The mission of the Ahtna Land Department is to protect and preserve our lands’ resources for present and future generations of the Ahtna People. The Vendor Contract is a management tool for the department to manage and monitor Ahtna’s cultural and natural resources. The terms and conditions of this contract are to ensure impacts to Ahtna lands are regulated.
Guided Activities Permitted
Every activity the Vendor and Client plan to partake in should be described to prevent future uncertainty between the Vendor and Ahtna staff in the field. Additional activities may be added and incorporated into the contract upon request.
Approved activities the Vendor and Clients may partake in with an applicable Vendor Contract
- ATV riding
- Dog sledding
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Land crossing
- Photography
- Predator Control
- Rafting
- Rental services
- Snowmachine riding
- Others upon review
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a contract?
Ahtna lands are privately-owned and therefore requires a Vendor Contract if there is interest of a business wanting to pursue Ahtna lands for their guiding activities. The Vendor Contract serves as an Ahtna Land Use Permit that is issued and administered by Ahtna, Incorporated. Use of Ahtna lands without a permit of any kind is considered trespass under Alaska State law. The purchase of an Ahtna land permit by the clients of the Vendors service helps support important programs aimed at maintaining the lands for enjoyment by current and future generations such as: campgrounds and cabins for public use, public education and outreach on customary and traditional use practices, land patrols to ensure public safety, litter clean up, compliance with land use policies, and fish and game harvest regulations.
What benefits me by acquiring a Vendor Contract?
Public access is extremely limited and the opportunities for business development are scarce on currently available public land. Ahtna, Incorporated own approximately 1.6 million acres which encompass the entire Copper River basin, famously known for its salmon. The biggest asset that Ahtna has is its ownership of over 600,000 acres in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park as well as its holdings in the Denali National Park and Preserve. Ahtna is in a position to provide access and land within the National Parks for tourism-based business. The landscape and resources are viable to recreational users such as: access to fishing, rafting, campgrounds, hiking trails, Ahtna history, and breathtaking views.
What if my “activity” isn’t on the list?
Additional activities may be proposed to the Ahtna Land Department for review. The activities mentioned are the pre-approved activities that currently partake on Ahtna lands.
What if I don’t have a business license or insurance for my company?
All businesses in Alaska are required to obtain a business license. This is regulated on a statewide level. Insurance is required for all commercial users who obtain a contract with Ahtna whether it be for guided activities, gravel, leases, or other activities.