Tongass National Forest

Tongass National Forest
Name	Tongass National Forest
Iucn category	VI
Location	Alaska Panhandle, Alaska, United States
Nearest city	Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka
Coordinates	57, N, 133, W...
Area acre	16900000
Established	10 September 1907
Governing body	United States Forest Service

Tongass National Forest is a vast temperate rainforest encompassing the Alaska Panhandle in southeastern Alaska. Managed by the United States Forest Service, it is the largest national forest in the United States, covering approximately 16.7 million acres. The forest is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including countless islands, deep fjords, and the rugged peaks of the Coast Mountains.

Geography and climate

The forest spans a complex archipelago along the Pacific Ocean, stretching from the southern boundary near Ketchikan to Yakutat Bay in the north. Its terrain is dominated by the Coast Mountains, with major features including the Stikine Icecap and the Juneau Icefield. The region experiences a maritime climate characterized by heavy precipitation, with some areas like Baranof Island receiving over 200 inches annually, fostering a lush, wet environment. Key waterways include the Stikine River, the Taku River, and the extensive network of the Inside Passage.

History and establishment

The region has been inhabited for millennia by Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. European exploration began with Russian expeditions, leading to the establishment of settlements like New Archangel on Sitka. Following the Alaska Purchase in 1867, the area came under American control. The forest was initially created as the Alexander Archipelago Forest Reserve in 1902 by President Theodore Roosevelt, later consolidated and designated as Tongass National Forest by the United States Forest Service in 1907. Significant historical events include the Klondike Gold Rush and the construction of World War II-era installations like the Alaska-Canada Highway.

Ecology and biodiversity

The forest is a globally significant temperate rainforest, primarily composed of Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and Alaska cedar. It provides critical habitat for iconic wildlife such as the bald eagle, Alexander Archipelago wolf, and Sitka black-tailed deer. Its rivers and coastal waters support major populations of Pacific salmon, including Chinook salmon and sockeye salmon, as well as steelhead and halibut. The area is also vital for brown bears, particularly in locations like Admiralty Island, and hosts numerous species of seabirds and marine mammals like humpback whales and Steller sea lions.

Management and conservation

Management is directed by the United States Forest Service under mandates like the National Forest Management Act and the Tongass Timber Reform Act. Long a focus of debate, management has balanced timber harvesting, particularly through the Ketchikan Pulp Company, with conservation efforts. Major protective designations include the Misty Fjords National Monument and the Admiralty Island National Monument. Recent policy shifts, such as the Roadless Rule and directives from the Biden administration, have moved focus toward sustainable recreation and wilderness protection, often involving litigation with groups like the Alaska Forest Association.

Economic importance

Historically, the economy was driven by the timber industry, centered around Sitka and Ketchikan, with significant operations by the Alaska Pulp Corporation. Commercial fishing, especially for salmon and halibut, remains a cornerstone, alongside growing sectors like mariculture. In recent decades, tourism has become increasingly vital, with cruise ship traffic through the Inside Passage and operations by companies like Alaska Airlines supporting local communities. Government employment through entities like the United States Forest Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs also contributes significantly.

Recreation and tourism

The forest is a premier destination for outdoor recreation, attracting visitors for activities like kayaking in Glacier Bay National Park, fishing in the Stikine River, and wildlife viewing in the Tracy Arm. Major access points include the cities of Juneau, Skagway, and Haines, which serve as gateways for cruise ship passengers. The forest features an extensive system of cabins and trails, including portions of the historic Chilkoot Trail. Cultural tourism focuses on Native Alaskan heritage, with sites managed by organizations like the Sitka National Historical Park and the Sheldon Jackson Museum.

Category:National Forests of the United States Category:Protected areas of Alaska Category:Temperate rainforests