Nature-based tourism is a booming business throughout Alaska, especially in and around the Tongass. Tourism now ranks third among private employers, after commercial fishing and sport fishing. The timber industry has slipped to fourth, which for many residents makes the Tongass clear-cutting issue feel like the tail is wagging the dog. Better management of the Tongass is crucial for my business. No one wants to come up and see clear-cuts.
Timber is an important part of the economy.
But only a part. Loggers are my neighbors, and there's room for loggers to make a living. But I think the logging industry needs to learn some restraint. Fishermen, too, for that matter. I've built my house from timber from federal and state lands.