The Roadless Initiative doesn't fit the Tongass National Forest because Southeast Alaska is so dependent on public lands for the economic well being of its people. Unlike most other U.S. Forests considered in the proposal, the federal agencies managing the Tongass need to have flexibility to meet the needs of timber, fishing, tourism and small businesses dependent on the forest. Future options could include roads for public transportation and recreation, public use of potential resources, and power, natural gas, oil, or water corridors. The current forest plan does not negate all future options. Road building in a given area can be halted now if it becomes necessary. Blanket federal mandates regarding public lands are not good public policy. We must work together to support responsible use of the Tongass.

The national agenda of conserving federal forest lands demands the people of Southeast Alaska come together to ensure that the timber industry remains a vital part of Southeast Alaska's economy. We must build consensus on a plan to build a timber industry that will maximize job creation with reductions in historic levels of timber available. This is no longer a question of what should be but rather, what is.

This year the federal government committed 2 billion dollars to be spent over the course of 10 years to restore water and the viability of the Everglades ecosystem. If our government can spend that much on the Everglades, that same body can commit to helping Southeast Alaska transition into a new model of the timber industry by investing in the enhancement and economic viability of the Tongass and other forests in Alaska.

If elected, I will propose a resolution in the State Senate to be sent to Congress requesting a significant financial commitment over the course of 15 years to improve the timber stand production and recreation projects on the Tongass and other National Forests in Alaska. These areas require attention and, like the Everglades of Florida, are important to the American people.

I will propose the United States Forest Service designate areas previously logged as primary single use areas for the purpose of producing and harvesting timber. Recreation development would be encouraged and built. But, the primary use in these areas would be timber production. This use makes sense and would reduce harvest in more sensitive or controversial areas while ensuring the timber industry a long-term, reliable source of timber.

This funding request is reasonable. It would employ displaced timber workers and create a responsible transition to a new model of the industry and forest use. The industry will get the timber it needs while conservationists lessen demand on old growth. This will end significant and stifling litigation over timber harvest.

I will encourage the building of timber jobs by supporting local efforts of the timber industry to get state funding to establish an Alaska Wood Products Testing and Research Center in conjunction with the University of Alaska Southeast. This center will be able to provide the research necessary to assist the industry to develop new products, establish grading of Alaskan timber, and building new markets. The center will also promote careers related to a new model of the timber industry in Southeast Alaska.

I propose the development of public/private wood kiln facilities as economic development projects be studied. Market development of wood products requires the ability to kiln dry wood. This will create jobs and open up the potential for a vast number of wood products we are currently unable to manufacture.

There is a danger in assuming that the federal courts or congressional action on the subsistence issue in Alaska can resolve the challenges presented by the various sides on this issue and these decisions can affect the timber industry. Regarding the courts Senator Stevens said, "As far as the federal courts are concerned, whether we like it or not, in my judgment, they'll come down with an opinion that says this demonstrates that we don't have the ability to manage fish and game consistent with the federal constitution." Senator Stevens has warned, "My fear is that if we are required as Alaska's congressional delegation to obtain enactment of legislation to deal with this, it means we will face the necessity of getting a bill through -- added to that bill will be several subjects. The closure of ANWR, the transition of the Tongass to a nonproductive timber area, we will lose our conventional access to federal lands..." He further states, "I tell you we will all lose, the state will lose tremendously if this issue has to come back to the federal government for action in the federal congress."

I propose to deal with the subsistence issue in Alaska rather than risk a potential elimination of timber harvest. I will take responsible action in the Alaska State Senate that will increase the potential for regaining control over state lands and waters without risking the loss of the timber industry by resolving the subsistence issue at the state level. By settling the subsistence issue and asking the federal government to make a commitment to Alaska's forests we can have a long term timber industry.

All of the timber jobs lost in the 90s could be transformed into new long-term family wage jobs if our legislature acts responsibly. Necessary enhancements made with these monies will include installing culverts, commercial thinning, fish habitat improvement, building trails and recreation facilities. The tourism industry will also benefit with the development of more recreation opportunities. The result will be more jobs and less litigation over timber harvest. We have a choice. We can watch an industry strangle in litigation or we can come together and build what's possible.

I support a new model of the industry and the jobs it will provide and will do everything I can to make sure it becomes a reality.

Greg Middag
July 10, 2000

VOTE GREG MIDDAG FOR STATE SENATE.
RUNNING FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS.