Size Creates Challenges

The large areas covered by the two national forests create challenges for both the public and the Forest Service. Much of the two forests are spread over many islands. While slowly growing in some areas, roads are virtually nonexistent in vast areas of the landscape. People often must travel by boat or aircraft. Where they do exist, roads are being reviewed to make sure they are developed to the best scientific standards to create the least impact on watersheds and the forest.

The size of the forests—the two largest in the nation–dictates efficient organization. The Chugach is headquartered in Anchorage, and has three districts with offices in Seward, Cordova, and Girdwood. The Tongass is headquartered in Ketchikan and maintains ten ranger districts that are spread from Yakutat to Ketchikan. The regional office that supports the two forests is located in Juneau.

These logistical facts translate into what we call "the cost of doing business," and must be taken into consideration in planning our day-to-day activities. Alaska Region employees have learned to make use of modern-day technology to communicate with each other and their counterparts in other regions.

Photo by Tom Iraci.