- Works has been initiated to comply with the study requirements of this section. The 3 rivers within the National Petroleum Reserve were previously studied in sufficient detail that no additional work was necessary and reports have been completed; Wild River withdrawals remain in effect until October 1, 1984. One river is being studied by the U.S. Forest Service which has initiated that project. Of the 8 remaining river studies, 4, the Porcupine, Lower Sheenjek, Kisaralik, and Melozitna have formal review in process by the National Park Service. The last 4 river studies, the Kanektok, Koyuk, Squirrel, and the Ramparts section of the Yukon will be started later this fiscal year.

- Initiated the process for determining the development and management plans for the Birch Creek, Beaver Creek, Fortymile, Delta, Gulkana, and Unalakleet National Wild and Scenic Rivers. The boundaries and plans are scheduled for completion in December 1983, as required by the act.

TITLE IX - IMPLEMENTATION OF ALASKA NATIVE CLAIMS SETTLEMENT ACT AND ALASKA STATEHOOD ACT

- Two civil actions were filed in Alaska
challenging the constitutionality of this section.
The State of Alaska filed suit, State of Alaska v.
United States of America, A-81-483 U.S.D.C.
Alaska. An additional suit was filed by Alaska
Sportsmen's Council v. United States of
America, F-81 46 U.S.D.C. Alaska. The
Sportsmen's suit as well as the State's suit, asks
the court to declare unconstitutional and void
the statutory time frame established pursuant to
section 901(a) and (c) of this section. Both

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Alaska Land Bank

FWS

FWS

year until the State's full entitlement is
patented.

- Established Escrow Account No. 14X6801 for proceeds derived from lands selected by the State.

- Worked closely with the State to assure conveyances were made in accordance with its priority submissions.

- Opened 100 million acres to State selection, 30
million of which can vest immediately upon
selection. On February 19, 1982, the State filed
approximately 10 million acres of new
selections.

- Regional Solicitor's opinion clarifying sections 906(g) and 1203(f) allows for lands in Bristol Bay area to be conveyed in Fiscal Year 1982.

- Considerable effort has been required for
permit issuance and approval coordination.

- Alaska Land Use Council will address this program in April. No Native requests received yet.

TITLE X - FEDERAL NORTH SLOPE LANDS STUDIES, OIL AND GAS LEASING PROGRAM AND MINERAL ASSESSMENTS

Implementation of the resource assessment,
which consisted mainly of acquiring available
geologic and geophysical data, was undertaken
by the Minerals Management Service (MMS)
(formerly the Conservation Divison) which is
proceeding to analyze and interpret these data.

- Initiated a study of all Federal lands, excluding
the National Park System, in the
Central Arctic area (generally, east of the
National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, west of
the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and north
of 680 north latitude). The study includes an
assessment of (1) the oil and gas resources, (2)
the impact oil and gas development will have on
wildlife resources, (3) wilderness characteristics,
and (4) alternative transportation routes needed
for oil and gas development. The study is
scheduled for completion in December 1984,
which is 4 years ahead of the statutory deadline.
The wilderness review (section 1004) is complete
in a preliminary draft form.