The Alaskan temperate rain forest is home to an
ecosystem that is more rare and unique than tropical rain forests.
Most people know about the importance of tropical
rain forests but lesser is known about the importance of coastal
temperate rainforests such as Alaska's Tongass.
The
Tongass National Forest is the nation's largest national forest (17 million
acres) and covers most of Southeast Alaska.
The Tongass is a “salmon forest”: its streams are a
vital salmon spawning habitat. Spawning is how fish lay their eggs.
Temperate rainforests accumulate and store more
organic matter than any other forest type.
Temperate rain forests are globally rare, they
used to be located on almost every continent; however, today only 50 percent,
or 75 million acres, of these forests remain worldwide.
Half of those are found in a narrow band
between Alaska and northern California.
Brown bear, black bear, wolves, bald eagles
and wild salmon flourish in the Alaskan temperate rain forests. Whales, sea lions, seals and other marine
mammals thrive in waters nourished by the rain forest.
ANSWER THIS QUESTION TO RECEIVE YOUR CLUE FROM
THE ALASKAN RAIN FOREST:
“WHY DO YOU THINK THE ALASKAN TEMPERATE RAIN
FOREST IN THE TONGASS CALLED A SALMON FOREST?” (hint: read above about the salmon)
Because
Salmon are planted in the fertile soil and they grow.
Because the Salmon like it when it rains.
