CFACT just released a new episode of our “wildly” popular original video series, Conservation Nation.
In this latest episode, host Gabriella Hoffman (who also serves as a CFACT senior policy analyst) explores Alaska’s “Inside Passage” — The Tongass National Forest near the state capital of Juneau.
On January 27th, 2023, the Biden Administration announced that all mining, hydropower, geothermal, and road construction will be barred in the Tongass under the guise of permanently protecting 9.37 million acres for the natural world. He reinstated the so-called “roadless rule”, which prohibits any road construction for timber companies, sportsmen, firefighters, and wildlife officials to have better access to the forest.
While this may sound like a good thing, one must remember that the federal government already owns 65% of the state, and 40% of that is set aside for conservation. In addition, there are millions of additional acres of Alaska that are in state and private hands deemed wilderness as well.
Restricting access in the Tongass is a bad idea on a number of fronts. It is bad for economic development, and it is bad for nature as the “roadless rule” chokes off the ability of wildlife officials to manage forestland properly. It is one of 56 aggressive actions the Biden administration has taken against Alaska’s development. Sadly, it won’t be the last.
Viewers will learn how the Tongass National Forest is an important ecological and economic artery in the Last Frontier that doesn’t need to be closed off. It should be for the betterment and enjoyment of all—visitors and locals.
And, of course, there’s some fun added in. You’ll get to see Gabby scale the Goldbelt Tram and explore Mendenhall Glacier.
Don’t miss this exclusive CFACT report from the Land of the Midnight Sun.
Watch Part II of our Alaska report on Conservation Nation today!