General Information
Encompassing the Kenai Peninsula, Prince William Sound, and the Copper River Delta, the 5.6 million-acre Chugach (pronounced "Chew Gatch") is the second largest national forest in the country. The Chugach National Forest is the northern-most temperate rainforest in the nation and one of the world's last remaining intact rainforests. Although 98% of the Chugach National Forest is classified as "roadless" and qualifies for "Wilderness" designation and the Prince William Sound area suffered major impacts due to the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, it still has no designated "Wilderness."

The rugged and pristine land and waters of the Chugach are home to wolves, brown and black bears, lynx, northern goshawks, marbled murrelets, harlequin ducks and other sensitive wildlife species. The Chugach National Forest is comprised of thick, old-growth rainforest, spectacular tidewater glaciers, and some of the richest salmon spawning habitat on the planet (including the world famous Kenai and Copper River Watersheds). Only 94,000 acres of the Chugach National Forest are classified as commercial timber, highlighting the importance of this forest for wildlife habitat.

Enjoyed by residents and tourists alike, the Chugach National Forest is visited by almost 6 million people every year; 400,000 of who travel to the most visited site in Alaska -- Portage Glacier. Kayakers and other boaters flock to visit the spectacular tidewater glaciers, fjords and rookeries of Prince William Sound; hikers, bikers and skiers recreate on the rustic trails of the Kenai Peninsula - including the world famous Resurrection Pass Trail; anglers maneuver for a spot along the Russian and Kenai Rivers; and rafters enjoy the solitude and wild character of the Copper River.

How can you help?
The Chugach Land Management Plan Revision, which is revised every 10 - 15 years began one year ago. A diverse group of organizations and individuals across the forest have come together to create a citizen's conservation alternative for the environmental impact statement - which is part of the NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) process that accompanies this type of planning. This is an exciting opportunity for conservation and sustainable community practices to be implemented. Draft alternatives will be out sometime this coming summer, including our conservation alternative. Once the draft alternatives are released, there will be a public comment period during which the Forest Service needs to hear from people like you.

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