Senator pushes for state forest designation

Much of Alaska's economy is based on natural resources, and doing all we can to sustain those resources through good management will help that segment of our economy succeed for many years to come.

That's why I've introduced a bill to create a Susitna State Forest west of the Parks Highway. My bill would establish the forest on state land presently used for timber harvesting so the Division of Forestry will be able to manage the forest for a long-term supply of timber for numerous local processers.

The state forest also would be multi-use, so hunters, fisherman and other Alaskans can enjoy the natural bounty. I stress that this is not a state park (there is a vast difference) and the bill will not lock up resources.

According to the Division of Forestry, demand for state timber sales is steadily growing and personal use sales for fuel wood have also increased (one only has to go through the winter we're facing this year to understand that). Local mills in the area depend greatly on state timber for their raw material, and there is a growing interest in wood chips and pellets as a form of home heating fuel.

My staff has worked hard with the division of forestry for months on this bill to locate and specify legal land descriptions and provide for a general boundary of the state forest.

With a state forest designation, the Division of Forestry is committed to maximizing the sustainable supply of timber from the state timber base, developing access and encouraging a broad range of multiple uses in state forest lands and providing economic opportunities to the communities, businesses and residents of the region.

That last point is one I'm particularly excited about. Even though timber harvesting doesn't get as much attention as oil and gas development, it's still a natural resource that can be developed responsibly to create jobs and bring economic success to Alaska families.

There is also a safety aspect to this as well. By designating the land as state forest, the Division of Forestry will be able to reduce wildland fire risk by breaking up large fuel types and encouraging initial regeneration of hardwood species.

Many Alaskans moved here so they could unwind in the backcountry, and fire mitigation plans are welcome news to cabin owners in the area.

The Susitna State Forest would be the fourth state forest in Alaska, joining the Haines State Forest, Tanana Valley State Forest and Southeast State Forest, created in 2010. All of these forests are managed for sustained yields and benefit the region in which they are located. It's time the Mat-Su Valley enjoyed the same benefits.

The Susitna State Forest would be managed as part of the State Forest System outlined in Alaska Statute, and, I can't stress this enough, lands in the state forest would continue to be open for multiple uses, including wildlife habitat, harvesting and recreational activities.

The public also gets a say in state forest decisions. Any changes to management intent in a Susitna State Forest would require public and interagency review through the adoption of a State Forest Management Plan mandated in Alaska Statute.

When I unveiled this bill at the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce this past week, I said the state forest would put good land to good use for Alaskans. Every Alaskan should have equal access to state lands, and those lands should be managed to produce for eons.

The Parnell Administration has offered its support for this bill. I'm told by the Division of Forestry the governor planned to submit the bill himself and decided having a Valley legislator behind it would be a wise route to take since I was already working with Forestry on the bill.

I'm driven with motivation so our next generation of Alaskans will have a sustained economic engine in the form of a state forest for their success. Needless to say, I plan to push hard for this bill.

Sen. Linda Menard represents District G in the Alaska State Legislature.