Proposed Massive Renewable Energy Land Lease in Talkeetna Mountains

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The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has received a land lease application (ADL 234691) from Clear Energy for approximately 269,795 acres of state-owned land in the Talkeetna Mountains, about 20 miles northeast of Talkeetna. The proposal seeks a 40-year lease to construct, operate, and maintain renewable power generation facilities, energy storage systems, and associated infrastructure. The project is described as an effort to diversify Alaska's energy supply with reliable, low-cost, and sustainable options. DNR is currently in the solicitation-of-interest phase (ending midnight April 3, 2026), inviting other parties to express interest in developing the same site competitively, if none do, it proceeds to a negotiated lease directly with Clear Energy, followed by further public review of project details.

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Alaska Outdoor Access Alliance is concerned about the unprecedented scale of this proposal, nearly 270,000 acres is an enormous footprint in recreation-heavy area known for trails, hunting, packrafting, wildlife habitat, and subsistence uses. Even if the final developed area is smaller (to be determined by survey after construction), the potential for habitat fragmentation, restricted public access, visual and environmental impacts, or conflicts with existing outdoor uses is significant. Community discussions highlight skepticism about the true purpose given the size (speculation ranges from large-scale renewables to possible data centers or other industrial needs), and the non-competitive path risks limited scrutiny. With the short window for interest submissions, this could lock in long-term land use changes without broad competition or early input on access protections, urging close monitoring to ensure any development preserves Alaska's outdoor heritage and public lands ethos.

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TO EXPRESS INTEREST OR TO SEEK ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Audrey Gilroy Natural Resource Specialist 2

Division of Mining, Land and Water

Alaska Department of Natural Resources

550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 900C

Anchorage, AK 99501-3576

Phone: (907) 269-8111

Fax: (907) 269-8913

Email: audrey.gilroy@alaska.gov