'We depend on the Tongass': Alaskans fight to save US’s largest national forest

Tribal leaders to testify before Congress in battle against Trump administration's assault on environmental protections

Tribal leaders, fishermen and environmentalists from Alaska will testify before Congress on Wednesday in an effort to save America's biggest national forest - the latest battle against the Trump administration's assault on environmental protections.

The Tongass national forest, one of the world's last intact temperate rainforests which plays a crucial role in fighting the climate crisis, is under threat of logging as Alaska seeks exemption from the Roadless Rule, which protects millions of acres of pristine forests across the US. The Tongass is considered the "crown jewel" of the national forest system, sequestering huge amounts of carbon dioxide to keep the greenhouse gas out of the atmosphere.