Tongass National Forest: America’s Rainforest Treasure

Introduction

The southeastern tip of Alaska is a region of mist, moss, and memory, where bald eagles soar and glaciers rest beneath old trees. This is the Tongass National Forest, an emerald landscape so vast and unspoiled that it seems as though you are entering a world that has been shaped by the oldest hands of nature. Amid the rhythmic whisper of rain and the soft crunch of lichen-covered trails, the forest tells stories that predate human history, yet remain urgent in our modern world.

Spanning approximately 16.7 million acres, the Tongass is the largest national forest in the United States and one of the few remaining intact temperate rainforests on Earth. Nestled along the Pacific coast of Southeast Alaska, it encompasses a diverse tapestry of old-growth Sitka spruce, hemlock, glacial fjords, islands, alpine meadows, and miles of wild rivers teeming with salmon. It’s not only a scenic treasure but also an ecological cornerstone that supports an extraordinary range of biodiversity—including species found nowhere else on the planet.

But the Tongass is more than a haven for wildlife or a photographer’s dream. In an era of mounting environmental uncertainty, its significance has grown far beyond the borders of Alaska. As one of the world’s most powerful carbon sinks, this forest plays a vital role in regulating the global climate by absorbing and storing millions of tons of carbon dioxide. It safeguards fragile ecosystems, sustains Indigenous communities who have called this land home for millennia, and represents a living archive of natural resilience.

Today, it stands at a crossroads. Ongoing debates over old-growth logging, federal protections, and climate policy have turned this remote region into a global symbol of the tension between preservation and exploitation. What happens here—amid the mossy trunks and mist-veiled valleys—echoes into the global dialogue on conservation, sustainability, and the future of our planet.

Exploring the Tongass is not just an invitation to witness one of nature’s masterpieces; it is an opportunity to understand what we risk losing—and why protecting it matters more now than ever before.

Geographic and Ecological Snapshot

A Forest Larger Than Life

Stretching majestically across 16.7 million acres—an area larger than the entire state of West Virginia—the Tongass National Forest forms the verdant heart of Southeast Alaska’s Panhandle. It spans over 500 miles from north to south, enveloping a labyrinth of over 1,000 islands, deep fjords, rugged coastlines, glacial valleys, and coastal mountain ranges. This immense natural expanse makes the Tongass not only the largest national forest in the United States, but also one of the most ecologically complex and geologically diverse landscapes in North America.

It isn’t a single stretch of unbroken woodland—it’s a vast, scattered mosaic of forests, islands, and waterways stitched together across Southeast Alaska. Instead, it’s a mosaic of islands and peninsulas scattered through the Alexander Archipelago, where isolated ecosystems flourish in their own unique microclimates. From the mist-covered forests of Baranof Island to the icy fjords near Juneau, the Tongass is a land of shifting elevations and dramatic contrasts.

A Rare and Resilient Temperate Rainforest

The Tongass is part of the Pacific temperate rainforest, one of only a handful of such biomes left on Earth. Unlike tropical rainforests near the equator, temperate rainforests like the Tongass thrive in cooler latitudes—but are no less lush or ecologically important.

With annual precipitation ranging from 60 to over 200 inches, the forest is perpetually bathed in rain and snow, feeding a dense, emerald ecosystem layered with mosses, lichens, ferns, and fungi. The canopy, dominated by towering Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and Alaskan cedar, reaches heights over 200 feet, sheltering countless species beneath.

This abundance of moisture and nutrients fuels extraordinary biodiversity. The Tongass supports hundreds of vertebrate species, thousands of plant and invertebrate species, and the largest remaining stands of old-growth temperate rainforest in the U.S.—trees that have been growing for centuries, some for over 800 years.

A Tapestry of Interconnected Ecosystems

The ecological complexity of the Tongass is unparalleled. It is home to a dynamic blend of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems—all intricately connected and mutually dependent:

• Old-Growth Forests: These ancient giants provide vital nesting sites for bald eagles, denning grounds for brown bears, and habitats for rare species like the northern goshawk and Alexander Archipelago wolf. Their root systems stabilize the soil and regulate the water cycle, sustaining the broader ecosystem.
• Glaciers and Icefields: Dozens of glaciers, including the massive Juneau Icefield, carve through the landscape, feeding rivers and shaping valleys. These icy reservoirs act as climate indicators, retreating at alarming rates due to global warming.
• Fjords and Coastal Inlets: Deep fjords and sheltered bays form crucial marine corridors. These waters host migrating humpback whales, sea otters, and seals, while also serving as nurseries for juvenile salmon and herring.
• Alpine Tundra: Higher elevations feature wildflower-strewn meadows and windswept ridges, offering habitats for mountain goats and marmots, and commanding breathtaking views over the forest below.
• Wetlands and Rivers: With thousands of miles of unspoiled rivers and streams, the Tongass is a salmon superhighway. These waterways are the lifeblood of the forest, transporting nutrients from sea to soil, and sustaining both wildlife and Indigenous livelihoods.

In the Tongass, every element—from the towering conifers to the glacier-fed streams—plays a part in an intricate ecological symphony. It is not merely a forest, but a living, breathing climate stabilizer, biodiversity haven, and cultural sanctuary, reflecting nature’s resilience in its purest form. Understanding its geography and ecosystems is not just an academic exercise—it is the first step in recognizing the vital role this forest plays in the health of our planet.

Flora and Fauna of the Tongass

Step into the Tongass National Forest, and you enter a biological time capsule—one that has evolved undisturbed for thousands of years. Here, towering trees and elusive wildlife coexist in a lush, rain-drenched wilderness that pulses with life at every layer, from the forest floor to the canopy and beyond into the rivers and sea. With an astonishing array of plant and animal species, the Tongass serves as both a sanctuary and a stronghold for North America’s natural heritage.

Flora: The Forest’s Ancient Architects

The flora of the Tongass is dominated by ancient conifers, many of which have stood sentinel since before the American Revolution. These old-growth giants not only shape the skyline but also underpin the entire ecosystem.

• Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis): Known as the largest species of spruce, these trees can soar over 200 feet tall and live for over 700 years. Their massive trunks provide habitat for birds, fungi, moss, and insects.

• Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla): Often found alongside Sitka spruce, western hemlocks thrive in the cool, moist climate. Their fluffy needles and drooping crowns contribute to the lush canopy that characterizes the Tongass.

• Alaska Yellow Cedar and Red Cedar: Prized by Indigenous communities for their rot-resistant wood, these trees are culturally and ecologically significant. Cedars form a critical part of the spiritual and artistic traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples.

Beneath the canopy, the forest floor is rich with mosses, lichens, ferns, skunk cabbage, devil’s club, and berry shrubs—each adapted to thrive in low light and constant moisture. This undergrowth is more than a botanical showcase; it provides food and shelter for small mammals, insects, and foraging birds.

Fauna: The Wild Inhabitants of the Tongass

An amazing variety of creatures, many of which rely on the forest’s complex network of ecosystems for survival, may be found in the Tongass.

Mammals: From Apex Predators to Elusive Foragers

• Brown Bears (Ursus arctos): Among the densest brown bear populations in the world can be found here. The annual salmon flow is crucial to these strong animals, who use it to gain muscle before hibernation.
• Black Bears and the Rare Glacier Bear: A subspecies of black bear with a bluish-grey coat, the glacier bear is native only to Southeast Alaska and extremely rare.
• Alexander Archipelago Wolf (Canis lupus ligoni): A genetically distinct and endangered subspecies of the gray wolf, this elusive animal roams the islands and coastlines of the Tongass.
• Sitka Black-Tailed Deer, Martens, Otters, Beavers, and Porcupines: These forest dwellers play vital roles in the food web, from seed dispersal to population control of smaller species.

Birds: A Sky Full of Wings

• Bald Eagles: One of the world’s largest concentrations of bald eagles can be found in the Tongass. These majestic raptors nest in old-growth trees and feed on salmon-rich rivers.
• Marbled Murrelet and Northern Goshawk: Both are indicator species for the health of old-growth forests. The marbled murrelet, a seabird, nests high in the canopy—a rare behavior among seabirds.
• Ravens, Owls, Woodpeckers, and Songbirds: A chorus of avian life thrives in every elevation of the forest, each species adapted to the forest’s seasonal rhythms.

Aquatic and Marine Life: The Lifeblood of the Tongass

• Pacific Salmon (all five species): Salmon are the ecological cornerstone of the Tongass. Their life cycle connects freshwater streams, the ocean, and the forest. As they die after spawning, their nutrient-rich bodies feed bears, eagles, and even the trees through soil enrichment.
• Humpback Whales, Orcas, Sea Lions, and Seals: The coastal and marine ecosystems of the Tongass are as vibrant as its forests, making the region a vital habitat for migrating and resident marine mammals.
• Beavers and Amphibians: In the quieter parts of the forest, amphibians like rough-skinned newts and beavers engineering wetland habitats contribute to the region’s ecological complexity.

Endemic and Threatened Species: A Fragile Treasure

Because of its isolation and intact habitats, the Tongass harbors endemic and threatened species that exist nowhere else. The preservation of old-growth forest is crucial to the survival of species like the Queen Charlotte Goshawk and Prince of Wales flying squirrel, whose populations are directly tied to habitat stability.

Logging, climate change, and fragmentation threaten this delicate equilibrium. Protecting the biodiversity of the Tongass is not just about saving wildlife—it’s about preserving the integrity of a complete, functioning natural system.

With the fall of a salmon influencing the growth of a spruce and the eagle’s nesting place revealing the health of the forest canopy, the Tongass’s flora and fauna create a finely tuned symphony of survival and dependency. In this living network, every creature—from moss to mammal—has a role to play. Understanding these connections is key to appreciating not only the majesty of the Tongass but also its irreplaceable value to our world.

Indigenous Heritage and Human Connection

A Forest Woven with Human Memory

Long before the Tongass was designated a national forest—long before maps etched its boundaries or policy debates circled its trees—this land was known, named, and nurtured by the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. For more than 10,000 years, these Indigenous communities have called the lands and waters of Southeast Alaska home, developing a rich cultural tapestry deeply rooted in the rhythms of the forest, sea, and sky.

To the Indigenous peoples of the Tongass, this forest is not merely a resource—it is a relative, a teacher, and a spiritual guide. Its rivers are ancestral highways, its cedar trees, sacred beings. The forest breathes its legacy into each salmon rite, cedar bark mat, and carved symbol.

Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian: The First Stewards

The Tlingit Nation, known for their intricate clan structures and oratory traditions, have historically lived in balance with the forest’s resources, especially salmon and cedar. Their oral histories—“át.oow” (sacred possessions) passed through generations—chronicle geological changes, migrations, and the sacred relationships between people and place.

The Haida, whose artistry is world-renowned, carved monumental totem poles and built longhouses from red cedar, each design encoded with clan histories and mythologies. Their reverence for nature is expressed in their language, which contains dozens of nuanced terms for tides, rain, and animal behavior.

The Tsimshian, residing mostly in the southern reaches of the Tongass, also maintain deep spiritual and subsistence ties to the land. Ceremonies, potlatches, and oral traditions sustain the ethical codes governing use of forest and marine resources—ensuring nothing is taken without intent or gratitude.

Subsistence and Cultural Continuity

For Indigenous peoples, subsistence living is not just survival—it is a continuation of ancestral identity. Hunting, fishing, berry-gathering, and carving are not hobbies or seasonal pastimes but spiritual and cultural imperatives.

• Salmon, for example, is not only a dietary staple—it is a cultural keystone species. Ceremonies mark its first catch each season, and the fish’s life cycle is echoed in human ritual and cosmology.
• Cedar is not just timber—it is the Tree of Life, used for medicine, clothing, baskets, masks, and even canoes. Harvesting is done with careful ceremony, often involving prayer and offering.
• Land-based knowledge, passed through generations, guides everything from the timing of harvests to the placement of fish traps and the treatment of waterways. Both spiritual and factual, this is Indigenous science.

Contemporary Challenges and Cultural Resilience

Despite centuries of colonization, land displacement, and forced assimilation, Indigenous nations in Southeast Alaska continue to resist, rebuild, and reclaim. The Tongass has often been at the center of these struggles—especially as federal land management decisions historically excluded Indigenous voices.

Today, however, this is beginning to change. Co-stewardship and Indigenous-led conservation efforts are gaining momentum. Organizations like Seacoast Trust and Southeast Alaska Indigenous Transboundary Commission (SEITC) are working with tribal leaders to protect salmon habitats, old-growth forests, and sacred sites—on their terms.

As forest governance integrates Indigenous ecological knowledge (IEK) with Western science, land acknowledgments are turning into land rematriation. These efforts reflect a growing recognition: that meaningful climate resilience must begin with those who have sustained these lands since time immemorial.

A Human-Nature Relationship Rooted in Reverence

To understand the Tongass is to recognize that its story is not solely ecological or political—it is profoundly human. The survival of this forest is inseparable from the survival of the cultures who shaped it, honored it, and continue to defend it.

We are not merely tourists in a wilderness when we stroll beneath its majestic trees or follow its salmon-rich streams; rather, we are guests on sovereign Indigenous lands, and each step should be accompanied with humility, thankfulness, and a greater feeling of duty.

Tourism and Outdoor Recreation

Exploring America’s Wildest Rainforest

Visiting the Tongass National Forest is not a casual trip—it’s an immersive journey into one of the last great temperate rainforests on Earth. The Tongass offers visitors who are looking for unadulterated wilderness, cultural richness, and ecological beauty an experience that is both thrilling and sobering.

With its massive size and geographic spread across Southeast Alaska, tourism in the Tongass is as diverse as its ecosystems. From glacier-fed fjords and island-dotted coastlines to towering conifers and alpine meadows, each visit unveils a different face of the forest. Yet, with this beauty comes responsibility—travel here must be rooted in conscious exploration and deep respect for the land and its Indigenous stewards.

Popular Activities for Nature Enthusiasts

The Tongass offers a remarkable variety of outdoor activities suitable for all levels of adventurers—from casual sightseers to seasoned wilderness trekkers.

Hiking Through the Ancient Forest

Dozens of trails, ranging from short boardwalk strolls to multi-day backcountry routes, allow visitors to walk through cathedral-like groves of old-growth Sitka spruce and hemlock.

• Mendenhall Glacier Trail (Juneau): One of the most accessible glacier hikes in Alaska.
• Deer Mountain Trail (Ketchikan): A strenuous but rewarding climb through alpine meadows and panoramic overlooks.
• Mount Verstovia Trail (Sitka): Offers a sweeping view of the archipelago and dense forest terrain.

Wildlife Viewing and Birdwatching

The Tongass is a haven for photographers and wildlife lovers:

• Brown and black bears during the salmon run
• Bald eagles nesting in old-growth trees
• Humpback whales and orcas along the Inside Passage
• Birds and marine life along intertidal zones

Guided tours, especially Indigenous-led ones, offer ethical and educational wildlife viewing that respects animal habitats.

Kayaking, Canoeing, and Fishing

With thousands of miles of coastline and protected bays, the Tongass is ideal for kayaking and canoeing—especially around Misty Fjords National Monument, known for its dramatic cliffs and mirror-like waters.

Anglers are drawn to its pristine streams, known for world-class salmon and trout fishing. Fishing here is deeply cultural, and many tours include education on sustainable practices.

Gateway Cities and Visitor Infrastructure

While much of the Tongass remains remote and wild, several communities serve as entry points to its natural wonders:

• Juneau: Alaska’s capital and a key access hub; home to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.
• Ketchikan: Famous for its totem poles, Indigenous art, and proximity to Misty Fjords.
• Sitka: A culturally rich town blending Russian and Tlingit history, with access to hiking and marine wildlife tours.
• Wrangell, Petersburg, and Hoonah: Smaller towns offering authentic, less commercialized experiences and community-run ecotourism.

These locations provide tour operators, outfitters, campgrounds, and guided experiences that make wilderness access safe and educational.

Ecotourism and Responsible Travel: Leave No Trace Behind

Given the fragile and ancient nature of the Tongass ecosystem, tourism here must prioritize sustainability over convenience. Travelers are encouraged to:

• Choose eco-certified or Indigenous-led tour operators
• Avoid disturbing wildlife, especially during breeding or salmon spawning seasons
• Stick to designated trails and campsites
• Carry out all trash and avoid single-use plastics
• Support local artisans and Indigenous-owned businesses

The Tongass is not Disneyland—it is a living ecosystem that demands reverence, not recreation for recreation’s sake. By choosing ethical and mindful travel, visitors become protectors, not consumers, of this rainforest.

Why Visiting the Tongass Is About More Than Just Sightseeing

What sets a visit to the Tongass apart is not just its staggering beauty, but the transformational quality of the experience. It’s a place where silence has texture, where every tree has weathered centuries, and where human presence should be defined not by footprints, but by what we learn, respect, and carry home.

As climate change and industrial pressures threaten fragile ecosystems globally, tourism that educates and empowers—rather than extracts—is more crucial than ever. In this sense, the Tongass becomes more than a destination; it becomes a classroom, a sanctuary, and a call to action.

Conservation Challenges and Environmental Significance

The Battle for the Last Old-Growth Rainforest

The Tongass National Forest is often referred to as “America’s Climate Forest”—a title that speaks not only to its beauty but to its vital role in climate regulation, biodiversity preservation, and ecological stability. But despite its ecological importance, the Tongass has long been caught in the crossfire of industrial logging, political policy shifts, and climate change—each posing unique threats to its long-term survival.

In recent decades, the forest has become a battleground between conservationists, Indigenous communities, and commercial interests, particularly the timber industry. The tension lies in one question: Can the forest be protected while still supporting the economic needs of Southeast Alaska?

The Logging Controversy: Old-Growth Under Siege

One of the most controversial threats to the Tongass is old-growth logging—the clear-cutting of trees that are often hundreds of years old.

What’s at Stake?

• Old-growth trees, particularly Sitka spruce and western hemlock, store enormous amounts of carbon and provide irreplaceable wildlife habitat.
• Logging not only removes these vital carbon sinks, but also fragments ecosystems, degrades salmon-spawning rivers, and increases erosion and flooding.
• The road construction required for logging opens up previously undisturbed areas to further human activity, intensifying ecological disruption.

The practice has sparked national and international backlash, especially after periods where federal protections were weakened to accommodate commercial interests.

The Roadless Rule Debate: Policy vs. Protection

In 2001, the Roadless Area Conservation Rule was enacted to prohibit new road construction and logging in designated undeveloped areas of national forests—including much of the Tongass. It More than 9 million acres of its most pristine wilderness were preserved. But there has been a lot of political sway over this rule:

• In 2020, the Trump administration exempted the Tongass from the Roadless Rule, reopening vast tracts of old-growth forest to logging.
• In 2021, the Biden administration announced plans to restore full protections under the rule, with support from Indigenous tribes, scientists, and conservation groups.

These policy swings have created uncertainty and tension—not just in conservation circles, but also in local economies that depend on both tourism and natural resources.

Climate Change: A Silent, Spreading Threat

While logging is visible and immediate, climate change poses a slower but equally existential threat. The Tongass is experiencing rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and glacier retreat—all of which disrupt ecological balances.

Major Climate Impacts:

• Glacier Melt: Glaciers within and surrounding the Tongass, like the Mendenhall Glacier, are retreating at unprecedented rates, impacting freshwater flow and salmon migration.
• Ocean Acidification: Warmer, more acidic oceans affect the marine food web, from plankton to whales, and endanger species like shellfish and salmon.
• Species Migration: As temperature and rainfall patterns shift, some species may move out of their traditional ranges, altering predator-prey dynamics and forest structure.

Climate scientists have identified the Tongass as a critical buffer against these effects—a carbon bank we cannot afford to lose.

The Tongass as a Global Carbon Sink

Perhaps the most significant—and least appreciated—value of the Tongass lies in its carbon sequestration capacity.

• Old-growth forests in the Tongass store more carbon per acre than almost any other forest in the world, including tropical rainforests like the Amazon.
• It is estimated that the Tongass holds more than 8% of all carbon stored in U.S. national forests.
• Preserving these trees prevents the release of hundreds of millions of metric tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere—equivalent to the emissions from millions of vehicles over decades.

In this context, cutting old-growth trees is not just a local issue—it has global consequences for climate stability.

Hope on the Horizon: Science, Stewardship, and Solidarity

Despite the many challenges, there is reason for cautious optimism:

• Restoration of the Roadless Rule signals a shift toward science-based policy.
• Tribal-led conservation initiatives, such as the Indigenous Guardians Network, are reclaiming ancestral stewardship roles.
• Public awareness and advocacy are growing, thanks to environmental journalism, documentaries, and grassroots activism.

Additionally, conservation groups like The Nature Conservancy and Southeast Alaska Conservation Council (SEACC) are working on sustainable forest management strategies that support both ecosystem integrity and local economies.

A Forest Worth Fighting For

The Tongass National Forest is one of the most important natural resources in the world, not only Alaska’s treasure. Its future is uncertain, and the choices we make today will have a lasting impact on animal corridors, climate models, and cultural lifeways.

Protecting the Tongass is not about nostalgia—it is about climate resilience, biodiversity defense, and honoring Indigenous guardianship. It is a reminder that in an age of accelerating loss, preservation is a form of progress.

Tongass in the Global Climate Fight

A Carbon Fortress in the North

In the urgent battle against climate change, forests are increasingly recognized as more than just scenic sanctuaries—they are vital carbon vaults. And among these natural climate allies, the Tongass National Forest stands as a global titan. While headlines often focus on deforestation in the Amazon or melting ice sheets in Antarctica, the Tongass quietly performs a task that is just as critical: absorbing and storing atmospheric carbon on an unparalleled scale.

This rainforest is not only the largest in the U.S., but it is also the most carbon-dense forest in North America, and one of the most carbon-rich anywhere on the planet. It holds this status not only because of its vast size but because of the ancient, slow-growing trees that store centuries worth of carbon in their trunks, roots, and soils.

Why the Tongass Matters to the World

Trees absorb and store carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere during photosynthetic activity. In most ecosystems, that carbon is re-released when vegetation decays or burns. But in old-growth forests like the Tongass, carbon is stored long-term, sometimes for centuries, in the biomass of towering Sitka spruce and Western hemlocks.

Key Climate Facts:

• The Tongass sequesters an estimated 44.6 million metric tons of CO₂ annually.
• It stores approximately 8% of the total carbon found in all U.S. national forests.
• More than 1,000 metric tons of carbon, or the yearly emissions of 200 passenger cars, can be stored in one acre of old-growth forest in the Tongass.

Cutting these trees releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere, contributing to the very climate crisis the forest helps mitigate.

Comparing the Tongass to the Amazon

The Tongass and the Amazon both serve as the “lungs of the planet,” despite their extreme differences in terrain and biodiversity.

In spite of its smaller area, the Tongass retains more carbon per acre than the Amazon due to its cold, damp climate, which slows decomposition. This means even fallen logs in the Tongass may store carbon for decades—making it a slow but powerful climate ally.

International Climate Policy and the Tongass

The Tongass has been a flashpoint in international climate discussions, particularly regarding U.S. forest policy and carbon offset markets.

• United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCCC): Conservation of forests like the Tongass aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement, which emphasize carbon sequestration through nature-based solutions.
• REDD+ Framework (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation): While designed for tropical countries, the principles behind REDD+ can apply to temperate rainforests like the Tongass. Preserving old-growth forests can be part of national climate strategies.
• Carbon Markets: There is growing interest in including the Tongass in verified carbon credit markets, offering financial incentives for conservation over logging.

In essence, every tree that remains standing in the Tongass is a vote for global climate stability.

The Cost of Inaction

Failing to protect the Tongass would not only devastate local wildlife and Indigenous communities—it would undermine international climate goals. Logging, especially of old-growth forests, releases centuries of sequestered carbon into the atmosphere, accelerating global warming.

Moreover, damaged ecosystems reduce the forest’s ability to adapt to future climate stressors, from increased wildfires to invasive species.

This isn’t a theoretical problem. In the last two decades alone, parts of the forest previously protected under the Roadless Rule have been opened and re-closed due to political shifts—each time putting the carbon balance and ecological integrity of the forest at risk.

The Tongass: A Global Responsibility

In an interconnected climate system, no forest stands alone. What happens in Southeast Alaska reverberates across climate models, global sea levels, and atmospheric CO₂ concentrations. The Tongass is not just a regional asset; it is a global public good—a biological archive, a carbon reservoir, and a blueprint for coexistence.

Protecting it is not simply a local or national obligation—it is a shared duty of the global community. Whether through stronger policy, Indigenous-led governance, international partnerships, or sustainable tourism, safeguarding the Tongass is one of the most effective, science-backed actions we can take against a rapidly warming world.

How You Can Support the Tongass

A Forest Worth Protecting, A Future Worth Shaping

You don’t need to stand beneath the towering canopies of the Tongass to help protect it. In a world where environmental degradation can often feel overwhelming, the Tongass offers a rare opportunity: a thriving ecosystem that still has a chance to remain intact—if we act wisely and collectively.

Whether you’re a traveler, a student, a conservationist, or simply someone who believes in the power of nature, there are tangible steps you can take to support the future of the Tongass National Forest.

Practice Eco-Conscious and Respectful Tourism

If you’re fortunate enough to visit the Tongass, your trip can be part of the solution—if done responsibly.

• Choose Indigenous- or community-led tour operators, who reinvest profits into local stewardship.
• Stay on marked trails to minimize erosion and habitat disruption.
• Respect salmon streams and spawning grounds—avoid stepping into creeks or disturbing gravel beds.
• Use Leave No Trace principles: pack out all waste, avoid single-use plastics, and leave the forest undisturbed.
• Choose accommodations with sustainability certifications or climate-conscious initiatives.

Responsible tourism is not just about seeing nature—it’s about supporting the people and ecosystems that keep it alive.

Support Conservation and Indigenous-Led Organizations

Numerous organizations work tirelessly to defend the Tongass. Your donation, volunteer time, or social support can strengthen their impact.

Key Organizations to Consider:

• Southeast Alaska Conservation Council (SEACC): Advocates for the protection of Tongass ecosystems and sustainable economies.
• The Nature Conservancy – Alaska Chapter: Works on forest carbon programs and habitat protection in partnership with Indigenous communities.
• Seacoast Trust: An Indigenous-led initiative investing in long-term community and environmental stewardship in Southeast Alaska.
• Native Conservancy: A Tlingit-led nonprofit focused on Indigenous food sovereignty and marine protection.

These groups not only focus on conservation but also center cultural revitalization, community health, and long-term climate resilience.

Raise Awareness and Advocate for Policy Change

Public pressure has played a pivotal role in shaping federal policy around the Tongass—most notably the restoration of the Roadless Rule in 2023. Your voice matters.

• Contact your representatives and urge them to support permanent protections for old-growth forests in the U.S.
• Share educational content on social media to inform your network about the Tongass and its role in climate stability.
• Write letters or op-eds in local publications, especially if you’re based in the U.S., to show continued public interest in forest protection.

Awareness is the first step to accountability—especially in a world where policy is often driven by public opinion.

Buy Responsibly and Reduce Forest Footprints

Deforestation in the Tongass has historically been driven by commercial logging, much of it for products like pulpwood, plywood, or disposable paper goods. Being mindful of consumption patterns helps reduce pressure on old-growth forests globally.

• Avoid old-growth timber products by checking sourcing labels or FSC certification.
• Choose recycled or sustainably sourced paper, furniture, and building materials.
• Support businesses that pledge zero-deforestation policies and use renewable materials.

Fund Forest Carbon Projects or Offset Travel

Carbon offset programs are an emerging way to support forests like the Tongass while mitigating your environmental footprint.

• Consider donating to forest carbon sequestration initiatives operated by credible conservation organizations.
• Offset your travel or household emissions by purchasing carbon credits that support reforestation, afforestation, or forest protection in Southeast Alaska and other high-carbon-storage regions.

Make sure your offsets are third-party verified—look for standards like Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) or Gold Standard.

Educate Yourself and Others

Ultimately, the most powerful change begins with awareness. Take time to learn not only about the Tongass but about the larger climate context it belongs to.

• For an understanding of culture and ecology, read books like Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass or John Vaillant’s The Golden Spruce.

• Follow Native storytellers, scientists, and conservationists on social media.
• Encourage schools and educational institutions to include Tongass case studies in curricula related to climate science, Indigenous rights, and biodiversity.

Every Action Matters

You don’t need to be in Southeast Alaska to make a difference for the Tongass. Every donation, every conversation, every conscious choice you make ripples outward. This forest has stood for millennia as a guardian of carbon, culture, and life—but its future depends on what we choose to do today.

By supporting the Tongass, you’re not just protecting a patch of trees—you’re investing in a living, breathing climate solution, and in the Indigenous communities who have protected it for generations.

Conclusion & FAQs

The Tongass National Forest is not simply a place on a map—it is a living, breathing monument to Earth’s resilience. It is a sanctuary of towering trees that have withstood centuries of storms, a cradle for salmon that nourish both land and people, and a sacred landscape where culture, climate, and conservation intersect.

At a time when so much of the world’s natural beauty is fading, the Tongass still offers something rare: hope. Hope that we can protect what remains. Hope that Indigenous knowledge and scientific stewardship can coexist. Hope that humanity can redefine progress not through extraction, but through preservation.

But this hope is fragile. Political winds shift, economic pressures rise, and climate threats multiply. Without consistent protection, the Tongass could become yet another story of what we lost too late.

Whether you’re thousands of miles away or live in the heart of Southeast Alaska, the Tongass is part of your climate, your air, your planet. Its survival is our responsibility.

The question is no longer whether we can save it, but whether we will.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)