I had the privilege of growing up in Southeast Alaska which means that I also had the privilege of learning how to live off of the Tongass National Forest and all it has to offer. For those who live here, we know that the Tongass is more than just a vast expanse of trees; it is the heart of our communities, cultures, and livelihoods, and has been for generations.
My life has been shaped by moments spent fishing with my parent, hiking with my dog, picking berries with aunties and cousins, harvesting plants with my classmates, and exploring the beach in search of sea life and shells with my friends. These are memories that I share with those closest to me, and I know that many others in Southeast have had similar experiences with those closest to them. These memories and experiences reflect the unique bond Southeast Alaskans have with the land we live on.
As I look to the future, I want to see my children and grandchildren have the opportunity to enjoy Southeast the way that I did. Right now, I — and those who also want to see the Tongass continue to be enjoyed by the generations beyond us — have the chance to be a part of the process that shapes how the Tongass is managed.
The Tongass Land Management Plan is being revised and these revisions will be in effect for the next 15-plus years. This is the first time in 27 years that the whole plan is being overhauled; we can assume that the revised plan will be in place for a long time, and the stakes are high for anyone who calls Southeast Alaska home.
The revised plan will serve as a blueprint for how our land is managed, ensuring it continues to support the values, traditions, and livelihoods that define our communities. This is an exciting opportunity for those living in Southeast to make their voices heard and be a part of the revision that will shape each of our futures.
This involves assessing how different areas of land can best contribute to community needs. Our communities need to see a forest managed to ensure that each area designation aligns with its unique strengths and resources to support the industries that drive Southeast’s economy sustainably.
We can also use the revision to prioritize the needs of the Indigenous communities of Southeast whose cultures and traditions are deeply intertwined with the land. In addition to considering Indigenous needs, this revision can also incorporate Indigenous knowledge and land management techniques and has the ability to be a game-changer in this revision and the future of the Tongass. The decisions made in this revision will have long-lasting impacts on our environment, economy and way of life.
Under the previous plan, Indigenous communities and cultural uses of the land were largely overlooked; this is our chance to correct that oversight and make sure these vital lifeways and modes of balance are incorporated into the next generation of stewardship. This revision is about more than just land management — it’s about creating a relationship with the land that will allow both our communities and environment to thrive together.
Public participation in the Tongass plan revision process is especially important because of the wide range of activities that occur in the Tongass. The diverse uses and needs people have of the forest make every voice matter. From the voice of a fisherman who is concerned about salmon populations, a small business owner who depends on tourism, or simply a resident who enjoys the natural beauty of our regions, all that input matters.
The revision process is designed to be inclusive, with opportunities for community engagement at public meetings and for the public to submit comments to the Forest Service about the issues closest to their heart. I urge all Southeast Alaskans to get involved in the Tongass Land Management Plan revision. This is our chance to come together and ensure that the Tongass National Forest remains a place of wonder, resilience and sustainable resources for the generations to come.
• Kalila Arreola is a conservation and community development policy intern for the Sitka Conservation Society.
