There are many reasons to love the Tongass.  Some come to mind instantly—the clean water, great fishing, the wildlife and your favorite getaway spots.  Others develop over time and through experiencing what the nation’s biggest, wettest and wildest national forest has to offer.

For the I Love the Tongass essay contest, dozens of Southeast Alaskans shared why they love the Tongass.  Their passion for and connection to the forest came through in thoughtful, creative and inspiring prose.  You can read the winning essays in the youth, young adult and adult categories here. 

Thank you to everyone who submitted essays and the judges who had to narrow the many excellent entries down.  Thank you to photographer Mark Kelley (www.markkelley.com) and author Shawn Rogers (www.salmonandsockeye.com) for donating wonderful prizes.