2025-01-27                     House Journal                      Page 0081
HB 72                                                                                                                         
HOUSE BILL NO. 72 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                                                    
the Governor, entitled:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act relating to timber on state lands; relating to timber                                                              
     management leases; and providing for an effective date."                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance                                                               
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
1. Indeterminate, Dept. of Natural Resources                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 24 follows:                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
"Dear Speaker Edgmon:                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska                                                                    
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to timber management                                                            
leases.                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2025-01-27                     House Journal                      Page 0082
This bill will authorize timber management leases with private entities                                                         
on State forest land for the purpose of active forest management,                                                               
including afforestation, timber harvest, reforestation, fire prevention,                                                        
and forest road construction and maintenance. In establishing a new                                                             
program for timber management leasing and providing for industry-led                                                            
forest management and harvest consistent with the Alaska Constitution                                                           
and with State oversight, this bill will augment the State's ability to                                                         
manage, market, and protect its forest resources.                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Under this bill, the Commissioner of Natural Resources will be                                                                  
empowered to identify State forested land suitable for timber                                                                   
management leasing and to accept nominations of such land by private                                                            
parties. After competitive solicitation, the Commissioner may enter                                                             
into a renewable 55-year timber management lease with the best                                                                  
eligible applicant. This bill requires that the lease agreement provide                                                         
for compliance with constitutionally mandated forest management                                                                 
practices and appropriate State oversight and compliance, while also                                                            
leaving flexibility for the design of individual projects.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor"