Tongass National Forest

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Natural Disturbance

Landscape disturbances such as windthrow and landslides occur naturally in Southeast Alaska. These disturbances are important to the structure and function of soils, water, and ecosystem processes.

Management such as road building, and timber harvest can alter the frequency of these naturally occurring disturbances. Through management and planning we can use our knowledge of landscape characteristics and processes to minimize the effects we have on the landscape and to maintain healthy forests, fish, and wildlife.