The DNR Division of Forestry & Fire Protection plans for timber management on state land in several phases. First, if needed, a forest management plan is developed. Second, the Division publishes a summary of proposed sales in a Five-Year Schedule of Timber Sales for each area office. Third, detailed information on each individual sale is developed in a Forest Land Use Plan. Finally, the Division issues contracts with requirements that the operator must meet.

The first step in forest planning is to review existing regional plans to ensure that proposed actions are consistent with the plans. Regional plans may be area or management plans adopted under AS 38.04.065 or state forest management plans adopted under AS 41.17.230. Regional plans have been completed for about two-thirds of all state land.

Area or management plans are developed under the principles of multiple use and sustained yield. They designate the main uses for state land, set guidelines to ensure that multiple uses occur compatibly, and classify the land according to its main uses. Land must be classified before timber can be sold. Where no regional plan exists, a site-specific plan must be adopted under AS 38.04.065(h) to classify the land before a timber sale can occur.

In addition to the guidance in all regional plans, state forest management plans identify major access corridors and set the annual allowable cut for timber harvests. Proposals for timber sales in a state forest must be consistent with the state forest management plan. (References: AS 38.095.112(d), AS 41.17.200-.230).

Each of the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection's ten area offices prepares a Five-Year Schedule of Timber Sales every other year year. The Schedules give the public, timber industry, and other agencies an overview of the division's plans for timber sales. They summarize information on proposed timber harvest areas, timber sale access, and reforestation plans.

Five-Year Schedules are subject to public and agency review. The review helps identify issues to address in detailed timber sale planning. After review, DNR uses the schedules to decide where to proceed with timber sale planning. Generally, the Division may not offer a timber sale unless it has appeared on at least one of the two Five-Year Schedules preceding the sale. The law exempts sales of 160 acres or less, salvage sales, or emergency sales in areas with fire, insect, or other natural threats from this requirement. DNR's policy is to include all sales on the Five-Year Schedule preceding the sale whenever possible. All sales, including salvage sales and sales less than 160 acres, will appear on at least the Five-Year Schedule preceding the sale unless waiting for the Schedule will cause substantial losses of economic value on salvage sales, or preclude a local economic enterprise or forest management project that is in the state's best interest. (References: AS 38.05.113, AS 38.05.117, and 11 AAC 71.010)

Best Interest Findings (BIFs)

Best Interest Findings (BIFs) satisfy AS 38.05.035(e), which requires a written Best Interest Finding be issued prior to a specific forest management action being taken. A preliminary Best Interest Finding addresses 1) “…the facts pertaining to the land, resources, or property, or interest in them, that the director finds are material to the determination and that are known to the director [or their delegates]…”, 2) applicable statutes and regulations, and 3) establishes which action the State determines to be in the best interest of the State.

Preliminary BIF documents are subject to public and agency review. BIFs may be reviewed either simultaneous to or before the review and adoption of a Forest Land Use Plan (if required). After BIF review and revision, the Division decides whether to adopt the BIF and go on with the sale, or to drop the sale.

Forest Land Use Plans (FLUPs)

The Division of Forestry & Fire Protection must prepare a Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP) for each proposed timber sale and personal use harvest area prior to harvesting. Only harvests of 10 acres or less or timber salvaged for land cleared for a nonforest use are exempt from this requirement. FLUPs present detailed information on the location, access, harvest methods, duration, and proposed reforestation for each sale.

All FLUPs must follow the principles of multiple use and sustained yield and consider non-timber uses and resources within the sale area.

FLUPs are subject to public and agency review. FLUPs may be reviewed either simultaneous to or following the review and adoption of a Best Interest Finding. After FLUP review and revision, the Division decides whether to adopt the FLUP and go on with the sale, or to drop the sale. (References: AS 38.05.112, AS 38.04.065(b), and AS 38.05.035(e)).

After a timber sale is awarded through bidding or negotiation, a contract is issued. The contract includes specific stipulations to implement the intent of the Forest Land Use Plan and be sure that the requirements of the Alaska Forest Resources and Practices Act are met. Examples of stipulations include methods and timing of site preparation and road construction and maintenance instructions. The contract also specifies requirements for bonding from the operator to ensure compliance with the stipulations, and for operator insurance.

Fact Sheets about Timber Sales:

• Timber Sale Planning on State Land Fact Sheet
• State Timber & Value-Added Processing
• AS 38.05.123: Negotiated Timber Sales for Value-Added Processing
• Planning & Public Notice Requirements for State Timber Sales
• Commercial Timber Sales Planning Process

Statutes and Regulations

The Division of Forestry & Fire Protection is guided not only by the Alaska Forest Resources and Practices Act, but also by many other statutes and regulations. The following document compiles the Alaska Statutes and Alaska Administrative Code sections that directly govern the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection's management activities.

Alaska Forest Management Statutes and Regulations