The Department of the Interior has released a report summarizing public input on protecting surface resources in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A). The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) received nearly 80,000 comments following a Request for Information issued in July 2024. The feedback emphasized the importance of safeguarding subsistence resources.

Acting Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis stated, “Throughout our efforts to receive feedback from the public, we heard significant input about the need for protecting subsistence by identifying it as a significant resource value in the NPR-A.” She added that fish and wildlife have been crucial food sources for Alaska Native people for millennia.

A memorandum was also released detailing interim measures BLM will apply to manage NPR-A. These measures aim to protect subsistence resources while evaluating maximum protection strategies. BLM will exercise discretion to minimize impacts on subsistence use and access, aligning with current management plans.

Proposed actions will be evaluated with potential mitigation measures such as modifying or denying activities related to infrastructure and aircraft. The BLM’s Alaska team will document potential impacts on subsistence and consider options to maximize protection.

The NPR-A rule allows BLM to designate Special Areas and implement interim measures when necessary. A public process, including Tribal consultation, is directed to consider new Special Area designations as proposed by local Native leaders.

The report also discusses opportunities for co-stewardship within current and potential Special Areas in NPR-A. Additional materials are available on the BLM’s website.