EIS Released For Tongass National Forest’s Potential Timber Project Amid Lifted Protections

Opponents have long stood their ground against the federal government’s desire to open up more logging and other projects within Tongass National Forest, including repealing the Roadless Rule protections that protected America’s largest national forest and other public lands.

This week, the U.S. Forest Service announced it’s release of an Environmental Impact Statement that would allow for timber harvesting within Revilla Island along Carroll Inlet. Here are some details from the Forest Service:

The project includes timber harvest, habitat improvements, recreation enhancements

Release Date: January 22, 2026
KETCHIKAN, Alaska, Jan. 22, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service released today the final environmental impact statement and draft record of decision for the South Revilla Integrated Resources Project on the Tongass National Forest.

“This project was designed to provide viable timber for local operators, increase economic opportunity in Southeast Alaska, develop recreation facilities and trails, and restore fish and wildlife habitat,” said Tongass National Forest Supervisor Monique Nelson. “Through a collaborative and integrated management approach we focus on several aspects of active management to create productive and resilient national forests in Alaska.”

The 15-year project involves a variety of activities on both sides of Carrol Inlet on Revilla Island, yielding up to 83 million board feet of timber, improving wildlife and fish habitats, and providing recreation infrastructure.

A 45-day public objection period begins following publication of the Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. For more information and project documents, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r10/tongass/projects/53477.

Here’s some reaction from the Center for Biological Diversity:

“Clearcutting huge swaths of old growth in America’s largest rainforest is beyond stupid, but Trump’s willing to wipe out a lifeline for our planet to appease the logging industry. It’s despicable and dangerous,” said Marlee Goska, an Alaska attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. “These irreplaceable ancient trees support wildlife and Southeast Alaska communities as they help fight climate change. We successfully fought this Tongass logging project before and we’re ready to fight it again.”