The 17 million acre forest, is home to over 400 different species of animal and marine wildlife. Old logging roads fall into disrepair, filling salmon streams with erosion and blocking the way for fish. Shore Excursion Size Small. The Tongass National Forest, the nation's largest with 17 million acres, covers most of Southeast Alaska, surrounding the famous Inside Passage. Keeping this magnificently vast forest intact is critically important to helping mitigate climate change. The Tongass National Forest absorbs about 8% of the world's carbon dioxide. This article discusses the spectacular forest, including its history, where to hike, what to do, and where to stay when visiting. The islands and mainland create 11,000 miles of shoreline where regal mountains rise from tidewater to overlook a mostly undeveloped and isolated landscape. The Tongass, which is managed by the United States Forest Service, encompasses islands of the . On August 2, 2018 the U.S. Forest Service announced that it signed an agreement with the State of Alaska to roll back the Roadless Rule, opening the Tongass National Forest to new road construction that would allow for increased resource extraction in the form of old-growth timber logging. All 217. This coastal wilderness and its wetlands form a unique ecosystem that sequesters. Juneau, AK 99802-1628 Your financial protection is guaranteed by It's a place where eagles are commonplace, almost every road is a deer crossing, and bears use the trails, too. These salmon have provided for the native people of the region for thousands of years. on official, secure websites. endobj Tongass mushroom colony A colony of mushrooms grows in the Tongass National Forest Native American Clan House and Totems Ketchikan, AK, USA - May 24, 2016: Ketchikan, AK, USA - May 24, 2016: Native American Totems and Clan Houses located at Totem Bight State Historic Site. The water routes are the gateway for Alaska visitors. A visit to Tongass is a truly Alaskan experience. It is a land where the forest meets the sea and as such, it supports some of the largest wild salmon populations left anywhere in the world. United States government. These salmon have provided for the native people of the region for thousands of years. United States. Perfect for research and educational programmes, she sleeps 12 passengers in six private cabins, has an expert naturalist on board and carries a motorised inflatable and kayaks for island excursions. LockA locked padlock Top ways to experience Tongass National Forest and nearby attractions Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour 613 Recommended Adventure Tours from $345.45 per adult Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour 329 Recommended Adventure Tours from $219.45 per adult Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure in Juneau 79 Nature Parks from $29.03 per adult Tidal highs and lows alternate every 6.5 hours. Large old-growth trees also play a vital role in mitigating climate change. ( RM EK48WN - Black bears at the Neets Bay Hatchery,Tongass National Forest, near Ketchikan, Alaska. Roads connect many of the communities of Prince of Wales Island. endobj The Largest National Forest. Photo by Tom Iraci. Its interface with the sea creates one of the . . <>>> Each year, nearly one million visitors travel through the Tongass National Forest aboard cruise ships or the Alaska Marine Highway ferries. Traveling through this watery world is a challenge. Alresford, Coastal temperate rain forests extend from Kodiak Island along the coast to California "fogbelt" redwoods. There are two types of bear in the Tongass, the brown bear and the black bear. Ketchikan Port Book [Add $5.00] Summary. Marine mammals are also abundant. Animals of the Tongass National Forest Spanning 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest is the world's largest remaining temperate rain forest. Note that some species may be know by other common names. It is well documented, visitors travel to Alaska with hopes of seeing three animals, bald eagles, whales, and brown bears. Coastal temperate rain forests foster a hugely disproportionate share of the world biological production. This huge area of forest is also home to both brown and black bear, deer, bald eagles and wolves. SO24 0AA, Much of their remaining 75 to 100 million acres is found there and in Chile. But at the Anan Wildlife Observatory on Alaska's Tongass National Forest, sightings of these impressive animals are not only common - but heavily sought after. Such ecosystems are incredibly rare around the world today. Only rarely will the temperatures drop below zero. They protect a network of salmon-rich rivers and streams that are an important resource for local communities. Bears and deer are frequently seen foraging beaches and streams for food. Local residents and tourists enjoy sailing, motor boating, kayaking and getting out on the water to fish. This Alaska temperate rain forests are comprised of thick stands of Sitka spruce, yellow-cedar, redcedar, and western and mountain hemlock. Tongass National Forest. Although bears, are omnivorous and will eat a wide range of foods in late summer, when the salmon are running . About 90 percent of these old growth forests remain as they were 100 years ago. The U.S. Forest Service continues to offer large tracts of this old-growth forest for intensive logging. The changes in day length are far more pronounced here than in the Lower 48. With 16.8 million acres, The Tongass National Forest The primary species of trees in the Tongass are Sitka spruce, western hemlock, western red cedar, and Alaska (yellow) cedar. Tongass also encompasses waterfalls, massive glaciers, towing mountain peaks, fjords, and the islands of Alexander Archipelago. Tongass National Forest covers most of the Alaska panhandle and is the largest publicly owned forest in the United States. The U.S. Forest Service governs everything from timber sales to hunting to recreation. This is why Alaska Conservation Foundation is proud to be the primary funder of an innovative network the Sustainable Southeast Partnership. (907) 586-8806. Tongass National Forest, 648 Mission Street, Suite No. High quality Tongass National Forest-inspired gifts and merchandise. Broken cloud cover creates calm waters and momentary respite from a rainy week at the Windfall Lake cabin on the Tongass National Forest, Juneau Ranger District, August 2017. A bald eagle takes flight, soaring above the tree line into a mottled gray sky. Animals are abundant in the Tongass. Here, thousands of eagles feast on late runs of chum salmon. In the temperate rain forest, western hemlocks push their floppy tops up through the mist while Sitka spruce brave the icy, salt-laden winds along the water edge. With over 400 species of land and marine wildlife, Tongass National Forest provides unrivaled opportunities to see eagles, bears, spawning salmon and species that are endangered elsewhere in the United States, such as the brown bear and bald eagle. Hiking The Tongass National Rainforest. The Sustainable Southeast Partnership builds trust and finds common ground among unlikely allies to achieve cultural, ecological and economic prosperity for the region. Free from vehicle pollution, the forest ecosystem thrives. Tiny southeast communities like Coffman Cove and Gustavus may only be reached by boat or small aircraft, generally float planes. Porcupine at Mendenhall Glacier. Few places in the world can boast of the geologic and climatic variations that characterize the Tongass. Trees and Shrubs of the Yakutat Ranger District, Tongass National Forest This is a list of woody vegetation (trees and shrubs) found in the Yakutat Ranger District of the Tongass National Forest in Yakutat, Alaska. The Tongass is Earth's largest remaining temperate rainforest, and the largest National Forest in the United States. View suggested itinerary Ideal for viewing American black bear, brown bear, bald eagle, humpback whale, orca Where Southeast Alaska, Alaska This wildlife location is featured in the following itinerary: Bears & Whales in South East Alaska Paul Robbins, the Public Affairs Officer for the National Forest Service, commented on regulations that are in place. The Prince of Wales Landscape Level Analysis (POW LLA) projectwas approved by the Forest Service and had the potential to result in the clearcutting of about 23,000 acres of old-growth trees on Alaskas public lands. A skittish black-tailed deer makes a run into the woodland and is swallowed by a thicket of hemlock and spruce. Bonus fact: Scenes from the 1982 horror/sci-fi film The Thing were filmed here RF M87WHB - A young black bear below the viewing platform at the Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site, in the Tongass National Forest, near Hyder, Alaska, USA. The forest is also home to brown and, black bear, Sitka black-tailed deer, bald eagles, wolves and many, of the worlds remaining old growth forest is in, Predation by a Golden Eagle on a Brown Bear Cub, Anthony, R.G., J.A. Additionally, as the website, "earthjustice.org" explains, "The Tongass stores hundreds of millions, if not over a billion, tons of carbon, keeping the heat-trapping element . Brown bears, fox, wolves, hawks, owls, & bald eagles are all examples of keystone species. They support healthy populations of brown bears, wolves and bald eagles as well as a vibrant local fishing tradition. This National Forest offers unique chances to view eagles, bears, spawning salmon, and the breathtaking vistas of "wild" Alaska. when you book with us. Tides in Southeast Alaska, while not as severe as some of the tides further north, have a variation of as much as 25 feet in one 6-hour period. Tongass National Forest: Wolf hunt may have killed 95% of wolves on Alaskan archipelago On Wednesday, a coalition of wildlife advocacy organizations sent a letter to Tongass National Forest officials expressing concern that the latest legal trapping season in the Alexander Archipelago ended up eradicating 97% of the wolf population there. The draft Environmental Impact Statement for this project was released on October 19th. These unique conditions lead to vital links between the marine and terrestrial environments. The Tongass is a wild place, where the natural world is a strong presence that nurtures spiritually and materially and demands respect. Combined with British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest, it is the largest intact temperate rain forest on earth. We believe this innovative and balanced approach represents the next phase of the environmental movement and may eventually be replicated across the globe in communities facing similar challenges. The mist covered magical landscape of the Tongass National Forest. 110, Ketchikan, AK 99901. As the gold potential dwindled in the 1900s, communities built their economies around fishing, timber and then tourism. America's National Forests provide recreational opportunities, watershed protection, timber products and protection for important wildlife habitats . Proposals backed by President Trump to open up the Tongass National Forest, the biggest in all of the US, to renewed logging are opening a new fight in a very old part of Alaska. It also abounds in animals and birds and fish, with unsurpassed scenery and hardy people. 4.7 / 5 | 36 Reviews Review This Tour. Bear at Tongass National Forest - August 2017 01.jpg 2,048 1,536; 282 KB Sea otters, seals, sea lions, porpoises and whales are often viewed throughout Southeast Alaska. Ecologists use four features to distinguish coastal rain forests from other temperate forest types: proximity to oceans, the presence of coastal mountains, cooler summer temperatures, and higher rainfall levels with significant precipitation occurring in all seasons. It is an ideal extension of forests if you are fond . The Natural Travel Collection Ltd, All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. The Forest Service accepted public comments on the project until December 17, 2019.They are now in the process of developing the final Environmental Impact Statement, which is expected to be released in mid 2020, after which they will make a decision. Bishops Sutton, It includes 160,000 acres of forests, and has been nicknamed 'America's Amazon.' President Bill Clinton made a protection called the roadless rule that banned logging and road construction in 1999, 21 years ago. This is one of the largest forests in the entire United States and has more than 17 thousand hectares that you can visit. These Amazing Animals Have Large Eyes, Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus Leucocephalus Alascanus), Yellowstone Bird Program Annual Report 2012, Identification and Status of Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Turkey Vultures, and Black Vultures in Ontario by Bruce W, Birds of Prey Bird, "King Tut," Will Rarely Pass up the Chance to Give a Little Love Bite to Any at the Oklalwma City Zologica~ Park Unwary Bird Keeper, Bald Eagle (Hali[Ae]Tus Leucocephalus) and Great Horned Owl (Bubo, Periodic Status Review for the Bald Eagle in Washington, BALD EAGLE Scientific Name: Haliaeetus Leucocephalus, Bald Eagle & Endangered Species Haliaeetus Leucocephalus, Bald Eagle Kills Sharp&Hyphen;Shinned Hawk, Infestation Parameters of Chewing Lice (Phthiraptera: Amblycera And, THE BALD EAGLE a TRUE AMERICAN BIRD Y Oar Slices Through the Calm Water, Hybrid Bald Eagle X Steller's Sea-Eagle from Vancouver Island, Birds of the Great Plains: Family Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Harriers), Conservation Assessment for the Northern Goshawk in Southeast Alaska, Zoom in on America WWILDLIFEILDLIFE SUCCESSSUCCESS STORIESSTORIES, Bald Eagle Species: Haliaeetus Leucocephalus, How Ohio Helped Save the Bald Eagle by WILL HODGES Special to The. There's nothing to be gained by logging this area, including economic gain. The Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska is the largest national forest in the United States at 17 million acres (69,000 km2). You can camp in a campground - or in a cabin. The Tsimshian moved from their former home in British Columbia to Annette Island in the late 1800s. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Though home to the Northern Hemisphere largest temperate rain forest, about 40 percent of the Tongass is covered by ice, water, muskeg, and rock. Thanks to the diligence of Alaska conservation groups, the timber sale was blocked by a federal judge in September 2019. In the Tongass National Forest these roadless areas provide nesting trees for birds like the Queen Charlotte Goshawk and Red-breasted Sapsucker. "It's too expensive to hammer roads through the wilderness. Less than 8% of the Tongass is developed, primarily from past timber management activities. Black Bear (Ursus americanus), Tongass National Forest, Alaska HAB 400VIF044 01 Mendenhall Ice Glacier, Juneau Icefield, Juneau, AK HAB 400VIF045 01 Mendenhall Ice Glacier, Juneau Icefield, Juneau, AK, Alaska HAB 400VIF046 01 Mendenhall Ice Glacier, Juneau Icefield, Juneau, AK MBE 110KEL022 01 Black Bear, Tongass NF, AK Alaska HAB 400GAH005 01 This is America's largest rainforest. At almost 17 million acres, this unique area houses some of the oldest trees in the nation many over 800 years old and provides essential habitat for the largest population of Bald Eagles in the world. Travelling on board a small yacht, a flexible itinerary makes the most of wildlife sightings. Many call it home: grizzly bears, bald eagles, Pacific salmon, moose. The islands, fjords, glaciers and muskegs which all make up the Tongass are home to some of the most rare ecosystems on the planet. Once it's gone, it's gone forever." Vista of the Tongass National Forest taken from the high country of Admiralty Island. Most of its area is part of the temperate rain forest WWF ecoregion, itself part of the larger Pacific temperate rain forest WWF ecoregion, and is remote enough to be home to many species of endangered and rare flora and fauna. On the Move: Dec. 9, 2022. It is one of the few places left on and The forests of Prince William Sound on the Chugach National Forest represent the northernmost extent of this rich, but uncommon, ecosystem. There are no threatened or endangered animals on the Tongass. Past ways still flourish. Black bears are common as well as mountain goats and moose. This is a guide of all known forbs (herbaceous flowering plants) of the Yakutat Ranger District in Yakutat, Alaska. 1"{(QZ3 -H4qC@Pd }RD2qs1H!X{j;_Y)E4kn{aJqU4ROx&]]6q;q}z&KEEA6{)1JpFA"I 0_B!a]?^L?P]+-n\|p5!~9|W].X;B!u.`u{|TbB(!,JzMj BK)L:p@,OBO J\Wi:_Irw|`;]UZHGVTuKQW%\J@hgyj.. The Tongass National Forest is vital in our fight against climate change. The remaining 22% is in land allocations that could allow development activities such as timber management. Tongass National Forest, Alaska. Join the fight to reinstate the Roadless Rule for the sake of people, animals, and the planet . With demands from all sides, the Forest Service works to balance the needs of people whose way of life is based in using resources while leaving large stretches of the ecosystem undisturbed for people who want to go to the woods for recreation and inspiration. T-shirts, posters, stickers, home decor, and more, designed and sold by independent artists around the world. Changing or repealing this rule will lead to nothing but environmental degradation in these vital forest ecosystems. It would be great to know more about you and your interests. Sea Otter Official websites use .gov A .gov While your ship is docked in Ketchikan, kayak around Eagle Island, part of Tongass National Forest, on this 3.5-hour guided shore excursion. The Roadless Rule, established two decades ago, protects important fish and wildlife habitat on federal lands, protects drinking water, and protects recreation and business opportunities, all of which are crucial to Alaskas communities and economy. <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> At sea level, rainnd lots of itay fall throughout the year. Water defines the Tongass National Forest. The concentration of bald eagles in Tongass National Forest if higher than any other region on earth. (number 10544) Each generation shares its knowledge of the land with the next. Bethany Ihle accepted the position of forest supervisor of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands . ATOL But Alaska Conservation Foundation believes it will only remain this way if we continue to support both the advocacy efforts of our partners who are vigilant to immediate threats, alongside long-term, big picture, proactive approaches where communities and a healthy environment co-exist. You must go well prepared for the area you want to discover, because depending on the place where you dive you will need winter or summer clothes. Sign up to get the latest on our holidays, offers and events. This comfortable and roomy 20-metre steel-hulled motor-vessel is ideal for expedition cruising in Alaskan waters. An official website of the Others defend the need to go to the woods and waters to make their living. Wildlife is abundant throughout the Tongass National Forest. The Tongass National Forest contains 9.2 million acres of roadless areas. The Chugach National Forest is a 6,908,540-acre (27,958 km 2) United States National Forest in south central Alaska.Covering portions of Prince William Sound, the Kenai Peninsula and the Copper River Delta, it was formed in 1907 from part of a larger forest reserve.The Chugach includes extensive shorelines, glaciers, forests and rivers, much of which is untouched by roads or trails. The habitats within the temperate rainforest support black and brown bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, moose, mountain goats, gray wolves and beavers, to list a few mammals. Alaska Conservation Foundations long-time partners Southeast Alaska Conservation Council,Sitka Conservation Society, Renewable Energy Alaska Project and The Nature Conservancynow work together in meaningful ways with Alaska Native corporations, regional economic development organizations and local municipalities that have historically been focused more heavily on resource extraction. Email: press@usda.gov WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2021 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it is taking steps to repeal the 2020 Alaska Roadless Rule and restore protections to more than nine million acres of inventoried roadless areas on the Tongass National Forest. Spanning 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest is the worlds large, temperate rain forest. The . No permit is required as long as the following guidelines are followed. Here in Southeast Alaska, where 17 million acres of the region is the Tongass National Forest, the U.S. Forest Serviceis the most important player in determining how tourists and residents alike use and experience the wilderness. For thousands of years the Tlingit and Haida peoples have pulled the salmon and herring out of these waters and gathered the berries and other land bounty. The Tongass Young Growth Inventory Portal story map will provide stand-level inventory data and information for decision makers and stakeholders in the Alaska region, in support of the Tongass National Forest's transition to primarily young-growth timber harvest. Ecotourism is one of the faster growing portions of the tourism industry. And look what you put at risk.". the tongass national forest encompasses a number of southeast alaska native villages and their ancestral lands, so any decision about it will affect access to food sources like salmon, sitka. 709 W. 9th Street Sutton Manor Farm, endobj The Tongass National Forest offers outstanding recreation opportunities, some very different from anything you'll experience in National Forests in the lower 48 states. Rainfall in Southeast Alaska varies from two to 25 feet each year, depending on location. Estes, M. A. Ricca, A. K. Miles, and E. D. Forsman, Bald Eagle Nest in a Manitoba Heron 30L0ny Eagle/Coyote, Field Guide to RAPTORS of the Northwest Territories 2 |, Birds Accipitridae COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME Osprey Pandion, BEAR CART the Following Items Should Be on the Cart, If They Are Not, Educator's Guide to Celebrating Pennsylvania Bald Eagles And, Town of Superior Raptor Monitoring 2020 Summary, Northern Goshawk and Its Prey in the Black Hills: Habitat Assessment, Notes 43 BLACK and TURKEY VULTURE INTERACTIONS WITH, Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus Leucocephalus) - Magnificent Bird of Prey, Winter Scavenging of Ungulate Carrion by Bald Eagles, Common Ravens, and Coyotes in Northern Arizona, Bald Eagle Haliaeetus Leucocephalus Saved from Extinction, Common Raptors and Other Large Birds of New Mexico, Species Identification of Golden and Bald Eagle Talons Using Morphometrics Avery J, Identification of Bald and Golden Eagle Feathers, Raptors Are Birds of Prey. Alaska national forests harbor the largest remaining temperate rain forest in the world. Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - With regulations in place, Alaskans are welcome to cut their own Christmas tree in the Tongass National Forest for personal use. Each spring, the buzzy call of the varied thrush announces the arrival of warmer weather. Despitenearly 60 years of unsustainable logging, the Tongass still contains an incredible wealth of intact watersheds and thriving fish and wildlife populations. x%*LM{}kic-I?gH"$FJ&) gh?"?'DTH@8H~R;? Shore Excursion Duration 3 hours. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the Tongass each summer in the hopes of experiencing its magnificence: two-hundred-foot-tall spruce and 500-year-old cedar trees soaring overhead. The beautiful Tongass National Forest carries a great amount of fish and wildlife, consisting of all five species of Pacific salmon, brown bears, wolves, Sitka black-tailed deer, Bald eagles, Northern Goshawks, and the Marbled Murrelets. % Within weeks, thousands of shorebirds stop on the delta to rest from their long trek north to summer breeding grounds. Media in category "Animals of Tongass National Forest" The following 25 files are in this category, out of 25 total. Donate today to Alaska Conservation Foundation to protect the majestic old-growth rainforest in the Tongass National Forestand advance enduring opportunities for economic and cultural vitality in Southeast Alaska. Erik Fey accepted the position of forest supervisor of the Fremont-Winema National Forest in the Pacific Northwest Region (Region 6) in Lakeview, Oregon. Only Hyder, Haines, and Skagway are connected to the North American road system. Forest Service photo by Jon Gellings. %PDF-1.5 Timber management can actually occur on about 4% of the Tongass, which is located within this 22% of the forest where development could be allowed. In winter, the daylight dwindles to just over seven hours. A Stunning Rainforest In Alaska, Tongass National Forest Is The Largest In The U.S. Picture this: 17 million acres of huge trees, temperate rainforest, jolting fjords, booming waterfalls, steep mountain peaks, fascinating amounts of wildlife, glistening glaciers and some of the rarest types of flora and fauna in the world. Private interests, having already logged their own portion of this ancient forest, constantly lobby Congress to put more of the Tongass in private hands. Bear watching at Tongass National Forest is one of the United States' greatest outdoor experiences Mike MacEacheran / Lonely Planet People have lived and worked in this water-drenched land for a multitude of centuries. Every winter brown bears hibernate for five to eight months. The Tongass is spread across 17 million acres. The Tongass National Forest helps protect Earth's climate and provides crucial refuge for myriad plant and animal species, including five species of salmon. Price: $99.00. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r10/about-region/overview/?cid=fsbdev2_038671, Total non-forested acres = 7.1 million (42% include rock and ice), Total forested acres = 9.7 million - (58%). Its approximately 26,560 square miles (68,790 square km), composed of (volcanic) mountainous offshore archipelagos and rugged fjord-indented coastline, include some of the . A black bear sow watches over her cubs in the Tongass National Forest. In fact, there are no threatened or endangered species anywhere in the forest. Meanwhile, large areas that were clearcut are slowly growing back into dense thickets of young trees that are nearly impenetrable to wildlife. Wildlife Worldwide Tongass National Forest in southeast Alaska is the world's largest remaining intact coastal temperate rain forest. After crossing Dixon Entrance, a voyager traveling north on the waters of the Inside Passage is surrounded by the Tongass. In spring, a eulachon (sea-run smelt) run lures hundreds of eagles to the Stikine River Delta near Wrangell. Water falls as rain and snow and feeds the temperate rain forest. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, and the Forest Service have chosen Alternative Six as their preferred option. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center in Juneau is among the top three tourist attractions in the state. Some species, such as the bald eagle and the brown bear, are endangered in other parts of the United States, but thrive in your forest. Normal summer highs average 55 to 60 degrees, with winter highs hovering around 30 to 35. . PO Box 21628 We generally send two to three e-newsletters per month. The Tongass National Forest is a place so visually stunning it looks like a remnant of some long-lost worlda land where towering mountains rise up beside remote fjords; where massive blue glaciers carve deep valleys, spilling icebergs into the frigid sea; where grizzly bears still rule, and humpback whales forage in the rich coastal waters. is a brand of 1 0 obj stream The Tongass National Forest covers most of Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage, and offers an astounding view of wild Alaska; lush rainforests, magnificent glaciers and icefields, mountains, waterways and thousands of islands. wildlife location 654 were here. The Tongass National Forest contains fourteen percent of the world total acreage of these productive forests. Average precipitation varies from 162 inches a year in Ketchikan to 26 inches a year in Skagway. The Tongass is our nations largest National Forestthe Crown Jewel. Two common forest-floor small mammals of southeastern Alaska rain forest are the southern red-backed vole (Clethrionomys gapperi) and Keen's mouse (Peromyscus keeni-MacDonald and Cook 1996;. Anaphalis margaritacea. Long Barn South, There is simply no place else like it. People from all over are passionate about the wet and enigmatic Tongass National Forest. website belongs to an official government organization in the Amid the lush ferns and mossy remnants of fallen trees, one might see a brown bear ambling its way to a salmon stream, in search of its next meal. . pearly everlasting 1. Wildlife that can be found in Tongass National Forest includes black bears, wolves, brown bears, moose, mountain goats, porpoises, humpback whales, killer whales, sea otters, hair seals, and bald eagles. ABTOT While some glaciers remain perched above sea level, others, called "tidewater glaciers" deliver their icy cargo into the ocean. In the southeast corner of Alaska, the Tongass National Forest swallows up an astonishing 16.7 million acres. The Salmon Forest is a 30-minute documentary film that explores the connection between wild salmon and life in Alaska's Tongass National Forest, the largest . The proposed changes to the Roadless Rule may also impact Alaskas Chugach National Forest. Visitors also travel to the Juneau Ice Field via helicopter and take organized boat trips into Misty Fiords and Tracy Arm. Without these animals the food chain will fall apart . It is teeming with life: over 400 species of terrestrial and marine wildlife, fish and shellfish abound. The Tongass consists of a vast number of clean creeks, rivers and lakes all of which provide a home to fish including trout and salmon. Anemonastrum narcissiflorum. Sort. Other animals such as moose, deer, beaver, fox and porcupine are common throughout the forest. The 17-million acre Tongass is the largest national forest in the United States. The Tongass National Forest of Southeast Alaska is home to part of the Emerald Edge the largest intact temperate rainforest remaining on Earth. Tongass National Forest serves an excellent purpose for wildlife and our climate. Water stored in glaciers creeps out to the sea. Sitka blacktail deer and its two main predators, wolf and brown bear, are found here. The old growth trees absorb carbon dioxide. <> It stretches from the southern tip of Prince of Wales Island 500 miles north to the Hubbard Glacier just north of Yakutat. Plus, of course, opportunities to watch bear, whales or birds in their natural settings. UK. The forest was named for a Tlingit Indian group. A little more than half of Tongass National Forest is now open to being destroyed. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1 . Hampshire, 4 0 obj Enter the protected waters of Clover Pass and as you paddle around the island, spot wildlife including bald eagles, seals, salmon, and perhaps even humpbacks and orcas. All five species of Pacific salmon (chum, coho, king, pink and sockeye) thrive and spawn in the streams and waters of the Tongass National Forest. . Water carves the rocks and sheer cliffs. Grid Card. It encompasses nearly 90 percent of the southeastern panhandle of Alaska. is featured in the following itinerary: We generally send two to three e-newsletters per month. Fey currently serves as chief of Operations for the Defense Health Agency. Narcissus-flowered Anemone 2. Shore Excursion Type Active, Scenic, Cultural. According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Tongass National Forest: 3-Hour Alaska Rainforest Hiking Tour in Tongass National Forest from Ketchikan (From C$133.29) 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour (From C$104.92) Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour (From C$200.61) Anchorage, Alaska 99501, 2022 Alaska Conservation Foundation | Board login | Staff login | Website by Clutch Media. The Alaska Marine Highway ferries serve larger communities like Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg and Sitka. <> Tongass salmon account for 28 percent of the commercial salmon harvest in Alaska, and the industry generates $986 million annually, according to the Forest Service. Lush temperate rain forest thrives at sea level, less than a two-mile hike from the frigid, windy alpine where buttercups and sedges cling to a tenuous existence. The adjacent waters are productive as well. Mountain Hemlock Adaptations You could find it in Ketchikan, Alaska Tongass National Forest plants/animals Location You can find many plants and animals in this forest, we choose to do our research on the Brown bear, the Sea otter, Mountain hemlock, and the Shore Pine. Brown bears, also known as grizzly bears, are omnivorous and will eat a wide range of foods including grasses, roots, berries, insects, fish, carrion, and sometimes even moose, caribou, elk and salmon. Usually, when adventuring on our National Forests, a close encounter with a bear can be dangerous - and certainly unwanted. The Tongass is the nation's largest national forest and covers most of Southeast Alaska, surrounding the famous Inside Passage and offers unique chances to view eagles, bears, spawning salmon, and the breath-taking vistas of "wild" Alaska. Over eight million hectares in size, it is the earths largest remaining temperate rainforest. In conjunction with our additional collaborative conservation initiatives, this unique partnership is helping lead the way to Alaskas future by figuring out how conserving and protecting the natural environment happens alongside community development and healthy local economies. A visit to Tongass is a truly Alaskan experience. The Tongass National Forest sustains the lands and people of Southeast Alaska,. About 35% (6 million acres) of the Tongass is set aside as: 19 Congressionally-designated Wilderness areas, Another 43% of the Tongass is is land use allocations that do not allow development activities. Choose Options My Cruise Itinerary. First established in 1907 by a proclamation directly from Theodore Roosevelt, Tongass exists because of a joint decree to combine two . The rule protects Tongass National Forest's rare ecosystems which contain 30% of the world's remaining old-growth trees, provide shelter and food to over 400 wildlife species, and provide food and medicine to Indigenous and local communities. "It just doesn't make sense here," Hieronymus says. Alternative Six would, devastatingly, fully exempt the Tongass National Forest from the 2001 National Roadless Rule. The Tongass has been protected since 2001 by the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a Clinton administration edict that prohibited new road building across sensitive areas of national forests . Note that many species may be known by different common names. Join the fight to reinstate the Roadless Rule for the sake of people, animals, and the planet . The highest density of brown bears in the world live on Admiralty Island. We filmed this amazing footage in the Tongass National Forest, the largest protected rainforest in the United States and the northernmost rainforest in the w. All five species of Pacific Salmon, as well as Steelhead and Trout, fill the ocean and streams and feed the forests. Over one-third of Tongass National Forest is designated as federal wilderness, containing habitat for a variety of wildlife including brown and black bears, mountain goats, black-tailed deer, wolverines, river otters, harbor seals and bald eagles. Tongass national forest animals Stock Photos and Images. Start Further Info FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Monique Nelson, project manager, by phone at 1-907-209-4090 or by email at monique.nelson@usda.gov. There are more bears in this one area than in the entire lower 48 states. The spruce, cedar and hemlock trees not only absorb and store 8 percent of total carbon in the U.S. but are a vital resource to multiple Indigenous tribes and home to over 400 wildlife species2. Residents may see more than 17 hours of daylight in June. The islands, fjords, glaciers and muskegs which all make up the Tongass, are home to some of the most rare ecosystems on the planet. It is joined by songbirds migrating their way north and others, such as the chestnut-backed chickadee and pine siskin, which make their homes here year-round. Brown bear, black bear, wolves and Sitka black-tailed deer thrive in this landscape, and it is one of the planet's greatest wild salmon nurseries. Climb just 1,600 feet, and the climate is too harsh for trees. These trees are prized for their durability, usefulness and beauty. Unlike most places in the Lower 48, it is wind, and not fire, that disturbs the forest, sometimes toppling acres of trees at a time. Yet further clearcutting will come at the expense of those who rely on the intact forest to support the regions healthy fishing and tourism industries. This would put over 9 million acres of the Tongass National Forest at risk for more logging roads and old-growth clearcut logging! 3 0 obj They accumulate and store more organic matter than any other forest type (including tropical rain forests)s much as 1,000-2,000 metric tons of wood, foliage, leaf litter, moss, other living plants, and organic soil per acre. Coastal temperate rain forests are found in wet, cool climates where the collision of marine air and coastal mountains causes large amounts of rainfall. Additionally, up until recently the forests on Prince of Wales Island were under threat from the largest old-growth timber sale on the Tongass in nearly 30 years. The Tongass National Forest is very rich in biodiversity, housing salmon, bears, bald eagles, wolves, and many other animals. 135. In areas protected from the wind, usually on the north side of ridges, trees may live to be more than 500 years old. Wild salmon fisheries provide more jobs than any other private economic sector. 2 0 obj Sub alpine fir, red and yellow cedar and hardwoods like alder, find their own spot in the forest. The area offers a host of activities, from dog-sledding on a glacier, hiking through dense forest, alpine meadows or on boardwalktrails through peat bogs, to sailing, canoeing, kayaking or cruising salt water fjords and their myriad of waterways. . Take an unforgettable voyage along the coast of South East Alaska to witness brown bears gorging on salmon, a majestic glacier spawning icebergs, and humpback whales bubble-net feeding. Why is national forest important? The Tongass National Forest consists of rain forests, glaciers and icefields, spectacular scenery, mountains, waterways and thousands of islands separated by straits and channels. The Tongass produces about a quarter of the salmon catch on the West Coast. The Tongass. Share sensitive information only The Tongass National Forest is also one of the most significant remaining temperate rainforests in the world. Alaska has hosted a glacier-favoring mixture of climate and topography . The Tongass National Forest, at nearly 17 million acres, is twice the size of Maryland. Wilderness is the symbol of brown bear habitat, and God isn't making wilderness anymore. It is home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tshimsian Peoples. The rule protects Tongass National Forest's rare ecosystems which contain 30% of the world's remaining old-growth trees, provide shelter and food to over 400 wildlife species, and provide food and medicine to Indigenous and local communities. Some say they want a sense that wild places remain where wildlife may roam undisturbed. Roads between communities are rare. The rain forest ecosystem does not end at the high tide line, rather, nutrients are cycled throughout the system. The Tongass National Forest (/ t s /) in Southeast Alaska is the largest U.S. National Forest at 16.7 million acres (26,100 sq mi; 6,800,000 ha; 68,000 km 2).Most of its area is temperate rain forest and is remote enough to be home to many species of endangered and rare flora and fauna. The maritime environment dominates the weather. Even the face of the sea changes here as it surges through narrow channels and up glacier-carved fiords. By destroying Tongass National Forest there will be many negative effects. Gold in this era drew thousands of fortune-seekers up though the Inside Passage to the towns of Douglas, Juneau and Skagway. connected to the .gov website. The Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska is our nation's largest national forest, nearly 17 million acres in size. Today, many bush residents depend on a subsistence lifestyle, just as Alaska Natives have for centuries. They support healthy populations of brown bears, wolves and bald eagles as well as a vibrant local fishing tradition. Alaska Regional Office Marine mammals found along the shores include Dall's and harbor porpoises, harbor seals, sea otters, and humpback, minke, and killer whales. It is a land where the forest meets the sea and as such, it supports some of the largest wild salmon populations left anywhere in the world. "Rivers of ice," or glaciers, grind their way down from the mountaintops. info@alaskaconservation.org, 1227 W. 9th Ave., Suite 300 907.276.1917 An increasingly rare global treasure, it contains the largest intact stands of coastal temperate rainforest left on the planet. They support salmon that spawn in the forest's creeks and rivers, providing food for bears, eagles and other predators. The largest known concentration of bald eagles gathers each fall and winter along the Chilkat River near Haines. In fact, there are no threatened or endangered species on the Tongass National Forest. It's home to a wide range of native animals, too, including all five species of Pacific salmon, steelhead trout, brown bears, black bears, gray wolves, Sitka black-tailed deer, mountain goats,. It is one of the few places left, earth that maintains a delicate balance between land, wa, and several varieties of trout. They may not be as obviously critical to the region's economy as the salmon or such larger animals as whales, which attract tourists, or deer and bears, which . In combination with British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest immediately to the south, the region encompasses the largest intact temperate rainforest on earth. 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