ACTION TO SAVE TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST from THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY 1MAR10

I hope you will click the header to participate in this urgent action

Hands off America's Rainforest!

America's rainforest, the Tongass National Forest, is stunningly beautiful, stretching across islands, fjords and mainland that are part of Southeast Alaska.

In this mist-shrouded forest, black and brown bears grow fat on five different species of Pacific salmon. Bald eagles soar high above waters where sea otters and whales splash.

But new legislation working its way through Congress would transfer much of the ancient forest remaining on the Tongass to Sealaska Corporation for industrial clearcut logging and other private development.

Help us stop this land grab now.

Sealaska Corporation has already clearcut some 300,000 acres of the best and biggest trees on the Tongass, exporting the timber to international markets. They mustn't be allowed to take the best of what remains. Take action to stop this legislation.

The Tongass must be protected for its ecological values and to help local communities transition to a more sustainable forest economy. The Wilderness Society has been working with communities and the Forest Service on just such a plan, but this new legislation would undermine it, along with the ancient forest.

Tell Congress to oppose the Sealaska "Sweetheart Deal."

Sincerely,

Kathy Kilmer
The Wilderness Society

P.S. We're working hard to stop Sealaska's assault on the best of the remaining old-growth in the Tongass. Please donate by March 17 to protect this stunningly beautiful rainforest! Make your gift today!