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Tongass National Forest invites public input into recreation niche prioritization Ketchikan, Alaska–The
Tongass National Forest is inviting the public to help define the future of the forest’s recreation program. In a series of public workshops in Southeast Alaska communities throughout the summer, Forest Service staff will discuss the concept of “recreation
niches” and engage the public in helping to determine those niches for each of the forest’s 10 ranger districts. The first workshop was held May 8, 2014, in Ketchikan. The Forest Service will soon announce dates and times for future workshops. As recreation funding continues to dwindle, it is no longer possible for the Tongass to maintain all of the forest’s trails, cabins, campgrounds, buoys
and visitor centers that residents and visitors use and enjoy. Over the last 10 years, the recreation budget has dropped 63 percent, from $13.3 million to $4.9 million, with further reductions projected through fiscal year 2017.
“With less money available to support recreation staff and operations, difficult choices must be made,” said
Tongass National Forest Partnership and Public Affairs Staff Officer Kent Cummins.
Each of the forest’s districts will prioritize three “niches” where its recreation spending will be focused. The forest will seek support from partners,
volunteers, or concessionaires for facilities and programs outside those niches. “We want to hear from you—what forest recreation programs and services do you value the most in your community?” said Carol Goularte, recreation staff
officer for the Tongass National Forest. “We realize that this process has no easy answers, but our goal is to work with the public and develop innovative solutions to sustain as many of our facilities as we can.” The forest stands ready to build partnerships with community, stakeholder and volunteer groups across Southeast Alaska, and is actively seeking to expand
external support for forest programs, including recreation. Ideas and proposals from the public will be valued and welcomed at the workshops. For more information, contact the Tongass National Forest Recreation, Lands, Minerals, Heritage, Wilderness Staff Officer Carol Goularte. Carol may be
reached by phone at 907-747-4218 or by e-mail at cgoularte@xxxxxxxxx.
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