JUNEAU, ALASKA-Building on his commitment to revitalize Alaska’s timber industry, Governor Sean Parnell yesterday signed legislation nearly doubling the size of the Southeast State Forest.

The forest was created by the passage of Governor Parnell’s legislation in 2010. Lands added to the state forest will continue to be open for multiple uses, including wildlife habitat and harvest, mining and recreational activities.

“Adding land to the Southeast State Forest will allow the Division of Forestry to manage the land to increase long-term timber supply for local processors and wood energy needs,’ Governor Parnell said. “This will provide much-need jobs in the thinning, harvest and milling stages of logging.”

House Bill 105, sponsored by Governor Parnell, includes 23,181 acres of land to the Southeast State Forest, bringing the total acreage to 48,472. HB 105 received unanimous support in the Legislature. Representative Bill Thomas was instrumental in moving the bill through the Legislature.

“This is one more way we can keep the timber industry alive in Southeast Alaska,” Representative Thomas said.

Source:Offfice of Governor Parnell