Hunters and anglers capture some of their most meaningful moments on our public lands and waters. From designated wilderness and Bureau of Land Management tracts to Forest Service parcels and the waters in between, these places shape the experiences we carry with us long after the trip ends.

The Tongass: A Truly Wild Place I Call Home

The Tongass National Forest is the largest National Forest in the United States, possessing some of the most unique backcountry opportunities in the country. The Tongass is surrounded by Alaska’s Inside Passage, whose cold waters are fed by the various glaciers that wind their way through the towering mountains which characterize the this special temperate rainforest. These cold waters support some of the densest biomass anywhere in the world, supporting a variety of life from salmon and halibut to whales and sea ducks. The Tongass is a place I feel honored to call my home.

Written by Alec Boyd-Devine @devineconservation

Editor's Note: This commentary was originally published by the Billings Gazette on January 18, 2026. The version shown here is abbreviated as a courtesy to BHA members and supporters. BHA encourages Montana residents to please consider supporting local journalism by reading the original in the Billing Gazette.