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Save America's Rainforest from the Timber Industry
One of our greatest natural treasures - Alaska's Tongass National Forest - is targeted for massive clear-cutting. The Forest Service has proposed a plan that caters to the timber industry and would sacrifice much of this treasured forest's critical wildlife habitat.
But before their plan is finalized, they must accept public comment. You can help us protect this magical place with its towering, ancient trees. Take action today. Don't miss this window of opportunity! Demand permanent protection now!
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: We demand a better plan for Tongass
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
We demand a better plan for Tongass
As an advocate for the protection of America's remaining wild places, I strongly object to the "proposed action" in the Tongass draft management plan.
This alternative sets logging at unreasonable and unsustainable levels - risking serious damage to the rich biological diversity of the forest. I am also gravely concerned that roadless areas containing pristine old-growth forest are left open for logging, when, in fact, they are the areas with the greatest need for protection.
This level of logging on the Tongass has no economic justification and would be devastating to the environment, costly to American taxpayers, and harmful to the local economy of communities in Southeast Alaska. It is far out of step with the wishes of the American public - who have repeatedly voiced their strong support for the protection of our remaining roadless areas.
Please pursue an alternative that protects -and does not damage - this incredible natural area.
Sincerely,
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Campaign Launched:
January 30, 2007
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The Tongass National Forest is a biological treasure - and at 17 million acres this is our largest National Forest within the world's largest tract of temperate rainforest. The Tongass is home to a diverse array of species - including black and brown bears, wolves, wild salmon, Bald Eagles, and other treasures that have disappeared from many other parts of the country.
The forests' scenic vistas, wildlife, and fisheries draw visitors from all over the world and create thousands of jobs for the region. Meanwhile, the Forest Service has continued to focus on managing the forest primarily for timber and has been criticized for failing to balance other community uses and values.
The Tongass timber program has been a perennial money-loser, and U.S. taxpayers have been forced to bear the burden of an inflated timber program and unnecessary, expensive new logging roads that threaten to undermine commercial fishing and recreation.
Right now, the Forest Service is drafting a management plan that will dictate how the Tongass is to be managed over the long term - and they've proposed an extremely high level of logging in some of its most vulnerable areas!
The American public has repeatedly voiced support for the protection of America's roadless areas, and now the time has come again to stand up for our most rare - and most important - natural areas. Please write to the Forest Service today demanding protection of this American treasure.
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