(a) The commissioner may issue a nonexclusive nontransferable permit to a person qualified under this section that, subject to conditions imposed under (c) of this section, entitles the person to
- (1) construct and use a trapping cabin on state land if the cabin does not exceed 400 square feet in size; or
(2) use an existing cabin on state land, regardless of size, if
- (A) the owner of the cabin approves; or
- (B) the cabin is not owned by another person.
(b) The commissioner may issue a permit to a person who
- (1) is at least 18 years of age;
- (2) possesses a valid trapping license issued under AS 16.05.330 — 16.05.430;
(3) provides proof acceptable to the commissioner that the person
- (A) has an established trapline of sufficient length to justify the need for cabin construction or use; and
- (B) is engaged in trapping in the area identified in the application.
(c) The director shall establish, by regulation, conditions for a permit issued under this section. The regulations must include the following conditions:
(1) a permit is valid for a period of not more than 10 years; the director shall continue to renew the permit for successive periods of not more than 10 years if the permit holder
- (A) establishes the person's periodic use and occupancy of the cabin;
- (B) meets the qualifications of this section;
- (2) an existing cabin or a cabin authorized for construction under a permit issued under this section shall be maintained according to reasonable specifications established by the commissioner;
- (3) a primary cabin authorized for construction under a permit issued under this section may not exceed 400 square feet; another cabin constructed under the same permit may not exceed 192 square feet;
(4) a permit may be issued for an existing cabin that exceeds 400 square feet if
(A) the cabin is intended for use as a seasonal shelter while the user is engaged in trapping or trapping-related activities;
(B) the person applying for the permit
- (i) is the owner of the cabin or has previously held a permit for the cabin, or is applying for a permit for a cabin that does not have an owner; and
- (ii) did not build the cabin without authorization;
- (5) a permit shall specify the number of cabins allowed to be constructed and indicate their specific geographical location; the director may establish a maximum number of cabins for each person or otherwise limit their number because of the probability of adverse consequences;
- (6) adequate provision must be made for waste and garbage disposal, as determined by the director;
(7) the payment of a trapping cabin permit fee determined by the director; the fee may not exceed
(A) $100 for the issuance or renewal of the permit; and
- (B) $25 for each year of the term of the permit.
- (d) A permit issued under this section is not a disposal of interest and does not convey an interest in land, does not grant or establish a preference right to a lease or purchase of land, and does not allow for other uses of a cabin or land adjacent to a cabin for a purpose other than trapping. A permit does not authorize the permit holder to reside at the cabin or on the state land for which the person holds a permit under this section. A person may use timber in the immediate vicinity of a cabin for which the person holds a permit for personal noncommercial purposes only.
- (e) Subject to (a)(2) of this section, if the director determines that it is in the best interests of the state, the director may issue multiple permits for the use of a trapping cabin.
- (f) The department may not charge an additional land use fee for the use or construction of a trapping cabin authorized by a permit issued under this section.
- (g) A person who makes a false statement as to any material fact relating to a permit issued under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. A person who violates this subsection or any of the terms and conditions of a permit issued under this section may have the permit immediately revoked and is subject to payment of all costs required in dismantling the cabin structure.