The "Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act of 2025" finalizes land conveyances to the Cape Fox Village Corporation in Alaska, fulfilling obligations under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, while ensuring public access.
Lisa Murkowski
Senator
AK
The "Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act of 2025" directs the Department of Interior to transfer specific federal land within the Tongass National Forest to the Cape Fox Village Corporation, settling their land entitlement claims under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. It waives certain land selection requirements for Cape Fox and mandates the conveyance of both surface and subsurface rights to Cape Fox and Sealaska Corporation, respectively. The Act also establishes a public access easement across the conveyed land to ensure continued access to National Forest System lands.
Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalized: 180 Acres Near Tongass National Forest to Transfer
The "Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act of 2025" settles a land deal for the Cape Fox Village Corporation in Alaska. Basically, it wraps up a land transfer that was promised to the Cape Fox Corporation, which represents the Native Village of Saxman.
Land Swap Specifics
The bill greenlights the transfer of about 180 acres of federal land within the Tongass National Forest to Cape Fox. It also waives a rule that usually requires them to pick land in a specific area (their "core township"). This waiver applies to about 40 acres in one section and another 144.57 acres in a nearby section (T. 74 S. R.90 E. sec. 10, SWNE, and T.75 S. R.91 E. sec. 1, lots 1, 3, and 4, Copper River Meridian, for those who like the details). The subsurface rights (think minerals and such) go to Sealaska Corporation.
Deadlines and Details
Once Cape Fox sends a written notice, the Secretary of the Interior has 90 days to make the land transfer happen. The goal is to get it all done ASAP, but no later than 180 days after the notice. This transfer finishes up Cape Fox's land entitlement under Section 16 and Sealaska Corporation’s subsurface interest entitlement under section 14(f) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA).
Keeping Access Open
There's a catch – a good one for the public. The bill includes a "public easement," meaning there will still be guaranteed access from George Inlet to the inland parts of the National Forest on Revillagigedo Island. This follows Section 17(b) of ANCSA, ensuring folks can still get to those public lands.
The Bottom Line
This Act is about tying up loose ends on a land agreement. It gives Cape Fox the land they were promised, hands over the subsurface rights to Sealaska, and keeps a pathway open for public access. The main thing to watch is whether the transfer happens within that 180-day window – that's the Secretary of Interior's deadline.