Working Better Through Forest Partnerships

Authors: Prussian, Katherine Tongass National Forest; Johnson, Ian Hoonah Indian Association

Video Presentation

Abstract

The Hoonah Native Forest Partnership has been effective at leveraging technical skills, diversifying funding, and incorporating both community and cultural values to restore habitats, provide jobs, and increase resilience for communities and resources. The Partnership started in 2015 and consists of NGO, Native Alaskan, Federal, and State entities. It has succeeded as a multi-partner, interdisciplinary partnership by implementing a community-focused approach to watershed management. A collaboratively developed restoration plan was developed which identified restoration opportunities to improve fish passage, forest health, water quality, wildlife habitats, and overall watershed function and condition on northern Chichagof Island. The Plan identified projects and priorities which have been designed and implemented collaboratively with partners including Sealaska Corporation, Huna Totem Corporation, Hoonah Indian Association, Natural Resource Conservation Service, The Nature Conservancy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and the Forest Service. This has resulted in learning around workforce development, getting projects on the ground, and how to structure a working partnership. Our presentation will offer anecdotes on what has worked for accelerating project implementation timelines, engaging diverse stakeholders, and making community partnerships work for all.

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