One of the Sitka Conservation Society’s strategic goals is to shape a policy for 2^nd growth management on the Tongass and assure that restoration of wildlife habitat is a funded priority.  Recently, we held a workshop in Sitka that brought together diverse user groups from the Tongass with Forest Service staff to think about how we can work together to achieve mutual goals.  Some of the participants in the workshop included a recreational user group of the Tongass, Sitka Tribal Council members, City of Sitka Assembly Members, representatives from State legislative offices, loggers, fishermen, and representatives of the local Economic Development Board.

The Stewardship Conference was attended by a diverse group.

The workshop was organized by the Sitka Conservation Society,  Headwaters Economics, and the Sitka Ranger District.  In addition to the expertise and facilitation offered by Headwaters Economics staff Ben Alexander, Maia Ensler from Sustainable Northwest and Carol Daly—who helped write the original legislation allowing for FS Stewardship Contracting—offered their expertise and case studies of success from other communities across the country.

The immediate goal for this workshop is to provide input on a planned “Integrated Resource Management Project” that is currently being developed by the Sitka Ranger District.  The goals of the integrated resource management approach is to combine and maximize benefits from Forest Service Projects (the recent Starrigavan Cabin project that thinned 2^nd growth, improved Wildlife habitat, provided vocational training, and created a recreational facility, is a good example of another project that “integrated” benefits).  The project currently being planned seeks to restore wildlife habitat in various areas around Sitka and also find ways to achieve multiple benefits for recreational opportunities, forest products from 2^nd growth, habitat connectivity, subsistence gathering opportunities, environmental services, etc.

During the workshop the guest content experts also helped user groups and Forest Service staff understand “Forest Service Stewardship Contracts” and other tools available to get work done on the Tongass.  One Forest Service staffer summed up what he learned with “I’ve gotten so tired of hearing ‘no we can’t do that and no that won’t work.’  It has been so great to hear about all these things that we can do and these examples of what has already been achieved by the agency in other places!”

Along with discussions on creating partnerships to keep trails and cabins open for recreation, the group talked about how we can restore Wildlife Habitat on the 57,000 acres of previously clearcut land surrounding Sitka and using the by-products to supply firewood for heating in Sitka.  There was enthusiasm for that concept as firewood would keep money circulating in the local economy,  and take action on climate change by displacing the use of oil.

This project is a trendsetter on the Tongass and is representative of a new way of doing business in the region.  By bringing user groups together and finding common ground solutions, we are turning our backs on conflict while also prioritizing community and ecosystem health.  SCS is helping to make these efforts happen by creating collaborative partnerships, providing staff time and expertise, and applying for funding to support these efforts. 

Our efforts are being noticed and are appreciated.  Click here to read a letter of recommendation from Senator Lisa Murkowski for a grant supporting these efforts to the National Forest Foundation:

To hear more about these efforts, listen to the Raven Radio Interview with Ben Alexander and Andrew Thoms by downloading an MP3 here

7th Grade Stream Team works with SCS and USFS Staff to plan and monitor restoration of salmon and deer habitat