The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages all state-owned land, water and natural resources except fish and game. Its stated mission is to develop, conserve and maximise the use of Alaska’s natural resources in the public interest.[1]
| Headquarters | Anchorage |
|---|---|
| Divisions | Seven |
| State land conveyed | About 100 million acres |
| Expected total | About 104 million acres |
| Tidelands and submerged lands | About 60 million acres |
| Coastline | 40,000 miles |
Mission and scope
The department manages state-owned land, water and natural resources, except fish and game, on behalf of Alaskans. Besides its seven divisions it oversees offices including the Mental Health Trust Land Office, the Office of Project Management and Permitting and the Public Information Center.[1]
Divisions
The seven divisions are Agriculture, Forestry and Fire Protection, Geological and Geophysical Surveys, Mining, Land and Water, Oil and Gas, Parks and Outdoor Recreation, and Support Services.[1][2]
Land and water
About 100 million acres had been conveyed to the state from the federal government, and the state expects to own land and resources on about 104 million acres when conveyances finish. About 60 million acres are tidelands, shorelands and submerged lands, and the state manages 40,000 miles of coastline and freshwater resources the department puts at about 40 percent of the nation’s fresh water flow.[1]
Forests, minerals and parks
More than 2 million acres are dedicated state forests in the Tanana Valley and near Haines, and the Division of Forestry protects 134 million acres from wildfire. The Division of Mining, Land and Water manages 2.5 million acres of public use and recreational river systems, and about 96 million acres of state land are available for mineral exploration and mining. Wood-Tikchik State Park covers 1.6 million acres.[1]
FAQs
What does the DNR manage? State land, water and natural resources except fish and game.
How many divisions does it have? Seven.
How much land does the state own? About 100 million acres conveyed so far, 104 million expected.
Sources
Key facts
- About 104 million acres expected
- 40,000 miles of coastline
Quick checkHow many divisions does Alaska DNR have?Show answer
Seven
Sources
- Alaska Department of Natural Resources. About DNR. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-14)
- Wikipedia. Alaska Department of Natural Resources. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-14)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue