Dave Schmid is tasked with managing over 22 million acres of federal land. Asked about the balancing act required for managing public lands, he spoke of his office’s commitment to all facets of Southeast Alaska’s economy, including timber.
Timber
Is there something for everyone in a new vision for Tongass roads?
Eventually, it will be up to the U.S. Forest Service to choose one of four options, which represent a spectrum of ideas about how the Tongass should be managed.
Feds propose Tongass old growth timber sale
This latest proposed Tongass timber sale on Prince of Wales Island would dwarf anything seen in decades. The public has until mid-December to weigh in on the U.S. Forest Service’s plan.
Petersburg assembly votes down timber resolution
Petersburg’s borough assembly Monday voted down a resolution calling for a forensic audit of two Tongass National Forest timber sales. Back in May, the assembly also voted against sending a letter on lost revenue from the sales and the impact to Petersburg.
Roadless advocates pack Tongass hearing
Gov. Walker’s advisory panel is looking at where roads could be built inside the Tongass National Forest. But more than two dozen people testified at a hearing in Juneau against the idea.
Gov. Walker’s ‘roadless rule’ panel takes shape
Timber, fishing and mining interests have been tapped by Gov. Walker for an advisory panel over development in the Tongass National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service is eyeing an Alaska-specific rule that could relax road building and logging restrictions.
Chinese tariffs hit Southeast Alaska’s struggling timber industry
Tariffs will be placed on trees shipped to China: a response to President Donald Trump’s latest wave of tariffs on Chinese goods.
Juneau crowd questions forest service on new roads in the Tongass
The controversial initiative, which was announced in August, is up against a November deadline.
Southeast Alaska’s forests yellow from insect outbreak
Some parts of the forests in Southeast Alaska are a little off color. Hemlock trees are turning yellow and brown from a sawfly outbreak. But scientists say there’s not much to worry about.
Forest fire burning north of Ketchikan road system
U.S. Forest Service crews are fighting an approximately 2-acre forest fire, burning north of Ketchikan’s road system. The fire started about 4 p.m. Monday on state land in the Moser Bay area, Forest Service spokesman Paul Robbins Jr. said Tuesday morning.