(a) For the purpose of advancing research into forest practices, ecology, wildlife management, and recreation, a university research forest is established on land described as the “University Research Forest” and identified for conveyance to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska in the document titled “University of Alaska Land Grant List 2005,” dated January 12, 2005.
(b) Before conveyance of university research forest land to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska under AS 14.40.365(b), the commissioner of natural resources shall manage the university research forest to accomplish the purposes of this section and in accordance with state land use plans adopted under AS 38.04.065, forest management plans adopted under AS 41.17.230, and other provisions of law applicable to state-owned land.
(c) Notwithstanding the limitations of AS 14.40.365(l), on or before the date a parcel is required to be conveyed to the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska under AS 14.40.365(b), the commissioner of natural resources may
(1) convey an irrevocable interest in land located in the research forest that terminates or returns to the state on or before the date the parcel is required to be conveyed under AS 14.40.365(b);
(2) sell timber rights and dispose of other renewable resources located in the research forest.
(d) After conveyance of university research forest land to the Board of Regents in trust for the university under AS 14.40.365(b), the Board of Regents may disestablish some or all of the university research forest established by this section, and dispose of, or develop, land within the former research forest, if the Board of Regents first
(1) provides to the public and the commissioner of natural resources reasonable notice and an opportunity for comment on the board's proposed decision regarding disestablishment;
(2) considers comments received from the public and the commissioner of natural resources under (1) of this subsection;
(3) evaluates whether the objectives of advancing research into forest practices, ecology, wildlife management, and recreation can be accomplished without retaining some or all of the research forest;
(4) determines, following notice and any public comment by local timber industry representatives, that disposal of the land will not interfere with commercially viable timber harvest resource development; and
(5) concludes that it is in the best interest of the university to disestablish some or all of the research forest.