Legislature(2025 - 2026)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/03/2026 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation: Disaster Preparedness by Bryan Fisher, Director of Alaska Division of Homeland Security | |
| Presentation: 2025 Fire Suppression Update by Norm Mcdonald, Deputy Director of Forestry and Fire Protection | |
| SB188 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| *+ | SB 188 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 3, 2026
3:31 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Scott Kawasaki, Chair
Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Vice Chair
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
Senator Cathy Tilton
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION: 2025 FIRE SUPPRESSION UPDATE BY NORM MCDONALD~
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION
- HEARD
PRESENTATION: DISASTER PREPAREDNESS BY BRYAN FISHER~ DIRECTOR OF
ALASKA DIVISION OF HOMELAND SECURITY
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 188
SHORT TITLE: TANANA VALLEY STATE FOREST
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
05/02/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
05/02/25 (S) STA, RES
02/03/26 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
BRYAN FISHER, Director
Division of Homeland Security and
Emergency Management (DHSEM)
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
JBER, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a presentation on Disaster
Preparedness.
NORM MCDONALD, Deputy Director
Division of Forestry & Fire Protection
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a presentation on the 2025 Fire
Suppression update.
BRENT GOODRUM, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Natural Resources
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions regarding the fire
suppression update.
JEREMY DOUSE, State Forester and Director
Division Forestry and Fire Protection
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced SB 188 on behalf of the sponsor.
BRENT GOODRUM, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Natural Resources
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 188.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:31:23 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI called the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:31 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson, Tilton, and
Chair Kawasaki. Senator Bjorkman arrived shortly thereafter.
^PRESENTATION: DISASTER PREPAREDNESS BY BRYAN FISHER, DIRECTOR
OF ALASKA DIVISION OF HOMELAND SECURITY
PRESENTATION: DISASTER PREPAREDNESS BY BRYAN FISHER, DIRECTOR OF
ALASKA DIVISION OF HOMELAND SECURITY
3:32:43 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the presentation on Disaster
Preparedness by the Alaska Division of Homeland Security.
3:33:03 PM
BRYAN FISHER, Director, Division of Homeland Security and
Emergency Management (DHSEM), Department of Military and
Veterans Affairs, JBER, Alaska, provided a presentation on
Disaster Preparedness and moved to slide 2, Organization, and
stated that his division, Homeland Security, is part of the
Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and reports
to Major General Torrance Saxe, the Adjutant General. He said
his division has 64 full-time state employees, with no military
personnel assigned. He said his division operates the State
Emergency Operations Center and coordinates field response,
managing disaster recovery efforts, and leading statewide
preparedness and planning activities.
3:34:43 PM
MR. FISHER moved to slide 3 and said the planning section
includes three units: All Hazards Resiliency, Community
Planning, and Mitigation. Most community and agency preparedness
efforts are managed here. The division helps state agencies,
municipalities, Tribal governments, and other partners develop
continuity of operations plans during disasters. He said the
division also provides training and exercises to support those
plans. Community Planning develops Emergency Operations Plans
(EOPs), Small Community Emergency Response Plans (SCERPs), and
supports Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs), which
coordinate oil, hazardous substance, and all-hazards planning at
the community level.
3:36:54 PM
MR. FISHER moved to slide 4, SCERP: a Document and a Process,
and stated that in 2012, DHSEM created a Small Community
Emergency Response Plan to bridge the gap between complex
federal and state plans and local needs. He said SCERP is
designed for communities under 2,000. SCERP provides a simple,
customizable, action-oriented format focused on the first 72
hours of a disaster, especially sheltering and evacuation. DHSEM
partnered with communities statewide to develop and regularly
update about 200 of these plans.
3:41:28 PM
MR. FISHER moved to slide 5, Hazard Mitigation Plan Development
Process, and stated that DHSEM also develops Hazard Mitigation
Plans, which identify community risks and outline strategies and
projects. He said to reduce the impact of disasters, these
projects include fuels reduction, home elevation, and seismic
retrofitting. The FEMA guided plans require strong community
participation and are primarily federally funded; however, key
pre-disaster mitigation grants are currently paused, limiting
available support.
3:44:23 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked how this state administration is evaluating
the president's proposal to reduce FEMA's size and shift more
responsibility to the states.
MR. FISHER replied that proposed FEMA reforms would shift
greater financial risk and responsibility to states and local
governments. He said an executive review is underway, and while
final recommendations are delayed, discussions point toward
fewer federal disaster declarations and reduced funding for
response, recovery, preparedness, and mitigation. As a result,
states may need to contribute more resources, though specific
details are not yet available. He said United States H.R.4669,
119th Congress, Fixing Emergency Management of Americans (FEMA)
Act of 2025, would reassess federal versus state and local roles
in disaster funding and response. While the outcome is
uncertain, momentum suggests increased responsibility at the
state and local level.
3:48:12 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked if the state must assume more emergency
response costs, how is DHS preparing and is DHS considering
stronger resilience and land use strategies in high-risk flood
and coastal areas.
3:49:11 PM
MR. FISHER answered yes and said the agency actively promotes
resilience by urging communities to incorporate hazard
mitigation data into infrastructure planning and rebuilding. He
said in both new construction and post-disaster recovery,
projects are designed to strengthen facilities and reduce future
risk, ensuring communities are more durable and better able to
recover from disasters.
3:51:17 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN asked how the process works and how the federal
government determines the amount it will reimburse the state for
disaster costs.
3:51:48 PM
MR. FISHER replied that under The Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), a
presidential disaster declaration provides at least 75 percent
federal reimbursement for eligible costs. Governor Dunleavy
requested an increased federal share for this disaster, but
President Trump denied it. As a result, the state is receiving
the standard 75/25 cost split, consistent with most federal
disasters, while awaiting a decision on appeal.
3:54:30 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI noted that Governor Dunleavy stated that
the disaster declaration authorized a 100 percent federal cost
share. He asked whether that statement was incorrect, or did the
federal cost share change after the declaration was approved.
3:55:15 PM
MR. FISHER replied that the governor requested a 100 percent
federal cost share for 90 days; however, the official notice in
the Federal Register did not include that approval. Although
there were public statements indicating assistance was
forthcoming, the formal documentation did not specify a revised
cost share. He said Alaska did not receive confirmation until
around December 19th that the request for an increased federal
share had been denied. The declaration and notification process
differed from past practice, and any clarification ultimately
lies with the federal government.
3:56:55 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI stated that in the October 22, 2025, press
release, the governor stated that President Trump approved a
disaster declaration authorizing a 100 percent federal cost
share. He asked whether the disaster declaration said there was
a 100 percent cost share.
3:57:31 PM
MR. FISHER replied that the initial press release was based on a
verbal notification that the president had approved the disaster
declaration. He said written confirmation was not received until
a few days later, when the notice was posted in the Federal
Register.
3:57:56 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked why the governor stated the relief
would reach 100 percent, since the standard federal cost share
covers 75 percent. He inquired who indicated a 100 percent share
and whether someone provided that information or if it resulted
from an error.
3:58:20 PM
MR. FISHER replied that he cannot say and stated that the
governor requested a 100 percent cost share and received verbal
approval of the disaster declaration. However, on December 19th,
the requested cost share adjustment was denied, and the state
has appealed that decision.
3:58:49 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked whether those seeking federal aid can
access assistance under the current structure, or whether some
individuals still await payments.
MR. FISHER answered no and all authorized assistance is
currently available. Under federal law, individuals may receive
up to $44,800 for essential personal property and an additional
$44,800 for housing repair or replacement. He said FEMA has
already issued hundreds of grants, totaling about $32 million to
Alaskans, and funds are being distributed as expected.
4:00:24 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked whether the President of the United
States told Governor Dunleavy the federal cost share requested
was 100 percent or was it someone else and is there any written
confirmation of that.
4:00:49 PM
MR. FISHER replied that the State of Alaska didn't receive
written information from the White House about the cost share
until December 19th.
4:01:04 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI noted that there were several hundred displaced
families affected by Typhoon Halong that fully relocated to
communities like Anchorage or Fairbanks. He asked whether some
families are still in temporary housing, are any residents still
in the impacted area, and how have displaced students been
transitioned into schools.
4:01:57 PM
MR. FISHER replied that after the storm, about 2,000 residents
were evacuated, many to Bethel and Anchorage. More than 200
homes were destroyed, and most displaced residents remain away
from home. About 80 households (around 400 people) are still in
Anchorage hotels and are being transitioned into FEMA-funded
long-term rentals for up to 18 months while recovery and
rebuilding continue.
4:03:58 PM
MR. FISHER moved to slide 6, Mitigation Projects-Funding
Sources, and stated that the agency administers several hazard
mitigation programs. The BRIC program is temporarily suspended,
and both pre- and post-disaster mitigation programs are under
federal review, with recent requests, including for the Halong
disaster, denied nationwide. He said despite funding
uncertainty, the state continues updating hazard mitigation
plans and pursuing available FEMA programs to strengthen
infrastructure and housing during recovery, while other
mitigation funds exist through separate federal agencies.
4:06:29 PM
MR. FISHER moved to slide 7, Preparedness, and stated that the
preparedness team manages all FEMA training in the state,
including incident command, mitigation, and emergency planning,
and coordinates attendance at national training centers. They
conduct local training, lead and support disaster exercises, and
provide community outreach on individual and family
preparedness, including public events and earthquake simulation
demonstrations.
4:09:41 PM
At ease.
^PRESENTATION: 2025 FIRE SUPPRESSION UPDATE BY NORM MCDONALD,
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION
PRESENTATION: 2025 FIRE SUPPRESSION UPDATE BY NORM MCDONALD,
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION
4:10:24 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and announced the
presentation on the 2025 Fire Suppression update.
4:10:58 PM
NORM MCDONALD, Deputy Director, Division of Forestry & Fire
Protection, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Anchorage,
Alaska, provided a presentation on the 2025 Fire Suppression
update and moved to slide 2. He stated that the division
structures Alaska's wildland fire program around an increasingly
complex and intensifying global fire environment. With record-
breaking seasons in California, the East Coast, Canada,
Australia, and Maui, Alaska faces similar risks. He said there
is no single solution to this growing challenge. He said
Alaska's wildland fire program is built on four pillars:
preparedness (a trained workforce), prevention (reducing the 60
percent of fires that are human-caused), mitigation (fuels
reduction and resilient communities), and suppression (placing
the right resources at the right time). All funding and efforts
align with these priorities.
4:12:59 PM
MR. MCDONALD moved to slide 3, Interagency Cooperation, and
referenced the map on the left side of the slide. He stated that
Alaska uses a unique interagency fire protection model. The
state primarily protects state, private, and municipal lands but
also covers some federal lands through agreements. In return,
the Alaska Fire Service protects federal lands and assists with
state lands on a reimbursable basis. The U.S. Forest Service
manages the Tongass and Chugach National Forests.
4:13:50 PM
MR. MCDONALD moved to slide 4, Alaska Interagency Fire
Management Plan, and stated that Alaska is huge and resources
are limited. He said fires are prioritized into four categories:
Critical (life and community protection), Full (cabins and high-
value resources), Limited (monitored, natural role), and
Modified (Full until July 10, then Limited). These statewide
priorities guide initial attack decisions and are updated
annually by all agencies.
4:14:48 PM
MR. MCDONALD moved to slide 5, Emerging Challenges, and stated
that wildfire activity in Alaska has increased significantly.
Comparing 19842003 to 20042023 shows more fires and greater
acreage burned, with two-million-acre seasons becoming more
frequent. The growing trend presents ongoing challenges that
agencies are working to address.
4:15:45 PM
MR. MCDONALD moved to slide 6, Alaska's Growing Wildland Urban
Interface, and stated that wildfire risk is increasing as more
people move into fire-prone areas. About 75 percent of Alaskans
live in urban areas, and 85 percent of new homes are built in
the wildland-urban interface, compounding the challenge of
protecting communities amid rising fire activity.
4:16:20 PM
MR. MCDONALD moved to slide 7, Resilient Landscapes and Fire
Adapted Communities, and stated that fuel breaks have proven
critical to community protection. In 2025 and prior seasons,
projects like the seven-mile Sunset fuel break in the Mat-Su
Valley, the Murphy Dome break in Fairbanks, and the 13-mile
Funny River break helped stop fires and protect neighborhoods.
He said the fuel breaks safeguarded lives and an estimated $1.7
billion in property. Expanding fuel breaks remains a key
mitigation priority.
4:18:07 PM
MR. MCDONALD moved to slide 8, Agreements and Compacts, and
stated that preparedness means having the right resources at the
right time. In addition to training in-state personnel, Alaska
imports support through three mechanisms: state-to-state
agreements, the Northwest Compact (including western states and
Canadian provinces), and the Stafford Act agreement for federal
and non-compact resources.
4:19:09 PM
MR. MCDONALD moved to slide 9, Partner Agencies, and stated that
the division coordinates closely with the State emergency
operations center (EOC), National Guard, Department of
Transportation (DOT), and State Troopers for fire and disaster
response. The National Guard provides Black Hawk helicopters and
logistical support, while DOT and public safety assist with road
closures, evacuations, and traffic control.
4:20:00 PM
MR. MCDONALD moved to slides 10-11, Seasonal Recap, and began
discussion of Alaska's 2025 Fire Potential Outlook. He said the
2025 season was forecasted to start early due to low snow and
dry conditions, prompting an early fire season declaration.
However, a cool, wet spring delayed activity, with record-low
fires through mid-June. Conditions shifted after June 15, when
55,000 lightning strikes ignited 173 fires, followed by red flag
conditions that drove extreme fire growth in the Interior. He
said the season resulted in 400 evacuations, 45 homes lost
(primarily near Healy), infrastructure damage, and 176 miles of
fire line constructedhighlighting the high cost and workload of
emergency response compared to proactive mitigation.
4:23:34 PM
MR. FISHER moved to slide 12 and stated that the 2025 season had
467 fires burning about one million acres, around the 20-year
average, but much of it occurred near communities and roads,
creating significant challenges despite being below record
levels.
4:24:17 PM
MR. MCDONALD moved to slide 13, Bear Creek Fire, and stated that
the Bear Creek Fire destroyed 44 homes, closed the Parks Highway
for two weeks, disrupted travel, tourism, and commerce, and
burned nearly 40,000 acres despite aggressive initial attack and
red flag conditions.
4:25:19 PM
MR. MCDONALD moved to slide 14, Nenana Ridge Fire, and said the
fire grew rapidly during a red flag event. Initial resources
focused on higher-priority fires, causing traffic delays
compounded by highway construction. Road restrictions ensured
the safety of firefighters and the public.
4:26:59 PM
MR. MCDONALD moved to slide 15, Himalaya Fire, and stated that
this fire north of Fairbanks in a frequent fire area. It
threatened primary residences. He said pre-established fuel
breaks helped protect the area, including the Trans-Alaska
Pipeline and highways, though some traffic delays occurred.
4:27:43 PM
MR. MCDONALD moved to slide 16, Nelchina Glacier Fire, and
stated that the Nelchina Glacier Fire, a lightning-caused fire
near Glen Highway, was managed by prioritizing resources. He
said the firefighters used indirect attacks and National Guard
Black Hawks, creating fuel breaks and protecting communities
along the highway.
4:29:04 PM
MR. MCDONALD moved to slide 17, Resources Mobilized to Alaska,
and stated that by season's end, Alaska imported 3,500
firefighters, including 43 crews, 20 aircraft, and 2,600
overhead personnel, from about 40 states and federal agencies.
This underscores the importance of interstate and international
agreements to rapidly mobilize resources during peak demand.
4:29:49 PM
MR. MCDONALD moved to slide 18, All-Hazard Response, and stated
that in addition to fire response, the division supported three
all-hazard incidents, including the typhoon. He said the
division deployed 162 firefighters to Bethel for evacuations and
recovery, mobilized boats, heavy equipment, aircraft, and shower
units, and coordinated with the EOC and National Guard. The
typhoon was one of the largest humanitarian efforts the
division's personnel had supported.
4:31:32 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked for an update on the Nenana Ridge Fire and
the report of vandalized vehicles.
4:31:45 PM
MR. MCDONALD replied that it was the Himalyan Fire. He said
there were engines vandalized on state park land and the state
troopers never found out who committed the vandalism.
CHAIR KAWASAKI noted that the firefighters bring their own
personal vehicles to the fires and park them for weeks at a
time.
4:32:24 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked what criteria guide the decision to let a
fire burn, and what is the rationale behind determining that
some fires are lower priority and allowed to continue burning.
4:32:52 PM
MR. MCDONALD replied that jurisdictional land managers and
protection agencies jointly decide fire response based on values
at risk, threats, and conditions. While some fires are managed
for ecological benefit, even "limited" fires are fully
suppressed if conditions change or risks increase.
4:34:09 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI noted that last session, the legislature
passed a resolution raising concerns about wildfire
preparedness, including early warning and response. Given those
concerns and below-normal snowpack, he asked for explanation on
the governor's decision to veto $27 million for fire suppression
funding.
4:35:02 PM
MR. MCDONALD replied that fire suppression is costly, especially
in tight budget years. While he can't speak to the $27 million
veto, when funding is needed, the division uses an emergency
declaration process to ensure there are resources to continue
protecting lives, property, and infrastructure.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked what the previous year's budget was
for fighting fires and fire suppression.
MR. MCDONALD replied that the fire fund for this fiscal year is
still being finalized. A supplemental request has been submitted
to ensure funding is ready for the start of the fire season. The
budget is typically based on the five- or ten-year average. The
ten-year average is about $63 million.
4:36:43 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI referenced the $27 million cut and asked
whether the division had sufficient funds or drew from other
reserves.
4:36:53 PM
MR. MCDONALD replied that the division had enough reserve to
start the fire season. He said when the reserves got low the
division submitted an emergency declaration. It was approved and
helped the division get through the rest of the fire season.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked how much they were over budget.
MR. MCDONALD replied that he would follow up with the committee.
4:37:50 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked whether the Forestry Division
recommended that the Governor not veto the $27 million.
MR. MCDONALD replied that the division did not recommend that
the Governor veto. He further explained that the Division felt
confident it was in a good position to get through the season,
especially since a declaration of emergency was available if
needed.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked whether the Governor is asking for
$63 million in the supplemental budget.
4:38:39 PM
BRENT GOODRUM, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Natural
Resources, Anchorage, Alaska, answered questions regarding the
fire suppression update. He stated his belief that the
supplemental budget requests were an additional $2 million in
statutory designated program receipts and $500,000 in
interagency receipts for the fire fund.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked what the division is requesting in
the supplemental for fire suppression, and does it cover last
year's costs.
MR. GOODRUM replied that the supplemental identifies $55
million, which includes a $30 million declaration followed by a
$25 million declaration. Both amounts are included in the
document.
4:39:29 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked how quickly the division needs the
money and would it benefit the division to get the money sooner
rather than later.
4:39:41 PM
MR. MCDONALD replied that by statute fire season begins April 1
and costs start accruing in April and May. By that time, startup
funding is in place for fire suppression, preparedness, and pre-
positioning resources.
4:40:11 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if Mr. McDonald understands that at
this point the Legislature will need to go into the
Constitutional Budget Reserve to access the funds.
MR. MCDONALD answered that's his understanding. He stated that
the fire fund was updated 2 years ago and now receives recovered
funds from sources like FEMA and federal protection agreements.
This year is the first time those reimbursements return to the
fund, reducing the state's budget need.
4:40:55 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked the division if it is advocating for
the legislature to pass an early budget and take money from the
Constitutional Budget Reserve to prepare for the upcoming fire
season.
4:41:09 PM
MR. GOODRUM replied that the division will let the Legislature
decide the best way to help.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked whether the division was aware the
Legislature will need the Governor's help to secure a three-
quarter vote or does the division prefer a hands-off approach.
4:41:27 PM
MR. GOODRUM answered that the Division understands.
4:41:37 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON asked how decisions are made to let a fire
burn, and on average, how long does it take for a fire to die.
4:41:55 PM
MR. MCDONALD replied that fire plans are set before the season
by land and suppression agencies., The agencies decidede whether
fire can burn naturally. He said when a fire starts, the
agencies reassess to either follow the plan or suppress it,
prioritizing life safety, homes, then natural and recreational
resources.
4:43:04 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON asked how long it takes for a fire to burn
out.
4:43:11 PM
MR. MCDONALD replied that fire duration varies: most naturally
die out by late July with rain, but dry conditions can extend
burning into fall or year-round. He said snow and precipitation
ultimately extinguish them, while fires are continuously
monitored.
4:44:44 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN referenced the Funny River fire on slide 7 of
the presentation. He asked if there is a state program to build
out fuel breaks each winter and does the state need a more
robust plan to better protect communities.
4:45:58 PM
MR. MCDONALD answered yes and stated that over the past five
years, the division has developed a fuels program to build
strategic fuel breaks around communities. There are 16 fuel
breaks underway and 20 more in planning. The program is
considered critical as fire seasons increase, and the state has
invested over $17 million and continues pursuing state and
federal funding to expand these projects and reduce wildfire
risk to communities.
4:47:15 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN asked what the All-Hands All-Lands (AHAL)
process looks like, and how people can engage in it.
MR. MCDONALD answered that All-Hands All-Lands is an opportunity
for the land managers and management agencies to work together
to come up with fire problem solutions.
4:49:40 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN asked about concerns over restructuring the
state's wildland fire dispatch system, specifically the removal
of dispatchers from local communities like Soldotna. He
requested an update on the transition, including how drills went
and how operations are functioning now that the restructuring is
largely complete.
4:50:15 PM
MR. MCDONALD replied that the dispatch restructuring was largely
successful. Dispatch operations moved from Kenai to Palmer, and
after-action reviews helped improve the process during the
season. Despite some challenges and public preference for local
dispatchers, centralized dispatch has worked well and aligns
with the model used across other states.
4:51:43 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN stated that during discussions about creating a
Department of Agriculture, some positions in your department
were proposed for transfer. He asked whether those positions
remain vacant, and if so, how those funds are being used in the
current budget process.
4:52:09 PM
MR. GOODRUM replied that the two vacant wildland fire positions
were set aside during discussions about creating a Department of
Agriculture. They remain unfilled, with no funds spent, pending
a court or legislative decision.
SB 188-TANANA VALLEY STATE FOREST
4:53:10 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 188 "An Act expanding the
Tanana Valley State Forest; and providing for an effective
date."
4:53:43 PM
JEREMY DOUSE, State Forester and Director, Alaska Division
Forestry and Fire Protection, Department of Natural Resources
(DNR), Fairbanks, Alaska, introduced SB 188 on behalf of the
sponsor and stated that the bill proposes expansion of the
Tanana Valley State Forest (TVSF).
4:54:01 PM
MR. DOUSE moved to slide 2, Tanana Valley State Forest, and
stated that state forests are designated by the legislature
under AS 41.17.200 for timber management while allowing other
beneficial uses. He said the Tanana Valley State Forest,
established in 1983, is one of three state forests and is
managed under AS 41.17. TVSF has a wildlife habitat objective
under AS 41.17.400, requiring coordination with Alaska
Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) to protect habitat during
timber management. He said that a Citizens Advisory Committee
helps guide management, and the forest supports activities such
as mining, material sites, recreation, hunting, trapping, and
snowmachining.
4:55:35 PM
MR. DOUSE moved to slide 3, Expanding Tanana Valley State Forest
(TVSF), and stated that SB 188 proposes expanding the state
forest by about 600,000 acres. The map shows existing state
forests in green and the proposed additions in yellow. He said
some of these areas are already being actively managed,
including current timber sales and infrastructure development.
All proposed lands are designated for forestry in the DNR area
plan, which also recommends adding them to the state forest.
4:56:37 PM
MR. DOUSE moved to slide 4, Why Increase TVSF, and stated that
the division is actively managing some of these areas by
building roads, planting, and developing infrastructure to
support future timber crops. These productive sites ensure long-
term timber availability and signal to the industry that future
timber sale opportunities exist for business growth.
4:57:26 PM
MR. DOUSE moved to slide 5, State Forest Expansion Process, and
stated that foresters identified these areas as productive for
forestry using remote sensing and soil data. During DNR area
plan updates, the division recommends designating such sites for
forestry, as done in the Eastern Tanana and Yukon-Tanana area
plans. Through the area plan process, the division can recommend
adding lands to the State Foresttypically adjacent or connected
areas for best land use. After a public process, including
notices and hearings in Tanana Valley communities, feedback is
considered. He said if supported, the administration prepares a
legislative proposal with public testimony, preliminary forest
inventory (from 2014), and a Forest Management Plan. Any
additions would require only a focused update to the nearly
completed plan.
5:00:25 PM
MR. DOUSE moved to slide 6, Plan Recommendations, and stated
that the areas on the map were recommended in the Eastern Tanana
and Yukon-Tanana area plans, as well as the State Forest
Management Plan, each through separate public processes.
5:00:47 PM
MR. DOUSE moved to slide 7, Public Comment, and stated that
public meetings were held May 528 in Fairbanks, Antioch, and
Delta Junction, plus two virtual sessions. He said overall,
there was general support for expanding the state forest, with
most questions focused on technical issues like local vs. export
markets, carbon projects, and land management processes.
5:01:56 PM
MR. DOUSE moved to slide 8, Non-Timber use of TVSF, and stated
that non-timber uses, like recreation, in the Tanana Valley
State Forest are common. He said various organizations provide
programs in the state forest, and TVSF remains publicly
accessible.
5:02:55 PM
BRENT GOODRUM, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Natural
Resources, Anchorage, Alaska, testified by invitation on SB 188
and stated that he is in favor of increased use of the forests
and management of the resources. He said that the state forests
provide access, recreational opportunities, and easier resource
care. Adding these lands to the state forest ensures future
investment and better management.
5:03:50 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 188 in committee.
5:04:28 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Kawasaki adjourned the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting at 5:04 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 188 Transmittal Letter.pdf |
SSTA 2/3/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 188 |
| SB 188 version A.PDF |
SSTA 2/3/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 188 |
| SB 188 Sectional Analysis version A.pdf |
SSTA 2/3/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 188 |
| SB 188 Map-Tanana Valley State Forest 5-5-25.pdf |
SSTA 2/3/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 188 |
| USAG Alaska comment on Senate Bill 188 29SEP2025.pdf |
SSTA 2/3/2026 3:30:00 PM |
USAG Comment SB 188 |
| 2.3.26 2025 DFFP Fire Suppression Update.pdf |
SSTA 2/3/2026 3:30:00 PM |
Fire Suppression |
| 020326 (S) STA DMVA DHSEM Preparedness Presentation.pdf |
SSTA 2/3/2026 3:30:00 PM |
Disaster Preparedness |
| 2.3.26 SB 188 Presentation.pdf |
SSTA 2/3/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 188 |
| support for SB 188.pdf |
SSTA 2/3/2026 3:30:00 PM |
SB 188 |