 May 02, 2008
District Ranger Lynn Kolund stated, "This begins the process of developing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)" This new sale proposal covers an area that lies along existing State of Alaska timber sale areas and roads to the west of the Ketchikan Airport. This proposed timber sale implements the 2008 Forest Plan Amendment, released by the Forest in February. "This project will continue to provide a continuous timber supply for our local, family owned mills and provide jobs for the local economy," Kolund said. "It also seeks to provide a supply of timber that meets the market demand consistent with the standards and guidelines for the proposed sale area." The Proposed Action for this timber sale covers 1,250 acres of potential timber cuts, and would potentially provide 38 million board feet (MMBF) of timber. Approximately 16 miles of new roads would be added on to the existing state roads that lead from the Ketchikan Airport. This proposal benefits from the analysis completed under the previous Gravina timber sale where the Decision was withdrawn and the project cancelled in 2004. Based upon comments and input from all three local tribes, the Bostwick Inlet area of Gravina Island was removed from timber consideration. This location, adjacent to the ongoing State timber sale, provides the Forest Service with opportunities to work more closely with the State in our Shared Vision for the Forest Plan. That Shared Vision calls for collaboration to develop and maximize timber sales in southeast Alaska that will seek to meet the demand and capacity of local mills and family-owned milling operations. Once the official NOI has been released, which is expected to be early in the week of May 5, 2008, comments can be provided in several ways.
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