By Sentinel Staff
The U.S. Forest Service is hosting Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy (SASS) listening sessions from 1 to 8 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Harrigan Centennial Hall.
The Forest Service listening sessions are being held throughout Southeast to gather public input on the sustainability strategy for the Tongass National Forest that the Department of Agriculture announced in July 2021.
On both Friday and Saturday the SASS interactive portions of the Sitka listening sessions will include “pizza and presentation” periods, 5:30-6 p.m. Friday, and noon to 12:45 p.m. Saturday.
The USFS Region 10 website says the sustainability strategy to be undertaken on the Tongass has four primary components:
– ending large-scale old-growth timber sales and focusing forest management resources to support forest restoration, recreation, and resilience.
– proposing to restore the 2001 Roadless Rule protections.
– engaging in meaningful consultation with Tribal Nations.
– identifying short- and long-term opportunities for investments that reflect the diverse opportunities and needs in the region.
As a part of the strategy, the Secretary of Agriculture made an initial commitment of $25 million to the region.
In a media release Maranda Hamme, Tongass Forest Program Manager for the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council, said SEACC encourages people to attend the Forest Service workshops because “the input and oversight of the public are needed” on “what Southeast Alaska wants to see as far as forest management on the Tongass.”
