Alaska

Senator Lisa Murkowski and Congressman Don Young have introduced new versions of their Sealaska land-transfer bills. Murkowski’s measure was filed Tuesday, and Young’s was released Wednesday.Related Link: Hear the report and find links to bill information.

The latest version of the Sealaska land-selection bill changes how sacred sites will be chosen. It also limits their size and how they can be used. But the change concerns some tribal leaders.Related Link: Find links to more information and reports.

Most of the approximately 20 people speaking at Tuesday, Feb 22nd’s Craig community meeting on the Sealaska land-selection bill opposed parts of the measure. Some worried about damage to subsistence or commercial fisheries. Others were concerned about the future of Forest Service timber harvests. But most said the bill had improved since the last meeting…

Few people seem all that excited about the latest version of the Sealaska lands bill. Some oppose its terms, while others want to be done with changes and just get it passed. Meanwhile, a number of critics are pushing for more than the two town hall meetings on the bill are happening this week.Related Link:…

Every new session of Congress is a clean slate. Bills that didn’t pass in the previous two-year cycle disappear. It’s up to members of Congress to dust off their old bills and reintroduce them. One of those that will soon get new life is the controversial Sealaska lands bill, which would give the Alaska Native…

The Sealaska Lands legislation would transfer ownership of dozens of parcels in the Tongass National Forest to the regional Native corporation for economic development. The company wants to use these Native future sites for eco-tourism, energy and transportation development. Residents and business-owners using these lands are worried about the potential impact on some of their…