The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments through May 11 on a placer mining application for Davis Creek in the Fortymile Mining District near Chicken. The deadline is 5:00 p.m. Alaska Standard Time.

Applicant Jeff Owen has requested approval to conduct mechanical placer mining on state lands covering roughly 3,840 acres along Davis Creek. The proposed operation would run from the date of authorization through December 31, 2035, unless extended under state regulations.

The application seeks a Plan of Operation Approval under state mining regulations, along with reclamation plan approval. The mining locations span sections in townships 26 and 27 North, Range 22 East, Copper River Meridian. Cross-country travel on state lands outside the mining claims may also be authorized.

Written comments must be received by the Division of Mining, Land and Water at the Fairbanks Mine Permitting Office, 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709, or emailed to [email protected] by the May 11 deadline.

Questions about the application or requests to view the full packet should be directed to Michelle Corrigan at (907) 451-2743. After reviewing public comments, the department may issue an authorization with conditions, or modify the proposed activity during the review process.