​Sustainable Timber & Forest Stewardship
Alaska’s forests are one of our greatest resources — and they face serious challenges. Beetle infestations have killed millions of spruce trees across our state, leaving wood that often goes unused. When this timber is left behind, it loses value, becomes a wildfire hazard, and misses the chance to create jobs and products for Alaskans.
I am committed to turning these challenges into local opportunity:
 
 
Timber & Forest Stewardship Plan
Goal: Make Alaska’s forests work for Alaskans — create jobs, reduce wildfire risk, and restore forest health.
1. Prioritize Alaska Jobs
  • Direct timber from beetle-affected areas to Alaska mills first.
  • Support local processing, transport, and wood product industries to keep jobs and economic value in-state.
  • Develop long-term contracts with Alaska-based mills to ensure steady supply and stability.
2. Reduce Wildfire and Environmental Risk
  • Launch a beetle-kill timber salvage initiative to remove dead trees before they become fuel for fires.
  • Partner with local communities to prioritize high-risk areas for removal.
  • Combine salvage with restoration forestry projects to maintain ecosystem health.
3. Launch Carbon Credit Program
  • Establish a state-managed carbon credit program that rewards forest restoration and responsible management.
  • Use carbon revenue to fund reforestation, fire prevention, and habitat restoration.
  • Incentivize private landowners and communities to participate in stewardship programs.
4. Restore and Manage Forests Sustainably
  • Focus on second-growth, thinning, and selective harvest techniques.
  • Ensure reforestation of native species after logging.
  • Implement monitoring programs to track forest health and economic outcomes.
5. Work with Federal Partners
  • Advocate for federal policies that prioritize in-state use of beetle-kill timber.
  • Secure funding or support for projects that turn wasted timber into local products.
  • Collaborate on hazard reduction, fire mitigation, and restoration programs.
6. Ensure Transparency and Accountability
  • Publish annual reports on timber sales, jobs created, and forest health outcomes.
  • Create a public dashboard showing carbon credits earned, trees replanted, and communities benefiting.
By combining sustainable timber use with carbon-based incentives, we can create jobs, restore forests, protect communities, and make Alaska’s resources work for Alaskans first — now and for the future.