United States 

Department of 

Agriculture 

Forest Service 

Tongass 

National Forest 

R10-MB-737a 

January 2012 

Ketchikan-Misty Fiords 

Outfitter and Guide 

Management Plan 

Record of Decision 

Tongass National Forest 

Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District 

Ketchikan, Alaska 

  
Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan EIS - Key Acronyms and 

Other Terms 

ACMP Alaska Coastal Management Plan LUD Land Use Designation 

ADF&G 

Alaska Department of Fish and 

Game NAGPRA 

Native American Graves 

Protection and Repatriation Act 

AIRFA 

American Indian Religious 

Freedom Act NEPA 

National Environmental Policy 

Act 

ANCSA 

Alaska Native Claims Settlement 

Act NFS National Forest System 

ANILCA 

Alaska National Interest Lands 

Conservation Act NHPA 

National Historic Preservation 

Act 

BMP Best Management Practices NMFS 

National Marine Fisheries 

Service 

CEQ Council on Environmental Quality NOAA 

National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations ROS Recreation Opportunity 

Spectrum 

CZMA Coastal Zone Management Act RSNT Remote Setting Nature Tours 

DN Decision Notice SD Service Day 

EA Environmental Assessment SHPO State Historic Preservation 

Officer 

EIS Environmental Impact Statement SOPA Schedule of Proposed Actions 

ESA Endangered Species Act SUA Special Use Authorization 

FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact T&E Threatened and Endangered 

FSH Forest Service Handbook Forest 

Plan 

Tongass Land and Resource 

Management Plan 

FSM Forest Service Manual TTRA Tongass Timber Reform Act 

IDT Interdisciplinary Team USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife 

Service 

KMRD Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger 

District VCU Value Comparison Unit 

LAC Limits of Acceptable Change 

(process) WA Wilderness Area 

LNT Leave No Trace 

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To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, 

S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal 

opportunity provider and employer. 

Front Cover: Margaret Creek bear viewing site. 

Printed on Recycled Paper


ROD – Page 1

RECORD OF DECISION 

Introduction ________________________________ 

The Final Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan Environmental 

Impact Statements (EIS) proposed and analyzed the effects of four different levels of outfitter 

and guide use on the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District (KMRD – see Figure R-1). 

The Draft and Final EIS documents also described: 

 the types of use that could be allowed, 

 the locations, management, and allocations for outfitter and guide permits and 

opportunities on the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District for the next five to ten 

years, 

 adaptive management and how to use adaptive management to potentially increase or 

decrease allocations or make other adjustments for specific recreation use areas, and 

 project design, mitigation measures, and monitoring that could be used to minimize 

potential impacts to all resources and to create permit stipulations for outfitter and 

guide special use permits. 

This Record of Decision (ROD) documents my decision to implement Alternative B with 

modifications as the Selected Alternative. This ROD thoroughly describes all of the related 

actions, stipulations, mitigation and monitoring included in the decision. 

Decision ___________________________________ 

Based on my review of the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), I have decided to implement Alternative B (the 

Proposed Action) with modifications as the Selected Alternative. I have also decided to use 

adaptive management to manage guided use (this includes use by outfitters and guides) to 

maintain or benefit resources and provide flexibility in management. 

Modifications were made to Alternative B to be responsive to public comments and reduce 

effects to resources. The Selected Alternative includes the following modifications to 

Alternative B: 

 Guided use will not be allowed in 11 Gravina Island and 21 Percy Hotspur Mary 

Islands Recreation Use Areas to be responsive to subsistence, heritage, tribal, and 

wildlife concerns. The allocation in the 03 South Misty Use Area is reduced to 699 

service days (SDs) (10 percent of visitor capacity allocated to outfitters and guides) 

and requires consultation with Forest Service wildlife personnel before allowing use 

on the western shore to resolve wildlife concerns. 

 The allocation in the 08 Burroughs Unuk Use Area is reduced to 98 SDs (5 percent of 

visitor capacity allocated) and any new use will consider concerns related to effects of 

motorized use of the river corridor on subsistence. This change responds to tribal and 

subsistence concerns, along with cumulative effects in the area from and to private 

property owners. 
Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan

ROD – Page 2

 The allocation in the 17 George Carroll Thorne Use Area is reduced to 2,841 SDs (50 

percent of visitor capacity allocated) due to its popularity with the unguided public, 

subsistence bear hunting competition, the limited amount of current outfitter and 

guide use, as well as the limited monitoring data available at this time. The allocation 

still allows for growth. This change responds to subsistence concerns. 

 The allocation in the 25 South Revilla NA Use Area is reduced to 1,420 SDs (50 

percent of visitor capacity allocated) due to its popularity with the unguided public, 

current subsistence use, current limited outfitter and guide use as well as limited 

monitoring data; the allocation still allows for growth. 

Description of the Selected Alternative 

Including these modifications, the Selected Alternative will allocate 50,671 service days 

annually for outfitter and guide use on the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District (KMRD). 

The Selected Alternative allocates 5,049 service days in the spring, 41,234 service days in 

the summer, and 4,388 service days in the fall for outfitter and guide use (see Tables R-1 

through R-3, and Figures R-2 and R-3). 

This decision permits the following guided uses based on the 2008 Determination of Need 

for Commercial Uses on the KMRD (Appendix A of the DEIS): 

 brown bear, black bear, and mountain goat hunting, 

 floatplane landing tours, 

 freshwater fishing, 

 remote setting nature tours (e.g. hiking, beach activities, sightseeing, wildlife 

viewing), 

 wildlife viewing at developed sites, 

 camping, 

 road-based nature tours, and 

 institutional use (e.g. youth and education groups). 

The 2008 Determination of Need for Commercial Uses on the KMRD demonstrated the need 

for these commercially guided opportunities on the wilderness and non-wilderness portions 

of KMRD. Only these guided uses are permitted through this decision. Other types of 

guided uses will have to be considered on a case-by-case basis with a separate NEPA 

analysis. 

My decision includes adopting the four recreation opportunity zones and associated 

indicators and standards as shown in Table R1-2 in Appendix 1; these management zones, 

indicators, and standards will be used to monitor social conditions across the 28 recreation 

use areas. The decision also includes implementing adaptive management of outfitter and 

guide use (see Appendix 1 of this ROD for a complete description). Adaptive management 

could be used to increase the guided allocation, decrease the allocation, or maintain 

allocation with adjustments to outfitter and guide management. In the future, if a recreation 

use area nears or exceeds the monitoring indicators and standards (Appendix 1), or if 

unforeseen and unknown or substantial resource impacts occur as a result of implementing 

the Selected Alternative, KMRD will use adaptive management and take administrative steps 
Record of Decision

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to address areas of concern. The steps that cause the least impact to recreational visitors will 

be implemented first if there were no immediate threat to resources or facilities. 

KMRD will also consider increasing allocations through adaptive management. If a 

recreation use area nears the allocation and an outfitter or guide requests additional days, the 

District Ranger may grant them based on a review by resource specialists and by following 

the criteria listed in Appendix 1 of this ROD. However, this adaptive management decision 

will: 

 allocate no more than 74,005 total service days annually to guided use; 

 keep allocations at zero in 04 Duke Island, 11 Gravina Island, 21 Percy Hotspur Mary 

Islands and 28 Naha Bay – adaptive management will not be applied in these 

recreation use areas; and 

 allow no recreation use area to exceed the highest allocation analyzed in the EIS. The 

highest annual allocation per use area could be 75 percent in the five recreation use 

areas where a 75 percent allocation was considered (06 Misty Core Lakes, 17 George 

Carroll Thorne, 23 Betton Island, 25 South Revilla NA, and 27 Margaret Bay) and up 

to 50 percent of the visitor capacity in the remaining 19 recreation use areas. 

When there is competitive interest in a limited number of service days, the Forest Service 

may issue a prospectus to determine the most qualified applicants to provide services for the 

allowable allocation amounts. In other words, if demand for service days exceeds the 

allocation amount available (supply), a competitive process may be necessary to determine 

which guides will be authorized for that recreation use area or activity. This adaptive 

management process will allow for changes in management of guided use without further 

NEPA analysis, unless KMRD proposes use outside of what is decided here. 

My decision also includes implementing the Design Elements, Mitigation Measures, and 

Monitoring described in the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Draft EIS and Final EIS; they are included in Appendix 1 of this decision. 

Consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) led to additional 

clarification on required education and management of outfitters and guides related to whales 

and marine mammals (see Appendix 1). 

 
Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan

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Table R-1: Selected Alternative – KMRD Outfitter and Guide Allocations in Service 

Days (SD) by Season 

Recreation Use Area 

Spring Season Summer Season Fall Season 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate 

Guided Use 

Allocation 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate 

Guided Use 

Allocation 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate 

Guided Use 

Allocation 

# SDs % # SDs # SDs % # SDs # SDs % # SDs

01 West Misty 299 15 45 1,807 15 271 260 15 39

02 Northeast Misty 938 15 141 5,671 15 851 816 15 122

03 South Misty 883 10 88 5,338 10 534 768 10 77

04 Duke Island 359 0 0 2,168 0 0 312 0 0

05 South Misty Lakes 262 15 39 1,585 15 238 228 15 34

06 Misty Core Lakes 1,615 20 323 9,758 75 7,318 1,404 20 281

07 Walker Chickamin 221 15 33 1,334 15 200 192 15 29

08 Burroughs Unuk 248 5 12 1,501 5 75 216 5 11

09 Alava Princess 

Manzanita 449 20 90 2,711 20 542 390 20 78

10 Rudyerd Winstanley 497 10 50 3,002 10 300 432 10 43

11 Gravina Island 538 0 0 3,253 0 0 468 0 0

12 Bell Island 1,159 20 232 7,006 20 1,401 1,008 20 202

13 East Cleveland 628 20 126 3,795 20 759 546 20 109

14 West Cleveland 359 30 108 2,168 30 651 312 30 94

15 Wilson / Bakewell 255 20 51 1,543 20 309 222 20 44

16 Ketchikan Core 

SPNW 179 30 54 1,084 30 325 156 30 47

17 George Carroll Thorne 718 50 360 4,337 50 2,169 624 50 312

18 Central Revilla SPNW 635 30 190 3,836 30 1,151 552 30 166

19 North Revilla 538 30 161 3,253 30 976 468 30 140

20 Hyder SPNW 269 30 81 1,626 30 488 234 30 70

21 Percy Hotspur Mary 

Islands 269 0 0 1,626 0 0 234 0 0

22 Hyder NA 179 50 90 1,084 50 542 156 50 78

23 Betton Island 1,932 40 773 11,676 75 8,757 1,680 40 672

24 Ketchikan Core NA 3,588 40 1,435 21,684 40 8,674 3,120 40 1,248

25 South Revilla NA 359 50 180 2,168 50 1,084 312 50 156

26 Central Revilla NA 359 40 144 2,168 40 867 312 40 125

27 Margaret Bay 607 40 243 3,670 75 2,752 528 40 211

28 Naha Bay 359 0 0 2,168 0 0 312 0 0

Total 18,701 5,049 113,020 41,234 16,262 4,388

Guided Use Allocation for All Seasons and All Recreation Use Areas TOTAL = 50,671 Service Days** 

* Percent is the portion of the Visitor Capacity Estimate allocated to guided use. 

** Numbers were rounded to whole numbers, since we do not allocate parts of a service day, 

and then totaled. 

 
Record of Decision

ROD – Page 5

Table R-2: Comparison of KMRD Outfitter and Guide Allocations in Annual Allocated 

Service Days (SD) by Alternative including the Selected Alternative 

Recreation Use Area 

Service 

Days 

Authorized 

(in 2009) 

Carrying 

Capacity 

in Service 

Days 

Annual Service Days Allocated 

Alt. A 

(2005-2009 

Highest Use) 

Alt. B Alt. C Alt. D 

Selected 

Alternative

01 West Misty 77 2,366 96 355 1,184 355 355 

02 Northeast Misty 170 7,425 211 1,114 3,713 371 1,114 

03 South Misty 229 6,989 220 1,048 3,495 699 699 

04 Duke Island 0 2,839 22 0 1,420 0 0 

05 South Misty Lakes 34 2,075 100 311 1,038 208 311 

06 Misty Core Lakes 11,268 12,777 9,539 7,922 6,389 1,917 7,922 

07 Walker Chickamin 60 1,747 37 262 873 174 262 

08 Burroughs Unuk 45 1,965 11 294 983 98 98 

09 Alava Princess 

Manzanita 45 3,550 29 710 1,776 533 710 

10 Rudyerd 

Winstanley 247 3,931 155 393 1,966 197 393 

11 Gravina Island 0 4,259 0 853 2,130 0 0 

12 Bell Island 370 9,173 275 1,835 4,587 918 1,835 

13 East Cleveland 93 4,969 230 994 2,485 248 994 

14 West Cleveland 100 2,839 13 853 1,420 426 853 

15 Wilson / Bakewell 183 2,020 54 404 1,010 302 404 

16 Ketchikan Core 

SPNW 0 1,419 12 426 710 142 426 

17 George Carroll 

Thorne 1599 5,679 813 3,655 2,841 2,571 2,841 

18 Central Revilla 

SPNW 32 5,023 19 1,507 2,512 1,507 1,507 

19 North Revilla 65 4,259 37 1,277 2,130 1,277 1,277 

20 Hyder SPNW 20 2,129 4 639 1,065 639 639 

21 Percy Hotspur Mary 

Islands 0 2,129 0 639 1,065 0 0 

22 Hyder NA 5 1,419 27 710 710 710 710 

23 Betton Island 8315 15,288 8,431 10,202 7,644 9,841 10,202 

24 Ketchikan Core NA 2189 28,392 1,572 11,357 14,196 7,098 11,357 

25 South Revilla NA 20 2,839 2 1,895 1,420 1,252 1,420 

26 Central Revilla NA 28 2,839 0 1,136 1,420 751 1,136 

27 Margaret Bay 2574 4,805 2,322 3,206 2,403 2,670 3,206 

28 Naha Bay 0 2,839 14 0 1,420 0 0 

Total 27,768 147,983 24,245 53,997 74,005 34,904 50,671 

 
Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan

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Figure R-1) Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District (KMRD) Vicinity Map 

 
Record of Decision

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Figure R-2) Selected Alternative, Spring and Fall Outfitter and Guide Allocations 
Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan

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Back of Figure R-2
Record of Decision

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Figure R-3) Selected Alternative, Summer Outfitter and Guide Allocations
Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan

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Back of Figure R-3
Record of Decision

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Background ________________________________ 

The purpose of this project is to: 

 Determine the amount of outfitter and guide use to allocate for each of the 28 

recreation use areas on the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District (KMRD), 

 Satisfy Forest Service direction for issuance of long-term, priority use permits, 

 Provide opportunities for guided use while minimizing resource impacts and conflicts 

between guided and unguided visitors, 

 Improve the Forest Service’s ability to process permits in a timely manner, 

 Provide standards and indicators for monitoring social conditions across KMRD, 

 Develop an adaptive management strategy for adjusting guided use allocations based 

on monitoring information collected during the life of this plan, and 

 Address cumulative impacts of outfitter and guide use on forest resources, including 

wilderness character. 

A District-wide outfitter and guide plan is needed because the current permitting process: 

 Does not satisfy Forest Service direction for issuing long-term priority use permits 

[Forest Service Handbook {FSH} 2709.14 chapter 53.1f], 

 Does not provide the District Ranger with a District-wide strategy for reducing 

conflicts between guided and unguided visitors and ensuring a range of recreational 

opportunities are offered across KMRD, 

 Does not allow the Forest Service to respond to special use permit applications in a 

timely manner because, without a comprehensive analysis, each application involves 

a separate analysis and scoping process consistent with the NEPA, and 

 Does not fully address cumulative impacts of outfitter and guide use on forest 

resources, including wilderness character. 

Since there is a demonstrated need for commercial service(s) and these services are deemed 

appropriate, the Forest Service may issue Special Use Authorizations (SUAs) to individual(s) 

or organization(s) (USDA 2008b, p. 4-46) to provide the services. 

Decision Rationale __________________________ 

In making my decision, I carefully considered the issues and concerns raised prior to and 

during scoping, in the comments on the DEIS, and in discussions with the interdisciplinary 

team (IDT) and the competing interests and values of the public. I weighed and balanced all 

viewpoints and incorporated them where feasible and consistent with the Purpose and Need 

of the project. 

I evaluated the trade-off between resource protection, social values, and economics. The 

Selected Alternative provides a beneficial mix of recreation opportunities for the public, 
Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan

ROD – Page 12

within a framework of existing laws, regulations, policies, public needs and desires, and the 

capabilities of the land, while meeting the stated Purpose and Need for this project. 

My decision to implement the Selected Alternative conforms with the 2008 Tongass Land 

and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan), Forest Service Handbook,Wilderness Act, and 

National Forest management direction. I considered the project’s Purpose and Need and the 

issues when reaching my decision, as well as other resource impacts and concerns: 

 I considered the Forest Plan Recreation and Tourism Standards and Guidelines, 

including the direction on page 4-46 which states “Generally, allocate no more than 

one-half the appropriate capacity of the LUD to outfitter/guide operations. For 

specific locations, consider different allocations based on historical use, changing 

demand, spatial zoning, or temporal zoning.” (USDA Forest Service 2008b). 

In the Selected Alternative, outfitters and guides were generally allocated one-half or 

less of the recreation visitor capacity as recommended by the Forest Plan direction. 

However, in three areas, 06 Misty Core Lakes, 23 Betton Island, and 27 Margaret 

Bay, outfitters and guides were allocated 75 percent of the recreation visitor capacity 

during the summer season (see Table R-1). In these specific locations, I decided that 

the higher allocation was appropriate because these areas have had recent or historical 

high use by outfitters and guides and these use areas contain special situations that 

support a higher allocation. 

i) In 06 Misty Core Lakes, access is limited by rough terrain and distance from 

population centers. Because of the difficult access, few unguided visitors use this 

area. In this area, nearly all visitors arrive by floatplane and nearly all are guided 

visitors. By concentrating guided use in this area, we continue to provide access 

to the public and other areas in the wilderness are able to maintain opportunities 

for solitude. 

ii) In the 23 Betton Island Use Area, guides have been taking large tour groups there 

for several years. This area is easily accessed from town, which makes the tours 

easy to complete several times per day while cruise ships are in port. This 75 

percent allocation was proposed by the public in the LAC process to promote 

opportunities for guided income in areas close to Ketchikan. Additionally, 

concentrating use in one area leaves other areas open for local visitors. Guided 

use will remain on Betton Island and not be authorized on the smaller islands 

within the Use Area, allowing unguided visitors to use a highly-valued local area 

close to town without competition from guided visitors. 

iii) At 27 Margaret Bay, a bear viewing site was developed in 1998. This site was 

hardened to provide an easily accessible wildlife viewing site with limited impact 

on other resources such as plants, soils, and heritage. My decision does include 

the stipulation that guided wildlife viewing will be limited to the viewing platform 

and upper bridge on the #8000000 Road. This restriction leaves the #8040000 

road, including the lower bridge area as an area of refuge where bears can feed 

without human interaction. This restriction addresses wildlife concerns as stated 

in the wildlife resource report. 

 My decision is responsive to the need to meet current Forest Service direction for 

issuing long-term priority use permits by determining the allocation of use between 
Record of Decision

ROD – Page 13

outfitted and guided and non-outfitted and guided visitors (FSH 2709.14 chapter 

53.1f(3)). It also allocates service days based on a resource capacity analysis 

demonstrating that capacity exists (FSH 2709.14 chapter 53.1f(2), and Appendix C of 

the DEIS). 

 My decision responds to the need for a District-wide strategy to reduce conflicts 

between guided and unguided visitors and ensure a range of recreational opportunities 

are offered. I based my decision on the Proposed Action (Alternative B) that was 

developed through ten public meetings with over 100 combined participants. This 

proposal considered guided and unguided recreational opportunities. It attempted to 

minimize the potential for visitor conflicts, maintain quality recreation experiences, 

and respond to the many concerns brought forward prior to the EIS. I modified the 

proposal to address guided and unguided visitors concerns including their concerns 

about particular areas at a District-wide scale. My decision provides a variety of 

guided uses similar to those ocurring in the area generally at levels higher than recent 

actual use, and in places and ways that are responsive to public input. 

In addition, the adaptive management strategy identified as part of this decision will 

help us be responsive to interests and concerns of all visitors. 

 My decision considers the need to process special use permit applications in a timely 

manner. It provides a comprehensive analysis that in many situations reduces the 

need for further review by resource specialists. I will be able to authorize outfitter 

and guide use based on screening criteria, allocations, locations, permit stipulations, 

and mitigation measures displayed in this decision. For guided activities covered by 

this decision, no further NEPA analysis or scoping will be necessary. 

 My decision is responsive to the need to address cumulative impacts of outfitter and 

guide use on forest resources, including wilderness character, by considering and 

deciding on allocations at a large scale. I recognize that management actions in one 

location may cause effects in a place far-removed from the original action. For 

example, a high (75 percent) summer allocation in 06 Misty Core Lakes Use Area 

was chosen to reduce the potential to disperse flightseeing traffic and cause indirect 

effects to social conditions (e.g. crowding and additional floatplane landings) on 

adjacent waterways, particularly in Rudyerd Bay and Walker Cove. This analysis 

provided information on the effects of our outfitter and guide program on all 

resources and at a large scale. This decision gave me the opportunity to consider and 

determine the trade-offs on all resources at a large scale. 

My decision to implement the Selected Alternative considered the issues and concerns that 

arose through the EIS process. 

 My decision responds to concerns about providing for industry stability and growth. 

Service days allocated to outfitters and guides on KMRD increase to 50,671 service 

days annually (spring, summer and fall seasons for the entire district) from 24,245 

SDs in Alternative A (Table R-1); this allows for a 109 percent increase in growth. In 

areas of concern to outfitters and guides, Alternative B allocates 12,239 service days 

per summer season–a slight decrease (1 percent) from current highest use based on 

the reduction in 06 Misty Core Lakes. In this wilderness use area, there will be a 

decrease to 7,318 summer service days per year from the highest use of 9,258 SDs 
Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan

ROD – Page 14

(Table R-3). This level of use is the highest percentage allocated on KMRD (75 

percent of the visitor capacity), but still allows for improved opportunities for solitude 

in the 06 Misty Core Lakes Use Area through less use by outfitters and guides. 

 My decision responds to concerns about noise affecting wilderness character in and 

around Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness by allocating less outfitter and 

guide use in 06 Misty Core Lakes Use Area. Most outfitter and guide use in the 06 

Misty Core Lakes Use Area is by floatplanes. The Selected Alternative reduces 

actual outfitter and guide use from a high of 9,539 service days in one year to 7,922 

service days allocated annually to outfitters and guides (Table R-2). This reduction in 

use (and subsequent floatplane landings) improves opportunities for solitude in the 06 

Misty Core Lakes Use Area. However, the Selected Alternative also has a minor 

negative effect on opportunities for solitude in the 01 West Misty, 02 Northeast 

Misty, and 05 South Misty Use Areas, because it is expected to displace floatplane 

traffic to these areas as well to some areas outside National Forest System lands. 

 My decision considers and responds to concerns about crowding, noise, and 

disturbance, particularly in locations popular with unguided users. Minor impacts are 

expected from implementation of the Selected Alternative to unguided visitors’ 

experiences in areas identified as highly valued local areas. There may be an increase 

in outfitter and guide use in areas popular with unguided users during the summer 

season in areas identified by unguided users as locations of interest or concern (Table 

R-1). However, the Selected Alternative continues the “closure” of the 28 Naha Bay 

Use Area so that this popular area will continue to have no use by outfitters or guides. 

It keeps 11 Gravina Island Use Area at zero allocation for outfitters and guides. The 

Selected Alternative also includes modifications that reduced outfitter and guide 

allocations from those in the Proposed Action in three of the ten areas of interest to 

unguided users (08 Burroughs Unuk, 11 Gravina Island, and 17 George Carroll 

Thorne). Design criteria and mitigation measures will ensure that crowding and 

impacts from outfitter and guide use are minimized in popular locations and 

attractions within these use areas. 

 My decision responds to concerns about affecting historic properties, sacred sites and 

traditional cultural properties. The Selected Alternative does not allow guided use in 

04 Duke and 21 Percy Hotspur Mary Use Areas, thereby avoiding effects to historic 

properties in these areas. No guided use in 04 Duke and 21 Percy Hotspur Mary Use 

Areas also responds to concerns about cultural and traditional uses. 

 My decision responds to concerns about effects to subsistence uses, and cultural and 

traditional uses by reducing allocations in many of the areas where concerns for these 

resources were brought forward. 

 Potential effects to wildlife may occur when disturbance from outfitter and guide 

activities overlap with crucial life phases; effects to wildlife, particularly to shorebirds 

like the Sensitive black oystercatcher, were substantially reduced by the Selected 

Alternative’s modifications (ex. 21 Percy Hotspur Mary, 03 South Misty), which 

reduce the potential outfitter and guide use in the oystercatcher’s limited and sensitive 

nesting areas. The Selected Alternative has less risk to wildlife because of the 

moderate allocation and inclusion of design elements. 
Record of Decision

ROD – Page 15

 The Selected Alternative will not significantly affect abundance or distribution of any 

subsistence resource, nor change access to or competition for those resources. 

Established modes of access (by foot, boat, vehicle, and ATV) will remain available 

under the Selected Alternative because this project does not close roads, trails, or 

eliminate docks or buoys. Additionally, in five of the six use areas where 

modifications were made to the Selected Alternative, the allocation to outfitters and 

guides was reduced or eliminated partially or wholly to reduce impacts on subsistence 

resources and on those who gather subsistence resources. 

 I chose to include adaptive management to provide flexibility in the administration of 

outfitter and guide permits and identify criteria for responding to unforeseen 

circumstances 

There is some level of uncertainty in describing and analyzing recreational use. Due 

to conditions varying from weather to wildlife sightings to the state of financial 

markets, the location, type, and amount of recreational use in any area changes 

irregularly. Because recreational use is a combination of guided and unguided use, it 

can be difficult to track overall use. Additionally, no studies in Southeast Alaska are 

available to equate recreational use levels to levels of effects on resources. While 

monitoring and other studies have been used here to determine and estimate the effect 

of various levels of recreation use, there remains uncertainty about the effect that 

various levels of use will have on biological and socioeconomic conditions. 

Adaptive management provides a mechanism through which the Forest Service can 

make incremental adjustments to outfitter and guide management over time, as 

information is gained about how area resources are reacting to current management. 

IDT members recognized that higher allocations will increase the risk or the potential 

for negative effects from overuse. However, because adaptive management measures 

will be used to adjust outfitter and guide management as needed, adaptive 

management is expected to maintain or improve resource conditions. Thus, while 

guided use may increase, negative and positive effects are not expected to go beyond 

what was analyzed in the EIS. 

All practical means to avoid or minimize environmental harm have been included in the 

Selected Alternative (see Appendix 1 of this ROD). 

The Forest Service is not required to obtain permits or licenses to implement this project. 

However, outfitter and guide permit holders are responsible for obtaining necessary permits 

and licenses from federal and state agencies prior to commencing outfitting and guiding. 

Prior to guiding on NFS lands, the federal government may require verification of current 

business or operating licenses such as Coast Guard license, state of Alaska sport fishing 

license, etc. Outfitter and guide activities involving the taking of fish or game will be 

implemented under Alaska Board of Game, Alaska Board of Fisheries, and Federal 

Subsistence Board regulations. 

The Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan EIS documents the 

analysis and conclusions upon which this decision is based. The analysis included Biological 

Evaluations for Forest Service-designated sensitive plants and animals. These Biological 

Evaluations determined that the Selected Alternative “may adversely impact individuals, but 
Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan

ROD – Page 16

is not likely to result in a loss of viability in the Planning Area or a trend toward federal 

listing” for all sensitive species that are expected to be affected by outfitter or guide use. 

Public Involvement __________________________ 

Prior to this NEPA project, KMRD involved the public in a Limits of Acceptable Change 

(LAC) process to gather information and develop the proposed action. The District held nine 

public meetings between January 2009 and April 2010. 

The NEPA process started when a notice of intent to prepare an EIS was published in the 

Federal Register on September 27, 2010 (Vol. 75, No. 186, pp. 59206-59208). 

In addition, the proposed action was listed in the Tongass National Forest Schedule of 

Proposed Actions and updated periodically during the environmental analysis. People were 

invited to review and comment on the proposal through: 

 Pre-NEPA information sharing with Alaska Native tribes and corporations, 

 a scoping letter mailed out to 245 individuals in late September 2010, 

 a news article printed in Ketchikan on October 23, 2010, and 

 an open house held in Ketchikan on October 26, 2010. 

The following issues were identified from scoping comments and were used to determine the 

scope of the analysis: 

Issue 1: Limiting the amount and location of outfitter and guide use may not 

adequately provide for industry stability and growth. 

Issue 2: Outfitter and guide use may cause crowding, noise, and disturbance, 

particularly in locations popular with unguided users. 

Issue 3: Allowing outfitter and guide use in 04 Duke and 21 Percy Hotspur Mary use 

areas may affect historic properties, sacred sites and traditional cultural properties. 

Issue 4: Noise associated with floatplanes and boats in and around Misty Fiords 

National Monument Wilderness may negatively impact wilderness character. 

Issue 5: Outfitter and guide use may negatively affect wildlife, subsistence uses, and 

cultural and traditional uses. 

A full description of issues significant to the proposed action appears in Chapter 1 of the EIS 

under Issues. Other concerns brought forward by the public that did not cause the 

development of an alternative are discussed in Chapter 1 of the EIS under Other Issues and 

Concerns. 

A draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) was published for review and comment in 

June 2011. Availability of the DEIS was announced through a Notice of Availability on July 

8, 2011 in the Federal Register (Vol. 76, No. 131, p. 40354) and through a legal notice 

published July 14, 2011 in the Ketchikan Daily News, the newspaper of record for this 

project. 

In June, 2011, KMRD sent over 270 DEIS documents or letters providing an internet location 

for the DEIS to agencies, organizations, businesses, and people listed in Chapter 4 of the EIS. 
Record of Decision

ROD – Page 17

KMRD held Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) 810 subsistence 

hearings in Ketchikan on August 12 and August 18, 2011. See Chapter 1 of the EIS for more 

information on public involvement. 

Alternatives Considered ______________________ 

In addition to the Selected Alternative, I considered four other alternatives, which are 

discussed below. Alternative D is the environmentally preferred alternative because, with the 

lowest guided use allocation, it has the lowest risk of effects to Tongass National Forest 

natural resources. However, the implementation of Design Elements, Mitigation Measures, 

Permit Stipulations, and Adaptive Management is expected to provide ample protection of 

natural resources in the Selected Alternative. 

Alternative A (No Action) – For this analysis, the No Action alternative was the current 

actual use by outfitters and guides on the KMRD. Under this alternative, outfitter and guide 

special use permits could have been issued up to the highest actual use, by recreation use 

area, that occurred between 2005 and 2009. District-wide, that highest actual use level was 

24,245 service days per year (calculated by taking the highest use between 2005 and 2009 

per use area per season and adding these highest uses together to get a District total for the 

182-day combined spring/summer/fall seasons). The highest guided use levels have been 

741 service days in the spring, 23,424 service days in the summer, and 80 service days in the 

fall (Table R-3). Using the current practice, under Alternative A no season of use would 

have been identified on the permit. 

Management of the outfitter and guide special uses program would have continued to 

allocate outfitter and guide use on a case by case basis. New proposals or requests from 

existing permit holders to increase use above the highest actual use would have required new 

environmental analysis. Existing permit stipulations would have continued to be 

implemented. New design criteria, mitigation measures, and stipulations would not have 

applied in this alternative. Although Alternative A currently permits fewer service days than 

Alternative D, the potential for growth to maximum visitor capacity and lack of design 

criteria, mitigation measures, and stipulations make it a less environmentally preferred 

alternative. 

Alternative B (Proposed Action) – Using the LAC process, KMRD developed the Proposed 

Action (Alternative B) that considered guided and unguided recreational opportunities, 

minimized the potential for visitor conflicts, maintained quality recreation experiences, and 

responded to many issues discussed in Chapter 1 of the EIS under Public Involvement and as 

described under Alternative Development Process (in Chapter 2 of the EIS). Alternative B 

authorized outfitter and guide operations through the issuance of special use permits based on 

the public process and input. 

The Proposed Action allocated 53,997 service days annually for outfitter and guide use on 

the KMRD. The proposed action allocated 5,126 service days in the spring, 44,416 service 

days in the summer, and 4,455 service days in the fall for outfitter and guide use (Table R-3). 

Alternative C – Using the estimated visitor capacity and the general direction provided by 

the Forest Plan, this alternative allocated half the capacity to outfitters and guides in all 

recreation use areas in all seasons. This equated to an allocation of 74,005 service days 
Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan

ROD – Page 18

annually for outfitter and guide use on the KMRD. Alternative C allocated 9,360 service 

days in the spring, 56,514 service days in the summer, and 8,131 service days in the fall for 

outfitter and guide use (Table R-3). 

Alternative D – Alternative D allocated 34,904 service days annually for outfitter and guide 

use on the KMRD. Alternative D allocated 3,341 service days in the spring, 28,655 service 

days in the summer, and 2,908 service days in the fall for outfitter and guide use (Table R-3). 

A more detailed comparison of these alternatives can be found in the EIS in Chapter 2 under 

Alternative descriptions and Comparison of Alternatives. The effects of the alternatives can 

be found in Chapter 3 of the EIS and are summarized in Table 2-8 in Chapter 2 of the EIS. 

Reasons for Not Selecting Other Alternatives: 

Alternative A (No Action) – Alternative A was not selected because it did not meet the 

Purpose and Need for the project and did not meet Forest Service direction. Alternative A 

did not provide a way to respond to permit requests in a timely manner and it did not provide 

a means for reducing conflict between guided and unguided users through a district-wide 

management strategy. Additionally, Alternative A would not address many of the issues. 

For example, Alternative A would have a significant effect on opportunities for solitude in 

the core area of Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness. 

Alternative B (Proposed Action) – Alternative B with modifications is the Selected 

Alternative. The modifications were made to be responsive to public comments and 

minimize effects to resources. For example, Alternative B (without the modifications in the 

Selected Alternative) would have allocated guided use to 21 Percy Hotspur Mary Islands Use 

Area which may have affected cultural and traditional uses and may have affected black 

oystercatcher. 

Alternative C – Alternative C was not selected because it generally has the highest level of 

negative impact on resources and unguided users while at the same time not meeting the 

interests of outfitters and guides in many areas. Desired social conditions and visitor 

experiences could not be provided to guided or unguided visitors at this level of guided use. 

Alternative D – Alternative D was not selected because analysis indicated that additional 

guided use could be accommodated with minimal negative impacts on visitor experiences 

and forest resources. Alternative D would have allowed for some growth in the outfitter and 

guide industry but had the least potential for growth. 
Rec

ROD – Page 19

Table R-3: Annual Outfitter and Guide Allocation in Service Days by Alternative, Use Area, and Season (

highest use is displayed for comparison) 

Recreation Use Area Spring Summer 

Alt. A Alt. B Alt. C Alt. D Selected Alternative Alt. A Alt. B Alt. C Alt. D Selected Alternative Alt. A Alt. B A

# 

SDs* # SDs # SDs # SDs #SDs # SDs* # SDs # SDs # SDs #SDs # SDs* # SDs # 

01 West Misty 2 45 150 45 45 67 271 904 271 271 27 39 02 Northeast Misty 3 141 469 47 141 190 851 2,836 283 851 18 122 03 South Misty 21 132 442 88 88 186 801 2,669 534 534 13 115 04 Duke Island 0 0 180 0 0 22 0 1,084 0 0 0 0 05 South Misty Lakes 0 39 131 26 39 96 238 793 159 238 4 34 06 Misty Core Lakes 275 323 808 242 323 9,258 7,318 4,879 1,464 7,318 6 281 07 Walker Chickamin 1 33 110 22 33 36 200 667 133 200 0 29 08 Burroughs Unuk 1 37 124 12 12 10 225 751 75 75 0 32 09 Alava Princess Manzanita 0 90 225 67 90 29 542 1,356 407 542 0 78 10 Rudyerd Winstanley 8 50 249 25 50 147 300 1,501 150 300 0 43 11 Gravina Island 0 108 269 0 0 0 651 1,627 0 0 0 94 12 Bell Island 51 232 580 116 232 224 1,401 3,503 701 1,401 0 202 13 East Cleveland 9 126 314 31 126 221 759 1,898 190 759 0 109 14 West Cleveland 4 108 180 54 108 9 651 1,084 325 651 0 94 15 Wilson / Bakewell 0 51 128 38 51 54 309 771 231 309 0 44 16 Ketchikan Core SPNW 0 54 90 18 54 6 325 542 108 325 6 47 17 George Carroll Thorne 19 215 360 215 360 792 3,253 2,169 2,169 2,169 2 187 18 Central Revilla SPNW 0 190 318 190 190 18 1,151 1,918 1,151 1,151 1 166 19 North Revilla 2 161 269 161 161 35 976 1,627 976 976 0 140 20 Hyder SPNW 0 81 135 81 81 4 488 813 488 488 0 70 21 Percy Hotspur Mary 0 81 135 0 0 0 488 813 0 0 0 70 
Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan

ROD – Page 20

Recreation Use Area Spring Summer 

Alt. A Alt. B Alt. C Alt. D Selected Alternative Alt. A Alt. B Alt. C Alt. D Selected Alternative Alt. A Alt. B A

# 

SDs* # SDs # SDs # SDs #SDs # SDs* # SDs # SDs # SDs #SDs # SDs* # SDs # 

Islands 22 Hyder NA 0 90 90 90 90 27* 542 542 542 542 0 78 23 Betton Island 278 773 966 580 773 8,153 8,757 5,838 8,757 8,757 0 672 24 Ketchikan Core NA 67 1,435 1,794 897 1,435 1,502* 8,674 10,842 5,421 8,674 3 1,248 25 South Revilla NA 0 144 180 90 180 2 1,626 1,084 1,084 1,084 0 125 26 Central Revilla NA 0 144 180 54 144 0 867 1,084 650 867 0 125 27 Margaret Bay 0 243 304 152 243 2,322 2,752 1,835 2,386 2,752 0 211 28 Naha Bay 0 0 180 0 0 14 0 1,084 0 0 0 0 

Total Allocated by 

Season 741* 5,126 9,360 3,341 5,049 23,424 44,416 56,514 28,655 41,234 80 4,455 

*In Alternative 1, highest use numbers are shown here for comparison. See description of Alternative 1 above and 

Totals may not appear correct due to rounding.
Record of Decision

ROD – Page 21

Findings Required by Other Laws and Regulations 

This decision is consistent with the 2008 Tongass National Forest Land and Resource 

Management Plan and with the laws and regulations of the United States of America. 

2008 Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan Amendment 

This decision to implement the Selected Alternative is consistent with the 2008 Forest Plan goals 

and objectives. The project was designed in conformance with land and resource management 

plan standards and incorporates appropriate land and resource management plan guidelines. 

ANILCA Section 810, Subsistence Evaluation and Finding 

The effects of this project have been evaluated to determine potential effects on subsistence 

opportunities and resources. ANILCA 810 subsistence hearings were conducted during the 

comment period for the DEIS. Oral testimony was received from these hearings (see the KMRD 

Outfitter and Guide project record); comments received were not within the scope of this 

analysis. 

The evaluation indicated that there is no documented or reported subsistence use that will be 

restricted as a result of this decision. For this reason, the Selected Alternative will not result in a 

significant possibility of a significant restriction of subsistence use of wildlife, fish, or other 

foods. This finding completes the Section 810 requirements. 

Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act 

This law provides for the protection of the bald eagle and the golden eagle by prohibiting, except 

under certain specified conditions, the taking, possession and commerce of such birds. Bald 

eagle habitat will be managed in accordance with 50 CFR 22.26 to maintain habitat to support 

the long-term nesting, perching, and winter roosting habitat capability. 

Regulations (16 USC 668-668d and 50 CFR 22.26) prohibit recreational activities within a 

minimum of 330 feet from bald eagle nests. Outfitters and guides are required to comply with all 

federal, state and local laws, regulations and orders. 

Clean Air Act 

Minimal emissions are anticipated from the implementation of either project alternative; 

therefore, the State of Alaska ambient air quality standards (18 AAC 50) will not be exceeded. 

Clean Water Act 

This decision does authorize activities which have the potential to effect water quality, however 

the implementation of Best Management Practices and Standards and Guidelines will maintain 

water quality. Additionally this decision does not authorize any ground disturbance such as road 

building or timber harvest, or use of or discharge of potential pollutants. Implementation of the 

Selected Alternative will not result in non-point or point sources of pollution; therefore, the 

project is fully compliant with the Clean Water Act. 
Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan

ROD – Page 22

Effects on Prime Farm Land, Range Land, and Forest Land 

No prime farm land or range land exists in the project area. Forest land will maintain its 

productivity. 

Endangered Species Act of 1973 (as amended) 

A biological assessment was prepared and sent to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) 

and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as part of the Section 7 consultation under the 

Endangered Species Act. NMFS concurred with the findings of “may affect, not likely to 

adversely affect” on January 12, 2012. USFWS concurred on November 25, 2011. The 

biological assessment/biological evaluation is available in the project record. 

Re-initiation of consultation with NMFS is required where Federal agency involvement or 

control over the action has been retained (or is authorized by law) and if: 

1) take of a listed species occurs, 

2) new information reveals effects of the action that may affect listed species or critical 

habitat in a manner or to an extent not considered, 

3) the action is subsequently modified in a manner that caused an effect to the listed species 

or critical habitat not considered, or 

4) a new species is listed or critical habitat designated that may be affected by the action. 

Federal Cave Resource Protection Act 

No known significant caves in the project area will be directly or indirectly affected by project 

activities. Forest Plan Karst and Caves Standards and Guidelines are applied to areas known or 

suspected to contain karst resources. 

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Act of 1996 

Section 305(b)(2) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act states 

that all federal agencies must consult the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for actions 

or proposed actions that may adversely affect Essential Fish Habitat (EFH). The Act promotes 

the protection of EFH through review, assessment, and mitigation of activities that may 

adversely affect these habitats. 

The potential effects of the project on EFH have been evaluated (Hydrology and Fish resources, 

Chapter 3, DEIS and FEIS). The descriptions and the analysis lead me to a determination that 

the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan project may adversely affect 

EFH; however, this risk is minimized through the implementation of 2008 Forest Plan Standards 

and Guidelines, Best Management Practices, and outfitter and guide permit stipulations, as well 

as implementation of adaptive management. 

Several factors were considered in evaluating the potential effects on EFH: 

 The only ground-disturbance associated with the activities identified in the analysis 

would be possible trampling from feet, the footprint of tents, driving on open roads or 

designated OHV trails, and human waste disposal. 
Record of Decision

ROD – Page 23

 Any road use associated with access to a permit holder’s authorized locations will be in 

accordance with the most recent Motor Vehicle Use Map in effect at the time. 

 Consumptive uses of water (i.e., diversions, dams, etc.) are not allowed. Limited 

collection of drinking water for individual or group use is acceptable. 

 BMPs will be implemented to protect water quality and aquatic habitat for all freshwater 

streams. See the recreation use area cards for specific applications of BMPs. 

In accordance with the agreement of June 28, 2007 between the Forest Service and the NMFS 

for consultation on EFH, the Forest Service sent a copy of the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter 

and Guide Management Plan DEIS to NMFS, which formally started the consultation process. 

NMFS provided no comments on the findings of the assessment. Thus, no Forest Service 

response was necessary. The EFH Assessment is included in Chapter 3 of the FEIS. 

Based on our providing a review to NMFS, I find that the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and 

Guide Management Plan may adversely affect EFH. However, by implementing Forest Plan 

Standards and Guidelines, Best Management Practices, and Outfitter and Guide permit 

stipulations will eliminate nearly all effects on EFH. Additional impacts to EFH may occur only 

from unforeseen events. 

Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 

Actions authorized in the Selected Alternative will not have an adverse effect on marine 

mammals. Outfitters and guide are required to operate within the parameters established in 

regulations governing the approach to humpback whales in Alaska (FR May 31, 2001, Vol. 66, 

No. 105, pp. 29505-29509 and 50 CFR 224.103) and the viewing code of conduct for marine 

mammals (http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/protectedresources/mmv/guide.htm). NMFS administers 

the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which prohibits the “take” of all marine mammal 

species in U.S. waters. “Take” is defined as “to harass, hunt, capture, or kill, or attempt to 

harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal.” Harassment is defined in the MMPA as “any 

act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance which has the potential to injure a marine mammal or 

marine mammal stock in the wild; or has the potential to disturb a marine mammal stock in the 

wild by causing disruption of behavior patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, 

breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering.” Approaching within 100 yards, or otherwise 

disturbing or displacing any marine mammal is prohibited. 

National Forest Management Act 

The Selected Alternative fully complies with the Forest Plan. This project incorporates all 

applicable Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines and management area prescriptions as they 

apply to the project area, and complies with Forest Plan goals and objectives. All required 

interagency review and coordination has been accomplished; new or revised measures resulting 

from this review have been incorporated. 

The Forest Plan complies with all resource integration and management requirements of 36 CFR 

219 (219.14 through 219.27). Application of Forest Plan direction for the Ketchikan-Misty 

Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan ensures compliance at the project level. 
Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan

ROD – Page 24

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 

The Forest Service program for compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) 

includes locating, inventorying and evaluating the National Register of Historic Places eligibility 

of historic and archeological sites that may be directly or indirectly affected by scheduled 

activities. Regulations (36 CFR 800) implementing Section 106 of the NHPA require Federal 

agencies to consider the effects of their actions on sites that are determined eligible for inclusion 

in or are listed in the National Register of Historic Places (termed "historic properties"). The 

Alaska Region of the USDA Forest Service, the Alaska State Historic Preservation Officer, and 

the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation have established streamlined Section 106 review 

guidelines and stipulations in a Programmatic Agreement. 

Outfitter and guide use is not expected to result in the discovery or disturbance of human 

remains. However, if human remains are discovered, they will fall under the inadvertent 

discovery provisions of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act 

(NAGPRA). 

Outfitter and guide use is also not expected to restrict Alaska Native access to traditional 

religious or spiritual sites that are protected under the American Indian Religious Freedom Act 

(AIRFA) and Forest Service standards and guidelines for the treatment of sacred sites (USDA 

2008, p. 4-19). 

A Forest Service archeologist has reviewed this project and made a determination of No Historic 

Properties Affected in the area of potential effect for the proposed project. Obligations using 

modified procedures of the 36 CFR 800 review process, as defined in the Programmatic 

Agreement, have been met. 

Wild and Scenic Rivers Act 

Six river systems within the project area were recommended by the Forest Plan for inclusion in 

the National Wild and Scenic River System. Congressional action to designate these rivers has 

not occurred. Forest Plan goals for these LUDs include maintaining the free-flowing character 

and outstandingly remarkable values of the river segments. The Selected Alternative does not 

propose to change the free-flowing character or outstandingly remarkable values associated with 

any of the rivers and therefore will not affect the eligibility of any river segments for inclusion in 

the Wild and Scenic River System. Recreational use of such river segments is allowed, and the 

Selected Alternative meets the Forest Plan direction for management of these areas with respect 

to recreation and tourism levels. 

Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment (Executive Order 11593) 

Executive Order 11593 directs federal agencies to provide leadership in preserving, restoring and 

maintaining the historic and cultural environment of the Nation. The work accomplished in 

accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act for the Ketchikan-Misty 

Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan meets the intent of this Executive Order. 

Floodplain Management (Executive Order 11988) 

No outfitter and guide permits will be issued that allow permanent development in floodplains 

within the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District. It is expected that none of the outfitter and 
Record of Decision

ROD – Page 25

guide activities will affect velocity or location of flows or width and depth of water. Therefore, 

no measurable short or long-term effects for floodplains are anticipated under any alternative. 

Protection of Wetlands (Executive Order 11990) 

No outfitter or guide activities that result in long-term impacts (filling, dredging, etc.) to 

wetlands will be permitted under this document (USDA Forest Service Manual 2527.01-04). 

Environmental Justice/Civil Rights (Executive Order 12898) 

I have determined that in accordance with Executive Order 12898 this project does not have 

disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority 

populations and low-income populations. 

Recreational Fisheries (Executive Order 12962) 

Federal agencies are required, to the extent permitted by law and where practicable, and in 

cooperation with States and Tribes, to improve the quantity, function, sustainable productivity, 

and distribution of U.S. aquatic resources for increased recreational fishing opportunities. As 

required by this Order, I have evaluated the effects of this action on aquatic systems and 

recreational fisheries and documented those effects relative to the purpose of this order. This 

activity is consistent with Executive Order 12962, in that it increases recreational fishing 

opportunities. It is also expected to maintain the quantity, function, sustainable productivity, and 

distribution of United States aquatic resources. 

Indian Sacred Sites (Executive Order 13007) 

Executive Order 13007 directs Federal agencies to accommodate access to and ceremonial use of 

American Indian sacred sites by Indian religious practitioners and to avoid adversely affecting 

the physical integrity of such sacred sites. In a government-to-government relationship, the 

tribal government is responsible for notifying the agency of the existence of a sacred site. A 

sacred site is defined as a site that has sacred significance due to established religious beliefs or 

ceremonial uses, and which has specific, discrete, and delineated location, which has been 

identified by the tribe. The Selected Alternative protects traditional cultural properties and 

sacred sites. 

Invasive Species (Executive Order 13112) 

Federal agencies (in part) are required: 

 to evaluate whether the proposed activities will affect the status of invasive species, 

 to not carry out activities that promote the introduction or spread of invasive species 

unless it has determined that the benefits of such action outweigh the potential harm 

caused by invasive species, to the extent permitted by law and where practicable, and 

 to take all feasible and prudent measures to minimize risk of harm in conjunction with the 

actions. 
Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan

ROD – Page 26

The Selected Alternative includes both public education and management measures to reduce the 

risk of introducing and spreading invasive species. 

Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (Executive Order 

13175) 

Executive Order 13175 directs Federal agencies to respect tribal self-government, sovereignty, 

and tribal rights, and to engage in regular and meaningful government-to-government 

consultation with tribes on proposed actions with tribal implications. The Forest Service met 

with or contacted local tribes during the planning stages of the project as noted in Chapter 1 of 

the EIS. 

Facilitation of Hunting Heritage and Wildlife Conservation (Executive Order 

13443) 

Executive Order 13443 directs Federal agencies to facilitate the expansion and enhancement of 

hunting opportunities and the management of game species and their habitat. The analysis 

considered and disclosed the effects both of hunting activities and on hunting activities. The 

Selected Alternative will provide hunting opportunities for the guided and unguided public. 

Implementation Process ______________________ 

Implementation of this decision may occur no sooner than 50 days following publication of the 

legal notice of the decision in the Ketchikan Daily News, published in Ketchikan, Alaska. 

Outfitter and guide allocations are implemented through special use permits. Special use permits 

will be issued to authorize the guided activities discussed at the allocation levels provided in this 

decision. 

This project will be implemented in accordance with Forest Service Handbook (FSH) direction 

for Recreation Special Uses in FSH 2709.14, Chapter 50, Section 53 and in FSH 2709.11 

Special Uses Handbook. This direction provides a bridge between project planning and 

implementation and will ensure execution of the actions, environmental standards, and 

mitigations approved by this decision, and compliance with other laws. All applicable BMPs 

will be applied to the Selected Alternative. 

Implementation of all activities authorized by this Record of Decision will be monitored to 

ensure that they are carried out as planned and described in the FEIS and this ROD. 

These design elements and mitigation measures will be implemented through outfitter and guide 

permit conditions, operating plan standards, and administration of the permits. 

Appendix 1 of this Record of Decision contain the Selected Alternative’s recreation use area 

cards. These cards are an integral part of this decision because they document the specific 

resource concerns, design elements, and mitigation measures that will be implemented through 

outfitter and guide permit conditions and administration of the permits. These cards will be used 

during the implementation process to assure that all aspects of the project are implemented 

within applicable standards and guidelines and that resource effects will not be greater than those 

described in the FEIS. 
Record of Decision

ROD – Page 27

The implementation record for this project will include: 

 Any prospectus’ required with the reduction of service days, 

 monitoring results, and 

 any adaptive management options used to implement the Selected Alternative, and the 

authorization of proposed changes based on adaptive management. 

Administrative Review (Appeal) Opportunities ___ 

This decision is subject to administrative review (appeal) pursuant to Title 36 Code of Federal 

Regulations (CFR) Part 215. Individuals or organizations who submitted comments during the 

comment period specified at 215.6 may appeal this decision. The notice of appeal must be in 

writing, meet the appeal content requirements at 215.14 and be filed with the Appeal Deciding 

Officer: 

Forrest Cole, Forest Supervisor 

Tongass National Forest 

US Department of Agriculture 

648 Mission St. 

Ketchikan, AK 99901-6591 

Email address: appeals-alaska-tongass@fs.fed.us

Fax (907) 228-6215 

The Notice of Appeal, including attachments, must be filed (regular mail, fax, e-mail express 

delivery or messenger service) with the Appeal Deciding Officer at the correct location within 45 

calendar days of the date that the legal notification of this decision is published in the Ketchikan 

Daily News, the official newspaper of record for this project. The publication date in the 

newspaper of record is the exclusive means for calculating the time to file an appeal. Those 

wishing to appeal this decision should not rely upon dates or timeframe information provided by 

any other source. 

Hand-delivered appeals will be accepted at the Supervisor’s Office during normal business hours 

(8:00 am through 4:30 pm) Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Implementation Date _________________________ 

Implementation of decisions subject to appeal pursuant to 36 CFR Part 215, may occur on, but 

not before, five business days from the close of the appeal filing period, if no appeals are 

received. It is my decision to implement the Selected Alternative effective for the 2013 

operating season. This gives outfitters and guides an opportunity to plan and prepare for any 

changes that may occur through implementation. 
Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Contact ________________________________ __ 

For additional information concern ing this decision, contact: 

Sue Jennings, Project Team Leader 

Tongass National Forest, Petersburg Office 

P.O. Box 309 

Petersburg, AK 99833 

Email: sjennings@fs.fed.us 

Phone: 907-723-0477 

Date 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the 

basis ofrace , color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, 

parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal , or because all or part 

of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all 

programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information 

(Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and 

TOO). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director. Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence 

Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (BOO) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TOO). USDA is 

an equal opportunity provider and employer. 

ROD-Page 28 
Appendix 1 

Recreation Use Area Cards

APPENDIX 1 – 

RECREATION USE AREA CARDS 

As explained in the ROD, the decision includes implementing the project design from the 

Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan Draft EIS and Final EIS as 

described in this appendix. This appendix contains the selected site-specific and project areawide: 

 assumptions, 

 items that trigger additional interdisciplinary team (IDT) review 

 monitoring and selected monitoring indicators and standards, 

 adaptive management methods 

 process, 

 design elements, and 

 mitigation measures/resource considerations. 

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards, is used to explain information about each 

Recreation Use Area and any district-wide or site-specific resource concerns, design 

elements, and mitigations. Narrative cards and maps for each Recreation Use Area in this 

Draft EIS are in numerical order. The Recreation Use Area cards summarize information 

about the area and recreational uses, the project design/mitigation measures/permit 

stipulations, and the resource concerns for the entire Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District 

(KMRD) and each Recreation Use Area. 

The following sections provide background information for the Recreation Use Area cards as 

well as district-wide design elements and mitigations. The Introduction to Recreation Use 

Area Cards section of this appendix explains information displayed in the individual 

Recreation Use Area cards. The Project Design and General Mitigation Measures section 

summarizes project design elements, mitigation measures, and permit stipulations that apply 

to all Recreation Use Areas, either where a particular resource or resource condition is found, 

or where these conditions are found during permit administration. These elements and 

measures can be either from the Forest Plan or project specific. 

Introduction to Recreation Use Area Cards ______ 

Capacity estimates and allocations are displayed in Service Days. A service day is: “An 

allocation of use constituting a day or any part of a day on National Forest System lands for 

which an outfitter or guide provides services to a client. The total number of service days is 

calculated by multiplying each service day by the number of clients on the trip” (FSH 

2709.14 53.1e). Guided big game hunting is authorized by the number of hunts by species 

rather a particular number of service days; for purposes of determining if a hunt is within the 

guide use allocation for a Recreation Use Area, a length of 10 service days will be used for 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 1
each brown bear or mountain goat hunt and 7 days for each black bear hunt based on the 

length of hunts advertised by existing guides on KMRD. 

Visitor capacity includes both guided and unguided visitor service days and was calculated as 

an annual number by season. For example, the capacity for 01 West Misty is 299 service 

days each spring, 1,807 service days each summer, and 260 service days each fall. 

All action alternatives allocate outfitter and guide use for the spring, summer, and fall 

seasons. Season dates are spring: April 20 through May 14 (23 days), summer: May 15 

through September 30 (139 days), and fall: October 1 through October 20 (20 days). No 

allocations are specified for winter use because outfitter and guide use levels in the winter are 

so low that allocations for the winter season were unneeded. 

An encounter is defined in this analysis as an individual or group met while on National 

Forest System lands or freshwater lakes. When groups or individuals meet employees doing 

administrative work (such as staffing a fish weir or monitoring a campsite), this is not and 

would not be counted as an encounter. 

Recreation Use Area cards provide site-specific information when/where that information 

was available to IDT members. 

Project Assumptions and Exclusions ___________ 

Many potential effects can be negated by explaining what will or will not be allowed or 

included in outfitters’ and guides’ special use permits. 

This decision permits the following guided uses based on the 2008 Determination of Need 

for Commercial Uses on the KMRD (Appendix A of the DEIS): 

 brown bear, black bear, and mountain goat hunting, 

 floatplane landing tours, 

 freshwater fishing, 

 remote setting nature tours (e.g. hiking, beach activities, sightseeing, wildlife 

viewing), 

 wildlife viewing at developed sites, 

 camping, 

 road-based nature tours, and 

 institutional use (e.g. youth and education groups). 

The 2008 Determination of Need for Commercial Uses on the KMRD demonstrated the need 

for these commercially guided opportunities on the wilderness and non-wilderness portions 

of KMRD. Only these guided uses are permitted through this decision. Other types of 

guided uses will have to be considered on a case-by-case basis with a separate NEPA 

analysis. 

Under the Selected Alternative, permitted activities will be consistent with federal, state and 

local laws, regulations and orders and with the Forest Plan. 

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Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 2

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
In addition, the following project assumptions are part of this decision and were used by all 

IDT members in their analysis: 

 The unguided public would not be regulated by this decision. Unguided use and use 

levels are expected to continue at existing levels and locations. 

 This alternative authorizes outfitter and guide operations through the issuance of 

special use permits using current permitting direction. 

 For qualified applicants, the District Ranger may issue priority use permits based on 

guided use allocation, for a period of up to 10 years. 

 There will be continued and increased demand for special use permits to conduct 

outfitter and guide activities. 

 Ground disturbance would not be authorized under the special use permits. Grounddisturbance assumed to occur with selected outfitting and guiding activities would be 

limited to trampling from feet, the footprint of tents, driving on open roads or 

designated OHV trails, and human waste disposal. 

 Any road use associated with access to a permit holder’s authorized locations will be 

in accordance with the most recent Motor Vehicle Use Map in effect at the time the 

activity occurs. 

 Any dock use associated with boat-based access to a permit holder’s authorized 

locations will be restricted to the side/back of a dock to minimize interference with 

other users of the area. 

 Removal/collection of objects or plants is not authorized, except for hunting and 

fishing as described in this document and the associated resource reports. 

 Any use of firewood is limited to dead material on the ground and will follow Leave 

No Trace principles. No removal or cutting of live vegetation will occur. 

 Consumptive uses of water (i.e., diversions, dams, etc.) are not allowed. Limited 

collection of drinking water for individual or group use is acceptable. 

 Use higher than the visitor capacity (shown in Table R-1) will not be allowed. If 

higher use (unguided plus guided use) is identified through monitoring in any 

recreation use area, administrative action may be taken to limit outfitter and guide 

use. Unguided visitors will not be limited, unless resource damage is occurring. If 

resource damage is occurring (for example, trail erosion), visitors may be detoured 

away from the affected area until the concern can be resolved. 

Items that will Trigger Additional IDT review _____ 

While analysis of effects was completed for the entire KMRD, some permit actions within 

the Selected Alternative would require a resource review to assess site specific requests and 

to assure that any changed conditions since the time of this analysis remain within 

expectations. The following items (Table R1-1) would require additional review by the 

identified resource specialist prior to issuing an outfitter or guide permit. 

 

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Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 3

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Table R1-1) KMRD Outfitter And Guide Proposals which would Trigger Additional 

Resource Review 

Trigger for Additional Review Botany Heritage Lands Recreation Watershed Wildlife

Any outfitter and guide use location not contained 

within the GIS Outfitter and Guide Use point shapefile 

(filename: og_locations02182010; 206 locations 

documented on the KMRD) and as displayed in the unit 

card maps. 

X X X X X X 

Any application for annual service days exceeding 50 

service days in one location X X X X X 

Any permit if there are additions to the Regional 

Forester’s Sensitive Species List, under the Endangered 

Species Act, or the Alaska Natural Heritage Program 

Rare Plant List who’s viability is determined to be at 

risk by recreation use. 

X X X 

Any permit for alpine or sub-alpine hiking or camping 

for group sizes 6 or over X X 

Any request to conduct any kind of outfitter guide 

activities in 03 South Misty X X X 

Any request to visit historic or prehistoric locations X 

Any request for new or additional big game hunts, any 

requests for re-allocating existing big game hunts, and 

any requests for guided take of incidental species X 

Anything that would increase the recreation visitor 

capacity (for example, if a trail is constructed, visitor 

capacity would likely increase) 

X X X X X 

Any request to increase allocation (using adaptive 

management) X X X X X 

Any new requests for use where social conditions are 

approaching or exceeding standards described in 

Chapter 2 of the EIS under Alternative Development 

Process. 

 X 

Monitoring _________________________________ 

Adaptive management requires clearly identified intended outcomes and monitoring to 

determine if management actions are meeting those outcomes. The following section 

identifies the monitoring included in this decision. 

My decision adopts the desired future conditions, indicators, and standards identified during 

the KMRD Recreation Planning Process described in the EIS and displayed below in Table 

R1-2. Forest Plan ROS classes will still be used to describe recreation opportunities and to 

analyze effects of future projects. Outfitter and guide operations and activities authorized by 

this decision are appropriate for the specific Forest Plan ROS settings described for each 

LUD as required by Forest Plan standards and guidelines (page 4-46). 

Further work went into developing an adaptive management proposal using the indicators 

and standards developed during the public process. Monitoring of the selected indicators as 

well as resource concerns would be used to determine if conditions are nearing or exceeding 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 4

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
standards and where, when, and what type of management actions may be needed or what 

management flexibility is available. 

Table R1-2) Indicators and Standards for the four KMRD Recreation Opportunity 

Zones (to be used for the Selected Alternative) 

 

1 An encounter is defined as “an individual or group met while on National Forest System 

FS) lands or freshwater lakes.” An encounter may occur at a Forest Service cabin, on a trail, 

or along a shoreline, among ther places. It is only a considered an “encounter” when BOTH 

PARTIES are on National Forest System lands. For example, a group in a boat on saltwater 

passing a group walking on a beach would not be considered an encounter, however, a group 

in a boat on freshwater passing a group walking on a lake shore would be considered an 

encounter. We recognize the need for ongoing administration of public lands, thus 

“encounters” does not include meetings with any federal, state, local or contracted 

individuals who are working at any of these sites. 

2

 Information is based on actual use reports submitted annually by outfitters/guides operating 

on the KMRD under special use permit. If the guided activity requires a drop off and pick up 

(e.g. a tour where clients are left at a location with a guide and later picked up by the pilot), 

this use will only be counted as one landing for the purposes of this monitoring. Guided use 

reports include information about locations used, number of individuals and group visiting 

each area, method of transportation, and the amount of time spent on National Forest System 

lands. 

Indicator

Recreation Opportunity Zone

Primitive 

Wilderness 

Semi-Primitive 

Wilderness 

Semi-Primitive NonWilderness Natural Accessible 

Standard

Number of 

encounters1 per 

day during trip 

No encounters 

per day during 

trip 90% of the 

time. 

No more than two 

encounters per day 

during trip 90% of 

the time. 

No more than two 

encounters per day 

80% of the time. 

No more than eight 

encounters per day 

80% of the time. 

Number of 

guided 

floatplane 

landings per 

day per lake2

No more than 

one guided 

floatplane 

landing per day 

per lake 90% of 

the time. 

No more than two 

guided floatplane 

landings per day per 

lake 90% of the time 

on lakes with public 

recreation cabins 

OR 

No more than five 

guided floatplane 

landings per day per 

lake 90% of the time 

on lakes without 

public recreation 

cabins. 

No more than two 

guided floatplane 

landings per day per 

lake 80% of the time 

on lakes with public 

recreation cabins 

OR 

No more than five 

guided floatplane 

landings per day per 

lake 80% of the time 

on lakes without 

public recreation 

cabins. 

No more than eight 

guided floatplane 

landings per day per 

lake 80% of the time 

during the primary 

use season. 

Note: this standard 

does not apply in the 

Ketchikan Core NA 

Use Area, where 

guided floatplane 

landings are 

prohibited. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 5

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Additionally, monitoring and evaluation provide the public and the Forest Service with 

information on the progress and results of implementing National Forest management 

decisions. Monitoring and evaluation comprise an essential feedback mechanism to help be 

responsive to changing conditions. There are two distinct types of monitoring: 

implementation and effectiveness. Implementation monitoring determines if the permitted 

activities comply with adopted standards and guidelines: “Did we do what we said we 

would?” Effectiveness monitoring determines whether the standards and guidelines achieve 

desired results: “Were the results what we expected?”

Implementation and effectiveness monitoring will be accomplished through the 

administration of the special use permits issued as a result of this decision. These measures 

include: 

1. Special use permits authorized for outfitting and guiding will be monitored as described 

in Forest Service Handbook 2709.14, section 53.1r. This monitoring will consist of 

routine inspections for permit compliance and compliance with State and Federal 

regulations. 

2. Field inspections of a permit holder's operations or approved use will be necessary to 

ensure compliance with permit provisions. Inspections of approved use areas would 

provide information regarding site conditions and whether or not additional 

administrative actions are required. 

3. Permit holders are required to provide actual use reports3

 to the Forest Service within 30 

days of the end of their operating season. 

4.Information provided by the yearly use reports will be compiled and available to all 

resource disciplines or other areas as requested. 

5. KMRD permit administrators will monitor outfitter and guide use annually based on 

information provided by permit holders in the actual use report. 

6. KMRD staff conducts wilderness solitude monitoring to asses opportunities for solitude 

and to document effects to wilderness character in Misty Fiords National Monument 

Wilderness (MFNMW). Monitoring includes social encounter monitoring, guided 

aircraft landings, outfitter and guide use, sound monitoring, trail and cabin use 

monitoring and dispersed campsite monitoring. This monitoring is completed using the 

protocol established in the MFNMW Solitude Monitoring Protocol (2011 – an appendix 

of the resource specialist report for Wilderness). Monitoring information supports the 

KMRD Outfitter and Guide EIS, Wilderness 10 Year Stewardship Challenge, Tongass 

Forest Plan wilderness character monitoring, and KMRD outfitter and guide 

administration. 

7.While conducting the wilderness solitude monitoring, the recreation staff coordinate 

with other resource staff to provide information on invasive plant species and wildlife 

species or areas of interest, like goshawk, osprey, oystercatchers, sea lions haulouts, and 

bald eagle nests. Wildlife-related sightings are reported to the KMRD wildlife biologist. 

 

3 Actual use reports A form completed by outfitter and guide permit holders and submitted to the District Office at the end 

of the holder’s operating season. The form includes the following information: date(s) of use, number of clients, location(s), 

and a description of the activity(s) at each location. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 6

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
If any invasive plant species are seen, the staff reports these to the KMRD botanist. The 

district botanist works closely with the recreation staff to identify all plants of interest. 

8. Starting in 2011, the soils and fisheries resource specialists requested that the recreation 

staff look at trampling, soil compaction, soil puddling, or soil mineral exposure that 

results in the degradation of the site such that it results in an undesired recreation 

condition as defined by the recreation staff and any disturbance of over 100 square feet, 

resulting in soil erosion that reaches a drainage channel or other water body. 

9. Social encounter monitoring will ensure that standards established for the Primitive 

Wilderness and Semi-Primitive Wilderness Recreation Opportunity zones are not 

exceeded in specific locations or Recreation Use Areas. KMRD staff will also continue 

monitoring trail and cabin use. 

Adaptive Management requires clearly identified intended outcomes and monitoring to 

determine if management actions are meeting those outcomes. 

Implementation and monitoring of special use permits is a part of the ongoing management 

of resources at the district level. The programs and strategies used to manage resources 

include education and awareness, field visits, site inspections, and visitor feedback. Methods 

may vary depending upon resources that are impacted. 

Resource-specific monitoring is also required, as discussed below. 

Botany 

Outfitter and guide recreation use will be periodically monitored by Forest Service personnel. 

Impacts to vegetation will be recorded during site visits. If a sensitive plant or lichen or rare 

plant is found, the KMRD botanist will be notified. The botanist will assess the population 

health and extent. If impacts are determined to negatively affect the viability of the 

population, mitigation measures will be implemented. If an invasive plant is found, the 

KMRD botanist will be notified. The botanist will assess the population density and extent 

of the infestation. Mitigation recommendations will be made if the population is determined 

to be a threat to natural, cultural, or recreational resources. The botanist will communicate 

with the permit administrator. Permits may be modified to implement mitigations or 

closures, or to address increases or decreases in allocations as proposed in adaptive 

management. 

Fish/Hydrology 

No formal or scheduled monitoring by the KMRD fish biologist or hydrologist is required. 

Monitoring conducted as part of permit administration, random site visits by district 

personnel and site condition reports from the public are sufficient to notice impacts to other 

resources, especially botany and soils, which indirectly affect water resources. If impacts are 

noted, the KMRD fish biologist or hydrologist will be consulted. The fish biologist or 

hydrologist will work with the permit administrator to assess and prescribe mitigation 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 7

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
measures. If mitigation measures are implemented, a monitoring plan would be developed at 

that time. 

Heritage 

To verify affect assumptions KMRD archeologists will continue to periodically visit a 

sample of guided use areas and follow standard monitoring protocols. This periodic 

monitoring will ensure that conducting such activities do not adversely affect cultural 

resources through soil disturbance, rutting, compaction, and erosion. Monitoring will also 

address issues of future commercial use that may increase the potential for looting or 

inadvertent disturbance of heritage resources. District archeologists will conduct a visual 

inspection of the guided use area, focusing particular attention on areas with known heritage 

resources or that are located in high sensitivity areas for potential heritage resources. Soil 

probes and other subsurface tests may be used to determine the integrity of buried sites. 

Photographic reference and GPS waypoints may be established at each monitored location to 

serve as a visual baseline as future visits are made. Information gathered during monitoring 

will be recorded in our Ketchikan-Misty Fiord Sites database. Maps, drawings, photos, and 

other references will also be collected to gauge future site conditions. Guide use report 

information will help us to continue to monitor known guide use areas more effectively.

Wildlife 

The KMRD wildlife biologist will accompany permit administrators on some routine field 

inspections to check compliance, general effectiveness of mitigations, and analytical 

assumptions. Information from guide use reports, site condition reports, and other sources 

may help focus field visits on potential problem areas. If impacts are noted, the KMRD 

wildlife biologist will be consulted and work with the permit administrator to assess and 

prescribe mitigation measures. 

Adaptive Management _______________________ 

A Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) study found that because conditions can change 

over the life of a project, whether as a result of nature or human action, it is beneficial to 

account for these changes mid-course to maintain desired outcomes (CEQ 1997, p. 32). 

Adaptive management recognizes the limits of knowledge and experience and allows for 

project management to be re-evaluated as new information becomes available and the 

development of criteria to define when such actions may be needed. In other words, adaptive 

management is a process of monitoring results and adjusting the chosen action to meet 

desired outcomes while staying within established criteria. 

In the future, if a recreation use area nears or exceeds the indicators and standards, or if 

unforeseen and unknown or substantial resource impacts occur as a result of implementing 

the selected alternative, KMRD will use adaptive management and take administrative steps 

to address the areas of concern. The steps that cause the least impact to recreational visitors 

will be implemented first if there was no immediate threat to resources or facilities. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 8

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
These potential administrative steps include: 

 Provide information for unguided visitors about the recreation settings that can be 

expected in different use areas and locations, 

 Encourage guided and unguided use in less crowded areas with similar recreation 

opportunities and during the spring and fall when use levels are lower, 

 Identify additional sites for guided and unguided groups, 

 Encourage outfitters and guides to voluntarily coordinate their schedules, 

 Limit guided users’ length of stay, 

 Require guided groups to use designated sites, 

 Limit guided use on weekends and holidays, 

 Reduce guide use allocation, and/or 

 Implement resource-specific measures to mitigate impacts to resources (see Appendix 2 

of the ROD). 

The District Ranger may also use adaptive management to consider increasing guided use 

allocations for a recreation use area if several criteria are met. If a recreation use area nears 

the allocation and an outfitter or guide requests additional days, the District Ranger may 

grant them based on a review by resource specialists and by following the criteria listed 

below. However, this adaptive management decision would: 

 allocate no more than 74,005 total service days annually to guided use; 

 keep allocations at zero in 04 Duke Island, 11 Gravina Island, 21 Percy Hotspur Mary 

Islands and 28 Naha Bay – adaptive management would not be applied in these 

recreation use areas; and 

 allow no individual recreation use area to go higher than the highest allocation per use 

area analyzed in the EIS. In other words, the highest annual allocation per use area 

could be 75% in the five recreation use areas where a 75% allocation was considered 

(06 Misty Core Lakes, 17 George Carroll Thorne, 23 Betton Island, 25 South Revilla 

NA, and 27 Margaret Bay) and up to 50% of the visitor capacity in the remaining 19 

recreation use areas. 

Criteria for Adjusting Guided Use 

In addition to the adaptive management decision described above, the following criteria will 

be used to adjust guided use during the implementation of this decision, rather than having to 

wait for new environmental analysis and a new decision. 

Timing of Adaptive Management Adjustments: The timing of adjustments is also important 

in this adaptive management strategy. Time is needed to monitor results and adjust the 

chosen actions. Monitoring results at guided use levels close to those chosen are needed to 

assure that environmental and social effects are as, or less than, expected. No increases to 

the selected guided use allocations (shown in the Record of Decision) will be made for a 

minimum of two years after implementation occurs. In addition, a recreation use area would 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 9

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
need to be near the selected guided use allocation for a minimum of two years prior to 

considering an increase in that allocation. This will allow time to monitor the selected 

allocations before implementing adaptive management strategies. On the other hand, if 

negative effects of implementation are discovered they will be dealt with swiftly to minimize 

harmful environmental and social impacts. 

Increase the Guided Use Allocation: Using the timing and upper limit parameters above, if a 

recreation use area is near the allocation set by the selected alternative in the Record of 

Decision and application is made for additional service days, the District Ranger may use 

adaptive management to grant the additional use. The guided use allocation set by the 

selected alternative for a recreation use area may be increased to accommodate additional 

guided use on a temporary, trial basis (at the discretion of the District Ranger after a review 

by KMRD resource specialists) if ALL of the following occur: 

1. Encounter rates do not exceed standards displayed in Table R1-2, 

2. Number of guided lake landings do not exceed standards in Table R1-2, 

3. No substantial4 resource issues are identified during the resource specialist review, 

4. Evaluation of the number/content of complaints indicates that additional use can be 

accommodated while meeting management objectives, and 

5. For additional use proposed in Wilderness, the proposed use cannot be 

accommodated on non-wilderness portions of KMRD. 

If items 1 through 5 are met for two years after the temporary allocation increase, the 

Recreation Use Area’s guided use allocation may be increased to include the additional use 

on a priority use permit at the discretion of the District Ranger. The temporary increase in 

use could be authorized through issuance of either a temporary or two-year priority special 

use permit and would follow Forest Service direction for outfitter and guide permits in FSH 

2709.14, Chapter 50. 

When demand for guided use exceeds allocation and an increase is not possible in a 

recreation use area, the Forest Service may issue a prospectus to determine the most qualified 

applicants to provide services for the allowable allocation amounts. In other words, if 

demand for service days exceeds the allocation amount available (supply), a competitive 

process may be necessary to determine which guides will be authorized for that recreation 

use area. Other administrative actions may occur prior to or in addition to a prospectus; see 

“potential administrative steps” above for examples. 

Decrease the Guided Use Allocation or Implement Other Adaptive Management Options: 

Guided use allocation for a recreation use area may be decreased or other adaptive 

management options may be implemented if ANY of the following occur: 

1. Encounter rates exceed a standard displayed in Table R1-2, 

2. Number of guided lake landings exceed a standard shown in Table R1-2, 

3. Substantial resource issue(s) is/are identified during the resource specialist 

monitoring, or 

 

4

 Substantial is defined differently for each resource, that is why a resource specialist review is included in the adaptive 

management criteria. More information is available on the resource analysis in the resource reports in the project record. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 10

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
4. Evaluation of the number/content of complaints indicates that a decrease in guided 

use allocation is needed to meet management objectives. 

At the discretion of the District Ranger, management actions such as education, voluntary 

outfitter and guide scheduling, other items in the potential administrative steps list (above 

under Adaptive Management), and mandatory outfitter and guide permit stipulations may be 

used prior to decreasing the guided use allocation. 

Increases and decreases in use and other adaptive management adjustments will be at the 

District Ranger’s discretion, after consultation with the affected resource specialists and 

within the criteria above. New environmental analysis would be needed for outfitter and 

guide use if the District Ranger desired to go outside of the parameters described here. 

Process ____________________________________ 

Proposal Screening and Preparation 

Outfitter and guide proposals go through a two-stage screening process prior to being 

accepted as formal applications (36 CFR 251.54(e)). Proposals are first checked for the 

following: 

 Consistency with federal, state and local laws, regulations and orders; 

 Consistency or ability to be made consistent with the Forest Plan; 

 Whether there would be a serious or substantial risk to public health and safety; 

 Whether the use would create an exclusive or perpetual right of use or occupancy; 

 Whether the use would unreasonably conflict or interfere with administrative use, 

other scheduled or existing authorized uses, or adjacent land owners; 

 If there is outstanding debt to the Forest Service; 

 To ensure that use does not involve gambling or provision of sexually oriented 

commercial services; 

 To ensure use does not involve military or paramilitary training/exercises by private 

organizations or individuals; and, 

 To ensure use does not involve disposal of solid waste, radioactive waste, or other 

hazardous substances. 

If the proposal passes this initial screening, it is then checked for the following: 

 Is the use inconsistent or incompatible with the purposes for which lands are managed 

or with other uses? 

 Is the use in the public interest? 

 Is the proponent qualified? 

 Does the proponent have the technical and financial capability to comply with the 

terms and conditions of the permit? 

 Is the proponent willing to accept the terms and conditions of the permit? 

 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 11

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
In addition, the District Ranger would check: 

 Whether the proposal falls within the bounds of the decision for the KMRD Outfitter 

and Guide Management Plan EIS, or other applicable environmental analyses, or 

whether it requires additional NEPA analysis. 

 

A proposal must pass all criteria in order to become an accepted application. Once the 

proposed use is determined acceptable, the authorizing officer may choose to issue a special 

use permit with stipulated terms and conditions. 

Project Management and General Mitigation 

Measures __________________________________ 

The Forest Service uses many measures to prevent or mitigate negative social and 

environmental impacts in the planning and implementation of land management activities. 

These measures were developed from applicable laws and regulations, manual direction, the 

Forest Plan standards and guidelines, and recommendations from other sources (e.g. Leave 

No Trace methods). 

The following is a list of project management and mitigation measures that will be applied in 

all of the action alternatives to commercial recreation activities in all Recreation Use Areas 

where those conditions exist. In addition, where information was available, site-specific 

resource concerns, management elements, and mitigation measures are listed on the 

Recreation Use Area cards at the end of each card. The Use Area cards provide site-specific 

information and guidance for commercial permit and operating plan preparation and 

administration, and include a map and narrative identifying resource concerns and sitespecific mitigation measures. 

The design elements and mitigation measures listed here and on the cards will be used to 

prepare and administer outfitter and guide permits and operating plans. They will be 

incorporated into the permits as stipulations where applicable. Mitigation measures may be 

further refined during the monitoring and administration of commercial use authorizations as 

additional information becomes available. 

General Permit Clauses and Operating Plan Standards 

Special uses are authorized on standard forms that contain provisions to protect the environment, 

including fish and wildlife habitat, air and water quality, and aesthetic values; lives and property; 

and other preexisting lawful users of NFS lands. In addition, provisions in special use 

authorizations protect Federal property and economic interests, provide for effective management 

of NFS lands, and otherwise protect the public interest. If specific day-to-day operating 

procedures or standards are needed they will be included in an operating plan attached to the 

authorization 

 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 12

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
The following items are included in the outfitter and guide permit and/or the associated 

operating plans: 

 Outfitter and guide activities are required to comply with all applicable federal, state, 

and local laws, regulations, and standards. 

 Outfitters and guides will carry a copy of the permit and annual operating plan in the 

field at all times and guides will be knowledgeable about the locations and activities 

authorized and requirements contained within these documents. 

 Outfitter and guide use of a permitted area is not exclusive and will not preclude 

public use or access. Outfitter and guide activities shall not interfere with subsistence 

resource users or disrupt subsistence resource gathering activities. 

 Land ownership is mixed; it is the responsibility of the permit holder to determine 

ownership and obtain proper authorization for use of private, native, State of Alaska, 

or local government-held lands. 

 Outfitters and guides will incorporate “Leave No Trace” methods for all activities on 

National Forest System lands, including trash disposal, personal waste disposal, and 

campfire use (see www.lnt.org for additional information). All food, belongings, and 

gear brought on-site by guides and their clients, will be stored in such a manner as to 

not be an attraction to bears and other wildlife. Outfitters and guides will not harass or 

chase bears, or other wildlife, with motorized land vehicles, boats, or aircraft. 

 Outfitters and guides will provide high-quality services to their clients and facilitate 

the use and enjoyment of National Forest System lands. Outfitter’s and guides’ 

actions should increase public understanding and appreciation of the Forest Service’s 

mission and goals. 

 All outfitters and guides will submit an Actual Use Report to the Forest Service 

annually. Information on the Report will include the following: date, number of 

groups and number of clients using NFS lands, specific location of use (including 

latitude and longitude), activity, and time spent on NFS lands. 

 Within designated Wilderness, group size is limited to 12 people (including guides) at 

one time. Group size limit on the non-Wilderness portion of the District is a 

maximum of 16 people (not including the guide), unless specifically authorized in the 

permit. 

Resource-specific Management and Mitigation Measures 

Botany 

Sensitive and rare plants and suitable habitats are present within each Recreation Use Area. 

Some of these species occur nowhere else on the Tongass National Forest. Past surveys have 

occurred in areas associated with projects that have ground-disturbing activities. Very few 

known recreation sites or potential future recreation sites have been surveyed. 

The Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District (KMRD) will not authorize outfitter and guide 

use within any documented sensitive or rare plant population location, unless otherwise 

approved by the KMRD Botanist. 

 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 13

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
To reduce impacts associated with concentrated use in fragile sensitive and rare plant suitable 

habitats: 

Beach Meadows: Along the shoreline, guided groups are encouraged to camp on hardened 

surfaces, such as upper beach cobbles, or non-vegetated surfaces whenever possible. 

Outfitters and guides will not establish new camps in beach meadows. Outfitters and guides 

may use exisiting dispersed campsites within beach meadows. Dispersed campsites are 

easily noticeable, and may be indicated by the presence of an established fire ring or other 

unnatural site modification. When walking through these areas, guided groups will stay on 

existing paths and game trails, where available, to avoid trampling or damaging vegetation in 

beach meadows. Located at the margin between marine beaches and the forest fringe, beach 

meadows are characterized by the presence of tall grasses, beach pea, Indian paintbrush, 

Pacific silverweed, yarrow, chocolate lily, pretty shooting star, and Nootka lupine. These 

meadows often have between 20-40 different plant species, some of which are on the 

sensitive species list. 

Alpine and Subalpine: At high elevations, guided groups are encouraged to camp on 

hardened surfaces, such as bedrock, or in dry, upland short sedge habitats. Outfitters and 

guides will not establish camps in wetter, meadow-like sites as they are more susceptible to 

vegetation damage. Outfitters and guide will not use the same campsite more than once per 

year and will alternate campsites on a every other year rotation. This will provide time for 

vegetation to recover. In areas where an existing, maintained trail exists, people will stay on 

the existing path. When walking through moist or wet areas without maintained trails, 

guided users will spread out and walk on durable, harder surfaces. Party size may be limited 

in the subalpine and alpine zones. A sensitive ecosystem, the alpine is fragile and vegetation 

is slow to recover after impacts. Located above treeline, the alpine ecosystem is 

characterized by short, windswept perennial shrubs, stunted, leaning conifers, heaths and 

mountain meadows. 

If a sensitive or rare species is found or reported at any time, the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords 

Botanist will be notified. 

Invasive Plant Species: The activities associated with recreation use facilitate the movement 

of invasive plant species. Invasives have been documented within most Use Areas. Past 

surveys have occurred in areas associated with projects that have ground-disturbing 

activities, and along roadways. Very few known recreation sites have been surveyed. 

Invasive plant species have the potential to move into uninfested sites. To prevent new 

introductions, reduce the spread of existing infestations, and educate outfitters, guides, and 

the public on invasion ecology, the following will occur: 

 Provide invasive plant species education in the form of presentations and identification 

brochures to outfitters and guides; encourage weed information be shared with permit 

holders’ clients. 

 Implement the FS Guide to Noxious Weed Prevention Practices (USDA 2001): 

 Weed-Free Visitors: Briefly inspect clothing, especially shoe laces and soles, for 

invasive plant seed or vegetative material, before transport to recreation sites. Plant 

seed or vegetative material will be placed in a plastic bag, sealed closed, and thrown 

away in a receptacle destined for a landfill.. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 14

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
 Weed-Free Vehicles: Vehicles and off-road vehicles used in the shuttling of clients at 

remote recreation sites will be washed clean of invasive plant seed or vegetative 

material prior to transport to each remote site. Vehicles used solely in town and on 

connected road systems do not have to be washed, 

 Weed-Free Travel: Vehicles and off-road vehicles at remote recreation sites will be 

restricted to parking in designated cleared areas. Vehicles will remain within the road 

prism at all times. No parking or driving off-road. 

Fisheries/Hydrology 

Riparian areas, flood plains, and wetlands occur throughout the project area. Many Forest 

Plan standards and guidelines apply to management and use of these areas. The following 

standards and guidelines are the Forest Plan direction that are most applicable to the 

management of outfitters and guides: Ensure that permit holders understand Riparian 

Management Areas and riparian management objectives (RIP2 D, Forest Plan p. 4-51) and 

seek to avoid adverse impacts to soil and water resources (such as accelerated erosion and 

siltation of fish habitat) when conducting land use activities on wetlands, flood plains, and 

riparian areas (SW3 B, Forest Plan p. 4-65). 

Aquatic invasive species present a serious threat to fisheries in Southeast Alaska. A 

combination of education and implementing the following pro-active measures will aid 

efforts to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species: 

 Waders and wading boots not provided by permit holder will be disinfected prior to use. 

Two effective methods of disinfection include soaking gear in 10% bleach solution for 10 

minutes or freezing overnight. 

 Waders provided by permit holder will be disinfected at the beginning of the season and 

following any use off KMRD. 

 If aquatic invasive species are discovered in Southeast Alaska, frequency of disinfection 

will increase. 

Geology/Karst 

This EIS does not include use or visitation of caves. If caves are found, permit holders will 

report them to the permit administrator and avoid the caves. 

Heritage 

To verify affect assumptions the KMRD archeologist will periodically visit a sample of 

outfitter and guide use areas and follow standard monitoring protocols. This periodic 

monitoring will ensure that conducting the permitted activities will not adversely affect 

cultural resources through soil disturbance, rutting, compaction, or erosion. Monitoring will 

also address issues of future commercial use that may increase the potential for looting or 

inadvertent disturbance of heritage resources. 

An annual presentation will be given by the KMRD archaeologist to as many as practicable 

of the outfitters and guides who take clients out into the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger 

District concerning Cultural Resource awareness and the laws that protect them. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 15

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
There is one or more cultural resource sites (aka “historic properties”) located in every 

Recreational Use Area on KMRD that are either listed, determined eligible or potentially 

eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit administrator will work with 

the KMRD archaeologist before issuing any outfitter or guide permits at new locations in any 

of the Recreation Use Areas. 

Any cultural resources encountered during outfitter and guide activities should be left as 

found and reported to the permit administrator. If historic, prehistoric, or paleontological 

objects or sites are discovered during activities under these permits, the holder is responsible 

for assuring that those objects or sites are not disturbed during the course of the activities of 

the holder or the holder's clients. The holder must notify the Forest Service of such discovery 

at the earliest opportunity. Failure to comply with this clause may result in criminal 

prosecution of the holder for violation of a Federal law or regulation. 

Lands 

Permit locations should be reviewed regularly for compliance with policies and procedures 

for State of Alaska or Native selected lands and for potential conflicts with existing lands 

special use authorizations. All permit holders are expected to obtain proper authorization for 

non-National Forest System lands and follow the terms and conditions of their permit. 

Recreation 

Outfitters and guides are not authorized to use Forest Service public recreation cabins or their 

amenities (e.g. skiffs, firewood, and fire rings) unless specifically authorized on their permit. 

Low- and moderate-use recreation cabins may be authorized for commercial use on a caseby-case basis. Outfitter and guide camps are prohibited within one mile of any public 

recreation cabin. 

Soils 

Any areas of concern, such as new landslides, should be brought to the attention of the permit 

administrator, and reported to Forest Service soil scientists. Proposed activities should avoid 

landslide areas until vegetation has re-established. 

Subsistence 

A subsistence stipulation (3rd bullet) is included in General Permit Clauses and Operating 

Plan Standards above. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 16

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
Wetlands 

Minor loss of vegetation might occur in some places from heavy foot traffic but wetland 

function would not be significantly impacted by proposed activities. Foot traffic within 

wetland areas is permitted but should be minimized, where practical. 

Wildlife 

Hunt Conditions common to all areas

Big game guide use areas (GUAs) do not correspond with recreational use areas. Due to 

identified concerns for brown bears, black bears, and mountain goats, no additional or redistribution of outfitter-guide hunts shall be authorized on KMRD until current research 

results are available. After that time, any requests for additional hunts or hunts in a different 

GUA shall be coordinated with the KMRD district biologist and ADF&G area biologist 

before permit issuance. The Determination of Need for Commercial Uses on the KetchikanMisty Ranger District did not identify an outfitter-guide need for other hunts, such as deer 

hunting. 

Big game guides may be requested to submit specific location (including latitude and 

longitude) of kills and the sex of animal taken on their annual use report. 

Permit or Operating Plan Stipulations

Potential effects to wildlife fall mainly in the category of disturbance during critical life 

phases: overwintering when body reserves are limited, reproduction and young rearing when 

disturbance can further deplete body resources and/or cause abandonment of young, and 

summer/fall foraging where animals are trying to put on fat reserves in preparation of 

migration and/or the winter season. Disturbance prevention criteria are found in legal 

regulations, Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines, research, and general rules for wildlife 

viewing etiquette. 

Outfitters and guides will avoid known sensitive wildlife areas, including kidding and 

calving areas, den sites, nest sites, haul-outs, rookeries, and seabird colonies. 

Approaching, harassing or feeding any wildlife is prohibited. 

Beach and Estuary Fringe:

The beach/estuary fringe (approximately 1000 foot wide strip along saltwater) is important to 

a variety of wildlife including bald eagles, shorebirds, waterfowl, goshawks deer, marten, 

river otter, bear, and other wildlife species associated with the maritime-influenced habitat. 

Conduct shore related activities (e.g., camping, hiking, nature tours) so that there is little 

evidence of human influence: stay on existing trails, avoid nest areas, re-locate if wildlife 

exhibit signs of agitation, avoid areas with signs of high wildlife use such as otter dens or 

latrines. Avoid disturbing black oystercatchers and their nests in accordance with FSM 

2670.22 and 2670.32. 

Bears:

Estuarine grass flats and larger grass flats along lake inlets and outlets are important bear 

foraging areas. Avoid disturbance during spring emergence from dens when bears are 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 17

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
feeding upon grasses (spring through mid-June) and during salmon runs when bears are 

feeding to survive the winter (mid-July through fall). Other streams that support salmon runs 

also receive substantial use by foraging bears. Manage guided activities (camping, hiking, 

nature tours, flightseeing landing tours) within 500 feet of these areas when bears are present 

to avoid disrupting bears and to reduce chances of human/bear incidents. Move further away 

if bears change behavior (for example: stop foraging, raise head). Outfitter-guides and clients 

are prohibited from approaching, chasing or buzzing bears with vehicles, OHVs, aircraft or 

boats. 

Follow working in bear country and bear viewing etiquette to prevent human/bear conflicts. 

All food and other equipment shall be stored in appropriate containers and in such a manner 

as to not attract bears. Leave food in aircraft, boat, or vehicle where available and pack out 

all trash. Educate clients on bear behavior and bear safety. 

Swans, Waterfowl, and Shorebirds:

Estuary/grassy flats are also important to migrating and wintering waterfowl, including 

trumpeter swans. Avoid disturbance of trumpeter swans, seabird rookeries, and waterfowl 

and shorebirds from October 1 – April 30. Disturbance is any activity or approach that causes 

birds to flush or change activity. Swan nesting is rare in southeast Alaska, but is known to 

occur in Traitors Cove and on Duke Island. Any swans observed after the April migration 

period are likely nesting. Do not approach, limit the amount of noise, and move away from 

the general area. Implement swan, waterfowl, and shorebird Forest Plan buffers (generally 

330 feet from important habitat) to lower risk of disturbance. Report any nesting swans to the 

district biologist. 

Goats:

Mountain goats are present in subalpine/alpine habitat and are particularly sensitive to 

disturbance during the winter through the kidding season (approximately June 15). 

Authorized aircraft are required to stay at least 1,500 feet from goats and traditional summer 

and kidding habitat. Maintain greater distance where terrain allows (recent research 

recommends aircraft maintain a 2 kilometer [~6,600 ft] horizontal distance and at least 1,640 

foot vertical distance from goats). 

Limit other activities (camping/hiking) in subalpine/alpine ecosystem and avoid approaching 

or conducting other actions that elicit fright/flight behavior in goats (nervous glancing 

around, walking, running). If this behavior is noted, immediately move quietly away from 

area to prevent injury to goats and/or abandonment of kids. 

Bald Eagles:

Bald eagles are subject to disturbance during the nesting and courtship period which can 

result in nest abandonment. Over 90 percent of nests on the Tongass occur within the beach 

buffer. All commercial recreational activities (including boating) are prohibited within a 

minimum of 330 feet of bald eagle nests; move further away from nest if eagles exhibit signs 

of agitation (http://alaska.fws.gov/eaglepermit/guidelines/recreation.htm).

 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 18

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
Marine Mammals:

Humpback whales (endangered), Fin whales (endangered), Steller sea lions (threatened) 

Harbor seals, Dall’s porpoise, and Pacific white-sided dolphins occur in marine waters 

surrounding KMRD. 

Outfitters and guides are required to follow prohibitions on approaching humpback whales 

and other marine mammals. Outfitter-guides and clients are prohibited from approaching 

within 100 yards of any marine mammal or marine mammal haulout. Maintain further 

distance if animals exhibit any change in activity. KMRD Staff will provide copies of the 

regulations and viewing code of conduct 

(http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/protectedresources/mmv/guide.htm) to outfitters and guides 

permitted to operate under the KMRD O/G Plan. The National Marine Fisheries Service 

determined that this outreach is very important, especially as the number of whales and 

boaters continue to increase in Southeast Alaska. 

Goshawks, Other Raptors (including Osprey), and Herons: 

No activities are authorized within a minimum of 600 feet of known nest locations. Prevent 

disturbance within 2 miles of peregrine falcon nests. Report any osprey nests or sightings to 

KMRD biologist for follow-up. Maintain a minimum 330-foot radius buffer zone around any 

osprey nest tree to reduce disturbance effects. Increase all distances if birds exhibit any sign 

of agitation. Report any goshawk sightings and especially any attacks to KMRD biologist 

within 48 hours or at end of trip for follow-up monitoring. Inform KMRD biologist if any 

peregrine falcons, heron rookeries, other raptor nests, or marbled murrelet nests are observed 

during outfitter-guide activities for follow-up monitoring and avoid activities within 

proximity of the nest. Only a few documented sightings or nest records occur on these 

species. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 19

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 20

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 01 WEST MISTY

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

299 < 1 2 1,807 48 67 260 11 27

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

15 45 15 271 15 39

Description: This area encompasses the eastern portion of Revillagigedo Island that is designated Misty 

Fiords National Monument Wilderness and borders the East Behm Canal. 

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Primitive Wilderness (PW)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): Wilderness Monument, Wilderness Monument Wild River (Fish Creek 

System, including Gokachin Lakes)

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Class: Primitive, Semi-Primitive Motorized and SemiPrimitive Non-Motorized 

Communities: None.

Forest Service Recreation Facilities

Trails (2): Low Lake / Big Lake Trail and Gokachin Lake Trail

Land Status

National Forest System Lands: One encumbrance: the Claude Creek/Claude Lake area has a 

withdrawal for power site classification.

Non-National Forest System Lands: None

Current Recreational Use and Setting

Seven outfitter and guide use locations and eleven dispersed recreation sites have been recorded in this 

area. Most dispersed sites have minimal impacts; Claude Point is the only site with moderate to high 

impacts. The southern portion of the area receives numerous aircraft overflights during the summer 

season.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 21

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Area Attractions: Big Lake, Gokachin Lakes, Claude Point, Portage Cove, Grace Cove, and Mt. Reid

Guided Use: Approximately 60 guided visitors annually, with most use occurring in the summer and fall 

(hunting) seasons. Guided activities include fishing on the Fish Creek system, mountain goat and black 

bear hunting (with camping), and floatplane landings tours. 

Unguided Use: Fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, and camping. The Fish Creek system, including Big 

Lake, is accessed from saltwater by the Big Lake Trail, and is a popular area for unguided fishing. 

Twenty seven groups, consisting of 76 individuals, signed into the trailhead register for Big Lake Trail in 

2009. Of these, approximately 50% were overnight visitors. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany: There is one rare plant population documented in this recreational use area. A map of the 

location of the population can be provided to the permit administrator upon request. Please refer to the 

Unit Card introduction.

 

Invasive Plant Species: There are 12 invasive plant populations (4 TNF High Priority Invasives) 

documented in this recreational use area. A map of the location of the populations can be provided upon 

request. Please refer to Unit Card introduction

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter and guide use or 

locations. Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources.

Heritage: There are 9 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, 

determined eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit 

administrator will work with District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter or guide permits in 

this area.

Recreation: 

• When accessed by floatplane, outfitter and guide use of Big Lake and Gokachin Lakes will be 

included in the guided use allocation for the West Misty Use Area. When accessed by trail from 

Thorne Arm, outfitter and guide use will be included in the guided use allocations for the George 

Carroll Thorne Use Area.

• No outfitter or guide use will be authorized on the Low Lake / Big Lake Trail or Gokachin Trail 

on weekends or holidays.

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: No specific considerations for this area. 

Wilderness: Potential for sounds associated with motorized traffic (floatplanes and motorized boats) to 

impact wilderness character and opportunities for solitude. Currently, guided floatplane landing rates on 

Big Lake are far below standards set for the primitive wilderness recreation opportunity zone. Social 

encounter rates are below, but approaching, the standard of no more than two encounters per day 80% of 

the time. 

Wildlife: Estuary grass flats and large grassy areas at inlets and/or outlets of lakes are important foraging 

areas for bears. Grassy tideflats such as Portage and Grace Coves provide resting and foraging habitat for 

migrating waterfowl.

Brown bears are possible in this recreation use area due to proximity to the mainland; apply Forest Plan 

S&G WILD1.IX.C (FP, pg. 4-92) “Manage human/bear interactions ...” as well as general design criteria 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 22

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
to prevent conflicts. Portage Cove above salt chuck and Grace Cove – estuary zone/grassy flats and 

associated anadromous streams are important black bear feeding areas and may also be used by transient 

brown bear. Guided use (excluding currently authorized black bear hunts) shall be limited to the outer 

cove area below the chuck Spring recreation season - June 30 and mid-August through Fall season. North 

end of Third and Gokachin Lakes and smaller lakes between Gokachin and Princess Bay have extensive 

grassy flats at lake inlets; these are higher elevation so avoid disturbance near these grass flats during 

summer season.

Avoid disturbing migrating and wintering waterfowl in Portage Cove and Grace Coves during fall, 

winter, and spring recreational use seasons. 

Mountain goat populations are susceptible to human disturbance. Forest Plan S&G WILD1.XV.A.1&2 

apply to this use area for activities in subalpine/alpine habitat (e.g.: ridges near Mt. Reid, Aqua Lake, 

Third Lake, Grace Lake, January Lake) and for Forest Service permitted flights to prevent disturbance to 

mountain goats. Maintain at least 1,500 foot distance; 6,600 feet is recommended by research so greater 

distances should be used where terrain and weather permit. 

Documented bald eagle nests present in Grace Cove near current recreation use site and concentration of 

nests in Grace/Snip general vicinity and Cow Creek/Claude Point area. Total of 11 nests; guided activities 

are prohibited within 330 feet of nests from March 1-August 31. 

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 23

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 24

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 02 NORTHEAST MISTY 

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

938 1 3 5,671 138 190 816 4 18

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

15 141 15 851 15 122

Description: This area encompasses the central and northern mainland portions of Misty Fiords National 

Monument Wilderness (MFNMW) as well as the National Monument non-wilderness area surrounding the Quartz 

Hill mine site. This area is characterized by a remote and rugged landscape and contains several large river 

systems, including the Leduc River and the headwaters of the Unuk and Chickamin Rivers. The Chickamin and 

Leduc Rivers are designated Wild and Scenic River candidates. The Keta and Blossom River watersheds are also 

included in this area.

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Primitive Wilderness (PW)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): Wilderness Monument, Wilderness Monument Wild River (Chickamin, Leduc 

and Blue Rivers), Wilderness Monument Special Interest Area (Blue River Lava Flow Geological Area), 

Wilderness Monument Research Natural Area (Robinson Creek), and Non-Wilderness Monument.

 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Classes: Primitive, Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized and SemiPrimitive Motorized 

Communities: None. 

Forest Service Recreation Facilities

None. 

Land Status

National Forest System Lands: No encumbrances

Non-National Forest System Lands: Private ownership parcels in Tombstone Bay area (Portland Canal) and 

Quartz Hill (mining patent). 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 25

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Current Recreational Use and Setting

Twenty outfitter and guide use locations and nine dispersed recreation sites have been recorded in this area. Most 

dispersed sites have minimal impacts; a dispersed site on Leduc Lake is the only location with moderate to high 

impacts. 

Area Attractions: Alpine lakes used to access hunting and fishing opportunities; upper portion of the Portland 

Canal; Saks and Fitzgibbons Coves; and upper sections of the Chickamin and Unuk River systems. 

Guided Use: Approximately 142 guided visitors annually, with most guided use occurring during the summer 

season. Area is popular for guided brown bear, black bear, and mountain goat hunting. Small number of floatplane 

tours on Leduc, Checats, and Sundial Lakes. Guided fishing on the Wilson River.

Unguided Use: Fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and subsistence activities. The upper Portland Canal is 

predominantly used by residents of Hyder, AK and Stewart, British Columbia. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany: There is one sensitive plant population documented in this recreational use area. A map of the location of 

the population can be provided to the permit administrator upon request. Please refer to the unit card introduction. 

 

Invasive Plant Species: Please refer to the unit card introduction

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter and guide use or locations. 

Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources.

Heritage: There are 14 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, 

determined eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit administrator will 

work with District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter or guide permits in this area.

Recreation: 

• The commercial recreational emphasis in this area is for wilderness-dependent activities including fishing, 

hunting, remote setting nature tours, and camping. 

• There is a concern that management actions to reduce impacts to wilderness character from floatplane 

landings in the Misty Core Use Area will cause use to disperse to alpine lakes in the Northeast Misty Use 

Area. An increased number of floatplane landings may be inconsistent with the primary activities currently 

occurring in Northeast Misty Use Area (fishing and hunting). 

• Monitoring will be conducted to ensure that opportunities for solitude on lakes within this Use Area are not 

diminished upon implementation of guided use allocations in the Misty Core Lakes Use Area.

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: Subsistence hunting of moose is very important to qualified 

rural residents; sport hunt important to Unuk property owners and long-time Ketchikan hunters. Delicate balance 

between subsistence and long-time sport hunters over this limited population. 

Wilderness: Access by motorized floatplanes and boats has the potential to impact wilderness character and 

opportunities for solitude.

• There is a concern that management actions to reduce impacts to wilderness character from floatplane 

landings in the Misty Core Use Area will cause use to disperse to alpine lakes in the Northeast Misty Use 

Area. Increased floatplane traffic in this area has the potential to degrade wilderness character. 

• Social encounter rates are currently far below standard of no encounters per day 80% of the time. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 26

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
Wildlife: Contains the headwaters of Unuk River. The only moose population on KMRD occurs in this recreation 

use area with fairly small herd present.

The Unuk and Chickamin Rivers are important to brown bears (Mainland brown bear study) with preliminary 

indications that populations are not as robust as previously thought. Other large rivers and anadromous streams 

provide foraging habitat during salmon runs and help bears enter the winter in fit condition. Avoid disturbing bears 

at inlets to LeDuc and No Name Lakes. Black bears also occur within the area. Implement bear criteria in 

“Introduction to Unit Cards” to prevent disturbance of bears while foraging and to limit human/bear conflicts.

Mountain goats are present on most subalpine/alpine ridges including those above Checats, Leduc, Rudyerd, 

Punchbowl, and Walker. They are particularly sensitive to disturbance during the winter through the early summer 

kidding season. Maintain at least 1,500 foot distance; 6,600 feet is recommended by research so greater distances 

should be used where terrain and weather permit. 

Portland Canal is used extensively by waterfowl. Avoid activities within 330 feet; further if birds show signs of 

disturbance. 

Marine mammals are common in East Behm Canal and Portland Canal. Maintain at least 100 yard distance away 

from all marine mammals and implement NMFS viewing guides for all activities. 

There are 30 known bald eagle nests within this area, some in close proximity to existing outfitter and guide use 

sites. All activities are prohibited within 330 foot of nests during breeding season (March 1-August 31). 

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 27

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 28

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 03 SOUTH MISTY

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

883 7 21 5,338 117 190 768 8 13

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

10 88 10 534 10 77

Description: This area encompasses the southern portion of Misty Fiords National Monument 

Wilderness and is characterized by a fragmented coastline with numerous saltwater inlets, small rivers 

and lakes. Area is primarily accessed via saltwater, although some lakes provide floatplane access to the 

alpine.

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Primitive Wilderness (PW)

 

Land Use Designations (LUDs): Predominantly Wilderness Monument, Wilderness Monument 

Research Natural Area (Red and Marten Rivers), and Non-Wilderness Monument.

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Classes: Primitive and Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized 

Communities: None. 

Forest Service Recreation Facilities

Buoy (1): Mink Bay

Trailhead (1): Humpback Lake Trailhead

Land Status

National Forest System Lands: Two encumbrances: A withdrawal for power site classification issued 

for both Hidden Lake & Humpback Lake, and a withdrawal for Tree Point Lighthouse Reserve, US Coast 

Guard. 

Non-National Forest System Lands: Sealaska Corporation parcels in Kirk Point, Tongass Island, and 

Kah Shakes Cove. Private ownership parcels in Gwent Cove (adjacent to Hidden Inlet) and Mink Bay

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 29

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Current Recreational Use and Setting

Forty outfitter and guide use locations and 51 dispersed recreation sites have been recorded or reported in 

this area. Five of the dispersed recreation sites have moderate to high impacts. 

Area Attractions: Private lodges in Hidden Inlet, Mink Bay and along the eastern side of Pearse Canal 

in Canada; Tree Point Lighthouse; alpine lakes providing access to fishing and hunting opportunities; and 

commercial fishing along the coastline between Foggy Bay and Tongass Island. 

Guided Use: Approximately 130 guided visitors annually. Main activities are guided fishing and black 

bear, brown bear, and mountain goat hunting accessed by saltwater. Small amount of guided flightseeing 

landing tours occur on alpine lakes accessed by floatplane. Guided camping also occurs in conjunction 

with sea kayaking, fishing, and hunting tours. 

Unguided Use: Fishing, kayaking, hunting and camping predominantly along the southern tip of the area, 

from Boca de Quadra stretching south to Kanagunut Island. Five groups, consisting of 11 visitors, signed 

into the trailhead register for Humpback Lake Trail in 2009. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany: There are eight rare and special concern plant populations documented in this recreational use 

area. A map of the location of the populations can be provided to the permit administrator upon request. 

Please refer to the unit card introduction.

 

Invasive Plant Species: There is one invasive plant population documented in this recreational use area. 

A map of the location of the population can be provided upon request. Please refer to the unit card 

introduction 

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter and guide use or 

locations. Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources. 

 

Heritage: There are 112 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, 

determined eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit 

administrator will work with District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter and guide permits in 

this area.

Recreation: The commercial recreational emphasis in this area is for wilderness-dependent activities 

including fishing, hunting, remote setting nature tours, and camping. 

• Monitoring crews have documented an increase in the amount of on-the-ground impacts from 

dispersed recreation use noted in this area, including trash, new campsites and campsites with 

higher level of impacts than previously reported, and proliferation of illegal structures. 

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: Waters of Sockeye Creek and Hugh Smith Lake 

within 500 yards of the terminus of Sockeye Creek are identified as customary and traditional subsistence 

use areas by federal and state regulations.

Wilderness: Access by motorized floatplanes and boats has the potential to impact wilderness character 

and opportunities for solitude. Social conditions are far below standards established for the primitive 

wilderness recreation opportunity zone. There has recently been an increase in the amount of on-theground impacts from dispersed recreation use noted along the coastline of this Use Area. Impacts such as 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 30

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
trash piles, new campsites and campsites with higher level of impacts than previously reported, and 

proliferation of illegal structures negatively impact the undeveloped quality of wilderness character. 

• Outfitters and guides will report illegal structures and trash deposits found in this area.

• Monitoring will be conducted to ensure that opportunities for solitude on lakes within this Use 

Area are not diminished upon implementation of guided use allocations in the Misty Core Lakes 

Use Area.

Wildlife: Black oystercatchers (R10 Sensitive Species) are known to occur and nest on the beaches in 

this area. They nest along the high tide margin of the inter-tidal zone and nesting habitat includes mixed 

sand, and gravel beaches, cobble and gravel beaches, exposed rocky headlands, rocky islets, and tidewater 

glacial moraines in close proximity to mussel beds. Impacts from recreational activities have been 

identified as a threat to this species (AKNHP 2008 

http://aknhp.uaa.alaska.edu/zoology/pdfs/birds/Black_Oystercatcher_2008.pdf). If outfitter and guide 

use is requested along the western shore of this area, consult with wildlife personnel before allowing use 

of the western shore to resolve wildlife concerns and minimize, to the extent possible, impacts to this 

Sensitive Species. 

Mountain goats are present in subalpine/alpine habitat throughout the area including the Peabody 

Mountain range and are particularly sensitive to disturbance during the winter through early summer 

during the kidding season. Avoid disturbance of goats from authorized aircraft by maintaining a 

minimum of 1,500 feet distance from goats and important goat habitat and avoiding flight paths over 

important habitat when possible. Recent research (Festa-Bianchet and Cote’ 2008) recommends aircraft 

maintain greater distance than Forest Plan standards and guidelines; thus, maintaining a 6,600-foot 

clearance from goats is recommended where terrain and weather permit. 

The many inlets, bays, and lakes provide foraging areas for both brown and black bears. Avoid buzzing or 

approaching bears with aircraft or boats. Prevent disturbance to foraging bears in spring and during fall 

salmon runs. 

Extensive marine mammal use of area including whales, sea lions, harbor seal, Dall’s porpoise, and 

harbor seals. Seal haulout head of Marten Arm. Follow NMFS regulations and maintain at least 100 yard 

distance from all marine mammals.

High concentrations of bald eagles occur in Boca de Quadra with total of 50 nests in the use area. All 

activities are prohibited within 330 feet of nests from March 1 – August 31 in accordance with Bald Eagle 

regulations.

Great blue heron and sandhill cranes documented in area. Apply Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines if 

any rookeries are found during outfitter-guide operations. Report occurrence to KMRD biologist within 

48 hours. 

 

High concentration of wintering waterfowl, including swans, at head of Marten Arm where there are 

documented outfitter-guide use locations. Also high concentrations Very Inlet, Harry Bay, head of Nakat 

Inlet. Limit disturbance October 1 through April 30. 

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 31

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 32

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 04 DUKE ISLAND

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

359 0 0 2,168 41 221 312 0 0 1 Use in this area has not been permitted since 1999. However, unplanned use occurred in one year by a guide who had 

formerly been permitted in the area and did not realize it was closed. That use was stopped upon discovery and has not 

occurred again.

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

0 0 0 0 0 0

Description: This area includes Duke, Dog and Cat Island as well as numerous other smaller islands in the vicinity. 

These islands are remote and almost entirely undeveloped. 

The Selected Alternative includes no outfitter or guide use in this area and would allow no outfitter or 

guide use even through adaptive management. Because there will be no outfitter or guide use of this area, 

no resource considerations are provided here. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 33

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 34

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 05 SOUTH MISTY LAKES

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

262 0 0 1,585 52 96 228 < 1 4

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

15 39 15 238 15 34

Description: This area includes Bakewell Lake, Hugh Smith Lake and Humpback Lake in the southern portion of 

Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness (MFNMW). 

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Primitive Wilderness (PW)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): Wilderness Monument and Non-Wilderness Monument 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Classes: Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized 

Communities: None. 

Forest Service Recreation Facilities

Cabins (3): Bakewell Lake (1), Humpback Lake (1), and Hugh Smith Lake (1) 

Trails (3): Bakewell Lake, Humpback Lake, and Hugh Smith Lake Trails 

Fisheries Project (1): Bakewell Lake Coho Enhancement Project

Land Status

National Forest System Lands: One encumbrance: The area surrounding Humpback Creek/Humpback Lake has 

a withdrawal for power site classification.

Non-National Forest System Lands: None.

Current Recreational Use and Setting

Five outfitter and guide locations have been reported. Average of 42 guided visitors annually. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 35

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Area Attractions: Alpine lakes (fishing and hunting); Forest Service trails, cabins and buoy 

Guided Use: Activities include fishing, brown bear hunting (with camping), hiking, and floatplane landing tours 

Unguided Use: Camping, boating, hiking, fishing, hunting, and cabin use. Seven groups, consisting of 12 visitors, 

signed in at the Humpback Lake trailhead register in 2009, of which approximately 1/3 were staying overnight. The 

Bakewell Lake Cabin received a moderate amount of use prior to installation of the fisheries enhancement project 

on Bakewell Lake. The public recreation cabin is now used as an administrative facility. Hugh Smith and 

Humpback Lake Cabins receive low levels of use. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany: There is one rare plant population documented in this recreational use area. A map of the location of the 

population can be provided to the permit administrator upon request. Please refer to the unit card introduction. 

 

Invasive Plant Species: There is one invasive plant population documented in this recreational use area. A map of 

the location of the population can be provided upon request. Please refer to the unit card introduction

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter and guide use or locations. 

Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources.

Heritage: There are 3 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, determined 

eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit administrator will work with 

District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter and guide permits in this area.

Recreation: The commercial recreational emphasis in this area is for wilderness-dependent activities including 

fishing, hunting, remote setting nature tours, and camping. 

• Hugh Smith and Humpback Lake public recreation cabins may be authorized for commercial use. Bakewell 

Lake public recreation cabin may be authorized for commercial use when there is no longer an 

administrative need for the facility. Hugh Smith cabin will be authorized for a maximum 20 days per month 

(total guided use). Humpback Lake cabin will be authorized for a maximum of 10 days per month (total 

guided use) and no guided use will be authorized on weekends or holidays. 

• When accessed by floatplane, outfitter/guide use of Bakewell, Hugh Smith, and Humpback Lakes will be 

included in the guided use allocation for the South Misty Lakes Use Area. When accessed by trail from 

saltwater, outfitter/guide use will be included in the guided use allocations for the South Misty Use Area 

(Hugh Smith and Humpback Lake) or Wilson Bakewell Use Area (Bakewell Lake).

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: Waters of Sockeye Creek and Hugh Smith Lake within 500 

yards of the terminus of Sockeye creek are identified as customary and traditional subsistence use areas by federal 

and state regulations. 

Wilderness: Access by motorized floatplanes and boats has the potential to impact wilderness character and 

opportunities for solitude. Guided floatplane landings rates are within standards established for the primitive 

wilderness recreation opportunity zone. There is a concern that management actions to reduce impacts to 

wilderness character from floatplane landings in the Misty Core Use Area will cause use to disperse to alpine lakes 

in the South Misty Lakes Use Area. Increased floatplane traffic in this area has the potential to degrade wilderness 

character. No social encounter data exists for this area. 

• Monitoring will be conducted to ensure that opportunities for solitude on lakes within this Use Area are not 

diminished upon implementation of guided use allocations in the Misty Core Lakes Use Area. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 36

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
Wildlife: Waterfowl are common on the lakes including loons. Apply design criteria in “Introduction to the Unit 

Cards”. 

Grassy areas along all three lakes and anadromous streams provide foraging habitat for both brown and black bears. 

Avoid buzzing or approaching bears with aircraft and prevent human/bear conflicts during all other permitted 

activities. 

Mountain goats are present on the subalpine/alpine ridges above the lakes. They are particularly sensitive to 

disturbance during the winter through early summer kidding season. Avoid disturbance of goats from authorized 

flight seeing activities by maintaining a minimum of 1,500 feet distance from goats and important goat habitat and 

avoiding flight paths over important habitat when possible. Recent research (Festa-Bianchet and Cote’ 2008) 

recommends aircraft maintain greater distance than Forest Plan standards and guidelines; thus, maintaining a 6,600-

foot clearance from goats is recommended where terrain and weather permit. 

Wolves, bald eagles, and heron are present and frequently sighted. A goshawk territory is suspect to occur around 

Bakewell Lake. 

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 37

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 38

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 06 MISTY CORE LAKES

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

1,615 63 275 9,758 7,676 9,258 1,404 3 6

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

20 323 75 7,318 20 281

Description: This area includes the following alpine lakes in the core area of Misty Fiords National Monument 

Wilderness (MFNMW): Manzanita Lake, Upper Checats Lake, Punchbowl Lake, Wilson Lake, Nooya Lake, 

Manzoni Lake, Big Goat Lake, Ella Lake, Big Lake, Mirror Lake, Walker Lake and Lake Grace. 

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Semi-Primitive Wilderness (SPW)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): Wilderness Monument and Wilderness Monument Wild River (Mirror Lake and 

Fish Creek Drainage, including Ella Lake) 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Classes: Semi-Primitive Motorized and Semi-Primitive NonMotorized, Primitive

Communities: None 

Forest Service Recreation Facilities

Cabins (8): Manzanita Lake (2), Ella Lake (2), Winstanley Lake (1), Upper Checats Lake (1) and Wilson Lake (2) 

Shelters (4): Winstanley Lake, Nooya Lake, Punchbowl Lake and Big Goat Lake 

Trails (5): Ella, Manzanita, Winstanley, Nooya, and Punchbowl Lake Trails 

Land Status

National Forest System Lands: One encumbrance: A withdrawal for power site classification was issued for two 

separate sites: 1) the lower section of Manzanita Creek and 2) the area surrounding Punchbowl Creek/Punchbowl 

Lake.

Non-National Forest System Lands: None.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 39

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Current Recreational Use and Setting

Eighteen outfitter and guide use locations and 25 dispersed recreation sites have been recorded in this area. Most 

dispersed sites have minimal impacts. This area is heavily impacted by noise from aircraft overflights.

Guided Use: Approximately 7,800 guided visitors annually, the large majority of which is for flightseeing landing 

tours. Other guided activities include hiking, freshwater fishing, and mountain goat hunting (with camping). Guided 

hunting activities take place in the fall when less flightseeing activity is occurring. 

Unguided Use: Hiking, camping, cabin/shelter use, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Punchbowl Lake Trail is 

the most popular trail in this area, with an average of 175 visitors annually during the 2007, 2008, and 2009 

summer seasons. Between 2008 and 2009 an average of 22, 36, 33, 22, and 26 visitors signed in at the trailhead 

registers for Ella Lake, Manzanita Lake, Winstanley Lake, Nooya Lake, and Checats Lake Trails, respectively.

Approximately 42% of these visitors stayed overnight on NFS lands. The public recreation cabins in this area are 

difficult to access and receive low amounts of use. Two exceptions are the Wilson Narrows and Manzanita Lake 

cabins, which receives a moderate amount of use during the summer season. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany: There are five sensitive and rare plant populations documented in this recreational use area. The permit 

administrator will work with the District Botanist before issuing any outfitter and guide permits in this area. A map 

of the location of the populations can be provided to the permit administrator upon request. Please refer to the unit 

card introduction.

 

Invasive Plant Species: Please refer to the unit card introduction

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter and guide use or locations. 

Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources. 

Heritage: There are 4 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, determined 

eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit administrator will work with 

District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter and guide permits in this area.

Recreation: Concern about noise impacts from floatplane traffic and landings, particularly in the area around 

public use cabins. 

• When accessed by floatplane, outfitter and guide use of Nooya Lake, Punchbowl Lake, Winstanley Lake, 

Manzanita Lake, and Ella Lake will be included in the guided use allocation for the Misty Core Lakes Use 

Area. When accessed by trail from saltwater, outfitter/guide use will be included in the guided use 

allocations for the Rudyerd/Winstanley Use Area (Nooya, Punchbowl, and Winstanley Lakes) or Alava 

Princess Manzanita Use Area (Manzanita and Ella Lakes).

• Ella Narrows, Upper Checats Lake, Wilson Narrows, and Winstanley Lake public recreation cabins may be 

authorized for commercial use. Wilson Narrows, Upper Checats Lake and Winstanley Lake cabins will be 

authorized for a maximum of 20 days per month (total guided use). Ella Narrows cabin will be authorized 

for a maximum of 10 days per month (total guided use) and no guided use will be authorized on weekends 

or holidays. 

• Lakes with FS public recreation cabins on them (Manzanita, Ella, Winstanley, Upper Checats, and Wilson 

Lakes) will only be used for floatplane landing tours as alternative landing sites in poor weather and 

emergency situations. 

• Shoreline use in conjunction with floatplane landing tours is not authorized unless this activity, and the 

locations used, is specifically identified in the special use permit. Shoreline excursions will not exceed 30 

minutes. No shoreline excursions will be authorized at lakes with public recreation cabins.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 40

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
• Outfitters and guides will conduct flightseeing activities, including landings and takeoffs, in a manner that 

minimizes impacts to other visitors, particularly those using public recreation cabins and shelters.

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: No specific considerations for this area. 

Wilderness: Concern that noise impacts from floatplane traffic and landings in the Misty Core Lakes Use Area are 

diminishing wilderness character and opportunities for solitude. Social conditions at Nooya Lake, Manzoni Lake, 

and Big Goat Lake exceed established standards for the semi-primitive wilderness recreation opportunity zone. 

Complaints have been received from unguided visitors about the impact of floatplane traffic on their experience, 

particularly at Nooya Lake. 

• Monitoring will be conducted to ensure that the total number of guided lake landings does not exceed more 

than two landings per day per lake 90% of the time on lakes with public recreation cabins1

• Monitoring will be conducted to ensure that no more than two encounters occur per day per trip 80% of the 

time.

 OR more than 

five landings per day per lake 90% of the time on lakes without public recreation cabins. 

Wildlife: The inlets and outlets of the lakes provide large grassy foraging areas for both brown and black bears. 

Prevent disturbance to foraging bears by not authorizing landing tours in these areas. Pilots shall avoid close overflights or approaching bears for viewing purposes. 

Mountain goats are present in subalpine/alpine habitat surrounding the area and are particularly sensitive to 

disturbance during the winter through early summer kidding season. Avoid disturbance of goats from authorized 

flight seeing activities by maintaining a minimum of 1,500 feet distance from goats and important goat habitat and 

avoiding flight paths over important habitat when possible. Recent research (Festa-Bianchet and Cote’ 2008) 

recommends aircraft maintain greater distance than Forest Plan standards and guidelines; thus, maintaining a 6,600-

foot clearance from goats is recommended where terrain and weather permit. Individuals should avoid approaching 

goats at all times (except authorized hunts) and increase distance if goats alter behavior. 

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

 

1 For the purpose of monitoring guided lake landings, “public recreation cabins” are defined as cabins on the reservation 

system. This monitoring standard does not apply to lakes with shelters (e.g. Nooya Lake, Big Goat Lake, and Punchbowl 

Lake). The standard does apply to Winstanley Lake, which has a public recreation cabin and shelter.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 41

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 42

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 07 WALKER / CHICKAMIN 

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

221 <1 1 1,334 25 36 192 0 0

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

15 33 15 200 15 29

Description: This area encompasses the shoreline portions of Walker Cove and the outlet of the 

Chickamin River. The Chickamin River is a designated Wild and Scenic River Candidate. 

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Primitive Wilderness (PW)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): Wilderness National Monument and Wilderness Monument Wild River 

(Chickamin River)

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Class: Primitive and Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized 

Communities: None.

Forest Service Recreation Facilities

Buoy (1): Walker Cove

Land Status

National Forest System Lands: No encumbrances

Non-National Forest System Lands: Private ownership parcels (2) on the Chickamin River

Current Recreational Use and Setting

Four outfitter and guide use locations and nine dispersed recreation sites have been recorded in this area. 

Most dispersed sites have minimal impacts; Hut Point is the only site with moderate to high impacts. 

Floatplane landings and overflights have the potential to diminish recreation experiences in Walker Cove. 

Area Attractions: Chickamin River, Walker Cove

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 43

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Commercial Use: Average of 25 guided visitor days annually, mostly during the summer season. Guided 

activities include brown and black bear hunting, camping, and fishing. Guides also utilize Walker Cover 

for saltwater landings, but these activities do not occur on National Forest System lands and do not 

require a special use permit. 

Other Recreational Use: Fishing, boating, hunting, camping and kayaking. Hut Point is a wellestablished campsite at the entrance to Walker Cove that is popular with unguided and guided visitors. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany (and Invasive Plant Species): Please refer to the unit card introduction.

 

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter and guide use or 

locations. Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources.

Heritage: There are 7 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, 

determined eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit 

administrator will work with District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter and guide permits in 

this area.

Recreation: Concern about potential for crowding at the Hut Point campsite. Social encounter rates do 

not currently exceed standards for the primitive wilderness recreation opportunity zone, but there a 

limited number of campsites are available in Walker Cove. 

• Monitoring will be conducted to ensure that the recreation experience at Hut Point is not 

diminished as a result of crowding. Additional outfitter/guide use restrictions may be required if 

use of this site increases in the future. 

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: No specific considerations for this area. 

Wilderness: Access by motorized floatplanes and boats has the potential to impact wilderness character 

and opportunities for solitude. There is also a concern that management actions to reduce impacts to 

wilderness character from floatplane landings in the Misty Core Use Area will cause use to disperse to 

saltwater bays, such as Walker Cove. The Forest Service does not have jurisdiction over floatplane 

overflights or landings occurring on saltwater, but this where an impact to unguided visitors (e.g. boaters) 

is most likely. Social encounter rates are currently far below the standards. 

Wildlife: High concentrations of bald eagles. Avoid activities within 330 feet of nesting eagles March1 – 

August 31. 

Both Walker Cove and the Chickamin River are important migration and winter habitat for a large variety 

of waterfowl and shorebirds. Prevent disturbance October 1–April 30. 

Mountain goats are present in subalpine/alpine habitat surrounding the area and are particularly sensitive 

to disturbance during the winter through early summer kidding season. Avoid disturbance of goats from 

authorized aircraft by maintaining a minimum of 1,500 feet distance from goats and important goat 

habitat and avoiding flight paths over important habitat when possible. Recent research (Festa-Bianchet 

and Cote’ 2008) recommends aircraft maintain greater distance than Forest Plan standards and guidelines; 

thus, maintaining a 6,600-foot clearance from goats is recommended where terrain and weather permit. 

The Walker and Chickamin Rivers are very important to brown bears with preliminary indications that 

populations are not as robust as previously thought. Other Class I streams provide foraging habitat during 

salmon runs and help bears enter the winter in fit condition. Black bears also occur within the use area. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 44

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
Prevent disturbance of foraging bears and implement standards and guidelines for preventing human/bear 

conflicts. Avoid buzzing or approaching bears with aircraft or boats. 

Marine mammals are common including concentrations of several hundred harbor seals. Maintain at least 

100 yard distance from all marine mammals and increase distance if animals exhibit any change in 

behavior. 

Goshawks have been observed along the Chickamin River in the past. Maintain at least 600 foot distance. 

Report any sightings or attacks by goshawks to KMRD biologist within 48 hours for follow-up. 

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 45

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 46

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 08 BURROUGHS / UNUK

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

248 <1 1 1,501 5 10 216 0 0

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

5 12 5 75 5 11

Description: This area encompasses the shoreline area surrounding Burroughs Bay including Grant 

Creek and Fitzgibbon Cove, as well as the Eulachon, Klahini and Unuk River (from the mouth to the first 

canyon).

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Primitive Wilderness (PW)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): Wilderness Monument

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Class: Primitive, Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized and SemiPrimitive Motorized

Communities: None.

Forest Service Recreation Facilities

None. 

Land Status

National Forest System Lands: No encumbrances

Non-National Forest System Lands: Private ownership – Numerous parcels at the mouth of the Unuk 

and Eulachon Rivers

Current Recreational Use and Setting

Six outfitter and guide locations and 9 dispersed recreation sites have been reported in this area. Most 

dispersed sites have minimal impact; two sites (one at the mouth of the Klahihi River and an Alaska 

Department of Fish and Game administrative site) are moderately to heavily impacted. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 47

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Area Attractions: Unuk, Klahini and Eulachon Rivers; Fitzgibbon Cove

Commercial Use: Small amount of guided black bear and brown bear hunting, camping, and fishing.

Other Recreational Use: Fishing, boating, and hunting. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany: Please refer to the unit card introduction.

 

Invasive Plant Species: There are 28 invasive plant populations (24 TNF High Priority Invasives) 

documented in this recreational use area. A map of the location of the populations can be provided upon 

request. Please refer to the unit card introduction

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with the current level of outfitter or guide use or 

locations. Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources.

Heritage: There are 21 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, 

determined eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit 

administrator will work with District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter or guide permits in 

this area.

Recreation: Land ownership on the Unuk and Eulachon Rivers is mixed. Private landowners and 

unguided visitors are concerned about conflicts with guided groups, particularly guided hunters, in this 

area. 

• Outfitters and guides will not displace unguided users and will conduct activities in a manner 

that minimizes inter-group conflict. 

• Any new use would consider concerns related to effects of motorized use of the river corridor 

on subsistence 

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: Subsistence hunting of moose is very important to 

qualified rural residents. Delicate balance between subsistence and long-time sport hunters over this 

limited population.

Wilderness: Privately owned parcels at the mouth of the Unuk and Eulachon Rivers, as well as the 

presence of an ADF&G administrative facility, diminish the undeveloped quality of wilderness character 

in this area. 

Wildlife: Concerns center around Unuk/Boroughs Bay/Grant Cove although limited waterfowl habitat 

occurs at the head of Fitzgibbon Cove. Unuk River/Boroughs Bay has been identified as major genetic 

linkage corridor from the mainland to the outer islands (MacDonald and Cook 2007). 

The area is used extensively by wintering waterfowl, including trumpeter swans. Waterfowl and 

Shorebird Habitat FP S&Gs WILD1.XII.A.3, A.6, & B. and WILD4.B.2 apply. Avoid disturbance from 

October 1 – April 30. 

The only moose population on KMRD occurs in this recreation use area with a fairly small herd present; 

subsistence hunt is very important to qualified rural residents; sport hunt important to Unuk property 

owners and long-time Ketchikan hunters. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 48

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
Important brown bear area with potential for human/bear conflicts. Preliminary research indications that 

populations are not as robust as previously thought. Class I streams provide foraging habitat during 

salmon runs and help bears enter the winter in fit condition. Black bears also occur within the use area. 

Prevent disturbance of foraging bears and implement standards and guidelines for preventing human/bear 

conflicts. Avoid buzzing or approaching bears with aircraft or boats. 

Mountain goats are present in subalpine/alpine habitat surrounding the area and are particularly sensitive 

to disturbance during the winter through early summer kidding season. Recent research recommends 

aircraft maintain a greater distance from goats to prevent disturbance. Maintain at least 1,500 foot 

distance; 6,600 feet is recommended by research so greater distances should be used where terrain and 

weather permit.

At least 10 bald eagle nests are present within the use area. Avoid all outfitter-guide activities within 330 

feet of nesting eagles March 1 – August 31. 

Marine mammals including humpback whales, Steller sea lion, and harbor seals, are present in Behm 

Canal and Burroughs Bay. Implement NMFS regulations and maintain at least 100 yard distance from 

any marine mammal.

 

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 49

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 50

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 09 ALAVA PRINCESS ELLA MANZANITA

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

449 0 0 2,711 18 29 390 0 0

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

20 90 20 542 20 78

Description: This shoreline use area includes the shoreline from Alava Bay north to Manzanita Bay, this 

including Princess Bay and Ella Cove, as well as Rudyerd and Smeaton Islands.

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Semi-Primitive Wilderness (SPW)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): Wilderness Monument

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Class: Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized and Semi-Primitive 

Motorized

Communities: None.

Forest Service Recreation Facilities

Shelter (1): Manzanita Bay

Cabin (1): Alava Bay

Buoys (4): Manzanita, Ella, Princess, and Alava Bays

Trailheads (2): Manzanita and Ella Bays

Land Status 

National Forest System Lands: One encumbrance: A withdrawal for power site classification was 

issued for the lower section of Manzanita Creek.

Non-National Forest System Lands: None

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 51

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Current Recreational Use and Setting

Four outfitter and guide locations and 16 dispersed recreation sites have been reported in this area. All 

dispersed recreation sites have minimal impacts except the area surrounding public recreation cabins. 

Noise impacts from floatplane traffic and motorized boats have the potential to impact wilderness 

character in this area. 

Area Attractions: Forest Service cabins, shelters, trails and buoys 

Guided Use: Small amount of guided hiking, camping, and fishing.

Other Recreational Use: Fishing, boating, hunting, hiking, camping, and use of Forest Service cabins. 

Between 2008 and 2009 an average of 22 visitors (33% overnight visitors) and 36 visitors (55% overnight 

visitors) signed in at the trailhead registers for Ella Lake and Manzanita Lake trailheads, respectively. 

Alava Bay public recreation cabin receives a moderate amount of use. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany: There are three rare plant populations documented in this recreational use area. A map of the 

location of the populations can be provided to the permit administrator upon request. Please refer to the 

unit card introduction.

 

Invasive Plant Species: There is one invasive plant population documented in this recreational use area. 

A map of the location of the population can be provided upon request. Please refer to the unit card 

introduction 

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter and guide use or 

locations. Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources. 

Heritage: There are 11 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, 

determined eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit 

administrator will work with District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter and guide permits in 

this area.

Recreation: 

• Alava Bay public recreation cabin may be authorized for commercial use. The cabin will be 

authorized for a maximum of 10 days per month (total guided use) and no guided use will be 

authorized on weekends or holidays. 

• When accessed by trail from saltwater, outfitter/guide use of Manzanita and Ella Lakes will be 

included in the guided use allocations for this Use Area. 

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: No specific considerations for this area. 

Wilderness: Noise impacts from boat traffic and aircraft overflights (activities outside of Forest Service

jurisdiction) have the potential to impact wilderness character and diminish opportunities for solitude in 

this Use Area. Social encounter rates are currently well within standards established for the semiprimitive wilderness zone. 

Wildlife: Manzanita Bay, Sargent Bay, and Princess Bay are important swan and waterfowl wintering 

areas. Avoid disturbance October 1 – April 30. 

Ella Bay, Manzanita Bay, and Sargent Bay Class I anadromous streams provide important foraging areas 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 52

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
for bears during the salmon run. Limit human/bear interactions and conflicts. Avoid buzzing or 

approaching bears with aircraft or boats.

Harbor seals are common around Alava Bay, Ella Bay, Princess Bay, Sargent Bay, Manzanita Bay; also 

killer whales, Dall’s porpoise, and humpback whales in marine waters of the area. Implement NMFS 

regulations and maintain at least 100 yard distance from any marine mammal.

Goshawks have been sighted near Alava Bay in the past. Maintain at least 600 foot buffer from any nest; 

increase distance if goshawks still exhibit signs of agitation. Any observations or attacks should be 

reported to the KMRD biologist within 48 hours for follow-up. 

Great blue herons are documented in Manzanita Bay. Report any rookeries to KMRD biologist for 

follow-up and prevent disturbance within 600 feet between March 1 and July 31. 

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 53

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 54

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 10 RUDYERD / WINSTANLEY

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

497 2 8 3,002 91 147 432 0 0

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

10 50 10 300 10 43

Description: This area encompasses the core shoreline portion of Misty Fiords, including Rudyerd Bay and 

Winstanley Island. This coastal area is characterized by steep, granite-walled fjords and is one of the most scenic 

areas on the District. Guided visitors access this area primarily by motorized boat, although some also access via 

floatplane. 

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Semi-Primitive Wilderness (SPW)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): Wilderness Monument 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Classes: Primitive, Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized and SemiPrimitive Motorized

Communities: None. 

Forest Service Recreation Facilities

Trailheads(4): Punchbowl Lake, Nooya Lake, Winstanley Lake, and Checats Lake Trails 

Cabin (1): Winstanley Island

Buoys (3): Winstanley Trailhead, Winstanley Cabin, and Punchbowl Cove 

Land Status

National Forest System Lands: One encumbrance: A withdrawal for power site classification was issued 

for area around Punchbowl Creek.

Non-National Forest System Lands: None.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 55

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Current Recreational Use and Setting

Rudyerd Bay is the most heavily visited area of Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness. Eleven outfitter and 

guide sites and 20 dispersed recreation sites have been reported for this Use Area. Most dispersed sites have 

minimal impacts; four of them have moderate to high impacts. 

Area Attractions: Rudyerd Bay, including Punchbowl Cove; Shoalwater Pass; and Forest Service trails, cabins, 

shelters and buoys 

Guided Use: Average of about 100 guided visitor days annually. Activities include guided sea kayaking/camping, 

beach use, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and black bear and brown bear hunting (including camping). 

Unguided Use: Boating, hiking, sea kayaking, camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, hunting, and cabin use. Checats 

and Nooya Lake Trails receive a low amount of use, Winstanley Lake Trail receives a moderate amount, and 

Punchbowl Lake Trail is the most popular trail in Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness. Between 2008 and 

2009 an average of 9, 20, 44,and 182 visitors signed in at the trailhead registers for Nooya, Checats, Winstanley, 

and Punchbowl Lake Trails, respectively. The Winstanley Island public recreation cabin receives a high amount of 

use (most cabin use in Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness), approximately half of which is by Alaskan 

residents. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany: There are three rare and special concern plant populations documented in this recreational use area. A 

map of the location of the populations can be provided to the permit administrator upon request. Please refer to the 

unit card introduction.

 

Invasive Plant Species: There are nine invasive plant populations documented in this recreational use area. A map 

of the location of the populations can be provided upon request. Please refer to the unit card introduction 

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter and guide use or locations. 

Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources. 

Heritage: There are 13 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, 

determined eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit administrator will 

work with District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter and guide permits in this area.

Recreation: Crowding is a concern in Rudyerd Bay, particularly Punchbowl Cove, and in the area surrounding 

Winstanley Island Cabin. Conflicts between different types of visitors (e.g. sea kayakers and motorized boaters, 

wildlife viewers and hunters) have been reported. Campers have reported having trouble finding an unoccupied 

camping site in Rudyerd Bay or sharing the site at Punchbowl Cove with one or two other groups. In addition, there 

is concern about impacts at Punchbowl Cove, including human waste, toilet paper, and trash in the area. 

• Outfitters and guides will not displace unguided visitors and will conduct activities in a manner that 

minimizes impacts on other visitors, particularly at campsites.

• Outfitters and guides are not authorized to use the Winstanley Island public recreation cabin or associated 

facilities (fire ring, firewood, buoy, and outhouse) OR to camp within 1⁄2 mile of the cabin. 

• When accessed by trail from saltwater, outfitter/guide use of Winstanley, Nooya, Checats, and Punchbowl 

Lakes will be included in the guided use allocations for this Use Area. Outfitter/guides will report 

hazardous trail conditions to the Forest Service immediately. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 56

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
• The Forest Service will increase efforts to educate overnight visitors about campsite locations in Rudyerd

Bay. Monitoring will be conducted to ensure that encounters rates do not exceed two encounters per day 

per trip 80% of the time. Additional outfitter and guide use restrictions may be required if unguided use 

increases in the future. 

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: No specific considerations for this area. 

Wilderness: Motorized boat traffic, aircraft overflights, and saltwater landings (all activities outside of FS 

jurisdiction) have the potential to diminish wilderness character and opportunities for solitude in Rudyerd Bay. 

Management attempts to reduce the amount of floatplane landings in the Misty Core Lakes Use Area may have the 

undesirable affect of further encouraging floatplane traffic and landings in saltwater areas such as Rudyerd Bay. 

Encounter rates are currently below standard for this Use Area, but crowding and recreation use impacts at popular 

locations, such as Punchbowl Cove campsite, have the potential to diminish wilderness character and opportunities 

for solitude. 

Wildlife: Seabird colony present within Rudyerd Bay. Implement Forest Plan S&G for avoiding disturbance to 

seabird concentration areas by maintaining at least 1500 foot aircraft distance from colony and if possible avoid 

flying directly over colony. Regulate human use to maintain 820 foot no disturbance zone. 

Large grassy flats in Punchbowl and Rudyerd Bay provide habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl. Lesser 

numbers are common throughout the summer. Prevent human disturbance October 1- April 30. 

Rudyerd Bay and Punchbowl Cove provide foraging habitat for bears with both brown bear and black bear 

common. Prevent disruption of bears during critical foraging periods (spring and salmon runs). Implement 

standards and guidelines for preventing human/bear conflicts. Avoid buzzing or approaching bears with aircraft or 

boats. 

Mountain goats are present on Checats Peak and subalpine/alpine ridges above Rudyerd Bay and Punchbowl and 

are particularly sensitive to disturbance during the winter through early summer kidding season. Avoid disturbance 

of goats from authorized aircraft by maintaining a minimum of 1,500 feet distance from goats and important goat 

habitat and avoiding flight paths over important habitat when possible. Recent research (Festa-Bianchet and Cote’ 

2008) recommends aircraft maintain greater distance than Forest Plan standards and guidelines; thus, maintaining a 

6,600-foot clearance from goats is recommended where terrain and weather permit. 

Marine mammals are commonly documented in the area including Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and killer whales. 

Follow all MMPA and whale regulations to minimize disturbance and maintain at least 100 yard distance from any 

marine mammal.. 

Avoid all activities within 330 feet of nesting bald eagles from March1 – August 31. 

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 57

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 58

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 11 GRAVINA ISLAND 

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate 

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009) 

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009) 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate 

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009) 

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009) 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate 

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009) 

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009) 

538 0 0 3,253 0 0 468 0 0 

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall 

% of Visitor 

Capacity 

# of Service 

Days 

% of Visitor 

Capacity 

# of Service 

Days 

% of Visitor 

Capacity 

# of Service 

Days 

0 0 0 0 0 0 

Description: This heavily-wooded area encompasses all of Gravina Island, as well as several smaller islands 

nearby. Gravina Island is characterized by several large bays and tall ridgelines running the length of the island. 

The area is primarily access via motorized boat or ferry / vehicle from Ketchikan. 

The Selected Alternative includes no outfitter or guide use in this area and would allow no outfitter or 

guide use even through adaptive management, including no guided use of the Phocena Bay cabin. 

Because there will be no outfitter or guide use of this area, no resource considerations are provided here. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 59

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 60

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 12 BELL ISLAND

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

1,159 11 51 7,006 149 224 1,008 0 0

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

20 232 20 1,401 20 202

Description: This area encompasses portions of the mainland to the north of Revilla Island, including Spacious 

Bay, Yes Bay, Bailey Bay, Short Bay, Anchor Pass and Bell Island. The area is characterized by multiple large 

lakes, including Lake McDonald, Lake Shelokum and Reflection Lake. The area is accessed by motorized boat and 

floatplane. 

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Semi-Primitive Non-Wilderness (SPNW)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): Semi-Remote Recreation, Remote Recreation, Special Interest Area (Bailey Bay 

Hotsprings Recreation Area), Wild River (Wolverine Creek), Modified Landscape, Timber Production and Old 

Growth Habitat 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Classes: Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized, Semi-Primitive Motorized, 

Primitive, Rural, and Roaded Natural 

Communities: None. 

Forest Service Recreation Facilities

Trails (4): McDonald Lake Trail, Lake Shelokum Trail, Reflection Lake Trail and Bell Island Trail

Cabins (3): McDonald Lake, Reflection Lake, and Anchor Pass

Shelters (2): McDonald Lake and Lake Shelokum 

Buoys (3): Anchor Pass, Short Bay, and Bailey Bay

Land Status

National Forest System Lands: Three encumbrances: 1) A withdrawal was issued for the area surrounding Lake 

Shelokum/Shelokum Creek, Reflection Lake, Short Creek and East Fork Short Creek for power site classification in

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 61

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
1927; the expiration date is indefinite. 2) In addition, a withdrawal for a new power site classification has been filed 

for the area surrounding Lake Shelokum/Shelokum Creek, Spring Creek, and Lake Maude/Maude Creek and is 

pending. Investigative surveys are scheduled to explore the feasibility of a hydropower project. 3) There is a 

withdrawal for Bluff Point Lighthouse Reserve, US Coast Guard. 

Non-National Forest System Lands: State of Alaska – Parcel on south side of Spacious Bay and Square Island. 

Private ownership parcels at Yes Bay and Bell Island 

Current Recreational Use and Setting

Eighteen outfitter and guide locations and 15 dispersed recreation sites have been reported in this Use Area.

Dispersed recreation sites are concentrated in Yes Bay, Bailey Bay, and Short Bay and most are minimally 

impacted. Three of the sites in Yes Bay and Spacious Bay, and areas surrounding public recreation cabins, have 

moderate to high impacts. 

Area Attractions: Forest Service cabins, shelters and buoys; Bailey Bay Hotsprings; Yes Bay Lodge; Anchor Pass 

and Short Bay 

Guided Use: Approximately 150 visitor service days annually. Activities include guided black bear, brown, bear, 

and mountain goat hunting (with camping), beach use, fishing, hiking, and camping. Guided use is concentrated at 

the following locations: McDonald Lake, Walker Creek Lake, Reflection Lake, Wolverine Creek and Bailey Bay 

Hotsprings. 

Unguided Use: This area is used by unguided visitors for fishing, hiking, camping, cabin use and subsistence 

dipnetting. Reflection Lake Trail receives a low amount of use (an average of 17 visitors per summer signed in at 

the trailhead register in 2009 and 2010). McDonald Lake Trail received a moderate amount of use for a remote trail, 

with an average of 70 visitors signing in each summer. Lake Shelokum Trail is the most popular remote trail on the 

KMRD; an average of 182 visitors signed in at the trailhead register during the summers of 2009 and 2010 and 

approximately 45% were overnight visitors. The MacDonald public recreation cabin is the second most popular 

cabin on the KMRD and 65% of the use is by non-residents. MacDonald Lake and Reflection Lake public 

recreation cabins are popular destinations for unguided non-residents who are attracted to the fishing opportunities 

provided in the area. Reflection Lake and Anchor Pass cabins receive a moderate amount of use. Seventy-six 

percent of the use at Anchor Pass is by Alaska residents and kayakers and boaters use the cabin on a regular basis 

without making reservations. 

Resource Considerations*

Botany: Please refer to the unit card introduction.

 

Invasive Plant Species: There are two invasive plant populations (including one TNF High Priority Invasive) 

documented in this recreational use area. A map of the location of the populations can be provided upon request. 

Please refer to the unit card introduction 

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter and guide use or locations. 

Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources.

Heritage: There are 38 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, 

determined eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit administrator will 

work with District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter and guide permits in this area.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 62

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
Recreation: Social conditions within the use area are well within the standards established for the primitive nonwilderness recreation opportunity zone. There is a concern that crowding and noise from floatplane traffic will 

diminish the recreation experience in the Bell Island Use Area.

• Outfitters and guides will not displace unguided visitors and will conduct activities in a manner that 

minimizes impacts on other visitors. Monitoring will be conducted to ensure that encounter rates do not 

exceed two encounters per day during trip 80% of the time. 

• Bailey Bay Hotsprings: 1) No guided use authorized on weekends or State and federal holidays; 2) Guided 

overnight use is limited to two consecutive (weekday) nights; and 3) outfitter and guide groups will limit 

their amount of time in the hotsprings when other visitors are waiting. 

• Anchor Pass and Reflection Lake public recreation cabins may be authorized for commercial use. Each 

cabin will only be authorized for a maximum 10 days per month (total between guides) and no guided use 

will be authorized on weekends or holidays.

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: No specific considerations for this area.

Wilderness: N/A

Wildlife: Humpback whales (endangered), Steller sea lions (threatened), and harbor seals occur in the marine 

waters adjacent to the Bell Island recreation use area. Implement MMPA, ESA, and whale regulations and viewing 

guidelines to minimize disturbance when accessing the area and maintain at least 100 yard distance from any 

marine mammal.

Yellow-billed loons (candidate species under ESA) have been documented in Anchor Pass during the summer. 

Protected coastal waters are used during migration and winter season and loons may be present during Fall, Winter, 

and Spring recreational use seasons. Prevent disturbance at all times and report any sightings to KMRD biologist 

within 48 hours for follow-up. 

Goshawks have been observed near McDonald Lake and at Lake Shelokum. Maintain at least 600 foot distance 

from nesting goshawks; report any sightings or attacks to KMRD biologist within 48 hours for follow-up. 

Spacious Bay, Bell Arm, Anchor Pass, and McDonald Lake are significant waterfowl and swan wintering areas. 

Avoid disturbance October 1 through April 30. 

Spacious Bay is an important foraging area for bears in the spring and during the salmon run. Both brown and black 

bears occur on the Cleveland Peninsula and Bell Island. Bell Island is an above average brown bear area. Other 

Class I streams also provide foraging habitat during salmon runs and help bears enter the winter in fit condition. 

Prevent disturbance of foraging bears and implement standards and guidelines for preventing human/bear conflicts. 

Avoid buzzing or approaching bears with aircraft or boats.

Mountain goats area present on alpine/subalpine ridges. Area below Yes Bay is closed to hunting due to population 

concerns; area north of Yes Bay is open. Avoid approaching goats during any activity except permitted hunting. 

Mountain goats are particularly sensitive to disturbance during the winter through early summer kidding season. 

Avoid disturbance of goats from authorized aircraft by maintaining a minimum of 1,500 feet distance from goats

and important goat habitat and avoiding flight paths over important habitat when possible. Recent research (FestaBianchet and Cote’ 2008) recommends aircraft maintain greater distance than Forest Plan standards and guidelines; 

thus, maintaining a 6,600-foot clearance from goats is recommended where terrain and weather permit. 

Wolverine have been observed near Lake Shelokum falls. This species is very uncommon on KMRD; report any 

sightings for documentation and follow-up. 

At least 19 bald eagle nests are present within the use area. Avoid activities within 330 feet of nesting eagles 

March1 – August 31. 

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 63

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 64

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 13 EAST CLEVELAND 

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate 

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009) 

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009) 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate 

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009) 

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009) 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate 

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009) 

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009) 

628 3 9 3,795 52 221 546 0 0 

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall 

% of Visitor 

Capacity 

# of Service 

Days 

% of Visitor 

Capacity 

# of Service 

Days 

% of Visitor 

Capacity 

# of Service 

Days 

20 126 20 759 20 109 

Description: This area encompasses the southeastern portion of the Cleveland Peninsula including Camaano Point, 

Helm Bay and Port Stewart. The area is heavily forested and includes many small lakes. 

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Semi-Primitive Non-Wilderness (SPNW) 

Land Use Designations (LUDs): Semi-Remote Recreation, Old Growth Habitat, Timber Production and Modified 

Landscape 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Classes: Primitive and Semi-Primitive Motorized 

Communities: None. 

Forest Service Recreation Facilities 

Cabins (2): Helm Bay, Helm Creek 

Buoys (2): Helm Creek, Smugglers Cove 

Dock (1): Helm Bay Cabin (owned and maintained by State of Alaska) 

Land Status

National Forest System Lands: One encumbrance: A withdrawal was issued for Caamano Point Light House 

Reserve, US Coast Guard. 

Non-National Forest System Lands: Private ownership parcels on Smugglers Creek, Helm Bay and Granite Creek 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 65

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Current Recreational Use and Setting

Area Attractions: Helm Bay, Smugglers Cove, Forest Service cabins and buoys, Port Stewart, Bond Bay and 

Camaano Point 

Commercial Use: Although charter fishing is popular in the bays of this area, only a small amount of guided 

fishing and beachcombing occur along the shoreline. 

Other Recreational Use: Fishing, crabbing, boating, hunting, cabin use, and camping. Helm Bay and Helm Creek 

cabins are popular with unguided residents year-round. Several moderate to high-impact recreation sites have been 

documented in this area. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany: There is one sensitive plant populations documented in this recreational use area. A map of the location of 

the population can be provided to the permit administrator upon request. Please refer to the unit card introduction. 

 

Invasive Plant Species: There are 19 invasive plant populations (one TNF High Priority Invasive) documented in 

this recreational use area. A map of the location of the population can be provided upon request. Please refer to the 

unit card introduction 

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter and guide use or locations. 

Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources. 

Heritage: There are 26 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, 

determined eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit administrator will 

work with District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter and guide permits in this area.

Recreation: Concern about social conditions in areas heavily used by the unguided public, particularly Helm Bay 

south to Camaano Point. Social encounters for this area fall far below standard. There are 5 Outfitter-Guide sites 

where activities conducted include camping, nature tours, and black bear hunting. There are 35 existing and 10 

reported dispersed recreation sites, and 8 of them are moderate-high impact (these sites are scattered not 

concentrated in any one area). The Helm Bay cabin receives very high use and the Helm Creek cabin receives high 

use. 

Design Element: 

 No guided use will be authorized along the shoreline between Helm Point and Camaano Point 

 No guided use of the Helm Bay and Helm Creek public recreation cabins 

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: Area is very popular with local residents for hunting (deer, 

bear) and gathering of intertidal/beach resources. 

Wilderness: N/A 

Wildlife: 

Very high concentration of bald eagle nests between Helm Bay and Port Stewart and around Bond Bay. At least 74 

known nests are present within the use area. Avoid activities within 330 feet of nesting eagles March1 – August 31. 

Helm Bay and Smugglers Cove are important waterfowl wintering area. Port Steward contains similar high quality 

intertidal areas; although high use is not documented, it likely occurs. Prevent human disturbance October 1- April 

30. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 66

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
Intertidal areas in Port Stewart, Helm Bay, Raymond Cove provide brown bear foraging areas in the spring; the 

numerous Class I anadromous streams in these areas, Smugglers Cove and Granite Creek provide important 

foraging areas during the salmon run. Limit human/bear interactions and conflicts. Black bears are also present in 

areas such as Bond Bay; they are likely displaced from prime foraging areas by brown bears. Avoid buzzing or 

approaching bears with aircraft or boats. 

Mountain goats occur in small family groups on the major peaks and subalpine/alpine ridges. All goat hunting 

seasons are currently closed within this portion of the Cleveland due to conservation concerns. Mountain goats are 

particularly sensitive to disturbance during the winter through early summer kidding season. Avoid disturbance of 

goats from authorized aircraft by maintaining a minimum of 1,500 feet distance from goats and important goat 

habitat and avoiding flight paths over important habitat when possible. Recent research (Festa-Bianchet and Cote’ 

2008) recommends aircraft maintain greater distance than Forest Plan standards and guidelines; thus, maintaining a 

6,600-foot clearance from goats is recommended where terrain and weather permit. 

Steller sea lions, humpback whales, and killer whales are common and can be impacted by outfitter-guide activities 

in the marine waters surrounding East Cleveland. Fin whales, harbor seals, Dall’s porpoise, harbor porpoise, and 

Pacific white-sided dolphins also occur. Implement ESA and NMFS regulations and maintain at least 100 yard 

distance from any marine mammal. 

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 67

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 68

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 14 WEST CLEVELAND 

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

359 2 4 2,168 5 9 312 0 0

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

30 108 30 651 30 94

Description: This area encompasses the western portion of the Cleveland Peninsula, including several large bays 

(Emerald Bay, Vixen Inlet and Union Bay). The interior portion is heavily forested with several small lakes. 

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Semi-Primitive Non-Wilderness (SPNW)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): Semi-Remote Recreation, Old Growth Habitat, Timber Production and Modified 

Landscape 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Classes: Primitive, Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized, Semi-Primitive 

Motorized, Rural

Communities: Meyers Chuck

Forest Service Recreation Facilities

Trail (1): Meyers Chuck Trail

Land Status

National Forest System Lands: One encumbrance: A single withdrawal was issued for two lighthouse locations 

within West Cleveland, Caamano Point Light House Reserve and Niblack Point Lighthouse Reserve, US Coast 

Guard.

Non National Forest System Lands: State of Alaska –Vixen Harbor. Sealaska Corporation – Parcel south of 

Meyers Chuck along Clarence Strait. Private Ownership – Community of Meyers Chuck, a small tract south of 

Meyers Chuck, and several parcels in the Union Bay area

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 69

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Current Recreational Use and Setting

Two outfitter and guide locations and 15 dispersed recreation sites have been reported for this area. Most dispersed 

sites have minimal impacts; one site near Lemesurier Point has moderate to high impacts.

Area Attractions: Union and Emerald Bay and Vixen Inlet; anchorage in Vixen Harbor; community of Meyers 

Chuck 

Commercial Use: Very small amount of guided fishing and black bear and brown bear hunting (day use) in Union 

and Emerald Bays and Vixen Inlet. 

Other Recreational Use: Hunting, camping and recreational use of beaches in Union and Emerald Bays, Vixen 

Inlet, and on Sunshine Island. Multiple low-impact recreation sites and camps recorded. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany: There are six sensitive and rare plant populations documented in this recreational use areaA map of the 

location of the populations can be provided to the permit administrator upon request. Please refer to the unit card 

introduction. 

 

Invasive Plant Species: There are 22 invasive plant populations (7 TNF High Priority Invasives) documented in 

this recreational use area. The permit administrator will work with the District Botanist before issuing any outfitter 

and guide permits in this area. A map of the location of the populations can be provided upon request. Please refer 

to the unit card introduction

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter and guide use or locations. 

Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources. The majority of 

fisheries in this area are covered by the Petersburg-Wrangell ADF&G management area.

Heritage: There are 18 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, 

determined eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit administrator will 

work with District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter and guide permits in this area.

Recreation: Meyers Chuck residents have expressed concern that guided groups may diminish the recreation 

experience in the area. Encounter rates are far below standards.

• Outfitters and guides will conduct operations in a manner that minimizes impacts on unguided visitors. 

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: Meyers Chuck residents have expressed concern that guided 

groups may diminish the opportunities for fishing, hunting, and subsistence activities in the area.

Wilderness: N/A 

Wildlife: Steller sea lions, humpback whales, and killer whales are common and can be impacted by outfitter-guide 

activities in the marine waters surrounding East Cleveland. Fin whales, harbor seals, Dall’s porpoise, harbor 

porpoise, and Pacific white-sided dolphins also occur. A sea lion haulout occurs on Easterly Island opposite 

Emerald Bay. Implement ESA and NMFS regulations and maintain at least 100-yard distance from any marine 

mammal.

Mountain goats occur in small family groups on the major peaks and subalpine/alpine ridges. All goat hunting 

seasons are currently closed within this portion of the Cleveland due to conservation concerns. Mountain goats are 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 70

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
particularly sensitive to disturbance during the winter through early summer kidding season. Avoid disturbance of 

goats from authorized aircraft by maintaining a minimum of 1,500 feet distance from goats and important goat 

habitat and avoiding flight paths over important habitat when possible. Recent research (Festa-Bianchet and Cote’ 

2008) recommends aircraft maintain greater distance than Forest Plan standards and guidelines; thus, maintaining a 

6,600-foot clearance from goats is recommended where terrain and weather permit. 

Vixen Inlet and Union Bay are significant waterfowl wintering and migration areas. Limit disturbance October 1 

through April 30. 

Intertidal areas and Class I anadromous streams in Emerald Bay, Vixen Inlet, and Union Bay provide important 

brown bear foraging areas in the spring and during the salmon run. Black bears are also present; they are likely 

displaced from prime foraging areas by brown bears. Prevent disturbance of foraging bears and implement 

standards and guidelines for preventing human/bear conflicts. Limit human/bear interactions and avoid buzzing or 

approaching bears with aircraft or boats.

High concentrations of bald eagles occur all along the shore line of this recreation use area. At least 120 nests have 

been documented. Avoid activities within 330 feet of eagle nests during the breeding season March1 – August 31. 

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 71

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 72

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 15 WILSON / BAKEWELL

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

255 0 0 1,543 35 54 222 0 0

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

20 51 20 309 20 44

Description: National Monument (Non-Wilderness) shoreline lands surrounding Wilson and Bakewell 

Arms as well as the Quartz Hill mine access road corridor 

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Semi-Primitive Wilderness (SPW)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): Non-Wilderness Monument 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Class: Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized and Roaded Natural 

Communities: None

Forest Service Recreation Facilities

Trailhead (1): Bakewell Lake Trail

Land Status

National Forest System Lands: No encumbrances

Non-National Forest System Lands: Private ownership parcel at Quartz Hill (mining patent). 

Current Recreational Use and Setting

Area Attractions: Wilson Arm, Bakewell Arm, Wilson River, and Blossom River. Remote road system.

Commercial Use: Average of 31 visitors annually for guided black bear and brown bear hunting, fishing, 

beach use, and hiking.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 73

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Other Recreational Use: This area is use by unguided visitors for fishing, boating, hunting, and hiking. 

Bakewell Lake Trail receives a low amount of use; in 2009, 16 visitors signed in to the Bakewell Lake 

trailhead register, none of which were overnight visitors. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany: Please refer to the unit card introduction.

 

Invasive Plant Species: There are 25 invasive plant populations (20 TNF High Priority Invasives) 

documented in this recreational use area. The permit administrator will work with the District Botanist 

before issuing any outfitter and guide permits in this area. A map of the location of the populations can 

be provided upon request. Please refer to the unit card introduction 

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter and guide use or 

locations. Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources.

Heritage: There are 6 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, 

determined eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit 

administrator will work with District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter and guide permits in 

this area.

Recreation: Social conditions in this use area are well within standards established for the Semi-primitive 

Wilderness Zone. 

• When accessed by trail from saltwater, outfitter and guide use of Bakewell Lake will be included 

in the guided use allocations for this area. Outfitters and guides will report hazardous trail 

conditions to the Forest Service immediately. 

• The fisheries enhancement project in Bakewell Lake may result in increased demand for guided 

opportunities in this area in the future. While the trail provides infrastructure to support additional 

use, encounter rates should continue to be monitored. 

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: No specific considerations for this area. 

Wilderness: This area is not part of the Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness, but is part of the 

semi-primitive wilderness recreation opportunity zone. This is consistent with Forest Plan direction to 

“provide the same natural settings and recreation experiences as the adjacent Wilderness National 

monument areas.” Encounter rates for this area are far below standard and excellent opportunities exist 

for solitude and unconfined recreation. 

Wildlife: Wilson Arm and Bakewell Arm estuaries and grass flats are important foraging areas for bears 

and wintering area for trumpeter swans and other waterfowl. Avoid human/bear interactions and 

disrupting foraging bears by approaching on foot, in boats, or in airplanes or by “buzzing” bears with 

aircraft. 

Prevent disturbance to wintering waterfowl and shorebirds from October 1- April 30. 

High concentration of eagle nests around Wilson Arm estuary. At least 28 known nests are present. Avoid 

disturbance within 330 feet of eagles during the nesting season March 1-August 31.

Mountain goats are present in subalpine/alpine habitat and are particularly sensitive to disturbance during 

the winter through early summer kidding season. Avoid disturbance of goats from aircraft by maintaining 

a minimum of 1,500 feet distance from goats and important goat habitat and avoiding flight paths over 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 74

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
important habitat when possible. Recent research (Festa-Bianchet and Cote’ 2008) recommends aircraft 

maintain greater distance than Forest Plan standards and guidelines; thus, maintaining a 6,600-foot 

clearance from goats is recommended where terrain and weather permit. 

Marine mammals including humpback whales are present. Implement NMFS regulations and maintain at 

least 100 yard distance from any marine mammal.

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 75

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 76

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 16 KETCHIKAN CORE SPNW

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

179 0 0 1,084 1 6 156 1 6

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

30 54 30 325 30 47

Description: This area encompasses the undeveloped areas surrounding the City of Ketchikan and includes the 

coastal area from Moser Bay south to Mountain Point. The area also includes the western shoreline of George 

Inlet. Much of this area is under Non-Forest Service ownership. Other portions of the area are relatively 

inaccessible. 

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Semi-Primitive Non-Wilderness (SPNW)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): LUD II, Modified Landscape, Municipal Watershed, Old Growth Habitat, SemiRemote Recreation, Scenic Viewshed and Timber Production 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Classes: Rural, Roaded Modified, Roaded Natural, Semi-Primitive 

Motorized and Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized 

Forest Service Recreation Facilities

Trails (1): Wolf Lake Trail

Shelter (1): Wolf Lake

Land Status

National Forest System Lands: Eight encumbrances:

1) AKAA 006986B & 2) AKAA006986C Native Village Selections around First and Second Waterfall and Lunch 

Creek areas; 

3)AKAA 056925 A withdrawal around Upper and Lower Ketchikan Lakes for active FERC project P-420; 

4) AKAA 056924 Withdrawal by special act - Ketchikan Watershed Reserve PLO 76-240, dated 7/27/39 – 

indefinite expiration;

5) AKAA 082596 A withdrawal around Whitman Lake for active FERC project 11841; 

6) AKAA 006986A Native Village Selection in Section 1 (area between Mahoney Lake and Lower Silvis Lake);

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 77

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
7) AKAA 006986C Native Village Selection around Upper Mahoney Lake, drainage to Mahoney Lake and south 

of Mahoney Lake; 

8) AKAA 076694A A withdrawal around Upper Mahoney Lake and drainage to Mahoney Lake for FERC project 

P-11393. 

Non-National Forest System Lands: In the following areas, NFS lands are bordered by: 1) Naha Bay and Mosier 

Bay area – State of Alaska and Ketchikan Gateway Borough; 2) First and Second Waterfall Creek - Cape Fox 

Village Corporation; 3) Whipple Creek area – Cape Fox Village Corporation and State of Alaska; 4) Ward Creek 

north of Talbot Lake to Harriet Hunt and White River - Cape Fox Village Corporation and State of Alaska; 5) 

Mahoney Lake – Cape Fox Corporation; 6) Ketchikan Lakes area – BLM and State of Alaska entities; 7) Whitman 

Lake area – State of Alaska and private parcels.

Current Recreational Use and Setting

Two outfitter and guide locations have been reported in this area. No dispersed recreation sites have been reported, 

but campsite inventories have not been completed in this area. 

Area Attractions: Moser Bay; alpine accessed by Ketchikan road system and trails (Mahoney Lake basin and 

Brown Mountain) 

Commercial Use: Very small amount of guided hiking (Brown Mountain) and mountain goat hunting with 

camping (Mahoney Mountain). 

Other Recreational Use: Hunting, hiking, snowshoeing, snowmachining and backcountry skiing. Unguided use is 

likely concentrated in alpine areas accessed by the Ketchikan-area trail system. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany: There are 12 sensitive and rare plant populations documented in this recreational use area. A map of the 

location of the populations can be provided to the permit administrator upon request. Please refer to the unit card 

introduction. 

 

Invasive Plant Species: There are 142 invasive plant populations (32 TNF High Priority Invasives) documented in 

this recreational use area. The permit administrator will work with the District Botanist before issuing any outfitter

and guide permits in this area. A map of the location of the populations can be provided upon request. Please refer 

to the unit card introduction

Fisheries/Hydrology: This Use Area contains the municipal watershed for Ketchikan. The watershed is one of 

three congressionally designated municipal watersheds on the Tongass National Forest. There are no known 

concerns with current level of outfitter and guide use or locations. Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or 

negate potential impacts to water resources. Requests for new activities/permits within the Ketchikan Lakes 

watershed will be reviewed by the permit administrator and a hydrologist to ensure water quality is maintained and 

consistent with Alaska Water Quality Standards and Alaska Drinking Water Regulations.

Heritage: There are 12 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, 

determined eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit administrator will 

work with District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter and guide permits in this area.

Recreation: This area is primarily accessible via the Ketchikan-area trail system (Ketchikan Core NA Use Area), 

where guided use is prohibited on all trails except Ward Creek Trail, Connell Lake Trail, and Lunch Creek Trail. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 78

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
Concern that an increase in guided use of this area is not compatible with maintaining social conditions along 

access trails. There is no social encounter monitoring data for this area. 

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: No specific considerations for this area.

Wildlife: Mountain goats occur on most of the alpine/subalpine ridges including Diana Mountain, Dude Mountain, 

John Mountain, Mahoney Mountain, Brown Mountain, and Deer Mountain. Avoid disturbing goats winter through 

early summer kidding season. Avoid approaching goats at all times or getting within close enough range during any 

activity (except permitted hunts) that causes goats to exhibit fright/flight behavior. FAA regulations (14 CFT Part 

93) for air traffic in the vicinity of the Ketchikan International Airport may result in planes within 1,500 feet of 

goats in the Deer Mountain-Fawn Mountain vicinity. In other areas, avoid disturbance of goats from authorized 

aircraft by maintaining a minimum of 1,500 feet distance from goats and important goat habitat and avoiding flight 

paths over important habitat when possible. Recent research (Festa-Bianchet and Cote’ 2008) recommends aircraft 

maintain greater distance than Forest Plan standards and guidelines; thus, maintaining a 6,600-foot clearance from 

goats is recommended where terrain and weather permit.

Black bears are present throughout area. Implement Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines and bear viewing 

etiquette to avoid human/bear conflicts. Class I streams provide foraging habitat during salmon runs and help bears 

enter the winter in fit condition. Grassy areas provide important spring forage as bears emerge from their dens. 

Prevent disturbance of foraging bears and implement standards and guidelines for preventing human/bear conflicts. 

Avoid buzzing or approaching bears with aircraft or boats. 

Concentrations of bald eagle nests occur in George Inlet and near Moser Bay, but occur throughout the use area. 

Approximately 30 nests have been documented. Avoid activities within 330 feet of bald eagle nests during the 

breeding season March1 – August 31. 

Marine mammals including humpback whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and elephant seals are present in West 

Behm Canal within the use area. Implement ESA and NMFS regulations and maintain at least 100 yard distance 

from any marine mammal.

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 79

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 80

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 17 GEORGE CARROLL THORNE

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

718 4 19 4,337 166 792 624 <1 2

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

50 360 50 2,169 50 312

Description: This area encompasses the southern (unroaded) portion of Revilla Island. Prominent bays and 

waterways include George Inlet, Carroll Inlet and Thorne Arm. The Fish Creek drainage is a designated Wild and 

Scenic River Candidate. 

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Semi-Primitive Non-Wilderness (SPNW)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): LUD II, Modified Landscape, Old Growth Habitat, Remote Recreation, SemiRemote Recreation, Scenic Viewshed, Timber Production, Wild River (Fish Creek)

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Classes: Primitive, Roaded Modified, Roaded Natural, Semi-Primitive 

Motorized, Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized 

Communities: None. 

Forest Service Recreation Facilities

Trails (3): Low Lake/Big Lake Trail, Gokachin Lakes Trail and Black Mountain Trail

Public Recreation Cabins (1): Fish Creek

Buoys (4): Fish Creek, Sealevel Mine, Icehouse Cove and Osten Island (Carroll Inlet)

Land Status

National Forest System Lands: Two encumbrances: 1) The northwest end of Bold Island is being considered 

under Native Village Corporation Selection. The selection process has not been completed. 2) A withdrawal was 

issued for Angle Point Lighthouse Reserve (EO3406) on the southwest end of Bold Island, US Coast Guard. 

Non-National Forest System Lands: State of Alaska - area surrounding Swan Lake and outlet, parcel surrounding 

cove north of Bold Island, and additional parcel in Icehouse Cove (north of Cynthia Island). 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 81

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Private ownership – Marble Creek, Gokachin Creek (Sealevel Mine), parcel north of Moth Bay, two parcels, one 

east and one north of Cynthia Island. NFS lands are adjacent to State of Alaska and Cape Fox Corporation lands 

which bound George Inlet. 

Current Recreational Use and Setting

Six outfitter and guide use locations and 25 dispersed recreation sites have been documented in this area. Most 

dispersed sites have minimal impacts; three of the sites are moderate to high impact. 

Area Attractions: Forest Service cabins and buoys; Fish Creek System, George and Carroll Inlets 

Commercial Use: Average of about 200 visitors annually for guided beach tours (Lucky Cove and California 

Head), black bear hunting (with camping), flightseeing landing tours (Lost Lake) and fishing (Sea Level Creek). 

Other Recreational Use: Unguided boating, hunting, fishing, shrimping, hiking and crabbing. This area, 

particularly Fish Creek and Carroll Inlet, is popular with unguided visitors throughout the year. The 2009 Big Lake 

/ Low Lake Trail data shows 27 groups (for a total of 76 visitors), 48% of which were camping. Fish Creek cabin is 

the most popular cabin on the KMRD and 80% of the reservations are made by Alaska residents. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany: There are eight sensitive and rare plant populations documented in this recreational use area. A map of the 

location of the populations can be provided to the permit administrator upon request. Please refer to the unit card 

introduction. 

 

Invasive Plant Species: Please refer to the unit card introduction

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter and guide use or locations. 

Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources. 

Heritage: There are 30 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, 

determined eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit administrator will 

work with District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter and guide permits in this area.

Recreation: Concern that crowding will diminish the recreational experience, particularly in popular locations and 

fishing streams (e.g. Fish Creek cabin area and Carroll Creek). Despite localized concerns about crowding, 

encounter rates for this area are far below standards for the semi-primitive non-wilderness zone. 

• Outfitters and guides are not authorized to use the Fish Creek public recreation cabin or associated 

facilities (fire ring, firewood, buoy, and outhouse) or to camp within 1⁄2 mile of the cabin. 

• No outfitter and guide use authorized on the Low Lake/Big Lake Trail or Gokachin Trail on weekends 

or holidays.

• When accessed by trail from Thorne Arm, outfitter and guide use of Big Lake and Gokachin Lakes will 

be included in the guided use allocation for the George Carroll Thorne Use Area. 

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: Area is used extensively for subsistence by Saxman residents.

Wilderness: N/A 

Wildlife: Upper Carroll, upper Thorne, and upper George Inlet estuary zones/grassy flats are significant waterfowl 

and shorebird and trumpeter swan wintering areas; they also provide resting and foraging habitat during migration. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 82

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
Avoid disturbance to wintering birds October 1- April 30 in accordance with WILD1.XII. (FP pg. 4-94) and 

WILD4.II.B (FP pg. 4-100). 

Yellow-billed loons (candidate species under ESA) have been documented in the summer. Protected coastal waters 

are used during migration and winter season and loons may be present during Fall, Winter, and Spring recreational 

use seasons. Prevent disturbance at all times and report any sightings to KMRD biologist within 48 hours for 

follow-up. 

Goshawk nests are documented in this area. Prevent all disturbance within a minimum of 600 feet at all times and 

report any sightings and particularly attacks to KMRD biologist within 48 hours for follow-up. 

Upper Carroll estuary zone/grassy flats is important to black bears during critical life stages. Other Class I streams 

provide foraging habitat during salmon runs. Recommend limiting guided use within the estuary zone Spring 

season - June 15 and mid-July through Fall. Prevent disturbance of foraging bears and implement standards and 

guidelines for preventing human/bear conflicts. Avoid buzzing or approaching bears with aircraft or boats. 

Mountain Goats are present on subalpine/alpine ridges, including a large population on the ridges above Swan 

Lake. Mountain goats are particularly sensitive to disturbance during the winter through early summer kidding 

season. Avoid disturbance of goats from authorized flight seeing activities by maintaining a minimum of 1,500 feet 

distance from goats and important goat habitat and avoiding flight paths over important habitat when possible. 

Recent research (Festa-Bianchet and Cote’ 2008) recommends aircraft maintain greater distance than Forest Plan 

standards and guidelines; maintaining a 6,600-foot clearance from goats is recommended where terrain and weather 

permit. 

Seals are common in the area with many small islands used as haulouts. Steller sea lions (threatened), humpback 

whales (endangered), and Dall’s porpoise also inhabit these waters. Avoid disturbance in accordance with ESA, 

MMPA and whale regulations. Maintain at least 100 yard distance from any marine mammal.

Over 100 bald eagle nests have been documented within this use area. Avoid activities within 330 feet of bald eagle 

nests during the breeding season March1 – August 31.

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 83

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 84

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 18 CENTRAL REVILLA SPNW

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

635 0 0 3,836 9 18 552 <1 1

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

30 190 30 1,151 30 166

Description: This area encompasses the unroaded portion of Revilla Island stretching from Gedney Pass 

south to Naha Bay. The area is characterized by several small lakes, including Patching Lake in the Naha 

River drainage. The area also includes the unroaded portions of Neets Bay and Traitor’s Cove and land 

surrounding Indian Point. 

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Semi-Primitive Non-Wilderness (SPNW)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): LUD II, Wild River (Upper Naha River Drainage, including Patching, 

Chamberlain, Snow and Orton Lakes), Modified Landscape, Old Growth Habitat, Semi-Remote 

Recreation, and Timber Production

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Class: Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized and Roaded Modified

Communities: Loring, AK

Forest Service Recreation Facilities

Cabin (1): Patching Lake

Land Status

National Forest System Lands: No encumbrances

Non-National Forest System Lands: State of Alaska –parcel at the head of Neets Bay and Virgin Bay 

in Traitors Cove. Sealaska Corporation – parcel at Indian Point. Private ownership – community of 

Loring. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 85

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Current Recreational Use and Setting

Four outfitter and guide locations and five dispersed recreation sites have been recorded in this area. Most 

dispersed sites have minimal impacts; one at Bishop Mine has moderate to high impacts.

Area Attractions: Neets Bay and Traitors Cove; Patching Lake; Loring, AK

Commercial Use: Average of seven visitors for guided black bear and goat hunting (with camping) and 

fishing (Patching Lake). In 1997, an environmental assessment was completed for non-consumptive 

commercial guiding in the Naha Recreation Area and a decision was made not to authorize guided use in 

the Naha River drainage, which includes Patching Lake. In recent years, there has been interest in 

allowing guided use at Patching Lake, which would provide a recreational opportunity close to town with 

minimal impacts to unguided visitors. 

Other Recreational Use: Wildlife viewing, fishing, boating, hunting, and camping. Patching Lake cabin 

receives low to moderate use and is reserved an average of 26 nights per year; 70% of this use is by 

Alaskan residents. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany: There are 18 sensitive and rare plant populations documented in this recreational use area. The 

permit administrator will work with the District Botanist before issuing any outfitter and guide permits in 

this area. A map of the location of the populations can be provided upon request. Please refer to the unit 

card introduction.

 

Invasive Plant Species: There is one invasive plant population (TNF High Priority Invasive) documented 

in this recreational use area. The permit administrator will work with the District Botanist before issuing 

any outfitter and guide permits in this area. A map of the location of the population can be provided upon 

request. Please refer to the unit card introduction

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter / guide use or 

locations. Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources. 

Heritage: There are 15 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, 

determined eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit 

administrator will work with District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter and guide permits in 

this area.

Recreation: Concern that allocating guided use at Patching Lake will contribute to noise levels from 

floatplane traffic in the Naha River drainage, a popular recreation area. There is no social encounter 

monitoring data for this area. 

• Outfitters and guides accessing Patching Lake via floatplane will avoid flying over the Naha 

River Drainage to minimize noise impacts on this popular recreation area.

• Patching Lake public recreation cabin may be authorized for commercial use. The cabin will be 

authorized for a maximum 10 days per month (total between guides) and no guided use will be 

authorized on weekends or holidays. 

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: This area is heavily used by Ketchikan hunters 

(WAA where residents obtain 75% of deer). Access from the beach or off the adjacent road system. 

Wilderness: N/A 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 86

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
Wildlife: 

Mountain goats are present in subalpine/alpine habitat near Orchard and Carroll creeks and Rowena Lake. 

Goats are particularly sensitive to disturbance during the winter through the kidding season. Avoid 

disturbance from authorized aircraft and activities in the alpine. Avoid disturbance of goats from 

authorized aircraft by maintaining a minimum of 1,500 feet distance from goats and important goat 

habitat and avoiding flight paths over important habitat when possible. Recent research (Festa-Bianchet 

and Cote’ 2008) recommends aircraft maintain greater distance than Forest Plan standards and guidelines; 

thus, maintaining a 6,600-foot clearance from goats is recommended where terrain and weather permit. 

Black bears are present throughout area. Avoid disrupting bears feeding in grassy flats and along these

streams during salmon runs in the summer/fall. Implement Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines and bear 

viewing etiquette to avoid human/bear conflicts. Avoid buzzing or approaching bears with aircraft or 

boats.

Traitors Cove is a significant waterfowl and swan wintering area. One of the few reports of swan nesting 

occurs in Traitors Cove. Prevent disturbance during migration and wintering periods (October 1 through 

April 30) and to nesting swans present after April. 

Concentrations of bald eagle nests occur in Traitors Cove, Neets Bay, and Gedney Pass in remaining 

coastal old growth. Approximately 50 nests have been documented. Avoid activities within 330 feet of 

bald eagle nests during the breeding season March1 – August 31. 

A known goshawk nest occurs immediately adjacent to this use area. Report any sightings or attacks by 

goshawks to KMRD biologist within 48 hours for follow-up. 

Marine mammals including humpback whales, Steller sea lions and harbor seals are present. A sea lion 

haulout occurs in the area and seals often haul out on the numerous rocky islands. Implement ESA and 

NMFS regulations and maintain at least 100 yard distance from any marine mammal. 

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 87

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 88

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 19 NORTH REVILLA 

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

538 < 1 2 3,253 17 35 468 0 0

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

30 161 30 976 30 140

Description: This area encompasses the northern, non-wilderness portion of Revillagigedo Island, 

including Hassler Island and Black Island. 

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Semi-Primitive Non-Wilderness (SPNW)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): Modified Landscape, Old Growth Reserve, Remote Recreation, SemiRemote Recreation, Recreation River, Wild River, Scenic River (Orchard Lake System), Scenic 

Viewshed, and Timber Production

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Class: Primitive, Semi-Primitive Motorized and Roaded 

Modified

Communities: None.

Forest Service Recreation Facilities

Cabins (2): Blind Pass and Plenty Cutthroat

Buoys (2) Shrimp Bay and Blind Pass

Trails (2): Orchard Lake and Long Lake Trails

Shelter (1): Long Lake

Land Status

National Forest System Lands: No encumbrances

Non-National Forest System Lands: None

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 89

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Current Recreational Use and Setting

Four outfitter and guide locations and 11 dispersed recreation sites are recorded in this area. Most 

dispersed sites have minimal impacts; one site in Convenient Cove has moderate to high impacts. 

Area Attractions: Forest Service trails, cabins, shelters and buoys; Shrimp and Klu Bays; Orchard and 

Long Lakes; Blind Pass and Gedney Pass

Commercial Use: Small amount of guided fishing, camping (sea kayaking tours), hiking, and cabin use 

at Plenty Cutthroat (Orchard Lake), Anchor Pass, and Blind Pass. 

Other Recreational Use: Fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and cabin use. The Blind Pass cabin 

receives a low to moderate amount of use (reserved an average of 26 nights per year between 2005 and 

2010) and Plenty Cutthroat cabin receives a low amount of use (average of 18 nights per year).

Resource Considerations* 

Botany: There are three sensitive and rare plant populations documented in this recreational use area. A 

map of the location of the populations can be provided to the permit administrator upon request. Please 

refer to the unit card introduction. 

 

Invasive Plant Species: There are four invasive plant populations documented in this recreational use 

area. A map of the location of the populations can be provided upon request. Please refer to the unit card 

introduction 

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter and guide use or 

locations. Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources. 

Heritage: There are 12 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, 

determined eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit 

administrator will work with District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter and guide permits in 

this area.

Recreation: There is no social encounter monitoring data for this area. 

• Blind Pass and Plenty Cutthroat (Orchard Lake) public recreation cabins may be authorized for 

guided use. Blind Pass cabin will be authorized for a maximum 10 days per month (total between 

guides) and no guided use will be authorized on weekends or holidays. Plenty Cutthroat will be 

authorized for a maximum of 20 days per month (total between guides). 

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: No specific considerations for this area. 

Wilderness: N/A

Wildlife: Active goshawk nest territory is present on Hassler Island. Maintain at least 600 foot no 

disturbance zone from nests and move further away if goshawks continue to screech or show agitation. 

Check with Wildlife Biologist before permitting activities in this area. 

Osprey have been observed at Orchard Lake. Report any additional sightings or nest activity to KMRD 

biologist for follow-up in accordance with WILD4.C. (FP page 4-100). 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 90

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
Shrimp Bay, Klu Bay, and Orchard Lake are used by wintering trumpeter swans and wintering waterfowl. 

Limit disturbance October 1 through April 30. 

Humpback whales, Steller sea lions, and harbor seals are present in the marine waters surrounding use 

area. Comply with ESA, MMPA and whale regulations to minimize impacts from authorized activities

and maintain at least 100 yard distance from any marine mammal. 

Mountain goats are present on alpine/subalpine ridges near Orchard Creek. They are particularly sensitive 

to disturbance during the winter through early summer kidding season. Do not approach goats (except for 

permitted hunting) and move further away if goats alter behavior. Avoid aircraft disturbance of goats by 

maintaining a minimum of 1,500 feet distance from goats and important goat habitat and avoiding flight 

paths over important habitat when possible. Recent research (Festa-Bianchet and Cote’ 2008) 

recommends aircraft maintain greater distance than Forest Plan standards and guidelines; thus, 

maintaining a 6,600-foot clearance from goats is recommended where terrain and weather permit. 

Black bears present around Klu Bay during salmon runs and both Klu and Orchard during emergence 

from dens in the spring. Prevent disturbance of foraging bears and implement standards and guidelines for 

preventing human/bear conflicts. Avoid buzzing or approaching bears with aircraft or boats. 

There are 18 documented bald eagle nests. Avoid activities within 330 feet of bald eagle nests during the 

breeding season March1 – August 31. 

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 91

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 92

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 20 HYDER SPNW 

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

269 0 0 1,626 1 4 234 0 0

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

30 81 30 488 30 70

Description: General Hyder area, not including Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site and roadaccessible areas in the vicinity of Hyder, Alaska. This undeveloped area encompasses the coastal area 

from the outlet of the Salmon River extending south along the Portland Canal for approximately ten miles 

to the National Monument/Wilderness boundary. This area is characterized by lofty peaks, large glaciers 

and icefields, alpine lakes and large river systems. 

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Semi-Primitive Non-Wilderness (SPNW)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): Semi-Remote Recreation, Remote Recreation and Scenic Viewshed

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Classes: Roaded Modified, Semi-Primitive Motorized, 

Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized and Primitive. 

Communities: None. 

Forest Service Recreation Facilities 

None. 

Land Status

National Forest System Lands: One encumbrance: A withdrawal was issued for a potential power 

project - FERC Energy project Soule River P-13528 

Non-National Forest System Lands: State of Alaska – parcels in the area around Hyder, AK. 

Private Ownership – multiple parcels adjacent to the Salmon River corridor and Texas Creek 

Current Recreational Use and Setting

One outfitter and guide location and three dispersed recreation sites have been reported in this area. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 93

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Area Attractions: Chickamin Cabin; Texas Lake and the West Fork Texas Creek; No Name Lake; Soule 

River; and the Portland Canal 

Commercial Use: Small amount of guided brown bear hunting (with camping) in the Soule River 

drainage.

Other Recreational Use: Snowmachining, wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, sightseeing, dispersed 

camping, hunting and recreational boating. Residents of Hyder, Alaska use the Portland Canal area 

throughout the summer months and Texas Creek drainage during the winter months. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany (and Invasive Plant Species): Please refer to the unit card introduction.

 

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter or guide use or 

locations. Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources. 

Heritage: There are 7 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, 

determined eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit 

administrator will work with District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter or guide permits in 

this area.

Recreation: There is no social condition monitoring information available for this area. 

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: Area important to residents of Hyder.

Wilderness: N/A 

Wildlife: Brown bears occur throughout the area and forage along fish streams including Salmon River, 

Fish Creek and Texas Creeks and along the intertidal zone when salmon are present. The bear population 

is critical to the Hyder economy. Implement Forest Plan Standards and Guideline to prevent human/bear 

conflicts.

Mountain goats are present in alpine areas. They are particularly sensitive to disturbance during the winter 

through early summer kidding season. Avoid disturbance of goats from authorized flight seeing 

activities by maintaining a minimum of 1,500 feet distance from goats and important goat habitat and 

avoiding flight paths over important habitat when possible. Recent research (Festa-Bianchet and Cote’ 

2008) recommends aircraft maintain greater distance than Forest Plan standards and guidelines; thus, 

maintaining a 6,600-foot clearance from goats is recommended where terrain and weather permit. 

Avoid disturbance within 330 feet of bald eagle nests during the nesting season March 1 – August 31. 

Portland Canal and coastal areas at the mouth of the Salmon River receive significant waterfowl use 

during migration seasons. Prevent human disturbance of wintering birds from October 1- April 30. 

The Hyder vicinity also contains many migratory birds not found on the rest of KMRD. Follow guidelines 

in the Migratory Treat Act and Migratory Bird Executive Order 13186. 

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 94

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 95

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
USE AREA 21 PERCY HOTSPUR MARY ISLANDS

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

269 0 0 1,626 0 0 234 0 0

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

0 0 0 0 0 0

Description: This area includes Percy Islands, and Hotspur and Mary Islands, as well as numerous other smaller 

islands in the vicinity of these islands. These islands are remote and almost entirely undeveloped. 

The Selected Alternative includes no outfitter or guide use in this area and would allow no outfitter or 

guide use even through adaptive management. Because there will be no outfitter or guide use of this area, 

no resource considerations are provided here. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 96

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 97

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
USE AREA 22 HYDER NA 

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

179 0 0 1,084 7 27 156 0 0

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

50 90 50 542 50 78

Description: This area encompasses the road and trail-accessible area surrounding Hyder, Alaska (not 

including Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site). 

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Natural Accessible (NA)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): Semi-Remote Recreation and Scenic Viewshed

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Classes: Rural, Roaded Natural, Semi-Primitive Motorized

and Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized 

Communities: Hyder, AK 

Forest Service Recreation Facilities 

Trail (1): Titan Trail

Land Status

National Forest System Lands: One encumbrance: A withdrawal was issued for a State Selection 

parcel at the junction of Fish Creek and Salmon River, The selection application has been filed.

Non-National Forest System Lands: State of Alaska – parcels near the community of Hyder, AK 

Private Ownership –Community of Hyder and several parcels along the Salmon River and Fish Creek 

corridors 

Current Recreational Use and Setting

Three outfitter and guide locations have been reported for this area; there are no known dispersed 

recreation sites. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 98

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
Area Attractions: Salmon River Road and Titan Trail

Commercial Use: Small amount of guided hiking and wildlife viewing on the Titan Trail and guided 

fishing, black bear hunting, and brown bear hunting on the Salmon River. 

Other Recreational Use: Snowmachining, wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, sightseeing, dispersed 

camping and hunting. Driving tour developed with British Columbia Parks is also popular with unguided 

visitors and includes locations along the Salmon River Rd. in the United States and British Columbia. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany: There is one rare plant populations documented in this recreational use area. The permit 

administrator will work with the District Botanist before issuing any outfitter and guide permits in this 

area. A map of the location of the population can be provided upon request. Please refer to the unit card 

introduction. 

 

Invasive Plant Species: There are 33 invasive plant populations (9 TNF High Priority Invasives) 

documented in this recreational use area. The permit administrator will work with the District Botanist 

before issuing any outfitter and guide permits in this area. A map of the location of the populations can 

be provided upon request. Please refer to the unit card introduction 

 

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter and guide use or 

locations. Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources. 

Heritage: There are 10 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, 

determined eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit 

administrator will work with District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter and guide permits in 

this area.

Recreation: There is no social encounter monitoring data for this area. 

• Inventory and monitoring will be conducted to ensure that social conditions for the natural 

accessible recreation opportunity zone are maintained and trail conditions are maintained. 

• Guided use allocations for this Use Area do not include guided activities at the Fish Creek 

Wildlife Viewing Site. Use at this highly-developed, road-accessible site will be monitored to 

ensure that no more than half of the platform capacity (200 People at One Time) is utilized by 

guided groups. 

• Concern that improvements made to the Titan Trail in 2010 will result in increased guided and 

unguided use in this area as a secondary wildlife viewing option. Outfitter/guides authorized to 

use the Titan Trail will ensure that clients are accompanied by a guide and stay on the trail at all 

times. 

• Outfitters and guides will include bear safety education elements in their safety plans. These 

elements will include basic bear biology and behavior, how to avoid confrontations with bears in 

the field, viewing distances, and what to do in case of a bear encounter. 

• With the exception of the Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site, guided tours in this use area will 

only be authorized between the hours of 0800 and 1800 to allow bears to feed and move about 

• freely during other times of the day. Portions of each day will remain visitor free to allow nonhabituated bears a period of use without the stress of having people present. 

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: Area important to residents of Hyder. 

Wilderness: N/A 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 99

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Wildlife: Brown bears are prevalent along Salmon River, Fish Creek, and Marx Creek when salmon are 

present and bear viewing is critical to the Hyder economy. Brush can limit visibility; stay on trail while 

hiking and be aware of surroundings. Implement Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines to prevent 

human/bear conflicts.

Mountain goats are present in subalpine/alpine habitat above Hyder and are particularly sensitive to 

disturbance during the winter through early summer kidding season. Avoid disturbance of goats from 

authorized flight seeing activities by maintaining a minimum of 1,500 feet distance from goats and 

important goat habitat and avoiding flight paths over important habitat when possible. Recent research 

(Festa-Bianchet and Cote’ 2008) recommends aircraft maintain greater distance than Forest Plan 

standards and guidelines; thus, maintaining a 6,600-foot clearance from goats is recommended where 

terrain and weather permit. 

Portland Canal and coastal areas at the mouth of the Salmon River, including grass flats near the 

causeway, receive significant waterfowl use during migration. Prevent human disturbance October 1- 

April 30. 

Hyder area contains many migratory birds not found on the rest of KMRD. Follow guidelines in the 

Migratory Treat Act and Migratory Bird Executive Order 13186. 

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

____________________________________________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 101

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
USE AREA 23 BETTON ISLAND

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

1,932 181 278 11,676 6,921 8,153 1,680 0 0

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

40 773 75 8,757 40 672

Description: This area includes the relatively undeveloped Betton Island, Grant Island, Back Island and Cedar 

Island, as well as several other smaller islands in the vicinity. 

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Natural Accessible (NA)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): Semi-Remote Recreation

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Classes: Semi-Primitive Motorized and Roaded Modified 

Communities: None. 

Forest Service Recreation Facilities 

Trails (1): Betton Island Trail

Land Status

National Forest System Lands: No encumbrances

Non-National Forest System Lands: State of Alaska –parcels on Grant, Joe, and Betton Islands. Cape Fox 

Corporation – Clover Island. Private Ownership – parcels on Pup Island and Grant Island 

Current Recreational Use and Setting

Two outfitter and guide locations and 25 dispersed recreation sites have been reported in this area. Ten of the 25 

dispersed sites have moderate to high impacts from recreational use. 

Area Attractions: Scenic islands, coves and beaches

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Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 102

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
Guided Use: Approximately 7,000 visitors, primarily in the summer season, for guided beach/sea kayaking and 

hiking tours. Use is concentrated at two locations on the western side of Betton Island. Average guided group size 

for this area is 18 clients.

Unguided Use: Camping, kayaking, boating, beachcombing, and saltwater fishing. Numerous moderate to highimpact recreation sites recorded in this area, including sites on Grant, Stack, and Cedar Islands. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany (and Invasive Plant Species): Please refer to the unit card introduction. 

 

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter or guide use or locations. 

Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources. 

Heritage: There are 4 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, determined 

eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit administrator will work with 

District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter and guide permits in this area.

Recreation: This area is very popular with guided and unguided visitors during the summer months. There is 

concern that crowding will diminish the recreation experience in the area. Guided use has already displaced 

unguided visitors at two locations on the western side of Betton Island. There is no social encounter monitoring 

data for this area. 

• Guided use will be limited to two locations on the western side of Betton Island where high levels of 

guided use have historically been authorized. No additional locations will be authorized for guided use. 

• This area is popular for kayaking, boating, and camping. No improvements or overnight guided use 

will be authorized.

• Outfitter and guide groups will operate in a manner that minimizes impacts on other visitors. 

• No outfitter and guide use will be authorized on Tatoosh, Back, Hump, Pup, Grant, Stak, Moser, Cache 

and Cedar Islands. These areas receive a high amount of unguided use.

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: No specific considerations for this area. 

Wilderness: N/A 

Wildlife: Use area is part of whale migration route. Humpback whales are often in the waters during spring and 

fall migrations; humpbacks and killer whales also are present in lesser numbers during the summer. Stellar sea lions 

are also frequently present although the nearest large haulout is Grindall Island. Fin whales, killer whales, harbor 

seals, Dall’s porpoise, harbor porpoise, and Pacific white-sided dolphins also occur in the marine waters 

surrounding Betton and can be impacted by outfitter-guide activities. Endangered Species Act (16 USC 1531 et 

seq), Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 USC 1361 et seq), Regulations Governing the Approach to Humpback 

Whales in Alaska (50 CFR Part 224.103), and Bald Eagle Protection Act (16 USC 668-668c and 50 CFR 22.26) 

apply to all activities in this use area. Maintain at least 100 yard distance from any marine mammal.

High numbers of bald eagle nests also occur throughout this use area. Over 50 nests have been documented. 

Multiple identified recreation sites appear to be within nest buffer zones. Avoid activities within 330 feet of bald 

eagle nests during the breeding season March1 – August 31. 

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

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Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 103

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 104

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 24 KETCHIKAN CORE NA

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

3,588 47 67 21,684 1,249 1,502 3,120 2 3

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

40 1,435 40 8,674 40 1,248

Description: This area includes road and trail systems accessible by the Ketchikan road system spanning from 

Lunch Creek in the north to George Inlet in the east. Much of this area is under Non-Forest Service ownership and 

is highly developed. 

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Natural Accessible (NA)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): Modified Landscape, Municipal Watershed, Old Growth Habitat, Special Interest 

Area (Ward Lake Recreation Area), Semi-Remote Recreation, and Timber Production 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Classes: Rural, Roaded Modified, Roaded Natural, Semi-Primitive 

Motorized and Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized 

Communities: Ketchikan, Ward Cove and Saxman

Forest Service Recreation Facilities

Trails (13): Lunch Creek, Ward Creek, Silvis Lakes, Deer Mountain, Dude Mountain, Perseverance Lake, Ward 

Lake, Connell Lake, Salvage, Carlanna Lake, Minerva Mountain, Frog Pond, and Pipeline Trails.

Shelters (2): Deer Mountain and Blue Lake

Campgrounds (2): Signal Creek and Last Chance

Day Use Areas (3): Ward Lake, Grassy Point and Silvis Lake

Group Use Site (1): 3 C’s Group Use Site – day or overnight use 

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Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 105

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Land Status

National Forest System Lands: Ten encumbrances:

1) AKAA 006986B & 2) AKAA006986C Native Village Selections around First and Second Waterfall and Lunch 

Creek areas;

3) AKAA 053091 State Selection for Talbot Lake area;

4) AKAA 061577 Withdrawal for Ward Lake Recreation Area; 

5) AKAA 003393 Withdrawal for Last Chance Campground, part of Ward Lake Recreation Area;

6) AA91996 Withdrawal around Connell Lake for proposed hydropower project – FERC permit cancelled –

withdrawal still in place;

7) AKAA 056925 A withdrawal around Upper and Lower Ketchikan Lakes for active FERC project P-420; 

8) AKAA 056924 Withdrawal by special act Ketchikan Watershed Reserve PLO 76-240 dated 7/27/39 – 

indefinite expiration;

9) AKAA 057746 A withdrawal around Upper/Lower Silvis Lakes and Beaver Falls for active FERC project P1922; 

10) AKAA 071619 State Selection for area surrounding Upper and Lower Silvis Lake – application filed. 

Non-National Forest System Lands: Connell Lake Dam and penstock – Ownership changes between Ketchikan 

Gateway Borough (KGB) and private party. It is currently owned by KGB. FS has easement with BLM for trail to 

Carlanna Lake and extending to NFS lands.

In the following areas, NFS lands are bordered by: 1) Clover Passage and Lunch Creek areas – State of Alaska and 

Ketchikan Gateway Borough; 2) Second Waterfall Creek area – Cape Fox Village Corporation; 3) Tongass 

Narrows north of Ward Cove – State of Alaska and private parcels; 4) Ward Creek north of Talbot Lake, Harriet 

Hunt and White River - Cape Fox Village Corporation and State of Alaska; 5) Tongass Narrows from Ward Cove 

to Mt Point – State of Alaska entities and BLM; 6) Mt. Point up George Inlet - State of Alaska, Cape Fox 

Corporation and private parcels.

Current Recreational Use and Setting

Eleven outfitter and guide sites and 3 dispersed recreation sites have been reported in this area. 

Area Attractions: Forest Service road systems and trails; public use shelters, Ward Lake Recreation Area. 

Guided Use: Average of 1,300 visitors annually for guided jeep tours (Brown Mountain Rd.), hiking (Connell 

Lake, Ward Creek, and Lunch Creek Trails), mountain goat hunting with camping, and fishing (Ward Creek). 

Commercial use of this area was higher prior to 2005. Use takes place in the spring and summer seasons. No fall 

guided use reported. 

Other Recreational Use: This use area is popular year-round for local residents. Unguided activities include 

hiking, pleasure driving, picnicking, camping, fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, off-highway vehicle use 

and snowmachining. Unguided visitors use road-based trails to access alpine areas. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany: There are 19 sensitive and rare plant populations documented in this recreational use area. 

A map of the location of the populations can be provided to the permit administrator upon request. Please refer to 

the unit card introduction. 

 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 106

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
Invasive Plant Species: There are 2,612 invasive plant populations (562 TNF High Priority Invasives) documented 

in this recreational use area. The permit administrator will work with the District Botanist before issuing any 

outfitter and guide permits in this area. A map of the location of the populations can be provided upon request. 

Please refer to the unit card introduction 

 

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter and guide use or locations. 

Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources. The Ward Creek 

drainage receives the highest guided and unguided fishing pressure on the district. Guided fishing to accommodate 

people with disabilities is recommended.

Heritage: There are 12 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, 

determined eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit administrator will 

work with District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter and guide permits in this area.

Recreation: Residents of Ketchikan have expressed concern that guided use in this area will increase crowding and 

diminish recreation experiences, particularly on popular trails and fishing streams (e.g. Ward Creek). An 

Environmental Assessment was completed in 2005 to address commercial uses on Ketchikan-area trails. The 

decision was to authorize a limited amount of guided use on three of the area’s trails: Connell Lake Trail, Lunch 

Creek Trail, and Ward Creek Trail. Local users expressed concern that the presence of large guided groups will 

diminish their recreation experience in this use area. They also expressed concern that large vehicles used for 

guided groups would cause congestion in trailhead parking lots and that guided fishing on Ward Creek would 

displace unguided visitors because of a limited number of fishing holes and conflicts reported between guided and 

unguided groups in the past.

• There is no social encounter monitoring data for this area. Inventory and monitoring will determine is 

social conditions within this area are within standards for the natural accessible zone (e.g. no more that 8 

encounters per day 80% of the time). 

• Guided use at the Ward Lake Day Use Area and Forest Service developed campgrounds will generally not 

be permitted. Some guided use may be authorized at Ward Lake to accommodate people with disabilities. 

Applications for this type of use will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

• The Commercial Uses on Ketchikan Trails Environmental Assessment was completed in 2005 and 

involved considerable public input. As a result of this analysis, guided hiking was authorized on the 

following Forest Service Trails in this Use Area: 

1. Connell Lake Trail – Up to 25 guided visitors per day

2. Lunch Creek Trail – Up to 25 guided visitors per day. 

3. Ward Creek Trail – Up to 100 guided visitors per day. 

 Comments received in recent public meetings indicate that the public is satisfied with implementation of 

this decision and would like to maintain the status quo for this area.

• Guided camping and floatplane landings will not be authorized in the Use Area. 

• No guided hiking will be authorized on the Deer Mountain, Dude Mountain, Frog Pond, Minerva 

Mountain, Perseverance, Pipeline, Salvage Road, Silvis Lakes, and Ward Lake Trails. 

• Guided group size in this Use Area will not exceed 12 (not including the guide), unless specifically 

authorized in the permit.

• Guided use in this Area will only be authorized between 8:00 am and 6:00 PM. 

• Monitoring will occur on Ward Creek to ensure that recreational angling experiences are not diminished by 

crowding. Guided fishing group size will not exceed four (not including the guide) and encounter rates will 

not exceed eight encounters per day 80% of the time. 

• Guided road-based nature tours may continue to be authorized on Brown Mountain Rd. Drivers will refrain 

from speeding so as to minimize safety concerns and impacts on other visitors. Vehicles will not block the 

roadway for other traffic and will remain on established roadway or in established pullouts at all times. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 107

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: Area receives high subsistence use area due to easy access and 

proximity to Saxman and Metlakatla. 

Wilderness: N/A 

Wildlife: Bald eagles nests are present near the beach along much of the Ketchikan road system. Approximately 

40 nests have been documented. Avoid activities within 330 feet of bald eagle nests during the breeding season 

March1 – August 31. Some eagles are more tolerant of human activity whereas others are more easily disturbed. 

Comply with Bald Eagle regulations and move further away if eagles show signs of disturbance (screeching, flights 

off nest, etc). 

Mountain goats occur on most of the alpine/subalpine ridges within and adjacent to this area and are known to 

move to lower elevations within this area during fall/winter as snow loads increase. Avoid disturbing goats winter 

through early summer kidding season. Stay on designated trails and avoid approaching goats at all times or getting 

within close enough range during any activity that causes goats to exhibit fright/flight behavior. 

Osprey occur at Perseverance Lake. Report any nesting activity to KMRD biologist within 48 hours for follow-up. 

Activities may continue, but move at least 330 feet away from the nest or further if osprey exhibit signs of 

disturbance. 

Black bears are present throughout area. Implement Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines and bear viewing 

etiquette to avoid human/bear conflicts.

Practice good viewing etiquette for any wildlife species encountered in this high use area. Avoid disturbing 

wintering waterfowl and swans. 

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

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____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 109

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
USE AREA 25 SOUTH REVILLA NA

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

359 0 0 2,168 <1 2 312 0 0

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

50 180 50 1,084 50 156

Description: This area encompasses the remote Forest Service road systems in Thorne Arm, Carroll Inlet, and 

George Inlet. This area has been modified by extensive timber harvest and includes numerous developed shore 

landings and docks. 

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Natural Accessible (NA)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): LUD II, Modified Landscape, Old Growth Habitat, Semi-Remote Recreation, 

Timber Production and Wild River (Fish Creek)

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Classes: Roaded Modified, Roaded Natural, Semi-Primitive 

Motorized and Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized 

Communities: None 

Forest Service Recreation Facilities

Road Systems (4): Upper Carroll, Shelter Cove (Carroll Inlet), Shoal Cove (Carroll Inlet) and Elf Point (Thorne 

Arm)

Docks (2): Shoal Cove and Shelter Cove 

OHV Trails (4): Elf Point, Shoal Cove (2), and North Saddle Lake

Land Status

National Forest System Lands: No encumbrances

Non-National Forest System Lands: State of Alaska - area surrounding Swan Lake and outlet. At the 

northern end of George Inlet, NFS lands are adjacent to State of Alaska and Cape Fox Corporation lands. 

Private ownership – Marble Creek. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 110

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
Current Recreational Use and Setting

One outfitter and guide use locations and three dispersed recreation sites reported. These sites have not been 

inventoried, so their condition is unknown. 

Area Attractions: Forest Service docks and road systems

Guided Use: Small amount of guided black bear and mountain goat hunting (day use) and beach use. 

Unguided Use: Area is easily accessible and popular with unguided visitors throughout the spring, summer, and 

fall months for boating, hunting, fishing, shrimping, off-highway vehicle (OHV) use and crabbing. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany: There are eleven sensitive and rare plant populations documented in this recreational use area. A map of 

the location of the populations can be provided to the permit administrator upon request. Please refer to the unit 

card introduction.

 

Invasive Plant Species: There are 43 invasive plant populations (32 TNF High Priority Invasives) documented in 

this recreational use area. A map of the location of the populations can be provided upon request. Please refer to 

the unit card introduction 

 

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter and guide use or locations. 

Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources. 

 

Heritage: There are 10 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, 

determined eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit administrator will 

work with District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter and guide permits in this area.

Recreation: Concern expressed by Ketchikan-area residents that guided use in this Area will diminish recreation 

and subsistence use opportunities for unguided visitors, particularly during the fall hunting season. Multiple-use 

remote road systems may present a safety concern if use of the area by different user types (e.g. pedestrians and 

OHV users) increases. No social encounter monitoring data exists for this area. 

• Outfitters and guides will conduct all operations in a manner that minimizes impacts on unguided visitors. 

• Outfitters and guides may be authorized to use Off-Highway Vehicles along the Forest Service road system 

and established OHV trails in this area. OHV drivers will refrain from speeding so as to minimize safety 

concerns and impacts on other visitors and stay on the established road and pullouts at all times. 

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: No specific considerations for this area.

Wilderness: N/A 

Wildlife: Area/road systems are heavily used by local deer and bear hunters due to accessibility. 

Upper Carroll is significant swan and waterfowl wintering area. Limit disturbance October 1 through April 30 from 

Upper Carroll road system as it is immediately adjacent to the estuary. Upper Thorne Arm is also important 

wintering area, but road is further from the estuary. 

Sea otters were reported in Carroll Inlet. Humpback whales and Steller sea lions also occur along with killer 

whales and harbor seals. Follow ESA and MMRP and whale regulations to minimize disturbance maintain at least 

100 yard distance from any marine mammal. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 111

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Mountain goats are present in subalpine/alpine habitat surrounding the area and are particularly sensitive to 

disturbance during the winter through early summer kidding season. Avoid disturbance of goats from authorized 

flight seeing activities by maintaining a minimum of 1,500 feet distance from goats and important goat habitat and 

avoiding flight paths over important habitat when possible. Recent research (Festa-Bianchet and Cote’ 2008) 

recommends aircraft maintain greater distance than Forest Plan standards and guidelines; thus, maintaining a 6,600-

foot clearance from goats is recommended where terrain and weather permit. 

A goshawk nest occurs immediately adjacent to the area. Maintain 600 foot no disturbance zone or greater if birds 

exhibit signs of agitation. Report any sightings or new nests to District Biologist within 48 hours for follow-up. 

At least 10 bald eagle nests have been documented. Avoid activities within 330 feet of bald eagle nests during the 

breeding season March1 – August 31. 

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 112

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 113

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
USE AREA 26 CENTRAL REVILLA NA

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

359 0 0 2,168 0 0 312 0 0

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

40 144 40 867 40 125

Description: This area includes portions of Revillagigedo Island accessible by remote road systems in Shrimp Bay 

and Neets Bay (Fire Cove and SW Neets Bay). This area has been modified by extensive logging.

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Natural Accessible (NA)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): Timber Production, Modified Landscape, and Old Growth Habitat. 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Classes: Roaded Modified and Semi-Primitive Motorized

Communities: None. 

Forest Service Recreation Facilities

Road Systems (2): Shrimp Bay and Fire Cove road systems 

Docks (1): Fire Cove

OHV Trails (2): Southwest Neets and Fire Cove 

Land Status

National Forest System Lands: No encumbrances

Non-National Forest System Lands: State of Alaska – area surrounding Virgin Bay 

Current Recreational Use and Setting

There are no outfitter or guide use locations and five dispersed recreation sites reported in this area. This area does 

not have a completed campsite inventory, so the conditions of these sites in unknown. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 114

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
Area Attractions: Remote Forest Service road and off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail systems and dock at Fire 

Cove.

Guided Use: No guided use reported in the past five years.

Unguided Use: Small amount of unguided use for hunting, fishing, and OHV use. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany: There are 34 sensitive and rare plant populations documented in this recreational use area. The permit 

administrator will work with the District Botanist before issuing any outfitter and guide permits in this area. A map 

of the location of the populations can be provided to the permit administrator upon request. Please refer to the unit 

card introduction.

 

Invasive Plant Species: There are 29 invasive plant populations (19 TNF High Priority Invasives) documented in 

this recreational use area. The permit administrator will work with the District Botanist before issuing any outfitter

and guide permits in this area. A map of the location of the populations can be provided upon request. Please refer 

to the unit card introduction

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter and guide use or locations. 

Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources.

Heritage: There are 2 cultural resource sites located in this Recreational Use Area that are either listed, determined 

eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The permit administrator will work with 

District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter and guide permits in this area.

Recreation: Concern expressed by Ketchikan-area residents that guided use in this Area will diminish recreation 

and subsistence use opportunities for unguided visitors, particularly during the fall hunting season. No social 

encounter data exists for this area. 

• Outfitters and guides will conduct operations in a manner that minimizes impacts on unguided visitors. 

• Outfitters and guides may be authorized to use Off-Highway Vehicles along the Forest Service road system 

and established OHV trails in this area. OHV drivers will refrain from speeding so as to minimize safety 

concerns and impacts on other visitors and stay on the established road and pullouts at all times. 

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: No specific considerations for this area.

Wilderness: N/A 

Wildlife: Active goshawk nest territories are present off both Shrimp and Fire Cove road systems. No current 

outfitter-guide use identified near known nests. Check with Wildlife Biologist before permitting activities in this 

area.

Traitors Cove is significant wintering area for trumpeter swans and waterfowl; Shrimp Bay also used. Limit 

disturbance October 1 through April 30. Documented nesting swans at Traitors estuary ; nesting is very limited in 

southeast Alaska. Prevent any disturbance to swans remaining at Traitors Cove after April 30. 

Area is heavily used by Ketchikan deer and bear hunters; wolves are present and opportunistically hunted/trapped. 

Hunting with ATV use of roads occurs beginning August 1; they are also encountered prior to that date on 

reconnaissance trips. 

Humpback whales, Steller sea lions, and harbor seals are present in the marine waters surrounding use area. 

Endangered Species Act (16 USC 1531 et seq), Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 USC 1361 et seq), Regulations 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 115

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
Governing the Approach to Humpback Whales in Alaska (50 CFR Part 224.103), and Bald Eagle Protection Act 

(16 USC 668-668c and 50 CFR 22.26) apply to all activities in this use area. Maintain at least 100 yard distance 

from any marine mammal.

Eleven bald eagle nests have been documented. Avoid activities within 330 feet of bald eagle nests during the 

breeding season March1 – August 31. 

Wolf dens have been documented within or immediately adjacent to this area and wolves are sometimes seen along 

the road systems. Practice good wildlife viewing etiquette and do not chase or otherwise harass wolves or other 

wildlife in the area. 

Avoid disturbing loons nesting on lakes adjacent to Shrimp road system. 

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 116

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 117

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
USE AREA 27 MARGARET BAY

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

607 0 0 3,670 1,547 2,322 528 0 0

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

40 243 75 2,752 40 211

Description: This area encompasses Margaret Creek and Margaret Lake, as well as the saltwater shoreline south 

along the Francis Cove road system. The area has numerous areas of timber harvest and an extensive, although 

remote, Forest Service road system.

Recreation Opportunity Zone: Natural Accessible (NA)

Land Use Designations (LUDs): LUD II, Modified Landscape, Old Growth Habitat, Semi-Remote Recreation and

Timber Production 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Classes: Roaded Modified and Semi-Primitive Motorized

Communities: None 

Forest Service Recreation Facilities

Trail (1): Margaret Creek Trail (1/4-mile gravel trail to the wildlife viewing platform) 

Wildlife Viewing Platform (1): Margaret Creek Wildlife Observation Site 

Outhouse (1): Margaret Creek Trailhead

Fishpass (1): Margaret Fishpass

Road Systems (1): Margaret Bay

Buoy (1): Margaret Bay

Dock (1): Margaret Bay

OHV Trails (2) Margaret Bay OHV trails 

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Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 118

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
Land Status

National Forest System Lands: No encumbrances

Non-National Forest System Lands: State of Alaska - area surrounding head of Margaret Bay and adjacent 

Traitors Cove area and islands

Current Recreational Use and Setting

One outfitter and guide site and four dispersed recreation sites have been reported in this area. Campsite inventories 

have not been completed so the condition of the dispersed recreation sites is unknown and additional sites may 

exist.

Area Attractions: Margaret Bay dock, Margaret Wildlife Viewing Site, Margaret Lake and Creek, and the Forest 

Service road system

Guided Use: There are approximately 1,500 guided visitors annually (2005-2009) for wildlife viewing between 

July 15th and September 15th. A small amount of guided hunting and fishing also occurs in this use area. 

Unguided use: This area is popular with unguided visitors throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. 

Activities include sightseeing, fishing, big game hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) 

use. 

Resource Considerations* 

Botany: There are eight sensitive and rare plant populations documented in this recreational use area. A map of the 

location of the populations can be provided to the permit administrator upon request. Please refer to the unit card 

introduction. 

 

Invasive Plant Species: There are 11 invasive plant populations (4 TNF High Priority Invasives) documented in 

this recreational use area. A map of the location of the populations can be provided upon request. Please refer to 

the unit card introduction 

 

Fisheries/Hydrology: There are no known concerns with current level of outfitter and guide use or locations. 

Following Forest Plan direction will minimize or negate potential impacts to water resources. 

Heritage: There are 2 cultural resource sites located in this Recreation Use Area that are listed, determined either 

eligible or potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. There are no known cultural resource 

sites in the bear viewing area. If any were discovered a determination of effect would be completed, before the 

public would be allowed to go there.

The permit administrator will work with District Archaeologist before issuing any new outfitter and guide permits 

in this area. 

Recreation: Margaret Creek Wildlife Observation Site is one of two developed wildlife-viewing sites on the 

Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District and is popular with guided and unguided visitors alike. Crowding at the 

Margaret Bay dock has been a problem in the past. There are also concerns about visitor safety in proximity to the 

bear-viewing platform during the fall hunting season, primarily September 1st through September 15th, and along 

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Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 119

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
multiple-use road systems. Conflict between different types of visitors, primarily bear hunters and wildlife viewers, 

is frequently reported. No social encounter monitoring data exists for this area. 

• Outfitter/guides will include bear safety education elements in their safety plans. These elements will 

include basic bear biology and behavior, how to avoid confrontations with bears in the field, viewing 

distances, and what to do in case of a bear encounter. 

• All visitors and guides will remain on Forest Service developments including constructed and maintained 

roads, trails, and platforms. 

• Air carriers will avoid buzzing the Margaret drainage, reducing impacts to bears and visitors in the area

• Guided tours in this use area will only be authorized between the hours of 0800 and 1800 to allow bears to 

feed and move about freely during other times of the day. Portions of each day will remain visitor free to 

allow non-habituated bears a period of use without the stress of having people present. To avoid wildlife 

habituation and related safety issues, all food will be stored in planes or vehicles for the duration of the 

time on National Forest System lands.

• Group size is limited to 12 persons, not including guides. 

• Drivers will refrain from speeding on roads so as to minimize safety concerns and impacts on pedestrians 

and OHV users. Vehicles will not block the roadway for other traffic and will be parked at the trailhead in a 

manner that maintains a clear view of the trailhead signboard and access to the outhouse and trail. 

• Use of the dock is non-exclusive and is designed for planes to load and unload on the front and for boats to 

dock on the side. Operators must have a guide with their clients and pilots will remain with their planes at 

all times.

• Guided hunting is prohibited in the Margaret Bay Use Area. The guided recreation emphasis for this Use 

Area is wildlife viewing. Conflicts between different types of visitors, particularly bear viewers and bear 

hunters, are frequently reported. 

Subsistence, Traditional Use, and Personal Use: No specific considerations for this area.

Wilderness: N/A

Wildlife: 

Concern over recreational impacts on bears and bear behavior due to limited foraging habitat particularly during 

late summer/fall salmon runs. 

• Outfitter and guide use is limited to the Viewing Platform and upper bridge only (#8000000 or “80 Road” 

between dock and lake). Use is not allowed on the lower road system (#8040000 road) including the lower 

bridge to provide refugia for foraging bears.

• Restrict guided bear viewing activities to the hours of 0800 to 1800 to allow bears time to feed below the 

fishpass when no people are present. 

• Practice good viewing etiquette to prevent bear/human incidents. 

There are approximately 25 known eagle nests in this area. Disturbance of nests from recreation use, primarily 

flights into the area, is a concern. Avoid activities within 330 feet of nesting eagles March1 – August 31 and avoid 

flying directly over nests during takeoffs and landings if it will not compromise flight safety. 

Traitors Cove, including Margaret Bay, receives significant winter use by trumpeter swans and other waterfowl and 

shorebirds. Margaret Lake is also used during spring and fall migrations; winter use is dependent upon winter 

severity. Prevent human disturbance October 1- April 30 in accordance with Waterfowl and Swan standards and 

guidelines WILD1.XII (FP pg. 4-94) and WILD4.II.B.2 (FP pg. 4-110). 

Goshawk territories have been documented within the area. Maintain at least a 600 foot no disturbance zone around 

nests and move further away if birds continue to show signs of agitation. Check with Wildlife Biologist before 

permitting activities in this area. Report any sightings or attacks by goshawks to KMRD biologist within 48 hours 

for follow-up. 

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Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 120

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
Marine mammals are present in West Behm Canal. Implement ESA and NMFS regulations and maintain at least 

100 yard distance from any marine mammal while accessing sites.

*District-wide resource considerations are included in the introduction to these cards.

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Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 121

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 122

____________________________________________________________ Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan
USE AREA 28 NAHA BAY

Estimated Visitor Capacity and Recent Guided Use in Service Days

Spring Summer Fall

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Visitor 

Capacity 

Estimate

Average 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

Highest 

Guided 

Use 

Annually 

(2005-

2009)

359 0 0 2,168 4 14 312 0 0

Selected Guided Use Allocation by Season

Spring Summer Fall

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

% of Visitor 

Capacity

# of Service 

Days

0 0 0 0 0 0

Description: This area encompasses the lower part of the Naha River watershed, including Naha Bay, Roosevelt 

Lagoon, Jordan Lake, and Heckman Lake. The area is characterized by many lakes and a segment of medium-sized 

river, as well as many smaller creeks and streams.

The Selected Alternative includes no outfitter or guide use in this area and would allow no outfitter or 

guide use even through adaptive management. Because there will be no outfitter or guide use of this area, 

no resource considerations are provided here. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 1, Recreation Use Area Cards - Page 123

____________________________________________________________ Record of Decision
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Appendix 2 

Potential Adaptive 

Management Actions 

Related to Natural 

Resources 

Appendix 2, Adaptive Management – Page 1 

Appendix 2 

Potential Adaptive Management Actions Related to Natural 

Resources 

The following measures are designed to reduce or prevent undesirable effects to a resource. The 

following recommendations are options that could be used to implement the adaptive 

management strategy for the Ketchikan-Misty Outfitter and Guide Management Plan. The list is 

not all-encompassing or conclusive. Adaptive management options can be added to the list at 

any time. Options on the list can be modified. Recommendations can be implemented 

singularly or in combination. Some (such as treating weeds) would require new NEPA analysis 

or may be covered under previous NEPA. 

Sensitive Plants and Lichen, and Rare Plants 

Implementing any of the recommended mitigation measures would reduce impacts to sensitive 

plants and lichen or rare plants and/or their suitable habitats. Permit administrators will work 

with the KMRD Botanist to choose and implement the mitigations when and wherever 

necessary. For the remainder of this document, a sensitive plant or lichen will be included in the 

phrase “rare plants”. 

For adaptive management, a “substantial impact” to a rare plant or their suitable habitats is 

defined as any observable or measureable effect in which: 1) the viability of an individual that 

occurs infrequently or within small populations is at risk; and, 2) the viability of a population 

within the project area is at risk. If the viability of a species within the project area is at risk, 

then “detrimental impacts” have occurred and all efforts to stop the impacts and avoid the 

impacts will be implemented, in addition to emergency measures not identified within this list.

To Prevent the Impact

 Educate O/Gs on rare plant ecology. Enable O/Gs as plant stewards and facilitate 

communication. Provide O/Gs with pamphlets on vegetation ecology. 

 Educate permit administrators on rare plant ecology. 

 Educate recreation monitors on rare plant identification. Provide monitors the tools and 

resources necessary to make accurate identifications, collections, and occurrence records. 

To Avoid the Impact

 Survey O/G permitted use sites to determine presence or absence of rare plants. To avoid 

the impact, surveys should occur prior to permit issuance. 
Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Appendix 2, Adaptive Management – Page 2 

To Minimize the Impact

 Survey O/G permitted use sites to determine presence or absence of rare plants. In some 

instances, surveys can occur during the life of the permit, but prior to moderate to heavy 

vegetation loss. 

 Restrict O/G activities within habitats where low amounts of O/G use are visibly 

impacting vegetation. Redirect O/G use into habitats with durable vegetation. 

 Avoid the creation of recreation sites with visible signs of vegetation loss. 

 Revegetation – Revegetate dispersed recreation sites with locally collected, site 

applicable, native plant material to encourage plant growth in areas that have experienced 

vegetation loss. 

 Invasive Species – Implement measures to limit the introduction, establishment, and 

spread of invasive species. Please see the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords O/G Management 

Plan Invasive Species Risk Assessment for possible mitigations. 

 Leave No Trace - Require O/Gs to follow LNT principles as described by the Center for 

Outdoor Ethics (LNT 2008): 

 Travel on durable surfaces to prevent the creation of trails. When possible, travel on 

maintained trails. In the backcountry, guided users should spread out, and not walk 

single-file. Trails are created when vegetation is trampled beyond recovery. Durable 

surfaces include rocks, gravel, dry grasses, and snow. 

 Camp on durable surfaces such as rocks, gravel and sand bars, dry grasses, and snow 

to prevent the creation of campsites. In the absence of a durable surface, camp in 

areas where vegetation is absent. In the backcountry, guided users should spread out 

and avoid places where impacts are beginning and are visible. 

 Disperse use. Vegetation is lost when sites are used too frequently or by too large a 

group. 

 Leave what is found. Guided users should not cut or modify live vegetation, collect 

plants, collect rocks, dig trenches, or modify campsites in any way. 

 Hardened Sites - In moderate to heavy use areas with habitats that are susceptible to 

impacts, use should be contained to specific hardened sites. This would avoid increases 

in the amount of area disturbed. 

 Permit outfitter and guides to use hardened sites if the amount of annual service days 

authorized to one site will cause moderate to heavy vegetation loss. A hardened, 

temporary site may be a site with an existing dispersed campsite with a R10 Campsite 

Rating of moderate to heavy. A hardened, permanent site may be an administrative 

site, such as a maintained trail or shelter. 

 Develop a dispersed site into a hardened, permanent site when heavy vegetation loss 

is obvious, and use is expected to increase. 

 Require flightseeing landing tours to land at designated, hardened, temporary sites for 

all shoreline stops. Hardened sites would be bedrock or sites that would rate a 
Record of Decision 

Appendix 2, Adaptive Management – Page 3 

moderate to heavy if the vegetation section of the R10 campsite rating protocol were 

utilized. 

To Stop the Impact

 Stop all O/G use at a site if the viability of a specific rare plant population is determined 

to be threatened by the activities associated with O/G use. 

Invasive Plants 

Implementing any of the recommended mitigation measures would reduce impacts from the 

introduction, establishment, and spread of invasive plants. Permit administrators will work with 

the KMRD Botanist to choose and implement the mitigations when and wherever necessary. 

For adaptive management, a “substantial impact” to or from invasive plants would include : 1) 

observable negative effects to other resources; 2) introduction and establishment of a high 

priority invasive species not known to previously occur on the KMRD and requiring immediate 

action; and, 3) increased spread of an invasive species because of actions associated with any 

type of recreation use.

Prevention 

 Continue inventory of invasive plants at known outfitter and guide use locations. 

 Notify the District Botanist when an invasive plant is encountered within the project area. 

 Retain native vegetation cover and canopy cover within and around each outfitter and 

guide use site to prevent establishment of invasive species. 

 Minimize soil disturbance to prevent the establishment of invasive species. 

 Encourage outfitter and guides to maintain weed-free business environments. 

Education and Trainings 

 Provide annual invasive plant identification, prevention, and ecology training to all 

District staff, including seasonal and volunteers, and permitted outfitter and guides. 

 Provide weed identification and prevention methods material to all recreation staff and 

permitted outfitter and guides. 

 Inform visitors and the local public on invasive species ecology though pamphlets, signs, 

announcements, outreach, and displays. 

Control Measures 

 Immediately respond to any notification of an aquatic invasive species. 

 Post a Closure Order in any area where the threat of spreading an existing or newly 

discovered High Priority or unrated invasive species infestation is highly likely and the 
Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Appendix 2, Adaptive Management – Page 4 

consequences detrimental to resources. Ensure outfitters and guides who use the area are 

notified so they can alter any activities planned in the area.

 Treat Tongass National Forest High Priority invasive species in areas used by outfitter 

and guides to prevent spread of infestations based on the following ranking: 

 Newly discovered infestations of species previously undocumented on the District, or 

with very restricted distribution. These species will also have an invasiveness 

ranking >60 or are unrated. 

 Newly inventoried remote infestations of tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobea), 

knapweeds (Centaurea spp.), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), European bird cherry 

(Prunus padus), and bird vetch (Vicia cracca) 

 New disjunct infestations in remote locations: wilderness, cabins, shorelines; 

infestations along trails, viewing platforms, boat launches, and docks; infestations 

along parking lots; infestations within administrative sites: campgrounds and picnic 

areas; and infestations along roadways. 

 Types of treatments: manual removal, competition with revegetation, shading, or weed 

whacking. Treatments should occur annually. Treatments should be monitored for at 

least three years following the year in which the last invasive species was detected and 

removed from the treatment site. 

 Revegetate bare soil if rapid natural revegetation is not expected. Plant or seed with 

native plant materials collected or propagated from local wild collections. Mulch with 

coconut fiber matting or local litter and duff or wood chips, if abundant. 

Wildlife 

Bears 

The following mitigation measures for guided nature-viewing visitors would lessen the impact to 

bears: 

1) When bears are present in areas other than developed viewing sites, avoid guided activities 

(e.g. camping, hiking, nature tours, floatplane landing tours) within 500 feet of important 

foraging habitat (such as, but not limited to, anadromous streams or estuaries) to prevent 

disrupting bears and to reduce chances of human/bear incidents. Move further away if bears 

change behavior (e.g.: stop foraging, raise head). Outfitters, guides and clients are prohibited 

from approaching or chasing bears or buzzing bears with vehicles, OHVs, aircraft or boats. 2) 

Wildlife viewing tours at Margaret Bay shall be restricted to the existing platform and trail to 

provide bear refuge areas for foraging along Margaret Creek. Guided bear viewing activities 

shall be restricted to the hours of 0800 to 1800 to allow bears time to feed at the falls when no 

people are present. Research show bears can be displaced from important foraging habitat by 

recreational activities such as bear viewing. 3) Practice good viewing etiquette in all areas to 

prevent bear/human incidents. Do not bring food or pets to the viewing area; food and pets would 

be left in the floatplane or boat. Information on safe and considerate bear and other wildlife 

watching (pamphlets, web links, etc) will be provided to outfitters and guides as appropriate. 
Record of Decision 

Appendix 2, Adaptive Management – Page 5 

Black Oystercatcher 

There are options to reduce the risk of affecting black oystercatchers in the Selected Alternative. 

Limiting recreational use within the nesting and fledgling period (late May through mid-August), 

and/or not allowing outfitter and guide use within a portion of the KMRD black oystercatcher 

range are in agreement with Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines for sensitive species. This 

type of mitigation could be used in 03 South Misty to reduce the risk of affecting black 

oystercatchers within known nesting areas. Outfitter-guide proposals that include beach access 

or use within 03 South Misty Use Area should be coordinated with the district biologist before 

permit issuance. 

Mountain Goat 

The following mitigation measures would lessen the chance of outfitter-guide activities causing 

stress related health issues or injury to mountain goats and to maintain sustainable goat 

populations for all alternatives: 

1) Newer research shows goats are more sensitive to aircraft disturbance than identified in Forest 

Plan standards and guidelines. The Forest Service does not regulate airspace, but recommends 

that aircraft maintain a 4,920 to 6,600-foot horizontal distance and at least 1,640-foot vertical 

distance from goats where terrain and weather conditions allow. Pilots will not compromise 

safety. 2) Limit other activities (camping/hiking) in subalpine/alpine ecosystem and avoid 

approaching or conducting other actions that elicit fright/flight behavior in goats (nervous 

glancing around, walking, and running). If this behavior is noted, immediately move quietly 

away from area to prevent injury to goats and/or abandonment of kids. 3) Do not authorize any 

additional guides or hunts until ongoing research is completed; afterwards coordinate any 

proposals with district biologist before issuing permits. 
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