Update on America’s Salmon Forest and the Roadless Rule

The Tongass is the Nation’s largest national forest; it supplies habitat for abundant fish and wildlife and ample
recreation opportunities in the southeast Alaska region. When you imagine yourself on a remote fishing or
hunting trip, a wild landscape where large trout, wild salmon and steelhead, and big game are plentiful, or
breathtaking scenery where you can get away from it all, the odds are good you’re thinking of a roadless area in
the Tongass National Forest.


From the Situk River in the north to Prince of Wales Island in the south, the Tongass provides hunters, anglers
and outdoor recreationists some of the best and most diverse outdoor opportunities available in North America.
Taking care of the land that takes care of Southeast Alaska businesses is just common sense.


Recently, the U.S. Forest Service has proposed restoring protections for more than 9 million acres of roadless
areas in the Tongass National Forest, reinstating the 2001 Roadless Rule after it was hastily repealed late last
year. The removal of the rule went against the wishes of 96% of all public comments, Southeast Alaska Tribal
governments, and local anglers, hunters and outdoor recreationists. This news has spurred a 60 -day comment
period to provide the public’s input on the reinstatement of the roadless rule on the Tongass National Forest. If
approved, the roadless rule will be reinstated on the Tongass and will safeguard important fish, wildlife and
recreation areas.


Take Action now to restore roadless protections on America’s Salmon Forest


This comment period is the next step toward implementing the Forest Service’s new “Southeast Alaska
Sustainability Strategy”. The strategy ends large scale, old-growth logging on the forest and will, instead, prioritize
recreation, restoration and resiliency, and make significant new investments in projects that support sustainable
economic growth and community health.


The strategy is part of the Forest Service’s effort to align its forest management with the ecological and economic
realities of the region. The Tongass produces more salmon than all other national forests combined and
supports fishing and tourism industries that account for 26% of local jobs in the region. In contrast, logging
supports fewer than 1% of local jobs while harming the fishing and tourism industries, costing taxpayers million
annually, and supporting export markets instead of local demand. This strategy recognizes the Tongass is most
valuable for its wild salmon, abundant wildlife, and scenic landscapes, and will support Southeast Alaska’s
diversified economy and help conserve scarce forest resources.


Reinstating the roadless rule is what’s best for the land, wildlife, people and economy of Southeast Alaska. Tell the
U.S. Forest Service you agree and take action today. We are happy to speak up for the Tongass and encourage
everyone to submit a comment supporting continued protections on wildlife and recreation habitat in
Southeast Alaska. To learn more, visit AmericanSalmonForest.org

DRYFT Session Wading Pants – River to Town


DRYFT in AK [video]

What’s #DRYFTinAK all about? For the past few years the DRYFT crew has been exploring some of the delights Alaska has to offer. In this video series we’ll share some of the highs and lows from those adventures. Welcome to episode 1.

 

Straight Alaska tripping

Earlier this month we had a chance to fish for a week straight in Alaska. We had some adventures. We met some great people. Had some fun times. Caught some great fish. We saw lots of pirates.

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Alaska treated us well earlier this month.

#DRYFTculture

http://chugachbackcountryfishing.com/

DRYFT Primo Wading Jacket review by Chugach Backcountry Fishing in Alaska

Review of the DRYFT Primo Wading Jacket

As the owner of Chugach Backcountry Fishing in Alaska I’ve spent many days in the rain feeling damp and soggy after a couple of hours in “100% GoreTex” products. It didn’t seem to matter which high-performance brand I wore-I always found that eventually my coat and I became saturated-the S14 Wading Coat changed that.

As with my Dryft waders, the S14 Jacket not only fits well, looks great, sports a lightweight feel, and is comfortable for rowing in but it is absolutely the best waterproof coat I’ve used. As a testimate to my belief in this product, within one week I outfitted my entire guiding staff and my family in it.

It is the small details of any product that can make it a favorite for everyday use-that’s where in-field product testing makes all the difference. Dryft did their homework on this one. I am 100% comfortable leaving cash and my I phone in waterproof sealed pockets, the soft liner on the high neck and in the pockets of the jacket are perfect for cooler temp days, and the peripheral vision I have when the hood is deployed are qualities that every jacket should offer.

If you want to stay dry on the fly, the Dryft PRIMO is for you.

Corey

www.ChugachBackcountryFishing.com

Enjoying the sun.
Head guide Corey of Chugach Backcountry Fishing

 


 

Read more reviews of the DRYFT Primo Wading Jacket.

Read more about DRYFT Ambassador Corey Hetrick.