Title: Alaska Faces Legal Challenges in Reinstating Protections for Tongass National Forest
The Tongass National Forest in Alaska, while not widely known, is the largest in the United States, spanning approximately 17 million acres. It serves as a critical carbon sink and supports a diverse ecosystem and local economy. The forest is sacred land for Indigenous nations and plays a vital role in food security and economic livelihoods. The recent reinstatement of protections for the Tongass has been praised by Native communities, but legal challenges from the state of Alaska and other groups threaten to undo these efforts. The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications for the future management and governance of the Tongass.
