Forest Service Seeks Public Input on Tongass National Forest Plan Revision

30-day comment period opens as POTUS plans to revise or remove Roadless Rule protections

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The U.S. Forest Service has published a notice of intent to revise the Tongass National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan and prepare an environmental impact statement. This opens a 30-day public comment period, inviting the public to provide input on strategies for future management of the 16.7-million-acre Tongass National Forest.

Why it matters

The Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States and plays a crucial role in the ecology and economy of Southeast Alaska. The plan revision process will determine how the forest is managed for the next several decades, impacting conservation, resource extraction, recreation, and more.

The details

The Forest Service is seeking public input to identify changes needed to the current 1997 Tongass plan to align with best available science, laws, and regulations, including recent executive orders from President Trump aimed at expanding timber production and resource development in Alaska.

  • On February 18, 2026, the Forest Service published a notice of intent to revise the Tongass National Forest plan.
  • The 30-day public comment period opened on February 18, 2026.

The players

Monique Nelson

Tongass National Forest Supervisor

Paul Robbins Jr.

Forest Service public affairs officer

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're taking another step forward in the process to modernize the Tongass National Forest plan by prioritizing long-term regional prosperity, adapting to 25 years of economic and ecological changes, and improving clarity of direction within the plan.”

— Monique Nelson, Tongass National Forest Supervisor

What’s next

The 30-day public comment period will close on March 20, 2026. After that, the Forest Service will review the input received and begin drafting the revised Tongass National Forest plan and environmental impact statement.

The takeaway

The revision of the Tongass National Forest plan will have significant implications for the future management of this ecologically and economically important region of Alaska. The public comment period is a critical opportunity for stakeholders to shape the long-term vision for the forest.