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foundly affect the economy of Southeast Alaska. In a study done by 

 the McDowell Group in 1988, it was found that the Alaska Pulp 

 Corporation is responsible for at least one-quarter of all Sitka area 

 employment and as of 1986 was responsible for an estimated 7 per- 

 cent of all regional employment. 



It must be emphasized that there are few aspects of our economy 

 here in Southeast that would not be adversely affected should APC 

 be forced out. Many of the businesses here in Sitka have already 

 expressed their conviction that they would be unable to stay afloat. 

 This community has bonded itself based upon the continued oper- 

 ation of the pulp mill. Should APC pull out, Sitka's businesses and 

 households would be forced to shoulder a much greater burden. 



Prince of Wales Island, which is part of my district, would be im- 

 pacted virtually overnight by revisions in ANILCA. There has been 

 dramatic growth in the timber industry over the past several years 

 on the island, and many small logging camps have developed into 

 permanent communities. A community, such as Thorne Bay, that 

 relies almost totally on logging, could not survive an extreme revi- 

 sion in ANILCA. 



Being a fisherman and a lifetime Southeast Alaska resident, I 

 certainly recognize the necessity for certain lands within the Ton- 

 gass National Forest to be designated as protected noncommercial 

 timber areas. The areas which I am personally familiar with and 

 feel should be protected are the Yakutat Forelands, Kadashan 

 River Watershed, Lisianski and Upper Hoonah Sound, and Berners 

 Bay. I sincerely believe, however, that we have enough designated 

 wilderness areas in the Tongass. 



It is crucial that the Forest Service provide proper recognition of 

 other uses such as fisheries, wildlife habitat, tourism and subsist- 

 ence. The Forest Service should most certainly continue to protect 

 areas such as wildlife retention zones and riparian management 

 zones along streams. In managing all of these multiple uses, the 

 Forest Service should always keep in mind the preservation of the 

 visual beauty of Southeast Alaska. I feel very strongly that a 

 healthy timber industry can and must exist in harmony with the 

 other multiple uses of Southeast Alaska. 



It is vital for Congress to realize that we need to know today 

 what is in store for us tomorrow. It is very difficult to plan for the 

 future of our economy with this Congressional axe hanging over 

 our heads. I must emphasize that decisions affecting the timber in- 

 dustry must be made with the understanding that the livelihood of 

 Southeast Alaska hangs in the balance. 



Thank you. 



[The prepared statement of Senator Eliason follows:] 



