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 their fish, wildlife, and recreation values, and many people want these areas 

 managed to retain their pristine nature. However, wilderness designation is 

 not the only way to protect these important wildlife and recreation values. 



We strongly recommend against designating additional areas as wilderness 

 without a complete evaluation of the various options available (including Wild 

 and Scenic Rivers) . The Tongass plan revision process is making this 

 evaluation now. 



Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan 



We are following congressional direction in the National Forest Management Act 

 (NFMA) to periodically revise Forest Plans, and the revision of the Tongass 

 plan is well underway. The Tongass was the first National Forest to complete a 

 forest plan under NFMA, and it will be one of the first to complete a revised 

 plan. 



When the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act was passed in 1980, 

 Congress used information from the original Tongass plan in formulating the 

 legislation. The NFMA process can again provide important information for the 

 Congress and others as legislation such as H.R. 987 is considered. 



From the start of the plan revision process, we have encouraged public 

 participation. We have held public meetings in most of the communities in 

 Southeast Alaska, Anchorage, Seattle, and Washington D.C. We have also 

 received written input from many people. Public concerns and input will be 

 addressed in the plan revision. 



