State of Alaska
Department of Natural Resources
Division of Forestry and 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, 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: Northwest Coffman Timber Sale (SSE-1395-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 March 22, 2026.

The area of the sale is on state lands located between Grassy Lake and Coffman Cove on Prince of Wales Island. The main access for this sale area is from the existing Prince of Wales Island Road System, specifically from the 3030500 Road.

The timber sale area is found within Sections 33 and 34, Township 67 South, Range 81 East and Sections 2, 3, and 4, Township 68 South, Range 81 East, Copper River Meridian. The sale area is found within the Craig B-3 USGS quadrangle.

The area of harvest totals approximately 368 acres of timbered land and contains approximately 7,700 MBF of old growth timber.  This volume is proposed to be negotiated and sold under provisions of AS 38.05.118, in the form of one or multiple sales.  The sale(s) will be a negotiated contract requiring in-state manufacturing and may utilize purchaser layout of the timber sale design.

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 and Fire Protection office no later than March 22, 2026, 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 March 22, 2026.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SUBMIT COMMENTS CONTACT:

Alaska Division of Forestry                               
2417 Tongass Avenue, Suite 213                       
Ketchikan, AK  99901                                     
Contact:  Southeast Area Forester
Phone: (907) 225-3070
Email:  dnr.dof.sse@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, Coffman Cove, Petersburg and Wrangell Public Libraries and the State Online Public Notice System at:  http://notice.alaska.gov/222718.

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.