512 



that work year around handling these cargo ships while the cruise 

 ships are here only four months. 



Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska is able to provide more personnel 

 and equipment to support the cruise industry because it is a divi- 

 sion of Southeast Stevedoring Corporation, which has been loading 

 log, lumber, and pulp ships in Southeast Alaska for over 30 years; 

 air tour operators that also fly people and supplies to the logging 

 camps; and bus tour companies that also transport school children. 

 This list of interdependence can continue through all areas of our 

 economy in Southeast Alaska. 



A reduction in the timber industry would result in a reduction in 

 the availability of services and subsequently the quality of the visi- 

 tors' experience and, ultimately, a reduction in cruise traffic. 



The tourist industry is still expanding, and many facets have yet 

 to be developed. Access to many areas in the Tongass need to be 

 improved so that a much larger segment of the American popula- 

 tion can see and utilize this spectacular area. We heed to diversify 

 the types of recreational opportunities available in Southeast 

 Alaska, not limit it to those segments of people that can afford to 

 fly or trek to these remote areas. The timber industry has greatly 

 aided in this and, with their continued cooperation, we can help 

 more Americans see and enjoy their land. Let us not restrict this 

 resource to the selfish few who have the money and the loudest 

 voices. 



The Tongass National Forest is different from the rest of the na- 

 tional forest system and cannot be successfully managed in the 

 same way. Large private and state timberland holdings in the 

 Lower 48 allow a diversity of timber supply and less pressure on 

 Federal lands. In Southeast Alaska, Federal lands are the only de- 

 pendable, long-term source of timber available. The pulp mills here 

 are challenged by some of the highest road building, logging and 

 transportation costs of any of the national forests. This, along with 

 higher wages and operating costs, makes it difficult to compete in 

 the world market. The only advantage these mills have is their 

 long-term contracts that guarantee a stable timber supply. The 

 intent of and need for these contracts still exists, and the stability 

 of at least one-third of our economy in Southeast Alaska depends 

 on them. 



Senate Bill 346 endangers the timber industry, the tourism in- 

 dustry, and our economy needlessly. Senate Bill 237 will help main- 

 tain the stability of the industries within the Tongass National 

 Forest. 



I encourage you to base your decisions on what is reality in 

 Southeast Alaska, not on the radical viewpoints you have been 

 hearing in Washington, D.C. We can and must work together to 

 promote multiple use management of the Tongass to benefit all 

 users of our national forest. 



Senator Wirth. Thank you very much, Mr. Cronk. We appreciate 

 your testimony. 



The last member of this panel is Ken Leghorn. 



