The Hidden Power of the Tongass: Why Sitka’s Forests Matter More Than You Know

When you visit Sitka, it’s easy to get lost in the grandeur of the landscape. Towering trees stretch to the sky, snow-dusted peaks frame the horizon, and endless waterways teem with life. For many visitors, this place feels like a world apart. But beneath this wild beauty lies a force quietly shaping our world. The Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest on Earth, is more than just a backdrop for adventure. It’s a living, breathing powerhouse with global significance. The Tongass supports incredible biodiversity, fights climate change, and provides clean air and water. However, its protection hasn’t always been guaranteed. Organizations like the Sitka Conservation Society (SCS) have worked tirelessly to ensure the Tongass is preserved for future generations. At Sitka Wonders, we’re proud to support their work, and through this article, we’ll explore why this forest is so vital—and worth protecting.

A Forest Like No Other

The Tongass National Forest spans 16.7 million acres across Southeast Alaska, making it the largest temperate rainforest in the world. Its ancient Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock trees have been growing for centuries, some for more than 1,000 years. These towering giants are not just scenic wonders—they form the backbone of an ecosystem that supports more than 400 species of wildlife. The Tongass is home to brown bears, bald eagles, and rare species like the Alexander Archipelago wolf. It’s one of the last places on Earth where all five species of Pacific salmon still thrive, sustained by more than 5,000 miles of pristine streams. These salmon nourish the forest, feeding not just bears and eagles, but the very soil itself. The forest’s biodiversity rivals some of the most renowned ecosystems on the planet, with mosses, lichens, cavity-nesting birds, and countless insects thriving in the rich tapestry of old-growth trees and undisturbed soils.

‍The Tongass: A Global Climate Hero

The Tongass plays an essential role in mitigating climate change. It holds approximately 44% of all carbon stored by U.S. National Forests—more than any other forest system in the country (Alaska Public Media). To put that in perspective, the carbon stored in the Tongass is equivalent to the annual emissions of over 421 million vehicles (American Salmon Forest). This forest is a natural climate solution. Its old-growth trees act as massive carbon sinks, pulling carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their wood, soils, and wetlands. But the Tongass isn’t just about carbon, it also provides clean air and water, acting as one of the “lungs of the planet.” Its dense canopy regulates rainfall, prevents soil erosion, and keeps streams clear for salmon to spawn. In a world facing increasing deforestation and climate uncertainty, the Tongass stands as a vital natural resource.

A History of Transition: From Logging to Conservation

While the Tongass may seem wild and untouched, its history tells a different story. After World War II, industrial-scale logging became a cornerstone of Southeast Alaska’s economy. Entire hillsides of ancient trees were clear-cut to feed pulp mills, much of the wood exported overseas or turned into disposable products. These trees—many of which took centuries to grow—were harvested at an unsustainable rate, leaving fragmented ecosystems and eroded watersheds in their wake. The Sitka Conservation Society (SCS) stepped in during this era to advocate for change. Working with local residents, scientists, and policymakers, SCS played a pivotal role in blocking key old-growth logging operations that threatened critical habitats. One of their landmark achievements was helping secure protections for areas like the West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness, preserving essential habitats for salmon, bears, and countless other species. As industrial logging declined in the late 20th century, SCS worked to help the region transition to a more sustainable future. They partnered with local organizations, governments, and the U.S. Forest Service to prioritize policies that valued the Tongass not just as a resource, but as an ecosystem essential to salmon production, climate mitigation, clean water, and recreation. By protecting more than 5,000 miles of salmon streams and advocating for sustainable forest management, SCS helped shift the region’s focus from extraction to preservation.‍

The Hidden Power Worth Protecting

Today, the Tongass is in a much better place thanks to decades of dedicated advocacy and collaboration. Industrial-scale old-growth logging has been phased out, a monumental victory for conservation efforts. Organizations like the Sitka Conservation Society (SCS) have been pivotal in shaping this transformation, not just by protecting critical wilderness areas but by redefining how the Tongass is valued—as a salmon producer, a climate regulator, and a global treasure.

SCS’s Impact on the Tongass

SCS has led the charge in protecting the Tongass, driving meaningful change through these key initiatives:

Protecting Critical Wilderness Areas

One of SCS’s early landmark achievements was securing protections for the West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness, safeguarding vital habitats for salmon, bears, and other wildlife. This set the stage for future conservation victories across the Tongass.

Ending Industrial-Scale Old-Growth Logging

SCS was instrumental in advocating for the U.S. Forest Service’s decision to phase out large-scale old-growth logging. This shift marked a turning point in the Tongass’s history, allowing its ecosystems to begin recovering from decades of clear-cutting.

Preserving Salmon Streams

SCS successfully fought to designate over 5,000 miles of Tongass waterways as protected salmon habitat. This ensures that these pristine streams remain productive for fish, wildlife, and local communities that rely on healthy fisheries.

Defending the Roadless Rule

SCS has been a critical player in defending the Roadless Rule, which protects millions of acres of undeveloped forest from road-building and logging. This safeguard has been essential in preserving the Tongass’s wild character.

Connecting Communities to the Forest

Through programs like Fish to Schools, SCS has bridged the gap between local communities and the forest. By bringing locally harvested fish into schools and fostering environmental stewardship among youth, SCS is helping cultivate the next generation of conservation advocates.

These accomplishments demonstrate the power of collective action to protect one of the world’s most extraordinary places. But as climate change accelerates and global deforestation worsens, the Tongass’s role as a carbon sink and biodiversity haven becomes even more critical.

Why This Work Continues to Matter

The Tongass is not just a regional asset—it’s a global one. As forests around the world are destroyed and natural ecosystems face mounting threats, the Tongass remains a shining example of what’s possible when communities and organizations come together to prioritize sustainability. Yet, challenges persist. Climate pressures, resource extraction, and shifting policies require constant vigilance to ensure the Tongass continues to thrive.

At Sitka Wonders, we believe in supporting the vital work of SCS. Having partnered with them on projects like The Salmon Forest, we’ve witnessed firsthand their dedication to preserving this remarkable ecosystem. A portion of every ticket sold to Sitka’s Hidden Wonders goes directly to SCS, helping fund their continued efforts to protect the Tongass. By visiting Sitka Wonders, you’re not just learning about this forest—you’re actively contributing to its future.

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‍Connecting Sitka Wonders and Conservation

Sitka Wonders was born out of a desire to share the hidden magic of Sitka with the world while supporting the incredible work happening here. That’s why a portion of every ticket sold to our film, Sitka’s Hidden Wonders, goes directly to the Sitka Conservation Society. By watching the film, visitors aren’t just learning about the Tongass—they’re actively contributing to its preservation. The film captures the Tongass’s breathtaking beauty and its unseen wonders, from the towering old-growth trees to the microscopic plankton that sustain life in the Sitka Sound. It’s a reminder that every salmon-filled stream, every moss-covered log, and every towering spruce plays a role in the larger story of this place.

Your Role in the Tongass’ Future

The Tongass National Forest is more than a destination—it’s a global powerhouse that supports life far beyond Southeast Alaska. Its hidden power lies in its ability to store carbon, provide clean air and water, and sustain biodiversity. But its protection is an ongoing effort, one that requires vigilance and collaboration. As you explore Sitka and the Tongass, take a moment to appreciate the intricate connections that make this place so special. Every towering tree, every salmon swimming upstream, and every call of an eagle is part of a larger story—one that depends on us to ensure it continues. By visiting Sitka Wonders and watching Sitka’s Hidden Wonders, you’re not just experiencing the magic of this place—you’re helping to protect it. Together, we can ensure the Tongass remains a thriving, vibrant ecosystem for generations to come.

Learn More and Get Involved

To support the Sitka Conservation Society directly, visit their website at Sitka Conservation Society. For more resources on the Tongass and Sitka’s incredible natural world, explore our articles at Sitka Wonders. Let’s keep the Tongass wild, resilient, and powerful—because its hidden power is a gift for us all.

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