Five-year extension issued for Alaska Native Vietnam-era Veterans Allotment Program
Deadline extended to 2030
The application deadline for the Alaska Native Vietnam-era Veterans Allotment Program has been extended five years, from 2025 to 2030. The U.S. Senate passed the five-year extension Dec. 16. The legislation now heads to the president’s desk for his signature.
A unique land transfer program, the Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans Allotment Program permits eligible Vietnam-era veterans or their heirs to apply for up to 160 acres of federal wilderness land in Alaska. This federal program, administered by the Bureau of Land Management, seeks to compensate Vietnam veterans who, because of their active-duty service, were unable to file a land claim under the Alaska Native Allotment Act.
All eligible Alaska Native Vietnam-era veterans who were on active duty in the armed forces between Aug. 5, 1964, and Dec. 31, 1971, or their heirs may apply for a land allotment.
CIRI commends Alaska’s congressional delegation—comprised of Sen. Dan Sullivan, Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Rep. Nick Begich—for working with their colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass the five-year extension in advance of the original deadline of Dec. 29, 2025. Eligible Alaska Native Vietnam-era veterans or their heirs will now have until 2030 to apply for their congressionally mandated land allotments.
Read the Dec. 16 press release issued by Sen. Sullivan’s office: Senate Passes 5-Year Extension for Alaska Native Vietnam-era Veterans Land Allotment Program
Johnson Tract Mineral Deposit
The Johnson Tract is rich in natural resources, including metals and minerals important not just for our region but for industries worldwide. This project presents an opportunity to responsibly develop mineral resources to benefit our Shareholders while respecting the environment and preserving the land.
History: In 1976, as part of the Cook Inlet Land Exchange, CIRI agreed to forgo land selections on and around Lake Clark, which enabled the creation of Lake Clark National Park. In exchange for forgoing those entitlements CIRI received the Johnson Tract, which became an inholding within the park. In addition, Congress guaranteed CIRI easements for access to the Johnson Tract. The project is located approximately 100 miles southwest of Anchorage.
Johnson Tract Project Update: In 2019, CIRI entered into a lease agreement with HighGold Mining to explore a mineral-rich deposit on CIRI-owned lands within Lake Clark National Park. This 21,000-acre (approximately 33 square miles) parcel of land is known as the Johnson Tract. In July, gold developer Contango Ore acquired HighGold Mining. Current efforts are aimed at expanding existing zones, targeting new discoveries and building infrastructure.
Honoring our Commitments: CIRI’s dedication to conservation is deeply rooted in our history. Without CIRI’s pivotal decisions, the creation of Lake Clark National Park would not have been possible. By relinquishing certain lands, CIRI enabled the formation of this vital natural space, preserving it for future generations while securing other lands, like the Johnson Tract, for responsible development. This history highlights CIRI’s thoughtful, measured approach to land management—balancing economic interests with environmental preservation. The Johnson Tract project reflects decades of hard work to build a foundation of self-determination and financial stability.
