In 2010, the Legislature designated the Southeast State Forest (SESF) and expanded it the following year. The State’s third and newest forest includes about 46,592 acres of land located in central and southern southeast Alaska. Many of the Forest’s 32 management units are on Prince of Wales Island. Other units are located on Dall, Gravina, Heceta, Kosciusko, Kuiu, Mitkof, Revillagigedo, Suemez, Tuxekan, and Wrangell islands. Two of the state forest units are located on the mainland. While this State land allowed for forestry activities prior to its designation as a State Forest, the new SESF designation will enable the Division of Forestry (DOF) to actively manage resources for a long-term supply of timber to local processors.

The Division is investing in pre-commercial thinning of previously harvested lands that were logged before the land was conveyed to the State. This investment will reduce the amount of time required for timber stands to reach commercial maturity, improve understory browse for deer, and provide short term employment opportunities. As a State Forest, these lands will be retained in State ownership, thus making long-term investments in management activities, such as pre-commercial thinning, a realistic management option.