The Board of Regents voted 9-1 to approve a development and disposal plan at a special meeting today.
UA President Jim Johnsen addressed regents.
“When we harvest our timber, we do it well. If we were to only sell this land, who knows how well it would be harvested and the kinds of values that organization would apply to this particular project,” said Johnson. “We have a high standard and we follow that standard as we develop these lands.”
In March, the University announced it was entering into a 10- year negotiated sale on about 13,000 acres of land near Haines and Klukwan, including acreage in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. UA hopes to generate 150 million board feet and $10 million in revenue from the sale.
Regents were set to approve the development plan last month, but delayed a decision until more information could be presented.
Today , Regent Andy Teuber was the only one to vote against the approval.
“I’m generally very supportive of all the recommendations that come from management and from President Johnsen as well,” said Teuber. “I’m just not particularly fond of the approach that we’re taking on this for the return that’s deemed to be forthcoming over the course of time. I think it’s somewhat dismissive to the substantial number of comments and concerns that were delivered respectfully to the board of regents.”
Regent Dale Anderson spoke in favor of moving forward, particularly because of the economic opportunities, for the university and local residents.
“Our fiduciary responsibility as board members is to the University of Alaska and the wellbeing of that school,” said Anderson. “Of that university. So I encourage all of us to take a very very close look at our intent in our votes, to know that that’s where our loyalty lies.”
Now that this step is complete, the University’s Land Management office will move forward in negotiations with the interested buyer. A negotiated agreement will be brought back to the board for approval later this summer.
KHNS will have a more detailed story on Tuesday’s meeting tomorrow.