(a) In order to provide for maximum use of state land consistent with the public interest, it is the policy of the State of Alaska to plan and manage state-owned land to establish a balanced combination of land available for both public and private purposes. The choice of land best suited for public and private use shall be determined through the inventory, planning, and classification processes set out in AS 38.04.060 - 38.04.070.
(b) In classifying and making state land available for private use and settlement purposes, the director shall consider the natural resources and conditions present on the land and shall seek to minimize the adverse effect of private settlement on wildlife, fishery, mineral, timber, and other significant resources of the land; the director shall also make adequate provision for public open space which is accessible to communities so that natural areas are easily reached from all communities and settled areas. The amount of that land shall be sufficient to meet existing and projected needs for accessible public recreation land. Special care shall be taken to preserve public access to public water and to retain state ownership of sufficient land which combine high value for recreation and other public purposes with accessibility to settled areas. This classification for public purposes does not constitute dedication to open space, but the division's management of land so classified shall be in a manner to preserve the identified values.
(c) In allocating land for private use and public retention, the requirements of future generations shall be considered. To this end, a supply of state land of a variety of types and locations shall be reserved to provide an opportunity for future decisions.
(d) Private land use rights are integral to the material well-being of the people of Alaska and our society.
(e) The involvement of a proximately located municipality and of local residents is essential in classifying and making state land available for private use and settlement. The director shall, when appropriate, hold public meetings in the communities most affected by the disposal to solicit the views of the residents of the communities affected.
(f) Land owned by the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska is not subject to the provisions of this chapter.