Website created and managed by the Sitka Conservation Society.
Sustainability Strategy Investments
The Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy (SASS) was rolled out with a $25 million investment as a commitment to the region. Through an application process and inter-disciplinary review, 70 community-based projects received investment support.
$25
Million
Invested
70
Individual
Projects
32
Separate
Entities
Impact by the Numbers
$6 million of SASS funding was spent from 2022-2023 with the following impact:
85
JOBS
Created
(direct, indirect & induced)
$3.6
MILLION
In wages
(direct, indirect & induced)
$8.8
MILLION
In economic activity
90%
of DOLLARS
Spent in
Southeast Alaska
Building Capacity
through Microgrants
Southeast Conference extends the reach of SASS investments by providing fifteen additional capacity building microgrants (ranging from $5,000 - $15,000) listed below:
-
Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association – Renewable Energy Initiatives
-
Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust – Organizational Consulting
-
Angoon Alaska Youth Stewards – Travel to AYS gathering
-
EcoTrust – Community Garden Coordinator
-
EcoTrust – Regional Training
-
Haa Tóoch Lichéesh Coalition – Leadership Development
-
Haines Huts & Trails – Website Development
-
Hoonah Indian Association – Local Foods Coordinator
-
Kake Tribal Heritage Foundation – Youth Internship Program
-
Mule Deer Foundation – Camera Equipment
-
SEARSMA – Seafood Marketing Program Development
-
Shaan Seet & Klawock Indigenous Stewards Forest Partnership – Machine Operator Training
-
Sitka Conservation Society – Large Cultural Cedar Management Planning
-
Takshanuk Watershed Council – Composting Program Development
-
Wrangell Cooperative Association – Organizational Consulting
Strategy Background
On July 15, 2021, Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, set the Sustainability Strategy in motion by announcing the USDA’s commitment to the region with an initial $25 million investment and four key points to guide the strategy:
1
End large-scale old-growth timber sales on the Tongass National Forest and focus management resources to support forest restoration, recreation, and resilience, including for climate, wildlife habit and watershed improvement.
Engage in meaningful consultation with Tribal Nations.
2
3
Restore the 2001 Roadless Rule
4
Identify short- and long-term opportunities for investments that reflect the diverse opportunities and needs in the region.
Partners for the Future
The roll out of these investments has ushered in a new era of collaboration, coordination, and partnership across Southeast Alaska. This effort for a stronger future is upheld by regional strengthening partners (Tlingit & Haida, Southeast Conference, and Spruce Root), OneUSDA, the Sustainable Southeast Partnership, and many more.
