State of Alaska
Department of Natural Resources
Division of Forestry 
Southern Southeast Area Office

Preliminary Written Finding under AS 38.05.035(e) and AS 38.05.945

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, gives formal notice under AS 38.05.945 that the Division has made a preliminary decision under AS 38.05.035(e) regarding the sale of the following commercial timber sale:  El Capitan Timber Sale (SSE-1380-K).

Before this sale may be held, the Commissioner will make a written final decision that the sale is in the best interest of the State.  This decision will set out the facts and applicable policies upon which the Commissioner bases his determination that the proposed timber sale will or will not best serve the interest of the State.  The final decision is expected to be available to the public after September 26, 2022.

The area of the sale is proximate to the El Capitan Passage on Prince of Wales. The timber sale area is found within Sections 1, 12, and 13, Township 66 South, Range 78 East, and Sections 6, 7, 8 and 18, Township 66 South, Range 79 East, Copper River Meridian.  The sale area is found within the Petersburg A-4 NW USGS quadrangle. The main access for this sale area is from the existing Prince of Wales Road System, specifically off the 2000 Road.

The harvest units total approximately 340 acres and contain approximately 8,000 MBF of timber.  This volume will be negotiated and sold under provisions of AS 38.05.115 or AS 38.05.118, in the form of one or multiple sales.  The sale(s) will require in-state manufacturing and will be a negotiated contract.

The public is invited to comment on any aspect of the preliminary decision.  Comments should be mailed to the Alaska Division of Forestry, 2417 Tongass Avenue, Suite 213, Ketchikan, AK 99901.  Comments must be received at the Division of Forestry office no later than September 26, 2022, in order to be considered in the final best interest finding decision of whether or not this sale will be held in whole or in part.  To be eligible to appeal the final decision a person must have provided written comment by September 26, 2022.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SUBMIT COMMENTS CONTACT:

Alaska Division of Forestry                               
2417 Tongass Avenue, Suite 213                      
Ketchikan, AK  99901          
Contact:  Greg Staunton
Phone:  (907) 225-3070
Email:  greg.staunton@alaska.gov

Copies of the preliminary decision are available for review at the Division of Forestry at the above address and at the Ketchikan, Craig, Petersburg and Wrangell Public Libraries and the State Online Public Notice System

The State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  Individuals with disabilities who may need auxiliary aids, services, or special modifications to participate in this review may contact the number above.

Greg Staunton
Southeast Area Forester