CS for Senate Bill No. 159(RES) - Susitna State Forest

• Establishes the Susitna State Forest consisting of state-owned or acquired land and water within 79 specifically described parcels located in the Seward Meridian, subject to valid existing rights.

• Requires the Department of Natural Resources commissioner to prepare a management plan for the Susitna State Forest under existing forestry regulations and authorizes the commissioner to establish transportation corridors within the forest.

• Urges the Governor to negotiate or renegotiate state land entitlements under the Alaska Statehood Act, or amend that Act, to acquire forest land currently in the Tongass National Forest on behalf of the state.

• As an alternative, urges the Governor to negotiate the purchase of forest land from the federal government if state entitlements cannot be obtained.

• Takes effect July 1, 2012.