HJR 54 - EXCLUDE AK NATL FORESTS FROM ROADLESS POL CO-CHAIR HUDSON announced that the committee would take up HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 54, relating to urging the exclusion of national forests in Alaska from President Clinton's proposal for withdrawal of roadless areas in the national forest system. Number 0059 REPRESENTATIVE BILL WILLIAMS, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor of HJR 54, noted that the preservationists are trying to "lock up" Alaska, and they are doing a very good job of it. He indicated HJR 54 was introduced to protest yet another politically motivated attack on the working people of Alaska. The President of the United States has proposed a policy that would end further road building on the national forest system. REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAMS pointed out that Alaska is home to the two largest forests in the country, and the health and diversity of the economy is directly related to the resource industry. He said there are several specific reasons for his objection. First, the policy is illegal; the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) specifically prohibits such withdrawals without the expressed direction of Congress. Second, ten years and more than $13 million have been spent to create the Tongass Land Management Plan (TLMP), which is an obvious dedication of time, money and public process used to create a plan that would bring "peace in the valley." This plan would be thrown out the window. He added that the TLMP document has already been compromised with Undersecretary Jim Lyons' unilateral amendment in 1999. This attack is yet another attempt at circumventing proper forest management for the sake of political science and posturing. Third, he said, time and money are currently being spent to create a plan for the Chugach National Forest. Once again, the public process is being followed to produce a plan for the future use of this forest. One great concern to those who live and work in the Chugach is the spruce bark beetle infestation, which will continue if the policy is implemented. REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAMS referred to a letter written by the Governor, where it reads, "It is our understanding the White House may be considering a directive to the U.S. Forest Service to include the Tongass National Forest in the services' national roadless area review. If so, I would consider this to be an outrage and a double-cross." Representative Williams said that he is frustrated with the level of federal intervention, and there will be more of it if people don't stand up today. The sole purpose of the roadless policy, in his view, is to satisfy the increasing demand of radical environmental groups who want to stop all industry activities on public land. He asked for the committee's support on HJR 54. Number 0538 CO-CHAIR MASEK asked if the resolution will affect any other areas in the state besides the Tongass and Chugach National Forests. REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAMS replied that it is his understanding that the Tongass and Chugach National Forests are the only two that are being looked at by the U.S. Forest Service. CO-CHAIR MASEK commented that the resolution is important to the state. She commended Representative William's efforts in putting it together. Number 0632 REPRESENTATIVE JOULE wondered if there are private land holdings within the Tongass and Chugach National Forests that would be prohibited from development without the implementation of the resolution. REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAMS replied that there is public land that may be affected, but they don't know where it is going to be. REPRESENTATIVE JOULE recalled reading something about land owned by the Chugach Regional Corporation that would not be accessible. He wondered if there were similar cases in the Tongass National Forest. REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAMS replied that Sealaska Corporation and the village corporations would be affected. He explained that it would be beneficial to know where the roadless areas are going to be. Number 0795 REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS wondered if Representative Williams has spoken to the Governor or his staff. He indicated it would reassure the committee that the Governor is sincere about pursuing those avenues. REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAMS indicated that he has not, but he would like to think that the Governor will keep his word. CO-CHAIR HUDSON pointed out that his intention was to put HJR 54 on the table for discussion; however, the committee would not take any public testimony or action until February 18, 2000. He also indicated that other items on the committee calender would b addressed at the next meeting. CO-CHAIR MASEK commented that the resolution seems to be trying to balance it very well, and the attacks at the national level are just political posturing and are not helping the state. She said she supports HJR 54 and thanked Representative Williams for the work he has done on it. [HJR 54 was held over.]