ALASKA—If there is a secret sauce or recipe to successfully bring together big groups of people, including tribal nations, communities and organizations, all focused on the same result despite differing points of view, it is the simple act of listening first.

That was the early stance taken by a OneUSDA team, which included members from the Forest Service, Rural Development and Natural Resources Conversation Service, two years ago when asked by USDA to look at investing $25 million in sustainability projects in southeast Alaska.

Today, the four-prong strategy and team that implemented the investment component are recipients of not one or two, but three special award recognitions. Last fall, the Alaska-based team was awarded a Regional Forester's Award. The prestigious USDA Secretary's Honor Award was revealed in February, followed by a Forest Service Chief's Award March 14.

"What was unique about this initiative, effort, and undertaking was how it was carried out," said Alaska Region Regional Forester Dave Schmid. "We just listened, learned, and then went on to be champions of the ideas, projects and of course, the people."

The initiative dates to back 2021, when USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack launched the Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy. That strategy included four elements:

• Ending large-scale old growth timber sales on the Tongass National Forest
• Restoring the 2001 roadless rule
• Engaging in meaningful consultation with tribal nations
• Identifying short- and long-term investments

Taking on the latter, this award-winning team simply asked Southeast Alaska for its shovel-ready projects, innovative investment ideas and funding-starved ventures. A short outreach period resulted in nearly 300 idea submittals totaling more than $276 million.

The team also took a listen-first posture. It consulted with tribal nations and Alaska Native corporations, and engaged with municipal governments, local partners and communities and the public to support an integrated approach to economic development planning and implementation. 

"It was eye-opening for me to be able to say, 'What do you need Southeast Alaska?' and receive so many great responses,” said Alaska Region Deputy Regional Forester Chad Van Ormer. "There was clearly a need for money, and Southeast Alaska had some fantastic ideas around renewable energy production, local foods and agriculture production, water and sewer infrastructure, housing, and outdoor tourism.”

Eventually, nearly 70 Southeast Alaska projects were awarded the full $25 million and now are in the implementation phase. 

While being recognized by both USDA and the Forest Service, representatives from the Alaska Region shared that the real reward was experiencing, firsthand, strengthened relationships with tribal nations, Alaska Native corporations, and municipal governments, and watching the power of inclusive and diverse outreach and participation. All it really took was lending an ear and really listening.