Residents urge extension of public comment on Alcan timber proposal; borough awaits timber-cruise data

Several residents urged the assembly on Nov. 3 to extend the public comment period for the Alcan timber-harvest proposal covering units on Gravina Island and above Bear Valley until the borough receives the detailed timber cruise (tree species, size classes, defect and per-unit value) for the affected harvest units.

David Katz and other public-comment speakers said the borough’s public notice asks for comments now but that the timber cruise reports have not yet been posted; Katz asked for at least a 30-day extension to allow the public time to review the detailed inventory and prepare informed comments. Katz and later speakers said timber quality varies across units and that high-value old-growth stands often require cutting surrounding trees and leave large residual slash and stumps; speakers warned residual slash can prohibit later development and can reduce the long-term value of borough land that is intended for later subdivision or development.

Larry Jackson and Hamilton Gellhar raised broader concerns about past logging outcomes on the island (examples cited: Ward Cove, Whipple Creek) and urged the borough to require clear commitments that logging not leave the land unusable. Norman Bridal added concerns about proposed tailings or mining-related activities on Gravina and potential impacts to salmon-bearing streams and subsistence resources.

Assemblymember Dowell and borough staff said the borough contracted for a timber cruise and expected the detailed cruise information to arrive “in the next few days”; staff indicated the intention to publish those reports and to extend the public comment period while the public reviews the inventory. No assembly action on the proposal occurred at the meeting; speakers asked the borough to prioritize the additional data and to consider the long-term community goals for land slated for harvest before agreeing to any disposal or lease.