April 20, 2026 Seward Folly

Submitted by Charity Lehman

Dear Seward Neighbors,

I am writing to bring your attention to a pending state land use permit application that could significantly reshape the character of our shared backyard: the Eastern Peninsula of Resurrection Bay. This includes the area of Humpy Cove and the Eldorado Narrows. 

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently reviewing Permit Application LAS 35792, submitted by Pure Alaska LLC. This proposal seeks a five-year permit to establish a year-round commercial tourism site on state lands. While we all value the beauty and economic potential of our region, the specifics of this application warrant a closer look by everyone who calls Seward home.

Scroll to the bottom of the page on how to take action

The Proposal

Under this application, Pure Alaska LLC is requesting authorization to construct up to five 16-foot by 20-foot cabins on pier blocks, along with a storage shed and associated waste facilities (composting/incinerating toilets or a pit privy). The site is intended for year-round commercial lodging and recreation support. The applicant has proposed three potential locations: Humpy Cove, a cove in between Shearwater Cove and Kayaker’s Cove, and the cove south of Kayaker’s Cove which provides our public access point to hike up and over to Day Harbor.

Why This Matters: Balancing Growth and Management

While I support responsible public access and thoughtful economic development, we must ask if this specific proposal is the right fit for the eastern peninsula. There are several critical factors the Department must consider before moving forward:

• Orderly Land Management: This portion of Resurrection Bay is a sensitive area. Introducing new commercial tourism use here must be consistent with long-term, orderly land management plans rather than a piecemeal approach to development.
• Respecting Existing Investment: This portion of Resurrection Bay already contains multiple existing private operators who have invested substantial private capital to lawfully establish tourism businesses in this market. While competition itself is not the issue, the state should be cautious about using scarce public shoreline lands in a manner that effectively undercuts prior private investment already committed to the local economy.
• Preserving the Wild Character: Part of what makes Resurrection Bay world-class is the balance between accessible recreation and untouched wilderness. This pristine and undeveloped coastline is not only an environmental asset—it is also a core economic asset for the broader Seward tourism community. Virtually every boat tour company operating from Seward markets the wild beauty of this bay, including the rare opportunity to experience a coastline that still feels largely untouched. That shared value belongs to the entire community and visitor economy, not solely to any one proposed operator. Commercial use of scarce and desirable public shoreline should be justified by a clear public benefit.

Your Right to Weigh In

Under Alaska state law, the public has a vital role in the adjudication of land use permits. The purpose of the current public notice is to gather input before a final decision is made. This is your opportunity to ensure that our community’s voice is heard regarding how our state lands are managed.

The deadline for written comments is 5:00 PM on April 24, 2026.

How to Take Action

If you have concerns about the scale, location, or impact of this proposed commercial site, please submit your comments to the Division of Mining, Land and Water.

• Email: john.forbes@alaska.gov
• Mail: Southcentral Regional Land Office, 550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 900C, Anchorage, AK 99501-3577
• Phone for Questions: John Forbes, Natural Resource Specialist, at (907) 269-5032

Add Your Name — Make Our Voice Heard

We understand that not every resident has the time or inclination to draft an individual letter to the Department of Natural Resources. Life is busy, and the formal regulatory process can feel daunting. You should not have to be a policy expert to have a say in the future of the Bay.

To that end, a collective letter will be composed and submitted to the DNR Southcentral Regional Land Office on Friday, April 24, on behalf of the concerned residents of Seward. This letter will articulate the shared concerns outlined above—orderly land management, protection of the visitor economy, and environmental stewardship—in a clear, substantive format designed to carry maximum weight in the adjudication process.

Crucially, this letter will carry the names of as many Seward residents as we can gather. A submission signed by dozens of community members speaks with a force that no single letter can match. It demonstrates to the DNR that these are not isolated concerns—they are the unified position of our community.

If you would like your name included as a signatory on the community letter, please send an email to admin@shearwatercove.com with the following:

• Your permission to include your name as a signatory on the collective letter regarding LAS 35792.
• Your physical or mailing address. This information is vital for the DNR to verify the residency and credibility of the comments it receives.

Time is limited. Please submit your permission by noon Thursday, April 23. 

Every Seward resident who participates makes our position stronger and ensures that the future of Resurrection Bay reflects the values of the people who live here.