Corps Salutes
Dear Editor: On behalf of the Marine Corps League of Sitka, Robert B. Johnstone Detachment, I wish to convey a sincere appreciation and thank you to Mindy Lowrance and the entire Emblem Club of Sitka 142.
The decorations in the Elks Club for the Marine Corps’ 244th birthday celebration certainly made the occasion festive and meaningful. Not only did the club decorate the venue, they also bought and delivered the beautiful birthday cake that is part of any birthday gathering but an especially significant part of the Corps’ tradition.
We appreciate the time, resources and effort exerted to celebrate this very special day in our Marine Corps history.
A special thank you also to the Elks Club for accommodating our traditional celebration on an already very busy weekend.
Bernie P. Gurule,
U.S.M.C. L. Adjutant,
Marine Corps League of Sitka
Robert B. Johnstone Detachment
Roadless Rule Event
Dear Editor: Tuesday evening Sitkans participated in the United States Department of Agriculture Alaska Roadless Area Conservation Rule-Making Meeting and Subsistence Hearing. Federal rule-making regulations require the Forest Service to conduct this aspect of rule-making public participation. The proposed rule changes represent yet another effort to remove current roadless and timber conservation on our Tongass National Forest. Thank you to all who attended, participated, and offered their thoughts and concerns.
Audience questions, Forest Service responses, and hearing testimony indicate the public participation unanimously favors the No Action alternative. Most believe this particular rule-making concept lacks credibility and fails to represent local Tongass indigenous peoples, residents, users and forest managers. Plus, the rather rigorous and very expensive rule review procedures originate in Washington, D.C., interfere with forest management practices underway, and are unnecessary and inappropriate.
Several Sitkans intend to express enthusiastic support for 1) our local U.S. Forest Service and 2) maintaining existing Tongass roadless and timber conservation. We will gather at our local Halibut Point Road Forest Service Office at noon Friday, Nov. 15. Please attend, bring your signs, and show support for protecting our Tongass National Forest. See the accompanying PSA in tonight’s paper for additional information.
Jim Clare, Sitka
