Welcome to Wilderness Search and Rescue

WSAR's  primary  service  area  is  "Interior  Alaska".  This  roughly  represents  the  area  between  the  Alaska  Range  and  the  Brooks  Range.  Just  for  reference,  that  means  that  we serve  approximately  112,000 people  spread  out  over  191,000  square miles.

 The  only  state  larger  than  our primary  search  area  is  Texas.  This  are  is  over  twice  the  size  of  40  of  the  remaining  states.  We  are  directly  accountable  to  Alaska  State  Trooper  Detachment  D  which  has  posts  in  Barrow,  Cantwell, Delta  Junction,  Fairbanks,  Galena,  Healy,  Nenana,  Northway,  and  Tok  and  serves dozens  of  additional   outlying  communities  and  villages.  

In  the  State  of  Alaska  there  are  approximately  500  search  and rescue  incidents  each  year  that  fall  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Alaska  State  Troopers.  This  results  in approximately  30,000  man  hours,  of  which  over  two  thirds  are  volunteer  hours. 

 The  back-bone  of  search  and  rescue  services  in  Alaska  is  provided  by  trained  volunteers  without  whom  effective  search  and  rescue  cannot  be  conducted.    In  addition  to  the  Alaska  State  Troopers,  Wilderness  Search  and  Rescue  also  provides  service  through  resource  sharing  agree-ments  with  the  US  military,  municipal  and  borough  agencies,  National  Park  Service,  and  other  federal  agencies. 

WSAR  works  to  prevent  search  and  rescue  incidents  as  well.  We  are  involved  with  many  community  outreach  and  education  events  each  year  including.  

• Navigation and Survival Training  
• Hug-A-Tree  Program 
• Fairbanks  Outdoor  Show
• Youth Safety Day 
• Partnership with youth organizations for training and merit badges

Wilderness Search and Rescue is in need of funding to sustain service to our community. WSAR is an all-volunteer, professional search agency. All of our equipment and training expenses are paid by generous donors like you. Community members helping us help you.

 Whether you help through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, thank you. We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of our supporters.