Alaska State Legislature
News from the House Majority

Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

House Acts to Save Endangered Natural Resources

Salvage Measures Required for Infested or Diseased Timber

For Immediate Release April 30, 1998 Contact: Rep. Mark Hodgins (907) 465-3779.

Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Thursday passed House Bill 284, which requires the Commissioner of Natural Resources to implement salvage measures for timber which is subject to an environmental catastrophe, including disease or infestation. The bill passed 30-9, but a notice of reconsideration was filed and it will vote on the bill again.

"I'm delighted that the bill received such overwhelming support," said Representative Mark Hodgins (R-Kenai), sponsor of HB 284. "It only makes sense that when diseased timber, such as the large stands of spruce bark beetle-infested timber on the Kenai Peninsula, poses a significant danger to people the state be able to take quick action," Hodgins said.

The bill requires that when timber is infested or diseased or subject to an environmental catastrophe and, as a result, is susceptible to infestation or disease, the Commissioner of Natural Resources is required to salvage the timber as rapidly as possible. In addition, the bill says that, if possible, the timber should be harvested before it loses too much of its value.

"Timber harvesting in these cases is necessary, both to protect the public from significant fire hazard and to restore the forest's health," Hodgins said. "Also, fish streams, wildlife habitat, and structures are all in greater danger from the aging spruce dying and falling than they are from salvage operations," Hodgins said.

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Broadcasters note: Comments are available on the House Majority Line 1-800-478-6540.
= Mark Hodgins, 35 K