84 



<->ply the same standards to the Forest System in the lower 4 8 

 states . 



The other issue which causes me great concern is the proposed 

 addition of wilderness designations. 



Opponents of Tongass reform legislation point to "The Compromise" 

 which was struck during negotiations on ANILCA. They believe, as 

 do I, that the timber provisions were included in ANILCA as a 

 trade-off for the 5.4 million acres of new wilderness on the 

 Tongass. I will not belabor this point, for I have spoken to 

 this specific issue on numerous occasions and in more than a few 

 hearings. I believe my record is very clear regarding my 

 position on this matter. 



The Tongass Land Management Plan is the nation's first Forest 

 Plan to be revised. Since 1987, the cost of this effort to the 

 taxpayer now totals $6,974,492. 



As directed, the Forest Service has included a program of 

 unprecedented public involvement. In addition, a most 

 significant opportunity for public involvement will be available 

 soon when the draft Environmental Impact Statement for the 

 revised plan is released in June. This publication will display 

 alternative choices for management and provide the public an 

 opportunity to review and comment on all work completed in the 

 revision process to date. 



