Tag: 17(b) easements

Update on the Status of the 17(b) Easements around Seldovia

by Jenny Chissus

On Tuesday, November 27th, BLM representatives arrived in Seldovia to post the sign for the 17(b) easement, marking the start of the easement access to public lands in the hills surrounding Seldovia.  The beginning of the easement is just past the landfill on Rocky Street, and the sign was posted adjacent to the gate that currently marks the beginning of Seldovia Native Association land.

This easement, and the access to state lands beyond the native lands has been in contention for many years.

There are many avid hikers, skiers and fishermen who remember the days when access was open and available – leading back to the head of Seldovia Bay and Seldovia River, with access to Seldovia Lake.

From what I have gathered, (though it is very complicated – see SNA position stated below) the simplified version according to the Seldovia Native Association, is that the easement location on the posted map by BLM does not follow the original trail, and is therefore not the legal access to state lands or the lake.   Because the location of the old trail (easement) is difficult to determine and very Continue Reading