On Monday, Nov. 4, the U.S. Forest Service kicked off an 11-day series of public meetings throughout Southeast Alaska to address the service's draft environmental impact statement alternatives on removing protections for 9 million acres of the Tongass National Forest.
The service is not accepting formal comments at the meetings, but locals are encouraged to attend to ask questions and provide input to federal officials on local use of the roadless areas for recreation, jobs and culture.
The alternatives in the draft range from no action to the removal of the Tongass from the 2001 Roadless Rule. The Department of Agriculture has identified Alternative 6, which is a full exemption, as its preferred alternative. A final decision is expected in 2020.
Monday, Nov. 4
JUNEAU
5 – 7 p.m. — Public Meeting
Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall, 320 Willoughby Ave., Room #1
Tuesday, Nov. 5
KETCHIKAN
5 – 6:30 p.m. — Public Meeting
7 – 9 p.m. —Subsistence Hearing
Southeast Alaska Discovery Center 50 Main St.
YAKUTAT
5 – 6:30 p.m. — Public Meeting
7 – 9 p.m. — Subsistence Hearing
ANB Hall
TENAKEE SPRINGS
10 – 11:30 a.m. — Public Meeting
12 – 2 p.m. — Subsistence Hearing
Community Center
Wednesday, Nov. 6
CRAIG
5 – 6:30 p.m. — Public Meeting
7 – 9 p.m. — Subsistence Hearing
Craig Tribal Association Hall, 1330 Craig-Klawock Highway
ANCHORAGE
6 – 8 p.m. — Public Meeting
University of Alaska Gorsuch Commons, 3211 Providence Dr., Room #106
WRANGELL
5 – 6:30 p.m. — Public Meeting
7 – 9 p.m. — Subsistence Hearing
Nolan Center, 296 Campbell Dr.
Thursday, Nov. 7
GUSTAVUS
Public Meeting
5 – 6:30 p.m. — Public Meeting
7 – 9 p.m. — Subsistence Hearing
Gustavus School, Commons
PETERSBURG
5 – 6:30 p.m. — Public Meeting
7 – 9 p.m. — Subsistence Hearing
Petersburg Borough, Assembly Chambers
Friday, Nov. 8, 2019
KAKE
5 – 6:30 p.m. — Public Meeting
7 – 9 p.m. — Subsistence Hearing
Senior Center, 251 Totem Way
Tuesday, Nov. 12
HYDABURG
9 – 10:30 a.m. — Public Meeting
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Subsistence Hearing
City Hall
ANGOON
10 – 11:30 a.m. — Public Meeting
12 – 2 p.m. — Subsistence Hearing
Angoon Community Association
SITKA
5 – 6:30 p.m. — Public Meeting
7 – 9 p.m. — Subsistence Hearing
Centennial Hall King Salmon Room, 330 Harbor Dr.
KASAAN
5 – 6:30 p.m. — Public Meeting
7 – 9 p.m. — Subsistence Hearing
Totem Trail Café
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019
THORNE BAY
5 – 6:30 p.m. — Public Meeting
7 – 9 p.m. — Subsistence Hearing
Thorne Bay Ranger District, 1312 Federal Way
Thursday, Nov. 14
POINT BAKER
10 – 11:30 a.m. — Public Meeting
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Point Baker Community Building
HOONAH
5 – 6:30 p.m. — Public Meeting
7 – 9 p.m. — Subsistence Hearing
Hoonah Ranger District, 420 Airport Road
