Kartakov National Forest

**Kartakov National Forest** in Cascadia is the largest Terranovan National Forest at 6.7 million acres (10,469 sq mi; 2,700,000 ha; 26,997 km2). Most of its area is temperate rain forest and is remote enough to be home to many species of critically endangered, extinct, and rare plants and animals. The forest is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

The Cascadia Forests and Grasslands Supervisor's Office of the Terranovan National Lands and Conservation Service in Fernbrook, Cascadia, manages the Kartakov Forest. The national forest includes two ranger districts: the North Cascadia Ranger District and the South Cascadia Ranger District. Each district is responsible for managing and maintaining the forest's resources, including timber, water, and wildlife. In descending order of land, the forest lies in parts of Cascadia, Moravian, Cloudbury, Samson, Arcadia Grove, Hosfield, Blackwood, and Oakley counties.

Vice President Margaret Winters Blackwood issued a presidential proclamation on September 5, 1935 creating the Kartakov National Forest with the intention of safeguarding the area's ecological integrity and aesthetic appeal. An early supervisor of the forest was Johnes Alyaksandr Cartwright, who played a crucial role in implementing sustainable practices and ensuring the responsible use of the forest's resources. Cartwright and the Terranovan Secretary of Agricultural Affairs worked together to develop a comprehensive management plan for the Kartakov National Forest, which included measures to protect endangered species, maintain water quality, and promote recreational activities such as hiking and camping. To promote conservation efforts, they have implemented sustainable forestry practices and formed partnerships with local communities. He also worked to protect endangered species and restore habitats within the forest, ensuring its long-term sustainability.

On June 24, 1959, Prairie Airlines Flight 294 and Cascadia Airlines Flight 97 collided mid-air over the Kartakov National Forest, killing over 130 passengers and crew members, only 12 of whom survived. The tragic incident led to increased safety regulations in the aviation industry and prompted the establishment of a memorial within the forest to honor the lives lost. In response, the forest management implemented measures to enhance air traffic control communication and improve flight path coordination to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Five Terranovan Indigenous Nations live in Cascadia: the Moravians, the Wiyáka, the Lenapehokings, the Awanakis, and the Wabanakis. Each of these nations has a significant cultural heritage and a deep connection to the land. They have inhabited the region for centuries, relying on the forest for sustenance, spiritual practices, and cultural traditions.

The Terranovan Indigenous Nations actively engage in conservation efforts to protect their ancestral lands and preserve the biodiversity that thrives within the forest.  Fourteen cities and communities are located within the forest; the largest city is Cedar Creek, the state capital, with a population of 391,000, and the unincorporated community of Aelkarta is the smallest settlement with a population of only 6,693 people. Despite urbanization, the Terranovan Indigenous Nations continue to fight for their rights and maintain their connection to the forest through sustainable practices and advocacy for land preservation.

The forest is named for Aleksandr Kartakov, the founder of Great Aelkarta and South Aelkarta, who had a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and resources of the area. His vision was to create a harmonious coexistence between the Indigenous Nations and settlers, where both could thrive while preserving the forest's integrity.

The Wabanakis tribe is the only Indigenous Nation that actually is inhabited in the actual the forest. They have a long-standing connection to the land and have been actively involved in its preservation for generations. Their cultural practices and traditional knowledge contribute to the overall conservation efforts in the forest, ensuring its sustainability for future generations.