The U.S. Forest Service said it would publish a draft environmental impact statement this week that, if enacted, would exempt the Tongass from the 2001 roadless rule. ADThe Washington Post first reported the president’s plan to expand logging in the Tongass in August. The Forest Service had initially planned to make more-modest changes to nearly 9.5 million acres where roads are prohibited. Roughly 40 percent of wild salmon that swim along the West Coast spawn in the Tongass, generating a fishery that the Forest Service estimates is worth $986 million a year. ADIn a statement, Forest Service officials said the new plan — which lists five alternatives including greater restrictions on logging — will be subject to public comment for 60 days.

Source: Washington Post October 15, 2019 19:18 UTC