Who We Are
Trail building nonprofits, rural development organizations, and municipal representatives joined forces to address a common goal: helping more people enjoy the benefits of time outside by supporting maintenance of public land infrastructure. Built off the model of the Kittitas Stewardship Fund, the Tongass Stewardship Fund was launched in 2026 under the experienced fiscal sponsorship of nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution, Spruce Root.
Our volunteer Steering Committee and includes Southeast Alaskans from public lands nonprofits and other stakeholders serving small communities in the region.
Steering Committee
Ben Hughey, Sitka Trail Works
Dan Kirkwood, Salmon State
Meghan Tabacek, Trail Mix Inc.
Nate Arrants, Haines Huts and Trails
Natalie Dawson, Alaska Venture Fund
Sabena Allen, Spruce Root
Alexandra Pierce, Juneau Tourism Division
Sitka Trail Works was founded in 1997 to create jobs for displaced mill workers, and has developed a world-class, interconnected trail system since then. Through community hikes, youth education, and volunteer projects, Sitka Trail Works helps residents and visitors alike immerse themselves in the beauty of the Tongass.
The mission of Juneau's Trail Mix, Inc. is to be the steward of a safe and enjoyable Juneau Trail System by bringing people and resources together for trail planning, building, maintenance and activities.
Haines Huts and Trails was founded in 2019 to build the first public-use alpine hike and ski hut in the area, the "Tukga Hut". Since then, we've developed volunteer-driven summer trail maintenance and winter trail grooming programs, supporting our local recreation economy and the outdoor recreation assets our community relies on.
Salmon State supports development that safeguards salmon: our reliable, renewable, and irreplaceable resource. We advocate for science-based decision making, precautionary management, and for Alaskans to have a voice in what happens to our wild salmon.
Alaska Venture Fund is a philanthropic partner and social-change incubator building a more sustainable future for Alaska and beyond. By embracing Indigenous principles and pursuing bold ideas, AVF is expanding the idea of what is possible in Alaska and creating opportunities that ensure people, the environment, and the economy prosper, together.
Spruce Root is an Indigenous institution that provides all Southeast Alaskans with access to business development resources like loans, coaching, workshops and more. We catalyze local communities and empower small businesses.
CBJ seeks a healthy and vibrant tourism sector generating business opportunities and employment for Juneau citizens, protecting Juneau’s heritage and cultural values and its natural resources, and making a positive contribution to the community’s quality of life.
The Tongass Recreation Partnership is a coalition of nonprofit recreation advocates, municipal governments, economic development professionals, and community members, established in 2024 to address regional challenges in public land access.
Credit: Lee House