The state\u2019s Division of Forestry is asking for the public\u2019s opinion on requirements it intends to impose on bidders who want to harvest timber from a sale in the Haines State Forest.<\/p>\n
The sale and harvest has already been approved; the draft plan covers 137 acres in two of 10 units that will be sold near the Canadian border west of Klukwan.<\/p>\n
The plan asks harvesters to retain standing timber in groups and selected trees in and around clear-cut areas.<\/p>\n
Previous public comments had asked the state to avoid outright clearcutting the sale areas, and the state has made that a requirement for bidders.<\/p>\n
Also required are protections for area streams (none in the area contain salmon) and local wildlife.<\/p>\n
Copies of the plan are available at http:\/\/forestry.alaska.gov\/timber\/haines and comments may be submitted by Jan. 5 to forester Greg Palmieri at greg.palmieri@alaska.gov. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"