Setting the stage for the development of a science-based Tongass land management plan

This paper describes the physical nature of the Tongass National Forest, its salient natural resources, the social and economic importance of the resources, the complexity of the land management planning process, the chronology of the plan development, and the structure and function of the Pacific Northwest Research Station and Tongass National Forest planning partnership. Three features of the planning process were unique to the revision of the Tongass National Forest plan. First, a major goal was to produce a landscape-scale plan for long-term resource sustainability. Second, the 23-person planning team included six research scientists as full members. Finally, an agreement was reached between the Pacific Northwest Research Station and the Tongass National Forest to collaborate and obtain high-priority information needed for the next planning cycle. Benefits accrued to the Pacific Northwest Research Station by demonstrating the relevance of sound science in successful forest planning. Benefits also accrued to the USDA Forest Service Alaska Region in more informed, credible, and defensible decisions. Finally, benefits accrued at the national level when the process of conducting a science consistency check was incorporated into the regulations for forest planning.