FOREST SERVICE RECREATION BUDGET CUTS WILL HURT ALASKA TOURISM By Dale Pihlman July 29, 2014
The U.S. Forest Service has an opportunity to support robust job creation for this area, but they continue to focus on timber extraction at the expense of sustainable local jobs. In the years since the large pulp contracts ended, our region has transitioned to an economy based around thriving salmon, recreation and tourism jobs. If the agency is serious about “ecologically, socially economically sustainable forest management,” as Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stated in his July 2013 memo, the Forest Service should support business like mine that are built around sharing the Tongass with visitors from all over the world. According to a report by the McDowell Group, tourism brings $1 billion to our region each year and supports 10,000 year-round and seasonal jobs. However, continual cuts to Forest Service recreation heritage and wilderness budgets threaten my business. Just as another business might rely on government investments in roads, as a tour operator, I rely on the wilderness wealth of the Tongass. Cascade Creek near Petersburg is one of my favorite places to take our guests. The long waterfall crashes down through an open forest of massive old-growth trees. However, instead of enjoying this world-class destination, my clients are distracted by the muddy, rutted and washed out trail that the Forest Service has abandoned, but still charges for its use. The tourism economy in Southeast Alaska relies on the Forest Service’s investments in trails, facilities and administration. Despite the fees that I pay, trail use such as Cascade Creek continue to erode, year after year. If the agency can't maintain the foundation of the largest private sector job creator, they should shift their resources to do so. Recreation and tourism business need Forest Service support just like any other business that operate on the Tongass. As the agency closes facilities, abandons trails, and reduces permitting staff, the message to us is clear. The Forest Service is telling small wilderness oriented business: Don't grow your business. Dale Pihlman About: "Dale Pihlman was born into a commercial fishing family in Ketchikan. He has worked as a fisherman, ADG&G Fisheries Biologist and charter captain. Currently he operates the small passenger vessel “Misty Fjord.” running cruises throughout S.E. Alaska." Received July 25, 2014 - Published July 29, 2014
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