399 



vision of Forestry and private lands logging by Koncor Forest prod- 

 ucts for 23 years. My tenure has allowed me to evaluate firsthand 

 the effects of high-liner logging operations, and it is positive short- 

 term economic advantages versus the long-term negative aspects 

 which will be with us for decades. I have seen most all of the acci- 

 dents possible in that business, which surely compromise the viabil- 

 ity of the long-standing, long-term commercial fishing industry — 

 commercial fishing is the number one industry in Yakutat — and 

 the prospect of a future visitor industry downgraded by massive 

 1,000 acre plus clearcuts in our area. 



We believe that there are other resource values out there, and 

 they must be prioritized before it is too late. Through much articu- 

 lated public policy, the community of Yakutat is opposed to Sena- 

 tor Murkowski's proposed bill S. 237. It simply does not address our 

 concerns for the Yakutat Foreland. 



Senate Bill S. 346, as submitted by Senator Tim Wirth, is sup- 

 portable but needs to incorporate longer-term protection for the 

 Yakutat Forelands. I have attached copies of numerous documents, 

 which carefully outline the City of Yakutat's and the people's posi- 

 tions. We do certainly appreciate your efforts and concerns by in- 

 troducing your proposed legislation. 



Although the community is generally opposed to designation of 

 additional "wilderness" on the forelands, there is serious concern 

 that the available Forest Service planning processes cannot provide 

 the permanency that is required. We, therefore, support a special 

 management area designation. Critical Fish and Wildlife Habitat 

 Area, similar to that outlined in the Sealaska position on the Ton- 

 gass legislative changes. This would provide long-term protection 

 from logging and road building. 



[The prepared statement of Mr. Powell follows:] 



