Judge Blocks Plan to Clear-Cut 1.8M Acres of Tongass National Forest
A federal judge recently blocked a plan to clear-cut 1.8 million acres of the Tongass National Forest in Alaska. The Tongass, the country's 'crown jewel' and largest temperate rainforest, is home to indigenous communities and holds vast ecological significance.
The Trump administration had sought to roll back age-old protections for the Tongass in 2019, aiming to open up over 9.3 million acres for logging. This move was opposed by environmentalists and local communities who rely on the forest for clean water and fish hatcheries.
The Tongass, which spans over 17 million acres, is a vital carbon sink, storing 8% of all carbon in US forests. Experts refer to it as a 'bulwark' against climate change. It provides habitat for diverse wildlife and supports the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples who have lived there for centuries.
The Roadless Rule, established in 2001, had previously protected over 50 million acres of the forest from road construction and timber harvesting. However, the Tongass has been a subject of political debate since 1998, with plans changing almost monthly.
The recent ruling against the plan to destroy 1.8 million acres of the Tongass is a victory for environmentalists and local communities. The Tongass' ecological and cultural significance makes it a critical area for conservation efforts. The current government's stance on restoring old protections for the forest remains unclear.
