Alaska’s National Forests announce U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Whistlestop tour

The Tongass and Chugach National Forests, nonprofit partner Society of American Foresters and presenting sponsor 84 Lumber, are excited to announce the eleven locations of the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Whistlestop Tour, starting in Alaska’s “First City,” Ketchikan.

Ride the Train to the Spencer Glacier Whistlestop!

A partnership between the Alaska Railroad Corporation and the U.S. Forest Service provides the public with a distinctive travel and recreational experience found nowhere else in the United States. And the only way to get there is on the Alaska Railroad.

2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

The People’s Tree will come from Alaska’s National Forests this year! An annual symbol of hope and celebration, the tree offers an opportunity to showcase Alaska's majestic landscape, unique culture, rich traditions, diverse ecosystems, and abundant resources. Learn more on the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree website. 

Land Management Plan - Status Update

April 16, 2020 the Chugach National Forest released the Final Record of Decision for its 2020 Land Management Plan. The land management plan will guide all management decisions and activities such as the preservation of cultural and historic resources, recreation, subsistence use, and wildlife habitat management on the 5.4 million-acre Forest. The 2020 Land Management Plan will allow for flexible, active management of the landscape to foster sustainable, productive use of the national forest, while balancing the need to maintain healthy and resilient forest ecosystems and to help provide economic stability to help meet the needs of nearby communities.

For updates and more information visit: Land Management Plan Revision webpage.

Know Before You Go - Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center

In any season, being prepared is always the best defense against accidents. If you plan on having fun in the snow this winter, visit the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center Website (or call their hot line at 907-754-2369) for the latest avalanche forecast and consider attending an Avalanche Safety course. Take a look at the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center calendar for availability and upcoming events. 

Iditarod National Historic Trail - Shared Stewardship

Get engaged in helping on the Iditarod National Historic Trail. The Forest Service is coordinating with partners, communities, and volunteers to share stewardship of this unique and historic trail system. Shared stewardship fosters the productive and sustainable use of forest lands, contributes to the economic health of rural communities through use and access opportunities, engages youth in conservation stewardship, promotes healthy, active lifestyles, and ensures we serve the communities.

These goals are only achievable with the help of Forest Service partners, grant opportunities, volunteers, Tribes, and community engagement.

Voices of Wilderness Artist in Residence Program

The Voices of the Wilderness artist residency is a unique opportunity. Participating artists are paired with a Nellie Juan-College Fiord Wilderness Study Area wilderness specialist.

Revision of the Land Management Plan for the Chugach National Forest

The USDA Forest Service is preparing the Chugach National Forest’s revised land management plan (Forest Plan) under the guidance of the 2012 National Forest System Planning Rule.

February 19, 2016 last day for public comments during this phase of the Proposed Forest Plan - please check back for updates.

Visit Forest Planning for the Proposed Forest Plan Revision process, support documents and maps, and to get engaged.

Kenai Peninsula's Stream Watch Program

While many of our group normally take to the stream to wet a line and tangle with one the Kenai’s legendary salmon or huge native trout, today we have gathered for perhaps a more noble effort, to help protect the fishery we love.

Portage Curve – Recreational Connector

The Chugach National Forest is proposing to construct a multimodal recreational path along the Seward Highway between Ingram Creek and an area north of Twentymile River.

Explore Your Backyard

The Chugach National Forest - Adventure within Range

Any time is a good time to spend some time on the Forest. Read more to find out a few of the great things to do and places to visit on the Chugach during the coming year.

Be Bear Aware!

You may have seen a large wooden box outside one of our offices. It is part of a bear-resistant canister loan program started on the Glacier Ranger District a few years ago.