Alaska Forest Association Members Overwhelmingly Support the Congressman for All Alaska

KETCHIKAN, AK – The Alaska Forest Association (AFA) today announced that its Board of Directors has voted to endorse Congressman Don Young in his reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives. The endorsement highlights Young’s continuous fight – as a senior member of the House Natural Resources Committee – for the interests of the working men and women in the Alaska forest industry.

“Congressman Young has always been a champion for the workers in the woods and in the mills. We can always count on him to fight hard to protect and create jobs in in the forest industry in Alaska. He is fighting now to prevent the US Forest Service from instituting an ill-advised, major change in timber management in Southeast Alaska which could lead to the closure of the only remaining midsized mill in the State,” said Bert Burkhart, President of AFA.

“And he has long supported the AFA’s legislation to establish a State Forest managed and owned by the State of Alaska. Don believes this is the only way to save the remaining industry and promote a recovery of the forest jobs in the State,” said Owen Graham, Executive Director of the AFA.

“I have always felt that it takes a strong economy to provide the quality education and healthy communities we all want for our families. That’s why my focus in the House has always been on economic development and good paying jobs for Alaskans. I am grateful for the strong show of support from the Alaska Forest Association and from its members throughout the State,” said Don Young, Congressman for All Alaska.

Congressman Young is leading the fight in Congress to prevent the U.S. Forest Service from changing timber management policy to a young growth system, which is entirely unworkable in Alaska. In this year’s 2018 Farm Bill Congressman Young secured an amendment that will exempt Alaska from the Clinton-era Roadless Rule. Congressman Young has also introduced the State National Forest Act – originally proposed by AFA – to streamline timber production and empower states to improve forest management practices. Young is often recognized as one of Congress’ leading timber advocates, known for protecting Alaska’s forest industry and the communities and jobs it supports.

The Alaska Forest Association is the state’s oldest group supporting and promoting timber harvest and management. The AFA Mission Statement commits the resources of the Association to advancing the restoration, promotion and maintenance of a healthy, viable forest products industry, contributing to economic and ecological health in Alaska’s forests and communities. The Association was formed in 1956 and represents 75 members and associate members belonging to over 50 affiliated companies statewide.

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