FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tongass Forest Plan Released

SEACC press statement.

Although it doesn't fix all the problems, this "phased" plan allows time for people to work together to find a common solution.

Tongass Forest Plan Statement from the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council

Contact: Buck Lindekugel, (907) 586-6942

Today the Forest Service released the new Tongass National Forest plan.

This “phased” plan gives some breathing room for people to work together and find a common solution. It shows the Forest Service recognizes there are valuable places our communities depend on for a wide range of uses. Much of Bostwick Inlet was removed from logging, and the plan will delay logging in important places like the Cleveland Peninsula, much of Upper Tenakee Inlet, and Port Houghton.

There is still work to be done to achieve a long-term balance of healthy and diverse communities, vibrant economies, and protection and responsible use of our forest home.

SEACC will continue to work with the Forest Service and other stakeholders on ways to protect resources and our Southeast way of life. We hope to work toward a better balance, which includes forest restoration, small-scale timber sales that work for Southeast Alaska, and the ever-growing interest in recreation and tourism opportunities.

Below are more contacts in communities across Southeast Alaska:

Lee Wallace, President of the Organized Village of Saxman, (907) 247-2502
Tuck Harry, Tenakee Springs, owner of Fishing Bear Charters, (907) 736-2350
Don Hernandez, Point Baker/Petersburg, commercial fisherman, (907) 772-2017

Other Information:
You can view the Forest Service documents on the Tongass National Forest website at: http://tongass-fpadjust.net/FPA_ROD.htm

Please contact the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council if you would like more background information or images.

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