# Alaska Stat. § 41.17.055: Powers and duties of the commissioner

> Alaska · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AK_T41_C41.17_S41.17.055

## Section

- **Citation:** Alaska Stat. § 41.17.055
- **Heading:** Powers and duties of the commissioner
- **Jurisdiction:** Alaska
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** AK Code / Title 41 / Chapter 41.17 / Section 41.17.055

## Text

(a) The commissioner may designate and operate experimental and research forests on state land consistent with the limitations of AS 38.05.300 . Laboratories and other facilities may be employed in conjunction with those forests.

(b) The commissioner may establish and maintain forest vegetation nurseries and greenhouses for planting stock to be made available, with or without charge, to organizations, institutions, government agencies, individuals, and businesses for reforestation, afforestation, and related purposes.

(c) The commissioner is authorized to undertake cooperative forestry programs, extension services, and education programs, and to otherwise offer a full range of professional management services to the interested public. When the commissioner considers it beneficial, the commissioner may participate in federal assistance programs by accepting assistance in whatever form offered.

(d) The commissioner may develop regulations under this chapter as part of the state program for control of nonpoint source pollution under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended. However, the Department of Environmental Conservation is the lead agency for water quality and control of nonpoint source pollution under that Act, and the regulations are therefore subject to the approval of the commissioner of environmental conservation.

(e) In the administration of this chapter, the commissioner shall consult with and draw upon the expertise of interested organizations, enterprises, individuals, government agencies, educational institutions, and landowners. The commissioner may enter into cooperative agreements and contracts with them to carry out this chapter.

(f) The commissioner shall locate department personnel with forestry expertise throughout the state to facilitate public access to professional management services and other forest resources programs.

(g) The commissioner may take other actions necessary and proper for the administration of this chapter, including the adoption of regulations under AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act) and AS 41.17.047 .

## Nearby sections

- [Alaska Stat. § 41.17.010 Declaration of intent.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AK_T41_C41.17_S41.17.010.md)
- [Alaska Stat. § 41.17.020 Division of forestry and fire protection established.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AK_T41_C41.17_S41.17.020.md)
- [Alaska Stat. § 41.17.030 Responsibilities of division.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AK_T41_C41.17_S41.17.030.md)
- [Alaska Stat. § 41.17.041 Board of Forestry.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AK_T41_C41.17_S41.17.041.md)
- [Alaska Stat. § 41.17.043 Terms of office.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AK_T41_C41.17_S41.17.043.md)
- [Alaska Stat. § 41.17.045 Removal of members.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AK_T41_C41.17_S41.17.045.md)
- [Alaska Stat. § 41.17.047 Powers and duties of board.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AK_T41_C41.17_S41.17.047.md)
- [Alaska Stat. § 41.17.055 Powers and duties of the commissioner.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AK_T41_C41.17_S41.17.055.md)
- [Alaska Stat. § 41.17.060 Regulatory and administrative standards.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AK_T41_C41.17_S41.17.060.md)
- [Alaska Stat. § 41.17.070 Administrative plan and report.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AK_T41_C41.17_S41.17.070.md)
- [Alaska Stat. § 41.17.080 Regulations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AK_T41_C41.17_S41.17.080.md)
- [Alaska Stat. § 41.17.081 Civil immunity.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AK_T41_C41.17_S41.17.081.md)
- [Alaska Stat. § 41.17.082 Control of infestations and disease.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AK_T41_C41.17_S41.17.082.md)
- [Alaska Stat. § 41.17.083 Clearing of forest land for non-timber purposes.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AK_T41_C41.17_S41.17.083.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_AK_T41_C41.17_S41.17.055. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.
