Alaska Power & Telephone Company Submits Annual USFS Consultation for Black Bear Lake Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights -

As required by Article 104 of the Black Bear Lake Hydroelectric Project (License P-10440), Alaska Power & Telephone Company has submitted a document to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) detailing their annual consultation with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). The company, led by Permitting Specialist Mika Cline, has been seeking to meet with USFS to discuss their operations and improvements to the Black Bear Hydro facility. Despite reaching out to USFS via email on September 4th, 2025, the company has yet to receive a response, citing a recent personnel shuffle within the agency.

Key Takeaways:

  • Alaska Power & Telephone Company has submitted an annual USFS consultation document for the Black Bear Lake Hydroelectric Project, as required by Article 104 of the project's license (P-10440).
  • The company attempted to meet with USFS via email on September 4th, 2025, but has not received a response yet.
  • USFS personnel have undergone significant changes this year, which may be contributing to the lack of response.
  • The company appreciates the historical cooperation with USFS staff and looks forward to scheduling a meeting in the future.
  • A supplemental filing will be made if the company meets with USFS in 2025 for Black Bear Hydro.

Statistics:

  • 60 days: the timeframe in which the licensee (Alaska Power & Telephone Company) must meet with USFS as per Article 104 of the Black Bear Lake Hydroelectric Project's license (P-10440).
  • 2025: the year in which the company attempted to meet with USFS and will make a supplemental filing if a meeting is scheduled.
  • 2: the number of email exchanges between Mika Cline (Permitting Specialist, AP&T) and numerous USFS personnel between September 4th and 18th, 2025.

Sources:

  • ALASKA POWER & TELEPHONE COMPANY 1250 HOWKAN STREET | PO BOX 647 PETERSBURG, ALASKA 99833 PHONE: (907) 772-3000 | FAX: (907) 772-9224 WWW.APTALASKA.COM | EMAIL: PET@APTALASKA.COM
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Hydrowashington D.C. Office of Secretary 888 First Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20426