State Lands

Public access is important to hunters and anglers as well as the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). If you can’t get “there,” you can’t fish, hunt, trap, or otherwise enjoy our fish and wildlife resources. ADF&G works cooperatively with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on access issues that may occur with state, federal, and municipal land conveyances, land and water management plans and access regulations, establishment or vacation of public easements, and state and federal legislation.

For more information about the processes by which ADF&G participates in access issues, please see the Access & Planning section.

See the Alaska Fish and Wildlife News article about public access.

Generally Allowed Uses on General State Land

Uses listed as “Generally Allowed Uses on State Land” as provided for in 11 AAC 96.020 and conditioned by 11 AAC 96.025 do not require a permit from the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land and Water. Note that this list applies to General State Lands only, and does not apply to state parks, nor to land owned or managed by other state agencies such as the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Alaska Mental Health Trust, University of Alaska, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, or the Alaska Railroad.

Links to Additional Information

Access in ADF&G managed LDA’s & Conservation Areas

  • Conservation Areas
  • Legislatively Designated Areas (LDA)
    Allowable Access on ADF&G managed LDAs are area dependent and may require a permit or even be a prohibited activity. Please contact the Department and specify which LDA you are interested in access and the means by which you wish to do so (e.g. horseback, ATV, Street Vehicle).
    See Refuges/Sanctuaries/Critical Habitat Areas for more information.
  • Controlled Use Area

State Waters

The Alaska Constitution and state statutes protect the public's right to use navigable and public waters. Public water, as defined in state statute, includes navigable water and all other water that is reasonably suitable for public use and utility including habitat for fish and wildlife in which there is a public interest (AS 38.05.965(18)). Under Alaska law, ownership of uplands adjacent to navigable or public water does not grant an exclusive right to use the water or to control public use of the water, even if the title includes the submerged land.

For more information about the processes by which ADF&G participates in Access & Navigability Issues to Alaska’s waters please see the Planning & Management, Navigability Unit.

For more information, see the Alaska Wildlife News article on Public Access to Alaska Waters.

State Special Use Areas

Information about state special use areas can be found on the DNR website.

State Parks

Allowable Access within State parks varies and may require a permit or even be a prohibited activity. Please contact the DNR/State Parks and specify which park you are interested in visiting and the means by which you wish to do so (horseback, ATV, Street Vehicle).

ADF&G Access Maps & Brochures