Tangle Lakes Archeological Area

[Mike Echo]

This is an area in the southwest corner of the intersection of the Glenn Hwy and the Denali Hwy (by Paxson).
The BLM is looking at the area and restricting access. There will be a BLM Rep at the next meeting of the Alaska Outdoor Access Alliance to explain where and what they have planned. The Access Alliance will be meeting at the Eagle River VFW, Thursday July 11 at 6:30.
If you use this area or know someone who does - get them and come out to the meeting, see what the BLM is planning and let them know what you think about it.
You don't have to be a member of the Alliance to attend the meeting.
Email me if you have any questions
Mike
[email protected]

 

[Blink]

How much more can they regulate tangle lakes besides ZERO ORV access? We've shot caribou up there and I'm gonna try and make the meeting. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Snyd]

Ya but they didn't have problem letting that Canadian mining company start mining down there. What's up with that?

 

[Mike Echo]

Clarifications

Clarifications

The location of the proposed Archeological Area is southwest of the Richardson Hwy/Denali Hwy junction. This is different from the existing Archeological Area on the north side of the Denali Hwy. I don't know if the existing one is federal or state designated. This is a Federal effort by BLM to impose (in my opinion) draconian restrictions on a big chunk of public land. Remember, the feds can't legally create a new "Park".
Mike

 

[DPhillips]

Can't create a park, but can assign it as "Research Natural Area" or some other insanely restrictive designation. The RNA's are as bad or worse than the "Wilderness" designation in the Park proper.

 

[Mike Echo]

BLM games

BLM games

in the area along the Denali Hwy and the whole Copper River drainage is ongoing. Actually the BLM is creating a set of "Resource Management Plans" that covers, by area, all the federal land in the state. We need public participation in these plans as the BLM isn't very good at letting the using public know when they are accepting public input. The initial notice requesting public input for the Denali Hwy/Copper River Drainage (East Alaska Resource Management Plan) was 1 notice in the Glen Allen paper.
The Access Alliance is working to make these meetings more well known among the majority of the users. Come out on the 11th and see everything we are working on.
Mike

 

[DPhillips]

As I understand it, the East Alaska RMP has released its Final Recommendation. There is a short comment period, mainly over legal issues, but the time for comment on how you would like to see the lands managed has passed. That was an ongoing process over the past two years.

The Norton Sound RMP is just starting up and open for comments.

 

[Mike Echo]

The "Ring of Fire" plan, covering southcentral, the Chugach Range and the Aleutians is also being worked.
Mike

 

[Mark]

How much more can they regulate tangle lakes besides ZERO ORV access? We've shot caribou up there and I'm gonna try and make the meeting. Thanks for the heads up.

ZERO ACCESS, period.

No vehicles, no walking, no nuthin.

 

[Mike Echo]

The date of the meeting is Tuesday July 11, sorry for inventing the Thursday date.
Mike

 

[cory100]

Know your facts!!!

Know your facts!!!

Gentlemen let me give you some factual information regarding the TLAD area and OHV access. First of all if you actually attempt to contact someone at BLM, ask to talk to someone in the recreation department. These people generally deal with on ground issues and usually know what their talking about. Currently this area is managed in a restricted fashion regarding OHV/s. These rules have been in place since the early 80's. Basically OHV's are limited to designated trails, those being Swede, South Landmark Gap, and Osar Lake. Some other spur trails off of these trails are open as well. All of the lands north of the Denali highway, including the new mining area, are owned by the state of Alaska, conveyed a few years ago. Simply put they are not BLM lands. In talking with the BLM these new propsals are just that, proposals. What is being proposed is some weight restrictions outside of hunting seasons. MAINTAINING closures on routes that are affecting archeological resources, that have been closed since the 80's. And opening approximattely 25 miles of NEW trails to OHV use. All this infromation is available if you actually take the time to call the BLM and ask a few questions, rather than fuel the fire regarding unfounded rumors. For this TLAD plan there were five meetings held, I know a couple of attendes. These people were asked to particiapte based upon past input on BLM plans. The only question I have regarding this area is what is the archeological significance? and why is it so special?

 

[Mike Echo]

Clearing confusion and getting the facts

Clearing confusion and getting the facts

is what this meeting on Tuesday is all about. Several Access Association members had a meeting with BLM on this, even after that meeting there was sufficient lack of facts and details, that led to asking BLM to send someone to one of our meetings to explain why, what and exactly where.
They are sending someone down (this is run out of the Glenn Allen office) and DNR will have someone there also.
The fact is -
If you hunt, or access your hunting area through, the area on the SOUTH side of the Denali Hwy between the Richardson Hwy and the Mclaren River
- your ability to get there is being determined by the BLM right now.
Do you want to hear the details at this meeting where you can have input, or maybe read them off the sign that says the trail you need to use is CLOSED.
Mike

 

[Mike Echo]

BLM cancelled their attendance

BLM cancelled their attendance

at the meeting tomorrow. Right now there is no date set to go over this proposal. There may be SOA DNR people there willing to discuss the plans for this area, their attendance is unconfirmed at this point. There is the regular meeting for the Access Alliance going on, feel free to check that out.
Mike

 

[Mike Echo]

The meeting has been re-scheduled for this coming Tuesday, the 18th at 6:30 at the same location. The Eagle River VFW is 1/4 mile out Eagle River Valley Road from the Glen Hwy exit. Turn right at the lights and the VFW is on your right just past the Fire Station (across the street from the police garage). The meeting will be in the lower level so park by the deck.
If you use this area come on out!
Mike

 

[Mike Echo]

New date Tuesday 7-18-06, 6:30 at Eagle River VFW

New date Tuesday 7-18-06, 6:30 at Eagle River VFW

Just bumping up for rescheduled date.
Mike