United States Department of Agriculture

Raven’s Roost Cabin 

Replacement Project 

Environmental Assessment

 

Forest Service Tongass National Forest

Alaska Region Petersburg Ranger District R10-MB-841a May 2020
For More Information Contact: 

Ted Sandhofer

Petersburg Ranger District

12 North Nordic Drive

Petersburg, AK

Phone: 907-772-3871

Email: ted.sandhofer@usda.gov

Fax: 907-772-5995

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Contents

Contents............................................................................................................................................ i

Summary Table ............................................................................................................................... ii

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1

Proposed Project Location .......................................................................................................... 1

Proposed Project Site Description............................................................................................... 3

Need for the Proposal...................................................................................................................... 3

Proposed Action .............................................................................................................................. 3

Project Design Features .............................................................................................................. 4

Environmental Effects..................................................................................................................... 7

Recreation ................................................................................................................................... 7

Wildlife Habitat........................................................................................................................... 8

Subsistence Uses......................................................................................................................... 9

Botany-Sensitive Plants .............................................................................................................. 9

Invasive Plants.......................................................................................................................... 10

Aquatic Resources..................................................................................................................... 10

Scenery Resources .................................................................................................................... 11

Cultural Resources.................................................................................................................... 11

Soil and Wetland Resources...................................................................................................... 12

Agencies or Persons Consulted ..................................................................................................... 12

References..................................................................................................................................... 13

Figures

Figure 1. The Raven’s Roost Cabin sites are in Alaska in the south central portion of the Tongass 

National Forest. ....................................................................................................................... 1

Figure 2. The proposed and existing Raven’s Roost Cabin sites are located on the northern 

portion of Mitkof Island on Raven’s Ridge, south of the city of Petersburg........................... 2

Figure 3. Schematic of proposed cabin and associated trails, outhouse and propane pad............... 6
Raven’s Roost Cabin Replacement EA Petersburg Ranger District

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Summary Table

What is the Proposed Action?

The Proposed Action is to remove the existing hike-in 

public use Raven’s Roost Cabin and replace it with a new 

cabin with accessibility improvements, located 1.2 miles 

closer to town. 

Why?

The purpose of this cabin replacement is to enhance 

recreational facilities in locations where they are supported 

by known use, remove facilities that are no longer 

affordable and provide for the health and safety of all users 

(Forest Plan, Recreation Goals and Objectives, p. 2-4). The 

cabin replacement also supports the vision of the TNF 

Sustainable Cabin Strategy which is to build, relocate, and 

remove cabins in order to increase public access and use, 

while reducing the cabin program’s operations and 

maintenance costs.

What other action would meet 

the same need?

None

What would it mean to not meet 

the need?

The Raven’s Roost Cabin would be maintained, although 

the future cost of maintenance is likely to escalate because 

of the age of the cabin. Since the cabin and the walkways to 

and from the outhouse would not be upgraded for 

accessibility, those with disabilities may find use of the site 

difficult or impossible.

What factors will be used when 

making the decision between 

alternatives?

This environmental assessment does not identify any 

significant environmental consequences from the Proposed 

Action. Any adverse environmental consequences of the 

Proposed Action are compared to the benefits of 

maintaining quality recreation opportunities for the public 

in locations where they are supported by known use, 

removing facilities that are no longer affordable and 

providing for the health and safety of all users.

Are there any ways to mitigate 

adverse effects?

The primary method for reducing adverse effects is by 

implementing specific design criteria included in the 

Proposed Action, and applying best management practices 

prior to and during project implementation.

What monitoring is required?

No project-specific monitoring requirements have been 

identified. The Forest Plan monitoring program, including 

BMP implementation and effectiveness evaluation using 

national protocols, may select monitoring sites within the 

project area.
1

Introduction

The Petersburg Ranger District proposes to decommission and remove the existing Raven’s Roost

public use cabin and replace it with a new cabin located approximately 1.2 miles closer to the 

Raven Trail trailhead. The area of ground disturbance anticipated from implementation of this 

proposal is less than 0.5 acre at each site.

The Petersburg Ranger District prepared this environmental assessment (EA) to determine 

whether to prepare an environmental impact statement or a finding of no significant impact.

Proposed Project Location

The project area is within the Petersburg Ranger District on the Tongass National Forest. It 

consists of two 0.5-acre sites on Mitkof Island both on Raven’s Ridge above the Petersburg, 

Alaska airport. 

The current cabin site is approximately 3 miles south-southwest of the Petersburg Airport 

helicopter facility, and sits atop a ridge at an elevation of 1,800 feet. The custom-built alpine 

cabin was designed to allow access through a door in the loft during periods of deep winter snow. 

The ridge surrounding the cabin is flat muskeg, otherwise the terrain consists of steep slopes.

The proposed new cabin site is approximately 2 miles south-southwest of the Petersburg Airport 

helicopter facility. The site is on a large, peat-covered rock outcrop above a half-acre acre pond 

within forested muskeg, at an approximate elevation of 1,800 feet.

Access to both cabin sites is via the Raven Trail (trailhead at Sandy Beach Park in Petersburg) 

from the north, or by a marked winter ski trail that begins at Twin Creeks Road (NFS road 6209) 

from the south. The sites can be also accessed by helicopter. The new cabin site is near the 

terminus of the reconstructed section of the Raven Trail, approximately 2.5 miles from the 

trailhead (1.2 miles closer than the existing cabin).

Figure 1. The Raven’s Roost Cabin sites are in the south central portion of the Tongass National 

Forest.
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Figure 2. The proposed and existing Raven’s Roost Cabin sites are located on the northern portion of Mitkof Island on Raven’s Ridge, south of the city 

of Petersburg
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Proposed Project Site Description

Both sites are located near the ridgeline of Raven’s Ridge in a subalpine wetland complex 

consisting of sphagnum bogs (muskegs) in the low areas with mixed conifer forested wetland on 

the hillocks and higher gradient slopes. A half-acre pond is located immediately downslope of the 

proposed cabin location.

Need for the Proposal

On the Petersburg Ranger District, a need exists to maintain quality recreation opportunities for 

the public, and to support the recreation and tourism industry. The existing Raven’s Roost Cabin 

is not currently in alignment with this need or the Recreation Goals and Objectives outlined in the 

Forest Plan (USDA Forest Service 2016, p. 2-4). For instance:

• The cabin and associated structures have exceeded their original design life.

♦ The new cabin and associated structures have a 40- to 50-year design life which 

would reduce deferred cabin maintenance costs. Additionally trail maintenance costs 

will decrease with the removal of the 1.2 mile-trail segment between the existing

cabin and proposed new cabin during the summer of 2020 as decided in the Raven 

Trail Reconstruction Phase 2 Decision Memo (2018).

• Recreation trends show that recreation sites located closer to communities receive more 

use.

♦ Proposed cabin responds to high public demand for public use cabins in close 

proximity to communities.

♦ Cabin replacement allows the district to retain a public use cabin accessible by means 

other than boat or plane.

• The current cabin is not ADA-compliant.

• New cabin and associated structures could benefit a more diverse user group.

The purpose of this cabin replacement is to enhance recreational facilities in locations where they 

are supported by known use, remove facilities that are no longer affordable and provide for the 

health and safety of all users (Forest Plan, Recreation Goals and Objectives) (USDA Forest 

Service 2016, p. 2-4). The cabin replacement also supports the vision of the TNF Sustainable 

Cabin Strategy which is to build, relocate, and remove cabins in order to increase public access 

and use, while reducing the cabin program’s operations and maintenance costs.

Proposed Action

The Forest Service is proposing to:

1. Construct an ADA-compliant cabin, deck, outhouse, and route between the cabin and 

outhouse. The proposed site is on Raven’s Ridge, approximately 2.5 trail miles from 

Petersburg. Proposal details include:

• Creating a similar footprint as the existing cabin site with gravel trails radiating out to the 

propane tank and the outhouse gravel pads, and the trail system, roughly 0.25 acre (1,100 

square feet) of disturbance;
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• Assembling a single-story (no loft) pre-engineered structure (16-foot by 20-foot cabin 

kit) with a covered deck constructed of milled timber with glulam timber foundation 

beams that can accommodate six to eight persons;

• Installing a direct‐vent propane heater fueled by a 500-gallon tank for primary heat 

source;

• Preparing the cabin site, which includes removing the peat, digging holes for the pilings, 

and pouring the concrete pilings on site; and

• Mobilizing materials and equipment to the site via helicopter from the nearby Petersburg 

airport.

2. Remove the existing Raven’s Roost public use cabin and outhouse and restore the site.

Details include:

• Salvaging some parts of the cabin (may include such items as windows and large timbers)

and demolishing the remainder. Materials will be removed from the site and transported

to Petersburg via helicopter. 

• Restoring approximately 0.1 acre (500 square feet) of disturbed, compacted peat where 

needed by filling and leveling depressions, and naturalizing with native plants and soil.

Project Design Features

The following project design features would be used to reduce the risk of adverse effects to 

resources if the Proposed Action is selected.

1. If nesting waterfowl or other birds are found to be present near the new or existing cabin site, 

minimize disturbance (during cabin construction, decommissioning, or during use of the 

cabin) by providing a seasonal restriction for construction/deconstruction activities from 

approximately May 1 through August 31, and providing information on how the public can 

minimize disturbance.

2. Minimize the potential for habituation of bears or other wildlife to humans by preventing 

access to human food, garbage, game, or other attractants such as toiletries. Provide public 

information. If necessary provide bear-resistant containers or other means such as a gamehanging pole to properly store attractants anytime they are not being prepared, used, or 

transported.

3. Equipment and materials will be cleaned prior to being brought on site to minimize the risk of 

introducing invasive plants.

4. If any sensitive or rare plants are found at any time during project implementation, consult 

with the District botanist/ecologist to determine if mitigation measures are needed to protect 

populations.

5. Ensure that the gravel used on site is weed free. Also ensure that helicopter, supplies, and 

tools used are weed free to minimize the risk of introducing invasive plants.

6. Develop a restoration plan for the decommissioned site (no grass seed); consider using the 

surface peat excavated from the new construction site.

7. Continue to control invasive plants along the lower Raven Trail (Weed BMP 14.1) and 

educate the public to reduce the likelihood of spread (Weed BMP 15.2).
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8. Adhere to Forest Plan direction for Fish, Soil & Water, and Riparian for stream and water 

quality protection. Identify and protect riparian areas and streams according to management 

objectives for the LUD in which the activity occurs (Alaska Region BMPs 12.6, 13.16; 

National BMP AqEco-4). 

9. Develop erosion and sediment control plans to minimize or mitigate erosion, sedimentation, 

and resulting water quality degradation prior to the initiation of construction and maintenance 

activities (Alaska Region BMP 14.5, 16.1; National BMP AqEco-2).

10. Apply erosion control measures (silt fences, fiber rolls) during construction activities and 

native revegetation (mulching, native grass seeding, planting) in areas where detrimental soil 

disturbance or de-vegetation may result in the delivery of measurable levels of fine sediment 

to streams or other waterbodies (Alaska Region BMPs 12.3; 12.17; National Core BMP 

AqEco-2).

11. Identify areas suitable for staging construction materials and equipment on sites near water 

prior to work commencement. Fueling, maintenance, and equipment storage would occur 

away from waterbodies in locations pre-approved by Forest Service personnel. Maintain a 

spill containment kit on site. (Alaska Region BMPs 12.3, 12.8, 12.9, 12.17, 14.14; National 

Core BMPs Road-9, Road-10, Fac-2, AqEco-2).

12. If a cultural resource is discovered during project implementation, work in the area will cease 

until the resource is assessed by the District archeologist.

13. Implement Region 10 BMPs and National Core BMPs to avoid disturbing and filling on 

wetlands.

14. In disturbed areas use native mosses and vegetation to help restore the subalpine muskeg to 

its more natural state. 

15. To provide for the safety of all users (USDA Forest Service 2016, p. 2-4), a hazard tree 

assessment will be conducted once construction is complete since the proposed location is 

prone to high winds (ridge top) that may result in windthrow of trees compromised by defect 

or damage related to construction activities.
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Figure 3. Schematic of proposed cabin and associated trails, outhouse and propane pad
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Environmental Effects

The environmental effects of the Proposed Action are described below. The environmental 

analysis focuses on those resources most likely to be affected by the Proposed Action.

Recreation

The existing and proposed cabin sites, located on Raven’s Ridge, are most commonly accessed by

the Raven Trail. The trail to the existing cabin is 4.2 miles in length; however, the last 1.2 miles, 

the section between the two cabin sites, is scheduled for removal during the summer of 2020

(Figure 2). The first 3 miles of the trail were rerouted and/or reconstructed between 2014 and 

2019 with final improvements planned for summer of 2020. The improved trail ends at the 

proposed recreation cabin site and provides easier access to Raven’s Ridge than the original trail. 

No other cabins are located on Mitkof Island, within driving or hiking distance from the 

Petersburg community. The existing Raven’s Roost Cabin has received an average of 28 nights 

rented per year. It was built in the 1970s and has significant foundation problems that would be 

expensive to fix. Additionally, this cabin is more than a mile farther from town along an 

unimproved, soon to be decommissioned, section of trail.

The existing cabin and proposed cabin locations are within Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) and within the Municipal Watershed Land Use 

Designation (LUD).

To assess the effects of the Proposed Action on recreation management, this analysis focuses on 

the effects to:

• Recreation Opportunity Spectrum1 (ROS), 

• Other recreation facilities (Raven Trail), 

• Recreation use patterns, and

• Commercial outfitter and guide use.

Effects to Recreation from the Proposed Action

No direct or indirect effects to the ROS are anticipated from the Proposed Action. The area’s 

Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized ROS classification is consistent with the Proposed Action because 

the proposed cabin location and features are predominantly natural/natural-occurring landscapes 

that allow for a high probability of solitude and self-reliance. The footprint of the proposed cabin 

and its associated structures would only alter about 1,100 square feet of ground (0.25 acre),

adhering to the Semi-Primitive classification. 

The recreation facility in the area other than the existing cabin is the Raven Trail. The Proposed 

Action would benefit from improved access by the recently rerouted/reconstructed trail, and 

would likely increase visitor use. Increased use would have minimal direct or indirect effects to 

the trail since use levels would be within the designed and desired amounts for the new trail 

construction.

The Proposed Action is expected to have minimal direct and indirect effects to recreation use 

patterns because it is located in an area with already high levels of known use, and would allow 

 1 The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) is a system for classifying and managing recreation 

opportunities based on physical setting, social setting, and managerial setting. 
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the District to retain a public use cabin that is accessible year-round by means other than boat or 

plane. Use patterns are expected to change because the cabin would be 1.2 miles closer to the 

community of Petersburg, and have a modernized, and more comfortable, ADA-compliant 

design. Due to these factors, the Proposed Action would benefit a more-diverse user group 

(locals, outfitter and guides, tourists, and people with disabilities) and likely lead to a minimal 

increase in reserved overnight use of the cabin. 

Commercial outfitters and guides are authorized to use the Raven Trail and area, but interest has 

been low. If commercial interest increases, special use permit administrators would identify 

capacity and determine if increased commercial use is appropriate. The Proposed Action would

not likely affect any other commercial recreation activities in the area.

Within the project area, no foreseeable projects are planned or identified. In addition, the 

Municipal Watershed LUD limits development in the area, which is likely to maintain the ROS 

conditions. Therefore, no cumulative effects are anticipated to recreation resources, the ROS 

class, recreation use patterns, or commercial outfitters and guides as a result of the Proposed 

Action. 

Wildlife Habitat

Both the existing cabin and proposed new cabin locations are on a ridgetop in forested muskeg 

habitat. Most species of potential concern preferentially nest or den at lower elevations or slopes 

and are generally associated with productive old-growth forest. No known important nesting, 

denning, or fawning habitat are in close proximity to the existing or proposed new cabin 

locations. The half-acre pond adjacent to the proposed cabin site is a relatively unique feature 

along the ridgetop that may attract certain wildlife. While the site’s wetland habitat has potential 

to support nesting waterfowl, frequent or concentrated use has not been documented. 

Effects to Wildlife Habitat from the Proposed Action

Alteration of habitat at the existing and new cabin locations would be isolated to the footprint of 

the cabins and walkways; therefore, a meaningful change in use of the habitat by wildlife nor a 

measurable change in the amount or overall character of the habitat would occur at either cabin 

location.

New cabin construction has the potential to cause intermittent disturbance due to the adjacent

pond; however, the integrity of the wetland habitat would be maintained. See Project Design 

Feature 1 above which minimizes effects to nesting waterfowl or other birds. 

Cabin decommissioning and new cabin construction would include the use of a helicopter for 

transporting materials and equipment. The disturbance to wildlife from helicopter use is expected 

to be negligible for the following reasons:

• Helicopter use would last for a relatively short period of time. 

• The anticipated flight line from the airport or nearby staging areas to and from the 

existing and new cabin locations is relatively short and would not be directly over any 

known nests or dens of species most prone to disturbance (e.g., goshawks, bald eagles). 

• Mountain goats, particularly prone to effects from helicopter use, do not occur in the 

project area. 

Both cabin sites are in an expected low concentration bear area and are not important brown bear 

habitat. See Project Design Feature 2 above which minimizes effects to bears.
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There is the possibility of minor disturbance to Queen Charlotte Goshawk from helicopter use for 

transporting materials and equipment resulting in a determination of may impact individuals, but 

it is not likely to cause a trend to Federal listing or a loss of viability (Bakos 2020).

Overall the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of decommissioning the existing cabin, 

constructing the new cabin, and continued cabin use would be negligible.

Subsistence Uses

Both the existing and proposed cabin sites fall within the Petersburg Deer Management Area, 

within Game Management Unit 3. The primary subsistence use of the lands within and adjacent 

to the cabin sites is the harvest of edible plants. Less frequently, Sitka black-tailed deer are 

harvested. 

Effects to Subsistence Uses from the Proposed Action

The proposed new cabin location is closer to the trailhead which would increase access for 

subsistence users and continue to provide a place to stay overnight. The abundance of edible 

plants may decrease in the immediate vicinity of the cabin due to competition from other cabin 

guests, but this action would have no measurable effect on the distribution or abundance of edible 

plants in the general area, as edible plant abundance and access is very high and competition for 

the resource is low. Similarly, the new cabin location would not alter the distribution and 

abundance of, or competition for, deer. 

Since there is no documented or reported subsistence use that would be restricted as a result of 

this action, no direct, indirect or cumulative effects are expected to subsistence activities, 

opportunities or resources. 

ANILCA Section 810, Subsistence Evaluation and Finding

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

opportunities and resources. There is no documented or reported subsistence use that would be 

restricted as a result of implementing either action. For this reason, neither alternative would 

result in a significant possibility of a significant restriction of subsistence use of wildlife, fish, or 

other resources.

Botany-Sensitive Plants

Both cabin sites are located in a subalpine mixed-conifer and non-forested wetland complex. 

There are no threatened or endangered plant species within the Tongass National Forest, so no 

further consideration of these species is warranted.

Effects to Botany from the Proposed Action

Sensitive plant surveys were completed in the project area and no sensitive plants were found. As 

a result, direct, indirect or cumulative impacts to sensitive species are likely negligible. See 

Project Design Features 3 through 7 above.

Determination

Because no sensitive plants were found during surveys, a risk assessment is not warranted (FSM 

2672.43). The project is likely to have no impact to any R10 Sensitive species (Johnson 2020a).
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Invasive Plants

The 1,800-foot elevation of the proposed cabin site, combined with the high organic content of 

the soils, decreases the likelihood of colonization by invasive plants. The habitats vulnerable to 

colonization by invasive species include the gravel trail/pad shoulders and shallow soils over

bedrock. An invasive plants risk assessment was completed with project activities resulting in a 

low risk determination for invasive plant introduction or colonization (Johnson 2020b).

Effects of Invasive Plants from the Proposed Action

Direct effects are negligible because no invasive species are present and equipment and materials 

would be cleaned prior to being mobilized on site (Project Design Feature 5 above). Indirect 

effects are minor because habitat suitable for colonization would be created. Gravel provides 

substrate for invasive plants, and there would be 205 linear feet of trail, as well as gravel pads for 

the outhouse and the propane tank at the proposed site. Cumulative effects would be minor, as 

humans, and their pets and gear, provide a vector for the introduction of invasive plants.

Aquatic Resources

The proposed cabin site is located on the crest of the Colorado Creek - Frontal Wrangell Narrows 

watershed to the west and the Mitkof Island - Frontal Frederick Sound watershed to the east. It is 

mapped within a Municipal Watershed LUD and is approximately 1.3 miles upslope from the 

“old” city reservoir. 

A half-acre pond is located immediately downslope of the proposed cabin location. Since this is a 

high-elevation, relatively shallow pond it freezes during the winter and no fish are present. Lakes 

and ponds provide surface-groundwater exchange and help moderate stream temperatures and 

flooding where present. Maintaining shore character, including vegetation, bank conditions, and 

near-shore substrate, except for localized areas developed for recreation, are important 

management objectives of these areas (USDA Forest Service 2016, p. D-17). When the water 

level of this pond exceeds capacity, water flows out of the pond via a small channel 

(approximately 6 to 8 feet wide) to the east, dropping into a series of small pools approximately 

0.5 to 1.0 meter wide. The channel is discontinuous and drains through cedar, Vaccinium, and 

miscellaneous brush to the muskeg where a soon-to-be decommissioned section of the Raven 

Trail is located. The channel is considered a “non-stream” by Tongass stream classification 

definitions.

Effects to Aquatic Resources from the Proposed Action

Soil disturbance from the proposed cabin construction activities may cause short-term effects 

(days to weeks) to the pond’s water quality due to sedimentation and turbidity. The negative 

effects are not expected to result in long-term degradation of water quality, alter water quantity, 

nor affect any beneficial use of the water. Similarly, long-term negative cumulative effects are not 

expected. Effects to water quality would be minimized by following Project Design Features 8 

through 11 above. The Proposed Action would not negatively impact the functional value of any 

floodplain as defined by Executive Order 11988 and would not create a condition that has a 

significant potential to cause or allow the pollution or contamination of a public water system 

(USDA Forest Service 2016, p. 3-56).
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No effects to fish habitat, fish populations, recreational fisheries and Essential Fish Habitat are 

anticipated for the following reasons:

• The cabin project area has no mapped streams. 

• The closest known fish stream is over 0.5 mile east, toward City Creek Reservoir.

• There are no known fish populations on any streams connect the Wrangell Narrows to the 

Raven Trail.

• There are no threatened, endangered, or sensitive fish species located in the Tongass 

National Forest. 

• The project area does not contain unique aquatic habitat nor is it considered limited in 

availability.

Scenery Resources

The Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas near the proposed cabin location are the Raven Trail, 

the community of Petersburg, and the waterbodies adjacent to Petersburg. The proposed new 

cabin site is highly visible from the termination point of Raven Trail, and is within the foreground 

distance. From any other Visual Priority Routes, the cabin is unlikely to be visible, and if it is, it 

is from a middleground distance (over a mile). The existing cabin is currently visible from Raven 

Trail, within the foreground distance.

Effects to Scenery Resources from the Proposed Action

The Proposed Action would have minimal direct and indirect effects to the scenic integrity of the 

two cabin sites. While the construction of the proposed cabin would impact and lower the scenic 

integrity of the new cabin site because the front of the cabin and the deck would be visible from 

the end of the Raven Trail, the scenic integrity of the existing cabin site would improve in the 

long term with the removal of the cabin. These impacts balance out to an overall minimal 

cumulative effect to the scenic integrity of the whole area.

Cultural Resources

The Area of Potential Effect (APE), as defined in Section 106 of the National Historic 

Preservation Act (NHPA), is the geographic area(s) within which a Federal project may directly 

or indirectly affect the character of cultural resources eligible to the National Register of Historic 

Places. The APE for this project includes both the proposed and existing cabin sites.

A cultural resource investigation was initiated to meet the regulations (36 CFR 800) 

implementing Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act. Forest Service archaeologists 

reviewed Tongass National Forest cultural resource files and atlases, the National Heritage 

Database, the Forest Service Cultural Sites GIS data layer, and the Office of History and 

Archaeology Integrated Business Suite for information on known or suspected archaeology sites 

in the project area. There are no known sites in the APE and the project area is located in the low 

probability zone for cultural resources.

Effects to Cultural Resources from the Proposed Action

No historic properties or cultural resources are known to exist in the project area eliminating the 

potential for direct, indirect or cumulative effects. In the unlikely event that a historic property or 

cultural resource is discovered with project implementation, work in the area will cease until the 

resources are assessed. See Project Design Feature 12 above.
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As per NHPA regulations the Forest Service has made a determination of No Historic Properties 

Affected with implementation of the Proposed Action. Obligations have been met using modified 

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

regarding heritage program management on National Forests in the State of Alaska (USDA Forest 

Service 2017).

Soil and Wetland Resources

The existing cabin currently impacts about 0.1 acre of alpine muskeg and subalpine/forested 

wetland. The proposed cabin and associated structures would impact about 0.25 acre of alpine 

muskeg and subalpine/forested wetland. The soils at both sites are poorly drained Histosols 

shallow to bedrock.

Effects to Soil and Wetland Resources from the Proposed Action

Minimal ground disturbance is anticipated. Approximately 0.1 acre (500 square feet) of disturbed 

wetland would be restored to its natural condition by transplanting mosses and native vegetation

at the existing cabin following site decommission. At the proposed new cabin site, about 0.25 acre 

(1,100 square feet) of wetland would be impacted due to the construction of the cabin, filling of 

pilings, and rock trails. The implementation of this project would meet the Region 10 Soil Quality 

Standards. Since the direct and indirect effects are negligible and temporary, there are no 

cumulative effects. See Project Design Features 13 and 14 above.

Agencies or Persons Consulted 

The Forest Service mailed a consultation letter the following tribal agencies during the 

development of this EA:

• Kake Tribal Corporation

• Organized Village of Kake

• Petersburg Indian Association

A scoping letter describing the Proposed Action was sent to the following Federal, State and local 

agencies:

• US Fish and Wildlife

• US Army Corps of Engineers

• Alaska Department of Fish and Game

• Alaska State Historic Preservation Officer

• Petersburg Borough

• City of Kupreanof

• City of Kake

• Kake Community Library

• Petersburg Community and Economic Development Council

• Petersburg Chamber of Commerce
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In addition, the Forest Service emailed a link to an electronic copy of the scoping letter to

businesses, organizations and individuals (714 emails sent) who self-subscribed to receive 

notification on this project via the GovDelivery system. The Forest Service also mailed paper 

copies of the scoping letter as requested (19 letters mailed). The list of individual email addresses 

and mailing labels are in the project record.

If the Proposed Action is the selected alternative, the Forest Service, prior to implementation, will 

consult with the Alaska District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on project design.

References

Bakos, T. 2020. Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, Sensitive, Management Indicator and Other 

Species Project Level Wildlife Analysis for the Raven’s Roost Cabin Replacement 

Project. Internal Report. USDA Forest Service, Tongass National Forest, Petersburg 

Ranger District.

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