Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS Chapter 3 • 107 

3.7 Wildlife 

The Forest Plan contains a comprehensive conservation strategy to 

assure viable and well-distributed wildlife populations (Forest Plan 

FEIS Appendix, Volume 4, Appendix N 1997). There are two 

components to this strategy: (1) establishment of a system of small, 

medium, and large OGRs, and other non-development LUDs; and (2) 

management of the matrix of lands where development that would 

alter the old-growth forest ecosystem is allowed (productive oldgrowth). Connectivity is provided by a combination of nondevelopment LUDs, such as small OGRs, Wilderness, beach and 

estuary fringe, and riparian management areas. 

3.7.1.1 Large and Medium Old-growth Habitat Reserves 

Currently there is one large OGR on Kuiu Island in the 

Tebenkof/South Kuiu Wilderness Area, south of the Project Area. 

Three medium OGRs, two are adjacent to the Project Area, one in 

VCUs 400 and 401, and the other in VCUs 428 and 429. Three small 

OGRs are within, or adjacent to, the Project Area. They are located in 

VCUs 398, 399, and 402 (Figure 3-8). 

3.7.1.2 Small Old-growth Habitat Reserves 

Small reserves serve two principal functions: 

• act as corridors for habitat connectivity between large and medium 

reserves, and 

• serve as functional habitat for species less able to disperse between 

larger reserves, specifically the flying squirrel, a species closely 

associated with mature forests. 

3.7.1.3 Design Options for the Small OGRs 

In a meeting with the Forest Service (December 1, 1998 in Petersburg, 

Alaska), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Alaska 

Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) expressed concerns about the 

size, shape, and connectivity of the small OGRs on Kuiu Island, and 

options were designed for the OGRs of concern. An additional 

meeting and field trip to Kuiu Island took place in 2004 to review the 

proposed OGR changes suggested in the December 1998 meeting. The 

agency representatives agreed concurred with recommendations. This 

process is documented in “Revision to Existing Small Old-Growth 

Habitat Reserves (OGRs) on Kuiu Island” and is included in the 

planning record for this project. 

Two options for the small OGR in VCUs 398, 399 and 404 were 

compared in detail using the criteria from Appendix K of the Forest 

Plan (Tables 3-12 through 3-14 and Figure 3-8). The options include 

3.7.1 

Old-Growth 

Forest Habitat 

Conservation 

Strategy 
3 Environment and Effects

108 • Chapter 3 Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS 

the original Forest Plan design, Option 1, and the design developed by 

USFWS, ADF&G, and the Forest Service during the 1998 meeting, 

Option 2. Either option for each VCU would maintain connectivity to 

other OGRs. 

Keku Small OGR (VCU 398) 

Option 1 VCU 398 

This is the existing small OGR identified in the Forest Plan. It meets 

the objectives of the standards and guidelines as designed, contains the 

largest block of old growth within the watershed and maintains 

connectivity to other OGRs. However, its shape is linear, and it 

includes more acres of timber harvest than Option 2. 

Option 2 VCU 398 

Option 2 would increase the amount of POG from the original OGR 

design by approximately 54 acres by expanding the western boundary 

to make it more circular. It would still contain the largest block of old 

growth within the watershed and maintain connectivity to other OGRs. 

Table 3-43 and Figure 3-8 compare the Forest Plan small OGR with 

the proposed OGR for VCU 398. 

Saginaw Small OGR (VCU 399) 

Option 1 VCU 399 

This is the existing small OGR identified in the Forest Plan. The 

Forest Plan small OGR did not meet Appendix K criteria for total 

acreage. 

Option 2 VCU 399 

Option 2 would expand the OGR boundary to the south to meet the 

Recreational River corridor, which maintains connectivity through a 

travel corridor out of the VCU. This design excludes the small islands 

off the coast of Kuiu Island which increases the fragmentation of 

Option 1 OGR. Table 3-44 and Figure 3-8 display the small OGR 

options for VCU 399. 

Rowan Small OGR (VCU 402) 

Option 1 VCU 402 

This is the existing small OGR identified in the Forest Plan. The 

Forest Plan small OGR did not meet Appendix K criteria for total 

acreage. 

Option 2 VCU 402 

The boundary would be adjusted to exclude as many managed stands 

as possible. The overall size would be increased to meet minimum 

OGR size requirements. Table 3-45 and Figure 3-8 display the small 

OGR options for VCU 402. 
Wildlife 3

Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS Chapter 3 • 109

Table 3-43. Small old-growth habitat reserve options for VCU 398 

Option 1 Option 2 

General Criteria 

Total acres - should be at least 2,112 acresa

2,244 2,472 

Acres of POG – should be at least 1,056 acresb

1,150 1,204 

Shape Linear More Circular

Acres of early seral habitat included 215 126 

Miles of NFS road included 0.13 1.09 

Site-specific Factors 

Acres of important deer winter range (HSI 0.6-1.0) 412 391 

Acres of high value marten habitat (HSI 0.9 – 1.0) 391 413 

Total acres of high volume strata 411 387 

Total acres of medium volume strata 386 323 

Total acres of low volume strata 535 494 

Total acres below 1500 ft. elevation 2,244 2,472 

Total acres below 800 ft. elevation 2,244 2,472 

Contains the largest blocks of contiguous oldgrowth within a watershed? Yes Yes 

Known or suspected goshawk nesting habitat Yes Yes 

Connectivity to other OGRs Yes Yes 

Suspected marbled murrelet nesting habitat Yes Yes 

Rare 

features Acres of coarse canopy forest 81 67 

a

 16 percent of VCU acres need to be within the small OGR 

b

50 percent of the 16 percent must be in POG
3 Environment and Effects

110 • Chapter 3 Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS 

OGRs (Tables 3-43 to 3-45). The adjustments to boundaries in the 

Option 2 designs change acres from a non-development LUD to a 

resource development LUD or from a development LUD to a nondevelopment LUD. The adjustments to the Option 2 designs also 

change the net acres suitable for timber management. The net change 

would be a loss of 1,030 acres from development LUDs. 

Table 3-44. Small old-growth habitat reserve options for VCU 399 

Option 1a Option 2 

General Criteria 

Total acres - should be at least 4,088 acresb

2,628 4,158 

Acres of POG – should be at least 2,044 acresc

2,386 3,770 

Shape Linear Circular-Linear 

Acres of early seral habitat included 154 99 

Miles of NFS road included 2.91 4.75 

Site-specific Factors 

Acres of important deer winter range (HSI 0.6 – 1.0) 508 523 

Acres of high value marten habitat (HSI 0.9 – 1.0) 1,466 2,501 

Total acres of high volume strata 1,462 2,623 

Total acres of medium volume strata 422 852 

Total acres of low volume strata 52 175 

Total acres below 1500 ft. elevation 2,229 3,722 

Total acres below 800 ft. elevation 1,893 2,082 

Contains the largest blocks of contiguous old-growth 

within a watershed? Yes Yes 

Known or suspected goshawk nesting habitat Yes Yes 

Connectivity to other OGRs Yes Yes 

Suspected marbled murrelet nesting habitat Yes Yes 

Rare 

features Acres of coarse canopy forest 815 1,454 

a

 Includes acres on several small islands off Kuiu Island shore b

16 percent of VCU acres need to be within the small OGR c

50 percent of the 16 percent must be in POG 
421

420

402

403

400 399

407

428

415

405

419

409

408

416

414

411

401

410

398

417

418 404

413

412

406

427

405

Kupreanof

Island

Prince of Wales

Island

Kosciusko

Island

Kake

u:/workspace/kuiu_roaded/feis/plots/feis_plots/f3_7akuiu_ogr.mxd 07-09-07 EP

Legend

Old-growth Reserves

Non-development LUD

Non-national Forest

Saltwater

Project Area Boundary

VCU Boundary

Fig

ure

3-7

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uiu Isla

n

d

Old-gro

wth

H

a

bitat R

e

s

erv

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±
3 Environment and Effects

112 • Chapter 3 Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS 

Backside of Map 
6403

6425

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64026409

6415

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4

6

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403

419

Saginaw Bay

Security Bay

LegendF

orestPlanOGR(Option1)

InteragencyOGR(Option2)

RecreationalRiver

Lakes/Saltwater

ManagedStands

Non-NationalForest

ForestLandSuitablefor

CommercialTimberProduction

StreamValueClassI&II

ProjectAreaBoundary

VCUBoundary

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±

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KuiuTimberSale

Figure3-8

SmallOld-GrowthReserve

OptionsinVCUs

398,399and402

Keku Strait Kadake Bay

Rowan

Bay

01.252.55

Miles
3 Environment and Effects

114 • Chapter 3 Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS 

Backside of map 
Wildlife 3

Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS Chapter 3 • 115

3.7.1.4 Cumulative Effects 

The small OGRs in VCUs 419 and 420 were adjusted during the 

Threemile Timber Sale and were analyzed in the Threemile Timber 

Sale EIS. Proposed changes in small OGRs in VCUs 416, 417, and 

418 will be analyzed when planning is done in those areas or as part of 

the Forest Plan Amendment. These adjustments to the small OGRs 

improve connectivity, increase the function of the OGRs, and help 

meet the intent of the Forest Plan on a landscape scale. 

Table 3-45. Small old-growth habitat reserve options for VCU 402 

Option 1 Option 2 

General Criteria 

Total acres - should be at least 5,197 acresa

4,008 5,279 

Acres of POG – should be at least 2,599 acresb

2,642 3,658 

Shape Linear Linear 

Acres of early seral habitat included 458 361 

Miles of NFS road included 4.19 3.44 

Site-specific Factors 

Acres of important deer winter range (HSI 0.6 – 1.0) 676 841 

Acres of high value marten habitat (HSI 0.9 – 1.0) 2,520 2,575 

Total acres of high volume strata 1,787 2,575 

Total acres of medium volume strata 495 712 

Total acres of low volume strata 360 371 

Total acres below 1500 ft. elevation 3,967 5,008 

Total acres below 800 ft. elevation 3,480 4,317 

Contains the largest blocks of contiguous old-growth within a 

watershed? No Yes 

Known or suspected goshawk nesting habitat Yes Yes 

Connectivity to other OGRs Yes Yes 

Suspected marbled murrelet nesting habitat Yes Yes 

Rare features Acres of coarse canopy forest 749 67 

a

16 percent of VCU acres need to be within the small OGR. 

b

50 percent of the 16 percent must be in POG. 
3 Environment and Effects

116 • Chapter 3 Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS 

Management indicator species (MIS) are those wildlife species whose 

responses to land management activities can be used to predict the 

likely response of a wide range of other species with similar habitat 

requirements. Under the MIS concept, the responses to management 

activities of relatively few species are studied and monitored in order 

to predict the impacts to entire assemblages of species and associated 

habitats. MIS are used to assess maintenance of population viability, 

biological diversity, and management of game (Forest Plan FEIS). 

The following Forest Plan MIS are known to occur on Kuiu Island: 

Sitka black-tailed deer, Alexander Archipelago wolf, Vancouver 

Canada goose, American marten, black bear, river otter, red squirrel, 

bald eagle, red-breasted sapsucker, hairy woodpecker, and brown 

creeper. Table 3-46 shows the MIS known to occur on Kuiu Island, 

which species have been selected as MIS for this project, and a 

rationale for that selection. The selected species are discussed in this 

section and in the Wildlife Resource Report which can be found in the 

Kuiu Project planning record. 

American Marten 

Marten was selected as an MIS because of its association with oldgrowth and this habitat’s value to many other species including 

goshawk. Marten (Martes caurina) are endemic to Kuiu Island. 

Recent studies have shown that about half of the Kuiu Island marten 

population is Martes americana, common to nearby islands (Mitkof 

and Kupreanof Islands) and mainland populations, and the remaining 

population is Martes caurina that is endemic to Kuiu Island (Stone and 

Cook 2002). The americana clade appear to be recent arrivals from 

nearby islands. Due to the fact that very narrow stretches of saltwater 

separate the islands of Mitkof, Kupreanof, and Kuiu from each other 

and the mainland, the immigration of the americana clade appears to 

be a natural occurrence (Cook et al. 2001). The two clades appear to 

be hybridizing. More information on the occurrence of these unique 

clades on Kuiu Island is available in Small et al. 2003, Stone and Cook 

2002 and in the Wildlife Resource Report available in the planning 

record. 

The Forest Plan marten model (Alarid 1995, Primaky 2002) was 

developed to evaluate and compare the potential quality of habitat for 

marten. The model assumes that optimal habitat for marten must have 

sufficient protective canopy cover, and available prey species. A 

habitat suitability index (HSI) is assigned to areas based on volume, 

stand size class (stand age), presence of beach fringe or riparian 

habitat, and elevation. The model assumes that habitat with an HSI 

3.7.2 

Management 

Indicator 

Species 

3.7.3 

Endemic 

Marten 

Species 

3.7.4 

Marten Habitat 

Capability 

Model 
Wildlife 3

Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS Chapter 3 • 117

 Table 3-46. Management Indicator Species 

Management 

Indicator Species 

Potential 

habitat in 

Project 

Area? 

Carried forward for Kuiu Timber Sale 

analysis? 

Sitka Black-tailed 

Deer Yes 

Yes – Important subsistence and game 

species, uses low-elevation, old growth. See 

Issue 2 in this chapter. 

Alexander 

Archipelago Wolf Yes 

Yes – Furbearer and game species, uses oldgrowth for denning. May be affected by deer 

populations.

American Marten Yes Yes – Furbearer, uses high volume old-growth 

habitat. 

Red Squirrel Yes 

No - There is no concern with red squirrel 

habitat; leave trees, riparian buffers and the 

matrix retain sufficient habitat. 

River Otter Yes 

No - The majority of river otter habitat is 

protected by Forest Plan Standards and 

Guidelines. 

Black Bear Yes 

Yes – Important game species. Bear hunting is 

discussed in the Recreation section of this 

chapter.

Bald Eagle Yes 

No - The majority of bald eagle nesting and 

foraging habitat is protected by Forest Plan 

Standards and Guidelines. The majority of 

bald eagle nesting, roosting and foraging 

habitat is protected by Forest Plan Standards 

and Guidelines. An existing nest is located 

next to the Rowan Bay LFT. 

Hairy Woodpecker, 

Brown Creeper, Redbreasted Sapsucker 

Yes 

No - Habitat considerations are included in the 

biodiversity and coarse canopy (i.e. oldgrowth) analysis. 

Vancouver Canada 

Goose Yes No - Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines 

protect primary habitat. 

value of 1.0 is capable of supporting a marten population density of 

2.7 marten per square mile. Figure 3-9 displays the high value marten 

habitat capability values in the Project Area. 

High value marten habitat is defined as high volume strata, old-growth 

stands below 1,500 feet in elevation (Forest Plan FEIS pp. 3-354 and 

3-360). The habitat model assigns these areas a suitability index (HSI) 

of 0.9 and above. This habitat also represents important Queen 

Charlotte goshawk nesting and foraging habitat (TPIT 1998). Coastal 

beach fringe and riparian areas have very high values. Cavities in large 
3 Environment and Effects

118 • Chapter 3 Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS 

boles of trees and snags, hard downed logs, and beneath tree roots are 

most important for natal dens (Soutiere 1979, Spencer 1987 and 

Campbell 1979). Marten were analyzed at the WAA level using the 

most current version of the marten model. WAA 5012 currently 

contains 51,614 acres of high value marten habitat. 

Approximately 21,886 acres have been harvested within WAA 5012 

since 1954, much of it clearcut. Table 3-47 compares the acres of high 

value marten habitat of the historic (1954), and current (2006) 

conditions to the proposed alternatives within WAA 5012. The table 

shows that high value marten habitat acres has been reduced 

approximately 29 percent from the historic condition and the reduction 

in the acres of current high value marten habitat would range from less 

than one percent in Alternative 2 to approximately two percent in 

Alternatives 4 and 5. 

Effects to high value marten habitat in Alternatives 2 and 3, and to a 

lesser amount Alternative 4, were most likely overestimated as the 

model analyzes all units as if they would be clearcut. 

Table 3-47 High value marten habitat (HSI > 0.89) in WAA 5012 remaining 

after harvest by alternative 

Alternative 

Historic condition- 72,847 acres 1 

Current 

condition

2 3 4 5 

Acres remaining after harvest 51,614 51,211 50,984 50,438 50,676

Percent reduction from current 

condition 0% <1% 1% 2% 2% 

Percent reduction from historic 

condition 29% 30% 30% 31% 30% 

3.7.5 

Existing 

Conditions 
5

03

109b

209

207

211

418

402

404

405

103d1

03c

101

504

112

3023

03

305

3083

07

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212

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Security Bay

LegendH

ighValueMartenWinterHabitatHSI.9-1

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Lakes/Saltwater

UnitPool

500ftContourInterval

ProjectAreaBoundary

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WAA5012Boundary ±

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KuiuTimberSale

Figure3-9

HighValueMartenWinterHabitat

Kadake

Bay

Keku Strait

00.51234

Miles
3 Environment and Effects

120 • Chapter 3 Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS 

Blank 
Wildlife 3

Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS Chapter 3 • 121

Road density is not a component of the Habitat Capability Model. 

However, studies have shown that road density may affect the quality 

of habitat for marten through trapping (Suring et al. 1992). 

ADF&G has expressed concern that the total road density is relatively 

high on north Kuiu and that additional roads on Kuiu may increase the 

potential hunter and trapper access and make a greater segment of the 

island’s marten populations vulnerable to human caused mortality. In 

addition, ADF&G has expressed concerned that low trapping success 

may indicate low population density. They are concerned that 

increasing fur prices may increase trapping effort and when combined 

with the current road density it could potentially lead to over trapping. 

However, ADF&G acknowledges that most of the historic and current 

trapping effort for marten on Kuiu occurs from the shoreline. 

Very few trappers use the road system to trap on Kuiu Island annually. 

No permanent communities are on the island, and ferry service to the 

island does not exist. The only areas available for trapping during the 

winter are along Keku Strait (east side of Kuiu) shoreline and along 

the road system from the Threemile LTF. All other access points are 

extremely difficult to get to during the winter months due to severe 

weather along Frederick Sound and Chatham and Sumner Straits. 

Table 3-16 in Section 3.3 documents increased trapping mortality for 

marten on Kuiu Island during years when temporary residents had 

motorized access to the area. 

There is little evidence of OHV use on most of the closed roads, 

mainly due to the remoteness of Kuiu Island and the impassibility on 

the roads once the stream crossings have been removed. Most personal 

vehicle use on the island is in the form of pickup trucks, which cannot 

navigate the alder or the mound and pit-type barriers normally found 

on closed roads. Game trails along the closed roads are common. 

Currently, the open road density in WAA 5012 is 0.46 mi/mi2. Total 

road density in the WAA is 0.68 mi/mi2. Most of the former temporary 

roads in the Project Area and WAA were closed by decommissioning 

after their use was terminated. Closed roads generally have structures 

(bridges and culverts) removed, intact water bars, and are grown in 

with alder. Table 3-48 shows the open road densities by alternative 

within WAA 5012 after implementation. All temporary roads would 

be decommissioned and all NFS roads, new or reopened for the 

project, would be placed into storage, effectively closing these roads to 

all motorized vehicles after the completion of harvest activities. In 

fact, all action alternatives would decrease the open road density 

within the Project Area by placing some currently open roads into 

3.7.6 

Roads 
3 Environment and Effects

122 • Chapter 3 Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS 

storage (see the Transportation section of this chapter for current and 

proposed road densities by alternative). 

Table 3-48. Open road density in WAA 5012 

Alternative Alt 1 (NoAction Alt 2 Alt 3 Alt 4 

(Proposed 

Action) 

Alt 5 

Proposed Open 

Road Density 

(mi/mi2) after 

Harvest 

0.46 0.42 0.42 0.41 0.41 

At this time, ADF&G acknowledges it does not have a good 

understanding of the current or historic marten populations, nor has it 

limited the number of marten that may be trapped on Kuiu island 

(pers. comm. Lowell 2006). The Forest Plan directs that where marten 

data (harvest or population data) suggest that mortality exceeds 

sustainable levels, the Forest Service will work with the ADF&G to 

identify the probable sources of mortality, examining the relationship 

between hunter/trapper harvest and human access. It further states that 

where road access has been determined through the analysis to 

significantly contribute to unsustainable marten mortality, effective 

road closures would be implemented to reduce mortality (Forest Plan 

p. 4-118). Neither the USFWS nor the ADF&G has indicated that 

marten population or harvest data suggest that mortality on Kuiu 

Island exceeds sustainable levels. 

Alexander Archipelago Wolf 

The Alexander Archipelago wolf was selected as an MIS because the 

wolf is both hunted and trapped in Southeast Alaska. It is one of the 

major predators in Southeast Alaska on deer and moose and helps 

maintain healthy prey populations. 

The Alexander Archipelago wolf occurs on the Southeast Alaska 

mainland and on all large islands in Southeast Alaska except for 

Admiralty, Baranof, and Chichagof (Person et al. 1996). A wideranging, opportunistic predator, the wolf does not exhibit a preference 

for specific habitats or habitat characteristics. Wolf presence is more 

indicative of the availability of habitat for its primary prey species, 

Sitka black-tailed deer, rather than landform, climate, or vegetation 

(Suring et al. 1994, Person et al. 1996). The wolf secondarily preys 

upon beaver and moose, and, when available, spawning salmon and 

waterfowl (Person et al. 1996). Wolves on Kuiu Island consume deer, 
Wildlife 3

Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS Chapter 3 • 123

moose, black bear, mink, muskrats, marten, other rodents, waterfowl, 

fish and grouse. 

The Forest Plan initial direction was to maintain 13 deer/mi2 to support 

wolves (Forest Plan p. 4-116). However, as a result of monitoring and 

additional research, this was been changed to 18 deer/mi2 over broad 

areas using the current deer habitat capability model (Monitoring and 

Evaluation Report 2000, Person et al. 1996). Since wolves tend to have 

home ranges that cross several WAAs, the appropriate scale at which 

this model should be applied is the biogeographic province (USDA 

1998 p. 16). However, the State of Alaska showed concern over the 

ability of north Kuiu Island (WAA 5012) to support deer at a carrying 

capacity high enough to support wolves. Therefore, the carrying 

capacity was analyzed by both the biogeographic province (entire 

Kuiu Island) and by WAA 5012. Table 3-49 displays deer densities. 

Table 3-49. Habitat Capability Changes for Sitka Black-tailed Deer 

1954 Alt 1 Alt 2 Alt 3 Alt 4 Alt 5 

Deer density (mi/mi2) to 

support wolf and hunter 

demand for WAA 5012 

37 29 29 29 29 29 

Deer density (mi/mi2) to 

support wolf and hunter 

demand for Kuiu

biogeographic province 

37 34 34 34 34 34 

Deer density numbers used in Table 3-49 were generated by the deer 

model. They are theoretical numbers which estimate the deer density 

that the habitat can support and should be used with caution. 

The IDT evaluated the impacts to wolves on an island-wide basis 

(Kuiu Island Biogeographic Province). According to the deer winter 

habitat capability model, Kuiu Island theoretically has enough habitat 

to currently support 34 deer/mi2 and WAA 5012 currently has enough 

habitat to support 29 deer/mi2. With the implementation of any action 

alternative, the capability of the island and WAA to support deer 

would not change measurably. Person et al. (1996) believes this is a 

sufficient prey density to support a sustainable wolf population and 

meet human deer harvest demands. 

ADF&G Harvest Data 

Ninety-four wolf pelts taken from WAA 5012 were turned in to the 

Alaska Department of Fish and Game for sealing between 1990 and 

2001 (Meucci 2005). The annual average harvest over the last twenty 
3 Environment and Effects

124 • Chapter 3 Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS 

years is five wolves. Refer to the Subsistence section of this chapter 

for a description of WAA 5012. 

Dens 

Availability of suitable denning habitat is of secondary importance to 

wolves. Dens are generally located in sites with good drainage and 

within 100 meters of fresh water (Person et al. 1996). 

During the 2003 field season, field crews located a probable wolf den 

in the Project Area. The crew took photos and the crew leader 

conferred with Dave Person from ADF&G. The prescribed 1,200-foot 

buffer following Forest Plan direction (Forest Plan p. 4-113) has been 

added to this site. The site was revisited during the 2004 and 2005 

field seasons and found to be inactive. 

Roads 

The primary threat to wolf populations is high road densities and 

increased access by humans who kill wolves legally and illegally by 

shooting, snaring, or trapping (Person et al. 1996, Person 2001). 

Person et al. (1996) found wolves on Prince of Wales Island (POW) to 

be intolerant of open road densities that exceed 0.7-1.0 mi/mi2, raising 

a concern of maintaining viable populations. Person (2001) also found 

that while wolves are susceptible to hunting and trapping from all 

roads, there was an increase in wolf mortality from roads that were 

connected to communities. In the POW study area, the roads were 

attached to population centers; the island is serviced by the Alaska 

Marine Highway ferry system. Also, the methods used to close roads 

at the time of the study were not stopping motorized vehicle traffic. 

Currently the open road density for Kuiu Island (Kuiu Biogeographic 

Province) is 0.2 mi/mi2. The open road density in WAA 5012 is 0.42 

mi/mi2. Total road density for WAA 5012 is 0.46 mi/mi2, However, 

Kuiu Island is not connected to human population centers and is not 

serviced by the Alaska State Ferry system. Closed roads on Kuiu have 

bridges and culverts removed and are generally grown over with alder 

which prevents motor vehicle traffic. As stated earlier, the average 

annual wolf harvest since 1984 has been 5 animals. The harvest of 

wolves is not expected to change due to the difficulty of accessing the 

island. This project would not increase open road density. In fact, all 

action alternatives for this project propose to reduce open road density. 

Refer to the Transportation section of this chapter and the Road 

Management Objectives in Appendix B for more information. 

The Forest Plan directs that when wolf population data suggest 

mortality exceeds sustainable levels, the Forest Service will work with 

the ADF&G and the USFWS to identify probable sources of mortality 

by examining the relationship between wolf mortality, human access, 
Wildlife 3

Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS Chapter 3 • 125

and hunter/trapper harvest. It further states that when analysis 

determines that road access significantly contributes to unsustainable 

wolf mortality, effective road closures will be implemented (Forest 

Plan p. 4-116). Neither the USFWS or the ADF&G has indicated that 

wolf population or harvest data suggest mortality exceeds sustainable 

levels on Kuiu Island. 

Bald Eagle 

The bald eagle population is widely distributed throughout Southeast 

Alaska during the breading season. Bald eagles that breed along the 

coast tend to remain close to their breeding territory throughout the 

year if food is available. When not involved in nesting activities, 

however, these birds may temporarily move to areas with abundant 

food sources. Habitats commonly used include beach fringe, some 

estuarine fringe and streamside riparian areas. Bald eagles may also 

concentrate at feeding grounds in the spring. Throughout their range, 

bald eagles are opportunistic in their use of available food resources. 

The beach/estuary fringe and riparian buffers described in the Forest 

Plan provide sufficient habitat for these animals. Forest Plan Standards 

and Guidelines and the Bald Eagle Protection Act provide protection 

for nesting and roosting habitat. 

Existing Condition 

A known bald eagle nest tree is directly adjacent to the Rowan Bay 

LTF. The eagle moved into the current nest tree while the Alaska Pulp 

Company’s long-term contract was in effect and built the nest next to 

the refueling station for both equipment and helicopter operations. The 

eagle did not seem disturbed by the activity including helicopter 

landings at the refueling site and continued to successfully raise its 

young for many years. Since the late 1990s the LTF has not been used 

and the nest has not been monitored so the nest activity is not currently 

known. After consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (per 

com Jacobson 2006), it is recommended that the nest be monitored in 

the spring and that no heavy equipment be allowed within 330 feet of 

the existing nest tree from March 1 to May 31. By May 31, if no eagle 

nesting activity has occurred normal operations would be allowed to 

continue. If the nest is active, heavy equipment would be excluded 

around the nest site, including helicopter activity within 1⁄4 mile of the 

nest tree, and the nest would be monitored for the effectiveness of 

these guidelines. 

Planned activities are not expected to adversely affect bald eagle prey 

species or nesting habitat. As a result, this species will not be carried 

forward in this analysis. 
3 Environment and Effects

126 • Chapter 3 Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS 

3.7.7.1 Alexander Archipelago Wolf 

The island-wide deer density would remain above 34 deer/mi2 after 

harvest in all alternatives. The resulting deer density is sufficient to 

support a viable wolf population and meet hunters’ demands. 

Historically, few wolves have been harvested annually on Kuiu Island. 

Small wolf harvests are likely to continue on Kuiu Island due to the 

limited access during the trapping season. Only the eastern portion of 

the island is vulnerable to trapping from the beach. Hunting pressure is 

limited because the road system is not connected to the Alaska Marine 

Highway, and, while not impossible, it is difficult to transfer a vehicle 

to the road system. Therefore, an increase in trapping pressure is not 

anticipated on Kuiu Island due to limited access and the absence of 

permanent logging camps or communities. 

Alternative 1 would have no impact to road density. For all action 

alternatives, open road density both island-wide and for WAA 5012 

would temporarily increase during the life of the timber sale; however, 

there would be a decrease in current open road density with the 

completion of timber harvest activities. Island-wide open road density 

would decrease to 0.18 with implementation of any action alternative 

and the WAA road density would decrease to 0.42 or 0.41 depending 

on the selected action alternative. From discussions with Alaska 

Department of Fish and Game, there is agreement that road impacts 

are not expected to substantially reduce wolf populations within WAA 

5012, or affect overall wolf distribution (Lowell 2006). 

3.7.7.2 Road Density 

Open road density in WAA 5012 is currently 0.46 mi/mi2. All action 

alternatives would reduce the open and drivable road densities. Islandwide open road densities are 0.20 mi/mi2 and would be reduced to 0.18 

mi/mi2 with the implementation of any action alternative. Roads which 

are currently closed to motor vehicles would be reopened and 

reconditioned to access timber then returned to storage condition. All 

new reconditioned roads and some miles of currently open NFS roads 

would be effectively closed to motorized traffic. Temporary roads 

would be decommissioned (see the Transportation section in this 

chapter). 

3.7.8.1 Alternative 1 

This alternative proposes no new activities in the Project Area. 

Wildlife habitat may decline in current second-growth stands as they 

develop and the understory forage is shaded. There would be no 

change in the current road network. 

High value marten habitat has been reduced by 29 percent since 1954 

in WAA 5012. No additional reductions would be expected with this 

alternative. 

3.7.7 

Effects 

Common to All 

Alternatives

 

3.7.8 

Comparison of 

Alternatives 

for 

Management 

Indicator 

Species 
Wildlife 3

Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS Chapter 3 • 127

3.7.8.2 Alternative 2 

Alternative 2 proposes harvest on 478 acres. Harvest prescriptions 

include 280 acres of partial harvest with 50 percent basal area 

retention and 197 acres of clearcut. 

Marten, deer and wolf would unlikely be adversely affected by this 

alternative since 281 acres (59 percent of the acres harvested) are in 

partial harvest prescriptions that retain 50 percent of the basal area, 

which would help maintain a natural forest mosaic and retain habitat 

for all the above species. Road closures would reduce hunter 

accessibility. The Forest Plan deer and marten models report all units 

as harvested by an even-aged prescription, so the model would 

overestimate the number of acres of high value habitat removed using 

partial harvest. 

The current high value marten winter habitat would be reduced by less 

than one percent. This reduction is most likely overestimated because 

the habitat capability model does not account for partial harvest. 

Partial harvest is planned in Units 109b, 111, 207, 209, 404, 405, 415 

and 418 and equals 59 percent (281 acres) of the acres harvested by 

this alternative. Within these partial harvest units, 60 acres are low 

elevation, high volume habitat. The use of partial harvest would help 

maintain marten habitat suitability with the retention of some oldgrowth characteristics, such as cover, large standing and down trees 

for denning and resting sites, and travel corridors. With 50 percent of 

the basal area retained, the coarse structure within the stand would be 

maintained until the harvested portion could recover and begin to 

contribute to the stand structure and cover. 

Alternative 2 would harvest 197 acres using even-aged management 

(clearcutting). Within these acres, portions of the following units 

would occur within low elevation, high volume habitat: 103c, 103d, 

208a, 208b, 416 and 417 (totaling 41 acres). Marten have been shown 

to avoid clearcut harvest areas for up to 40 years after harvest 

(Thompson 1988). 

3.7.8.3 Alternative 3 

Alternative 3 proposes harvest on 786 acres. Harvest prescriptions 

include 377 acres of partial harvest with 50 percent basal area 

retention and 409 acres of clearcut harvest. 

Marten, deer and wolf would unlikely be adversely affected by this 

alternative since 377 acres (48 percent of the acres harvested) are in 

partial harvest prescriptions that retain 50 percent of the basal area, 

which would help maintain a natural forest mosaic and retain habitat 

for all the above species. Road closures would reduce hunter 

accessibility. 
3 Environment and Effects

128 • Chapter 3 Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS 

Alternative 3 would reduce the current high value marten winter 

habitat by approximately one percent, and this reduction is most likely 

overestimated because the habitat capability model does not account 

for partial harvest. 

Partial harvest is planned in Units 109, 112, 204, 207, 209, 404, 405 

and 417 and is 58 percent (377 acres) of the acres harvested by this 

alternative. Within these partial harvest units, 57 acres are low 

elevation, high volume habitat. The use of partial harvest would help 

maintain marten habitat suitability with the retention of some oldgrowth characteristics, such as cover, and large standing and down 

trees that can be used for denning and resting sites, as well as help 

maintain travel corridors for marten. With 50 percent of the basal area 

retained, the coarse structure within the stand would be maintained 

until the harvested portion could recover and begin to contribute to the 

stand structure and cover. 

Alternative 3 would harvest 409 acres using even-aged management 

(clearcutting). Within these acres, portions of the following units 

would occur within low elevation, high volume habitat: 109, 208 210, 

308, 403, and 416 (totaling 25 acres). The coarse stand structure would 

be removed and could take 100-150 years to return to the stands. 

3.7.8.4 Alternative 4 

Alternative 4 proposes harvest on 1,387 acres. Harvest prescriptions 

include 361 acres of partial harvest with 50 percent basal area 

retention and 1,026 acres of clearcut. 

Of the action alternatives, this alternative would have the greatest 

affect to wildlife since it harvests the most forest and removes the 

greatest amount of habitat. 

Alternative 4 would reduce the current high value marten winter 

habitat by two percent, but this reduction is likely overestimated 

because the habitat capability model does not account for partial 

harvest. 

Partial harvest is planned in Units 207, 209, 303, 305a, 305b, 414, and 

415 and equals 26 percent (363 acres) of the acres harvested by this 

alternative. Within these partial harvest units, 112 acres are low 

elevation, high volume habitat. The use of partial harvest would help 

maintain marten suitability with the retention of some old-growth 

characteristics, such as cover, and large standing and down trees that 

can be used for denning and resting sites. Partial harvest would also 

help maintain travel corridors for marten. By retaining 50 percent of 

the basal area, the coarse structure within the stand would be 

maintained until the harvested portion recovers and begins to 

contribute to the stand structure and cover. 
Wildlife 3

Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS Chapter 3 • 129

Alternative 4 would harvest 1,025 acres using even-aged management 

(clearcutting). Within these acres portions of the following units would 

occur within low elevation, high volume habitat: 109, 208 210, 308, 

403, and 416 (totaling 147 acres). Marten have been shown to avoid 

clearcut harvest areas for up to 40 acres after harvest (Thompson 

1988). 

3.7.8.5 Alternative 5 

Alternative 5 proposes harvest of 1,208 acres, all of which would be 

clearcut harvested. 

Alternative 5 would reduce the current high value marten winter 

habitat by two percent. 

Alternative 5 would harvest 1,208 acres using even-aged management 

(clearcutting). Within these acres, portions of the following units 

would occur within low elevation, high volume habitat: 111, 112, 

208a, 208b, 209, 210, 308, 401, 403, 404, 412, 416, 417, 418, and 503 

(totaling 156 acres). Marten have been shown to avoid clearcut harvest 

areas for up to 40 years after harvest (Thompson 1988). 

3.7.9.1 Past, Present, and Reasonably Foreseeable Future 

Timber harvest has occurred on much of the northern portion of Kuiu 

Island. This harvest was mostly to fill the needs of the long-term sale 

program starting in 1968. Kuiu Island was an alternate area for the 

Alaska Pulp Corporation long-term sale. The Kuiu Catalog of Events 

is located in the planning record and was referenced to determine 

cumulative effects. All timber harvest in WAA 5012 from the four 

acres harvested in 1931 to the planned, but unharvested units from 

Crane and Rowan Mountain Timber Sales and Threemile Timber Sale 

EISs have been accounted for in this analysis. All non-harvest 

activities were reviewed for possible impacts to wildlife species as 

well. 

Most of the previously harvested units have been treated once with 

silvicultural thinning. Wildlife would benefit from the thinning, 

girdling and/or pruning treatment to approximately 1,475 acres of 39-

year-old second-growth stands within the Saginaw watershed. The 

IDT has visited these units and has determined that it would be 

beneficial to prescribe treatments to extend the usefulness of the 

wildlife habitat. The judicious use of silvicultural treatments can 

extend productive time that harvested units provide suitable habitat. 

Planned Projects 

For the Kuiu Timber Sale action alternatives, an individual timber sale 

or more than one sale over a period of several years, may occur. 

3.7.9 

Cumulative 

Effects for 

Management 

Indicator 

Species 
3 Environment and Effects

130 • Chapter 3 Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS 

It is reasonable to assume that timber harvest and associated road 

management will continue on Kuiu Island. The current Tongass timber 

sale schedule lists other timber sale projects: 

• Crane and Rowan Mountain Timber Sales ROD was signed June 

1998 and is considered in cumulative effects. Approximately 482 

and 745 acres were considered as reasonable future foreseeable 

harvest in the Project Area and WAA 5012, respectively (refer to 

the Changes Between DEIS and EIS section in Chapter 2). 

• Threemile Timber Sale ROD was signed in April of 2004. The 

Threemile Timber Sale will harvest approximately 19.5 mmbf on 

approximately 665 acres and construct 4.2 miles of new NFS roads 

and 4.2 miles of temporary roads. 

Marten 

High value marten habitat has been reduced by 29 percent in WAA 

5012 since 1954. Depending on the alternative selected, an additional 

reduction of less than one percent to two percent would occur within 

WAA 5012 with the implementation of the action alternatives. The 

reasonably foreseeable future harvest of the Crane and Rowan 

Mountain Timber Sales units would further reduce the high value 

marten habitat by 1 percent. This would bring the cumulative 

reduction of high value habitat to between 30 and 32 percent. 

The Forest Plan FEIS (pp. 3-398 to 3-399) predicts there is a relatively 

high likelihood of sustaining viable marten populations when an 

average of 57 percent of the POG is retained within the matrix of 

development LUDs. Other factors contributing to sustaining viable 

marten populations include riparian management, the OGR system, 

and use of partial harvest management in high value marten habitat. 

Currently, 75 percent of the matrix POG has been retained in the 

WAA. Adoption of the design changes to the small OGRs within 

VCUs 398, 399, and 402 would improve marten habitat within these 

reserve systems. 

ADF&G is concerned about the apparent low numbers of marten on 

Kuiu (Flynn et al. 2004) but admits that it is not possible to relate the 

low population to trapping or loss of habitat on the island, as no 

historic or current population information is available (pers. com. 

Lowell 2006). Their concern is that the cumulative reduction in habitat 

would further restrict and reduce population levels. Analysis of high 

value marten habitat shows that WAA 5012 would retain 

approximately 50,000 acres of high value marten habitat after 

implementation of any of the action alternatives and the reasonably 

foreseeable future harvest of the remaining units from the Crane and 

Rowan Mountain Timber Sales EIS. From this analysis, habitat would 
Wildlife 3

Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS Chapter 3 • 131

remain plentiful within WAA 5012 to sustain viable marten 

populations. 

Wolf 

The cumulative effects analysis includes activities (past, current and 

reasonably foreseeable future) within the Kuiu Biogeographic 

Province that may affect wolves. Deer are a primary prey item; 

therefore, a reduction in deer populations may effect wolf populations. 

Historic important deer winter range has been reduced by 15 percent at 

the island-wide level and the action alternatives would further reduce 

important deer winter range by less than one percent. The harvest of 

the Crane and Rowan Mountain Timber Sales EIS and Threemile 

Timber Sale EIS units would further reduce important deer winter 

range by less than one percent for all action alternatives. This small 

reduction in important deer winter range would have no measurable 

effect to wolf populations. In addition, the Forest Plan predicts that 

Kuiu Island would maintain at least 18 deer per square mile at the end 

of the rotation in 2059 (page 3-379 TLMP FEIS Part 1). This is a 

sufficient prey density to support a sustainable wolf population and 

meet human deer harvest demands (Person et al. 1997). 

The Kuiu Biogeographic Province has an open road density of 0.2 

mi/mi2. Implementation of any action alternative along with the 

implementation of the Crane and Rowan Mountain Timber Sales EIS 

or Threemile Timber Sale EIS would reduce island-wide road densities 

to 0.18 mi/mi2. 

Historically, there have been a small number of wolves harvested 

annually on Kuiu Island. An increase in trapping pressure on Kuiu 

Island is not anticipated since there are no permanent logging camps or 

communities present on the island. 

3.7.9.2 Coarse Canopy 

Coarse canopy is best portrayed by volume class 6 and 7 and described 

as high volume – coarse texture. The terms “large diameter tree 

forests” and “coarse canopy” are used to describe these stands. 

Table 3-50 displays the existing amount of coarse canopy in the 

Project Area (Alternative 1), and the amount of coarse canopy 

proposed for harvest by alternative. Within the Project Area coarse 

canopy is fairly evenly scattered. 
3 Environment and Effects

132 • Chapter 3 Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS 

Table 3-50. Acres of coarse canopy (Volume Class 6 and 7) 

harvested by alternative and proportions of coarse 

canopy within the Project Area 

Project Area coarse 

canopy 

Alt 1 Alt 2 Alt 3 Alt 4 Alt 5 

Current acres of POG 30,586 current acres coarse canopy 13,009 

Acres of coarse 

canopy proposed for 

clearcut harvest 

0 95 172 510 541 

Acres of coarse 

canopy proposed for 

partial harvest 

0 123 155 274 0 

Acres of coarse 

canopy remaining 

after harvest 

13,009 12,791 12,682 12,225 12,468 

Percent of current 

coarse canopy 

remaining after 

harvest 

100% 98% 97% 94% 96% 

Proportion of POG that 

is coarse canopy after 

harvest 

43% 42% 43% 42% 42% 

These stands have low to moderate densities of tall, large diameter 

trees that are evenly distributed. These stands are considered to be 

important to some old-growth associated species and may have areas 

containing the highest biological diversity (Caouette et al. 2000). 

Within WAA 5012 and the Project Area the current amount of coarse 

canopy forest is much higher than the Tongass average (4 percent). 

The amount of historic coarse canopy that occurred prior to any 

harvest is unavailable and it is not possible to accurately analyze the 

cumulative amount of coarse canopy that has been harvested. 

However, by looking at the locations of the current high volume (class 

6 and 7) stands and the managed stands in Figure 3-4 it is possible to 

theorize that much of the past harvest was in coarse canopy stands. 

Table 3-50 shows that the proportion of coarse canopy to POG within 

the Project Area would remain consistent with all alternatives. 

Alternative 1 would not remove any coarse canopy forest nor change 

the proportion of coarse canopy to POG within the Project Area. 
Wildlife 3

Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS Chapter 3 • 133

Alternative 2 would harvest the fewest acres of coarse canopy among 

the action alternatives (218 acres). Approximately 99 percent of the 

current amount of coarse canopy would remain in WAA 5012 if this 

alternative were implemented. 

Approximately 123 acres (56 percent) of the proposed harvest units 

within coarse canopy forests would be partial harvest to help retain 

some habitat structure, including a large tree component within the 

stands. Units proposed for partial harvest that include coarse canopy 

are: 207, 209, 405, and 415. 

This alternative would also harvest 95 acres of coarse canopy forest 

using even-aged management (clearcutting). The coarse stand structure 

would be removed and could take in excess of 100-150 years to 

reestablish. Units with coarse canopy that are proposed for clearcut 

include: 103c, 103d, 207, 208a, 208b, 416, and 417. 

Alternative 3 would harvest 327 acres of coarse canopy forest, of 

which 155 acres are partial harvest. Approximately 99 percent of the 

current amount of coarse canopy would remain in WAA 5012 if this 

alternative were implemented. 

The partial harvest would help retain some habitat structure, including 

a large tree component, forage, and canopy cover within the stands. 

Units proposed for partial harvest that contain portions of coarse 

canopy are: 109, 112, 204, 207, 209, 404, 405, 409, and 417. 

This alternative would also harvest 172 acres of coarse canopy forest 

using even-aged management (clearcutting). The coarse stand structure 

would be removed and could take in excess of 100-150 years to return 

to the harvested stands. Units with portions of coarse canopy that are 

proposed for clearcutting are: 109, 207, 208, 210, 308, 403, 410, and 

416. 

Alternative 4 would harvest the most acres of coarse canopy of the 

action alternatives (784 acres). Approximately 96 percent of the 

current amount of coarse canopy would remain in WAA 5012 if this 

alternative were implemented. 

Approximately 274 acres of course canopy forest are proposed for 

partial harvest. This would help retain some habitat structure, 

including a large tree component within the stands. Units proposed for 

partial harvest that contain portions of coarse canopy are: 207, 209, 

302, 303, 305a, 305b, 414, and 415. 

This alternative would also harvest 510 acres of coarse canopy forest 

using even-aged management (clearcutting). The coarse stand structure 

would be removed and could take in excess of 100-150 years to return 

to the stands. Units with portions of coarse canopy that are proposed 
3 Environment and Effects

134 • Chapter 3 Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS 

for clearcutting are: 101, 109, 111, 112, 207, 208, 210, 211, 212, 308, 

401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 409, 410, 412, 416, 418, 503, and 504. 

Alternative 5 would clearcut harvest the most coarse canopy habitat 

(541 acres). Approximately 98 percent of the current amount of coarse 

canopy would remain in WAA 5012 if this alternative were 

implemented. The coarse stand structure would be removed and may 

take in excess of 100-150 years to return to the harvested stands. 

Units with portions of coarse canopy that are proposed for clearcutting 

include: 101, 109, 111, 112, 204, 207, 208a, 208b, 209, 210, 211, 212, 

308, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 409, 410, 412, 416, 417, 418, 503, and 

504. 

Cumulative Effects 

The cumulative effects analysis area for coarse canopy is WAA 5012. 

The WAA was selected as the analysis landscape scale since it is the 

same scale used for analysis of most Management Indictor Species. 

Currently 22,956 acres or 18 percent of WAA 5012 is coarse canopy 

forest. The proportion of POG that is coarse canopy is approximately 

43 percent. 

In Alternative 1, no harvest or road building would occur within the 

Project Area at this time. However, this area is within a Timber 

Production LUD and it should be assumed that it will be harvested in 

the future. 

Currently 22,956 acres or 16 percent of WAA 5012 is coarse canopy 

forest. The proportion of POG that is coarse canopy is approximately 

25 percent. Old growth stands with coarse canopy would continue to 

support wildlife at their current capability at least until the next 

planning cycle. 

Of the action alternatives, Alternative 2 would harvest the fewest 

acres of coarse canopy (218 acres) with approximately 99 percent of 

the existing coarse canopy in WAA 5012 remaining. Approximately 

56 percent of the coarse canopy acres proposed for harvest would be 

partial harvest. These units include 207, 209, 405, and 415. Units with 

coarse canopy proposed for clearcut are 103c, 103d, 207, 208a, 208b, 

416, and 417. 

Of the action alternatives, Alternative 3 would harvest the second 

fewest acres of coarse canopy (327 acres) with approximately 99 

percent of the existing coarse canopy remaining in WAA 5012. 

Approximately 47 percent of the acres in this alternative with coarse 

canopy are partial harvest, which would retain habitat structure 

including a large tree component within the stands. Units proposed for 
Wildlife 3

Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS Chapter 3 • 135

partial harvest that contain portions of coarse canopy are 109, 112, 

204, 207, 209, 404, 405, 409, and 417. Units with portions of coarse 

canopy that are proposed for clearcutting are 109, 207, 208, 210, 308, 

403, 410, and 416. 

Of the action alternatives, Alternative 4 would harvest the most acres 

(948) and highest proportion of coarse canopy. Approximately 97 

percent of the existing coarse canopy would remain in WAA 5012 if 

this alternative were implemented. 

Approximately 35 percent of coarse canopy acres harvested in this 

alternative would be partial harvest. Units with this prescription 

include 207, 209, 302, 303, 305a, 305b, 414, and 415. Units with 

portions of coarse canopy proposed for clearcutting are 101, 109, 111, 

112, 207, 208, 210, 211, 212, 308, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 409, 410, 

412, 416, 418, 503, and 504. 

Of the action alternatives, Alternative 5 would harvest the second 

greatest number of acres (514) of coarse canopy with the highest 

number of acres clearcut. Approximately 98 percent of the current 

amount of coarse canopy would remain in WAA 5012 if this 

alternative were implemented. 

All units are proposed for clearcutting, and units with portions of 

coarse canopy include: 101, 109, 111, 112, 204, 207, 208a, 208b, 209, 

210, 211, 212, 308, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 409, 410, 412, 416, 417, 

418, 503, and 504. 

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act is the domestic law that affirms, or 

implements, the United States' commitment to four bilateral 

international conventions (with Canada, Japan, Mexico, and Russia) 

for the protection of a shared migratory bird resource. Each of the 

conventions protects selected species of birds that are common to each 

country (i.e., they occur in both countries at some point during their 

annual life cycle). The list of migratory bird species protected under 

these treaties is filed in the planning record (U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service 2004). 

Existing condition 

Executive Order 13186 of January 10, 2001, directs federal agencies to 

evaluate the effects of actions and agency plans on migratory birds, 

with emphasis on species of concern. A report entitled “Neo-tropical 

Birds of Concern on the Tongass National Forest – Kuiu Timber Sale 

Area” is filed in the planning record. The report includes a discussion 

of 40 protected migratory bird species that may occur on the Tongass 

National Forest, and any anticipated effects to these species from the 

proposed activities for this project. The report concludes that proposed 

activities for this project are not expected to result in measurable 

3.7.10 

Migratory 

Birds 
3 Environment and Effects

136 • Chapter 3 Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS 

negative effects to any migratory bird populations for the following 

reasons: 

• Eighteen of the migratory bird species considered important on the 

Tongass National Forest do not occur in habitats where forest 

management activities would likely take place. These habitats are 

either not impacted by management activities such as logging and 

road building, or are protected by Forest Plan LUDs. 

• Two migratory bird species are extremely rare on the Tongass 

National Forest but their habitat may be impacted by management 

activities. These species are associated with riparian shrub and 

alder thickets. No timber harvest in this habitat type is proposed for 

this project. 

• Eight migratory bird species are uncommon on the Tongass 

National Forest but could be disturbed by management activities 

on the Tongass National Forest. Forest Plan Standards and 

Guidelines and LUD allocations should protect sufficient habitat 

for these species. 

• Twelve species are common or abundant within habitats where 

forest management activities may take place. Potential 

disturbances may occur to their habitat, but Forest Plan Standards 

and Guidelines and LUD allocations should protect sufficient 

habitat for these species. 

Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects 

Some direct effects to nesting birds would occur in all of the action 

alternatives. The primary effect would be loss of habitat, nest 

destruction, or abandonment. The magnitude of the effects would vary 

depending upon the alternatives selected and in which season harvest 

would occur. Nesting in Southeast Alaska generally begins in May. By 

September, the birds are fledged and would not be directly affected. 

Indirect effects would be associated with fragmentation and patch size 

reduction of suitable habitat. For species such as the northern 

goshawk, marbled murrelet, and Townsend’s warbler, habitat removal 

would affect forest fragmentation by potentially reducing the 

effectiveness of interior habitat and increasing the potential for nestsite predation from avian predators that are associated with forest 

edges and fragmented landscapes. 

The retention of approximately fifty percent of the existing overstory 

in many of the action alternatives would help mitigate many of these 

effects by providing reserve trees and increasing habitat values to these 

birds when compared to even-aged silvicultural prescriptions. The 

OGR system was designed to maintain large areas of habitat for these 
Wildlife 3

Kuiu Timber Sale FEIS Chapter 3 • 137

species. That, in combination with the management of the matrix 

within the lands open to harvest, would mitigate many of the effects of 

harvest on neotropical migratory birds. Other species may be more 

associated with forest edge, riparian or more open habitats; therefore, 

the effects from timber harvest could be beneficial to other bird 

species. Individual birds may be affected, but the design of the 

alternatives, in conjunction with the management of the matrix and the 

OGRs, will meet the requirements of habitat for these bird species and 

maintain them within the Tongass National Forest.