of History and Archaeology Implemented by the Department of Natural Resources | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams
There will not be in-person attendance provided at the hearing site. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 11 AM and end at 1 PM.
If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodation in order to participate in this process, please contact 907-269-8700 no later than October 31, 2025, to ensure that any necessary accommodation can be provided. Statewide TTY: 711 for Alaska Relay or 1-800-770-8973.
Please note that input provided in response to this solicitation will be subject to inspection, copying, and distribution as public records under AS 40.25.110 – 40.25.220. Please do not include any confidential information in written or oral comments.
The Office of History and Archeology is not currently proposing any specific regulation change and there are no draft regulations prepared for public comment under the Administrative Procedure Act at this time. If the Office of History and Archeology undertake revisions to these regulations, there will be an additional opportunity to comment on the proposed regulation changes that are released for public review and comment under the Administrative Procedure Act.
The Office of History and Archeology keep a list of individuals and organizations interested in its regulations. Those on the list will automatically be sent a copy of all of the Office of History and Archeology’s notices of proposed regulation changes. To be added to or removed from the list, send a request to the Office of History and Archeology at 550 West 7th Ave, Suite 1380, Anchorage AK, 99501, giving your name, and either your e-mail address or mailing address, as you prefer for receiving notices.
Individuals can also sign up to receive automated notifications of all State of Alaska notices, including public notice for regulation changes, by subscribing to the Alaska Online Public Notices System: https://aws.state.ak.us/OnlinePublicNotices/Default.aspx