KIB Assembly Looks at Both Reforestation and Development in Chiniak

Kayla Desroches/KMXT

The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly is considering both reforestation and building new developments in Chiniak. The area is currently undergoing timber harvest following damage from the Twin Creeks fire.

At the assembly work session Thursday, assembly members and borough staff spoke about replanting trees and finding other uses for Chiniak land as well. Borough Manager Michael Powers said there’s no reason one would get in the way of the other.

“There’s already been several suggestions made of potentially setting aside land for public facilities on site, a true community center, we’ve had some discussions about the tsunami shelter out there, the potential for a community center, library, other community type of uses, parks.”

Assemblyman Dan Rohrer expressed interest in both reforestation and building, as long as they do go hand in hand.

“I’m in favor of looking at reforesting and I am willing to consider the idea that there may be some areas that we choose not to for development purposes, but I don’t see us needing to develop the whole 700 plus acres.”

The assembly acknowledged that it had told Chiniak residents it intends to pursue reforestation, and it directed staff to go ahead and write up a contract to purchase the trees and then to bring it before the assembly.