By Adam Gebauer

At 16.7 million acres, the Tongass National Forest of Southeast Alaska is the largest forest within the National Forest system. The Tongass is also the largest intact coastal rainforest supporting over 400 animal species - including habitat for the largest concentration of black bear as well as unique population of salmon-eating wolves. The streams and coastal region of the Tongass support a thriving population of 5 salmon species that are the backbone of the region’s economy.