STATE OF ALASKA Office of the Governor January 12, 1998
The Honorable Dan Glickman Dear Mr. Secretary: Thank you for the assistance you have provided me and the State of Alaska over the past few years. At this time, I must bring another issue of great importance to your attention. As you recall, last year, a group of Southeast Alaska mayors and I met with you regarding the Tongass National Forest. At the time, we discussed the importance of following the Tongass Land Management Plan ( TLMP ) process for developing policies for the Tongass . We also talked about ensuring the TLMP was based on sound science, prudent management, and a responsive public process. You were able to assist us to ensure the timely completion and signing of the Record of Decision for TLMP . We are now in a situation where we must ask your assistance again. The State of Alaska has major concerns regarding a potential new interim policy on roadless areas in national forests. We cannot tolerate federal fiats on issues facing Alaska. We feel it is imperative Alaskans be involved in the decisions affection them. I have opposed federal fiats in national forest policy affecting Alaska regardless of who proposed them. Instead, I believe policy should be guided by the principles of sound science, prudent management based on conservation, and a meaningful, responsive public process which brings stakeholders to the decision making table. Given the Record of Decision for TLMP was signed only 6 months ago and the appeals process is underway, it would be unfair play for anyone to use political leverage to undermine the process while these very issues are being addressed and resolved through the appeals process. The current process provides the fair and just course as prescribed by federal law and implemented by federal regulations and is the sense of fair play all Americans rely on and have a right to expect. The State of Alaska should have a voice in any interim and/or long-term decisions made on the roadless issue. Any roadless policy must undergo full review using the principles stated above, and we oppose any interim decisions made prior to that process. A precipitous interim action, made behind closed doors outside of Alaska, will not be tolerated. Should this occur, the state will leave no stone unturned in our effort to prevent this interim policy being implemented through federal fiat. In the past, our discussions have led to mutually beneficial results, and I am available and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this matter with you.
Sincerely, cc: Erskine Bowles , White House Chief of Staff |
