Our goals

PC: Sonny Mauricio
PC: Sonny Mauricio
PC: Caitlin Blaisdell

Local and commercial uses are managed to grow prosperity and keep what makes Alaska awesome.

Communities work with the Forest Service to manage the recreation infrastructure they need.

The Forest Service manages recreation and tourism as core strategy for regional prosperity.

shaping the next 15 years of the tongass

The Tongass National Forest encompasses most of the land in Southeast Alaska. The Forest Plan governs what the Forest Service does and how they manage the land.

The Plan will set the direction for tourism and recreation across Southeast Alaska. We’re advocating for a greater focus on outdoor recreation management in the new Forest Management Plan to drive local benefits.

From trails and cabins to hunting and fishing, a solo walk or a local tour company, outdoor recreation is a huge part of life in Southeast Alaska.

our focus areas

  • Make data collection and monitoring a core activity. Collect data on commercial tourism and non-commercial recreation to better inform decision making by the USFS and local partners.  

  • Make recreation and tourism the management priority, not an afterthought.

  • Engage meaningfully with regional partners during the planning process and plan implementation to identify, prioritize, and execute recreation projects.

  • Develop clear targets and standards to eliminate the maintenance backlog and support the growing demand for trails, cabins, and other recreation infrastructure. 

  • Manage recreation and tourism through clear zoning and permit standards for local benefits.

  • Protect experiences, viewsheds, and ecosystems that define the Tongass for both locals and visitors. 

policy work