Public Meeting for Div. of Forestry & Fire Protection Planning Process, Upper Susitna Valley

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Background
The Susitna Forestry Guidelines were published in 1991 to direct forest management activities on Forest classified lands within the Susitna Valley. In response to developments in the timber market, regional ecology, internal planning processes, and updates to the regional Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plans for this area in the last 34 years, the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP) is developing a Susitna Valley (SV) Forest Management Plan (FMP) that will supersede the 1991 Forestry Guidelines.

This plan will include management policy for the forest resources on Forest classified lands in the Susitna Valley and guidance for compatible forest management when other projects are proposed on those lands to maintain multiple use management on State-owned lands (AS 38.05.300).

SV Forest Management Plan Scoping Period
The DFFP is in the beginning stages of this planning process. As part of the research involved in developing management policy for a Forest Management Plan, the DFFP is soliciting input from interested parties, including the timber and forest products industries, local governments, Alaska Native Regional and/or Village Corporations, Federal and partnering State agencies, individual members of the public, and any other group or person interested in the management of Alaska's forest resources. The scoping period will include meetings to provide information about the planning process and address questions from the public. Opportunities for interested parties to provide input are not limited to these meetings. The scoping period represents an opportunity to share knowledge and insights about the area and voice management concerns and considerations for DFFP to use as part of the policy development process. At this time, there is no draft Forest Management Plan published for review or comment.

Susitna Valley State Forest Proposal
DNR is proposing to expand the state forest system by establishing a new state forest in the Susitna Valley, in order to secure long-term investment in Alaska's forest resources. This initiative would transfer management of forest-classified lands from the Division of Mining, Land, and Water to the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DFFP), ensuring timber production, regeneration, and active management remain the primary goals while maintaining opportunities for recreation, hunting, fishing, and other public uses.

Under Alaska law, only the Legislature can formally designate land as state forests. Designation will provide long-term certainty for the State, industry, and local communities by protecting investments in reforestation, roads, and other infrastructure; supporting jobs and local economies; and sustaining healthy, resilient forests for future generations.

The public meeting on November 18, 2025, will include an opportunity for members of the public to submit testimony regarding the proposed state forest. This testimony will be documented and provided to the Legislature if a bill is introduced to establish a new state forest.

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Revision History

Created 11/4/2025 1:44:58 PM by gspreston
Modified 11/4/2025 3:20:54 PM by gspreston
Modified 11/4/2025 3:32:02 PM by gspreston
Modified 11/4/2025 4:19:09 PM by gspreston