387 



price related in adjudication over fairness, peoples' jobs, a very, 

 very lengthy complicated process. 



Now, as we see the evolution of what is happening in the forests. 

 We see the stumpage go from $2 to $3 per 1,000, reflected on the 

 market currently. In Ketchikan I think it is $68. I do not know cur- 

 rently what it is here in Sitka, but it has gone up dramatically. So, 

 if we take the background and history I think we have to recognize 

 that there has been an evolution that has occurred as a conse- 

 quence of changing times. 



Speaking as one of the senators representing the people of 

 Alaska, in the spirit of compromise, we look for a process recom- 

 mended by you. Governor, from the Southeast Conference, as they 

 have indicated, as to how we can better structure this to address 

 the concerns of all without really throwing out the baby with the 

 bath water. So, I certainly welcome your recommendations and 

 look forward to continuing to work with you, and I think good rec- 

 ommendations are going to come out. The Tongass Land Manage- 

 ment Plan has been underway for some time, to reflect the spirit of 

 Alaskans expressing themselves in open forum and recommenda- 

 tions and so forth which should be considered as we proceed with 

 this legislation. 



Senator Burns. Governor, first of all, appreciation for showing 

 up here this morning. I know the demands on your time, and I see 

 you are very interested in this issue. I only have one question. I 

 was interested in mining. We did not hear much about mining yes- 

 terday in Ketchikan. Could you give me— do you have any sort of— 

 an estimate on what and how much mining could possibly occur in 

 these areas. 



Governor Cowper. Senator Burns, I am not aware of any specific 

 proposal in the areas that we have designated as set aside areas, 

 any of those areas. Now, I am willing to have anybody who knows 

 more about it than I do correct me on that. I know people who do 

 know more about it. 



Senator Burns. I would not have those figures on my fingertips 

 for the State of Montana either, but I just wondered if you had an 

 idea. You did mention that and that is sort of interesting. 



There are 5.4 million acres that are set aside in the Tongass. In 

 your recommended areas for special management, how many acres 

 of harvestable timber will be taken out of the Tongass timber base? 

 Do you have an estimate at all on that? 



Governor Cowper. We have the board feet, but we are looking 

 for acres. 



[Consults with aide.] 



Senator Burns. How many acres? 



Governor Cowper. 646,000 acres. 



Senator Burns. Thanks again. Thank you for your hospitality up 

 here and the pressures on your time. Thank you very much, I ap- 

 preciate your coming. 



Senator Wirth. Now, we have a few more minutes. May I run 

 through a few more elements to make sure that we get these on 

 the record? 



In your comments about the changing nature of the timber in- 

 dustry, you talked about the increased demand for timber products 

 in Asia. One of the elements that is involved in the discussion of 



