Southeast Alaska is home to the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world that stores more carbon per acre than most other forests in the world and is home to over 400 animal species, large salmon populations and serves as a cultural and subsistence resource for locals. Currently Southeast has over 700 miles of trails, 140 public use cabins, and 19 designated wilderness areas. Southeast is home to four national parks and the 17-million-acre Tongass National Forest. There are many recreational opportunities and assets in the Tongass, including: boating, hiking, birding, biking and fishing. Communities tote special trails and designations including the famous Chilkoot Trail, waterway trails, old growth forests, and bike routes. The region boasts incredible assets such as glacier fields, mountains, lakes, and rivers offering untapped economic opportunities. Outdoor recreation opportunities benefit residents and Southeast’s robust visitor industry.
Originally SEATrails was a nonprofit organization that originated in 2000 as a regional, community-led, grassroots partnership focused on community trails and economic development. It was founded on the premise that the management of SEAtrails is defined by people in each community or village working with state and federal agency personnel. In 2022, Southeast Conference acquired the SEATrails materials and hopes to build off the work SEATrails did to revitalize a more regional approach to outdoor recreation. Southeast Conference is actively exploring funding opportunities that would help renew the purpose, vision and effectiveness of SEATrails.
