The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Advisory Council recommended the University of Alaska not log within the boundaries of the preserve after citing a lack of information about the proposed sale.
The council discussed the letter of opposition at a May 17 meeting, with members saying they wanted to keep their message short and sweet.
“I think this is a really good opportunity to tell them what we think based on what we know, and as we learn more maybe we’ll change our mind,” said member Ben Kirkpatrick, the council’s conservation advisor. “I think we want to focus on getting this succinct and clear.”
Assemblyman and council member Tom Morphet, who penned the draft letter, said the council’s request shouldn’t be absolute. “We’re not completely inflexible here, but we don’t have any information,” Morphet said. “If they have some plan they think can preserve the integrity of the preserve, we should listen to it.”
The university proposes to sell about 500 acres in the preserve for logging, which it acquired before the 48,000-acre preserve was established in 1982.
Council member Kip Kermoian, who represents the Upper Lynn Canal Fish and Game Advisory Committee, said he wanted to include in the letter that the university should also carefully consider logging efforts near the preserve land.
“The impacts associated with adjacent habitat being destroyed, potentially, could be critical. I think it might be wise to include in that letter something that refers to adjacent critical habitat,” Kermoian said. “Eagles, fish, wildlife, they don’t recognize arbitrary boundaries and I think we need to be aware of that.”
Steve Lewis, who represents the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the council, said agency research shows the majority of eagle use is inside the preserve boundaries. Council member Andy Hedden, who holds the industry and business advisor seat, said he knows of bear habitat that overlaps preserve land between the Tsirku and Klehini rivers.
“On one hand I’m a little uncomfortable telling them what to do with their private property, but on the other hand it’s a pretty integral piece to the preserve and I think we’d be remiss not addressing that,” Hedden said.
Council concerns included in the letter were preservation of eagle and wild-stock salmon habitat, unique hydrology of the Tsirku River fan, and scenic values.
Alaska State Parks Southeast area superintendent Preston Kroes said he talked to director of forestry Chris Maisch who said he is “very doubtful” the university will consider logging in the preserve.
Haines resident Kathleen Menke suggested the council add its mission statement to the letter and information about why the preserve is important. Resident Scott Carey suggested adding language to the letter to remind the university that state lands in the preserve are closed to commercial timber harvest, and any logging activities need the approval of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Mayor Jan Hill said she thought adding those things would make the letter too wordy and “insult the intelligence” of university officials. Morphet added he thought the letter adequately expressed those concerns.
Kirkpatrick said after the university negotiates with a potential buyer, the council will be able to comment on plans again.
“I think we’re providing a very powerful and useful comment to them, and if they don’t like it they can come back and tell us why it’s not appropriate,” Kirkpatrick said. “The logging trucks aren’t geared up ready to start running quite yet.”
The final letter reads, “In the absence of specific information about University of Alaska plans for commercial timber harvest within the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Advisory Council respectfully requests that the university refrain from harvest inside preserve boundaries. Council concerns include, but are not necessarily limited to, preservation of bald eagle and wild-stock salmon habitat, the unique hydrology of the Tsirku River delta, scenic values and such values on property bordering the preserve. We also request future opportunities to comment on this project.”
The advisory council unanimously approved the letter, which will be sent to University of Alaska officials.