My turn: Southeast Alaska visitors play key role in our economy 

Southeast Alaskans might not think day to day about the economic value of the Tongass National Forest – our backyard, where we hunt, fish, guide and recreate. But over a million people travel from all across the country and the world to explore the Tongass every year and while here they spend a lot of money. So what is the value of the Tongass National Forest to the visitor industry? My organization, Alaska Wilderness League, contracted the McDowell Group to find out.