Doyon, Limited, an Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Corporation, currently owns 1.25-million acres within the exterior boundary of the Refuge. In October of 2004, negotiators for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Doyon reached an "agreement in principle" to exchange some lands within the Refuge. Under the proposal, Doyon would receive title to some Refuge lands that may hold developable oil and gas resources. In exchange, the Service would receive quality wetland habitats currently owned by Doyon.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently completed a series of 11 public meetings on the proposed exchange. During many of those meetings and in written comments submitted to the Refuge, individuals and organizations have requested a longer public comment period. This extension responds to those requests.

Additional information about the proposed land exchange, including the "agreement in principle" and the Service's evaluation of the lands to be exchanged, may be obtained online at: http://alaska.fws.gov/nwr/yukonflats/content.htm