|
Hello!
Like
many Alaskans, I was caught off guard when meetings were announced
about the idea of creating a state forest on the Kenai Peninsula.
Since then, it has been very encouraging to see how many people care
deeply about the public lands that are such an important part of our
lives. I feel the same way. Protecting access to the places where we
camp, fish, hunt, snowmachine, and explore with our families is
something I take to heart.
I
want to be clear from the start: this idea did not come from me, and
I’m not pushing a proposal. My office simply shared meeting
information so Alaskans could be informed and comment, and a staff
member passed along a map that DNR had provided. Most importantly,
land covered under the Caribou Hills Management Plan will not be
included in any state forest designation.
Even
so, it’s healthy for us to talk about the long‑term future of our
public lands. Alaska is changing, and the Kenai Peninsula is changing
with it. If we want our kids and grandkids to enjoy the same access
we have today, we can’t just hope things stay the same. We need to
think ahead.
Right
now, the Division of Mining, Land and Water (DMLW) can already permit
many of the activities people are worried about. These include land
sales into private ownership, mining, farming, and other commercial
uses. These actions can happen without the Legislature being
involved. Some of these uses may make sense in certain places, but
Alaskans deserve a real voice in decisions about public land. A state
forest, a recreation area, or another legislative designation could
be one way to protect public access and ensure the public stays
involved and your opinions are valued.
People
have also asked why a state forest would matter if DNR can already
sell timber. The difference is that state forests are managed with
long‑term public use in mind. They support reforestation after beetle
kill or wildfire, help with planning and improvements, and allow for
infrastructure like roads and firebreaks that reduce wildfire risk
and improve wildlife habitat. They’re designed to keep land open and
healthy for the long haul.
If
a state forest were ever formally proposed via legislation, local
residents would have a major say in what land, if any, should be
included. Whether the right answer ends up being a state forest, a
recreation area, or something else entirely, having a plan is the
best way to protect the places we love.
It’s
also important to remember that DNR hasn’t drawn any lines on a map
about an official state forest proposal. They’re gathering input
first. Only the Legislature can create a state forest, and nothing
moves forward without a public process.
A
state forest wouldn’t take away the activities we enjoy. People would
still camp, hunt, fish, and snow machine. Because trees take more
than a century to mature, only a very small portion of timber would
ever be eligible for harvest in a given year, with protections for
fish habitat and water quality built in.
Some
folks have wondered whether this is tied to carbon projects. It
isn’t. State forests existed long before carbon credits. Carbon
projects can already happen on DMLW‑managed land without any new
designation.
If
you’d like to learn more or share your thoughts, there’s a public
meeting in Homer on January 6 at 6 p.m. at Kenai Peninsula College,
and a recording of a recent online meeting is available on DNR’s
YouTube channel. Comments are welcome until 5 p.m. on January 16 at stateforests@alaska.gov or
by mail to the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection,
ATTN: Special Projects Coordinator, 550 W. 7th Ave. Ste. 1450,
Anchorage, AK 99501.
I
am honored to be your effective advocate in Juneau. Please contact my
office when you have ideas or concerns by calling 907-283-7996 or by
email at sen.jesse.bjorkman@akleg.gov
|
