State of Alaska
Department of Natural Resources
Division of Mining, Land & Water
Southcentral Regional Land Office
550 W. 7^th Ave., Suite 900C
Anchorage, AK 99501-3577

ADL 234201
Aquatic Farmsite Lease
University of Alaska Southeast - Sitka
Sitka Harbor Channel (USGS Quad Map Sitka A-5)

Public and Agency Notice
Pursuant to AS 38.05.945

Pursuant to AS 38.05.083, the Southcentral Regional Land Office (SCRO) has made a Preliminary Decision to offer a 10-year lease to University of Alaska Southeast - Sitka for 0.12 acres, more or less, of state-owned tide and submerged lands for the installation of a 40-foot by 130-foot mariculture moorage float hatchery to cultivate shellfish seed, echinoderms, abalone, clams, and aquatic plants for commercial seed supply to Alaskan aquatic farms. The location of the project area is further described as being within the S1/2 of Section 35, Township 55 South, Range 63 East, Copper River Meridian, within Sitka Harbor Channel, on the east side of Japonski Island, in the City and Borough of Sitka, Alaska.

The public and agencies are invited to review and comment on this proposed project. Questions concerning how to comment should be directed to Jen Kopnicky at (907) 269-8618 or by e-mail at jen.kopnicky@alaska.gov or by fax to (907) 269-8913.  All comments must be received in writing at the above listed mailing address or e-mail on or before 11:59PM on March 12, 2026. To be eligible to appeal DNR’s Final Decision, under AS 38.05.035(i)-(m), a person must have submitted written comments during this comment period. 

The State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, complies with Title II of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990.  Individuals with audio impairments that have questions concerning this PD may call Relay Alaska at 711 or 1-800-770-8973 for assistance at no cost.