The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has initiated the planning process that will result in a revision to the Prince of Wales Island Area Plan (POWIAP). Much has changed since the plan was adopted in 1998 and amended in 2008 that needs to be recognized and addressed. Planning is a way of sorting through concerns and the many possibilities for using state lands. Developing plans is challenging because people have differing ideas of how land can best be used. Also, not all desired uses are compatible in the same place at the same time. Through this planning process, we will work to find alternatives with the greatest benefits for all Alaskans. In the first phase of this planning process, scoping, DNR seeks to get the most current understanding of the area’s natural and cultural resources; land ownership; and economic and social conditions so that adjustments can be made to the plan’s management intent and policies to reflect today’s use of state land.
You are invited to become part of this planning effort by assisting us in identifying the range of issues that should be addressed during this effort and later by reviewing and commenting on draft documents. Open house sessions will be held to gather information and discuss issues on the dates/times & locations listed below.
| Community | Time | Location |
| Thorne Bay | April 14th 12-2pm | Thorne Bay City Hall 120 Freeman Drive |
| Craig | April 14th 6-8pm | Craig High School Commons 100 Panther Way |
| Coffman Cove | April 15th 6-8pm | Harbor View Ferry Terminal 110 Stikine Way |
| Ketchikan | April 16th 5-7pm | Ted Ferry Civic Center 888 Venetia Ave |
| Virtual Meeting | April 23rd 5-7pm | See website for meeting details. |
| Anchorage | April 30th 12-2pm | Robert B. Atwood Building 550 W 7th Ave. Room 106 |
Your written comments are encouraged during this initial scoping phase and can be submitted no later than May 26, 2026, by mail or email to the address below.
For information related to the POWIAP planning process, visit: https://arcg.is/1XeuG82
Through this website you will be able to view the latest information on the planning process, sign up to the contact list, and access a portal to submit comments. Although there will be several “official” periods when public comments are sought, please feel free to contact us at any time regarding this planning process.
Email: powiap.revision@alaska.gov
Mailing Address:
Prince of Wales Island Area Plan (POWIAP)
Department of Natural Resources
550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 920
Anchorage, Alaska 99501-3579