House Bill 104 gives the commissioner of the Alaska Department of Resources the power to instantly declare a forest endangered and allow logging, clearing, development and other consumptive uses without any checks and balances. This leaves no room for dissenting ideas or opinions. Just do it.
It is interesting how politicians seek more and more direct control of decisions. In this case, the commissioner of DNR is a pure political appointee, nominated by the governor and approved by the Legislature. John Boyle, a former oil and gas lobbyist and attorney, is the current commissioner. Where is his background in forestry? It is easy to see where this is going — just watch the forests that are declared endangered. No, Mike Cronk, direct political management of forests and other renewable natural resources is a bad idea and always has been. Down with H.B. 104.
— Mike McQueen
Copper Center
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