Alaska’s 2021 State Land Auction is officially open, with 209 parcels available across the state.

The auction, officially referred to as “Offering 492,” opened March 31 at 10 a.m. and will close on Sept. 28 at 4:30 p.m. The available parcels are located across the state, with just one available on the Kenai Peninsula — off of Kenai Spur Highway near Beaver Loop Road. That parcel, which is 0.947 acres, has a minimum bid of $30,000.

Currently, bids on land can only be placed by Alaska residents, but if land is still available after the auction closes it will be open to anyone. Over-the-counter purchases will follow the auction and will allow anyone to buy remaining land on a first-come, first-served basis at a fixed price.

DNR offers veteran discounts on properties and offers financing on land sales with a down payment of 5% of the purchase price.

Another opportunity to acquire state land will come in August, through the Remote Recreational Cabins Sites staking program. That program gives participating Alaskans the opportunity to stake their own remote parcel of land in a predetermined staking area. Participants then lease the land from the state once it has been surveyed and appraised by DNR.

Bids can be submitted online, in person or by mail. Public comments on the auction are being accepted until May 5 at 4:30 p.m. and can be sent to landsales@alaska.gov.

DNR encourages everyone interested in purchasing land to survey it in person before submitting a bid or application. More information about the auction program can be found at dnr.alaska.gov.

Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.