Land and Resource Policies for the future, guided by the past
The lands and waters of Bristol Bay have sustained our people for millennia, and our foremost duty is to manage them prudently for future generations. Cultural traditions and reverence for the land are passed on to our children, and also inform BBNC’s policies.
Through ANCSA, BBNC took direct responsibility for about 11% of the 27.5 million acres of land in Southwest Alaska that make up the Bristol Bay region. BBNC stewards three million acres of subsurface estate and more than 115,000 acres of surface lands.
BBNC strives to promote in-region economic development of the natural resources on its lands, including minerals, oil, gas and tourism, carefully selecting and supporting only those projects that will both enrich our Native ways and sustain our lands.
We prioritize the development of energy sources that have the most potential to reduce the high cost of living in the region without diminishing our way of life. While we look to build new roads to our region’s financial and social future, we remain vigilant about preserving those resources that have always sustained us.
Through responsible use of abundant resources, and in cooperation with the villages who share stewardship responsibilities for the region, we aspire to support strong families and communities.
Robust Land and Resources Policies guide BBNC’s management activities. Our policies seek to take advantage of the natural resources and development opportunities that exist in the Bristol Bay region while also protecting the culture and heritage of our people.
Land Entitlement and Assessment
A primary responsibility of the Land Department is to acquire and retain patent to all the land selections BBNC is entitled to under ANCSA. Secondarily, we work to assess the resources and values that exist on these lands so that we can appropriately manage, steward and develop them for the benefit of our shareholders and the Bristol Bay region.
Responsible Resource Development
We seek to maximize the economic potential of our lands, but will only pursue projects that meet our financial, environmental and social standards. In addition to being fiscally sustainable, projects must be compatible with, support and protect subsistence, clean water and healthy fish populations.
Fish First
Our Land and Resource Policies reflect an unwavering commitment to protect the fish that have sustained our culture for thousands of years. Through a balanced, sensitive, and far-seeing approach to the management of our lands and waters, we’re able to uphold a triad of values—fiscal, environmental, and social—so that our region can continue to be available for the range of uses we enjoy today. In other words, protecting the subsistence culture of our shareholders is just as important as our corporate growth.