‘Day Of Action’ To Help Preserve Tongass NF Set For Jan. 14

The threat of logging and development in Southeast Alaska’s iconic Tongass National Forest became evident when in 2020 the U.S. Forest Service announced its intentions to remove Roadless Rule protection. The new presidential administration under Joe Biden committed to reinstate the Roadless Rule for the Tongass. But there is still work to be done, which will be highlighted by a virtual “Day of Action,” organized by America’s Salmon Forest.

Here’s the press release to promote the event:

AMERICA’S SALMON FOREST SOCIAL MEDIA VIRTUAL DAY OF ACTION JANUARY 14, 2022 

BACKGROUND 

At the end of 2020, the U.S. Forest Service announced its decision to remove protections of more than 9 million acres of roadless areas on the Tongass, despite 96% of public comments, Tribes, and local businesses, including yourself, all supporting the Roadless Rule. Many of the most important areas on the Tongass, including most of the Tongass 77, are in inventoried roadless areas. 

These roadless areas are the underpinnings of Southeast Alaska’s robust fishing and tourism industries, important recreation and subsistence lands, and are essential to the local way of life. This year, the U.S. Forest Service has announced they have a new vision for Southeast Alaska, and that includes putting an end to industrial scale old growth logging. To begin this effort, the USDA Forest Service has launched a 60-day public comment period to reinstate the Roadless Rule on Alaska. The last day to submit comments is January 24, 2022. 

PURPOSE 

We are in the home-stretch for the roadless rulemaking comment period. Now is a critical time for Americans to comment in support of the roadless rule reinstatement on the Tongass. For the day of action, the sporting community will rally digitally to urge the U.S. Forest Service to reinstate the Roadless Rule on the Tongass, protecting critical fish and wildlife habitat.

GOAL 

Reach outdoor enthusiasts who care, depend, and appreciate healthy intact fish and wildlife habitat, and encourage them to comment on behalf of the Tongass National Forest roadless rule reinstatement. 

Generate 1,000 posts among hunters and anglers raising the Tongass National Forest roadless reinstatement as a critical concern for the outdoor community. 

Encourage comments be submitted to the U.S. Forest Service before January 24. Click here for how to submit comments.

For more information, to to the America’s Salmon Forest Take Action page.