Support for Alaska Division of Forestry’s Vallenar Bay Timber Sale

Support for Alaska Division of Forestry’s Vallenar Bay Timber Sale

March 4, 2015

Greg Staunton
Alaska Division of Forestry

Re: Vallenar Bay Timber Sale (SSE-1345K)

I write this letter to express the Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce’s support for the Alaska Division of Forestry’s sale of 12 million board feet (MMBF) of timber near Vallenar Bay on Gravina Island.

Our Chamber works hard to promote economic diversity, regional growth, a climate that is good for business, a lifestyle that attracts year-round residents, and a stable, productive workforce. The existence of a timber industry supports each aspect of this mission unequivocally, and it is for this reason we believe the Vallenar Bay Timber Sale (SSE-1345K) must go forward.

The timber offered in these sales will help to sustain jobs and industry both in Ketchikan and on Prince of Wales Island, a place to which Ketchikan is closely linked economically, socially, and culturally. Now more than ever, no opportunity to better the lives of individuals living in southern Southeast Alaska should be overlooked. It is inarguable that this timber sale offers a small but very real opportunity to our region and its people.

Please note the support of our Chamber and of Ketchikan’s business community for the Vallenar Bay Timber sale (SSE-1345K) and the potential it possesses to positively impact the lives and livelihoods of Southeast Alaskans.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Chelsea J. Goucher, Executive Director
Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce
O: (907) 225-3184
C: (907) 220-2133
E: chelsea@ketchikanchamber.com