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Tongass Issues Traitors Cove Project Decision

Contact: Erin Uloth, 907-228-6201

Tongass National Forest, Alaska, May 14 - The Tongass National Forest announces the release of the Traitors Cove Timber Sale Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Record of Decision. The project designates approximately 905 acres of commercial forest land for harvest, supporting 82 jobs of local employment opportunities for the Ketchikan and surrounding communities.

“ The decision takes into consideration the needs of many different users of the Forest, while continuing to provide economic opportunity and support for the local community. This decision is a key component to ensuring a steady timber supply for our local mill owners until the Forest Plan Amendment is finalized,” said Tongass National Forest Supervisor Forrest Cole.

The project includes three roaded areas around Traitors Cove, and utilizes three existing marine transfer facilities for transporting the logs. These marine transfer facilities were recently redesigned and reconstructed to prevent bark and debris from entering the marine environment. All logs will be barged.

The final decision modified the preferred alternative, dropping one sale unit to reduce concerns over cultural and traditional use and a rare plant population.

The Traitors Cove decision is subject to appeal. Appeals must be filed within 45 days of the date that legal notice of this decision is published in the Juneau Empire, planned for May 25. Notice of Appeals must be filed with the Regional Forester, Alaska Region, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, P.O. Box 21628, Juneau, Alaska 99802-1628.