The August 2020 internal agency audit found problems with oversight and administration of two large timber sales on the Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska. It only saw the light of day after Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility sued for it.
Timber
Ketchikan borough assembly to consider opposing Roadless Rule lawsuit
The Trump administration’s Tongass exemption opened up approximately 9.4 million acres of federal forest land to potential road building and other development.
Ketchikan’s City Council votes to defend Roadless Rule rollback in court
An overwhelming majority on Ketchikan’s City Council wants to defend the Trump administration’s decision to exempt the Tongass National Forest from the Roadless Rule.
Sitka fish and game committee speaks out about climate change
The group signed off on a letter to other advisory committees around Alaska urging them to take action on climate change.
Democrats renew push to restore Roadless Rule in Tongass National Forest
Democratic lawmakers in Congress have filed a bill that would reverse the Trump administration’s decision to exempt the nation’s largest national forest from the 2001 rule that restricts road-building and other development.
Sealaska Corporation says it’s quitting logging
The exit from timber by one of the region’s economic powerhouses is the latest sign of Southeast’s transition away from logging.