Social Conditions And Trends In Southeast Alaska

In 1997, scientists at the Pacific Northwest Research Station initiated several social science studies in response to information gaps identified while developing the Tongass Land Management Plan. Results presented here summarize findings from studies of demographic trends and tourism trends in the region based on data available through 2002. Demographic trends suggest that despite having many unique geographic, climatic, and physical characteristics, southeast Alaska exhibits many social conditions and trends similar to those statewide, as well as in the greater United States and nonmetropolitan United States. Much variation exists at the community level, however, when measuring change in population and income in southeast Alaska. In the last decade, tourism has been one of the fastest growing components of Alaskas economy and an important source of export-based income. Natural resource management and use in Alaska will affect and will be affected by trends in tourism growth and activities.

This problem analysis describes a variety of human-resource interaction issues & identifies related social science R&D needs that serve as the foundation for the Alaska Communities & Forest Environments Team within the Pacific Northwest Research Station. The document lays out a research agenda that focuses on understanding relations between human communities & natural resources. The agenda is divided into four sub-topics: (1) communities in transition; (2) collaborative planning & stewardship; (3) sustainable tourism & outdoor recreation; & (4) cultural orientations to & uses & values of natural resources, including traditional knowledge, indigenous property rights, & tenure systems. Illustrations.