Timber

A federal judge has ruled in favor of green groups challenging the largest Tongass timber sale in decades.

The state spent the money in a variety of ways, but it drew criticism from tribal governments and environmental groups for offering some of the funds to the Alaska Forest Association.

Alaska Resource Education, which promotes the oil and gas, mining and forestry industries in Alaska’s schools, is suing former Executive Director Michelle Brunner, alleging she embezzled at least $187,000.

The breakdown of the Alaska Marine Highway System has Southeast Alaska businesses scrambling for alternative ways to send their products out of town.

A recent study explores the business potential of salvage logging for yellow cedar, or harvesting trees that are already dead.

Congress has appropriated funds annually over the past four years to complete the transfer.

Tessa Axelson will be taking over the role from Owen Graham, who led the organization for close to 20 years.

The location of some of the work has been hotly debated, because it’s happening on Prince of Wales Island land that’s slated for a controversial timber sale.

The bills would decrease the unemployment insurance tax rate paid by businesses and change regulations on professional licenses, timber sales and geothermal development.

Environmental groups increasingly tried to get the word out to encourage people to weigh-in. Those conversations have taken place in physical spaces and also, increasingly, online.