Federal restrictions set to lift on 205,000 acres near Haines

The announced change

Federal officials plan to lift development restrictions on 205,000 acres near Haines. The change would affect a large area near the community and could allow the land to enter a different stage of federal review and management.

The announcement identifies the size of the area but does not establish a construction project, approve a specific use or set a date for the restrictions to end.

What is known

The action concerns federal restrictions on development. Its geographic scope is 205,000 acres near Haines.

The announcement does not identify the federal agency responsible, explain the restrictions being removed, list future projects or state whether any particular development application has been filed.

What happens next

The next steps will determine when the restrictions are lifted and what rules would apply afterward. Any proposed development would still need to follow the requirements attached to the land and any applicable approval process.

Residents, landowners and local officials will need the federal decision and related records to assess how the change could affect housing, transportation, land use and other development questions near Haines.

Chilkat Valley News reported the planned change affecting 205,000 acres near Haines.