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Sealaska Invests $1.5 Million in Silviculture Treatments in 2009Sealaska Corporation is investing $1.5 million in silviculture treatments on its lands in Southeast Alaska in 2009, creating over 40 jobs in rural communities. Sealaska is the Native regional corporation for Southeast and a large landowner in the region. The company’s natural resources department has been providing management and forestry services, known as “silviculture”, since 1993.“By providing silviculture on Sealaska’s land and providing the service to other landowners, Sealaska has gained extensive experience in delivering silviculture treatments, restoration, riparian management and young-growth forest planning from Dixon Entrance to Chichagof Island,” said Ron Wolfe, Sealaska natural resources manager. President Obama’s economic stimulus programs, also known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is providing funds to create new jobs and to help rural communities through the recession. Sealaska believes that there are significant opportunities to use stimulus funds to enhance young growth forest stands in Southeast Alaska according to Chris E. McNeil, Jr., Sealaska president and CEO. “Increasing silviculture in the region is good for the environment and essential to strengthening the region’s economy. It can immediately create new jobs, especially in the region’s rural communities.” “Investment in the health of our young forests is an obligation of land managers to future generations and is a way to recognize Native values and traditions of both utilizing and revering the land,” said Dr. Rosita Worl, Sealaska board vice chair and chair of Sealaska’s Lands Committee. “We are the indigenous people of this region and have a connection to all the land of Southeast. The combination of our experience and tribal values guide us to promote and participate in developing healthy lands in both the private and public sectors.” Silviculture work primarily consists of pre-commercial thinning, tree planting and basal pruning. The natural reforestation in the region can result in dense young growth stands. By thinning the stands down tree diameter growth is accelerated and the diversity of forest floor plant growth is enhanced. Tree planting is not normally necessary in the region but is conducted in defined areas where regeneration may not occur due to competition from brush growth. Basal pruning is the process of removing lower limbs on young trees to enhance the quality of the wood and to promote sunlight penetration to the forest floor. “Sealaska has the model and capacity to compete for ARRA contracts and to offer quality services to a broader group of clients,” said McNeil. ### Sealaska Corporation Natural Resource Department Facts Since 1993 Sealaska has conducted the following silviculture activity in the region:
Current activity scheduled for 2009 on Sealaska lands:
Core cultural and tribal values guiding Sealaska management:
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 | Copyright 2012 Sealaska Corporation |
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