Forest Service working with Southeast Alaska to shape a vision for Tongass forest management
Contact Information: Paul Robbins Jr. paul.robbins@usda.gov
JUNEAU, Alaska, April 10, 2023 — The USDA Forest Service is looking to local tribes, Alaska Native corporations, communities, partners and the public to help shape the future of forest management on the Tongass National Forest.
That is the agency’s hope with a planned Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy – Forest Management public engagement effort, where once again it will work from the ground up to gather needs, expectations and project recommendations, this time related to watershed and wildlife habitat restoration, sustainable young-growth harvest and old-growth harvest for cultural uses and small sales to support local communities.
“We want to know what Southeast Alaska wants to see as far as forest management on the Tongass, identify locations where we can work collaboratively to the greatest benefit, and help finalize the criteria we’ll use to prioritize work for the next 10 years,” said Acting Tongass Forest Supervisor Frank Sherman. “Instead of commenting on a plan we present, we’re asking folks to help develop it."
Tongass staff will host in-person workshops, virtual webinars and community gatherings to introduce the collaborative effort, ask for input, demonstrate how to provide feedback, and brainstorm what a final action plan may look like.
HOW THE PUBLIC CAN ENGAGE
Participants will be asked to share what they believe to be the most important benefits integrated forest management can produce for their communities. For some communities or groups, it may be jobs and wood products, while others may recommend thinning for improved wildlife habitat. Biomass fulfillment and healthy watersheds are other potentially important outcomes. This engagement will help the Forest Service better plan and develop projects that reflect the diverse needs and values of the people who live and depend on the Tongass.
Contributors can also propose project areas where numerous resource activities can be addressed under one effort, with ecological, economic and cultural benefits. An interactive story map will help pinpoint locations and an assessment tool will be made available to assist in demonstrating the projects’ level of integration.
- A schedule of upcoming workshops and webinars can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r10/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=FSEPRD950023
- The virtual sessions will be held on Zoom. Please download the Zoom platform in advance.
- Visit a user-friendly online storymap feature to provide input, ideas and project proposals: SASS-FM Storymap
First announced in July 2021, the sustainability strategy supports a diverse economy, enhances community resilience, and conserves natural resources in Southeast Alaska. To learn more, visit the Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy’s webpage.
For more information on the forest management public engagement effort, contact Barb Miranda at Barbara.Miranda@usda.gov.
MEDIA: For interviews and information to be used for publication, contact the Tongass Public Affairs Officer at 907-228-6201.
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