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NOAA has been involved with research on the effects of timber 

 harvest on the Tongass National Forest since the mid-1950* s. Our 

 research staff has studied the effects of timber harvest on 

 anadromous fish streams in the Tongass National Forest and is 

 recognized for their expertise on logging and riparian issues. 

 They have published extensively and have authored over 20 

 scientific publications which apply directly to this issue. Our 

 habitat management staff has worked closely with the issue 

 through evaluation of numerous environmental studies, 

 participation on interdisciplinary teams drafting guidance 

 documents, and through planning processes such as the Tongass 

 Land Management Plan. 



Anadromous fish streams on the Tongass National Forest support 

 all five species of Pacific salmon (pink, chum, coho, sockeye, 

 and Chinook) . The commercial harvest of salmon in southeast 

 Alaska was valued at $128 million (ex-vessel value) for 1989. 

 According to the U.S. Forest Service, ninety percent of those 

 fish came from stream habitat within the Tongass National Forest. 

 Recreational fishing also contributes a substantial amount to the 

 economy of southeast Alaska. Recreational fisheries in Juneau 

 alone amount to about $15 million annually. Subsistence 

 fisheries for salmon in southeast Alaska amount to an additional 

 $2.5 to $6.0 million annually. Reasonable and prudent timber 

 harvest practices are extremely important to sustaining these 

 vital fisheries. 



