109 



and, conveL_<;ly, create additional economic uncertainty. 



H.R. 2413 would undo the long established working relationship 

 the Forest Service has developed with the State of Alaska, local 

 governments, and Alaska natives. From management of cultural 

 resources to road maintenance, the Forest Service works with a 

 variety of local interests to ensure the natural and cultural 

 resources of Alaska are well maintained. Discontinuing these 

 relationships will hamper the technical and financial ability of 

 partners to manage certain resources and activities ranging from 

 municipal watershed management to cooperative recreation 

 planning. 



The Tongass is an ecological treasure — a vast expanse of 

 temperate rain forest. Recognizing its value, the American 

 public has invested major financial resources in the Tongass to 

 ensure the wise and judicious use of all its natural resources. 

 This in turn has greatly contributed directly and indirectly to 

 the growth of the Southeast Alaskan economy and the health of our 

 nation. For instance, the Forest Service, in cooperation with 

 the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the fishing industry, 

 has invested more than $8 million of Federal money in fish passes 

 and other habitat improvement structures in the last 15 years. 

 We estimate that this is creating more than $17 million worth of 

 additional salmon each year for commercial, sport and subsistence 

 fishing activities. The Forest Service has worked hard to assure 

 sustained growth in all sectors of the economy. The investment 



26-668 - 96 - 5 



