Tongass National Forest

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Tongass NF - map of wilderness areas

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Eagle Glacier Memorial Cabin

Tongass National Forest is a United States National Forest located in Southeast Alaska. It is the largest national forest in the United States, covering an area of approximately 16.7 million acres. The forest is named after the Tongass Clan of the Tlingit people and encompasses islands of the Alexander Archipelago, fjords, glaciers, and peaks of the Coast Mountains. The Tongass, which is part of the Pacific temperate rain forest ecoregion, supports a diverse array of wildlife, including bald eagles, bears, salmon, and numerous other species.

History

The Tongass National Forest was established in 1907 by President Theodore Roosevelt. It was initially named the Alexander Archipelago Forest Reserve in 1902 before being re-designated as a national forest. Over the years, the forest has been the subject of various conservation efforts and land management controversies, particularly regarding logging and road construction. The Roadless Rule, which limits road construction and logging in designated areas, has been a significant point of contention in the management of the Tongass.

Geography

The geography of the Tongass National Forest is diverse, with its vast landscapes ranging from the coastal rainforests to ice fields and mountain peaks. The forest includes parts of the Inside Passage, a popular route for cruise ships and marine traffic. The region's climate is predominantly a cool, wet temperate rainforest climate, contributing to the dense forests and rich biodiversity.

Ecology

The Tongass is home to an extensive array of plant and animal species. It is particularly noted for its old-growth forests, composed primarily of Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and western red cedar. The forest's ecosystems support a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, Sitka black-tailed deer, and bald eagles. The many rivers and streams in the Tongass are critical habitats for salmon, which play a vital role in the ecosystem by providing nutrients to both the forest and wildlife.

Conservation

Conservation efforts in the Tongass National Forest have been ongoing for decades. The forest is managed by the United States Forest Service, which balances the goals of conservation with those of resource extraction and recreation. The Roadless Rule has been a focal point of conservation efforts, aiming to preserve large areas of the forest from development. Additionally, various wilderness areas within the Tongass have been designated to protect the forest's ecological integrity and natural beauty.

Recreation

The Tongass National Forest offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The forest's extensive trail system, scenic byways, and access to glaciers and fjords provide unique opportunities for outdoor adventure. The Tongass also supports a vibrant tourism industry, particularly in communities such as Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan, which serve as gateways to the forest.

Challenges

The management of the Tongass National Forest faces several challenges, including balancing conservation with economic development, addressing the impacts of climate change, and managing visitor impacts. The debate over logging and road construction continues to be a contentious issue, with concerns about the long-term health of the forest's ecosystems and the sustainability of local communities.