Ahtna is committed to preserving and responsibly managing its lands, while ensuring shareholders can benefit from these resources. As part of this commitment, Ahtna offers free permits for the harvest of firewood, house logs, and gravel. These permits are available to voting shareholders, allowing them to sustain traditional lifestyles while supporting building and heating needs.

Annual Harvest Amounts

Permit holders can access the following resources annually:

• Firewood: Up to 10 cords.
• House Logs: Up to 100 logs.
• Gravel: Up to 100 cubic yards.

Applications

Shareholders can easily apply online at MyAhtna.com, streamlining the application process and allowing the Land Department to efficiently monitor resource use.

Eligibility Requirements

• Shareholders: Must have a shareholder ID card to confirm eligibility for recreational land use. However, ID holders must still apply for individual permits to ensure accurate tracking of resources.
• Descendants and Spouses: Must visit the Glennallen or Cantwell offices to confirm eligibility in person. This step ensures that all permit holders meet the necessary criteria and allows the Land Department to maintain up-to-date records.

Importance of Tracking Resource Use

The permit system plays a crucial role in Ahtna’s land management efforts. By monitoring resource usage, the Land Department can:

• Prevent unauthorized access and trespassing on Ahtna lands
• Ensure sustainable harvesting practices
• Maintain accurate records of natural resource distribution

This careful monitoring safeguards Ahtna’s lands, ensuring they remain a valuable resource for shareholders while preventing over-harvesting and misuse.

Ahtna’s Approach to Land Management

Ahtna’s land management practices are guided by a strong commitment to cultural values, sustainability, and strategic development. The shareholder permit program reflects these principles by balancing resource access with responsible land use. Ahtna’s long-standing emphasis on land protection, conservative development, and sustainable resource management ensures that shareholders can access materials today while safeguarding the land for future generations.

Ahtna owns approximately 1.58 million acres of land, mainly in the southcentral interior of Alaska, including areas within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Denali National Park. These lands encompass vital resources such as gravel and timber and are managed to meet both the cultural and economic needs of the Ahtna people.

By offering these free permits and tracking their use, Ahtna is ensuring that its lands remain a vital resource for shareholders. This balance between responsible land use and careful stewardship is key to preserving the natural beauty and cultural significance of the Ahtna region for generations to come.