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ronmental health with human needs, the national forest has pro- 

 vided substantial economic benefits to surrounding communities. 



We recognize that some people disagree with certain aspects of 

 our current management efforts. Some believe that we cut too 

 much timber and some believe that we do not cut enough. We urge 

 you not to pursue a policy that would lead to the dismemberment 

 of the national forest system but instead recognize that conflict and 

 controversy are inherent parts of natural resource management 

 which cannot be fixed by shifting responsible from Federal to State 

 management. 



This proposed legislation would adversely affect efforts toward 

 accomplishing economic stability and, conversely, could create addi- 

 tional economic uncertainty. It would undo the long-established re- 

 lationship the Forest Service has developed with the State of Alas- 

 ka, local governments, and Alaska Natives. It would also change 

 the flow of economic benefits that Forest Service programs have 

 created for the 33 communities and local governments within the 

 Tongass. 



The Forest Service shares 25 percent of all revenues from timber 

 sales and other activities on the National Forest. In 1995, this 

 amounted to $7.6 million. The economy of Alaska would further be 

 affected by the loss of an estimated 60 to 80 million dollars per 

 year the Federal Government spends to operate programs on the 

 Tongass at the current level. 



Historically, issues surrounding the Tongass have been conten- 

 tious. While the Forest Service is proud of all we have accom- 

 plished over the last 90 years, we do not pretend that everything 

 is perfect. We have acknowledged that the competing uses desired 

 by our neighbors, partners, and owners has dramatically increased 

 the debate surrounding how Federal lands should be managed. 

 These conflicting needs and philosophies are perhaps more keenly 

 felt here in Alaska than anjrwhere else in the country. 



We believe that there are many things that we can do to improve 

 our relationship with the public and the management of the re- 

 sources in the coming years. We have been working to revise the 

 Tongass Land Management Plan and continue to involve the pub- 

 lic, our partners in State government, and Federal agencies to as- 

 sure that the needs of the people of the Tongass and the United 

 States are met in our plan. 



In closing, let me reiterate that we are proud of the 130 years 

 of public ownership of these lands by the people of the United 

 States and the more than 90 years of resource stewardship by the 

 Forest Service and the relationships we have built with our neigh- 

 bors, our partners, our customers, and our owners. 



We are proud, too, of our accomplishments for the people of Alas- 

 ka and the resources of the nation. The Forest Service has man- 

 aged and will continue to manage the Tongass with public input, 

 scientific and economic analysis, and sustainable natural resource 

 practices while complying with the law. We recognize that improve- 

 ments can be made in our management practices. We are working 

 diligently to maximize the value of the Tongass National Forest to 

 the residents of Southeast Alaska, as well as to the other owners 

 of the Tongass and the rest of the United States. We look forward 

 to working with you, Mr. Chairman, and our neighbors and owners 



