March 3rd, 2026

Tongass Forest Plan Revision: *public comments due March 20th*

On February 18th, the US Forest Service released its notice of initiation for the development of a revised land management plan (revised plan) and intent to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to evaluate the effects of revising the current plan. During the comment period, the public is invited to help inform the Forest Service’s development of a draft revised plan, including development of alternatives to the proposed action.

This comment period is an important opportunity for Southeast Alaska’s fishermen and industry members to share why protecting the Tongass’ fish habitat is so critical to the future sustainability and profitability of our fisheries - our fisheries and communities depend on “forest fish.” We need to send the Forest Service a strong message that we need a Fish First Forest Management Plan that includes protecting the region’s intact, healthy fish habitat already in place and prioritizing restoration of degraded fish habitat.

Use this template letter to help you write your own comment letter - feel free to add and personalize however you would like!

Submit your comments to the US Forest Service HERE - you can either paste your letter into the form or attach them as a file. Deadline to submit comments is Thursday March 20th.

Mark your calendars for the Forest Service’s upcoming community meetings where the public can provide feedback on its revised Forest Management Plan.

More information about the Tongass and the impacts of logging:

Forest Fish for Fishing Communities fact sheet

Logging Harms to Fish fact sheet

Tongass Logging and Climate Change fact sheet

Check out the SeaBank Initiative’s Annual Reports for additional data and information regarding the ecological services and values of the Tongass National Forest and Southeast Alaska’s ecosystems.

February 5th 2026

TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST SIGN-ON LETTER

As the US Forest Service moves forward with its Tongass Forest Plan Revision this year, we need to make sure they are hearing from Southeast Alaska’s fishing and seafood industry and understand that healthy fisheries require healthy forests

Add your name to ALFA’s sign-on letter urging the Forest Service to: 

• Align forest management with the values and priorities of the people who live, work, and recreate in the Tongass.

• Manage the forest so that it maximizes wild fish production.

• Conserve a diverse portfolio of ecosystems in the Tongass that provide essential fish and wildlife habitat. 

• Prioritize restoration of degraded, high-value fish and wildlife habitat.

The deadline to sign on is March 1st. We will share more updates about the Forest Service’s Tongass Forest Plan Revision later this spring and ways for fishermen to weigh in and get involved