The men and women of the Alaska Region work with the public to manage more than 22 million acres in Southcentral and Southeast Alaska. Vast watersheds filled with rivers, salmon streams, and glaciers are found in these acres. The Alaska Region of the Forest Service is a leader in protecting the land’s bounty while providing a place for people to work and play.

There are two national forests in Alaska, the two largest in the national forest system. The Tongass National Forest stretches the 500-mile length of the Alaska Panhandle and encompasses more than 80 percent of the land. The Tongass is home to the cities of Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, Petersburg, and other communities located in this vast temperate rain forest.

The Chugach National Forest makes a 210-mile arc around Prince William Sound. Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, is an access point to the Chugach. The Chugach is home to Seward, Cordova, Valdez and other communities.

These cities and communities depend on national forest resources, which include, besides timber and mining, some of the most spectacular scenery in Alaska. Many residents make use of the fish, blueberries, deer, salmon, firewood and other resources on the forests.

National and international visitors join local residents in exploring the rivers and trails that stretch from sea level to the alpine. Commercial tours and cruises enable visitors to enjoy the wildlife and scenery, while independent travelers make their own opportunities for excellent fishing, kayaking and camping experiences.

The land’s beauty and bounty, and the role of the Forest Service in managing the land, receive much national attention. Many people are interested in balancing the use of and extraction of natural resources while conserving and protecting them.