Tongass National Forest

Craig Recreation Land Purchase Act

Issue

On October 23, 2003, Senator Lisa Murkowski introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate that would provide for acquisition of a former cannery site in Craig, Alaska, by the City of Craig. The bill, S. 1778, may be cited as the “Craig Recreation Land Purchase Act.”

Background

If the City of Craig offers to convey lands it owns to the United States, which are shown on a map entitled “Informational Map, Sunnahae Trail and Recreation Parcel and Craig Cannery Property” dated August 2003, the Act then requires the Forest Service (through the Secretary of Agriculture) to accept the offer. The United States would acquire these lands through purchase at appraised value, based on an appraisal to federal standards. The United States or the City may equalize values by adjusting acreage or by payments not to exceed $100,000. Funds received by the City shall be used by the City to purchase lands at the cannery site, which are shown on a map entitled "Wards Cove Property" dated March 24, 1969. The bill authorizes $250,000 to be appropriated to the Forest Service for reconstruction of the Sunnahae Trail.

Current Situation

The lands the Forest Service would acquire consist of the surface estate of approximately 350 acres of trail, trailhead, parking area, and mountaintop property. The City of Craig owns only the surface estate. Sealaska Corporation owns the subsurface as a result of past conveyances under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA).

According to Senator Murkowski's October 2003 press release, the bill was introduced at the request of Prince of Wales Island residents to diversify their economy and overcome the losses caused by the downturn in the area's timber industry. The press release also said the bill will provide recreation opportunities for the local and visiting public.

A legislative hearing on the bill was held March 10, 2004, in Washington, D.C.

In response to a March 12, 2004, request for drafting services from Senator Murkowski's office, the Forest Service submitted amendment language to provide for the purchase of additional city lands near the Craig Ranger District office that the Forest Service wants for administrative uses.

More Information

Beth Pendleton, Director of Recreation, Lands, and Minerals, (907) 586-8877; or John Morrell, Assistant Director of Lands, (907) 586-8891.

Current as of March 2004

USDA Forest Service - Tongass National Forest Accessibility Statement
Last Modified: November 25, 2007