Legislature(2009 - 2010)
2009-02-27 Senate Journal
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Full Journal pdf2009-02-27 Senate Journal Page 0383 continue to be available for forest management. A Southeast State Forest will retain the land for long-term forest management, and provide 8 - 10 jobs annually during the thinning season. The proposed Southeast State Forest includes 20 parcels totaling approximately 25,291 acres. Parcels are General Use lands on Prince of Wales (8,708 acres), Tuxekan (200 acres), Kosciusko (2,680 acres), Heceta (2,010 acres), Revilla (324 acres), and Gravina islands (5,878 acres), and on the mainland at Crittenden Creek and Bradfield Canal (5,490 acres). This land would be managed under the State Forest statutes located at AS 41.17.200 - 41.17.230. It would continue to be open for multiple use, including wildlife harvest and recreational activities. Current Department of Natural Resources area plans will continue to direct management until a specific plan, involving interagency and public review, for the forest is adopted. Of these designated lands, approximately 655 acres will be offered for harvest in the near term (within the next two years). The remainder will be scheduled for harvest later, in accordance with the adopted management plan. Because the City and Borough of Wrangell has not yet selected its full municipal entitlement, and some of the designated lands fall within its municipal boundaries, the bill provides that selections may still be made from those lands. If new municipalities are recognized, this bill will not affect their entitlement amounts, but will prevent these designated lands from being selected. This bill is an important part of Alaska's effort to maintain timber as part of the southeast economy. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor SB 128 SENATE BILL NO. 128 BY SENATOR PASKVAN, entitled: