The Division of Forestry and Fire Protection presented House Bill 218 proposing to expand the Tanana Valley State Forest by about 600,000 acres to support timber management, habitat, recreation and infrastructure; the committee heard the introduction and will take questions at a future hearing.

Deputy Commissioner Brent Goodrum told senators the Division of Forestry and Fire Protection trained 235 new firefighters and 84 cadets last year, contains more than 90% of fires in critical areas on initial attack, runs hazardous‑fuels projects and reconstructs forest roads; Norm McDonald said cadets are paid during training, which typically lasts one to two weeks.

State Forester Jeremy Dowse introduced Senate Bill 188, which would expand the Tanana Valley State Forest by roughly 600,000 acres; he said the areas are recommended in DNR area plans, that the department held public meetings in May, and that the bill will return for public testimony on Thursday.