Tongass National Forest

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Watershed Program

The Tongass National Forest is home to more than 250,000 acres of lakes and more than 50,000 miles of streams, producing some of the world’s cleanest water and internationally recognized fish resources. These watersheds are being managed as a global showcase of healthy watersheds and aquatic resources. The majority of watersheds on the Tongass National Forest are in pristine condition and most managed watersheds are in a very healthy condition.

The watershed program motto, “Stewardship First,” aptly describes our vision of promoting ecosystem health and conservation using a collaborative approach to maintain and improve watershed condition and the health of associated riparian and aquatic communities.

Forest Service soil and water resource professionals live and work in communities across Southeast Alaska.

We are actively assessing and restoring “high priority” watersheds in partnership with other state and federal agencies, local governments and conservation organizations including The Nature Conservancy and Trout Unlimited. Tongass watershed stewardship activities provide local jobs and numerous public benefits in the form of enhanced recreation, tourism, sport fishing and subsistence uses of the fish, wildlife and clean water resources.

We are actively assessing and restoring “high priority” watersheds

Hydrology in the News

April 17, 2008 - 2008 Snowpack Second Highest on Record in Southeast Alaska (© Copyright 2008, Narrows Broadcasting Corp.) - Radio interview featuring Petersburg Ranger District Hydrologist Heath Whitacre about the NRCS snow survey program.

click here

to listen

USDA Forest Service - Tongass National Forest
Last Modified: October 29, 2008