Tongass Under Threat: Our Commitment to Conservation
Recent executive orders, signed on March 1, 2025, jeopardize the Tongass National Forest by expanding logging and streamlining environmental protections like the National Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act.
Spanning 16.7 million acres, the Tongass is a global treasure, nurturing 48-70 million salmon annually and storing 8% of U.S. forest carbon—critical for climate stability. Increased logging could destroy 20% of grizzly bear habitats, disrupt salmon streams, and release stored carbon, accelerating warming. These orders threaten not just wildlife but the cultural and economic vitality of Southeast Alaska’s communities, which rely on the forest’s pristine fjords and old-growth trees.
At The Boat Company, we view this as a call to action to safeguard a region we’ve cherished for decades.
For over 40 years, as a nonprofit, The Boat Company has championed the Tongass long before eco-tourism gained widespread attention. Our $30-plus million investment back into The Tongass has supported salmon stream restoration, old-growth preservation, and advocacy for the Roadless Rule (which protects 9 million acres from development).
We partner with groups like the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council and Alaska Wilderness League to ensure measurable impact, driven by a deep commitment to this temperate rainforest.
Our small-ship cruises, carrying just 20-24 guests, fund these efforts while offering immersive experiences—hiking, fishing, and kayaking—that foster appreciation for the Tongass’s fragile beauty.
This legacy reflects our belief that conservation is a responsibility, not a trend, rooted in decades of quiet, purposeful work.
Our sustainable model proves tourism can protect rather than exploit. Every cruise with The Boat Company directly supports Tongass conservation, unlike mega-ships that strain ecosystems.
To learn more about our impact, explore how our cruises fund a thriving Tongass and/or join us to experience Alaska’s wilderness while supporting its future, visit our Mission and Cruise buttons below.
Together, we can ensure the Tongass remains a sanctuary for grizzlies, salmon, and generations to come.