Public Comments

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Department of Natural Resources
OFFICE OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND PERMITTING
550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1430
Anchorage, AK 99501-3561
Main: 907.269-8690

June 15, 2026
USDA Forest Service
Attention: Lands—Special Uses
Mail Stop 1124
P.O. Box 96090
Washington, DC 20090–6090.
Submitted via email to [email protected].
Re:

Information Collection; SF–299 Application for Transportation, Utility Systems,
Telecommunications and Facilities on Federal Lands and Property

To Whom It May Concern:
The State of Alaska (State) reviewed the U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) notice to extend the use
of Standard Form 299 (SF-299). The Information Collection form and supporting information is
used for review of special use authorizations on National Forest System lands, and to administer
those authorizations under relevant statutory and regulatory authorities. Given the unique
regulatory landscape in Alaska, the SF-299 is a critical tool for facilitating access and
infrastructure development necessary on the Tongass and Chugach National Forests. The
comments below incorporate input from the Departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Fish
and Game (ADF&G).
Support for Extension of SF-299 without Revision
The State supports the extension of the currently approved SF-299 without revision. The form
currently includes a specific section; Page 3 includes “General Information Alaska National
Interest Lands”. Title XI of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA)
acknowledged that Alaska’s transportation and utility system (TUS) network was, and is, largely
undeveloped, and that effective development would be reliant upon a coordinated and consistent
decision-making process for approving or disapproving applications for TUS systems within and
across Conservation System Units. The SF-299 form has proven to be an effective tool in the
application process, and extending SF-299 in its current form will allow for consistency and
predictability among current and prospective applicants.
Maintaining the current form ensures predictability for state agencies and private stakeholders
navigating the complex permitting processes in Alaska.
Requested Revision to Future Federal Register Summaries
While the State supports the extension of the form itself, we identify a significant omission in the
Agency’s list of authorizing statutes provided in the Abstract section of the notice.

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In future Federal Register notices and associated supporting statements, the State requests that
the Forest Service explicitly include ANILCA in the list of statutes that authorize the Forest
Service to issue and administer authorizations for use and occupancy.
Conclusion
Thank you for the opportunity to review this Information Collection renewal. The SF-299
remains a functional and necessary document for authorizing activities on National Forest and
other federal lands in Alaska. We urge the Forest Service to continue its use while ensuring that
future administrative summaries accurately reflect the full suite of statutory authorities,
specifically ANILCA, that govern land use in the State of Alaska. Please contact me at (907)
269-0880 or by email at [email protected] to coordinate any follow up discussions.
Sincerely,
Catherine Heroy
Federal Program Manager