141 



support commercial fishing activities along the beaches and mouths of major 

 fishing systems In the area to continue. 



We will submit a full report of on our lands protection proposal 

 for the Committee hearing record. We respectfully urge you to adopt these 

 strengthening measures. 



ALASKANS SUPPORT PERMANENT PROTECTION. As the giant pulp mills have logged 

 more and more watersheds, the remaining river valleys possessing high-volume 

 forests supporting "million dollar" salmon streams, habitat capable of 

 supporting deer in harsh winters, bald eagles, grizzly bears and many other 

 plant and animal species found in old growth have become more and more valued 

 by residents of southeast Alaska. A number of key fisheries are on the 

 chopping block in the Tongass, including Chuck River, Lisianski River, 

 Kadashan River, Nutkwa River, several rivers along the Yakutat Forelands, and 

 many others. Logging is not the only economic answer for our region. Keeping 

 these key commercial fisheries intact and harvesting their fish, not their 

 timber, makes the best common and economic sense over the long run. Currently 

 in a natural state, they are funong the top producing salmon streams in our 

 region. Every year they produce millions of dollars of fish with little or no 

 public expense. 



Eight communities, including Pelican, Hydaburg, Tenakee Springs, 

 Craig, Klawock, Sitka, Yakutat and Point Baker have gone on record supporting 

 lasting protection from logging for fish and wildlife areas near them that are 

 included in S.346. Sealaska Corporation, the regions' third largest logging 

 company, supports protection from logging for seven Tongass moratorium areas 

 on behalf of their 16,000 southeast Alaska Native shareholders. The United 



22 



