Tongass National Forest

Litigation Effects on Tongass Timber Program

Issue

Recently filed lawsuits cover records of decision for timber sale environmental impact statements that cleared 281 million board feet (mmbf) of timber for sale. As some of that timber from older EISs had already been sold and harvested, the lawsuits affect 230 mmbf of timber. Some of that timber is needed this year so family-owned mills in Southeast Alaska can operate. The outcome of the current litigations may also affect our ability to establish a reliable timber supply as many of the issues challenge principles of the 1997 Forest Plan.

Background

Delays caused by litigation have stalled the Region in accomplishing the objective of a reliable federal timber supply. With completion of the 1997 Forest Plan SEIS and restoration of funds used for fire, efforts are underway to complete both normal program sales and ‘pipeline’ projects. New projects have been initiated and planning is underway using pipeline funds.

Current Situation

The timber sale decisions currently under litigation are Sealevel, Crane, Rowan Mountain, Control Lake, Chasina, Polk Inlet, Finger Mountain, Cholmondeley, Canal Hoya, Madan, and Woodpecker. Timber from the Control

Lake, Chasina, and Polk Inlet decisions constitutes the 10-year “Fusion” timber sale. Other sales being offered this year are from NEPA cleared volume that is not affected by litigation.

The Tongass’ timber goal for FY04 is to sell 146 mmbf. Of that, 65 mmbf is in projects covered by the current litigation, leaving 81 mmbf in the FY04 program. If the court decisions are decided in time, we will offer the 65 mmbf of currently litigated timber to potential purchasers before the end of the year to complete the program.

The remaining 165 mmbf of timber within the litigated projects, if cleared by the courts, will be made available over the next several years as part of the Tongass’ efforts to provide 150 mmbf per year to meet projected annual demand.

The 230 mmbf of timber currently in litigation would all be made available to local purchasers and mill operators.

More Information

Dan Castillo, Director of Forest Management, 907-586-7875.

Current as of March 2004

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