08/19/2026
The Tongass is more than a forest. It’s habitat for wild salmon and deer, a place where people hunt and fish, and a reason travelers from around the world come to experience Southeast Alaska.
The Roadless Area Conservation Rule was established in 2001 to protect some of the nation’s remaining undeveloped national forest lands. It generally prohibits new road construction and certain timber harvesting in designated roadless areas, helping keep large, intact forests and the wildlife, waterways and recreation they support protected. These lands provide important habitat for wildlife and support the recreation and tourism economy that so many Southeast Alaskans depend on.
As Captain Dan Blanchard put it:
“The Tongass is where America comes to experience Alaska. It’s big, wild, and awesome. My business is all about sharing this magnificent and beautiful forest with people from all over the world. Repealing the Roadless Rule won’t do anything to help us, and will actually hurt us. Why does wilderness matter? It's the reason visitors come to Alaska!”
The Roadless Rule has been part of the conversation around the Tongass for more than 25 years. Now, its protections are once again at risk. If you believe the Tongass deserves a future with healthy forests, wild salmon, abundant wildlife and sustainable local economies, add your name.
Learn more and sign the letter asking for Tongass protections to remain in place: https://salmonstate.org/unleash-fish-not-clearcuts
