State of Alaska
Department of Natural Resources
Division of Forestry & Fire Protection
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 and Fire Protection (DOF), gives formal notice under AS 38.05.945 that the Division has made a preliminary decision under AS 38.05.035(e) and proposes to adopt a site-specific Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP) under AS 38.05.112 and the administrative standards of AS 41.17.060 regarding the sale of the following commercial timber sale:  Kosciusko East Timber Sale (SSE-1384-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 January 26, 2024.

The draft Forest Land Use Plan is intended to provide the best available information regarding the proposed timber harvest on 186 acres and the management of other non-timber uses in compliance with AS 38.05.112 and AS 41.17.060, and must be adopted by the DOF before the proposed activity can occur. The Forest Land Use Plan is expected to be available to the public with or after the issuance of the final decision.

The area of the sale is proximate to the community of Edna Bay, approximately 1/2 mile to the east of the community of Edna Bay. The timber sale area is found within Sections 23, 24, and 26, Township 68 South, Range 76 East, Copper River Meridian (CRM). The sale area is found within the Craig D-5 NW USGS quadrangle. The main access for this sale area is from the existing USFS Kosciusko Road System, specifically the 1525000 Road.

The five harvest units total approximately 186 acres and contain approximately 5,000 MBF of timber.  This volume will be advertised and sold under provisions of AS 38.05.120, in the form of one or multiple sales.

The public is invited to comment on any aspect of the preliminary decision.  Comments can be mailed to the Alaska Division of Forestry, 2417 Tongass Avenue, Suite 213, Ketchikan, Alaska 99901 or emailed to dnr.dof.sse@alaska.gov.  Comments must be received by the Division of Forestry office no later than January 25, 2024, 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 or to be considered in the adopted FLUP. To be eligible to appeal the final decision or the adopted FLUP, a person must have provided written comment by January 25, 2024.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SUBMIT COMMENTS CONTACT:

Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection 
2417 Tongass Avenue, Suite 213                     
Ketchikan, Alaska  99901
Contact:  Greg Staunton
Phone:  (907) 225-3070
Email:  dnr.dof.sse@alaska.gov  

Copies of the preliminary decision are available for review at the Division of Forestry and Fire Protection at the above address and at the Ketchikan, Craig, Petersburg and Wrangell Public Libraries and the State Online Public Notice System at: http://notice.alaska.gov/213704. 

The State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Fire Protection 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.