DNR renews Wishbone Hill land lease for 10 years

PALMER — Alaska Department of Natural Resources issued a decision last week to renew Usibelli Coal Mine’s land lease in support of coal mining operations associated with the Wishbone Hill coal mine.

The land included in the lease is located within Section 28 of Township 19 North, Range 2 East, Seward Meridian and is about 7 miles north of Palmer.

The annual lease fee is $2,240. But DNR wrote in its renewal decision that Usibelli must submit a new appraisal for the site no later than Sept. 1, 2013, backdated to the first day of the new lease term — Sept. 1, 2012.

“Should the report indicate that the annual fee has decreased, any overages will be credited to Usibell’s account.

Should the report indicate that the value of the land has increased, the shortfall must be remedied within two months of determination,” according to the DNR decision.

People have until 5 p.m., Sept. 10 to appeal the 10-year renewal of ADL 225305. Submit appeals to Department of Natural Resources, Office of the Commissioner. Send comments to Daniel S. Sullivan, Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources, 550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 1400, Anchorage, AK 99501, fax (907) 269-8918 or email dnr.appeals@alaska.gov.