Amidst a period of transition and uncertainty about the future, we have found moments of peace in recent news regarding our Alaskan lands. After nearly a decade of research, public outreach, and negotiations, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has finalized a revised resource management plan (RMP) that strengthens protections for more than 13 million acres in central Alaska. Announced on November 12, 2024, this new plan is a significant milestone in balancing conservation efforts with the sustainable use of land, all while addressing the region’s Indigenous community needs.
The Central Yukon RMP applies enhanced safeguards to land and waters historically used by 20 sovereign Tribes for subsistence. These areas hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Tribes, and the BLM’s decision ensures their long-term protection. The plan also responds to the increasingly urgent challenges posed by climate change, particularly the impact of rising temperatures on Alaska’s ecosystems.
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Caribou crossing the Charley River, a tributary to the Yukon River, in east-central Alaska, along the border with Canada. Caribou are another critical subsistence resource for the region’s Indigenous Peoples. The BLM plan applies protective management to 746,000 acres of habitat on the north side of the Yukon River.
One of the most notable aspects of the RMP is the designation of “areas of critical environmental concern” (ACECs). These ACECs highlight places with significant natural or cultural value, and the RMP includes protections for vital salmon-producing watersheds and areas under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), which shields certain lands from mining, oil and gas development. In addition, the plan introduces a new management framework called BEACONS Adaptive Management (Boreal Ecosystems Analysis for Conservation Networks). This initiative will allow BLM to work closely with Tribes to conserve 4.6 million acres, ensuring these lands remain ecologically intact and serve as benchmarks for studying climate change impacts.
Additionally, the plan retains federal oversight of the Dalton Highway corridor, which spans from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay. This area, covering 2.2 million acres, is vital for the subsistence practices of the Indigenous peoples in the region. While the state of Alaska had proposed transferring management of the corridor for development, the BLM’s decision to keep federal control ensures its continued protection as a backcountry conservation area.
The RMP also includes provisions to support Alaska Native veterans. Eligible Native Vietnam veterans and their heirs will be able to select land allotments—up to 160 acres per veteran—across 11.1 million acres of land that was previously unavailable for such claims.
For Alaskan wildlife, this plan addresses the critical decline of salmon populations in the region, which has been a major concern for local Indigenous Communities. In response, the RMP provides additional protections for key salmon habitats, including the Jim River, a vital spawning ground. Additionally, this plan safeguards 746,000 acres of caribou habitat, important for the region’s subsistence culture.
Lastly, the RMP emphasizes landscape connectivity, designating 371,000 acres as connectivity corridors. This measure aims to reduce habitat fragmentation and support biodiversity, helping wildlife adapt to the changing environment.
This new plan represents a significant step forward in collaborative land management, protecting both the people and the biological diversity essential to community well-being throughout the region. By emphasizing equitable and scientifically informed practices, it sets a precedent for how the U.S. can steward public lands amid a changing climate. A key strength of the plan is its recognition of the subsistence needs and cultural practices of Indigenous Tribes, demonstrating the value of integrating traditional knowledge into conservation strategies. This approach not only fosters mutual respect and shared stewardship but also provides a powerful model for land management nationwide, advancing respect for Indigenous rights and traditions while addressing urgent environmental challenges.
At Alaska Conservation Foundation, we’re committed to monitoring and responding to the most pressing conservation issues across the state. The RPM success is a testament to the value of collaborative resource management. While the upcoming threats to Alaska’s Federal lands and waters are imminent we are prepared to weather the storm ahead together. It’s crucial to continue strengthening our partnerships and coalitions to protect the wild places and ways of life that make Alaska unique.
