A U.S. Forest Service project to build new public-use cabins and refurbish some existing cabins is moving into the next round of public comment.
The agency expects to listen to the public in the coming weeks to find out which areas would be best for new structures and which would be best to fix up within the Tongass and Chugach National Forests, it announced in a press release on Sept. 23.
“As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s investment in the nation’s recreation infrastructure, the (U.S. Department of Agriculture) is investing $14.4 million to fund a mixture of new and reconstructed cabins and cabin repairs and operations on the Chugach and Tongass National Forests,” the release stated. “An October public outreach initiative will provide opportunities to ensure inclusive equitable, diverse and accessible public participation.”
That $14.4 million is part of $37 million the USDA has budgeted in the infrastructure law for recreation sites within national forests and grasslands throughout the country.
Twenty-three cabins in Wrangell and 19 in Petersburg already exist, but many are not easily accessible, one of the features Forest Service personnel said is a concern for recreational users.
Paul Robbins, Tongass public affairs officer, said the Forest Service Alaska Region has “received about 50 proposals from previous public engagements to repair, reconstruct or build new cabins. It is our goal to fund approximately half of these.”
The public input process will help narrow down the proposed sites, he said.
In an interview with the Juneau Empire on Sept. 28, James King, regional director of recreation, land and minerals for the Forest Service Alaska Region, said 10 to 12 of the newbuilds could be located in the Tongass and Chugach forests.
Officials with the Forest Service didn’t say how many of those could be located in the Wrangell-Petersburg district. King said the agency would hope to have an approved list of build sites by November, with construction beginning next summer once the environmental review process is complete.
Dave Schmid, forester with the Forest Service Alaska Region, stated in the release that there would be emphasis on using local materials and labor where possible.
“We are looking for the cabin strategy to strengthen local relationships and economies by engaging partners, using local businesses, promoting local workforce development and using local wood where feasible,” Schmid said. “Local voices sharing thoughts on cabin locations and designs will help to shape the overall plan moving forward.”
Public outreach will begin this month. To stay up to date on input opportunities, visit the Forest Service website at bit.ly/3fzdmE4.
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