Tongass Forest Plan Refresh: Alaska Public Urged to Comment
Published Date: 2/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The Forest Service is updating the Tongass National Forest plan to better protect the land and support local communities in Alaska. They’re asking for public ideas and will share a draft plan this fall, with final decisions expected by May 2027. This update could affect how the forest is used and managed, so now’s the time to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.
Subsistence Uses and Indigenous Knowledge
The revised plan will consider needs for subsistence uses such as hunting, fishing, and gathering and will seek and integrate indigenous knowledge related to land stewardship and culturally significant sites; the notice emphasizes that subsistence is essential to rural Alaska communities' physical, economic, traditional, and cultural existence.
Potential Rescission of Roadless Protections
The Forest Service notes a related proposed rule would rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which would remove prohibitions on road construction, road reconstruction, and timber harvesting within inventoried roadless areas, including 9.3 million acres of inventoried roadless areas in the Tongass National Forest.
Plan to Prioritize Local Prosperity
The Forest Service says the revised plan will prioritize local and regional prosperity in Southeast Alaska by contributing to timber, minerals, tourism, recreation, and other economic drivers. It also says plan content could promote expeditious permitting for energy and natural resource developments consistent with Executive Orders 14153 (2025) and 14225.
Timber Suitability and Sale Updates
The revised plan will update suitability of lands for timber production and review timber-related metrics such as the sustained yield limit and projected timber sale quantity, informed by a new long-term timber demand analysis at the Pacific Northwest Research Station.
General Forest Areas Allow Harvest
One potential management-area option is a 'General Forest' where timber harvest is allowed and multiple uses and natural resource development could occur; these areas would not be set aside for conservation and could include roaded areas providing access for many uses.
Old Growth Habitat Harvest Limits
A potential management area called 'Old Growth Habitat Areas' would prioritize maintenance and restoration of old growth structure and within these areas old growth timber harvest would be restricted, while other timber removal could occur for ecological or cultural benefit.
Recreation Area Rules and Permits Change
The draft options include 'High Use Recreation Areas' and 'Low Use Recreation Areas' that would guide different levels of recreation infrastructure and outfitter/guide permit activity; the revised plan will consider changes in recreation and tourism, including increases in cruise ship visitation.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16965, Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation
The USDA wants to cancel the 2001 Roadless Rule that stopped road building and logging in special forest areas. This change gives local forest managers more freedom to decide how to care for these lands based on local needs. People have until September 21, 2026, to share their thoughts, and this could affect how forests are managed and how money is spent on these lands.
2026-18765, Mount Taylor Ranger District, Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands; New Mexico; Roca Honda Mine Project
The Forest Service is starting a review of the Roca Honda Mine Project, a plan to build and run an underground uranium mine in New Mexico’s Cibola National Forest and nearby lands. They want your thoughts by October 14, 2026, before deciding if the project can move forward. The full environmental report will be ready by January 2028, and this project could change how the forest is managed.
2026-18239, Proposed Recreation Fee Sites
The Ouachita National Forest plans to start charging fees at some picnic and recreation spots to help keep them clean, safe, and fun. Groups using picnic sites like Cedar Lake will pay $50 a day, and reservations will cost an extra $8 online. These changes could start about six months after this notice, making your outdoor adventures even better!
2026-18240, Proposed Recreation Fee Sites
The El Yunque National Forest is proposing to establish several recreation pass options and a special recreation permit. Proposed recreation fees collected for the proposed recreation passes and for the proposed special recreation permit would be used for operation, maintenance, and improvement of the sites and the special recreation use covered by the proposed special recreation permit. An analysis of nearby recreation fee sites and special recreation uses with similar amenities shows that the proposed recreation fees are reasonable and typical of similar recreation fee sites and special recreation uses in the area.
2026-18246, Proposed Recreation Fee Sites
The Ashley National Forest wants to start charging fees at two fun spots: Kaler Hollow Group Campground and Uinta Guard Station. Groups can expect to pay $50 or $70 per night, with fees helping improve the sites and services. If approved, these fees will kick in at least six months after this notice, and you can book your spot online or by phone with a small reservation fee.
2026-18244, Proposed Recreation Fee Sites
The Cleveland National Forest is proposing to establish two special recreation permits. Proposed recreation fees collected at the proposed special recreation permit sites would be used for operation, maintenance, and improvement of the sites and the special recreation use covered by the proposed special recreation permit. An analysis of nearby special recreation uses with similar amenities shows that the proposed recreation fees are reasonable and typical of similar special recreation uses in the area.
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