Testimony in support of SB 85 - timber sales
January 26, 2022 | Senate Resources Committee 

Good afternoon, Chair Revak and members of the Senate Resources Committee. My name is Kari Nore, and I am the project manager for the Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc., commonly referred to as RDC. I am calling today to testify in support of Senate Bill 85, RDC has also submitted written comments.

RDC is a statewide trade association comprised of individuals and companies from Alaska’s fishing, forestry, mining, oil and gas, and tourism industries. RDC’s membership includes Alaska Native corporations, local communities, organized labor, and industry support firms. RDC’s purpose is to encourage a strong, diversified private sector in Alaska and expand the state’s economic base through the responsible development of our natural resources.

Senate Bill 85 provides the State with the ability to offer small volume timber sales with greater efficiency. It allows the State, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Forestry (DOF) with the ability to negotiate sales with any use of timber resources. Senate Bill 85 does away with the ability to appeal a Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP), which in turn allows the State to conduct timber sales more efficiently, without compromising required environmental review and public comment requirements and processes.

RDC supports Senate Bill 85 which creates greater efficiency when it comes to responsible development of our natural resources. 

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.