AK HB272

Establishes the Tangle Lakes State Game Refuge consisting of state-owned land and water across multiple townships in the Fairbanks Meridian area, with specific parcels and sections detailed in the legislation.

Refuge established to provide permanent protection for fish and wildlife populations and habitats for subsistence uses, hunting, fishing, and recreational, scientific, aesthetic, and educational purposes.

Commissioner may permit mineral exploration, development, and extraction if compatible with refuge purposes; all mineral leases in effect on January 1, 2019 remain valid and enforceable.

Commissioner may permit oil and gas exploration and development if compatible with refuge purposes; all oil and gas leases in effect on January 1, 2019 remain valid and enforceable.

Departments of Fish and Game and Natural Resources may enter into leases within the refuge if compatible with its purposes but are prohibited from selling refuge land; private property access corridors must be established through agreement with property owners.

Act takes effect January 1, 2019.