Under directive from DNR Commissioner John Boyle, Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) has begun the amendment process for the Haines State Forest Management Plan. The primary purpose of this amendment is the addition of policy language reflecting new Carbon offset legislation (AS 39.95.400 - 39.95.499) and the inclusion of Carbon management in multiple use principles on State forest land (AS 41.17.200). A public information meeting will be in Haines on May 8, 2024 to present the amendment process, describe proposed changes to the management plan, and outline opportunities for public involvement.
The revision process is designed to include considerations from members of the public, regional and local Alaska Native corporations, industry representatives, and other interest groups. Throughout this process, opportunities for public comment will be shared here and through the State of Alaska Online Public Notice platform.
The initial meeting in this process in intended to provide the following information:
A schedule of public meetings can be found below, and will be updated as more meetings are planned for the future.
Date | Purpose | Location | Join Online |
---|---|---|---|
Initial Public Meeting
May 8, 2024 6:30–8:00pm |
-Introduce HSF and forest management -Introduce Carbon market in Alaska -Outline amendment process -Q & A Session |
Lobby, Chilkat Center for the Arts
31 Theater Street Haines, AK 99827 |
Microsoft Teams
Need help?
Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 277 512 268 448 Passcode: haxHRN Dial-in by phone +1 907-202-7104,,52364503# United States, Anchorage Find a local number Phone conference ID: 523 645 03# |
Amendment Update and Survey Summary Meeting
Mid-October, date TBD |
-Update progress with plan amendment -Discuss results of public surveys released throughout the summer -Identify dates of future meetings and/or release of plan draft for public review |
Online Only, link coming soon | A web meeting option will be available through Microsoft Teams |
Throughout the summer, a series of surveys will be posted here. Surveys will address topics that are relevant to the scope of this amendment and will be released in the first week of May, June, July, and August. These surveys will remain open for submissions through Monday, September 30, 2024.
The Division of Forestry & Fire Protection would like to hear your thoughts on topics including:
Use the link below to view a map of the Haines State Forest. This map displays active forest roads, unit and subunit boundaries, and land classifications. An “Edit” option allows users to mark locations and add text comments to those points.
Haines State Forest Interactive Map
After the initial meetings and surveys throughout the summer, a draft will be released for public review and the plan will be open for public comment for at least 30 days. Share your feedback when the amended plan draft is released for public review. An online comment portal will be available through this website, or comments can be submitted by mail or email.
Coming Soon: Link to HSF Online Comment Portal
Comments must be submitted in writing, and may be submitted by email to dnr.dof.haines@alaska.gov
Or by mail to
Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection
ATTN: Forest Planning
500 W 7th Ave. Ste 1450
Anchorage, AK 99501-3566
The Haines State Forest contains 260,000 acres managed by the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection that include the watersheds of the Chilkoot, Chilkat, and Ferebee rivers within its boundary. Located in a transition zone between the wet coastal climate and the dry, cold interior, the Forest provides suitable conditions for a diversity of plants and wildlife. The rugged topography ranges from sea level to over 7,000 feet.
The Forest is composed mostly of two forest types: western hemlock/Sitka spruce, and black cottonwood/willow. Lodgepole pine and paper birch occur as minor species throughout the Forest.
Haines State Forest is managed for multiple use under the sustained yield principles of AS 41.17. Multiple use management may include a mix of timber harvest, recreation, mining, traditional uses, fish and wildlife habitat protection, or tourism. Levels of use depend on the resources present in an area. Sustained yield management places responsibility on the State of Alaska to ensure that the management of our forests guarantees perpetual supplies of renewable resources and serves the needs of all Alaska for the many products, benefits, and services obtained from them.
The current management plan for the Haines State Forest was last amended in 2002.
See the 2002 Haines State Forest management plan
The planning process is designed to ensure participation by the public and government agencies, to provide opportunities for review and amendment of the plan. An outline of the planning process is provided below.
Trevor Dobell-Carlsson
Forest Planner and Federal
Programs Manager
Alaska DNR | Division of
Forestry & Fire Protection
500 W 7th Ave. Ste 1450
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907)269-8667
Greg Palmieri
Haines SF Resource
Forester
Alaska DNR | Division of
Forestry & Fire Protection
PO Box 263
Haines, AK 99827
(907)766-2120
Geneva Preston
Forest Planner
Alaska DNR | Division of
Forestry & Fire Protection
2417 Tongass Ave. Ste 213
Ketchikan, AK 99901
(907)225-3070
Or email dnr.dof.haines@alaska.gov
550 W. 7th Ave, Suite 1360
Anchorage, AK 99501-3557
Phone: (907) 269-8400
Fax: (907) 269-8901
TTY: Dial 711 or 800-770-8973