Timber

The U.S. Forest Service is working on a plan to shift the timber industry in the Tongass away from old-growth trees. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell told the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Tuesday that the plan can sustain Southeast Alaska’s timber industry.

A federal proposal to make Southeast Alaska’s logging industry sustainable while preserving old growth in the Tongass National Forest does too little, too slowly, according to one conservation group.

Alexander Archipelago wolves in Southeast Alaska do not warrant an endangered species listing, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Tuesday. The decision comes four years after a petition was filed by conservation groups asking for greater protection for the wolves.

The year 2015 saw the beginnings of major changes to the Alaska Marine Highway, the Tongass National Forest and the future of transboundary mines.

“People stayed at the table and worked through, compromised, and really did a commendable job of handling a very difficult topic,” says Les Cronk, a committee co-chair and a timber industry representative.

A proposal to end clearcutting of old-growth trees in the Tongass National Forest has some Southeast logging companies concerned about the future.

Forest Supervisor Earl Stewart said the agency’s analysis shows that transition is possible in 16 years.

Seven smaller “companion” trees have been selected from the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District of the Tongass National Forest to accompany the National Christmas Tree.

Funding for the Haines forestry office was slashed by the state legislature earlier this year. One of Haines’ two long-time foresters to lost his job.

The Haines Borough government wants biomass fuel to heat 10 municipal buildings in town from a central location.