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Senators press Forest Service on timber production target, Tongass and Black Hills impacts
Summary
Senators pressed Chief Schultz about the administration's timber production goals, Alaska-specific concerns for the Tongass and Chugach, and regional plans to address sawmill shortfalls in the Black Hills.
Senators used the appropriations hearing to press the Forest Service on how the administration's timber agenda and proposed budget changes would affect regional economies, tribal relationships and local workforce capacity.
Chair Lisa Murkowski emphasized Alaska's timber and mineral potential, saying the Tongass and Chugach "play a very key role" in Southeast Alaska's economy and that many local communities are entirely within the National Forest System. Murkowski described local concerns about staffing and morale at visitor sites — "I have to tell you, the morale is shot" — and said the Forest Service must remain a partner for local economic activity and…
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