### Question
How is the "public lands" defined?


### Answer
The term **public lands** is defined in *16 U.S.C. § 3102* as follows -

> land situated in Alaska which, after December 2, 1980, are Federal lands, except—


(A) land selections of the State of Alaska which have been tentatively approved or validly selected under the Alaska Statehood Act and lands which have been confirmed to, validly selected by, or granted to the Territory of Alaska or the State under any other provision of Federal law

#### Citation:
  - *16 U.S.C. § 3102*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 51-ALASKA NATIONAL INTEREST LANDS CONSERVATION > SUBCHAPTER I-GENERAL PROVISIONS**

