Full Press Release
News from the Alaska State Legislature, the Office of Senator Rauscher
For Immediate Release: April 13, 2026
SB 230, Correcting Jonesville Boundary Passes the Senate
Senator George Rauscher
JUNEAU – Today SB 230, a bill by Senator George Rauscher (R – Sutton) correcting the boundary language for the Jonesville Public Use Area, passed the Senate in unanimous vote.
Previously in 2018, the Alaska State Legislature passed HB 6, an act establishing the Jonesville Public Use Area (PUA). While the Department of Natural Resources was drafting the regulatory standards it was discovered a section of land intended to be part of the Jonesville PUA was left out of the original bill.
SB 230 corrects the omission by utilizing boundary language provided by the Department of Natural Resources. The bill continues to protect existing land rights while ensuring proper management of the area by aligning the legal description with the original legislative intent.
“I’m grateful to my colleagues and the many community members who worked tirelessly to get SB 230 through the Senate,” Senator Rauscher said. The Resources Committee member continued, “This legislation reflects the desires of all stakeholders and recreationalists who wish to see the Jonesville area managed safely for a wide range of compatible recreation and public uses.”
The bill will now be transmitted to the State House.
According to Senator Rauscher, “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to help make the Jonesville Public Use Area whole.”
Once approved by the Governor, the Department of Natural Resources will be able to complete the regulatory process with the correct boundaries in statute.
A photo depicting some of the issues facing Jonesville due to unregulated shooting in the Public Use Area.
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