....I strongly agree with the need for a comprehensive, multi-agency planning effort for Misty (actually, that's one of the things everybody, including Goldbelt, agrees on). Despite the usual excuses of lack of funds and staff, I believe we can launch that planning process within the next year. I'm currently hiring staff and building a budget to do it. But you should realize that the comprehensive plan we need will be a long and challenging effort involving a great deal of negotiations among agencies with competing jurisdiction and goals (not to mention the full diversity of public opinion). I spent today on a Coast Guard boat at Rudyerd with ADF&G, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Corps of Engineers. We'd hoped to see Alaska Cruises in operation, and did see their boat and wander on their float, but the fog must have grounded their air operations. We did have a good interagency discussion of the issues involved.

You should also realize that no comprehensive, multi-agency planning effort can possibly conclude in time to address Goldbelt's pending permit request. One way or the other, they'll need an answer in the coming months.

I think I've already told you that the Forest Service will not assert jurisdiction over the tidelands or marine waters in this case. The DNR and the Corps are exercising their regulatory authority, and have been working closely with us. An attempt by the FS to regulate uses which are not within the national forest would, I believe, do much harm and little good.

I think I've also told you that we will provide comments to DNR when requested. I believe that DNR will take our comments seriously. I'd also encourage you and others with an interest in the issue to provide your own comments to them.