Tongass Forest's Future: Protection or Logging?

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is Anchorage News Today. The US Forest Service is starting a major revision of the management plan for Thomas National Forest in Alaska. This huge area faces a big choice between protecting old growth trees for climber resilience, local communities, fisheries, and tourism, or ramping up, logging like in past decades. The current plan dates back to 1997 and got its last update in 2016, with revisions required every 15 years. Public input is key right now, as one comment period wraps up, and more are coming soon. The process kicked off last year, with listening sessions, and a draft plan plus environmental review are due this fall. Over recent years, the agency shifted toward keeping trees standing to fight climate change, support Alaska native traditions, and boost wildlife and visitor economies. Groups like Earth Justice are pushing hard to stick with these protections, arguing they benefit the region more than old-style clear cutting, which

1:02often needs taxpayer subsidies. Meanwhile, new executive orders aim to expand timber and mineral work in Alaska, adding pressure to increase logging activities. Commercial timber sales are picking up again, including big old-growth projects on over 40,000 acres near Ketchikan, even though agency, analysis shows the trees are worth more uncut. A proposed repeal of the robust rule could open 9 million acres in Tangas, and much more nationwide to roads and logging. As this revision moves forward, the decisions will shape the forest's future for decades, balancing economic needs with long-term health for people, and nature alike.