The state of Alaska is telling an Alaska Native corporation to stop claiming ownership of the Chuitna River bed. The Tyonek Native Corporation owns land all around the river. its website says "walking, wading or standing on the riverbed" is considered trespassing. But the Alaska Department of Natural Resources says otherwise. Commissioner Tom Irwin told the corporation to stop interfering with people who use the river. A council member for the federally recognized village of Tyonek says the tribe has always had problems with trespassing. Frank Standifer says the only way to access the river is through corporation-owned land. Get the Story:
Claims to Chuitna River hold no water, state tells Tyonek (The Anchorage Daily News 4/27)