In the wake of global climate change, logging the Tongass would jeopardize a massive carbon sink. The construction of roads would fragment wildlife habitats and potentially reduce the biodiversity of our old-growth forest. However, road construction would also provide easier access to important cultural sites and hunting grounds. It also may affect our local economy, such as seasonal lodges whose income relies on guiding recreational trips to remote areas. Given the seasonal, nonresident nature of these projects, it’s unclear whether logging and timber would provide local jobs.

The Tongass Forest is home to Yakutat Forelands, wetlands which improve water quality and provide us with pristine drinking water. This watershed is also vital to our salmon runs, which are the cornerstone of our economy and subsistence way of life. This area has been subject to mineral exploration in the past and changes to the Roadless Rule could reintroduce potential development and associated impacts. The introduction of mining and logging would result in cascading effects that alter our water and land. The disruption of soil and loss of trees would increase erosion in our rivers, affecting our fishery productivity.