By Sentinel Staff
Four Sitka projects are among 25 Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy Initial Investment Projects to be funded, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Thursday.
Nearly $9 million of investments are earmarked for the projects.
Sitka projects include three of Sitka Trail Works totaling $222,000 and Sitka Conservation Society, $150,000.
Work continues with Southeast partners on additional projects to meet the strategy’s initial $25 million commitment, the agency said.
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack is permanently chartering a regional OneUSDA team to continue the collaborative approach to achieving social, economic, ecological and cultural sustainability in Southeast Alaska.
Leaders from USDA’s Natural Resources and Environment, Rural Development, and Natural Resources Conservation Service are visiting Southeast Alaska this week and meeting with Tribal Nations, Alaska Native corporations, regional and local partners, including recipients of the initial funding.
The projects have been allocated in the categories below:
–Tribal and Indigenous Interests: total commitment of $12.5 million, which includes about $2.3 million for the six projects.
–Community Capacity: total commitment of $3.125 million, which includes about $1.7 million for the five projects announced.
–Infrastructure: total commitment of $3.125 million, which includes about $1.5 million for the five current projects.
–Natural Resources; total commitment of $6.25 million, which includes about $3 million for nine current projects.
The OneUSDA team is continuing to work with Tribal Nations, Alaska Native corporations, and other partners to distribute all funds in 2022.
The Sitka area projects are:
Community Capacity
Indigenous Youth Stewardship & Workforce Development Program, Sitka Trail Works, $100,000. In partnership with the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, Sitka Trail Works will run a pilot summer youth program aimed at fostering an indigenous land stewardship ethic in young Sitkans and growing the workforce pipeline to USDA agencies. The program will include natural resource management training and incorporate indigenous cultural stewardship values, intended to strengthen a sense of identity and attachment to place in young Tribal citizens.
Sharing Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy Successes, Sitka Conservation Society, $150,000. This investment focuses on creating stories and content for social media and external communications to highlight SASS work. Sitka Conservation Society will engage the public, highlight programs and accomplishments, opportunities, and celebrate successes. They will collaborate on storytelling and mapping of SASS programs and how communities benefit from these USDA investments.
Infrastructure
Southeast Alaska Water Trail, Sitka Trail Works, $42,000. This investment consists of planning, design, and National Environmental Policy Act review for a Southeast Alaska Water Trail. Southeast Alaska is a kayaking mecca and Sitka Sound is a crown jewel among the Region. Tiny islands with cozy beaches surrounded by kelp forests and volcanic rock are stunning attractions that imbue a sense of awe in those lucky enough to visit. Despite the proximity to downtown Sitka, human-powered water recreation is an uncommon visitor activity because little infrastructure currently exists. Need for this project was first identified in the Sitka Outdoor Recreation Action Plan drafted in 2012.
Sitka Sound Coastal Trail, Sitka Trail Works, $80,000. Sitka Trail Works and Sitka Conservation Society will work together to develop the 20-mile Sitka Sound Coastal Trail, an ocean-front cabin, and trail network located 16 miles south of Sitka. The route offers a unique coastal hiking experience with multi-day opportunities that traverse coastal forest, muskeg, lake shore, and the rugged coastline. Phase 1 of this project will focus on planning, public engagement, and design.
Rounding out the first round of Southeast projects are:
Tribal and Indigenous Interests
Sharing Our Knowledge Conference, Wrangell Cooperative Association, $60,000; Indigenous Heritage and Place Names in the Juneau Trail System, Sealaska Heritage and Trail Mix, Inc., $440,000; Alaska Youth Stewards, Central Council Tlingit Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, $750,000; Wildland Fire Program, Central Council Tlingit Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, $525,000; Cultural Use of Forest Resources Tribal Validation Crew, Organized Village of Kasaan, $50,000; Cultural Interpretive Training, Central Council Tlingit Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, $500,000.
Community Capacity
Mariculture Processing Facility, Southeast Conference, $500,000; Value Added Products, Sea to Shore Seafood, $250,000; Jobs for Alaskans, Spruce Root, $740,000.
Infrastructure
Angoon Danger Point Trail, Kootznoowoo, Inc., $340,000; Bear Viewings and Canoe Route on Admiralty Island - Kootznoowoo, Inc., $125,000; Regional Biomass Strategy and Pellet Mill, Southeast Conference, $1,000,000.
Natural Resources
Local Climate Monitoring with Regional Implications, Hoonah Indian Association, $75,000; Engaging Tribal and Community Partners in Salmon Habitat Restoration in the Margaret Creek Watershed, Tongass National Forest, Southeast Alaska Watershed Coalition, $80,000; Trout Creek Restoration Project and Training for Tribal Work Crew, Southeast Alaska Watershed Coalition, $40,000; Klawock Indigenous Steward Partnership, Shaan-Seet, Inc., $400,000; All Landowners Group & Young-growth Working Forest Analysis, Alaska Division of Forestry, $275,000; Skanaxheen Restoration Project and Kake Area Restoration Opportunities, Southeast Alaska Watershed Coalition, $505,000;Tongass Transition Collaborative Facilitation Support, Alaska Division of Forestry, $200,000; The Teqe’heit Stewardship Program, Prince of Wales Tribal Conservation District, $500,000; Cooperative Development, Planning, and Implementation of Watershed Restoration Projects in Southeast Alaska, National Forest Foundation, $1,000,000.
