99 



4 

 since 198O. Positive changes have occurred in indirect and induced employment 

 accruing to natural resource uses in Southeast Alaska. 



In 1980, as ANILCA passed, the total volume harvested from the Tongass Nationcl 

 Forest exceeded 450 million board feet. During the next 5 years, the harveste'. 

 voluae declined, reaching a low of less than 250 million board feet in Fiscal 

 Year I985. For the last three fiscal years, the harvest level has increased. 

 In Fiscal Year I988, the volume harvested was 396 million board feet. 



Wood products from timber harvested on the Tongass occupy an important position 

 in the Pacific Rim market and contribute to a more favorable balance of trade. 

 Clear Sitka spruce and Alaska yellow cedar are sold to musical Instrument and 

 speciality building industries in Japan and other countries. Mills In Sitka 

 and Ketchikan produce about 35 percent of the United State's dissolving pulp 

 exports which are used to make rayon and other products. The Tongass National 

 Forest will continue to play an important role in the production of forest 

 products for world markets. Although the product mix and end users may change 

 over time, we anticipate that markets will continue to expand. 



Using Nationeil Forest Management Act planning procedures, we have begun a 

 revision of the 1979 Tongass Land Management Plan. We will consider a broad 

 range of resource management options in the preparation of this plan. As with 

 the first Tongass Land Management Plan, the public is actively Involved. We 

 anticipate that a draft revised Forest Plan will be available late this year 

 for public review and comment. 



