Arctic Offroad Forums

So lets do some research and get some misconceptions cleared up and more.


RS 2477 Fact Sheet

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What is R.S. 2477?
[FONT=DHOAMG+Arial,Arial][FONT=DHOAMG+Arial,Arial][SIZE=3]Revised Statute 2477 is found in section 8 of the Mining Law of 1866. It granted states and territories unrestricted rights-of-way over federal lands that had no existing reservations or private entries. The law remained in effect until Congress repealed it in 1976. In Alaska, the opportunity to establish new R.S. 2477 rights-of-way generally ended December 14, 1968, when the federal government issued PLO 4582—the "land freeze"—to prepare for settlement of Alaska Native land claims. Though no new rights-of-way could be established after federal land was reserved or appropriated, or after the law was repealed in 1976, these actions did not extinguish pre-existing rights. [/FONT]
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RS 2477 homepage

RS 2477 FAQ

This pertains alot to what ak_petey was asking about.

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10. What uses can I expect on RS 2477 routes?

[INDENT]Protecting Alaska's RS 2477 rights does not mean maintenance or improvements will automatically happen. Some rights-of-way may be improved for access to valuable state resources, communities, and land. Others will be used as they have in the past, while some may be developed only as hiking trails or not used at all. The state has management authority over public access on RS 2477 rights-of-way. The state requires permits for significant upgrades of trails, a process that may require public notice.
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Rights-of-way acquired under RS 2477 provide an access tool for the state that can help meet public access and trail-user needs. However, RS 2477 management questions remain.
On state land and rights-of-way managed by DNR, "generally allowed" uses do not require a permit. For example, these uses include using up to a four-wheel drive pickup on state land if the root system (vegetative mat) is not disturbed.
Other uses of state land may require a permit. If you would like to use a documented RS 2477 route in a manner that could harm the vegetative mat or cut a trail more than five feet wide, contact DNR and the underlying landowners before proceeding. Contact one of our regional offices if you have any questions about whether you need authorization for certain activities.

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Now Peter was asking about vehicles with a GVWR over 10,000lbs was allowed on a RS 2477 trail, the answer is yes and no. Something to think about. Portions of Chena Hot Springs road is a RS 2477 trail. So obviously vehicles over 10,000lbs GVWR are allowed on that RS 2477 trail. As stated above some trails are foot use only.

this also clears up the misconception of "this is a RS 2477 trail and I'm allowed to use it". That is not true. When these were established the usage is established with how it was historically used.

AS 19.30.400

RS 2477 Casefile search

I'm hoping this can help clear some things up. As well as provide some insight and tools for you to use concerning RS 2477 trails.

The "root system" caveat really eliminates motor use on all but improved trails...we can't roll on other than dirt or rock as the tundra is too fragile. This must mean each trail will have different rules based on its area management.

Correct Brian. This is where going to DNR and getting the info for each trail would be important and beneficial. Each trail has it's own set of rules.