Tongass National Forest 

Land and Resource 

Management Plan 

2016 
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Contents

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1-1

Purpose 1-1

Relationship to Other Documents 1-1

Plan Organization 1-2

Forest Plan Management Direction 1-3

Forest Desired Conditions and Forest-wide Goals and Objectives 1-4

Management Prescriptions 1-4

Priority of Direction 1-5

Forest Location and Description 1-5

CHAPTER 2 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 2-1

Introduction 2-1

Forest Desired Conditions 2-1

Ecosystem Services 2-2

Forest-wide Multiple-use Goals and Objectives 2-2

CHAPTER 3 MANAGEMENT PRESCRIPTIONS 3-1

Introduction 3-1

Land Use Designation Acreage 3-2

WILDERNESS and NATIONAL MONUMENT WILDERNESS 3-4

NONWILDERNESS NATIONAL MONUMENTS 3-24

RESEARCH NATURAL AREA 3-33

SPECIAL INTEREST AREA 3-39

REMOTE RECREATION 3-45

MUNICIPAL WATERSHED 3-51

OLD-GROWTH HABITAT 3-58

SEMI-REMOTE RECREATION 3-64

LAND USE DESIGNATION II 3-70

WILD RIVER 3-76

SCENIC RIVER 3-83

RECREATIONAL RIVER 3-90

EXPERIMENTAL FOREST 3-97

SCENIC VIEWSHED 3-103

MODIFIED LANDSCAPE 3-111

TIMBER PRODUCTION 3-118

MINERALS 3-125

CHAPTER 4 FOREST-WIDE STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 4-1

Introduction 4-1

AIR 4-3

BEACH and ESTUARY FRINGE 4-4

FACILITIES 4-6

FIRE 4-7

FISH 4-9

FOREST HEALTH 4-15

HERITAGE RESOURCES and SACRED SITES 4-16

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Contents

INVASIVE SPECIES 4-22

KARST and CAVE RESOURCES 4-23

LANDS 4-26

MINERALS and GEOLOGY 4-36

PLANTS 4-39

RECREATION and TOURISM 4-41

RIPARIAN 4-48

RURAL COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE 4-53

SCENERY 4-54

SOIL and WATER 4-61

SUBSISTENCE 4-65

TIMBER 4-67

TRAILS 4-73

TRANSPORTATION 4-76

WETLANDS 4-84

WILDLIFE 4-85

CHAPTER 5 PLAN CONTENT DEVELOPED UNDER THE 2012 PLANNING RULE 5-1

Introduction 5-1

Plan Components 5-1

Management Approaches 5-2

Young Growth Direction 5-2

Renewable Energy Direction 5-9

Transportation Systems Corridors Direction 5-10

Forest-wide Plan Components 5-13

CHAPTER 6 IMPLEMENTATION 6-1

Introduction 6-1

Project Consistency Requirements 6-2

Resolving Inconsistencies 6-2

Plan Amendments 6-2

CHAPTER 7 GLOSSARY 7-1

APPENDIX A IDENTIFICATION OF LANDS SUITABLE FOR TIMBER 

PRODUCTION AND LIMITATIONS ON TIMBER HARVEST

APPENDIX B FINAL TONGASS ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

APPENDIX C WATERSHED ANALYSIS

APPENDIX D RIPARIAN MANAGEMENT AREA STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 

APPENDIX E COMMUNICATIONS SITES

APPENDIX F VISUAL PRIORITY ROUTES AND USE AREAS

APPENDIX G LOG TRANSFER FACILITY GUIDELINES

APPENDIX H KARST AND CAVE RESOURCES

Contents Forest Plan

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Contents

APPENDIX I ROS CLASS STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES

APPENDIX J SPECIAL LAND DESIGNATIONS OR CLASSIFICATIONS

APPENDIX K OLD-GROWTH HABITAT RESERVE MODIFICATION

PROCEDURES

FIGURES

Figure 1-1 Tongass National Forest Vicinity Map 1-7

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Contents Forest Plan

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iv
CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
Introduction 1

CONTENTS

Purpose 1-1

Relationship to Other Documents 1-1

Plan Organization 1-2

Forest Plan Management Direction 1-3

Forest Desired Conditions and Forest-wide Goals and Objectives 1-4

Management Prescriptions 1-4

Priority of Direction 1-5

Forest Location and Description 1-5

Forest Plan Contents

December 2016
Introduction 1

Chapter 1

Introduction

This Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) guides all natural 

resource management activities and establishes management direction for the 

Tongass National Forest. It describes resource management practices, levels of 

resource production and management, and the availability and suitability of lands 

for different kinds of resource management.

This Forest Plan embodies the provisions of the National Forest Management 

Act, the implementing regulations, and other guiding documents. The Forestwide desired conditions and multiple-use goals and objectives (Chapter 2), Land 

Use Designation Standards and Guidelines (Chapter 3), Forest-wide Standards 

and Guidelines (Chapter 4), and Plan Content1 Developed Under the 2012 

Planning Rule (Chapter 5) constitute a statement of the Forest Plan's 

management direction. However, the projected outputs and rates of 

implementation are dependent on the annual budget process and other factors.

The Secretary of Agriculture’s Memorandum 1044-009, entitled Addressing 

Sustainable Forestry in Southeast Alaska (issued July 2, 2013), and the 5-Year 

Forest Plan Review (completed in September 2013) indicated that conditions on 

the land and demands of the public require the Tongass to modify the 2008 

Forest Plan. In the Memorandum, the Secretary of Agriculture, Thomas Vilsack,

asked the Forest Service to “Strongly consider whether to pursue an amendment 

to the Tongass Forest Plan. Such an amendment would evaluate which lands will 

be available for timber harvest, especially young growth timber stands, which 

lands should be excluded, and additional opportunities to promote and speed 

transition to young growth management...” and to “...continue to seek input from 

and work with stakeholders in the region towards this transition.” The Tongass 

Advisory Committee (TAC) was established under the Federal Advisory 

Committee Act and was approved by the Secretary to “...provide advice to the 

Forest Service on how to expedite the transition to young growth management.” 

The 5-Year Forest Plan Review highlighted a need to make the development of 

renewable energy resources more permissible. In response to the Secretary’s 

Memorandum, this Forest Plan has been amended to reflect the 

recommendations of the TAC.

This Forest Plan amends the 2008 Tongass Land and Resource Management 

Plan (2008 Forest Plan), and incorporates changes made since 2008. It entirely 

replaces the 2008 Forest Plan, as of the effective date of the Record of Decision 

(ROD). Proposed changes to the 2008 Forest Plan have been developed under 

the National Forest System land management planning rule (36 Code of Federal 

Regulations [CFR] 219), hereafter referred to as the 2012 Planning Rule.

This Forest Plan sets forth in detail the direction for managing the land and 

resources of the Tongass National Forest. It is a result of extensive 

programmatic National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review, which is 

1 A broad term that refers to written material in a plan, including plan components, and other content 

in the plan. (See 36 CFR 219.7 (f).) Other content in the plan can be explanatory material that may be 

useful to Forest Service employees when designing projects and activities under the plan 

components, such as management approaches.

Purpose

Relationship to 

Other 

Documents

Forest Plan 1-1 Introduction

December 2016

 
1 Introduction

addressed in the accompanying Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan

Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). The FEIS discusses the planning 

process and the analysis procedures used to amend the 2008 Forest Plan,

describes and analyzes five alternatives in detail, including a Proposed Action 

and No Action Alternative, and discusses how the issues identified during the 

scoping process helped shape the action alternatives. 

Specific activities and projects will be planned and implemented to carry out the 

direction in this Forest Plan. Environmental analyses will be performed on most 

of these projects and activities prior to implementation, and as appropriate will 

tier to and incorporate by reference analysis in the Final Environmental Impact 

Statement (FEIS). 

All future plans and activities will be based on this Forest Plan. Most existing 

resource management plans for the Tongass National Forest are already a part 

of, and consistent with this Forest Plan. Travel Management Plans and other 

site-specific plans will be used to designate roads, trails, and areas for offhighway vehicles in accordance with the final rule for Travel Management; 

Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use published in the Federal 

Register (FR) on November 9, 2005 (70 Federal Register [FR] 68264).

What is Forest planning? Let us compare it to land use zoning for a community. 

In a community certain areas are zoned for commercial use (stores), industrial 

use (factories) or residential use (homes) so that for the most part uses are 

separate from one another. Each of these zones identifies the kinds of uses that 

may occur there with uses in each zone being reasonably uniform, and other 

uses not being appropriate. The rationale behind community zoning is that it 

promotes the good of the entire community in accordance with a comprehensive 

plan. 

In Forest planning, we call the zoning process allocation or land allocation. 

Defined areas of the Forest are allocated (zoned) to Land Use Designations

(LUDs) for different uses or activities. All areas of the Forest (plan area) are 

allocated to LUDs as part of the Forest planning process. Some LUD allocations 

are for congressionally designated areas, such as Wilderness, and these areas 

must be managed in accordance with LUD direction that was developed from the 

congressional legislation that designated the area. Other LUD allocations are for 

development of resources, such as timber production, and these areas are 

managed in accordance with LUD direction that is developed to allow roads to be 

built and commercial timber to be harvested while protecting resources.

The description of the uses and activities to which a LUD may be managed and

the activities that may occur there is called a management prescription. Each 

management prescription gives general direction on what may occur within the 

area allocated to the corresponding LUD, the standards for accomplishing each 

activity, and the guidelines on how to go about accomplishing the standards. 

These are called the Land Use Designation Standards and Guidelines. Some of 

these standards and guidelines may be common to many areas of the Forest. 

These are called Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines. Additionally, each 

management prescription includes Plan Content Developed Under the 2012 

Planning Rule, including Plan Components2 and management approaches that 

2 The parts of a land management plan that guide future project and activity decision-making. 

Specific plan components may apply to the entire plan area or to specific LUDs. For the purpose of 

this Plan, Plan Components refers to the desired conditions, objectives, suitability of lands, goals, 

standards and guidelines developed under the 2012 Planning Rule. See Forest Plan Chapter 5 for 

more details.

Plan 

Organization

Introduction 1-2 Forest Plan

December 2016

 
Introduction 1

may apply to the entire plan area (that is, Forest-wide) or to specific LUDs.

Together, these elements of a management prescription provide direction on 

what types of uses or activities may be authorized within the LUD.

The locations of LUD boundaries, as indicated on the December 2016 Record of 

Decision LUD map (LUD map) are approximate due to the scale of the map and 

the programmatic nature of the allocations. Some boundary adjustments may be 

necessary when specific projects are implemented under the Forest Plan. These 

adjustments will typically be made through project-specific plan amendments 

(see Chapter 6).

This Forest Plan is organized into several chapters. Following this introduction, 

Chapter 1 explains the elements of Forest Plan management direction found in 

Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the Forest Plan, summarizes the priority amongst this 

direction, and provides a brief description of the Tongass National Forest. 

Chapter 6 explains Forest Plan implementation including project consistency 

requirements, and the process for plan amendments. Chapter 7 is a glossary.

The plan monitoring program was modified on May 9, 2016, to meet the 

requirements of the 2012 Planning Rule (36 CFR 219.12(c)). The plan monitoring 

program is now a separate document made available online 

(http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/R10/Tongass/Monitoring) and is being implemented 

as part of this Forest Plan. Monitoring serves a key role in adaptive management 

and provides the opportunity for facilitated learning to gage progress toward 

desired conditions and objectives of the plan as well as measuring effectiveness of 

the plan components (Forest Service Handbook [FSH] 1909.12, zero code, sec. 

06). The plan monitoring program will be part of the Forest Plan, and will be 

provided under a separate cover. Modifying a plan's monitoring program does not 

require any other change to the plan; that is, a plan need not be amended nor 

revised simply to facilitate monitoring pursuant to the 2012 Planning Rule (FSH 

1909.12, Chapter 30, sec. 32.3). One purpose of monitoring and evaluation is to 

ensure that management direction is being carried out, and that the outputs and 

schedules are being achieved. If monitoring shows continued conflicts or problems 

in implementing the management direction, a Forest Plan amendment may be 

necessary (see Chapter 6). 

A discussion of how the Forest Plan amendment process addressed the 

significant issues, and the management concerns, is included in Chapter 1 of the 

FEIS, and compared by alternative in Table 2-18 in Chapter 2 of the FEIS. There 

are 11 appendices including Identification of Lands as Not Suitable and Suitable 

for Timber Production (Appendix A) and the final Tongass Advisory Committee 

Recommendations (Appendix B) that were used in the development of the 

Preferred Alternative (see Alternative 5 in Chapter 2 in the EIS) and represented

in this Forest Plan.

Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the Forest Plan present the direction for managing the 

Tongass National Forest. The management direction conforms to applicable 

laws, regulations, and policies. Together, these elements of Forest direction, 

along with the LUD map, establish a framework that identifies the location, 

design, and scheduling of all Forest management uses and activities. Within the 

management framework, project-level planning is undertaken to develop 

proposed projects under this Plan. The direction in Chapter 5 was developed 

under the 2012 Planning Rule and is separated from the 1982 Planning Rule 

direction in Chapters 2, 3, and 4 because the project-to-plan consistency 

requirements imposed by the 2012 Planning Rule apply only to plan components 

developed under that rule (see Chapter 6, Project Consistency Requirements). 

The elements of management direction are summarized below.

Forest Plan 

Management 

Direction

Forest Plan 1-3 Introduction

December 2016
1 Introduction

Forest Desired Conditions and Forest-wide Goals and 

Objectives 

Chapter 2 of the Forest Plan presents the Plan’s desired conditions for the Forest 

and the Forest-wide goals and objectives. Plan direction in Chapter 2 applies to 

the entire plan area (that is, Forest-wide). Forest Desired Conditions are desired 

landscape attributes that describe the mosaic of land and resource conditions 

envisioned for the Forest during the life of the Forest Plan (15 years). They are 

attained through Forest-wide multiple-use goals and objectives, and through the 

cumulative achievement of the goals, objectives, and desired conditions for each 

of the 18 LUDs described in Chapter 3. Forest-wide Goals are responsive to 

identified public issues and ecosystem service–related opportunities, and 

collectively describe the desired conditions sought to be attained during the life of 

this Plan. They are expressed in broad, general terms, but do not include 

completion dates. Forest-wide Objectives are expected to be achieved during the 

life of this Plan to help accomplish Forest-wide multiple use goals, and work

toward attaining Forest desired conditions.

Chapter 5 also includes Forest-wide plan components (desired conditions, goals, 

objectives) that apply to the entire plan area.

Management Prescriptions 

Chapter 3 includes the complete management prescription for each of the 18 

LUDs used in the Forest Plan. Each LUD has a management prescription. Each

management prescription includes the following elements: 1) LUD Standards and 

Guidelines; 2) Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines (Chapter 4); and 3) Plan 

Content Developed Under the 2012 Planning Rule (Chapter 5). The geographic 

areas allocated to each LUD are displayed on the LUD map).

Standards and Guidelines Developed under the 1982 

Planning Rule Provisions (Chapters 3 and 4)

Chapter 3 includes Standards and Guidelines that are listed by resource and are 

LUD-specific. Chapter 4 includes Standards and Guidelines listed by resource

that apply Forest-wide, and are cross-referenced in tables in Chapter 3. 

Standards in Chapters 3 and 4, which can usually be identified by words such as 

"must" or "will," are mandatory requirements or minimums that must be met. 

Project-level analysis may determine that additional requirements beyond these 

minimums are necessary. 

Guidelines in Chapters 3 and 4 are not mandatory requirements, but ways of 

achieving the standards or meeting other needs of the resource.

Plan Content Developed under the 2012 Planning Rule 

Provisions (Chapter 5)

Chapter 5 includes plan components (desired conditions, objectives, goals, 

suitability of lands, standards, guidelines) and management approaches that are 

listed by resource. Plan components and management approaches may apply to 

the entire plan area (Forest-wide) or to specific LUDs, and are cross-referenced 

in tables in Chapter 3. Some plan components and management direction 

provide direction specific to young-growth, renewable energy, and transportation 

systems corridors that is LUD-specific, while other plan components (Forest-wide 

plan components and management approaches) provide Forest-wide direction. 

A management approach is plan content that describes the principal strategies 

and program priorities the responsible official intends to employ to carry out 

projects and activities developed under the Plan, and may be useful to Forest 

Introduction 1-4 Forest Plan

December 2016
Introduction 1

Service employees when designing projects and activities under the plan 

components.

Under the 2012 Planning Rule, standards and guidelines are both mandatory 

constraints. A guideline is a constraint on project and activity decision-making 

that allows for departure from its terms, so long as the purpose of the guideline is 

met. Projects and activities must be consistent with the applicable plan 

components. 

Priority of Direction

Should conflict or discrepancy between directions occur, the following priority will 

apply:

1. Higher-level direction (federal law and regulations)

2. Chapter 5 direction (plan components) 

Chapter 5 assumes all laws, regulations, and policy pertaining to 

management of National Forest resources will be followed. Grounddisturbing projects will use the approved best management practices 

(BMPs) (National Core BMP Technical Guide FS-990a and Alaska Region 

Soil and Water Conservation Handbook, FSH 2509.22) to avoid, minimize, 

or mitigate environmental impacts. 

3. Chapter 3 direction (LUD standards and guidelines)

4. Chapter 4 direction (Forest-wide standards and guidelines)

Any summaries of standards and guidelines (such as in the map legends) are not 

considered direction.

Forest Location and Description

The 16.7 million-acre Tongass National Forest is located in Southeast Alaska, a 

part of the Alexander Archipelago, and encompasses about 7 percent of Alaska’s 

total land area. The Tongass extends from Dixon Entrance in the south to 

Yakutat in the North, and is bordered on the east by Canada and on the west by 

the Gulf of Alaska. It extends approximately 500 miles north to south, and 

approximately 150 miles east to west at its widest point. Figure 1-1 is a vicinity 

map of the Tongass.

The Tongass includes a narrow mainland strip of steep, rugged mountains and 

icefields, and over 1,000 offshore islands. Together, the islands and mainland 

equal nearly 11,000 miles of meandering shoreline, with numerous bays and 

coves. A system of seaways separate the many islands and provides a 

protected waterway called the Inside Passage. Federal lands comprise about 95 

percent of Southeast Alaska, with about 80 percent in the Tongass National 

Forest (and most of the rest in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve). The 

remaining land is held in state, Native, and local community private ownerships.

Most of the Tongass is undeveloped. The region is sparsely settled with an 

estimated 74,280 people living in more than 30 towns and villages located in and 

around the Forest in 2014 (Alaska DOL 2014a). Only four of Southeast Alaska’s 

communities met the U.S. Census Bureau’s definition of urban (population 

greater than 2,500) in 2014 and only eight had populations greater than 1,000 

persons. Most of these communities are surrounded by, or adjacent to, National 

Forest System land. Just three towns are connected to other parts of the 

mainland by road: Haines and Skagway to the north and Hyder to the south.

The communities of Southeast Alaska depend on the Tongass National Forest in 

various ways, including employment in wood products, commercial fishing and 

Forest Plan 1-5 Introduction

December 2016
1 Introduction

fish processing, recreation, tourism, and mining and mineral development. Many 

residents also depend on subsistence hunting and fishing to meet their basic 

needs. In addition, natural amenities, subsistence resources, and recreation 

activities associated with the Tongass National Forest form an important part of 

the quality of life for many residents of Southeast Alaska. Management of the 

Tongass’ ecosystem services is, therefore, important for local communities and 

the overall regional economy. Ecosystem services refer to goods and services 

vital to human health and livelihood provided by the Forest. A more detailed 

description of ecosystem services and their role on the Tongass is included in 

Chapter 2.

There are 10 Ranger Districts, with offices in Yakutat, Juneau, Hoonah, Sitka, 

Petersburg, Wrangell, Thorne Bay, Craig, and Ketchikan. There are two National 

Monuments on the Tongass National Forest. The Admiralty Island National 

Monument is managed through a Monument Ranger co-located at the Juneau 

Ranger District. The Misty Fjords National Monument is managed by the District 

Ranger, who also oversees the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District.

Introduction 1-6 Forest Plan

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Introduction 1

Figure 1-1

Tongass National Forest Vicinity Map

Forest Plan 1-7 Introduction

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1 Introduction

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Introduction 1-8 Forest Plan

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CHAPTER 2

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

CHAPTER 1

PURPOSE AND NEED
Goals and Objectives 2

CONTENTS

Introduction .....................................................................................................2-1

Forest Desired Conditions...............................................................................2-1

Ecosystem Services........................................................................................2-2

Forest-wide Multiple-use Goals and Objectives..............................................2-2

Forest Plan Contents

December 2016
Goals and Objectives 2

Chapter 2

Goals and Objectives

Management direction is described under the section titled Forest Plan 

Management Direction in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 presents the desired conditions 

for the Forest and the Forest-wide goals and objectives. All applicable elements 

of management direction presented in Chapters 3, 4, and 5 contribute to the 

maintenance or attainment of one or more Forest-wide desired conditions, goals, 

or objectives. The direction in Chapters 3, 4, and 5 does not foreclose the 

opportunity to maintain or achieve the desired conditions for the Forest and the 

Forest-wide goals and objectives. 

Desired landscape attributes describe the mosaic of land and resource conditions 

envisioned for the Forest in the future. They are attained through Forest-wide 

multiple-use goals and objectives, and through the cumulative achievement of the 

goals, objectives, and desired conditions for each of the individual Land Use 

Designations (LUDs) described in Chapter 3. The Forest’s desired landscape 

attributes are described below.

• The Forest is managed to produce desired resource values, products, 

services, and conditions in ways that also sustain the diversity and 

productivity of ecosystems.

• Viable populations of native and desired non-native species and their habitat 

are maintained and are not threatened by invasive species. Viable 

populations of sensitive and rare species and their habitats are considered 

and maintained as to preclude the need for listing species as threatened or 

endangered. There are no threatened or endangered species on the Forest.

• Fish and wildlife habitat is maintained and improved to ensure sustainable 

fish and wildlife and their uses.

• A range of recreation opportunities is maintained on the Forest from primitive 

to more urban settings. Recreation opportunities will allow for a different type 

of experience in visual quality, access, remoteness, visitor management, onsite recreation development, social encounters, and visitor impacts.

• Opportunities for hunting, trapping, and viewing game species are being 

provided. World-class wildlife resources such as brown bears and wolves, , 

are relatively abundant and available for human use and enjoyment in 

perpetuity.

• Overall aquatic habitat quality is considered good to excellent. Fish thrive in 

the Forest’s lakes and streams due to good water quality and other habitat 

features, and provide world-class fisheries.

• Rural residents have opportunities to participate in subsistence activities and 

to harvest subsistence resources in accordance with the direction in the 

Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA).

• The outstanding scenery of the Forest is a major attraction for resident and 

non-resident recreation users. A full range of recreation opportunities is 

present. Users have the opportunity to experience independence, closeness 

to nature, solitude, and remoteness.

Introduction

Forest Desired 

Conditions

Forest Plan 2-1 Goals and Objectives

December 2016
2 Goals and Objectives

• Occasional natural catastrophic events occur; however, the properly 

functioning condition of watersheds and riparian areas, and careful design 

and location of roads, minimize resource degradation due to such events.

• Areas congressionally designated as Wilderness or LUD II will be managed 

consistent with their enabling legislation. The desired conditions for 

Wilderness are as specified in Section 2 of the 1964 Wilderness Act. The 

desired conditions for LUD II areas are as specified in Section 508 of 

ANILCA, as amended.

• The Forest is actively engaged in collaborative discussions with interested 

parties to resolve issues and build partnerships. Data collection, monitoring,

and other plan implementation work is coordinated with the State of Alaska, 

other federal agencies and organizations.

• The Forest is managed to sustain ecosystem services (see next section).

What are ecosystem services? Ecosystem services include the full suite of 

goods and services that are vital to human health and livelihood provided by 

ecosystems—in this case, ecosystems on the Tongass National Forest. 

Ecosystem services based in the Tongass benefit communities from the local to 

global scale: salmon from waters of Southeast Alaska are a prized food item 

locally and across the nation; carbon stored in forests can contribute to adding or 

removing atmospheric carbon dioxide; fiber from trees provides materials for

traditional customs; and trees provide timber for homes. Generally, ecosystem 

services on the Tongass may be divided into four categories:

1. Provisioning services provide society with food, fresh water, fuel, and fiber.

2. Regulating services refer to processes affecting climate, water, disease 

regulation, and pollination.

3. Supporting services include those processes necessary for proper 

functioning of other services, such as soil formation and nutrient cycling.

4. Cultural services refer to educational, aesthetic, and cultural heritage values 

as well as recreation and tourism.

These categories provide a framework for establishing monitoring and 

management operations, and encourage integration across disciplines and 

agencies to determine the best management decisions while moving toward the 

desired conditions. 

Forest Plan goals are responsive to identified public issues and ecosystem 

service-related opportunities, and collectively describe the desired conditions 

sought to be attained in the long run. Goals are expressed in broad, general 

terms and specify no date by which they are to be accomplished. 

Complementary goals are listed under the Management Prescriptions in Chapter 

3 for each LUD, and as Plan Components in Chapter 5. Taken and considered 

together, goals represent management from an ecosystem perspective, where 

ecosystems are considered from the site to the Forest level. 

Goals are achieved through the allocations of lands to the set of LUDs, 

implementation of the Forest Plan management direction specified for the LUDs, 

and other activities conducted on the Forest. Objectives are expected to be 

achieved during the life of the Forest Plan (15 years) to help accomplish Plan 

goals. Additional objectives to help accomplish the goals are included in the 

Management Prescriptions (Chapter 3) and Plan Components (Chapter 5).

Ecosystem 

Services

Forest-wide 

Multiple-use 

Goals and 

Objectives

Goals and Objectives 2-2 Forest Plan

December 2016
Goals and Objectives 2

Category Goal Objective

Air Maintain the current air resource condition 

to protect the Forest’s ecosystems from onand off-Forest air emission sources.

Attain national and state ambient air quality 

standards Forest-wide.

Biodiversity Maintain ecosystems capable of supporting 

the full range of native and desired nonnative species and ecological processes. 

Maintain a mix of representative habitats at 

different spatial and temporal scales.

Maintain a Forest-wide system of old-growth and 

other Forest habitats (includes reserves, nondevelopment LUDs, and beach, estuary, and 

riparian corridors) to sustain old-growth 

associated species and resources.

a) Ensure that the reserve system meets the 

minimum size, spacing, and composition criteria 

described in Appendix K.

b) Provide sufficient habitat to preclude the 

need for listing species under the Endangered 

Species Act, or from becoming listed as 

Sensitive due to National Forest habitat 

conditions.

c) Manage the Forest in order to reduce, 

minimize, or eliminate the potential for 

introduction, establishment, spread, and impact 

of invasive species.

d) Develop a baseline estimate of current 

habitat types, patterns and structural 

components on the Tongass National Forest.

e) Restore watersheds to provide healthy,

diverse terrestrial and aquatic habitat.

Fish Maintain or restore the natural range and 

frequency of aquatic habitat conditions on 

the Tongass National Forest to sustain the 

diversity and production of fish and other 

freshwater organisms.

Use baseline fish habitat objectives (identified in 

Fish Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines) to 

evaluate the relative health or condition of 

riparian and aquatic habitat.

Design and implement fish habitat improvement 

projects annually across the Forest.

Heritage 

Resources

Identify, evaluate, preserve, and protect 

heritage resources.

Protect heritage resources (as described in the 

Heritage Resources Forest-wide Standards and 

Guidelines). Provide public outreach about 

heritage stewardship.

Karst and Cave 

Resources

Maintain, to the extent practical, the natural 

karst processes and the productivity of the 

karst landscape while providing for other 

land uses where appropriate. 

Allow for the continuation of natural karst 

processes. Maintain the productivity of the karst 

landscape while providing for other land uses,

where appropriate.

Manage lands in a manner that protects 

significant caves and their associated resources.

Local and 

Regional 

Economies

Provide a diversity of opportunities for 

resource uses that contribute to the local 

and regional economies of Southeast 

Alaska.

Work with local communities to identify rural 

community assistance opportunities and provide 

technical assistance in their implementation.

Support a wide range of natural resource 

employment opportunities within Southeast 

Alaska’s communities.

Forest Plan 2-3 Goals and Objectives

December 2016
2 Goals and Objectives

Category Goal Objective

Minerals and 

Geology

Provide for environmentally sound mineral 

exploration, development, and reclamation 

in areas open to mineral entry and in areas 

with valid existing rights that are otherwise 

closed to mineral entry. Seek withdrawal of 

specific locations where mineral 

development may not meet LUD objectives.

Maintain inventory of surficial geology, 

geomorphic features, geologic hazards, and 

paleontological resources.

Implement the Minerals and Geology Forestwide Standards and Guidelines.

Plants Maintain viable plant communities and 

populations; maintain a mixture of habitats 

that are capable of supporting the full range 

of naturally occurring flora, including a 

variety of vegetation types, botanical life 

forms, patterns, structural components, and 

the consideration of rare species.

Prevent species from becoming listed as 

threatened, endangered, or sensitive.

Recreation and

Tourism

Provide a range of recreation opportunities 

consistent with public demand, emphasizing 

locally popular recreation places and those 

important to the tourism industry.

Manage the Forest’s recreation settings in 

accordance with the Recreation Opportunity 

Spectrum Standards and Guidelines for each 

LUD.

Maintain existing Forest Service system trails to 

a standard that provides for the health and 

safety of all users. Construct or reconstruct 

trails to encourage a healthier lifestyle for the 

public. Emphasize projects that facilitate 

community use or community connections.

Maintain existing recreation sites and facilities to 

provide for the health and safety of all users. 

Construct or reconstruct facilities in locations 

where the need for the facilities are supported 

by either known use, partnerships for long-term 

maintenance, or repeated safety concerns. 

Remove facilities that are no longer needed or 

are not affordable.

Renewable 

Energy

See Chapter 5 Forest-wide goal G-RE-01.

Research Continue to seek out and promote research 

opportunities that are consistent with 

identified information needs.

Cooperate with the Pacific Northwest Research 

Station and the State of Alaska in pursuing the

high priority information needs.

Sacred Sites Consult with tribes to protect and maintain 

sacred sites Forest-wide.

Manage and protect sacred sites as an integral 

part of the landscape and land management 

planning (as described in the Heritage 

Resources and Sacred Sites Forest-wide 

Standards and Guidelines).

Scenery Provide Forest visitors with visually 

appealing scenery, with emphasis on areas 

seen from the Alaska Marine Highway, tour

ship and small boat routes, state highways, 

major Forest roads, and popular recreation

places. Recognize that there will be areas 

where these landscapes are altered by 

management activities, particularly younggrowth timber harvest, and the activity may 

visually dominate the characteristic

landscape.

Manage the scenery of the Forest in order to 

achieve the adopted Scenic Integrity Objectives.

Goals and Objectives 2-4 Forest Plan

December 2016
Goals and Objectives 2

Category Goal Objective

Soil and Water Maintain soil productivity Forest-wide and 

minimize soil erosion resulting from landdisturbing activities.

Minimize sediment transported to streams 

from land-disturbing activities.

Maintain and restore the biological, 

physical, and chemical integrity of Tongass 

National Forest waters.

Meet Alaska Regional soil quality standards.

Attain State of Alaska water quality standards 

Forest-wide.

Complete Watershed Restoration Action Plans

for priority watersheds.

Complete watershed restoration projects as part 

of an annual program of work.

Subsistence Provide for the continuation of subsistence 

uses and resources by rural Alaskan 

residents.

Evaluate and consider the needs of subsistence 

users in making project land management 

decisions.

Timber Provide for the continuation of timber uses 

and resources by the timber industry and 

Alaska residents.

Manage the timber resource for production 

of saw timber and other wood products from 

lands suitable for timber production, on an 

even-flow, long-term sustained yield basis 

and in an economically efficient manner.

Manage young growth to provide commercial

timber products and to maintain or improve 

habitat for wildlife and fish at the stand or 

landscape level.

Pre-commercial thin previously harvested 

suitable forest land.

Provide about three years supply of volume 

under contract to local mills and then establish

NEPA-cleared volume to maintain flexibility and 

stability in the sale program.

Review the timber sale program and work with 

the state and other partners to implement 

changes that will keep an “economic timber” 

perspective throughout the process and monitor 

the implementation of these reforms to ensure 

they are consistently employed across the 

Forest.

See Chapter 5 Forest-wide objectives O-TIM-01

and O-TIM-02.

Transportation Develop and manage transportation

systems corridors to support resource 

management activities; recognize the 

potential for future development of major 

transportation systems.

Provide access for Forest users, access to 

Southeast Alaska communities, and access 

points to facilitate implementation of the State of 

Alaska’s Southeast Transportation Plan. 

Design, construct, and maintain roads in support 

of Forest resource management activities to 

provide access to forest resources and 

opportunities. Decommission roads that are no 

longer needed to meet forest resource 

objectives.

See Chapter 5 Forest-wide goal G-TRAN-01.

Wetlands Minimize the destruction, loss, or 

degradation of wetlands, and preserve and 

enhance wetland functions and values.

Avoid alteration of, or new construction on 

wetlands, wherever there is a practicable, 

environmentally preferred alternative.

Implement Best Management Practices and 

Estuary, Riparian, Soil, and Water Standards 

and Guidelines specific to wetlands.

Forest Plan 2-5 Goals and Objectives

December 2016
2 Goals and Objectives

Category Goal Objective

Wild and 

Scenic Rivers

Maintain the outstandingly remarkable 

values and the free flowing conditions of 

rivers designated or recommended for 

designation as components of the National 

Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Manage the 31 rivers (or segments) 

recommended for designation as Wild, Scenic,

and Recreational, pending designation by 

Congress, to maintain the eligibility of the total 

miles of river for the following recommended 

classifications:

 Wild 359.5 miles

 Scenic 87.5 miles

 Recreational 89.0 miles

Wilderness Manage designated Wilderness to maintain 

an enduring wilderness resource while 

providing for the public purposes of 

recreational, scenic, scientific, educational, 

conservation, and historical use, as 

provided in the Wilderness Act of 1964 and

ANILCA.

Provide for public use of the Wilderness in 

accordance with ANILCA provisions for 

motorized and non-motorized access and 

travel, including reasonable traditional 

subsistence use by rural residents.

Facilities are designed primarily to provide 

resource protection and encourage smaller 

group size. Facilities and trails tend to allow for 

challenge and risk instead of convenience. 

Maintain the wilderness to provide information 

on natural ecological processes.

Preserve biodiversity.

Inventory and reduce or eliminate invasive

species in Wilderness.

Manage Wilderness as a place where selfreliance and primitive skills are needed and can 

be honed by the general public.

Wildlife Maintain the abundance and distribution of 

habitats, especially old-growth forests, to 

sustain viable populations in the planning 

area.

Maintain habitat capability sufficient to 

produce wildlife populations that support the 

use of wildlife resources for sport, 

subsistence, and recreational activities.

See biodiversity objectives.

Design and implement structural and nonstructural wildlife habitat improvement projects.

Include a young-growth management program to

maintain, prolong, and/or improve understory 

forage production, and to improve habitat 

distribution, including future old-growth 

characteristics in young-growth timber stands for 

wildlife on lands both suitable and not suitable 

for timber production.

Goals and Objectives 2-6 Forest Plan

December 2016
CHAPTER 3

MANAGEMENT PRESCRIPTIONS
Management Prescriptions 3

CONTENTS

Introduction......................................................................................................3-1

Land Use Designation Acreage.......................................................................3-2

WILDERNESS and NATIONAL MONUMENT WILDERNESS....................3-4

NONWILDERNESS NATIONAL MONUMENTS.......................................3-24

RESEARCH NATURAL AREA..................................................................3-33

SPECIAL INTEREST AREA......................................................................3-39

REMOTE RECREATION...........................................................................3-45

MUNICIPAL WATERSHED .......................................................................3-51

OLD-GROWTH HABITAT..........................................................................3-58

SEMI-REMOTE RECREATION.................................................................3-64

LAND USE DESIGNATION II....................................................................3-70

WILD RIVER..............................................................................................3-76

SCENIC RIVER .........................................................................................3-83

RECREATIONAL RIVER...........................................................................3-90

EXPERIMENTAL FOREST .......................................................................3-97

SCENIC VIEWSHED...............................................................................3-103

MODIFIED LANDSCAPE ........................................................................3-111

TIMBER PRODUCTION..........................................................................3-118

MINERALS ..............................................................................................3-125

Forest Plan Contents

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Chapter 3

Management Prescriptions

Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the Forest Plan present the direction for managing the 

Tongass National Forest. Forest Plan management direction and the priority of 

this direction are explained in Chapter 1. This chapter includes the management 

prescriptions for the 18 Land Use Designations (LUDs) used in the Forest Plan. 

The areas allocated to each LUD are shown on the December 2016 Record of 

Decision LUD map (LUD map). These prescriptions only apply to National Forest 

System (NFS) lands within the areas allocated to each LUD.

To use this management prescription section, first find the area of the Forest you 

are interested in on the LUD map. The LUD map legend shows the name and

corresponding color of each LUD. Then locate the management prescription for 

that designation (they have the same name) in the table of contents of this Plan.

Each management prescription in Chapter 3 has the following elements of 

management direction:

1. Goals, objectives, and desired conditions.

2. A table that cross-references, by resource, the Forest-wide Standards 

and Guidelines found in Chapter 4 that apply. If a reference is not made 

in this table to a specific Forest-wide Standard and Guideline, that 

Standard and Guideline is not applicable.

Resource codes by section and subsection are provided in Chapter 4. 

For example, FIRE1 in Chapter 4 refers to direction for fire suppression. 

Therefore, specific direction for fire suppression in the Wilderness LUD is 

also labeled FIRE1 in the table. If all Forest-wide Standards and 

Guidelines for a resource apply, the word “ALL” is included.

3. A table that cross-references, by category, the plan content, found in 

Chapter 5 that applies. If a reference is not made in the table to a 

specific Plan Component, that Plan Component is not applicable.

Plan Components in Chapter 5 may apply forest-wide or to specific 

LUDs. Resource codes for Plan Components in Chapter 5 are different 

than those for Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines in Chapter 4. For 

example, S-YG-BEACH-01 in Chapter 5 refers to a Standard for younggrowth management in the beach and estuary fringe. Therefore, this 

Plan Component applies in the Old-growth Habitat, Scenic Viewshed,

Modified Landscape, and Timber Production LUDs only. If all Plan 

Components for a resource apply to the LUD, the word “ALL” is included. 

If only some of the Plan Components for a resource apply to the LUD, 

then they are listed individually, such as Desired Conditions for young

growth in the Scenic Viewshed LUD (only DC-YG-01, DC-YG-02, DCYG-04, and DC-YG-05 apply because DC-YG-03 is specific to the Oldgrowth Habitat LUD).

4. In addition to the Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines and Plan 

Components (items 2 and 3 above), LUD-specific Standards and 

Guidelines and Plan Components are established for each LUD following

Introduction

Forest Plan 3-1 Introduction

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

the order established for the Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines in 

Chapter 4. 

The following table shows the acres allocated to each LUD. The first column of 

numbers presents the total number of acres allocated to each LUD; summing

these acres will exceed the National Forest acreage because more than one 

LUD can be applied to the same area. For example, a Special Interest Area can 

exist within Wilderness. Therefore, the second column of numbers counts each 

acre of the Tongass only once and associates each acre with only one LUD (see 

the table footnotes). Table A-1 in Appendix A displays the results of the 

suitability process, and lists the acreage for each step.

Land Use Designation Allocations

Land Use Designation

Total Acres 

Allocated to 

Each LUD1

Total Acres 

Allocated to

Each LUD

without Overlay2

Wilderness LUD Group

Wilderness 2,641,042 2,641,042

Wilderness National Monument 3,113,807 3,113,807

Nonwilderness National Monument 167,282 167,282

Total for Wilderness LUD Group 5,922,131

Natural Setting LUD Group

 LUD II 878,694 878,694

 Remote Recreation 3,010,933 3,010,933

 Semi-Remote Recreation 2,008,582 2,005,891

 Old-Growth Habitat 1,202,450 1,202,450

 Municipal Watershed 45,208 45,208

 Research Natural Area 71,552 21,682

 Special Interest Area 667,487 206,370

 Wild River 196,245 60,338

 Scenic River 136,207 32,849

 Recreational River 64,590 8,943

Total for Natural Setting LUD Group 7,473,358

Development LUD Group

Experimental Forest 36,264 36,264

Scenic Viewshed 308,180 308,180

Modified Landscape 723,883 723,883

Timber Production 2,291,040 2,291,040

Total for Development LUD Group 3,359,367

Overlay LUD

Minerals2 249,570 0

TOTAL NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND 16,755,685 1 This column includes the total acreage allocated to each LUD. However, in some cases, more than one LUD 

is applied to the same area (such as a Special Interest Area within Wilderness); therefore, totaling the acres 

of this column exceeds the total National Forest acreage. 

2 This column counts each acre of the Tongass only once. It includes the total areas allocated to each LUD,

except for four LUDs that sometimes overlay other LUDs. The Research Natural Area, Special Interest Area, 

and Wild River LUDs sometimes overlay Wilderness, Wilderness National Monument, or LUD II; when this 

occurs, the acreage is included under these other LUDs (so as not to double count). Also, the Minerals LUD 

always functions as an overlay and does not have acreage in this column.

3 The Minerals LUD is always an overlay LUD. Areas allocated to this LUD are managed according to the 

underlying LUD until such time that mineral development is approved, if at all. 

Land Use 

Designation 

Acreage

Introduction 3-2 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Appendix J shows, by name, the areas of the Forest identified as 

Congressionally designated Wilderness and LUD IIs; Wild, Scenic, and 

Recreational Rivers (recommended); Research Natural Areas; Special Interest 

Areas; and Experimental Forests.

Map Errata

The Tongass Forest Plan LUDs were developed using small-scale Tongass-wide 

Forest maps. The level of accuracy of a map at such a scale is approximately 

±500 feet. Enlargements of this map were also sometimes used in LUD 

development, but these maps contained no additional detail or accuracy; they 

were just larger scale. This approach is appropriate for the development of a 

Forest Plan map, which is a permissive, zoning map. It is the role of subsequent 

project planning to resolve, within the overall intent of the Forest Plan mapped 

LUDs, the actual location of activities on the ground. In some situations, there is 

a lack of precise map correlation or registration of a LUD boundary between two 

GIS maps. Most of these variations are minor, and are due to the combining of 

map covers of varying resolution. This situation results in remnants, or "slivers" 

of small acreages of land appearing on the maps between mapped polygons. In 

other situations during project planning LUD boundaries may be indefinite or 

illogical if located literally on the ground as depicted on the FEIS map. In some 

instances boundaries may appear to bisect an existing or mapped harvest unit; 

or, while paralleling an existing or mapped road, boundaries may appear to cross 

and re-cross the road randomly.

These types of map inconsistencies are clerical errors and can be dealt with as

an administrative change in the Forest Plan (36 CFR 219.13(c)).

Forest Plan 3-3 Introduction

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

WILDERNESS AND NATIONAL MONUMENT 

WILDERNESS

Goals (Wilderness)

Manage all designated Wilderness to maintain the enduring resource of Wilderness as directed by the 

Wilderness Act of 1964, subject to the special provisions and exceptions in the Alaska National 

Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA); as amended.

Protect and perpetuate natural biophysical and ecological conditions and processes. Ensure 

Wilderness ecosystems are substantially free from the effects of civilization.

Provide a high degree of remoteness from the sights and sounds of humans, and opportunities for 

solitude or primitive recreation activities consistent with Wilderness preservation.

Keep Wilderness untrammeled and free from human control or manipulation, including actions taken 

to manage Wilderness.

Protect the undeveloped character of Wilderness by following legislative guidelines regarding 

permanent improvements or human occupation, including mechanized transport and motorized 

equipment.

Goals (National Monument Wilderness)

To manage the Wilderness portions of Admiralty Island and Misty Fiords National Monuments to 

maintain an enduring Wilderness resource, while providing for public access and uses consistent with 

the Wilderness Act of 1964, and ANILCA. These units were designated as National Monuments to

protect objects of ecological, cultural, geological, historical, prehistorical, and scientific interest.

Objectives (Wilderness)

Apply a multi-disciplinary focus to Wilderness management; consider stewardship of Wilderness in 

the annual program of work by all resources.

Manage recreation activities so that the levels of social encounters, on-site developments, methods of 

access, and visitor impacts indicated for the Primitive Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Class 

are emphasized (see Chapter 4, Recreation and Tourism and Appendix I). Areas managed as SemiPrimitive within a Wilderness are an exception and not encouraged.

Provide for public uses of Wilderness as authorized in the Wilderness Act, but subject to ANILCA 

provisions for motorized and non-motorized access and travel, including reasonable traditional 

subsistence use by rural residents, and provisions of other applicable Wilderness designation acts.

Maintain trails and primitive facilities that are in harmony with the natural environment and that 

promote primitive recreation opportunities. Feature facilities designed primarily to provide resource 

protection and encourage smaller group size, and emphasize challenge and risk instead of 

convenience. 

Maintain the Wilderness capacity to provide information on natural ecological processes.

Preserve and perpetuate biodiversity.

Inventory, reduce, and, when possible, eliminate non-native species in Wilderness.

Manage Wilderness as a place where self-reliance and primitive skills are needed and can be honed.

Objectives (National Monument Wilderness)

Inventory, research, protect, and interpret National Monument resources as directed by Monument 

designation consistent with Wilderness management practices.

Wilderness 3-4 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Make resource and research information about the National Monuments available to other forest units 

where it may be beneficial for management of multiple use lands.

Desired Condition (Wilderness)

All designated Wilderness on the Tongass National Forest is characterized by extensive, unmodified 

natural environments. Ecological processes and natural conditions are not measurably affected by 

past or current human uses or activities. Users have the opportunity to experience independence, 

closeness to nature, solitude and remoteness, and may pursue activities requiring self-reliance, 

challenge, and risk. Motorized and mechanized use is limited to the minimum needed for the

administration of the Wilderness. Allow for access to state and private lands, subsistence uses, and 

public access and other uses to the extent provided for by ANILCA.

Desired Condition (National Monument Wilderness)

The purposes of National Monument designation are fulfilled by protecting and learning more about 

the special resources they contain. Appropriate research is encouraged and supported within the 

constraints of wilderness designation, and contributes to both the purposes of the Wilderness 

National Monuments and improved management of other forest lands. Appropriate interpretive and 

educational efforts allow the public to better understand the resources of these special areas and to 

appreciate how these areas fit into the local, regional, and even global context of geology, ecology, 

and human history.

The Wilderness portions of Admiralty Island and Misty Fiords National Monuments are characterized 

by extensive, unmodified natural environments. Ecological processes and natural conditions are not

measurably affected by past or current human uses or activities. Users have the opportunity to 

experience independence, closeness to nature, solitude and remoteness, and may pursue activities 

requiring self-reliance, challenge, and risk. Motorized and mechanized use is limited to the minimum 

needed for the administration of Wilderness. Allow for access to state and private lands, subsistence 

uses, and public access and other uses to the extent provided by ANILCA. If not specifically provided 

through an ANILCA exception, the resources within a designated Wilderness shall be administered in 

accordance with the applicable provisions of the Wilderness Act.

Forest Plan 3-5 Wilderness

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

Wilderness and National Monument Wilderness Land Use Designations

Apply the following Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines located in Chapter 4:

Category Section Subsections

Air AIR All

Beach and Estuary Fringe BEACH1 All

Facilities FAC All

Fire FIRE1 All

Fish FISH All

Forest Health HEALTH1 I (B,C)

Heritage Resources/Sacred Sites HSS All

Invasive Species INV All

Karst and Cave Resources KC All

Lands LAND1, 3, 4, 6 All

LAND2 I(A:1-10),VII,IX

LAND5 I(A)

Minerals and Geology MG1 All

MG2 I,III,VI,VII,VIII

Plants PLA1, 2, 3 All

Recreation and Tourism REC1 All

REC2 I,II(A),III

REC3 I,II,III(B),IV-VII

Riparian RIP1 All

RIP2 I,II(A-D)

Rural Community Assistance RUR All

Scenery SCENE1 All

SCENE2 I,II(A,E)

Soil and Water SW1, 2, 4 All

SW3 I(A:1-4,B-F),II

Subsistence SUB All

Timber TIM1

TIM6

All

I(A-C;E)

Trails TRAI1,2 All

Wetlands WET All

Wildlife WILD1 All

Wildlife WILD1

WILD4

I,II,VII,VIII,

IX(A,B,C,E), X,XI,

XII(A,B),XIII,XIV(A),

XV(A),XVI,

XVIII(A),XIX(A)

All

Apply the following Plan Content located in Chapter 5:

Category Section Plan Component

Young-growth Direction All None

Renewable Energy Direction All All

Transportation Systems Corridors

Direction

All All

Forest-wide Plan Components All All

Wilderness 3-6 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Apply the following LUD Standards and Guidelines:

AIR Air Resource Inventory: AIR1

A. Air Quality monitoring will be accomplished in accordance with specific 

District- or Forest-level plans and strategies.

FACILITIES Administrative Facilities: FAC1, FAC2, FAC3, and FAC4

A. Construct no new permanent administrative facilities in Wilderness, 

except as consistent with ANILCA, Sections 1303, 1306, 1310, and 

1315, and other applicable Wilderness designation acts.

B. Allow the continued operation and maintenance of permanent 

administrative facilities for which there is an ongoing need (ANILCA, 

Section 1306 (b)).

1. When reconstruction of existing permanent administrative structures 

is necessary, reconstruct or replace them with structures of 

compatible design.

2. During reconstruction and maintenance activities:

a) Paint or stain structure to blend with the environment;

b) Keep clearing of vegetation to the minimum feasible; and

c) Select materials natural in appearance.

C. Allow temporary facilities and crew barges for administration.

1. Temporary administrative camps used by Wilderness rangers, trail 

crews, or for other administrative activities should avoid areas used 

for camping by the general public and should be screened from 

view.

2. Temporary administrative camps may remain in place only during 

periods required for the administrative activity. All equipment and 

materials will be removed or collapsed and laid flat at the end of the 

field season or during other extended periods of non-use.

3. Temporary camps will seek to achieve minimum impact on the land. 

There will be no permanent foundations or anchors, and only 

minimal clearing of vegetation at campsites.

4. Crew barges should be located in unobtrusive locations. They may 

be periodically moved and relocated to support administrative 

needs.

D. Allow administrative use of public cabins and shelters in Wilderness. 

When scheduling, avoid conflict with public use.

E. When necessary, allow radio repeaters to provide essential 

communications for the health and safety of employees involved in the 

administration of the area. Allow permanent radio repeaters currently 

located in Wilderness to remain.

FIRE Fire Suppression: FIRE1

Suppression Action

A. Suppress wildfires using the suppression option identified in the Alaska 

Interagency Wildland Fire Management Plan. 

B. Emphasize suppression tactics resulting in the least possible disturbance 

or evidence of human presence.

1. Use of mechanized equipment requires approval by the Forest 

Service officer with delegated authority.

2. Suppression tactics will avoid human/bear conflicts and existing 

policy will be emphasized to leave no trash or any other kinds of 

bear attractants in the area.

Forest Plan 3-7 Wilderness

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

3. Rehabilitation of all campsites, suppression lines, and other 

evidence of human presence will occur as soon as it is safe, but 

within one year after the fire occurs.

Fuel Improvements: FIRE2

Prescribed Fire

A. As a general management practice, do not use management-ignited 

prescribed fire. Should it become necessary to consider the use of 

management-ignited prescribed fire, Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2324 

provides direction.

B. As a general management practice, allow natural fires in accordance 

with fire management plans specific to the area (consult FSM 5142.)

FISH Fish Habitat Planning: FISH2

Planning

A. Plan for fisheries in Wilderness consistent with ANILCA, Section 1315(b),

which recognizes the goal of restoring and maintaining fish production in 

the State of Alaska to optimum sustained yield levels and in a manner 

that adequately ensures protection, preservation, enhancement, and 

rehabilitation of the Wilderness resource. Subject to reasonable 

regulations, permanent improvements and facilities such as fishways, 

fish weirs, fish ladders, fish hatcheries, spawning channels, stream 

clearance, egg planting, and other accepted means of maintaining, 

enhancing, and rehabilitating fish stocks may be permitted. For this 

purpose, optimum sustained yield levels will be considered synonymous 

with the long-term harvest goals documented in the State of Alaska 

Comprehensive Salmon Plans and other state fisheries plans. (Consult 

R-10 supplements to FSM 2632 and FSM 2320 for further details.)

B. Determine the need for Wilderness aquaculture projects (as described in 

ANILCA, Section 1315(b)) on a broad basis that includes the potential of 

private, state, and federal non-wilderness projects.

C. Evaluate fish habitat improvement during project planning by 

considering: 1) availability of suitable non-wilderness opportunities that 

should be used first; 2) effects on Wilderness conditions, in general; 3) 

effects resulting from the introduction of species not indigenous to the 

watershed; 4) the appropriateness of structures both in type and scale to 

the desired future condition for the Wilderness and the ROS class

setting; and 5) the need to provide well-distributed fisheries that support 

sport and commercial fisheries, subsistence, and community stability.

D. In planning, stress protection of fish habitat to prevent the need for 

mitigation.

Fish Habitat Improvement: FISH3

A. Construct facilities in a rustic manner to blend into the natural character 

of the area and limit facilities to those essential to the project (ANILCA, 

1315(b)). Methods for the installation of any feature or facility will apply 

the minimum requirement concept to management activities that affect 

the Wilderness resource and character by conducting a minimum 

requirements analysis (FSM 2322.03).

B. Permit reasonable access, including the temporary use of motorized 

equipment, subject to reasonable regulation to maintain the Wilderness 

character, water quality, and fish and wildlife values of the area.

Wilderness 3-8 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

FOREST HEALTH Forest Health Management: HEALTH1

A. Allow natural occurrences to play their normal role in ecological 

succession.

Forest Insect and Disease Survey and Inventory: HEALTH2

A. Survey and inventory visible insect and disease outbreaks.

HERITAGE Heritage Resource Activities: HSS1

Enhancement

A. Heritage resources are available for scientific study to the extent that the 

study is consistent with 1) the preservation of Wilderness; 2) the intent of 

the Wilderness Act; and 3) heritage resource management objectives.

B. Heritage resources are available for recreational, scenic, scientific, 

educational, conservation, and historic uses, consistent with 

management of Wilderness.

1. Provide interpretive information concerning heritage resources to 

users in the form of exhibits and publications outside of the 

Wilderness.

Evaluation

A. Develop priorities and schedule management activities to implement 

heritage resource inventory, evaluation, and protection within the 

Wilderness.

1. Identify heritage properties to be nominated to the National Register 

of Historic Places.

2. Identify, classify, and evaluate known heritage resources.

3. Identify heritage properties that require stabilization or other 

protective measures.

INVASIVE SPECIES Invasive Species Monitoring and Treatment: INV2 and INV3

A. Non-native, invasive species monitoring and treatment will be 

accomplished in accordance with specific District- or Forest-level plans 

and strategies.

KARST AND CAVES Cave Management Program: KC2

A. Identify opportunities for interpretation of caves for public education and 

enjoyment. A cave management plan will be developed prior to the 

authorization of appropriate, allowed activities inside caves. Activities 

include agency interpretation, commercial use, or scientific investigation.

B. Manage caves as Class 1 (Sensitive) or Class 3 (Undeveloped) as 

described in the Karst and Cave Resources Forest-wide Standards and

Guidelines.

LANDS Special Use Administration (non-recreation): LAND2

A. Authorize only activities that are consistent with the Wilderness Act or 

specifically allowed by ANILCA, or other applicable Wilderness 

designation acts, and are otherwise in compliance with management 

direction of this plan (Consult FSM 2700, FSM 2320, and Regional 

Supplements).

1. Analyze proposals on a case-by-case basis. 

2. Authorize only activities consistent with the goals, objectives, and 

desired conditions for Wilderness.

3. Integrate special use management with the ROS so that approved 

uses and activities emphasize the most primitive ROS class setting.

Forest Plan 3-9 Wilderness

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

4. Avoid authorizing uses that are not dependent upon Wilderness 

resources or uses for which reasonable alternative locations exist 

outside the Wilderness.

5. Use cost-recovery direction to process applications.

B. New special use cabins and related structures may be authorized by the 

Forest Service officer with delegated authority in accordance with 

Section 1303(b)(1) of ANILCA under the conditions described below.

1. The authorization is nontransferable and limited to a 5-year term. 

2. The determination is made that the proposed use, construction, and 

maintenance of the structure(s) are consistent with the goals, 

objectives, and desired conditions for Wilderness. 

3. The determination is made that the proposed cabin is either directly 

related to the administration of the Wilderness or the continuation of 

an ongoing use otherwise allowed in the Wilderness, where a) the 

applicant has no reasonable alternative site for constructing a cabin; 

and b) the cabin is not to be used for private recreational use. 

4. The United States shall retain ownership of the cabin and related 

structures. 

5. To qualify, an applicant must:

a) Agree to vacate the structure(s) and remove all personal 

property upon nonrenewal or revocation of the authorization

within a reasonable time period established by the District 

Ranger or Monument Ranger;

b) Acknowledge in writing that they have no interest in the real 

property on which the structure(s) are constructed and that any 

cabin or related structure constructed under the authority of the 

special use authorization shall be the property of the United 

States; and

c) Submit with their applications a sketch or photograph and a 

map of the proposed structure(s) showing the specific 

geographical location.

6. Special Use Permits will contain the following provision: 

“Chainsaws, generators or other motorized equipment shall not be 

used in the permit area unless specifically approved by the 

Regional Forester.”

C. Cabins and related structures that were in place on December 2, 1980, 

for which a valid authorization does not exist, may be authorized with a 

non-transferable renewable 5-year special use authorization for 

traditional and customary uses if the use is compatible with the 

Wilderness. No authorizations shall be issued for private recreational 

use. These authorizations shall be renewed until the death of the last 

immediate family member using the cabin as a dwelling. Revocation of 

the authorization must be by the Regional Forester, after notice and 

hearing establish that continued use is causing, or may cause, significant 

harm to the Wilderness (ANILCA, 1303(b)). 

1. To qualify for an authorization, the applicant must:

a) Demonstrate by affidavit, bill of sale, or other documentation, 

proof of possessory interests or rights of occupancy in the 

cabin;

b) Submit a list of all immediate family members;

c) Submit a sketch or photograph and a map of the cabin and 

related structures showing its geographic location;

d) Agree to vacate all structures and remove all personal property 

within a reasonable time period established by the District 

Ranger or Monument Ranger; and

Wilderness 3-10 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

e) Acknowledge, in writing, that there is no interest in the real 

property on which the cabin and structures are located.

2. The use of motorized ground equipment, not designed for personal 

transport use, is authorized in and about authorized structures and 

facilities in the authorized area for a period not to exceed the 

termination or the revocation of the authorization. Authorized 

ground equipment includes chainsaws, generators, power 

brushcutters, and other hand-held tools and appliances, but do not

include all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, or other types of offhighway vehicles (OHVs), except snowmachines. Power 

lawnmowers, rototillers, and other power garden equipment may be 

used only on existing lawns and gardens that were established prior 

to the designation of the area as Wilderness.

3. Cabins and associated structures that do not qualify for a special 

use authorization shall be removed by the owner unless accepted 

as a donation to the United States. Cabins that remain will be 

posted as property of the United States. Cabins that may be useful 

for emergency shelter may be designated by the Forest Service 

officer with delegated authority as public use cabins or posted for 

use as emergency public shelters. 

D. Renew existing valid special use authorizations for cabins, home sites, or 

similar structures, which were in effect on December 2, 1980, unless the 

Forest Service officer with delegated authority finds, following notice to 

the permittee and after the permittee has had a reasonable opportunity 

to respond, that the permitted structure constitutes a direct threat or a 

significant impairment to the Wilderness (ANILCA, Section 1303(d) and 

Section 101 (b)).

1. Authorizations in effect on December 2, 1980, will be considered for 

renewal in accordance with provisions of the existing authorization 

and reasonable regulations that may be prescribed.

2. The structures authorized by these authorizations may be 

maintained, rehabilitated, modified, replaced, or removed, but not 

enlarged.

3. All modifications and replacement plans will require form, color, and 

materials that blend and are compatible with the immediate and 

surrounding Wilderness landscape.

4. In the case of conflicts that could lead to termination of the special 

use authorization, the permit holder will be offered reasonable 

opportunity to correct the conflict.

5. The special use authorization may be transferred at the election or 

death of the original permit holder. The original permit holder is the 

one of record on December 2, 1980. This is a transfer of the 

authorization in effect on December 2, 1980—not the issuance of a 

new special use authorization. The transfer may be accomplished 

following the normal procedures except that the special use 

authorization will be amended to change the name of the permit

holder instead of issuing a new authorization.

6. The amendment will also contain the following tenure clauses:

a) This permit is nontransferable, and a new permit will not be 

issued to any subsequent owner of the improvements or to any 

person holding any interest in the improvements. 

b) If the present permittee, herein named, ceases to have personal 

need for, or to make personal use of, the site for the purpose for 

which the permit is issued, this permit will terminate and the 

structures on the area shall be disposed of as provided in the 

conditions of the permit.

Forest Plan 3-11 Wilderness

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

c) No additional improvements shall be constructed without prior 

written approval by the Forest Service officer with delegated 

authority.

d) The use of motorized ground equipment, not designed for 

personal transport use, is authorized in and about authorized 

structures and facilities on the permitted area for a period not to 

exceed the termination or the revocation of this authorization. 

Authorized ground equipment includes chainsaws, generators, 

power brushcutters, and other hand-held tools and appliances, 

but do not include all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, or other 

types of OHVs, except snowmachines. Power lawnmowers, 

rototillers, and other power garden equipment may be used only 

on existing lawns and gardens that were established prior to the 

designation of the area as Wilderness.

E. Provide for the continuance of existing and future establishment and use 

of temporary campsites, tent platforms, shelters, and other temporary 

facilities and equipment directly related to and necessary for the taking of 

fish and wildlife in accordance with ANILCA (Section 1316). Regulate 

these temporary facilities as follows: 

1. Special use authorizations are limited to a period not to exceed 5

years, but may be renewed.

2. Authorized facilities and/or equipment must be directly and 

necessarily related to the taking of fish and wildlife. Special use 

authorizations will only be issued when the following conditions are 

met: 

a) The facilities are needed as a practical necessity to conduct 

legal hunting, trapping, and fishing activities that occur either 

within the Wilderness or in adjacent waters.

b) The applicant has no feasible alternative location outside the 

Wilderness.

3. Does not include cabins.

4. Does not include motorized forms of transportation other than 

snowmachines, motorboats, or fixed-wing airplanes. 

5. The specific location of temporary facilities will not cause physical 

resource damage, and should be located and designed to minimize 

conflicts with other users.

6. Tent platforms, toilets, or other constructed facilities should be 

located approximately 0.5 mile, or more, from popular beaches,

lakes, recreational boat anchorages (both developed and 

undeveloped), or other special recreation places. Consider season 

of use, compatibility of activities, core use areas, the goals, 

objectives, and desired conditions for the Wilderness, consistency 

with the ROS setting, and other factors in assessing the 0.5-mile 

guideline.

7. Temporary camp facilities in Wilderness will include at least the 

following conditions:

a) The time of occupancy will be limited to coincide with the 

hunting or fishing season for the species for which the 

temporary facility is being used. 

b) At the end of the specified occupancy, tents will be taken down 

and tent platforms laid flat. Unnecessary equipment will be 

removed from the site. 

c) Temporary structures will be built with materials that blend with 

and are visually compatible with the surrounding landscape.

Wilderness 3-12 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

d) Temporary facilities will be screened from the water, and 

located so that they are unobtrusive as seen from trails and 

areas of public use. 

8. The Forest Service officer with delegated authority may determine, 

after adequate public notice, that the establishment and use of new 

facilities or equipment would constitute a significant expansion of 

existing facilities or uses that would be detrimental to the purposes 

for which the Wilderness was established, including its wilderness 

character. Upon such determination, the Forest Service officer with 

delegated authority may deny the use or establishment of new 

facilities and equipment in accordance with ANILCA, Section 1316 

(b).

F. Allow reasonable access to, and operation and maintenance of existing 

air and water navigation aids, communication sites, and related facilities, 

as well as existing facilities for national defense purposes, weather, 

climate, and fisheries research and monitoring. Allow the continuation of 

necessary motorized access at existing sites (ANILCA, Section 1310(a)). 

New facilities proposed for these activities and purposes, except 

communications sites, shall be permitted: 1) following consultation 

between the head of the federal agency undertaking the establishment, 

operation, or maintenance, and the Forest Service officer with delegated 

authority; and 2) in accordance with such terms and conditions as may 

be mutually agreed upon in order to minimize the adverse effects of such 

activities on the Wilderness resources (ANILCA, Section 1310).

1. Perform environmental analysis to evaluate the effects of such 

proposals on Wilderness resources and to provide the basis for 

determining the necessary terms and conditions under which the 

use will be permitted.

2. Mechanized transport and motorized equipment may be authorized 

where no other feasible alternative exists.

3. Forest Service officer(s) with delegated authority will consult with 

the permittees and jointly develop an operating plan, documenting 

procedures that will minimize impacts on the Wilderness resources 

without unreasonably limiting the operation and maintenance of the 

proposed facilities. 

G. The resorts discussed below were under permit prior to the 

establishment of the Monument Wildernesses. They will be administered 

in accordance with ANILCA provisions as follows:

1. Thayer Lake Lodge. Section(see ANILCA, Sections 503(j) of 

ANILCA provides that the Special Use Permit for Thayer Lake 

Lodge shall be renewed, as necessary, for the longest of either: 1) 

15 years after December 2, 1980; or 2) the lifetime of the permittee, 

as designated in such permit as of January 1, 1979, or the surviving 

spouse or child of such permittee, whoever lives longer, so long as 

the management of the lodge remains consistent with the purposes 

of the Admiralty Island National Monument.

2. Humpback Lake Chalet. The resort Special Use Permit in existence 

on December 2, 1980, authorized one rental cabin and appurtenant 

structures on Humpback Lake within Misty Fiords National 

Monument Wilderness. The continuation of this use is authorized 

by ANILCA, Section 1307(a). The existing improvements may be 

maintained, rehabilitated, modified, replaced, or removed, but not 

enlarged. New cabin construction will not be allowed. Approval of 

exterior color schemes, materials, and designs shall use criteria that 

keep the improvements unobtrusive and compatible with the 

surroundings. The Special Use Permit may be revised as 

Forest Plan 3-13 Wilderness

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

appropriate, but the permittee must remain Sportsman Paradise 

Tours, the permittee on December 2, 1980. The use shall continue 

to be permitted so long as it remains a public recreation rental 

cabin, provides adequate public service, does not significantly 

threaten any resource, and other terms and conditions of the permit 

are met.)). 

H. Allow reasonable access to, operation, and maintenance of existing air 

and water navigation aids, communication sites, and related facilities, as 

well as existing facilities for national defense purposes, weather, climate,

and fisheries research and monitoring. Allow the continuation of 

necessary motorized access at existing sites (ANILCA, Section 1310(a)). 

New facilities proposed for these activities and purposes, except 

communications sites, shall be permitted 1) following consultation 

between the head of the federal agency undertaking the establishment, 

operation, or maintenance, and the Forest Service officer with delegated 

authority; and 2) in accordance with such terms and conditions as may 

be mutually agreed upon in order to minimize the adverse effects of such 

activities on the National Monument Wilderness resources. 

1. Conduct environmental analysis to evaluate the effects of such 

proposals on Monument Wilderness resources and to provide the 

basis for determining the necessary terms and conditions under 

which the use will be permitted.

2. Mechanized transport and motorized equipment may be authorized 

where no other feasible alternative exists.

3. Forest Service officers with delegated authority will consult with the 

permit holder and jointly develop Operating Plans, documenting 

procedures that will minimize impacts on the Monument Wilderness 

resources without unreasonably limiting the operation and 

maintenance of the proposed facilities.

I. Transportation and utility systems may be located in the Wilderness (see 

ANILCA Title XI). ANILCA (Section 506) includes specific exceptions for 

Admiralty Island National Monument Wilderness regarding the right to 

develop hydroelectric resources and public access and use.

J. Onshore facilities such as waterlines, storage areas, and shoreties for 

mariculture shall not be authorized in Wilderness.

Landline Location and Maintenance: LAND4

A. Provide adequate marking for the public and Forest Service employees 

to distinguish land ownership.

1. Survey, mark, and post property lines of inholdings and adjacent 

private lands. Give highest priority to those landlines that are 

adjacent to private lands where activities or occupancies are likely 

to encroach into the Wilderness. The next priority is adjacent to 

trails, canoe routes, and other Wilderness transportation corridors or 

areas of frequent human use.

B. Provide adequate marking of Wilderness boundaries to prevent 

encroachment of non-compatible activities from adjacent public lands.

C. Determine survey, marking, and posting priorities by the degree to which 

adjacent land management is compatible with the adjacent Wilderness.

Land Ownership Adjustments: LAND6

A. Acquire private inholdings as opportunities arise.

1. Acquisition of private inholdings within the Wilderness is a 

continuing high priority.

2. As opportunities arise, acquire private inholdings through donation, 

exchange, or purchase.

Wilderness 3-14 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

MINERALS AND Minerals and Geology Administration: MG1 and MG2

GEOLOGY Forest Lands Withdrawn from Mineral Entry

A. Forest lands within Wilderness are withdrawn from mineral entry subject 

to valid existing rights.

B. Claimants with valid claims located within the Wilderness retain valid 

existing rights if such rights were established prior to the date that 

Wilderness lands were withdrawn from mineral entry.

C. Permit reasonable access to mining claims in accordance with the 

provisions of approved Plan of Operations (ANILCA, Section 1110(b)).

D. Section 1010 of ANILCA provides for the assessment of oil, gas, and 

other mineral potential on all public lands in Alaska. Core and test 

drilling for geologic information purposes, but excluding exploratory oil 

and gas test wells, may be authorized within Wilderness. Air access 

shall be permitted for such assessment activities. Sections 503, 504, 

and 505 of ANILCA provide specific direction for minerals management 

in the National Monument. 

E. Encourage use of state-of-the-art techniques for developing mineral 

resources to reduce impacts to Wilderness values to the extent feasible.

Include mitigation measures that are compatible with the proposed 

development and commensurate with potential resource impacts.

F. The use of motorized equipment may be authorized. Apply appropriate 

Transportation Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines to the location and 

construction of mining roads (ANILCA, Section 1110 (b)).

RECREATION AND Recreation Use Administration: REC3

TOURISM Recreation Management and Operations

A. To the degree consistent with the Wilderness designation, provide a 

spectrum of wildland recreation opportunities that reflects the inherent 

ecological, cultural, historical, prehistorical, scientific, and sociological 

conditions found within the Wilderness. 

B. Emphasize the management of the Primitive ROS setting that 

acknowledges existing opportunities, while recognizing exceptions due to 

ANILCA or other authorizations and development activities outside of 

Wilderness. Provide for the appropriate activities throughout the 

Wilderness. Protect the integrity of the Wilderness character through 

integrated project planning and implementation.

1. Manage for the adopted ROS class where established through 

Wilderness plans. If adopted ROS classes do not exist for the 

specific Wilderness, emphasize management for the Primitive ROS 

class, unless activities and practices allowed by ANILCA are 

authorized by the Forest Service officer with delegated authority and 

cause change in the ROS setting(s). Seek to minimize the changes 

through project design and mitigation. Commercial services may be 

performed within the Wilderness to the extent necessary for activities 

that are proper for realizing the recreational or other Wilderness 

purposes of the area. 

2. Seek to minimize changes to the setting through project design and 

mitigation. Maintain the capability of the Wilderness to emphasize 

quality primitive recreation on a sustained basis.

C. Manage recreation activities to meet appropriate levels of social 

encounters, on-site development, methods of access, and visitor impacts 

indicated for either the adopted ROS class or emphasizing the more 

Forest Plan 3-15 Wilderness

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

Primitive ROS class (see “B” above). (Consult national and regional 

handbooks.)

1. Group size is limited to no more than 12 persons for commercial or 

general public use of a Wilderness unless otherwise approved by the 

appropriate line officer. Exceptions may be approved by the District 

Ranger or Monument Ranger in response to unusual circumstances. 

Recurring exceptions should be justified in local area analyses or 

decision documents. Exceptions for general public use authorized 

by the Forest Plan include:

a) The Stikine River Valley and tidal estuary below 100 feet

elevation, not including Shakes Valley upstream from the outlet 

of Shakes Lake.

2. Length of stay at any one location is limited to 14 days with the 

exception of uses approved through a special use authorization.

3. At no time will caches or storage of equipment be allowed unless 

approved by the line officer with the delegated authority by a special 

use authorization.

4. Management restrictions on visitor behavior will be primarily for 

resource protection and to minimize conflicts.

5. Work to preserve outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive, 

unconfined type of recreation experience. Use will not be 

encouraged into more pristine areas as a means of resolving 

conflicts in areas of concentrated use.

6. Do not authorize commercial services in Wilderness with more than 

two groups of 12 people from a single vessel or other means of 

transport or access. These groups will be required to disperse out of 

sight and sound from each other when using National Forest System 

lands to minimize impacts to a specific site or other groups who may 

want to use an area.

7. Encounters should be less than three groups per day to maintain the 

more primitive experience.

D. Where applicable, provide for general public use of the Wilderness in 

accordance with ANILCA provisions for the use of snowmachines (during 

periods of adequate snow cover), motorboats, fixed-wing airplanes, and 

nonmotorized surface transportation methods for traditional activities that 

are legal and for travel to and from villages and home sites (ANILCA, 

Section 1110). Designation of motorized routes for OHVs in Wilderness 

areas is not allowed except for instances where documented local 

traditional use for subsistence activities has occurred prior to ANILCA 

(1980), or the area is designated as a Wilderness.

1. Traditional activities include, but are not limited to, recreation 

activities such as sport fishing, sport hunting, boating, sightseeing,

and hiking.

2. Legal traditional activities shall be allowed to continue where such 

use has previously occurred. No proof of pre-existing use will be 

required in order to use a snowmachine, motorboat, or fixed-wing 

airplane. No permits will be required for the general public to use 

these specific types of motorized transport or any nonmotorized 

surface transportation methods for traditional activities that are legal, 

unless an area is specifically closed to public use. Such use is 

subject to reasonable regulation by the Forest Service officer with 

delegated authority to protect Wilderness resources and other values 

from damage.

3. Restrictions or closures of specific areas within the Wilderness to 

transportation methods listed in "D" above, may be invoked by the 

Forest Service officer with the delegated authority following adequate 

Wilderness 3-16 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

public notice and public hearing, and the determination that such use 

would be detrimental to Wilderness resources and values. Closure 

of broad areas is not contemplated. 

4. Fixed-wing airplanes will be allowed to land on all suitable lakes, 

beaches, and icefields without authorization unless the activity (i.e., 

commercial use) requires a special use authorization. 

5. The landing of helicopters for access by the general public is 

prohibited.

E. Maintain existing public use cabins and shelters at present or improved 

condition. Consider additional public use cabins and/or shelters only 

when needed for health and safety purposes (ANILCA, Section 1315(d)).

1. Base new cabin or shelter locations on an analysis of public health 

and safety needs. The analysis shall include at least the following 

factors: 

a) Difficulty of access, particularly in regard to timely pick-up of 

users by floatplane or boat, or for emergency situations;

b) Presence of natural hazards including weather, brown bears, 

and dangerous tide and currents;

c) History of fatalities and life-threatening incidents in the area; and

d) Natural attractions that entice people to use a particular area.

2. Design of new or replacement cabins or shelters will use drawings 

approved for use in Wilderness.

3. Appurtenant structures to the cabin or shelter will be limited to a 

toilet, a woodshed, and minimum structures necessary for resource 

protection and accessibility.

4. All structures shall be built of materials that blend with, and are 

compatible with, the foreground and middleground landscape 

surrounding the site. 

5. Decisions to construct new cabins or relocate or move existing 

cabins must be supported by an environmental analysis.

6. The Forest Supervisor will inform Congress regarding any proposed 

public use cabin or shelter removal or additions (ANILCA, Section 

1315(d)). 

7. Report Wilderness managed to standard through INFRA each year.

F. All users will be encouraged to follow “Leave No Trace” practices. With 

the help of user groups, develop ways to distribute information for "Leave 

No Trace" practices. 

G. Maintain the recreation campsite inventories to help determine changes 

to Wilderness character and to meet minimum stewardship levels as 

provided through national direction.

Outfitter/Guide Operations

A. Special Use Authorizations permitting individuals or organizations to 

provide visitor services in Wilderness may be issued if there is 

demonstrated need for the service(s) and they are deemed appropriate 

for the area proposed. District Rangers and Monument Rangers will 

maintain a record of currently active authorizations.

1. In selecting persons to provide new visitor services, except for 

guided hunting and sport fishing, preference shall be given to: 1) the 

Native corporation most directly affected by the establishment of the 

subject Wilderness, and 2) local residents defined by the Secretary 

of Agriculture (ANILCA, Section 1307).consult ANILCA, Section 

1307.

2. Outfitter and guide permit holders may be authorized the use of 

assigned temporary campsites for specific dates within a use 

Forest Plan 3-17 Wilderness

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

season. Assigned campsites shall not include structures such as 

tent platforms or equipment caches (except as in 3. below). 

3. Outfitter and guide services for the taking of fish and wildlife may be 

allowed certain temporary camp facilities by ANILCA, Section 1316 

(see Lands section).

4. Authorize a party size of no more than 12 persons for any one site or 

activity. District Rangers or Monument Rangers may approve 

exceptions to this party size limitation in response to extremely 

unusual circumstances. Recurring exceptions should be justified in 

local area analyses or decision documents.

5. Outfitter and guide operating plans for Wilderness direct permit 

holders to model appropriate Wilderness practices and incorporate 

appreciation for Wilderness values in their interaction with clients and 

others.

Recreation Special Uses

A. Major and minor developments other than those specifically provided for 

in ANILCA or other applicable Wilderness designation acts are illegal or 

not consistent with agency policy and regulations. Refer to the 

Recreation and Tourism Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.

SCENERY Scenery Operations: SCENE1

A. Design activities to not be visually evident to the casual observer.

1. Apply Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines for the Very High or 

High Scenic Integrity Objective. This objective defines the maximum 

limit of allowable change to the visual character of the area. Less 

visible evidence of activities, such as those compatible with the Very 

High Scenic Integrity Objective, is preferred.

2. Design allowed structures, campsites, and constructed trails to meet 

the Moderate Scenic Integrity Objective. 

SOIL AND WATER Watershed Resource Improvements: SW4

A. Undertake watershed improvements only where deteriorated soil and 

hydrologic conditions caused by humans or their influences create a 

threat or loss of Wilderness values, or where such conditions could 

cause serious depreciation of important environmental qualities outside 

of the Wilderness. For exceptions, see the Fish section.

B. Whenever possible, use indigenous plant species and materials in 

implementing watershed improvements. 

SUBSISTENCE Subsistence: SUB

A. Rural residents engaged in subsistence uses shall have reasonable 

access to subsistence resources. Appropriate use of snowmachines, 

motorboats, and other means of surface transportation traditionally 

employed for such purposes by local residents shall be permitted, 

subject to reasonable regulation to protect Wilderness resource values 

(ANILCA Section 811). The use of other mechanical/motorized 

equipment, such as chainsaws, is allowed by special use authorization

only.

TIMBER Timber Resource Planning: TIM4

A. Forested land in the Wilderness is classified as not suitable for timber 

production and withdrawn from the timber base. 

Wilderness 3-18 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

B. The following types of public uses may be authorized if done in a manner 

that minimizes impacts on the Wilderness (the use of 

mechanical/motorized equipment, such as chainsaws, is allowed by 

special use authorization only):

1. Commercial beach log salvage on Wilderness coastlines may be 

authorized in accordance with ANILCA, Section 1315(f). Require 

that the recovery of logs above mean high tide be conducted from 

the water without roads or use of vehicles on uplands. Beach log 

salvage is defined as the recovery of logs that have been lost in 

transit and washed up on beaches.

2. Traditional personal use wood harvesting activities, primarily: a) 

beach logs on coastlines that can be removed without roads or use 

of vehicles on uplands, and b) firewood, subject to reasonable 

regulations to protect Wilderness resources and values. The cutting 

of down trees in navigable rivers (sweepers) and removal of trees 

from the banks is incompatible with Wilderness objectives (the main 

channel of the Stikine River, which is a treaty river, is an exception). 

Cutting of green trees (except for emergency cutting of trolling poles) 

will be by permit only. (Consult ANILCA, Section 1315(f) and 36 

CFR 223.10.)

3. Removal or use of trees cut as part of some other authorized 

administrative use within the Wilderness (e.g., clearing for a fish 

ladder).

4. Trees may be cut for use in construction and maintenance of 

authorized structures when it is not feasible to obtain the necessary 

material from outside the Wilderness.

TRAILS Trail Activities: TRAI1

A. Provide for a diversity of outdoor recreation trail and waterway 

opportunities that emphasizes the Primitive ROS class, or are the 

minimum standard necessary to protect Wilderness values and 

resources. Emphasize nonmotorized and nonmechanized participation 

in activities such as hiking, mountaineering, spelunking, cross-country 

skiing, canoeing, and kayaking. 

B. Emphasize primitive recreation opportunities that are in harmony with the 

natural environment and consistent with the intent and purposes of the 

Wilderness Act and ANILCA or other applicable Wilderness designation 

acts.

C. Consider trail systems that:

1. Reconstruct and maintain trails so that they appear to be part of the 

Wilderness environment;

2. Create connected, multi-day trip opportunities for both land trails and 

water trails;

3. Situate trailheads and access points away from concentrated use 

areas;

4. Loop trail systems in connection with public use cabins;

5. Primarily use signs for resource protection, as necessary;

6. Install signs identifying the area as Wilderness, only as necessary, at

trail junctions or trailheads; and

7. Provide Wilderness boundary signs, where necessary, at entries to

inform users of the change in management or conditions. 

Trail Administration: TRAI2

A. Trails and associated waterways leading to and within Wilderness and 

National Monument Wilderness often become the principal management 

Forest Plan 3-19 Wilderness

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

tools for achieving management objectives. Construct and maintain 

trails, bridges, and signs, so they:

1. Contribute to Wilderness management goals and objectives;

2. Emphasize the Primitive ROS setting;

3. Appear to be part of the Wilderness environment and not an intrusion 

upon it (Consult the Forest Service Trails Management Handbook 

and the Alaska Region Trails Construction and Maintenance Guide); 

and

4. Provide protection to resources (e.g., streambanks, soils, etc.).

TRANSPORTATION Transportation Operations: TRAN

A. New roads, new motorized trails, and new airstrips are not permitted in 

the Wilderness, except where authorized by ANILCA and to access 

surrounded state and private land and valid mining claims subject to 

stipulations to protect Wilderness resources and values. Any 

transportation development in association with minerals operations will 

be in accordance with an approved Plan of Operations, and subsequent 

annual work plans.

B. Any existing roads in the Wilderness are closed to motorized uses unless 

authorized under ANILCA or other applicable Wilderness designation 

acts.

C. Allow use of snowmachines (during periods of adequate snow cover), 

motorboats, fixed-wing airplanes, and non-motorized methods of surface 

transportation for legal traditional activities and transportation to and from 

villages and homesites, subject to reasonable regulation. (Consult 

ANILCA, Section 1110(a), and Wilderness and Recreation and Tourism 

Sections.)

D. Provide reasonable access to owners of land, including subsurface rights 

to land, valid mining claims, or other valid occupancies that are 

effectively surrounded by Wilderness. 

1. The routes and types of access shall be practical in an economic 

sense, but do not necessarily have to be the most economically 

feasible alternative.

2. District Rangers or Monument Rangers will work with the landowner, 

or their authorized representative, to work out solutions that will meet 

the intent of ANILCA (Sections 1110(b) and 1323), while minimizing 

adverse impacts on Wilderness resources and values.

WILDERNESS Wilderness Resource Administration: WILDER

Wilderness Resource Management

A. Manage all designated Wilderness and National Monument Wilderness

to maintain an enduring Wilderness resource as provided by the 

Wilderness Act of 1964, while providing for public access and uses 

specifically allowed by ANILCA (P.L. 96-487) or other applicable 

Wilderness designation acts. Consult Alaska Region Supplement to 

FSM 2320, as amended. Activities and practices authorized by ANILCA 

will be regulated or restricted in accordance with the special provisions of 

ANILCA.

1. Per ANILCA (Section 506 (a)), any right or interest in land granted or 

reserved in paragraph (3)(A, B, and C) shall not be subject to the 

provisions of the Wilderness Act.

B. Identify inventory needs for all Wilderness and National Monument 

Wilderness to meet minimum stewardship levels per the Wilderness Act 

Wilderness 3-20 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

of 1964. Accomplish baseline inventory needs commensurate with other 

forest inventory efforts.

C. Use available opportunities to encourage and enlist public and private 

sector interest groups to work together in meeting Wilderness 

management objectives. Emphasize programs that help in educating the 

public in the appropriate conduct of activities and uses within 

Wildernesses (e.g., "Leave No Trace").

D. To the extent feasible, minimize the impacts of administrative activities 

on the Wilderness resources and visitors. Administrative activities 

include authorized use and Wilderness resource-related work being done 

by other agencies and cooperators. In developing project plans, follow 

FMS 2300, R10 ID 2300-2006-1, FMS 2322.03 or most current version, 

and the guidelines described below.

1. Encourage permit holders and cooperators to minimize the use of 

mechanized vehicles and equipment to make their presence in the 

Wilderness as unobtrusive as possible even though authorized.

2. The use of mechanized transport and motorized equipment by the 

Forest Service and other federal, state, and local agencies for the 

administration of the Wilderness should be carefully considered to 

determine if it is necessary. Mechanized transport and motorized

equipment use is subject to the following conditions: 

a) Aircraft

♦ Fixed-wing airplanes may land on all suitable lakes, rivers, 

beaches, and icefields.

♦ The administrative use of helicopters may be allowed on a 

case-by-case basis after evaluation of the need and full 

consideration of all alternative options for access. Approval 

by the Forest Service officer with delegated authority is 

required for administrative use.

♦ Established air routes will be used to the extent feasible.

♦ Low flights and continuous circling should be avoided. 

♦ Work logistics will be planned to minimize the number of 

aircraft flights over the Wilderness and landings within a 

specific area.

b) Motorboats on Rivers

♦ Motorboats may be used on rivers for all administrative 

purposes under the same conditions that public use is 

allowed.

c) Motorboats on freshwater lakes

♦ Outboard motors of 10 horsepower or less may be used for 

administering the Wilderness, gathering firewood for public 

use cabins, and transporting crews and equipment on lakes. 

Exceptions for a larger motor may be allowed when use is 

approved by the District Ranger or Monument Ranger

(Consult FSM 2322.03).

d) Chainsaws and Power Brushers

♦ Use of chainsaws and power brushers is allowed for trail and 

cabin maintenance and firewood cutting when specially 

authorized in writing by the Forest Service officer with 

delegated authority (consult FSM 2322.03).

♦ Use of chainsaws and power brushers is allowed for trail 

construction and reconstruction projects when specifically 

authorized in writing by the Forest Service officer with 

delegated authority (consult FSM 2322.03).

e) Generators and Other Motorized Tools

Forest Plan 3-21 Wilderness

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

♦ Generators and other motorized tools may be used for 

construction/reconstruction projects only when use has been 

specifically authorized in writing by the Forest Service officer 

with delegated authority. They may not be used for typical

maintenance work or in field camps, except where specifically 

authorized by the Forest Service officer with delegated 

authority.

f) Snowmachines

♦ Snowmachines may be used to administer Wilderness under 

the same snow conditions that public use is allowed.

g) Exceptions

♦ Aircraft and mechanized equipment may be authorized by the 

Forest Service officer with delegated authority as needed for 

search and rescue purposes and law enforcement.

♦ The temporary use of motorized equipment may be allowed 

for fisheries research, management, rehabilitation, and 

enhancement activities, when such use is authorized in the 

project environmental assessment or Decision Notice 

approved by the Forest Service officer with delegated 

authority.

♦ The use of chainsaws and power winches is allowed for 

clearing of navigational hazards along the Stikine River. All 

other administrative activities must be completed using 

primitive nonmotorized/nonmechanized methods when

specifically authorized by the Forest Service officer with 

delegated authority (consult FSM 2322.03).

Wilderness Planning

A. Protect and perpetuate Wilderness character. Using the following four 

qualities, evaluate whether or not Wilderness character is degrading, 

stable, or improving over time:

1. Untrammeled,

2. Natural,

3. Undeveloped, and

4. Outstanding opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined 

recreation.

B. A minimum requirements analysis will be used for all management 

proposals and activities (consult FSM 2320).

C. All mechanized transportation or motorized equipment is reported 

annually by all other agencies if authorized using minimum requirements 

analysis. 

D. Update individual Wilderness plans if inconsistent with this Plan.

E. Wilderness plans may be developed or updated for an individual 

Wilderness in response to issues and concerns. All Wilderness plans for 

individual areas will be consistent with the Wilderness Act, ANILCA,

other applicable Wilderness designation acts, and the Forest Plan.

F. ROS classes may be adopted through Wilderness planning.

G. As needed and consistent with direction in this Forest Plan, update 

Wilderness Implementation Schedules and any other area plans, 

analyses, or decision documents applicable to a Wilderness. 

H. Establish subunit management zones within the Wilderness to deal with 

unique situations, or to integrate local issues and concerns with 

management activities, where necessary, to better accomplish 

Wilderness objectives.

Wilderness 3-22 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

1. The boundaries of subunits should generally be located on 

identifiable topographic features and/or coincide with existing ROS 

classification areas.

WILDLIFE Wildlife Habitat Planning: WILD1

A. Wildlife management activities will be consistent with Wilderness 

objectives, and will protect and maintain natural processes and 

Wilderness values.

B. Address issues regarding management, introduction, and re-introduction 

of wildlife species consistent with national and regional policy.

Wildlife Habitat Improvement: WILD2

A. Conduct wildlife habitat improvement projects only when the principal 

objective is to protect or restore the Wilderness resource, or to assist in 

the recovery of a federally listed threatened or endangered species.

Forest Plan 3-23 Wilderness

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

NONWILDERNESS NATIONAL MONUMENTS

Both National Monuments contain Congressionally designated Wilderness and Nonwilderness 

National Forest System lands. Management direction for Wilderness portions is provided in the 

Wilderness and National Monuments Wilderness LUDs section.

Goals

To manage Admiralty Island and Misty Fiords National Monuments for public access and uses 

consistent with the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA) and their 

respective Presidential Proclamations of 1978, which designated these units as National Monuments 

because of their superlative combination of significant scientific and historical features.

Admiralty Island, exclusive of the Mansfield Peninsula, was designated as a National 

Monument for the scientific purpose of preserving intact a unique coastal island ecosystem. 

The goal of preservation was to ensure continued opportunities for study of Admiralty Island’s 

ecology and its notable cultural, historical, and wildlife resources, within its relatively unspoiled 

natural ecosystem. Protection and study of Tlingit cultural resources, other historical resources, 

brown bear and bald eagle populations are specifically directed.

Misty Fiords was designated as a National Monument to serve the scientific purposes of 

preserving a unique ecosystem and the remarkable geologic and biological objects and 

features it contains. The goal of preservation was to ensure continued opportunities for study 

of Misty Fiord’s geology and ecology, including the complete range of coastal to interior 

climates and ecosystems. Protection and study of the geology, plant and animal succession, 

historical resources, and fish and wildlife resources are specifically directed.

To facilitate the development of significant mineral resources located within portions of Admiralty 

Island and Misty Fiords National Monuments, as specified by ANILCA.

To protect objects of ecological, cultural, geological, historical, pre-historical, and scientific interest, as 

specified by ANILCA, and the Plan of Operations, as well as minimize effects on non-mineral 

resources to the extent feasible. In the long term, when mining is completed, to reclaim areas

disturbed by mining to a near-natural condition.

To limit mining activities to claims with valid existing rights, and to the land area actually needed to 

carry out mining operations. 

Objectives

Inventory, research, protect, and interpret National Monument resources as directed by National 

Monument designations.

Make resource and research information about the National Monuments available to other Forest 

units where it may be beneficial for management of multiple use lands.

Ensure that the Plan of Operations for each mineral development specify the activities to be 

conducted, the location and timing of those activities, and how the environment and resources in 

each area will be protected through compliance with federal and state requirements.

In areas affected by mining, manage activities to maintain the productivity of anadromous fish and 

other foodfish habitat to the maximum extent feasible. Stress protection of fish habitat to prevent the 

need for mitigation.

In areas affected by mining, manage public recreation use as directed in the Plan of Operations. 

Outside these areas, manage recreation use and activities to meet the appropriate levels of social 

encounters, on-site developments, methods of access, and visitor impacts indicated for the adopted 

or existing Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS), as appropriate.

Nonwilderness National Monuments 3-24 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Locate and manage trails to direct the public away from mining operations.

Develop reclamation plans prior to project initiation. Include, as needed, rehabilitation of fish and 

wildlife habitats, soil resources, and the scenery. 

Desired Condition

The purposes of National Monument designation are fulfilled by protecting and learning more about 

the special resources they contain. Appropriate research is encouraged and supported and 

contributes to both the purposes of the National Monuments Wilderness and improved management 

of other Forest lands. Appropriate interpretive and educational efforts allow the public to better 

understand the resources of these special areas and appreciate how these areas fit into the local, 

regional, and even global context of geology, ecology, and human history.

During mining operations, mining activities are localized and limited to the area necessary for their 

efficient and orderly development. Off-site effects to National Monument resources are minimal, and 

most Monument users are not aware of, or affected by, the mines. After the completion of mining, 

reclamation of the affected areas is done to minimize the evidence of past mining and, to the 

maximum extent feasible, seek to return the area to generally natural conditions. Ultimately, the 

entire Nonwilderness National Monument provides the same natural settings and recreation 

experiences as the adjacent National Monument Wilderness areas.

Forest Plan 3-25 Nonwilderness National Monuments

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

Nonwilderness National Monuments Land Use Designation

Apply the following Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines located in Chapter 4:

Category Section Subsections

Air AIR All

Beach and Estuary Fringe BEACH1 All

BEACH2 I (A:1-3,8)

Facilities FAC All 

Fire FIRE All

Fish FISH All

Forest Health HEALTH1 I(B;C)

Heritage Resources/Sacred Sites HSS All

Invasive Species INV All

Karst and Cave Resources KC All

Lands LAND All

Minerals and Geology MG1 All

MG2 I,III-VIII

Plants PLA All

Recreation and Tourism REC1, 3 All

REC2 I,II(A),III

Riparian RIP1 All

RIP2 I,II(A-F)

Rural Community Assistance RUR All

Scenery SCENE All

Soil and Water SW1, 2, 4 All

SW3 I(A:1-4;6-7,B-F),II

Subsistence SUB All 

Timber TIM1,2 All

TIM4

TIM6

VII(D)

I(A-C;E)

Trails TRAI1,2 All

Transportation TRAN1, 2, 3, 6 All

TRAN4 II-IV

Wetlands WET All

Wildlife WILD1 All

WILD2 All

WILD4 All

Apply the following Plan Content located in Chapter 5:

Category Section Plan Component

Young-growth Direction All None

Renewable Energy Direction All All

Transportation Systems 

Corridors Direction

All All

Forest-wide Plan Components All All

Apply the following LUD Standards and Guidelines:

FACILITIES Facilities Improvements: FAC2 and FAC3

A. Allow structures needed and authorized for the extraction of mineral 

deposits, specially authorized activities, and for the protection of National 

Monument values. 

Nonwilderness National Monuments 3-26 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

FIRE Fire Suppression: FIRE1

Suppression Action

A. Suppress wildfires using the suppression option identified in the Alaska 

Interagency Wildland Fire Management Plan. 

B. Emphasize suppression tactics resulting in the least possible disturbance 

or evidence of human presence.

1. Use of mechanized equipment will require approval by the Forest 

Service officer with delegated authority.

2. Suppression tactics will avoid human/bear conflicts and existing 

policy will be emphasized to leave no trash or any other kinds of 

bear attractants in the area.

3. Rehabilitation of all campsites, suppression lines, and other 

evidence of human presence will occur as soon as it is safe, but 

within one year after the fire occurs.

Fuel Improvements: FIRE2

Prescribed Fire

A. As a general management practice, do not use management-ignited 

prescribed fire. Should it become necessary to consider the use of 

management-ignited prescribed fire, consult Forest Service Manual 

(FSM) 2324.

B. Outside the active mining area, use prescribed fire only to perpetuate 

natural ecological processes. As a general management practice, do not 

use prescribed natural fire (consult FSM 5142).

FISH Fish Habitat Planning: FISH2

Planning and Mitigation

A. In areas affected by mining, manage activities to maintain the present 

and continued productivity of anadromous fish and other foodfish habitat

to the maximum extent feasible (consult ANILCA, Section 505 (a).)

B. Stress protection of fish habitat to prevent the need for mitigation. 

Mitigation, rehabilitation, and monitoring of mining impacts to fish habitat 

or populations shall be identified in appropriate environmental 

documents, Plan of Operations, and updates and amendments to each. 

Stocking of sport fish will generally be employed only to re-establish 

indigenous stock depleted by human influences. Stocking of indigenous 

species in currently barren waters may be considered, where 

appropriate, to the purposes of National Monument management. 

C. Mining impacts to fish habitat shall be mitigated by the mining operator 

(consult ANILCA, Section 505 (b) for Quartz Hill).

Planning Fish Enhancement

A. Provide for fisheries habitat enhancement subject to the goal of restoring 

and maintaining fish production in the State of Alaska. (Consult ANILCA, 

Sections 507 and 1315(b) and the Regional Comprehensive Salmon 

Plans.) Consider the suitability of fish habitat enhancement, during 

project planning, by evaluating: 1) availability of suitable non-Monument, 

Non-wilderness opportunities; 2) effects on Monument conditions in 

general; 3) effects on Monument ecosystems and desired solitude level 

due to an enhanced fishery resulting in increased recreation use; 4) 

effects on ecosystems due to the introduction of species not indigenous 

to the watershed; and 5) the appropriateness of structures both in type 

and scale to the ROS setting.

Forest Plan 3-27 Nonwilderness National Monuments

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

Fish Habitat Improvement: FISH3

A. Use construction techniques that are consistent with Monument 

management.

1. Construct only those facilities essential to operations and in a rustic 

manner to blend into the natural character of the area (consult 

ANILCA, Section 1315 (b)).

2. Land-disturbing activities necessary for construction will be 

temporary.

FOREST HEALTH Forest Health Management: HEALTH1

A. Allow natural occurrences to play their normal role in ecological 

succession.

B. Scientific study of natural populations is encouraged using research 

methods appropriate for the National Monument setting and goals.

Forest Insect and Disease Survey and Inventory: HEALTH2

A. Survey and inventory visible outbreaks.

HERITAGE Heritage Resource Activities: HSS1

Inventory

A. Activities that have the potential to affect heritage resources shall be in 

compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106, 110.

B. Inventory heritage resources in valid, existing mineral claims prior to the 

approval of a Plan of Operations for mineral activities.

C. Inventory and evaluation may be done at the operator's discretion and 

cost, provided that the inventory and evaluation is accomplished under 

the supervision of a qualified heritage resource specialist and authorized 

by a special use authorization.

D. Include, as part of the Plan of Operations, specific protective and/or 

mitigation measures to be taken by the operator who is responsible for 

the cost of any such protective or mitigation measures.

Enhancement

A. Heritage resources are available for recreational, scenic, scientific, 

educational, conservation, and historic uses.

1. Provide for the scientific study and interpretation of heritage 

resources to visitors.

INVASIVE SPECIES Invasive Species Monitoring and Treatment: INV2 and INV3

A. Non-native, invasive species monitoring and treatment will be 

accomplished in accordance with specific District- or Forest-level plans 

and strategies.

KARST AND CAVES Cave Management Program: KC2

A. Identify opportunities for interpretation of caves for public education and 

enjoyment. Interpretation will generally occur outside this LUD.

B. Manage caves as Class 1 (Sensitive) or Class 3 (Undeveloped) as 

described in the Karst and Cave Resources Forest-wide Standards and

Guidelines.

Nonwilderness National Monuments 3-28 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

LANDS Special Use Administration (Non-Recreation): LAND2

A. Authorize special uses to facilitate mineral-related activities. Authorize 

other uses if they do not substantially conflict with mineral-related 

activities.

1. Authorizations must be compatible with the purposes for which the 

area was established, subject to exceptions provided by ANILCA.

Landline Location and Maintenance: LAND4

A. Provide adequate marking for the public and Forest Service employees 

to distinguish land ownership and land classification.

1. Survey, mark, and post property lines to Wilderness or National 

Monument standards along trails, canoe routes, and other 

transportation corridors or areas of frequent human use.

2. Determine survey, marking, and posting priorities by the degree to 

which the adjacent LUD is compatible with the National Monument 

management objectives.

Land Ownership Adjustments: LAND6

A. Allow and assist in the process for valid mining claims embracing 

locatable commodities to go to patent, subject to the requirements of 

ANILCA.

MINERALS AND Minerals and Geology Resource Preparation: MG1

GEOLOGY Resource Preparation

A. Prepare geologic, paleontologic, and historic mining interpretations,

where appropriate.

Minerals and Geology Administration: MG1 and MG2

Lands Withdrawn from Mineral Entry

A. National Forest System lands within this LUD are withdrawn from 

additional mineral entry (ANILCA, Section 503).

B. Claimants with valid claims located in areas withdrawn from mineral 

entry retain valid existing rights if such rights are established prior to the 

date the area was withdrawn from mineral entry.

C. Permit reasonable access to mining claims in accordance with the 

provisions of an approved Plan of Operations.

D. The Plan of Operations for mining projects describes the activities that 

will be conducted, the location and timing of those activities, and how the 

environment and resources in each area will be protected through 

compliance with federal and state requirements. (Consult ANILCA, 

Sections 503 and 504.)

E. Issue leases and other necessary associated permits in accordance with 

ANILCA, Sections 503 and 504.

RECREATION AND Recreation Use Administration: REC3

TOURISM Recreation Management and Operations

A. To the degree consistent with the overall purposes of National 

Monument management, provide a spectrum of wildland recreation 

opportunities that reflect the existing ecological, historical, and 

sociological conditions found within the Monument. 

B. Continue to manage for the established ROS opportunities and 

appropriate activities throughout the LUD unless specifically closed to 

public use. Protect the integrity of National Monument resources through 

Forest Plan 3-29 Nonwilderness National Monuments

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

integrated project planning and implementation within the National 

Monument. 

1. Manage for the existing recreation settings and opportunities unless 

scheduled activities and practices cause a change in the ROS 

setting(s). Manage recreation use in a manner that is compatible 

with the long-term objectives of the Monument.

2. In locations where scheduled activities change the recreation 

setting(s), manage the new setting(s) in accordance with the 

appropriate ROS guidelines. Maintain the capability of the National 

Monument to provide appropriate quality recreation opportunities on 

a sustained basis.

C. Manage and regulate public recreation use within this LUD area in 

accordance with direction contained in the Plan of Operations for the 

respective mining operations. Outside the area covered by the Plan of 

Operations, manage recreation use and activities to meet the appropriate 

levels of social encounters, on-site development, methods of access, 

and visitor impacts indicated for the established ROS settings. 

D. Consider additional public use cabins and/or shelters when needed to 

meet recreation demand within the National Monument. 

E. With the help of user groups, develop "no trace" camping and use 

programs to encourage the dispersal and use of durable campsites. 

Where dispersal is not feasible, develop designated campsites and 

encourage their use. 

F. Designation of motorized routes for off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in 

Nonwilderness National Monument LUDs is generally not allowed. 

Designation may only occur where documented local traditional use has 

occurred and the route is compatible with Monument management 

objectives. 

Establishment of Subunit Management Zones

A. Where necessary, to better accomplish Nonwilderness National 

Monument management objectives, establish special management 

zones within the Monument to deal with unique situations, or to integrate 

local issues and concerns with management activities. 

1. The boundaries of subunits should generally be located on 

identifiable topographic features and/or coincide with an established 

ROS area.

Recreation Special Uses

A. Major developments are generally not consistent with the objectives of 

this LUD. Development proposals require scrutiny for the magnitude and 

scope of conformance. Refer to the Recreation and Tourism Forest-wide 

Standards and Guidelines.

B. Minor developments may be compatible with the LUD objectives 

depending on the scope, purpose, and magnitude of the proposal. 

Proposals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Refer to the 

Recreation and Tourism Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines. 

SCENERY Scenery Operations: SCENE1

A. Manage the visual resource to be compatible with Nonwilderness 

Monument objectives.

1. Adopted Scenic Integrity Objectives will range from High in those 

portions of the Monument without access, to Very Low in those 

portions developed in connection with mineral activities. 

Site-specific Scenic Integrity Objective and rehabilitation objectives 

Nonwilderness National Monuments 3-30 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

will be identified in specific Plan of Operations for mineral 

operations.

SUBSISTENCE Subsistence: SUB

A. Assess the effect of continued existing subsistence uses on the 

long-term condition and natural succession of National Monument 

ecosystems.

TIMBER Timber Resource Planning: TIM4

A. Forested land is classified as not suitable for timber production and 

withdrawn from the timber base. Any timber removal associated with 

mineral access and facility development will not count toward the 

Projected Timber Sale Quantity (PTSQ).

B. Commercial beach log salvage on coastlines may be authorized in 

accordance with ANILCA, Section 1315(f). Require that the recovery of 

logs above mean high tide be conducted from the water without roads or 

use of vehicles on uplands. Beach log salvage is defined as the 

recovery of logs that have been lost in transit and washed up on 

beaches.

C. Allow the following traditional personal use wood harvesting activities: 1) 

primarily beach logs on coastlines that can be removed without roads or 

use of vehicles on uplands, and 2) firewood in National Monuments, 

subject to reasonable regulations to protect Monument resources. The 

cutting of down trees in navigable rivers (sweepers) and removal of trees 

from the banks is discouraged. Cutting of green trees (except for 

emergency cutting of trolling poles) will be by permit only. (Consult 

ANILCA Section 1315(f) and 36 CFR 223.10.)

Timber Resource Improvements: TIM2 

A. Rehabilitation, including reforestation, will be a function of mineral 

development and not a timber management objective.

TRAILS Trail Administration: TRAI2

A. During the period of mining development and operation, plan and locate 

trails within this LUD to direct the public away from mining operations. 

Construct and maintain trails and related facilities so that they contribute 

to desired conditions and appear to be an appropriate part of the 

Monument environment and not an intrusion upon it. (Consult the Forest 

Service Trails Management Handbook.)

TRANSPORTATION Transportation Operations: TRAN

A. New roads are not permitted, except: 1) to access valid mining claims 

and state or private lands not otherwise reasonably accessible; and 2) 

for transportation and utility systems in accordance with ANILCA, Title 

XI.

B. Further development of transportation systems in association with 

minerals extraction will be in accordance with an approved Plan of 

Operations and subsequent annual work plans.

C. Roads in this LUD are generally closed to public use.

D. Use of snowmachines, motorboats, aircraft, and non-motorized methods 

of surface transportation are permitted.

Forest Plan 3-31 Nonwilderness National Monuments

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

WILDLIFE Wildlife Habitat Planning: WILD1

A. Mitigation, rehabilitation, and monitoring of mining impacts to wildlife 

habitats or populations shall be identified in environmental documents, 

Plan of Operations, and updates and amendments to each.

B. Address issues regarding management, introduction, and re-introduction 

of wildlife species consistent with national and regional policy.

Wildlife Habitat Improvement: WILD2 

A. Wildlife habitat improvements must have as their principal objective the 

protection or restoration of the National Monument resources.

B. Scientific study of indigenous species and their habitats is encouraged 

with emphasis on identifying their roles in ecosystem dynamics and 

impacts of human uses.

Nonwilderness National Monuments 3-32 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

RESEARCH NATURAL AREA

Goals

To preserve areas of ecological importance in their natural condition for the purposes of research, 

monitoring, education, and/or to maintain natural diversity.

To allow natural physical and biological processes to prevail without human intervention. 

Objectives

Provide opportunities for baseline monitoring of ecological processes and non-manipulative research 

and observation.

Maintain the natural, undisturbed character of each area by:

• Permitting no permanent facilities, and no roads or trails except for research purposes or as 

otherwise provided by law;

• Recommending withdrawal of the area from mineral entry when necessary, subject to valid 

existing rights;

• Limiting recreation uses to those that do not affect or alter natural biological processes; and

• Allowing vegetative manipulation, fish enhancements, wildlife improvements, and/or soil and 

water improvements only if they will provide a closer approximation of natural conditions than 

would be possible otherwise.

Desired Condition

All Research Natural Areas (RNAs) on the Tongass National Forest are characterized by essentially 

unmodified environments in which natural ecological processes prevail. They remain undisturbed by 

human uses or activities, and provide quality opportunities for non-manipulative scientific research, 

observation, and study. The RNA network is representative of the predominant vegetation types, 

wildlife habitats, and aquatic communities of the Tongass. The "National Hierarchical Framework of 

Ecological Units" is used to identify sites to be represented in the RNA network. RNAs are used as 

monitoring reference areas to evaluate other lands where management activities are undertaken to 

assess the effectiveness of various standards, guidelines, and mitigation measures in reducing or 

preventing adverse environmental effects.

Forest Plan 3-33 Research Natural Area

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

Research Natural Areas Land Use Designation

Apply the following Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines located in Chapter 4:

Category Section Subsections

Air AIR All

Beach and Estuary Fringe BEACH None

Facilities FAC None

Fire FIRE1 All

Fish FISH All

Forest Health HEALTH All

Heritage Resources/Sacred Sites HSS All

Invasive Species INV All

Karst and Cave Resources KC1 All

KC2 All

Lands LAND2 VII

LAND4 All

Minerals and Geology MG All

Plants PLA All

Recreation and Tourism REC1 All

REC2 I(A)

REC3 I,II,III(B),VI,VII

Riparian RIP1 All 

RIP2 I,II(A-D)

Rural Community Assistance RUR All

Scenery SCENE1 All

SCENE2 I,II(A,E)

SCENE3 All

Soil and Water SW1, 2 All

SW3 I(A:1-4,B-F)

Subsistence SUB All

Timber TIM1

TIM6

All

I(A-C;E)

Wetlands WET II

Wildlife WILD1 I, II, V, VII,VIII,

IX(A,C,E); X;XI; 

XII(A,B); XIII; 

XIV(A); XV;

XVI;XVIII(A);

XIX

WILD4 All

Apply the following Plan Content located in Chapter 5:

Category Section Plan Component

Young-growth Direction All None

Renewable Energy Direction All All except 

S-RE-LAND-01 and 

S-RE-TRAN-01

Transportation Systems Corridors

Direction

All All except

S-TSC-LAND-01

Forest-wide Plan Components All All

Research Natural Area 3-34 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Apply the following LUD Standards and Guidelines:

FACILITIES Facilities Improvements: FAC2 and FAC3

A. No buildings are allowed. (Consult Forest Service Manual [FSM] 4063 

for authorizing temporary physical improvements, which requires 

approval by the Pacific Northwest Research Station Director.)

FIRE Fire Suppression: FIRE1

Suppression Action

A. As a general guide, extinguish human-ignited fires that endanger 

Research Natural Areas as quickly as possible, using means that will 

cause minimal damage to the area. Naturally ignited fires are generally 

not suppressed unless they pose a threat to adjacent lands, life and 

property.

Fuel Improvements: FIRE2

Prescribed Fire

A. Use prescribed fire, including those ignited by management as well as 

natural ignitions, only if the land manager is certain that it will provide a 

closer approximation of natural vegetation than would be possible 

otherwise. (Consult FSM 5142.)

FISH Fish Habitat Planning: FISH2

A. Allow enhancement of fish habitat only if it will provide a closer 

approximation of natural conditions than would be possible otherwise. 

FOREST HEALTH Forest Health Management: HEALTH1

A. Implement insect and disease management measures only if the 

Regional Forester and Pacific Northwest Research Station Director 

deem such action necessary to protect the features for which the RNA 

was established or proposed, or to protect adjacent resources. More 

specifically, 1) if endemic, consider no management; 2) if exotic, 

consider control; 3) if past insect and disease management activities 

(e.g., insect and disease and/or fire suppression) have exacerbated the 

threat to the RNA, consider control; and 4) if insects and disease in the 

RNA threaten adjacent lands, consider control.

Forest Insect and Disease Survey and Inventory: HEALTH2

A. Survey and inventory visible outbreaks.

HERITAGE Heritage Resource Activities: HSS1

A. Locate, evaluate, and protect significant heritage resources.

Interpretation may be provided when it can be done while maintaining 

unmodified natural conditions and processes.

KARST AND CAVES Cave Management Program: KC2

A. Identify opportunities for interpretation of caves for public education and 

enjoyment. Interpretation will generally occur outside this LUD.

B. Manage caves as Class 1 (Sensitive) or Class 3 (Undeveloped) as 

described in the Karst and Cave Resources Forest-wide Standards and

Guidelines.

Forest Plan 3-35 Research Natural Area

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

LANDS Special Use Administration (Non-Recreation): LAND2

A. Except as otherwise provided by law, allow only activities that will 

preserve the RNA in an unmodified condition, or activities that serve 

research purposes. (Consult FSM 2700 and 4063.)

1. Coordinate all special use proposals with the Pacific Northwest 

Research Station Director, to ensure compatibility with research 

objectives.

2. Do not authorize activities that modify natural ecological processes.

3. Do not permit roads, fences, or signs in an RNA, unless they 

contribute to the management objectives or the protection of the 

area.

4. Do not authorize new buildings, and remove existing unauthorized 

buildings when feasible.

5. Consider authorizing temporary facilities, such as tent platforms, 

when directly and necessarily related to the taking of fish and 

wildlife, when approved by the Pacific Northwest Research Station 

Director in consultation with the Forest Supervisor. (See the Lands 

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines for additional information.)

6. Only the Pacific Northwest Research Station Director, after 

consultation with the Forest Supervisor, can approve plans for 

temporary water and atmospheric gauging stations and instrument 

shelters. Ensure that such plans contain provisions for tenure of the 

facility, actions to be taken, time limits for completion of actions, and 

identification of parties responsible for returning disturbed areas to a 

natural condition.

7. Encourage the use of RNAs by scientists and educators. Refer 

research applicants to the Pacific Northwest Research Station 

Director, who will approve study plans in consultation with the 

Forest Supervisor. Upon approval of the study plan, the District 

Ranger authorizes access to the area.

8. Do not allow road or trail development or special uses of a 

permanent nature, except for research and education purposes, 

unless otherwise provided by law.

Landline Location and Maintenance: LAND4

A. Ensure that the boundaries of RNAs are clearly identifiable in the field 

and in administrative records.

Land Ownership Adjustments: LAND6

A. Acquire private inholdings as opportunities arise.

LAW ENFORCEMENT Law Enforcement Activities: LAW

A. Where a special closure is necessary to protect an RNA, recommend a 

closure order under provisions of 36 CFR 261.50. Ensure that such 

orders incorporate the special closure provisions of 36 CFR 261.53. 

(Consult FSM 4060.)

MINERALS AND Minerals and Geology Administration: MG1 and MG2

GEOLOGY Mineral Withdrawals

A. Designated RNAs may be withdrawn from mineral entry, subject to valid 

existing rights. 

B. Permit reasonable access to mining claims with valid existing rights in 

accordance with the provisions of an approved Plan of Operations.

Research Natural Area 3-36 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

C. Mineral leasing and material sales are allowable in areas open to mineral 

entry at the discretion of the authorized officer and in accordance with 

Forest Service Minerals Regulations 36 CFR 228 and FSM 2800.

RECREATION AND Recreation Use Administration: REC3

TOURISM Recreation Management and Operations

A. Provide only those specific types and intensities of recreation activities 

and opportunities that can be accommodated without endangering or 

altering the natural biological processes occurring within the RNA.

B. Issue appropriate orders regulating public use within the area that are 

necessary to ensure non-degradation of the natural environments for 

which the RNA was established or proposed.

C. Designation of motorized routes for off-highway vehicles in RNAs is 

generally not allowed. Designation may only occur where documented 

local traditional use has occurred and the route can be accommodated 

without endangering or altering the natural biological processes 

occurring within the RNA. 

Recreation Special Uses

A. Neither major nor minor developments are allowed because they are 

incompatible with the objectives of this LUD. Refer to the Recreation 

and Tourism Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.

SCENERY Scenery Operations: SCENE1

A. Allow the visual character of the area to evolve naturally.

1. Apply Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines for the High Scenic 

Integrity Objective.

SOIL AND WATER Watershed Resource Improvement: SW4

A. Soil and water resources evolve under natural conditions. Allow 

improvement of soil and water resources only if it will provide a closer 

approximation of natural conditions than would be possible otherwise. 

SUBSISTENCE Subsistence: SUB

A. Seek to provide customary and traditional subsistence opportunities 

consistent with the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 

1980.

TIMBER Timber Resource Planning: TIM4 

A. Forested lands are classified as not suitable for timber production.

B. Vegetation is allowed to evolve in natural undisturbed conditions. 

Non-native plants are removed if feasible. Avoid RNAs when other 

feasible locations for personal use wood cutting are available. If 

personal (free) use timber harvest is allowed, personal permit 

requirements must satisfy LUD objectives (refer to Chapter 4, Personal 

Use Program, Section TIM4). Personal use timber harvest will be 

regulated and its cumulative effects monitored in LUDs that are 

unsuitable for timber harvest to ensure that the LUD objectives are 

fulfilled. Christmas tree cutting is incompatible with LUD objectives.

C. Administrative use of timber is generally incompatible.

Forest Plan 3-37 Research Natural Area

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

TRAILS Trail Activities: TRAI1

A. Locating trails in this LUD is not allowed unless they contribute to the 

objectives or the protection of the area, unless otherwise provided by 

law.

TRANSPORTATION Transportation Operations 

A. Unless otherwise provided by law, do not locate roads in this LUD unless 

they contribute to the objectives or protection of the area.

WILDLIFE Wildlife Habitat Improvement: WILD2

A. Wildlife habitats evolve in natural conditions and non-native plants and 

animals are removed where possible. Allow wildlife habitat 

enhancement only if it provides a closer approximation of natural 

conditions.

Research Natural Area 3-38 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

SPECIAL INTEREST AREA

Goals

To provide for the inventory, maintenance, interpretation, and protection of the existing characteristics 

and attributes of areas with unique cultural, geological, botanical, zoological, recreational, scenic, or 

other special features.

Objectives

Provide opportunities for public study, use, and enjoyment of unique natural areas that are suitable to, 

and do not compromise, the characteristics of each area.

Allow only facilities and recreation developments that contribute to the interpretation of natural 

features or provide for compatible public uses, and that blend with the natural setting.

Provide for existing Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) opportunities and activities, unless 

public use is specifically restricted for the protection of other resources.

Consider withdrawing each area from mineral entry, subject to valid existing rights, on a case-by-case 

basis, if mineral development would not be consistent with protecting the unique features of the area.

Apply the High Scenic Integrity Objective except around developed interpretive facilities, and other 

developments or structures.

Allow fish, wildlife, and/or soil and water improvements if they are compatible with the purposes for 

which each Special Interest Area was established.

Develop management plans for those Special Interest Areas needing specific direction for achieving 

these goals and objectives.

Desired Condition

All Special Interest Areas on the Tongass National Forest are characterized by generally unmodified 

environments in which unique natural features are preserved. They remain largely undisturbed by 

human uses or activities, except for localized interpretive purposes and, in some cases, recreation 

developments, and provide quality opportunities for public study, use, and enjoyment. Each is an 

example of one or more cultural, geological, botanical, zoological, paleontological, or other special 

features unique within the Tongass. 

• Cultural areas possess prehistoric/historic sites, buildings, or artifacts of National Register of 

Historic Places Significance or having special cultural associations with Native Americans.

• Scenic areas are comprised of landscapes of outstanding beauty or natural characteristics, 

such as glaciers, alpine, and areas of diverse vegetative patterns/coverage. These are areas 

that could be viewed for a long duration from specific vantage points, such as developed 

recreation sites, trails, anchorages, travel routes, and communities.

• Geological areas have unique geologic features of the earth's development, including caves, 

volcanic features, stratigraphic and structural features, and fossilized specimens of plants and 

animals.

• Botanical areas contain specimens or groups of plants, plant groups, and plant communities 

that are significant because of form, color, occurrence, habitat location, life history, 

arrangement, ecology, environment, rarity, and/or other features.

• Zoological areas contain unique or significant animals, animal groups, or animal communities, 

habitat, location, life history, ecology, environment, rarity, or other features.

Forest Plan 3-39 Special Interest Area

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

Special Interest Area Land Use Designation

Apply the following Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines located in Chapter 4:

Category Section Subsections

Air AIR All

Beach and Estuary Fringe BEACH1 All

BEACH2 I(A:1-6,10,11)

Facilities FAC All 

Fire FIRE All

Fish FISH All

Forest Health HEALTH All

Heritage Resources/Sacred Sites HSS All

Invasive Species INV All

Karst and Cave Resources KC All

Lands LAND All

Minerals and Geology MG All

Plants PLA All

Recreation and Tourism REC All

Riparian RIP1 All

RIP2 I,II(A-D,F)

Rural Community Assistance RUR All

Scenery SCENE All

Soil and Water SW1, 2, 4 All

SW3 I(A:1-4,6-7,BF),II,III

Subsistence SUB All 

Timber TIM1,7

TIM4

TIM6

All

VII

I(A-C;E),III

Trails TRAI All

Transportation TRAN1, 2, 3, 5, 6 All

TRAN4 I-IV

Wetlands WET All

Wildlife WILD1, 3, 4 All

Apply the following Plan Content located in Chapter 5:

Category Section Plan Component

Young-growth Direction All None

Renewable Energy Direction All All except 

S-RE-LAND-01 and 

S-RE-TRAN-01

Transportation Systems Corridors

Direction

All All except

S-TSC-LAND-01

Forest-wide Plan Components All All

Special Interest Area 3-40 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Apply the following LUD Standards and Guidelines:

FACILITIES Facilities Improvements: FAC2 and FAC3

A. Allow administrative, interpretive and information sites as needed to 

accomplish Special Interest Area objectives.

FIRE Fire Suppression: FIRE1

Suppression Action

A. Suppress wildfires using the suppression action that minimizes fire 

suppression cost and resource damage. The action must meet the 

Special Interest Area objectives.

B. Suppression tactics will be compatible with Special Interest Area 

objectives.

Fuel Improvements: FIRE2

Prescribed Fire

A. Use management-ignited prescribed fire if it is compatible with the 

Special Interest Area objectives.

B. As a general management practice, do not use prescribed natural fire 

(consult FSM 5142).

FISH Fish Habitat Planning: FISH2 

A. Provide for public interpretation of fish habitats, habitat enhancement 

projects, and associated special fisheries conditions in appropriate 

Special Interest Areas.

B. Allow fish enhancement projects if they are compatible with Special 

Interest Area objectives.

FOREST HEALTH Forest Health Management: HEALTH1

A. Implement insect and disease management measures, consistent with 

Special Interest Area objectives, to protect the area's special features 

and adjacent resources. 

Forest Insect and Disease Survey and Inventory: HEALTH2

A. Survey and inventory visible outbreaks.

HERITAGE Heritage Resource Activities: HSS1

Inventory

A. Identify significant heritage properties that include archaeological, 

historical, religious, or areas that contain specific Forest resources of 

heritage value used for Native art and craft forms.

Evaluation and Protection

A. Heritage resource properties that are classified as Special Interest Areas 

under 36 CFR 294 shall be evaluated for the National Register of Historic 

Places and as possible National Historic Landmarks as established in 

36 CFR 63.

1. Establish the exterior boundary of heritage resource properties on 

the ground if determined necessary to protect the site.

2. Protect heritage resource properties from degradation from effects 

of management activities occurring within adjacent LUDs.

Forest Plan 3-41 Special Interest Area

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

3. Manage for the availability and use of forest products for traditional 

Native heritage activities, while maintaining the physical and 

scientific integrity of the heritage resource properties.

4. Provide interpretive devices to explain special features and 

protective regulations.

5. Provide for interpretive activities that enhance the recreation 

experience, while protecting the unique values for which the 

heritage resource property was designated.

6. Prevent the use of heritage resource property when national policy 

or sensitivity of unique values requires closure.

KARST AND CAVES Cave Management Program: KC2

A. Identify opportunities for interpretation of caves for public education and 

enjoyment. Interpretation may occur inside or outside of this LUD.

LANDS Special Use Administration (Non-Recreation): LAND2

A. Issue only those special use authorizations that will perpetuate the 

unique values that led to the designation or proposal to designate the 

Special Interest Area.

1. Issue authorizations that will aid in the maintenance, improvement, 

and protection of the existing characteristics and attributes of the 

Special Interest Area.

2. Analyze each proposal on a case-by-case basis, using an 

interdisciplinary process.

Land Ownership Adjustments: LAND6

A. Acquire private inholdings as opportunities arise.

MINERALS AND Minerals and Geology Resource Preparation: MG1

GEOLOGY Resource Preparation

A. Prepare geologic, paleontologic, and historic mining interpretations of 

Special Interest Areas, where appropriate.

Minerals and Geology Administration: MG2

Forest Lands Withdrawn from Mineral Entry

A. Consider recommending that Special Interest Areas be withdrawn from 

mineral entry, subject to valid existing rights, when mining would not be 

compatible with the area's objectives.

B. Permit reasonable access to mining claims with valid existing rights in 

accordance with the provisions of an approved Plan of Operations.

RECREATION AND Recreation Use Administration: REC3

TOURISM Recreation Management and Operations

A. Regulate use based on studies reflecting the effect of recreation and 

tourism activities on the unique features for which the Special Interest 

Area is established. Studies need only be done where a conflict may 

exist.

1. Consider providing interpretation of the unique characteristics of the 

Special Interest Area.

2. If studies indicate human use adversely affects the special features, 

regulate use to eliminate the adverse effects or reduce use to 

acceptable levels.

Special Interest Area 3-42 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

3. Design and locate recreation-related structures to be compatible 

with characteristics of the area. Regulate user-created structures to 

avoid degradation of the unique character of the area (consult FSH 

2309.23).

4. Restrict public motorized travel to designated travel routes except 

for powerboats operating on open water channels. Designation of 

motorized routes for off-highway vehicles in Special Interest Areas 

is generally not allowed. Designation may only occur where 

documented local traditional use has occurred and the route is 

compatible with the characteristics of the area. 

B. Before project planning, manage according to the existing ROS class. 

Adopt ROS classes through project planning; manage according to the 

adopted ROS class. 

Recreation Special Uses

A. Major and minor developments may be compatible with the LUD

objectives depending on the scope, purpose, and magnitude of the 

proposal. Proposals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Refer to 

the Recreation and Tourism Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.

SCENERY Scenery Operations: SCENE1

A. Manage areas for their scenic integrity, with most areas in a naturally

appearing condition.

1. Apply Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines for the High Scenic 

Integrity Objective, except in the portions with developed recreation 

or interpretive facilities (such as Mendenhall Glacier, Ward Lake, 

and Blind Slough). 

2. In those portions with developed recreation or interpretive facilities 

(such as Mendenhall Glacier, Ward Lake, and Blind Slough), apply 

the Scenic Integrity Objective of Low in the foreground and 

Moderate in the middleground and background.

3. Design visitor facilities to blend, to the extent feasible, with the 

natural setting.

TIMBER Timber Resource Planning: TIM4

A. Special Interest Areas are classified as not suitable for timber production.

B. Limited salvage of windthrown timber shall be allowed along existing 

roads within Geologic Special Interest Areas, as long as karst and cave 

resource values are not compromised. Many Geologic Special Interest 

Areas contain areas of past harvest. Opportunities for management of 

the young-growth stands in these areas should be considered when 

karst and cave resource values are not compromised.

C. Avoid Special Interest Areas when other feasible locations for personal 

use wood and Christmas tree cutting are available. If personal (free) use 

timber harvest is allowed, personal use permit requirements must satisfy 

the Special Interest Area’s objectives (refer to Chapter 4, Personal Use

Program, Section TIM4). Personal use timber harvest will be regulated 

and its cumulative effects monitored in LUDs that are not suitable for 

timber harvest to ensure that the LUD objectives are fulfilled.

D. Allow administrative use of timber if it is compatible with the objectives of 

the Special Use Area.

Forest Plan 3-43 Special Interest Area

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

TRANSPORTATION Transportation Operations: TRAN

A. Provide and manage a transportation system compatible with, or which 

will improve the interpretation of, the unique values of the Special 

Interest Area. (See exceptions under the Lands and Minerals and

Geology sections of this prescription.)

WILDLIFE Wildlife Habitat Planning: WILD1

A. Provide for public interpretation of wildlife habitats and associated 

special wildlife conditions in appropriate Special Interest Areas.

Wildlife Habitat Improvement: WILD2

A. Allow wildlife improvement projects where they are compatible with the 

purposes for which the Special Interest Area was established. Prioritize 

treatment needs and scheduling.

Special Interest Area 3-44 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

REMOTE RECREATION

Goals

To provide extensive, unmodified natural settings for primitive types of recreation and tourism.

To provide opportunities for independence, closeness to nature, and self-reliance in environments 

offering a high degree of challenge and risk.

To minimize the effects of human uses, including subsistence use, so that there is no permanent or 

long-lasting evidence.

Objectives

Manage recreation and tourism use and activities to meet the levels of social encounters, on-site 

developments, methods of access, and visitor impacts indicated for the Primitive Recreation 

Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) class.

Provide trails and primitive facilities that are in harmony with the natural environment and promote 

primitive recreation experiences.

Apply the High Scenic Integrity Objective.

Fish enhancement projects may occur. Design wildlife habitat improvements to emulate natural 

conditions and appearance.

Desired Condition

Areas in the Remote Recreation LUD are characterized by extensive, unmodified natural 

environments. Ecological processes and natural conditions are not noticeably affected by past or 

current human uses or activities. Users have the opportunity to experience independence, closeness 

to nature, solitude and remoteness, and may pursue activities requiring self-reliance in an 

environment that offers a high degree of challenge and risk. Interactions between users are 

infrequent. Motorized access is limited to traditional means: boats, aircraft, and snowmachines. 

Facilities and structures are minimal and rustic in appearance.

Forest Plan 3-45 Remote Recreation

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

Remote Recreation Land Use Designation

Apply the following Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines located in Chapter 4:

Category Section Subsections

Air AIR All

Beach and Estuary Fringe BEACH1 All

BEACH2 I(A:1-6, 10,11)

Facilities FAC All 

Fire FIRE All

Fish FISH All

Forest Health HEALTH All

Heritage Resources/Sacred Sites HSS All

Invasive Species INV All

Karst and Cave Resources KC All

Lands LAND All

Minerals and Geology MG All

Plants PLA All

Recreation and Tourism REC All

Riparian RIP1 All

RIP2 I-II(A-D,F)

Rural Community Assistance RUR All

Scenery SCENE1 All

SCENE2 I,II(A,E)

SCENE3 I(A,B)

Soil and Water SW1, 2, 4 All

SW3 I(A:1-4,6-7),II,III

Subsistence SUB All 

Timber TIM1,7

TIM4

TIM6

All

VII

I(A-C;E),III

Trails TRAI All

Wetlands WET All

Wildlife WILD1 I-III;VII,VIII,IX(A,C,E);

X;XI;XII(A,B); 

XIII;XIV(A);XV;XVI;

XVIII(A);XIX

WILD2 I(A,B,C,D)

WILD3,4 All

Apply the following Plan Content located in Chapter 5:

Category Section Plan Component

Young-growth Direction All None

Renewable Energy Direction All All except 

S-RE-LAND-01 and 

S-RE-TRAN-01

Transportation Systems Corridors

Direction

All All except

S-TSC-LAND-01

Forest-wide Plan Components All All

Remote Recreation 3-46 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Apply the following LUD Standards and Guidelines:

FACILITIES Facilities Improvements: FAC2 and FAC3

A. Design and locate administrative and non-recreation structures to reduce 

adverse effects on recreation and tourism opportunities. 

FIRE Fire Suppression: FIRE1

Suppression Action

A. Suppress wildfires using the suppression option identified in the Alaska 

Interagency Wildland Fire Management Plan. 

B. Emphasize suppression tactics that result in the least possible 

disturbance or evidence of human presence.

1. Keep use of mechanized equipment to a minimum.

2. Suppression tactics will avoid human/bear conflicts and existing 

policy will be emphasized to leave no trash or any other kinds of 

bear attractants in the area.

3. Rehabilitation of all campsites, suppression lines, and other 

evidence of human presence will occur as part of rehabilitation, but 

within one year after the fire occurs.

Fuel Improvements: FIRE2

Prescribed Fire

A. As a general management practice, do not use management-ignited 

prescribed fire. Should it become necessary to consider the use of 

management-ignited prescribed fire, Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2324 

provides direction.

B. As a general management practice, do not use prescribed natural fire. 

(Consult FSM 5142.)

FISH Fish Habitat Planning: FISH2

Fish Enhancement

A. Evaluate fish habitat improvement during project planning by 

considering: 1) effects resulting from the introduction of species not 

indigenous to the watershed; 2) the appropriateness of structures both in 

type and scale to the Primitive ROS setting; and 3) the need to provide 

well-distributed fisheries that support sport and commercial fisheries, 

subsistence, and community stability.

Fish Habitat Improvement: FISH3

A. Design development to minimize impact on the Primitive ROS setting.

B. Construction techniques should be compatible with the Primitive ROS 

setting.

C. Evidence of necessary land-disturbing activities for construction should 

not be visible to the casual observer after five years.

FOREST HEALTH Forest Health Management: HEALTH1

A. Implement insect and disease management practices to maintain forest 

health in this and adjacent LUDs.

Forest Insect and Disease Survey and Inventory: HEALTH2

A. Survey and inventory visible outbreaks annually.

Forest Plan 3-47 Remote Recreation

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

HERITAGE Heritage Resource Activities: HSS1

Enhancement

A. Heritage resources are available for recreational, scenic, scientific, 

educational, conservation, and historic uses.

1. Interpretive information concerning heritage resources located 

inside this LUD should be in the form of exhibits and publications 

located outside the LUD.

2. Heritage resources are available for scientific studies that are 

consistent with the primitive settings and activities, and heritage 

resource management objectives for the specific site.

Inventory/Evaluation

A. Develop priorities and schedule management activities to implement 

heritage resource inventory, evaluation, protection, and interpretation.

1. Identify, classify, and evaluate known heritage resources.

2. Identify heritage properties to be nominated to the National Register 

of Historic Places.

3. Identify heritage properties that require stabilization or other 

protective measures.

4. Identify opportunities for interpretation of heritage resources for 

public education and enjoyment.

KARST AND CAVES Cave Management Program: KC2

A. Identify opportunities for interpretation of caves for public education and 

enjoyment. Interpretation will generally occur outside this LUD.

B. Manage caves as Class 1 (Sensitive) or Class 3 (Undeveloped) as 

described in the Karst and Cave Resources Forest-wide Standards and

Guidelines.

LANDS Special Use Administration (Non-Recreation): LAND2

A. Authorize only those new activities that are compatible with the Remote 

Recreation objectives.

1. Permit temporary structures and major fisheries improvement 

projects (such as hatcheries) only if they are widely dispersed.

2. Authorized activities and structures should not be visually evident 

from a Visual Priority Route or Use Area (see Appendix F).

MINERALS AND Minerals and Geology Resource Preparation: MG1

GEOLOGY Resource Preparation

A. Prepare geologic, paleontologic, and historic mining interpretations,

where appropriate.

Minerals and Geology Administration: MG2

Forest Lands Open to Mineral Entry

A. Forest lands within this LUD are open to mineral exploration and 

development. Mineral activities will be compatible with objectives of this 

LUD to the extent feasible.

B. Assure prospectors and claimants their right of ingress and egress 

granted under the General Mining Law of 1872, Alaska National Interest 

Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA), and Forest Service Minerals 

Regulations 36 CFR 228.

C. Permit reasonable access to mining claims, leases, and material sites 

and authorization of orderly mineral resource development with the 

Remote Recreation 3-48 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

provisions of an approved Plan of Operations in accordance with Forest 

Service Minerals Regulations 36 CFR 228 and FSM 2800.

RECREATION AND Recreation Use Administration: REC3

TOURISM Recreation Management and Operations

A. Manage for Primitive ROS settings, recognizing other ROS settings may 

be present due to authorized activities, existing use patterns, and 

activities in adjacent LUDs. Strive to minimize these changes from the 

Primitive ROS objective.

B. Manage recreation and tourism use to meet the levels of social 

encounters, on-site development, and visitor impacts indicated by the 

ROS charts in the Recreation and Tourism Forest-wide Standards and

Guidelines.

C. Designation of motorized routes for off-highway vehicles in Remote 

Recreation is generally not allowed. There may be limited exceptions 

where documented local traditional use related to subsistence activities 

has occurred or when connecting to routes in adjacent LUDs. 

Recreation Special Uses

A. Major developments are generally not consistent with the objectives of 

this LUD. Development proposals require scrutiny of the magnitude and 

scope for LUD conformance. Refer to the Recreation and Tourism 

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.

B. Minor developments may be compatible with the LUD objectives 

depending on the scope, purpose, and magnitude of the proposal. 

Proposals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Refer to the 

Recreation and Tourism Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines. 

SCENERY Scenery Operations: SCENE1

A. Provide a scenic condition in which activities are not visually evident to 

the casual observer.

1. Apply Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines for the High Scenic 

Integrity Objective. 

2. Exceptions for small areas of non-conforming developments, such 

as recreation sites, may be considered on a case-by-case basis 

(see the Recreation and Tourism Forest-wide Standards and

Guidelines in this prescription).

SOIL AND WATER Watershed Resource Improvements: SW4

A. Watersheds will be managed in a natural condition.

B. Use indigenous plants and materials to protect or improve the quality 

and/or quantity of the water resource or to stabilize soils.

TIMBER Timber Resource Planning: TIM4

A. Forested land is classified as not suitable for timber production.

B. Taking of personal use wood will be limited to beach logs that can be 

removed from coastlines without roads or use of vehicles on uplands. 

The cutting down of trees in navigable rivers (sweepers) and removal of 

trees from the banks must be compatible with the management direction 

for fish habitat.

C. Allow administrative use of timber if LUD objectives are met.

Forest Plan 3-49 Remote Recreation

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

TRANSPORTATION Transportation Operations: TRAN

A. New roads are not permitted, except to access authorized mineral 

operations (or as excepted under Lands). 

B. Existing roads in this LUD are closed to motorized uses subject to 

ANILCA provisions.

C. Use of snowmachines, motorboats, and aircraft is permitted.

WILDLIFE Wildlife Habitat Planning: WILD1

A. Wildlife habitats are generally subject to ecological changes only. 

B. Indigenous species are maintained.

Wildlife Habitat Improvement: WILD2

A. Habitat improvement projects are acceptable if designed to emulate 

natural conditions and appearance. Prioritize treatment needs and 

scheduling.

Remote Recreation 3-50 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

MUNICIPAL WATERSHED

The emphasis of this LUD is to provide protection of municipal water supplies for the following 

incorporated cities and boroughs: Ketchikan, Petersburg, Sitka, Juneau, Wrangell, Kake, Klawock, 

Craig, and Hydaburg. For the Petersburg watershed, consult 36 CFR 251.35. See Forest-wide Soil 

and Water Standards and Guidelines for state-classified public water supply source watershed 

protection outside of the Municipal Watershed LUDs.

Goals

To maintain these watersheds as municipal water supply reserves, in a manner that meets provisions 

of the Safe Drinking Water Act and State of Alaska Drinking Water Regulations and Water Quality 

Standards, in accordance with Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2542 and 36 CFR 251.9.

Objectives

Limit most management activities to the protection and maintenance of natural resources. Consult 

with Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and affected municipalities prior to 

authorizing activities that are likely to cause pollution.

Desired Condition

Lands managed as Municipal Watersheds are generally in a natural condition. Facilities or structures 

to provide municipal water supplies may be present. Uses or activities that could adversely affect 

water quality or supply do not occur. These watersheds provide municipal water that meets State of 

Alaska Drinking Water Regulations and Water Quality Standards.

Forest Plan 3-51 Municipal Watershed

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

Municipal Watershed Land Use Designation

Apply the following Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines located in Chapter 4:

Category Section Subsections

Air AIR All

Beach and Estuary Fringe BEACH1 All

BEACH2 All

Facilities FAC All

Fire FIRE All

Fish FISH All

Forest Health HEALTH All

Heritage Resources/Sacred Sites HSS All

Invasive Species INV All

Karst and Cave Resources KC All

Lands LAND All

Minerals and Geology MG All

Plants PLA All

Recreation and Tourism REC All

Riparian RIP All

Rural Community Assistance RUR All

Scenery SCENE All

Soil and Water SW1, 2, 4 All

SW3 I(A1-4,6-7),II

Subsistence SUB All

Timber TIM1

TIM4

TIM6

All

VII(A,C)

I(A-C,E),III

Trails TRAI All

Transportation TRAN1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, All

Wetlands WET All

Wildlife WILD All

Apply the following Plan Content located in Chapter 5:

Category Section Plan Component

Young-growth Direction All None

Renewable Energy Direction All All except 

S-RE-LAND-01 and 

S-RE-TRAN-01

Transportation Systems Corridors

Direction

All All except

S-TSC-LAND-01

Forest-wide Plan Components All All

Municipal Watershed 3-52 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Apply the following LUD Standards and Guidelines:

FACILITIES Facilities Improvements: FAC2 and FAC3

A. Construct no Forest Service administrative facilities. Facilities such as 

dams, reservoirs, and pipelines are consistent with municipal watershed

objectives.

FIRE Fire Suppression: FIRE1

Suppression Action

A. Suppress wildfires using the suppression option identified in the Alaska 

Interagency Wildland Fire Management Plan.

B. Emphasize suppression tactics that result in the least possible 

disturbance or evidence of human presence.

1. Use of mechanized equipment should be kept to a minimum.

2. Rehabilitation of all suppression lines and other evidence of human 

presence will occur as part of rehabilitation, no more than one year 

after the fire occurs.

Fuel Improvements: FIRE2

Prescribed Fire

A. As appropriate, normally use management-ignited prescribed fire rather 

than mechanical treatment to reduce the fire hazard from timber salvage. 

Management-ignited prescribed fire may also be used to maintain or 

improve watershed characteristics as long as there is no adverse impact 

to water quality.

B. As a general management practice, do not use prescribed natural fire. 

(Consult FSM 5142).

FISH Fish Habitat Planning: FISH2

A. Plan the construction and maintenance of fish improvement projects only 

if they are compatible with the municipal watershed objectives.

1. Restrict fish habitat improvements that result in reduced water 

quality for a municipality using the water from the affected stream.

2. When planning fish habitat improvement projects, consider the 

effects of anticipated municipal water withdrawals.

FOREST HEALTH Forest Health Management: HEALTH1

A. Maintain or improve forest health. Implement insect and disease 

management measures to protect the watershed and adjacent 

resources.

B. Timber may be salvaged at the request of municipality. 

Forest Insect and Disease Survey and Inventory: HEALTH2

A. Survey and inventory visible outbreaks.

HERITAGE Heritage Resource Activities: HSS1

Inventory/Evaluation

A. Develop priorities and schedule management activities to implement 

heritage resource inventory, evaluation, protection, and interpretation.

1. Identify, classify, and evaluate known heritage resources.

2. Identify heritage properties to be nominated to the National Register 

of Historic Places.

Forest Plan 3-53 Municipal Watershed

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

3. Identify heritage properties that require stabilization or other 

protective measures.

4. Identify opportunities for interpretation of heritage resources for 

public education and enjoyment. Interpretation will generally occur 

outside the municipal watershed.

KARST AND CAVES Cave Management Program: KC2

A. Caves may be made available for general public recreation and 

education uses, only when compatible with watershed objectives and in 

consultation with the municipality.

B. Identify opportunities for interpretation of caves for public education and 

enjoyment. Interpretation will generally occur outside this LUD.

LANDS Special Use Administration (Non-Recreation): LAND2

A. Manage special uses in accordance with the legislation establishing the 

watershed (if any) and to safeguard the quality and quantity of municipal 

water supplies. Limit special uses to those that support development 

activities. Coordinate all proposals with affected municipalities and 

obtain written concurrence before issuing special-use authorizations. 

(Consult 36 CFR 251.9, 36 CFR 251.35, and FSM 2700.)

1. Analyze special-use proposals on a case-by-case basis, using an 

interdisciplinary process, to determine probable effects.

2. Do not permit any activities that would lead to violation of State of 

Alaska Drinking Water Regulations.

3. Terminate or bring into conformance, existing uses that are causing 

violation of State of Alaska Drinking Water Regulations or 

degradation of water quality. 

B. Conduct watershed analysis (Appendix C) and consult with Alaska 

Department of Environmental Conservation and affected municipalities 

prior to authorizing activities that are likely to cause pollution.

Land Ownership Adjustments: LAND6

A. Protect municipal interests in land adjustment decisions. Unless 

otherwise prohibited by law, encourage actions that result in the affected 

municipality owning the land.

1. Dispose of lands only when allowed to by applicable legislation.

2. When disposal is contemplated, involve the affected municipality 

early in the process.

3. Encourage state land selections under the Statehood Act for 

subsequent transfer to the municipal governing body.

4. If legislation allows, consider exchange of these lands with the 

affected municipality.

5. Do not acquire National Forest System lands for municipal 

watershed purposes.

MINERALS AND Minerals and Geology Resource Preparation: MG1

GEOLOGY Resource Preparation

A. Interpret geologic, paleontologic, and historic mining for municipal 

watersheds, where appropriate. 

B. Maintain inventory of surficial geology, geomorphic features, geologic 

hazards, and paleontological resources. Maintain reports of municipal 

watershed assessments.

Municipal Watershed 3-54 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Minerals and Geology Administration: MG2

Mineral Withdrawals

A. Municipal watersheds may be withdrawn from mineral entry on a caseby-case basis after consultation with the municipality, subject to valid 

existing rights. 

B. Assure claimants with valid and existing rights are allowed ingress and 

egress granted under the General Mining Law of 1872, the Alaska 

National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA), and Forest 

Service Minerals Regulations under 36 CFR 228.

C. Permit reasonable access to mining claims, leases, and material sites 

and authorization of orderly mineral resource development with the 

provisions of an approved Plan of Operations in accordance with Forest 

Service Minerals Regulations 36 CFR 228 and FSM 2800.

D. Conduct watershed analysis (Appendix C) and consult with Alaska 

Department of Environmental Conservation and affected municipalities 

prior to authorizing activities that are likely to cause pollution.

RECREATION AND Recreation Use Administration: REC3

TOURISM Recreation Management and Operation

A. Provide only for those activities and recreation use levels that can be 

accommodated without detriment to water quality and flow.

B. Issue appropriate orders for regulating public use within the watershed, 

in cooperation with the municipality. 

C. Designation of motorized routes for off-highway vehicles in Municipal

Watersheds is generally not allowed. Designation may only occur where 

documented local traditional use has occurred and the route does not 

degrade water quality or flow. 

D. Conduct watershed analysis (Appendix C) and consult with Alaska 

Department of Environmental Conservation and affected municipalities 

prior to authorizing activities that are likely to cause pollution.

Recreation Special Uses

A. Major and minor developments are generally not consistent with 

objectives for this LUD. Proposals for development will require scrutiny 

of the magnitude and scope of the project to see if they meet LUD

objectives. Refer to the Recreation and Tourism Forest-wide Standards 

and Guidelines.

B. Conduct watershed analysis (Appendix C) and consult with Alaska 

Department of Environmental Conservation and affected municipalities 

prior to authorizing activities that are likely to cause pollution.

SCENERY Scenery Operations: SCENE1

A. Considerations for the scenery resource will be secondary to the 

objectives of the municipal watershed. Scenic quality conditions are the 

result of the municipality's watershed management objectives.

1. Design management activities within the watershed to minimize 

scenery impacts as seen from Visual Priority Travel Routes and Use 

Areas (see Appendix F).

SOIL AND WATER Watershed Resource Planning: SW3

A. Maintain water quality consistent with Alaska Water Quality Standards

(18 AAC 70) and protect source watersheds consistent with the federal

Forest Plan 3-55 Municipal Watershed

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

Safe Drinking Water Act and the Alaska Drinking Water Regulations (18

AAC 80)

B. Do not authorize activities that create or maintain a condition that has a 

significant potential to cause or allow the pollution or contamination of a 

public water system.

C. Conduct watershed analysis (Appendix C) and consult with Alaska 

Department of Environmental Conservation and affected municipalities 

prior to authorizing activities that are likely to cause pollution. Refer to 

FSM 2542 and 36 CFR 251.9 for guidance. Refer to 18 AAC 

80.620(c)(3) for systems that seek to avoid filtration.

D. Develop site-specific Best Management Practices (BMPs) for any 

authorized activity. Consider at a minimum BMPs that limit ground 

disturbance, restrict public access (in consultation with municipality), and 

restrict hazardous materials and hazardous waste.

Watershed Resource Improvement: SW4

A. Soil and water protective measures are applied to protect the watersheds 

and water resources for municipal water use. Soil and water 

improvement will occur on all disturbances that threaten the watershed 

values.

B. Conduct watershed analysis (Appendix C) and consult with Alaska 

Department of Environmental Conservation and affected municipalities 

prior to authorizing activities that are likely to cause pollution.

SUBSISTENCE Subsistence: SUB

A. Allow subsistence activities in accordance with the federal, state, 

municipal, and other local laws.

TIMBER Timber Resource Planning: TIM4

A. Forested land is classified as not suitable for timber production.

B. No timber harvest is scheduled. Salvage may be considered on a 

case-by-case basis in consultation with the municipality.

C. Avoid Municipal Watersheds when other feasible locations for personal 

use wood and Christmas tree cutting are available. If personal (free) use 

timber harvest is allowed, personal permit requirements must satisfy the 

Municipal Watershed’s objectives (refer to Chapter 4, Personal Use

Program, Section TIM6). Personal use timber harvest will be regulated 

and its cumulative effects monitored in LUDs that are not suitable for 

timber harvest to ensure that the LUD objectives are fulfilled.

C. Allow administrative use of timber if LUD objectives are met.

TRAILS Trails: TRAI1

A. Trail systems are limited to those that can be accommodated without 

detriment to water quality and flow. Trails may be considered on a 

case-by-case basis in consultation with the municipality. For the 

Petersburg watershed, consult 36 CFR 251.35.

TRANSPORTATION Transportation Operations: TRAN

A. Allow roads needed for the routine operation, maintenance, and 

improvement of the municipal water system and watershed. Allow roads 

to provide for timber salvage operations if they are permitted by the 

watershed's establishing legislation (if any) and after consultation with 

Municipal Watershed 3-56 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

the affected municipality. If no feasible alternative exists, roads may 

occur in this area.

1. Conduct a transportation analysis to determine optimum road 

location and design standards to ensure minimum adverse impacts 

to the watershed.

2. Coordinate road management with the affected municipality. 

Manage access in accordance with the legislation establishing the 

watershed (if any).

3. Road construction may occur if it is consistent with legislation 

establishing the watershed (if any), and if it can be done without 

unacceptable degradation of water quality.

WILDLIFE Wildlife Habitat Planning: WILD1

A. Manage wildlife habitats for uses compatible with the watershed 

management objectives. Prioritize treatment needs and scheduling.

Forest Plan 3-57 Municipal Watershed

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

OLD-GROWTH HABITAT

Goals

Maintain areas of old-growth forests and their associated natural ecological processes to provide 

habitat for old-growth associated resources.

Manage early seral conifer stands to achieve old-growth forest characteristic structure and 

composition based upon site capability. Use old growth definitions as outlined in Ecological 

Definitions for Old-growth Forest Types in Southeast Alaska (R10-TP-28).

Objectives

Provide old-growth forest habitats, in combination with other LUDs, to maintain viable populations of 

native and desired non-native fish and wildlife species and subspecies that may be closely associated 

with old-growth forests. 

Contribute to the habitat capability of fish and wildlife resources to support sustainable human 

subsistence and recreational uses.

Maintain components of flora and fauna biodiversity and ecological processes associated with oldgrowth forests.

Allow existing natural or previously harvested early seral conifer stands to evolve naturally to oldgrowth forest habitats, or apply silvicultural treatments to accelerate forest succession to achieve oldgrowth forest structural features. Consider practices such as thinning, release and weeding, pruning, 

and fertilization to promote accelerated development of old-growth characteristics.

To the extent feasible, limit roads, facilities, and authorized uses to those compatible with old-growth 

forest habitat management objectives. 

Desired Condition

All forested areas within this LUD have attained old-growth forest characteristics. A diversity of oldgrowth habitat types and associated species and subspecies and ecological processes are 

represented.

Old-Growth Habitat 3-58 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Old-Growth Habitat Land Use Designation

Apply the following Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines located in Chapter 4:

Category Section Subsections

Air AIR All

Beach and Estuary Fringe BEACH All

Facilities FAC All

Fire FIRE All

Fish FISH All

Forest Health HEALTH All

Heritage Resources/Sacred Sites HSS All

Invasive Species INV All

Karst and Cave Resources KC All

Lands LAND All

Minerals and Geology MG All

Plants PLA All

Recreation and Tourism REC All

Riparian RIP1 All

RIP2 All

Rural Community Assistance RUR All

Scenery SCENE All

Soil and Water SW All

Subsistence SUB All

Timber TIM All

Trails TRAI All

Transportation TRAN All

Wetlands WET All

Wildlife WILD1 I-III; V-XIX

WILD2,3,4 All

Apply the following Plan Content located in Chapter 5:

Category Section Plan Component

Young-growth Direction All All except

DC-YG-05, and S-YGSCENE-01

Renewable Energy Direction All All except 

S-RE-LAND-01 and 

S-RE-TRAN-01

Transportation Systems Corridors

Direction

All All except

S-TSC-LAND-01

Forest-wide Plan Components All All

Forest Plan 3-59 Old-Growth Habitat

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

Apply the following LUD Standards and Guidelines:

FACILITIES Facilities Improvements: FAC2 and FAC3

A. Allow administrative and recreational facilities when compatible with LUD

objectives.

FIRE Fire Suppression: FIRE1

Suppression Action

A. Suppress wildfires using the suppression option identified in the Alaska 

Interagency Wildland Fire Management Plan. 

B. Suppression tactics are limited only by the standards for this LUD, such 

as soil and watershed concerns.

Fuel Improvements: FIRE2

Prescribed Fire

A. Allow management-ignited prescribed fire only where its use maintains 

old-growth characteristics.

B. As a general management practice, do not use prescribed natural fire. 

(Consult FSM 5142.)

FISH Fish Habitat Planning: FISH2

A. Emphasize the protection and restoration of fish habitat, fish production,

and aquatic biodiversity. Enhancement projects that may change the 

natural distribution of fish species within a watershed are consistent with 

LUD objectives.

FOREST HEALTH Forest Health: HEALTH1

A. Insect and disease management measures consistent with this LUD may 

be implemented to protect the old-growth forest component and adjacent 

resources.

Forest Insect and Disease Survey and Inventory: HEALTH2

A. Survey and inventory visible outbreaks.

HERITAGE Heritage Resource Activities: HSS1

Inventory/Evaluation

A. Develop priorities and schedule management activities to implement 

heritage resource inventory, evaluation, protection, and interpretation.

1. Identify, classify, and evaluate known heritage resources.

2. Identify heritage properties to be nominated to the National Register 

of Historic Places.

3. Identify heritage properties that require stabilization or other 

protective measures.

4. Identify opportunities for interpretation of heritage resources for 

public education and enjoyment.

KARST AND CAVES Cave Management Program: KC2

A. Identify opportunities for interpretation of caves for public education and 

enjoyment. Interpretation may occur inside or outside of this LUD.

Old-Growth Habitat 3-60 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

LANDS Special Use Administration (Non-Recreation): LAND2

A. Permit only improvements (such as tent platforms, fish weirs, minor 

waterlines, minor powerlines, etc.) that are compatible with LUD 

objectives.

MINERALS AND Minerals and Geology Resource Preparation: MG1

GEOLOGY Resource Preparation

A. Prepare geologic, paleontologic, and historic mining interpretations,

where appropriate.

Minerals and Geology Administration: MG2

Forest Lands Open to Mineral Entry

A. Forest lands within this LUD are open to mineral entry.

B. Assure prospectors and claimants their right of ingress and egress 

granted under the General Mining Law of 1872, Alaska National Interest 

Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA), and Forest Service Mining 

Regulations 36 CFR 228.

C. Permit reasonable access to mining claims, leases, and material sites 

and authorization of orderly mineral resource development with the 

provisions of an approved Plan of Operations in accordance with Forest 

Service Mineral Regulations 36 CFR 228 and FSM 2800.

RECREATION AND Recreation Use Administration: REC3

TOURISM Recreation Management and Operations

A. Manage recreation and tourism use to meet LUD objectives for fish and 

wildlife resources and habitat. 

1. Design and locate recreation-related structures to be compatible 

with habitat needs of old-growth associated species.

B. Generally provide for Semi-Primitive ROS settings, recognizing that more 

developed settings may be present due to authorized activities, existing 

use patterns, and activities in adjacent LUDs. 

C. Designation of motorized routes for off-highway vehicles is generally not 

allowed. Designation may only occur where documented local traditional 

use has occurred and the route does not degrade water quality or flow. 

Recreation Special Uses

A. Minor recreation and tourism developments may be compatible with the

LUD objectives depending on the scope, purpose, and magnitude of the 

proposal. Proposals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Refer to 

the Recreation and Tourism Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.

SCENERY Scenery Operations: SCENE1

A. Apply Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines for High Scenic Integrity

Objective. Design activities to not be visually evident to the casual 

observer.

B. Exceptions for small areas of non-conforming developments, such as 

recreational developments, transportation developments, log transfer 

facilities, and mining development, may be considered on a case-bycase basis. Use designs and materials that are compatible with forms, 

colors, and textures found in the characteristic landscape.

Forest Plan 3-61 Old-Growth Habitat

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

SOIL AND WATER Watershed Resource Improvements: SW4

A. Undertake watershed improvements only where deteriorated soil and 

hydrologic conditions create a threat to the goals and objectives for 

which the old-growth habitat is managed. Rehabilitation or stabilization 

projects will seek to enable the area to retain its natural appearance.

TIMBER Timber Resource Planning: TIM4

A. Old-growth forest land is classified as not suitable for timber production. 

B. Beach log salvage is compatible with this LUD. 

C. Avoid Old-growth Habitat areas when other feasible locations for 

personal use sawtimber, firewood, and Christmas tree cutting are 

available. If personal (free) use timber harvest is allowed, personal use

permit requirements must satisfy LUD objectives (refer to Chapter 4, 

Personal Use Program, Section TIM4). Personal use timber harvest will 

be regulated and its cumulative effects monitored in LUDs that are 

unsuitable for timber harvest to ensure that the LUD objectives are 

fulfilled.

D. Harvest of bridge stringer logs is allowed.

Timber Sale Preparation: TIM5

A. Salvage of dead or down material is permitted, but is limited to roadside 

windfall and hazard trees immediately adjacent to existing permanent 

roads and catastrophic windthrow events or large insect or disease 

outbreaks (generally exceeding 100 acres). Limited standing 

undamaged timber (up to 20 percent of total salvage) may be removed 

only for safety reasons or for feasibility of salvage operations. Salvage 

sales must be compatible with LUD objectives as determined through the 

environmental analysis process. Stands once salvaged will be managed 

to achieve old-growth habitat characteristics. During the environmental 

analysis, consider the scale of the affected area salvaged. If reserve 

design criteria are no longer met, adjust reserve locations to better meet 

reserve size, spacing, and composition criteria if lands are available (see 

Wildlife Habitat Planning, section B below, and Appendix K).

TRANSPORTATION Transportation Operations: TRAN 

A. New road construction is generally inconsistent with Old-growth Habitat 

LUD objectives, but new roads may be constructed if no feasible 

alternative is available. 

1. Perform integrated logging system and transportation analysis 

(including Access and Travel management planning) to determine if 

other feasible routes avoiding this LUD exist during the project 

environmental analysis process. If no feasible alternative routes 

exist, locate, design, and construct roads in a manner that 

minimizes adverse impact to fish and wildlife resources to the extent 

feasible, and will be compatible with LUD objectives. Keep clearing 

widths to the minimum feasible. Consider enforcement costs of 

road closures in the integrated logging system and transportation

analysis.

2. If reserve design criteria are no longer met, adjust reserve locations 

to meet reserve size, spacing, and composition criteria if lands are 

available (see Wildlife Habitat Planning, section B below, and 

Appendix K).

3. For timber salvage, use logging systems that do not require 

additional permanent road construction.

Old-Growth Habitat 3-62 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

B. Manage existing roads to meet LUD objectives.

1. In Old-growth Habitat LUDs with existing roads, develop or update 

road management objectives to meet LUD objectives (see Wildlife

[brown bear and wolf] and Transportation Forest-wide Standards 

and Guidelines). Use of existing roads may continue pending the 

update of the access and travel management plan.

2. Road management objectives may include temporary or permanent 

road closures, and may be specific to individual road specification 

types (e.g., keep mainlines open, close arterial and spur). 

3. Road maintenance and reconstruction may be permitted if 

consistent with road management objectives.

C. Sites for log transfer facilities are generally not appropriate in this LUD. 

If no other feasible alternative sites exist, locate, design, construct, and 

manage these facilities in a manner that will be compatible with LUD

objectives. Consider the Log Transfer Facility Guidelines (Appendix G) 

when making the selection for the facility.

WILDLIFE Wildlife Habitat Planning: WILD1

A. Maintain contiguous blocks of old-growth forest habitat in a forest-wide 

system of old-growth reserves to support viable and well-distributed 

populations of old-growth associated species and subspecies. 

B. A system of large, medium, and small old-growth habitat reserves has 

been identified and mapped in the Forest Plan as part of the Old-growth 

Habitat Conservation Strategy. The mapped large and medium reserves 

generally achieve reserve strategy objectives, and few major 

modifications are anticipated. The small mapped reserves have received 

differing levels of ground-truthing and integration of site-specific 

information in their design. During project-level environmental analysis, 

for projects areas that include or are adjacent to mapped old-growth 

habitat reserves, the size, spacing, and habitat composition of mapped 

reserves may be further evaluated (consult Appendix K).

1. Adjust reserves not meeting the minimum criteria to meet or exceed 

the minimum criteria.

2. Reserve location, composition, and size may otherwise also be 

adjusted. Alternative reserves must provide comparable 

achievement of the Old-growth Habitat LUD goals and objectives. 

Determination as to comparability must consider the criteria listed in 

Appendix K.

3. Adjustments to individual reserves described in 1 and 2 above are 

not expected to require a significant plan amendment. Adjustments 

Forest-wide shall be monitored yearly to assess whether a 

significant plan amendment is warranted on the basis of cumulative 

changes.

C. Allow previously harvested or natural early seral stands to develop into 

old-growth, or provide young-growth management to accelerate 

attainment of old-growth characteristics (see WILD2, below).

Wildlife Habitat Restoration: WILD2

A. Manage early seral forest stands for purposes of wildlife habitat 

development. Allow techniques such as thinning, pruning, and planting 

to accelerate development of advanced seral stand structure, including 

maintenance of shrub and forb understory.

Forest Plan 3-63 Old-Growth Habitat

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

SEMI-REMOTE RECREATION

Goals

To provide predominantly natural or natural-appearing settings for semi-primitive types of recreation 

and tourism, and occasional enclaves of concentrated recreation and tourism facilities.

To provide opportunities for a moderate degree of independence, closeness to nature, and 

self-reliance in environments requiring challenging motorized or non-motorized forms of 

transportation.

Objectives

Manage recreation and tourism use and activities to meet the levels of social encounters, on-site 

developments, methods of access, and visitor impacts indicated for the Semi-Primitive Recreation 

Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) classes. Enclaves of concentrated recreation and tourism 

developments within the LUD or management activities in adjacent LUDs may cause the ROS setting 

to become Rural.

Determine on a case-by-case basis whether roads, trails, and other areas should be closed to 

motorized recreation activities. If so, update the Access and Travel Management Plan (ATM). If not, 

the use of boats, aircraft, and snowmachines for traditional activities is allowed.

Permit small-scale, rustic recreation and tourism facilities, and occasional enclaves of concentrated 

recreation and tourism facilities. 

Apply the Moderate Scenic Integrity Objective to any developments, facilities, or structures.

Fish enhancement and wildlife habitat improvement may occur.

Desired Condition

Areas in the Semi-Remote Recreation LUD are characterized by generally unmodified natural 

environments. Ecological processes and natural conditions are only minimally affected by past or 

current human uses or activities. Users have the opportunity to experience a moderate degree of 

independence, closeness to nature, solitude, and remoteness, with some areas offering motorized 

opportunities and others non-motorized opportunities (except for the traditional uses of boats, aircraft, 

and snowmachines). Interactions between users are infrequent. Facilities and structures may be 

minimal or occasionally may be larger in scale, but will be rustic in appearance, or in harmony with 

the natural setting.

Semi-Remote Recreation 3-64 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Semi-Remote Recreation Land Use Designation

Apply the following Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines located in Chapter 4:

Category Section Subsections

Air AIR All

Beach and Estuary Fringe BEACH1 All

BEACH2 I(A:1-6, 10, 11)

Facilities FAC All 

Fire FIRE All

Fish FISH All

Forest Health HEALTH All

Heritage Resources/Sacred Sites HSS All

Invasive Species INV All

Karst and Cave Resources KC All

Lands LAND All

Minerals and Geology MG All

Plants PLA All

Recreation and Tourism REC All

Riparian RIP All

RIP2 II(A-D,F)

Rural Community Assistance RUR All

Scenery SCENE1 All

SCENE2 I,II(A,E)

SCENE3 I(A,B)

Soil and Water SW1, 2, 4 All

SW3 I(A:1-4,6-7),II,III

Subsistence SUB All 

Timber TIM1,7 All

TIM4

TIM6

VII

I(A-C;E),III

Trails TRAI All

Transportation TRAN1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 All

Wetlands WET All

Wildlife WILD1 I-III;VI-XIX

WILD2 I(A,B,C,D)

WILD3, 4 All

Apply the following Plan Content located in Chapter 5:

Category Section Plan Component

Young-growth Direction All None

Renewable Energy Direction All All except 

S-RE-LAND-01 and 

S-RE-TRAN-01

Transportation Systems Corridors

Direction

All All except

S-TSC-LAND-02

Forest-wide Plan Components All All

Forest Plan 3-65 Semi-Remote Recreation

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

Apply the following LUD Standards and Guidelines:

FACILITIES Facilities Improvements: FAC2 and FAC3

A. Design and locate administrative and non-recreation structures to reduce 

adverse effects on recreation and tourism opportunities.

FIRE Fire Suppression: FIRE1

Suppression Action

A. Suppress wildfires using the suppression option identified in the Alaska 

Interagency Wildland Fire Management Plan. 

B. Emphasize suppression tactics that result in the least possible 

disturbance or evidence of human presence.

1. Suppression tactics will avoid human/bear conflicts and existing 

policy will be emphasized to leave no trash or any other kinds of 

bear attractants in the area.

2. Rehabilitation of all campsites, suppression lines, and other 

evidence of human presence will occur as part of rehabilitation 

activities, but within one year after the fire occurs.

3. Mechanized fireline construction will avoid important wildlife habitat 

areas such as meadows, bogs, and riparian areas.

Fuel Improvements: FIRE2

Prescribed Fire

A. Management ignitions may be used as an acceptable means of fuels 

management and wildlife habitat improvement so long as its use is 

compatible with LUD objectives.

B. As a general management practice, do not use prescribed natural fire 

(consult Forest Service Manual [FSM] 5142).

FOREST HEALTH Forest Health Management: HEALTH1

A. Insect and disease management measures consistent with LUD

objectives may be implemented to protect recreation and tourism 

opportunities, and adjacent resources.

Forest Insect and Disease Survey and Inventory: HEALTH2

A. Survey and inventory visible outbreaks.

HERITAGE Heritage Resource Activities: HSS1

Enhancement

A. Heritage resources are available for recreational, scenic, scientific, 

educational, conservation, and historic uses.

1. Provide interpretive information concerning heritage resources 

located within this LUD to users in the form of exhibits and 

publications.

2. Heritage resources are available for scientific studies that are 

consistent with the semi-primitive settings and activities, and 

heritage resource management objectives for the specific site.

Inventory/Evaluation

A. Develop priorities and schedule management activities to implement 

heritage resource inventory, evaluation, protection, and interpretation.

1. Identify, classify, and evaluate known heritage resources.

Semi-Remote Recreation 3-66 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

2. Identify heritage properties to be nominated to the National Register 

of Historic Places.

3. Identify heritage properties that require stabilization or other 

protective measures.

4. Identify opportunities for interpretation of heritage resources for 

public education and enjoyment.

KARST AND CAVES Cave Management Program: KC2

A. Identify opportunities for interpretation of caves for public education and 

enjoyment. Interpretation may occur inside or outside of this LUD.

LANDS Special Use Administration (Non-Recreation): LAND2

A. Authorize facilities and uses consistent with Semi-Remote Recreation 

LUD objectives.

MINERALS AND Minerals and Geology Resource Preparation: MG1

GEOLOGY Resource Preparation

A. Prepare geologic, paleontologic, and historic mining interpretations,

where appropriate.

Minerals and Geology Administration: MG2

Forest Lands Open to Mineral Entry

A. Forest lands within this LUD are open to mineral exploration and 

development.

B. Assure prospectors and claimants their right of ingress and egress 

granted under the General Mining Law of 1872, Alaska National Interest 

Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA), and Forest Service Minerals

Regulations 36 CFR 228.

C. Permit reasonable access to mining claims, leases, and material sites 

and authorization of orderly mineral resource development with the 

provisions of an approved Plan of Operations in accordance with Forest 

Service Minerals Regulations 36 CFR 228 and FSM 2800.

RECREATION AND Recreation Use Administration: REC3

TOURISM Recreation Management and Operations

A. Generally, manage for Semi-Primitive ROS settings. Enclaves of 

concentrated recreation and tourism developments within the LUD or 

management activities in adjacent LUDs may cause the ROS setting to 

become Roaded Natural, Roaded Modified, or Rural.

B. Designation of motorized routes for OHVs in Semi-Remote Recreation is 

allowed and will be planned in accordance with 36 CFR 212.

1. Manage roads for Maintenance Level 2, except when Maintenance 

Level 3 roads provide access to or through the LUD. Occasional 

enclaves of concentrated recreation and tourism developments 

could warrant higher service levels in those areas.

C. Where roads, trails, and other areas are closed to motorized recreation 

activities or vehicles, provide Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized recreation 

opportunities.

1. Permit use of snowmachines, motorboats, and aircraft for traditional 

activities.

Forest Plan 3-67 Semi-Remote Recreation

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

D. Permit small scale, rustic recreation and tourism facilities such as 

recreation cabins, shelters, docks, and enclaves of concentrated 

recreation and tourism development.

1. During all construction activity:

a. Minimize site modification,

b. Minimize vegetation clearing adjacent to the site, and

c. Use colors found in the natural environment.

Recreation Special Uses

A. Major and minor developments are compatible with this LUD. Refer to 

the Recreation and Tourism Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.

SCENERY Scenery Operations: SCENE1

A. Design resource activities to remain visually subordinate to the 

characteristic landscape. Activities may repeat form, line, color, or 

texture common to the landscape. New form, line, color, or texture will 

be subordinate to the characteristic landscape.

1. Apply Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines for the Moderate 

Scenic Integrity Objective.

2. There may be cases where facilities associated with a concentrated 

recreation or tourism development may not feasibly meet the 

Moderate objective. After analysis of the proposal and public 

involvement, the NEPA decision document for this project should 

determine the specific Scenic Integrity Objective for the 

development. The environmental analysis shall also prescribe 

design guidelines necessary to meet this scenery objective. During 

the project’s design phase, the Forest Service shall be closely 

involved in the review of design work as it evolves. 

3. Design visitor facilities to blend, to the extent feasible, with the 

natural setting.

B. Rehabilitation techniques may be used to restore disturbed landscapes 

to be compatible with the Semi-Primitive setting.

TIMBER Timber Resource Planning: TIM4

A. Forested land is classified as not suitable for timber production. 

B. The following types of uses may be authorized when they meet LUD

objectives.

1. Removal or use of trees for improvement of recreation and tourism 

opportunities, such as clearing for vistas, campsites, or trails.

2. Removal or use of trees cut as a part of some other authorized use 

within this LUD (e.g., clearing for a fish ladder or road).

3. Trees may be cut for use in construction and maintenance of 

authorized structures when it is not feasible to obtain the necessary 

material from outside this LUD.

C. Personal use wood harvest from beach log salvage is fully compatible 

with this LUD. Personal use wood cutting may be allowed based on 

local determination. If personal (free) use timber harvest is allowed, 

personal use permit requirements must satisfy the LUD’s objectives 

(refer to Chapter 4, Personal Use Program, Section TIM4). Personal use 

timber harvest will be regulated and its cumulative effects monitored in 

LUDs that are unsuitable for timber harvest to ensure that the LUD 

objectives are fulfilled.

Semi-Remote Recreation 3-68 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Timber Sale Preparation: TIM5

A. Salvage will be limited to dead and/or down material resulting from 

events such as windthrow and insect or disease mortality. Limited 

standing green timber may be harvested during salvage operations for 

safety and operational considerations.

TRANSPORTATION Transportation Operations: TRAN

A. Where Semi-Primitive Motorized recreation opportunities are 

emphasized, existing low standard roads are generally managed for use 

by high clearance or OHVs, snowmobiles, or motorcycles subject to an 

approved Access and Travel Management Plan. Generally, new roads 

are not constructed in this area, except to link existing roads or provide 

access to adjacent LUDs.

1. Limit the design standards of Forest development roads to those 

commensurate with the intended use.

2. Maintain, as necessary, to provide passage of planned traffic.

3. Locate and design new roads to consider Semi-Primitive recreation 

opportunities in this LUD.

B. Where Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized recreation opportunities are 

emphasized, provide foot or cross-country ski trails. Roads and trails 

may be closed or seasonally restricted. Close or obliterate existing 

roads except for transportation system links.

C. Sites for log transfer facilities may be considered in this LUD. If no other 

feasible alternative sites exist, locate, design, construct, and manage 

these facilities in a manner that will be compatible with LUD objectives. 

Consider the Log Transfer Facility Guidelines (Appendix G) when making 

the selection for the facility.

Forest Plan 3-69 Semi-Remote Recreation

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

LAND USE DESIGNATION II

Goals

To manage the 20 areas (see Appendix J) designated in perpetuity as LUD II according to the 

direction for LUD II areas in the 1979 Tongass Land Management Plan, as amended.

Manage these areas in a roadless state to retain their wildland character.

Objectives

Manage recreation and tourism use and activities to meet the levels of social encounters, on-site 

developments, methods of access, and visitor impacts indicated by the Primitive and Semi-Primitive 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) classes. Apply the LUD II direction from the 1979 Tongass

Land Management Plan, which is summarized as follows:

• Prohibit commercial timber harvest. Permit salvage logging only to prevent significant damage 

to other resources. Allow personal use of wood for cabin logs, fuelwood, float logs, trolling 

poles, etc.

• Permit water and power developments if designed to be compatible with the primitive 

characteristics of the area.

• Permit roads only for access to authorized uses, transportation needs identified by the state, or 

vital linkages. 

• Allow mineral development.

• Permit access by boats, aircraft, and snowmachines, unless such uses become excessive.

• Permit fish and wildlife habitat improvements. Design structures to minimize the effects to 

recreation resources.

• Permit primitive recreational facilities.

• Generally exclude major concentrated recreational facilities.

Salvage logging, personal use of wood, water and power development, fish and wildlife habitat 

improvement, and research facilities will be designed to be compatible with the primitive 

characteristics of the area.

Desired Condition

Areas in this LUD are characterized by extensive, generally unmodified natural environments, and 

retain their wildland character. Ecological processes and natural conditions are only minimally 

affected by past or current human uses or activities. Users have the opportunity to experience a 

high-to-moderate degree of independence, closeness to nature, solitude, and remoteness, and may 

pursue activities requiring self-reliance, challenge, and risk. Interactions between users are 

infrequent. Recreational facilities and structures are primitive.

Land Use Designation II 3-70 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Land Use Designation II

Apply the following Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines located in Chapter 4:

Category Section Subsections

Air AIR All

Beach and Estuary Fringe BEACH1 All

BEACH2 I(A:1-6, 10, 11)

Facilities FAC All 

Fire FIRE All

Fish FISH All

Forest Health HEALTH All

Heritage Resources/Sacred Sites HSS All

Invasive Species INV All

Karst and Cave Resources KC All

Lands LAND All

Minerals and Geology MG All

Plants PLA All

Recreation and Tourism REC All

Riparian RIP1 All

RIP2 I,II(A-D,F,G)

Rural Community Assistance RUR All

Scenery SCENE1, 3 All

SCENE2 I,II(A,B,E)

Soil and Water SW1, 2, 4 All

SW3 I(A:1-4,6-7),II,III

Subsistence SUB All 

Timber TIM1,7

TIM4

TIM6

All

VII

I(A-C,E)

Trails TRAI All

Transportation TRAN1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 All

Wetlands WET All

Wildlife WILD1 I-III,VI-XIX

WILD2 I(A,B,C,D)

WILD3,4 All

Apply the following Plan Content located in Chapter 5:

Category Section Plan Component

Young-growth Direction All None

Renewable Energy Direction All All except 

S-RE-LAND-01 and 

S-RE-TRAN-01

Transportation Systems Corridors

Direction

All All except 

S-TSC-LAND-02

Forest-wide Plan Components All All

Forest Plan 3-71 Land Use Designation II

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

Apply the following LUD Standards and Guidelines:

FACILITIES Administrative Facilities: FAC2 and FAC3

A. Administrative facilities may be constructed in a manner that blends with 

the natural character of the area.

FIRE Fire Suppression: FIRE1

Suppression Action

A. Suppress wildfires using the suppression option identified in the Alaska 

Interagency Wildland Fire Management Plan. 

B. Emphasize suppression tactics that result in the least possible 

disturbance or evidence of human presence.

1. Suppression tactics will minimize human/bear conflicts, and existing 

policy will be emphasized to leave no trash or any other kinds of 

bear attractants in the area.

2. Rehabilitation of all campsites, suppression lines, and other 

evidence of human presence will occur as soon as part of 

rehabilitation activities, and no longer than one year after the fire 

occurs.

Fuel Improvements: FIRE2

Prescribed Fire

A. Allow management-ignited prescribed fire for fuels management, insect 

and disease protection, and wildlife habitat improvement.

B. As a general management practice, do not use prescribed natural fire, 

although natural ignitions may be used to perpetuate natural ecological 

processes. (Consult Forest Service Manual [FSM] 5142.)

FISH Fish Habitat Planning: FISH2

Fish Enhancement

A. Improvements such as fishways, fish hatcheries, or aquaculture sites 

may be built. Appropriate landscape management techniques will be 

applied in the design and construction of such improvements to reduce 

impacts on recreational resources and scenery.

FOREST HEALTH Forest Health Management: HEALTH1

A. Insect and disease management measures consistent with this LUD may 

be implemented to protect these and adjacent resources.

Forest Insect and Disease Survey and Inventory: HEALTH2

A. Survey and inventory visible outbreaks.

HERITAGE Heritage Resource Activities: HSS1

Enhancement

A. Heritage resources are available for recreational, scenic, scientific, 

educational, conservation, and historic uses.

1. Heritage resources are available for scientific studies that are 

consistent with the primitive settings and activities, and heritage 

resource management objectives for the specific site.

Inventory/Evaluation

A. Develop priorities and schedule management activities to implement 

heritage resource inventory, evaluation, protection, and interpretation.

Land Use Designation II 3-72 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

1. Identify, classify, and evaluate known heritage resources.

2. Identify heritage properties to be nominated to the National Register 

of Historic Places.

3. Identify heritage properties that require stabilization or other 

protective measures.

4. Identify opportunities for interpretation of heritage resources for 

public education and enjoyment.

KARST AND CAVES Cave Management Program: KC2

A. Identify opportunities for interpretation of caves for public education and 

enjoyment. Interpretation may occur inside or outside of this LUD.

LANDS Special Use Administration (Non-Recreation): LAND2

A. Water and power developments are authorized if they can be designed 

to retain the overall primitive characteristics of the allocated area.

B. Except as authorized by the TTRA, authorize only those activities that 

are consistent with the wildland character of the area.

MINERAL AND Minerals and Geology Resource Preparation: MG1

GEOLOGY Resource Preparation

A. Prepare geologic, paleontologic, and historic mining interpretations,

where appropriate.

Minerals and Geology Administration: MG2

Forest Lands Open to Mineral Entry

A. Forest lands within this LUD are open to mineral exploration and 

development.

B. Assure prospectors and claimants their right of ingress and egress 

granted under the General Mining Law of 1872, Alaska National Interest 

Lands Conservation Act of 1980, and Forest Service Minerals

Regulations 36 CFR 228.

C. Permit reasonable access to mining claims, leases, and material sites 

and authorization of orderly mineral resource development with the 

provisions of an approved Plan of Operations in accordance with 36 CFR 

228 and FSM 2800.

D. Manage mineral exploration and development activities to be compatible 

with the emphasis on maintaining the wildland character of the LUD II 

Land Use Designation. 

RECREATION AND Recreation Use Administration: REC3

TOURISM Recreation Management and Operations

A. Generally provide for Semi-Primitive ROS settings, recognizing that more 

developed settings may be present due to authorized activities, existing 

use patterns, and activities in adjacent LUDs. 

1. Primitive recreation facilities, such as recreation cabins, boat docks, 

moorings, and trails may be constructed and maintained.

B. Major concentrated recreation facilities, such as development scale IV 

and V (those heavily modified or with a high degree of site modification) 

will generally be excluded.

C. If a transportation link is constructed through this LUD, recreation 

facilities needed to serve the traveling public, to reduce impacts of 

Forest Plan 3-73 Land Use Designation II

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

recreation use to adjacent wildlands, or to provide interpretation, may be 

constructed in proximity to the transportation link.

D. Designation of motorized routes for off-highway vehicles in LUD II is 

generally not allowed. There may be limited exceptions where 

documented local traditional use related to subsistence activities has 

occurred, or when connecting to routes in adjacent LUDs. 

Recreation Special Uses

A. Major developments are generally not consistent with the objectives of 

the LUD. Development proposals require scrutiny of the magnitude and 

scope for LUD conformance. Refer to the Recreation and Tourism 

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.

B. Minor developments may be compatible with the LUD objectives 

depending on the scope, purpose, and magnitude of the proposal. Each 

proposal will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Refer to the 

Recreation and Tourism Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.

SCENERY Scenery Operations: SCENE1

A. Landscapes are managed to retain a natural-appearing scenic condition, 

where activities are not visually evident to the casual observer.

1. Apply Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines for the High Scenic 

Integrity Objective.

2. Some authorized activities and improvements may not meet the 

High Scenic Integrity Objective, based on project analysis. 

However, seek to mitigate scenic impacts through location, siting, 

design, material, and coloring of structures.

TIMBER Timber Resource Planning: TIM4

A. Forested land is classified as not suitable for timber production. 

Commercial timber harvesting is not permitted.

B. Timber can be salvaged only to prevent significant damage to other 

resources. Examples are removal of windfall in an important fish stream 

or control of epidemic insect infestations.

C. Personal use of wood is allowed for cabin logs, fuel wood, float logs, 

trolling poles, and other similar uses.

TRANSPORTATION Transportation Operations: TRAN

A. Existing roads are generally closed to highway vehicular use. Any 

proposed roads will use the following guidelines:

1. Allow Forest transportation system linkages including roads and 

transfer facilities. Forest transportation system linkages refer to 

necessary additions to the permanent road network. Such linkages 

may be built through LUD II areas when either: 1) no other feasible 

routes exist to access adjacent LUDs, or 2) it can be demonstrated 

that the routing through the LUD II area is clearly environmentally 

preferable and site-specific mitigation measures can be designed to 

minimize the impact of the road on the surrounding LUD II area. A 

clear need to build such linkages must be demonstrated through a 

comparative analysis of feasible transportation alternatives through 

the NEPA process and approved by the Forest Supervisor.

2. Roads, other than transportation linkages, will not be built except to 

serve authorized activities such as mining, renewable energy

Land Use Designation II 3-74 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

developments, aquaculture developments, or transportation needs 

determined by the State of Alaska.

WILDLIFE Wildlife Habitat Planning: WILD1

A. Wildlife habitats will generally evolve in natural successional stages. 

Habitat improvement is permitted. Prioritize treatment needs and 

scheduling.

Forest Plan 3-75 Land Use Designation II

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

WILD RIVER

Goals

To manage designated river segments according to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (Public Law 

90-542), National Wild and Scenic Rivers System; Final Revised Guidelines for Eligibility, 

Classification, and Management of River Areas (Federal Register Volume 47, Number 173, 1982), 

and direction in Forest Service manuals and handbooks.

To maintain, enhance, and protect the free-flowing character and outstandingly remarkable values of 

rivers and river segments designated as Wild Rivers and included in the National Wild and Scenic 

Rivers System.

To maintain Wild Rivers in a natural, free-flowing, unmodified condition, and provide recreation and 

tourism opportunities affording a high degree of independence, closeness to nature, and self-reliance.

To manage recommended Wild River segments to maintain their outstandingly remarkable values 

and classification eligibility until Congress designates the segments or decides not to designate them.

Objectives

Manage Wild River segments to maintain an enduring wildland and free-flowing river resource, while 

providing for access and use consistent with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the Alaska National 

Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA). 

Withdraw Wild River segments from mineral entry when designated by Congress, subject to valid 

existing rights, and classify forested lands as not suitable for timber production. 

Manage recreation and tourism use and activities to meet the levels of social encounters, on-site 

developments, methods of access, and visitor impacts indicated for the Primitive or Semi-Primitive 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) classes.

Apply the High Scenic Integrity Objective within the river corridor.

Desired Condition

Wild Rivers and river segments are in a natural, free-flowing, and undisturbed condition. Ecological 

processes and changes predominate. The outstandingly remarkable values for which the river was 

designated remain outstanding and remarkable. Recreation users have the opportunity for primitive 

and semi-primitive experiences, solitude, and remoteness in a natural setting. Interactions between 

users are infrequent, and evidence of human activities is minimal. Facilities and structures are rustic 

in appearance and promote primitive recreation and tourism experiences.

Wild River 3-76 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Wild River Land Use Designation

Apply the following Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines located in Chapter 4:

Category Section Subsections

Air AIR All

Beach and Estuary Fringe BEACH1 All

Facilities FAC All 

Fire FIRE All

Fish FISH All

Forest Health HEALTH1 I(B,C)

Heritage Resources/Sacred Sites HSS All

Invasive Species INV All

Karst and Cave Resources KC All

Lands LAND All

Minerals and Geology MG All

Plants PLA All

Recreation and Tourism REC1, 3 All

REC2 I,II(A-C),III

Riparian RIP1 All

RIP2 I,II(A-D,F)

Rural Community Assistance RUR All

Scenery SCENE1 All

SCENE2 I,II(A,E)

SCENE3 I(A,B)

Soil and Water SW1, 2, 4 All

SW3 I(A:1-4,B-F),II

Subsistence SUB All 

Timber TIM1, 7

TIM4

TIM6

All

VII

I(A,E)

Trails TRAI1 I(A-E;F:1,3,5,6)

TRAI2 All

Transportation TRAN None

Wetlands WET All

Wildlife WILD1 I-III;VI-VIII;

IX(A,C,E);X;XI;

XII(A,B);XIII-XIX

WILD2 I(A,B,C,D)

WILD4 All

Apply the following Plan Content located in Chapter 5:

Category Section Plan Component

Young-growth Direction All None

Renewable Energy Direction All All

Transportation Systems Corridors

Direction

All All

Forest-wide Plan Components All All

Forest Plan 3-77 Wild River

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

Apply the following LUD Standards and Guidelines

FACILITIES Facilities Improvements: FAC2 and FAC3

A. Avoid construction of new administrative facilities unless needed for 

administration of river resources and users. If needed, facilities will be 

rustic and kept to a minimum.

FIRE Fire Suppression: FIRE1

Suppression Action

A. Suppress wildfires using the suppression option identified in the Alaska 

Interagency Wildland Fire Management Plan. 

B. Emphasize suppression tactics that result in the least possible 

disturbance or evidence of human presence.

1. Use of mechanized equipment will be addressed in the 

management plan developed for each river.

2. Suppression tactics will minimize human/bear conflicts, and existing 

policy will be emphasized to leave no trash or any other kinds of 

bear attractants in the area.

3. Rehabilitation of all campsites, suppression lines, and other 

evidence of human presence will occur as soon as part of 

rehabilitation activities, but within one year after the fire occurs.

Fuel Improvements: FIRE2

Prescribed Fire

A. Allow management-ignited prescribed fire that emulates natural 

ecological processes.

B. As a general management practice, do not allow prescribed natural fire. 

(Consult FSM 5142.)

FISH Fish Habitat Planning: FISH2

Fish Enhancement

A. Fish enhancement projects may be allowed after considering the 

following during project planning:

1. The primitive character of the area can be maintained. Realize that 

an enhanced fishery could result in increased recreation and 

tourism use.

2. Effects on Wild River ecosystems due to the introduction of species 

not indigenous to the watershed.

3. If a naturally appearing free-flowing condition can be maintained.

4. Effects on the outstandingly remarkable values for which the river 

was designated.

5. The appropriateness of structures both in type and scale to the 

primitive and natural character of the area.

6. Ability to meet a High Scenic Integrity Objective.

Fish Habitat Improvement: FISH3

A. Use construction techniques that are consistent with the ROS setting.

1. Land-disturbing activities necessary for construction will be 

temporary.

2. Design development to minimize impact on the primitive character 

of the corridor.

B. Permanent stream obstructions are not permitted.

Wild River 3-78 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

FOREST HEALTH Forest Health Management: HEALTH1

A. Implement insect and disease management measures consistent with 

this LUD to protect the character and values of Wild Rivers.

Forest Insect and Disease Survey and Inventory: HEALTH2

A. Survey and inventory visible outbreaks.

HERITAGE Heritage Resource Activities: HSS1

Enhancement

A. Heritage resources are available for scientific study to the extent that the 

study is consistent with the intent of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

B. Heritage resources are available for recreational, scenic, scientific, 

educational, conservation, and historic uses, consistent with Wild River 

management.

1. Generally, provide interpretive information concerning heritage 

resources to users in the form of exhibits and publications outside 

the Wild River corridor.

Inventory/Evaluation

A. Develop priorities and schedule management activities to implement 

heritage resource inventory, evaluation, protection, and interpretation.

1. Identify, classify, and evaluate known heritage resources.

2. Identify heritage properties to be nominated to the National Register 

of Historic Places.

3. Identify heritage properties that require stabilization or other 

protective measures.

4. Identify opportunities for interpretation of heritage resources for 

public education and enjoyment.

KARST AND CAVES Cave Management Program: KC2

A. Identify opportunities for interpretation of caves for public education and 

enjoyment. Interpretation will generally occur outside this LUD.

B. Manage caves as Class 1 (Sensitive) or Class 3 (Undeveloped) as 

described in the Karst and Cave Resources Forest-wide Standards and

Guidelines.

LANDS Special Use Administration (Non-Recreation): LAND2

A. Authorize only those uses consistent with management objectives. 

(Consult the Land Management Planning Handbook 1909.12, 

Chapter 80.)

1. Do not authorize water supply dams or major diversions.

2. Do not authorize development of hydroelectric power facilities for 1) 

projects exempted from licensing by the Federal Energy Regulatory 

Commission (FERC), or 2) projects on rivers designated through 

Sections 2, 3, and 5(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The 

Forest Service will recommend to FERC that a project on a river 

found eligible and suitable for inclusion in the Wild and Scenic 

Rivers System should not be licensed because it is inconsistent with 

the purposes for which the National Forest was created or acquired 

and, if necessary, impose conditions on any license issued for a 

project on that river that fully protect its outstandingly remarkable 

characteristics and free-flowing nature.

Forest Plan 3-79 Wild River

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

3. Maintain the natural appearance and primitive character of the river 

area. Do not authorize flood control dams, levees, or similar 

structures in the channel or river corridor.

4. Do not authorize new structures that would have a direct adverse 

effect on river values.

5. Transportation and utility systems will be considered in accordance 

with ANILCA, Title XI. 

6. Allow motorized access in accordance with ANILCA Sections 811 

and 1110(b).

Land Ownership Administration: LAND6

A. Acquire private inholdings in the river corridor as opportunities arise.

MINERALS AND Minerals and Geology Resource Preparation: MG1

GEOLOGY Resource Preparation

A. Prepare geologic, paleontologic, and historic mining interpretations,

where appropriate.

Minerals and Geology Resource Administration: MG2

Wild Rivers

A. When designated by Congress, Forest lands within 0.25 mile of the river 

are withdrawn from mineral entry subject to valid existing rights.

B. Permit reasonable access to valid existing claims in accordance with the 

provisions of an approved Plan of Operations.

C. Encourage use of state-of-the-art techniques for developing mineral 

resources to reduce impacts to Wild Rivers to the extent feasible. 

Include mitigation measures that are compatible with the scale of 

proposed development and commensurate with potential resource 

impacts.

RECREATION AND Recreation Use Administration: REC3

TOURISM Recreation Management and Operations

A. To the degree consistent with the overall purposes of designation, 

provide primitive wildland recreation opportunities that reflect the 

ecological, historical, and sociological conditions found within the river 

corridor and adjacent lands. 

B. Manage for Primitive and Semi-Primitive ROS settings and activities that 

emphasize existing opportunities. Protect the integrity of river resources 

through integrated project planning and implementation.

1. Manage for the existing or less developed recreation settings and 

opportunities unless activities and practices authorized by the 

Forest Service officer with delegated authority causes change in the 

ROS setting(s). Seek to minimize the changes through project 

design and mitigation. Manage recreation and tourism use in a 

manner that is compatible with the long-term objectives of the LUD.

C. Manage recreation and tourism use and activities to meet the 

appropriate levels of social encounters, on-site development, methods of 

access, and visitor impacts indicated for the ROS settings. (Consult the 

ROS Forest Service Handbook and the Recreation and Tourism Forestwide Standards and Guidelines.)

D. Minor, rustic, recreation and tourism facilities, including public recreation 

cabins, floatplane and boat docks, trails, and trail bridges may be 

constructed in the river corridor.

Wild River 3-80 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

E. Designation of motorized routes for off-highway vehicles in Wild Rivers is 

generally not allowed. Designation may only occur where documented 

local traditional use has occurred and the route is compatible with a 

Primitive or Semi-Primitive ROS setting.

Wild River Management

A. Manage Wild River segments to maintain an enduring wildland and 

free-flowing river resource, while providing access and use consistent 

with the purposes of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, as amended, and 

ANILCA (Public Law 96-487). Traditional activities and practices 

authorized by ANILCA will be regulated or restricted only where it is 

determined that the effects of continued or expanded use is likely to 

cause one or more of the following:

1. The degradation of the long-term successional changes in wildland 

and water ecosystems. Adequate determination of the cumulative 

effects of activities and equipment use must be demonstrated as 

well as site-specific or singular effects.

2. It is detrimental to the natural dynamics of the composition or 

structure of wildland and water ecosystems.

3. It is detrimental to identified objects of heritage, historic, prehistoric, 

and scientific interest.

4. It is detrimental to the ROS setting conditions or where the 

cumulative effects of various activities are likely to become 

detrimental to those settings.

5. A specific use is not in accordance with applicable law.

B. Encourage and enlist public and private sector interest groups to work

together in meeting Wild River management objectives. Emphasize 

programs that help to educate the public in the appropriate conduct of 

activities and uses within Wild River corridors.

Recreation Special Uses

A. Major developments are not consistent with agency policy and 

regulations. Refer to the Recreation and Tourism Forest-wide Standards 

and Guidelines.

B. Minor developments may be compatible with the LUD objectives 

depending on the scope, purpose, and magnitude of the proposal. 

Proposals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Refer to the 

Recreation and Tourism Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines. 

SCENERY Scenery Operations: SCENE1

A. Landscapes are managed to retain a natural-appearing scenic condition, 

where activities are not visually evident to the casual observer.

1. Apply the Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines for the High Scenic 

Integrity Objective to all areas within the river corridor. The area 

adjacent to the corridor is managed according to the guidelines of 

the adjacent LUD.

2. Low scenic-impact recreation and tourism facilities, cabins,

infrequent fish or wildlife management activities, and other 

authorized structures that are compatible with the primitive 

character of the corridor may be acceptable and should be 

considered on a case-by-case basis. (Also see the Recreation and 

Tourism Standards and Guidelines in this prescription.)

Forest Plan 3-81 Wild River

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

SOIL AND WATER Watershed Resource Improvements: SW4

A. Undertake watershed improvements within 0.25 mile each side of the 

river only where deteriorated soil or hydrologic conditions create a threat 

to the values for which the river is managed. Use, whenever possible, 

indigenous plant species and materials in implementing land treatment 

measures to protect or improve the quality and/or quantity of the water 

resource or when stabilizing or improving the productivity of the soil 

resource. (Consult FSM 2350 and 2520).

B. Maintain water quality and flow to protect the river's outstandingly 

remarkable values.

SUBSISTENCE Subsistence: SUB

A. Allow subsistence activities in Wild River corridors, subject to reasonable 

regulations to protect Wild River resources.

TIMBER Timber Resource Planning: TIM4

A. Forested land is classified as not suitable for timber production.

B. Silvicultural treatments are limited to control of insect and disease.

C. Salvage harvest of dead or down material may occur. Removal of 

naturally occurring dead trees in and along the river shoreline, including 

sweepers extending into the river from the bank should consider the 

protection of the outstandingly remarkable values and fish habitat in 

accordance with agreements with the state.

D. Taking of personal use wood is limited to beach logs on the portion of the 

river influenced by tidal action. Only beach logs that can be removed 

without roads or use of vehicles on uplands may be taken.

TRANSPORTATION Transportation Operations: TRAN 

A. Permit no new roads, except to access valid mining claims or as 

transportation and utility systems in accordance with ANILCA Title XI.

B. Close roads in this LUD to motorized vehicle use.

C. Allow continued existing use of snowmachines and aircraft; however, 

restrictions may be imposed on a case-by-case basis to protect 

outstandingly remarkable river values.

WILDLIFE Wildlife Habitat Improvement: WILD2

A. Allow wildlife habitat improvements where their principal objective is the 

protection or restoration of Wild River resources, and enhancement of 

outstandingly remarkable values.

Wild River 3-82 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

SCENIC RIVER

Goals

To manage designated river segments according to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (Public Law 

90-542), National Wild and Scenic Rivers System; Final Revised Guidelines for Eligibility, 

Classification, and Management of River Areas (Federal Register Volume 47, Number 173, 1982), 

and direction in Forest Service manuals and handbooks.

To maintain, enhance, and protect the free-flowing character and outstandingly remarkable values of 

rivers and river segments designated as Scenic Rivers and included in the National Wild and Scenic 

Rivers System.

To maintain Scenic Rivers in a natural or naturally appearing, free-flowing condition, and provide 

recreation and tourism opportunities meeting these expectations.

To manage recommended Scenic River segments to maintain their outstandingly remarkable values 

and classification eligibility until Congress designates the segments or decides not to designate them.

Objectives

Manage Scenic River segments to maintain an enduring wildland and free-flowing river resource, 

while providing access and use consistent with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the Alaska 

National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA).

Permit timber harvest on lands suitable for timber production if adjacent lands are being managed for 

that purpose, in accordance with the standards and guidelines for the stated Scenic Integrity 

Objectives.

Manage recreation and tourism use and activities to meet the levels of social encounters, on-site 

developments, methods of access, and visitor impacts indicated for the desired Recreation 

Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) class (generally Semi-Primitive).

Permit roads to provide access to, and occasionally cross, the river. Roads, except for short 

segments, are not visually evident to river users.

Apply the High Scenic Integrity Objective to foreground areas as seen from the river, roads, and trails, 

and Moderate for all other seen areas within the river corridor.

Desired Condition

Scenic Rivers and river segments are in a generally unmodified, free-flowing condition. Ecological 

processes and changes may be somewhat affected by human uses. The outstandingly remarkable 

values for which the river was designated remain outstanding and remarkable. Recreation and 

tourism users have the opportunity for experiences ranging from Primitive to Roaded Natural in a 

natural-appearing setting. Resource activities within the river corridor are not visually evident to the 

casual observer. Interactions between users are moderate. Facilities and structures are rustic in 

appearance, and promote semi-primitive recreation experiences and/or public safety. A yield of 

timber may be produced that contributes to the Forest-wide PTSQ.

Forest Plan 3-83 Scenic River

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

Scenic River Land Use Designation

Apply the following Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines located in Chapter 4:

Category Section Subsections

Air AIR All

Beach and Estuary Fringe BEACH All

Facilities FAC All 

Fire FIRE All

Fish FISH All

Forest Health HEALTH All

Heritage Resources/Sacred Sites HSS All

Invasive Species INV All

Karst and Cave Resources KC All

Lands LAND All

Minerals and Geology MG All

Plants PLA All

Recreation and Tourism REC All

Riparian RIP All

Rural Community Assistance RUR All

Scenery SCENE All

Soil and Water SW All

Subsistence SUB All 

Timber TIM All

Trails TRAI All

Transportation TRAN1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 All

Wetlands WET All

Wildlife WILD All

Apply the following Plan Content located in Chapter 5:

Category Section Plan Component

Young-growth Direction All None

Renewable Energy Direction All All

Transportation Systems Corridors

Direction

All All

Forest-wide Plan Components All All

Apply the following LUD Standards and Guidelines:

FACILITIES Facilities Improvements: FAC2 and FAC3

A. Administrative and authorized non-recreation facilities should not be 

evident as viewed from the river and its banks.

FIRE Fire Suppression: FIRE1

Suppression Action

A. Suppress wildfires using the suppression option identified in the Alaska 

Interagency Wildland Fire Management Plan.

B. Suppression tactics are limited only by the standards and guidelines for 

this LUD (e.g., the soil, water, and scenery resources).

Fuel Improvements: FIRE2

Prescribed Fire

A. Allow management-ignited prescribed fire that meets the High Scenic 

Integrity Objective and meets all soil and water quality standards.

Scenic River 3-84 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

1. Treat all activity fuels to meet the High Scenic Integrity Objective 

within one year following timber harvest.

B. As a general management practice, do not allow prescribed natural fire. 

(Consult Forest Service Manual [FSM] 5142.)

FISH Fish Habitat Planning: FISH2

A. Provide for public interpretation of fish habitats, habitat enhancement 

projects, and special fisheries conditions in appropriate Scenic Rivers.

B. Evaluate fish habitat improvement during project planning by 

considering:

1. Effects on the free flow of water.

2. Effects on the outstandingly remarkable values for which the river 

was designated.

3. Stream obstructions are discouraged.

FOREST HEALTH Forest Health Management: HEALTH1

A. Maintain or improve forest health through insect and disease 

management practices.

1. Allow sanitation and salvage of infested timber to protect the 

character and the outstandingly remarkable values of the Scenic 

River.

Forest Insect and Disease Survey and Inventory: HEALTH2

A. Survey and inventory visible outbreaks.

HERITAGE Heritage Resource Activities: HSS1

Inventory/Evaluation

A. Develop priorities and schedule management activities to implement 

heritage resource inventory, evaluation, protection, and interpretation.

1. Identify, classify, and evaluate known heritage resources.

2. Identify heritage properties to be nominated to the National Register 

of Historic Places.

3. Identify heritage properties that require stabilization or other 

protective measures.

4. Identify opportunities for interpretation of heritage resources for 

public education and enjoyment.

KARST AND CAVES Cave Management Program: KC2

A. Identify opportunities for interpretation of caves for public education and 

enjoyment. Interpretation may occur inside or outside of this LUD.

LANDS Special Use Administration (Non-Recreation): LAND2

A. Authorize only those uses consistent with river management objectives. 

1. Do not authorize water supply dams or major diversions.

2. Do not authorize development of hydroelectric power facilities for: 1) 

projects exempted from licensing by the Federal Energy Regulatory 

Commission (FERC) or 2) projects on rivers designated through 

Sections 2, 3, and 5(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The 

Forest Service will recommend to FERC that a project on a river 

found eligible and suitable for inclusion in the Wild and Scenic 

Rivers System should not be licensed because it is inconsistent with 

Forest Plan 3-85 Scenic River

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

the purposes for which the National Forest was created or acquired 

and, if necessary, impose conditions on any license issued for a 

project on that river that fully protect its outstandingly remarkable 

characteristics and free-flowing nature.

3. Do not authorize flood control dams and levees.

4. Roads may occasionally bridge river areas. Permit short stretches of 

conspicuous or longer stretches of inconspicuous and 

well-screened, roads or railroads, on a case-by-case basis, 

depending upon intended use.

5. Do not authorize new structures that would have a direct adverse 

effect on river values.

6. Allow transportation and utility systems in accordance with ANILCA, 

Title XI. 

7. Allow motorized access in accordance with ANILCA, Sections 811 

and 1110(b).

Land Ownership Administration: LAND6

A. Acquire private inholdings as opportunities arise.

MINERALS AND Minerals and Geology Resource Preparation: MG1

GEOLOGY Resource Preparation

A. Prepare geologic, paleontologic, and historic mining interpretations,

where appropriate.

Minerals and Geology Resource Administration: MG2

Forest Lands Open to Mineral Entry

A. Forest lands within this LUD are open to mineral entry.

B. Assure prospectors and claimants their right of ingress and egress 

granted under the General Mining Law of 1872, ANILCA, and Forest 

Service Minerals Regulations 36 CFR 228.

C. Permit reasonable access to mining claims, leases, and material sites, 

as well as authorization of orderly mineral resource development with the 

provisions of an approved Plan of Operations in accordance with Forest 

Service Minerals Regulations 36 CFR 228 and FSM 2800.

RECREATION AND Recreation Use Administration: REC3

TOURISM Recreation Settings

A. Continue to provide the spectrum of outdoor recreation opportunities in 

accordance with the existing capabilities of this LUD as indicated by the 

ROS inventory. 

1. Manage for the existing recreation settings and opportunities until 

scheduled activities and practices cause a change in the ROS 

setting(s). Manage recreation use in a manner that is compatible 

with the long-term objectives of this LUD.

2. In locations where scheduled activities change the recreation 

setting(s), manage the new setting(s) in accordance with the 

appropriate ROS guidelines. Maintain the capability of this LUD to 

provide appropriate quality recreation opportunities on a sustained 

basis.

3. Provide recreation facilities consistent with the ROS setting. Where 

possible, major facilities should be screened from the river. On-site 

interpretation may be provided.

4. Manage use and activities for the safety and convenience of the 

user, and protection and interpretation of the river resources. 

Scenic River 3-86 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Experiences may include those requiring moderate isolation to 

those influenced by humans in a modified setting. Recreation 

facilities may include campgrounds, picnic areas, lodges, resorts, 

and interpretive sites and similar facilities.

B. Designation of motorized routes for off-highway vehicles in Scenic Rivers 

is allowed and will be planned in accordance with 36 CFR 212.

Recreation Special Uses

A. Major developments may be compatible with the LUD objectives 

depending on the scope, purpose, and magnitude of the proposal. 

Proposals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Refer to the 

Recreation and Tourism Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.

B. Minor developments are fully compatible with this LUD; applicants are 

encouraged to examine these areas first. Refer to the Recreation and 

Tourism Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.

SCENERY Scenery Operations: SCENE1

A. Maintain or improve the scenic character of river segments that qualified 

the river as a Scenic River, particularly where scenic quality is an 

outstandingly remarkable value. In foreground settings, design 

management activities to not be visually evident to the casual observer. 

Management activities should be visually subordinate to the 

characteristic landscape in the middleground distance zone. In all 

settings, activities should utilize existing form, line, color, and texture 

found in the characteristic landscape.

1. Apply to the river corridor the High Scenic Integrity Objective for 

lands in the foreground distance zone and the Moderate Scenic 

Integrity Objective for lands in the middleground and background 

distance zone, as seen from the river and other Visual Priority 

Travel Routes and Use Areas (see Appendix F). In areas not seen 

from the river or Visual Priority Travel Routes and Use Areas, apply 

the Low Scenic Integrity Objective. However, if scenery is listed as 

one of the outstandingly remarkable values, apply the Moderate 

Scenic Integrity Objective. These objectives define the maximum 

limit of allowable change to the scenic character of the area; less 

visible evidence of activities is acceptable. Note that these 

standards and guidelines only apply to lands within the Scenic River 

LUD. The area adjacent to this LUD is managed according to the 

guidelines of the adjacent LUD.

2. Exceptions to the Scenic Integrity Objective for small areas of 

non-conforming developments, such as recreation sites, 

transportation developments, and mining development, may be 

considered on a case-by-case basis. Use designs and materials 

that are compatible with forms, colors, and textures found in the 

characteristic landscape.

B. Locate and design recreation facilities and other authorized activities 

within the river corridor in a manner most compatible with the High 

Scenic Integrity Objective. Recreation facilities visible from the river 

generally are limited to those providing access to water-based recreation 

opportunities, such as fishing access points, trails, and boat launch 

facilities. Other recreation facilities, such as cabins, are generally 

screened from view from the river.

C. The following guidelines provide direction for timber harvest activities to 

meet Scenic Integrity Objectives and Visual Absorption Capability (VAC) 

settings. These conditions are approximate estimates for planning 

Forest Plan 3-87 Scenic River

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

purposes and should be referred to as guidelines during project analysis. 

Ground conditions may indicate a need to be more restrictive or relaxed 

in scheduling harvest to meet the intent of the Scenic Integrity Objective.

1. High - Timber harvest activities are not evident to the casual Forest 

visitor.

2. Moderate - Although timber harvest activities are evident, they must 

remain subordinate to the characteristic landscape.

3. Low - Timber harvest activities may dominate the characteristic 

landscape, yet will be designed to borrow from form and line found 

in the naturally- occurring landscape.

4. Typical regeneration methods and approximate unit sizes for 

landscapes of different visual absorption capabilities for the Scenic 

Integrity Objectives adopted in this LUD are described below.

e) Scenic Integrity Objective High:

♦ Low VAC: Single tree or group selection (openings less 

than 2 acres)

♦ Intermediate VAC: Single tree or clearcut (openings 

approximately 5 to 15 acres)

♦ High VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 15 to 30 

acres)

f) Scenic Integrity Objective Moderate:

♦ Low VAC: Group selection or clearcut (openings 

approximately 2 to 10 acres)

♦ Intermediate VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 10 to 

40 acres) 

♦ High VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 40 to 60 

acres)

g) Scenic Integrity Objective Low:

♦ Low VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 15 to 40 

acres)

♦ Intermediate VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 40 to

60 acres)

♦ High VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 60 to 100 

acres)

SOIL AND WATER Watershed Resource Improvements: SW4

A. Undertake watershed improvements within the river corridor only where 

deteriorated soil or hydrologic conditions create a threat to the values for 

which the river is managed. Use, whenever possible, indigenous plant 

species and materials in implementing land treatment measures to 

protect or improve the quality and/or quantity of the water resource, or 

when stabilizing or improving the productivity of the soil resource. 

(Consult FSM 2350 and 2520.)

SUBSISTENCE Subsistence: SUB

A. Allow subsistence activities in the Scenic River LUD, subject to 

reasonable regulations to protect Scenic River resources.

TIMBER Timber Resource Planning: TIM4

A. Lands suitable for old-growth timber production are available for harvest

if the adjacent LUD allows timber harvest.

B. Personal use sawtimber, firewood, and Christmas tree harvesting is 

compatible with this LUD provided that management objectives are met. 

Scenic River 3-88 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Discourage cutting within 100 feet each side of the river (also see the 

Riparian Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines). The cutting of down 

trees in navigable rivers (sweepers) must be compatible with the 

management direction for fish habitat and protect the outstandingly 

remarkable characteristics of the river.

C. Scenic rivers contribute to the old-growth conservation strategy. If 

project-level planning considers timber harvest within these areas, 

ensure that sufficient old growth will still be maintained to meet the size, 

spacing, composition, and connectivity requirements of the old-growth 

strategy specified in the Forest Plan.

D. Project analysis, development of environmental documents, and design 

for timber activities will enhance or maintain the outstandingly 

remarkable values within the river corridor.

Timber Sale Preparation: TIM5

A. Timber harvest activities may include all applicable silvicultural systems. 

Project analysis will recognize the effects of color, tone, texture, line, 

slope, size, and edge on the Scenic River.

B. Salvage harvest of dead or down material may occur. Removal of 

naturally occurring dead trees in and along the river shoreline, including 

"sweepers" extending into the river from the bank, should consider the 

protection of outstandingly remarkable values and fish habitat.

TRANSPORTATION Transportation Operations: TRAN 

A. Develop and manage the transportation system in a manner compatible 

with Scenic River classification.

1. Allow the construction of Forest Development Roads that may 

provide access to the river. Roads may occasionally bridge the 

river.

2. Locate and design roads that, except for short segments or at 

bridge crossings, are not evident to the casual observer traveling on 

the river. Do not allow long stretches of conspicuous and 

well-traveled roads parallel the riverbank.

3. Limit the design standards of Forest Development Roads to those 

necessary to accommodate single use or a controlled mix of traffic 

(i.e., Traffic Service Level C or D). Occasional roads will be at a 

higher service level, but that will be an exception.

4. Consider the recreation emphasis of this LUD during development 

of road management objectives.

WILDLIFE Wildlife Habitat Improvement: WILD2

A. Allow wildlife habitat improvement where the principal objective is the 

protection or restoration of river resources, and the enhancement of 

outstandingly remarkable values.

Forest Plan 3-89 Scenic River

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

RECREATIONAL RIVER

Goals

To manage designated river segments according to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (Public Law 

90-542), National Wild and Scenic Rivers System; Final Revised Guidelines for Eligibility, 

Classification, and Management of River Areas (Federal Register Volume 47, Number 173, 1982), 

and direction in Forest Service manuals and handbooks.

To maintain, improve, and protect the essentially free-flowing character and outstandingly remarkable 

values of rivers and river segments designated as Recreational Rivers and included in the National 

Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

To provide recreation opportunities in a pleasing, though modified, generally free-flowing river setting, 

while allowing timber harvest, transportation, and other developments.

To manage recommended Recreational River segments to maintain their outstandingly remarkable 

values and classification eligibility until Congress designates the segments or decides not to 

designate them.

Objectives

Manage Recreational River segments to maintain a free-flowing river resource, while providing for 

access and use consistent with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the Alaska National Interest 

Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA).

Permit timber harvest on lands suitable for timber production if adjacent lands are being managed for 

that purpose, in accordance with the standards and guidelines for the stated Scenic Integrity

Objectives.

Manage recreation use and activities to meet the levels of social encounters, on-site developments, 

methods of access, and visitor impacts indicated for the desired Recreation Opportunity Spectrum 

(ROS) class (generally Roaded Natural).

Allow roads to access, parallel, or cross the river. In general, design access roads to accommodate 

passenger cars, and open them to public use.

Apply the Moderate Scenic Integrity Objective to foreground areas within the corridor seen from the 

river, roads, and recreation facilities, and Low to all other seen areas within the river corridor.

Desired Condition

Recreational Rivers and river segments are in a generally unmodified to modified, essentially 

free-flowing condition. Ecological processes and changes may be affected by human uses. The 

outstandingly remarkable values for which the river was designated remain outstanding and 

remarkable. Recreation users have the opportunity for a variety and range of experiences in a 

modified but pleasing setting. Resource activities and developments may be present within the river 

corridor, and may dominate some areas. A variety of scenic conditions occur. Interactions between 

users may be moderate to high. A yield of timber may be produced, which contributes to Forest-wide 

PTSQ.

Recreational River 3-90 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Recreational River Land Use Designation

Apply the following Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines located in Chapter 4:

Category Section Subsections

Air AIR All

Beach and Estuary Fringe BEACH All

Facilities FAC All 

Fire FIRE All

Fish FISH All

Forest Health HEALTH All

Heritage Resources/Sacred Sites HSS All

Invasive Species INV All

Karst and Cave Resources KC All

Lands LAND All

Minerals and Geology MG All

Plants PLA All

Recreation and Tourism REC All

Riparian RIP All

Rural Community Assistance RUR All

Scenery SCENE All

Soil and Water SW All

Subsistence SUB All 

Timber TIM All

Trails TRAI All

Transportation TRAN1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 All

Wetlands WET All

Wildlife WILD All

Apply the following Plan Content located in Chapter 5:

Category Section Plan Component

Young-growth Direction All None

Renewable Energy Direction All All

Transportation Systems Corridors

Direction

All All

Forest-wide Plan Components All All

Apply the following LUD Standards and Guidelines:

FACILITIES Facilities Improvements: FAC2 and FAC3

A. Allow the location of administrative facilities and public information 

centers in the river corridor if they do not have adverse effects on the 

values this LUD is intended to protect.

FIRE Fire Suppression: FIRE1

Suppression Action

A. Suppress wildfires using the suppression option identified in the Alaska 

Interagency Wildland Fire Management Plan. 

B. Suppression tactics are limited only by the standards and guidelines for 

this LUD (e.g., soil, water, and scenery resources).

Fuel Improvements: FIRE2

Prescribed Fire

A. Allow management-ignited prescribed fire that meets the Moderate 

Scenic Integrity Objective as well as all soil and water quality standards.

Forest Plan 3-91 Recreational River

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

1. Treat all activity fuels to meet the Moderate Scenic Integrity

Objective within one year following timber harvest.

B. As a general management practice, do not allow prescribed natural fire. 

(Consult Forest Service Manual [FSM] 5142.)

FISH Fish Habitat Planning: FISH2

A. Provide for public interpretation of fish habitats, habitat enhancement 

projects, and associated special fisheries conditions in appropriate 

Recreational Rivers.

B. Evaluate fish habitat improvement during project planning by 

considering:

1. Effects on the free flow of water.

2. Effects on the outstandingly remarkable values for which the river 

was designated.

3. Stream obstructions will be discouraged.

FOREST HEALTH Forest Health Management: HEALTH1

A. Maintain or improve forest health through insect and disease 

management practices. Implement these practices in compliance with 

recreation objectives.

1. Encourage hazard tree management in developed areas.

2. Permit salvage and sanitation of infested timber.

Forest Insect and Disease Survey and Inventory: HEALTH2

A. Survey and inventory visible outbreaks.

HERITAGE Heritage Resource Activities: HSS1

Inventory/Evaluation

A. Develop priorities and schedule management activities to implement 

heritage resource inventory, evaluation, protection, interpretation, and 

allocation.

1. Identify, classify, and evaluate known heritage resources.

2. Identify heritage properties to be nominated to the National Register 

of Historic Places.

3. Identify heritage properties that require stabilization or other 

protective measures.

4. Identify opportunities for interpretation of heritage resources for 

public education and enjoyment.

KARST AND CAVES Cave Management Program: KC2

A. Identify opportunities for interpretation of caves for public education and 

enjoyment. Interpretation may occur inside or outside of this LUD.

LANDS Special Use Administration (Non-Recreation): LAND2

A. Authorize only those uses consistent with river management objectives. 

1. Allow existing low dams, diversion works, rip rap, and other minor 

similar instream structures to remain. Generally, prohibit new 

structures of this nature.

2. Authorize no development of hydroelectric power facilities for: 1) 

projects exempted from licensing by the Federal Energy Regulatory 

Commission (FERC), or 2) projects on rivers designated through 

Recreational River 3-92 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

sections 2, 3, and 5(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The 

Forest Service will recommend to FERC that a project on a river 

found eligible and suitable for inclusion in the Wild and Scenic 

Rivers System should not be licensed because it is inconsistent with 

the purposes for which the National Forest was created or acquired 

and, if necessary, impose conditions on any license issued for a 

project on that river that fully protect its outstandingly remarkable 

characteristics and free-flowing nature.

3. Permit maintenance of existing flood control structures. Do not 

authorize new ones.

4. Consider authorizing construction of roads, trails, or railroads on a 

case-by-case basis. They may be authorized on one, or both, river 

banks and there may be several bridge crossings and numerous 

river access points. Permit new structures as necessary and 

appropriate.

5. Transportation and utility systems will be allowed in accordance with 

ANILCA, Title XI. 

6. Allow motorized access in accordance with ANILCA, Sections 811 

and 1110(b).

Land Ownership Administration: LAND6

A. Acquire private inholdings as opportunities arise.

MINERALS AND Minerals and Geology Resource Preparation: MG1

GEOLOGY Resource Preparation

A. Prepare geologic, paleontologic, and historic mining interpretations,

where appropriate.

Minerals and Geology Administration: MG2

Forest Lands Open to Mineral Entry

A. Forest lands within this LUD are open to mineral entry.

B. Assure prospectors and claimants their right of ingress and egress 

granted under the General Mining Law of 1872, ANILCA, and Forest 

Service Minerals Regulations 36 CFR 228.

C. Permit reasonable access to mining claims, leases, and material sites 

and authorization of orderly mineral resource development with the 

provisions of an approved Plan of Operations in accordance with Forest 

Service Minerals Regulations 36 CFR 228 and FSM 2800.

RECREATION AND Recreation Use Administration: REC3

TOURISM Recreation Settings

A. Continue to provide the spectrum of outdoor recreation opportunities in 

accordance with the existing capabilities of this LUD as indicated by the 

ROS inventory. 

1. Manage for the existing recreation settings and opportunities until 

scheduled activities and practices cause a change in the ROS 

setting(s). Manage recreation use in a manner that is compatible 

with the long-term objectives of this LUD.

2. In locations where scheduled activities change the recreation 

setting(s), manage the new setting(s) in accordance with the 

appropriate ROS guidelines. Maintain the capability of this LUD to 

provide appropriate quality recreation opportunities on a sustained 

basis.

Forest Plan 3-93 Recreational River

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

3. Provide recreation facilities consistent with the ROS setting. Where 

possible, major facilities should be screened from the river. On-site 

interpretation may be provided.

4. Manage use and activities for the safety and convenience of the 

user, and protection and interpretation of the river resources. 

Experiences may include those requiring moderate isolation to 

those influenced by humans in a modified setting. Recreation 

facilities may include campgrounds, picnic areas, lodges, resorts, 

and interpretive sites and similar facilities.

B. Motorized routes for off-highway vehicles in Recreation River LUDs may 

be allowed and will be planned in accordance with 36 CFR 212.

Recreation Special Uses

A. Major and minor developments are compatible with this LUD; applicants 

are encouraged to examine these areas first. Refer to the Recreation 

and Tourism Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.

SCENERY Scenery Operations: SCENE1

A. In foreground settings, design management activities to be subordinate 

to the characteristic landscape. Management activities may dominate 

areas seen in the middleground distance. In all settings, activities should 

utilize existing form, line, color, and texture found in the characteristic 

landscape.

1. Apply the Moderate Scenic Integrity Objective in the foreground 

distance zone and the Low Scenic Integrity Objective in the 

middleground and background distance zones, as seen from Visual 

Priority Travel Routes and Use Areas (see Appendix F). In areas 

not seen from the river or Visual Priority Travel Routes and Use 

Areas, apply the Very Low Scenic Integrity Objective. However, if 

scenery is listed as one of the outstandingly remarkable values, 

apply the Moderate Scenic Integrity Objective in the middleground, 

background, and unseen areas. These objectives define the 

maximum limit of allowable change to scenic character of the area; 

less visible evidence of activities is acceptable. Note that these 

standards and guidelines apply only to the lands within the 

Recreational River LUD. The area adjacent to this LUD is managed 

according to the guidelines of the adjacent LUD.

2. Exceptions for small areas of non-conforming developments, such 

as recreation sites, transportation developments, log transfer 

facilities, and mining development, may be considered on a 

case-by-case basis. Use designs and materials that are compatible 

with forms, colors, and textures found in the characteristic 

landscape.

B. The following guidelines provide direction for timber harvest activities to 

meet Scenic Integrity Objectives and Visual Absorption Capability (VAC) 

settings. These estimates are appropriate for planning purposes and 

should be referred to as guidelines. Ground conditions may indicate a 

need to be more restrictive or relaxed in scheduling harvest to meet the 

intent of the Scenic Integrity Objective.

1. Moderate - Although timber harvest activities are evident, they must 

remain subordinate to the characteristic landscape.

2. Low - Timber harvest activities may dominate the characteristic 

landscape, yet will be designed to borrow from form and line found 

in the naturally- occurring landscape.

Recreational River 3-94 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

3. Very Low - Timber harvest activities may visually dominate the 

original characteristic landscape. This Scenic Integrity Objective 

should be met within 1 year in the foreground distance zone and 

within 5 years in the middle and background distances.

4. Typical regeneration methods and approximate unit sizes for 

landscapes of different visual absorption capabilities for the Scenic 

Integrity Objectives adopted in this LUD are described below.

a) Scenic Integrity Objective. Moderate:

♦ Low VAC: Group selection or clearcut (openings 

approximately 2 to 10 acres)

♦ Intermediate VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 10 to

40 acres) 

♦ High VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 40 to 60 

acres)

b) Scenic Integrity Objective Low:

♦ Low VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 15 to 40 

acres)

♦ Intermediate VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 40 to

60 acres)

♦ High VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 60 to 100 

acres)

c) Scenic Integrity Objective Very Low:

♦ Low VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 50 to 75 

acres)

♦ Intermediate VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 80 to

100 acres)

♦ High VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 80 to 100 

acres)

SOIL AND WATER Watershed Resource Improvements: SW4

A. Undertake watershed improvements within the river corridor where 

deteriorated soil or hydrologic conditions exist. Use, whenever possible, 

indigenous plant species and materials in implementing land treatment 

measures to protect or improve the quality and/or quantity of the water 

resource, or when stabilizing or improving the productivity of the soil 

resource. (Consult FSM 2350 and 2520.)

B. Carry out land use activities to maintain water quality.

TIMBER Timber Resource Planning: TIM4

A. Lands suitable for old-growth timber production are available for harvest 

if the adjacent LUD allows timber harvest. Silvicultural treatment is 

integrated with site and area development to provide healthy tree stands, 

vegetative diversity, and forage production for indigenous wildlife 

populations. Insect and disease control, and landscaping are performed 

to maintain the aesthetic value of both existing recreation and potential 

recreation sites.

B. Personal use sawtimber, firewood, and Christmas tree harvesting is 

compatible with this LUD provided that LUD objectives are met, 

consistent with the level of use allowed by the ROS. Discourage cutting 

within 100 feet each side of the river (also see the Riparian Forest-wide 

Standards and Guidelines). The cutting of down trees in navigable rivers 

(sweepers) must be compatible with the management direction for fish 

habitat and the protection of the outstandingly remarkable characteristics 

of the river.

Forest Plan 3-95 Recreational River

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

C. Recreational rivers contribute to the old-growth conservation strategy. If 

project-level planning considers timber harvest within these areas, 

ensure that sufficient old growth will still be maintained to meet the size, 

spacing, composition, and connectivity requirements of the old-growth 

strategy specified in the Forest Plan.

D. Project design, analysis, and development of environmental documents 

for timber activities will emphasize enhancement or maintenance of the 

outstandingly remarkable river values.

E. Administrative use of timber is allowable or allowed for structures within 

the LUD and for other uses outside the LUD if compatible with LUD 

objectives.

Timber Sale Preparation: TIM5

A. Timber harvest activities may include all applicable silvicultural systems. 

Project analysis will recognize the effects of color, tone, texture, line, 

slope, size, and edge on the scenic viewshed.

B. Salvage harvest of dead or down material may occur. Removal of dead 

trees in and along the river shoreline, including sweepers extending into 

the river from the bank, should consider the protection of the 

outstandingly remarkable values and fish habitat.

TRANSPORTATION Transportation Operations: TRAN 

A. Develop and manage the transportation system in a manner compatible 

with Recreational River classification.

1. Allow the construction of Forest Development Roads. The river may 

be readily accessible by road. Roads may parallel the river bank 

and be conspicuous in places when viewed from the river.

2. If accessible for public use, design roads to accommodate 

passenger cars and open them to public use (consistent with road 

management objectives), although traffic controls may be used 

during periods of high use (i.e., design to Traffic Service Level C or 

above).

Recreational River 3-96 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

EXPERIMENTAL FOREST

Goals

To provide for long-term opportunities for forest research and demonstration essential to managing 

forest resources.

Objectives

The Director of the Pacific Northwest Research Station will prepare a development plan for each 

experimental forest in consultation with the Forest Supervisor designed to achieve the desired 

research objectives. Experimental forests are jointly administered by the Pacific Northwest Research 

Station and the Ranger District in which it is located.

Allow timber harvest, as specified in the development plan, for research and demonstration purposes. 

Timber harvest is not counted towards the Projected Timber Sale Quantity (PTSQ), and forest lands 

are classified as not suitable for timber production.

Roads and trails will generally complement research and interpretation. Allow facilities necessary for 

ongoing research, as specified in the experimental forest's development plan.

Allow fish enhancement or wildlife improvement projects for research purposes, or if they are 

compatible with the establishment objectives of the experimental forest.

Desired Condition

Each experimental forest is managed for the purposes for which it was established. Ongoing 

research provides useful needed information for forest management. Non-research types of activities 

and uses may be compatible with, and do not interfere with, research or demonstration objectives. 

Opportunities for public use of roads may be present.

Forest Plan 3-97 Experimental Forest

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

Experimental Forest Land Use Designation

Apply the following Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines located in Chapter 4:

Category Section Subsections

Air AIR All

Beach and Estuary Fringe BEACH All

Facilities FAC All 

Fire FIRE All

Fish FISH All

Forest Health HEALTH All

Heritage Resources/Sacred Sites HSS All

Invasive Species INV All

Karst and Cave Resources KC All

Lands LAND All

Minerals and Geology MG All

Plants PLA All

Recreation and Tourism REC All

Riparian RIP All

Rural Community Assistance RUR All

Scenery SCENE All

Soil and Water SW All

Subsistence SUB All 

Timber TIM2,7

TIM6

All

I(A-D)

Trails TRAI All

Transportation TRAN All

Wetlands WET All

Wildlife WILD All

Apply the following Plan Content located in Chapter 5:

Category Section Plan Component

Young-growth Direction All None

Renewable Energy Direction All All except 

S-RE-LAND-01 and 

S-RE-TRAN-01

Transportation Systems Corridors Direction All All except

S-TSC-LAND-02

Forest-wide Plan Components All All

Apply the following LUD Standards and Guidelines:

BEACH AND Beach and Estuary Fringe: BEACH2

ESTUARY FRINGE

A. Management activities, more intensive than those allowed in the Beach 

and Estuary Fringe Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines, may be 

allowed to assess their impacts on beach and estuary fringe resources. 

Prior to these activities, appropriate NEPA analysis and decision by the 

Forest Service officer with delegated authority will occur.

FACILITIES Facilities Improvements: FAC2 and FAC3

A. Allow facilities necessary for ongoing research and its interpretation, as 

specified in the individual experimental forest’s development plan.

Experimental Forest 3-98 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

FIRE Fire Suppression: FIRE1

Suppression Action

A. Suppress wildfires using the suppression action that minimizes fire 

suppression cost and resource damage. The action must meet the 

objectives of the experimental forest's development plan.

B. Suppression tactics will be compatible with the Experimental Forest's 

objectives.

Fuel Improvements: FIRE2

Prescribed Fire

A. Allow management-ignited prescribed fire if it is compatible with the 

experimental forest's objectives.

B. As a general management practice, do not use prescribed natural fire, 

although it may be needed to perpetuate natural ecological processes. 

Should it become necessary to consider the use of prescribed natural 

fire, the Forest Plan must be amended to analyze, justify, and approve 

prescribed natural fire programs. (Consult Forest Service Manual 5142).

FISH Fish Habitat Planning: FISH2

A. Fish habitat may be managed differently (e.g., using more intensive 

timber harvest techniques) than identified in the Riparian Forest-wide 

Standards and Guidelines to help meet the experimental forest's 

research objectives. In some cases, Forest-wide direction listed under 

FISH2 may not apply.

B. Fish enhancement projects may occur if they are compatible with the 

experimental forest's establishment objectives. Fish habitat manipulation 

may also occur to provide research into the costs, benefits, and effects of 

such manipulations with appropriate NEPA analysis and decision by the 

Forest Service officer with delegated authority.

FOREST HEALTH Forest Health Management: HEALTH1

A. Coordinate insect and disease management activities with the Pacific 

Northwest Research Station and with the Experimental Forest's 

Development Plan.

Forest Insect and Disease Survey and Inventory: HEALTH2

A. Survey and inventory visible outbreaks.

HERITAGE Heritage Resource Activities: HSS1

Inventory/Evaluation

A. Develop priorities and schedule management activities to implement 

heritage resource inventory, evaluation, protection, and interpretation.

1. Identify, classify, and evaluate known heritage resources.

2. Identify heritage properties to be nominated to the National Register 

of Historic Places.

3. Identify heritage properties that require stabilization or other 

protective measures.

4. Identify opportunities for interpretation of heritage resources for 

public education and enjoyment.

Forest Plan 3-99 Experimental Forest

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

KARST AND CAVES Cave Management Program: KC2

A. Identify opportunities for interpretation of caves for public education and 

enjoyment. Interpretation may occur inside or outside of this LUD.

LANDS Special Use Administration (Non-Recreation): LAND2

A. Issue only those special use authorizations consistent with the 

experimental forest's research objectives.

1. Coordinate all proposed new uses with the Pacific Northwest 

Research Station Director to ensure compatibility with research

objectives.

Land Ownership Adjustments: LAND6

A. Acquire private inholdings as opportunities arise.

MINERALS AND Minerals and Geology Resource Preparation: MG1

GEOLOGY Resource Preparation

A. Prepare geologic, paleontologic, and historic mining interpretations,

where appropriate.

Minerals and Geology Administration: MG2

Forest Lands Open to Mineral Entry

A. Depending on the research objectives, portions or all of the Experimental 

Forest may be withdrawn from mineral entry. 

B. Claimants with claims located within this LUD retain valid existing rights if 

such rights were established prior to the date the experimental forest 

was withdrawn.

C. Permit reasonable access to mining claims, leases, and material sites 

and authorization of orderly mineral resource development with the 

provisions of an approved Plan of Operations in accordance with Forest 

Service Minerals Regulations 36 CFR 228 and FSM 2800.

RECREATION AND Recreation Use Administration: REC3 

TOURISM Recreation Settings

A. Continue to provide the spectrum of outdoor recreation opportunities in 

accordance with the existing capabilities of this LUD.

1. Manage for the existing recreation uses, settings, and opportunities 

that can be accommodated without adverse effect on research 

objectives, until scheduled activities and practices cause a change 

in the ROS setting(s).

2. In locations where scheduled activities change the recreation 

setting(s), manage the new setting(s) in accordance with the 

appropriate ROS guidelines.

3. Manage public use within the experimental forest to protect ongoing 

research activities.

B. Motorized routes may be allowed for off-highway vehicles in 

Experimental Forests and will be planned in accordance with 36 CFR 

212.

Recreation Special Uses

A. Major and minor developments are generally not consistent with the 

objectives of the LUD. Development proposals require scrutiny of the 

magnitude and scope for LUD conformance.

Experimental Forest 3-100 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

SCENERY Scenery Operations: SCENE1

A. In the Development Plan, identify the Scenic Integrity Objectives that 

may range from High to Very Low and will depend on the research 

objectives of the experimental forest. Emphasis on scenic quality should 

be given for areas seen from Visual Priority Travel Routes and Use 

Areas (see Appendix F).

RIPARIAN Riparian Habitat Planning: RIP1 and RIP2

A. Riparian habitat may be managed differently (e.g., using more intensive 

timber harvest techniques) than identified in Riparian Forest-wide 

Standards and Guidelines to help meet the experimental forest's 

research objectives. In some cases, Forest-wide direction listed under 

RIP may not apply with appropriate NEPA analysis conducted by the 

Pacific Northwest Research Station for decision by the Forest Service 

officer with delegated authority.

SOIL AND WATER Watershed Resource Planning: SW3

A. Soil and water resources may be temporarily altered by experimental 

activities to assess the impacts of such activities upon soil productivity, 

water quality and quantity, and fish populations and habitat with 

appropriate NEPA analysis conducted by the Pacific Northwest 

Research Station for decision by the Forest Service officer with 

delegated authority.

Watershed Resource Improvement: SW4

A. Soil and water treatment measures may occur if they are compatible with 

experimental forest's establishment objectives. Different treatments may 

occur to provide information on benefits, costs, and effects of such 

treatments.

SUBSISTENCE Subsistence: SUB

A. Allow subsistence activities.

THREATENED Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive: TES

ENDANGERED, and Sensitive Species

SENSITIVE A. Sensitive species habitats may be manipulated with planned research 

activities to assess the impacts of forest management activities/programs 

upon sensitive species habitats and populations with NEPA analysis and

decision by the Forest Service officer with delegated authority.

TIMBER Timber Resource Planning: TIM4

A. Forest lands are classified as not suitable for timber production. Timber 

harvested for experimental and demonstration purposes will not count 

toward the Projected Timber Sale Quantity (PTSQ). Timber activities, 

including harvest and cultural treatment, will only take place for 

demonstration and research purposes as specified in the Experimental 

Forest Development Plan.

Forest Plan 3-101 Experimental Forest

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

B. Personal use and Christmas tree cutting activities are limited to be 

consistent with the provisions of the experimental forest's development 

plan.

C. Administrative use of timber is allowed for structures needed to meet 

LUD objectives for research and interpretation projects.

TRANSPORTATION Transportation Operations: TRAN 

A. Provide and manage the transportation system as needed to accomplish 

the experimental forest objectives.

B. Roads and trails may be developed to facilitate and interpret the ongoing 

research.

C. Roads may be constructed through the experimental forest to access 

other LUDs, unless the roads would interfere with research objectives.

D. During design, construction, operation, and maintenance of roads, apply

standards and guidelines and Best Management Practices, as 

appropriate.

WETLANDS Wetlands: WET

A. Wetlands may be managed differently than identified in the Wetlands 

and Riparian Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines to help meet the 

experimental forest's research objectives with appropriate NEPA analysis 

and decision by the Forest Service officer with delegated authority. The 

appropriate permits will be acquired when needed.

WILDLIFE Wildlife Habitat Planning: WILD1

A. Wildlife habitat management and research will be identified in the 

Experimental Forest's Development Plan.

B. Wildlife habitats may be treated to assess the impact of vegetation 

management upon wildlife populations. Use the Tongass Young-Growth 

Management Strategy to help prioritize treatment needs and scheduling

(consult Tongass Young-growth Management Strategy).

Experimental Forest 3-102 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

SCENIC VIEWSHED

Goals

To provide a sustained yield of timber and a mix of resource activities while minimizing the visibility of 

developments as seen from Visual Priority Travel Routes and Use Areas.

To recognize the scenic values of suitable forest lands viewed from selected popular roads, trails, 

water travel routes, recreation sites, bays, and anchorages, and to modify timber harvest practices 

accordingly.

To seek to provide a supply of timber from the Tongass National Forest that meets the annual and 

planning-cycle market demand, consistent with the standards and guidelines for this LUD.

Objectives

Within this LUD, apply the Scenic Integrity Objective of High in the foreground distance zone and 

Moderate in the middleground and background distance zones, as seen from the Visual Priority 

Travel Routes and Use Areas (see Appendix F). Apply the Very Low Scenic Integrity Objective to all 

other areas.

Forest lands are suitable for timber production. Use appropriate silvicultural systems consistent with 

the adopted Scenic Integrity Objectives. Other timber management considerations include:

• Seek to reduce clearcutting when other methods will meet land management objectives;

• Identify opportunities for diversifying the wood products industry (e.g., special forest products 

and value-added local production);

• Use forest health management to protect resource values;

• Improve timber growth and productivity on commercial forest lands;

• Plan, inventory, prepare, offer, sell, and administer timber sales and permits to ensure the 

orderly development of timber production; and

• Emphasize the overall reduction of costs, increase of revenues, and improvement of public 

service within the timber program.

Perform viewshed analysis in conjunction with project development to provide direction for retaining 

or creating a scenically attractive landscape over time, and for rehabilitation of areas overly modified 

in the past.

Provide a spectrum of recreation and tourism opportunities consistent with the capabilities of this 

LUD. Semi-primitive to roaded experiences may be offered.

Design roads and trails to be compatible with the characteristic landscape.

Extend rotations, as necessary, to meet the Scenic Integrity Objectives.

Desired Condition

In areas managed under the Scenic Viewshed LUD, forest visitors, recreationists, and others using 

identified popular travel routes and use areas will view a natural-appearing landscape (refer to 

Appendix F). Management activities in the foreground will not be evident to the casual observer. 

Activities in the middleground and background will be subordinate to the characteristic landscape. 

Areas topographically screened from Visual Priority Travel Routes and Use Areas may be heavily 

modified. Within these viewsheds, even-aged timber harvest units are typically small and affect only 

a small percentage of the seen area. At any given point in time, roads, facilities, and other structures 

Forest Plan 3-103 Scenic Viewshed

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

are either not visually evident or are subordinate to the landscape. A variety of successional stages 

providing wildlife habitat occur, although late successional stages predominate. Recreation and 

tourism opportunities in a range of settings are available. In the areas managed for High or Moderate

Scenic Integrity Objectives, timber yields will generally be obtained through the use of small openings 

or uneven-aged systems. A yield of timber is produced, which contributes to Projected Timber Sale 

Quantity (PTSQ).

Scenic Viewshed Land Use Designation

Apply the following Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines located in Chapter 4:

Category Section Subsections

Air AIR All

Beach and Estuary Fringe BEACH All

Facilities FAC All 

Fire FIRE All

Fish FISH All

Forest Health HEALTH All

Heritage Resources/Sacred Sites HSS All 

Invasive Species INV All

Karst and Cave Resources KC All

Lands LAND All

Minerals and Geology MG All

Plants PLA All

Recreation and Tourism REC All

Riparian RIP All

Rural Community Assistance RUR All

Scenery SCENE All

Soil and Water SW All

Subsistence SUB All 

Timber TIM All

Trails TRAI All

Transportation TRAN All

Wetlands WET All

Wildlife WILD All

Apply the following Plan Content located in Chapter 5:

Category Section Plan Component

Young-growth Direction WILD None

All Remaining All except

DC-YG-03

Renewable Energy Direction All All except 

S-RE-LAND-01 and 

S-RE-TRAN-01

Transportation Systems Corridors

Direction

All All except 

S-TSC-LAND-02

Forest-wide Plan Components All All

Scenic Viewshed 3-104 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Apply the following LUD and Standards and Guidelines:

FACILITIES Facilities Improvements: FAC2 and FAC3

A. Meet the Scenic Integrity Objectives for this LUD when siting and 

constructing facilities for administrative use.

1. High: Structures and activities should not be visually evident to the 

casual observer from sensitive viewpoints.

2. Moderate: Structures and activities should be subordinate to the 

landscape character of the area.

FIRE Fire Suppression: FIRE1

Suppression Action

A. Suppress wildfires using the suppression option identified in the Alaska 

Interagency Wildland Fire Management Plan. 

B. Suppression tactics are limited only by the standards for the LUD (e.g., 

soil, water quality, and scenery).

Fuel Improvements: FIRE2

Prescribed Fire

A. Management-ignited prescribed fire must meet the Very High Scenic 

Integrity Objective and meet all soil and water quality standards.

1. Treat all activity fuels to meet the Very High Scenic Integrity 

Objective within one year following timber harvest.

B. Do not use prescribed natural fire.

FISH Fish Habitat Improvements: FISH3

A. Meet the Scenic Integrity Objectives in the design and construction of 

fish habitat improvements and aquaculture facilities.

1. Construct facilities from materials which blend with, and are 

compatible with, the immediately surrounding landscape.

FOREST HEALTH Forest Health Management: HEALTH1

A. Design Timber Stand Improvement, sanitation, salvage, and insect and

disease management activities to be consistent with scenery and forest 

health objectives.

Forest Insect and Disease Survey and Inventory: HEALTH2

A. Survey and inventory visible outbreaks.

HERITAGE Heritage Resource Activities: HSS1

Inventory

A. Provide heritage resource assistance to all development proposals. 

Coordination includes participation and support for environmental 

analysis, inventory, evaluation, assessment, monitoring, and protection 

of heritage resources during activities.

1. Heritage resource inventory will be accomplished during project 

planning. State Historic Preservation Office concurrence and Forest 

Supervisor approval is required prior to implementation.

2. Heritage resource specialists shall provide input on known or 

predicted heritage resource site density in proposed project areas 

and make recommendations to manage heritage resources.

Forest Plan 3-105 Scenic Viewshed

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

3. Should any heritage resources be discovered during project activity, 

all work within the vicinity of the discovery shall cease until a 

heritage resource specialist is able to evaluate the situation and 

resumption of activity is approved by the Forest Supervisor.

KARST AND CAVES Cave Management Program: KC2

A. Identify opportunities for interpretation of caves for public education and 

enjoyment. Interpretation may occur inside or outside of this LUD.

LANDS Special Use Administration (Non-Recreation): LAND2

A. Authorize improvements only when Scenic Integrity Objectives can be 

achieved.

1. Authorize only structures that will not be evident to casual observers 

when viewed in the foreground distance from Visual Priority Travel 

Routes and Use Areas. In the middle to background distance, 

design structures to be subordinate to the characteristic landscape.

2. Specify that materials and fabrication techniques for all new facilities 

be compatible with form, color, and texture found in the immediate 

surrounding landscape.

Landline Location and Maintenance: LAND4

A. Provide adequate landline marking for Forest Service contractors.

1. Prior to Forest Service management activities, survey, mark, and 

post the boundary of National Forest System lands to Forest 

Service Standards, where there is a risk of trespass.

MINERALS AND Minerals and Geology Resource Preparation: MG1

GEOLOGY Resource Preparation

A. Require a scenic assessment and scenery resource assistance with site 

planning and design of minerals activities.

B. Prepare geologic, paleontologic, and historic mining interpretations,

where appropriate.

Minerals and Geology Administration: MG2

Forest Lands Open to Mineral Entry

A. Forest lands within this LUD are open to mineral entry.

B. Assure prospectors and claimants their right of ingress and egress 

granted under the General Mining Law of 1872, Alaska National Interest 

Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA, and Forest Service Minerals

Regulations 36 CFR 228.

C. Allow reasonable access to mining claims, leases, and material sites and 

authorization of orderly mineral resource development with the 

provisions of an approved Plan of Operations in accordance with Forest

Service Minerals Regulations 36 CFR 228 and FSM 2800.

D. Manage mineral activities to be compatible with the emphasis of this 

LUD. Apply the following management practices to meet Visual Quality 

Objectives:

1. Recognize the effects of color, tone, form, texture, line, size, and 

edge on the scenic viewshed.

2. Locate material disposal sites and marine transfer facilities outside 

this LUD if reasonable alternatives exist.

Scenic Viewshed 3-106 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

3. Take maximum advantage of topographic and vegetative screening 

when locating drill rigs and pumps, roads, rock quarries, structures, 

and marine transfer facilities.

4. Ensure that vegetation removed from the project area is hauled 

away, buried, burned, or scattered when such vegetation is located 

adjacent to sensitive viewpoints.

5. Minimize the scale of spoil/disposal areas in relation to the 

surrounding landscape as seen from sensitive viewpoints.

6. Approve use of colors that simulate those found in the characteristic 

landscape. Avoid use of reflective materials in project facilities.

7. Ensure that landform modifications simulate naturally occurring 

forms.

8. Ensure that disturbed areas are revegetated in accordance with 

project plans.

RECREATION AND Recreation Use Administration: REC3

TOURISM Recreation Settings

A. Provide a spectrum of recreation and tourism opportunities consistent 

with the objectives of this LUD.

1. Where possible, management activities should avoid change to 

inventoried recreation places unless analysis indicates a need to 

provide a different recreation opportunity.

2. In locations where approved activities occur, the recreation setting 

may change to the Semi-Primitive Motorized, Roaded Natural, and 

Roaded Modified ROS classes.

3. Seek to maintain recreation opportunities along existing trail 

corridors by minimizing road crossings and clearing directly adjacent 

to the trail.

4. Seek to minimize impacts to areas directly adjacent to developed 

recreation and tourism facilities (e.g., cabins and campgrounds) 

through scheduling and location of timber harvest activities.

B. In those areas identified as inventoried recreation places, seek to 

maintain the existing ROS setting. When scheduled activities nearby 

may result in a change in the ROS setting, minimize the impacts so they 

maintain a Roaded Natural, or more natural setting.

C. Motorized routes for off-highway vehicles in Scenic Viewshed may be

allowed and will be planned in accordance with 36 CFR 212.

Recreation Special Uses

A. Major and minor developments are compatible with this LUD; applicants 

are encouraged to examine these areas first. Refer to the Recreation 

and Tourism Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.

SCENERY Scenery Operations: SCENE1

A. Manage areas to maintain scenic quality as seen from Visual Priority 

Travel Routes and Use Areas.

1. Apply the High Scenic Integrity Objective for lands in the foreground 

distance zone and the Moderate Scenic Integrity Objective for lands 

in the middleground and background distance zones, as seen from 

Visual Priority Travel Routes and Use Areas (see Appendix F). In 

areas of this allocation not seen from the Visual Priority Travel 

Routes and Use Areas, apply the Very Low Scenic Integrity 

Objective. These objectives define the maximum limit of allowable 

Forest Plan 3-107 Scenic Viewshed

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

change to the scenic character of the area; less visible evidence of 

activities is acceptable.

2. Exceptions for small areas of non-conforming developments, such 

as recreation sites, transportation developments, log transfer 

facilities and mining development, may be considered on a 

case-by-case basis.

3. Perform viewshed analysis in conjunction with project development 

to provide guidance for retaining or creating a visually attractive 

landscape over time.

B. The following guidelines provide direction for old-growth timber harvest 

activities to meet Scenic Integrity Objectives and Visual Absorption 

Capability (VAC) settings.

1. High - Timber harvest activities are not evident to the casual Forest 

visitor.

2. Moderate - Although timber harvest activities are evident, they must 

remain subordinate to the characteristic landscape. 

3. Very Low - Timber harvest activities may dominate the area.

C. The following guidelines provide specific scenery mitigation measures 

appropriate to old-growth timber management.

1. The ability to attain the adopted Scenic Integrity Objective is 

dependent on many variables. Visual Absorption Capability (VAC) 

is an estimate of the relative ability of a landscape to absorb 

management activities. VAC ratings of High, Intermediate, and Low 

were derived from the Revision Database for analysis purposes. A 

Low VAC setting generally has steep slopes, with little landscape 

variety, while a High VAC setting is relatively flat and/or has a high 

degree of variety in the landscape.

2. The unit sizes listed below provide guidance to the project 

Interdisciplinary Team. Each landscape setting is different, and 

should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. There may be 

instances where the scenery objective can be attained while the unit 

size is greater than the guideline, and there also may be instances 

where the unit size must be smaller to meet the intent of the Scenic 

Integrity Objective. 

3. Typical regeneration methods and approximate unit sizes for 

landscapes of different visual absorption capabilities for the Scenic 

Integrity Objectives adopted in this LUD are described below.

a) Scenic Integrity Objective High:

♦ Low VAC: Single tree or group selection (less than 2 

acres)

♦ Intermediate VAC: Single tree or clearcut (openings 

approximately 5 to 15 acres)

♦ High VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 15 to 30 

acres)

b) Scenic Integrity Objective Moderate:

♦ Low VAC: Group selection or clearcut (openings 

approximately 2 to 10 acres)

♦ Intermediate VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 10 to

40 acres) 

♦ High VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 40 to 60 

acres)

c) Scenic Integrity Objective Very Low:

♦ Low VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 50 to 75 

acres)

♦ Intermediate VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 80 to

100 acres)

Scenic Viewshed 3-108 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

♦ High VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 80 to 100 

acres)

SOIL AND WATER Watershed Resource Planning: SW3

A. Delineate the location of high hazard soils, riparian, and other sensitive 

areas on project maps to insure their recognition, proper consideration, 

and protection on the sale area.

B. Manage state classified public water supply source watersheds for 

multiple use, while providing water suitable for human consumption in 

compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, State of Alaska Drinking 

Water Regulations, and Water Quality Standards. Conduct watershed 

analysis (Appendix C) and consult with Alaska Department of 

Environmental Conservation and affected municipalities prior to 

authorizing activities that are likely to cause pollution.

C. Apply Best Management Practices (BMPs) to all land-disturbing activities 

as a process to protect the beneficial uses of water from non-point 

sources of pollution (consult National Core BMP Technical Guide FS990a and Alaska Region Soil and Water Conservation Handbook, FSH 

2509.22). Also consult Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2530, 

Transportation Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines, U.S. Army Corps 

of Engineers Regulations (33 CFR 323.4) and the Clean Water Act. 

Watershed Resource Improvements: SW4

A. Accomplish soil and water improvement projects on non-designated 

domestic water use watersheds to prevent degradation of water quality 

below the State of Alaska's Water Quality Standard for domestic use.

TIMBER Timber Resource Planning: TIM4

A. Forest lands are suitable for timber production and are included in the 

Projected Timber Sale Quantity (PTSQ) calculation. 

B. Scenery objectives will be emphasized in the analysis, in the development 

of environmental documents, and in the design and implementation of 

silvicultural activities.

Timber Sale Preparation: TIM5

A. Timber harvest activities may include all applicable silvicultural systems. 

Project analysis will recognize the effects of color, tone, form, texture, 

line, slope, size, and edge on the scenic viewshed.

B. Tree limbs, root wads, and tree stumps may require secondary treatment 

to meet the High and Moderate Scenic Integrity Objective. For timber 

sales and road construction contracts, use appropriate clauses that 

address these concerns. 

C. Seek to minimize impacts to areas directly adjacent to developed 

recreation facilities (e.g., cabins and campgrounds) through scheduling 

and location of harvest activities.

Other Forest Products: TIM7

A Personal use sawtimber, firewood, and Christmas tree cutting activities 

are compatible with this LUD provided that LUD objectives are met. 

Forest Plan 3-109 Scenic Viewshed

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

TRANSPORTATION Transportation Operations: TRAN 

A. Develop and manage cost-effective transportation systems that integrate 

resource requirements consistent with LUD direction.

1. To meet the Scenic Integrity Objectives, give special consideration 

to minimizing apparent landform modification (as seen from 

sensitive travel routes) during road and log transfer facility location, 

design, and construction.

2. Perform integrated logging system and transportation system 

analysis to determine the least cost facility (considering cost of 

construction, maintenance, and hauling) and design standards 

necessary to meet LUD objectives.

3. Give special emphasis to maintaining fish and wildlife habitat 

values, especially during road location and development of road 

management objectives.

a) If the need to restrict access is identified during project 

interdisciplinary review, roads may be closed, either seasonally 

or year-long. (Consult Transportation Forest-wide Standards 

and Guidelines.)

4. Provide recreational access, where appropriate.

5. Seek to avoid road crossings on existing trails unless the road 

provides improved access to the trail or locating roads parallel to 

trails. Should no other feasible alternative exist, minimize site 

disturbance visible from the trail. Locate rock source developments 

away from trails to the extent possible, while meeting the objectives 

of this LUD. 

WILDLIFE Wildlife Habitat Planning: WILD1

A. Use existing inventories and evaluate the need for further project-specific 

inventories of wildlife habitat conditions during project analysis.

1. Select Management Indicator Species (MIS) appropriate to the 

project area for project analysis.

B. Coordinate all activities with consideration for the needs of wildlife, within 

the overall objectives of this LUD.

1. Use the habitat needs of MIS to evaluate opportunities for, and 

consequences on, wildlife.

2. In project planning, consider opportunities to allow for the 

elevational migration of wildlife.

3. Consider silvicultural techniques that establish and prolong 

understory forb and shrub production in important habitat areas. 

Such techniques can include prescribed burning, precommercial 

thinning, canopy gaps, and uneven-aged management. Use the 

Tongass Young-Growth Strategy to help prioritize treatment needs 

and scheduling (consult Tongass Young-growth Management 

Strategy).

C. Coordinate road management with the needs of wildlife.

Wildlife Habitat Improvement: WILD2

A. Design and implement wildlife habitat improvement projects to meet the 

Scenic Integrity Objectives.

Scenic Viewshed 3-110 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

MODIFIED LANDSCAPE

Goals

To provide a sustained yield of timber and a mix of resource activities while minimizing the visibility of 

developments in the foreground distance zone.

To recognize the scenic values of forest lands viewed from identified popular roads, trails, marine 

travel routes, recreation sites, bays, and anchorages, and to modify timber harvest practices 

accordingly.

To maintain and promote wood production from suitable forest lands, providing a continuous supply 

of wood products to meet society's needs. 

To seek to provide a supply of timber from the Tongass National Forest that meets the annual and 

planning-cycle market demand, consistent with the standards and guidelines for this LUD.

Objectives

Within this LUD, apply the Scenic Integrity Objective of Moderate in the foreground distance zone and 

Low in the middleground and background distance zones, as seen from the Visual Priority Travel 

Routes and Use Areas (see Appendix F). Apply the Very Low Scenic Integrity Objective to all other 

areas.

Forest lands are suitable for timber production. Use silvicultural systems consistent with the adopted 

Scenic Integrity Objectives. Other timber management considerations include:

• Seek to reduce clearcutting when other methods will meet land management objectives;

• Identify opportunities for diversifying the wood products industry (e.g., special forest products 

and value-added local production);

• Use forest health management to protect resource values;

• Improve timber growth and productivity on commercial forest lands;

• Plan, inventory, prepare, offer, sell, and administer timber sales and permits to ensure the 

orderly development of timber production;

• Emphasize the overall reduction of costs, increase of revenues, and improvement of public 

service within the timber program.

Provide a spectrum of recreation and tourism opportunities consistent with the capabilities of this 

LUD. Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized to Roaded experiences may be offered. Avoid changing 

Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized settings to Roaded when feasible.

Design roads and associated rock quarries to meet the applicable Scenic Integrity Objective.

Desired Condition

In areas managed under the Modified Landscape LUD, forest visitors, recreationists, and others using 

popular Travel Routes and Use Areas will view a somewhat modified landscape (refer to Appendix F). 

Management activities in the visual foreground will be subordinate to the characteristic landscape, but 

may dominate the landscape in the middle and backgrounds. Within the foreground, timber harvest 

units are typically small and affect only a small percentage of the seen area at any one point in time. 

Roads, facilities, and other structures are also subordinate to the foreground landscape. Recreation 

opportunities associated with natural-appearing to modified settings are available. A variety of 

successional stages provide a range of wildlife habitat conditions. Timber is produced, which 

contributes to Projected Timber Sale Quantity (PTSQ).

Forest Plan 3-111 Modified Landscape

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

Modified Landscape Land Use Designation

Apply the following Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines located in Chapter 4:

Category Section Subsections

Air AIR All

Beach and Estuary Fringe BEACH All

Facilities FAC All 

Fire FIRE All

Fish FISH All

Forest Health HEALTH All

Heritage Resources/Sacred Sites HSS All 

Invasive Species INV All

Karst and Cave Resources KC All

Lands LAND All

Minerals and Geology MG All

Plants PLA All

Recreation and Tourism REC All

Riparian RIP All

Rural Community Assistance RUR All

Scenery SCENE All

Soil and Water SW All

Subsistence SUB All 

Timber TIM All

Trails TRAI All

Transportation TRAN All

Wetlands WET All

Wildlife WILD All

Apply the following Plan Content located in Chapter 5:

Category Section Plan Component

Young-growth Direction WILD None

All Remaining All except

DC-YG-03

Renewable Energy Direction All All except 

S-RE-LAND-01 and 

S-RE-TRAN-01

Transportation Systems Corridors

Direction

All All except

S-TSC-LAND-02

Forest-wide Plan Components All All

Apply the following LUD Standards and Guidelines:

FACILITIES Facilities Improvements: FAC2 and FAC3

A. Locate and construct facilities for administrative use that meet the Scenic 

Integrity Objective.

FIRE Fire Suppression: FIRE1

Suppression Action

A. Suppress wildfires using the suppression option identified in the Alaska 

Interagency Wildland Fire Management Plan. 

B. Suppression tactics are limited only by the standards and guidelines for 

this LUD (e.g., soil, water quality, and scenic quality).

Modified Landscape 3-112 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Fuel Improvements: FIRE2

Prescribed Fire

A. Management-ignited prescribed fire must meet the Moderate Scenic 

Integrity Objective and meet all soil and water quality standards and 

guidelines.

1. Treat all activity fuels to meet the Moderate Scenic Integrity 

Objective within one year following timber harvest.

B. Do not use prescribed natural fire.

FOREST HEALTH Forest Health Management: HEALTH1

A. Forest insect and disease management activities emphasize forest 

health through achieving beneficial populations of insects and diseases.

1. Encourage Timber Stand Improvement, sanitation, and salvage.

2. Manipulate insects and diseases to desirable levels by evaluating 

chemical, cultural, mechanical, biological, or "no action" alternatives.

Forest Insect and Disease Survey and Inventory: HEALTH2

A. Survey and inventory visible outbreaks.

HERITAGE Heritage Resource Activities: HSS1

Inventory

A. Provide heritage resource assistance to all developmental proposals. 

Coordination includes participation and support for environmental 

analysis, inventory, evaluation, assessment, monitoring, and protection 

of heritage resources during activities.

1. Heritage resource inventory will be accomplished during project 

planning. State Historic Preservation Office concurrence and Forest 

Supervisor approval is required prior to implementation.

2. Heritage resource specialists shall provide input on known or 

predicted heritage resource site density in proposed project areas 

and make recommendations to manage heritage resources.

3. Should any heritage resources be discovered during project activity, 

all work within the vicinity of the discovery shall cease until a 

heritage resource specialist is able to evaluate the situation and 

resumption of activity is approved by the Forest Supervisor.

B. Identify opportunities for interpretation of heritage resources for public 

education and enjoyment.

KARST AND CAVES Cave Management Program: KC2

A. Identify opportunities for interpretation of caves for public education and 

enjoyment. Interpretation may occur inside or outside of this LUD.

LANDS Special Use Administration (Non-Recreation): LAND2

A. Authorize only those development activities compatible with LUD 

objectives. Avoid issuing, or limit the duration of, authorizations for uses 

that require natural surroundings.

1. Only authorize activities that can be designed to meet the Scenic 

Integrity Objectives for this LUD. 

Landline Location and Maintenance: LAND4

A. Provide adequate landline marking for Forest Service contractors.

Forest Plan 3-113 Modified Landscape

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

1. Prior to Forest Service management activities, survey, mark, and 

post the boundary of National Forest System lands, to Forest 

Service Standards, where there is a risk of trespass.

MINERALS AND Minerals and Geology Administration: MG2

GEOLOGY Forest Lands Open to Mineral Entry

A. Forest lands within this LUD are open to mineral entry.

B. Assure prospectors and claimants their right of ingress and egress 

granted under the General Mining Law of 1872, Alaska National Interest 

Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA), and Forest Service Minerals

Regulations 36 CFR 228.

C. Allow reasonable access to mining claims, leases, and material sites and 

authorization of orderly mineral resource development with the 

provisions of an approved Plan of Operations in accordance with Forest

Service Minerals Regulations 36 CFR 228 and FSM 2800.

RECREATION AND Recreation Use Administration: REC3

TOURISM Recreation Settings

A. Provide a spectrum of outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities 

consistent with the objectives of the LUD.

1. Manage for the existing recreation settings and opportunities until 

approved activities and practices change the ROS setting(s). 

Manage recreation and tourism use in a manner that is compatible 

with the timber harvest objectives.

2. In locations where approved activities change the recreation 

setting(s), manage the new setting(s) with the appropriate ROS 

guidelines (generally Roaded Modified).

3. Seek to maintain the recreation opportunity along existing trail 

corridors by minimizing road crossings and clearing directly adjacent 

to the trail.

4. Seek to minimize impacts to areas directly adjacent to developed 

recreation and tourism facilities (e.g., as cabins and campgrounds) 

through scheduling and location of project activities.

B. In those areas inventoried as recreation places, seek to maintain the 

existing ROS setting. When approved activities nearby may result in a 

change to the ROS setting, minimize the impacts so they maintain a 

Roaded Natural or more natural ROS setting.

Recreation Special Uses

A. Major and minor developments may be compatible with the LUD 

objectives depending on the scope, purpose, and magnitude of the 

proposal. Proposals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Refer to 

the Recreation and Tourism Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.

SCENERY Scenery Operations: SCENE1

A. In foreground settings, design management activities to be subordinate 

to the characteristic landscape. Management activities may dominate 

areas seen in the middleground and background distance. In all 

settings, activities should utilize existing form, line, color, and texture 

found in the characteristic landscape.

1. Apply the Moderate Scenic Integrity Objective in the foreground 

distance zone and the Low Scenic Integrity Objective in the 

middleground and background distance zones, as seen from Visual 

Priority Travel Routes and Use Areas (see Appendix F). In areas of 

this allocation not seen from the Visual Priority Travel Routes and 

Modified Landscape 3-114 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Use Areas, apply the Very Low Scenic Integrity Objective. These 

objectives define the maximum limit of allowable change to scenic 

character of the area; less visible evidence of activities is 

acceptable.

2. Exceptions for limited areas of non-conforming developments, such 

as recreation sites, transportation developments, log transfer 

facilities, and mining development, may be considered on a 

case-by-case basis.

B. The following guidelines provide direction for old-growth timber harvest 

activities to meet Scenic Integrity Objectives and Visual Absorption 

Capability (VAC) settings. The guidelines define the maximum allowable 

disturbance for timber harvest. Ground conditions may indicate a need 

to be more or less restrictive in scheduling harvest to meet the intent of 

the Scenic Integrity Objective.

1. Moderate - Although timber harvest activities are evident, they must 

remain subordinate to the characteristic landscape. 

2. Low - Timber harvest activities may dominate the characteristic 

landscape, yet will be designed to borrow from form and line found 

in the naturally- occurring landscape.

3. Very Low - Timber harvest activities may visually dominate the 

original characteristic landscape. This Scenic Integrity Objective 

should be met within one year in the foreground distance zone and 

within five years in the middle and background distance zones.

C. The following guidelines provide specific scenery mitigation measures for

old-growth timber management.

1. The ability to attain the adopted Scenic Integrity Objective is 

dependent on many variables. Visual Absorption Capacity (VAC) is 

an estimate of the relative ability of a landscape to absorb 

management activities. A Low VAC setting generally has steep 

slopes, with little landscape variety, while a High VAC setting is 

relatively flat and/or has a high degree of variety in the landscape. 

2. The unit sizes listed below provide guidance to the project 

Interdisciplinary Team. Each landscape setting is different and 

should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. There may be 

instances where the scenery objective can be attained while the unit 

size is greater than the guideline. There also may be instances 

where the unit must be smaller to meet the intent of the Scenic 

Integrity Objective. 

3. Typical regeneration methods and approximate unit sizes for 

landscapes of different visual absorption capabilities for the Scenic 

Integrity Objectives adopted in this LUD are described below.

a) Scenic Integrity Objective Moderate:

♦ Low VAC: Group selection or clearcut (openings 

approximately 2 to 10 acres)

♦ Intermediate VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 10 to 

40 acres) 

♦ High VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 40 to 60 

acres)

b) Scenic Integrity Objective Low:

♦ Low VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 15 to 40 

acres)

♦ Intermediate VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 40 to

60 acres)

♦ High VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 60 to 100 

acres)

Forest Plan 3-115 Modified Landscape

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

c) Scenic Integrity Objective Very Low:

♦ Low VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 50 to 75 

acres)

♦ Intermediate VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 80 to

100 acres)

♦ High VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 80 to 100 

acres)

SOIL AND WATER Watershed Resource Planning: SW3

A. Delineate the location of high hazard soils, riparian, and other sensitive 

areas on project maps to ensure their recognition, proper consideration, 

and protection on the sale area.

B. Manage state classified public water supply source watersheds for 

multiple use, while providing water suitable for human consumption in

compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, State of Alaska Drinking 

Water Regulations, and Water Quality Standards. Conduct watershed 

analysis (Appendix C) and consult with Alaska Department of 

Environmental Conservation and affected municipalities prior to 

authorizing activities that are likely to cause pollution.

C. Apply Best Management Practices (BMPs) to all land-disturbing activities 

as a process to protect the beneficial uses of water from non-point 

sources of pollution (consult National Core BMP Technical Guide FS990a and Alaska Region Soil and Water Conservation Handbook, FSH 

2509.22). Also consult Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2530, 

Transportation Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines, U.S. Army Corps 

of Engineers Regulations (33 CFR 323.4), and the Clean Water Act. 

Watershed Resource Improvements: SW4

A. Accomplish soil and water improvement projects to prevent degradation 

of water quality.

TIMBER Timber Resource Planning: TIM4

A. Forest lands are suitable for timber production and are included in the 

Projected Timber Sale Quantity (PTSQ) calculation. 

B. Personal use wood cutting activities are compatible with this LUD,

provided that management objectives are met.

Timber Sale Preparation: TIM5

A. Timber harvest activities may include all applicable silvicultural systems. 

Recognize the effects of color, tone, texture, line, slope, size, and edge 

on the characteristic landscape.

B. Tree limbs, root wads, and tree stumps may require secondary treatment 

to meet the Moderate Scenic Integrity Objective in the foreground 

distance. For timber sales and road construction contracts, use clauses 

that address these concerns. Brush disposal funds may be appropriate 

to use in these settings.

C. Seek to provide for a reasonable assurance of windfirm boundaries. To 

design for windfirmness, consider conditions such as soils, local wind 

patterns, tree height and size, and other site-specific factors.

Timber Stand Improvement: TIM10

A. Timber Stand Improvement activities that meet the scenery and timber 

objectives of the LUD may be used.

Modified Landscape 3-116 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

B. Continue evaluation of commercial thinning opportunities in 

young-growth stands on the Forest for enhancing timber growth and 

development, while improving the scenery quality and habitat conditions 

for wildlife. Evaluation will be provided as part of the Tongass

Young-Growth Strategy development. 

TRANSPORTATION Transportation Operations: TRAN 

A. Develop and manage cost-effective transportation systems that integrate 

resource requirements consistent with LUD direction.

1. To meet the Scenic Integrity Objectives, give special consideration 

to minimizing apparent landform modification (as seen from 

sensitive travel routes) during road and log transfer facility location, 

design, and construction.

2. Perform integrated logging system and transportation system 

analysis to determine the least-cost facility (considering cost of 

construction, maintenance, and hauling) and design standards 

necessary to meet LUD objectives.

3. Give special emphasis to maintaining fish and wildlife habitat 

values, especially during road location and development of road 

management objectives.

a) If the need to restrict access is identified during project 

interdisciplinary review, roads may be closed, either 

seasonally or year-long. (Consult Transportation Forest-wide 

Standards and Guidelines.)

4. Provide recreation access, where appropriate.

5. Seek to avoid road crossings on existing trails or locating roads 

parallel to trails. Should no other feasible alternative exist, minimize 

site disturbance visible from the trail. Locate rock source 

developments away from trails to the extent possible, while meeting 

the objectives of this LUD. 

WILDLIFE Wildlife Habitat Planning: WILD1

A. Use existing inventories and evaluate the need for further project-specific 

inventories of wildlife habitat conditions during project analysis.

1. Select Management Indicator Species (MIS) appropriate to the 

project area for project analysis (see Wildlife Forest-wide Standards 

and Guidelines).

B. Consider wildlife habitat needs during project planning and 

implementation. Use the Tongass Young-Growth Strategy to help 

prioritize treatment needs and scheduling (consult Tongass Younggrowth Management Strategy).

1. Use the habitat needs of MIS to evaluate opportunities for, and 

consequences on, wildlife.

2. In project planning, consider opportunities to allow for the 

elevational migration of wildlife.

C. Coordinate road management with the needs of wildlife.

Forest Plan 3-117 Modified Landscape

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

TIMBER PRODUCTION

Goals

To maintain and promote wood production from forest lands that are suitable for timber production, 

providing a continuous supply of wood to meet society's needs. 

To manage these lands for sustained long-term timber yields.

To seek to provide a supply of timber from the Tongass National Forest that meets the annual and 

planning-cycle market demand, consistent with the standards and guidelines for this LUD.

Objectives

Within this LUD, apply the Scenic Integrity Objectives of Low in the foreground distance zone, as 

seen from Visual Priority Travel Routes and Use Areas (see Appendix F). Apply the Very Low Scenic 

Integrity Objective to all other areas.

Locate and design timber harvest activities primarily to meet timber objectives. Forest lands are 

suitable for timber production; appropriate silvicultural systems may be used. Other timber 

management objectives include:

• Seek to reduce clearcutting when other cutting methods will meet land management objectives;

• Identify opportunities for diversifying the wood products industry (e.g., special forest products, 

and value-added local production);

• Use forest health management to protect resource values;

• Improve timber growth and productivity on commercial forest lands;

• Plan, inventory, prepare, offer, sell and administer timber sales and permits to ensure the 

orderly development of timber production;

• Emphasize the overall reduction of costs, increase of revenues, and improvement of public 

service within the timber program.

Provide a spectrum of recreation and tourism opportunities consistent with the capabilities of this 

LUD. Manage recreation and tourism use to be compatible with timber production objectives. 

Manage changed recreation settings in accordance with the appropriate Recreation Opportunity 

Spectrum (ROS) class.

On forest lands that are suitable for timber production plan a transportation network of roads and 

helicopter access that will eventually access most of the standard logging or helicopter yarding 

systems facilitating the transition to young-growth management.

Desired Condition

Suitable forest lands are managed for the production of sawtimber and other wood products on an 

even-flow, long-term sustained yield basis; the timber yield produced contributes to Projected Timber 

Sale Quantity (PTSQ). An extensive road system provides access for timber management activities, 

recreation uses, hunting and fishing, and other public and administrative uses; some roads may be 

closed, either seasonally or year-long, to address resource concerns. Management activities will 

generally dominate most seen areas. Tree stands are healthy and with a mix of age classes from 

young stands to trees of harvestable age, often in 40- to 100-acre stands. Recreation opportunities, 

associated with roaded settings from Semi-Primitive to Roaded Modified, are available. A variety of 

wildlife habitats, predominantly in the early and middle successional stages, are present.

Timber Production 3-118 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Timber production Land Use Designation

Apply the following Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines located in Chapter 4:

Category Section Subsections

Air AIR All

Beach and Estuary Fringe BEACH All

Facilities FAC All 

Fire FIRE All

Fish FISH All

Forest Health HEALTH All

Heritage Resources/Sacred Sites HSS All 

Invasive Species INV All

Karst and Cave Resources KC All

Lands LAND All

Minerals and Geology MG All

Plants PLA All

Recreation and Tourism REC All

Riparian RIP All

Rural Community Assistance RUR All

Scenery SCENE All

Soil and Water SW All

Subsistence SUB All 

Timber TIM All

Trails TRAI All

Transportation TRAN All

Wetlands WET All

Wildlife WILD All

Apply the following Plan Content located in Chapter 5:

Category Section Plan Component

Young-growth Direction WILD None

All Remaining All except

DC-YG-03

Renewable Energy Direction All All except 

S-RE-LAND-01 and 

S-RE-TRAN-01

Transportation Systems Corridors

Direction

All All except 

S-TSC-LAND-02

Forest-wide Plan Components All All

Apply the following LUD and Standards and Guidelines:

FACILITIES Facilities Improvements: FAC2 and FAC3

A. Administrative facilities are constructed to be compatible with this LUD

objective.

FIRE Fire Suppression: FIRE1

Suppression Action

A. Suppress wildfires using the suppression option identified in the Alaska 

Interagency Wildland Fire Management Plan. 

B. Suppression tactics are limited only by the standards and guidelines for 

the LUD (e.g., soil and water).

Forest Plan 3-119 Timber Production

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

Fuel Improvements: FIRE2

Prescribed Fire

A. Management-ignited prescribed fire may be used for fuels management, 

insect and disease protection, silvicultural site preparation, and wildlife 

habitat improvement.

B. Do not use prescribed natural fire.

FOREST HEALTH Forest Health Management: HEALTH1

A. Forest insect and disease management activities emphasize forest 

health through manipulating insects and diseases to desirable levels.

1. Encourage Timber Stand Improvement, sanitation, and salvage.

2. Evaluate chemical, cultural, mechanical, biological, and "no action" 

to manipulate insects and diseases to desirable levels.

Forest Insect and Disease Survey and Inventory: HEALTH2

A. Survey and inventory visible outbreaks.

HERITAGE Heritage Resource Activities: HSS1

Inventory

A. Provide heritage resource assistance to all development proposals. 

Coordination includes participation and support for environmental 

analysis, inventory, evaluation, assessment, monitoring, and protection 

of heritage resources during activities.

1. Heritage resource inventory will be accomplished during project 

planning. State Historic Preservation Office concurrence and Forest 

Supervisor approval is required prior to implementation.

2. Heritage resource specialists shall provide input on known or 

predicted heritage resource site density in proposed project areas 

and make recommendations to manage heritage resources.

3. Should any heritage resources be discovered during project activity, 

all work within the vicinity of the discovery shall cease until a 

heritage resource specialist is able to evaluate the situation and 

resumption of activity is approved by the Forest Supervisor.

KARST AND CAVES Cave Management Program: KC2

A. Identify opportunities for interpretation of caves for public education and 

enjoyment. Interpretation may occur inside or outside of this LUD.

LANDS Special Use Administration (Non-Recreation): LAND2

A. Authorize only those uses that are compatible with LUD objectives. 

Avoid issuing, or limit the duration of, authorizations for uses that require 

natural surroundings.

Landline Location and Maintenance: LAND4

A. Provide adequate landline marking for Forest Service contractors.

1. Prior to Forest Service management activities, survey, mark, and 

post the boundary of National Forest System lands, to Forest 

Service Standards, where there is a risk of trespass.

Timber Production 3-120 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

MINERALS AND Minerals and Geology Resource Preparation: MG1

GEOLOGY Resource Preparation

A. Coordinate the location of timber and mining transportation systems 

when feasible.

B. Coordinate with claimant to ensure the location of timber sale units and 

roads across mining claims do not interfere with mining activities, 

markers, and improvements.

Minerals and Geology Administration: MG2

Forest Lands Open to Mineral Entry

A. Forest lands within this LUD are open to mineral entry.

B. Assure prospectors and claimants their right of ingress and egress 

granted under the General Mining Law of 1872, Alaska National Interest 

Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA), and Forest Service Minerals

Regulations 36 CFR 228.

C. Allow reasonable access to mining claims, leases, and material sites and 

authorization of orderly mineral resource development with the 

provisions of an approved Plan of Operations in accordance with Forest

Service Minerals Regulations 36 CFR 228 and FSM 2800.

RECREATION AND Recreation Use Administration: REC3

TOURISM Recreation Settings

A. Provide a spectrum of outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities 

consistent with the objectives of this LUD.

1. Manage for the existing recreation settings and opportunities until 

approved activities change the ROS setting(s). Manage recreation 

and tourism use in a manner that is compatible with the timber 

harvest objectives.

2. In locations where approved activities change the recreation 

setting(s), manage the new setting(s) with the appropriate ROS 

guidelines (generally Roaded Modified).

3. Seek to maintain the recreation opportunity along existing trail 

corridors by minimizing road crossings and clearing directly adjacent 

to the trail.

4. Seek to minimize impacts to inventoried recreation places and 

developed recreation and tourism facilities (such as cabins and 

campgrounds) through scheduling and location of project activities.

Recreation Special Uses

A. Major and minor developments may be compatible with the LUD 

objectives depending on the scope, purpose, and magnitude of the 

proposal. Proposals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Refer to 

the Recreation and Tourism Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.

SCENERY Scenery Operations: SCENE1

A. Timber management activities may dominate the scenic character of the 

landscape.

1. Apply Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines for the Low Scenic 

Integrity Objective in the foreground distance zone of Visual Priority 

Travel Routes and Use Areas (see Appendix F) and the Very Low 

Scenic Integrity Objective for all other areas. This objective defines 

the maximum limit of allowable change to the scenic character of 

the area; less visible evidence of activities is acceptable.

Forest Plan 3-121 Timber Production

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

2. Consider roadside cleanup of construction debris and logging slash 

as a mitigation measure when recreational use is included as a road 

management objective for the proposed road. 

3. In areas visible from Visual Priority Travel Routes and Use Areas, 

incorporate landscape design techniques in the planning process to 

the extent that they are compatible with LUD objectives.

B. The following guidelines provide direction for old-growth timber harvest 

activities to meet Scenic Integrity Objectives and Visual Absorption 

Capability (VAC) settings. The guidelines define the maximum allowable 

disturbance for old-growth timber harvest. Ground conditions may 

indicate a need to be more or less restrictive in scheduling harvest to 

meet the intent of the Scenic Integrity Objective.

1. Low - Timber harvest activities may dominate the characteristic 

landscape, yet will be designed to borrow from form and line found 

in the naturally- occurring landscape.

2. Very Low - Timber harvest activities may dominate the seen area. 

In planning timber harvest, design activities to resemble natural 

occurrences as viewed in the background distance zone.

C. The following guidelines provide specific scenery mitigation measures 

appropriate to old-growth timber management:

1. The ability to attain the adopted Scenic Integrity Objective is 

dependent on many variables. Visual Absorption Capacity (VAC) is 

an estimate of the relative ability of a landscape to absorb 

management activities. A Low VAC setting generally has steep 

slopes, with little landscape variety, while a High VAC setting is 

relatively flat and/or has a high degree of variety in the landscape. 

2. The unit sizes listed below provide guidance to the project 

Interdisciplinary Team. Each landscape setting is different and 

should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. There may be 

instances where the scenery objective can be attained while the unit 

size is greater than the guideline. There also may be instances 

where the unit must be smaller to meet the intent of the Scenic 

Integrity Objective. 

3. Typical clearcut regeneration methods and approximate unit sizes 

for landscapes of different visual absorption capabilities for the 

Scenic Integrity Objectives adopted in this LUD are described 

below.

a) Scenic Integrity Objective Low:

♦ Low VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 15 to 40 

acres)

♦ Intermediate VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 40 to

60 acres)

♦ High VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 60 to 100 

acres)

b) Scenic Integrity Objective Very Low:

♦ Low VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 50 to 75 

acres)

♦ Intermediate VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 80 to

100 acres)

♦ High VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 80 to 150 

acres)

Timber Production 3-122 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

SOIL AND WATER Watershed Resource Planning: SW3

A. Delineate the location of high hazard soils, riparian, and other sensitive 

areas on project maps to ensure their recognition, proper consideration, 

and protection on the sale area.

B. Manage state classified public water supply source watersheds for 

multiple use, while providing water suitable for human consumption in 

compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, State of Alaska Drinking 

Water Regulations, and Water Quality Standards. Conduct watershed 

analysis (Appendix C)), and consult with Alaska Department of 

Environmental Conservation and affected municipalities prior to 

authorizing activities that are likely to cause pollution.

C. Apply Best Management Practices (BMPs) to all land-disturbing activities 

as a process to protect the beneficial uses of water from non-point 

sources of pollution (consult National Core BMP Technical Guide FS990a and Alaska Region Soil and Water Conservation Handbook, FSH 

2509.22). Also consult Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2530, 

Transportation Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines, U.S. Army Corps 

of Engineers Regulations (33 CFR 323.4) and the Clean Water Act. 

Watershed Resource Improvements: SW4

A. Accomplish soil and water improvement projects on non-designated 

domestic water use watersheds to prevent degradation of water quality 

below the State of Alaska's Water Quality Standard for domestic use.

TIMBER Timber Resource Planning: TIM4

A. Timber management is emphasized. Forest lands are suitable for timber 

production and are included in the Projected Timber Sale Quantity 

(PTSQ) calculation. 

Timber Sale Preparation: TIM5

A. Locate and design timber harvest activities primarily to meet timber 

objectives. Include integration of other resources objectives, particularly 

wildlife and vegetative diversity, if they do not have a significant adverse 

impact on the timber resource goals. Timber harvest activities may 

include all silvicultural systems.

B. Consult Timber Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines for maximum 

sizes of created openings.

C. Seek to provide for a reasonable assurance of windfirm boundaries. To 

design for windfirmness, consider conditions such as soils, local wind 

patterns, tree height and size, and other site-specific factors.

Timber Resource Coordination: TIM7

A. Personal use sawtimber and firewood harvesting and Christmas tree 

cutting activities are consistent with this LUD.

B. Administrative use of timber is consistent with this LUD.

TRANSPORTATION Transportation Operations: TRAN 

A. Develop and manage cost-effective LUD direction.

1. Perform integrated logging system and transportation system 

analysis to determine the least-cost facility (considering cost of 

construction, maintenance, and hauling) and design standards 

necessary to meet LUD objectives.

2. If the need to restrict access is identified during project 

interdisciplinary review, roads may be closed, either seasonally or 

year-long. 

Forest Plan 3-123 Timber Production

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

3. Consider future recreational access in location and design of roads. 

4. Seek to avoid road crossings on existing trails or locating roads 

parallel to trails. Should no other feasible alternative exist, minimize 

site disturbance visible from the trail. Locate rock source 

developments away from trails to the extent possible, while meeting 

the objectives of this LUD. 

WILDLIFE Wildlife Habitat Planning: WILD1

A. Use existing inventories and evaluate the need for further project-specific 

inventories of wildlife habitat conditions during project analysis.

1. Select Management Indicator Species (MIS) appropriate to the 

project area for project analysis. 

B. Consider wildlife habitat needs during project planning and 

implementation.

1. Use the habitat needs of MIS to evaluate opportunities for, and 

consequences on, wildlife. Use the Tongass Young-Growth Strategy 

to help prioritize treatment needs and scheduling (consult Tongass 

Young-growth Management Strategy, USDA Forest Service 

unpublished).

Timber Production 3-124 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

MINERALS

Goals

To encourage the prospecting, exploration, development, mining, and processing of locatable 

minerals in areas with the highest potential for minerals development.

To ensure minerals are developed in an environmentally sensitive manner and other high-valued 

resources are considered when minerals developments occur.

Objectives

Apply this management prescription to the project areas of currently approved Minerals Plan of 

Operations. Use the prescription as criteria in the planning and design of proposed mineral 

developments and Plan of Operations. During the period before approval of the Plan of Operations, 

the underlying LUD(s) continue to apply to the project area.

Use the following as guidance for minerals activities:

• Authorize special uses that facilitate such activities;

• Allow reasonable access, consistent with other resource values;

• Apply the Low Scenic Integrity Objective to foreground areas viewed from the Visual Priority 

Travel Routes and Use Areas (Appendix F); otherwise, the Very Low objective applies; and

• Maintain present and continued soil productivity and water quality to the extent feasible. Apply 

Best Management Practices (BMPs) and meet State Water Quality Standards.

Use the following as guidance for non-minerals activities:

• Authorize special uses that will not substantially conflict with present or anticipated 

mineral-related activities;

• Limit new recreation facilities to those compatible with mineral developments; and

• Manage recreation settings and opportunities to be as compatible as possible with the 

underlying LUD.

Maintain the present and continued productivity of anadromous fish and other foodfish habitat, as well 

as wildlife habitats, to the maximum extent feasible. Stress the protection of fish and wildlife habitats 

to prevent or minimize the need for mitigation.

Rehabilitate soil and water resources and fish and wildlife habitats after the completion of mining 

operations. 

After the completion of mining activities and restoration, manage the area according to the underlying

LUD.

Desired Condition

During mining operations, mining activities are limited to the area necessary for their efficient, 

economic, and orderly development. Mining is carried out so that any effects on other resources are 

minimized to the extent feasible, all minimum legal resource protection requirements are met, and 

other resource uses and activities in the area do not conflict with mining operations. After the

completion of mining, affected areas are reclaimed and, in most cases, the area once again provides 

the settings and opportunities of the underlying LUD.

Forest Plan 3-125 Minerals

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

Minerals Land Use Designation

Apply the following Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines located in Chapter 4:

Category Section Subsections

Air AIR All

Beach and Estuary Fringe BEACH All

Facilities FAC All 

Fire FIRE All

Fish FISH All

Forest Health HEALTH All

Heritage Resources/Sacred Sites HSS All 

Invasive Species INV All

Karst and Cave Resources KC All

Lands LAND All

Minerals and Geology MG All

Plants PLA All

Recreation and Tourism REC All

Riparian RIP All

Rural Community Assistance RUR All

Scenery SCENE All

Soil and Water SW All

Subsistence SUB All 

Timber TIM1,4,7

TIM6

All

I(A-E)

Trails TRAI All

Transportation TRAN All

Wetlands WET All

Wildlife WILD All

Apply the following Plan Content located in Chapter 5:

Category Section Plan Component

Young-growth Direction All None

Renewable Energy Direction All All except 

S-RE-LAND-01 and 

S-RE-TRAN-01

Transportation Systems Corridors

Direction

All All except 

S-TSC-LAND-02

Forest-wide Plan Components All All

Minerals 3-126 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

Apply the following LUD Standards and Guidelines:

FACILITIES Administrative Facilities: FAC2 and FAC3

A. Generally, co-locate administrative facilities with facilities authorized in 

the Plan of Operations.

FIRE Fire Suppression: FIRE1

Suppression Action

A. Suppress wildfires using the suppression option identified in the Alaska 

Interagency Wildland Fire Management Plan. 

B. Suppression tactics are limited only by the standards and guidelines for 

this LUD.

Fuel Improvements: FIRE2

Prescribed Fire

A. Management-ignited prescribed fire may be used for fuels management, 

insect and disease protection, silvicultural site preparation, and wildlife 

habitat improvement.

B. Do not use prescribed natural fire.

FISH Fish Habitat Planning: FISH2

Planning/Mitigation

A. Maintain the present and continued productivity of anadromous fish and 

other foodfish habitat to the maximum extent feasible (consult ANILCA, 

Section 505 (a)).

B. Stress protection of fish habitat to prevent the need for mitigation. 

Mitigation, rehabilitation, and monitoring of mining impacts to fish habitat 

or populations shall be identified in environmental documents and the 

Plan of Operations.

C. Consider the need to maintain instream flows for fish during the 

development of minerals management activities.

FOREST HEALTH Forest Health Management: HEALTH1

A. For underlying LUDs that permit timber harvest, emphasize Timber 

Stand Improvement, sanitation, salvage, and insect and disease 

management measures consistent with the LUD objectives.

B. For underlying LUDs that do not permit timber harvest, apply insect and 

disease management measures consistent with the underlying LUD to 

protect these and adjacent resources.

Forest Insect and Disease Survey and Inventory: HEALTH2

A. Survey and inventory visible outbreaks annually.

HERITAGE Heritage Resource Activities: HSS1

Inventory

A. Provide heritage resource assistance to all development proposals. 

Coordination includes participation and support for environmental 

analysis, inventory, evaluation, assessment, monitoring, and protection 

of heritage resources during activities.

1. Heritage resource inventory will be accomplished during project 

planning. State Historic Preservation Office concurrence and Forest 

Supervisor approval is required prior to implementation.

Forest Plan 3-127 Minerals

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

2. Heritage resource specialists shall provide input on known or 

predicted heritage resource site density in proposed project areas 

and make recommendations to manage heritage resources.

3. Should any heritage resources be discovered during project activity, 

all work within the vicinity of the discovery shall cease until a 

heritage resource specialist is able to evaluate the situation and 

resumption of activity is approved by the Forest Supervisor.

KARST AND CAVES Cave Management Program: KC2

A. Identify opportunities for interpretation of caves for public education and 

enjoyment. Interpretation may occur inside or outside of this LUD.

LANDS Special Use Administration (Non-Recreation): LAND2

A. Generally, authorize special uses to facilitate mineral-related activities. 

1. Evaluate alternative facility designs and locations (including off-site) 

that consider: 1) amount of land disturbance; 2) effects on other 

resources; and 3) effects resulting from human use.

B. Generally, authorize non-mineral development related uses if they do not 

substantially conflict with present or anticipated mineral-related activities 

or the underlying (initial) LUD.

1. Use temporary or annual permits that maintain options for future 

mineral development.

MINERALS AND Minerals and Geology Resource Preparation: MG1

GEOLOGY Resource Preparation

A. Emphasize minerals management activities. Management should 

facilitate the prospecting, exploration, development, mining, and 

processing of mineral resources in areas with the highest potential for 

development.

B. Prior to the initiation of mineral activities, manage these lands under their 

underlying LUD in the Forest Plan. With the initiation of mineral 

activities, apply reasonable regulation of surface occupancy and use to 

manage the mineral development to be as compatible as possible with 

the underlying LUD.

C. The minerals land use prescription will apply upon approval of a Plan of 

Operations. Those portions of the initial LUD not identified for mineral 

activity in an approved Plan of Operations will continue to be managed 

under the initial LUD. After mineral operations are completed, lands 

allocated under the minerals prescription will revert to the initial LUD to 

the extent possible.

Minerals and Geology Administration: MG2

Forest Lands Open to Mineral Entry

A. Forest lands within this LUD are open to mineral entry.

B. Assure prospectors and claimants their right of ingress and egress 

granted under the General Mining Law of 1872, ANILCA, and Forest

Service Minerals Regulations 36 CFR 228.

C. Development of locatable mineral resources takes precedence in this 

LUD; however, leasable and salable minerals may also be developed at 

the authorized officer’s discretion.

D. Allow reasonable access to mining claims, leases, and material sites and 

authorization of orderly mineral resource development with the 

Minerals 3-128 Forest Plan

December 2016
Management Prescriptions 3

provisions of an approved Plan of Operations in accordance with 

National Forest Mining Regulations 36 CFR 228 and FSM 2800.

RECREATION AND Recreation Use Administration: REC3

TOURISM Recreation Settings

A. Prior to the initiation of mineral development, provide recreation settings 

and opportunities consistent with the underlying LUD.

1. For any new investment in recreation facilities, consider the 

potential effects to those facilities by future minerals development.

B. With the initiation of mineral development, manage the recreation setting 

in a manner as compatible as feasible with the underlying LUD.

1. Manage for the existing recreation settings and opportunities until 

scheduled activities and practices change the ROS settings. 

Manage recreation use in a manner that is compatible with the 

mineral objectives.

2. In locations where scheduled activities change the recreation 

setting(s), manage the new setting(s) with the appropriate ROS 

guidelines (generally Roaded Modified).

3. Seek to maintain the recreation experience along existing trail 

corridors by locating road crossings and clearing so they are not 

directly adjacent to the trail when feasible.

4. Seek to minimize impacts to areas directly adjacent to developed 

recreation facilities (e.g., cabins and campgrounds).

5. Consider regulating recreation use and access to mitigate for the 

minerals development.

6. Manage public use of mining access roads and development areas 

to be consistent with the new ROS class, unless recreation analysis 

indicates a need for a modified ROS class.

7. Where effects on existing maintained recreation facilities and trails 

cannot be avoided due to mineral development, analyze alternatives 

for reasonable substitute facilities.

Recreation Special Uses

A. Major and minor developments may be compatible with the LUD 

objectives depending on the scope, purpose, and magnitude of the 

proposal. Proposals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis (see 

Recreation and Tourism Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines). 

SCENERY Scenery Operations: SCENE1

A. Prior to the initiation of mineral development, manage for scenic quality 

according to the initial LUD.

B. With the initiation of mineral development, apply Forest-wide Standards 

and Guidelines for Low in the foreground distance, as seen from Visual 

Priority Travel Routes and Use Areas (see Appendix F) and for the Very 

Low Scenic Integrity Objective in all other areas. The objective defines 

the maximum limit of allowable change to the scenic character of the 

area; less evidence of scenic change is acceptable.

1. Incorporate landscape design techniques to reduce adverse scenic 

impact in areas visible from sensitive travel routes.

SOIL AND WATER Watershed Resource Planning: SW3

A. For use in designing mineral management activities, delineate the 

location of important soil and water protection areas on project maps to 

Forest Plan 3-129 Minerals

December 2016
3 Management Prescriptions

ensure their recognition, proper consideration, and protection on the 

project area.

B. Manage watersheds for beneficial uses consistent with State Water 

Quality Standards. Apply BMPs to control nonpoint sources of water 

pollution (consult National Core BMP Technical Guide FS-990a and 

Alaska Region Soil and Water Conservation Handbook, FSH 2509.22).

C. Design mineral management activities to maintain the present and 

continued productivity of soil and water resources to the extent feasible.

D. Stress protection of soil and water resources to prevent the need for 

mitigation. Identify mitigation, rehabilitation, and monitoring of mining 

impacts to soil and water resources in environmental documents and the 

Plan of Operations.

TIMBER Timber Resource Planning: TIM4

A. Suitability for timber production is based on the underlying LUD. 

B. Personal use wood cutting activities will be based on direction in the 

underlying LUD until a Plan of Operation is approved. After approval, 

access for personal use wood and Christmas trees will be subject to 

provisions compatible with the Plan of Operations.

C. Project analysis, development of environmental documents, and project 

design will facilitate the probable future mineral development to the 

maximum extent feasible.

Timber Sale Preparation: TIM5

A. Where possible, coordinate the location and design of timber harvest 

activities with planned or potential mineral development.

TRANSPORTATION Transportation Operations: TRAN 

A. Authorize reasonable access, consistent with other resource values, to 

allow for the exploration and development of mineral resources.

B. Any transportation development in association with minerals extraction 

will be in accordance with an approved Plan of Operations, and 

subsequent annual work plans.

C. Roads in this LUD may be closed to public use.

D. Apply BMPs in the development and maintenance of transportation 

facilities.

WILDLIFE Wildlife Habitat Planning: WILD1

A. Maintain the present and continued productivity of wildlife habitat to the 

extent feasible while meeting the goals and objectives of this LUD.

B. Address protection of wildlife habitat and the need for mitigation. Identify 

any need for mitigation, rehabilitation, and monitoring of mining impacts 

to wildlife habitat or populations in environmental documents and the 

Plan of Operations.

C. Coordinate road management with the needs of wildlife.

Wildlife Habitat Inventory: WILD5

A. Prior to the development of minerals management activities, establish or 

use existing baseline wildlife inventories.

Minerals 3-130 Forest Plan

December 2016
CHAPTER 4

STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
Standards and Guidelines 4

CONTENTS

Introduction......................................................................................................4-1

AIR...............................................................................................................4-3

BEACH and ESTUARY FRINGE.................................................................4-4

FACILITIES..................................................................................................4-6

FIRE.............................................................................................................4-7

FISH.............................................................................................................4-9

FOREST HEALTH .....................................................................................4-15

HERITAGE RESOURCES and SACRED SITES......................................4-16

INVASIVE SPECIES..................................................................................4-22

KARST and CAVE RESOURCES.............................................................4-23

LANDS.......................................................................................................4-26

MINERALS and GEOLOGY ......................................................................4-36

PLANTS.....................................................................................................4-39

RECREATION and TOURISM...................................................................4-41

RIPARIAN..................................................................................................4-48

RURAL COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE .......................................................4-53

SCENERY..................................................................................................4-54

SOIL and WATER......................................................................................4-61

SUBSISTENCE .........................................................................................4-65

TIMBER .....................................................................................................4-67

TRAILS ......................................................................................................4-73

TRANSPORTATION..................................................................................4-76

WETLANDS...............................................................................................4-84

WILDLIFE ..................................................................................................4-85

Forest Plan Contents

December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

Forest Plan 4-1 Introduction 

December 2016 

Chapter 4 

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines 

Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the Forest Plan present the direction for managing the 

Tongass National Forest. Management direction and the priority of this direction are 

explained in Chapter 1. This chapter includes the Forest-wide Standards and 

Guidelines, which apply to all or most areas of the Forest and provide for the 

protection and management of forest resources. They are used in conjunction with 

the additional Land Use Designation (LUD)-specific Standards and Guidelines 

(Chapter 3) and Plan Components (Chapter 5). Each management prescription 

(Chapter 3) includes a table indicating which of these Forest-wide Standards and 

Guidelines apply to that LUD. The Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines are 

organized by resource or category. 

Introduction 
4 Standards and Guidelines

This page is intentionally left blank.

Introduction 4-2 Forest Plan

December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

AIR

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

Air Resource Inventory: AIR1

I. Baseline Quality and Values

A. During project planning, assess air quality conditions on National Forest System lands by 

following direction in Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2580.

B. Establish inventory and monitoring sufficient to follow legislative requirements (Forest and 

Rangeland Renewable Resources Act of 1974 [16 U.S.C. 1601], as amended by the National 

Forest Management Act [16 U.S.C. 1602], and Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 

1976 [43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.]), and to meet national policy and direction (Chief’s 10-Year 

Wilderness Stewardship Challenge 2005, National Strategic Plan for Air Resource Management 

1994).

C. Coordinate air climate change inventory, monitoring, and modeling efforts with National Park 

Service programs, Forest Health Monitoring and Forest Inventory and Analysis programs, and 

other Forest Service regions. 

Air Resource Planning: AIR2

I. Objective

A. The objective for the air resource, which is to be managed as a part of the Forest ecosystem, is 

to maintain or improve National Forest air quality by preventing significant deterioration from 

Forest activities or other sources (Clean Air Act, as amended [42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.]).

II. Planning for the Maintenance of Air Quality

A. Plan to maintain current air quality Forest-wide.

1. Manage on-Forest resource activities to control and minimize air pollution impacts and to 

ensure that predicted emissions from all pollution sources do not exceed Ambient Air 

Quality Standards specified under the Alaska Administrative Code (AAC), Title 18, Chapter 

50.

a) Obtain burning permits from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation 

(ADEC) for all prescribed fire projects.

2. Require permittees, contractors, and mine operators to apply for applicable state permits 

and meet state Air Quality Standards when conducting work on the Forest.

3. Cooperate with regulatory authorities to prevent adverse effects of air pollutants and 

atmospheric deposition on the Forest ecosystems.

Air Coordination: AIR3

I. Coordination with the State of Alaska

A. Cooperate with ADEC to protect the air resource on the National Forest. Join in the 

assessment of air quality monitoring needs and in the development or revisions of air quality 

standards and regulations, as needed.

B. Review and comment on both proposed and existing sources of off-Forest pollution that may 

significantly affect ambient air quality on National Forest System lands.

C. Review the requirements for proposed new emission sources under the Prevention of 

Significant Deterioration permitting process.

Forest Plan 4-3 Air

December 2016
4 Standards and Guidelines

BEACH and ESTUARY FRINGE

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

Beach and Estuary Description: BEACH1

I. Objectives and Identification

A. Management objectives of the beach and estuary fringe habitat.

1. To maintain the ecological integrity of beach and estuary fringe forested habitat to provide 

sustained natural habitat conditions and requirements for wildlife, plants, fish, recreation, 

heritage, scenery, wilderness, and other resources. 

2. To provide a relatively continuous forested corridor linking terrestrial landscapes. 

3. To provide a variety of recreation opportunities, typically of a Primitive or Semi-Primitive 

nature and retain the scenic quality.

4. To maintain an approximate 1,000-foot-wide beach fringe of mostly unmodified forest to 

provide important habitats, corridors, and connectivity of habitat for eagles, goshawks, deer, 

marten, otter, bear, and other wildlife species associated with the maritime-influenced 

habitat. Old-growth forests are managed for near-natural habitat conditions (including 

natural disturbances) with little evidence of human-induced influence on the ecosystem.

5. To maintain an approximate 1,000-foot-wide estuary fringe of mostly undisturbed forest that 

contributes to maintenance of the ecological integrity of the biologically rich tidal and 

intertidal estuary zone. Habitats for shorebirds, waterfowl, bald eagles, goshawks and other 

marine-associated species are emphasized. Old-growth conifer stands, grasslands, 

wetlands, and other natural habitats associated with estuary areas above the mean high tide 

line are managed for near-natural habitat conditions with little evidence of human-induced 

disturbance.

B. Beach fringe identification.

1. The beach fringe is an area of approximately 1,000 feet slope distance inland from mean 

high tide around all marine coastline.

C. Estuary fringe identification.

1. The estuary fringe is an area of approximately 1,000 feet slope distance around all identified 

estuaries. Estuaries are ecological systems at the mouths of streams where fresh and salt 

water mix, and where salt marshes and intertidal mudflats are present. The landward extent 

of an estuary is the limit of salt-tolerant vegetation (not including the tidally influenced stream 

or river channel incised into the forested uplands), and the seaward extent is a stream's 

delta at mean low water.

Beach and Estuary Management: BEACH2

I. Management

A. Management is governed by the Land Use Designation (LUD) in which the beach or estuary area 

is located. Some LUDs (such as Wilderness and some of the Natural Setting LUDs) highly 

restrict development. Where the LUD allows development (e.g., moderate and intensive 

Development LUDs), the standards and guidelines discussed below will apply.

1. Allow facility developments that require in-water access (e.g., docks, floats, or boat ramps).

a) Locate facilities more than 300 feet from the mouths of intertidal channels of known 

Class I anadromous fish streams, or tidal or subtidal beds of aquatic vegetation to avoid 

significant impairment.

b) Avoid filling of intertidal and subtidal areas to the extent feasible.

2. Permit reasonable access to mining claims in accordance with the provisions of an approved 

Plan of Operations. Assure prospectors and claimants their right of ingress and egress 

granted under the General Mining Law of 1872, Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation 

Act of 1980 (ANILCA), and National Forest Mining Regulations at 36 CFR 228.

a) Take advantage of topographic and vegetative screening when locating drill rigs, 

pumps, roads, rock quarries, structures, and marine transfer facilities.

b) Consider timing restrictions to minerals activities to avoid adverse impacts to fish and 

wildlife resources during critical periods.

Beach and Estuary Fringe 4-4 Forest Plan

December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

3. Emphasize natural recreation settings and continue to provide the spectrum of outdoor 

recreation and tourism opportunities.

a) Where feasible, schedule activities to avoid change to the existing Recreation 

Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) class in marine recreation settings. Emphasize the more 

primitive ROS class when activities are considered in the Wilderness or Wilderness 

Monument LUD.

b) In locations where scheduled activities change the recreation setting(s), manage the 

new setting(s) in accordance with the appropriate ROS guidelines with emphasis on 

marine-related recreation activities.

c) Design and locate recreation-related structures (e.g., recreation cabins, lodges, and 

wildlife viewing structures) to be compatible with beach and estuary fringe objectives. 

d) Manage off-highway vehicle (OHV) use as documented in the Travel Management 

Plan.

e) Manage recreation and tourism use to maintain fish, wildlife, and rare plant habitats.

4. Allow subsistence and other personal use of timber in accordance with ANILCA, Title VIII,

and other standards and guidelines (e.g., the 330-foot buffer around bald eagle nests). 

Personal use is generally inconsistent with beach and is only allowed when the accessibility 

of other lands suitable for timber production are not feasible, such as when the eligible 

permittee lives in an unroaded area with no feasible access to designated "suitable timber" 

lands suitable for timber production, and when the LUD objectives can be met.” Personal 

use timber harvest will be regulated and its cumulative effects monitored in LUDs that are 

not suitable for timber production to ensure that the LUD objectives are fulfilled. 

5. Beach log salvage is permitted.

6. (See Forest-wide plan components in Chapter 5) 

7. (See Forest-wide plan components in Chapter 5) 

8. Road construction is discouraged in the beach and estuary fringes. Where feasible 

alternatives are not available, road corridors may be designated.

a) Provide or maintain recreation or community access where needed as identified 

through project analysis.

9. Log transfer facilities may be constructed.

a) Use the Alaska Timber Task Force Siting Guidelines (see Appendix G and the log 

transfer facility standards and guidelines in the Transportation Forest-wide Standards 

and Guidelines section).

10. Wildlife habitat restoration of young-growth conifer stands is encouraged to accelerate 

development of advanced seral stand structure. Treatments may include thinning of young 

stands, release, pruning, and fertilization.

11. Other authorized activities (e.g., powerlines, fish camps) may be allowed in the beach and 

estuary fringe where feasible alternative locations are not available.

Forest Plan 4-5 Beach and Estuary Fringe

December 2016
4 Standards and Guidelines

FACILITIES

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

The following Standards and Guidelines apply to recreation and administrative facilities needed to support 

the management, protection, and use of the National Forests, including buildings, utility systems, dams, and 

other constructed features.

Facilities Operations: FAC1

I. Administration and Maintenance

A. Assess and document the ability of Forest Service facilities to support planned activities. 

B. Assess the historic and cultural values of these facilities.

C. Provide maintenance and safety inspections on major structures on the Forest in compliance with 

Forest Service Manual (FSM) requirements.

D. Maintain current operation and maintenance plans for Forest Service-owned recreation facilities

(Consult FSM 2330.) 

E. Maintain facilities to meet codes applicable at the time of construction, unless otherwise required 

by law.

F. Perform accessibility surveys on all existing facilities. Implement improvements to provide 

barrier-free, accessible facilities appropriate to the site development and ROS level as funding and 

opportunity allow (also see Recreation and Tourism Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines).

Facilities Improvement Preparation: FAC2

I. Plan Development

A. Complete site development plans for all facility needs identified in the Forest Plan implementation 

schedule or the Forest Facility Master Plan. (Consult FSM 7311.) 

B. Maintain a description of the desired condition for facilities that reflect needs, future development 

opportunities, and long-term management in the Forest Facility Master Plan. Document the extent 

and management of these facilities, including:

1. Number of buildings by type and age.

2. Number of dams in federal ownership by classification.

3. Developed recreation sites, such as National Forest campgrounds, picnic areas, and 

trailheads with recreation facilities.

4. Number and types of permitted facilities, including dams, ski areas, fences, buildings, etc.

5. Number (and/or miles) of systems including sewage, water, electrical, and communication 

networks needed within recreation and administrative sites.

Facility Construction: FAC3

I. Construction Requirements

A. All remodeling, new construction, or building leasing should be in accordance with an approved site 

development plan in order to provide safe, functional, aesthetically pleasing, energy efficient, and 

cost-effective facilities.

B. Ensure consistency with LUD direction.

C. Access for persons with disabilities is required for all new facilities (administrative and recreation).

D. Consult Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 7309.11 for gender-related design standards.

E. Consider additional public use cabins and/or shelters in the Wilderness only when needed for 

health and safety purposes (Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980, Section 

1315(d)).

F. Develop a revegetation plan using approved plant species. 

Facilities 4-6 Forest Plan

December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

FIRE

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

Fire Suppression: FIRE1

I. Protection Options

A. Due to climate conditions, fire suppression is not a common need on the Tongass National 

Forest. Under typical conditions, the period of time for fire starts and spread is short. All 

suppression actions will provide for the safety of fire fighters and be applied at a minimum 

suppression cost, commensurate with the values at risk. Fire suppression shall fall into one of 

four optional categories: "Critical" (control strategy), "Full" (control strategy), "Modified" (contain 

strategy), or "Limited" (confine strategy). These options and strategies are further defined and 

discussed in the Alaska Interagency Wildland Fire Management Plan. Complete a Wildland

Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA) for all suppression actions that fail to confine, contain, or control 

the fire's spread following the first initial attack shift. (Consult Forest Service Manual [FSM]

5132.)

1. Critical Protection Option (control). This option is specifically created to differentiate the 

protection of human life and inhabited property and improvements from natural resource 

protection. The designation of a site or area with this option is the discretion of the land 

manager responsible for the fire protection. Fires occurring in or immediately threatening 

lands in this designation will receive highest priority for immediate initial attack and 

continuing aggressive actions dependent upon availability of suppression resources.

2. Full Protection Option (control). Areas assigned this designation will receive aggressive 

initial attack and aggressive suppression actions consistent with availability of suppression 

resources until the fire is declared out. This option was designed for the protection of high 

resource values, cultural sites, historical sites, and those resources that require wildland 

fire protection, but do not involve protection of human life and habitation.

3. Modified Protection Option (contain). This designation is intended to be the most flexible 

option available to land managers. The intent of the Modified management option is to 

provide a higher level of protection when fire danger is high, probability of significant fire 

growth is high, and probability of containment is low. A lower level of protection is provided 

when fire danger decreases, potential for fire growth decreases, and the probability of 

containment increases. The Modified designation provides a management level between 

Full and Limited. Generally, early in the season fire starts on lands under this designation 

are treated more aggressively and then after the conversion date, they are treated like 

Limited designation lands. The conversion date is determined by the Alaska Wildland Fire 

Coordination Group each fire season. The intent of this designation is to reduce 

suppression costs and increase resource benefits where possible during the entire fire 

season. Some portions of the fire may require aggressive action and others may only 

require a containment action.

4. Limited Protection Option (confine). This category recognizes areas where the cost of 

suppression may exceed the value of the resources to be protected and the environmental 

impacts of fire suppression activities may have more negative impacts on the resources 

than the effects of the fire. Wildland fires occurring within this designation will be allowed 

to burn under the influence of natural forces within predetermined areas while continuing 

protection of human life and site-specific values within the management option. Generally,

this designation receives the lowest priority for allocations of initial attack resources; 

however, surveillance may be a high priority. Suppression actions may be initiated to keep 

a fire within the boundary of the management option.

Fuels Improvements: FIRE2

I. Prescribed Fire

A. The use of prescribed fire as a tool for resource management is often undependable due to 

shortness of burning opportunities and weather limitations during the burning season. Use 

Forest Plan 4-7 Fire

December 2016
4 Standards and Guidelines

prescribed fire, as appropriate, for silvicultural site preparation, wildlife habitat improvement, 

invasive plant control, or slash hazard treatment.

1. All prescribed fires must have an approved burn plan signed by the appropriate line officer 

with a designated burn boss, contingency options, and a process for monitoring and 

evaluating results. All prescribed fires will have a qualified organizational structure, 

including personnel, to suit the complexity of burn. (Consult FSM 5140.)

2. For silvicultural site preparation, wildlife habitat improvement, and slash hazard treatment, 

the District Ranger will ensure appropriate interdisciplinary specialist participation during 

planning, executing, monitoring, and evaluation phases of prescribed fire use. (Consult 

FSM 5140, FSH 5709, and FSM 6740.)

3. Because of the absence of fire as a natural disturbance agent in Southeast Alaska, 

prescribed fire is expected to play little to no role within the Wilderness or Wilderness 

Monument LUD.

Fire 4-8 Forest Plan

December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

FISH

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

Fish Habitat Inventory and Monitoring: FISH1

I. Fish Habitat Inventory

A. Maintain the channel type and stream class (see Glossary) based inventory of all Forest 

streams.

1. Maintain and update the stream inventory (and geographic information system [GIS]

mapping) during site-specific project planning and analysis. 

a) Consult publication R10-TP-26, A Channel Type Users Guide for the Tongass 

National Forest, Southeast Alaska (as revised), for descriptions of the channel types.

b) Consult the Aquatic Habitat Management Handbook FSH 2090.21 for descriptions of 

Region 10, stream survey methodologies.

B. Maintain the inventory of Forest streams and watersheds for fish enhancement opportunities.

C. Maintain, and further develop as necessary, the fish habitat objectives database used to 

measure changes in the natural range and frequency of aquatic habitat conditions. (See 

FISH2,IV(B).)

Fish Habitat Planning: FISH2

I. Fish Habitat and Channel Processes

A. Recognize watershed function and channel processes when planning for the protection, 

restoration or enhancement of fish habitat. (Consult Riparian Forest-wide Standards and

Guidelines RIP2 and Soil and Water Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines SW3.)

1. Consider the effects of upstream and upslope activities during site-specific planning.

2. Consider the condition of upstream and upslope areas during site-specific planning.

3. Consider topics such as erosion processes, watershed hydrology, vegetation, stream 

channel morphology, water quality, wilderness designation, recommendations for inclusion 

into the Wild and Scenic River System, species and habitats, and human uses, during 

analyses.

II. Channel Classification and Process Groups

A. Use channel type inventories to categorize stream reaches into channel process groups. Use 

channel types and process groups to plan management activities affecting fish and fish habitat 

along all lakes and streams. Process groups and the channel types included in each process 

group are shown in Appendix D and publication R10-TP-26, A Channel Type Users Guide for 

the Tongass National Forest, Southeast Alaska (as revised). These groups may be redefined 

as more information about channel types becomes available.

1. Map and field-verify streams, lakes, and estuaries by channel type and stream class for 

project planning and implementation.

III. Fish Stream Classification (reference FSH 2090.21 (2001) Chapter 10, Section 12)

A. Determine fish/water quality value class of all streams in the affected area prior to or during sitespecific project planning. (Consult Riparian Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.)

B. Use the following classification system across the Forest:

1. Class I: Streams and lakes with anadromous or adfluvial fish or fish habitat, or high quality 

resident fish waters or habitat above fish migration barriers known to provide reasonable

enhancement opportunities for anadromous fish.

2. Class II: Streams and lakes with resident fish or fish habitat—generally steep channels 6

to 25 percent or higher gradient—where no anadromous fish occur, and otherwise do not 

meet Class I criteria. 

3. Class III: Perennial and intermittent streams with no fish populations but which have 

sufficient flow, or transport sufficient sediment and debris, to have an immediate influence 

on downstream water quality or fish habitat capability. For streams less than 30 percent 

gradient, special care is needed to determine if resident fish are present. 

Forest Plan 4-9 Fish

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4 Standards and Guidelines

Fish 4-10 Forest Plan 

 December 2016 

A stream segment is designated Class III if, for the majority of its length, the bankfull 

stream width is greater than 1.5 meters (5 feet) and the channel incision (or entrenchment) 

is greater than 5 meters (15 feet). 

Streams that do not meet both the width and incision criteria may be classified as Class III 

streams based on a professional interpretation of stream characteristics for the stream 

segment being assessed. The following characteristics could indicate a Class III stream: 

a) Steep side-slopes containing mobile fine sediments, sand deposits, or deep soils that 

can provide an abundant source area for sedimentation. 

b) Very steep gradient channels (greater than 35 percent slope). 

c) Recently transported bedload or woody debris wedges (especially if deposited outside 

high water mark). 

d) High water indicators (scour lines, drift lines, etc.) that greatly exceed observed wetted 

stream width. 

e) Large sediment deposits stored amongst debris that could be readily transported if 

debris shifts. 

4. Class IV: Other intermittent, ephemeral, and small perennial channels with insufficient flow 

or sediment transport capacity to directly influence downstream water quality or fish habitat 

capability. Class IV streams do not meet the criteria used to define Class I, II, or III 

streams. Class IV streams must have bankfull width of at least 0.3 meter (1 foot) over the 

majority of the stream segment. For perennial streams, with average channel gradients 

less than 30 percent, special care is needed to determine if resident fish are present 

(resident fish presence dictates a Class II designation). 

5. Non-streams: Rills and other watercourses, generally intermittent and less than 1 foot in 

width, little or no incision into the surrounding hillslope, and with little or no evidence of 

channel scour. (Note: These micro-drainage features are not mapped in GIS hydrography 

layers.) 

IV. Objectives/Guidelines for Management Affecting Fish Habitat 

A. Maintain or restore the natural range and frequency of aquatic habitat conditions on the 

Tongass National Forest to sustain the diversity and production of fish and other freshwater 

organisms. 

B. Use (and update) baseline fish habitat objectives as a reference to evaluate the relative health 

or condition of riparian and aquatic habitat. Use baseline fish habitat objectives, listed below 

(and others as developed), (Anadromous Fish Habitat Assessment Team 1995, Bryant et al. 

2004, Woodsmith et al. 2005) to characterize the natural range of habitat conditions by channel 

types and process groups. Specific measurement protocols are described in the Alaska Region 

Aquatic Management Handbook (FSH 2090.21 – 2001-1). 

1. Width-to-depth ratio—Relationship between bankfull width and average bankfull depth, 

expressed as bankfull width / average bankfull depth. 

2. Large woody debris (LWD)—Frequency of qualifying large wood pieces per kilometer of 

stream. 

3. Total key pieces of LWD—Frequency of large, structurally integral pieces of wood scaled 

to channel size per kilometer of stream. 

4. Pools per kilometer—Frequency of qualifying pools per kilometer of stream. 

5. Pool spacing—Frequency of qualifying pools per unit area of channel, length of channel 

surveyed / average channel bed width / number of pools. 

6. Residual pool depth per channel bed width—Residual pool depth scaled to channel size, 

residual pool depth / average channel bed-width. 

7. Median particle size. 

8. Pool length per meter—Total qualifying pool length divided by length of survey. 

9. Pool size (relative depth)—Average residual pool depth / average bankfull depth. 

10. Relative submergence—Expressed as average bankfull depth. 
Standards and Guidelines 4

C. Maintain or restore stream banks and stream channel processes.

1. Stream Class I, and Class II streams that flow directly into Class I streams. Maintain, 

restore, or improve anadromous, adfluvial, and high-value resident fish habitat capability by 

providing natural or improved cover/pool ratio, pool-riffle sequences, and habitat features, 

such as stable LWD. Design management activities to maintain stream bank, channel, and 

flood plain integrity.

2. Other Stream Class II. Maintain or restore habitat capability for resident fish populations 

by providing natural or improved cover/pool ratio, pool-riffle sequences, and habitat 

features, such as stable LWD. Design management activities to maintain stream bank, 

channel, and flood plain integrity. Avoid impacts to downstream Class I streams.

3. Stream Class III. Design management activities to maintain or restore stream bank, 

channel, and flood plain integrity. Avoid impacts to downstream Class I and Class II 

streams.

D. Maintain or restore natural and beneficial quantities of LWD over the short- and long-term.

1. Stream Class I, and Class II streams that flow directly into Class I streams. Maintain or 

restore anadromous, adfluvial, and high-value resident fish habitat capability by providing 

for natural and beneficial volumes of LWD for rearing, stream energy dissipation, and 

sources of organic matter to the stream ecosystem. Use biological and physical 

characteristics of the stream to determine size classes and distribution of LWD. Limit 

navigational clearing of large wood to the minimum necessary for safety.

2. Other Stream Class II. Maintain or restore habitat capability for resident fish populations 

by providing LWD, and by designing for future sources of LWD at volumes determined by 

channel type biological and physical characteristics.

3. Stream Class III. Maintain or restore LWD in channels and banks to prevent changes in 

natural stream bank and stream channel processes.

E. Maintain or restore water quality to provide for fish production.

1. Stream Classes I, II, and III. Prevent adverse effects to rearing and spawning habitat. 

Maintain or restore anadromous, adfluvial, and high-value resident fish habitat capability. 

Maintain or restore capability for other resident fish populations to the extent feasible. 

Ensure no chronic sediment input following soil-disturbing activities. Prevent adverse 

impacts to fish habitat downstream by minimizing siltation.

2. Implement applicable Best Management Practices (BMPs). (Consult National Core BMP 

Technical Guide FS-990a and the Alaska Region Soil and Water Conservation Handbook, 

FSH 2509.22.)

F. Maintain or restore optimum water temperatures for salmonids, considering both winter and 

summer habitat requirements, climate, and natural watershed characteristics.

1. Stream Class I, and Class II streams that flow directly into Class I streams. Maintain or 

restore optimum salmonid summer stream temperatures at between 50° and 68°F or at 

natural levels. (Consult the current State of Alaska Water Quality Standards):

2. Other Stream Class II. Maintain water temperatures below 68°F, or at natural levels, to 

maintain or restore habitat capability for resident fish populations. Manage watersheds and 

riparian streamsides to maintain appropriate water temperature for downstream Class I 

streams as described in F.1.

3. Stream Class III. Manage watersheds and riparian streamsides to maintain water

temperature standards and guidelines for downstream Class I and II streams.

G. Maintain, restore, or improve, where feasible (see Glossary), stream conditions that do not 

disrupt the migration or other movement of aquatic organisms inhabiting a waterbody. 

1. If a stream crossing cannot be avoided, the best solution for aquatic organism passage is 

generally to maintain the natural stream form and processes from the inlet, through the 

crossing, and into the downstream channel. Bridges, open-bottom culverts, and streamsimulated culverts designed and installed to applicable BMPs (Consult the National Core 

BMP Technical Guide FS-990a and the Alaska Region Soil and Water Conservation 

Handbook, FSH 2509.22) and design standards (Aquatic Habitat Management Handbook, 

FSH 2090.21) to best meet this objective. 

2. Some stream conditions, engineering constraints, or cost may make it desirable to install 

culverts that use a variety of weir/baffles or roughened channel to provide for passage. 

Forest Plan 4-11 Fish

December 2016
4 Standards and Guidelines

Fish 4-12 Forest Plan 

 December 2016 

These hydraulically designed culverts rely on matching culvert hydraulic conditions at a 

specified design flow to the swimming performance of a specified design fish (Aquatic 

Habitat Management Handbook, FSH 2090.21). 

3. Stream crossing structures requiring aquatic organism passage will be designed to current 

standards by qualified professionals. 

4. Consult applicable BMPs (see National Core BMP Technical Guide FS-990a and FSH 

2509.22). 

5. Consult and improve the inventory of identified fish stream crossings. 

6. As per the Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) between the Forest Service and the 

Alaska Department of Fish and Game, culvert installation, stream alignment, or diversions; 

dams; low-water crossings; and construction, placement, deposition, or removal of any 

material or structure below ordinary high water may require State of Alaska concurrence. 

7. Overall, the intent is to not disrupt the migration or movement of aquatic organisms, but 

occasionally it is not feasible to protect some sections of habitat and movement will be 

restricted. In determining feasibility, consider the following: 

a) Presence of known sensitive, isolated, or unique fish populations. 

b) Extent and quality of available habitat and how it is affected by the location of the 

stream crossing. 

c) Cumulative impacts of restricting fish passage at multiple sites in the same 

watershed. 

d) Upstream and downstream linkages between the anadromous and resident life 

strategies of the same species. 

e) Advice from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) and ADNR. 

f) Length of time that a stream structure will restrict movement. 

g) Cost of providing ideal passage conditions compared to less than ideal conditions. 

h) Availability of suitable, cost-effective compensatory mitigation projects. 

8. The discharge of dredge or fill material from normal silviculture activities such as timber 

harvest is exempt from Clean Water Act Section 404 permitting requirements in waters of 

the United States (404(f)(1)(A). Forest roads qualify for this exemption only if they are 

constructed and maintained in accordance with BMPs specified in 33 CFR 323.4(a). 

These BMPs have been incorporated into BMP 12.5 in the Alaska Region’s BMP 

Handbook (FSH 2509.22). 

V. Management Indicators 

A. Use Forest Plan management indicators to evaluate the potential effects of proposed project 

management activities affecting fish habitat. 

VI. Management Activities 

A. Maintain a fish program schedule that includes anticipated inventory needs, proposed habitat 

improvement and maintenance projects, and monitoring requirements. 

VII. Coordination 

A. Coordinate activities that affect fish resources with other Forest disciplines through the 

Interdisciplinary Team process, and with other federal, state, and local agencies and groups. 

1. Develop and maintain Memoranda of Understanding/Agreements with appropriate state, 

federal, and local agencies, and aquaculture associations. 

2. Coordinate with the state and federal agencies, and the Pacific Northwest Research 

Station, to maintain a continuous program for research, monitoring, and assessment of 

impacts of land-use activities on fish habitat. 

B. Consider the influence of proposed management activities on fishing use patterns. 

C. Consider effects of off-highway vehicle (OHV) travel and road closures on fish habitat and 

populations. 

VIII. Project Planning 

A. Use the following priority for fish habitat project work: mitigation for unplanned impacts, 

rehabilitation/restoration, and enhancement. For both mitigation and rehabilitation, consider 
Standards and Guidelines 4

alternatives for cost efficiency of performing off-site enhancement (enhancement of a different 

area than where the impact actually occurs).

1. Location of off-site enhancement shall be governed by the following priorities:

a) First priority: same stream reach (same species)

b) Second priority: same stream (same species)

c) Third priority: same watershed (same species)

d) Fourth priority: same anadromous fish harvest area (same species)

e) Fifth priority: differing species, using above priority order

B. Enhance fish habitat to meet the objectives identified in this Plan. Opportunities may include, 

but are not limited to, instream enhancement, lake fertilization, cooperative bio-enhancement 

(e.g., stocking), incubation boxes, and fishway construction.

1. Use the Cooperative Fisheries Planning process (consult the Alaska National Interest 

Lands Conservation Act, Section 507) and/or other cooperative agreements for developing 

priorities for the enhancement of fish resources.

2. Determine habitat capability on streams and lakes identified for enhancement in the 

Cooperative Fisheries Planning process prior to construction of fish projects.

3. Update the fish habitat enhancement list (Cooperative Fisheries Planning process) 

periodically.

C. Recognize bio-enhancement (e.g., stocking of juveniles, use of egg incubation boxes, 

transferring of adult fish to seed stream systems) as part of the fish improvement project costs 

when appropriate. Cooperate/coordinate with state and federal agencies and aquaculture 

associations to facilitate bio-enhancement. Recognize bio-enhancement as part of the fish 

improvement project costs when appropriate. 

D. Fishpass projects abide by the standards and best practices for colonization projects included in 

the Comprehensive Salmon Enhancement Plan for Southeast Alaska, Phase III.

E. Coordinate new projects to enhance the use of National Forest System lands with the recreation 

program managers.

Fish Habitat Restoration and Improvement: FISH3

I. Planning

A. Improve or restore fish habitat to work toward the habitat objectives of the Forest Plan. Give 

priority to restoration projects.

B. Construct projects using the most cost-efficient methods, while achieving desired results 

consistent with the Land Use Designation.

C. During project planning consider the need to monitor the accomplishment of project objectives. 

Need shall be governed by the type of project, with high interest/high investment projects being 

monitored more intensively.

1. Where needed, develop cooperative agreements with fish/aquaculture agencies and other 

groups to assess the effectiveness of Forest Service habitat improvement.

D. Coordinate habitat restoration and improvement projects with ADF&G and other appropriate 

agencies and groups.

II. Construction Coordination

A. Coordinate all fish habitat restoration and improvement using an interdisciplinary process.

III. Monitoring

A. Conduct monitoring of fish habitat restoration and improvement projects to ensure their 

continued function at the design level of operation.

B. Monitor fish production on a representative sample of restoration and improvement projects to 

evaluate effectiveness of individual projects, categories of similar projects, and the effectiveness 

of the overall improvement program.

Fish Habitat Maintenance: FISH4

I. Maintenance

A. Provide for the maintenance of fish habitat enhancements.

1. Fund maintenance of existing projects prior to the construction of new ones.

Forest Plan 4-13 Fish

December 2016
4 Standards and Guidelines

Fish 4-14 Forest Plan 

 December 2016 

2. Include funding for maintenance in the planning and budgeting for all projects. 

3. Maintain restoration and improvement projects to ensure that investment objectives are 

met. 

4. When maintenance and operation of an improvement become inefficient, reconstruct or 

remove the project. 

5. If a project becomes inoperable, reconstruct or remove the improvement. 

B. Develop a written maintenance responsibilities agreement with project cooperators prior to 

project construction. 

Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Fish Species: FISH5 

Consult FSM 2670 and R10 supplemental directions for Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive species. 

I. Threatened or Endangered Species 

A. Currently there are no Threatened or Endangered fish species within the territorial boundaries 

of the Tongass National Forest. 

II. Sensitive Fish Species1

A. Island King Salmon (Removed from Alaska Region Sensitive Species List in 2009) 

1. Provide for the protection and maintenance of runs of king salmon that naturally occur on 

islands, including the runs in King Salmon and Wheeler creeks on Admiralty Island. 

2. Coordinate with ADF&G and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on commercial, 

sport, and subsistence fish use, hatchery egg take programs, and other activities affecting 

the viability of king salmon runs in order to conserve these unique populations. 

3. Avoid the placement of facilities or issuing of permits for activities near these streams that 

would increase harvest pressure on these king salmon runs. 

4. Include culvert replacement as a conservation and restoration tool. 

B. Northern Pike (Removed from Alaska Region Sensitive Species List in 2009) 

1. Provide for the protection and maintenance of northern pike found in the Pike Lakes on the 

Yakutat Forelands. This population of northern pike is unique to Southeast Alaska. 

2. Avoid the placement of facilities near the Pike Lakes that would increase harvest pressure to 

the point where the viability of these species is affected. 

3. Coordinate with ADF&G on any activities that would affect the viability of the northern pike. 

4. Include culvert replacement as a conservation and restoration tool. 

C. Fish Creek Chum Salmon (Removed from Alaska Region Sensitive Species List in 2009) 

1. Provide for the protection and maintenance of chum salmon in Fish Creek near Hyder. This 

population of chum salmon is characterized by their extraordinary large size. 

2. Coordinate with ADF&G and NMFS on commercial, sport, and subsistence fish use, 

hatchery egg take programs, and other activities affecting the viability of the chum salmon 

runs in Fish Creek in order to preserve these populations. 

3. Provide habitat improvement and maintenance including culvert replacement to sustain this 

run of salmon, as necessary. 

 

1 The Forest Service Alaska Region Sensitive Species List was updated in 2009 and supersedes previous lists.
Standards and Guidelines 4

FOREST HEALTH

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

Forest Health Management: HEALTH1

I. Forest Health Management

A. Achieve desired future condition of forest health by manipulating insect and disease populations 

to beneficial levels. Desirable forest health conditions are expected to vary according to 

different resource goals.

1. Create ecological conditions that improve the health of vegetation by incorporating forest 

health principles into forest planning, decision-making, and implementation of project 

activities. 

2. Consider forest health management information dealing with insects, diseases, and 

invasive species of flora and fauna, and recommendations on management alternatives. 

These recommendations will include analyses of the ecological effects of insects and 

diseases and management alternatives, including no action, chemical, cultural, 

mechanical, and biological methods.

3. For direction on the use of pesticides in forest management, consult the Pesticide Use and 

Vegetation Management guidelines in the Timber Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.

B. Evaluate insect, disease, and invasive species impact(s) to resources. 

1. Conduct on-site evaluations to assess past, current, and future insect, disease, and 

invasive species impacts and their effect upon desired forest health.

2. Use data from these evaluations to assist project planning and analysis.

C. Provide training, technology transfer, and technical assistance to area and district personnel to 

assist in the management of forest insects and diseases.

Forest Insect and Disease Survey and Inventory: HEALTH2

I. Insect and Disease Detection Survey

A. Conduct an annual insect and disease detection aerial survey in cooperation with State and 

Private Forestry, Alaska Region / Forest Health Protection (FHP) work group.

1. Resource managers will establish survey priorities based on planning needs and current 

management concerns.

2. Conduct aerial surveys of a variety of forest cover types and LUDs, concentrating on those 

areas identified as having the highest management priority.

Forest Plan 4-15 Forest Health

December 2016
4 Standards and Guidelines

HERITAGE RESOURCES and SACRED SITES

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

Heritage Resource Activities: HSS1

I. Management

A. Maintain a heritage resource management program to identify, evaluate, preserve, and protect 

heritage resources on a Forest-wide and project-specific level in compliance with the National 

Historic Preservation Act, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the American Indian 

Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA), the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA), the 

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), Executive Order 13287, 

their amendments and implementing regulations (consult 36 CFR 800, Forest Service Manual 

[FSM] 2360, and Forest Service Handbook [FSH] 2309.12).

B. Coordinate management of heritage resources with the State Historic Preservation Officer 

(SHPO), the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), Alaska Native tribes and 

corporations, and interested members of the public. Consult 36 CFR 800, FSM 2361, and the 

current Programmatic Agreement between the USDA Forest Service, Region 10, ACHP, and 

Alaska SHPO.

C. Identify and develop interpretive messages for heritage resource sites and activities that relate 

the historical value and contributions of natural and heritage resource management to the 

Tongass National Forest. Work closely with all interpretive services programs to ensure 

accurate and effective interpretation of heritage resources.

D. Coordinate the management, access, and use of Forest products to perpetuate Alaska Native 

culture and art forms. (See Standards and Guidelines for Plants and Timber.)

E. Develop a heritage resource management assessment that provides a framework for 

management decisions. Its objectives are to display the schedule of management activities, 

summarize current status, and identify priorities for future heritage resources inventory, 

evaluation, and protection.

1. Update the heritage resource assessment annually, for budget implementation and to fulfill 

requirements of the annual report to SHPO as stipulated in the Programmatic Agreement.

2. The assessment/annual report should include:

a) An overview of new data and data management.

b) Identification of projects reviewed under 36 CFR 800 or the Programmatic Agreement 

and areas requiring intensive site inventory, including non-project areas of the Forest.

c) Identification, classification, and evaluation of heritage resources located.

d) Re-evaluation and update of the heritage resource sensitivity zone system based on 

new data and/or understandings of each area's heritage resources and their locations.

e) Identification of measures and priorities for the protection of heritage resources from 

vandalism, theft, and natural deterioration.

f) Identification of prioritized needs for the stabilization, restoration, and repair of 

damaged sites.

g) Identification of the need for maintenance of sites on, or eligible for inclusion in, the 

National Register of Historic Places.

h) Identification of opportunities for interpretation of heritage resources for public 

education and recreation values.

i) Identification of the interaction of heritage resources and other multiple uses, including 

consideration of management activities, and their impacts on heritage resource 

management.

j) Identification of the coordination efforts with appropriate state heritage resource plans 

and planning activities of the SHPO, State Archaeologist, and other state and federal

agencies.

II. Project Clearance/Inventory

A. Project Clearance. Any project, activity, or program that can result in changes in the character 

or use of historic properties and is under the jurisdiction of the Forest, licensed or assisted by 

the Forest, including new or continuing projects, activities, or programs and any of their 

Heritage Resources 4-16 Forest Plan

December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

elements not previously considered under Sections 106 and 110 of the National Historic 

Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, shall be considered an undertaking and may require 

evaluation through inventory and survey.

1. Ensure that compliance with the Alaska Programmatic Agreement and/or 36 CFR 800 has 

been accomplished before a NEPA Decision Notice, Record of Decision, or Finding of No 

Significant Impact is signed prior to implementation of an undertaking (FSM 2361-04b-R10 

Supplement).

III. Project Implementation

A. Inventory and evaluation may be accomplished at the operator's discretion and cost provided 

that the inventory and evaluation are accomplished under the supervision of a qualified heritage 

resources specialist authorized by a special use authorization. Determinations under 36 CFR 

800 are made by the appropriate Forest Service line officer.

B. Include as part of the Section 106 project report specific protective and/or mitigative measures 

to be taken by the operator who is responsible for the cost of any such protective or mitigative 

measures.

C. When appropriate, mark known heritage resource sites within or adjacent to the project area 

prior to project implementation.

D. Include in each contract, permit, or lease a statement of the operating conditions required to 

protect heritage resources in the project area. Also include the pertinent clause notifying the 

operator of his or her responsibility to protect marked sites when working in the project area and 

the operator’s liability for damage.

E. Provide training in the recognition, site inspection, and protection of heritage resources for all 

persons responsible for on-the-ground administration of contracts, permits, or leases.

1. If a site, human remains, or funerary object is discovered during project implementation, 

work shall be suspended by the project administrator to avoid potential site damage. The 

Forest Supervisor shall notify the SHPO and appropriate Alaska Native tribe and 

corporation contacts, and resumption of work will be authorized only after the consultation 

process has been completed. The project administrator shall keep the contractor, 

permittee, or lessee informed of anticipated delays in work resumption.

IV. Mitigation

A. In cases where in-place preservation of heritage values is the objective, the Forest Supervisor 

shall consider management options such as project design, location, or cancellations in meeting 

the objective. Consult 36 CFR 800 and the Programmatic Agreement for procedures to be 

followed in reaching a management decision.

B. The preferred management of sites listed in, nominated to, or eligible for the National Register 

of Historic Places is avoidance and protection.

1. When feasible, sites listed in, nominated to, or eligible for the National Register of Historic 

Places shall be managed to achieve a "No Adverse Effect" finding, in consultation with the 

SHPO and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. (Consult 36 CFR 800.)

2. The recovery (collection) of heritage resources can occur during the inventory, evaluation, 

or mitigation (data recovery) phases. Standard requirements include documentation of the 

resource, labeling of the artifacts, and curation of the recovered materials and resultant 

records.

3. Collection of artifacts, except under emergency circumstances, must be accomplished or 

directly supervised by a professional heritage resources specialist. A qualified heritage 

resources specialist may recover artifacts for purposes of evaluation.

4. Requirements for heritage resource collection include the following:

a) Emergency collection. Artifacts collected in emergency situations shall be turned over 

to the Unit Heritage Resources Specialist for appropriate curation.

b) Special agents and other law enforcement officers conducting criminal investigations 

may collect artifacts as evidence. Any material collected must be cataloged and 

stored in a secure area.

c) Artifact samples may be collected from heritage resource sites, when they can be 

systematically recovered and properly recorded for further evaluation (caution must be 

Forest Plan 4-17 Heritage Resources

December 2016
4 Standards and Guidelines

exercised to ensure that the collection of artifact samples is adequate for the purpose 

intended without causing unacceptable impacts to the resource). The sample size 

collected should be no more than the minimal amount necessary for the proposed 

analysis.

d) Data recovery (including collection of artifacts and photographic/archival recordation) 

must be conducted in accordance with a Forest Service/SHPO-approved Data 

Recovery Plan, which shall conform to the published guidelines in the Advisory 

Council on Historic Preservation, Handbook for the Treatment of Archaeological 

Properties.

5. Disinterment of human remains, associated and unassociated funerary objects, sacred 

objects, and objects of cultural patrimony should occur only when consultation has been 

completed per NAGPRA with the direct lineal descendants or the representative tribe. A 

signed Memorandum of Understanding shall be in place prior to any planned disinterment 

activities. Inadvertent discoveries shall follow the procedures set forth in 43 CFR 10.

V. Enhancement

A. Identify opportunities and priorities for interpretation of heritage resources for public education 

and recreation. Public education efforts should emphasize the importance of heritage site 

stewardship and leaving in place what they find.

1. Manage significant and suitable heritage resource sites to realize their recreational and 

educational values to the public. Enhancement programs, including Passport In Time and 

Heritage Expeditions, should include in-service funding as well as opportunity for 

establishing partnerships with the private sector. The measure of suitability should be 

based upon accessibility, feasibility for protection, condition of the property, compatibility 

with other management activities, and value to the public.

2. Enhance suitable heritage values through interpretation, restoration, and the publication of 

reports, brochures, signs, films, videos, slide, and other interpretive programs. Interpretive 

services and facilities should be compatible with the nature, quality, and integrity of the 

resource selected for enhancement.

3. Cooperate with museums, universities, Indian tribes, and other recognized institutions, 

agencies, and knowledgeable persons in planning and constructing heritage resource 

exhibits and providing opportunities for scholarly/scientific use.

4. Manage heritage resources to ensure that properties and their records are protected to 

prevent degradation or unauthorized use under authority of the Archaeological Resources 

Protection Act of 1979 and the regulations in 36 CFR 296 and 36 CFR 79.

VI. Site Inspection

A. Assess condition, and document restoration or stabilization needs of cultural sites. Use this 

information for reporting the success of mitigation measures and other actions taken to ensure 

site preservation.

1. Frequency of inspection should seek to include one documented visit per selected site per 

year as available resources allow. If site damage is observed, additional inspections may 

become necessary. If an area is damaged through suspected human disturbance, inspect 

other sites in that vicinity. (Consult the Forest Heritage Resource Program Manager and/or 

Special Agent.) 

2. Coordinate the assessments with District Rangers, the Forest Heritage Resource Program 

Manager, and the Special Agent.

B. Assessment procedures should include observations documenting the current site condition. 

Document assessments through a signed, written report that verifies which site was inspected 

and the observed condition. 

C. Damage Assessment Report. If site damage is observed and it has not been previously 

recorded, a site damage assessment report will be prepared by the Forest Heritage Resource 

Program Manager or Unit Heritage Resource Specialist. The purpose of the damage 

assessment report is to identify the damage using quantitative measures, make 

recommendations to stabilize the site from further deterioration, determine the archaeological or 

Heritage Resources 4-18 Forest Plan

December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

commercial value and the cost of restoration and repair, and evaluate the actions needed to 

prevent further damage.

D. Remain alert to cultural damage potentially attributable to criminal acts and safeguard 

investigation by avoiding further disturbance of the area.

E. Prioritize heritage sites to be assessed on a yearly basis as coordinated by the District Ranger, 

Forest or Zone Heritage Resource Program Manager, and Special Agent.

F. Include resource inspection in the measures for the protection of heritage resources from 

vandalism, natural destruction, or project activity. Evaluate and recommend measures such as 

stabilization, data recovery, or no action, for resources that have sustained damage from natural 

forces. Vandalism, collecting, illicit excavation, or project damage shall be evaluated for 

protective measures, such as signing, administrative closure, remote sensing, increased 

inspection, investigation, stabilization, data recovery, or other measures under the authority of 

the American Antiquities Act of 1906, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 and 

regulations in 36 CFR 261, 36 CFR 296, and 36 CFR 800.

G. Complete or update condition assessments for 20 percent of all priority heritage assets each 

year based on field visits and updated cost information.

Sacred Sites Protection Activities: HSS2

I. Management

A. The Tongass National Forest will manage sacred sites as an integral part of its land 

management. To the extent practicable, accommodate access to and ceremonial use of 

sacred sites by Indian religious practitioners and avoid adversely affecting the physical integrity 

of such sites. Provide reasonable notice of proposed actions or policies that may restrict 

access to or adversely affect the physical integrity of sacred sites. When there is a conflict 

among potential uses, we will prioritize the protection of sacred sites above other land uses.

The active participation of Indian tribes and Indian religious practitioners is critical to the 

success of sacred sites management. If a tribal government chooses not to consult, the Forest 

will rely on the best available information to make decisions about sacred sites.

Use the collective authorities and provisions of these laws and Executive Orders: Executive 

Order 13007, Indian Sacred Sites; Executive Order 12898, Environmental Justice; Executive 

Order 13175, consultation and coordination with tribal governments; American Indian Religious 

Freedom Act; National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), as amended; Archaeological 

Resources Protection Act (ARPA), as amended; Religious Freedom Restoration Act; and 

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Guidance on traditional cultural 

properties is presented in National Register Bulletin 38.

Executive Order 13007 defines a sacred site as “any specific, discrete, narrowly delineated 

location on federal land that is identified by an Indian tribe or Indian individual determined to be 

an appropriately authoritative representative of an Indian religion, as sacred by virtue of its 

established religious significance to, or ceremonial use by, an Indian religion; provided that the 

tribe or appropriately authoritative representative of an Indian religion has informed the agency 

of the existence of such a site.”

B. The Forest Supervisor, Deputy Forest Supervisor, and District Rangers will be responsible for 

sacred sites management. Heritage resource and tribal government relations specialists will 

collaborate to provide the Forest’s line officers information necessary to make decisions related 

to sacred sites management. These specialists will coordinate consultation between the 

Forest’s line officers, tribal government officials, and authoritative representatives.

1. Conduct sacred sites discussions with tribal government officials and authoritative 

representatives.

C. Regularly review proposed federal actions with tribal government officials and authoritative

representatives and document their comments. This review should occur as early as possible

before the public scoping occurs. Ensure adequate time is provided to assess the potential 

effect of a proposed action on the access, use, and physical integrity of sacred sites.

Forest Plan 4-19 Heritage Resources

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4 Standards and Guidelines

D. Develop a knowledge base about sacred sites and develop a record of any tribal protocols, 

management recommendations, proposed guidelines, policy, or concerns about a proposed 

federal action regarding potential effects to sacred sites within the Indian tribe’s areas of 

cultural concern.

E. Protect the physical integrity of sacred sites by considering limits to public access and use, 

while accommodating access and use by authorized tribal representatives.

1. Use voluntary closures to the greatest extent possible to provide seclusion and privacy 

whenever requested by tribal government officials and their authorized representatives.

2. Identify specific locations and time frames in the closure order and provide notification to 

the unit Law Enforcement Officer.

F. Use alternative dispute resolution processes regarding sacred sites management to resolve 

differences between the Forest Service and tribal government officials and their authorized 

representatives. (Consult FSM 1563.2.)

II. Project Planning

A. As early as possible, consult with Indian tribal governments and authoritative representatives

and conduct formalized government-to-government consultation with Indian tribes to develop 

agreements regarding the access, use, protection, and management of sacred sites.

B. Develop site-specific management strategies that detail protection issues and enforcement 

mechanisms for identified sacred sites within the area of potential effects in consultation with 

tribal government officials and authoritative representatives.

C. Protect the confidentiality of sacred sites information, which will not be shared with the public or 

media. Be respectful of traditional rock art, totemic and clan crests, icons, stories, and tribal 

words or language. The Forest Service will not use tribal knowledge, stories, rock art, totemic,

or clan crests without permission.

1. Implement procedures to protect confidential information related to sacred sites to the 

maximum extent permitted by law. (Consult FSM 1563.03.7; NHPA, Section 304; ARPA, 

Section 9.)

III. Project Implementation

A. Maintain and protect the natural environment surrounding an identified sacred site while 

consulting with Indian tribes and Indian religious practitioners to seek agreement for further 

protection and site treatment measures.

1. When a sacred site is identified, meet with tribal government officials and authoritative 

representatives to determine if a site visit is advisable. 

2. Consider tribal recommendations for protection until an assessment of management 

alternatives is made. When human remains or other funerary items are involved, follow 

the inadvertent discovery or intentional excavation requirements of the Native American 

Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

B. Develop a protection plan that, as much as practicable, incorporates specific standards and 

methods as recommended by tribal government officials and authoritative representatives 

before authorizing federal actions, including the issuance of permits.

1. Employ management strategies and protective measures that are least disturbing to 

sacred sites and invite participation of tribal government officials and authoritative 

representatives.

C. Notify the affiliated tribal government(s) within 24 hours (or as soon as possible) should an 

activity inadvertently disturb a sacred site, or in the event that any sacred or burial object is 

observed through the action of water, weather, or other causes beyond the control of the Forest 

Service.

IV. Mitigation

A. Management strategies to lessen adverse effects to cultural properties generally follow the 

model outlined in the NHPA and its implementing regulations (36 CFR 800). Line officers 

should be aware that mitigation in that sense might not appropriately address concerns 

expressed by religious practitioners about the consequences of federal actions.

Heritage Resources 4-20 Forest Plan

December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

B. Determine in advance with tribal government officials and authoritative representatives what 

kinds of activities in or around a sacred site would constitute contamination or violation of 

sacredness.

C. Identify what kinds of mutually acceptable solutions are available (on a case-by-case basis) 

should a sacred site be potentially contaminated or violated.

V. Enhancement

A. Educate Forest Service personnel about the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people who 

associate spiritual qualities with the land, wildlife, and other natural and cultural resources. 

Encourage the participation of Indian tribes and Alaska Native individuals in this educational 

effort.

B. The Forest Service will make available information to tribal government officials and 

authoritative representatives about the distinctions between the provisions of NHPA and 

Executive Order 13007, Indian Sacred Sites.

C. Allow opportunities for tribal government officials and authoritative representatives to reconnect 

with their traditional homelands and sacred sites.

VI. Monitoring

A. Invite tribal government officials and authoritative representatives to collaborate in monitoring 

sacred sites and to evaluate the effectiveness of sacred sites protection measures and other 

management strategies.

1. The Tongass National Forest will accomplish site monitoring in a careful and respectful 

manner according to professional standards and tribal government recommendations. 

Tribal government officials and authoritative representatives will be encouraged to 

participate in site monitoring.

2. Establish standard protocols for site monitoring and for maintaining confidentiality. 

Established or known sacred sites shall be treated with dignity, care, and respect.

3. Establish a format to record implemented protection measures and to document sacred 

site condition after each monitoring event.

Forest Plan 4-21 Heritage Resources

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4 Standards and Guidelines

Invasive Species 4-22 Forest Plan 

 December 2016 

INVASIVE SPECIES 

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines 

Invasive Species Prevention: INV1 

I. Invasive Species Inventory 

A. Maintain consolidated invasive species inventory for the Forest and Districts in the corporate 

database in accordance with Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2900 and the most current and 

appropriate inventory protocols. 

II. Project Planning 

A. For all proposed projects or activities, the responsible line officer will determine the risk of 

invasive species (flora and fauna) introduction or spread and the need to implement appropriate 

mitigation measures. 

B. Ensure that contracts, permits, and project design documents contain appropriate provisions 

concerning the prevention and/or spread of invasive species. 

Invasive Species Early Detection and Rapid Response: INV2 

I. Invasive Species Management 

A. At the Forest level, evaluate new non-native species for risk of invasion and update Priority 

Species List as needed. (Consult FSM 2900) 

B. Treat priority species infestations as practicable, using an integrated pest management 

approach. 

Invasive Species Control and Management: INV3 

I. Invasive Species Management 

A. Reduce population sizes and/or limit the spread of Priority Invasive Species on the Tongass 

National Forest through the use of an integrated pest management approach. 

Invasive Species Rehabilitation and Restoration: INV4

I. Rehabilitation and Restoration of Native Flora and/or Fauna 

A. Rehabilitation of habitats impacted by invasive species will emphasize the use of native plant 

species in restoration activities. 
Standards and Guidelines 4

KARST and CAVE RESOURCES

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

Karst Resources: KC1

I. Strategy

A. Maintain, to the extent practical, the natural karst processes and the productivity of the karst 

landscape while providing for other land uses where appropriate.

B. Strive to maintain the productivity of the soils of the karst landscape after harvest, to maintain 

the quality and quantity of the waters issuing from karst hydrologic systems, and to protect the 

many resources values within underlying significant cave systems as per the requirements of 

the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988 (FCRPA).

C. See Appendix H for additional guidance.

II. Management

A. Evaluate karst resources as to their vulnerability to land uses affecting karst systems, as 

described in the Karst and Cave Resource Significance Assessment, Ketchikan Area, Tongass 

National Forest, Alaska (Aley et al. 1993), Karst landscapes and associated resources: a 

resource assessment (USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-383) (Baichtal and 

Swanston 1996), Karst Management Standards and Implementation Review, Final Report of 

the Karst Review Panel (Griffiths et al. 2002), and the information provided herein.

B. Seek participation from interested individuals and organizations, such as caving groups, 

scientists, recreationists, and development interests in managing the karst resources.

C. Integrate and coordinate karst management with the management of other resources. 

Consider the function and biological significance of the entire karst landscape; recognize the 

importance of protection of karst systems, not solely specific karst features.

D. Public education and interpretative programs should be developed to ensure an increased 

understanding of the components and function of the karst landscape.

E. Work with universities and other appropriate research facilities to foster partnerships to study 

and characterize the function and biological significance of karst landscapes.

F. Manage the karst lands with an adaptive management approach.

G. Low Vulnerability Karst Lands. Low vulnerability karst lands are those areas where resource 

damage risks associated with land management activities are negligible from a karst 

management perspective. No special direction is needed.

H. Moderate Vulnerability Karst Lands. Moderate vulnerability karst lands are those areas 

where resource damage risks associated with land management activities in the areas are 

appreciably greater than those posed by similar activities on low vulnerability karst lands 

adjacent to areas of high vulnerability.

1. Road Construction

a) Existing roads shall be used in preference to the construction of new ones. 

b) Roads shall avoid sinkholes and other collapse features and sinking or losing 

streams.

c) Roads shall not divert water to or from karst features. Measures shall be taken to 

reduce erosion and sediment transport from the road surface and cut slopes. 

Sediment traps, cut and fill slope revegetation, and road closure and revegetation may 

be appropriate. 

d) Because subsurface drainage networks may be more open to the surface in moderate 

vulnerability areas, additional design criteria may be required.

2. Quarries

a) Existing quarries will be used in preference to the construction of new ones. 

b) No quarry shall be developed atop karst without adequate site survey and design. 

c) Quarries should be properly closed after abandonment. 

3. Karst Feature Buffers

a) No surface disturbing activity such as timber harvest, road construction, and/or quarry 

development shall occur within a minimum of 100 feet of the edge of a cave, sinkhole, 

collapse channel, doline field, or other collapse karst feature. Manage an appropriate 

Forest Plan 4-23 Karst and Cave Resources

December 2016
4 Standards and Guidelines

distance beyond the no-harvest zone to provide for a reasonable assurance of 

windfirmness (RAW) of that zone (see Reasonable Assurance of Windfirmness 

Guidelines, Tongass National Forest, June 2006).

b) No surface disturbing activity such as timber harvest, road construction, and/or quarry 

development will occur on lands that overlie a known "significant" cave. "Overlie" is 

defined here as the area between lines projected from the outside walls of the cave 

passage at a 45-degree angle to the surface. 

c) As cave discoveries are made and those caves are mapped and inventoried, it is quite 

probable that very significant cave systems will be discovered. Consider a Geologic 

Special Area on a case-by-case basis for such caves.

d) Protect all sinking or losing streams and their tributaries irrespective of whether the 

channels carry perennial, ephemeral, or intermittent flows. A non-harvest buffer is 

required of a minimum of 100 feet from the edge of a sinking or losing stream within 

no less than 0.25 mile (1,320 feet) upstream of their swallow hole or loss point. 

e) The area surrounding resurgences should be protected to maintain the environment 

surrounding the springs and the quality of the waters flowing from them.

f) If at any time during project development or implementation an un-inventoried karst 

feature (or features) discovered, all activity in the vicinity of the feature (or features)

shall cease until a karst vulnerability assessment can be conducted.

I. High Vulnerability Karst Lands. High vulnerability karst lands are those areas where resource 

damage risks associated with land management activities are appreciably greater than those 

posed by similar activities on low or moderate vulnerability karst lands. These areas shall be 

managed to ensure conservation of karst values through the implementation of a high level of 

protection. 

1. Karst lands found to be of high vulnerability shall be identified and removed from the 

commercial forest lands suitable land base. Timber management and related activities are

excluded from these lands. 

2. Limited recreational development may be appropriate.

3. Roads are considered inappropriate unless no other route or option is feasible. Small 

expanses of these areas may be crossed by roads to access areas where harvest is 

appropriate (i.e., low or moderate vulnerability karst lands and non-carbonate areas). If 

roads must be built across areas of high vulnerability, the following guidelines will apply:

a) Minimize clearing limits and grubbing. Flush cut stumps to the ground. Do not deck 

logs pioneered from the road clearing limits outside the clearing limits. 

b) Use a fill-type construction rather than a balanced cut and fill design. This will most likely 

be possible because the slope gradient in these areas is generally less than 15 percent.

c) Use log stringer bridges or similar structures to span across collapse features, if 

necessary. Geotextile should be used to keep aggregate overlay from falling into the 

collapse feature.

d) Sediment traps and erosion control measures will be needed in most cases.

e) Same-season revegetation of the cut and fill slopes should be required to minimize 

sediment production potential.

f) No quarry development would be allowed on these lands. 

III. Catchment Area Management

A. The catchment areas for karst systems, comprised of carbonate or non-carbonate substrate, 

are an integral portion of those systems. Catchment area management measures can be most 

effectively developed if both catchment types are delineated, and their sensitivity to cumulative 

land use activities is evaluated. Use the karst vulnerability assessment procedures to 

approximate the sensitivity of specific autogenic recharge areas. 

IV. Salvage of Windthrown Timber on Karst

A. Salvage is appropriate on low to moderate vulnerability karst lands when the karst management 

objectives can be met. Generally, no salvage shall be permitted on lands determined to be of 

high vulnerability, within 100 feet of a losing stream, a karst feature, or on lands that overlie a 

"significant cave.” For relatively minor, isolated features surrounded by low to moderate 

Karst and Cave Resources 4-24 Forest Plan

December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

vulnerability karst, if the logging system to salvage the windthrown timber can be designed to 

not disturb the timber spanning or blown into the feature, salvage shall be permitted within 100 

feet of the lip or edge of the feature.

V. Mineral Development

A. The impacts of any proposed mineral development within the karst landscape can be analyzed 

through the environmental analysis that is triggered once a Plan of Operations is received.

Cave Resources: KC2

I. Management

A. Manage lands in a manner that, to the extent feasible, protects and maintains significant caves 

and cave resources. See direction in 36 CFR 290.3 and “definitions” for guidance determining 

cave significance. See Appendix H for specific guidance.

B. Locate, map, and describe caves, and evaluate and document the resource values discovered 

when appropriate. Although the word "inventory" is not used in FCRPA, it is clear that the 

significant cave designation process is an inventory process for identifying caves that will 

require some form of management. Carry out data storage and collection in a manner that is 

consistent, at a minimum, with the processes outlined in 36 CFR 290.3 and Forest Service 

Manual (FSM) 2881.42 for nomination, evaluation, and designation of significant caves.

C. Develop a comprehensive Cave Resource Management Strategy on known cave resources. 

Strategies for cave resource management are suggested in Appendix H and within these 

guidelines.

1. Class 1. Sensitive Caves. Caves considered unsuitable for exploration by the general 

public either because of their pristine condition, unique resources, or extreme safety 

hazards. These caves will be closed by a Forest Supervisor Order and entry allowed by 

permit only.

2. Class 2. Directed Access Caves. Caves with directed public access and developed for 

public use. These caves are shown on maps or have signs directing visitor access; public 

visitation is encouraged. 

3. Class 3. Undeveloped Caves. Caves that are undeveloped, but are suitable for 

exploration by persons who are properly prepared. Location of these resources will not be 

advertised or shown on maps.

D. Develop public education and interpretative programs to foster an increased appreciation of the 

function and biological significance of the cave resources, caving ethics and safety, and safe 

and responsible uses of these resources for research and recreation purposes.

E. Specific information concerning Significant Caves on the Forest will not be made available to 

the public (FCRPA). This information is also not available under Freedom of Information Act 

requests. Treat this information as confidential and secure it in such a manner as to prevent 

access by unauthorized individuals.

F. Search and rescue in caves is the primary responsibility of the Alaska State Troopers. Supply 

appropriate support and equipment where needed and available.

G. The following are prohibited in caves:

1. In bat caves, or caves with sensitive species, it is prohibited to go into or be upon any area 

that is closed for the protection of threatened, endangered, rare, unique, or vanishing 

species of plants, animals, birds, or fish.

2. Applicable to all caves, except for purposes of research and exploration, it is prohibited to:

a) Build, maintain, attend, or use a campfire or stove fire; fires may be allowed in regard 

to traditional native ceremonies in compliance with the American Indian Religious 

Freedom Act and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, their 

amendments, and implementing regulations;

b) Smoke;

c) Camp;

d) Possess, discharge, or use any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic device;

e) Discharge a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun; or

f) Allow domestic animal access.

Forest Plan 4-25 Karst and Cave Resources

December 2016
4 Standards and Guidelines

LANDS

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

Lands Preparation: LAND1

I. Land Status

A. Perform a land ownership review during early project planning stages, prior to management 

activities, to ensure protection of state, private, and other federal agency rights and interests.

Consult source documents including deeds, patents, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

Master Title Plats (MTPs), to identify land ownership encumbrances 

II. Coordinating with Others

A. Coordinate activities, including environmental analysis on National Forest System (NFS) land, 

with adjacent state and private landowners. Solicit and consider their input when analyzing 

proposals that might affect them.

B. Cooperate with the State of Alaska and local communities in their land and resource planning 

efforts.

C. Coordinate activities on encumbered lands with interest holders, as appropriate.

Special Use Administration (non-Recreation): LAND2

I. Special Use Authorizations

A. Manage special use authorizations to best serve the public interest. (Consult 36 CFR 251.)

1. Do not authorize private uses of NFS lands when such uses can be reasonably 

accommodated on other lands.

2. Review new special use requests for their compatibility with Land Use Designations

(LUDs), based on a consideration of environmental values and a determination of social 

and economic benefits. (Consult Forest Service Manual [FSM] 2700.)

3. In addition to the above criteria, special use applications may be denied if the authorizing 

officer determines that: 

a) The proposed use would not be in the public interest;

b) The applicant is not qualified;

c) The proposed use would otherwise be inconsistent with applicable federal or state 

law; or

d) The applicant does not or cannot demonstrate technical or financial capability. 

(Consult 36 CFR 251.54.)

4. Review and adjust special use fees on a planned basis to comply with U.S. Office of 

Management and Budget (OMB) directives and Forest Service policy. (Consult OMB 

Circular No. A-25, and FSM 2700.)

5. Upon renewal or transfer of a permit, terminate or bring into conformance existing uses 

that are not compatible with the Forest Plan.

6. On lands encumbered by state selections, obtain concurrence from Alaska Department of 

Natural Resources (ADNR) prior to granting a special use authorization, in accordance with 

the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA), Section 906 (k),

and FSM policy. (Consult Forest Service handbook [FSH] 5509.11, R-10 Supplement.)

7. Do not issue special use authorizations on lands selected or withdrawn for selection by a 

Native corporation without the consent of that Native corporation, unless waived by the 

Regional Forester. (Consult FSH 5509.11, R-10 Supplement.)

8. Do not issue special use authorizations on lands for which there is a Native Allotment 

application without consent from the applicant and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (or their 

designees), unless the application has been adjudicated by BLM as being invalid and the 

case has been closed. Contact the Regional Forester prior to granting a Special Use 

Authorization within an active claim area, because Regional Forester authorization may 

also be required. (Consult FSH 5509.11, R-10 Supplement.)

9. Require that structures be constructed and maintained in a manner to blend with the 

surrounding environment, and be consistent with management objectives and other 

Lands 4-26 Forest Plan

December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

allowed activities. To the extent feasible, locate new structures hidden from areas of 

concentrated visitor use, such as rivers, roads, trails, and public recreation cabins.

10. Manage authorized uses to maintain a neat and sanitary condition of the permit area. The 

preferred method of litter disposal is to remove all litter from NFS lands and dispose of it at 

appropriate sanitary facilities. If this is not feasible, require the permit holder to burn all 

burnables on site, at a location designated by the responsible Forest Service officer, and 

remove all materials that cannot be burned (including ash residue) for disposal at an 

approved disposal site.

11. Locate outdoor toilets away from lakes, rivers, and streams. Follow guidelines in the State 

Wastewater Disposal Regulations. Outdoor toilet locations will be approved by the Forest 

Service prior to construction. (Consult 18 AAC 72.)

12. To the extent allowed by law, regulation, and policy, allow applicants to conduct 

environmental analyses and supporting activities (such as cultural resource surveys), and 

submit them to the responsible official for consideration in Forest Service decisions. 

13. Have electronic site proponents submit technical data required in Chapter 90 of the Special 

Uses Handbook (FSH 2709.11, Chapter 90).

14. Motorized access may be authorized as part of the special use authorization. Use of off 

highway vehicles may be allowed and must be in accordance with 36 CFR 212, 251, and 

261 – Travel Management; Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use.

II. Cabins and Related Structures

A. Manage cabins and related structures that were existing, but unauthorized prior to ANILCA 

(December 2, 1980), in accordance with direction in the Regional Supplement to the Special 

Uses Handbook (FSH 2709.11) and the standards and guidelines discussed below. In 

Wilderness, consult FSM 2320 and the Wilderness and Wilderness Monument LUD 

prescriptions.

1. Allow the continuation of customary and traditional uses of cabins and related structures 

that were existing but unauthorized on December 2, 1980, in accordance with a 

nontransferable, renewable, five-year special use permit until the death of the last 

immediate family member of the original permit holder, when such uses are compatible 

with LUD direction, and are otherwise in compliance with ANILCA, Section 1303(b).

2. Prior to issuing a permit, in accordance with ANILCA, Section 1303(b)(3), require the 

permit applicant to: 

a) Reasonably demonstrate by affidavit, bill of sale or other documentation, proof of 

possessory interest, or right of occupancy;

b) Submit a sketch or photograph of the cabin and a map showing its location;

c) Agree to vacate the cabin and remove all personal property from it within a 

reasonable time period following nonrenewal or revocation of the permit; and

d) Acknowledge in the permit application that the applicant has no interest in the real 

property on which the cabin is located.

3. When issuing these permits, list all qualifying immediate family members along with the 

original permit holder, and require that one person be designated to represent all permit 

holders. The original permit holder is the holder of record, listed on an existing permit on 

or before December 2, 1980.

B. Manage cabins and related structures that were authorized on December 2, 1980, in 

accordance with direction in the Regional Supplement to the Special Uses Handbook (FSH 

2709.11). For Wilderness cabins and related structures, consult FSM 2320 and the Wilderness 

LUD prescription.

1. Allow the continued use of cabins, homesites, and similar structures that were authorized 

on December 2, 1980, in accordance with the terms of the original permit. Generally 

renew these permits (if the terms of the permit in effect on December 2, 1980 allow for 

renewal), subject to reasonable regulations and provisions of ANILCA, Section 1303(d), 

unless continuation of the use would constitute a direct threat or significant impairment to 

the purposes for which the National Forest or conservation system unit was established. A 

reasonable fee may be imposed on cabins previously under free use, or existing fees may 

Forest Plan 4-27 Lands

December 2016
4 Standards and Guidelines

be increased by a reasonable amount, to keep pace with inflation, or for other justifiable 

purposes.

2. These permits may be transferred to one other person at the election or death of the 

permittee of record on December 2, 1980, if the conditions of the original permit allow for 

such transfer.

3. Names of immediate family members of the holder may be added as additional permit 

holders. Immediate family members are defined in the Regional Supplement to the Special 

Uses Handbook (FSH 2709.11).

C. Manage new cabins and related structures, in accordance with direction in the Regional 

Supplement to the Special Uses Handbook (FSH 2709.11, FSH 2709.14). For Wilderness

cabins, consult FSM 2320.

1. The construction of new cabins is prohibited with the following limited exceptions. A 

nontransferable, five-year special use permit may be issued in some circumstances, 

following a determination that: 

a) The proposed use, construction, and maintenance of the cabin are compatible with 

LUD objectives;

b) Use of the cabin is directly related to administration of the area or is necessary for 

continuation of an ongoing activity, allowed within the area; and

c) The applicant has no reasonable alternative.

2. Do not permit construction of new cabins for private recreational or residential uses. 

Consider permitting new cabins for some commercial uses, when a cabin is necessary to 

provide a needed public service (generally, public need is identified in a prospectus) or 

within areas where such commercial use of cabins was an established customary and 

traditional use prior to December 2, 1980. Consider permitting new cabins for 

administrative use by other agencies, such as Alaska Department of Fish and Game, when 

no feasible alternatives exist.

3. All new cabins will be deeded over to, and become the property of, the United States 

Government, as provided in the ANILCA, Section 1303(b)(4).

4. Prior to issuing a permit, in accordance with ANILCA, Section 1303(b)(3), require the 

permit applicant to:

a) Submit a sketch or photograph of the proposed cabin and a map showing its location;

b) Agree to vacate the cabin and remove all personal property from it, within a 

reasonable time period following nonrenewal or revocation of the permit;

c) Acknowledge in the permit application that the applicant has no interest in the real 

property on which the cabin will be constructed; and

d) Quit claim deed the cabin to the United States Government.

D. Provide for subsistence uses by authorizing temporary facilities, such as tent platforms, rather 

than new cabins. Follow procedures and design standards for temporary facilities, found in 

Section 1316 of the ANILCA, the following section on temporary facilities, and FSM 2720.

III. Temporary Facilities

A. A temporary facility is defined as “any structure or other human-made improvement which can be 

readily and completely dismantled and removed from the site when the authorized use 

terminates." (Consult FSM 2720.)

B. Permit temporary campsites, tent platforms, shelters, and other temporary equipment, directly 

and necessarily related to the taking of fish and wildlife, subject to:

1. Reasonable regulation to ensure compatibility;

2. Conditions of ANILCA, Section 1316;

3. Forest Service Manual direction; and

C. Consistency with management prescriptions direction. (Consult FSM 2720. In Wilderness, 

consult FSM 2320.)B. When issuing new permits for subsistence-related facilities, authorize 

tent platforms and associated temporary facilities only.

D. To the extent feasible, locate subsistence camps out of sight of high use areas such as rivers, 

roads, trails, public recreation cabins, and other user facilities.

Lands 4-28 Forest Plan

December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

IV. Aquatic Farming Permits

A. For direction on the management of aquatic farm permits, consult the Regional Supplement to 

the Special Uses Handbook (FSH 2709.11).

B. "Aquatic farming" should not be confused with "aquaculture." Aquatic farming is provided for in 

Alaska State Law (AS 16.40.100 - 16.40.199). It involves growing aquatic plants or shellfish for 

sale, either in captivity or under positive control. Typically shellfish are pen-reared. Finfish are 

generally not included and release of the organism does not result in a product becoming 

available as a common property resource. Aquaculture is provided for in ANILCA, Section 

1315(b). It involves the maintenance or improvement of fish stocks. It includes facilities such 

as fish hatcheries and projects such as fish stocking or lake fertilization. It includes finfish and 

release results in a product becoming available as a common property resource.

C. Cooperate with state and federal agencies to meet industry and public needs for aquatic 

farming programs and ensure compatibility with other resources and activities.

1. During evaluation of requests for Forest Service permits, carefully analyze the effects of 

aquatic farming activities on other resources and other activities, such as recreational uses 

marine access points including log transfer facilities, and access to adjacent uplands. 

Oppose aquatic farm development in or adjacent to designated Wilderness.

2. Coordinate responses to aquatic farming proposals with Alaska Department of Natural

Resources (ADNR).

3. Initially, issue permits only for low investment, minimum development, temporary support 

facilities (not to include cabins) that can be readily removed from the site if the project 

ceases to be viable for the operator. Consider permitting additional support facilities on 

National Forest System lands, only after a viable business is established and need for the 

facilities can be demonstrated.

V. Floathouses

A. Manage residential floathouses in accordance with the standards and guidelines discussed 

below.

1. Issue Special Use Authorizations for floathouse shore ties only at locations where the 

activity is specifically provided for in the approved coastal zone area plans.

2. Cooperate with the State of Alaska and local communities to help develop criteria that 

address floathouse placement. In developing new state or city plans, encourage locating 

floathouses near communities or adjacent to private uplands. Avoid locating them:

a) Adjacent to designated Wilderness or other areas where they would be incompatible 

with upland management objectives;

b) Where they may adversely affect forest resources; or

c) Where they may conflict with higher priority public uses.

3. As a condition of the special use authorization, require applicants to obtain all necessary 

authorizations from other appropriate agencies, such as ADNR and the U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers.

VI. Fish Camps

A. Manage special use permits for commercial set net fish camps in accordance with direction in 

the Regional Supplement to the Special Uses Handbook (FSH 2709.11) and the standards and 

guidelines discussed below.

1. Where the use of commercial fish camps, including primitive cabins, is a customary and 

traditional use, allow this use to continue within traditional locations, at approximately 

traditional densities, as established prior to ANILCA (December 2, 1980), if compatible with 

LUD objectives.

2. New facilities will usually be tent platforms and associated temporary facilities unless a 

need can be demonstrated for a cabin.

3. New cabins, if authorized, will not exceed 500 square feet in size. Limit new cabin 

authorizations to one cabin per set net permit. If needed, authorize additional sites for use 

with a tent platform. 

Forest Plan 4-29 Lands

December 2016
4 Standards and Guidelines

4. Assign a permit tenure of 5 years for cabins and 1 to 5 years for tent platforms with the 

provision that, unless revoked for violation of permit conditions, these permits may be 

renewed upon expiration.

5. Assign new fish camp permit holders areas up to 1/4 acre in size, based on need.

6. Within areas traditionally used for fish camps, allow uses currently under permit to 

continue. Do not allow fish camp permit holders to engage in outfitter/guide or lodge/resort 

activities from their fish camps, unless already authorized by permit.

7. Consider authorizing requests for subsistence uses from fish camps; however, any 

authorization for subsistence uses from fish camps will be documented in writing to the 

permit holder, along with conditions, if any, that may be necessary to protect resources and 

the rights of other users. Do not permit residential uses of fish camps.

8. To obtain a fish camp permit, require applicants to hold a commercial set net permit from 

the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, valid for the area in which the proposed facility 

is to be located. Camp occupancy will generally correspond to the dates of the open set 

net season, with exceptions allowed for camp set up and take down (if necessary) and for 

subsistence uses, if authorized.

9. Some fish camp permits have traditionally been issued free of charge. In compliance with 

OMB directives and Federal Regulations (36 CFR 251 .57), assess appropriate fees in 

conjunction with all commercial fish camp uses.

10. Natural hydrologic changes may lead to use areas being relocated. This need is 

recognized and new use areas may be authorized, if necessary, following separate 

environmental analysis, as rivers change their course or other changes lead to shifts in the 

location of fish runs. Issue permits for tent platforms in new locations where cabin use is 

not already established.

VII. Right-of-Way Grants

A. Grant reasonable access across NFS land to allow inholders and other landowners use of their 

land without unnecessarily reducing Forest Service management options or damaging NFS

lands or resources. (Consult FSM 2730.)

1. Ensure that roads constructed through authorizations are designed according to standards 

appropriate to the planned uses, considering safety, cost of transportation, and effects 

upon lands and resources. Ensure these roads are planned and designed to re-establish 

vegetative cover on the disturbed area within a reasonable period of time (not to exceed 10 

years) after the termination of the permit or lease, unless the road is determined necessary 

as a permanent addition to the National Forest transportation system. (Consult 36 CFR 

219.27 (1982).

B. Apply the approval authorities discussed below, as applicable, when processing right-of-way 

grant requests.

1. Continue to use existing authorities such as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act 

(FLPMA), the Forest Road and Trail Act (FRTA), and the Highway Act of 1958, except 

when prohibited by other applicable law.

2. When proposed rights-of-way cross, or enter upon, a Conservation System Unit (as 

defined in ANILCA, Section 102(4)), follow procedural requirements found in ANILCA, 

Section 1104.

3. When proposed rights-of-way will provide access to state or private inholdings or valid 

occupancies (such as a mining claim or special use authorization) surrounded by, within, or 

effectively surrounded by a Conservation System Unit, use authorities found in ANILCA, 

Section 1110(b).

4. When proposed rights-of-way will provide temporary access to non-federal lands, to or 

across a Conservation System Unit, for purposes of survey, geophysical, exploratory, or 

other temporary uses that will not result in permanent resource harm, use authorities found 

in ANILCA, Section 1111.

5. When proposed rights-of-way will provide access to non-federal inholdings, either within or 

outside of a Conservation System Unit, use authorities found in ANILCA, Section 1323(a).

C. Allow the following activities to occur without requiring a special use authorization. (Consult 

ANILCA, Section 1110(a).)

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Standards and Guidelines 4

1. The use of snowmachines, motorboats, fixed-wing airplanes, and non-motorized surface 

transportation methods for traditional activities that are permitted by law and for travel to 

and from villages and homesites, subject to reasonable regulations to protect resource 

values. These uses do not require a permit and may be prohibited only following a notice 

and hearing in the vicinity of the affected area, and a determination that such uses would 

be detrimental to resource values.

2. This direction does not authorize the construction or maintenance of improvements or 

facilities on NFS lands, nor does it authorize use of off-highway vehicles, other than 

snowmachines.

D. Accommodate new transportation and utility proposals to the maximum extent feasible. 

1. Site-specific locations and mitigation measures will be determined by project-level 

planning, which will analyze environment considerations, such as scenic resources, wildlife

habitat, and soil conditions.

VIII. Military Training Activities

A. Authorize military training activities on NFS lands in accordance with the Master Agreement 

between the Department of Defense and the Department of Agriculture, which governs the use 

of NFS lands for these purposes. (Consult FSM 1530.)

1. Authorize military training activities on NFS lands when these activities: 

a) Will be compatible with other uses;

b) Conform to LUD direction; and

c) After the Department of Defense has determined and substantiated that lands under 

its administration are either unsuitable or unavailable.

2. Determine probable effects of proposed activities, necessary mitigation measures, and 

effective monitoring techniques, on a case-by-case basis, with a site-specific 

environmental analysis, conducted in accordance with the Master Agreement.

3. When local supplemental agreements with military agencies exist, consult such 

agreements for additional direction.

IX. Sanitary Landfills

A. Manage landfills in accordance with the following national policy but subject to approved special 

provisions for Alaska.

1. Require strict compliance with applicable Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 

guidelines.

2. Avoid authorizing new solid waste disposal sites and the expansion of existing sites on 

NFS lands, subject to exceptions approved for the Alaska Region.

3. Provide for solid waste disposal sites through exchange, sale under the Townsite Act (7 

U.S.C. 1012a; 16 U.S.C. 478a), or selection by the State of Alaska of NFS lands when 

there is no viable alternative on non-federal land and where there will be no adverse 

impacts to other National Forest resources or land. Encourage the State of Alaska to 

request conveyance of those areas suitable and needed for solid waste disposal near 

existing and proposed communities to eliminate the need to use NFS. Provide conditions 

for the conveyance document to ensure the land will be controlled by a government entity,

and activities that interfere with the management and protection of adjacent NFS lands will 

not occur.

a) Solid waste disposals must comply with EPA regulations in 40 CFR 257 and 258, and 

State of Alaska Administrative Code 18 AAC 60 et seq. These EPA regulations are 

very restrictive and may preclude continued operation of small landfills. Encourage 

close out of landfills on NFS lands. Those not closed prior to October 9, 1993 require 

continued monitoring and management of the landfill by the owner or operator for 30 

years after landfill closure, in accordance with EPA regulations. Forest Service policy 

in FSM 2130 discourages waste disposal on NFS lands and allows this activity to 

occur only where it is determined to be the highest and best use of the land.

Forest Plan 4-31 Lands

December 2016
4 Standards and Guidelines

Land Ownership Administration: LAND3

I. Land Selections

A. When making land management decisions, consider valid state selection applications (pursuant 

to the Alaska Statehood Act), village and regional corporation selection applications (pursuant 

to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [ANCSA], as amended), and Native allotment 

claims (pursuant to the Alaska Native Allotment Act of 1906). Protect legal rights of the State of 

Alaska, Native corporations, and Native individuals when managing selected or withdrawn 

lands, or lands under Native claim. Apply the standards and guidelines discussed below to 

lands encumbered by state selections, Native selections or withdrawals, and Native allotment 

applications, until these lands are either conveyed into state or private ownership, or they revert 

back to unencumbered NFS land.

1. Cooperate with the State of Alaska, Native corporations, Native allotment applicants, BLM, 

the Bureau of Indian Affairs (or their designee), and other federal agencies, to assist in 

processing legitimate claims or applications. Encourage other parties involved to assist in 

finalizing conveyance of full legal entitlement in a timely manner.

2. Assess investment of Forest Service funds for improvements on lands encumbered by 

state selections, Native withdrawals or selections, or Native allotment applications.

3. Carefully review each selection, prior to conveyance, to identify third-party interests and 

needed right-of-way reservations that are allowed under applicable legislation.

B. Manage state selections, as authorized under the Alaska Statehood Act, according to the 

standards and guidelines discussed below. Consult 43 CFR 2627.

1. Encourage conveyance of state selections adjacent to existing communities. Work with 

state agencies and local communities to substantially eliminate Forest ownership in and 

adjacent to communities where state, borough, or community governmental improvements 

and jurisdiction should logically preside.

2. Obtain concurrence from ADNR prior to any surface-disturbing activity or granting any 

occupancy permit, contract, easement, or other similar use authorization on state selected 

lands, in accordance with ANILCA, Section 906(k), and FSM policy. Consult FSM 5450.

3. Deposit 90 percent of all proceeds from contracts, leases, licenses, permits, rights-of-way, 

easements, or from trespass, on unconveyed state-selected NFS lands, into a 

suspense/escrow account, for future transfer to the state upon conveyance. Consult 

Section 906(k)(2) of ANILCA, and Regional Supplement to FSH 2709.11, Chapter 30.

C. Apply the standards and guidelines discussed below to LUDs encumbered by Native selections 

or withdrawals, made under authority of ANCSA, as amended, until these lands are either 

conveyed into private ownership, or they revert back to unencumbered NFS land. Consult 43 

CFR 2650.

1. Do not issue occupancy permits, contracts, easements, or similar authorizations on lands 

selected, or withdrawn for selection, by a Native corporation under authority of ANCSA, 

without coordination and consent from that Native corporation, unless permission is first 

obtained from the Regional Forester. Consult FSM 5450.

2. Deposit all proceeds from any contracts, leases, licenses, permits, rights-of-way, 

easements, or from trespass on unconveyed NFS lands that are selected or withdrawn for 

selection under ANCSA, into an escrow account, for future transfer to the appropriate 

Native corporation, upon conveyance. Consult Section 1411 of ANILCA.

D. Apply the standards and guidelines discussed below to lands encumbered by Native allotment 

applications, submitted under authority of the Alaska Native Allotment Act of 1906, until these 

lands are either conveyed into private ownership, or they revert back to unencumbered NFS

land. Consult 43 CFR 2561.

1. Do not issue use authorizations, such as permits, contracts, or easements, on lands for 

which there is a Native allotment application, without consent from the applicant and the 

Bureau of Indian Affairs (or their designee), unless the application has been adjudicated by 

BLM as being invalid and the case has been closed. Contact the Regional Forester prior 

to granting use authorizations within a valid claim area, because authorization from the 

Regional Forester may be required. Do not authorize construction of new roads on a valid 

claim area unless a deed of further assurance has been obtained and recorded, or 

clearance has been received from the Regional Forester. Consult FSM 5450.

Lands 4-32 Forest Plan

December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

Lands Activity Maintenance and Landline Location: LAND4

I. Establishing Forest Boundaries

A. When maintaining established National Forest property boundary lines and corners, or when 

locating, surveying, and posting new National Forest property boundaries and corners:

1. Coordinate with BLM for original boundary line survey. Encourage cooperative work with 

the BLM to mark and post original National Forest/state and National Forest/Native 

boundaries to Forest Service standards. The Forest Service will maintain these boundary 

lines and corners after the original survey. These boundaries should not be surveyed, 

marked, or posted until after conveyance of the land.

2. Maintain the existing inventory of surveyed and unsurveyed boundary lines to establish 

survey priorities. Establish program priorities to coincide with FSM direction. Consult FSM 

7150.

II. International Boundaries

A. When locating or maintaining international boundary lines and corners:

1. Ensure compliance with the United States/Canada Treaty of 24 February 1925. 

Coordinate the location, survey, posting, marking, and maintenance of the International 

Boundary with the United States/Canada International Boundary Commission, U.S. 

Department of State.

2. Ensure compliance with Presidential Proclamations of June 15, 1908 and May 3, 1912. Do 

not permit any occupancies or management activities, within 60 feet of the United States 

side of the United States/Canada International Boundary, without prior approval from the 

International Boundary Commission.

III. Legislated Boundaries

A. When considering land-disturbing activities in LUDs adjacent to Wilderness, Wilderness and 

Nonwilderness National Monument, and LUD II boundaries:

1. Boundaries should be surveyed, marked, and posted prior to implementing land-disturbing 

activities. Approximate boundaries are not acceptable.

2. Locating and marking boundaries should be supervised by a professional surveyor with the 

benefiting function funding all necessary survey activities. Consult FSM 2320, FSH 

2309.19, and FSM 7150 (including R10 Supplement) for additional survey and marking 

standards.

3. The District Ranger or Forest Supervisor who approves a project will ensure adjacent 

legislated boundaries are located and marked, making certain there is no encroachment.

Rights-of-Way (ROW): LAND5

I. Rights-of-Way Acquired

A. Acquire across non-NFS land, road, and trail rights-of-way that are adequate for the protection, 

administration, and use of the Tongass National Forest. Consult FSM 5460.

1. Generally acquire rights-of-way identified in project plans at least one year prior to 

scheduled activity.

2. Generally acquire unlimited easements, granted in perpetuity. Limited easements (e.g., 

those authorizing administrative use, but not public use) may be acquired when public use 

is not desirable, as determined through the project planning process.

3. Encourage the use of cost-share agreements, when feasible, to avoid economic and 

resource impacts associated with duplicate road systems and log transfer facilities (LTFs).

4. Monitor compliance with stipulations of existing rights-of-way to ensure long-term retention 

of needed rights-of-way. Dispose of rights-of-way that are no longer needed. Review 

easements acquired under Section 17(b) of ANCSA, and take appropriate steps toward 

construction of transportation facilities prior to easement expiration dates.

5. Identify and request all needed rights-of-way across lands selected by the state or Native 

organizations, as provided by federal law. Carefully review selections prior to conveyance.

6. Secure adequate rights-of-way before issuing contracts or constructing facilities in 

intermingled land ownerships. Consult FSM 5400.

Forest Plan 4-33 Lands

December 2016
4 Standards and Guidelines 

Lands 4-34 Forest Plan 

 December 2016 

7. Follow the BLM/Forest Service Memorandum of Understanding on ANCSA 17(b) 

easement administration. 

B. Acquire log transfer facility (LTF) authorizations on tidelands in accordance with the following 

standards and guidelines. 

1. Coordinate LTF activities (location, construction, operation, etc.) with the U.S. Army Corps 

Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. 

Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Alaska Department of 

Fish and Game, local communities, and adjacent landowners, as appropriate. (Also see 

the Transportation Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.) 

2. Acquire long-term leases (preferably at least 25 years) for permanent LTF sites. 

Land Ownership Adjustment: LAND6 

I. Priorities 

A. Land acquisition priorities have been described and summarized in the document, Alaska 

Submerged Lands Act Report, Analysis of Inholdings, Acquisition Priorities and 

Recommendations to Reduce Impacts on Conservation System Units in Alaska, dated August 

1990, by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, BLM, National Park Service, and USDA Forest 

Service. Acquisition decisions should be based on this analysis and report, as updated by 

future revisions. Maps identifying the location of parcels are available from Forest Service, 

Alaska Regional Office lands personnel. 

B. Federal lands available for conveyance are lands approved by the Regional Forester for 

selection by the State of Alaska, lands selected by Native corporations under ANCSA, and 

Native allotment claims adjudicated valid by the BLM. These lands are available only to the 

respective applicants described above, as provided by federal law. If applications or claims are 

relinquished or declared invalid, the affected lands are no longer available for conveyance. 

C. Consider proposals for other lands not described above, on a case-by-case basis, using the 

following criteria. Consult FSM 5400. 

1. Work cooperatively with the State of Alaska and Native corporations to improve land 

ownership patterns and management opportunities resulting from state and Native land 

conveyances. 

2. Retain NFS lands that best serve the public interest in federal ownership. 

3. Consolidate NFS lands, when feasible. Attempt to reduce miles of property boundary lines 

and number of corners to locate and maintain. 

4. Generally acquire and convey land with as few reservations and outstanding rights as 

feasible. Consult FSM 5420, 5430, and 5470. 

5. Avoid separating the surface and subsurface estate, unless it is clearly in the public 

interest. Consult FSM 5430. 

6. Consider wetland and flood plain values. 

7. Pursue land adjustments that reduce administrative costs or increase the output of goods 

and services. Avoid land adjustments that do not enhance Forest Service programs. 

Consult FSM 5430. 

8. Generally pursue land exchanges on an equal value basis. Exchanges may be made for 

other than equal value if the parties agree and the exchange is determined to be in the 

public interest, as provided in Section 1302(h) of ANILCA and Section 22(f) of the Alaska 

Native Claims Settlement Act, as amended by Section 17 of Public Law 94-204. (Consult 

FSM 5430.) When considering land exchanges of unequal value, submit the proposal 

through proper channels, for Congressional oversight, as appropriate, prior to entering into 

any binding agreements. 

9. Major discretionary land adjustment proposals will be considered if the proposed exchange 

of lands maintains the conservation strategy, ensures public access for subsistence uses, 

and at least a portion of the timber volume from the lands conveyed from the Tongass 

National Forest contributes to the timber manufacturing industry in Southeast Alaska. 

II. Acquisition 

A. For land acquisition activities: 

1. Acquire isolated inholdings at critical locations if public benefits will occur. 
Standards and Guidelines 4

2. Within Congressionally designated areas, such as Wilderness, acquire private inholdings 

as opportunities permit. Wilderness inholdings are priority acquisitions until after the state 

and Native selection process is completed.

3. Within administratively designated areas, such as Special Interest Areas, generally acquire 

private inholdings, as opportunities arise.

4. Acquire private lands necessary for efficient management of the Forest.

5. Generally acquire lands by exchange or donation. Attempt to purchase lands on a willing 

seller/willing buyer basis when exchange or donation is not feasible and funds are 

available for purchase.

6. In any land adjustment proposal, consider performing a watershed and other resource 

condition assessment to determine resource restoration needs. Where rehabilitation is 

needed to comply with federal law such as the Clean Water Act, prepare a cost estimate 

for rehabilitation prior to the land acquisition.

7. Evaluate parcels proposed for acquisition for the presence of hazardous substances, and 

document the findings in conformance with established regulatory guidelines for 

conducting these evaluations.

III. Conveyance of Federal Lands

A. For conveyance of federal lands to non-federal owners:

1. Do not exchange NFS lands selected by the State of Alaska, or a Native corporation, or 

lands under Native allotment application, which have not yet been conveyed, unless 

specifically provided for in legislation. If the party holding the encumbrance desires 

ownership adjustments, they may relinquish their selection. The Forest Service may then 

pursue land ownership adjustment, if otherwise appropriate.

2. Convey NFS lands that would best serve the public interest in private ownership, provided 

the action will not decrease ability to meet NFS management objectives. Examples may 

include:

a) Isolated small parcels that are impractical to manage;

b) Parcels where a greater general public value can be derived in private ownership; or

c) Areas necessary for community expansion. Consult 36 CFR 254.

3. Within Congressionally designated areas, retain existing NFS lands unless exchanging out 

of these lands to acquire new lands, or interest in lands, for the purposes of ANILCA 

(Consult ANILCA Section 1302(h)). Within administratively designated areas, generally 

retain NFS land, unless there are compelling reasons for conveyance.

Forest Plan 4-35 Lands

December 2016
4 Standards and Guidelines

MINERALS and GEOLOGY

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

Minerals and Geology Resource Preparation: MG1

I. Resource Inventory

A. Maintain the Mineral Resource Inventory. Include historic and current mining activity, regional 

and local geology, access routes, and geologic and mineral terrains. Continue to work with the 

United States Geological Survey (USGS) to update and map the geology on the Forest and 

incorporate the new data into the Tongass Geology Layer. Geologic inventory includes the 

collection, analysis, and interpretation of geologic data necessary for identification and solution 

of management problems, and for the assessment and development of the geologic resources. 

The creation of geologic inventories is basic to carrying out geologic resources and services. 

Geologic inventory includes bedrock geology, surficial geology, stratigraphy, hydrogeology, 

geomorphic features, geological hazards, karst features, caves, and paleontology, including 

potential for geologic formations to yield fossil resources of scientific and other values. (Consult 

Forest Service Manual [FSM] 2881 for specific direction.)

II. Resource Planning

A. Assemble and provide minerals and geology information as needed for project planning. 

Conduct inventories and assessments of geologic resources and hazards, paleontologic 

resources, and mineral resources for use in land management planning (FSM 2884.11). 

Geologic reports written for specific projects as the result of geologic inventory and/or 

investigation may include some combination of the geologic history; location and extent of 

locatable, leasable, and salable minerals; location and extent of aquifers; groundwater quality 

and quantity; structural features; geologic and geomorphic processes affecting the area; cave 

and karst resources; and paleontological resources.

III. Resource Preparation

A. Conduct compliance checks, validity and patent exams, and review operating plans, lease 

proposals, and applications. Provide expert testimony or opinions for contests, hearings, or 

appeals. Conduct geotechnical engineering and interpretive geology investigations as required.

IV. Resource Coordination

A. Coordinate minerals and geology inventories and minerals administration with state and other 

federal agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and USGS.

Minerals and Geology Administration: MG2

I. Forest Lands Withdrawn from Mineral Entry

A. Claimants with claims located in areas withdrawn from mineral entry retain valid existing rights, 

if such rights are established prior to the withdrawal date.

B. Conduct on-the-ground validity examinations by a certified minerals examiner to establish or 

reject valid existing rights on active mining claims within Wilderness areas and other areas 

withdrawn from mineral entry.

C. Permit reasonable access to mining claims in accordance with the provisions of an approved 

Plan of Operations. Motorized access to sites may be authorized as part of the Plan of 

Operations. Use of off-highway vehicles may be allowed and must be in accordance with 36 

CFR 212, 251, and 261 – Travel Management; Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle 

Use.

II. Forest Lands Open to Mineral Entry

A. Encourage the exploration, development, and extraction of locatable, salable, and leasable 

minerals and energy resources.

Minerals and Geology 4-36 Forest Plan

December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

B. Assure prospectors and claimants their right of ingress and egress granted under the General 

Mining Law of 1872, Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA), and 

the Forest Service Mining Regulations (36 CFR 228).

C. Permit reasonable access to mining claims and mineral leases in accordance with the 

provisions of an approved Plan of Operations.

III. Locatable Mineral Operations

A. A Notice of Intent and/or a Plan of Operations is required for locatable operations. (Consult 

FSM 2810 and 36 CFR 228.)

1. A Plan of Operations will receive prompt evaluation and action within the time frames 

established in 36 CFR 228.

2. Conduct an environmental analysis with appropriate documentation for all operating plans. 

3. Locatable mineral exploration and/or development situated in areas identified in the Forest 

Plan for intensive development (minerals overlay) must be consistent with standards and 

guidelines for mineral development.

4. Following locatable mineral exploration and/or development site rehabilitation and 

restoration will be designed to return the site to as near as practicable to a condition 

consistent with the underlying non-mineral Land Use Designation (LUD).

B. Work with claimants to develop a Plan of Operations that adequately mitigates adverse impacts 

to LUD objectives. Include mitigation measures for locatable actions that are compatible with 

the scale of proposed development and commensurate with potential resource impacts.

1. Maintain the habitats, to the maximum extent feasible, of anadromous fish and other 

foodfish, and maintain the present and continued productivity of such habitats when such 

habitats are affected by mining activities. Assess the effects on populations of such fish in

consultation with appropriate state agencies. (Consult ANILCA, Section 505(a).)

2. Apply appropriate Transportation Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines to the location and 

construction of mining roads and facilities.

3. Reclaim disturbed areas in accordance with an approved Plan of Operations. Apply 

approved seed mixtures as needed (see Standards and Guidelines for Plants.

4. Apply Best Management Practices (BMPs) to maintain water quality for the beneficial uses 

of water. (Consult National Core BMP Technical Guide FS-990a and FSH 2509.22.)

5. Periodically inspect minerals activities to determine if the operator is complying with the 

regulations of 36 CFR 228 and the approved Plan of Operations.

IV. Leaseable Mineral Operations (Oil and Gas, Coal, Geothermal)

A. Leasing may occur on a case-by-case basis following site specific analysis.

B. Include mitigation measures for leaseable mineral operations and include standard and special 

stipulations in leasing actions that are compatible with the scale of proposed development and 

commensurate with potential resource impacts.

C. Operating plans will be reviewed and approved by the authorized officer. (Consult FSM 2820 

and 36 CFR 228.)

D. Areas determined to be available for leasing all operations, including site restoration and 

rehabilitation, must be consistent with the standards and guidelines for the LUD as displayed in 

the Forest Plan.

E. During exploration, consider alternatives that minimize encumbrance and disturbance of 

National Forest System lands, such as permitting in lieu of leases for exploration.

V. Salable Mineral Operations (Mineral Material Sales and Free-use)

A. Operator shall have an operating plan that includes a development or quarry plan with a map.

Quantity estimates shall be included.

B. Permit mineral material sites only after an environmental analysis assures other resources are 

adequately protected, the site location and operating plan are consistent with the LUD 

emphasis, and such resources are not reasonably available on private land. Require bonds 

and reclamation as appropriate. (Consult FSM 2850 and 36 CFR 228.)

Forest Plan 4-37 Minerals and Geology

December 2016
4 Standards and Guidelines

C. Where the opportunity exists, design, excavate, and reclaim material sites to facilitate their use 

for dispersed recreation or other desirable uses such as conversion to salmonid rearing ponds 

and spawning channels.

D. Include mitigation measures for salable mineral operations and include standard and special 

stipulations in permitted actions that are compatible with the scale of proposed development 

and commensurate with potential resource impacts.

VI. Bonds

A. A bond will be required for locatable, leasable, and salable mineral operations to ensure 

operator performance and site reclamation are completed. (Consult 36 CFR 228.)

VII. Split Estates

A. Seek to avoid separating the surface and subsurface estates. Coordinate with BLM, the state, 

Native corporations, and private landowners to manage split estates in accordance with 

individual patents or deeds.

VIII. Paleontologic Resources

A. Develop and maintain a paleontological resource program that identifies, inventories, facilitates 

research, and emphasizes protection of the resources. Protect paleontological resources from 

loss due to threat, vandalism, or the natural elements through responsible planning, 

management, partnerships with qualified museums and other institutions, and collaboration with 

Forest Service law enforcement (FSM 2882.03). Elements of this program may include:

1. Inventory paleontological resources. Develop Fossil Yield Potential Classification (FYPC) 

values. These values rank the degree to which a bedrock unit, usually at the formation or 

member level, is likely to yield scientifically significant fossil resources. FYPC values are 

assigned to geologic units on the basis of empirical data gathered through literature or 

database research and field research by Forest Service paleontologists or the Forest 

Geologist (FSM 2881.3).

2. Protect and preserve known significant paleontological resources. Actively promote 

partnerships with museums and other institutions having professional paleontologists and 

appropriate facilities to evaluate these resources. Coordinate all excavation or collection 

with the appropriate state agencies. Ensure that appropriate terms and conditions are 

included in special use authorizations for paleontological resources to minimize resource 

conflicts. Protect and preserve collections curated in non-federal repositories

(Paleontological Resources Preservation Act of 2009 and 36 CFR 291).

3. Develop a monitoring program to protect paleontological resources from loss due to threat, 

vandalism, or the natural elements. If, through monitoring, it is determined that fossil theft 

and/or vandalism is occurring, collaborate with Forest Service law enforcement.

Minerals and Geology 4-38 Forest Plan

December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

PLANTS

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive, and Rare Plants: PLA1

Consult Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2670 for Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species.

I. Threatened or Endangered Plants

A. Currently there are no threatened and endangered plants on the Tongass National Forest.

II. Sensitive Plants2

A. Consider providing protection around the plant population that meets the habitat needs of the 

species. Protection measures can include, but are not exclusive to, avoiding known sensitive

plant populations during project activities, directional falling and yarding of trees away from 

sensitive plants, and partial retention of forest structure (25 to 50 percent of the basal area) in 

the area around sensitive plants in forested habitats. Apply adaptive management principles.

B. Where it is necessary to protect sensitive plant species or communities from a proposed 

project, implement a Monitoring and Evaluation Plan to include a review of the implementation 

and effectiveness of conservation actions, and apply adaptive management principles.

C. No herbicide may be applied from the air within 600 feet, nor ground-applied within 60 feet, of 

any identified population of a sensitive plant species. 

III. Rare Plants

A. Implement national (National Forest Management Act, Ecosystem Management) and regional 

Forest Service policy and direction (FSM 2670 and 36 CFR 219.27 (g)) for the conservation, 

management, inventory, and monitoring of rare plant species. 

B. Collecting or disturbing rare plants or plant parts is prohibited unless authorized by the 

responsible official. In cases of scientific or educational use, permits will be required to collect 

rare plants. Such collections must not adversely affect the continued existence or vigor of a 

rare plant population.

C. Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to rare plants and populations during project 

planning to maintain known distributions throughout the Tongass National Forest.

D. Where desirable, rehabilitate and/or restore rare plant populations that have been adversely 

affected by management or natural disturbances.

E. Coordinate with appropriate federal and state agencies as well as other entities to support 

monitoring, research, and inventory for rare plants.

F. Consider providing protection around the plant population that meets the habitat needs of the 

species. Protection measures can include, but are not exclusive to, avoiding known rare plant 

populations during project activities, directional falling and yarding of trees away from rare 

plants, and partial retention of forest structure (25 to 50 percent of the basal area) in the area 

around rare plants in forested habitats. Apply adaptive management principles.

G. When a population or habitat decline for a rare plant species or subspecies indicates that longterm viability is at risk, evaluate the particular species for designation as a Region 10 Sensitive 

Species by the Regional Forester. (Consult the Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive 

Species Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines and FSM 2670.)

Invasive Plants: PLA2

I. Invasive Plants

A. See Invasive Species Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.

B. Follow established guidance on the use of plant materials for revegetating an area and habitat 

restoration.

Plant Surveys and Vegetation Mapping: PLA3

I. Plant Surveys and Vegetation Mapping

2 The Forest Service Alaska Region Sensitive Species List was updated in 2009 and supersedes previous lists.

Forest Plan 4-39 Plants

December 2016

 
4 Standards and Guidelines

A. Plant survey protocols for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other projects should 

follow FSM 2670, R10 protocols, and Tongass Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.

B. When implementing any invasive and sensitive species field surveys or inventories, a complete 

list of vascular plants found should be created for each survey. 

C. For biological evaluations, consult FSM 2670.

D. Resource report should be prepared to document the findings or absence of rare plants during 

field surveys for NEPA projects. 

E. Use the Existing Vegetation Classification, Mapping and InventoryTechnical Guide (FSM 1940)

and the most current and available methods to develop baseline vegetation types Forest-wide. 

F. Identify vegetation inventory needs for all Wildernesses to meet the “minimum stewardship 

levels” per the Wilderness Act of 1964. Accomplish baseline vegetation inventory needs 

commensurate with other Forest inventory efforts.

G. Accomplish baseline vegetation inventory needs commensurate with other forest inventory 

efforts.

Non-Timber Forest Products: PLA4

I. Non-Timber Forest Products

A. See FSM 2460 for non-timber forest product direction. 

B. Make non-timber forest products (see Plants Standards and Guidelines) available and 

consistent with LUD management objectives. 

C. Address requests for green saw-timber personal use wood as soon as feasible. 

D. Designate personal use wood planned for harvest.

II. Commercial Program

A. Allow harvest of non-timber forest products in ways that ensure the continued integrity of the 

forest stand.

B. Permits shall be required for commercial collection of any non-timber forest products.

C. Commercial harvest shall occur only where adequate quantities of the resource are known to 

be available on harvestable sites.

D. Selling units (bushels, pounds, sacks, etc.) for specific non-timber forest products shall be 

consistent across the Forest to make record-keeping, reporting, and monitoring more accurate 

and efficient.

E. Collection of special forest products adjacent to trails and roads shall be avoided where scenic 

quality would be impaired. Collection should be no closer than twenty to fifty feet from the trail 

or road. Site-specific prescriptions will vary by class of trail or road.

Plants 4-40 Forest Plan

December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

RECREATION and TOURISM

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

Recreation Resource Inventory: REC1

I. Recreation Resource Opportunities

A. Maintain an inventory of recreation resource opportunities throughout the Forest.

1. Use the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) system and Tongass National Forest 

Recreation Places Inventory. (Consult Forest Service Manual [FSM] 2310 and national/

regional ROS handbooks.)

2. Update existing ROS inventories as a part of specific project planning and implementation, 

and whenever project activities cause a change in recreation setting conditions significant 

enough to reclassify the affected area.

3. Maintain the necessary data to determine the individual and/or cumulative changes in 

ROS class distribution throughout the Forest.

Recreation Resource Planning: REC2

I. Interagency Planning

A. Accomplish outdoor recreation planning by providing opportunities and programs that are 

appropriate to the Forest environment, dependent upon natural settings, and help participants 

experience and understand nature.

1. Determine the appropriate role of National Forest System (NFS) lands in providing natural 

resource-based recreation opportunities, sites, facilities, and experiences. Within the 

context of national policy, cooperate and coordinate with national, state, and local 

agencies in providing a balance of outdoor recreation opportunities throughout Southeast 

Alaska.

2. Use the ROS framework of settings and experience opportunities to define the capabilities 

of NFS lands to meet identified recreation needs and services. (Consult ROS handbooks 

and Forest ROS maps.)

B. Provide recreation opportunities on NFS lands in concert with, and supplemental to, those 

opportunities that are located on other land ownerships and jurisdictions. Generally, recreation 

areas, sites, and facilities located on NFS lands should:

1. Complement commercial public services (i.e., resorts, marinas, stores, service stations) 

within communities or on private or other public land.

2. Support a system of anchorages suitable for recreation boats along small boat waterways 

that connect communities or provide access to popular recreation attractions.

3. Provide other appropriate facilities to meet specific identified recreation needs on a caseby-case basis. 

C. Cooperatively participate with local communities and user groups when implementing 

recreation development projects. Implementation should: 

1. Involve the public and affected communities, landowners, and other affected interest 

groups in the project planning process.

2. Recognize that recreation use by residents and tourists radiate from communities and 

service centers to use lands and facilities under a variety of ownerships and jurisdictions. 

3. Verify the local role of the Forest Service in providing recreation opportunities, services, 

and facilities.

4. Verify the basis for developing Forest Service recreation-related projects.

5. Identify sites and activities where joint or cooperative development or management is 

desirable. Include opportunities for such things as on-site interpretation of natural and 

cultural resources, particularly on lands of mixed ownership; providing public information 

through joint publications; joint cabin reservation systems; or construction, operation, and 

maintenance agreements.

6. Consult FSM 2300 and internal Forest-wide handbooks.

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4 Standards and Guidelines

II. Integrated Resource Planning

A. During non-recreation project planning, assess the effects of these projects on the diversity and 

quality of recreation settings and activity opportunities within, and adjacent to, the project area. 

1. Where recreation resources may be affected, analyze the opportunities foregone due to 

resource management actions. During project planning and design, consider valid 

substitutes for recreation settings and activity opportunities. 

B. Identify opportunities to enhance existing, and provide additional, recreation activities, 

opportunities, and services where desirable to meet local or Forest-wide recreation demands. 

Give particular attention to opportunities that are in relatively short supply within the day-use 

travel distance of communities, are important to local users, are important to tourism and 

commercial service providers, provide a base for visitor use of Primitive and Semi-Primitive 

areas, compliment recreation programs of communities, the state, and private landowners, 

contribute to the supply of Semi-Primitive Motorized opportunities, and are related to the unique 

combination of marine, wildlife, and fish resources characteristic of Southeast Alaska. 

C. Coordinate, to the extent feasible, recreation project development with other resources (for 

example wildlife, transportation).

D. Coordinate off-highway vehicle (OHV) use through travel management planning.

1. OHV planning will be in accordance with the final rule for Travel Management; Designated 

Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use published in the Federal Register (FR) on 

November 9, 2005 (70 FR 68264). Each Ranger District will designate the roads, trails, 

and areas open to motor vehicle use on a motor vehicle use map. All operations must be 

in accordance with those designations.

2. Coordinate OHV planning and management with other resource concerns, the State of 

Alaska, and adjacent landowners.

3. Provide a diversity of OHV recreational opportunities across the Forest where consistent 

with the criteria in FSM 2355 and 36 CFR 212, which includes:

a) The use is compatible with established land management and resource objectives.

b) The use is consistent with the capability and suitability of the resource.

c) There is demonstrated demand that cannot be better satisfied elsewhere.

4. Update access and travel management plans. Identify specific areas, roads, trails, and 

water surfaces that are open, restricted, or closed to motorized and non-motorized 

mechanical conveyance, watercraft, and conditions of use. Recreation, subsistence, and 

authorized uses may be considered separately depending on the circumstances.

III. Tourism

A. Tourism is a major industry in Southeast Alaska. The Forest provides the backdrop as well as 

the land base for many tourism activities, including several of the state's leading attractions. 

The size and extent of the Forest has a profound influence on the amount and nature of 

opportunities for the tourism industry.

1. Work with the tourism industry and government agencies in assessing the value and 

contribution of the industry to the economy of Southeast Alaska. Identify the role and 

contribution made by the Tongass National Forest to the industry and the region.

2. Cooperate with the tourism industry and appropriate government agencies in conducting 

and assessing visitor studies. These studies include identification of activities, attractions, 

and attributes visitors seek; response to management activities; demographic traits; and 

detection of changing trends.

3. Coordinate information and marketing efforts with tourism providers and promoters to 

complement efforts, target markets for new and existing opportunities, and to meet Forest 

Service management objectives.

4. Work with government agencies, organizations, and the private sector to identify, facilitate, 

and develop tourism opportunities.

5. Consider access, infrastructure, and other needs of the tourism industry at the project 

planning level. Incorporate these needs into project design and implementation.

6. Commercial services may be performed within the Wilderness to the extent necessary for 

activities that are proper for realizing the recreational or other Wilderness objectives for 

the area.

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December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

Recreation Use Administration: REC3

I. Coordination with Wilderness Management

A. Evaluate the effects of location, design, and operation of developed sites and roads adjacent to 

Wilderness. Develop and operate projects to complement Wilderness management objectives 

and to preserve the Wilderness character. 

B. Ensure that recreation special use activities and facilities adjacent to Wilderness are located, 

designed, and operated in a manner that complements Wilderness management objectives and 

preserves Wilderness character.

II. Recreation Special Uses

A. Commercial Recreation Opportunities

1. Work with recreation service partners and the tourism industry in identifying and 

developing services and opportunities. Recreation service partners provide services and 

opportunities that supplement the use and enjoyment of the national forests by a variety of 

people.

a) Identify opportunities for commercial recreation use, services, and developments. 

b) Facilitate authorizing commercial recreation use, services, and developments by: 

(1) Authorizing commercial recreational developments and services where there is 

a public need and no private lands are available or suitable for development. 

Refer to each Land Use Designation (LUD) management prescription to 

determine its appropriateness for development. 

(2) Managing recreation special uses in accordance with the direction in –LAND 2 –

Special Use Authorizations (items I, A.1-12 apply to recreation special uses) 

and outfitter/guide services in this section.

(3) Working with recreation service partners to provide agency identity, customer 

information and programs, natural resource education, and to instill a land 

stewardship ethic.

2. Use the following guidelines in addressing the appropriateness of recreation special use 

proposals in each of the LUDs after evaluating factors in 1.b. above. They provide a 

framework to guide major and minor development proposals. Four strategies (not 

allowed, discouraged, case-by-case, compatible) are identified for guidance; one is 

assigned to each LUD to address major and minor proposals (see LUD direction). The 

definitions and strategies applied to major and minor developments are discussed below

(also see Appendix I).

a) Major Development. Major recreation and tourism developments provided by the 

private sector involve long-term commitment of the land base, with a moderate to 

high level of site modification. They involve large buildings or complexes of buildings 

and facilities, and often provide several services in a concentrated area. Comfort and 

convenience are provided for guests, and facilities can generally accommodate more 

than 12 people. The proposals are typically Development Scale 3, 4, or 5, and 

Roaded Natural or Rural ROS settings. Site reclamation involves extensive removal 

of facilities and improvements, revegetation, recontouring, etc.; a natural appearance 

usually takes more than five years to attain. Examples include destination resorts 

and lodges, food and beverage services, downhill ski areas, marinas and gas 

stations, and full-service campgrounds.

b) Minor Development. Minor recreation and tourism developments provided by the 

private sector involve only minor site modifications. They involve small rustic facilities 

and/or improvements, generally with a single purpose or service, and may involve 

several sites or an extensive area. Basic essentials are typically provided, and can 

generally accommodate 12 or fewer people per site. The proposals are typically 

Development Scale 1 and 2, with a Semi-Primitive ROS setting. Site reclamation 

involves simple removal of facilities and little or no revegetation; a natural 

appearance can be attained in a few years. Examples include cabins, huts, small 

docks, cross-country ski trails with simple facilities, temporary or portable camps, and 

simple and rustic campgrounds.

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4 Standards and Guidelines

3. Public Outfitter/Guide Services

a) Authorize the services of qualified outfitters and guides to the public where the need 

for the service has been identified and is compatible with the objectives and 

management direction of the affected LUDs. The services of outfitters and guides 

should facilitate the use, enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of National 

Forest recreation settings.

b) Manage outfitter and guide services as partnerships with the Forest Service, as a 

way to nurture and encourage assistance and support for attaining the objectives of 

the LUD, and to assist in increased public understanding and appreciation of the 

Forest Service's mission and goals.

c) Administer outfitter/guide special use authorizations in accordance with the direction 

in FSM 2720, FSH 2709.11, FSH 2709.14, and Regional Supplements.

(1) Outfitting and guiding operations should not require permanent improvements 

occupying NFS lands. Encourage operations that require only temporary 

facilities that are easily removed at the end of the use season.

(2) Authorize outfitter/guide operations on the basis of the following criteria: 

(a) The affected ecosystem(s) have the capability to accommodate the 

expected kinds of activities and amounts of use without degradation of 

ecosystem composition and structure.

(b) Existing or proposed operations and activities are appropriate for the 

specific ROS settings within the LUD.

(c) Adverse impacts to popular or high-valued local areas with outfitter/guide 

operations are minimized.

(d) There is a demonstrated public need for the services to be offered and/or 

the services will enhance the objectives of the LUD.

(e) The operations can be carried out in a manner that is compatible with 

existing or expected use by the non-guided public. 

(f) Adverse impacts to subsistence users are minimized.

(3) Authorize outfitter/guide operations through the issuance of priority use permits,

whenever possible, supplemented with temporary permits. Assign priority use 

and temporary use permits within a LUD based on the following:

(a) Generally allocate no more than one-half the capacity of the LUD to 

outfitter/guide operations. For specific locations, consider different 

allocations based on historical use, changing demand, spatial zoning, or 

temporal zoning.

(b) Party size and distribution of groups.

(i) Wilderness, Monument, and Wild River LUDs. Group size is 

limited to no more than 12 persons for commercial or general public 

use of a Wilderness, unless otherwise approved by the appropriate 

line officer. Refer to REC3 in Chapter 3 for exceptions. Encounters 

should be less than three groups per day as to maintain the more 

primitive experience. 

(ii) Semi-Primitive ROS settings outside of Wilderness. Party size 

should generally be limited to 12 to 20 people. Within the LUD II, Oldgrowth Habitat, and Semi-Remote Recreation LUDs, larger party 

sizes may be allowed in limited locations for up to 15 percent of the 

primary use season for nature-based interpretive activities if there is 

no degradation to the physical site conditions. Larger party sizes may 

be allowed to go ashore at one location and split up into smaller 

parties not within sight or sound of each other.

(iii) Other ROS settings. Consider site capacities and impacts to other 

users and resource values to establish party size limits.

(4) Where there is surplus capacity not being used by the general public, temporary 

use for specific periods of time (not to exceed one year) may be authorized. 

Such temporary use does not qualify for credit toward priority use by a permit 

holder.

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December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

d) Motorized access to sites may be authorized as part of the special use authorization. 

Use of OHVs or over-snow vehicles may be allowed in accordance with 36 CFR 212, 

Subpart C. 

e) Cooperate with state and local authorities and user organizations to resolve 

situations where illegal outfitters are known to be operating. (Consult FSM 5300.)

B. Non-Commercial Recreation Uses

1. Issue no authorizations to construct new private recreation facilities, such as private 

recreation cabins.

2. Manage non-commercial recreation special use authorizations as provided for in FSM 

2347. Allow replacement of existing facilities with similar facilities.

3. Manage cabins and related structures that were existing, but unauthorized, prior to the 

Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (December 2, 1980), in 

accordance with the direction in LAND2 – Cabins and Related Structures.

4. Manage recreation special uses in accordance with the direction in LAND2 – Special Use 

Authorizations.

III. Recreation Settings

A. Provide a broad spectrum of outdoor recreation opportunities in accordance with the existing 

capabilities of the National Forest, and in accordance with the ROS Class Standards and 

Guidelines in Appendix I.

1. Manage recreation use in a manner that is compatible with the long-term objectives of the 

LUD. Maintain the capability of all LUDs to provide quality recreation opportunities on a 

sustained basis.

2. In LUDs where non-recreation resource management activities are emphasized, continue 

providing the current settings and opportunities until scheduled activities and practices 

cause a change in the ROS setting. The ROS settings for these LUDs may also change 

to accommodate new recreation facilities or increases in commercial recreation use when 

this use is compatible with the desired condition for that LUD. When there is a decision 

that results in a change to the recreation setting, the management decision should adopt 

the appropriate ROS class. The adopted ROS call will provide the direction for the design 

of any new facilities.

B. Manage recreation resource activities and facilities in accordance with the established regional 

guidelines and the ROS guidelines in Appendix I, or Wilderness-specific ROS guidelines 

approved by the Forest Service officer with delegated authority. All recreation planning and 

management activities will address the setting indicators. They are described by ROS class in 

the guidelines in Appendix I.

C. Use the ROS charts in Appendix I for project planning and analysis, and as guidelines to 

establish appropriate levels of use, scale, and kinds of facilities, Scenic Integrity Objectives, 

types of access, and services to meet local and regional needs and desired recreation setting 

conditions.

IV. Developed Site Management

A. Manage the Forest’s recreation infrastructure in alignment with the resources available to 

operate and maintain it to standard. The Forest recreation infrastructure includes all recreation 

sites and the facilities associated with them.

V. Recreation Construction and Rehabilitation

A. Provide development facilities appropriate to the ROS setting after determining that the private 

sector is not able or willing to meet the demand.

B. Maintain cost-effective developed recreation facilities that complement non-Forest Service 

developments in the same community home range or service center area.

C. Provide barrier-free, accessible facilities appropriate to the site development level and area 

ROS setting.

D. Evaluate the location and need for recreation facilities that lie within identified 100-year flood 

plains as to the specific hazards and values involved with the site and its use. Thoroughly 

explore viable alternatives. (Consult FSM 2527.)

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4 Standards and Guidelines

E. Use the regional recreation capital investment process and criteria for the identification of 

recreation construction and reconstruction projects. 

VI. Interpretive Services

A. Provide an Interpretive Services Program that is designed to accurately and adequately 

develop an interest and understanding of the environments of the Forest and Southeast Alaska, 

and the mission of the Forest Service in managing the National Forest. 

B. Conduct on-site interpretive activities to a level consistent with LUD objectives.

C. Assist visitors and users to understand the role of natural and cultural resources in the 

development of industry, heritage, and culture in Southeast Alaska. Relate these roles to the 

rest of the state, Canada, and the nation. 

D. Promote visitor understanding of the NFS, forest research, and state and private forestry 

programs. 

1. Emphasize understanding of stewardship of public lands and their productivity through 

professional forest management with balanced use of natural resources. 

2. Develop Interpretive Services programs for all principal resource management programs. 

Information should emphasize the integration of management activities designed to 

achieve the goals and objectives developed for specific areas. 

E. Inform visitors of the distribution, differences, and roles of the federal, state, and private lands 

found in Southeast Alaska and the range of recreation and cultural interest opportunities and 

facilities available.

1. Continue to pursue and implement cooperative interpretive partnerships with other federal

and state land management agencies consistent with the principal travel routes and 

activity centers used by forest visitors. 

2. Provide an array of imaginative and dynamic media by which interpretive messages are 

made available to the visitor. Use a spectrum of media and presentation designs that are 

appealing, appropriate for the setting, easily understood by the intended audience, and 

reflect the Forest Service as a professional and caring land management agency. 

3. Continue to provide accurate and timely information about Southeast Alaska and the 

Tongass National Forest. Continue the Forest Service's leadership role for the Southeast 

Alaska Discovery Center.

4. Continue to provide or improve interpretive services programs and facilities such as 

Tongass visitor centers. Support shall include identification of current issues and events of 

interest to forest visitors, adequate staffing to meet program objectives, assistance in 

training the seasonal and volunteer staff, and objective evaluation of programs to ensure 

accurate and positive coverage of the natural and cultural resources on the Tongass 

National Forest and their management.

5. Expand the use of Alaska Geographic as an interpretive partner to provide forest visitors 

with a broad range of interpretive media. These may include, but are not limited to, 

publications, video and audio tapes, and other media that feature the natural and cultural 

resources of the Tongass National Forest and the heritage of Southeast Alaska. 

Encourage all types of support and donations to Alaska Geographic that can be used to 

develop additional materials and programs. 

6. In partnership with communities, organizations, and individuals, develop additional Alaska 

Geographic outlets at locations that will best serve Forest customers. 

7. Continue to support the Elderhostel Education Program in local communities and aboard 

the Alaska Marine Highway as budgets will allow. 

F. Provide a coordinated program of awareness and training for all employees and partners 

(including outfitter/guides and other public service permit holders) to ensure a consistent 

program of public service.

1. Encourage other agency participation in Forest Interpretive Services training programs.

2. Ensure that the Forest Service mission and image remain predominantly visible at all 

Forest Service facilities through the use of uniformed Forest Service personnel, the Forest 

Service shield, and other media. 

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December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

3. To the extent feasible, provide training about National Forest resources, points of interest,

and management to all interested outfitter/guides, industry representatives, and other 

partners.

VII. Recreation Use

A. Gather recreation use information to use in project and forest planning. Many sources of 

information should be used to gather data, such as cabin rentals, campground, visitor center 

use, trailhead registers, outfitter/guides, ferry and cruise ship arrivals, and employee or public 

observations.

B. Identify those recreation uses that may be in conflict with each other. Reduce recreation user 

conflicts and polarization. Work with affected publics in finding solutions to defuse or resolve 

conflicts or concerns.

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4 Standards and Guidelines

RIPARIAN

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

Riparian area: RIP1

I. Definition

A. Riparian areas encompass the zone of interaction between aquatic and terrestrial environments 

associated with streamsides, lakeshores, and floodplains, and display distinctive ecological 

conditions characterized by high species diversity, wildlife value, and resource productivity.

II. Objectives

A. Maintain riparian areas in mostly natural conditions for fish, other aquatic life, old-growth and 

riparian-associated plant and wildlife species, water-related recreation, and to provide for 

ecosystem processes, including important aquatic and land interactions. For further direction, 

refer to the Fish, Wildlife, Recreation and Tourism, Beach and Estuary Fringe, and Soil and 

Water Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines, as well as the Riparian Standards and

Guidelines criteria for each process group contained in Appendix D. The following is a list of 

objectives pertaining to riparian areas. (Consult Forest Service Manual [FSM] 2526.)

1. Protect riparian habitat.

2. Manage riparian areas for short- and long-term biodiversity and productivity.

3. Maintain natural streambank and stream channel processes.

4. Maintain natural and beneficial quantities of large woody debris over the short and long 

term.

5. Protect water quality by providing for the beneficial uses of riparian areas. (Consult Best 

Management Practices [BMPs], Chapter 10 of the Soil and Water Conservation 

Handbook, FSH 2509.22.)

6. Maintain or restore the natural range and frequency of aquatic habitat conditions on the 

Tongass National Forest to sustain the diversity and production of fish and other 

freshwater organisms.

7. Consider the management of both terrestrial and aquatic resources when managing 

riparian areas. Consider the effects of terrestrial and aquatic processes on aquatic and 

riparian resources.

8. In watersheds with intermingled land ownership, cooperate with the other landowners in 

striving to achieve healthy riparian areas.

9. Design and coordinate road management activities to provide for the needs of wildlife and 

provide passage of fish at road crossings. (Consult the Fish Forest-wide Standards and

Guidelines and the Aquatic Habitat Management Handbook, Forest Service Handbook 

[FSH] 2090.21.)

10. Evaluate the effect of management (including windthrow) of adjacent areas on riparian 

habitats.

11. Coordinate and consult with state and federal agencies on riparian management issues, 

as appropriate. 

12. Coordinate and consult with Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC)

regarding management of public water systems source watersheds.

Riparian Planning: RIP2

I. Project Planning

A. Identify and delineate Riparian Management Areas (RMAs) for each project where ground 

disturbance will occur or resources will be extracted. RMAs are areas of special concern to 

fish, other aquatic resources, and wildlife. They are generally delineated as identified in the 

Process Group direction in the Riparian Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines. Riparian

areas are differentiated from adjacent reserve areas, such as wildlife reserves or areas 

managed to provide reasonable assurance of windfirmness.

B. Complete a watershed analysis before making site-specific adjustments to Process Group 

Standards and Guidelines (see Appendix D). Riparian guidelines may be adjusted only if the 

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December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

stream process group objectives can be met. Consult Appendix C of the Forest Plan for 

direction on adjusting riparian guidelines.

C. On those projects and activities that are in, or influence, RMAs, ensure interdisciplinary 

involvement and consideration of riparian resources in project planning and in the 

environmental analysis process.

1. The location and design of wildlife habitat reserves and mitigation measures should be 

closely integrated with the design and layout of RMAs.

2. Logging engineers and aquatic specialists should conduct joint reviews of preliminary 

harvest unit designs to ensure that site-specific stream protection measures meet 

riparian objectives, as well as logging system feasibility and timber harvest economic 

objectives.

D. Ensure that permit holders, contractors, and/or purchasers understand RMAs and riparian 

management objectives.

E. Evaluate RMA windthrow risk when locating and designing adjacent management activities

(Reasonable Assurance of Windfirmness [RAW] Guidelines: Landwehr 2007 and subsequent 

versions). Minimize accelerated windthrow in RMA buffers. In situations where a high risk of 

blowdown factors is present, indicating a high windthrow risk, a RAW buffer should be 

prescribed. In situations where multiple low risk factors are present and high risk factors are 

minimal, a RAW zone addition to riparian buffers is not warranted. Where high-value aquatic 

resources (such as a Class I stream or drinking water supplies) are at-risk, use of a wider 

buffer may be warranted even when the risk of windthrow is judged to be low or moderate. 

The RAW zone is not necessarily a no-harvest zone; partial harvest may be appropriate in 

RAW buffers depending on site-specific conditions. (Consult BMP 12.6a of the Soil and 

Water Conservation Handbook—FSH 2509.22 and the Process Group Standards and

Guidelines.)

II. General Standards and Guidelines by Activity 

A. Special use administration(Non-Recreation)

1. Permit activities, consistent with other special use direction, that do not significantly 

reduce the capability of RMAs to 1) maintain or improve associated fish or wildlife 

habitat, or 2) protect water quality for beneficial uses.

B. Minerals and Geology Administration, Plan of Operations

1. Use state-of-the-art techniques for developing minerals to reduce impacts to riparian 

resources to the extent feasible. Include mitigation measures that are compatible with 

the scale of proposed development and commensurate with potential resource impacts.

2. Apply appropriate Transportation Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines to the location, 

construction, and maintenance of mining roads affecting riparian areas.

3. Manage mineral exploration and development activities to be compatible with the 

Process group goals and objectives for RMAs.

4. Manage mineral activities to maintain the present and continued productivity of 

anadromous fish and other foodfish habitat to the maximum extent feasible. (Consult the 

Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act of 1980, Section 505 [a].) Plan of 

Operations for mining must comply with Clean Water Act, Sections 401, 402, 404, as 

applicable. (Consult FSM 2817.23a.)

5. Apply timing restrictions to instream construction and other minerals activities to protect 

fisheries habitat and mitigate adverse sedimentation, and to avoid critical wildlife mating, 

hatching, and migrating periods.

6. Minimize the effects of mineral development and related land disturbance activities on 

the beneficial uses of water by applying BMPs.

7. Locate material sites and marine transfer facilities outside RMAs if reasonable 

alternatives exist.

8. Ensure that disturbed areas are revegetated in accordance with project plans.

9. Approve reclamation plans in which mineral activities leave riparian project areas as 

natural in appearance and function, as is feasible.

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4 Standards and Guidelines

C. Recreation Use Administration

1. Locate, design, and operate only those recreation projects that are necessary to 

accommodate public use of the water and shoreline areas (i.e., boat or floatplane docks, 

launching ramps, and associated access roads and trails). Where feasible, locate 

parking, campgrounds, sanitation, and other recreation facilities outside the RMAs to 

avoid adverse effects on water quality and riparian function.

2. For existing facilities, consider relocating the facility outside of the RMA. Consideration 

should be based on current and anticipated effects on riparian values, desired recreation 

experience, public issues, application of BMPs to minimize the effects of recreation 

facilities on the beneficial uses of water and costs of relocating the facility.

D. Watershed Resource Planning

1. Manage activities to meet state water quality standards and protect aquatic and 

terrestrial riparian habitats, channel and streambanks, and provide for flood plain 

stability.

a) Identify soil and water quality requirements for project-level activities.

b) Apply BMPs to minimize the effects of land disturbing activities on the beneficial 

uses of water.

c) Determine flood plain values and plan to avoid, where possible, the long- and 

short-term adverse impacts to soil and water resources associated with the 

occupancy and modification of flood plains.

d) Complete a watershed analysis before making project-level, site-specific 

adjustments to Process Group Standards and Guidelines. Adjustments to the 

guidelines may be made only if the objectives of the process group(s) can be met. 

Consult Appendix C of the Forest Plan for direction on watershed analysis. The 

intensity and scope of watershed analysis will vary according to the issues of 

concern.

E. Timber Resources

1. No commercial timber harvest is allowed within 100 feet horizontal distance either side of 

Class I streams and Class II streams that flow directly into a Class I stream. (Consult 

the Tongass Timber Reform Act.)

a) Included in the definition of Class II streams flowing directly into a Class I stream 

are all Class II tributaries of a Class II stream that flow into a Class I stream without 

an intervening Class III segment. Mandatory minimum 100-foot buffers will not 

apply to 1) a Class II stream that flows directly into the ocean or joins a Class I 

stream only at lower than mean high tide; and 2) a Class II tributary stream 

segment that flows into a Class III stream that in turn flows into a Class I stream.

b) The 100-foot measure is a horizontal distance measure from the bankfull margins.

2. Protect RMAs, in accordance with the intent of the Alaska Anadromous Fish Habitat 

Assessment (1995), through application of the direction contained in Process Group 

Standards and Guidelines (Appendix D). Apply additional BMPs (National Core BMP 

Technical Guide FS-990a and Alaska Region Soil and Water Conservation Handbook 

FSH 2509.22) to minimize the effects of timber harvest and related land disturbance 

activities on beneficial uses of water. In situations where multiple high risk factors are 

present, indicating a high windthrow risk, a Reasonable Assurance of Windfirmness 

(RAW) zone adjacent to the RMA buffer should be established (see RAW Guidelines: 

Landwehr 2007 and subsequent versions).

3. Avoid RMAs when other feasible locations for personal use wood cutting are available. 

If personal (free) use timber harvest in RMAs is allowed, free use permit requirements 

must satisfy process group objectives (refer to Personal Use Program, section TIM4).

Personal use timber harvest will be regulated and its cumulative effects monitored in 

LUDs that are not suitable for timber production to ensure that the LUD objectives are 

fulfilled.

4. Provide protection to fish and wildlife during critical periods of their life cycles by applying 

seasonal restrictions on timber harvest and road use activities, to the extent feasible.

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Standards and Guidelines 4

5. When stream crossings are required to harvest timber, assess the environmental effects 

of road crossings versus yarding corridors, and select the action of least environmental 

impact where practicable.

6. Streamcourse protection plans (consult BMP 13.16) are required for harvesting activities 

within the required minimum 100-foot buffers designated in E (1) above.

a) Provide thorough documentation of RMA design and BMP mitigation provision on 

timber sale unit cards and maps. “As-laid-out” (or phase II) unit cards are a useful 

tool for facilitating application of RMA and streamcourse protection during sale 

administration, and for monitoring compliance with and implementation of Riparian 

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.

7. Allow no commercial timber salvage within 100 feet in width on each side of Class I 

streams or on those Class II streams that flow directly into Class I streams. In addition, 

allow no timber salvage in RMAs defined for each process group, with the following 

exception: salvage could be allowed, with Line Officer approval, following watershed 

analysis if the salvage activity is needed to meet or further riparian management 

objectives for the process group (see Appendix C for guidance on watershed analysis). 

RMA salvage timber will not contribute toward the Projected Timber Sale Quantity 

(PTSQ). 

8. Plan timber harvest settings that cross or are immediately adjacent to streamcourses 

(Class I, II, III, and IV Channels) so as to avoid adverse impacts to RMAs, and soil and 

water resources. (Consult FSH 2409.18 and FSH 2509.22.)

9. Stream process group-specific standards and guidelines for timber harvest are 

presented in Appendix D, along with descriptions of each process group and channel 

type. The standards and guidelines (except for the minimum 100-foot buffers required 

by TTRA) may be adjusted for a project on a site-specific basis following completion of a 

watershed analysis. Adjustments to the standards and guidelines may be made only if 

the objectives of the process group(s) can be met. Consult Appendix C for direction on 

watershed analysis.

F. Wildlife Resources

1. Integrate RMAs into any modifications to the design and location of small old-growth 

reserves. (Consult the Old-growth Habitat LUD and Appendix K.)

2. Use riparian corridors in the design of wildlife travel corridors to provide horizontal 

connectivity between watersheds, and vertical connectivity between lowland and alpine 

areas.

3. Consider wildlife needs in the design and management of RMAs. Give special emphasis 

to habitats of riparian associated species, for example, designated brown bear feeding 

areas. (See Wildlife Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.)

G. Transportation Systems

1. Use road closures, maintenance, and other measures to keep road-surface and 

road-side erosion at low or near background levels. Ensure long-term fish passage 

through structures at road crossings on Class I and II streams as described in Process 

Group direction and the Fish Standards and Guidelines. Use BMPs (National Core BMP 

Technical Guide FS-990a and Alaska Region Soil and Water Conservation Handbook 

FSH 2509.22 [BMP 14-20]) to control effects of transportation systems on water quality 

and fish habitat. Also refer to the Alaska Forest Practices Act (11 AAC 95.320) for road 

closure requirements.

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Riparian 4-52 Forest Plan

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Standards and Guidelines 4

RURAL COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

Activities: RUR

I. Resource Management Decisions Affecting Communities

A. Emphasize, where appropriate, local needs and opportunities for rural community assistance in 

Forest programs and budgets.

1. Consider rural interests, including Native organizations, in resource decisions by jointly 

identifying and developing natural resource opportunities.

B. Consider social, cultural, and economic issues in resource management by:

1. Considering local communities' needs in project plans.

2. Evaluating community-based sources of goods and services for implementing Forest 

projects.

3. Considering community organization and protocol in resource planning and decision 

processes.

4. Providing information pertaining to resource management and development on National 

Forests with communities.

5. Encouraging local rural development entities to include Forest Service employees in their 

local rural development planning.

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SCENERY

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

Scenery Operations: SCENE1 

I. Scenery Management 

A. This plan adopts Scenic Integrity Objectives (SIOs) that provide direction and objectives for 

landscapes within each Land Use Designation (LUD). The long-term desired future scenic

condition for a specific area is the maintenance of a scenic integrity level that is at least as high 

as the adopted SIO for that area. Adopted SIOs are described in the scenery section of each 

LUD.

B. Perform landscape/viewshed analysis, using as much of the available tools and technology as 

possible, when planning projects within viewsheds seen from Visual Priority Travel Routes and 

Use Areas (VPRs). Some level of analysis may be appropriate in some areas involving nonpriority use areas. More comprehensive viewshed analysis such as long-term, full corridor 

planning may be used in the most sensitive viewsheds. See Appendix F of this Plan for a 

listing of the designated VPRs. As a part of the planning for major (e.g., large scale mining 

operations) land-disturbing activities, consider whether changes to the VPR list are necessary.

C. Consider the scenic condition of adjacent non-National Forest System lands during the 

planning of development activities on the National Forest.

D. Consult the USDA Forest Service Agriculture Handbooks (nos. 434, 462, 478, 483, 484, 559, 

608, 617, 666) and Agriculture Handbook 701, Landscape Aesthetics, for scenery management 

guidance.

Scenery Preparation: SCENE2

I. Scenery Integrity Objectives: Application

SIOs are applied to any activity that has the potential to affect the scenic character of the landscape. 

The foreground, middleground, and background SIOs are adopted as seen from the VPR (Appendix 

F). Non-priority travel routes and use areas, as well as those areas not seen from the VPR, are 

managed according to the “Seldom Seen or Non-Priority” column. Activities could include, but are 

not limited to recreation facilities: trails, cabins, restrooms, interpretive displays; timber sales: roads, 

harvest units, logging camps, sort yards, log transfer facilities (LTFs); rock pits; gravel pits; mineral 

development; fish enhancement projects: in-stream fish pass structures, gabions; facilities 

authorized under special use authorizations: electronic facilities, hydroelectric projects, etc. In 

designing activities to meet specific SIOs, a number of factors must be considered. Some of these 

factors include the following:

A. The landscape's Existing Scenic Integrity (ESI) rating. This is an inventoried condition that

rates the degree of change that has already occurred on the ground. It is important to compare 

the ESI of the project area to the SIOs assigned by the Forest Plan. Should there be conflicting 

conditions presently existing and the intent of the LUD is not presently met, it would be 

appropriate to consider either 1) some specific rehabilitation measures, or 2) project deferral 

that would allow the landscapes in the project area time to regenerate sufficiently. 

B. Visual Absorption Capability (VAC), which is an estimate of the relative ability of a landscape to 

absorb management activities. High, Intermediate, and Low VAC ratings are used. These 

ratings reflect the degree of landscape variety in an area, viewing distance, and topographic 

characteristics. As examples, a Low VAC setting generally has steep slopes, with little 

landscape variety, while a High VAC setting may be relatively flat and/or has a high degree of 

variety in the landscape. 

C. Size, shape, orientation to viewer, color, texture, etc. are critical elements in determining 

whether or not an activity meets the adopted SIO. Consideration for the scenery is essential 

early on in planning processes, particularly in areas seen from a VPR. However, each 

landscape setting is different, and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. There may be 

instances where the SIO can be met while the proposed activity is greater than the guideline, or 

there also may be cases where the activity must be smaller to meet the intent of the SIO. 

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Standards and Guidelines 4

Adopted Scenery Integrity Objectives for Each Land Use Designation1,9

Land Use Designation Foreground from 

Priority Travel 

Routes and Use 

Areas

Middleground

from Priority 

Travel Routes 

and Use Areas

Background from 

Priority Travel 

Routes and Use 

Areas

Seldom Seen/

Non-Priority

Wilderness

Wilderness Nat. Monument

Research Natural Area

Special Interest Area 2, 4

Remote Recreation

Old-growth Habitat 4

LUD II 4

High High High High

Special Interest Area 3, 4 Low Moderate Moderate Moderate

Semi-remote Recreation 4 Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate

Wild River 6 High High High High

Scenic River 4, 6 High Moderate Moderate Low

Recreational River 4 Moderate Low/Moderate 6 Low/Moderate 6 Very Low

Scenic Viewshed 4, 3 High Moderate Moderate Very Low

Modified Landscape 4 Moderate Low Low Very Low

Timber production

Minerals

Experimental Forest 5

Low Very Low Very Low Very Low

Municipal Watershed 7 High High High High

Nonwild. Nat. Monument 8 High High High High 1 The foreground, middleground, and background Scenic Integrity Objectives (SIOs) are adopted as seen from the 

Visual Priority Travel Routes and Use Areas (Appendix F). Non-priority travel routes and use areas, and those 

areas not seen from the Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas, are managed according to the direction listed in 

the "Seldom Seen/Non-Priority" column. 2 Except for the developed recreation and interpretive portions of Special Interest Areas such as Mendenhall 

Glacier, Ward Cove, and Blind Slough. 3 Applies only to the developed recreation and interpretive portions of Special Interest Areas such as Mendenhall 

Glacier, Ward Cove, and Blind Slough. Undeveloped areas are managed according to the guidance on the 

previous line. 4 Exceptions for small areas of non-conforming developments, such as recreational developments, transportation 

developments, log transfer facilities, and mining development, may be considered in these LUDs on a case-bycase basis. 5 The SIO may vary depending on the research objectives of the Experimental Forest.

6 Apply the Moderate SIO in corridors where scenic quality is included as one of the "outstandingly remarkable" 

values for that corridor. If it is not, apply the lower SIO. 7 SIO is High, but may range down to Very Low as a result of the municipality’s watershed management objectives. 8 SIOs will range from High, in those portions of the Monument without access, to Very Low in those portions 

developed in connection with mineral activities. Site-specific SIOs will be identified in the specific Plan of 

Operations for mineral development. 9 See Young Growth, Renewable Energy, and Transportation Systems Corridors Plan Components in Chapter 5 (SYG-SCENE-01, S-RE-SCENE-01 and S-TSC-SCENE-01).

D. Depending on the assigned SIO, specific time frames are allowed for meeting the SIO following 

project completion. Long-term projects (i.e., those with no specific completion date) should be 

initially designed to meet the assigned SIO as the project progresses. 

II. Scenic Integrity Objectives: Specific Guidelines

A. SIO High. Design activities to not be visually evident to the casual observer. This objective 

should be accomplished within six months following project completion.

1. Facilities

a) Keep vegetation clearing to a minimum and within proximity of the site.

b) Select materials and colors that blend with those found in the natural surroundings.

3

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4 Standards and Guidelines

c) Screening should be used from viewpoints and travel routes if feasible.

2. Transportation

a) Rock Sources. When a forest development road is a VPR, locate rock sources off 

the road, when possible. Spur road access may be necessary to minimize the visual 

impact. Rock source development should not be apparent from the road, use area, 

or marine travel route to meet this scenic objective.

b) Corridor Treatment. Provide roadside cleanup of ground-disturbing activities. 

Depending on site conditions, cut stumps as low as possible and angled away from 

the viewer. Incorporate this treatment in the timber sale contract.

c) Log Transfer Facilities. LTFs are generally not appropriate in this SIO setting (with 

exceptions noted in the table above).

3. Timber Harvest: VAC Setting, Typical Regeneration Method, and Unit Size

a) Low VAC: Single tree selection or group selection (group openings less than 2 

acres)

b) Intermediate VAC: Single tree selection or clearcut (openings approximately 5 to 15 

acres)

c) High VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 15 to 30 acres)

B. SIO Moderate. Design activities to be subordinate to the landscape character of the area. This 

SIO should be accomplished within one year of project completion.

1. Facilities

a) Keep vegetation clearing to a minimum and within proximity of the site.

b) Emphasize enhancement of views from recreational facilities.

c) Select materials and colors that blend with those found in the natural surroundings.

2. Transportation

a) Design rock sources to be minimally apparent as seen from VPRs. Rehabilitation is 

usually necessary following closure of rock source developments. It may be 

necessary to modify some ground-disturbing activities seen from the foreground of 

VPRs.

b) Corridor Treatment. Roadside cleanup of ground disturbance activities may be 

necessary.

c) LTFs (temporary or permanent). Perform a Scenic Integrity analysis during LTF 

planning and design. Consider low profile designs to minimize visibility from VPRs. 

For temporary LTFs, incorporate rehabilitation measures into the project analysis and 

contract package. 

3. Timber Harvest: VAC Setting, Typical Regeneration Method, and Unit Size 

a) Low VAC: Group selection (group openings less than 2 acres) or clearcut (openings 

approximately 5 to 10 acres)

b) Intermediate VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 15 to 40 acres) 

c) High VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 40 to 60 acres)

C. SIO Low. Activities may visually dominate the characteristic landscape, but must have visual 

characteristics similar to those of natural occurrences within the surrounding area or character 

type. This SIO should be met within one year in the foreground distance zone and within 5

years in the middle and background distance zones following project completion. 

1. When planning activities, use naturally established form, line, color, and texture found in 

the landscape.

2. Facilities. Siting and design should borrow from naturally occurring patterns in the 

landscape, and should not be visually dominant when viewed in the background distance 

zone. 

3. Transportation

a) Rock source operations and resulting landform modifications may be evident to the 

casual observer as seen from VPRs. However, the quarry location and design 

should mitigate, to the extent feasible, the apparent visual size and dominance of the 

activity (e.g., shaping of backwalls, roadside screening, and general orientation of the 

opening).

b) LTFs (temporary or permanent). Perform a Scenic Integrity analysis during LTF 

planning and design.

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Standards and Guidelines 4

4. Timber Harvest: VAC Setting, Typical Regeneration Method, and Unit Size 

a) Low VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 15 to 40 acres)

b) Intermediate VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 40 to 60 acres)

c) High VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 60 to 100 acres)

D. SIO Very Low. Activities may dominate the characteristic landscape, yet when viewed as 

background, should appear to be a natural occurrence. 

1. Locate and design management activities to take advantage of existing (both natural and 

imposed) pattern and texture found in the landscape when viewed in the middleground 

from VPRs.

2. Design activities to resemble natural occurrences as viewed in the background distance 

zone.

3. Timber Harvest: VAC Setting, Typical Regeneration Method, and Unit Size 

a) Low VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 50 to 75 acres)

b) Intermediate VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 80 to 100 acres)

c) High VAC: Clearcut (openings approximately 80 to 100 acres)

E. Graphic illustrations of timber harvest activities designed to meet each SIO are located at the 

end of this section. The undeveloped landscape is provided for comparative purposes.

III. Scenic Integrity Objectives - Silvicultural Prescriptions Other Than Clearcutting

The timber harvest-related scenery management guidelines described previously are based on 

several analyses of harvested viewsheds throughout the Tongass that represented different VAC 

characteristics and different levels and scales of harvest. The following paragraphs provide some 

general guidelines concerning the use of silvicultural methods other than clearcutting. 

A. Two-aged Management. Based on a few observations of some recent treatments of this type, it 

would appear that if approximately 20 to 30 percent of the trees within a harvest unit are 

retained, the size of that harvest area might be increased and still meet the same SIO. It may 

also be possible to meet a higher SIO by leaving an appreciable percentage of reserve trees 

within an area. However, many factors such as natural vegetative patterns, steepness and 

obliqueness of slope, windfirmness, and viewing distance determine how to apply this 

silvicultural method in a specific landscape.

B. Uneven-aged management - single-tree or group selection. Meeting a High or Moderate SIO in 

a low VAC setting requires a relatively small percentage of stems removed on a single-tree 

basis—anywhere from 5 to 20 percent. The exact amount depends on the slopes, viewing 

distances, and natural characteristics of the stand. To meet a Low SIO, a larger percentage 

could be removed. Exactly how much and what the limit would be is also based on the existing 

landscape characteristics. When using a group selection method, the appropriate size and 

distribution of the groups needs to be considered, as well as the natural landscape 

characteristics. The design of the groups should replicate natural openings and avoid the use of 

geometric shapes. 

Scenery Administration: SCENE3

I. Mitigation, Enhancement, and Monitoring

A. Minimize potential scenic impacts through scheduling or timing of management activities so that 

they are dispersed and not concentrated, subject to considerations given to other resources 

(e.g., wildlife).

B. Rehabilitate, where feasible, existing projects and areas that do not meet the Adopted SIOs. 

Consider the following in setting priorities:

1. Relative importance of the area (public sensitivity).

2. Projected length of time to naturally attain the Adopted SIO in comparison to the use of 

rehabilitation techniques. Examples of rehabilitation include seeding road cuts and fills, 

recontouring temporary roads, removing roadside slash and debris, re-shaping harvest 

unit boundaries, cutting roadside stumps as low as possible, shaping or spreading excess 

overburden, etc. 

3. Benefits to other resources by accomplishing rehabilitation.

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4 Standards and Guidelines

C. Use enhancement measures, where feasible, to create variety where little variety now exists 

through addition, subtraction, or alteration of vegetation, earth forms, water forms, etc. 

Examples include opening up vistas or screening out undesirable views and planting species to 

give unique form, color, or texture to an area.

High SIO

Scenery 4-58 Forest Plan

December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

Undeveloped Landscape

Low SIO

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4 Standards and Guidelines

Moderate SIO

Very Low SIO

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December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

SOIL and WATER

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

Soil Inventory: SW1

I. Inventory

A. Maintain the Soil Resource Inventory (SRI) or National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological 

Units (TEUI). (Consult Forest Service Manual [FSM] 2550, Soil Management Handbook, 

Ecological Classification and Inventory Handbook [FSH 2090.11-91-1], National Soil Handbook430-VI, Soil Survey Manual-430-V.)

1. Determine and implement the level of SRI necessary to meet planning and implementation 

needs for proposed management projects.

B. Use the TEUI to inventory and classify ecosystems.

Water Inventory: SW2

I. Inventory and Evaluation

A. In conducting water investigations, consider and evaluate the following elements in Water 

Resource Inventories (WRIs):

1. Climate

2. Water quality

3. Water quantity

4. Channel types 

5. Water uses and developments

6. Watershed condition

B. Consult FSM 2530 and Aquatic Habitat Management Handbook FSH 2090.21.

1. Determine the level of WRI to meet project planning and implementation needs.

2. Use the TEUI (Aquatic ECOMAP) to inventory and classify watersheds, streams, lakes, 

and groundwater systems.

C. Develop and maintain up-to-date inventories and case folders for all public water systems. 

(Consult FSM 2542.)

D. Accomplish baseline inventory needs commensurate with other Forest inventory efforts.

Watershed Resources Planning: SW3

I. Land Use Activities

A. Plan and conduct land use activities to avoid irreversible or serious and adverse effects on soil 

and water resources.

1. Include soil and water resource data and interpretations in project analyses. (Consult 

FSM 2530 and 2550.)

2. Maintain water quality and quantity to protect the state-designated beneficial uses. Consult 

the Alaska Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Strategy, the Soil and Water Conservation 

Handbook (Alaska Region Soil and Water Conservation Handbook FSH 2509.22, Chapter 

10), the Soil Management Handbook (FSH 2509.18), and the Forest Service Alaska 

Regional Water Quality Management Plan addressed in the Memorandum of Agreement 

dated April 6, 1992 (as amended), with the Alaska Department of Environmental 

Conservation.

3. Apply Best Management Practices (BMPs) to all land-disturbing activities as a process to 

protect the beneficial uses of water from nonpoint sources of pollution (National Core BMP 

Technical Guide FS-990a and FSH 2509.22). Also consult FSM 2530, Facilities, 

Transportation, and Fish Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines, U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineer Regulations (33 CFR 323.4), and the Clean Water Act.

4. Apply soil conservation practices to meet regional Soil Quality Standards (SQS) on all 

land-disturbing activities as a process to prevent detrimental soil disturbance. Detrimental 

soil disturbance is defined as significant changes or impairment in soil properties that are 

expected to result in reduced short- or long-term productivity of the land. (Consult FSM 

2520 and 2550, FSH 2509.18 and R10 Supplement to FSM 2554 #2500-92-1, effective 

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4 Standards and Guidelines

January 15, 1992 [as amended].) BMPs also include some soil conservation practices 

(National Core BMP Technical Guide FS-990a and FSH 2509.22, Chapter 10); develop 

other specific soil conservation practices during project planning, as needed.

5. Evaluate soil stability (BMP 13.5) potential soil mass wasting effects, and stability of Class 

IV channels and minor drainage ways (“nonstreams”). At the Forest Plan level, slope 

gradients of 72 percent or more are removed from the lands suitable for timber production 

due to high risk of soil mass movement and accelerated erosion of Class IV channel 

systems. At the project planning level, the Forest Supervisor or District Ranger may 

approve timber harvest on slopes of 72 percent or more on a case-by-case basis, based 

on the results of an on-site analysis of slope and Class IV channel stability and an 

assessment of potential impacts of accelerated erosion on downslope and downstream 

fish habitat, other beneficial uses of water, and other resources. It is anticipated that 

harvest of these areas will be a small percentage of the total harvest unit. To document 

the analysis for allowing harvest on steep slopes, the following checklist should be used: 

a) Steepness

b) Channel dissection

c) Parent material

d) Soil drainage

e) Precipitation (rain-on-snow zone)

f) Potential impacts on downslope/downstream beneficial uses

If the stability analysis is undertaken prior to the signing of the decision document, the 

approval (if approved) should be documented in the decision document. If the slope 

stability information is not available prior to the signing of the NEPA decision document, it 

should be documented in the Change Analysis. (Also see Fish and Riparian Forest-wide 

Standards and Guidelines for definitions of Class IV streams and BMP 13.16 in the Soil 

and Water Conservation Handbook.) 

6. Avoid locating roads and landings on a slope greater than 67 percent, on an unstable 

slope, or in a slide-prone area, where feasible (BMP 14.7). 

7. Soil Map Units (SMUs) with McGilvery soil require harvest systems capable of at least 

partial suspension over the entire length of the yarding distance. 

B. Seek to avoid adverse impacts to soil and water resources (such as accelerated surface 

erosion or siltation of fish habitat) when conducting land use activities on wetlands, flood plains, 

and riparian areas. (Consult Executive Orders 11988, 11990, and 11514; FSM 2510 and 2520; 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulations [33 CFR 323]; NFMA Planning Regulations [36 CFR 

219.27]; BMPs [National Core BMP Technical Guide FS-990a and FSH 2509.22, Chapter 10]

for wetlands, flood plains, and riparian areas; and Wetlands and Riparian Forest-wide 

Standards and Guidelines.)

C. Under applicable state and federal law, reserve both ground and surface water rights to 

manage National Forest System lands. (Consult FSM 2540.)

1. Review projects and reserve water rights or notify the state of water uses for reservation 

management purposes, when it is determined such uses are necessary for carrying out 

the purposes of the project. Be sure review of uses and needs includes at least the 

following items:

a) In-stream flow needs

b) Adequate flow for fish passes and habitat

c) Forest Service administrative and domestic use

d) Developed special uses and recreation sites

D. Consult with state, federal, and local government agencies and Native American communities 

for the protection, mitigation, and/or improvement of the water and soil resources.

E. Participate actively in planning by other federal, state, and local agencies when these plans 

could affect the water resources on NFS lands.

F. Cooperate with state and federal agencies having overlapping resource management 

responsibilities, including the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska Department of 

Environmental Conservation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency, National Marine Fisheries Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Execute 

plans and decisions in consideration of the statutory responsibilities of these agencies.

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Standards and Guidelines 4

II. Watershed Analysis and Cumulative Watershed Effects

A. Watershed analysis (Appendix C) is required in the following circumstances:

1. Before making site-specific adjustments to Forest-wide Riparian Standards and Guidelines 

(including timber salvage in riparian areas).

2. Before authorizing management activities in public water system source watersheds. A 

watershed analysis must be documented as part of the NEPA decision in these 

circumstances. 

3. Watershed analysis (as described in Appendix C) is otherwise not required, but may be 

conducted at the discretion of the responsible official.

B. Minimize cumulative watershed effects that could adversely affect soil and water resources and 

change stream channel equilibrium, such as 1) changes in sediment transport or stream flow 

leading to stream aggradation, degradation, and/or streambank erosion; 2) silting in of pools; 

and 3) reduction in aquatic habitat capability. Evaluate cumulative effects at the watershed 

scale during project planning and analysis; consider completing a watershed analysis. (Consult 

National Core BMP Technical Guide FS-990a and BMP 12.1 [FSH 2509.22] for cumulative 

watershed effects analysis guidance.)

III. Public Water Systems/Domestic Source Waters

A. Secure "favorable conditions of water flows" (Organic Administration Act of 1897). Maintain 

water quality consistent with Alaska Water Quality Standards (18 AAC 70) and protect source 

watersheds consistent with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and the Alaska Drinking Water 

Regulations (18 AAC 80). Do not authorize activities that create or maintain a condition that 

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

system. Conduct watershed analysis (see Appendix C) and consult with the Alaska 

Department of Environmental Conservation and the water system owner/operator before 

authorizing management activities in source watersheds for public water systems. Develop 

site-specific BMPs for all management activities that may affect public water supplies. Refer to 

FSM 2542 and 36 CFR 251.9 for guidance. Refer to 18 AAC 80.620(c)(3) for systems that 

seek to avoid filtration.

1. In Municipal Watershed LUDs, refer to the Municipal Watershed LUD Management 

Prescriptions.

2. For state classified public water systems (as defined by 18 AAC 80.1190), consult with 

ADEC and owners or operators of public water systems to meet watershed protection 

needs on a case-by-case basis.

3. For other domestic source water systems, apply appropriate BMPs for all management 

activities that may affect the water supply.

Watershed Restoration: SW4

I. Soil and Water Quality Protection and Restoration

A. Protect or restore water quality and sustain soil productivity. 

1. Conduct Watershed Condition Surveys and develop Watershed Restoration Plans to 

determine treatment priorities and needs. Consideration of treatment needs should 

include evaluating changed fish habitat and population levels, riparian vegetation 

community structure and function, and hydrology, as measured against natural conditions 

predicted by baseline objectives (see Fish Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines). 

Identify and prioritize needs in the NRIS Watershed Restoration Tracking database. 

Complete watershed restoration project plans and coordinate with fish habitat restoration 

projects. Include projects in Sale Area Improvement Plans and use K-V funds as 

appropriate. (Consult FSM 2510 and 2520.) 

2. Give priority to cost-effective watershed restoration projects with the most erodible 

conditions directly affecting the beneficial uses of water.

3. For revegetation of disturbed sites, erosion control, fire rehabilitation, riparian restoration, 

forage enhancement, and other revegetation projects, consider natural revegetation as an 

alternative to seeding or planting. Encourage natural revegetation where seed source and 

soil conditions are favorable. Use native species of seeds and plant in revegetation 

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4 Standards and Guidelines

projects where seeding or planting is appropriate. Native plant material sources include

agency native seed programs and local seed collection.

4. Inspect all watershed restoration projects until the final evaluation indicates that 

maintenance is no longer needed.

5. Road decommissioning and storage projects to restore watershed conditions should pay 

special attention to fish passage, channel stability, and water quality issues. (Consult 

Transportation, TRAN 7 , National Core BMP Technical Guide FS-990a and FSH 2509.22.)

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Standards and Guidelines 4

SUBSISTENCE

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

Subsistence: SUB

I. Subsistence

A. In accordance with Title VIII of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980

(ANILCA), it is the policy of the Forest Service that:

1. Consistent with the purposes for which National Forest System (NFS) lands in Alaska 

were established, sound management principles, and the conservation of healthy 

populations of fish and wildlife, the use of NFS lands in Alaska is to cause the least 

adverse impact possible on rural residents who depend upon subsistence.

2. Provide for the continuation of the opportunity for subsistence uses by rural Alaskan

residents, including both Natives and non-Natives.

3. Non-wasteful subsistence uses of fish and wildlife shall be the priority consumptive uses of 

such resources on NFS lands in Alaska when it is necessary to restrict the taking of such 

resources.

4. Cooperate with the State of Alaska, adjacent landowners, and land managers in managing 

subsistence activities and in maintaining the continued sustainability of all wild renewable 

resources on NFS lands.

B. Consult the Southeast Alaska Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council for opinions and 

recommendations on current and proposed management actions, pursuant to ANILCA, Title 

VIII, Section 805.

C. Locate and manage Forest management activities considering impacts upon rural residents 

who depend upon subsistence uses of the resources of NFS lands. (consult ANILCA, Title VIII, 

Sections 810 and 811, and the Region 10 Subsistence Management and Use Handbook FSH 

2090.23), the Forest Service shall:

1. In determining whether to withdraw, reserve, lease, or otherwise permit the use, 

occupancy, or disposition of NFS lands, evaluate the effect of such use, occupancy, or 

disposition on subsistence uses and needs, the availability of other lands, and other 

alternatives that would reduce or eliminate the use, occupancy, or disposition of NFS lands 

needed for subsistence purposes. No such withdrawal, reservation, lease, permit, or other 

use, occupancy, or disposition of such lands that may significantly restrict subsistence 

uses shall be effected until the following actions are accomplished:

a) Notice is given to the appropriate federal and state agencies, local committees, 

recognized tribal governments, Alaska Native Corporations and the Southeast Federal 

Subsistence Regional Advisory Council established pursuant to Section 805 of 

ANILCA;

b) Notice of a hearing is given and a hearing is held in the vicinity of the area involved;

c) A determination is made that: 1) such a significant possibility of a significant restriction 

of subsistence uses is necessary, consistent with sound management principles for 

the utilization of the public lands; 2) the proposed activity will involve the minimal 

amount of public lands necessary to accomplish the purposes of such use, 

occupancy, or other disposition, and 3) reasonable steps will be taken to minimize 

adverse impacts upon subsistence uses and resources resulting from such actions.

2. The environmental analysis will include the notice, hearing, and findings required in 1 

above.

3. Regardless of whether or not an EIS is required, in all project scoping, include initial and 

ongoing contact with the appropriate federal and state agencies, local committees, 

recognized tribal governments, and the Southeast Alaska Federal Subsistence Regional 

Advisory Council.

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Subsistence 4-66 Forest Plan 

 December 2016 

4. After compliance with the procedural requirements of Section 810 of ANILCA and other 

applicable law, the responsible Forest Service official may manage or dispose of public 

lands under their primary jurisdiction for any of those uses or purposes authorized by 

ANILCA or other laws. Management to accommodate identified subsistence uses could 

include: 

a) Implementing planned project; 

b) Canceling all or part of the planned project; 

c) Substituting another site for the project and prepare another environmental analysis if 

the change is significant; and/or 

d) Implementing appropriate mitigation measures. 

D. Evaluate changes in subsistence use patterns and activities in cooperation with appropriate 

state and federal agencies by conducting periodic surveys of fish and wildlife populations and 

subsistence harvest, and consulting with subsistent user groups. 

E. Make recommendations for subsistence regulations to the Southeast Alaska Federal 

Subsistence Regional Advisory Council and the Federal Subsistence Board, and provide 

technical support to these two bodies for analyzing the effects of proposed regulations on NFS 

lands. 

F. Provide for enforcement of subsistence use regulations promulgated by the Southeast Alaska 

Federal Subsistence Board. 

G. Provide public information concerning subsistence management on NFS lands. 

H. In cooperation with state and federal agencies, and recognized tribal governments, maintain a 

subsistence monitoring program and database. 

I. Maintain reasonable access to subsistence resources as required by ANILCA, Section 811. 

Address subsistence concerns when developing road management objectives (RMOs) for 

forest roads. (See Transportation Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.) 

J. Seek to maintain abundance and distribution of subsistence resources necessary to meet 

subsistence user needs. 

K. Consider subsistence users' needs in the scheduling, locating, and designing of fish and wildlife 

habitat improvement projects. 

L. In the development of access and facilities, seek opportunities to provide for subsistence users 

(e.g., anchorages and shelters). Such access and facility opportunities should be identified and 

planned with local subsistence users. 
Standards and Guidelines 4

TIMBER

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

Integrated Resource Inventory - Existing Vegetation: TIM1

I. Inventory

A. Coordinate vegetative inventories with other data collection efforts to minimize duplication and 

to maximize the use of the resulting information. Emphasize multiple resource or integrated 

resource inventories.

B. Reinventory forest vegetation on a 10- to 15-year cycle.

Silvicultural Examination and Prescription: TIM2

I. Stage II Intensive Inventory

A. Manage vegetation according to a silvicultural prescription certified by a Region 10 certified 

silviculturist; this applies to any vegetative manipulation activity. 

B. Conduct silvicultural examinations and develop silvicultural prescriptions for proposed resource 

management activities where vegetative manipulation of the Forest is involved. (Consult 

Region 10 Silvicultural Examination and Prescription Handbook - 2409.26d).

C. Conduct silvicultural examinations as part of timber sale analysis. Silvicultural examination is 

the process of gathering vegetative data to provide a basis for silvicultural and other 

management decisions.

D. Develop silvicultural prescriptions to be approved by a R10 certified silviculturist as part of 

project planning. Complete all prescriptions before project implementation where 

implementation is defined as either the Final Record of Decision, Environmental Assessment 

Decision Notice, or Decision Memo. Base silvicultural prescriptions on silvicultural 

examinations; include a written description of the current stand conditions, the anticipated 

future condition based on management activities, and a statement on land management and 

resource objectives. The prescription should also include silvicultural practices, cutting 

methods, or other management actions that will be applied sequentially to achieve the desired 

stand condition and structural attributes. A silvicultural analysis for project planning should 

address both stand and landscape conditions.

E. Facilitate development of appropriate silvicultural system prescriptions by describing desired 

conditions in terms of structural attributes.

F. Include an appropriate species mix for regeneration in the silvicultural prescription prepared 

during the environmental analysis. The "appropriate species" is based on the potential of the 

site as indicated by plant associations and adjacent stand conditions.

G. Evaluate the natural reproduction potential and existing reproduction as part of the silvicultural 

analysis and prescription. Where possible, harvest prescriptions should consider leaving 

advance regeneration to meet reforestation needs and stand objectives.

H. Consider regenerating and maintaining a mix of dominant overstory tree species, where 

appropriate, for the site, to provide for the diversity of future stands and to augment the future 

availability of forested habitats used by other species (wildlife and plants). Common, but less 

represented Forest-wide overstory species include yellow-cedar and western redcedar. Pacific

yew, Pacific silver fir, and subalpine fir are considered rare tree species (see Plants Standards 

and Guidelines for rare plants).

I. Select a silvicultural system that meets the resource and vegetation management objectives of 

the area, including objectives for biological diversity, long-term site productivity, scenic integrity, 

and forest health.

J. Even-aged, two-aged, and uneven-aged systems shall be available for use.

K. Select rotations that produce sawtimber products, unless otherwise provided for in the LUD.

L. Even-aged timber stands shall not be scheduled for final harvest before stand growth has 

reached or surpassed 95 percent of the Culmination of Mean Annual Increment in cubic feet. 

Exceptions may be made where special resource considerations require earlier harvest. 

Exceptions also may be made where small inclusions of young stands in harvest units that 

otherwise meet this requirement will result in more logical management units allowing greater 

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4 Standards and Guidelines

efficiency or less resource impacts. Additional exceptions are provided by Public Law 113-291 

(See Chapter 5, S-YG-01).

M. Even-aged stands may be regenerated without having reached Culmination of Mean Annual 

Increment where salvage is prescribed after windthrow, where stands are in imminent danger 

from insect or disease attack or cutting for experimental and research purposes.

Timber: TIM3

I. Information Gathering and Maintenance

A. Provide timber resource information necessary to prepare timber harvest projects. This 

includes maintenance of inventories, analysis of data, and input for environmental analysis.

B. Determine operability based on site-specific project conditions; classify the suitable lands 

according to the NIC definitions.

C. Consider the management prescription of the LUDs within the project area in project design and 

environmental analysis for timber activities. Timber harvest unit cards will document resource 

concerns and protection measures. The unit cards, including a map with relevant resource 

features, will be provided electronically when Draft or Final NEPA documents and decisions are 

published. (Consult Tongass National Forest Supplement 1909.15-2015-1.) 

D. Develop the Sale Area Improvement Plan, including any projects that could be funded by 

Knutson-Vandenburg funds during the interdisciplinary NEPA process to identify resource 

improvement opportunities consistent with the Forest Service Renewable Resources 

Handbook. Schedule essential reforestation prioritized by mitigation or enhancement.

Timber Sale Preparation: TIM4

I. Regeneration Methods

A. Regeneration methods refer to the manner in which a new stand is created. There are three 

categories of regeneration systems: even-aged, two-aged, and uneven-aged silvicultural 

systems. Even-aged systems include clearcutting, seed tree, and shelterwood. Two-aged

systems include clearcutting with reserves, seed tree with reserves, and shelterwood with 

reserves. Uneven-aged systems include single-tree selection, group selection, and group 

selection with reserves.

1. Consider silvicultural systems other than clearcutting to meet other resource objectives at 

the project level. As part of the project NEPA process, analyze current scientific 

information related to the applicability of alternative timber harvest methods.

II. Even-Aged Systems

A. Apply even-aged silvicultural methods in such a way that isolated stands of timber will not be 

created. Avoid locating harvest units where future harvest activities will destroy regeneration 

under earlier regeneration harvest activities.

B. Clearcutting is an even-aged regeneration method. There are a number of supportive reasons 

for the use of this method in Alaska's western hemlock-Sitka spruce forests. These include 

excellent regeneration of desired species, effective dwarf mistletoe control, viable harvest 

economics, and compatibility with the use of standard logging systems. 

1. Use clearcutting only where it is determined to be the best system to meet the objectives 

and requirements of LUDs.

2. Apply clearcutting where trees are cut to achieve timber production objectives, where

there is risk of dwarf-mistletoe infection and disease control is desired, or where there is a 

high risk of windthrow.

3. Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2470 Supplement No.: R-10 2400-2005-1 clarifies 

limitations on "clearcutting." It is limited to areas where it is essential to meet Forest Plan 

objectives and may involve one or more of the following circumstances:

a) To establish, enhance, or maintain habitat for Endangered, Threatened and Sensitive 

species.

b) To enhance wildlife habitat or water yields, or to provide for recreation, scenic vistas, 

utility lines, road corridors, facility sites, reservoirs or similar development.

c) To rehabilitate lands adversely impacted by events, such as fires, windstorms, or 

insect or disease infestations.

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Standards and Guidelines 4

d) To preclude or minimize the occurrence of potentially adverse impacts from insect or 

disease infestations, windthrow, logging damage, or other factors affecting forest 

health.

e) To provide for the establishment and growth of desired trees or other vegetative 

species that are shade intolerant.

f) To rehabilitate poorly stocked stands due to past management practices or natural 

events.

g) To meet research needs.

III. Size of Clearcuts/Even-Aged Openings

A. National Forest Management Act regulations provide that 100 acres is the maximum size of 

created openings allowed for the western hemlock-Sitka spruce forest type of coastal Alaska, 

unless standards for exceptions exist under specific conditions. Cedar and hardwoods are 

usually considered to be a component of the western hemlock-Sitka spruce ecotype in 

Southeast Alaska and, therefore, the 100-acre limit will also apply to these types of stands.

B. Recognizing that harvest units must be designed to accomplish management goals, created 

openings may be increased in size where larger units will produce a more desirable 

contribution of benefits.

1. Use the following factors when proposing units that would exceed 100 acres:

a) Natural and biological hazards to the survival of residual trees and surrounding 

stands

b) Topography

c) Relationship of units to other natural or artificial openings and the proximity of units

d) Coordination and consistency with adjacent LUDs

e) Effects on water quality and quantity

f) Visual Absorption Capability

g) Effect on wildlife and fish habitat, based on the best available science 

h) Regeneration requirements for desirable tree species

i) Transportation and regeneration method requirements

j) Relative total costs of preparation, logging, and administration of harvest

C. Where it is determined by an environmental analysis that exceptions to the size limit are 

warranted, the actual size of openings may be up to 200 acres, if required due to natural 

biological hazards to the survival of residual trees and surrounding stands, and up to 150 acres 

for the remaining factors, with the approval of the Forest Supervisor. (Consult R10 supplement 

FSM 2400-2002-1.)

D. The established limits and exceptions do not apply to the size of areas harvested as a result of 

natural catastrophic conditions, such as insect and disease infestation or windthrow.

E. Created openings will be adequately stocked with desirable tree species, which are 

approximately 5 feet in height, before the area will no longer be considered an opening for the 

purposes of determining limitations on the scheduling, locating, and calculating the size of 

additional created openings. Small inclusions within openings do not constitute division to the 

openings for purposes of reducing size.

F. Leave strips between openings must be of sufficient size and composition to be managed as a 

separate stand (minimum stand mapping size is 10 acres).

IV. Two-Aged System

A. Two-aged silvicultural systems are designed to maintain and regenerate a stand with two-age 

classes. The resulting stand may be two-aged or trend towards the uneven-aged condition as a 

consequence of both an extended period of regeneration establishment and the retention of 

reserve trees that may represent one or more age classes. The reserve trees provide structural 

diversity and a biological legacy. Two-aged management regimes can produce stands of 

greater structural diversity than even-aged management. This method may be used where 

windthrow or dwarf mistletoe are not major threats or can be tolerated. 

1. Emphasize green-tree and snag retention in landscape management. The actual number 

and attributes of the trees retained is dependent on Forest Plan and site-specific 

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4 Standards and Guidelines

silvicultural objectives. To the extent feasible, residual patches and single trees should 

include large, old trees and snags.

2. Retained patches or residual trees should not be scheduled for removal. The retained 

patches and residual trees will provide support for those organisms that require old 

forests.

3. Address safety issues by using the guidelines in Reserve Tree Selection Guidelines, R10-

MB-215, March 1993.

V. Uneven-Aged Systems

A. Uneven-aged silvicultural systems are methods of regenerating a forest stand, and maintaining 

an multi-aged/multi-layered structure, by removing some trees in all age groups and stratum 

either individually, in small groups, or in strips. Overstory density is regulated to avoid the 

suppression of understory trees and to maintain understory vigor. 

B. All timber types on the Tongass National Forest may be harvested using uneven-aged 

silvicultural methods.

1. Use uneven-aged management where the interdisciplinary process determines the system 

is appropriate to meet the goals, objectives, and requirements of the LUD, including the 

protection of excessively steep or unstable soils, scenery, wildlife and fish habitat, 

recreation, timber supply, economics, and to supply commercial and noncommercial wood 

products (fuelwood). 

2. Limit uneven-aged management systems to areas where yarding equipment suited to 

selective logging can be used.

VI. Intermediate Treatment Methods

A. These activities include those treatments that improve the composition, health, value, and 

growth of a timber stand. 

B. Implement thinning treatments in young conifer stands to increase timber volume or value of 

remaining trees, improve wildlife habitat, improve scenic quality, and improve future growth.

Promote and emphasize commercial treatments. Promote stewardship treatments as funding 

permits.

C. Assess areas that have received precommercial thinning, release and weeding, pruning, or 

commercial thinning treatments to ensure management objectives have been met. Certify that 

the treatment met the prescription objectives.

VII. Salvage Harvest

A. Salvage cutting is the removal of dead trees or trees being damaged or dying due to injurious 

agents other than competition. It is also used to recover value that would otherwise be lost. 

B. Sale and utilization of dead, blown-down, and other deteriorating timber will receive high priority 

in LUDs where the harvest of timber is compatible with the LUD’s management objectives. 

Salvage may include trees damaged by road construction or rock pit development.

C. For catastrophic events that occur on Forest lands within Non-development LUDs not 

withdrawn from harvest, consider an appropriate range of management alternatives to meet 

varying levels of resource protection and commodity outputs. These lands will not be 

substituted for lands suitable for timber production.

1. LUD objectives need to be met before approving salvage harvest on these lands. 

D. If beach log salvage involves both State and National Forest System lands, coordinate with the 

appropriate state agency. 

1. Beach log salvage of old-growth material does not count toward the annual PTSQ. 

E. Where catastrophic events cause heavy tree losses on lands suitable for timber production, 

commercial timber harvest will be given high priority to maximize utilization.

F. Refer to the Riparian Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines for salvage in riparian areas.

VIII. Utilization Standards

A. Industrial wood products on the Tongass National Forest will be managed for quality sawtimber 

material and other merchantable wood products.

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Standards and Guidelines 4

1. Require utilization and optimum feasible use of wood material. Promote the use of wood 

for its highest value product commensurate with present and anticipated supply and 

demand.

2. Improvements in utilization will be made through sale preparation, appraisals, contract 

administration, and dissemination of research information.

3. Consult current regional direction for precise standards.

IX. Competitive Bidding and Small Business

A. Private enterprise shall be encouraged to use National Forest timber resources.

1. The Forest Service will plan sale offerings to encourage competitive bidding in a range of 

total sale volume and species that provides opportunities for purchasers.

X. Windthrow

A. Special consideration will be required in the design of harvest units adjacent to LUDs or other 

areas that limit or prohibit timber harvest activities. Where the chance of windthrow in adjacent 

stands is increased by timber harvest, measures will be taken to contain the windthrow within 

the LUD where timber harvest is allowed. (Also see the Riparian Standards and Guidelines.)

Commercial Sale Administration: TIM5

I. Contract Administration

A. Administer timber sale contract provisions, post-sale measurement, and financial oversight of 

all sales.

1. Frequency of timber sale inspection will be determined by the complexity of the timber 

sale and operator performance, with the objective being to ensure full contract 

compliance.

2. Sale administrators will work with the other specialist(s) to ensure that the project goals 

are obtained.

3. Consult with the designated Forest Monitoring Coordinator to determine BMP 

measurement and reporting requirements.

Other Forest Products: TIM6

I. Personal Use Program

A. Make fuelwood available in areas accessible to the public, consistent with NEPA requirements 

and LUD management objectives.

B. Address requests for green personal use wood as soon as feasible.

C. Designate green personal use timber planned for harvest.

D. Any area that is off-limits for personal use timber harvest within Development LUDs should be 

identified by the District Ranger.

E. Areas within Non-development LUDs can be considered for personal use if compatible with the 

LUD objectives (see Chapter 3) and other resource standards and guidelines, and should 

consider accessibility and other needs of the permitee. The District Ranger will determine if 

LUD objectives will be met before approving personal use on these lands.

II. Commercial Non-Timber Forest Products

A. Allow harvest of non-timber forest products in ways that ensure the continued integrity of the 

forest stand and ecological values.

III. Administrative Use of Timber

A. Administrative use on the Tongass National Forest consists mainly of trees used for 

improvements of value to the National Forest or other federal land. (Consult FSM 2463.)

B. Administrative use includes, but is not limited to, those trees used in construction activities for 

roads, trails, and facilities, as well as wood used in restoration and enhancement projects.

C. Administrative use of timber is allowed on lands suitable for timber production, but does not 

count towards the Projected Timber Sale Quantity (PTSQ). 

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4 Standards and Guidelines

D. Administrative use is also allowed on areas within Non-development LUDs if compatible with 

the LUD objectives (see Chapter 3) and other resource standards and guidelines. The District 

Ranger will determine if LUD objectives will be met before approving administrative use on 

these lands.

See the Plant section (Non-Timber Forest Products PLA4) for other products.

Pesticide Use and Vegetation Management: TIM7

I. Pesticide Use

A. Pesticide use is not prescribed in the Forest Plan, but may be considered on a case-by-case 

basis. Biological, environmental, and economic costs and benefits of pesticide use are to be 

identified and weighed prior to Forest Service use of pesticides on the Forest.

B. Pesticides will be employed only after such use has been evaluated in an environmental 

analysis and approved by the Forest Service officer with delegated authority.

C. When pesticide use is judged necessary, selection and application will be based on the 

following guidelines:

1. Those application methods and formulations will be used that are most effective in 

suppressing the pest, most specific to the target organisms, and least harmful to nontarget components of the environment.

2. In operational pest management programs, only those pesticides that are registered in 

accordance with the federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, as amended, will 

be used, except as otherwise provided in regulations issued by the Environmental 

Protection Agency or the Department of Agriculture.

3. Application will be restricted to the minimal effective dosage that, when precisely applied 

to the target area at optimum times, will accomplish the resource management objectives. 

Reforestation: TIM8

I. Site Preparation, Planting, Stocking

A. This activity comprises all treatments and activities aiding the re-establishment of desirable tree 

cover following timber harvest.

1. Examine all Forest lands treated.

a) No first-year surveys are required if the silvicultural prescription anticipates natural 

regeneration.

b) Examine artificial seeding or planting treatments 1 and 3 years after treatment.

c) Stands will be certified as stocked, if the third-year survey indicates that the area 

meets stocking standards. Permanent openings are allowed, and do not need 

certification, where created for wildlife habitat improvement, vistas, recreation uses,

and similar practices.

d) Prescribe artificial regeneration if the third-year survey indicates that natural 

regeneration is highly unlikely.

e) Schedule another survey no later than five growing seasons after harvest if the 

third-year survey indicates the area is very likely to be stocked, but more time is 

required to make this determination.

f) Certify that every unit that receives a final harvest meets or surpasses the stocking 

guidelines and certification standards (consult Silvicultural Practices Handbook - FSH 

2409.17) within the 5-year regeneration period established by law. A unit may be 

certified as adequately stocked at any time during this 5-year period. (Also see the 

Forest Plan Monitoring Program.)

g) Certify that a planted or seeded area has attained a stocking level above a defined 

minimum in terms of number and distribution of acceptable species, whether planted, 

seeded, or natural.

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Standards and Guidelines 4

TRAILS

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

Trail Activities: TRAI1

I. Opportunities

A. Provide for a diversity of outdoor recreation trail and waterway opportunities that are 

appropriate for the Land Use Designation (LUD). Include such activities as hiking, 

mountaineering, spelunking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-highway vehicle (OHV)

use, motorized trail bike riding, mountain bike riding, motorboating, canoeing, and kayaking. 

B. Emphasize opportunities in all Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) classes, as applicable, 

for activities that are in harmony with the natural environment and consistent with the recreation 

role of the National Forest System lands in a given area. Wilderness and Wilderness 

Monument LUDs should accommodate trail features in the Primitive ROS class unless the 

design accommodates a mitigation of impacts to other resources such as soils, water quality, 

fisheries, etc.

C. Locate and operate trails to make the best use of available recreation opportunities. Establish 

trail management objectives (TMOs) and associated management actions by examination of 

the interaction of all resource activities, opportunities inherently present, and the objectives of 

the LUD.

D. Coordinate trail planning, location, design, and operation with the recreation management goals 

and objectives of other national, state, local agencies, and private operations. Make an effort to 

provide loop trail opportunities through the integration of systems regardless of jurisdiction. 

Design trails to be consistent with the ROS class approved by the deciding officer for the 

TMOs. A signed TMO is required to approve any additions or deletions to the Forest trails 

inventory managed for public use.

E. Provide access to high quality recreation places with trail systems that will enhance the total 

experience of the user.

F. Emphasize trail systems that offer the following opportunities as may be appropriate and 

feasible in a given area:

1. Connected, multi-day trip opportunities for both land trails and water trails.

2. Trails linked with existing (or emerging) road systems.

3. Alpine trail systems with quick access from saltwater anchorages, cabins, local 

communities, and resorts.

4. OHV trail systems using connections with existing road systems to form loop trips and 

access to recreation attractions.

5. Loop trail systems in connection with recreation cabins.

6. Access from local communities to snowline where snow trails are feasible.

7. Heli-hiking trails within a reasonable distance (based on cost) from local communities and 

service centers.

8. Trail use for health benefit opportunities to members of local communities.

Trail Administration: TRAI2

I. Inventory, Construction, and Maintenance

A. Maintain an inventory of existing National Forest System trails that will assist in determining the 

desirability of retaining trails in their current locations, their contribution in meeting overall 

recreation objectives, their affordability, and actions needed to bring the system up to desired 

standards and to maintain those standards. (Consult FSH 2309.18 and Alaska Region Trail 

Construction and Maintenance Guide.)

B. Construct, reconstruct, and maintain trails and waterway facilities as part of the Forest 

transportation system. 

1. Prioritize and schedule trail construction and maintenance to meet public needs as 

follows:

a) Existing trails that are causing resource damage or to protect investments.

b) Existing trails and waterways serving local community needs and tourist centers.

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4 Standards and Guidelines

c) Existing trails and waterways providing access to recreation cabins.

d) Existing trails and waterways in Wildernesses.

e) New trails and waterways that will serve local communities, tourist centers, and 

resorts.

f) New trails in Wilderness that will disperse use and are needed to help protect 

Wilderness resources from degradation.

2. Provide trailheads in locations to allow access to the greatest number and types of trails 

practicable within an area. Consider use for both snow and snow-free trail access (during 

different seasons) from the same trailhead when practicable. Match the capacity of the 

trailhead with the desired capacity of the area being served.

3. Construct and maintain trails to the standard appropriate for the type and amount of use 

desired in a given area. If the trail is to be used by multiple types of users, design and 

construct it to adequately and safely accommodate the most demanding or impacting type 

of use. (Consult FSH 2309.18.)

4. Design and construct bridges to support the maximum expected snow and ice load, 

construction or maintenance equipment, and anticipated user equipment. Bridges must 

be appropriate for the prescribed ROS class and meet the adopted Scenic Integrity 

Objective for the area. 

5. Plan and provide trails for a variety of accessibility challenge levels, appropriate to the 

ROS setting.

6. Use volunteer, human resource, and cooperative programs and partners to augment trail 

construction and maintenance budgets, as well as provide land use education 

opportunities for the public. Integrate these resources into the total trail management 

system. Encourage local organizations to "adopt a trail" to provide needed maintenance 

on a continuing basis. Crews must be under the supervision of a qualified trail supervisor. 

Help develop qualified supervisors in volunteer organizations and other cooperative 

programs. (Consult Alaska Region Trail Construction and Maintenance Guide.)

C. Trails and associated waterways within LUDs and recreation places often become the principal 

tools for achieving management objectives. Construct and maintain trails and related facilities 

so that they contribute to desired conditions and appear to be an appropriate part of the Forest 

setting and not an intrusion upon it. (Consult FSH 2309.18.) Use Best Management Practices 

to reduce the effects of trail activities on the beneficial uses of water (Consult National Core 

BMP Technical Guide FS-990a, and FSH 2509.22).

1. Develop and incorporate in project plans an erosion control and stabilization plan for 

stabilizing all human-caused soil disturbances. Develop and incorporate into project an 

erosion control and stabilization plan for stabilizing all human-caused soil disturbances. 

Use approved seed mixtures for revegetation of disturbed sites. 

2. Locate trail crossings at right angles to streams and at suitable bridge locations. Design 

and maintain trail treads to protect riparian values and minimize soil erosion.

3. Locate stream crossings only in stable reaches. Design crossings of V-notched drainages 

to prevent debris jamming. Drainage structure gradients should follow natural gradient for 

non-fish streams, where needed, to prevent downstream erosion. Require brow logs for 

dirt and rock-surfaced log stringer bridges and turnpike sections to contain materials and 

prevent entry of sediment into the stream. For further location and design guidance,

consult the Trails Handbook and Drainage Structures Handbook.

4. Allow construction of trails parallel to and crossing fish streams only where objectives for 

the management of fish habitat can be met. Where trails are located near fish streams, 

minimize the introduction of sediment during clearing, construction, and operation 

activities. Sidecasting and waste materials must not encroach upon the stream course,

and as much undisturbed groundcover as practicable shall be left between the trail and 

the stream. Complete endhaul of waste material will be required where trails are located 

near fish streams when there is the probability of downhill movement of the material into 

the stream. Fill will be allowed in fish streams only when considered through the 

interdisciplinary team process to be the best alternative.

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5. Meet fish passage direction at all locations where trails cross fish streams. Refer to Fish 

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines. Contracts will specify permissible uses of 

motorized equipment and the timing of trail construction activities based on agreement 

with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and as determined by environmental 

analysis and line officer approval.

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4 Standards and Guidelines

TRANSPORTATION

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

Transportation System Inventory: TRAN1

I. Inventory Updating and Maintenance

A. Maintain an inventory of all Forest transportation facilities, including National Forest System 

roads, bridges, and major culverts (including those which require fish passage); log transfer 

facilities (LTFs), and airfields. (Consult Forest Service Manual [FSM] 7710.)

1. Use the Infrastructure (INFRA) system, or subsequently developed and approved system,

as the data management system for the Forest road, bridge, and major culvert inventory. 

2. Update changes on transportation maps annually. Map all roads, as an historical record, 

regardless of administrative classification.

Road and Bridge Administration: TRAN2

I. Road Management

A. Manage the National Forest System roads and bridges based on road management objectives 

using the criteria listed below:

1. Keep the designated National Forest System roads open to public motorized use unless:

a) Use conflicts with Land Use Designation (LUD) objectives, such as the need to 

protect fish or wildlife habitat, or to retain a non-motorized recreation experience.

b) Financing is not available to maintain the road or manage the associated use of 

adjacent lands.

c) Use causes unacceptable damage to roadway or adjacent soil and water resources.

d) Use results in unsafe conditions.

e) There is little or no public need.

2. Manage road use by seasonal closure if any of the following conditions are anticipated:

a) Seasonal conflicts with LUD objectives, such as the need to provide security for 

wildlife during critical times of the year.

b) Traffic hazards or unacceptable damage to roadway or adjacent soil and water 

resources due to weather or seasonal conditions.

3. Restrict public use by temporary closure if:

a) Concurrent use between commercial and other traffic is unsafe.

b) The potential for damage to equipment from vandalism is high.

4. Allow administrative use of closed or restricted roads where exempted by 36 CFR 261.13 

and deemed appropriate by the Forest Service officer with delegated authority.

B. Consider the opportunities to manage road use cooperatively with applicable state, tribal, and 

other federal agencies to meet resource management objectives.

C. Consider future needs for transportation using the travel analysis process (Forest Service 

Handbook [FSH] 7709.55).

D. Avoid the introduction or spread of invasive species during road construction, reconstruction, 

and maintenance. (Refer to FSM 2900, for specific guidance.) 

II. Permitting

A. Authorize, by issuing a road use permit, commercial use of the National Forest road system not 

otherwise authorized by a Forest Service contract, or special use authorization, operating plan, 

or other similar agreement. Include investment sharing and maintenance requirements and 

rules of use as terms of the road use permit. (Consult FSM 7730 R-10 supplement).

B. Obtain needed permits for the construction of bridges across navigable waters, and for log 

transfer facilties.

III. Cost Share Management

A. Administer cost-shared roads in accordance with the terms of the agreement between the 

Forest Service and the cooperators.

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1. Collect data about traffic volume and types of users on the National Forest road system,

as needed, to determine investment sharing and commensurate maintenance 

responsibilities.

Transportation Improvement Planning: TRAN3

I. Planning

A. Plan transportation facilities that will efficiently integrate and achieve Forest Plan direction, 

including consideration of landscape-scale ecological objectives. Take advantage of resource 

opportunities recognized during project scoping, such as providing access to a recreation 

attractor or mineral deposit.

B. Direct the orderly development and management of the transportation system, and ensure the 

documentation of decisions affecting the system.

C. Coordinate transportation corridor development with the applicable Canadian, federal, state, 

and local government agencies and private landowners. Consider opportunities to enhance the 

overall transportation system by locating roads coincident with the existing and proposed 

transportation systems corridors. Make no road connections between communities or emerging 

communities without the participation and collaboration of state and local governments, 

communities, and affected individuals.

D. During project planning, identify resource concerns and site-specific mitigation measures. 

Clearly document these mitigation measures to facilitate project implementation and monitoring.

II. Access and Travel Management Planning and Road Management Objectives

A. Undertake access and travel management planning based on Forest Plan goals, objectives, 

and desired conditions. As part of the planning process, update road management objectives 

for all National Forest System roads. Road management objectives include access objectives, 

design criteria, environmental and resource considerations, operation and maintenance criteria, 

and other road attributes.

Road and Bridge Preconstruction: TRAN4

I. Road Standards

A. Perform route or site selection, location, geotechnical investigations, survey, and design to a 

technical level sufficient to meet the intended use and commensurate with both ecological 

objectives and the investment to be incurred. Ensure consistency with Forest-wide Standards 

and Guidelines and Best Management Practices. (Consult National Core BMP Technical Guide 

FS-990a and Alaska Region Soil and Water Conservation Handbook FSH 2509.22.)

1. Consider each of the following factors when determining standards for the intended uses:

a) Cost of transportation (including operation and maintenance),

b) Safety,

c) Intended purpose and ecological objectives, and

d) Impacts on land and resources on both local and landscape points of view.

B. Construct roads in the most cost-effective manner consistent with LUDs and intended 

purposes. Use joint financing with other state and federal agencies to construct roads to a 

higher standard, when determined appropriate to meet road management objectives.

C. Evaluate each proposed road construction or reconstruction project to determine the least cost 

road (considering cost of construction, maintenance, and hauling) that meets the intended 

purpose. Compare the road construction standard required for the immediate harvest and 

removal of timber with that needed to meet long-term road management objectives. When a 

higher standard facility is required to meet multiple-use objectives or for future management, 

include supplemental funding (Forest Service funds) to construct the higher standard. The 

purchaser of National Forest timber shall not bear that part of the cost necessary to meet the 

higher standard. (Consult FSM 2430.)

D. Cooperate with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities and the Federal 

Highway Administration in the administration of the Federal Highway Programs. Provide 

nominations of routes to be upgraded and encourage their transfer to state jurisdiction, in order 

to provide safe facilities and adequate maintenance between communities linked by the Forest 

Transportation System. (Consult FSM 7700.)

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4 Standards and Guidelines

E. Build and manage roads primarily to meet public needs. Include considerations for a full range 

of access forms such as cars, trucks, bicycles, off-highway vehicles (OHVs), and foot travel. 

Where roads will provide potential access to private or State of Alaska lands, recognition of the 

route as a potential state route should influence location and alignment standards to avoid 

future duplication of construction. Such consideration must not, however, be considered 

justification for a higher cost road than is necessary for Forest Service resource management.

F. Consider conservation of petroleum energy supplies in the location, design, and operation of 

the transportation system.

II. Location and Design

A. Locate and design National Forest System roads in a manner that will use both local and 

landscape scale ecological objectives, as well as Best Management Practices. Seek to 

minimize effects on wildlife and fish habitat, riparian habitat, and wetlands. (Consult the Forest 

Service Road Preconstruction and Drainage Structures Handbooks, FSH 7709 section 56.44, 

and the Alaska Region Soil and Water Conservation Handbook, FSH 2509.22).

1. Incorporate erosion control and stabilization measures in project plans for stabilizing all 

human-caused soil disturbances. Ensure Best Management Practices can be 

implemented in construction, operation, and maintenance of the road.

2. Avoid construction on highly unstable uplifted marine sediment as identified in the Soil 

Resource Inventory (SRI), or use geotechnical engineering designs to maintain stability. 

Obtain line officer approval after on-site consideration and stability analysis.

3. Roading on slopes in excess of the soil's internal angle of friction, as identified in SRIs, 

requires geotechnical investigation and appropriate designs. Obtain line officer approval 

after site-specific investigation has been conducted to determine degree of risk and the 

potential effects from mass wasting. Conduct stability analysis to determine the most 

effective and lowest cost method of reducing the risk of roadway failure. Consider 

constructing full bench roads and end-hauling excess excavation. End-hauled excess 

excavation shall be deposited at appropriate locations that prevent the excess material 

from entering streams. Stabilize and revegetate end-hauled materials in accordance with 

prescribed erosion control measures specified in the project plan.

4. Locate stream crossings in stable reaches, unless mitigation measures are taken. Design 

crossings of V-notched drainages to prevent debris jamming. Design and install culverts 

to prevent downstream erosion. When embankment material is used for surfacing native 

log bridges, install side logs, wood chinking, and a geotextile fabric blanket prior to 

embankment placement to contain surfacing materials and prevent entry of sediment into 

the stream.

5. Avoid locations of roads near fish-bearing streams. Seek locations that avoid fish 

streams, crossing streams when other locations are not feasible and fish habitat can be 

protected. Where roads are located near fish streams, avoid the introduction of sediment 

during clearing, construction, and operation activities. Excess excavation material must 

not encroach upon the stream course. Leave as much undisturbed ground cover between 

the road and the stream as feasible. Require complete endhaul of excess excavation 

where there is the probability of downhill movement of that material into the stream. Place 

fill into fish streams only when it is considered by the environmental analysis process to be 

the best alternative, and following consultation with the Alaska Department of Fish and 

Game (ADF&G).

6. Meet fish passage direction at locations where roads cross fish streams. (Consult Forestwide Standards and Guidelines for Fish Habitat Planning, FISH2.) Specify permissible 

uses of heavy machinery and the timing of road construction activities in contracts based 

on consultation with ADF&G and as determined by interdisciplinary analysis and on 

approval by the appropriate line officer.

7. In areas where erosion due to heavy rains on disturbed soil is a resource protection 

concern, provide special project specifications that prescribe the maximum distance 

beyond the end of embankment placement that pioneering operations (preliminary 

clearing of the road right-of-way) may occur.

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8. Slope drainage ditches along the roadbed to the nearest relief culvert. Discharge from 

road ditches should be cross drained to filter on natural forest floor, rather than flowing

directly into streams.

9. Design bridge abutments to minimize disturbances to streambanks.

10. Promptly rehabilitate temporary roads in accordance with erosion control and stabilization 

measures prescribed in the project plan. Establish vegetation on roadbeds of temporary 

roads within 10 years following termination of use. Design roads to conform to the 

Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on eagles, or 

obtain variances.

11. Avoid ditching across wetlands if surface water control is not required for safety or 

protection of the running surface.

B. Design and construct roads to conform to the Adopted Scenic Integrity Objectives.

1. For guidance, consult National Forest Landscape Management Handbook, Volume 2, 

Chapter 4: Roads.

2. Consider the following practices during road design on, or seen from, Visual Priority Travel 

Routes and Use Areas (see Appendix F):

a) Vegetating slopes seen from the road,

b) Providing "planting pockets" or terraces on slopes, where needed,

c) Minimizing landform modifications through road location and design, and

d) Considering vegetative treatment of clearing edges such as feathering or 

free-flowing, undulating edge to break up the straight line.

C. Plan, design, and construct roads to minimize conflicts or mitigate conflicts with existing 

facilities such as trails, pipelines, utilities, and cabins.

III. Wetlands, Flood Plains, Estuaries, and Tidal Meadows

A. Locate and design National Forest System roads to minimize impact to soils, water, and 

associated resources in accordance with BMPs. Avoid development activities, to the extent 

feasible, in areas of important wetland value identified during project interdisciplinary team 

analysis.

1. Do not construct roads across alluvial flood plains, mass wastage areas, or braided 

stream bottom lands unless an interdisciplinary team investigation indicates that individual 

site-specific mitigation can be applied to provide protection for the soils, water, and 

associated resources.

2. For roads or other facilities approved for location near estuaries, fills and excess 

excavation materials must not encroach upon such areas unless approved by the 

appropriate decision maker following interdisciplinary analysis.

3. Use the following criteria for siting water-dependent transportation facilities, other than log 

transfer facilities (LTFs), such as docks, landings, floats, and boat ramps:

a) Locate far enough from known anadromous fish streams to avoid significant 

interference (generally a minimum of 300 feet away);

b) Locate far enough from tideflats or subtidal beds of aquatic vegetation to avoid 

significant impairment (generally a minimum of 300 feet away);

c) Restrict the filling of intertidal and subtidal areas to those sites having the least value 

as habitat for marine organisms and vegetation, unless interdisciplinary team and 

interagency (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS], National Marine Fisheries 

Service [NMFS], and ADF&G) joint analysis determines that for other resource 

reasons it is desirable to fill the more productive site;

d) Avoid areas with established uses, such as areas used for commercial and sport 

fishing, hunting, and anchorages for commercial and recreational vessels, unless 

interdisciplinary review determines that location of sites may be accomplished in a 

manner that is compatible with such uses; and 

e) Ensure that all needed permits, leases, and accesses are acquired. Work 

cooperatively with other agencies such as NMFS, USFWS, U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers, ADF&G, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, and ADNR

on these efforts.

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4 Standards and Guidelines

IV. Quarry and Borrow Sites

A. Locate and design quarry (shot rock pit) and borrow (gravel pit) sites, and time their use to 

minimize the impacts upon other resource values, existing facilities, and to meet LUD

objectives. During the design phase, consider the potential for use of the pit to improve fish 

habitat and dispersed recreation opportunities.

1. Plan rock quarries and borrow pits through the interdisciplinary team process. On 

potentially landslide-prone areas, blasting will be avoided during or within 72 hours 

following a 2-year, 24-hour storm (total amount of expected rainfall from a storm event that 

would statistically occur once every two years, or until determined that the soil 

groundwater level does not constitute a high-risk situation. Where other sources are 

available, do not locate borrow pits on landslide-prone areas. Where no other feasible 

alternative exists, strip quarries of their overburden and haul excavated material to a 

stable location. Stabilization of the overburden material will conform to the erosion control 

and stabilization measures developed during the planning of the quarry or borrow pit.

2. Design quarry and borrow pits to minimize the possibility of sediment being carried into 

watercourses by run off. Whenever locations near streamcourses or other water bodies 

are considered, erosion control measures must provide for drainage to run off through a 

filter strip, buffer, or sediment basin prior to entering a water body, unless the quarry or 

borrow pit is to be used for fish habitat management.

3. Limit blasting that adversely affects fish spawning beds to times when eggs and alevins 

are not vulnerable. Safe times and distances will be determined on a site-by-site basis 

after consultation with agencies such as ADF&G, NMFS, and USFWS.

4. Do not allow the use of intertidal gravel as a source of borrow.

5. Drain borrow pits and quarries no longer needed, unless developed for fish or waterfowl 

habitat, and revegetate mineral soil.

6. Consider screening borrow pits, quarries, and access roads along priority travel routes

(refer to Appendix F).

V. Log Transfer Facilities Siting, Construction, Operation, and Monitoring

A. Site new LTFs in locations that will best avoid or minimize potential impacts on water quality, 

aquatic habitat, and other resources. During site analysis, cooperate with state and federal

agencies to assemble required data and evaluate alternatives. 

B. When considering alternative siting, construction, and operation of LTFs, use both regulatory 

guidelines established by the Clean Water Act (40 CFR Part 230), and the Alaska Timber Task 

Force Log Transfer Facility Guidelines (See Appendix G). All LTFs are evaluated by regulatory 

agencies using these two sets of guidelines (items 1 and 2 below).

1. The Log Transfer Facility Siting, Construction, Operation and Monitoring/Reporting 

Guidelines (1985), developed by the Alaska Timber Task Force (ATTF) Log Transfer 

Facility Guidelines Technical Subcommittee, are used by the regulatory agencies in 

evaluating applications for meeting requirements of the Clean Water Act. These 

guidelines are to be used when evaluating proposals for log transfer and associated 

facilities. The introduction to the guidelines say "the objective is to consider all the 

guidelines and develop the "best mix" which allows the activities to proceed while meeting 

all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements." The ATTF Guidelines may be found 

in Appendix G of this document.

2. Alternatives for siting, construction, and operation must also be evaluated using the 40 

CFR part 230 - section 404(b)(1) process of the Clean Water Act, as amended, and the 

requirements of 40 CFR 230.12(a)(3) to determine one of the following:

a) There is a feasible alternative to the proposed discharge that would have less 

adverse effect on the aquatic ecosystem, so long as such alternative does not have 

other significant adverse environmental consequences;

b) The proposed discharge will result in significant degradation of the aquatic 

ecosystem;

c) The proposed discharge does not include all appropriate and feasible measures to 

minimize potential harm to the aquatic ecosystem;

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d) There does not exist sufficient information to make a reasoned judgment as to 

whether the proposed discharge will comply with these guidelines; or

e) The "proposed discharge" refers to the discharge of logs, bark, any other dredged or 

fill material, and storm water into the aquatic systems.

C. Use the additional following guidelines, consistent with 40 CFR part 230 - section 404(b)(1) 

process of the Clean Water Act, as amended, and the Log Transfer Facility Siting, Construction, 

Operation and Monitoring/Reporting Guidelines (1985) as described in Part A above, when 

evaluating alternatives for log transfer. The guidelines described in Part A take precedence 

over these guidelines.

1. Minimize the number of LTFs and storage areas by selecting locations that will 

accommodate future logging without requiring additional transfer or storage sites.

2. Give preference to locating LTFs along straits or channels when feasible. When located in 

bays, large bays are preferred to small bays, and deep bays are preferred to shallow bays. 

Sites near the mouths of bays are preferred to sites near the heads of bays. Give 

preference to sites where marine vegetation is sparse or absent over sites with vegetation.

3. Avoid, where practicable, siting log transfer, rafting, and storage facilities in areas with 

established commercial, subsistence, and sport fishing activity, high levels of recreation 

use, areas of high scenic quality, or documented concentrations of species commonly 

pursued by commercial, subsistence, and sport fishers.

4. When an existing LTF in a less than optimal location is considered for reconstruction, 

perform environmental analysis to determine whether adverse impacts of relocating the 

facility exceed those resulting from continued use at the existing site.

5. Site locations that have foundation materials, determined by appropriate subsurface 

investigation that can economically and effectively support the structure through the 

duration of its design life.

6. Consider the visual impact of a proposed structure in the selection of alternative designs. 

In areas of high visual sensitivity, emphasize designs that would be less likely to dominate 

the landscape (such as a low-angled slide rather than a bulkhead design).

Road and Bridge Construction/Reconstruction: TRAN5

I. Construction

A. Construct National Forest System roads and bridges that provide the stability and durability 

appropriate for their intended use as documented in the road management objectives.

II. Reconstruction

A. Reconstruct roads and bridges in accordance with the following limitations:

1. Correction of unsafe conditions that cannot be corrected by traffic restriction

2. Repair of situations where use will cause environmental impacts inconsistent with Forest 

Plan direction

3. Upgrading of a facility that was not originally constructed to accommodate current or 

anticipated use

4. Repair of surfacing, bridges, and LTFs, where analysis clearly shows an economic 

advantage to protect the investment

5. Removal of vegetation, repair of surfacing, repair or replacement of culverts and bridges 

where necessary to bring roads up to timber haul standards.

B. Reconstruct roads and bridges using Best Management Practices (BMPs). Consult ADF&G on 

reconstruction activities affecting fish-bearing streams.

Road Maintenance: TRAN6

I. Maintenance Levels, Conditions, and Inspections

A. Operate and maintain National Forest System roads in a manner which meets the road 

management objectives. Use road closures, maintenance, reconditioning, and other measures 

to keep road surface and road site erosion at low or near background levels. Maintain roads to 

meet BMPs regardless of the methods used to obtain the maintenance work. Manage roads to 

provide cost-effective support to LUD objectives and safe travel to users of the system, while 

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4 Standards and Guidelines

protecting the environment, adjacent resources, and the public investment. (Consult FSH 

7709.59.)

1. Consider protection needs of adjacent resources when planning and conducting road 

maintenance activities. Where consistent with road management objectives, consider 

incorporating design features that will protect water quality by minimizing long-term 

maintenance needs (e.g., driveable dips adjacent to culverts, oversized culverts, 

outsloping roads).

a) Maintain road running surfaces and bridge decks to minimize the amount of road 

surface sediment entering adjacent streams and lakes.

b) Maintain ditches and culverts to keep water effectively flowing, and minimize 

sediment entering streamcourses.

c) Provide for the disposal of materials collected during road maintenance (soil, rock, 

and debris) in a manner that minimizes sediment entering streams and lakes and 

meets LUD objectives (particularly those regarding Scenic Integrity). 

d) During snow plowing operations, do not use bodies of fresh water as disposal sites 

for snow (and accompanying road surface sediments).

2. Perform Condition Surveys in accordance with INFRA guidelines. The intensity of survey 

will be commensurate with the risks and potential effects of structure failure. Itemize 

deficiencies needing correction and present recommendations for corrective action.

3. Inspect bridges at frequency and standards specified in FSM 7730.

4. Implement requirements of the Forest Service Highway Safety Program (consult FSM 

7730), which include recording the location of all known accidents and identifying 

locations, design, and operating features that are potential high hazards. Prioritize 

hazards for correction based on traffic volume, traffic mix, and degree of hazard. Program 

the elimination of identified hazards on a systematic basis, and as funding permits.

5. Use of traffic control devices will be in accordance with the guidelines contained in the 

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal

Highway Administration, Publication Number FHWA - SA-89-006; HTO-21/2-89 (15M)P.)

6. Place roads identified through environmental analysis as needed on an intermittent basis 

into storage (Maintenance Level I) to be in a self-maintaining status (Maintenance Level I), 

as funding permits. (Consult the National Core BMP Technical Guide FS-990a.)

Road Decommissioning: TRAN7

I. Planning

A. Decommission roads identified through environmental analysis in a condition that maintains 

stream connectivity and minimize impacts to the watershed.

B. Use an interdisciplinary process to develop project objectives.

II. Design

A. Use an interdisciplinary process to identify standards and/or typicals to be used for units of 

work and problem locations along the road. (Consult National Core BMP Technical Guide FS990a, and FSH 2509.22 [BMPs 14.9, 14.12, 14.14, 14.24].)

1. Consider headcut potential on removed culverts in live streams and ditches, especially in 

AF, MM, FP, PA channels (see Appendix D) and in channels and ditch lines with high 

erodible soils. 

2. Consider the effect of sediment pulses from sediment accumulated above undersized 

culverts and long-term accumulations in the ditches.

3. Reconstruct channel connectivity and planform in fish bearing streams after culvert 

removal.

4. Establish grade control structures in steep gradient streams and as necessary to prevent 

headcuts.

5. Maintain water quality with sufficient drainage structures (waterbars), headcut control, 

minimizing disturbances in well vegetated ditches, and revegetative measures 

(bioengineering, seeding, and planting).

6. Design channel form for steep streams. 

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III. Review 

A. Decommission projects will be field reviewed before contract implementation by Ranger District 

and Supervisor Office specialists.

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4 Standards and Guidelines

WETLANDS

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

Wetlands: WET

I. Objectives

A. Avoid alteration of, or new construction on, wetlands wherever there is a practicable, 

environmentally preferred alternative, considering the functions of wetlands as well as other 

non-wetland ecosystems in the project area. Practicable alternatives take into consideration 

costs, existing technology, and logistics in light of overall project purposes. (Consult 40 CFR 

230.3[q].)

B. Minimize the loss of higher value wetlands (especially fens) and the adverse impacts of land 

management activities on wetlands. (Consult Executive Order 11990 and Alaska Region Soil 

and Water Conservation Handbook FSH 2509.22 [BMP 12.5] for guidance on wetland 

protection.)

C. Seek to maintain the natural and beneficial functions of wetlands. 

II. Inventory and Evaluation

A. Use the most current technical criteria for wetland identification and delineation. Consult the 

Federal Manual for Identifying and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands, 1987 (or its revision), as 

appropriate. Refer to the Interim Regional Supplement to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s 

Wetland Delineation Manual for the Alaska Regional, 2006.

III. Land Use Activities

A. The discharge of dredged or fill material onto wetlands is regulated under Section 404 of the 

Clean Water Act, which is administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Certain categories of activities are exempt from 

regulation, while others may be permitted (refer to 33 CFR 323.4 Part 330 Appendix A 325). 

Consult with the Corps early in the planning process to determine whether a 404 permit is 

required. For non-exempt activities, permit requirements may include compensation or 

replacement of any lost aquatic function. 

B. Consistent with the Clean Water Act, as amended, use Best Management Practices (BMPs) in 

all management activities that could affect water quality of wetlands. BMPs are intended to 

ensure that flow and circulation patterns, as well as chemical and biological characteristics of 

water are not impaired. (Consult Alaska Region Soil and Water Conservation Handbook FSH 

2509.22 [BMP 12.5], and National Core BMP Technical Guide FS-990a)

C. Before issuing authorizations, leases, easements, rights-of-way, or exchanging lands 

containing wetlands, identify uses that are restricted under identified federal, state, or local 

wetlands regulations. Incorporate appropriate restrictions, where necessary, to protect or 

minimize wetland impacts, or withhold such properties from exchange.

D. Cooperate with state and federal agencies having overlapping resource management 

responsibilities for wetlands, including the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska 

Department of Environmental Conservation, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Corps, 

EPA, National Marine Fisheries Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

E. Mitigate to minimize impacts caused by activities when BMPs do not perform as expected.

F. When decommissioning roads through wetlands, restore natural drainage patterns.

G. Timber harvest may occur on forested wetlands on lands identified as suitable for timber 

production in development LUDs.

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WILDLIFE

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines

Wildlife Habitat Planning: WILD1

I. Coordination/Cooperation with Other Agencies, Institutions, and Partners

A. Coordinate with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), other state agencies, 

the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 

tribal governments, and other cooperators and partners during the planning of activities that 

may affect wildlife.

1. The Forest should meet at least annually with state and federal wildlife agencies to 

review resource activities, present progress reports on implementation of past 

cooperative work or agreements, and schedule cooperative work. 

2. Seek to maintain Memoranda of Understanding with appropriate state, federal, and 

local agencies and associations. 

B. Emphasize management for native wildlife species and natural habitat, except in cases 

where the Forest Service, in cooperation with the ADF&G and USFWS, find desirable 

alternatives. Special consideration should be given to the possible adverse effects on 

habitat of sensitive, threatened, and endangered species.

C. Coordinate wildlife habitat surveys, studies, plans, and improvement projects with the 

ADF&G, USFWS, NMFS, and other appropriate state, federal, tribal, local, and private 

agencies. Use the Sikes Act authorities for cooperative work with the state. Use 

agreements and other partnerships to cooperate with other partners.

D. Coordinate with the ADF&G in development of state strategic plans and population goals 

and objectives for wildlife species, and attempt to incorporate wildlife goals and objectives 

into forest management.

E. Provide habitat information to the ADF&G to assist in correlating hunting seasons, permits, 

and bag limits to on-the-ground habitat conditions so that population and habitat objectives 

can be achieved.

II. General Habitat Planning/Coordination

A. Recognize as wildlife habitat, areas of land and water that can contribute to achieving 

wildlife objectives for consumptive and non-consumptive uses.

B. Provide the abundance and distribution of habitat necessary to maintain viable populations

of existing native and desirable non-native species well-distributed in the planning area (i.e., 

the Tongass National Forest). (Consult 36 CFR 219.19 and 36 CFR 219.27 (1982).)

C. Cooperate with the state and, as appropriate, the USFWS in managing vehicle, boat, and 

other human use (e.g., hunting and fishing seasons and bag limits), as necessary, to 

achieve wildlife objectives, recognizing the access provisions of the Alaska National Interest 

Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA). Emphasize management to reduce human 

disturbance in high value habitat areas and during critical periods of wildlife use.

D. Maintain a Forest program schedule that includes anticipated wildlife habitat and population 

inventory needs, monitoring requirements, and proposed habitat improvement and 

maintenance projects.

E. Use Forest Plan Management Indicator Species to evaluate the potential effects of proposed 

management activities affecting wildlife habitat. (Consult FSM 2620.)

F. Develop interagency habitat capability models for any or all of the management indicators to 

systematically assess the impacts of proposed projects during project level analysis. 

Periodically review and update models to reflect the most current habitat relationships and 

habitat modeling technology.

G. Cooperate with ADF&G to seek to prevent existing populations of invasive species from 

dispersing into Wilderness areas. Address issues regarding management, introduction, and 

re-introduction of wildlife species consistent with national and regional policy. 

H. When population or habitat declines for a plant or animal species or subspecies indicates 

that long-term persistence is at risk, evaluate the particular species for designation as a 

Regional Sensitive Species by the Regional Forester. (Consult FSM 2670.)

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III. Habitat Improvement Planning

A. Identify habitat improvement projects to meet wildlife habitat and population objectives.

1. Consider the following factors to assess habitat improvement project opportunities and 

priorities:

a) To meet state wildlife population objectives

b) To meet subsistence use needs

c) Existing habitat in poor condition compared to its potential

d) Habitat with a history of receiving high levels of use

e) Treatments with a favorable benefit/cost ratio.

2. Use silvicultural practices, where applicable, to accomplish wildlife habitat objectives.

IV. Legacy Forest Structure 

A. Objectives

The intent of the Legacy Standard and Guideline is to ensure that sufficient residual trees,

snags, and clumps of trees remain in timber harvest units within value comparison units 

(VCUs) that have had concentrated past timber harvest activity and are at risk for not 

providing the full range of matrix functions (as shown in Section D), in order to meet the 

intent of the conservation strategy while providing flexibility to address on-the-ground 

implementation issues.

B. Legacy Standard

In harvest units greater than 20 acres within VCUs identified in Section D, leave 30 percent 

of the entire unit (based on area) in legacy forest structure. For the purpose of this standard, 

the unit is defined as the original Logging System/Transportation Analysis (LSTA) boundary 

prior to field verification. Legacy forest structure should remain indefinitely after harvest and 

shall be tracked through the life of the next stand. Salvage logging of legacy trees is 

generally prohibited unless the rationale is clearly documented and the effects are clearly 

neutral or an improvement.

C. Distribution and Composition of Legacy Forest Structure

Legacy forest structure should be arranged primarily in clumps. The intent of leaving legacy 

forest structure is to provide structure within the opening; therefore, clumps should be left 

well inside the unit, compatible with logging system capabilities. Clumps may be placed 

along the external yarding boundaries within harvest units in situations where cable logging 

systems make leaving residual trees in other parts of the unit impractical due to operational

or safety considerations. Structure left within units for other resources counts towards the 30 

percent, provided it meets the old growth stand characteristics below. Mapped TTRA stream 

buffers do not count toward the 30 percent. Legacy forest structure shall be representative of 

the existing old-growth stand characteristics, including age, size class, species composition, 

and structural components. Clumps and dispersed retention trees should include some of 

the largest, oldest live trees, decadent or leaning trees, and hard snags occurring in the unit.

D. VCUs where the Legacy Standard Applies 

This standard is to be applied in VCUs where 33 percent or more of the productive old 

growth has been harvested from 1954 to 2005, or VCUs where less than 33 percent has 

been harvested but more than 67 percent of the productive old growth is projected to be 

harvested by the end of the Forest Plan planning horizon (see glossary). In 2008, there were

49 VCUs in this category; they are listed below by Ranger District:

Craig Ranger District 6100, 6200, 6210, 6240

Hoonah Ranger District None

Juneau Ranger District None

Ketchikan/Misty Ranger District 7360, 7380, 7560

Petersburg Ranger District None

Thorne Bay Ranger District 5320, 5350, 5371, 5380, 5390, 5440, 5450, 

5460, 5500, 5542, 5550, 5560, 5570, 5580, 

5590, 5600, 5610, 5620, 5700, 5710, 5720, 

5790, 5810, 5830, 5840, 5850, 5860, 5871, 

5872, 5880, 5900, 5972

Wrangell Ranger District 4550, 4570

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Standards and Guidelines 4

Sitka Ranger District 2930, 2990, 3070, 3120, 3130

Yakutat Ranger District 3620, 3640, 3670

Legacy Standards and Guidelines do not apply in other VCUs because they contain enough

old-growth forest to provide habitat for old-growth associated species. See Appendix D in the

2008 FEIS. VCUs should be verified during project-specific planning and analysis to see if

Legacy Standards and Guidelines apply based on the criteria above.

V. Reserve Tree/Cavity-Nesting Habitat

A. Provide habitat for cavity-nesting wildlife species. The legacy forest structure standard and 

guideline considers snags and replacement snag needs for those VCUs at risk for not 

providing sufficient snags within the watershed. Other VCUs will have snags retained within 

the development LUDs because habitat will be maintained in riparian buffers, the beach 

fringe, old-growth habitat reserves, and other Non-development LUDs within the VCU.

1. Retain reserve trees in all LUDs.

a) Retain reserve trees (which may be soft or hard snags) with a reasonable 

assurance of windfirmness, while meeting management objectives and considering 

safety needs for people and equipment. Use the Reserve Tree Selection Guidelines 

(R10-MB-215) for guidance.

b) Reserve trees do not need to be evenly distributed; clumped distributions are 

preferred.

c) Favor saving reserve trees away from roads to reduce loss from firewood gathering 

activity.

d) After timber harvest in an area, remaining reserve trees may be designated as 

wildlife trees and marked to make them illegal for cutting.

e) Retain live trees for future reserve tree recruitment.

VI. Landscape Connectivity

A. Design projects to maintain landscape connectivity. 

1. The objective is to maintain corridors of old-growth forest among large and medium oldgrowth reserves (Appendix K) and other forested Non-development LUDs at the 

landscape scale.

2. During the environmental analysis for projects proposing to harvest timber, construct 

roads, or otherwise significantly alter vegetative cover, conduct an analysis at the 

landscape scale to identify blocks of contiguous old-growth forest habitat within large 

and medium reserves and other Non-development LUDs to determine whether forest 

connectivity exists among old-growth blocks in large and medium reserves and natural 

setting LUDs. Consider existing features of the old-growth strategy such as the beach 

fringe, small old-growth reserves, riparian buffers, or other lands not suitable for timber 

production as contributing to maintaining connectivity among large and medium Oldgrowth Habitat reserves and Non-development LUDs. Use the following parameters to 

determine if a large or medium reserve is connected: a) only one connection is 

needed; b) the beach fringe serves as a connector; and c) the connection does not 

have to be the shortest distance between reserves. Where these features do not 

provide sufficient productive old-growth forest connectivity to meet the objective in 1 

above, provide stands, where they exist, of productive old-growth forest or other forest 

that provides adequate wildlife habitat values (i.e., older young growth that provides 

adequate snow intercept for deer). Designed corridors should be of sufficient width to 

minimize edge effect and provide interior forest conditions. Consider elevation, natural 

movement corridors, length of corridor, tree heights, adjacent landscapes, and 

windthrow susceptibility in corridor design.

B. Forest-wide, within the beach fringe, riparian buffers, and other lands not suitable for timber 

production, consider designing young-growth treatments to accelerate old-growth

characteristics in order to increase connectivity for wildlife.

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VII. Sitka Black-tailed Deer

A. Consider Sitka black tailed deer habitat needs before or as part of project analysis.

B. Ensure interdisciplinary involvement and consideration of deer habitat in project planning 

and in the environmental analysis process.

VIII. Bald Eagle Habitat

A. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act provides for special management for the bald 

eagle. Manage bald eagle habitat in accordance with the Interagency Agreement 

established with USFWS to maintain habitat to support the long-term nesting, perching, and 

winter roosting habitat capability for bald eagles. Coordinate with USFWS for bald eagle 

habitat management.

IX. Bear Habitat Management

A. Continue to implement strategies, in cooperation with the Alaska Department of 

Environmental Conservation, ADF&G, cities, and boroughs, that prevent habituation of 

bears to human foods/garbage and reduce chances of human/bear incidents. Strategies 

that can be used to reduce human/bear incidents include the following:

1. Phasing out and rehabilitating any remaining open garbage sites on National Forest 

System land. Establish timetables for phase out and rehabilitation in cooperation with 

appropriate state agencies. (Consult Lands Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines on 

sanitary landfills.)

2. Requiring incinerators and/or other bear-proof garbage disposal methods at work 

camps, recreation sites, administrative and research facilities, and special use 

authorizations in bear habitats.

3. Where feasible, locating seasonal and permanent work camps, recreation facilities, 

mineral exploration and operational facilities, LTFs, where allowed by the LUD, more 

than one mile from sites of important seasonal bear concentrations to reduce chances 

of human/bear confrontations.

4. On Forest Service-approved projects and special use authorizations in brown bear 

habitat, minimizing adverse impacts to the habitat and seeking to reduce human/bear

conflicts. Specific plans could include seasonal restrictions on activities and other 

measures determined on a case-by-case basis.

5. Maintaining an aggressive public education program on bear behavior to reduce the 

number of human/bear incidents.

6. Requiring storage of human food in ways to make it unavailable to bears to reduce 

habituation of bears and reduce human/bear incidents.

B. During project planning, evaluate the need for additional protection of important brown bear 

foraging sites (e.g., waterfalls used as fishing sites) in addition to the buffers already 

provided by the Riparian and Beach and Estuary Fringe Forest-wide Standards and

Guidelines, and the Old-growth Habitat and other Non-development LUDs. Consult with the 

ADF&G in identifying and managing important brown bear foraging sites. Establish forested 

buffers, where available, of approximately 500 feet from the stream at sites where, based 

upon the evaluation, additional protective measures are needed to provide cover among 

brown bears while feeding, or between brown bears and humans. This may be especially 

important on Class I anadromous fish streams within the Moderate Gradient/Mixed Control 

and Flood Plain Process Groups (see Appendix D) where a large amount of bear feeding 

activity on salmon occurs. Consider the combination of bear foraging behavior, stream 

channel types, and adjacent landform to help identify probable important feeding sites. 

C. Manage human/bear interactions to limit brown bear mortality from both illegal kills and 

defense of life and property. Work with the ADF&G to develop and implement a bear 

management program that considers both access management and season and bag limits 

to manage bear mortality rates within sustainable levels.

D. Manage road use where concentrations of brown bear occur to minimize human/bear 

interactions and to help ensure the long-term productivity of brown bears. To meet this 

direction, develop and implement road management objectives through an interdisciplinary 

process. (Consult Transportation Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.)

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E. Cooperate with the state to develop sites for safe public bear viewing opportunities.

X. Marine Mammal Habitats

A. Provide for the protection and maintenance of harbor seal, Steller sea lion, and sea otter 

habitats.

1. Ensure that Forest Service authorized or approved activities are conducted in a manner 

consistent with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), Endangered Species Act, 

and NMFS guidelines for approaching seals and sea lions. Consult with the 

appropriate agency for identification of critical timing events, such as molting, 

parturition, etc., and recommended distances to avoid disturbances. "Taking" of 

marine mammals is prohibited; "taking" includes harassment (adverse disturbance), 

pursuit, or attempting any such activity.

2. Locate Forest Service authorized and approved facilities and concentrated human 

activities as far from known marine mammal haul outs, rookeries, and known 

concentration areas as feasible to meet MMPA. The following distances are provided 

as general guidelines for maintaining habitats and reducing human disturbance:

a) Locate camps, LTFs, campgrounds, and other developments (where allowed by 

the LUD) one mile from known haul outs (farther if the development is large).

b) Forest Service authorized or approved activities will not intentionally approach 

within 100 yards, or otherwise intentionally disturb or displace any hauled-out 

marine mammal.

c) Dispose of waste oil and fuels off site as regulated by the Alaska Department of 

Environmental Conservation. 

3. Cooperate with the state and other federal agencies to develop sites and opportunities 

for the safe viewing and observation of marine mammals by the public. Maintain a 

public education program explaining forest management activities related to marine 

mammals in cooperation with state and other federal agencies.

XI. Seabird Colonies

A. Provide for the protection and maintenance of seabird (marine bird) colonies.

1. Locate facilities and concentrated human activities requiring Forest Service approval as 

far from known seabird colonies as feasible consistent with the Migratory Bird Treaty 

Act. The following distances are provided as general guidelines for maintaining 

habitats and reducing human disturbance:

a) For aircraft flights on Forest Service authorized or approved activities, when 

weather ceilings permit, maintain a constant flight direction and airspeed and a 

minimum flight elevation of 1,500 feet (458 meters) for helicopters and 

fixed-winged aircraft. If at all possible, avoid flying over seabird colonies.

b) Regulate human use to maintain a 250 meter no-disturbance distance from 

seabird colonies on upland habitats.

2. The availability of garbage to gulls should be eliminated by requiring holders of special 

use authorizations to collect and dispose of their garbage.

3. Cooperate with state and other federal agencies to develop sites and opportunities for 

the safe public viewing of these species. Maintain a public education program 

explaining forest management activities related to these species in cooperation with 

state and other federal agencies.

XII. Waterfowl and Shorebird Habitats

A. Maintain or enhance wetland habitats that receive significant use by waterfowl and 

shorebirds. (The Tongass National Forest is a “Priority Forest” in the national Taking Wing 

Strategic Plan.) “Significant” is relative, but generally relates to use of a specific area by 

tens or hundreds of individuals of one or more species. 

1. Support the international significance of wetland habitats on the Tongass National 

Forest by participating in partnerships such as the North American Waterfowl 

Management Plan and the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. 

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2. Identify during project analysis, in cooperation with the ADF&G and the USFWS, 

wetlands that receive concentrated waterfowl or shorebird use during fall/winter/spring 

concentrations or nesting, brood rearing, or molting habitats. 

3. Locate facilities and concentrated human activities requiring Forest Service approval as 

far from known waterfowl or shorebird concentration and nesting areas as feasible. 

Minimize disturbance of waterfowl by restricting, when feasible, development activities 

to periods when waterfowl are absent from the area.

4. During project analysis, consider the need to rehabilitate waterfowl habitat following 

development activities if there is no feasible alternative to the habitat disturbance.

(Consult the Wetlands Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.)

5. Maintain habitat capability in coastal wetlands and intertidal areas that are important 

migratory staging areas and fall/winter/spring concentration areas, and wetlands that 

are important nesting and brood-rearing habitats, by avoiding, where feasible, all 

development activities that could fill wetlands, drain wetlands, or alter water levels 

resulting in loss of desirable vegetation, or direct loss of habitat. (Consult the Migratory 

Bird Treaty Act.)

6. Minimize human disturbance of habitats during important periods of the year (nesting 

and brood-rearing, molting, and winter) by managing human use (such as trails and offhighway vehicle use) in significant wetland areas. To reduce human disturbance, 

provide a minimum distance of 330 feet (100 meters) between human activities on the 

ground and significant areas being used by other waterfowl.

7. Develop waterfowl habitat improvement projects in cooperation with appropriate state, 

federal, and local agencies, partner organizations, and individuals.

8. For special use administration (non-recreation), issue only authorizations that meet the 

objectives of Executive Order 11990 (Protection of Wetlands). Issue authorizations 

that preserve, enhance, or aid in the management of the natural and beneficial values 

of wetlands.

9. Perform integrated logging system and transportation analysis to determine if other 

feasible routes avoiding areas where concentrated waterfowl use exists. 

10. If the need to restrict road access is identified during project interdisciplinary review, 

roads will be closed either seasonally or year-long to minimize adverse effects on 

waterfowl.

11. Cooperate with state and other federal agencies to develop sites for safe public viewing 

opportunities that do not adversely disturb wildlife. Maintain a public education 

program explaining forest management activities related to these species in 

cooperation with state and other federal agencies.

B. Conduct activities to avoid or minimize disturbance to habitats within the forest, riparian, and 

estuarine areas that are important nesting, brooding, rearing, and molting areas for 

Vancouver Canada geese, sandhill cranes, or trumpeter swans.

XIII. Heron and Raptor Nest Protection

A. Provide for the protection of raptor (hawk and owl) nesting habitat and great blue heron 

rookeries.

1. Conduct project-level inventories to identify heron rookeries and raptor nesting habitat 

using the most recent inventory protocols. 

2. Protect active rookeries and raptor nests. Active nests will be protected with a forested 

600-foot windfirm buffer, where available. Road construction through the buffer is 

discouraged. Prevent disturbance during the active nesting season (generally March 1 

to July 31). 

3. Protection measures for the site may be removed if the nest is inactive after two 

consecutive years of monitoring.

4. Bald eagle nest protection standards are outlined in WILD1 Section VIII.

5. Northern goshawk and osprey nest protection standards are included under 

Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive species Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines 

for wildlife (WILD4 Section II).

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XIV. Alexander Archipelago Wolf

A. Implement a Forest-wide program, in cooperation with ADF&G and USFWS, to assist in 

maintaining long-term sustainable wolf populations.

1. Where wolf mortality concerns have been identified, develop and implement a Wolf 

Habitat Management Program in conjunction with ADF&G. To assist in managing legal 

and illegal wolf mortality rates to within sustainable levels, integrate the Wolf Habitat 

Management Program (including road access management) with season and harvest 

limit proposals submitted to federal and state boards.

a) Participate in interagency monitoring of wolf populations on the Forest. 

b) Where wolf population data suggest that mortality exceeds sustainable levels, 

work with ADF&G and USFWS to identify probable sources of mortality. Examine 

the relationship among wolf mortality, human access, and hunter/trapper harvest. 

Conduct analyses for smaller islands (e.g., Mitkof Island), portions of larger 

islands, or among multiple wildlife analysis areas (WAAs).

c) Where road access and associated human-caused mortality has been 

determined, through an interagency analysis, to be a significant contributing factor 

to locally unsustainable wolf mortality, incorporate this information into Travel 

Management planning and hunting/trapping regulatory planning. The objective is 

to reduce mortality risk and a range of options to reduce this risk should be 

considered. In these landscapes, both open and total road density should be 

considered. Total road densities of 0.7 to 1.0 mile per square mile or less may be 

necessary. Options shall likely include a combination of Travel Management 

regulations, establishing road closures, and promulgating hunting and trapping 

regulations to ensure locally viable wolf populations. Local knowledge of habitat 

conditions, spatial locations of roads, and other factors need to be considered by 

the interagency analysis rather than solely relying upon road densities. Road 

management objectives would be developed and implemented through an 

interdisciplinary Access and Travel Management or comparable process. (See 

Transportation Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.) Suggested wolf hunting 

and trapping changes would be developed and forwarded to the Federal 

Subsistence Board and the Alaska Board of Game.

2. Provide, where possible, sufficient deer habitat capability to first maintain sustainable 

wolf populations, and then to consider meeting estimated human deer harvest 

demands. This is generally considered to equate to the habitat capability to support 18 

deer per square mile (using habitat capability model outputs) in biogeographic 

provinces where deer are the primary prey of wolves. Use the most recent version of 

the interagency deer habitat capability model and field validation of local deer habitat 

conditions to assess deer habitat, unless alternate analysis tools are developed. Local 

knowledge of habitat conditions, spatial location of habitat, and other factors need to be 

considered by the biologist rather than solely relying upon model outputs.

3. Design management activities to avoid abandonment of wolf dens.

a) Maintain a 1,200-foot forested buffer, where available, around known active wolf 

dens. Road construction within the buffer is discouraged and alternative routes 

should be identified where feasible. No road construction is permitted within 600 

feet of a den unless site-specific analysis indicates that local landform or other 

factors will alleviate potential adverse disturbance.

b) If a den is monitored for two consecutive years and found to be inactive, buffers 

described in a), above, are no longer required. However, in the spring, prior to 

implementing on-the-ground management activities (timber harvest or road 

construction), check each known inactive den site to see if it has become active.

XV. Mountain Goat

A. Provide for the long-term productivity of mountain goat habitat and viability of mountain goat 

populations, both native and introduced.

1. Locate facilities and concentrated human activities as far from important wintering and 

kidding habitat as feasible. 

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4 Standards and Guidelines

a) Where feasible, locate facilities, camps, log transfer facilities, campgrounds, and 

other developments one mile or more from important wintering and kidding 

habitat.

b) If the one mile or more distance cannot be achieved, mitigate possible adverse 

impacts by seasonally restricting or regulating human use and other site-specific 

mitigation measures.

2. Forest Service and all other authorized or approved aircraft flights (fixed wing and 

helicopter), including helicopter yarding of timber, should maintain a 1,500-foot vertical 

or horizontal clearance from traditional summer and kidding habitat and animals 

whenever feasible. Where feasible, flight paths should avoid known mountain goat 

kidding areas from May 15 through June 15. Pilots will not compromise safety.

3. Where feasible, maintain mountain goat important winter habitat capability. During 

project planning, use the most recent version of the interagency mountain goat habitat 

capability model, which shows the most important habitat to generally be productive 

old-growth forest within 1,300 feet of escape terrain (greater than 50 degree slope or 

cliff). Travel corridors used by mountain goats between important seasonal sites 

should be identified and maintained, especially when they occur in forested areas. 

XVI. Marbled Murrelet

A. Cooperate and coordinate with state and other federal agencies to better understand the life 

history requirements and distribution of the marbled murrelet. Nesting habitat relationships 

are poorly understood.

B. If nests are found during project implementation, maintain a 600-foot, generally circular, 

radius of undisturbed forest habitat surrounding identified murrelet nests, where available. 

Minimize disturbance activities within this buffer during the nesting season (May 1 to August 

15). Maintain the buffer zone and monitor the site for nesting activity for not less than two 

nesting seasons after nest discovery. Maintain the buffer if the nest site is active during the 

monitoring period. Buffer protection may be removed if the site remains inactive for two 

consecutive nesting seasons.

XVII. Moose Habitat

A. Develop habitat management direction for moose habitats. Coordinate planning with 

ADF&G.

1. During project planning, inventory vegetative conditions in moose habitat areas to help 

identify short- and long-term changes in habitat conditions, and to assess the effects of 

various management activities.

2. Plan habitat improvement projects using a variety of techniques such as silvicultural 

treatments, young-growth management activities, prescribed burning, planting, and 

other vegetative manipulation techniques as appropriate.

3. Coordinate other resource management activities to maintain or improve habitat 

conditions for moose. Where roads and human access are adversely affecting moose 

populations, incorporate this information into Travel Management planning objectives.

XVIII. American Marten

A. Implement a Forest-wide program, in cooperation with ADF&G, to assist in maintaining longterm sustainable marten populations.

1. Where marten mortality concerns have been identified through interagency analysis, 

cooperate with ADF&G to assist in managing marten mortality rates to within 

sustainable levels. Both access management and hunter/trapper harvest regulations

administered by the ADF&G shall be considered.

a) Participate in interagency monitoring of marten populations on the Forest. 

b) Where marten harvest data suggest that mortality exceeds sustainable levels, 

work with ADF&G to identify probable sources of mortality. In an interagency 

analysis, examine the relationship between hunter/trapper marten harvest and 

human access.

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c) Where road access and associated human-caused mortality has been 

determined, through this analysis to be the substantial contributing factor to 

unsustainable marten mortality, incorporate this information into Travel 

Management planning with the objective of reducing mortality risk. Local 

knowledge of habitat conditions, spatial location of roads, and other factors need 

to be considered by the biologist rather than solely relying upon road densities. 

Road management objectives would be developed and implemented through an 

interdisciplinary Access and Travel Management process or comparable process. 

(Consult Transportation Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.)

XIX. Endemic Terrestrial Mammals

A. The objective is to maintain habitat to support viable populations and improve knowledge of 

habitat relationships of rare or endemic terrestrial mammals that may represent unique 

populations with restricted ranges.

1. Use existing information on the distribution of endemic mammals to assess projectlevel effects. If existing information is lacking, surveys for endemic mammals may be 

necessary prior to any project that proposes to substantially alter vegetative cover (e.g.,

road construction, timber harvest, etc.). Surveys are necessary only where information 

is lacking to assess project-level effects.

a) Survey islands smaller than 50,000 acres in total size (e.g., Heceta Island and 

smaller) that have productive old-growth forest on lands suitable for timber 

production. Conduct surveys on larger islands if there is a high likelihood that 

endemic taxa are present and a high likelihood that they would be affected by the 

proposed project.

b) The extent and rigor of surveys will be commensurate with the degree of existing 

and proposed forest fragmentation, and potential risk to endemic mammals that 

may be present.

c) Surveys should emphasize small (voles, mice, and shrews) and medium sized 

(ermine and squirrels) endemic mammals with limited dispersal capabilities that 

may exist within the project area.

d) Use the most recent inventory protocols for surveys.

2. Assess the impacts of the proposed project relative to the distinctiveness of the taxa, 

population status, degree of isolation, island size, and habitat associations relative to 

the proposed management activity.

3. Where distinct taxa are located, design projects to provide for their long-term 

persistence on the island.

B. Consider habitat needs of endemic mammals in design of thinning treatments.

Wildlife Habitat Improvement: WILD2

I. Improvement Projects

A. Develop an aggressive young-growth management program to maintain, prolong, and/or 

improve understory forage production and to increase the development of old growth 

characteristics in young-growth timber stands for a variety of wildlife species (deer, moose, 

black bear, small mammals, birds, and other species of interest). 

1. Consider stands for young-growth treatments that meet the following conditions: 

a) Historical deer winter range with high deer use. 

b) Historical or potential moose winter range. 

c) Areas with important and accessible consumptive and non-consumptive human 

uses of wildlife benefited by young-growth management. 

d) High risk VCUs and within beach fringe—these areas have significant young 

growth and are important habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Young-growth 

treatments may be used to accelerate development of old-growth characteristics 

and improve habitat conditions. 

e) Young-growth timber stands that have a relatively high tree stocking density that

would result in early loss of understory forage. Plant associations containing 

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4 Standards and Guidelines

hemlock or spruce and Vaccinium or skunk cabbage on high site potential should 

be considered for treatment.

2. Consider the following for precommercial thinning: 

a) Time precommercial thinning before desirable forage species are shaded out by 

trees, although trees should fully occupy the site. Generally, highly productive 

sites will need to be thinned at a younger age (15 to 20 years) than moderate or 

low productive sites (20 to 25 years). Use site-specific conditions to determine the 

timing of precommercial thinning. 

b) Vary tree spacings according to site-specific information and dependent on a 

desired condition. Consider spacings from 16 feet by 16 feet to 24 feet by 24 feet.

Site-specific objectives should be developed in conjunction with silvicultural staff,

and should identify spacings to be used. Consider variable spacings and leaving 

some unthinned thickets and corridors to create future structural diversity. 

c) Generally, slash disposal treatments will not be necessary. In some site-specific 

areas, slash treatments may be needed to facilitate animal movements or 

increase forage production and availability. Slash treatments may include girdling 

trees, falling trees away from high forage areas, piling trees, or lopping and 

scattering of slash. 

3. Consider the following for canopy gaps: 

a) It is generally recommended that canopy gaps be created at the same time as 

precommercial thinning activity. 

b) Generally, slash disposal treatments will not be necessary. In some site-specific 

areas, slash treatments may be needed to facilitate animal movements or 

increase forage production and availability. Slash treatments may include girdling 

trees, falling trees away from high forage areas, piling trees, or lopping and 

scattering of slash. 

c) Site-specific objectives and analysis should identify the gap sizes. 

B. Coordinate habitat improvement projects with the ADF&G, the USFWS, and other 

appropriate agencies. 

C. Coordinate the timing and location of habitat improvement projects with other resources so 

as to provide opportunities to decrease treatment costs and provide multi-resource benefit. 

D. Coordinate any new projects to enhance the use of National Forest System lands with the 

recreation program managers. 

Wildlife Habitat Maintenance: WILD3

I. Maintenance

A. Provide for the maintenance of wildlife habitat improvements.

1. Fund maintenance of existing structures prior to the construction of new structures.

2. Include funding for maintenance in planning and budgeting all structures.

3. Maintain structures to ensure objectives of the original project are met.

4. If the improvement becomes inefficient to operate or maintain, redesign or stop 

maintenance of that improvement.

5. If a structure becomes inoperable, consider removal or reconstruction, as appropriate.

B. Develop a written agreement with project cooperators on maintenance responsibilities prior 

to project construction.

Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Wildlife Species: WILD4

Consult FSM 2670 for Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species.

I. Threatened or Endangered Species

A. Steller Sea Lion4

4 On November 4, 2013 the National Marine Fisheries Service issued a final rule (78 FR 66140) to remove the eastern distinct 

population segment (DPS) of Steller sea lion from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. A species removed from listing 

under the under the Endangered Species Act because recovery criteria have been met will automatically be added to the sensitive 

species list for at least five years (2009 Alaska Region Sensitive Species List). The western DPS remains endangered and may also 

occur within waters surrounding the Tongass National Forest.

Wildlife 4-94 Forest Plan

December 2016

 
Standards and Guidelines 4

1. Protect Steller sea lion habitats.

2. Ensure that Forest Service funded, permitted, or authorized activities are conducted in a

manner consistent with the requirements, consultations, or advice received from the 

appropriate regulatory agencies for the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered 

Species Act, and NMFS guidelines for approaching seals and sea lions. "Taking" of sea 

lions is prohibited; "taking" includes harassing or pursuing, or attempting any such 

activity.

3. Locate facilities, camps, log transfer facilities, campgrounds, and other developments one 

mile from known haulouts, and farther away if the development is large.

4. Cooperate with state and other federal agencies to develop sites and opportunities for the 

safe viewing and observation of sea lions by the public. Maintain a public education 

program explaining forest management activities related to sea lions in cooperation with 

state and other federal agencies.

B. Humpback Whale

1. Provide for the protection and maintenance of whale habitats.

2. Ensure that Forest Service permitted or approved activities are conducted in a manner 

consistent with the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and 

NMFS regulations for approaching whales, dolphins, and porpoise. "Taking" of whales 

is prohibited; "taking" includes harassing or pursuing, or attempting any such activity.

II. Sensitive Species5

A. Northern Goshawk (including the Queen Charlotte goshawk subspecies).

1. Preserve nesting habitat around all goshawk nest sites. Protection measures may be 

removed from probable nest stands if, after two consecutive years of monitoring, there 

is no further evidence of confirmed or probable nesting.

a) Consider the following evidence for determining confirmed nest sites:

(1) A goshawk observed on or near a nest;

(2) Nestlings or branchers (young not able to fly) observed on or near a nest;

(3) Goshawk feathers or eggs obtained from the nest;

(4) One or more nest structures indicative of goshawk were found with goshawk 

prey remains, but without positive identified goshawk on the nest and without 

positive identified feathers from nest;

b) Consider the following evidence for determining probable nest sites:

(1) Aggressive, territorial breeding season adults vocalizing or attacking an 

observer (without locating a nest); or

(2) Adults observed during the breeding season in a territory and recently 

fledged young were observed (without locating a nest).

c) Nesting Habitat: Maintain an area of not less than 100 acres of productive oldgrowth (POG) forest if it exists, or the largest diameter young-growth forest if 

sufficient POG is not adjacent to the nest, generally centered over the nest tree or 

probable nest site to provide for prey handling areas, perches, roosts, alternate 

nests, hiding cover, and foraging opportunities for young goshawks. Vegetative 

structure should include, where available, multi-layered, closed (over 60 percent) 

canopy stands, a relatively open understory, with large trees (usually 20+ inches 

diameter at breast height) and low ground vegetation. 

d) Management: No commercial timber harvest is permitted Existing roads may be 

maintained. New road construction is permitted if no other reasonable roading 

alternatives outside the mapped nesting habitat exist. Permit no continuous 

disturbance likely to result in nest abandonment within the surrounding 600 feet 

from March 15 to August 15. Activity restrictions are removed for active nests that 

become inactive or unsuccessful. Other management activities that maintain the 

integrity of the forest stand structure are consistent with the objectives for this 

area. Activities such as cabin, trail, or campground construction should be 

consistent if designed with minimal vegetative manipulation.

5 The Forest Service Alaska Region Sensitive Species List was updated in 2009 and supersedes previous lists.

Forest Plan 4-95 Wildlife

December 2016

 
4 Standards and Guidelines

e) Consider surrounding landscapes when managing for goshawk nest sites. Plans 

for an alternate nest management strategy to c) and d) above may be 

implemented if the rationale is documented.

f) Conduct inventories to determine the presence of nesting goshawks for proposed 

projects that affect goshawk habitat. Use the most current inventory protocols 

developed in cooperation with state and federal agencies.

B. American Peregrine Falcon (Removed from Alaska Region Sensitive Species List in 2009)

1. Provide for the protection and maintenance of habitats for migrating American 

peregrine falcons.

2. Obtain increased understanding and knowledge about the migration of American 

peregrine falcons through southeast Alaska (e.g., the timing of migrations, the length of 

stay in southeast Alaska, important foraging areas, important prey items, etc.).

3. Protect seabird rookeries and waterfowl concentration areas that provide important 

prey foraging habitat. (Consult Wildlife Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines.)

C. Peale's Peregrine Falcon (Removed from Alaska Region Sensitive Species List in 2009)

1. Provide for the protection and maintenance of Peale's peregrine falcon habitat.

2. Maintain nest site location data in cooperation with USFWS.

3. Plan project activities to avoid adverse impacts to the falcons and their habitats. 

Evaluate the effects of proposed projects within 2 miles of known falcon nests 

considering such items as a) human activities (aircraft, ground and water 

transportation, high noise levels, and permanent facilities) that could cause disturbance 

to nesting pairs and young during the nesting period April 15 to August 31; and b) 

activities or habitat alterations that could adversely affect prey availability. Coordinate 

all project activities that may affect known or potential nesting habitat with the USFWS.

4. Within 15 miles of all known or historical nest sites, prohibit all use of herbicides and 

pesticides.

D. Trumpeter Swan (Removed from Alaska Region Sensitive Species List in 2009)

1. Provide for the protection and maintenance of trumpeter swan habitats.

2. Avoid disturbance of trumpeter swans, particularly during nesting, brood-rearing, and 

wintering periods, to prevent abandonment of their nests, brood-rearing areas, and 

winter habitats. As a general guideline, limit developments within 0.5 mile (2,640 feet) 

of wetlands used by nesting, brood-rearing, and wintering trumpeter swans. The 

District Ranger will take feasible measures to minimize disturbance.

3. Avoid placement of overhead wires, fences, or other structures that could interfere with 

the flight paths of swans and cause injury or mortality.

4. Cooperate with state, federal, and local agencies, partner organizations, and 

individuals to develop sites and opportunities for the safe viewing of trumpeter swans 

by the public and maintain a public education program explaining Forest management 

activities related to trumpeter swans.

E. Osprey (Removed from Alaska Region Sensitive Species List in 2009)

1. Maintain and improve osprey populations and habitat. 

2. Establish a minimum 330-foot radius habitat management zone around each existing 

osprey nest tree. Determine the exact boundary based on local topography, timber 

type, a reasonable assurance of windfirmness, and other factors.

3. Within the osprey nest zones, prohibit all land use activity which would likely disturb 

nesting osprey. Infringement may be acceptable depending on the nature of the 

project and timing of the activity.

4. Maintain the osprey nest zone even though the nest or nest tree becomes inactive.

5. Provide trees suitable for use by osprey for nesting, feeding and perching. Consider 

the following:

a) Reserve trees and live trees that dominate or co-dominate a shoreline.

b) Reserve trees with broken tops and live trees with branches large enough to 

support birds.

6. New nests will receive the same level of management protection as existing nests; 

however, osprey that select new nests in proximity to existing human activities will not 

cause those human activities to be modified.

Wildlife 4-96 Forest Plan

December 2016
Standards and Guidelines 4

F. Kittlitz’s Murrelet6

1. Provide for the protection and maintenance of known Kittlitz’s Murrelet nesting habitats.

6 On May 4, 2004, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a candidate notice of review (CNOR) in the Federal 

Register (69 FR 24876) in which the Kittlitz's murrelet was included in the Summary of New Candidates. On October 3, 2013, the 

USFWS issued a final rule (78 FR 61764) that concluded listing the Kittlitz’s murrelet as an endangered or threatened species under 

the Act is not warranted. Species identified as Candidates by the USFWS and/or the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) will 

automatically be designated as sensitive species (2009 Alaska Region Sensitive Species List).

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4 Standards and Guidelines

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Wildlife 4-98 Forest Plan

December 2016
CHAPTER 5

PLAN CONTENT DEVELOPED UNDER

THE 2012 PLANNING RULE
Plan Content Developed Under the 2012 Planning Rule 5

CONTENTS

Introduction .....................................................................................................5-1

Plan Components ..................................................................................5-1

Management Approaches......................................................................5-2

Young Growth Direction .................................................................................5-2

Renewable Energy Direction ..........................................................................5-9

Transportation Systems Corridors Direction ................................................5-10

Forest-wide Plan Components .....................................................................5-13

Forest Plan Contents

December 2016
Plan Content Developed Under the 2012 Planning Rule 5

Chapter 5

Plan Content Developed Under the 2012 

Planning Rule

Introduction

Chapter 5 presents an amendment to the 2008 Forest Plan, and includes plan content1 that was

developed under the 2012 Planning Rule (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 219). A plan 

amendment is required to add, modify, or remove existing plan direction, or to change how or where one 

or more plan components apply to all or part of the plan area (including Land Use Designations [LUDs]) 

(36 CFR 219.13(a)). Direction in this chapter applies to the entire plan area (forest-wide) or to specific 

LUDs as explained in Chapter 3. The elements and priority of plan direction are explained in Chapter 1. 

Should a conflict or discrepancy in direction occur, the applicable plan direction in this chapter takes 

precedence over other plan direction. (See Priority of Direction in Chapter 1.)

Chapter 5 includes plan components that guide future project and activity decision-making, as well as

management approaches that are used to carry out projects and activities developed under this Forest

Plan. 

Chapter 5 assumes all laws, regulations, and policy pertaining to management of National Forest 

resources will be followed. Ground-disturbing projects will use the approved best management practices 

(BMPs) (National Core BMP Technical Guide FS-990a and Alaska Region Soil and Water Conservation 

Handbook, Forest Service Handbook [FSH] 2509.22) to avoid, minimize, or mitigate environmental 

impacts. Therefore, direction from laws, regulations, or directives is not repeated in this chapter.

Plan Components

Plan components guide future project and activity decision making, and this plan amendment includes: 

desired conditions; objectives; standards; guidelines; and suitability of lands. Goals are optional plan 

components. The set of plan components integrates social, economic, cultural, and ecological 

considerations. The integration of plan components means that all plan components work together 

toward achieving or maintaining desired conditions. 

Direction in Chapters 2, 3, and 4 of the plan includes goals, desired conditions, objectives, standards, 

and guidelines. The 2012 Planning Rule does not use these terms in the same way as they were 

developed under the 1982 Planning Rule. For example, the terms “standards and guidelines” is used 

but not defined in the 1982 Planning Rule. Under the 2012 Planning Rule, the definition of standards 

and guidelines have changed; both standards and guidelines are now mandatory constraints. A

guideline is defined as a constraint on a project or activity decision-making that allows for departure from 

its terms, so long as the intent of the guideline is met. A standard is a mandatory constraint on project 

and activity decision-making, established to help achieve or maintain the desired condition or conditions, 

to avoid or mitigate undesirable effects, or to meet applicable legal requirements. The 2012 Planning 

Rule also requires specific project and activity consistency requirements in relation to plan components. 

Every project and activity must be consistent with the applicable plan components. (See Chapter 6.)

1 A broad term that refers to written material in a plan, including plan components, and other content in the plan. (See 36 CFR 

219.7 (f).) Other content in the plan can be explanatory material that may be useful to Forest Service employees when designing 

projects and activities under the plan components, such as management approaches. 

Forest Plan 5-1 Plan Content

December 2016

 
5 Plan Content Developed Under the 2012 Planning Rule

Specific plan components may apply forest-wide or to specific LUDs. Plan 

components have specific definitions and purposes in a plan and must be clearly 

identified and succinctly described. For definitions of plan content and plan 

components, refer to Chapter 7.

Management Approaches

Management approaches describe the principal strategies and program priorities 

the Responsible Official intends to employ to carry out projects and activities 

developed under the Plan. They are presented as a summary of the types of 

approaches that may occur to maintain or move the forest toward desired 

conditions. They relate to desired conditions and may indicate the future course 

or direction of change, recognizing budget trends, program demands and 

accomplishments. 

A management approach is content in the plan (36 CFR 219.7(f)) and differs from 

plan components in that an amendment or revision would not be required for 

changes to be made to reflect new information or changed conditions. These may 

be updated at any time through an administrative change of the plan. (Consult 

Chapter 6.)

Young Growth Direction

The following plan components and management approaches are specific to 

young-growth management. The following young-growth plan direction applies to 

existing and future young-growth forest stands.

DC-YG-01: Young-growth forests produce desired resource values, products, 

services and conditions in ways that sustain the diversity and productivity of 

ecosystems. Lands suitable for timber production produce sawtimber and other 

wood products on an even-flow, long-term sustained yield basis; the timber yield 

contributes to the projected timber sale quantity (PTSQ). Timber and other 

ecosystem services from young-growth forest resources provide economical and 

sustainable opportunities that support Southeast Alaska communities.

DC-YG-02: Pre-commercial thinning treatment of young-growth timber stands 

approaching, or at, the stem-exclusion stage, increase stand growth and vigor

(e.g., larger trees, small canopy gaps, diverse understory). Treatments occur 

where highest productivity, harvest operability and access is favorable.

DC-YG-03: Harvesting of young-growth stands provides opportunities to improve 

or maintain fish and wildlife habitat by accelerating old-growth characteristics. 

DC-YG-04: Harvesting of young-growth stands in Riparian Management Areas 

(RMAs) and Beach Fringe provides opportunities to improve or maintain fish and 

wildlife habitat by accelerating old-growth characteristics. 

DC-YG-05: At the end of the planned rotation for young growth, stands are in a 

condition whereby regeneration harvests using even-aged, two-aged or unevenaged silvicultural systems are feasible and appropriate.

SUIT-YG-01: Lands within Old-growth Habitat, Scenic Viewshed, Modified 

Landscape, and Timber Production LUDs are suitable for young-growth timber 

production, unless they do not meet the other suitability requirements (See 

Appendix A). Timber management within these LUDs is compatible with desired 

conditions for young-growth management.

O-YG-01: During the 15 years after plan approval, the amount of young-growth 

offered would gradually increase to exceed 50 percent of the timber offered 

annually.

Desired 

Conditions (DC)

Suitability of 

Lands (SUIT)

Objectives (O)

Plan Content 5-2 Forest Plan

December 2016
Plan Content Developed Under the 2012 Planning Rule 5

O-YG-02: During the 15 years after plan approval, offer increasing annual 

volumes of economically viable2 young-growth timber. Old-growth timber harvest 

would gradually be reduced to an average of 5 million board feet (MMBF)

annually, to support Southeast Alaska mills.,

O-YG-03: Annually, pre-commercially thin 4,000 to 7,000 acres of young-growth 

stands.

GL-YG-01: Provide a stable young-growth timber supply that sustains long-term 

timber yields while maintaining or improving habitat conditions for wildlife and fish 

at the landscape level (see Appendix B). 

GL-YG-02: Pre-commercially treat stands to reduce or eliminate stem exclusion, 

to decrease stand rotation time, and provide future silvicultural opportunities. 

GL-YG-03: Create opportunities in young-growth management and the use of 

forest products in a manner that enhances the economic vitality of the region and 

the resilience of local communities. 

GL-YG-04: Harvest of young-growth timber supports a variety of mill sizes and 

operators across the forest, including small and micro sales that support economic 

opportunities.

GL-YG-05: Make available a variety of potential forest products that support the 

development of an integrated industry based primarily upon young-growth timber 

harvest.

S-YG-01: When harvesting trees prior to the culmination of mean annual 

increment (CMAI) of growth under the authority granted by Public Law (P.L.) 113–

291, Sec. 3002, subsection (e)(4)(A), the limitation of subsection (e)(4)(B) shall be 

applied. 

The intent is to exercise flexibility to increase volume in these young-growth areas 

during the transition timeframe, and generally treat in priority of most economic 

return and least environmental risk:

1. Development LUDs outside of RMAs and beach fringe

2. Beach fringe

3. Old-growth Habitat LUD outside of RMAs

4. RMAs outside of the Tongass Timber Reform Act (TTRA) buffers

It is expected that priority stands would be in high and medium productivity sites 

with favorable logistical access. 

If an assessment determines a need to plant trees, spruce and cedar would likely

be favored and planted within two seasons of harvest to accelerate both 

establishment and growth of successive forest cover to meet habitat or scenic 

objectives. Before planting, it is our intent that interdisciplinary teams (IDTs) 

conduct a cost benefit analysis at the project-level to determine if replanting is 

cost-effective.

The intent is that responsible officials engage stakeholders (for example, 

conservation interests, timber operators, permitted user groups, and other 

interested parties) early and often to best design projects that meet ecological, 

2 On the Tongass, the Two‐Log Rule was developed to better predict when stands reach a condition 

where economic harvest opportunities may exist prior to stands reaching culmination of mean annual 

increment (CMAI) of growth. The Two‐Log Rule implies at least half of the merchantable volume within 

a stand is comprised of trees with two or more logs. A “two-log” tree is defined as a tree that is at least 

nine inches diameter at breast height, six inches in diameter at the small end and contains a minimum 

of two logs that are at least 34 feet long.

Goals (GL)

Standard (S)

Management 

Approaches for 

Young Growth

Forest Plan 5-3 Plan Content

December 2016

 
5 Plan Content Developed Under the 2012 Planning Rule

social, and economic interests. Such inclusion would surface and resolve 

differences, and minimize and avoid social, environmental, and natural resource 

conflicts. At the earliest possible time, IDTs would engage scientific and technical 

expertise, and knowledge of local resources to encourage creative thinking and 

enhance integration and coordination among jurisdictions. 

The intent is that during project planning, IDTs identify other resource 

opportunities in the project area, and if approved by the responsible official 

integrate these opportunities into the project design. (See definition for Integrated 

Resource Management in Chapter 7.) When designing young-growth projects 

that would advance old-growth characteristics in the beach fringe, RMA, or an oldgrowth reserve (OGR), IDTs seek out stakeholders to encourage creative and 

innovative approaches for developing silvicultural treatments that imitate the 

natural scale and distribution of disturbance patterns on the Tongass (e.g., windthrown timber that creates gaps and patches; landslides that create corridors and 

gaps; mortality that naturally thins stand). The intent is that treatments in RMAs 

would address stream process group objectives. (Consult Appendix D, and 

Exhibit 2 in the Tongass Young Growth Management Strategy [USDA 2014].)

Where appropriate, line officers would use Stewardship Authority (FSH 2409.19, 

Chapter 60) and other authorities to help achieve land management goals while 

meeting regional and local community needs. 

It is expected that by the end of the five year period after the signing of the Record 

of Decision (ROD) for this plan amendment, the Forest Service would conduct an 

internal scientific review in collaboration with a forest collaborative and other 

stakeholders to determine likely impacts to fish and wildlife habitat from younggrowth timber projects that intersect with the following Tongass 773 (T77)

Watersheds (Value Comparison Units):

Appleton Cove 2930

Fish Bay 2870

Irish Lakes 4290

Kadake Cr 4210

Mosman Inlet 4670

Bradfield River 5140

Nakwasina River 2990

Neka Bay 2010

Port Camden 4200

Rodman Bay 2920

Security Bay 4000

Sitkoh Bay 2430

Sitkoh Lake 2440

Situk River 3660

Sweetwater Lake 5730

Thoms Lake 4790

In addition, it is expected that at the end of five years and ten years following the 

signing of the ROD for this plan amendment, the Forest Service would conduct 

monitoring with stakeholders to determine if the young-growth goals are being 

achieved, and if not, adjust accordingly.

3 The Tongass 77 (T77) refers to value comparison units (VCUs), which approximate major 

watersheds located on National Forest System lands that Trout Unlimited, Alaska Program identifies 

as priority salmon watersheds. As a result of the Sealaska Land Entitlement Finalization in the Carl 

Levin and Howard P. ‘Buck’ McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public 

Law 113-291), there was a net reduction in the T77. To provide clarity and consistency, the T77 

nomenclature will continue to be used in this document when referring to these priority watersheds.

Plan Content 5-4 Forest Plan

December 2016

 
Plan Content Developed Under the 2012 Planning Rule 5

If the harvest of young growth does not adversely affect fish and wildlife 

populations, young growth in these areas will remain in the suitable timber base. If 

the review indicates that young-growth harvest does result in adverse effects on 

fish and wildlife populations, a review the T77 Watersheds and Audubon/The 

Nature Conservancy (TNC) Conservation Priority Areas will be conducted to 

determine whether a subsequent amendment is necessary.

At the end of five and ten years, assess whether any suitable young-growth acres 

should be removed from the suitable timber base, and if so, whether an equal 

number of acres should be added to the young-growth timber base. Changes 

made to suitability of lands require a plan amendment.

Beach and Estuary Fringe (BEACH)

DC-YG-BEACH-01: Active management of young-growth stands within the 

beach and estuary fringe supports a range of social, economic and ecological 

needs. These areas provide habitat and connectivity for wildlife and opportunities 

for accelerating old-growth characteristics while also providing commercial timber 

byproducts.

O-YG-BEACH-01: Offer about 3,500 acres of young-growth in the beach and 

estuary fringe to provide commercial timber during the 15 years after plan 

approval.

SUIT-YG-BEACH-01: Young-growth stands within the beach and estuary fringe

are suitable for timber production; timber management within these stands is 

compatible with desired condition DC-YG-BEACH-01.

See SUIT-YG-01 and Appendix A.

S-YG-BEACH-01: Young-growth harvest in the beach and estuary fringe would 

be allowed only during the first 15 years after Plan approval. The maximum size of 

any created opening for commercial timber harvest in the beach fringe must not 

exceed 10 acres and a maximum removal of up to 35 percent of the acres of the 

original harvested stand is allowed. Commercial thinning is limited to 33 percent

of the stand’s basal area. A combination of the two treatments may be used, with 

no more than 35 percent of the total stand removed in either basal area and/or 

acres. TTRA and other administratively withdrawn areas do not count towards the 

stand’s total acreage. 

S-YG-BEACH-02: Harvest of commercial timber within young-growth stands in 

the beach fringe is limited to a one-time only entry and to the first 15 years unless 

best available scientific information shows that additional entries are: a) 

warranted, and b) meet the LUD objectives.

S-YG-BEACH-03: Commercial harvest within the beach and estuary fringe is not 

allowed within a minimum 200-foot forested buffer beginning at mean high tide 

(that is, a no commercial harvest buffer). This does not preclude wildlife 

enhancement projects and providing access to timber harvest units as long as 

process group objectives can be met in the RMA.

The intent is that determinations of prescriptions and opening sizes in the beach 

fringe consider spatial and temporal conditions of adjacent landscapes. It is 

expected that treatment prescriptions facilitate a more rapid recovery of the lateseral (successional) forest characteristics, while also producing commercial timber 

byproducts.

The intent is that the IDT assesses the fish and wildlife habitat found in estuaries 

to determine how to protect these important resources. Forest Plan Appendix D 

provides guidance for delineating RMAs associated with estuarine stream process 

group. 

Desired 

Condition (DC)

Objective (O)

Suitability of 

Lands (SUIT)

Standards (S)

Management 

Approaches for 

Beach and 

Estuary Fringe

Forest Plan 5-5 Plan Content

December 2016
5 Plan Content Developed Under the 2012 Planning Rule

The intent is that the IDT consult and integrate permit holders, local users, and 

user groups in planning in the development of any management activity. 

Facilities (FAC)

S-YG-FAC-01: Authorize only those facilities (recreation and administrative) that 

are compatible with young-growth objectives O-YG-01 and O-YG-02.

Karst and Cave Resources (KC)

DC-YG-KC-01: The karst and cave ecosystems (or landscapes) maintain natural 

processes and productivity, while providing for other land uses.

S-YG-KC-01: Commercial timber harvest is not allowed on lands identified as high 

vulnerability karst lands. (Consult Appendix H.)

S-YG-KC-02: On lands identified as moderate vulnerability karst (see Appendix 

H), the maximum size of any created opening for commercial timber harvest must 

not exceed 10 acres with a maximum removal of 35 percent of the acres of the 

original harvested stand.

S-YG-KC-03: Even-aged management is allowed on lands identified as low 

vulnerability karst lands. (Consult Appendix H.)

It is expected that karst resources be evaluated according to their vulnerability. 

(Consult Appendix H.)

Lands (LAND)

S-YG-LAND-01: Authorize only those uses that are compatible with young-growth 

objectives O-YG-01 and O-YG-02.

Recreation and Tourism (REC)

S-YG-REC-01: Authorize only those uses that are compatible with young-growth 

objectives O-YG-01 and O-YG-02.

The intent is that the IDT consult and integrate permit holders, local users and

user groups in planning in the development of any management activity. 

The intent is that the project IDT seeks opportunities in young-growth projects that 

would increase accessibility for recreation and tourism.

Riparian (RIP)

DC-YG-RIP-01: Active management of young-growth stands that are suitable for 

timber production within RMAs supports a range of social, economic and 

ecological needs. These areas are managed to accelerate old-growth 

characteristics in order to improve riparian functions for soil, water, fish, wildlife 

and other resources (see Appendix D), while also providing a commercial timber 

byproduct. 

SUIT-YG-RIP-01: Young-growth stands within RMAs (excluding Tongass Timber 

Reform Act buffers) are suitable for timber production; timber management within 

these stands is compatible with desired condition DC-YG-RIP-01.

See SUIT-YG -01 and Appendix A for Alternative 5.

O-YG-RIP-01: During the 15 years after plan approval, treat about 900 acres of 

young-growth in RMAs to provide a commercial timber byproduct.

Standard (S)

Desired 

Condition (DC)

Standards (S)

Management 

Approach for 

Karst and Cave 

Resources

Standard (S)

Standard (S)

Management 

Approaches for 

Recreation and 

Tourism

Desired 

Condition (DC)

Suitability of 

Lands (SUIT)

Objective (O)

Plan Content 5-6 Forest Plan

December 2016
Plan Content Developed Under the 2012 Planning Rule 5

S-YG-RIP-01: Young-growth harvest in RMAs outside of TTRA buffers would be 

allowed only during the first 15 years after Plan approval. The maximum size of 

any created opening for commercial timber harvest in the RMA must not exceed 

10 acres and a maximum removal of up to 35 percent of the acres of the original 

harvested stand is allowed. Commercial thinning is limited to 33 percent of the 

stand’s basal area. A combination of the two treatments may be used, with no 

more than 35 percent of the total stand removed in either basal area and/or acres. 

TTRA and other administratively withdrawn areas do not count toward the stand’s 

total acreage. 

S-YG-RIP-02: Harvest of commercial timber within young-growth stands in RMAs 

is limited to a one-time only entry and to the first 15 years unless best available 

scientific information shows that additional entries are: a) warranted and b) meet 

the LUD objectives.

The intent is that determinations of prescriptions and opening sizes consider 

spatial and temporal conditions of adjacent landscapes. The intent is that 

treatment prescriptions follow guidance from Exhibit 2 of the Tongass Young 

Growth Management Strategy (2014) and facilitate a more rapid recovery of the 

late successional forest characteristics, while also producing a commercial timber 

byproduct. 

It is expected that young-growth treatments in the RMA (including estuary buffers) 

achieve stream process group objectives. (Consult Appendix D for guidance on 

delineating RMAs associated with stream process group.) 

The intent is that BMPs are applied to all land-disturbing activities to protect the 

beneficial uses of riparian areas. Applicable BMPs are found in the National Core 

BMP Technical Guide FS-990a and the Alaska Region Soil and Water 

Conservation Handbook, FSH 2509.22. The intent is that the project IDT consider 

the Alaska Region Watershed and Air Management Manual, Forest Service 

Manual (FSM) 2530, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulations (33 CFR 323.4) 

and the Clean Water Act. 

The intent is that the IDT consults and integrates permit holders, local users and

user groups in planning in the development of any management activity. 

Scenery (SCENE)

S-YG-SCENE-01: Apply the Very Low Scenery Integrity Objective (SIO) for 

young-growth harvest. (Consult Forest Plan Chapter 4, Scenery Preparation: 

SCENE2 section). For combined young-growth and old growth projects within the 

same viewshed, apply the Very Low SIO.

The intent is that harvest activities would be designed with irregular boundaries for 

Modified Landscape and Scenic Viewshed, such as feathering. 

It is expected that scenery and recreation specialists assess visual priority routes 

(VPRs) related to the project as listed in Appendix F. Any changes to VPRs 

require a plan amendment, including public participation.

Soil and Water (SW)

DC- YG-SW-01: Long-term soil quality and site productivity in the suitable land 

base is not impaired and is capable of supporting the regeneration, growth and 

successional pathways of naturally occurring plant communities. (Consult FSM 

2554 Supplement No.: R-10 2500-2006-1.) Soil surface erosion and mass 

wasting from management activities is minimized.

S-YG-SW-01: During timber harvest or vegetation treatment operations, dense 

slash and woody debris accumulations are not allowed.

Standards (S)

Management 

Approaches for 

Riparian

Standard (S)

Management 

Approaches for 

Scenery

Desired 

Condition (DC)

Guideline (G)

Standard (S)

Forest Plan 5-7 Plan Content

December 2016
5 Plan Content Developed Under the 2012 Planning Rule

G-YG-SW-02: Ground-based yarding should avoid creating ruts that are more 

than 12 inches deep

In young-growth stands, the evaluation of existing detrimental soil conditions may 

use historic and current air photos, informal field reviews, and/or formal soil 

disturbance measurements depending on project specific needs. See Region 10 

Soil Quality Standards.

In young-growth stands, the slope stability analysis (see Watershed Resources 

Planning SW3 in Chapter 4) may use photography, slope, and soil maps or may 

require an on-site analysis.

Wildlife (WILD)

DC-YG-WILD-01: Active management of young-growth stands within the Oldgrowth Habitat LUD supports the integrated consideration of social, economic and 

ecological needs of regional and local communities. Young-growth stands within 

the Old-growth Habitat LUD maintain habitat and connectivity for wildlife and are 

managed to accelerate development of old-growth characteristics while also 

providing commercial timber byproducts.

DC-YG-WILD-02: In the Old-growth Habitat LUD, treated young-growth emulates 

the natural scale and distribution of disturbance patterns (for example, windthrown timber that creates gaps and patches; landslides that create corridors and 

gaps; and mortality that naturally thins stands).

O-YG-WILD-01: During the 15 years after plan approval, treat about 1,800 acres 

of young-growth in the Old-growth Habitat LUD to promote the development of 

old-growth characteristics while also providing commercial byproducts.

S-YG-WILD-01: Young-growth harvest in the Old-growth Habitat LUD would be 

allowed only during the first 15 years after Plan approval. The maximum size of 

any created opening for commercial timber harvest in the Old-growth Habitat LUD 

must not exceed 10 acres and a maximum removal of up to 35 percent of the 

acres of the original harvested stand is allowed. Commercial thinning is limited to 

33 percent of the stand’s original basal area. A combination of the two treatments 

may be used, with no more than 35 percent of the total stand removed in either 

basal area and/or acres. TTRA and other administratively withdrawn areas do not 

count towards the stand’s total acreage.

S-YG-WILD-02: Commercial young-growth harvest within the Old-growth Habitat

LUD is limited to a one-time only entry and to the first 15 years unless best 

available scientific information shows that additional entries are: a) warranted, and 

b) meet the LUD objectives.

G-YG-WILD-01: Road construction should be kept to the minimum necessary for 

the removal of young-growth timber within the Old-growth Habitat LUD.

The intent is that determinations of prescriptions and opening sizes consider 

spatial and temporal conditions of adjacent landscapes. The intent is that 

treatment prescriptions in the Old-growth Habitat LUD would facilitate a more 

rapid recovery of the late successional forest characteristics, while creating 

commercial timber byproducts.

When young-growth harvest is proposed in the Old-growth Habitat LUD, it is 

expected that the project IDT and an interagency review team (USDA Forest 

Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Alaska Department of Fish and 

Game) would jointly work to determine by exchanging the young growth for old 

growth from adjacent landscapes outside the existing Old-growth Habitat LUD. 

Modifications to the Old-growth Habitat LUD would use the interagency process 

and review criteria outlined in Appendix K. The intent is for the resulting, modified 

Management 

Approaches for 

Soil and Water

Desired 

Conditions (DC)

Objective (O)

Standards (S)

Guideline (G)

Management 

Approaches for 

Wildlife

Plan Content 5-8 Forest Plan

December 2016
Plan Content Developed Under the 2012 Planning Rule 5

Old-growth Habitat LUD to maintain or enhance landscape connectivity and have 

a net gain of productive old-growth habitat. 

Renewable Energy Direction

The direction in this amendment replaces the renewable energy direction in the 

Transportation and Utility System LUD in Chapter 3 of the 2008 Forest Plan, and 

removes that overlay LUD as part of the proposed amendment. 

Apply these plan components to existing and proposed renewable energy 

developments. When a written proposal is submitted, beyond the initial stage, for

a renewable energy project, the Chapter 5 plan components take precedence if

there is a conflict with management direction in Chapters 3 and 4. 

Timber cut incidental to renewable energy projects should be managed according

to FSH 2409.18, Chapter 80, section 84, Timber Settlement.

DC-RE-01: Renewable energy resources (subject to applicable law) contribute to 

the economic well-being of Southeast Alaska communities.

DC-RE-02: Renewable energy resources are developed in a manner that would

maintain and protect National Forest System (NFS) lands and resources. 

SUIT-RE-01: All NFS lands may be suitable for renewable energy sites on a 

case-by-case basis in consideration of the LUD, ecological and social values, and 

benefit to Southeast Alaska communities. 

Identifying renewable energy sites as suitable is not a commitment but only an 

indication that the use might be appropriate.

The addition of the Renewable Energy plan components do not change the need 

to ensure that resource protection measures are incorporated throughout projectlevel planning, construction, and operation of renewable energy sites. 

Consult with the Pacific Northwest (PNW) Research Station Director regarding 

any proposed activities in the Experimental Forest LUD that may affect ongoing 

research in the Maybeso or Héen Latinee Experimental Forests. Consultation 

should take place as early in the planning process as feasible.

O-RE-01: During the 15 years after plan approval, encourage renewable energy 

production. Our participation in responding to renewable energy projects would

be in the priority order of whether they lead to: 

1. A decrease in the number of Southeast Alaska rural communities powered by 

diesel generators, 

2. An increase in energy capacity, efficiency, or storage at existing projects, or 

3. An export of renewable energy resources without power benefitting Southeast 

Alaska communities.

Beach and Estuary Fringe (BEACH)

SUIT-RE-BEACH-01: Beach and estuary fringe is suitable for renewable energy 

sites. 

Facilities (FAC)

G-RE-FAC-01: Utility lines should follow existing or planned transportation 

systems corridors, including those identified in the Logging Systems and 

Transportation Analysis (LSTA) and P.L. 109-59.

Desired 

Conditions (DC)

Suitability of 

Lands (SUIT)

Management 

Approaches for 

Renewable 

Energy

Objective (O)

Suitability of 

Lands (SUIT)

Guidelines (G)

Forest Plan 5-9 Plan Content

December 2016
5 Plan Content Developed Under the 2012 Planning Rule

G-RE-FAC-02: An alternative route can be considered if it reduces or minimizes

resource impacts.

Fish (FISH)

S-RE-FISH-01: Assure that renewable energy projects continue the productivity 

of existing fish populations and habitat.

Lands (LAND)

S-RE-LAND-01: Transportation and utility systems through conservation system 

units in Alaska, including designated wilderness, shall be considered under Title 

XI of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA).

Riparian (RIP)

G-RE-RIP-01: Where it is necessary to fall trees within an RMA, the cut trees 

should be left on site. 

Scenery (SCENE)

S-RE-SCENE-01: Apply the Low SIO to renewable energy sites. (Consult Forest 

Plan Chapter 4, Scenery Preparation: SCENE2 section.)

It is expected that renewable energy sites may dominate the seen area, and are 

designed with consideration for existing form, line, color, and texture found in the 

characteristic landscape. 

It is expected that the responsible official will determine if a viewshed analysis is 

needed for renewable energy site development in relation to DC-RE-02. 

Soil and Water (SW)

S-RE-SW-01: Ensure that renewable energy projects provide for in-stream flows 

needed to support downstream riparian resources, channel conditions, and 

aquatic habitat.

Transportation (TRAN)

SUIT-RE-TRAN-01: Lands within renewable energy sites are suitable for roads 

for access, construction, operation, maintenance, and support of renewable 

energy sites.

S-RE-TRAN-01: Transportation and utility systems through conservation system 

units in Alaska, including designated wilderness shall be considered under Title XI 

of ANILCA.

Wildlife (WILD)

It is expected that the IDT would consider current science, and methodologies (for 

example, Avian Power Line Interaction Committee guidelines) for all new and 

existing transmission lines and projects to minimize bird electrocution and collision 

potential, and to prevent road kill. 

Transportation Systems Corridors Direction

The direction in this amendment replaces the transportation direction in the 

Transportation and Utility System LUD in Chapter 3 of the 2008 Forest Plan, and 

removes that LUD as part of the proposed amendment.

Standard (S)

Standard (S)

Guideline (G)

Standard (S)

Management 

Approaches for 

Scenery

Standard (S)

Suitability of 

Lands (SUIT)

Standard (S)

Management 

Approaches for 

Wildlife

Plan Content 5-10 Forest Plan

December 2016
Plan Content Developed Under the 2012 Planning Rule 5

Timber cut incidental to transportation system corridors should be managed

according to FSH 2409.18, Chapter 80, section 84, Timber Settlement.

The purpose of the plan direction is to facilitate the availability of NFS land for the 

development of existing and future transportation system corridors such as those

identified by the State of Alaska in the Final Southeast Alaska Transportation 

Plan (2004) and applicable laws (for example, Section 4407 of P.L. 109-59, Title 

XI of ANILCA, P.L. 96-487). (See FEIS Chapter 3, Transportation section.)

O-TSC-01: Cooperate with other agencies in developing 35 miles of 

transportation corridors on NFS lands during the 15 years after plan approval.

O-TSC-02: Nominate a minimum of five projects, three to five years following 

Plan approval, consistent with implementation of the Federal Land Transportation 

Program Strategy, to provide for transportation facilities for Federal recreation 

sites associated with federally managed lands (such as a federally managed 

facility that supports local jobs and income).

Consult with the Pacific Northwest (PNW) Research Station Director regarding 

any proposed activities in the Experimental Forest LUD that may affect ongoing 

research in the Maybeso or Héen Latinee Experimental Forests. Consultation 

should take place as early in the planning process as feasible.

Facilities (FAC)

S-TSC-FAC-01: Authorize only those facilities (for example, recreation, 

administrative) that are compatible with transportation system corridor objectives.

Fire (FIRE)

S-TSC-FIRE-01: Prescribed natural fire is not allowed in transportation system 

corridors.

G-TSC-FIRE-01: Prescribed fire ignitions may be used as a means of fuels 

management as long as its use is compatible with the LUD objectives.

Fish (FISH)

S-TSC-FISH-01: Design, construct, and maintain transportation system corridors

to provide the continued productivity of existing fish populations and habitat.

S-TSC-FISH-02: Design, construct, and maintain aquatic organism passage 

across transportation system corridors.

It is expected that the project IDT would disclose impacts to fish habitat and, as 

appropriate, identify cost-effective methods to mitigate, rehabilitate, and monitor 

the potential impacts. The intent is that fish habitat would be protected to prevent 

the need for mitigation.

Forest Health (HEALTH)

S-TSC-HEALTH-01: Allow timber sanitation and salvage that is compatible with 

present or proposed federal or state transportation system corridors, if they meet 

the desired conditions.

The intent is that the project IDT would identify cost effective insect and disease 

management activities to maintain or improve forest health in the transportation 

system corridors.

Objectives (O)

Management 

Approach for 

Transportation 

Systems 

Corridors

Standard (S)

Standard (S)

Guideline (G)

Standards (S)

Management 

Approach for 

Fish

Standard (S)

Management 

Approach for 

Forest Health

Forest Plan 5-11 Plan Content

December 2016
5 Plan Content Developed Under the 2012 Planning Rule

Lands (LAND)

S-TSC-LAND-01: Allow only special uses that are compatible with Transportation 

Systems Corridors desired conditions.

S-TSC-LAND-02: Transportation and utility systems through conservation system 

units in Alaska, including designated wilderness, shall be considered under Title 

XI of ANILCA.

Recreation and Tourism (REC)

S-TSC-REC-01: Allow only recreation uses that are compatible with 

Transportation Systems Corridors desired conditions.

The intent is that when development of transportation system corridors changes 

the Recreation Opportunity System (ROS) setting, recreation and tourism 

opportunities are managed consistent with the new setting.

Scenery (SCENE)

S-TSC-SCENE-01: Apply the Low SIO for transportation system corridors. 

(Consult Forest Plan Chapter 4, Scenery Preparation: SCENE2 section.)

The intent is that when authorizing transportation system corridor construction, 

that transportation systems designers work with topographic and vegetative 

features to screen the transportation system development when seen from Visual 

Priority Travel Routes and Use Areas (see Appendix F).

The intent is to design transportation systems to attain the highest possible quality 

of landscape aesthetics and scenery commensurate with other appropriate public 

uses, costs, and benefits. 

G-TSC-SCENE-01: For transportation system corridors that dominate the seen 

foreground area, design with consideration for existing form, line, color, and 

texture of the characteristic landscape.

Soil and Water (SW)

DC-TSC-SW-01: Undisturbed soils within the transportation system corridors are 

managed to maintain soil productivity. Under the road prism soils are compacted 

and are not maintained for soil productivity, but support a stable road base. In 

ditches, cut slopes, and other disturbed areas outside the road prism, soils 

support desired plant communities, typically native, non-invasive plants. 

Vegetative cover is maintained in these areas unless soil is absent. Soil erosion 

and sediment transport is minimized. 

DC-TSC-SW-02: Water follows natural flow paths downhill and road ditches do 

not act as an extension of the stream network. Transportation systems corridors 

do not cause or contribute to non-attainment of State Water Quality Standards. 

G-TSC-SW-01: Maintain soil cover to prevent soil erosion in ditches, on cut 

slopes and fill slopes, and other areas where native soil cover has been disturbed 

in the construction and maintenance of transportation systems.

Timber (TIM)

Timber cut incidental to the development of transportation systems may be 

available for personal use of sawtimber, firewood, and Christmas trees and that 

use is compatible with transportation system corridor desired condition (DC-03) 

Standards (S)

Standard (S)

Management 

Approach for 

Recreation and 

Tourism

Standard (S)

Management 

Approaches for 

Scenery

Guideline (G)

Desired 

Conditions (DC)

Guideline (G)

Management 

Approach for 

Timber

Plan Content 5-12 Forest Plan

December 2016
Plan Content Developed Under the 2012 Planning Rule 5

and objectives. Existing and future transportation system corridors may be used 

to access personal use products when consistent with the LUD objectives

Wildlife (WILD)

S-TSC-WILD-01: Design and construct transportation systems to maintain wildlife 

habitat corridors between old-growth reserves (OGRs), RMAs, and beach and 

estuary fringe.

G-TSC-WILD-01: The ability for wildlife movement across transportation system 

corridors should be maintained.

It is expected that the project IDT would disclose impacts to wildlife habitat and 

movement corridors to maintain habitat connectivity across transportation 

infrastructure.

Forest-wide Plan Components

Forest Desired Conditions (Chapter 2)

DC-01: The Forest is characterized by extensive, unmodified natural 

environments. Old-growth forests are one of the predominant vegetation types on 

the Tongass and connections between patches of old growth are evident. Large 

areas of previously harvested stands now support young forests at different ages 

of succession. Stands in the natural setting Land Use Designations, within oldgrowth reserves, riparian management areas, and beach and estuary fringe would

be at the climax-stage of forest stand composition and structure (e.g., old-growth 

conditions). Early seral stage stand composition and structure would be the 

desired condition in young-growth stands within the Development LUD Group. 

Insects and diseases native to southeast Alaska perform their natural role in the 

ecosystem.

DC-02: Transportation systems support community resilience, resource 

management, and provide for current and future land management needs, subject 

to applicable laws. Transportation systems avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse 

effects to natural and cultural resources.

DC-03: Existing and future transportation system corridors provide community 

opportunities and support implementation of the Alaska Federal Lands Long 

Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) as identified through the Moving Ahead for 

Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21).

DC-04: The minimum land area, consistent with an efficient, safe facility, is used 

for transportation sytems corridor development. Transportation routes with 

regional importance may offer new or improved developed recreation 

opportunities.

Forest-wide Multiple-use Goals and Objectives (Chapter 2)

GL-RE-01: The Forest would proactively contribute to sustainable production of 

renewable energy and energy transmission and distribution across the Forest, on 

all lands and LUDs, after consideration of other resources and community 

benefits.

O-TIM-01: Seeking to accelerate a transition to primarily young-growth harvest, 

offer an average of 46 MMBF annually in a combination of old growth and young 

growth. When young-growth offered is less than 41 MMBF, provide old growth to 

make up the difference and achieve the average annual projected timber sale 

quantity of 46 MMBF. After the transition, offer an average of 5 MMBF of old

growth annually to support Southeast Alaska mills.

Standard (S)

Guideline (G)

Management 

Approach for 

Wildlife

Renewable 

Energy (Goal)

Timber 

(Objective)

Forest Plan 5-13 Plan Content

December 2016
5 Plan Content Developed Under the 2012 Planning Rule

O-TIM-02: Seek to provide an economic timber supply sufficient to meet the 

annual market demand for Tongass National Forest timber, and the market 

demand for the planning cycle. The volume of young growth as part of the yearly 

offer will increase from an average of 9.2 MMBF annually in the first decade to an 

average of 25 MMBF annually in years 11-15 as the program nears full transition. 

It is the Forest’s intent to:

a) monitor harvest over the next five years, beginning at the effective date of 

the 2016 Amended Plan, and consider any constraints (such as litigation) 

on that harvest;

b) monitor data related to the assumptions relied on in the Daniels et al. 

(2016) report;

c) report on any different or unexpected information identified through 

monitoring than that considered in the analysis for the Plan Amendment 

EIS, and consider whether any differences are significant enough to 

warrant further review in another plan amendment; and

d) identify the timeframe for this report, and provide the opportunity for public 

and agency review of the information.

Update and post annually (by December 31 of each year) the five-year timber sale 

schedule to track and monitor timber sales.

GL-TRAN-01: During the 15 years after plan approval, manage and maintain 

roads to provide access for forest management, subsistence uses, and recreation, 

as well as public access to traditional use areas while protecting water, soil, fish, 

and wildlife resources.

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines (Chapter 4)

Beach and Estuary Fringe (BEACH)

S-BEACH-01: Harvest of old-growth timber within the beach and estuary fringe is 

not allowed, with the following exceptions that do not contribute to the PTSQ. 

Silvicultural prescriptions must address beach fringe management objectives:

a) Salvage harvest to include incidental amounts of standing green timber 

during operations for safety and operational considerations;

b) Administrative use (36 CFR 223.2);

c) By-products of habitat restoration treatments;

d) Free use to Alaskan settlers, miners, residents, and prospectors (36 CFR 

223.10);

e) Landings and roads (only on the landward edges of the fringe); or

f) For accessing timber in adjacent lands suitable for timber production such 

as for landings for logical yarding settings or access roads, where there 

are no alternatives in project design.

Timber (TIM)

S-TIM-01: Not including salvage or sanitation harvest, the quantity of timber sold 

in a decade may not exceed the sustained yield limit of 2480 million board feet 

(MMBF).4

4 Forest Service Handbook 1909.12, Ch. 60, sec. 64.31

Management 

Approach for 

Timber

Transportation 

(Goal)

Standard (S)

Standard (S)

Plan Content 5-14 Forest Plan

December 2016

 
Plan Content Developed Under the 2012 Planning Rule 5

Wildlife (WILD)

Bald Eagle Habitat

G-WILD-02: The National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines (USFWS 2007, or 

current) should be used when working or authorizing activities near eagle nests.

Aleutian Tern

S-WILD-03: Follow direction in XI. Seabird Colonies in Chapter 4.

Black oystercatcher

S-WILD-04: Provide a minimum distance of 330 feet from human activities on the 

ground and waterfowl or shorebird intertidal concentration or nesting areas.

Guideline (G)

Standard (S)

Standard (S)

Forest Plan 5-15 Plan Content

December 2016
5 Plan Content Developed Under the 2012 Planning Rule

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Plan Content 5-16 Forest Plan

December 2016
CHAPTER 6

IMPLEMENTATION
Implementation 6

CONTENTS

Introduction...................................................................................................6-1

Project Consistency Requirements ..............................................................6-2

Resolving Inconsistencies......................................................................6-2

Plan Amendments ........................................................................................6-2

Forest Plan Contents

December 2016
Implementation 6

Chapter 6

Implementation

Forest Plan implementation accomplishes the management direction of the 

Forest Plan, and is necessary to meet public expectations of Forest Service 

actions and legal requirements. It is mainly accomplished through the 

identification of proposed actions (initiated by the Forest Service or external 

proposals) consistent with activities anticipated in the Forest Plan; the analysis 

and evaluation of such actions (and reasonable alternatives to them); related 

documentation and decision making; and project implementation and 

administration, in a manner that is consistent with the management direction of 

the Plan. (See Forest Plan Management Direction in Chapter 1.) Plan 

implementation also involves project consistency requirements, making 

necessary administrative changes (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR]

219.13), and amending the Plan to keep it current and adapt to new information 

or changing conditions.

Plan implementation is influenced by annual budget direction, fiscal limitations,

and available personnel. Each year, upon approval of a budget, the Forest 

Supervisor develops an annual program of work. The accomplishment of the 

annual program results in the achievement of the Plan’s management direction. 

Future budget requests are based on the management direction of this Forest 

Plan, and related project and activity scheduling.

Direction in the Forest Plan is implemented through an annual program of work. 

The Forest Plan is also responsive to several of the goals and objectives in the 

USDA Forest Service Strategic Plan: FY 2015-2020. This Strategic Plan 

contains the following strategic goals and objectives:

• Sustain our Nation’s Forests and Grasslands

− Objective A. Foster resilient, adaptive ecosystems to mitigate climate 

change.

− Objective B. Mitigate wildfire risk.

− Objective C. Conserve open space.

• Deliver Benefits to the Public

− Objective D. Provide abundant clean water.

− Objective E. Strengthen communities.

− Objective F. Connect people to the outdoors.

• Apply Knowledge Globally

− Objective G. Advance knowledge.

− Objective H. Transfer technology and applications.

− Objective I. Exchange natural resource expertise.

Project implementation, including location, quantities, and timing, is dependent

on a variety of factors, such as budget availability, personnel, partnership 

Introduction

Forest Plan 6-1 Implementation

December 2016
6 Implementation

opportunities, and the timing and location of other Forest management activities.

A short list of Tongass high priority projects is developed each year to guide

project implementation. 

External proposals (such as for the development of communications sites by 

private companies or restoration activities by partners) will also be considered for 

implementation and, if selected, evaluated for compliance with all applicable 

direction in this Plan, as well as applicable laws and Forest Service policy and 

regulations. 

The 2008 Forest Plan was developed under provisions in the1982 Planning Rule

and the Forest Service interpretation under that Rule was that the consistency 

requirement applied to standards and guidelines but not to other parts of the 

plan. The 2012 Planning Rule applies a new interpretation, so that projects and 

activities must be consistent with all applicable plan components (goals, desired 

conditions, objectives, suitability of lands, and standards and guidelines). The

source of the plan direction (1982 or 2012 Rule) dictates the consistency

requirement as follows: 

1. The 2012 Planning Rule consistency provisions at 36 CFR 219.15(d) apply 

only to plan component(s) in Chapter 5 that were written in conformance 

with, and as defined by, the 2012 Planning Rule. With respect to plan 

direction in Chapters 2, 3, and 4, projects need only be consistent with plan 

standards and guidelines since they were developed under the 1982 rule. 

2. The Forest Service's prior interpretation of consistency under the 1982 rule,

and not the 2012 Planning Rule consistency provisions, also applies when an 

amendment developed and approved under the 2012 Planning Rule does not 

change the text of the Plan direction, but simply applies existing plan 

direction to a different, or additional, area or areas within the plan area. 

A project or activity decision document (Decision Memo, Decision Notice, or 

Record of Decision) must describe how the project or activity is consistent with 

applicable plan direction. 

Resolving Inconsistencies

When a proposed project or activity would not be consistent with the applicable 

plan direction, the Responsible Official shall take, subject to valid existing rights, 

one of the following steps:

1. Modify the proposal to make it consistent with the approved plan direction;

2. Reject the proposal;

3. Amend the plan so that the proposal will be consistent with the plan. A plan 

amendment can be approved in the same decision document with a project. 

This amendment may apply only to the project or activity or to all future 

projects and activities.

The administrative review process for plan amendments varies based on whether 

the amendment applies to one project or to future projects as well. If the plan 

amendment applies only to a single project, the amendment would be subject to 

the project review process. If the plan amendment would apply to future projects 

as well, the objections process of the 2012 Planning Rule (36 CFR 219, Subpart 

B) would apply. The project itself will always be subject to the applicable project 

review process of 36 CFR 215 or 218 (see 36 CFR 219.59(b) as described in 

FSH 1909.12, chapter 50, section 51.1).

Plan amendments are intended to be an adaptive management tool to keep 

plans current, effective, and relevant between required plan revisions. 

Project 

Consistency 

Requirements

Plan 

Amendments

Implementation 6-2 Forest Plan

December 2016
Implementation 6

Amendments help the Responsible Official adapt the existing plan to new 

information keeping it current with changing conditions. Maintaining the plan

through amendments may reduce the work needed for plan revisions. 

Whether an amendment is proposed in response to changing conditions or in 

relation to a specific project, the scope and scale of the process, including 

analysis and public participation, should be commensurate with the scope of the 

plan amendment (36 CFR 219.13(b)(2)). 

Plan amendments require an environmental impact statement, an environmental 

assessment, or could be categorically excluded from documentation, based on 

the significance of effects pursuant to NEPA.

When a plan amendment is approved in the same decision document with a 

project, the Responsible Official for both decisions must be the Forest Supervisor 

or higher-level official, regardless of whether the District Ranger could have 

authorized the project in the absence of a plan amendment. The decision 

document for the project and amendment must include the rationale for 

amending the plan. 

Multiple or frequent project-specific plan amendments of the same type may 

suggest a need to change a plan component. The Responsible Official should 

recognize when there are multiple project-specific plan amendments and 

evaluate the presence of any systemic need to change the plan that should be 

addressed by a Forest-wide plan amendment. 

Forest Plan 6-3 Implementation

December 2016
6 Implementation

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Implementation 6-4 Forest Plan

December 2016
CHAPTER 7

GLOSSARY
Glossary 7

Chapter 7

Glossary

These definitions apply to Forest Service land management and planning. Meanings may differ when 

used in another context. Glossary definitions are not legal unless otherwise noted. Some definitions 

were shortened, paraphrased, or adapted to conditions in Southeast Alaska or on the Tongass National 

Forest and for ease of understanding. Glossary terms that are new are distinguished by shading. 

A

Accelerated windthrow

Increase in amount or extent of uprooting beyond that which may be found in the surrounding

unharvested riparian management area (RMA) or under similar natural conditions. 

Access

The opportunity to approach, enter, and make use of public lands.

Access management

Acquiring rights and developing and maintaining facilities needed by people to get to and move through 

public lands (physical attributes).

Acquired land

Lands in federal ownership that were obtained by the Government through purchase, condemnation, gift, 

or by exchange.

Active channel

As defined for purposes of the Riparian Standards and Guidelines, includes stream channels*, secondary 

channels*, and braided channels*. For the Alluvial Fan Process Group, it also includes gravel outwash 

lobes. (Words marked by an * have further definitions within the glossary.)

Activity fuel loading 

The amount of burnable debris left after logging.

Adaptive Management

The general framework encompassing the three phases of planning: assessment, plan development, and 

monitoring (36 CFR 219.5). This framework supports decision-making that meets management 

objectives while simultaneously accruing information to improve future management by adjusting the plan 

or plan implementation. Adaptive management is a structured, cyclical process for planning and 

decision-making in the face of uncertainty and changing conditions with feedback from monitoring, which 

includes using the planning process.

to actively test assumptions, track relevant conditions over time, and measure management 

effectiveness. (FSH 1909.12, Ch. Zero Code)

Adfluvial fish

Species or populations of fish that do not go to sea, but live in lakes, and enter streams to spawn.

Forest Plan 7-1 Glossary

December 2016
Glossary 7

Adjacent

Objects or parcels of land that are not widely separated, though perhaps they are not actually touching.

Administrative site

Lands used as headquarters or administrative facility by a Federal agency.

Administrative unit

A National Forest, National Grassland, Purchase Unit, Land Utilization Project, Columbia River Gorge 

National Scenic Area, Land between the Lakes, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Midewin National 

Tallgrass Prairie, or other comparable unit of the National Forest System, such as the Tongass National 

Forest (36 CFR 212.1). 

Administrative use (timber)

Trees, portions of trees, or other forest products in any amount on National Forest System lands may be 

disposed of for administrative use, by sale or without charge, as may be most advantageous to the United 

States, subject to the maximum cut fixed in accordance with established policies for management of the 

National Forests. (See 36 CFR 223.2.)

Aggradation

The process of building up a land surface by deposition.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G)

State of Alaska agency that manages fish and game populations throughout the state. 

Alaska Heritage Resource Survey (AHRS) 

The official list of cultural resources in the State of Alaska, maintained by the Office of History and 

Archaeology, Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation.

Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA)

Act of December 18, 1971. Public Law 92-203, 92nd Congress, 85 Stat. 688-716.

Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA)

Act of December 2, 1980. Public Law 96 487, 96th Congress, 94 Stat. 2371-2551.

Alaska Native Corporation

One of the regional, urban, and village native corporations formed under the Alaska Native Claims 

Settlement Act of 1971.

Alliances (plant)

A grouping of [plant] associations with characteristics physiognomy and sharing one or more diagnostic 

species, which as a rule, are found in the uppermost or dominant stratum of the vegetation (Jennings et 

al. 2004). Also known as “plant series”.

Alluvial fan

A low, outspread, relatively flat to gently sloping mass of loose rock material, shaped like an open fan or a 

segment of a cone, deposited by a stream at the place where it issues from a narrow mountain valley 

upon a plain or broad valley, or where a tributary stream is near or at its junction with the mainstream, or 

wherever a constriction in a valley abruptly ceases or the gradient of the stream suddenly decreases; it is 

steepest near the mouth of the valley where its apex points upstream and it slopes gently and conversely 

outward with gradually decreasing gradient (Haskins et. al. 1998).

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Alluvium

Recent soil deposits resulting from modern rivers, including the sediment laid down in river beds, flood 

plains, lakes, and at the foot of mountain slopes and estuaries.

All sediment deposits resulting directly or indirectly from sediment transport within streams deposited in 

riverbeds, floodplains, lakes fans and estuaries (Helms 1998).

Alpine

Parts of mountains above tree growth.

Alternative

An option proposed for decision making.

Ambient air

The air, external to buildings, encompassing or surrounding a specific region.

Ambient Air Quality Standard 

The prescribed level of pollutants in the outside air that cannot be exceeded legally during a specified 

time in a specified geographical area.

Amenity

Resource use, object, feature, quality, or experience that gives pleasure or is pleasing to the mind or 

senses. Amenity value typically describes those resource properties for which monetary values (or 

market values) are not or cannot be established.

Anadromous fish

Fish that mature and spend much of their adult life in the ocean, returning to inland waters to spawn. 

Salmon and steelhead are examples.

Anadromous Fish Habitat Assessment

An assessment conducted in 1994 within the Tongass National Forest (published in 1995) to study the 

effectiveness of current procedures for protecting anadromous fish habitat and to determine the need for 

any additional protection.

Annual demand

As used in this document, the amount of timber that buyers are willing to purchase each year. Estimates 

of annual timber demand are based on a number of factors, including Pacific Northwest projections, 

installed mill capacity, utilization rates and market trends.

Appropriation of land

The act of selecting, devoting, or setting apart land for a particular use or purpose, such as appropriating 

land for public buildings and military reservations or other public uses. Black’s Law Dictionary (9th ed. 

2009)

Aquaculture

Culture or husbandry of salmon or other aquatic fauna or flora.

Aquatic ecosystem

A stream channel, lake or estuary bed, the water itself, and the biotic communities that occur therein.

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Aquatic farm (or Aquafarming) 

Growing, farming, or cultivating aquatic products in captivity or under positive control. Current State of 

Alaska law (AS 16.40.100 - 16.40.199, 2014) does not allow the aquatic farming of finfish, but does allow 

the farming of shellfish.

ARCGIS

Geographic Information System (GIS) software used for the Amendment database.

Area of potential effects 

In Heritage Resources, area of potential effects means the geographic area or areas within which an 

undertaking may directly or indirectly cause alterations in the character or use of historic properties, if any 

such properties exist. The area of potential effects is influenced by the scale and nature of an undertaking 

and may be different for different kinds of effects caused by the undertaking (36 CFR 800.16.d). The 

NEPA equivalent is at [40 CFR § 1502.15] the environment of the area(s) to be affected or created by the 

alternatives under consideration. 

Available timberlands

Timberland not withdrawn from use in production of timber products as a result of administrative statue or 

regulation.

B

Background

The visible area greater than 5 miles and less than 15 miles from a visual priority route. (See the 

definitions for foreground and middleground.)

Bank

The continuous margin along a river or stream where all upland vegetation ceases.

Bankfull width

Distance from bank to bank at the elevation of bankfull streamflow. Bankfull streamflow occurs just 

before streamflow spills out of the channel into the flood plain.

Basal area

Tree area in square feet of the cross section at breast height of a single tree. When the basal areas of all 

trees in a stand are summed, the result is usually expressed as square feet of basal area per acre.

Beach fringe

The area inland from salt water shorelines that is typically forested.

Beach log salvage

The salvage of logs that have been washed up on beaches. 

Bedload

Sand, silt, and gravel, or soil and rock debris rolled along the bottom of a stream by the moving water. 

The particles of this material have a density or grain size that prevents movement far above or for a long 

distance out of contact with the stream bed under natural flow conditions.

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Benchmark

An analysis of the supply potential of a particular resource, or set of resources, subject to specific 

management objectives or constraints

Benthic

Pertaining to the sea bottom or organisms that live on the sea bottom.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) 

Methods, measures, or practices selected by an agency to meet its nonpoint source control needs. 

BMPs include but are not limited to structural and nonstructural controls and operation and maintenance 

procedures. BMPs can be applied before, during, and after pollution-producing activities to reduce or 

eliminate the introduction of pollutants into receiving waters (36 CFR 219.19). BMPs are selected on the 

basis of site-specific conditions that reflect natural background conditions and political, social, economic, 

and technical feasibility. BMPs are found in the National Core BMP Technical Guide, FS-990a (USDA 

Forest Service 2012) and Forest Service Handbook 2509.22, Alaska Region Amendment.

Biogeographic provinces

Twenty-one ecological subdivisions of Southeast Alaska that are identified by generally similar 

physiogeography, climate, vegetation patterns and physical barriers such as mountains or saltwater 

(distinct ecological and biogeographic features). Plant and animal species composition, climate, and 

geology within each province are generally more similar within than among adjacent provinces. Historical 

events (such as glaciers, wind, and tectonic uplifting) are important to the nature of the province and to 

the barriers that distinguish each province (Martin and Alaback 1990).

Biological assessment

A "biological evaluation" conducted for major federal construction projects requiring an environmental

impact statement, in accordance with legal requirements under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act 

of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1536(c)). The purpose of the assessment and resulting document is to 

determine whether the proposed action is likely to affect an endangered, threatened, or proposed 

species. (FSM 2600, Ch. 2670)

Biological diversity

The variety of life forms and processes, including the complexity of species, communities, gene pools, 

and ecological functions, within the area covered by a land management plan.

The variety and abundance of life forms, processes, functions, and structures of plants, animals and other 

living organisms, including the relative complexity of species, communities, gene pools and ecosystems 

at the spatial scales that range from local through regional to global. 2. An index of richness in a 

community, ecosystem or landscape and the relative abundance of these species – Note: 1. There are 

commonly five levels of biodiversity: (a) genetic diversity, referring to the genetic variation within a 

species; (b) species diversity, referring to the variety of species in an area; (c) community or ecosystem 

diversity, referring to the variety of communities or ecosystems in and area; and (d) regional diversity, 

referring to the variety of species, communities, ecosystems or landscapes within a specific geographic 

region – Note: each level of biodiversity has three components: (a) compositional diversity or the number 

of parts or elements within a system, indicated by such measures as the number of species, genes, 

communities or ecosystems; (b) structural diversity or the variety of patterns or organizations within a 

system, such as habitat structure, population structure, or species morphology; and (c) functional diversity

or the number of ecological processes within a system such as disturbance regimes, roles played by 

species within a community, and nutrient cycling within a forest (Helm 1998).

Biological evaluation

A documented Forest Service review of Forest Service programs or activities in sufficient detail to 

determine how an action or proposed action may affect any threatened, endangered, proposed, or 

sensitive species. (FSM 2600, Ch. 2670)

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Biomass

Organic matter available on a renewable basis; includes forest and mill residues, agricultural crops and 

wastes, wood and wood residues, animal wastes, livestock operation residues, aquatic plants, fastgrowing trees and plants, and municipal waste and industrial residues; can be used to produce liquid 

transportation fuels, chemicals and other bioproducts, electric power, steam, and heat. Also refers to the 

total mass of living organisms in a given area or volume; recently dead plant material is often included as 

dead biomass.

Blowdown

See windthrow.

Board foot

A unit of timber measurement equaling the amount of wood contained in an unfinished board 1 inch thick, 

12 inches long, and 12 inches wide.

Bole

The trunk or main stem of a tree (seedlings and saplings have stems rather than boles).

Boulders

Rounded or angular rocks greater than 12 inches in size.

Braided streams or channels 

A stream flowing in several dividing and reuniting channels resembling the strands of a braid, the cause 

of division being the obstruction by sediment deposited by the stream.

Branchers

Young goshawks not able to fly observed on or near a nest.

Bridge

A road or trail structure, including supports, erected over a depression or an obstruction, such as water, a 

road, a trail, or a railway, and having a deck for carrying traffic or other loads.

Buffer 

An area of vegetation of varying size, shape, and character managed to mitigate effects on a particular 

resource. 

C

Canopy gap

Natural openings created in the overstory of old-growth conifer forests from the loss of a single or small 

group of trees from windthrow, insects, or disease. Also, gaps created in young-growth conifer stands to 

increase light penetration to the understory by cutting all of the trees in a small area to maintain or 

increase the number of understory plant species.

Catastrophic event

Events resulting from a great and sudden calamity or disaster. In the case of forest stands, such events 

may include windstorms, wildfire, floods, snow slides, and insect outbreaks. Whether a disturbance event 

is called catastrophic is dependent on the context within which the event occurs, the scale of the event, 

and the effects of the event.

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Capability

The potential of an area of land to produce resources, supply goods, and services, and allow resource 

uses under an assumed set of management practices and at a given level of management intensity.

Capital investment cost

Costs generally associated with construction, such as trails, roads, and physical structures.

Carrying capacity

The estimated maximum number (or biomass) of organisms of a given species that can be sustained or 

survive on a long-term basis within an ecosystem.

Categorical exclusion

A category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human 

environment and which have been found to have no such effect in procedures adopted by a federal 

agency in implementation of these regulations [40 CFR 1507.3] and for which, therefore, neither an 

environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is required. An agency may decide in 

its procedures or otherwise, to prepare environmental assessments for the reasons stated in [40 CFR 

1508.9] even though it is not required to do so. Any procedures under this section shall provide for 

extraordinary circumstances in which a normally excluded action may have a significant environmental 

effect (See 40 CFR 1508.4.)

Cave

Cave is legally defined under federal law as “any naturally occurring void, cavity, recess, or system of 

interconnected passages which occurs beneath the surface of the earth or within a cliff or ledge and 

which is large enough to permit an individual to enter, whether or not the entrance is naturally formed or 

human-made. Such term shall include any natural pit, sinkhole or other feature which is an extension of 

the surface,” (Federal Cave Resource Protection Act of 1988). Speleologists use “cave” to refer to all 

parts, regardless of size, of an underground system that links openings and chambers and that may 

connect the system to the surface. Included in the term caves are tree molds and lava tubes associated 

with lava flows, erosional caves, and those formed by dissolution of bedrock.

Census designated place (CDP)

A concentration of population identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes. 

CDPs are delineated for each decennial census as the statistical counterparts of incorporated places, 

such as cities, towns, and villages.

Channel

A natural waterway of perceptible extent that periodically or continuously contains moving water. It has a 

definite bed and banks that serve to confine the water.

The bed where a natural body of surface water flows or may flow; a natural passageway or depression of 

perceptible extent containing continuously or periodically flowing water, or forming a connecting link 

between two bodies of water, a water course (Haskins et al. 1998).

Channel migration

Movement of a stream or river channel within a flood plain area (or an alluvial fan) usually over an 

extended period of time.

Channel side-slope

The area from the stream channel to the side-slope break. See also Side-slope break.

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Channel type

A means of distinguishing parts of a stream system into segments that have fairly consistent physical and 

biological characteristics. For descriptions, see “Channel Type Field Guide,” Forest Service publication 

R10-MB-6.

Class (streams) 

See stream class.

Clearance 

Certification by the Forest Supervisor documenting that the requirements of 36 CFR 800 Subpart B have 

been fully met for each undertaking.

A cultural resources term commonly used to refer to the completion of the Section 106 process as 

outlined in 36 CFR 800.3-13. The Section 106 process includes establishing an undertaking, evaluating 

potential to cause effects, coordinating with other reviews, and consulting with the State Historic 

Preservation Officer (SHPO) and other stakeholders, including tribes. Within the process determinations 

of national register eligibility are made, as is a determination of effect. The SHPO must concur with both 

determinations. “Clearance” is achieved when the SHPO concurs with a finding of “No Adverse Effect, or 

No Historic Properties Affected” or with the completion of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for 

mitigation of Adverse Effects which is signed by the SHPO and the Agency Official. Depending on the 

complexity, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation may also be involved. 

Clearcutting

An even-aged regeneration method in which essentially all trees have been removed in one operation to 

create an even-aged stand that is composed of a single age class in which tree ages are usually +/- 20 

percent of rotation. The area harvested may be a patch, stand, or strip large enough to be mapped or 

recorded as a separate age class in planning.

Cluster initiative (Southeast Alaska)

The Southeast Alaska Cluster Initiative is an “industry cluster” made up of a set of businesses, in the 

same or related field and co-located in the region, which are linked by service or supplier relationships, 

common customers and supporting institutions or other relationships. This cluster initiative supports

implementation of the USDA Forest Service and Rural Development unified regional "Transition 

Framework" economic development plan for Southeast Alaska that focuses on four industry sectors: 

Visitor Products, Ocean Products, Forest Products, and Renewable Energy.

Coarse filter

An approach used for wildlife conservation management and analysis which focuses on the 

characteristics of entire ecosystems and landscapes. (Also see the definition for fine filter.)

Colluvial

Soil and material produced by the disintegration and weathering of rocks, including cliff debris, material of 

avalanches, and alluvium. This material accumulates at the foot of a slope.

Pertaining to material or processes associated with transportation or deposition by mass movement 

(direct gravitational action) and local, unconcentrated runoff on side slopes or at the base of slopes (Helm 

1998).

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

The codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the departments 

and agencies of the Federal Government. It is divided into 50 titles that represent broad areas subject to 

Federal regulation. The 50 subject matter titles contain one or more individual volumes, which are 

updated once each calendar year, on a staggered basis. Each title is divided into chapters, which usually 

bear the name of the issuing agency. Each chapter is further subdivided into parts that cover specific 

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Glossary 7

regulatory areas. Large parts may be subdivided into subparts. All parts are organized in sections, and 

most citations to the CFR refer to material at the section level.

Collaboration or collaborative process

A structured manner in which a collection of people with diverse interests, share knowledge, ideas, and 

resources, while working together in an inclusive and cooperative manner toward a common purpose. 

Collaboration, in the context of 36 CFR 219 subpart A, falls within the full spectrum of public engagement 

described in the Council on Environmental Quality’s publication of October, 2007: Collaboration in 

NEPA— A Handbook for NEPA Practitioners. (36 CFR 219.19)

Commercial forest land (CFL) 

Forest land that is producing or is capable of producing crops of industrial wood and (a) has not been 

withdrawn by Congress, the Secretary, or the Chief; (b) existing technology and knowledge is available to 

ensure timber production without irreversible damage to soils productivity, or watershed conditions; and 

(c) existing technology and knowledge, as reflected in current research and experience, provides 

reasonable assurance that adequate restocking can be attained within 5 years after final harvesting.

Commercial thinning

See thinning.

Commercial timber

Trees, portions of trees, and other forest products on National Forest System lands may be sold for the 

purpose of achieving the policies set forth in the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960, as amended 

(74 Stat. 215; 16 U.S.C. 528-531), the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 

1974, as amended (88 Stat. 476; as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1600-161), and the Program thereunder. (See 

36 CFR 223.1 Authority to sell timber.)

Commodities

Resources with monetary (market) or commercial value; all resource products that are articles of 

commerce, such as timber and minerals.

Community Water Systems

As defined by the State of Alaska, a community water system is a public water system that expects to 

serve, year round, at least 25 individuals; or expects to serve, year round, at least 15 residential service 

connections. The Municipal Watershed LUDs are associated with a subset of community water systems 

in the vicinity of the Tongass National Forest. Compare to public water systems and municipal 

watersheds.

Confined streams

Streams that are confined within their channel banks; they are controlled by stream incision, geomorphic 

landform characteristics, and local geological conditions.

Confluence

The point where two streams meet.

Connectivity (landscape)

A measure of the extent that forest areas between or outside Old-growth habitat reserves (Appendix K) 

and other Non-development LUDs provide habitat for breeding, feeding, dispersal, and movement.

Connectivity (ecosystem)

Ecological conditions that exist at several spatial and temporal scales that provide landscape linkages 

that permit the exchange of flow, sediments and nutrients; the daily and seasonal movements of animals 

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Glossary 7

within home ranges; the dispersal and genetic interchange between populations; and the long distance 

range shifts of species, such as in response to climate change (FSM 1909.12, Ch. 10; 36 CFR 219.19).

Conservation strategy

See old-growth habitat conservation strategy.

Contributed funds

Funds used to pay for a portion of the work or materials needed to construct a road only to the standard 

needed for a timber sale, which could have properly been paid for by purchaser credits, if available.

Convey 

To pass or transmit the title to property from one to another.

Conveyance 

An instrument by which some estate or interest in lands is transferred from one person to another (Black 

1979); a transfer of legal title to land.

Corridor (transportation)

A linear strip of land defined for the present or future location of transportation rights-of-way within its 

boundaries. Corridor (wildlife)

Habitats, often linear, that facilitate dispersal and movement of wildlife between patches of suitable 

habitat. (Also see the definition for connectivity.)

Corridor (Wild and Scenic Rivers)

Wild, scenic, and recreational river corridors are generally comprised of the area within 0.25 mile either 

side of the ordinary high water mark of the river. River corridor boundaries may be changed as a result of 

specific river planning following inclusion of the River in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers system.

Cost efficiency

The usefulness of specified inputs (costs) to produce specified outputs (benefits). In measuring cost 

efficiency, some outputs, including environmental, economic, or social impacts, are not assigned 

monetary values, but are achieved at specified levels in the least cost manner. Cost efficiency is usually 

measured using present net value, although use of benefit-cost ratios and rates-of-return may be 

appropriate. 

Created opening

Openings in the forest canopy created by silvicultural practices, including shelterwood regeneration 

cutting, clearcutting, seed tree cutting, or group selection cutting.

Critical habitat

Specific areas designated as critical by the Secretary of Interior or Commerce for the survival and 

recovery of species listed as Threatened or Endangered pursuant to the Endangered Species Act.

For a threatened or endangered species, (1) the specific areas within the geographical area occupied by 

the species, at the time it is listed in accordance with the provision of section 4 of the Endangered 

Species Act (ESA) (16 USC 1533), on which are found those physical or biological features (a) essential 

to the conservation of the species, and (b) which may require special management considerations or 

protections; and (2) specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by the species at the time it is 

listed in accordance with the provisions of section 4 of the ESA (16 USC 1533), upon a determination by 

the Secretary that such areas are essential for the conservation of the species. ESA, sec. 3 (5) (A), (16 

USC 1532 (3) (5) (A). Critical habitat is designated through rulemaking by the Secretary of Interior or 

Commerce. ESA, sec. 4 (a) (3) and (b) (2) (16 USC 1533 (a)(3) and (b)(2)).

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Glossary 7

Crown

The part of a tree or woody plant bearing live branches and foliage.

Cull logs

Logs that do not meet merchantability specifications.

Culmination of Mean Annual Increment (CMAI) 

The age in the growth cycle of a tree or stand at which the mean annual increment (MAI) for height, 

diameter, basal area, or volume is at a maximum 

Cultural resources

See heritage resources.

Culvert 

A conduit or passageway under a road, trail, or other obstruction. A culvert differs from a bridge in that is 

usually constructed entirely below the elevation of the traveled way. 

Cumulative effects

See the definition for effects.

Cumulative watershed effects (CWE) 

The effects on a watershed's streams and lakes that result from the incremental impact of individual 

actions within a watershed when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions, 

regardless of what agency or person undertakes such other actions. Cumulative watershed effects can 

result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time.

D

Debris avalanches

The rapid downslope movement of a mixture of soil, rock, and forest litter with or without a relatively high 

water content. Also known as debris flows.

The very rapid and usually sudden sliding and flowage of incoherent, unsorted mixtures of soil and 

weathered bedrock (Haskins et. al 1998).

Debris flow

A moving mass of rock fragments, soil and mud, more than half of the particles being larger than sand 

size. Slow debris flows may move less than 1 meter per year; rapid ones reach 160 kilometer per hour 

(Haskins et al. 1998).

Debris torrents

Landslides that occur as a result of debris; avalanche materials that either dam a channel temporarily or 

accumulate behind temporary obstructions such as logs and forest debris. Debris torrents are usually 

confined within the stream channel until they reach the valley floor where the debris spreads out, 

inundating vegetation and forming a broad surface deposit.

Decision criteria

The rules, standards, or guidelines used to evaluate alternatives. They are measurements or indicators 

that are designed to assist a decision maker in identifying a preferred choice from an array of possible 

alternatives.

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Degradation

The general lowering of the surface of the land by erosive processes, especially by the removal of 

material through erosion and transportation by flowing water.

The erosion of stream beds or banks that occurs when instream sediment loads do not meet a stream’s 

capacity (tractive force) to transport sediment – note: degradation commonly occurs below reservoirs that 

trap sediments when flow rates are increase or when watershed erosion and sediment delivery rates to 

stream are significantly reduced (Helm 1998).

Demand

The quantity of a commodity or service that buyers are willing to purchase at a given price over a specific 

time period. 

Demographic

Pertaining to the study of the characteristics of populations, such as size, growth, density, distribution, 

and vital statistics.

Dense Slash and woody debris accumulations 

Accumulations of multiple layers of slash that are dense enough to adversely affect the growth of the 

desired vegetation (soil respiration and soil water movement are affected). Dense slash accumulation can 

occur at landings and on equipment trails. The soil standard is specifically written for equipment trails 

where slash is used to support multiple passes of equipment over soils that would otherwise be rutted by 

equipment use. Dense slash mats occur with multiple layers of slash and multiple passes of the 

equipment. Dense slash mats on equipment trails can easily be broken up by equipment using the 

grapple to fluff the slash mat on the last pass over the equipment trail. Soil respiration and water 

movement can be difficult to measure under a dense slash mat. As a practical guideline slash mats more 

than 20 inches thick with more than 10 equipment passes will meet the definition of dense slash and 

woody debris accumulation. 

Designated road, trail, or area

A National Forest System (NFS) road, a NFS trail, or an area on NFS lands that is designated for motor 

vehicle use pursuant to 36 CFR 212.51 on a motor vehicle use map (36 CFR 212.1).

Desired Condition

A description of specific social, economic, and/or ecological characteristics of the plan area, or a portion 

of the plan area, toward which management of the land and resources should be directed. Desired 

conditions must be described in terms that are specific enough to allow progress toward their 

achievement to be determined, but do not include completion dates (36 CFR 219.7(e)(1)(i)). Desired 

conditions are achievable, and may reflect social, economic, or ecological attributes, including ecosystem 

processes and functions.

Detrimental soil disturbance 

The condition where established threshold values of soil properties are exceeded and result in significant 

change or impairment to long-term soil productivity. (Also see the definitions for significant change and 

significant impairment.)

Detritus

Material, produced by the disintegration and weathering of rocks, that has been moved from its site of 

origin. Also, pieces of dead or decomposing plant or animal material. In streams, detritus is the 

accumulation of leaves, needles, twigs, and other organic material that falls from overhead vegetation.

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Glossary 7

Developed recreation

The type of recreation that occurs where modifications (improvements) enhance recreation opportunities 

and accommodate intensive recreation activities in a defined area.

Development LUDs

Land use designations that permit commercial timber harvest and other commercial activities (Timber 

Production, Modified Landscape, Scenic Viewshed, and Experimental Forest) and convert some of the 

old-growth forest to early-to mid-successional, regulated forests.

Diameter at breast height (DBH)

The diameter of the stem of a tree measured at breast height (4 feet, 6 inches from ground level).

Discharge 

The volume of water moving past a given point on a stream or river over a given period of time, often 

expressed as cubic feet per second (CFS) in hydrology, or as millions of gallons per day (MGD) in 

engineering.

Discount rate

The rate used to adjust future benefits or costs to their present value.

Dispersal

The movement, usually one way, of plants and animals from their point of origin to another location where 

they subsequently produce offspring.

Dispersed recreation

The type of recreation use that requires few, if any, improvements and may occur over a wide area. This 

type of recreation involves activities related to roads, trails, and undeveloped waterways and beaches. 

The activities do not necessarily take place on or adjacent to a road, trail, or waterway, only in conjunction 

with it. Activities are often day-use oriented and include hunting, fishing, boating, off-highway vehicle use, 

hiking, and others.

Dissected landforms

A physical, recognizable form or feature of the earth’s surface such as a mountain, hill, or valley, having a 

characteristic shape, that in part is the result of several shallow or deeply incised drainage channels.

Dissolved oxygen 

The amount of free (not chemically combined) oxygen in water.

Distance zone

Areas of landscapes denoted by specified distances from the observer (foreground, middleground, or 

background). Used as a frame of reference in which to discuss landscape characteristics of management 

activities. (Also see the definitions for foreground, middleground, and background.)

Distinct population segment (DPS)

A DPS, or a distinct population segment, is a vertebrate population or group of populations that is discrete 

from other populations of the species and significant in relation to the entire species. The Endangered 

Species Act provides for listing species, subspecies, or distinct population segments of vertebrate 

species.

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Glossary 7

Disturbance

A force that results in changes in the structure and composition through natural events such as wind, fire, 

flood, avalanche, or mortality caused by insect or disease outbreaks, or by human caused events (e.g., 

timber harvest).

Any relatively discrete event in time that disrupts ecosystem, watershed, community, or species 

population structure and/or function and changes resources, substrate availability, or the physical 

environment (36 CFR 219.19).

Diversity

See biological diversity.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)

The version of the statement of environmental effects required for major federal actions under Section 

102 of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and released to the public and other agencies for 

review and comment.

E

Easement

An interest or right in land owned by another that entitles its holder to a specific limited use.

Easement (special uses)

A type of special use authorization (usually granted for linear rights-of-way) that is used in those 

situations where a conveyance of a limited and transferable interest in National Forest System land is 

necessary or desirable to serve or facilitate authorized long-term uses, and that may be compensable 

according to its terms (36 CFR 251.51).

Ecological integrity

The quality or condition of an ecosystem when its dominant ecological characteristics (for example, 

composition, structure, function, connectivity, and species composition and diversity) occur within the 

natural range of variation and can withstand and recover from most perturbations imposed by natural 

environmental dynamics or human influence (36 CFR 219.19).

Ecological provinces

See biogeographic provinces. 

Ecological sections

Ecosystems may be subdivided into ecological sections that consist of ecological subsections (see 

“Ecological Subsection”). There are 14 ecological sections on the Tongass National Forest.

One mapping level of the National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological Units which delimits areas of 

different biological and physical potentials at varying geographical scales ranging from global to local. 

Ecological sections areas delimited at the sub regional scale and are characterized by combinations of 

climate, geomorphic processes, topography and stratigraphy that influence moisture availability and 

exposure to radiant solar energy, which in turn directly control hydrologic function, soil forming processes, 

and potential plant community distributions. Sections and subsections are the two ecological units 

mapped at this scale. Sections are broad areas of similar geomorphic process, stratigraphy, geologic 

origin, drainage networks, topography and regional climate. Such areas are often inferred by relating 

geologic maps to potential natural vegetation (series) groups as mapped by Kuchler (1964). The Tongass 

is divided into 14 ecological subsections, which are smaller areas of sections having similar surficial 

geology, lithology geomorphic processes; soil groups sub regional climate and potential natural 

communities (USDA 1993). 

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Ecological sustainability

See sustainability.

Economic sustainability

See sustainability.

Economically viable young-growth timber

On the Tongass National Forest, the Two‐Log Rule was developed to better predict when stands reach a 

condition where economic harvest opportunities may exist prior to stands reaching culmination of mean 

annual increment (CMAI) of growth. The Two‐Log Rule implies at least half of the merchantable volume 

within a stand is comprised of trees with two or more logs. A “two-log” tree is defined as trees that are at 

least nine inches diameter at breast height, six inches in diameter at the small end and contains a 

minimum of two logs that are at least 34 feet long.

Ecosystem

A spatially explicit, relatively homogenous area that includes all interacting organisms and the abiotic 

environment components. An ecosystem can be of various sizes (e.g., a log, a pond, a forest, or the 

earth’s biosphere).

An ecosystem is commonly described in terms of its:

1. Composition. The biological elements within the different levels of biological organization, from genes 

and species to communities and ecosystems.

2. Structure. The organization and physical arrangement of biological elements such as, snags and 

down woody debris, vertical and horizontal distribution of vegetation, stream habitat complexity, 

landscape pattern, and connectivity.

3. Function. Ecological processes that sustain composition and structure, such as energy flow, nutrient 

cycling and retention, soil development and retention, predation and herbivory, and natural disturbances 

such as wind, fire, and floods.

4. Connectivity. See connectivity (ecosystem) above. 

Ecosystem management

Management guided by explicit goals, executed by policies, protocols, and practices and adapted through 

monitoring and research to sustain the composition, structure, and function over the long term.

Ecosystem services

Ecosystem services include the full suite of goods and services that are vital to human health and 

livelihood provided by ecosystems—in this case, ecosystems on the Tongass National Forest.

Benefits people obtain from ecosystems, including:

1. Provisioning services, such as clean air and fresh water, energy, food, fuel, forage, wood products or 

fiber, and minerals;

2. Regulating services, such as long-term storage of carbon; climate regulation; water filtration, 

purification, and storage; soil stabilization; flood and drought control; and disease regulation;

3. Supporting services, such as pollination, seed dispersal, soil formation, and nutrient cycling; and

4. Cultural services, such as educational, aesthetic, spiritual, and cultural heritage values, recreational 

experiences, and tourism opportunities.

Ecotone

A transition or junction zone between two or more naturally occurring diverse plant communities 

(ecosystems).

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An edge habitat (Helms 1998).

Edge effect 

The effect of adjoining vegetative communities on the population structure along the margin, which 

provides for greater numbers of species and higher population densities than either adjoining community. 

Edge may also result in negative effects, since habitat along the edge is different than within the patch, 

reducing the effective area of the habitat patch.

The modified environmental conditions or habitat along the margins (edges) of forest stands or patches 

(Helms 1998).

Effect

In Cultural Resources, the potential of an undertaking to alter the characteristics that may qualify a 

property for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

Heritage Resources: An “effect” means alteration to the characteristics of a historic property qualifying it 

for inclusion in or eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. [36 CFR § 800.16(i)] Adverse 

effects may include direct, indirect, or cumulative effects. 

Adverse effects may include reasonably foreseeable effects caused by the undertaking that may occur 

later in time, be farther removed in distance, or be cumulative. [36 CFR § 800.5(a)(1)] Indirect effects 

may change the character of the property’s use or physical features within the property’s setting that 

contribute to its historic significance; are often audible, atmospheric, and visual effects; and may relate to 

viewshed issues. 

A direct effect to a historic property would include demolition of a historic building, major disturbance of an 

archaeological site, or any other actions that occur to the property itself.

Effects

Environmental effects and impacts as used in the Council on Environmental Quality’s (CEQ) regulations 

(40 CFR parts 1508.7 and 1508.8) implementing the procedural provisions of the National Environmental 

Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. parts 4321 et seq.) are synonymous and include: 

Direct effects, which are caused by the action and occur at the same time and place; 

Indirect effects, which are caused by the action and are later in time or farther removed in distance, but 

are still reasonably foreseeable; and

Cumulative impact, which is the impact on the environment which results from the incremental impact of 

the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of 

what agency (federal or non-federal) or person undertakes such other actions. Cumulative impacts can 

result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time.

Effects may also include those resulting from actions which may have both beneficial and detrimental 

effects, even if on balance the agency believes that the effect will be beneficial.

Emergent

A plant rooted in shallow water and having most of its vegetation above water (e.g., cattails).

Encumbrance 

A claim, lien, charge, or liability attached to and binding real property (Black 1979).

Endangered species

Any species of animal or plant that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its 

range. Plant or animal species identified and defined in accordance with the 1973 Endangered Species 

Act and published in the Federal Register.

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Any species that the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce has determined is in danger 

of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Endangered species are listed at 50 CFR 

sections 17.11, 17.12, and 224.101 (FSM 1090.12).

Endemic

Living in or restricted to a particular locality. In this document the term endemic is used in two ways. 

First, it is used to describe plant and animal species, subspecies, or lineages that are native and 

restricted in their distribution to an island, a portion of Southeast Alaska, or Southeast Alaska. Second, it 

is used to describe a type of windthrow event that is a very localized windthrow event, where individual 

trees are blown over (see the definition for Windthrow in this Glossary).

Indigenous to (native) or characteristic of a particular restricted geographical area (Helms 1998).

Endemism

The ecological state of a species being unique to a defined geographic location, such as an island or 

other defined zone or habitat type; organisms that are indigenous to a place are not endemic to it if they

are also found elsewhere.

Enhance

To improve, reinforce, enrich, or strengthen the existing condition, value, or beauty of a resource.

Entitlement 

Right to benefits, income, or property that may not be abridged without due process.

Environment

All the conditions, circumstances, and influences surrounding and affecting the development of an 

organism, or group of organisms.

Environmental analysis

An analysis of alternative actions and their predictable short- and long-term environmental effects, 

incorporating the physical, biological, economic, social, and environmental design arts and their 

interactions.

Environmental assessment (EA)

A concise public document that provides sufficient evidence and analysis for determining whether to 

prepare an, environmental impact statement (EIS) or a finding of no significant impact, aids an agency’s 

compliance with the NEPA when no EIS is necessary, and facilitates preparation of a statement when 

one is necessary (40 CFR 1508.9; FSH 1909.15, chapter 40). (36 CFR 219.62).

Environmental document

An environmental assessment, environmental impact statement, finding of no significant impact, 

categorical exclusion, and notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. (36 CFR 

219.19)

Environmental impact

Used interchangeably with environmental consequence or effect.

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

A document prepared by a federal agency in which anticipated environmental effects of a planned course 

of action or development are evaluated. A federal statute (Section 102 of the National Environmental 

Policy Act of 1969) requires that such statements be prepared. It is prepared first in draft or review form, 

and then in a final form. An impact statement includes the following points: 1) the environmental impact 

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of the proposed action, 2) any adverse impacts that cannot be avoided by the action, 3) the alternative 

courses of actions, 4) the relationships between local short-term use of the human environment and the 

maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity, and 5) a description of the irreversible and 

irretrievable commitment of resources that would occur if the action were accomplished.

A detailed written statement as required by section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 

1969 (40 CFR 1508.11; 36 CFR 220) (36 CFR 219.62).

Epikarst

The upper surface of karst, consisting of a network of intersecting fissures and cavities that collect and 

transport surface water and nutrients underground; epikarst depth can range from a few centimeters to

tens of meters.

Ephemeral stream

A stream, or a portion of a stream, that does not flow year round, but only when (a) it receives base flow 

during wet periods, or (b) when it receives groundwater discharge or protracted contributions from melting 

snow or other erratic surface or subsurface sources. 

A stream that flows only in direct response to precipitation in the immediate locality (watershed or 

catchment basin), and whose channel is at all other times above the zone of saturation.

Erosion

The wearing away of the land surface by running water, wind, ice, gravity, or other geological activities.

Escapement

Adult anadromous fish that escape from all causes of mortality (natural or human-caused) to return to 

streams to spawn. 

Essential fish habitat (EFH)

Those waters and substrate necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity for 

federally managed species as per 50 CFR 600, “Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions.” For the purpose of 

interpreting the definition of essential fish habitat: “Waters” include aquatic areas and their associated 

physical, chemical, and biological properties that are used by fish and may include aquatic areas 

historically used by fish where appropriate; “substrate” includes sediment, hard bottom, structures 

underlying the waters, and associated biological communities, “necessary” means the habitat required to 

support a sustainable fishery and the managed species’ contribution to a healthy ecosystem; and 

“spawning, breeding, feeding growth to maturity” covers a species full life cycle.

Estuary 

An ecological system at the mouth of a stream where fresh water and salt water mix, and where salt 

marshes and intertidal mudflats are present. The landward extent of an estuary is the limit of saltintolerant vegetation, and the seaward extent is a stream’s delta at mean low water.

The seaward end or the widened funnel-shaped tidal mouth of a river or stream where fresh water comes 

into contact with seawater and where tidal effects are evident; e.g. a tidal river, or a partially enclosed 

coastal body of water where the tide meets the current of a stream (Haskins 1998).

Evapotranspiration

The sum total of water lost from the land by evaporation and plant transpiration. Transpiration is loss of 

water in vapor form from a plant.

The conversion of water, whether surface water, soil moisture (both by evaporation), or within plants (by 

transpiration) into water vapor that is released into the atmosphere – note: potential evapotranspiration 

can be estimated from simplified heat energy considerations of readily measured meteorological 

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phenomena; actual evapotranspiration may be the result of various factors, e.g., restricted water supplies 

or plant physiological processes modifying that potential (Helms 1998).

Even-aged management

A regeneration method that result in the creation of stands comprised of a single age class in which tree 

ages are usually +/- 20 percent of rotation. Clear cut, shelterwood, or seed tree cutting methods produce 

even-aged stands.

Exchange

See Land Exchange

Executive Order

An order or regulation issued by the President or some administrative authority under his direction.

Existing data search

A systematic check and evaluation of available records, documents, and informant sources to gather 

information pertinent to cultural resources within a given area.

Existing scenic integrity (ESI)

Current state of the landscape, considering previous human alterations. ESI levels are as follows:

Very High. Landscapes where the landscape character is intact with only minute, if any, deviations. 

The existing landscape character and sense of place is expressed at the highest possible level.

High. Landscapes where the landscape character “appears” intact. Deviations may be present but 

repeat form, line, color, texture, and pattern common to the landscape character so completely and at 

such scale that they are not evident.

Moderate. Landscapes where the landscape character “appears slightly altered.” Noticeable 

deviations remain visually subordinate to the landscape being viewed.

Low. Landscapes where the landscape character “appears moderately altered.” Deviations begin to 

dominate the landscape character being viewed, but borrow attributes such as size, shape, edge 

effect, and pattern of natural openings, vegetative type changes, or architectural styles outside the 

landscape being viewed.

Very Low. Landscapes where the landscape character “appears heavily altered.” Deviations may 

strongly dominate the landscape character. They do not borrow from attributes such as size, shape, 

edge effect, and pattern of natural openings, vegetative type changes, or architectural styles within or 

outside the landscape being viewed.

Unacceptably Low. Landscapes where the landscape character being viewed appears extremely 

altered. Deviations are extremely dominant and borrow little, if any, form, line, color, texture, pattern, 

or scale from the landscape character.

F

Facility

Structures needed to support the management, protection, and use of the National Forests, including 

buildings, utility systems, dams, and other construction features. There are three types of facilities: 

recreation, administrative and authorized.

Falldown

The difference between the number of acres planned for timber harvest and those actually harvested, 

usually experienced as a reduction in acres. Falldown results from many factors, including unmapped 

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unsuitable timber land, newly available information, and project-level consideration of site-specific issues 

and non-timber resource needs. (Also see the definition for Management Implementation Reduction 

Factor.)

Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA)

A law (Public Law 92-463) passed by Congress on October 6, 1972 to create an orderly procedure by 

which Federal agencies may seek advice and assistance from citizens and experts, and to promote 

meaningful public participation in government decisions. A federal agency must comply with FACA when 

it: establishes, utilizes, controls, or manages a group with non-federal members that provides the agency 

with consensus advice or recommendations.

Federally recognized Indian tribe 

An Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary of the 

Interior acknowledges to exist as an Indian tribe pursuant to the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List 

Act of 1994, 25 U.S.C. 479a.

An Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including a native village, regional 

corporation or village corporation, as those terms are defined in Section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims 

Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602)(ANCSA), which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and 

services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.

Fen

A nutrient medium peatland ecosystem dominated by sedges and brown mosses, where mineral-bearing 

groundwater is within the rooting zone and meneratrophic plant species are common. 

A peat-accumulating wetland that receives some drainage from surrounding mineral soils and usually 

supports marsh-like vegetation including sedges, rushes, shrubs and trees – note: fens are less acidic 

than bogs and derive most of their water from groundwater rich in calcium and magnesium as well as 

other nutrient rich water sources (Helms 1998).

Fine filter

An approach used for wildlife conservation management and analysis which focuses on individual 

species and their habitat needs. (Also see the definition for coarse filter.)

Fire suppression

All work and activities connected with fire-extinguishing operations, beginning with discovery and 

continuing until the fire is completely extinguished.

Fiscal Year (FY)

October 1 to September 30. The Fiscal Year is referred to by the calendar year, which begins on January 

1. For example, October 1, 1996, to September 30, 1997, is referred to as Fiscal Year 1997.

Fish passage

The ability of both adult and juvenile fish to move both up and down stream.

Flash flooding

A very rapid responding, relatively high streamflow overtopping the banks in any reach of a stream.

Flood plain

The level or nearly level land with alluvial soils on either or both sides of a stream or river that is subject to 

overflow flooding during periods of high water. 

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Fluvial

1. Of, or pertaining to, streams and rivers.

2. Growing or living in streams or ponds. 

3. Produced by river or stream action, as a fluvial plain (Helms 1998).

Foodfish

Fish consumed by humans.

Footslope

The inner, gently inclined surface at the base of a hill or mountain slope. The surface profile is 

dominantly concave, and is the transition zone between upslope erosional sites and downslope 

depositional sites.

Forbs

A grouping/category of broad-leaved herbaceous plants that are not included in the grass, shrub, or tree 

groupings/categories; generally smaller flowering plants.

Foreground

The visible area within 0.5 mile of a visual priority route.. (See the definitions for background and 

middleground.)

Forest development road

See the definition for National Forest System road.

Forest Facility Master Plan

The plan that depicts the development and management of the Forest’s facilities. This includes current 

volume of business and projections for the future, locations for needed skills to perform program work, 

existing administrative sites and proposed locations of new sites, and management strategies concerning 

consolidation or sharing services between units (FSM 7312.1).

Forest health

The perceived condition of a forest derived from concerns about such factors as its age, structure, 

composition, function, vigor, presence of unusual levels of insects or disease, and resilience to 

disturbance.

Forest Plan 

Source of management direction for an individual forest, specifying activity and output levels for a period 

of 10 to 15 years. Management direction in the Forest Plan is based on the issues identified at the time 

of the plan’s development. 

Forest road or trail

A road or trail wholly or partly within or adjacent to and serving the National Forest System (NFS) that the 

Forest Service determines is necessary for the protection, administration, and utilization of the NFS and 

the use and development of its resources (36 CFR 212.1).

Forest transportation atlas

A display of the system of roads, trails, and airfields of an administrative unit (36 CFR 212.1).

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Forest transportation facility

A forest road, trail, or airfield that is displayed in a forest transportation atlas, including bridges, culverts, 

parking lots, marine access facilities, safety devices, and other improvements appurtenant to the forest 

transportation system (36 CFR 212.1).

Forest transportation system

The system of National Forest System (NFS) roads, trails, and airfields on NFS lands (36 CFR 212.1). 

Forest transportation system management

The travel planning, analysis, designation of roads, trails, and areas for motor vehicle use, recordkeeping, 

scheduling, construction, reconstruction, maintenance, decommissioning, and other operations 

undertaken to achieve environmentally sound, safe, cost-effective, access for use, enjoyment, protection, 

administration, and management of NFS lands.

Forested land

Land at least 10 percent occupied by forest trees of any size or formerly having had such tree cover and 

not currently developed for non-forest uses. Lands developed for non-forest use include areas for crops, 

improved pasture, residential or administrative areas, improved roads of any width and adjoining road 

clearing, and power line clearings of any width (36 CFR 219.19).

Forested wetland

A wetland whose vegetation is characterized by an overstory of trees at least 10 percent occupied by 

forest trees, which are 20 feet or taller.

Forest Service Handbook (FSH)

Handbooks are the principal source of specialized guidance and instruction for carrying out the direction 

issued in the Forest Service Manual (FSM). Specialists and technicians are the primary audience of 

Handbook direction. However, some FSHs include significant procedural direction needed by line officers 

and/or primary staff officers; examples include Handbooks on land management planning, appeals, 

litigation, and environmental analysis. Handbooks may also incorporate external directives (such as the 

Federal Property Management Regulations in FSH 6409.31) with related USDA and Forest Service 

directive supplements.

Forest Service Manual (FSM)

Manuals contain legal authorities, objectives, policies, responsibilities, instructions, and guidance needed 

on a continuing basis by Forest Service line officers and primary staff in more than one unit to plan and 

execute assigned programs and activities.

Fragmentation

The process by which a landscape is broken into smaller patches of forest within a mosaic of other forms 

of land use or ownership. 

Free use permit

A permit that allows the removal of timber or other resources from public lands free of charge.

Fuel

The organic materials that will support the start and spread of a fire: duff, litter, grass, weeds, forbs, 

brush, trees, dead woody materials.

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Function

A term in ecology referring to the interactions and influences between plant and animal species within an 

area (how each species uses its environment), and to natural processes of change or disturbance (such 

as wind or aging).

One of the three components used to define and describe Ecosystems (see definition above). An 

ecosystem function is an ecological process that sustains composition and structure, such as energy flow, 

nutrient cycling and retention, soil development and retention, predation and herbivory and natural 

disturbances such as wind, fire, and floods (FSM 1909.12).

G

Game Management Unit 

Geographical areas defined by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to manage wildlife populations. 

Legal hunting and trapping regulations govern each unit. 

Genetic descendant

A person known or reliably assumed to have a genetic relationship to a deceased person.

Glacial refugia

The areas of Southeast Alaska that were not covered by glaciers during the last ice age.

Glacial rivers and streams 

Rivers and streams that receive their main flow characteristics from the presence and activities of ice and 

glaciers and their meltwater. 

Glide or placid streams

Grouping of channel types that have fairly consistent physical characteristics occurring on lowland 

landforms and are mostly associated with bogs, marshes, or lakes.

Goal

A concise statement that describes a desired future condition normally expressed in broad, general terms 

that are timeless, in that there is no specific date by which the goal is to be achieved.

Optional plan components that are broad statements of intent, other than desired conditions, usually 

related to process or interaction with the public. Goals are expressed in broad, general terms, but do not 

include completion dates (36 CFR 219.7(e)(2)).

Goods and services

The various outputs and on-site uses produced from forest resources.

Groundwater

Water within the earth that supplies wells and springs. Specifically, water in the zone of saturation where 

all openings in soils and rocks are filled; the upper surface level forms the water table.

The subsurface water in both phreatic (saturated) and vadose (unsaturated) zone water at a pressure 

equal to or greater than atmospheric that is free to move under the influence of gravity. Note: ground 

water is recharged by infiltration and enters streams through seepage and springs (Helms 1998).

Group selection 

An uneven aged regeneration method in which trees are removed and new age classes are established 

in small groups where the widths of groups are commonly approximately twice the height of the mature 

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trees. Note: the management unit or stand in which regeneration growth and yield are regulated consists 

of an aggregation of groups.

Growing stock

All trees growing in a forest or in a specified part of it, usually commercial species, meeting specified 

standards of size, quality, and vigor, and generally expressed in terms of trees per acre, density, or 

volume. 

Guideline

A preferred or advisable course of action or level of attainment designed to promote achievement of goals 

and objectives.

A constraint on project and activity decision-making that allows for departure from its terms, so long as 

the purpose of the guideline is met (36 CFR 219.15(d)(3)). Guidelines are established to help achieve or 

maintain a desired condition or conditions, to avoid or mitigate undesirable effects, or to meet applicable 

legal requirements.

H

Habitat

The sum total of environmental conditions of a specific place occupied by wildlife or plant species or a 

population of each species.

1. A unit area of environment. 2. The place, natural or otherwise, (including climate, food, cover and 

water) where animal, plant, or populations naturally or normally lives and develops (Helms 1998).

Habitat capability

The estimated maximum number of fish or wildlife that can be supported by the amount and distribution of 

suitable habitat in an area.

Hard snags/soft snags

Terminology used to describe the state of the decay process in dead trees. Hard snags are dead trees 

that have little decay and are generally still merchantable. Soft snags are dead trees that have a 

considerable amount of decay and are generally soft, broken, non-merchantable wood.

Haul out

Areas used by marine mammals for resting and other social/biological activities that occur in the intertidal 

zone.

Heritage resources 

The physical remains of districts, sites, structures, buildings, networks, events, or objects used by 

humans in the past. They may be historic, prehistoric, architectural, or archival in nature. Heritage 

resources are non-renewable aspects of our national heritage. 

Also referred to as Cultural Resources. Heritage resources are associated with sites of human activities 

or events. According to the Glossary of National Register Terms in National Register Bulletin No. 16A, 

site means "location of a significant event, a prehistoric or historic occupation or activity, or a building or 

structure, whether standing, ruined, or vanished, where the location itself possesses historic, cultural, or 

archaeological value regardless of any existing structure." Heritage resources include archaeological 

features, sites and districts, artifacts, historic structures and buildings, cultural and ethnographic 

landscapes, sacred sites and cemeteries, and traditional cultural properties, and may have both tangible 

and intangible qualities. Effects considered under NEPA include cultural resources and historic [40 CFR

1508.8] without regard to their National Register eligibility.

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Glossary 7

Highway legal vehicle

Any motor vehicle that is licensed or certified for general operation on public roads within the State of 

Alaska.

Historic property

Any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure, or object included in, or eligible for inclusion in, 

the National Register of Historic Places. The term includes artifacts, records, and remains that are 

related to and located within such properties.

Properties of religious and cultural significance to Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations may be 

determined to be eligible for inclusion in the National Register. [16 U.S.C. 470a(d)(6)(A)] See also 

Heritage Resources. 

Horizontal distance

Distance measured in a flat (horizontal) manner at zero angle.

Human remains

The physical remains of human bodies.

Humus

Black or brown organic material of complex composition that is the end-product of microbial breakdown of 

plant and animal residues at the soil surface.

Hunter day

One hunter day is equivalent to one person hunting for any length of time during a 24-hour period.

Hydrologic cycle

The complete cycle through which water passes, commencing as atmospheric water vapor, passing into 

liquid and solid form as precipitation, thence along or into the ground surface, and finally again returning 

to the form of atmospheric water vapor by means of evaporation and transpiration. Also called Water 

Cycle.

Impacts

See effects.

Improvements

Includes any structures of a permanent nature placed upon the land that tend to increase its value. 

Incision Depth

Stream channel incision depth is the vertical distance between the channel bottom at the thalweg and the 

first significant slope break occurring above the bankfull stage point. 

Intermittent stream

A stream, or a portion of a stream, that flows only in direct response to precipitation, receiving little or no 

water from springs and no long continuous supply from snow or other sources, an whose channel is at all 

times above the water table. See ephemeral stream. 

Indian religious practitioner

In Southeast Alaska, a Shaman or religious leader, or specific elder, that is identified by the appropriate 

tribal authority (tribal government or council) as the appropriate knowledgeable or authoritative person 

regarding the sacredness of a location.

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Industrial wood

All commercial roundwood products, except fuelwood.

Infrastructure

The facilities, utilities, and transportation systems needed to meet public and administrative needs.

Inherent capability

Recreation capability for the physical, social, and managerial setting for recreation, based on remoteness 

from modern human development and activity, modification of the land, and social factors such as 

crowding.

The ecological capacity or ecological potential of an area characterized by the interrelationship of its 

physical elements, its climatic regime, and natural disturbances (36 CFR 219.19).

Integrated pest management (IPM) 

Integrated pest management, or IPM, is a long-standing, science-based, decision-making process that 

identifies and reduces risks from pests and pest management related strategies. It coordinates the use of 

pest biology, environmental information, and available technology to prevent unacceptable levels of pest 

damage by the most economical means, while posing the least possible risk to people, property, 

resources, and the environment. IPM provides an effective strategy for managing pests in all arenas from 

developed residential and public areas to wild lands. IPM serves as an umbrella to provide an effective, 

all encompassing, low-risk approach to protect resources and people from pests. 

Integrated resource management

Multiple use management that recognizes the interdependence of ecological resources, and is based on 

the need for integrated consideration of ecological, social, and economic factors. (36 CFR 219.19)

Inter

To place in a grave or tomb.

Interception

The process by which precipitation is caught and held by foliage, twigs, and branches of trees, shrubs, 

and other vegetation, and lost by evaporation, never reaching the surface of the ground. Interception 

equals the precipitation on the vegetation minus stemflow and through fall.

Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) 

A group of individuals with different training assembled to solve a problem or perform a task. The team is 

assembled out of recognition that no one scientific discipline is sufficiently broad to adequately solve the 

problem. Through interaction, participants bring different points of view and a broader range of expertise 

to bear on the problem.

Interest 

A general term to denote a right, claim, title, or legal share in real estate (Black 2015).

Interior old-growth forest

The region of a forested stand that has a stable microclimate relative to light, wind, humidity, moisture 

regime, etc. Natural forest ecotones (see definition for ecotone) “seal” a forest’s edge and stabilize these 

microclimate features. Ecotones created by management such as the old growth, clearcut edge may 

have “edge” effects that extend into a forest for several hundred feet (estimated 2 to 3 tree heights)

before stable “interior forest” conditions are achieved and microclimatic effects of the edge are no longer 

evident.

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Glossary 7

Invasive species

A species that is non-native (or alien) to the habitat under consideration and 2) whose purposeful or 

accidental introduction causes, or is likely to cause, economic or environmental harm or harm to human 

health (Executive Order 13112).

An alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to 

human health. A species that causes, or is likely to cause, harm and that is exotic to the ecosystem it has 

infested. Invasive species infest both aquatic and terrestrial areas and can be identified within any of the 

following four taxonomic categories: Plants, Vertebrates, Invertebrates, and Pathogens (Executive Order 

13112).

Inventoried roadless area (IRA)

An undeveloped area typically exceeding 5,000 acres that meets the minimum criteria for Wilderness 

consideration under the Wilderness Act.

Areas identified in a set of inventoried roadless area maps, contained in Forest Service Roadless Area 

Conservation, Final Environmental Impact Statement, Volume 2, dated November 2000, which are held at 

the National headquarters office of the Forest Service, or any subsequent update or revision of those 

maps. (36 CFR 294.11).

Invertebrates

Animals without backbones. Land invertebrates include insects, snails, and slugs; freshwater 

invertebrates include aquatic insects; and marine invertebrates include crab, shrimp, and clams. 

Irretrievable commitments

A term that applies to the loss of production, harvest, or use of natural resources. For example, some or 

all of the timber production from an area is lost irretrievably while an area is serving as a winter sports 

site. The production lost is irretrievable, but the action is not irreversible. If the use changes, it is 

possible to resume timber production.

Irreversible commitments

A term that describes the loss of future options. Applies primarily to the effects of use of nonrenewable 

resources, such as minerals or cultural resources, or to those factors, such as soil productivity, that are 

renewable only over long periods of time.

Issue

A point, matter, or section of public discussion or interest to be addressed or decided.

J

Jurisdiction over a forest transportation facility

The legal right to control or regulate use of a forest transportation facility derived from title, an easement, 

an agreement, or other similar source. 

K

Karst

A type of topography that develops in areas underlain by soluble rocks, primarily limestone. Dissolution 

of the subsurface strata results in areas of well-developed, surface drainage that are sinkholes, collapsed 

channels, or caves.

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Glossary 7

L

Lacustrine wetland

Includes permanently flooded lakes and reservoirs, intermittent lakes, and tidal lakes with ocean-derived 

salinities of less than 0.5 percent. Typically, there are extensive areas of deep water and there is 

considerable wave action.

Land allocation

The decision to use land for various resource management objectives to best satisfy the issues, 

concerns, and opportunities, and meet assigned forest output targets.

Land exchange

The conveyance of non-federal land or interests to the United States in exchange for National Forest 

System land or interests in land.

A land adjustment transaction whereby the United States trades federal land, interests in land, and/or 

timber for not less than equal value of non-Federal land and/or interests in land needed for National 

Forest purposes, or programs. Some exchanges provide for cash equalization to equalize values.

Land Use Designation (LUD)

A defined area of land specific to which management direction is applied. 

Defined areas of the Forest that are allocated for different uses or activities and have the same set of 

applicable plan components, but do not have to be spatially contiguous. (36 CFR 219.19)

Landform

Any physical, recognizable form or feature of the earth’s surface, having a characteristic shape, and 

produced by natural causes. Major forms included are plains, plateaus, and mountains; minor forms are 

hills, valleys, slopes, eskers, and dunes.

Landing

A cleared area to which logs or trees are transported for loading onto trucks for transport to a mill or log 

transfer facility. Barges are sometimes used for landings in Southeast Alaska.

Landscape

A heterogeneous land area with interacting ecosystems that are repeated in similar form throughout

[Forest Ecosystem Management Assessment Team (FEMAT)].

A defined area irrespective of ownership or other artificial boundaries, such as a spatial mosaic of 

terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, landforms, and plant communities, repeated in similar form throughout 

such a defined area (36 CFR 219.19).

A cultural landscape is defined as an area which includes both cultural and natural resources associated 

with a historic event, activity, or person or exhibiting other cultural or aesthetic values.

Landslides

The moderately rapid to rapid downslope movement of soil and rock materials that may or may not be 

water-saturated.

Large woody debris (LWD)

Any piece of relatively stable woody material, having a diameter of 4 inches or greater and a length 

greater than 3 feet, that intrudes into a stream channel. Formerly called large organic debris. 

Glossary 7-28 Forest Plan

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Glossary 7

A term used to describe logs, tree boles, rootwads, and limbs that are in, on or near the stream channel, 

having a diameter of 4 inches or greater and a length equal to or greater than 3 feet, that intrudes into a 

stream channel.

Leasable minerals

Generally includes minerals such as coal, oil, gas, phosphate, sodium, potassium, oil shale, sulfur, and 

geothermal steam.

Lease

A type of special use authorization (usually granted for uses other than linear rights-of-way) that is used 

when substantial capital investment is required and when conveyance of a conditional and transferable 

interest in National Forest System lands is necessary or desirable to serve or facilitate authorized longterm uses, and that may be revocable and compensable according to its terms.

Leave strips

A narrow band of forest trees left between cutting units.

Legacy trees

A tree, usually mature or old growth that is retained on a site after harvesting or natural

disturbance to provide a biological legacy.

Locatable minerals

Includes minerals such as gold, silver, lead, zinc, copper, and mercury.

Log transfer facilities (LTF) 

Log transfer facilities include the site and structures used for moving logs and timber products from landbased transportation forms to water-based transportation forms (or vice versa).

Logging residue (logging slash)

The unused portion of trees cut during logging and left in the woods.

Logging systems

Ground Based. A system of log transportation in which logs are pulled from the woods to a landing 

by means of a crawler tractor, skidder, or similar ground-based equipment.

High-lead. A system of cable logging in which the working lines are elevated at the landing area by 

a rigged wooden tree or portable steel spar.

Skyline. A system of cable logging in which all or part of the weight of the logs is supported during 

yarding by a suspended cable.

Helicopter. A system of transporting logs from the woods to a landing as an external load on a 

helicopter.

Long-term sustained yield (LTSY) timber capacity 

The highest uniform wood yield that may be sustained under specific management intensity consistent 

with multiple use objectives on lands being managed for timber production.

M

Macrophytes 

Any plant species that can be readily observed without the aid of optical magnification.

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Glossary 7

Major culvert

A culvert that provides an opening of more than 35 square feet in a single installation or in a multiple 

installation in which the smallest opening is more than 19 square feet.

Managed stand

A forested stand whose natural structure has been purposely altered through some regeneration or 

stocking control treatment.

Management action

A set of management activities applied to a land area to produce a desired output.

Management approach

Optional content in the Forest Plan that describes the principal strategies and program priorities the 

Responsible Official intends to employ to carry out projects and activities developed under the plan. The 

management approaches can convey a sense of priority and focus among objectives and the likely 

management emphasis. Management approaches should relate to desired conditions and may indicate 

the future course or direction of change, recognizing budget trends, program demands and 

accomplishments. Management approaches may discuss potential processes such as analysis, 

assessment, inventory, project planning, or monitoring.

Management area 

Combinations of adjacent Value Comparison Units having common management direction, as defined in 

the 1979 Tongass Land Management Plan.

A land area identified within the planning area that has the same set of applicable plan components. A 

management area does not have to be spatially contiguous (36 CFR 219.19).

Management concern

An issue, problem, or condition that constrains the range of management practices identified by the 

Forest Service in the planning process.

Management direction

A statement of multiple-use and other goals and objectives, the associated land use prescriptions, and 

standards and guidelines for attaining them.

A document or set of documents that provide management direction for an administrative unit of the 

National Forest System developed under the requirements of the land management planning regulation 

at 36 CFR part 219 or a prior planning rule (36 CFR 219.19).

Management Indicator Species 

Plant or animal species, communities, or special habitats selected for emphasis in planning, and which 

are monitored during forest plan implementation to assess the effects of management activities on their 

populations and the populations of other species with similar habitat needs that they may represent.

Management practices

The activities applied to a defined area of land (land use designation as defined in the Forest Plan) to 

attain multiple-use and other goals and objectives.

Management prescription

Management practices and intensity selected and scheduled for application on a specific area (e.g., a 

land use designation) to attain multiple-use and other goals and objectives.

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Glossary 7

Mariculture

The cultivation of plants and animals in saltwater, with no freshwater component. Mariculture does not 

include anadromous fish farming.

Marine access facility (MAF) 

An area used by humans to transfer items from land to saltwater or vice versa, that contains a structure 

such as a mooring buoy, dock, log transfer facility, boat ramp, or a combination of these.

Marine access point 

An area that is used by humans to transfer items to saltwater generally where there is a trail that leads to 

saltwater and that has no associated structures.

Maritime climate

Weather conditions controlled by an oceanic environment characterized by small annual temperature 

ranges and high precipitation.

Mass-wasting

A general term for a variety of processes by which large masses of earth material are moved by gravity 

either slowly or quickly from one place to another. Also, mass movement.

Matrix

A term used in the Old-growth habitat conservation strategy that refers to the lands with LUD allocations 

where commercial timber harvest may occur. 

Mean annual increment (MAI) 

The total increment of a tree or stand, up to a given age in years, divided by that age.

Mean high tide

The average of all high tides, especially over a period of 18.6 years. (Black's Law Dictionary, 7th ed.)

Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)

Under the authority of 36 CFR 800 an MOA with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is required 

if historic properties that are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places are to be adversely 

affected by an undertaking. An MOA created under 36 CFR 800 is not a fund obligating document.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

An agreement between the Forest Service and other agencies resulting from consultation between 

agencies that states specific measures the agencies will follow to accomplish a large or complex project. 

A memorandum of understanding is not a fund obligating document.

Microclimate

The temperature, moisture, wind, pressure, and evaporation (climate) of a very small area that differs 

from the general climate of the larger surrounding area.

Microsale

A microsale is a timber sale proposed by a prospective purchaser consisting of dead or down timber of

approximately 50 thousand board feet (MBF) or less and the District Ranger agrees to offer for bidding. 

Middleground

The visible area between foreground and background of a visual priority route. (See the definitions for 

foreground and background.)

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Glossary 7

Million board feet (MMBF)

One million board feet of timber (see the definition for board foot).

A measurement of the number of millions of board feet of timber. The letter "M" is borrowed from Roman 

numerals, but instead of "MM" representing the value 2,000, the industry treats them as variables in 

algebra and interprets them based on the rules of mathematics (where two adjacent variables are 

multiplied), thus the product is 1 million (1,000 times 1,000) board feet of timber.

Mineral development

The activities and facilities associated with extracting mineral deposits.

Mineral entry

Filing a mining claim on public land to obtain the right to mine any minerals it may contain. Also the filing 

for a mill site on federal land for the purpose of processing off-site minerals.

Mineral exploration

The search for valuable minerals on lands open to mineral entry.

Mineral lease

A lease that authorizes the development and production of leasable minerals from public lands.

Mineral production

The extraction of mineral deposits.

Mineral rights

The rights of one who owns the mineral estate (subsurface).

Mineral soils

Soils consisting predominantly of, and having its properties determined by, mineral matter. These soils 

usually contain less than 20 percent organic matter, but can contain an organic surface layer up to within 

20 inches of the surface.

Mineral withdrawal

A formal designation by the Secretary of Interior that precludes entry or disposal of mineral commodities 

under the mining and/or mineral leasing laws.

Mining claims

A geographic area of the public lands held under the general mining laws in which the right of exclusive 

possession is vested in the locator of a valuable mineral deposit. 

Mitigate

Take action to alleviate potential adverse effects of natural or human caused disturbances. For example, 

to lessen or minimize an adverse effect upon a cultural resource listed on or eligible for the National 

Register of Historic Places. The two categories of mitigation most often used for cultural resources are 

project modification and data recovery. Also to lessen or minimize an adverse effect upon a listed plant 

and animal species or on any resource. 

To avoid, minimize, rectify, reduce, or compensate the adverse environmental impacts associated with an 

action.

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Glossary 7

Mixed conifer

In Southeast Alaska, mixed conifer stands usually consist of the following species: western hemlock, 

mountain hemlock, and yellow-cedar, redcedar, and Sitka spruce. Shorepine may occasionally be 

present depending on individual sites. Redcedar is not usually in mixed conifer stands on the central and 

northern portions of the Tongass. Mixed conifer sites indicate poor drainage and/or shallow soils.

Model

An idealized representation of reality developed to describe, analyze, or understand it; a mathematical 

representation of the relationships under study (e.g., Woodstock, wildlife habitat capability models).

Model Implementation Reduction Factor (MIRF)

An adjustment made to the timber outputs of the computer model to account for anticipated effects on 

timber availability that cannot be accounted for in the computer model. (Also see the definition for 

falldown.)

Moderately well-drained soil

Water in these soils is removed from them somewhat slowly, so that the profile is wet for a small, but 

significant, part of the time.

Moisture regime

The variation of moisture content in a specified portion of soil during the year.

Monitoring

Gathering information and observing results of management activities to provide a basis for the periodic 

evaluation of the Forest Plan.

A systematic process of collecting information to evaluate effects of actions or changes in conditions or 

relationships (36 CFR 219.19).

Motor vehicle

Any vehicle that is propelled by a motor, other than:

a. A vehicle operated on rails; and

b. Any wheelchair or mobility device, including one that is battery-powered, designed solely for use 

by a mobility-impaired person for locomotion, and suitable for use in an indoor pedestrian area 

(36 CFR 212.1).

Motor vehicle use map (MVUM)

A map reflecting designated roads, trails, and other areas for motorized use on an administrative unit or a 

Ranger District of the National Forest System (36 CFR 212.1).

Motorized mixed use

Designation of a National Forest System road for use by both highway-legal and non-highway-legal motor 

vehicles. 

Multi-aged (multi-cohort) stands

A stand with two or more age classes or cohorts. 

Multiple use

The management of all the various renewable surface resources of the National Forest System so that 

they are used in the combination that will best meet the needs of the American people; harmonious and 

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December 2016
Glossary 7

coordinated management of the various resources, each with the other, without impairment of the 

productivity of the land, with consideration being given to the relative values of the various resources.

The management of all the various renewable surface resources of the National Forest System so that 

they are used in the combination that will best meet the needs of the American people; making the most 

judicious use of the land for some or all of these resources or related services over areas large enough to 

provide sufficient latitude for periodic adjustments in use to conform to changing needs and conditions; 

that some land will be used for less than all of the resources; and harmonious and coordinated 

management of the various resources, each with the other, without impairment of the productivity of the 

land, with consideration being given to the relative values of the various resources, and not necessarily 

the combination of uses that will give the greatest dollar return or the greatest unit output, consistent with 

the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960 (16 U.S.C. 528–531) (36 CFR 219.19).

Municipal Watershed

A watershed, designated on the Forest Plan Land Use Designation Map, which provides municipal water 

supplies. On the Tongass these include the municipal watersheds for Ketchikan, Petersburg, Sitka, 

Juneau, Wrangell, Kake, Klawock, Craig, and Hydaburg. Compare to public water supply definition.

Muskeg

Algonquin term for peatland. Usually applied to areas with sphagnum mosses, tussocky sedges, and an 

open growth of scrubby trees. 

N

National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS)

A program consisting of a joint effort of cooperating Federal agencies, land-grant universities, and other 

state and local agencies to map soils, collect soil data, interpret the maps and data, and promote their 

use. Federal leadership is provided by the National Resource Conservation Service.

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA)

An act declaring a national policy to encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between man and his 

environment, to promote efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and the 

biosphere and stimulate the health and welfare of man, to enrich the understanding of the ecological 

systems and natural resources important to the Nation and to establish a Council on Environmental 

Quality. 

National Forest Management Act (NFMA) 

A law passed in 1976 that amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act and 

requires the preparation of Forest Plans. 

National Forest System (NFS) land

Federal lands that have been designated by Executive Order or statute as National Forests, National 

Grasslands, or Purchase Units, or other lands under the administration of the Forest Service.

National Forest System road

A forest road other than a road which has been authorized by a legally documented right-of-way held by a 

state, county, or local public road authority (36 CFR 212.1). The term “National Forest System road” is 

synonymous with the term “forest development road” as used in 23 U.S.C. 205. 

National Forest System trail 

A forest trail other than a trail which has been authorized by a legally documented right-of-way held by a 

state, county, or local public road authority (36 CFR 212.1).

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Glossary 7

National Historic Preservation Act

The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), 54 U.S.C. § 300101 et seq., is the primary federal law 

governing the preservation of cultural and historic resources in the United States.

National Marine Fisheries Service

An office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that is responsible for the stewardship 

of the nation's ocean resources and their habitat with authorities under the Marine Mammal Protection Act 

and the Endangered Species Act.

National Register of Historic Places

A register of cultural resources of national, state, or local significance, maintained by the U.S. Department 

of the Interior.

Eligibility to the National Register requires certain criteria to be met. The quality of significance in 

American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture is present in districts, sites, buildings, 

structures, and objects that possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, 

and association, and: A. That are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the 

broad patterns of our history; or B. That are associated with the lives of significant persons in or past; or 

C. That embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that 

represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and 

distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or D. That have yielded or may 

be likely to yield, information important in history or prehistory. 

National Wild and Scenic River System

Rivers with outstanding scenic, recreational, geological, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar 

values designated by Congress under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act for preservation of their free-flowing 

condition.

Native selection

Application by Native corporations formed under authority of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 

1971 (ANCSA - Public Law 92–203, 85 Stat. 688) and by Native individuals (under Section 14(h)(5), 

ANCSA) to the USDI Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for conveyance of a portion of lands withdrawn 

under ANCSA in fulfillment of Native entitlements established under ANCSA. Native village corporations 

had three years from the date of ANCSA (December 18, 1971) to make their selections and regional 

corporations had four years. Native individuals who met the criteria had two years from the date of 

ANCSA to make application under Section 14(h)(5). BLM regulations allowed Native corporations formed 

under ANCSA to select in excess of their entitlements to ensure sufficient land would be available to meet 

full entitlement. Remaining lands in excess of entitlement, which have been selected but not conveyed, 

will revert back to unencumbered National Forest System land status after full entitlement is reached.

Net public benefit

The overall long-term value to the Nation of all outputs and positive effects (benefits) less all associated 

inputs and negative effects (costs) whether they can be quantitatively valued or not. Net public benefits 

are measured by both quantitative and qualitative criteria rather than a single measure or index. 

Net sawlog volume 

Trees suitable in size and quality for producing logs that can be processed into lumber. 

Net willingness-to-pay

The amount that a person would have paid for an activity above and beyond what the person actually did 

pay for that activity.

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Glossary 7

Niche market

A small but profitable segment of a market suitable for focused attention by a marketer. Market niches do 

not exist by themselves, but are created by identifying needs and by offering products that satisfy them.

No-Action Alternative 

The most likely condition expected to exist in the future if current management direction were to continue 

unchanged. There are two distinct interpretations of "no action" depending on the nature of the proposal 

being evaluated. The first situation might involve an action such as updating a land management plan 

where ongoing programs initiated under existing legislation and regulations will continue, even as new 

plans are developed. In these cases "no action" is "no change" from current management direction or 

level of management intensity. To construct an alternative that is based on no management at all would 

be a useless academic exercise. Therefore, the "no action" alternative may be thought of in terms of 

continuing with the present course of action until that action is changed.

The second interpretation of "no action" is illustrated in instances involving federal decisions on proposals 

for projects. "No action" in such cases would mean the proposed activity would not take place, and the 

resulting environmental effects from taking no action would be compared with the effects of permitting the 

proposed activity or an alternative activity to go forward.

No adverse effect 

A term used for cultural resources indicating the effect on a cultural resource would not be considered 

harmful to those characteristics that qualify the property for inclusion in the National Register.

See Effect

No effect 

A term used in a Biological Assessment indicating there would be no effect whatsoever, either positive or 

negative, or any effects are highly improbable or insignificant. 

Noncommercial species

Tree species that have no economic values at this time or anticipated timber value within the near future.

Non-declining even flow

A flow of goods or services from a forest that does not decrease in successive periods.

Non-development LUDs

Land use designations that do not permit commercial timber harvest.

Wilderness and Natural Setting LUDs make up the non-development LUDs. These LUDs are: 

Wilderness

Wilderness National Monument

Non-wilderness National 

Monument

LUD II

Remote Recreation

Semi-Remote Recreation

Old-Growth Habitat (except 

young-growth as allowed by 

Chapter 5 plan content)

Municipal Watershed

Research Natural Area

Special Interest Area

Wild River

Scenic River

Recreational River

Nonforest land

Land that has never supported forests and lands formerly forested but now developed for such non-forest 

uses as crops, improved pasture, etc. (see the definition for forestland).

Nonforest lands are lands that do not meet the definition of forest lands contained in 36 CFR 219.19. 

Thus, nonforest lands are less than 10 percent occupied by forest trees of any size or that formerly had 

such tree cover and are currently developed for nonforest uses. Land developed for nonforest uses 

Glossary 7-36 Forest Plan

December 2016
Glossary 7

includes areas for agricultural crops, improved pasture, residential or administrative areas, improved 

roads of any width and adjoining road clearing, and powerline clearing of any width. Lands that were 

formerly occupied by tree cover, but do not presently have tree cover, should be identified as nonforest 

unless the land will be naturally or artificially regenerated into forest cover in the near future (example: 

clearcut lands).

Non-highway legal vehicle

Any motor vehicle that is not licensed or certified for general operation on public roads within the State of 

Alaska.

Non-interchangeable components (NIC)

Non-interchangeable components (NICs) are defined as increments of the suitable land base and their 

contribution to the Allowable Sale Quantity (ASQ) that are established to meet Forest Plan objectives. 

NICs are identified as parcels of land and the type of timber thereon, which are differentiated for the 

purpose of Forest Plan implementation. The total ASQ is derived from the sum of the timber volumes 

from all NICs. NICs cannot be substituted for each other in the timber sale program.

NIC I. Normal Operability: This is volume scheduled from suitable lands using existing logging 

systems. Most of these lands are expected to be economic under projected market conditions. On 

average, sales from these lands have the highest probability of offering a reasonable opportunity for a 

purchaser to gain a profit from his/her investment and labor. This is the best operable ground.

Normal operability includes those systems most frequently used on the Tongass. These systems are 

tractor, shovel, standard cable, and some helicopter.

Tractor. Tractor logging includes all ground wheel or track system used for skidding logs to a 

landing. Shovel yarding is included; however, tractor or rubber-tire skidding used in conjunction with 

swing operations are not included.

Standard Cable. The most typical logging systems used on the Tongass. Included in the standard 

cable system component are highlead uphill, highlead downhill, slackline, running skyline, and flyer. 

Standard Helicopter. Helicopter yarding with yarding distances up to 0.75 mile.

NIC II. Difficult and Isolated Operability: This is volume scheduled from suitable lands that are 

available for harvest using logging systems not in common use in Southeast Alaska. Most of these 

lands are presently considered economically and technologically marginal. 

Difficult operability includes those systems used on the Tongass that have significantly higher cost. 

These may include balloon, long-span skyline, multi-span, or helicopter with yarding distances greater 

than 0.75 mile. This category also includes lands that have limited access as a result of being isolated 

by prior harvest activities or other management activities.

Long Span Cable. Cable systems that require longer than average yarding distances. Typical longspan cable systems considered are standing skylines and multispan.

Helicopter. Helicopter yarding with distances between 0.75 mile and 2 miles.

Isolated Operability. This class is comprised entirely of isolated stands. These are small stands of 

isolated timber that are extremely difficult to harvest. The harvest system could vary, but would be 

more costly due to the location of the stand. Typical harvest systems are helicopter with average 

yarding distances greater than 2 miles.

Nonmarket value

Products derived from National Forest System resources that do not have a well-established monetary 

(market) value (e.g., wilderness and wildlife). (Noncash economic benefits.) 

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Glossary 7

Nonpoint source (pollution)

Unlike point sources of water pollution, nonpoint sources are diffuse and can come from any land area. 

Nonpoint sources of water pollution originate from many undefinable sources such as agricultural and 

urban runoff, runoff from construction activities, and runoff from forestry practices. Nonpoint source 

pollutants are generally carried over or through the soil and ground cover via storm flow processes. The 

following activities are potential nonpoint sources of pollution: reforestation and subsequent silvicultural 

treatment, thinning, prescribed burning, pest and fire control, harvest operations, surface drainage, and 

road construction and maintenance from which there is natural runoff. Best Management Practices are 

recognized as control mechanisms for nonpoint source pollution. 

Non-timber forest products

All forest products except timber, including resins, oils, leaves, bark, plants other than trees, fungi, and 

animals or animal products. Previously called special forest products.

Notice of intent to operate

A notice of intent to operate is required from any person proposing to conduct operations which might 

cause significant disturbance of surface resources. Such notice of intent to operate shall be submitted to 

the District Ranger having jurisdiction over the area in which the operations will be conducted. Each 

notice of intent to operate shall provide information sufficient to identify the area involved, the nature of 

the proposed operations, the route of access to the area of operations, and the method of transport. (36 

CFR 228.4)

Nunataks

The mountain peaks between glaciers.

O

Objectives

The steps to be taken and the resources to be used in achieving goals.

A concise, measurable, and time-specific statement of a desired rate of progress toward a desired 

condition or conditions. Objectives should be based on reasonably foreseeable budgets (36 CFR 

219.7(e)(1)(ii)).

Off-highway vehicle (OHV) 

Any motor vehicle designed for or capable of cross-country travel on or immediately over land, water, 

sand, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or other natural terrain (36 CFR 212.1).

Old-growth associated species

Plant and animal species with habitat relationships that exhibit a strong association with old-growth 

forests.

Old-growth forest

The (usually) late successional stage of forest development. Old-growth forests are defined in many 

ways; generally, structural characteristics used to describe old-growth forests include a) live trees: 

number and minimum size of both seral and climax dominants; b) canopy conditions: commonly including 

multi-layering; c) snags: minimum number and specific size; and d) logs and large (coarse) woody debris.

Old-growth habitat conservation strategy

An integrated science-based old-growth forest habitat conservation strategy developed and adopted 

during the 1997 Forest Plan Revision process. The old-growth strategy has two basic components: 1) a 

forest-wide reserve network that protects the integrity of the old-growth forest by retaining blocks of intact, 

Glossary 7-38 Forest Plan

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Glossary 7

largely undisturbed habitat; and 2) management of the matrix (that is, lands that are suitable for timber 

harvest). (See Appendix D of the EIS.)

Old-growth reserve (OGR)

A contiguous unit of old-growth forest habitat to be managed to maintain the integrity of the old-growth 

forest ecosystem.

Open road density

The length of forest development roads open for public access and use per unit area of land; usually 

expressed as miles of open road per square mile of land. “Open” roads include roads managed to 

Maintenance Levels 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Operability

See the definition for non-interchangeable components.

Operation and maintenance costs 

Costs associated with operating and maintaining facilities, program management, and support costs 

associated with management of other resources.

Order three inventory

A level of soil surveys made for extensive land uses that do not require precise knowledge of small areas 

or detailed soils information. Such survey areas are usually dominated by a single land use and have few 

subordinate uses. This information can be used in planning for range, forest, recreational areas, and 

similarly extensive land uses, and in community planning.

Order four inventory

A soil survey level made for extensive land uses that require general information for broad statements 

concerning land-use potential and general land management. This information can be used in locating, 

comparing, and selecting suitable areas for major kinds of land use in regional land-use planning, and in 

selecting areas for more intensive study and investigation.

Ordinary high water mark

The mark along the bank or shore up to which the presence and action of the nontidal water are common 

and usual, and so long continued in all ordinary years, as to leave a natural line impressed on the bank or 

shore and indicated by erosion, shelving, changes in soil characteristics, destruction of terrestrial 

vegetation, or other distinctive physical characteristics. (Consult 11 AAC 53.900 — Alaska Code.)

Organic soils

Soils that contain a high percentage (greater than 15 percent) of organic matter throughout the soil depth. 

Original harvested stand

The stand as mapped before the initial harvest. 

ORV

Abbreviation for off-road vehicle. (See the definition for off-highway vehicle.)

Output

The measurable goods, end products, or services resulting from management activities that are 

purchased, consumed, or used directly by people. 

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Glossary 7

Overflow

High runoff that overflows natural stream and river banks. Also known as flooding.

Overmature

A tree or an even-aged stand that has reached that stage of development when it is declining in vigor and 

health and reaching the end of its natural life span.

Overselection

Unconveyed lands selected in excess of entitlement. Overselections by the State of Alaska are 

authorized in Section 906 (f) of ANILCA. They are authorized for Native corporations organized under 

ANCSA in Federal Regulations (43 CFR 2650). 

Over-snow vehicle

A motor vehicle that is designed for use over snow and that runs on a track or tracks and/or a ski or skis,

while in use over snow (36 CFR 212.1).

Overstory

The portion of trees in a forest that forms the uppermost canopy layer.

Overstory removal

The cutting of trees constituting an upper canopy layer to release trees or other vegetation in an 

understory.

P

Palustrine

Pertaining to low velocity, ponded environments. Examples are backwater sloughs, swamps, bogs, and 

muskeg ponds, as well as their outlet streams or any ponded environment. “Ponded” describes a 

condition in which free water covers the soil surface and is removed only by percolation, evaporation, or 

transpiration.

Palustrine wetland

Includes all nontidal wetlands dominated by trees, shrubs, persistent emergents, emergent mosses or 

lichens, and all such wetlands that occur in tidal areas where salinity due to ocean derived salts is below 

0.5 percent.

Parent material 

The unconsolidated, and more or less chemically weathered, mineral or organic matter from which soils 

develop.

Partial cut (cutting)

Removal of only part of a stand for purposes other than regeneration of a new age class. Partial cutting 

is not considered a regeneration method and is a layman’s term for uneven-aged management.

Parts per million (PPM)

A measurement of concentration indicating the quantity of a substance per unit volume of a solution.

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Glossary 7

Peak flow

The highest discharge of water recorded over a specified period of time at a given stream location. Often 

thought of in terms of spring snowmelt, summer, fall, or winter rainy season flows. Also called maximum 

flow.

Peatland

A generic term including all types of peat-covered terrain. Many peatlands are a complex of swamps, 

bogs, and fens. 

Perennial Stream

A stream channel that flows continuously, year round. Compare to the definitions provided for ephemeral 

stream and intermittent stream.

A stream or reach of a channel that flows continuously or nearly so throughout the year and whose upper 

surface is generally lower than the top of the zone of saturation in areas adjacent to the stream. These 

streams are identified as solid blue on the USGS 7 1/2-inch quadrangle maps.

Permit

A special use authorization which provides permission, without conveying an interest in land, to occupy 

and use National Forest System land or facilities for specified purposes, and which is both revocable and 

terminable.

Persistence 

Continued existence

Personal use (free use)

Bona fide settlers, miners, residents, and prospectors for minerals in Alaska may take free of charge 

green or dried timber from the National Forests in Alaska for personal use but not for sale. Permits will be 

required for green saw timber. Other material may be taken without permit. The amount of material 

granted to any one person in one year shall not exceed 10,000 board feet of saw timber and 25 cords of 

wood, or an equivalent volume in other forms. Persons obtaining materials shall, on demand, forward to 

the supervisor a statement of the quantity taken and the location from which it was removed (36 CFR 

223.10). 

Persons-at-one-time (PAOT)

Used to measure how many people can use a recreation facility at one time.

pH

The degree of soil acidity or alkalinity.

Plan area

The National Forest System lands covered by a plan. (36 CFR 219.19)

Plan components

The parts of a land management plan that guide future project and activity decision-making. Specific plan 

components may apply to the entire plan area, to specific management areas or geographic areas, or to 

other areas as identified in the plan. Every plan must include the following plan components: desired 

conditions, objectives, standards, guidelines, and suitability of lands. A plan may also include goals as an 

optional component. Plan components can only be changed through plan amendment or revision.

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Glossary 7

Plan content

A broad term that refers to written material in a plan, including plan components, and other content in the 

plan. (See 36 CFR 219.7 (f).) Other content in the plan can be explanatory material that may be useful to 

Forest Service employees when designing projects and activities under the plan components, such as

management approaches.

Plan implementation

To carry out or fulfill Standards and Guidelines contained in the Land and Resource Management Plan 

(Forest Plan).

Plan of Operations

A Plan of Operations is required from anyone who proposed operations, under the 1872 Mining Law, 

would cause, “significant surface disturbance.” See 36 CFR 228, Subpart A.

Plan period 

The period of time a Forest Plan is in effect, typically 10 years, but no longer than 15 years.

Planning area

All the lands addressed in a land management plan. For this document, it is the Tongass National 

Forest.

Planning cycle demand

As used in this document, the amount of timber that buyers are estimated to be willing to purchase over 

the next 10 to 15 years. Also see the definition for annual demand.

Planning horizon

The overall time period considered in the planning process that spans all activities covered in the analysis 

or plan, and all future conditions and effects of proposed actions that would influence the planning 

decisions more than 100 years.

Planning period

Generally a 10- to 15-year period. The time interval within the planning horizon that is used to show 

incremental changes to yields, costs, effects, and benefits.

Planning record

A system that records decisions and activities that result from the process of developing a forest plan, 

revision, or significant amendment.

Plant association

A plant community type based on land management potential, successional patterns, and species 

composition.

Plant communities

An assemblage of plants that, in general, occur together on similar site conditions.

Point source (pollution)

A point at which pollution is added to a system, either instantaneously or continuously. An example is a 

smokestack.

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Glossary 7

Pole

A tree of a size between a sapling and a mature tree. On the Tongass, an immature tree between 5 and 

9 inches diameter at breast height.

Pollution

The presence of matter or energy whose nature, location, or quantity produces undesired environmental 

effects.

Pond log value

Selling value minus manufacturing costs. Pond log values are the price a timber buyer would pay for a 

log at the mill site.

Pool

The portion of a stream with reduced current, often with deeper water than surrounding areas and with a 

smooth surface.

Poorly drained soils

Water in these soils is removed so slowly that the soil remains wet for a large part of the time. The water 

table is commonly at or near the surface during a considerable part of the year.

Population

The actual number of animals or plants present in an area at a certain time that share a common gene 

pool.

Population viability

Probability that a population will persist for a specified period of time across its range despite normal 

fluctuations in population and environmental conditions.

Practicable

Available and capable of being done after taking into consideration cost, existing technology, and logistics 

in light of overall project purposes.

Precommercial Thinning 

See the definition for thinning.

Present Net Value (PNV)

The difference between the discounted value (benefits) of all outputs to which monetary values or 

established market prices are assigned and the total discounted costs of managing the planning area.

Prescribed fire 

A wildland fire burning under planned conditions to accomplish specific land and resource objectives. It 

may result from either a management or natural ignition.

Prescribed natural fire

Naturally ignited wildland fire that burns under specified conditions where the fire is confined to a 

predetermined area and produce the fire behavior and fire characteristics required to attain planned fire 

treatment and resource management objectives.

Preservation 

A technique of conservation that maintains the resource in or on the ground in perpetuity.

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Glossary 7

In cultural resources, “preservation” is the first treatment option under the Secretary of the Interior 

Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. It focuses on the maintenance and repair of existing 

historic materials and retention of a property's form as it has evolved over time.

Primary succession

Vegetation development initiated on newly formed soils or upon surfaces exposed for the first time (as by 

landslides or retreating glaciers), which have, as a consequence, never borne vegetation before. Any 

succession beginning on a bare area not previously occupied by plants or animals.

Priority use

A Forest Service commitment to the holder of a permit for outfitting and guiding to give priority 

consideration to granting the holder a specific amount of available future use. 

Authorization of use for up to 10-years, based on the holder's past use and performance and applicable 

programmatic or project decisions to allocate use. Except as provided in 36 CFR 251, Subpart E, 

authorizations providing for priority use are subject to renewal (FSH 2709.14, section 53.1m).

Private road

A road under private ownership authorized by an easement, or a road that provides access pursuant to a 

reserved or outstanding right.

Process Group 

A combination of similar channel types based on major differences in landform, gradient, and channel 

shapes. (A full description of process groups is located in Appendix D of the Forest Plan.)

Productive old growth (POG)

Old-growth forest capable of producing at least 20 cubic feet of wood fiber per acre per year, or having 

greater than 8,000 board feet per acre.

Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS)

The document disclosing the environmental consequences of a program or plan that guides or prescribes 

the use of resources, allocates resources, or establishes rules and policies in contrast to disclosure of the 

environmental consequences of a site-specific project.

Programmed timber harvest

Timber harvest that occurs on suitable forested lands and that contributes to the allowable sale quantity.

Project

One or more site-specific activities designed to accomplish a specific on-the-ground purpose or result.

An organized effort to achieve an outcome on National Forest System lands identified by location, tasks, 

outputs, effects, times, and responsibilities for execution (36 CFR 219.19).

Projected Timber Sale Quantity (PTSQ)

A subset of the projected wood sale quantity and is an estimate of the quantity of timber expected to be 

sold during the plan period. The volume in the projected timber sale quantity is the volume that meets 

utilization standards (FSH 1909.12, Chapter 60, section 64.34). Except as provided in section 64.33 of 

FSH1909.12 (departure from sustained yield limit), the projected timber sale quantity must be equal to or 

below the sustained yield limit for each decade of the plan.

PTSQ must take into account the fiscal capability of the planning unit and be consistent with all plan 

components. Estimates of the projected timber sale quantity do not include any volumes anticipated from 

salvage or sanitation harvests. 

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Glossary 7

Projected Wood Sale Quantity (PWSQ)

An estimate of the volume of all timber and other wood products that is expected to be sold during the 

plan period from expected harvests for any purpose (except salvage harvest or sanitation harvest) on all 

lands in the plan area. The projected wood sale quantity includes all woody material likely to be sold from 

these harvests whether or not the woody material meets the utilization standards (FSH 1909.12, Chapter 

60, section 64.34). 

PWSQ must take into account the fiscal capability of the planning unit and be consistent with all plan 

components. Estimates of the projected wood sale quantity do not include any volumes anticipated from 

salvage or sanitation harvests. 

Proponent

Any individual or entity applying to perform an activity on National Forest System lands under authority of 

a mining plan of operations, contract, license, special use authorization, or other agreement.

Public issue

A subject or question of widespread public interest relating to management of the National Forest 

System.

Public participation

Meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops, tours, written comments, responses to survey 

questionnaires, and similar activities designed and held to obtain comments from the public about Forest 

Service planning. 

Public Lands

Any land and interest in land owned by the United States within the several States and administered by 

the Secretary of the Interior through the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Bureau of 

Reclamation, or the Fish and Wildlife Service; or by the Secretary of Agriculture through the Forest 

Service; or the Department of Commerce through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; 

or the Department of Defense through the Army Corps of Engineers without regard to how the United 

States acquired ownership, except: (1) lands located on the Outer Continental Shelf; and (2) lands held 

for the benefit of Indians, Aleuts, and Eskimos.

Public road

A road under the jurisdiction of and maintained by a public road authority and open to public travel (23 

U.S.C. 101(a)).

Public Water System

Public water supplies, or systems, include only state-designated Class A or Class B systems. These are 

defined by the State of Alaska’s Drinking Water Regulations in 18 AAC 80.1990: "Class A public water 

system" means a public water system that (a) is expected to serve, year-round, at least 25 individuals, (b) 

is expected to serve, year-round, at least 15 residential service connections; or (c) regularly serves the 

same 25 or more individuals for at least 6 months of the year. "Class B public water system" means a 

public water system that is not a Class A public water system and regularly serves at least 25 individuals 

each day for at least 60 days of the year. A list of public water supplies is available from the Alaska 

Department of Environmental Conservation.

A public water system supplies water to consumers and is not a private water system. The State of 

Alaska designates and classifies public water systems that are subject to the State of Alaska’s Drinking 

Water Regulations in 18 AAC 80 in accordance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Community 

water systems are one type of public water system. 

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Glossary 7

Public water system protection area

The State of Alaska maintains an inventory of source water protection areas for each designated public 

water system. Some of these areas are outside of the Forest Plan Municipal Watershed Land Use 

Designation. Protection of these areas is addressed in the Forest-wide Soil and Water Standards and 

Guidelines.

Purchase unit 

A unit designated by the Secretary of Agriculture or previously approved by the National Forest 

Reservation Commission for purposes of Weeks Law acquisition (USDA Forest Service, undated, Land 

Areas of the National Forest System).

Q

Qualified Engineer

An engineer who by experience, certification, education, or license is technically trained and experienced 

to perform the engineering tasks specified, and is designated by the Director of Engineering, Regional 

Office.

R

Rare plants

Rare plants are those with potential conservation concerns on the Tongass National Forest. They may be 

common elsewhere; however, the edge of their range is known or suspected to be on the Tongass 

National Forest, or disjunct populations of the plant species occur on the Tongass National Forest. The 

Alaska Natural Heritage Program tracks rare plant species, and gives them a state ranking of S1 to S5. 

This database will be the basis of the rare plant list for the Tongass National Forest. See the Alaska 

Natural Heritage plant list for guidance on rare plants known or suspected to occur on the Tongass 

National Forest.

Rare plants include plant species identified on the Alaska Natural Heritage Program (ANHP) Rare 

Vascular Plant Tracking List that are known to occur on the Tongass (ANHP, 2008), is considered 

globally rare (G1/T1, G2/T2) and/or rare in the State (S1, S2 and some S3 are considered); or is 

considered rare because of a range extension or disjunct populations on the Tongass but not yet given a 

state ranking on the ANHP list. 

Rare plant populations

Individual rare plants of the same species within one kilometer (0.6 mile) of each other together are 

considered a population. 

RAW 

See the definition for Reasonable Assurance of Windfirmness. 

Real dollar value

A monetary value that compensates for the effects of inflation. 

Reasonable Assurance of Windfirmness (RAW) Buffer 

A managed area designed to contain windthrow within the area where timber harvest is allowed. It is use 

to protect Riparian Management Areas and adjacent stands. Also see the definition for Windthrow 

Management Area.

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Glossary 7

Reburial and reinterment 

The replacement of disinterred human remains into the ground or otherwise disposing of such remains in 

a manner likely to approximate the wishes of the deceased (e.g., placement in burial caves, legal 

cemeteries, surface mortuary structures, or cremation where traditionally practiced).

Reclamation

Returning disturbed land to as near to its natural condition as is reasonably practical.

Recreation capacity

The number of people that can take advantage of the supply of a recreation opportunity during an 

established use period without substantially diminishing the quality of the recreation experience or the 

resources.

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) 

A system for planning and managing recreation resources that categorizes recreation opportunities into 

seven classes. Each class is defined in terms of the degree to which it satisfies certain recreation 

experience needs based on the extent to which the natural environment has been modified, the type of 

facilities provided, the degree of outdoor skills needed to enjoy the area and the relative density of 

recreation use. The seven classes are:

Primitive. An unmodified environment generally greater than 5,000 acres in size and located 

generally at least 3 miles from all roads and other motorized travel routes. A very low interaction 

between users (generally less than 3 group encounters per day) results in a very high probability of 

experiencing solitude, freedom, closeness to nature, tranquility, self-reliance, challenge, and risk. 

Evidence of other users is low. Restrictions and controls are not evident after entering the land unit. 

Motorized use is rare. 

Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized. A natural or natural-appearing environment generally greater than 

2,500 acres in size and generally located at least 0.5 mile (greater or less depending on terrain and 

vegetation, but no less than 0.25 mile) but not further than 3 miles from all roads and other motorized 

travel routes. Concentration of users is low (generally less than 10 group encounters per day), but 

there is often evidence of other users. There is a high probability of experiencing solitude, freedom, 

closeness of nature, tranquility, self-reliance, challenge, and risk. There is a minimum of subtle onsite controls. No roads are present in the area. 

Semi-Primitive Motorized. A natural or natural-appearing environment generally greater than 2,500 

acres in size and generally located within 0.5 mile of primitive roads and other motorized travel routes 

used by motor vehicles; but not closer than 0.5 mile (greater or less depending on terrain and 

vegetation, but no less than 0.25 mile) from better-than-primitive roads and other motored travel 

routes. Concentration of users is low (generally less than 10 group encounters per day), but there is 

often evidence of other users. There is a moderate probability of experiencing solitude, closeness to 

nature, and tranquility along with a high degree of self-reliance, challenge, and risk in using motorized 

equipment. Local roads may be present, or along saltwater shorelines there may be extensive boat 

traffic. 

Roaded Natural. Resource modification and utilization are evident, in a predominantly naturallyappearing environment generally occurring within 0.5 mile (greater or less depending on terrain and 

vegetation, but no less than 0.25 mile) from better-than-primitive roads and other motorized travel 

routes. Interactions between users may be moderate to high (generally less than 20 group 

encounters per day), with evidence of other users prevalent. There is an opportunity to affiliate with 

other users in developed sites but with some chance for privacy. Self-reliance on outdoor skills is 

only of moderate importance with little opportunity for challenge and risk. Motorized use is allowed.

Roaded Modified. Vegetative and landform alterations typically dominate the landscape. There is 

little on-site control of users except for gated roads. There is moderate evidence of other users on 

roads (generally less than 20 group encounters per day), and little evidence of others or interactions 

at campsites. There is opportunity to get away from others but with easy access. Some self-reliance 

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Glossary 7

is required in building campsites and use of motorized equipment. A feeling of independence and 

freedom exists with little challenge and risk. Recreation users will likely encounter timber 

management activities. 

Rural. The natural environment is substantially modified by land use activities. Opportunity to 

observe and affiliate with other users is important as is convenience of facilities. There is little 

opportunity for challenge and risk and self-reliance on outdoor skills is of little importance. Recreation 

facilities designed for group use are compatible. Users may have more than 20 group encounters per 

day. 

Urban. Urbanized environment with dominant structures, traffic lights and paved streets. May have 

natural appearing backdrop. Recreation places may be city parks and large resorts. Opportunity to 

observe and affiliate with other users is very important as is convenience of facilities and recreation 

opportunities. Interaction between large numbers of users is high. Outdoor skills, risk, and challenge 

are unimportant except for competitive sports. Intensive on-site controls are numerous.

The social, managerial, and physical attributes of a place that, when combined, provides a distinct set of 

recreation opportunities. The Forest Service uses the recreation opportunity spectrum to define 

recreation settings and categorize them into seven distinct classes: primitive, semi-primitive nonmotorized, semi-primitive motorized, roaded natural, roaded modified, rural, and urban. (See 36 CFR 

219.19.).

Recreation places

Identified geographical areas having one or more physical characteristics that are particularly attractive to 

people engaging in recreation activities. They may be beaches, streamside or roadside areas, trail 

corridors, hunting areas of the immediate area surrounding a lake, cabin site, or campground.

Recreation visitor day (RVD)

A measure of recreation use of an area. One recreation visitor day consists of 12 hours of recreation use 

of a site or area. Recreation visitor days are used to measure recreation production or output capacity.

Reducing soil condition

An environment in the soil conducive to the removal of oxygen and chemical reduction of ions caused by 

saturated soil conditions.

Reforestation

The re-establishment of forest cover either naturally (natural seeding, coppice, or root suckers) or 

artificially (direct seeding or planting).

Regeneration Method

A cutting procedure by which a new age class is created through methods of coppice, clear cutting, seed 

tree, shelter wood, and selection. Regeneration methods are grouped into four categories: coppice 

(stump sprouts not practiced in Southeast Alaska forests), even-aged, two-aged, and uneven-aged.

Rehabilitation

Actions taken to restore site productivity, water quality, or other resource values.

In cultural resources "rehabilitation" is the second treatment option under the Secretary of the Interior 

Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and is defined as "the process of returning a property 

to a state of utility, through repair or alteration, which makes possible an efficient contemporary use while 

preserving those portions and features of the property which are significant to its historic, architectural, 

and cultural values." (See 36 CFR 67.)

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Glossary 7

Renewable Energy

Energy resources that are naturally replenishing but flow-limited. They are virtually inexhaustible in 

duration but limited in the amount of energy that is available per unit of time. Renewable energy 

resources include: biomass, hydro, geothermal, solar, wind, ocean thermal, wave action, and tidal action. 

Renewable Energy Site

A renewable energy site consists of all related facilities, including access roads, utility lines for the 

transmission and distribution of electric energy, ancillary equipment sites and areas required for 

construction and maintenance of the project. 

Research design

A statement of work to be done toward a particular goal. The research design details what will be done, 

how it will be done, what is required to do it, and why it is important or useful to do the work.

Research Natural Area (RNA)

An area in as near a natural condition as possible, which exemplifies typical or unique vegetation and 

associated biotic, soil, geologic, and aquatic features. The area is set aside to preserve a representative 

sample of an ecological community primarily for scientific and educational purposes; commercial and 

most public uses are not allowed.

Reserve

A general term for an area of land recognized for, and managed to preserve or maintain, specific natural 

features. Wilderness is one common example. In the context of wildlife or fish habitat management, or 

biological diversity, an area set aside for the maintenance and perpetuation of its habitat or ecosystem 

features. (Also see the definitions for old-growth habitat reserve and non-development LUDs.)

Reserve trees

Trees that remain after timber harvest, for a variety of purposes other than regeneration (e.g., to provide 

wildlife habitat or to mitigate effects on scenery). 

Resident fish

Fish that are not migratory and complete their entire life cycle in fresh water.

Residual basal area

The basal area (per square feet per acre) of acceptable trees left standing after harvest.

Resource values

The tangible and intangible worth of forest resources.

Responsible official

The Forest Service employee who has the delegated authority to make a specific decision.

Restoration

Ecology: The process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged, 

or destroyed. The concept of ecological restoration is forward-looking. Restoration focuses on 

reestablishing composition, structure, and ecological processes to maintain or increase resilience of 

terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in a dynamic, continually evolving world. 

Ecological: The process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, 

damaged, or destroyed. Ecological restoration focuses on reestablishing the composition, structure, 

pattern, and ecological processes necessary to facilitate terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems 

sustainability, resilience, and health under current and future conditions (36 CFR 219.19).

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Glossary 7

Functional: Restoration of abiotic and biotic processes in degraded ecosystems. Functional 

restoration focuses on the underlying processes that may be degraded, regardless of the structural 

condition of the ecosystem. Functionally restored ecosystem may have a different structure and 

composition than the historical reference condition. As contrasted with ecological restoration that 

tends to seek historical reference condition, the functional restoration focuses on the dynamic 

processes that drive structural and compositional patterns. Functional restoration is the manipulation 

of interactions among process, structure, and composition in a degraded ecosystem to improve its 

operations. Functional restoration aims to restore functions and improve structures with a long-term 

goal of restoring interactions between function and structure. It may be, however, that a functionally 

restored system will look quite different than the reference condition in terms of structure and 

composition and these disparities cannot be easily corrected because some threshold of degradation 

has been crossed or the environmental drivers, such as climate, that influenced structural and 

(especially) compositional development have changed.

Recreation: The removal of non-historic elements from a historic structure and the replacement of 

missing elements.

Heritage: Restoration is the third treatment option under the Secretary of the Interior Standards for 

the Treatment of Historic Properties. It focuses on the retention of materials from the most significant 

time in a property's history, while permitting the removal of materials from other periods. Historic 

elements may be removed if they are not considered part of the structure’s “period of significance”.

Retention

The amount of commercial forest land removed from the timber base to protect other resource values.

Revegetation

The re-establishment and development of vegetation.

Riffles

Shallow rapids in an open stream, where the water surface is broken by waves caused by wholly or 

partially submerged obstructions.

Right-of-way

Land authorized to be used or occupied for the construction, operation, maintenance and termination of a

project or facility passing over, upon, under or through such land (36 CFR 251.51).

Rill

A very small channel.

Riparian area

Riparian areas encompass the zone of interaction between aquatic and terrestrial environments 

associated with streamsides, lakeshores, and floodplains, and display distinctive ecological conditions 

characterized by high species diversity, wildlife value, and resource productivity. 

Three-dimensional ecotones [the transition zone between two adjoining communities] of interaction that 

include terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that extend down into the groundwater, up above the canopy, 

outward across the floodplain, up the near-slopes that drain to the water, laterally into the terrestrial 

ecosystem, and along the water course at variable widths (36 CFR 219.19).

Riparian corridor

The floodplain and associated riparian soils, vegetation, and wetlands.

Riparian ecosystem

Land next to water where plants that are dependent on a perpetual source of water occur.

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Glossary 7

Riparian management area (RMA)

Land areas delineated in the Forest Plan to provide for the management of riparian resources. Specific 

standards and guidelines, by stream process group, are associated with riparian management areas. 

Riparian management areas standards and guidelines may be modified by watershed analysis. 

Portions of a watershed where riparian-dependent resources receive primary emphasis, and for which 

plans include plan components to maintain or restore riparian functions and ecological functions (36 CFR 

219.19).

Riverine wetland 

A category in wetland classification that includes all wetlands and deep-water habitats contained within a 

channel, with two exceptions: 1) wetlands dominated by trees, shrubs, persistent emergents, emergent 

mosses or lichens, and 2) habitats with water containing ocean-derived salts in excess of 0.5 percent.

Road

A motor vehicle route over 50 inches wide, unless identified and managed as a trail (36 CFR 212.1). 

Road construction or reconstruction

Supervising, inspecting, actual building of the subgrade, base course or surfacing coarse of a roadway, 

and incurrence of all costs incidental to the construction or reconstruction of a road (36 CFR 212.1). 

Road reconditioning

Work consisting of blading the surface of an existing road to remove potholes and wash boarding, and reestablish an adequate crown. (Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges of Federal 

Highway Projects FP 03)

Road decommissioning

Activities that result in the restoration of unneeded roads to a more natural state (FSM 7734).

Road density

The number of road miles per square mile of land area.

Roaded roadless

Portions of inventoried roadless areas (IRAs) that were roaded before the 2001 Roadless Rule and during 

the 2001 Roadless Rule exemption period for theTongass. . 

Roadless area

An area of undeveloped public land within which there are no improved roads maintained for travel by 

means of motorized vehicles intended for highway use. For purposes of the Forest Plan environmental 

impact statement analysis, this is a generic term that includes inventoried roadless areas and unroaded 

areas (see these definitions).

Road Maintenance

The ongoing upkeep of a road necessary to retain or restore the road in accordance with its road 

management objective (FSM 7714).

Road Maintenance Level 

Defines the level of service provided by, and maintenance required for, a specific road, consistent with 

road management objectives and maintenance criteria (FSH 7709.58, section 12.3).

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Glossary 7

Maintenance Level 1. Assigned to intermittent service roads during the time they are closed to 

vehicular traffic. Appropriate traffic management strategies are "prohibit" and "eliminate" all traffic. 

The closure period is 1 year or longer. Basic custodial maintenance is performed.

Maintenance Level 2. Assigned to roads open for use by high clearance vehicles. Passenger car 

traffic is not a consideration.

Maintenance Level 3. Assigned to roads open and maintained for travel by a prudent driver in a 

standard passenger car. User comfort and convenience are not considered priorities.

Maintenance Level 4. Assigned to roads that provide a moderate degree of user comfort and 

convenience at moderate travel speeds.

Maintenance Level 5. Assigned to roads that provide a high degree of user comfort and 

convenience. Normally, roads are double-lane and paved, or aggregate surfaced with dust 

abatement.

Road management objectives

Define the intended purpose of an individual road based on management area direction and access 

management objectives. Road management objectives contain design criteria, operation criteria, and 

maintenance criteria. 

Road subject to the Highway Safety Act

An National Forest System road that is open to public use in a standard passenger car. This includes a 

road with access restricted on a seasonal basis and a road closed during extreme weather conditions or 

for emergencies, but is otherwise open to public travel.

Recreation Opportunity Setting (ROS) existing

The ROS setting in place, regardless of the official inventory.

Recreation Opportunity Setting (ROS) inventoried

A general inventory of the physical, social, and managerial setting for recreation, based on remoteness 

from modern human development and activity, modification of the land, and social factors such as 

crowding. (See the definition for Recreation Opportunity Spectrum.)

Rotation

In even-age systems, the period between regeneration establishment and final cutting. 

Rotation age

The age at which final cutting occurs.

RPA

Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act.

The Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (or RPA) (PL. 93-378) is a 

federal law which authorizes long-range planning by the Forest Service to ensure the future supply of 

forest resources while maintaining a quality environment. (16 U.S.C. 1600)

RPA Assessment and Program 

The RPA Assessment is prepared every 10 years and describes the potential of the nation’s forests and 

rangelands to provide a sustained flow of goods and services. The RPA Program is prepared every five

years to chart the long-term course of Forest Service management of the National Forests, assistance to 

state and private landowners, and research. They are prepared in response to Sections 3 and 4 of the 

Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (RPA) (16 U.S.C. 1601).

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Rubble

All accumulations of loose angular rock fragments, commonly overlying outcropping rock.

Rural development 

The management of human, natural, technical, and financial resources needed to improve living 

conditions, provide employment opportunities, enrich the cultural life, and enhance the environment of 

rural America. In the National Forest System, rural development is accomplished through partnerships.

S

Sacred sites

A place that has traditional spiritual values for Alaska Native people, reverently dedicated to a person or 

object or event or activity, and secured against violation or infringement or interference. 

Executive Order 13007 defines a sacred site as “any specific, discrete, narrowly delineated location on 

federal land that is identified by an Indian tribe or Indian individual determined to be an appropriately 

authoritative representative of an Indian religion, as sacred by virtue of its established religious 

significance to, or ceremonial use by, an Indian religion; provided that the tribe or appropriately 

authoritative representative of an Indian religion has informed the agency of the existence of such a site.”

See also Traditional Cultural Properties and Heritage Resources.

Saleable minerals

Include common varieties of sand, stone, gravel, pumice, pumicite, cinders, and clay. In general, these 

minerals are of wide-spread occurrence and are of relatively low unit value. They are generally used for 

construction materials and road building purposes.

Salmonid

Any fish belonging to the family Salmonidae, which includes salmon and trout.

Salvage cutting

The removal of dead trees or trees damaged or dying because of injurious agents other than competition 

to recover economic value that would otherwise be lost.

Saturated soils

Soil condition where all the spaces between soil particles are filled with water.

Sawlogs (Sawtimber)

The portion of a tree that is suitable in size and quality for the production of dimension lumber, collectively 

known as sawtimber.

Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO)

A desired level of scenic quality and diversity of natural features based on physical and sociological 

characteristics of an area. Refers to the degree of acceptable alterations of the characteristic landscape. 

The adopted SIO is the SIO to be achieved as a result of management direction identified in the approved 

Forest Plan. SIOs are described below: 

Very High: Landscapes where the landscape character is intact with only minute, if any, deviations. 

The existing landscape character and sense of place is expressed at the highest possible level.

High: Landscapes where the landscape character “appears” intact. Deviations may be present but 

must repeat the form, line, color, texture, and pattern common to the landscape character so 

completely and at such scale that they are not evident.

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Moderate: Landscapes where the landscape character “appears slightly altered.” Noticeable 

deviations must remain visually subordinate to the landscape being viewed.

Low: Landscapes where the landscape character “appears moderately altered.” Deviations begin to 

dominate the landscape character being viewed but borrow valued attributes such as size, shape, 

edge effect, and pattern of natural openings, vegetative type changes, or architectural styles outside 

the landscape being viewed. They should not only appear as valued character outside the landscape 

being viewed but compatible or complimentary to the character within.

Very Low: Landscapes where the landscape character “appears heavily altered.” Deviations may 

strongly dominate the landscape character. They may not borrow from attributes such as size, shape, 

edge effect, and pattern of natural openings, vegetative type changes, or architectural styles within or 

outside the landscape being viewed. However, deviations must be shaped and blended with the 

natural terrain so that elements such as unnatural edges, roads, landings, and structures do not 

dominate the composition.

Unacceptably Low: Landscapes where the valued landscape character being viewed appears 

extremely altered. Deviations are extremely dominant and borrow little if any form, line, color, texture, 

pattern or scale from the landscape character. Landscapes at this level of integrity need rehabilitation.

Scoping

Determination of the significant issues to be addressed in an environmental impact statement through 

public involvement. 

The issues for consideration in the planning phase are identified in the NEPA document through public

and governmental participation opportunities provided in the early stages of the planning process. 

Governments, agencies, and the public may submit any additional or new scientific information for 

consideration in the planning process, and the Responsible Official shall determine whether any such 

information is the best available scientific information.

Scree

An accumulation of loose stones or rock debris lying on a slope or at the base of a cliff.

Scrub-shrub wetland

Wetlands dominated by woody vegetation less than 20 feet tall. The species include true shrubs, young 

trees, and trees or shrubs that are small or stunted because of environmental conditions. In Southeast 

Alaska this includes forested lands where trees are stunted because of poor soil drainage. 

Second growth forest

Trees that cover an area after the removal of the original stand, as by cutting or fire. (American Heritage

Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition 2011)

Also referred to as young-growth forest and used interchangeability in places within the 1997 Forest Plan 

revision, as amended. 

Secondary channel

Lateral channel with an axis of flow roughly parallel to the mainstem and fed by the mainstem.

Secondary stream production

Results from consumption by animals of materials produced in primary production in streams; this 

includes production of macroinvertebrates and some fish species.

Secondary succession

The process of re-establishing vegetation after normal succession is disrupted by fire, cultivation, 

lumbering, windthrow, or any similar disturbance.

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Sediment 

Solid material, both mineral and organic, that is in suspension, is being transported, or has been moved 

from its site of origin by air, water, gravity, or ice and has come to rest on the earth's surface either above 

or below sea level.

Seed tree cutting

The cutting of all trees except for a small number of widely dispersed trees retained for seed production to 

naturally regenerate a new age class. Seed trees are usually removed after regeneration is established. 

Selection cutting

A silvicultural system used to create or maintain uneven-aged stands, usually by the periodic removal of 

groups of trees or individual trees. It is undertaken to provide periodic harvests, while maintaining full 

residual stand growth rates. It attempts to develop a balanced uneven-aged stand structure, including the 

encouragement of regeneration by providing the cultural measures needed for tree growth and seedling 

establishment. The selection system refers to the programs used to create or maintain the stand, while 

the selection method refers to the way in which the stand is regenerated. The cutting usually involves a 

mixture of regeneration and improvement cuts. Note that selection cutting is not the same thing as 

selective cutting (logging). Also see the definition for selective cutting.

Selective cutting

A cutting that removes only a portion of trees in a stand (see partial cutting). Note: Selective cutting is a 

general term that should not be confused with cutting done in accordance with the selection method.

Sensitive species

Plant or animal species that are susceptible or vulnerable to habitat alterations or management activities 

resulting in a viability concern for the species long-term persistence. Sensitive species may be those 

species under consideration for official listing as endangered or threatened species, are on an official 

state list, or are recognized by the Regional Forester as needing special consideration to ensure viable 

populations and to prevent their being placed on federal or state lists.

Sensitive travel route

A road system or marine water way that receives a moderate to high degree of use by the public, both 

Alaskan residents and tourists.

Sensitivity zone

A body of land that has been classified on the basis of cultural and environmental data, as having a high, 

medium, or low likelihood for containing cultural resources.

Settlement sale

The disposition of timber or other National Forest products, cut, damaged, or destroyed in conjunction 

with an authorized occupancy of National Forest System (NFS) land. For example, timber removed from 

an inholding access road or privately developed hatchery site. Also, the compensation to the United 

States for property taken or rendered unusable for other purposes incidental to some lawful use of NFS

lands. When timber has a value, clearing the land for some use other than growing timber constitutes a 

settlement sale. 

Shelterwood 

An even-aged regeneration method that removes most of the trees in a stand, except for those needed to 

produce sufficient shade to produce a new age class in a moderated microenvironment. The trees are 

removed in a series of cuts where the last removal cut releases the established regeneration from 

competition with the over wood.

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SHPO

See the definition for State Historic Preservation Officer.

Side-slope break

The abrupt change (usually decreases) in slope gradient defining the upper limit of channel incision.

Significant change

Under NEPA, refers to the severity of the impact (i.e., the extent of harm on public health, historic 

resources, wetlands, or ecologically critical areas) and the extent of the impact (i.e., local, regional, or 

national). Refer to 40 CFR Part 1508.27. 

As used in the Soils section, it refers to change in productivity of the land as indicated by changes in soil 

properties that are expected to result in a reduced productive capacity over the planning horizon. Based 

on available research and current technology, a guideline of 15 percent reduction in inherent soil 

productivity potential is used as a basis for setting threshold values for measurable or observable soil 

properties or conditions. The threshold values, along with areal extent limits, will serve as an early 

warning signal of reduced productive capacity. A more stringent basis than 15 percent can be used 

where appropriate and documented.

Significant effect

Significance is defined as effects of sufficient context and intensity that an environmental impact 

statement is required. The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations refer to both significant 

effects and significant issues (for example, 40 CFR 1502.2(b)). The meaning of significance should not be 

interpreted differently for issues than for effects: significant issues are those issues that are related to 

significant or potentially significant effects.

Significant impairment

Changes in the productivity of the land as indicated by changes in soil properties that would result in 

significant changes in the inherent productive capacity that last beyond the planning horizon.

Significant surface disturbance 

Changing the aboveground environment so much that returning that site to the condition it was in before 

the change is difficult or impossible. Road construction, use of mechanical earthmoving equipment, 

including backhoes and bulldozers, construction of buildings, and cutting of timber are all examples of 

activities that are considered to cause significant disturbance to surface resources. An evaluation of 

proposed operations must be made on a case-by-case basis to determine if disturbance is considered 

significant. For example, a mining activity in an alpine area may result in significant disturbance that 

takes years to reclaim, while the same activity conducted at a lower elevation where natural conditions 

are not as severe may result in a disturbance that would take only a few months to successfully reclaim.

Silvicultural system

A planned series of treatments for tending, harvesting, and re-establishing a stand. Note: The individual 

system name is based on the number of age classes (even-aged, two-aged, uneven-aged) or the 

regeneration method (clearcutting, seed tree, shelterwood, selection) used. 

Silviculture

The art and science of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests 

and woodlands to meet the diverse needs and values of landowners and society on a sustainable basis.

Single-tree selection

A regeneration method used to develop and maintain uneven-aged stands by removing individual trees of 

all sizes more or less uniformly throughout the stand, to promote growth of remaining trees and to provide 

space for regeneration.

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Site index

A species-specific measure of actual or potential forest productivity (site quality, usually for even-aged 

stands), expressed in terms of the average height of trees included in a specified stand component 

(defined as a certain number of dominants, codominants, or the largest and tallest trees per unit area) at 

a specified index or base age. Note: Site index is used as an indicator of site quality.

Site preparation

Hand or mechanized manipulation of a site designed to enhance the success of regeneration.

Site-potential tree height

The average height of a given species of tree when mature on a given site.

Site productivity class

A species-specific classification of forest land in terms of inherent capacity to grow crops of industrial, 

commercial wood.

Skyline logging

See the definition for logging systems.

Slash

The residue (e.g., treetops and branches) left on the ground after logging or accumulating as a result of 

storm, fire, girdling, or delimbing. 

Slope distance

Distance measured along the contour of the ground.

Slough

A creek in a marsh or tide flat. The water level fluctuates with the tide. 

Small sale

Timber sales that are generally less than 10 million board feet (MMBF).

Smolt

A young silvery-colored salmon or trout that has undergone physiological changes to move from 

freshwater environment to saltwater.

Snag

A dead standing tree usually greater than 5 feet tall and 6 inches in diameter at breast height. The 

interior of the snag may be sound or rotted. 

Social sustainability

See sustainability.

Soil conservation practices 

Practices that are mechanisms used to protect soil quality while managing for other resource goals and 

objectives. They can be administrative, preventive, or corrective measures. They are identified during 

project planning and design.

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Soil drainage

The rapidity and extent of the removal of water from the soil, in relation to additions especially by surface 

runoff and by flow through the soil to underground spaces.

Soil mass movement

See the definition for mass-wasting.

Soil productivity

The capacity of a soil, in its normal environment, to produce a specific plant or sequence of plants under 

a specific system of management.

Soil quality standards

Standards that are a combination of 1) “threshold” values for severity of soil property alteration, or 

significant change in soil properties conditions; and 2) areal extent of disturbance.

Soil Resource Inventory (SRI)

An inventory of the soil resource based on landform, vegetative characteristics, soil characteristics, and 

management potentials.

Somewhat poorly drained soil

Water in the soil is removed from the soil slowly enough to keep it wet for significant periods but not all of 

the time. 

Special Interest Areas (SIA)

A designation for areas possessing unique or unusual scenic, historic, prehistoric, geodesic scientific or 

other characteristics.

Special use authorization

A written permit, term permit, lease, or easement that authorizes use or occupancy of National Forest 

System lands and specifies the terms and conditions under which the use or occupancy may occur. (36 

CFR 251.51)

Special use permit

See permit.

SPECTRUM

The Forest planning model. A linear programming software package used for the 2008 Plan Amendment 

to analyze management alternatives for land use patterns and timber harvest scheduling and out puts.

Speleothem 

Any secondary mineral deposit or cave formation that is formed by the action of water. Examples are 

stalagmites, stalactites, flow stone, bacon rind drapery, helictites, soda straws, and crystal growths.

Split lines

The process of separating the direction of timber harvest yarding into opposite directions.

SRI

See the definition for Soil Resource Inventory.

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Stabilization

The process of arresting the deterioration of a damaged cultural resource in order to prevent further 

damage from occurring. Stabilization may include reconstructing portions of the cultural resource.

Stand

A contiguous group of trees sufficiently uniform in composition, age class distribution, and growing on a 

site of sufficiently uniform quality, to be a distinguishable unit.

Standard 

A course of action or level of attainment required by the Forest Plan to promote achievement of goals and 

objectives.

A mandatory constraint on project and activity decision-making, established to help achieve or maintain 

the desired condition or conditions, to avoid or mitigate undesirable effects, or to meet applicable legal 

requirements. (36 CFR 219.12)

Stand density

A quantitative measure of stocking expressed either absolutely per unit of land in terms of number of 

trees, basal area, volume per unit area, or relative to some standard condition.

Size Density Model (SDM)

A forest-mapping model based on average tree size (quadratic mean diameter) and average tree density 

(stand density index), used to describe stand structural characteristics. SDM uses timber volume class, 

hydric soil class, and aspect to characterize forest structure.

State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO)

The official appointed or designated pursuant to Section 101(b)(1) of the National Historic Preservation 

Act of 1966, as amended, to administer the State Historic Preservation Program.

State selection (from National Forest System lands) 

Application by Alaska Department of Natural Resources to the USDI Bureau of Land Management for 

conveyance of a portion of the 400,000 acre State entitlement from vacant and unappropriated National 

Forest System lands in Alaska, under authority of Section 6(a) of the Alaska Statehood Act of 1959 

(Public Law 85-508, 72 Stat. 340). For lands to be conveyed, State selections must be approved by the 

USDA Forest Service, Regional Forester, Alaska Region under criteria of the Statehood Act. Until 

approved by the Regional Forester, the State application is not considered a valid selection. The State 

can select up to 25 percent in excess of its remaining entitlement.

Stocking 

An indication of growing space occupancy of trees relative to plan-defined desired conditions for the 

stand or area. Common indices of stocking include the number of trees by size and spacing, percent 

occupancy, basal area, relative density or crown completion factor. 

Strata

See the definition for volume strata. 

Stratigraphic

Depositional units or layers of sediment distinguished by composition or appearance that are associated 

with archaeological and historic sites.

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Stream bed

The substrate plane bounded by the stream banks, over which the water column moves. Also called the 

stream bottom.

Stream bank

The portion of the channel cross section that restricts lateral movement of water at normal water levels. 

The bank often has a gradient steeper than 45 degrees and exhibits a distinct break in slope from the 

stream bottom. An obvious change in substrate may be a reliable delineation of the bank.

Stream class

A means to categorize stream channels based on their fish production values. There are four stream 

classes on the Tongass National Forest (FSH 2090.21 (2001) Chapter 10, Section 12), including:

Class I: Streams and lakes with anadromous or adfluvial fish or fish habitat, or high quality resident 

fish waters or habitat above fish migration barriers known to provide reasonable enhancement 

opportunities for anadromous fish.

Class II: Streams and lakes with resident fish or fish habitat—generally steep channels 6 to 25 

percent or higher gradient—where no anadromous fish occur, and otherwise do not meet Class I 

criteria. 

Class III: Perennial and intermittent streams with no fish populations but which have sufficient flow, or 

transport sufficient sediment and debris, to have an immediate influence on downstream water quality 

or fish habitat capability. For streams less than 30 percent gradient, special care is needed to 

determine if resident fish are present. 

A stream segment is designated Class III if the following conditions are met for the majority of its 

length: Bankfull stream width greater than 1.5 meters (5 feet) and channel incision (or entrenchment) 

greater than 5 meters (15 feet).

Streams that do not meet both the width and incision criteria may be classified as Class III streams 

based on a professional interpretation of stream characteristics for the stream segment being 

assessed. The following characteristics could indicate a Class III stream:

a. Steep side-slopes containing mobile fine sediments, sand deposits, or deep soils that can provide 

an abundant source area for sedimentation.

b. Very steep gradient channels (greater than 35 percent slope).

c. Recently transported bedload or woody debris wedges (especially if deposited outside high water 

mark).

d. High water indicators (scour lines, drift lines, etc.) that greatly exceed observed wetted stream 

width.

e. Large sediment deposits stored amongst debris that could be readily transported if debris shifts.

Class IV: Other intermittent, ephemeral, and small perennial channels with insufficient flow or 

sediment transport capacity to directly influence downstream water quality or fish habitat capability. 

Class IV streams do not meet the criterion used to define Class I, II, or III streams. Class IV streams 

must have bankfull width of at least 0.3 meter (1 foot) over the majority of the stream segment. For 

perennial streams, with average channel gradients less than 30 percent, special care is needed to 

determine if resident fish are present (resident fish presence dictates a Class II designation). 

Non-streams: Rills and other watercourses, generally intermittent and less than 1 foot in width, little 

or no incision into the surrounding hillslope, and with little or no evidence of channel scour. (Note: 

These micro-drainage features are not mapped in GIS hydrography layers.)

Streamflow

The discharge of water from a watershed that occurs in a natural stream channel.

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Stream order

First order streams are the smallest unbranched tributaries; second order streams are initiated by the 

point where two first order streams meet; third order streams are initiated by the point where two second 

order streams meet, and so on.

Stream simulation

Installing culverts that mimic and retain the natural stream characteristics of stream width, gradient, 

substrate and pool depth and spacing. Stream simulation assumes that if a culvert is installed in a 

manner that mimics that of the stream channel the ability for fish movement will be no less or greater at 

the road crossing than in the natural channel . 

Structure

A term in ecology referring to the arrangement of plant communities or ecosystems across a landscape 

and how they are connected, and to variations in tree heights and diameters within a stand or between 

stands.

Subsistence

Section 803 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act defines subsistence use as, “the 

customary and traditional uses by rural Alaska residents of wild renewable resources for direct, personal 

or family consumption as food, shelter, fuel, clothing, tools, or transportation; for the making and selling of 

handicraft articles out of nonedible byproducts of fish and wildlife resources taken for personal or family 

consumption; for barter, or sharing for personal or family consumption; and for customary trade.”

Subspecies

An aggregate of similar populations of a species generally inhabiting a geographic subdivision of the 

range of the species and differing taxonomically (e.g., different size or color) from other populations of the 

species.

Substrate

The size of rock in the bed (bottom) of rivers and streams. 

Suitability of Lands

A determination that specific lands within a plan area may be used, or not, for various multiple uses or 

activities, based on the desired conditions applicable to those lands. The suitability of lands 

determinations need not be made for every use or activity, but every plan must identify those lands that 

are not suitable for timber production (FSH 1909.12 chapter 20, section 22.15). (See FSH 1909.12 

chapter 60 for timber production suitability.)

Supplemental funds

Funds or materials used to finance the additional cost of a road to a higher standard than is needed for a 

timber sale.

Suppression

Fire: The act of extinguishing or confining a fire.

Silviculture: The process whereby a tree or other vegetation loses vigor and may die when growing 

space is not sufficient to provide photosynthate or moisture to support adequate growth.

Surface rights

All rights in the surface of the land except oil, gas, and other mineral or subsurface rights.

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Suspended sediment

The very fine soil particles that remain in suspension in water for a considerable period of time without 

contact with the stream or river channel bottom.

Sustainability

The capability to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future 

generations to meet their needs. For purposes of 36 CFR 219.19, “ecological sustainability’’ refers to the 

capability of ecosystems to maintain ecological integrity; “economic sustainability’’ refers to the capability 

of society to produce and consume or otherwise benefit from goods and services including contributions 

to jobs and market and nonmarket benefits; and ‘‘social sustainability’’ refers to the capability of society to 

support the network of relationships, traditions, culture, and activities that connect people to the land and 

to one another, and support vibrant communities. 

Sustained yield

The yield that a forest can continuously produce at a given intensity of management.

Sustained Yield Limit (SYL)

The amount of timber, meeting applicable utilization standards, “which can be removed from [a] forest 

annually in perpetuity on a sustained-yield basis” (NFMA at section 11, 16 USC 1611; 36 CFR 

219.11(d)(6))). It is the volume that could be produced in perpetuity on lands that may be suitable for 

timber production. Calculation of the limit includes volume from lands that may be deemed not suitable 

for timber production after further analysis during the planning process. The calculation of the SYL is not 

limited by land management plan desired condition, other plan components, or the planning unit's fiscal 

capability and organizational capacity. The SYL is not a target but is a limitation on harvest, except when 

the plan allows for a departure.

Swale

A slight, marshy depression in generally level land. A depression in glacial ground moraine.

Symbol

Inclusive of all rock art, totemic, and clan symbols.

T

Taxa

For the purposes of this Plan and FEIS, taxa are animal species or sub-species.

Temporary facility

Any structure or other human-made improvement that can be readily and completely dismantled and 

removed from the site when the authorized use terminates.

Temporary roads

Roads authorized by contract, permit, lease, or emergency operation, not intended to be part of the forest 

transportation system and not necessary for long-term resource management.

Thinning

A silvicultural treatment made to reduce stand density of trees primarily to improve growth, enhance forest 

health, or recover potential mortality. Thinning may also be done to manipulate stand characteristics to 

improve wildlife or riparian habitat, or to enhance scenery. Types of thinning include:

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Precommercial (PCT). The removal of trees not for immediate financial return but to reduce 

stocking to concentrate growth on the more desirable trees. 

Commercial (CT). Any type of thinning producing merchantable material at least equal to the value 

of the direct costs of harvesting. 

Threatened species 

A plant or animal species likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future 

throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Threatened species are identified and defined in 

accordance with the 1973 Endangered Species Act and published in the Federal Register.

Any species that the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce has determined is likely to 

become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its 

range. Threatened species are listed at 50 CFR sections 17.11, 17.12, and 223.102. 

Threshold

The point or level of activity beyond which an undesirable set of responses begins to take place within a 

given resource system.

Tiering

Elimination of repetitive discussions of the same issue by incorporating, by reference, the general 

discussion in an environmental impact statement (EIS) of broader scope. For example, a project 

environmental assessment could be tiered to the Forest Plan EIS.

Timber

Wood, other than fuelwood, potentially useable for lumber.

Timber classification

Forested land is classified under each of the land management alternatives according to how it relates to 

the management of the timber resource. The following are definitions of timber classifications used for 

this purpose:

Non-Forest. Land that has never supported forests, and land formerly forested where use for timber 

production is precluded by development or other uses.

Forest. Land at least 10 percent stocked (based on crown cover) by forest trees of any size, or 

formerly having had such tree cover and not currently developed for non-forest use.

Suitable. Land to be managed for timber production on a regulated basis.

Unsuitable. Land withdrawn from timber utilization by statute or administrative regulation (e.g., 

Wilderness), or identified as inappropriate for timber production in the Forest planning process.

Commercial Forest. Land tentatively suitable for the production of continuous crops of timber and 

that has not been withdrawn.

Timber production

The purposeful growing, tending, harvesting, and regeneration of trees for industrial or consumer use.

The purposeful growing, tending, harvesting, and regeneration of regulated crops of trees to be cut into 

logs, bolts, or other round sections for industrial or consumer use. (36 CFR 219.19)

Timber production suitability (lands suited and not suited for timber production)

A forest plan must identify the lands that are suited and not suited for timber production. (FSH 1909.12, 

chapter 60).

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Timber sanitation

Harvesting of timber stands which are substantially damaged by fire, wind throw, or other catastrophe, or 

which are in imminent danger from insect or disease attack.

Timber stand

A contiguous group of trees sufficiently uniform in age class distribution, composition, and structure, and 

growing on a site of sufficiently uniform quality, to be a distinguishable unit, such as mixed, pure, evenaged, and uneven-aged stands.

Timber Stand Improvement 

An intermediate treatment made to improve the composition, structure, condition, health, and growth of 

even or uneven aged stands. 

Timed meander

A proven floristic survey method where the surveyor enters the field, records the time, and records all 

species, while moving through the unit in a meandering search path covering all habitat variations. If after 

a certain time no new species are found, the survey is considered complete.

Tongass Conservation Strategy

See Old-growth habitat conservation strategy

Tongass Resource Use Cooperative Survey (TRUCS)

A study done to gather information on subsistence uses of the Forest.

Topography

The configuration of a land surface including its relief, elevation, and the position of its natural and 

human-made features.

Total stream discharge

Total water outflow from stream or river.

Traditional Cultural Property (TCP)

A traditional cultural property is generally one that is eligible for inclusion in the National Register because 

of its association with cultural practices or beliefs of a living community that (a) are rooted in that 

community's history, and (b) are important in maintaining the continuing cultural identity of the community. 

Examples include a rural community whose organization, buildings and structures, or patterns of land use 

reflect the cultural traditions valued by its long-term residents; or a location where Native American 

religious practitioners have historically gone, and are known or thought to go today, to perform ceremonial 

activities in accordance with traditional cultural rules of practice. See also Sacred Sites and Heritage 

Resources.

Traffic Service Level (TSL)

Describes a road’s significant traffic characteristics and operating conditions. The levels reflect a number 

of factors, such as speed, travel time, traffic interruptions, freedom to maneuver, safety driver comfort, 

convenience, and operating costs. These factors, in turn, affect design elements such as number of 

lanes, turnout pacing, lane widths, type of driving surface, sight distances, design speed, clearance, 

horizontal and vertical alignment, curve widening, and turnarounds.

TSL A. Reflects transportation efficiency and mobility with few interruptions to flow and a stable 

smooth driving surface.

TSL B. Generally would have alignment more influenced by topography and more interruptions, but 

still usually a stable smooth driving surface.

Glossary 7-64 Forest Plan

December 2016
Glossary 7

TSL C. One could expect much more sinuous alignment to reduce construction costs with a surface 

that may not be stable under all traffic or weather conditions.

TSL D. Generally constructed for a single purpose, and traffic is discouraged for other purposes; 

surface and alignment is rough and irregular; very low speeds are anticipated to be able to safely 

negotiate the road.

Transmission (electric) 

An interconnected group of lines and associated equipment for the movement or transfer of electric 

energy between points of supply and points at which it is transformed for delivery to customers or is 

delivered to other electric systems.

Transportation system

See forest transportation system.

Transportation Systems Corridors (TSC)

Existing and future transportation systems such as those identified by the State of Alaska in the current 

version of the Southeast Alaska Transportation Plan (SATP) and applicable laws (for example, Section 

4407 of Public Law 109-59, Title XI of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (Public Law

96-487). 

Transportation/Utility corridor

A linear strip of land identified for the present location of transportation or utility rights-of-way within its 

boundaries.

Travel management 

Providing for the safe, environmentally responsible, and customer responsive movement of vehicles and 

people to and through public lands (social attributes).

Travel Management Plan 

The plan for the system of access roads, trails, and airfields needed for the protection, administration, and 

utilization of the National Forests and other lands administered by the Forest Service, or the development 

and use of resources upon which communities within or adjacent to the National Forests are dependent 

(36 CFR 212.1). The plan also addresses permanent or temporary road closures necessary for resource 

protection or public safety.

Trust

A right of property, real or personal, held by one party for the benefit of another (Black 1979).

Turbidity

An expression of the optical property that causes light to be scattered and absorbed rather than 

transmitted in straight lines through a water sample; turbidity in water is caused by the presence of 

suspended matter such as clay, silt, finely divided organic and inorganic matter, plankton, and other 

microscopic organisms.

Two-aged management

A regeneration method that regenerates and maintains a stand with two-age classes where the reserved 

trees are distributed somewhat evenly as individual or clumps and represent 15 percent or more of the 

stand’s pre-treatment basal area. The resulting stand may be two-aged or trend towards an uneven-aged 

condition as a consequence of both an extended period of regeneration establishment and the retention 

of reserved trees that may represent one or more age classes. Two-aged stands are created using these

regeneration methods:

Forest Plan 7-65 Glossary

December 2016
Glossary 7

1. Clearcutting with reserves

2. Seed tree with reserves

3. Shelterwood with reserves.

The reserved trees are not harvested to attain goals other than regeneration.

Two-Log Rule

See economically viable young-growth timber.

Type conversion

The act of converting a plant community from one vegetative type to another. In forestry, it is the act of 

changing the existing dominant tree species from one type to another.

U

Unconfined streams

Streams that, due to lack of stream incision, and effects of geomorphic landform characteristics and local 

geologic conditions, result in streams overflowing their banks, changing flows to other channels, and 

establishing new channels during flood conditions.

Understory vegetation

All forest vegetation growing under an overstory.

Undertaking 

In cultural resources, any project, activity, or program that can result in changes in the character or use of 

historic properties, if any such properties are located in the area of potential effects. The project, activity, 

or program must be under the direct or indirect jurisdiction of a federal agency or be licensed or assisted 

by a federal agency. Undertakings include new and continuing projects, activities, or programs and any 

of their elements not previously considered under Section 106, National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, 

as amended.

In cultural resources, an undertaking means a project, activity, or program funded in whole or in part 

under the direct or indirect jurisdiction of a Federal agency, including those carried out by or on behalf of 

a Federal agency; those carried out with Federal financial assistance; and those requiring a Federal 

permit, license or approval. (See 36 CFR 800 (16)(y))

Uneven-aged management 

A planned sequence of treatments designed to maintain and regenerate a stand with three or more age 

classes.

Unproductive forest land

Forest land incapable of yielding crops of industrial wood because of adverse site conditions.

Unprogrammed timber harvest

Timber harvest that occurs on unsuitable forested lands and does not contribute to the allowable sale 

quantity.

Unroaded area

An undeveloped area typically less than 5,000 acres but of a size and configuration sufficient to protect 

the inherent characteristics associated with its roadless condition. 

Glossary 7-66 Forest Plan

December 2016
Glossary 7

Unsuitable lands

Forest land not managed for timber production because: 1) Congress, the Secretary, or the Chief has 

withdrawn it; 2) it is not producing or capable of producing industrial wood; 3) technology is not available 

to prevent irreversible damage to soils productivity or watershed conditions; 4) there is no reasonable 

assurance, based on existing technology and knowledge, that it is possible to restock lands within 5 years 

after final harvest; 5) there is, at present, a lack of adequate information about responses to timber 

management activities; or 6) timber management is inconsistent with or not cost efficient in meeting the 

management requirements and multiple-use objectives specified in the Forest Plan.

Upland

Areas that do not classify as wetlands or riparian areas. 

Utility lines 

Utility lines may include lines for telecommunication, electricity distribution, natural gas, cable television, 

fiber optics, traffic lights, street lights, storm drains, water mains, and wastewater pipes.

Utilization standards

Standards guiding the use and removal of timber.

Utility volume

Logs that do not meet minimum requirements for sawtimber but are suitable for the production of usable 

chips. They are measured in terms of diameter at breast height (DBH), top of the tree inside the bark (top 

DIB), and the percentages of “soundness” of the wood.

V

Valley

An elongated, relatively large, externally drained depression of the earth’s surface that is primarily 

developed by stream erosion.

Valley bottom

A general term for the nearly level to gently sloping part of a valley. Also referred to as the valley floor.

Value Comparison Unit (VCU)

First developed for the 1979 Tongass Land Management Plan as distinct geographic areas that generally 

encompass a drainage basin containing one or more large stream systems. Boundaries usually follow 

easily recognizable watershed divides. There are 926 units established to provide a common set of areas 

for which resource inventories could be conducted and resource value interpretations made.

Veneer log

A log considered suitable in size and quality for producing veneer that is a thin sheet of wood of uniform 

thickness.

Very poorly drained soils

Water is removed from the soil so slowly that the water table remains at or on the surface the greater part 

of the time. Soils of this drainage class usually occupy level or depressed sites and are frequently 

ponded.

Viable population

For forest planning purposes, a fish or wildlife population that has the estimated number and distribution 

of reproductive individuals to insure its continued existence is well distributed in the National Forest.

Forest Plan 7-67 Glossary

December 2016
Glossary 7

A population of a species that continues to persist over the long term with sufficient distribution to be 

resilient and adaptable to stressors and likely future environments. (36 CFR 219.19)

Viewshed

An expansive landscape or panoramic vista seen from a road, marine waterway, or specific viewpoint.

The area that is potentially seen from a specific viewing point using a planimetric approach.

Visual absorption capability (VAC) 

The capability of the landscape to visually absorb management activities. Landscapes are rated with 

high, intermediate, or low abilities to absorb management activities. These ratings reflect the degree of 

landscape variety in an area, viewing distance and topographic characteristics. As an example, steep, 

evenly sloped landscapes viewed in the foreground to middleground are typically given a low VAC rating.

V-Notches

A deeply incised valley along some waterways that would look like a “V” from a frontal view. These 

abrupt changes in terrain features are often used as harvest unit or yarding boundaries. 

Volume strata

Divisions of old-growth timber volume derived from the interpreted timber type data layer (TIMTYP) and 

the common land unit data layer (CLU). Three volume strata (low, medium, and high) are recognized in 

the Forest Plan. These have been further subdivided in the size density model.

W

Watershed

The area that contributes water to a drainage or stream. Portion of the forest in which all surface water 

drains to a common point. Watersheds can range from tens of acres that drain a single small intermittent 

stream to many thousands of acres for a stream that drains hundreds of connected intermittent and 

perennial streams.

Third order watershed. A watershed where there are (generally) two major branches to the 

mainstream of the watershed. (Also see the definition for stream order.)

Fourth order watershed. A watershed that contains at least two third order watersheds.

A region or land area drained by a single stream, river, or drainage network; a drainage basin (36 CFR 

219.19).

Typically, watersheds are delineated as hierarchical Hydrologic Units in the national Watershed Boundary 

Dataset, cooperatively managed by state and federal agencies. In the context of the Forest Plan, 

watersheds may correspond to VCU or LUD boundaries which may or may not correspond to the 

boundaries delineated in the Watershed Boundary Dataset.

Watershed analysis

A systematic procedure for characterizing and evaluating ecological processes within a watershed to 

meet specific management and social objectives. Forest Plan Appendix C explains the process for 

watershed analysis on the Tongass.

In the context of the Forest Plan, watershed analysis is very narrowly defined as a procedure required 

only in specific circumstances: before making site specific adjustments to Forest-wide Riparian Standards 

and Guidelines, before authorizing management activities in public water system source water protection 

areas, or any other time a line officer determines that it is necessary to make an informed decision. 

Compare to cumulative effects analysis.

Glossary 7-68 Forest Plan

December 2016
Glossary 7

Water table

The upper surface of the ground water or that level below which the soil is saturated with water.

Well-drained soils

Water is removed from the soil readily, but not rapidly.

Wetlands

Areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to 

support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted to 

life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas.

Wild and Scenic Rivers

Rivers or sections of rivers designated by congressional actions under the 1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers 

Act. Wild and scenic rivers may be classified and administered under one or more of the following 

categories:

Wild river areas. Rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments and generally 

inaccessible except by trail, with watersheds or shorelines essentially primitive and waters unpolluted. 

These represent vestiges of primitive America.

Scenic river areas. Rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments, with watersheds still 

largely primitive and shorelines largely undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads.

Recreational river areas. Rivers or sections of rivers that are readily accessible by road or railroad, 

that may have some development along their shorelines, and that may have undergone some 

impoundment or diversion in the past.

A river designated by Congress as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System that was 

established in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 (16 U.S.C. 1271 (note), 1271–1287) (36 CFR 

219.19).

Wilderness

Areas designated by congressional action under the 1964 Wilderness Act or subsequent Acts. 

Wilderness is defined as undeveloped federal land retaining its primeval character and influence without 

permanent improvements or human habitation. Wilderness areas are protected and managed to 

preserve their natural conditions, which generally appear to have been affected primarily by the forces of 

nature, with the imprint of human activity substantially unnoticeable; have outstanding opportunities for 

solitude or for a primitive and confined type of recreation; include at least 5,000 acres or are of sufficient 

size to make practical their preservation, enjoyment, and use in an unimpaired condition; and may contain 

features of scientific, educational, scenic, or historic value as well as ecologic and geologic interest. On 

the Tongass National Forest, Wilderness has been designated by the Alaska National Interest Lands 

Conservation Act of 1980 and Tongass Timber Reform Act of 1990.

Any area of land designated by Congress as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System that 

was established in the Wilderness Act of 1964 (16 U.S.C. 1131–1136) (36 CFR 219.19).

Wildfire

Any wildland fire not designated and managed as a prescribed fire within an approved prescription. All 

wildfires will be given an appropriate suppression action.

Wildlife Analysis Area

A division of land used by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for wildlife analysis (WAA).

Wildlife Reserve Trees

Dead, dying, defective, or damaged trees left standing after harvest to provide wildlife habitat.

Forest Plan 7-69 Glossary

December 2016
Glossary 7

Windfirm

Trees not likely to be blown over by the wind. These are usually trees that have been exposed to the 

wind throughout their life and have developed a strong root system or trees that are protected from the 

wind by terrain features or other trees.

Windthrow

The act of trees being uprooted by the wind. In Southeast Alaska, Sitka spruce and hemlock trees are 

shallow rooted and susceptible to windthrow. There are generally three types of windthrow—endemic 

where individual trees are blown over; catastrophic where a major windstorm can destroy hundreds of 

acres; and management related, where the clearing of trees in an area make the adjacent standing trees 

vulnerable to windthrow.

Windthrow management area

A managed area designed to minimize windthrow within an adjacent no-harvest area.

Winter range

An area, usually at lower elevation, used by a variety of wildlife species during the winter months; usually 

smaller and better-defined than summer ranges.

Withdrawal

The withholding of an area of federal land from settlement, sale, location, or entry under some or all of the 

general land laws for the purpose of limiting activities under those laws in order to maintain other public 

values in the area.

Woodstock

A forest modeling system that can be used to perform a wide variety of analyses, including harvest 

scheduling and wood supply analysis, wildlife management and simulation of forest ecosystems. 

Woodstock was used in the Forest Plan analysis to determine Projected Timber Sale Quantity (PTSQ)

and Sustained Yield Limit (SYL).

Y

Yarding

To convey logs or trees to a landing by cable, helicopter or other systems. Shovel- yarding is also used 

in Southeast Alaska. 

Young growth

Forest growth that has regenerated naturally or has been planted after some disturbance (e.g., clearcut 

harvest, serious fire, catastrophic windthrow, or insect attack) to the previous forest growth.

The term young growth is synonymous with second growth.

Young-growth forest

A relatively young forest that has been regenerated naturally or artificially after some drastic interference 

such as extensive cutting, wildfire, insect or disease attack, or blowdown (Helms 1998). On the Tongass 

a forest younger than 150 years is considered young-growth forest.

Glossary 7-70 Forest Plan

December 2016
APPENDIX A

IDENTIFICATION OF LANDS 

SUITABLE FOR TIMBER 

PRODUCTION AND LIMITATIONS ON

TIMBER HARVEST
Timber Land Suitability and Harvest Limitations

Forest Plan A-1 Appendix A

December 2016

Appendix A

Identification of Lands Suitable for 

Timber Production and Limitations on 

Timber Harvest

This appendix presents the review of lands within the plan area to identify their 

suitability for timber production. During forest land and resource management 

planning, the Forest Service is required to identify lands suited and not suited for 

timber production (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 219.11). 

The process used in the 1997 Forest Plan was consistent with the 1982 National 

Forest Management Act (NFMA) Regulations (36 CFR 219.14 (a)(1) through (4)). 

The appendix from the 1997 plan was brought forward and used in the 2008 

Forest Plan with minor updates. Appendix A is updated to comply with the 2012 

Planning Rule.

Suitable lands in this Forest Plan constitute the land base for determining 

vegetation management practices associated with timber production. 

The status of land as suitable for timber production does not mean that timber 

production is the primary purpose of management on those lands. It means that 

timber production is compatible with the achievement of desired conditions and 

objectives established by the plan for those lands (36 CFR 219.11(a)(1)(iii)), and 

some regular flow of timber products may be expected.

Suitability of lands is a determination made regarding the appropriateness of 

various lands within a plan area for various uses or activities, based on the 

desired conditions applicable to those lands. Identifying lands not suited for 

timber production is accomplished in two steps (see Process for Identifying 

Suitability below): 

1. Identify lands that are not suited based on legal and technical factors at 

36 CFR 219.11 (a) (i), (ii), (iv), (v), and (vi), further described in FSH 

1909.12, Sections 61.11 to 61.14. If any of these factors apply to the 

land, the land is not suited for timber production. 

Subtract the lands that are not suited from the total of National Forest 

System lands. The remaining lands are lands that may be suited for 

timber production, and are considered in step 2. 

2. From the lands that may be suited for timber production (the remaining 

lands from step 1), identify lands that are suited for timber production, 

based on the compatibility of timber production with the desired 

conditions and objectives for those lands. (Consult FSH 1909.12, Section 

61.2.)

The process is defined for the preferred alternative. Lands suitable for timber 

production based on multiple-use objectives were identified for each of the 

Introduction

Suitability of 

Lands
Timber Land Suitability and Harvest Limitations

Appendix A A-2 Forest Plan

December 2016

alternatives analyzed in detail in the FEIS for the plan amendment. Table A-1 

displays the results of the suitability process, and lists the acreage for each step.

Table A-1

Timber Production Suitability Classification

Land Classification Category Acres1

A. Total National Forest System lands within the plan area 16,755,685 

B. Lands not suited for timber production due to legal or technical 

reasons

15,794,004 

C. Lands that may be suited for timber production (A-B) 961,681 

D. Lands not suited for timber production because timber 

production is not compatible with the desired conditions and 

objectives established by the plan 

393,648 

E. Total lands not suited for timber production (B+D) 16,187,652 

F. Total lands suited for timber production (mapped suitable) 

because timber production is compatible with the desired 

conditions and objectives established by the plan (C-D)

568,033 

G. Model Implementation Reduction Factor (MIRF) Acreage 90,138 

H. Estimated actual suitable acreage for timber production (F-G) 477,895 

I. Scheduled suitable acreage (based on modeling) 326,623 1 Based on GIS database

Refinement of Suitable Land Acreage: The suitable lands estimated following 

the process below and identified in Table A-1 represent a first attempt at 

estimating the acreage of suitable forest land. However, this estimate 

overestimates the actual suitable acreage because it is based on the available 

Forest-wide mapping, which because of the size an inaccessibility of many lands 

has limitations. 

When projects are implemented on the Tongass National Forest typically more

streams, karst or other factors are found that reduce the acreage of suitable 

lands. In order to account for this reduction during modeling, the Tongass has 

included a correction factor called the Model Implementation Reduction Factor or

MIRF. How this correction factor is determined is documented in Appendix B of 

the FEIS and in the planning record.

Thus, in Table A-1 two estimates of suitable are given. The mapped suitable 

(Row F) is the estimated suitable using available mapping and based on the 

above process. The estimated actual suitable (Row H) is the mapped suitable 

minus the MIRF acres (Row G). The final number in Table A-1 represents the 

scheduled suitable (Row I). This acreage is based on Forest Plan modeling and 

represents the acreage that is scheduled for harvest by the model over the long 

term (i.e., 100 years).

Step 1 – Lands Not Suitable for Timber Production 

based on Legal and Technical Factors (FSH 1909.12, 

Section 61.1)

Timber production may be prohibited on certain lands by statute, Executive 

order, regulation, or where the Secretary of Agriculture or the Chief of the Forest 

Service has withdrawn the land from timber production (36 CFR 219.11(a)(1)(i) 

and (ii), and FSM 1921.12). The lands not suitable for timber production due to 

legal or technical reasons (Row B in Table A-1) include the following:

Process for 

Identifying 

Suitability (Two

Steps)
Timber Land Suitability and Harvest Limitations

Forest Plan A-3 Appendix A

December 2016

Lands on which Timber Production is Prohibited or 

Withdrawn from Timber Production (FSH 1909.12, Section 

61.11)

1. Designated Areas

A. Statutorily Designated Areas

1) Wilderness

2) National Monument

3) Nonwilderness National Monument

4) Land Use Designation (LUD II) areas 

5) Stream buffers under Section 103 of the Tongass 

Timber Reform Act

B. Administratively Designated Areas

1) Inventoried Roadless Areas

2) Research Natural Areas

3) Municipal Watersheds

4) Experimental Forests

Land that Is Not Forest Land (Nonforest) (FSH 1909.12, 

Section 61.14)

Nonforest lands are lands that do not meet the definition of forest lands 

contained in 36 CFR 219.19. Thus, nonforest lands are less than 10 percent 

occupied by forest trees of any size or that formerly had such tree cover and are 

currently developed for nonforest uses. 

1. Land developed for nonforest uses includes areas for agricultural crops, 

improved pasture, residential or administrative areas, improved roads of 

any width and adjoining road clearing, and powerline clearing of any 

width; and

2. Lands that were formerly occupied by tree cover, but do not presently 

have tree cover, should be identified as nonforest unless the land will be 

naturally or artificially regenerated into forest cover in the near future 

(example: clearcut lands.

Lands for which Adequate Response Information is Not 

Currently Available 

Forest land shall be classified as not suited for timber production, if there is not 

adequate information available, based on current research and experience, to 

project response to timber management practices. These lands shall be identified 

as needing further inventory, research, or information and shall not be 

considered as part of the suitable land base, until such time those adequate 

response data are available. Give special attention to lands classified as 

incapable of producing 20 cubic feet/acre/year. Lands meeting this criterion are 

generally mapped as forested lands with low productivity in the Forest 

Productivity attribute of Cover Type in the Forest Plan GIS Database.

Lands Not Capable of Producing Industrial Wood

Lands that are not capable of producing crops of industrial wood are, by 

definition, to be classified as not suited for timber production. Species of trees 

that are not currently utilized or not expected to be utilized within the next 10 

years, constitute the primary criterion for assigning lands to this category (e.g., 

black cottonwood, lodgepole pine, and alder).
Timber Land Suitability and Harvest Limitations

Appendix A A-4 Forest Plan

December 2016

Lands on which Technology to Harvest Timber is Not 

Currently Available without Causing Irreversible Damage

(FSH 1909.12, Section 61.12)

Lands on which technology to harvest timber is not currently available without 

causing irreversible damage include the following:

1. High vulnerability karst lands as described in Appendix H; and 

2. Soils that occur on slopes over 72 percent gradient and soils on slopes 

less than 72 percent gradient that have a mass movement index (MMI) 

of 4. (Consult Chapter 4 Soil and Water direction.)

Lands on Which There is No Reasonable Assurance that 

Lands Can be Adequately Restocked within Five Years of 

Final Regeneration Harvest (FSH 1909.12, Section 61.13)

If there is no reasonable assurance that lands can be adequately restocked within 

five years after final regeneration harvest, those lands must be identified as not 

suitable for timber production. Criteria for restocking is found in FSH 2409.17, 

Region 10 Supplement No. 2409.17-99-3, chapter 2.

Step 2 – Lands Suited and Not Suited for Timber 

Production Based on Compatibility with Desired 

Conditions and Objectives (FSH 1909.12, Section 61.2)

Lands that may be suitable for timber production (described in Step 1 and shown 

in Row C of Table A-1) are identified as suited for timber production if they are

compatible with desired conditions and objectives. Lands that are not compatible 

with desired conditions and objectives are not suited for timber production 

(shown in Row D of Table A-1). 

Timber production is compatible with the desired conditions and objectives of the 

following LUDs, including specific areas (e.g., beach fringe, riparian management 

areas) within these LUDs:

1. Non-Development LUDs 

A. Forest land in non-development LUDs are identified as not 

suited for timber production, except for young-growth stands in 

the Old-growth Habitat LUD.

2. Old-growth Habitat LUD (specific areas)

A. Young-growth stands that meet all the other suitable criteria in 

the Old-growth Habitat LUD are identified as suitable for timber 

production. See Chapter 5, Young Growth Direction in the

Wildlife (WILD) section.

B. Young-growth stands in the beach buffer are identified as

suitable for timber production, except for those areas within 200 

feet of the mean high tide line. See Chapter 5, Young Growth 

Direction in the Beach and Estuary Fringe (BEACH) section.

C. Young-growth stands in RMAs outside of TTRA buffers are 

considered suitable for timber production. See Chapter 5, Young 

Growth Direction in the Riparian (RIP) section.
Timber Land Suitability and Harvest Limitations

Forest Plan A-5 Appendix A 

December 2016 

3. Development LUDs (and specific areas) 

A. Forest lands that meet all the other suitable criteria in the 

Development LUDs (Scenic Viewshed LUD, Modified Landscape 

LUD, and Timber Production LUD) are identified as suitable for 

timber production (with the exception described in item 3B). 

B. Old-growth forest located within Phases 2 and 3 of the Tongass 

Timber Sale Program Adaptive Management Strategy (refer to 

the December 2016 Tongass National Forest Timber Sale 

Program Adaptive Management Strategy map), or within the 

T771 Watersheds and The Nature Conservancy / Audubon 

conservation priority areas (refer to the June 2016 Final EIS 

Alternative 5 Suitable Land map) is identified as not suitable for 

timber production. However, young-growth stands located within 

Phases 1, 2, and 3 in the T77 Watersheds and The Nature 

Conservancy / Audubon conservation priority areas are identified 

as suitable for timber production. 

C. Young-growth stands in the beach buffer are identified as 

suitable for timber production, except for those areas within 200 

feet of the mean high tide line. See Chapter 5, Young Growth 

Direction in the Beach and Estuary Fringe (BEACH) section. 

D. Young-growth stands in RMAs outside of TTRA buffers are 

considered suitable for timber production. See Chapter 5, Young 

Growth Direction in the Riparian (RIP) section. 

Planned Timber Sale Program 

The sustained yield limit (SYL) is the amount of timber that could be produced on 

all land that may be suitable for timber production, assuming all of these lands 

were managed to produce timber without considering other multiple uses or fiscal 

or organizational capability. The SYL for the Tongass National Forest is 

estimated to be 55 million cubic feet (MMCF) or 248 million board feet (MMBF) 

per year (Table A-2). 

The projected wood sale quantity (PWSQ), is an estimate of the volume of all 

timber and other wood products that is expected to be sold during the plan period 

from expected harvests for any purpose (except salvage harvest or sanitation 

harvest) on all lands in the plan area. The projected wood sale quantity includes 

all woody material likely to be sold from these harvests whether or not the woody 

material meets the utilization standards. The PWSQ for the Tongass National 

Forest is estimated at 10.8 MMCF per year for the first decade and 17.0 MMCF 

per year for the second decade (Table A-2). 

Projected timber sale quantity (PTSQ) is the estimated quantity of timber meeting 

applicable utilization standards that is expected to be sold during the plan period. 

As a subset of the PWSQ, the PTSQ includes volume from timber harvest for any 

purpose from all lands in the plan area based on expected harvests that would 

be consistent with the plan components. The PTSQ is also based on the 

planning unit’s fiscal capability and organizational capacity. PTSQ is not a target 

 

1

 The Tongass 77 (T77) refers to value comparison units (VCUs), which approximate major 

watersheds located on National Forest System lands that Trout Unlimited, Alaska Program identifies 

as priority salmon watersheds. As a result of the Sealaska Land Entitlement Finalization in the Carl 

Levin and Howard P. ‘Buck’ McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public 

Law 113-291), there was a net reduction in the T77. To provide clarity and consistency, the T77 

nomenclature will continue to be used in this document when referring to these priority watersheds. 
Timber Land Suitability and Harvest Limitations 

Appendix A A-6 Forest Plan 

December 2016

nor a limitation on harvest, and is not an objective unless the responsible official 

chooses to make it an objective in the plan. The PTSQ for the Tongass National 

Forest is estimated to be 46.0 MMBF or 10.3 MMCF per year for the first decade, 

increasing to 71.8 MMBF or 16.0 MMCF per year for the second decade, due to 

more young growth reaching harvestable age (Table A-2). 

Table A-2 

Planned Timber Sale Program, Tongass National Forest, including 

Annual Average Volume Outputs for 1st and 2nd Decade 

Sustained Yield Limit (SYL): 248 MMBF or 55 MMCF1 per year 

First Decade Second Decade 

Timber Products

MMCF MMBF MMCF MMBF

Lands suitable for timber production 

 Sawtimber 10.3 46.0 16.0 71.8 

 Other products 

Lands not suitable for timber production 

 Sawtimber 

 Other products 

Projected Timber Sale Quantity 

(PTSQ) 10.3 46.0 16.0 71.8 

Other Estimated Wood Products2

MMCF Tons MMCF Tons

Fuelwood 0.5 10,000 1.0 20,000 

Projected Wood Sale Quantity 

(PWSQ) 10.8 17.0 

1 MMCF: Millions of cubic feet 

 MMBF: Millions of board feet 

2 Does not include wood provided through the Tongass personal use firewood or free use timber 

programs.
APPENDIX B

FINAL

TONGASS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

RECOMMENDATIONS
Tongass Advisory Committee 

Final Recommendations

December

2015
Acknowledgements

The TAC received guidance and support from:

Jason Anderson – Designated Federal Official and Deputy Forest Supervisor, 

Tongass National Forest

Forrest Cole – former Forest Supervisor, Tongass National Forest

Karen Hardigg – former Transition Framework Coordinator, Tongass National Forest

Susan Howle and the Interdisciplinary Team for the Forest Plan Amendment – Forest Plan 

Amendment Project Manager and Interdisciplinary Team members, Tongass National Forest

Nicole McMurren – TAC Coordinator, Tongass National Forest

Marina Whitacre – TAC Coordinator, Tongass National Forest

Earl Stewart – Forest Supervisor, Tongass National Forest

Lee C. Wilson – former Business Management Assistant, Tongass National Forest

Connie Lewis, Diana Portner, Faye Duan, and Liz Duxbury - Facilitation and Project 

Coordination, Meridian Institute

Cover Photo Credit: Sitka Conservation Society
Executive Summary

The Tongass Advisory Committee (TAC) was federally chartered in the winter of 2014 to advise 

the Secretary of Agriculture on developing an ecologically, socially, and economically 

sustainable forest management strategy for the Tongass National Forest. They were specifically 

tasked with developing recommendations about how to transition within 10 to 15 years from 

old growth to predominantly young growth timber management in a way that is economically 

viable for the existing industry, while recognizing and balancing the other unique and equally 

important resource values of the Tongass. 

The TAC was comprised of fifteen members from the timber industry, conservation 

community, Native interests, government, and “other” interests. The TAC members were 

selected because of their deep knowledge and their willingness to work collaboratively on new 

approaches, practices, and responses to historically contentious management challenges. They 

did so with diligence, respect, and honesty during nine meetings between August 2014 and 

December 2015. (All meeting materials, summaries, and background documents are available 

on the Committee website: www.merid.org/tongassadvisorycommittee.) Early in the process, 

they all agreed on a common vision:

“Southeast Alaska is comprised of prosperous, resilient communities that have the 

opportunity to predictably use and benefit from the diversity of forest resources to achieve the 

cultural, social, economic, and ecological health of the region for current and future 

generations.”

With that vision in mind, and through extensive modeling of young growth availability, 

literature review, and consideration of public comments, the TAC achieved consensus on a 

comprehensive package of recommendations for analysis purposes. Following release of the 

Draft Environmental Impact Statement and proposed Forest Plan, the TAC reviewed the 

analysis finalized its recommendations with very few substantive changes. Their work offers 

the possibility of a regionally focused, collaborative path toward an innovative opportunity for 

a viable young growth timber industry while honoring the suite of economic, ecological, social,

and cultural values inherent in the Forest. 

Forest Plan Amendment Recommendations

The TAC’s analysis revealed that the current Forest Plan would most likely not achieve the 

transition to young growth within the 10-15 year timeframe set out in their Charter. 

Recognizing that a different approach is required, the TAC recommended employing a “cointent” mandate in the Forest Plan Amendment to improve habitat conditions and long–term 

ecological function in young growth stands while producing timber volume from those areas. 

This will enable the Forest to move out of old growth as quickly as possible and accelerate the 

transition while sustaining an economically viable timber industry. 

To implement the co-intent approach, the TAC recommends that the Forest Service:
a) Maximize the use of flexibilities designed to replace old growth harvest with 

young growth harvest on a one-to-one volumetric basis. For the purposes of the 

recommended flexibilities in young growth management, the overall transition 

period is defined by the TAC as a period not to exceed 15 years from the date of the 

Amendment’s Record of Decision (ROD). The TAC is making these 

recommendations to apply to young growth timber only and would not apply them 

to old growth timber. 

b) Provide more flexibility and opportunities in the existing timber management 

areas for young growth.

c) Use specific treatments for young growth harvest in areas that are not currently 

designated as “suitable” for harvest during the transition period, provided the 

original objective of the particular Land Use Designation (LUD) and/or standards 

and guidelines (S&Gs) is respected. The TAC recognized the high ecological value 

of the non-suitable lands. However, many of those stands of young growth forest do 

not provide the full ecological function that they would have in the un-harvested 

state. Habitat treatments that improve ecological conditions will benefit wildlife and 

game populations while also improving the ecological functioning of the larger 

landscape, and will increase the understanding of effective habitat restoration 

treatments and allow operators to become more effective at habitat restoration 

activities.

d) Aggressively monitor the outcomes of management activities resulting from the 

transition and apply adaptive management to improve outcomes. Review the 

recommended flexibilities made by the TAC for all LUDs and S&Gs at least every 

five years. At the conclusion of the transition, a full review process should be 

conducted to evaluate continuity in whole, part, or expanded form. 

e) Fully utilize currently allowed prescriptions in beach buffer, Old Growth 

Reserves, and Riparian Management Areas (outside of Tongass Timber Reform 

Act buffers) that improve fish and wildlife habitat and create a commercial 

byproduct. Further, the TAC believes that young growth volume produced from 

these treatments should be counted towards the Potential Timber Sale Quantity. 

f) Identify where young growth timber projects, during the period of the transition, 

intersect with certain high-value fish watersheds. In these areas of intersection, 

conduct a timely scientific review to determine likely impacts to fish and wildlife 

habitat from timber harvest. If harvest is proposed in one of these watersheds, the 

Forest Service may apply additional standards or guidelines to mitigate risk to fish 

habitat.

g) Maintain the existing suitable land base for young growth timber (i.e., no net loss 

of young growth acres). If suitable young growth acres are removed from the timber 

base as a result of review, an equal number of acres should be added to the young 

growth timber base.

h) Engage stakeholders, such as conservation interests, timber operations, permitted 

user groups, and other interested parties in multi-party planning using an 

integrated resource management planning framework to: best design and 
implement projects to meet ecological, social, and economic goals; provide best 

practices for producing timber volume from treatments; and develop management 

prescriptions and identify areas where co-intent prescriptions are best applied. 

Monitor the response of the timber industry and assist in their transition by 

investing in infrastructure and market development.

i) Overhaul administrative practices for timber sales to improve timeliness, lower 

costs, and strengthen supply consistency required in an industry dependent on 

predominantly young growth.

Old Growth Bridge Strategy

By bringing more young growth forward sooner in the transition period, the Forest can reduce 

old growth harvest earlier. For every unit of young growth volume brought forward into the 

transition solution, there should be an equal unit less of old growth. Ultimately this will result 

in transitioning from old growth to young growth in less than 15 years by making more young 

growth available for harvest and substituting young growth for old growth on a one-to-one

volumetric basis, using the annual timber demand, which will be held constant during the 

transition period. 

To provide a more accurate prediction of available young growth during the transition, the 

TAC recommends a thorough analysis of young growth inventory at the stand level in the first 

three years of the transition. Based on this information, the Forest should plan and produce 

sufficient young growth volume to ensure the required volume through the transition that 

meets the determined demand. Because the young growth volume is not sufficient to meet 

demand during the transition period, the Forest should develop a unit pool1for bridge timber 

volume within a specified timeframe to meet the volume demand that cannot be met by young 

growth during the transition. 

Following the transition period, the TAC recommends that the Forest maintain a post-transition 

annual old growth timber harvest that will meet the long-term demand of small- and micro-sale 

programs. 

Implementing the Transition

The TAC concluded that cultural and operational changes in how the Forest conducts its 

business are mandatory for the success of the transition. The Forest Service must play a pivotal 

role in leading, fostering, and supporting the societal and institutional learning the transition 

will require. Openness, transparency, and collaboration both within the Forest and with 

external parties will be essential. The TAC’s detailed implementation recommendations provide 

guidance on crucial elements for success and identify critical opportunities by which the TAC, 

 

1 A unit pool refers to a stand or polygon within a project area, within which landscape objectives could be 

considered.
Agency, and greater community will share ownership of the transition strategy and embrace its 

successful implementation.

The recommendations include the following transformative steps: 

 Pursue partnerships and collaboration;

 Improve internal Forest Service coordination; 

 Support and encourage leadership at the District Ranger level; 

 Revamp the sale planning and assessment process;

 Maximize the use of stewardship contracts and agreements; and

 Address incentives and feasibility for operators, and domestic processing and 

consumption.

In addition, the transition to young growth must provide economically and financially viable 

opportunities for industry, and meaningful economic and employment benefits to local 

communities. The TAC provided detailed recommendations for targeted investment, financial 

assistance, and financing mechanisms for stand inventory, research, infrastructure, and 

retooling. These investments are intended to help communities and businesses successfully 

transition to, and thrive within, a new young growth economy. 

Monitoring and Research

The TAC’s commitment to creating conditions for Tongass communities to thrive is reflected in 

recommendations for robust and active monitoring and adaptive management:

a) Convene a Forest-wide collaborative group as the mechanism by which 

stakeholders support and help hold themselves and the Forest accountable to the 

goals of the transition.

b) Contract an appropriate organization to conduct a baseline socioeconomic benefits 

analysis as soon as possible. Key “dashboard” metrics to be included in the analysis 

are listed in the recommendations report. 

c) Conduct ongoing benefits analyses at regular intervals for the life of the current 

plan to demonstrate changes over time in the relationship between planning and 

implementation of timber and stewardship work and community wellbeing.

In summary, the TAC’s recommended actions represent a new paradigm for the Tongass

National Forest, and situate the Forest at the leading edge of forest management in the United 

States. We look forward to the Agency and stakeholders taking on the challenge together of 

adopting and implementing this paradigm.
Table of Contents

Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................................1

Executive Summary...................................................................................................................................2

Forest Plan Amendment Recommendations .....................................................................................2

Old Growth Bridge Strategy.................................................................................................................4

Implementing the Transition................................................................................................................4

Monitoring and Research......................................................................................................................5

Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................6

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

Background.............................................................................................................................................1

Purpose....................................................................................................................................................3

Vision.......................................................................................................................................................3

Recommendations and Action Plan ........................................................................................................4

Rationale..................................................................................................................................................4

Overarching Principles..........................................................................................................................4

Approach.................................................................................................................................................5

Recommendations for Land Use Designations and Standards and Guidelines ...........................6

Timber Management (TM)................................................................................................................8

Modified Landscape & Scenic Viewshed .......................................................................................9

Currently Non-suitable Lands ...........................................................................................................10

Old Growth Reserves, Riparian Mangagement Areas Outside of TTRA, and Beach Buffers

............................................................................................................................................................11

Old Growth Bridge Strategy...............................................................................................................13

Implementation Strategy.........................................................................................................................14
Purpose..................................................................................................................................................14

Essentials of the Transformation: ......................................................................................................14

Leadership and a Culture of Collaboration and Transparency.....................................................14

Implementation Recommendations ..................................................................................................15

Transition Economics and Investment..................................................................................................23

Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................23

Investment Recommendations...........................................................................................................24

Monitoring and Research........................................................................................................................27

Monitoring Principals (Why) ..............................................................................................................27

Monitoring Recommendations (How)...............................................................................................27

Dashboard Metrics (What) ..................................................................................................................29

Appendix A: Tongass Advisory Committee Members ......................................................................31

Appendix B: TAC Charter ......................................................................................................................32

Appendix C: High-Value Fish Watersheds ..........................................................................................37

Appendix D: Map of Phase 1 Lands, T77 Watersheds, and TNC/Audubon Core Conservation 

Areas ..........................................................................................................................................................38

Appendix E: Suggested Draft Memorandum of Understanding Between Forest Collaborative 

Stakeholder Group Representatives And The U.S. Forest Service Tongass National Forest........39

Appendix F: Outline for Socioeconomic Analyses..............................................................................43

Acronyms and Abbreviations ................................................................................................................46
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 1

Introduction

Background

The Tongass National Forest (Tongass or Forest) is the largest National Forest in the Nation. 

The Tongass is comprised of 16.7 million acres and covers the great majority of Southeast 

Alaska, with the Forest Service (USFS) by far the largest landowner in this part of Alaska. There 

are 3.4 million acres of Development Land Use Designations (LUDs) allowing commercial 

timber harvesting, with the remaining 13.3 million acres designated as Wilderness (5.9 million 

acres) and Natural Setting (7.4 million acres).

2 Only a little over 400,000 acres of timber has 

actually been harvested to date. This proposal focuses on the 360,000 acres of young growth 

available to meet the goals of the transition.

There are dozens of communities, including many longstanding Native villages, that exist 

within the region covered by the Tongass. These communities use and depend on the resources 

of the Tongass. As a consequence, management decisions and actions of the Tongass National 

Forest have a great deal of influence on these communities. A multitude of resources and 

activities produced from the Forest fuel the economies, livelihoods, and way-of-life for the 

people who live there. The Tongass is also one of the largest temperate rainforests in the world, 

containing large tracts of intact ecosystems critical to preserving biodiversity and capturing 

carbon to help mitigate the effects of climate change.

The Tongass is a Native place, home of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people, whose 

cultural identities and traditional way of life are rooted in and tied to the land and waters of 

Southeast Alaska. Alaska Natives have continuously inhabited the Forest for more than 10,000 

years and today are dependent on subsistence hunting and fishing, and utilization of all 

Tongass resources to sustain their bodies, as well as their traditions, cultures, and livelihoods. 

The Forest is a productive landscape that sustains robust fish stocks for subsistence, personal 

use, and commercial and sport fisheries. Maintaining the habitat diversity and connections 

among watersheds is essential to the continued productivity of the Forest’s salmon fisheries. 

Land managers are increasingly aware of the economic and social contributions of activities that 

sustain all these important fisheries.

The Tongass is also home to a vibrant and growing tourism industry. Tourism, from large 

cruise ships to small and independent tours, plays an important role in the economies of 

 

2 A chart of acreages is located within the Tongass National Forest 2008 Land and Resource Management Plan, 

available at: https://fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5367422.pdf. 
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 2

communities throughout Southeast Alaska. Additionally, the Tongass provides many 

communities with lake-tap hydropower and presents many opportunities for renewable energy. 

Then, of course, the Tongass is home to a variety of wildlife and birds; all of which enrich the 

lives of those who live in and/or visit the Tongass.

The Tongass has a renewable timber resource that is managed on a sustainable basis. During 

the second half of the 20th century, two fifty-year contracts spurred investments and year round 

jobs in Southeast Alaska. The region experienced a timber boom with Tongass timber supplying 

two large regional pulp mills, several large sawmills, and numerous small mills and 

manufacturing businesses. During that time, several hundred thousand acres were harvested. 

Many of those stands have continued to be managed for various purposes including future 

timber production. These stands are now known as young growth and constitute the primary 

focus of this report for purposes of future harvest.

Contentious debate over Tongass management has overshadowed the opportunities for local 

solutions. The establishment of the Tongass Advisory Committee (TAC) represents a turning 

point in Tongass management, seeking new approaches, practices, and responses. The TAC 

offers a regionally focused, collaborative path toward an innovative opportunity for a viable 

young growth timber industry, while honoring the suite of values – economic, ecological, social 

and cultural – inherent in the Forest. (See Appendix A, pg. 31, for a list of TAC members.)

This Plan Amendment is being drafted in a time marked by transition. It is the transition away 

from predominantly old growth timber harvest to young growth harvest. The Secretary of 

Agriculture has specifically spelled out the terms of this transition when he set up the Charter 

for the TAC (see Appendix B, pg. 32). This Charter is narrow in scope and does not charge the 

TAC with making overall recommendations in regard to fisheries, recreation, wildlife 

management, or tourism. This does not mean these values are overlooked. It does mean that the 

recommendations of the TAC will be timber-centric in accordance to the Charter issued by 

Secretary Vilsack. It is important to note that these timber-centric recommendations do not 

comprise the sole direction of the Tongass National Forest and the TAC encourages the USFS to 

continue and expand their management and investment in other important sectors of Tongass, 

such as fisheries, the visitor industry, and renewable energy.

In regards to the management of young growth forest-land, the principles of vegetation 

management for wildlife, patch cuts and ecological restoration will be relied upon. In regards to 

the harvest of old growth trees, the principle employed is to replace old growth harvest with 

young growth harvest within 10-15 years, except for small operators dependent on low-volume, 

niche markets. The 2016 Plan Amendment should provide the flexibility for USFS staff, 

partners, and collaborators to succeed in transitioning the Southeast Alaska timber industry 

from predominantly old growth to young growth. Additionally, the TAC aims to encourage 

local processing and other economic benefits for local communities and villages.
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 3

A critical component for this Plan Amendment to succeed is USFS management embracing the 

concept of co-intent as outlined in the recommendations of the TAC on page 6.

3

 The TAC 

believes that co-intent creates the space for the USFS to be flexible, adaptive, creative, 

transparent, and innovative. These traits will be necessary to implement balanced 

recommendations that foster community well-being, and recognize the priorities of the larger 

American public. 

Purpose

The purpose and need for this Forest Plan Amendment is to respond to the Secretary of 

Agriculture’s July 2nd, 2013 memorandum that directs the USFS to transition timber harvest on 

the Tongass away from a predominately old growth timber harvest to the utilization of young 

growth timber resources.

4 This Plan is being amended specifically to accommodate a strategy 

for the transition that creates opportunities in young growth management and the utilization of 

forest products in a manner that enhances the economic vitality of the region and the resilience 

of local communities. The Amendment will evaluate the lands available for young growth 

timber harvest and provide the guidance for young growth land management activities on the 

Tongass. This Amendment also considers maximizing the opportunities for social and economic 

returns from other economic sectors that depend on the Forest.

Vision

Early in the process, the members of the TAC all agreed on a common vision to serve as a 

touchstone for their deliberations and to help guide the development of the recommendations 

that follow. 

“Southeast Alaska is comprised of prosperous, resilient communities that have the opportunity 

to predictably use and benefit from the diversity of forest resources to achieve the cultural, 

social, economic, and ecological health of the region for current and future generations.”

 

3 The TAC defines co-intent as: A mandate to maintain the primary intent and objectives of each Land Use 

Designation and standard and guideline while developing and applying forest management activities that will 

accelerate the transition to young growth management in the Tongass National Forest.

4 Secretary’s Memorandum 1044-009: Addressing Sustainable Forestry in Southeast Alaska is available online through the 

following link: 

http://www.merid.org/en/TongassAdvisoryCommittee/~/media/Files/Projects/tongass/August%20meeting/Secretarys

%20Directive.pdf. 
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 4

Recommendations and Action Plan 

Rationale

The TAC learned that the current Tongass Land & Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan)

would most likely not achieve the transition to young growth within the 10-15 year time frame 

set out in the Charter as defined by the Secretary of Agriculture. In order to reach the ultimate 

goal to move out of old growth as quickly as possible and accelerate the transition while 

sustaining an economically viable timber industry, the TAC recognized that changes in the 

Forest Plan will be necessary. The TAC discovered that there were opportunities to accelerate 

the transition to young growth, reduce the commensurate harvest of old growth, and maintain a 

more reliable timber supply in Southeast Alaska through the transition period. The most 

effective way to meet these goals is to bring forward and provide advanced age young growth 

through some time-limited relaxations in standards and guidelines (S&Gs). 

The TAC recognizes the high ecological value of the non-suitable lands. However, many of 

those stands of young growth forest do not provide the full ecological function that they would 

have in the un-harvested state. Habitat treatments that improve ecological conditions will 

benefit wildlife and game populations while also improving the ecological functioning of the 

larger landscape. This work will increase our understanding of effective habitat restoration 

treatments and will allow operators to become more effective at habitat restoration activities. 

Overarching Principles

Throughout the discussion, the TAC returned to several overarching principles that permeated 

throughout all the recommendations that follow:

1. During the transition, young growth in the suitable land base is not sufficient for a 

viable timber industry. Therefore, the TAC included recommendations for approaches 

in non-suitable lands, and suggested changes to S&Gs, for young growth during the 

transition period.

2. By bringing more young growth forward sooner in the transition period, the USFS can 

reduce old growth earlier. For every unit of young growth volume brought forward into 

the transition solution, there should be an equal unit less of old growth. 

3. Due to uncertainties in young growth inventory data and often significant differences in 

on the ground operational outcomes, independent monitoring is essential to achieve the 

dual objective of reducing old growth sooner and providing for a viable timber industry. 

4. Co-intent occurs on all suitable and non-suitable acres, and with proper S&Gs can work 

to meet multiple uses associated with the Forest.

5. Bringing multi-disciplinary input and stakeholder involvement forward into the project

planning process is essential to the success of co-intent.
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 5

6. Change in the culture of the USFS is mandatory.

7. The establishment of a forest collaborative is critical to the success of the 

recommendations.

5

(See Monitoring and Research, pg. 27). Reviews will be conducted at 

the end of five and ten years to measure the effectiveness of the flexibilities in meeting 

co-intent goals.

8. In order to maintain a viable young growth timber industry in the future, the existing 

suitable land base for young growth timber should be maintained (i.e., no net loss of 

young growth acres). If suitable young growth acres are removed from the timber base 

as a result of the review process, an equal number of acres should be added to the young 

growth timber base. Operational and geographic considerations (i.e., close proximity to 

other young growth acres) should be given priority. The process for this acreage 

replacement will be determined at the ten year review by a forest collaborative, through 

consultation at Gate 1, Initial Planning of a Timber Sale Project, and beyond, with a 

focus on comparable achievement6.

9. At five and ten year reviews, the USFS, with a forest collaborative and other 

stakeholders, shall study, identify, and adopt methodology for supply that is tied to 

future sustained yield from the young growth land base. This new orientation will 

provide opportunities for the growth and development of an integrated industry 

focused on community and ecosystem health.

Approach

The TAC approached its work in the following order: 

1. Prioritized LUDs and S&Gs where it believed the opportunity to capture more young 

growth volume in the near-term is the greatest and the risk to the environment would be 

least. 

2. Quantified opportunities and social acceptability of adding additional young growth 

volume into the transition period, within each LUD and S&G by running several 

modeling scenarios through Tetra-Tech and Mason, Bruce & Girard (contractors for the 

Forest Plan Amendment options analysis work).

3. Reviewed and incorporated literature and science related to young growth timber and 

all public comments provided to the Committee.

 

5 The TAC defines a “forest collaborative” as a balanced, multi-stakeholder group formed and operating to support 

the USFS in completing a successful transition from old growth to young growth harvest on the Tongass National 

Forest. Typically, the USFS or other agencies’ staff join forest collaboratives as equal members. See Appendix E for a 

draft memorandum of understanding that provides an example of how the Forest Service might interact with such a 

forest collaborative. 

6 The current Forest Plan uses the approach of comparable achievement to adjust Old Growth Reserves, provided 

that alternative reserves provide comparable achievement of the old growth habitat goals and objectives. The 

Tongass National Forest 2008 Land and Resource Management Plan is available at: 

https://fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5367422.pdf. See Appendix K of the Forest Plan for 

additional information.
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 6

4. Indexed the social and ecological sensitivity of each LUD and S&G identified in activity 

2 above. 

5. Defined the concept of co-intent for both suitable and non-suitable lands. Developed 

goals and potential operating actions within specific and identified LUDs and S&Gs to 

achieve co-intent, which emphasizes recognizing and balancing the other unique and 

important resource values on the Forest.

6. Conducted thorough discussions on social acceptance pertaining to the modification of 

LUDs and S&Gs to fine-tune its Amendment option alternative and prepare a 

recommendation to include with USFS alternatives for review in draft in later meetings.

7. Emphasized and identified key implementation, investment, monitoring, and research 

elements required of the USFS in parallel with developing recommended treatment 

options.

Recommendations for Land Use Designations and Standards and Guidelines

The primary objective of the TAC was to reduce the amount of old growth timber harvest on 

the Tongass National Forest and accelerate the transition to a young growth based timber 

program. After evaluating the sensitivity of various LUDs, the TAC recommends the USFS does 

not seek young growth volume or change S&Gs in the following areas:

 Roadless Areas;

 Tongass Timber Reform Act (TTRA) Buffers;

 High vulnerability karst;

 Steep slopes;

 Municipal Watersheds;

 Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers;

 Semi-Remote Recreation;

 Remote Recreation;

 Special Interest Areas;

 Wilderness Areas and National Monuments;

 LUD II; and 

 Special Interest Areas.

Further, the TAC recommends the USFS identify where young growth timber projects, during 

the period of the transition, intersect with certain “high-value fish watersheds” (identified in 

Appendix C, pg. 37). In these areas of intersection, conduct a timely (during the first five years 

after the Record of Decision (ROD)) internal scientific review in collaboration with a forest 

collaborative and other stakeholders to determine likely impacts to fish and wildlife habitat 

from timber harvest. If harvest is proposed in one of these watersheds, the USFS may apply 

additional standards or guidelines to mitigate risk to fish habitat, or apply the “no net loss” 

concept outlined in the TAC’s overarching principals. 

The following Plan adjustments are considered with the co-intent of shifting harvest activities 

away from old growth harvest, providing alternative young growth volume, and improving 

habitat conditions for wildlife and fish and stand function in places that would benefit from 

restoration work. The TAC defines the broad concept of co-intent as follows:
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 7

A mandate to maintain the primary intent and objectives of each LUD and S&G while 

developing and applying forest management activities that will accelerate the transition to young 

growth management in the Tongass National Forest.

For the purposes of the recommended flexibilities in young growth management, the overall 

transition period is defined by the TAC as a period not to exceed 15 years from the date of this 

Amendment’s ROD.

Recommendations

The TAC recommends that in order to achieve these objectives, the USFS:

a) Strive to maximize the volume of young growth timber in planning and ultimately 

offered for sale.

b) Maximize the use of flexibilities designed to replace old growth harvest with young 

growth harvest on a one-to-one volumetric basis.

c) Provide more flexibility and opportunities in the existing timber management areas 

for young growth.

d) Use specific treatments, designed for a one-time entry, for young growth harvest in 

specified areas that are not currently designated as suitable for harvest during the 

transition period, provided the original objectives of the particular LUD and/or 

S&Gs are respected.

e) Aggressively monitor the outcomes of management activities resulting from the 

transition and apply adaptive management to improve outcomes. Follow the 

aforementioned review process for the recommended flexibilities made by the TAC 

for all LUDs and S&Gs. At the culmination of the transition, a full review process 

should be conducted to evaluate continuity in whole, part, or expanded form to 

perpetuate and refine prescriptions that improve habitat while providing timber 

volume where they successfully meet the co-intent objectives. (See Monitoring and 

Research, pg. 27.)

f) Fully utilize currently allowed prescriptions in beach buffer, Old Growth Reserves, 

and Riparian Management Areas (RMAs)(outside of TTRA) that improve fish and 

wildlife habitat and create a commercial by-product. Further, young growth volume 

produced from these treatments should be counted toward the Projected Timber Sale 

Quantity (PTSQ). 

g) Engage stakeholders, such as conservation interests, timber operations, permitted 

user groups, and other interested parties, in multi-party planning using an 

integrated resource management (IRM) planning framework to best design and 

implement projects to meet ecological, social, and economic goals; to provide best 

practices for producing timber volume from treatments; and to develop management 

prescriptions and identify areas where co-intent prescriptions are best applied. 
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 8

h) Monitor the response of the timber industry and assist in their transition by 

investing in infrastructure and market development. (See Transition Economics and 

Investment, pg. 23.)

i) Overhaul administrative practices for timber sales to improve timeliness, lower costs 

and strengthen supply consistency required in an industry dependent on 

predominantly young growth. (See Implementation Strategy, pg. 14.)

The TAC is making these recommendations to apply to young growth timber only and would 

not apply them to old growth timber. (See Old Growth Bridge Strategy, pg. 13.) The TAC 

recommends that the USFS exercise flexibility within the following areas, LUDs, and S&Gs to 

increase young growth volumes for the period of the transition as defined above. These areas 

are listed in order of priority of most return and least environmental risk: 

1. Timber management;

2. Modified landscape;

3. Scenic viewshed;

4. Beach buffer;

5. Old Growth Reserves (OGRs); and 

6. RMAs outside of TTRA buffers.

Currently Suitable Land Base 

The suitable land base refers to the LUDs in the current Plan specifically zoned for timber 

production: the Timber Management LUD (TM), Modified Landscape LUD (ML), and Scenic 

Viewshed LUD (SV). These LUDs form the core areas of land management where the bulk of 

timber harvest will occur during and following the transition on the Tongass. The suitable land 

base contains 273,000 acres out of the total 435,000 acres on which a second generation of timber 

is growing within the Tongass National Forest. During the transition period, the TAC’s 

recommendations will bring forward young growth timber volume and support an enhanced 

timber sale program.

Under the suitable land base and associated S&Gs identified below, the objective of co-intent is 

to maintain emphasis on the production of young growth timber, while actively managing for 

concurrent values through treatments that enhance timber establishment and growth within 

viewsheds and habitat corridors. This definition includes active and progressive treatments that 

will address stem excluded, growth and undergrowth stagnant stands that inhibit forest habitat,

as well as negate any timber values. The goal is to bring those lands back into productive forest 

and fish and wildlife habitat conditions. 

Timber Management (TM)

The Timber Management LUD currently contains approximately 186,000 acres of young 

growth.
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 9

Recommendations 

a) Maximize young growth harvest and management on the Timber Management LUD 

with particular emphasis on stands where culmination of mean annual increment 

(CMAI) relief, from accelerated establishment, and growth and restart prescriptions 

can make both short- and long-term contributions to the stability of long term young 

growth supply.

b) Utilize the full authorities provided under the Sealaska Lands Entitlement Act CMAI 

language in this LUD for even-aged management of young growth stands.

c) The TAC defined the rotation age under CMAI relaxation for the purposes of 

modeling as when 50% of a stand volume consists of trees that contain two 34-foot 

logs. This does not preclude market or site opportunities that occur where CMAI 

relaxation can be defined in a different manner. 

d) Consider using flexibility under the Stewardship Contracting Authority to allow 

longer sale terms (e.g., five to ten years) to provide more certainty, reduce risk, and 

encourage investment in infrastructure for all timber sales (young growth and old 

growth).

e) Continue emphasis on additional opportunities for the small and micro-sale 

programs and show continuity in small old growth sales for these programs beyond 

the transition period.

f) Integrate methods to maximize timber establishment and growth (e.g., planting, 

thinning, fertilizing, etc.) to increase volume, species mix, and/or product value with 

priority on high productivity sites with favorable logistical access options in the 

region. 

g) Consider a measured pace, scale, and variety of projects to match workforce and

capacity. (See Implementation Recommendations, pg. 15.)

h) Prioritize pre-commercial thinning (PCT) projects and regimes on stands in this LUD 

where highest productivity and highest feasibility of operation. 

i) Consider projects that could improve wildlife habitat by rehabilitating young growth 

stands that are in stem exclusion and will have limited contribution to young growth 

management. Priority stands will be high and/or medium sites with favorable 

logistical access. 

j) Areas that have been previously harvested should be subject to larger landscape 

Environmental Assessments (EAs) rather than Environmental Impact Statements 

(EISs), where appropriate.

Modified Landscape & Scenic Viewshed

The Modified Landscape (ML) LUD currently contains approximately 60,000 acres of young 

growth. The Scenic Viewshed (SV) LUD currently contains approximately 12,000 acres of young 

growth.
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 10

Recommendations

The TAC recommends that young growth on the ML and SV LUDs, be managed in the same 

way during the transition period under the S&Gs of the ML LUD:

a) Manage using the Very Low Scenery Integrity Objective (SIO), as described by the 

Scenery Management System.

7

b) Re-evaluate some of the existing visual priority routes in a multi-party, communitybased review process.

c) Consult early and throughout the project planning process with other users to 

mitigate impacts in higher value scenic watersheds and/or routes, and encourage 

transparency throughout the process.

d) Areas of harvest may be replanted favoring spruce and cedar to enhance 

establishment, green-up, and scenic values.

e) Within the 15 year transition period, on a project-by-project basis and where 

acceptable, allow a second entry. If the second entry impacts SIOs to Unacceptable 

levels, seek appropriate relief to implement. Encourage leaving lower value timber 

to improve scenic and wildlife values.

f) Design cutting units with irregular boundaries (i.e., feathering).

g) Emphasize additional opportunities for the small and micro-sale programs (young 

growth and old growth).

h) Prioritize PCT projects and regimes on stands in this LUD where highest 

productivity and highest feasibility of operation. 

Currently Non-suitable Lands

The non-suitable land base comprises over 120,000 acres of the total 435,000 acres on which 

young growth timber is growing within the Tongass National Forest. These lands represent 

areas of high ecological value; however, many of these stands are in stem exclusion, and do not 

provide their full potential of ecological values. These lands also tend to have a high level of use 

for subsistence, tourism, recreation, and guided hunting, and are among the most likely areas to 

have culturally significant historic sites. 

The transition to young growth timber and away from old growth can be accelerated by 

applying co-intent management. With co-intent as a guide, young growth volume from these 

areas will count towards the PTSQ while fully meeting the existing intent and objectives of the 

LUDs and S&Gs. Under the non-suitable land base associated S&Gs identified below, the 

objective of co-intent is to maintain/improve habitat conditions and long-term ecological 

 

7 For more information, see Landscape Aesthetics: A Handbook for Scenery Management, available online at: 

http://www.fs.fed.us/cdt/carrying_capacity/landscape_aesthetics_handbook_701_no_append.pdf. 
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 11

function in young growth stands, while producing timber volume that will count towards the

PTSQ, and fully meeting the intent and objectives of the existing LUDs and S&Gs.

The TAC believes the greatest positive impact to both improving fish and wildlife habitat and to 

increasing the short-term young growth timber supply in the non-suitable lands will be realized 

by using a one-time only entry into each of the young growth stands that warrant management 

actions. Additional entries are supported where best available science and active review by a 

forest collaborative agree that two or more entries are (a) warranted; and (b) meet the LUD 

objectives. Significant habitat improvement and the total allowed young growth removal would 

be accomplished in one pass while keeping within the full intent of the LUDs and/or S&G. As a 

general principle, the TAC recommends providing discretion and flexibility to land managers in 

order to meet the goal of speeding the shift to young growth and using the co-intent mandate in 

these areas during the transition period.

It is important to note that the TAC is not recommending harvest of any old growth in nonsuitable lands and it fully recognizes the importance of these lands for the overall Tongass 

conservation strategy. Further, the non-suitable lands will not become part of the long-term 

timber base and are being accessed for a limited period of time to ensure a successful transition.

Old Growth Reserves, Riparian Management Areas Outside of TTRA, and Beach Buffers

Recommendations

The TAC recommends the following activities during the transition period for young 

growth management in OGRs, RMAs outside of TTRA buffers, and beach buffers:

a) Examine young growth within those OGRs, RMAs, and beach buffers that are now 

in young growth (early seral stage) and are of sufficient maturity to advance the 

transition to determine the opportunities for habitat improvement. If active adaptive 

management would likely facilitate a more rapid recovery of late successional forest 

characteristics than would leaving it alone, the TAC recommends co-intent 

management activities that advance the seral stages toward Tongass old growth 

conditions, while creating commercial timber by-products.

b) Treatments in any of the non-suitable lands would include a maximum opening size 

of 10 acres and maximum removal of up to 35% of acres. Treatments should be 

designed on a project-by-project basis with the co-intent objectives listed in (a).
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 12

c) The USFS should prioritize utilizing OGR modification processes to capture 

additional young growth acres within OGRs, putting particular emphasis on 

adjacent landscapes, where a net gain of productive old growth habitat is possible,

while maintaining and enhancing landscape connectivity.

8

d) Where OGR boundaries cannot be modified, the USFS should use the co-intent 

mandate on young growth stands in OGRs and implement treatments where nontimber values are not compromised, and particularly where adjacent stands of 

young growth exist and can be integrated into the project scope. 

e) The USFS and involved stakeholders are encouraged to be creative and innovative in 

developing projects that advance old growth characteristics in young growth stands 

within non-suitable lands. Emphasis should be on emulating the natural scale and 

distribution of disturbance patterns on the Tongass (e.g., wind-thrown timber that 

creates gaps and patches, landslides that create corridors and gaps, mortality that 

naturally thins stand, etc.) that correspond with silvicultural treatments such as 

gaps, corridors, variable retention harvest, and variable density thinning.

f) Treatments within beach buffers must maintain a minimum 200 foot buffer starting 

at the high tide line. USFS staff may consider expanding the buffer in sensitive areas, 

(e.g., such as in proximity to estuaries). Wildlife treatment enhancements and 

openings for access purposes may be allowed within those 200 foot buffers.

g) The USFS should prioritize projects that improve habitat and forest function, 

increase accessibility for recreation and tourism, and provide young growth volume 

in support of transition goals.

h) The USFS should consider prescriptively planting within two seasons of harvest to 

accelerate both establishment and growth of successive forest cover to meet the 

habitat and/or scenic objectives.

i) The USFS should review permits and current usages within proposed project areas 

in the non-suitable lands (including operators who hold tourism and guiding 

permits) to avoid conflict (analyze impacts) and seek mutually beneficial 

opportunities. Permit holders, local users, and user groups should be consulted and 

integrated in planning in the development of any management activity. 

j) To the extent possible, these projects should also provide outputs such as 

recreational infrastructure and improved access. 

 

8 The current Forest Plan uses the approach of comparable achievement to adjust Old Growth Reserves, provided 

that alternative reserves provide comparable achievement of the old growth habitat goals and objectives. The 

Tongass National Forest 2008 Land and Resource Management Plan is available at: 

https://fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5367422.pdf. See Appendix K of the Forest Plan for 

additional information.
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 13

Old Growth Bridge Strategy

The TAC agrees that the USFS should:

 Complete a thorough analysis of young growth inventory at the stand level in the first 

three years of the transition to more accurately predict the young growth timing and 

supply to complete the transition;

 Develop the unit pool for bridge timber volume to meet the timeline goals set below (1 

and 2);

 Plan and produce sufficient young growth volume to ensure the required volume 

through the transition meets the determined demand;

 Transition from old growth to young growth in less than 15 years by making more 

young growth available for harvest and substituting young growth for old growth on a 

one to one volumetric basis, using the annual timber demand;

 During the transition period, hold the timber demand number constant. (Subject to 

review of the DEIS, the TAC will recommend a number to hold consistent through 

transition period.

9

);

 Maintain a post transition annual old growth timber harvest that will meet the long term 

demand of the small and micro-sale programs; and

 Limit the old growth timber base to the current definition of Phase 1 lands outside of 

The Nature Conservancy (TNC)/Audubon conservation priority areas, Tongass 77 (T77)

watersheds and Inventoried Roadless Areas. (See Appendix D, pg. 38, for a map of the 

conservation priority areas and T77 watersheds.)

Goals for planning the unit pool for the old growth bridge timber volume from the defined land 

base development:

1. All timber pool volume is through Gate 1 by year two through extensive collaboration 

with other landowners and stakeholders.

2. All timber pool volume is through Gate 2 (National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

cleared) by end of year five.

At the end of five years from the ROD of this Plan Amendment, there will be more experience 

and knowledge because:

 A forest collaborative will have completed a review of USFS performance on planning 

timber sales;

 There will be five years of experience in planning young growth timber sales aligned 

with the TAC recommendations that will improve the understanding of actual project 

net-downs and allow for more accurate predictions of young growth harvest timing and 

flow; and 

 

9 The TAC expected to see an analysis by the USFS of the effects of two different annual volume targets. After 

reviewing the DEIS, which did not include an analysis of two volume targets, the TAC was unable to reach consensus 

on an annual volume target. The range of annual volumes supported by individual TAC members for analysis 

remains at 46MMBF – 70MMBF. The TAC did not agree to a specific annual target.
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 14

 The improved inventory information will be available and integrated into the forecast of 

both the timing and volume of young growth during the remaining period of the 

transition and set a target timeline for old growth harvest to complete the transition.

Implementation Strategy

Purpose

The Forest Plan Amendment is but one piece of the transition to a young growth forest 

management program. The other major piece is for the USFS to transition to a more flexible, 

responsive timber program tooled for young growth. The recommendations above should 

increase the certainty of young growth supply. The implementation steps below will ensure that 

projects are available and delivered in a manner that leads to a viable industry while not 

diminishing other values of the forest.

These implementation recommendations provide guidance on crucial elements for success. 

They also identify critical opportunities by which the Committee, Agency, and greater 

community will share ownership of the transition strategy and embrace its successful 

implementation. While much of the economic success of the transition will depend upon the 

willingness and ability of communities, businesses, other landowners, and the forest products 

industry to learn, adapt, and innovate, the TAC believes that the USFS must play a pivotal role 

in leading, fostering, and supporting the societal and institutional learning a successful 

transition will require. The USFS will, of necessity, be in transition itself.

In the absence of Agency transformation, the TAC remains extremely concerned that the 

collaborative efforts of the TAC will be in vain.

Essentials of the Transformation:

Leadership and a Culture of Collaboration and Transparency

Agency Leadership

Any and all transitions come with risk and uncertainty. Agency leadership will be challenged to 

provide clarity of purpose and consistency of direction to all staff of the Tongass National 

Forest. Likewise, all stakeholders, users, and user groups will look to Agency leadership for 

clear commitments in terms of budgets, staffing, planning, and implementation in order to 

make their own adjustments to changing conditions. The next 15 years will be a learning 

process, but action must take place immediately. Leadership must foster a culture of flexibility, 

transparency, creativity, and innovation, as well as new institutional practices to successfully 

meet the Secretary’s young growth direction, institutionalize learning, and manage risk 

throughout the transition period, while still meeting the high demands of accountability and 

compliance with existing laws and regulations. 
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 15

Recommendation

a) The TAC expects Forest Service line officers and leadership at every level to 

encourage and support the development of a multi-stakeholder forest 

collaborative to help maintain the vision of the Amendment, provide resources 

to the Agency for the implementation steps described herein, and improve and 

compliment the monitoring efforts necessary for accountability and learning. 

(See Monitoring and Research, pg. 27). The agency’s support for such a group 

should include both participation and funding. (A suggested draft memorandum 

of understanding (MOU) can be found in Appendix E, pg. 39.)

It is the intent of the TAC that stakeholders, stakeholder groups, and the Forest Service seek to 

increase efficiency and effectiveness during and beyond the transition period. We acknowledge 

the tension caused by the need for collaboration and the pressing desire for action. We consider 

this a mutual challenge.

Collaboration and Transparency

The TAC has succeeded because its members agreed at the outset to collaborate (i.e., to work 

together towards a common goal) and to do so with respect, honesty, and transparency. The 

TAC has taken great pains to access the knowledge base and values of many stakeholders, 

explain the process used to reach decisions, and detail the rationale for those decisions. We 

likewise went to lengths to explain the innovative concepts of co-intent and co-products 

expected from young growth management. This agreement to manage for multiple purposes, 

including fish and wildlife enhancement while developing timber supply, is challenging. It 

brings opportunity for new styles of conservation and silviculture to the Tongass which will 

require the utmost collaboration and transparency. The Forest needs to commit to these values 

in implementing the transition if the hard won agreements we have achieved are to endure. 

Collaboration and transparency mean frequent engagement and taking action with partners, 

sometimes with risks where all parties learn. Risk management, as opposed to risk aversion, by 

Agency leadership will create the space for flexibility, creativity, and innovation among the 

Forest staff and stakeholders. Collaboration and transparency are the best risk mitigation tools 

the Agency has at its disposal to navigate what will be a difficult period and to take advantage 

of new opportunities. Risk sharing by all stakeholders, and most importantly the Agency, will 

speed the transition and make sure the private sector is not assuming a disproportionate degree 

of risk.

Implementation Recommendations

The USFS has already expressed its commitment and made important investments in the shift 

to a young growth-based forest management program and an IRM approach. 

Building on that commitment and those investments, the TAC recommends the following 

transformative steps for successful future young growth forest management:
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 16

1. Pursue partnerships and collaboration;

2. Support internal USFS Coordination;

3. Encourage leadership at the District Ranger level commensurate with their authority;

4. Revamp the sale planning and assessment process; 

5. Maximize the use of stewardship contracts and agreements; and

6. Address incentives and feasibility for operators and domestic processing/consumption.

Partnerships and Collaboration

Community-based partners and stakeholders can lead and support creative work by building 

mutually beneficial agreements and working relationships, facilitating collaborative processes, 

and ensuring projects achieve local benefits. 

Recommendation

a) Line officer performance evaluation must include metrics for partnerships, 

collaboration, and transparency (self-reported and stakeholder-reported). 

Partnerships will be needed to achieve the social and economic outcomes envisioned by the 

TAC and enabled by the 2016 Amendment. These include:

Planning for Young Growth Projects

The TAC expects the Agency to move to true collaborative planning for young growth

projects. Collaborative planning has the advantage of using the knowledge of industry to 

design projects that will work economically, and the knowledge of the scientific and 

conservation communities to design projects that will achieve the desired habitat objectives, 

and of local communities and/or user groups to identify areas critical to community 

development. It provides the opportunity for mutual learning through the assessment and 

analysis stages of planning. It produces the commitment of willing partners in the 

implementation of the Amendment ROD. 

Recommendation

a) Give clear direction to staff that collaborating early and often in the Gate 1 process

and in other ways, with stakeholders, including industry, is expected for all projects 

in the Five Year Plan.

Workforce Training and Development

There is an opportunity to work with local governments, tribes, non-profits, businesses, and 

the State to create a local, multi-skilled, cross-trained workforce to perform all facets of 

young growth forest management, habitat restoration, and local utilization.

Recommendations

a) Utilize the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) or similar 

hiring authorities, and agreements or MOUs with partners, adjacent landowners, 
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 17

and business owners, to provide training opportunities and continuity of work for a 

local workforce. 

b) Implement vocational-technical training programs in coordination with local high 

schools and regional universities. Integrate training with current vocational-technical

training in marine services and fisheries. With local partners, consider a program to 

develop USFS internships for local students, to complement the youth conservation 

corps and other existing programs.

c) In response to a directive in the recent Farm Bill addressing disease and infestation, 

the USFS is seeking new methods of utilizing yellow cedar. Explore the opportunity 

to work with local Native carvers who use the wood for their products.

Coordination with Other Landowners 

There are unrealized opportunities for cost savings through coordination among adjacent or 

nearby landowners. These include: sharing the costs of road building crews, log transfer 

facilities, ships or shipping companies, helicopter logging companies, survey contractors, 

thinning crews, marketing experts, and/or other strategies. In addition, project-level 

cumulative effects analyses conducted for watershed and island-to-island linkages should 

be improved through coordination with adjacent landowners. 

It will require an intentional effort by the USFS to initiate dialogue with other landowners 

when creating future silviculture and harvest plans to encourage coordination across 

ownership boundaries. This will incentivize mobilization, create economies of scale, and 

help ensure continuity of supply for existing and emerging businesses. 

Recommendations

a) Increase participation in the All Lands Council and/or establish a new group with 

similar objectives.

b) Collaborate and/or consult with area landowners on the Five Year Plan.

c) Execute agreements for shared infrastructure among landowners.

d) Provide shared database access to young growth models for other landowners.

e) Work with researchers to take an all-lands approach to research projects in the 

region.

f) Begin working together on the Kosciusko landscape.

Improved Public Outreach and Messaging

In addition to planning, an emergent forest collaborative and other stakeholders can help 

with public outreach, messaging, transparency, monitoring, and shared learning. 

Recommendations

a) Utilize the networks established by local and regional forest and landscape 

collaboratives, Communicate with the greater public through national and local 

media and via regular community briefings, open houses, and non-NEPA required 
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 18

meetings. Use existing public forums to engage in dialogue regarding the progress of 

the transition.

b) Working with stakeholders and working group(s) that emerge from forest 

collaborative(s), prepare pre- and post-project reports to the public about what was 

planned and what happened with the project or activity. Highlight positive results, 

such as collaborative planning, restoration, workforce development, jobs, and 

injection of capital into the economy, and identify areas not meeting expected 

outcomes in order to address options through future efforts.

Inclusion, Transparency, and Shared Learning

As mentioned, the TAC expects the Agency to move to true collaborative planning for all 

timber projects. 

Recommendations

a) Give clear direction to staff that collaborating early and often with stakeholders, 

including industry, is expected for all projects in the Five Year Plan.

b) Design and implement a simple after-action review with project collaborators for the 

purpose of identifying opportunities to make the projects achieve better outcomes in 

terms of efficiency and effectiveness. Document and share. (See Monitoring and 

Research, pg. 27.)

Internal USFS Coordination

Collaboration across the Forest is an essential ingredient for a successful transition, starting 

with clear direction from leadership that internal collaboration and cross-district 

communication is the expected norm. At times in the past, some attempts at internal 

coordination have lost their impact because of the inability of staff to escape the traditional 

programmatic areas, budgets, and targets. The current primary purpose approach to resource 

allocation, which constrains already limited resources to achieving a single objective, is one of 

the barriers. The co-intent concept the TAC recommends necessitates resource allocation across 

internal boundaries and requires very different internal budget and target systems. 

Interdisciplinary teams (IDTs) on co-intent projects will be collectively resourced and held to 

clear processes and timelines on deliverables by the Tongass Leadership Team (TLT) and a 

forest collaborative if present. These conditions make each team member equally responsible, 

balances power, and leads to IRM as envisioned. 

Recommendations

a) Explore the use of Integrated Resource Restoration-like budgeting.

b) Create an internal environment that invites collaboration among USFS staff and team

members – including office space, co-location, etc.
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 19

Support and Encouragement for District-Level Leadership

The TAC has taken risks in suggesting more proactive adaptive treatments to accommodate a 

quicker transition, including reduction of old growth harvest. If the TAC’s recommendations 

are to have any value or impact, District Rangers must be empowered to use all their existing 

authorities to expedite projects and collaboration in order to generate additional young growth 

timber sales. This runs counter to the current culture in which District Rangers, in order to be 

safe and not take any risk, simply layer on IDT suggestions for protection, without paying 

attention to redundancies. This pattern too often leads to a collision of restrictions that result in 

low volume and non-economic projects without any real additional resource protection, or 

extinguishes projects altogether.

Recommendations

a) Give District Rangers strong direction and support from above to fully exercise their 

authority to implement projects that are balanced, timely, effective, and efficient.

b) Give District Rangers strong direction and support to take into account collaborative 

partner input in designing and implementing projects. Partner work should be 

considered a value to the process, rather than an imposition.

c) Give District Rangers clear performance measures that include not only 

accomplishments but also multi-party evaluations of the skill sets associated with 

successful internal and external collaboration.

d) Define entry points for collaborative input and engagement pre-and post-season and 

pre-NEPA. 

Sale Planning and Assessment Process

The Five Year Timber Plan

The Five Year Plan should become a reliable strategic document which allows stakeholders 

to understand the projected ramp-down of old growth and the ramp-up of young growth 

sales, including the small and micro-sales of both old growth and young growth. These 

projections must become credible and reliable through a deliberate process by the Agency. 

Credibility is established through 1) strict adherence to schedules; and 2) continuity of 

supply insured by a “pipeline” or inventory of shovel-ready projects to allow for 

unexpected interruptions.

Recommendations

a) To help with transparency and clarity, the Five Year Plan must differentiate between 

old growth, young growth, small sales, and micro-sales.

b) Provide a clear definition of small and micro-sales, and if there is a difference in 

implementation of old growth versus young growth small and micro-sales, this 

needs to be clearly outlined and communicated. 
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 20

c) Provide inventory analysis and reliable volume and harvest data for each project to 

provide industry with some certainty. 

d) Involve industry in consultation, up-front and early, without precluding ability to 

bid.

Supply/Demand Planning Methodologies

At present, demand and target numbers (MMBF) are calculated through a few different 

political, regulatory, and legal processes. This layered authority creates uncertainty for 

stakeholders.

Recommendation

a) At five and ten year reviews, the USFS with a forest collaborative, if present, and 

other stakeholders shall study, identify, and adopt methodology for supply that is 

tied to future sustained yield from the young growth land base. This new orientation 

will provide opportunities for the growth and development of an integrated

industry focused on community and ecosystem health.

Cross-District Coordination and Strategic Planning

Young growth timber that will be available in the near-term is scattered across the Forest; 

yet a scattershot approach to planning sales is not cost effective. Stronger coordination 

across districts, and between districts and programs, will be critical to meeting young 

growth benchmarks. 

Recommendation

a) Implement a strategic process for the scale, size, and scheduling of projects – for both 

young growth and old growth – to assist businesses struggling with small profit 

margins so they have time and incentive to invest in new markets and products. 

Small Sale Program

The purpose of small sales is to provide opportunity for small operators to access timber for 

local product manufacturing. Often, small operations represent the best opportunity to 

encourage more value-added production and local consumption of wood products. 

However, following the initial NEPA review and pooling, small sales often get lost or 

delayed, leaving businesses that depend on those sales with limited or no supply. There is a 

need for more dedicated staff involvement in the timber sale preparation process for small

sales from existing NEPA pools. 

Recommendation

a) Establish one or more dedicated small-sale teams, specifically tasked with small

sales, micro-sales, salvage sales, personal use, and other non-traditional timber sale 

opportunities, where this is its only function. This will sustain small businesses, and 

foster and encourage innovation. The team must be provided with the requisite 
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 21

resources and support, able and encouraged to do NEPA and/or pre-sale work as 

needed, and be subject to accountability mechanisms and incentives.

Programmatic Environmental Assessments

Recommendation

a) Sales of young growth in areas that have been previously harvested should be 

subject to larger landscape Environmental Assessments (EAs) rather than 

Environmental Impact Statements (EISs), which are appropriate for the size and 

scope of these projects. 

Maximize Stewardship Contracts and Agreements including Tribal Stewardship Authority

In many cases, especially in the projects designed with co-intent, stewardship contracts and 

agreements will be the best tool available to ensure co-intent is met. The requirements and 

opportunities of stewardship contracts and agreements are particularly useful, and include:

 The requirement for collaboratively planned projects, allowing the Agency to 

continue to avail themselves of the knowledge of conservation and scientific

communities, industry, local communities, traditional communities, and other 

stakeholders at the project-level. 

 The authority to use “designation by description” and “designation by prescription” 

allows the Agency to lower costs and encourages the development of a highly skilled 

private sector workforce to meet the intent of the Amendment.

 The authority to award a stewardship contract up to 10 years in length can give 

industry the continuity of work it needs to justify investment in retooling.

 The opportunity for pooled “retained receipts” (as piloted by the Tongass 

Collaborative Stewardship Group) allows the Agency to provide dedicated funds for 

off-project stewardship and restoration work. 

 The emphasis on “Best Value” criteria for awarding contracts (as opposed to lowbid) allows the Agency and stewardship collaborative to define best value and set 

scoring – in terms of the goals of the Amendment (e.g., meeting co-intent, 

maximizing local benefit, providing job training, etc.).

 The authority to allow a stewardship collaborative representative to be on IDTs and 

review teams for contract award deepens collaborative relationships.

 The monitoring requirement will help the Agency and collaborators institutionalize 

learning.

Recommendations

a) Take full advantage of the stewardship contracting authority for all the preceding 

reasons.
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 22

b) The TAC requests that a special dedicated Fish and Wildlife Habitat Enhancement 

Fund be established within the retained receipts pool, to be used for projects 

sponsored by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), identified and prioritized 

through a collaborative process. We further recommend that the 20 percent match 

required by current USFS agreements be waived, or significantly reduced, for this

body of work.

Incentives and Feasibility for Timber Operators 

Risks, Costs, and Process

This section provides recommendations for reducing risk, reducing costs, and simplifying 

processes in order to incentivize the participation of timber operators and increase the 

economic feasibility of the young growth program.

In order to effectively utilize various tools (whether grants, agreements, or contract 

provisions), a shared vision and clarity of purpose across the Agency, and with partners,

will be key. It is essential that Agency leadership and staff communicate and understand the 

range of authorities available, and interpret and implement with consistency across the 

Forest.

Recommendations

a) In year one of the transition, meet with a forest collaborative, or working group 

thereof, to develop effective collaborative practices and procedures for the Gate 1 

process and old growth timber pool volume. 

b) Consider changes to reduce cost in scaling and harvesting of young growth stands.

c) Revise the residual-value appraisal system through a Forest-wide, multi-stakeholder 

evaluation process to establish stumpage rates that accurately reflect the profit and 

risk margins in young growth sales. 

d) Remove bid bonds for predominantly young growth small and medium-sized sales,

and consider reducing bid bonds for small old growth sales.

e) Consider reducing performance bonds for small and medium sized sales that are 

predominantly young growth.

f) Coordinate with road engineers, planners, and transport planners on open roads to 

avoid closures before all sales are complete, as well as with other landowners.

g) Use the knowledge of potential contractors in initial sale design for projects with 

restoration intent in order to maximize economic feasibility and communicate 

desired restoration outcomes.

h) Meet at least annually with collaborative members and contractors to identify 

additional strategies to reduce costs.
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 23

Incentives and Feasibility for Increased Domestic Processing and Consumption

Recommendations

a) Increase the use of local processing credits in young growth sales, regardless of size 

or location, to capture as much economic opportunity as possible and reduce 

economic leakage.

b) Award some long-term stewardship contracts to provide continuity of supply to 

reduce retooling investment risk.

c) Offer sales with volumes appropriate to the scale of existing and emerging local 

processors.

d) Encourage the USFS to look first at locally produced Tongass forest products for all 

USFS projects in the region.

10 Work with USFS engineering and design personnel, as 

well as procurement, to set up the process. Engage the USFS Forest Products Lab in 

any questions regarding grade and quality.

Transition Economics and Investment

Introduction

The transition to young growth must provide economically and financially viable opportunities 

for industry, and meaningful economic and employment benefits to local communities. 

Targeted investment, financial assistance, and financing mechanisms are needed to help the 

communities and businesses successfully transition to and thrive within a new young growth 

economy. 

The TAC categorized the investment recommendations into the following five categories: 

1. Inventory;

2. Research;

3. Infrastructure;

4. Retooling; and

5. Financing Mechanisms.

 

10 In Ketchikan, local bus shelters were constructed using locally sourced wood. Similarly, in Sitka, the University of 

Alaska Southeast (UAS) used local wood products to build a visitors’ kiosk for the Convention and Visitors’ Bureau. 

Young growth wood has also been sourced for a bike shelter, high school vocational training projects, and local home 

construction projects. While these examples are not specific to USFS projects, they offer example of local consumption 

of Tongass timber.
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 24

Investment Recommendations

Inventory Investment

Young growth resource data evaluated by the TAC carries a very high margin of uncertainty in 

regard to the reliability and accuracy of information. The TAC recommends investment in 

stand-level field work to: 1) ground-proof and refine inventory and growth data; 2) improve 

inventory accuracy; and 3) increase reliability of forecast projections for future resource 

management and investment activities. 

Recommendations:

Improve Stand Level Young Growth Forest Inventory:

a) Update and expand stand exams and inventory.

b) Update and expand growth and yield studies.

c) Provide additional focus on information for cedar and alder.

d) Include integrated resource inventory.

USFS, State, and private sector forestry experts believe a budget of $5,000,000 would be 

necessary to improve accuracy of data and geographic information system (GIS) layers to levels 

needed to support responsible resource management decision-making. 

Research Investments

There is limited information available on growing, managing, harvesting, processing, 

manufacturing, and marketing of young growth timber within Southeast Alaska. Additional 

research regarding young growth silviculture and operability is necessary to support a viable 

transition. Research activities should include significant and meaningful private sector 

engagement, guidance, and leadership to assure that deliverables are beneficial to industry.

Recommendations: 

a) Invest strategically in the following research areas:

i. New harvest techniques

ii. Small log manufacturing processes

iii. Site-specific use of wood biomass

iv. Silviculture 

 Consider tree planting for species manipulation and speeding harvest 

rotations. 

 Evaluate effectiveness of different stand thinning treatments.

 For stem excluded, stagnant stands consider, conversion to a new stand.

 Evaluate site preparation (e.g., slash treatments, mounding, etc.)

 Review current forest research on fertilization and genetics and 

determine applicability to Southeast Alaska.

v. Product and market development 
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 25

 Transitioning to a young growth resource requires existing businesses to 

adapt their business model and develop new products and markets. As 

part of the USFS commitment to the transition and commitment to 

provide assistance to communities and businesses, world market analysis 

and products demand analysis may help encourage business transition, 

enhance local livelihoods, and maintain economically viable 

communities. 

b) The USFS should fully utilize local wood products in their own projects thereby 

providing a showcase for local businesses and Tongass wood.

Infrastructure Development Investments

Affordable planning, harvesting, transportation and manufacturing will be critical to 

establishing an economically viable and globally competitive young growth timber industry in 

Southeast Alaska. At present, the region is significantly disadvantaged due to lack of critical 

infrastructure, including roads, affordable energy sources, and marine infrastructure.

Recommendations: 

a) Connect critical road systems (e.g., Ketchikan Saddle Lakes), and designate utility 

corridors for future renewable energy and hydropower infrastructure.

b) Establish adequate docks and log transfer facilities within five logistic “working 

circle” areas: Hoonah, Kake, Wrangell, Klawock, and Ketchikan.

c) Establish adequate land- and water-based log storage facilities within these five 

“working circles.” 

d) Assure adequate marine logistical service infrastructure (e.g., ship and barge 

moorage systems), within these five “working circles.”

e) Assure affordable energy in “working circle” communities:

 Ensure that access to renewable energy, including hydropower, is assured via the 

Forest Plan.

 Provide loan or grant funding mechanisms.

 Provide energy subsidies, tax credits, and/or other cost offsets for young growth 

manufacturers.

Retooling Investments

Businesses have expressed interest in opportunities created through increased availability of 

young growth. However, retooling costs associated with transitioning to a young growth-based 

timber economy are significant, and beyond the means of most of the limited, remaining 

industry. Strategic investments that enable businesses to retool could make the difference 

between prosperity and business closure.
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 26

Recommendations: 

a) Manufacturing facilities for small logs.

b) New harvesting equipment:

 Small log cable yarding systems; and

 Low ground pressure logging machines.

c) Biomass facilities utilizing young growth.

Financing Mechanisms

Uncertainty associated with supply of older-age young growth and old growth timber supplied 

by the USFS is a tremendous impediment to raising capital for timber sector business activities. 

There will likely be lower profit margins associated with young growth, as industry transitions 

through trial and error, and as market demand for young growth projects is gradually created.

The following financing mechanisms and incentives will help mitigate those factors, and make 

it possible for businesses to survive through the transition and beyond.

Recommendations: 

a) Federal loan guarantees, which will ensure repayment of lenders in the event the 

USFS is unable to provide suitable volumes of timber. This will ensure that private 

sector businesses and lenders are protected and can recover their investment in the 

event that a business fails due to reasons associated with the USFS. 

b) Federally-purchased risk insurance, which will assure repayment of lenders in the 

event the USFS is unable to provide suitable volumes of timber. This will ensure that 

private sector businesses and lenders are protected and can recover their investment 

in the event that a business fails due to reasons associated with the USFS.

c) Increased profitability: Increase the allowable profit percentage in the young 

growth appraisal process. This will help encourage, incentivize, and reward new 

investment in the young growth industry, while providing addition room for trial 

and error, which will surely occur throughout the transition process.

d) Cost Recovery Relief (“Buy-out”): It is anticipated that the changes created through 

new federal policy within the Tongass may prevent some harvesting and 

manufacturing operations from maintaining economically viable operations, and 

from recovering their existing investment. The federal government should offer an 

option to buy-out these businesses’ existing assets at fair market value, as a means of 

compensating these businesses for the new economic hardship and obsolescence 

imposed upon them. This manner of economic relief has precedence under ANILCA. 

The TAC recognizes this type of relief as a last resort; however, it will likely be 

necessary to offset the economic harm associated with new federal policy within the 

Tongass.
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 27

 Economic Hardship Relief: Loss of businesses and associated employment will 

cause economic harm to Southeast Alaska communities. Communities should be 

compensated for direct and indirect economic harm which they may be subject to 

due to the federal government’s new young growth strategy within the Tongass

(e.g., lost employment, tax revenue, population out-migration, etc.). This could 

be achieved through a formula-based funding mechanism. 

 Hardship Relief and Increased Competitiveness through Access to 

Renewables. Relief to communities can also be provided by ensuring that the 

Forest Plan guarantees increased access to new renewable energy and 

hydropower resources within the Tongass. This will allow communities to enjoy 

more affordable energy for current purposes and future growth, while also 

supporting the growth and prosperity of a new young growth manufacturing 

industry through more affordable renewable energy.

Monitoring and Research

Monitoring Principals (Why)

 The TAC’s commitment to creating conditions for Tongass communities to thrive is 

reflected in its recommendations toward robust and active monitoring and adaptive 

management.

 The following monitoring recommendations are designed to improve and complement

with existing monitoring efforts and those under development in spring 2016. 

 Measuring and telling the story of socioeconomic impacts of Forest policy and practice 

can build support for sustained investments on the Tongass.

 The recommended actions represent a new paradigm for monitoring on the Tongass, 

and situate the forest at the leading edge of active and adaptive management in the U.S. 

The TAC expects the Agency and stakeholders to take on the challenge of adopting this 

paradigm.

Monitoring Recommendations (How)

Recommendations

a) Support an emergent forest collaborative: The TAC recommends that the USFS

encourage and support the development of a multi-stakeholder collaborative to help 

maintain the vision of the Amendment. The TAC further recommends that the 

Tongass National Forest and the emergent collaborative enter into an MOU to 

formalize their exchange of information and sense of responsibility to a successful

transition. (A suggested draft MOU can be found in Appendix E.)

The TAC believes a useful emergent forest collaborative will, for the duration of the 

transition:
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 28

 Embody, and help the USFS fulfill responsibility to, the types of shared learning 

and feedback required by the 2012 Planning Rule (36 CFR 219.4(a), 219.5(a), and 

219.12(c)(3));

 Improve and complement traditional, implementation, and effectiveness 

monitoring at project- and Forest-levels (see recommendations (b) and (c) in this 

section);

 Be available to the USFS to provide recommendations on project-level decisions 

(with a focus on innovation, risk, and benefits to local communities), especially 

through after-action reviews and Gate 1 consultations on important or 

precedent-setting projects;

11

o All multi-stakeholder after-action reviews should:

 Identify what worked well;

 Identify what worked poorly; and

 Develop a plan for how to transfer these learning outcomes to 

future projects. Transfer must happen across ranger districts, must 

have individual point people identified, and should identify what 

future projects are targeted, where possible.

 Have the resources to support social science and applied research activities 

necessary to conduct implementation and effectiveness monitoring that 

complements the agency’s, and facilitate collaboration in low-capacity 

communities;

 Develop a practice of regular, formalized check-ins with the full TLT, RLT, and 

WO; and

 Steward the values associated with action items of the transition, including but 

not limited to, co-intent projects on non-suitable lands, support of a viable forest 

products industry, and USFS transformation and leadership. 

b) Vastly improve metrics tracking the flow of benefits to communities in the TNF 

monitoring plan: The TAC recommends the USFS integrate the key metrics 

identified as “dashboard” (listed below) and full social benefits metrics (outlined 

and described in Appendix F) into the monitoring plan under development in spring 

2016, and change other Agency practices as needed to fully engage these metrics. 

Any contracts for monitoring should be awarded in-region, in-state, or relocated to 

an in-state institution after expert development. The TAC understands this 

 

11 Post-project effectiveness monitoring on the Heceta project, where State and the USFS conducted second growth 

commercial thinning and harvest using a range of techniques and approaches, could offer an insightful case study. 

For example, effectiveness monitoring could explore: how did this work and how could a similar project work better? 

The group should examine contracts, operability, soils, deer browse, other habitat needs, coordination between 

landowners, impact on workers’ communities, and other values.
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 29

recommendation dovetails with the requirements of the 2012 Planning Rule, 

219.12(c)(3).

c) Maintain a transparent and timely exchange of information about monitoring and 

implementation with an emergent forest collaborative and the public: The TAC 

recommends that the Agency maintain open and transparent planning, 

implementation, and monitoring practices to facilitate complementary 

implementation and effectiveness monitoring by a forest collaborative. Ongoing 

monitoring by the Agency and any external groups should demonstrate changes 

over time in the relationship between (x) planning and implementation of timber 

and stewardship work on the Tongass, and (y) community well-being. The TAC 

understands this recommendation dovetails with the requirements of the 2012 

Planning Rule, 219.12(c)(3).

Dashboard Metrics (What)

Arrows reflect the direction of change the TAC expects to see during the transition; some 

metrics do not have expected trends. The Forest and a forest collaborative should coordinate 

reporting to keep the RLT and WO up to date on progress of the transition and make 

information public in a timely and accessible way.

 Number and volume of timber sales planned, offered, and sold; split out to show the 

following at each project stage or gate:

o Number and volume of young growth ;

o Number and volume of old growth ; and

o Number and volume of small and micro-sales .

 Number and outputs of co-intent projects planned, offered, and under contract; split out 

to show quantity and quality of projects on suitable versus non-suitable lands, and 

including:

o Type, scale, and quality/effectiveness of habitat improvement, including 

understory vegetation response, deer populations, connectivity effects for key 

species, and additional biophysical metrics as needed, to be decided by multiparty planning at the project level ;

o Volume of commercial wood products;

o Use of commercial wood products;

o Cost of habitat improvement planning and implementation; and

o Number and names of parties monitoring project(s) for socioeconomic and 

ecological effectiveness.

 Number and value of private sector jobs (direct, indirect, and induced) associated with 

the transition—publicly or privately employed or contracted—and percentage of those 

jobs hired or held by local (census area or borough) residents; split out to show,

o Number and value associated with timber sale preparation;

o Number and value associated with harvest;

o Number and value associated with wood products processing; and

o Number and value associated with co-intent projects.
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 30

 Number of public construction and maintenance projects using Tongass wood products 

and estimated value contribution of the wood. Includes USFS, local governments, and 

special districts (e.g., school districts, soil and water conservation district etc.).

 Number and scale of biomass projects in Southeast Alaska (operating and newly 

constructed). Consult with appropriate agencies or organizations already tracking this 

metric.

 Number and value contribution (cash and in-kind) of stakeholders involved in transition 

and habitat improvement planning, implementation, and monitoring; split out to show:

o Collaborative planning processes, including but not limited to, stewardship 

contract design and award ;

o Grants and agreements;

o Project implementation;

o After-action reviews ;

o Multi-party monitoring ; and 

o Pooled receipts application and awards process, and project implementation .
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 31

Appendix A: Tongass Advisory Committee Members

Federally Recognized Tribes, Alaska Native Organizations, and/or Alaska Native 

Corporation representatives

Jaeleen Araujo – Juneau, AK

Richard Peterson – Kasaan, AK

Woody Widmark – Sitka, AK

Alternate: Robert Mills – Kake, AK 

National or regional environmental and/or conservation organization representatives

Brian McNitt – Sitka, AK

Keith Rush – Juneau, AK

Andrew Thoms – Sitka, AK

Alternate: Chris Rose – Sutton, AK

Timber industry representatives

Les Cronk – Ketchikan, AK 

Eric Nichols – Ketchikan, AK

Wade Zammit – East Sound, WA

Resigned: Philip Hyatt – Thorne Bay, AK

Federal, State, and local government representatives

Chris Maisch – Fairbanks, AK

Carol Rushmore – Wrangell, AK

Kate Troll – Juneau, AK

Resigned: Wayne Benner – Thorne Bay, AK

Other commercial users, those holding land use permits, or the public at large

Lynn Jungwirth – Hayfork, CA

Kirk Hardcastle – Juneau, AK

Erin Steinkruger – Portland, OR and Coffman Cove, AK

Alternate: Jason Custer – Ketchikan, AK
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 32

Appendix B: TAC Charter

USFS, Tongass National Forest

Alaska Region

CHARTER

1. Committee’s Official Designation

 Tongass Advisory Committee

2. Authority 

The Charter for the Tongass Advisory Committee (Committee) is hereby established 

under the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with the provisions 

of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) as amended, 5 U.S.C. App. 2.

3. Objectives and Scope of Activities

The Committee will advise the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Chief of the 

USFS, by providing advice and recommendations for developing an ecologically, 

socially, and economically sustainable forest management strategy on the Tongass 

National Forest. Recommendations and advice may inform the modification of the 

2008 Tongass Land Management Plan. 

This forest management strategy will emphasize a shift to young growth 

management. The rationale for shifting to a predominantly young growth-based forest 

management program is explained in the January, 2013 Leader’s Intent Paper, 

providing overall direction for the Committee. The 5-Year Tongass Integrated Plan 

(TIP), released in May 2013, identified old growth timber sales that can provide a

bridge to support a transition within 10 to 15 years in a way that is economically 

viable for the existing industry. The Secretary’s July 2, 2013 Memorandum 

Addressing Sustainable Forestry in Southeast Alaska also directed the identification 

of young growth and restoration projects that could be completed over the next five 

years, as well as shifts in staff and financial resources towards young growth 

management. Planning, integration and funding of that program of work will be

driven and guided by work on key projects with collaborative partners. 

4. Description of Duties 

 The Committee will be solely advisory in nature. All activities of the Committee will 

be conducted in an open, transparent, and accessible manner. The Committee will be 
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 33

asked to perform the following duties or other requests made by the Secretary or 

Chief:

a) As necessary and appropriate, identify the key elements to be considered for a 

potential Forest Plan modification assuming young growth is the focus of vegetation 

management in the future, while recognizing and balancing the other unique and 

equally important resource values of the Tongass, such as tourism, recreation, fishing, 

subsistence, and renewable energy. 

b) Offer recommendations on the suitable and available land base for developing an 

ecologically, socially and economically sustainable forest management program on 

the Tongass National Forest with emphasis on young growth management. 

Considerations include standards and guides and land use designations for a future 

modification of the Tongass Land Management Plan.

c) Provide advice on how to speed the shift from predominately old growth management 

to predominately young growth management, in a way that is economically viable for 

the existing industry. This may include consideration of options for managing stands. 

d) Offer advice on opportunities to work cooperatively with other landowners on an all 

lands young growth forest management strategy.

5. Agency or Official to Whom the Committee Reports

The Committee will report to the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Chief of the 

USFS.

6. Support

Clerical and administrative support will be provided by the USFS. The 

Tongass National Forest and Alaska Region will also provide significant technical 

support to the committee to ensure members have access to appropriate and relevant 

data as needed. 

7. Estimated Annual Operating Costs and Staff Years

Members of the Committee will serve without compensation. In performance of their 

duties away from the homes or regular places of business, Committee members may 

be allowed reimbursement for travel expenses in accordance with Federal per diem 

rates for attendance at meetings as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 5703. All expenses will be 

subject to approval of the Designated Federal Officer (DFO).

Estimated annual operating costs for the committee is $980,000 including; travel, 

lodging and per diem, committee facilitation, administrative support expenses, and 

Federal staff support (estimated as four full time equivalents staff per year). 

Committee expenses will be covered through the annual budget of the USDA USFS.
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 34

8. Designated Federal Officer

A permanent Federal employee will be appointed in accordance with agency 

procedures and will serve as the Designated Federal Officer (DFO). The DFO will 

approve or call the advisory committee and subcommittees’ meetings, prepare 

and approve all meeting agendas, attend all committee and subcommittee 

meetings, adjourn any meeting when the DFO determines adjournment to be in the 

public interest, and chair meetings when directed to do so by the official to whom the 

advisory committee reports.

 The Forest Supervisor for the Tongass National Forest will serve as the DFO. The 

Deputy Forest Supervisor for the Tongass National Forest will serve as the Acting 

DFO.

9. Number and Frequency of Meetings

The Committee will meet as often as necessary to complete its work, perhaps as 

frequently as every month. A quorum of 10 members of the 15 member 

committee must be present to constitute an official meeting. The committee shall not 

hold any meetings except at the call of, or with the advance approval of, the DFO. 

Attendance may be in-person, by telephone, or by other electronic means. 

10. Duration

Continuing. 

The Committee will be up to 2 years in duration, but the majority of the work is 

expected to be accomplished between March 1, 2014 and December 30, 2014.

11. Termination

The Committee will expire 2 years after the date of filing unless prior to that date, it is 

renewed accordance with FACA, Section 14. The Committee will not meet or take 

any action without a valid current charter.

12. Membership and Designation

12a. The Committee will be fairly balanced in its membership in terms of the points 

of view represented and the functions to be performed. The Committee will be 

comprised of not more than 15 members. The members appointed to the Committee 

will be knowledgeable of ecological, social, and economic issues impacting Southeast 

Alaska, while providing a balanced and broad representation within the following

interests: 

i. Federally Recognized Tribes, Alaska Native Organizations and/or Alaska 

Native Corporation representatives;

ii. National or regional environmental and/or conservation organizations;

iii. Timber industry representatives
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 35

iv. Federal, State and local government representatives; and 

v. Other commercial users, those holding land use permits or the public at 

large. 

Committee members must have a demonstrated commitment to working 

collaboratively and finding solutions that meet multiple stakeholder values.

Committee advice and recommendations must be approved by consensus of the 

groups represented (2 out of 3 within each interest group) but not consensus of all 

participants.

One substitute (alternate) will be selected for each interest group.

Nominees will be sought through an open and public process that includes, but is not 

limited to, nominees submitted by Alaska Native Organizations, local and State 

governments, community based/non-governmental organizations, environmental and 

conservation groups, and individuals who represent the interests of the public served 

by National Forest System programs and land resources. 

12b. Equal opportunity practices in accordance with USDA policies will be followed 

in all appointments to the Committee. To ensure that the recommendations of the 

Committee have taken into account the needs of the diverse groups served by USDA, 

membership will include to the extent possible, individuals with demonstrated ability 

to represent minorities, women and persons with disabilities.

12c. The USDA prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the 

basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital 

status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, political beliefs, 

genetic information, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is 

derived from any public assistance program.

12d. Of these members, one person who is recognized for his or her ability to lead a 

group in a fair and focused manner, and who has been briefed on the mission of this 

Committee will be designated by the Secretary to be the Chairperson. A coChairperson may be assigned, especially to facilitate his or her transition to become 

the Chairperson in the future.

12e. Ethics Statement

To maintain the highest levels of honesty, integrity and ethical conduct, no 

Committee or subcommittee member shall participate in any “specific party matters” 

(i.e., matters are narrowly focused and typically involve specific transactions 

between identified parties) such as a lease, license, permit, contract, claim, grant, 

agreement, or related litigation with the Department in which the member has a 

direct or indirect financial interest. This includes the requirement for Committee or 

Subcommittee members to immediately disclose to the DFO (for discussion with 

USDA’s Office of Ethics) any specific party matter in which the member’s 

immediate family, relatives, business partners or employer would be directly seeking 
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 36

to financially benefit from the Committee’s recommendations. Members of the 

Committee shall be required to disclose their direct or indirect interest in leases, 

licenses, permits, contracts, claims, grants, or agreements that involve lands or 

resources administered by the USFS, or in any litigation related thereto. For 

purposes of this paragraph, indirect interest includes holdings of a spouse or a 

dependent child.

All members will receive ethics training to identify and avoid any actions that would 

cause the public to question the integrity of the Committee’s advice and 

recommendations. Members who are appointed as “Representatives” are not subject 

to Federal ethics laws because such appointment allows them to represent the 

point(s) of view of a particular group, business sector, or segment of the public.

Members appointed as “Special Government Employees” (SGEs) are considered 

intermittent Federal employees and are subject to Federal ethics laws. SGE’s are 

appointed due to their personal knowledge, academic scholarship, background or 

expertise. No SGE may participate in any activity in which the member has a 

prohibited financial interest. Appointees who are SGEs are required to complete and 

submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450 form) and, upon 

request, USDA will assist SGEs in preparing these financial reports. To ensure the 

highest level of compliance with applicable ethical standards USDA will provide 

ethics training to SGEs on an annual basis. The provisions of these paragraphs are 

not meant to exhaustively cover all Federal ethics laws and do not affect any other 

statutory or regulatory obligations to which advisory committee members are subject.

13. Subcommittees

The USFS has the authority to create subcommittees. Subcommittees must report

back to the parent committee, and must not provide advice or work products directly 

to the Agency. 

14. Recordkeeping

The records of this Committee, formally and informally established subcommittees, 

or other subgroups of the committee, shall be handled in accordance with General 

Records Schedule 26, Item 2 or other approved agency records disposition schedule. 

These records shall be available for public inspection and copying, subject to the 

Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552. 

15. Filing Date
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 37

Appendix C: High-Value Fish Watersheds

Watershed Name VCU # 

Appleton Cove 2930

Fish Bay 2870

Irish Lakes 4290

Kadake Cr 4210

Mosman Inlet 4670

Bradfield River 5140

Nakwasina River 2990

Neka Bay 2010

Port Camden 4200

Rodman Bay 2920

Security Bay 4000

Sitkoh Bay 2430

Sitkoh Lake 2440

Situk River 3660

Sweetwater Lake 5730

Thoms Lake 4790
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 38

Appendix D: Map of Phase 1 Lands, T77 Watersheds, and TNC/Audubon Core 

Conservation Areas

.
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 39

Appendix E: Suggested Draft Memorandum of Understanding Between Forest

Collaborative Stakeholder Group Representatives And The U.S. Forest Service

Tongass National Forest

Suggested Draft

Memorandum of Understanding

Between Forest Collaborative

Stakeholder Group Representatives

And The

U.S. Forest Service

Tongass National Forest

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is hereby made and entered into by and between 

a Forest Collaborative (Collaborative) and the U.S. Forest Service, Tongass National Forest 

(TNF).

Whereas, the 16.7 million acre Tongass National Forest is managed for a variety of interests, 

with management directive to transition its timber program from old growth to predominantly 

young growth harvest;

Whereas, the 2016 Plan Amendment is being drafted—and will be implemented—in a time 

marked by transition. The Tongass Advisory Committee (TAC) has paved a path for multistakeholder collaboration in the region by reaching consensus within the sideboards of its 2014 

Charter. This Charter was narrow in scope and did not charge the TAC with making overall 

recommendations in regard to fisheries, recreation, wildlife management, or tourism. This does 

not mean these values are overlooked. It is necessary, however, to recognize the full suite of 

challenges and opportunities associated with implementing a successful transition, and the 

range of forest values that will be positively affected by successful implementation;

Whereas, the Collaborative shares the following vision: “Southeast Alaska is comprised of 

prosperous, resilient communities that have the opportunity to predictably use and benefit from the 

diversity of forest resources to achieve the cultural, social, economic, and ecological health of the region for 

current and future generations”;

Whereas, the consensus recommendations by the TAC for the Forest Plan Amendment and 

transition more generally represent an unprecedented opportunity that must be acted upon 

more comprehensively and as soon as possible; 

Whereas, innovative collaboration can provide the U.S. Forest Service with better information, a 

more comprehensive and science-based planning process, better planning integration, conflict 

mitigation, improved fact-finding, increased social capitol, more effective implementation, 

enhanced environmental stewardship, and reduced litigation. The Council on Environmental 
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 40

Quality (CEQ) 2007 publication, “Collaboration in NEPA: A Handbook for NEPA 

Practitioners,” provides instructive guidance for collaboration throughout the NEPA process;

Whereas, transition implementation can and should occur in an ecologically sustainable, 

resilient manner that is economically and socially viable. This document describes the intentions 

of the U.S. Forest Service and members of the Collaborative as they work together towards 

transition implementation and monitoring on the Forest;

Whereas, members of the Collaborative have entered into an agreement (the Collaborative

Stakeholder Charter) describing their mutual participation in a collaborative group with the 

goal of reaching consensus recommendations to guide implementation and monitoring of the 

Tongass transition;

Whereas, (mediation and staffing clause);

Whereas, a great deal of effort has been invested in accelerating the transition on the ground to 

meet the Secretary’s directive, via innovative planning and stakeholder deliberation. The TAC’s 

recommendations represent a foundational document for comprehensive transition that 

genuinely supports forest-dependent communities adjacent to the Tongass. The U.S. Forest 

Service recognizes the importance of the TAC’s deliberative work to guide the transition and 

will consider the recommendations document, finalized December 2015, along with all other 

public comments and recommendations in a public process before reaching a particular 

decision. TAC members and other stakeholders feel a sense of responsibility to steward the 

values associated with the transition well beyond the life of the 2016 Amendment planning 

process;

Whereas, implementation of the transition is embodied by the following goals: 1) to actively 

model the types of sharing and feedback required by the 2012 Planning Rule; 2) to improve and 

complement monitoring at project and Forest levels; 3) to facilitate collaboration in lowcapacity, forest-dependent communities; and 4) to steward the values associated with the TAC’s 

transition recommendations.

Now therefore, the U.S. Forest Service and members of the Collaborative agree to work together 

towards appropriate and timely implementation and monitoring on the Tongass transition;

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this MOU is to document a framework of collaboration by all parties involved 

and interested in the implementation and monitoring of the Tongass transition directive, and 

the cooperative relationship among the parties to complete a successful transition.

The MOU defines the relationship between the U.S. Forest Service and the Collaborative. These

Parties, along with the public at large, will work together at multiple stages prior to, during, 

and following the NEPA process to actively implement and monitor transition-related 
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 41

management actions, subject to/consistent with applicable federal laws, regulations, land 

management plans, and other management direction.

II. STATEMENT OF MUTUAL BENEFIT AND INTERESTS

The U.S. Forest Service and the Collaborative enter this MOU to learn and work together to 

steward the values associated with the TAC’s transition recommendations. The Parties expect 

that implementation, monitoring, and active adaptive management of the TAC’s 

recommendations will support prosperity and resiliency in forest-dependent communities 

adjacent to the Tongass National Forest.

In consideration of the above premises, the parties agree as follows:

III. THE COLLABORATIVE SHALL

a. Steward the values associated with the TAC’s transition recommendations, using 

this focus as its north star when determining where to direct its resources;

b. Develop agreement-based recommendations that are intended to inform and 

express diverse support for transition-related implementation and monitoring 

activities;

c. Provide input to the U.S. Forest Service in a timely manner that matches the 

needs of an efficient NEPA and implementation timeline;

d. Maintain communication with the U.S. Forest Service in order to track ongoing 

processes and upcoming scoping so that the group can provide timely input;

e. Maintain capacity to discuss, evaluate, and support implementation and 

monitoring of innovative planning, project planning and implementation, 

administration, science integration, and adaptive management strategies;

f. Support agreement-based recommendations in the face of external challenges;

g. Develop, share, and apply scientific and technical information intended to 

significantly bolster adaptive transition implementation;

IV. THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE SHALL

a. Work directly with parties at all phases of the NEPA process, seeking their input 

and agreement on: the purpose and need statement, alternatives, collection and 

use of data, impact analysis, development of a preferred alternative, and/or 

recommendations regarding mitigation of environmental impacts (CEQ 

Handbook, p. 13);

b. Work directly with parties to develop and/or amend optional plan components, 

including the TNF Monitoring Plan pursuant to the 2012 Planning Rule;

c. Strive to accommodate the agreement-based outcomes and products of the 

collaborative process within the Collaborative, recognizing that translation of 

such agreement greatly enhances chances for success, and reduces the risk of 

conflict;

d. Communicate with the Collaborative and the general public the Agency 

decisions and management direction that are pending, both before and after 

development of associated timelines, as soon as possible;
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 42

e. Line and/or Staff Officers or their designee will participate in Collaborative

meetings, consistent with requirements in federal law;

V. IT IS MUTALLY UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED BY AND BETWEEN THE 

PARTIES THAT

a. The Collaborative is inclusive; new members may join at any time, and the public 

at large has the same rights and opportunities for access to information and input 

into the process whether a member or not of the Collaborative;

b. This MOU does not grant cooperating agency status to any member of the 

Collaborative;

c. The U.S. Forest Service and the Collaborative will work together through all 

phases of the NEPA process potentially including the framing of the issues, the 

development of a range of reasonable alternatives, the analysis of impacts, and 

the identification of the preferred alternative—up to, not including, the agency’s 

final decisions made by the relevant Line Officer (CEQ Handbook, p. 13);

d. The U.S. Forest Service and the Collaborative will work together to develop, 

discuss, evaluate, and implement innovative planning, project preparation, 

treatment, science integration, monitoring and adaptive management strategies;

e. The U.S. Forest Service and the Collaborative will work together to identify 

strategies for implementation, monitoring, and adaptive management that are 

efficient and effective, toward prosperous and resilient local communities and a 

more socially, ecologically, and economically viable transition;

f. The U.S. Forest Service and the Collaborative will work together to develop a 

regular process and means to keep the Alaskan Congressional Delegation, 

appropriate state officials, and high-level Forest Service or USDA officials 

informed of activities that occur under this MOU;

g. The U.S. Forest Service and the Collaborative will work together to identify 

efficiencies in utilization and contracting strategies, grants and agreements, and 

use of volunteers. This is exclusive of the contracting design, awarding, and

administration processes;

h. All documents developed and submitted to the U.S. Forest Service from the 

Collaborative will become public documents;

i. Once the U.S. Forest Service formally initiates the NEPA process, specific 

timelines for advancing that analysis will be established. The Collaborative will 

provide input to the U.S. Forest Service in accordance to these timelines in order 

to be considered;

(this section also includes technical components to be developed by Grants and Agreements; 

see similar Memorandums for model)
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 43

Appendix F: Outline for Socioeconomic Analyses

The recommended analyses address the Forest Plan Amendment and transition strategy, 

including old and young growth timber sales, co-intent projects, restoration and stewardship 

projects, workforce and business capacity development efforts, and other key transition 

components. The recommended plan is nested geographically, with measures by 

borough/census area (correlated with ranger districts and working circles as possible) and 

Forest-wide. 12

A range of types, scales, and levels of participation in monitoring are possible (see Figure1). 

Most notably, the Agency’s 2016 monitoring plan, developed pursuant to the 2012 planning 

rule, presents a robust approach to implementation monitoring (i.e., did we do what we said we 

were going to do?).

13, 14 The TAC’s recommendations supplement ongoing implementation 

monitoring with verification/validation and effectiveness monitoring, which ask if (1) 

completed actions led to expected outcomes; and (2) if completed actions are contributing to 

objectives. In order to help our communities thrive, monitoring must measure outcomes as well 

as outputs.

Figure 1: Types, Scales, and Levels of Participation in Monitoring15

Focus

Types Biophysical; economic; 

social/cultural; 

legal/administrative

Input; output; outcome

Scales Project; program; community, 

island, or ranger district; region; 

state/country

Implementation; 

verification/validation; 

effectiveness

Participation Single-party; third-party; 

multiparty

 

12 For census area/borough boundaries, visit the Alaska Department of Labor and workforce Development Research 

and Analysis, available at: http://labor.alaska.gov/research/census/maps.htm

13 Tongass National Forest Draft Plan Monitoring Program, available at: 

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3827408.pdf. 

14 Monitoring Requirements under the 2012 Planning Rule are listed on the Tongass National Forest Monitoring 

Reports page, available at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/landmanagement/planning/. The full text of the 

2012 Planning Rule is available at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5362536.pdf. 

15 Adapted from Multiparty Monitoring for Sustainable Natural Resource Management, available through the 

University of Oregon Ecosystem Workforce Program at: http://ewp.uoregon.edu/resources/community-guidebook/.
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 44

The recommended analyses should have four (or more) thematic emphases and eight (or more) 

questions; Figure 2 outlines the monitoring questions and measures.

Figure 2: Monitoring questions and measures 16

Theme Question addressed Measures/metrics Scale reported

A. Context and trends a. What are the 

socioeconomic 

conditions and context 

in the borough/census 

area in which the 

transition is being 

implemented?

Employment by sector Census area or 

borough

Unemployment Census area or 

borough

Poverty Census area or 

borough

Number of students eligible 

for free and reduced lunch

Census area or 

borough and school

School enrollment Census area or 

borough

Median age Census area or 

borough

B. Employment and 

economic impacts

a. What are the 

employment effects in 

the communities 

around National 

Forests from co-intent 

projects, restoration 

projects, and timber 

sales?

Private sector jobs (direct, 

indirect, induced) associated 

with:

 Restoration service 

contracts and 

stewardship

 Timber sale harvesting 

and processing and 

transport of wood 

products

Ranger District or 

zone and Forest-wide

b. What are the 

personal income effects 

in the communities 

around National 

Forests from co-intent 

projects, restoration 

projects, and timber 

sales?

Private sector labor income 

(direct, indirect, induced) 

associated with: 

 Restoration service 

contracts and 

stewardship

 Timber sale harvesting 

and processing and 

transport of wood 

products

Ranger District or 

zone and Forest-wide

c. What is the Business output (direct, Ranger District or 

 

16 Adapted from Ecosystem Workforce Program Working Paper Number 52: Socioeconomic Monitoring Plan for the 

U.S. Forest Service’s Eastside Restoration Efforts, available at: 

http://ewp.uoregon.edu/sites/ewp.uoregon.edu/files/WP_52.pdf
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 45

economic activity 

resulting, in the 

communities around 

National Forests from 

co-intent projects, 

restoration projects, 

and timber sales?

indirect, and induced) 

associated with:

 Restoration service 

contracts and 

stewardship

 Timber sale harvesting 

and processing and 

transport of wood 

products

zone and Forest-wide

C. Business health and 

impacts

a. What are the effects 

of transition 

implementation on the 

health of wood 

products businesses?

Businesses reporting good 

health as indicated by:

 Workforce maintained or 

hired

Ranger District or 

zone and Forest-wide

b. What are the effects 

of transition 

implementation on the 

health of the regional 

wood products 

industry?

Proportion of business type 

and workforce maintained 

or hired

Ranger District or 

zone and region-wide

c. How much co-intent 

work/sales, restoration 

work, and timber sales 

are local and regional 

businesses capturing?

 Percent of service 

contracts and timber sales 

captured by businesses 

local to a Forest annually

 Total value of contracts 

and timber sales captured 

locally annually

 Primary types of work 

captured locally/not 

captured locally

Ranger District or 

zone and region-wide

D. Collaborative 

capacity

a. What is the capacity 

of collaborative groups 

to undertake an 

accelerated transition 

via co-intent projects in 

both suitable and nonsuitable LUDs?

Guided self-evaluation 

rankings for:

 Spatial scales at which 

they are working

 Timelines at which they 

are working

 Levels of ecological/social 

complexity of projects

 Level of trust

Ranger District or 

zone, across 

Districts/zones (by 

group), and regionwide

Number of matching funds 

and in-kind contributions 

from non-Agency partners 

for project planning, 

implementation, and 

monitoring

Ranger District or 

zone, across 

Districts/zones (by 

project), and regionwide
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 46

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Agency United States Forest Service

CMAI Culmination of Mean Annual Increment

Committee Tongass Advisory Committee

DEIS Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Department United States Department of Agriculture

FEIS Final Environmental Impact Statement

Forest Tongass National Forest

Forest Plan Tongass Land & Resource Management Plan

GIS Geographic Information System

IDT Interdisciplinary Team

IRM Integrated Resource Management

LUD Land Use Designation

MOU Memorandum of Understanding

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act

NGO Non-governmental Organization 

PCT Pre-commercial Thinning

PTSQ Projected Timber Sale Quantity

RLT Regional Leadership Team

ROD Record of Decision

RMA Riparian Management Area

S&Gs Standards and Guidelines

SIO Scenery Integrity Objective

TAC Tongass Advisory Committee

TLT Tongass Leadership Team

Tongass Tongass National Forest

TTRA Tongass Timber Reform Act

USDA United States Department of Agriculture

USFS United States Forest Service

WO Washington Office
Tongass Advisory Committee Final Recommendations • December 2015 Page 47

About Meridian Institute

Meridian Institute is a not-for-profit organization whose 

mission is to help people solve problems, make informed 

decisions, and find solutions to some of society’s most 

complex and controversial issues. Meridian’s mission is 

accomplished through applying collaborative problemsolving approaches including facilitation, mediation, and 

other strategic consultation services. Meridian works at 

the local, national and international levels and focuses on 

a wide range of issues related to natural resources and 

environment, science and technology, agriculture and 

food security, sustainability, global stability and health. 

For more information, please visit www.merid.org. 

Meridian Institute

PO Box 1829 

105 Village Place 

Dillon, CO 80435

Phone: 970-513-8340

http://merid.org/tongassadvisorycommittee
APPENDIX C

WATERSHED ANALYSIS
Watershed Analysis

Forest Plan Appendix C

December 2016

C-1

Appendix C

Watershed Analysis

In this Forest Plan, the term “watershed analysis” is very narrowly defined. 

Cumulative watershed effects analysis should not be confused with watershed 

analysis as described in this appendix. The Forest-wide Soil and Water 

Standards and Guidelines (Chapter 4) and plan components (Chapter 5) provide 

direction to evaluate and minimize cumulative effects during project planning and 

analysis.

Watershed analysis is required only in the following circumstances:

1. Before making site-specific adjustments to Forest-wide Riparian Standards 

and Guidelines (including commercial young-growth harvest or timber 

salvage in riparian management areas), ensure adjustments will achieve 

channel process group objectives described in the Riparian Standards and

Guidelines (Appendix D). [In accordance with the Tongass Timber Reform 

Act [Section 103. Fisheries Protection. (a) Section 705 (16 U.S.C. 539d) of 

ANILCA], maintain a buffer zone of no less than one hundred feet in width on 

each side of all Class I streams in the Tongass National Forest, and on those 

Class II streams which flow directly into a Class I stream, within which 

commercial timber harvesting shall be prohibited. Therefore adjustments 

cannot be made for commercial timber harvest within this zone.]

2. Before authorizing management activities in public water system source 

watersheds, to ensure activities are not authorized that create or maintain a 

condition that has a significant potential to cause or allow the pollution or 

contamination of a public water system (in compliance with Alaska’s Drinking 

Water Regulations, 18 AAC 80).

3. Any other time the Responsible Official determines that a watershed analysis 

is necessary to make an informed decision.

A watershed analysis must be documented as part of the National Environmental 

Policy Act (NEPA) decision in these circumstances. If none of these 

circumstances exist, a watershed analysis (as described in this appendix) is 

otherwise not required. The watershed analysis is not used to propose actions or 

make decisions.

Watershed analysis is a procedure for assessing important riparian and aquatic 

values and processes in a watershed context. It is designed to:

1. Help set the stage for project-level planning and decisions

2. Strengthen the project NEPA analysis and decision

3. Focus interdisciplinary discussion on key watershed resources

When watershed analysis is required, it must occur prior to or during NEPA 

analysis for a specific project or projects. The scope and intensity of watershed 

analysis should be commensurate with the level of risk associated with the NEPA 

decision, and the information necessary to support the decision.

A journey-level watershed or fisheries specialist will determine the scope and 

intensity of the watershed analysis in consultation with the Responsible Official.

Applicability

Introduction

Approach
Watershed Analysis

Appendix C Forest Plan

December 2016

C-2

A primary consideration is the scale of the proposed activity. For example, a onetime, isolated activity in a 1st order tributary, such as salvage of one or two down 

trees from within a single Class III riparian area, is not expected to require an 

expensive, lengthy watershed analysis. In this example, if this activity will achieve 

process group objectives, it is expected that the procedures (described below)

could be quickly and concisely documented in a few paragraphs to justify the 

activity. 

On the other hand, adjustment of Riparian Standards and Guidelines at many 

sites, or repeatedly, within a 3rd or 4th order watershed will require more time and 

effort in order to demonstrate that the adjustment will achieve process group 

objectives.

When determining the scope and intensity of a watershed analysis to justify sitespecific adjustments to Forest-wide Riparian Standards and Guidelines (including 

timber salvage in riparian areas), consider risks associated with not achieving the 

channel process group objectives that are described in the Riparian Standards 

and Guidelines.

When determining the scope and intensity of a watershed analysis to support 

authorizing management activities in public water system source watersheds,

consider risks associated with polluting a public water supply and effects on 

public health.

Watershed analysis requires field-based site evaluations. There is a wide array 

of analytical tools and procedures that may be used. At a minimum, follow the 

procedures listed below.

1. Before making site-specific adjustments to Forest-wide Riparian Standards 

and Guidelines (including timber salvage in riparian areas):

a. Conduct field inventory of all affected stream reaches, including 

downstream reaches connecting to fish habitat, to verify fish presence, 

stream classes, and channel types (Tier I survey as described in the 

Alaska Region’s Aquatic Habitat Management Handbook, FSH 2090.21).

b. Consult with logging systems personnel; document the site-specific 

adjustments, rationale, and trade-offs between logging systems and 

riparian objectives.

c. Evaluate site specific windthrow risk (Landwehr 2007, Stathers et.al. 

1994).

d. Consider cumulative effects of past practices such as riparian harvest 

and roads, and natural disturbances such as landslides.

e. Assess current condition and trend of channel process group objectives 

(refer to Process Group information in Forest-wide Riparian Standards 

and Guidelines and fish habitat objectives in Forest-wide Fish Standards 

and Guidelines).

f. Explain how adjustments to Riparian Standards and Guidelines will 

achieve channel process group objectives.

2. Before authorizing management activities in public water system source 

watersheds:

a. Consult with Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC), 

affected municipality, and/or owner/operator of water system.

b. Refer to Forest Service Manual (FSM) Guidance for Municipal 

Watersheds (FSM 2542) and the Code of Federal Regulations for 

management of municipal watersheds (36 CFR 251.9) for guidance. 

Refer to Alaska’s Drinking Water Regulations, specifically 18 AAC 

80.620(c)(3), for systems that seek to avoid filtration.

c. Review completed Source Water Assessment for the watershed, 

available from ADEC.

Procedures
Watershed Analysis

Forest Plan Appendix C

December 2016

C-3

d. Consider cumulative effects of past practices such as riparian harvest, 

road condition, potential pollution sources and natural disturbances such 

as landslides, without regard to landownership.

e. Develop site-specific Best Management Practices (BMPs) for any 

authorized activity. Consider, at a minimum, BMPs that limit ground 

disturbance, restrict public access (in consultation with landowners), and 

restrict hazardous materials and hazardous waste.

f. Explain how proposed management activities will not create or maintain a 

condition that has a significant potential to cause or allow the pollution or 

contamination of a public water system.

Complete a watershed analysis report. The report documents each of the items 

listed above. The report will provide a summary of the analysis and 

recommendations that respond to the key management issues. Include the 

watershed analysis report in any subsequent or concurrent documentation of 

project-level decisions.

Landwehr, D.J. 2007. Reasonable Assurance of Windfirmness Guidelines

Version 2.0 Tongass National Forest, May 2, 2007.

Stathers, R.J, T.P. Rollerson, and S.J. Mitchell. 1994. Windthrow Handbook for 

British Columbia Forests. Ministry of Forests Research Program Working 

paper 9401.

Documentation

Literature Cited
Watershed Analysis

Appendix C Forest Plan

December 2016

C-4

This page is intentionally left blank.
APPENDIX D

RIPARIAN MANAGEMENT AREA

STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
Riparian Management Area Standards and Guidelines D

Appendix D

Riparian Management Area Standards 

and Guidelines

Riparian areas encompass the zone of interaction between aquatic and terrestrial 

environments associated with streamsides, lakeshores, and floodplains, and 

display distinctive ecological conditions characterized by high species diversity, 

wildlife value, and resource productivity. The Riparian section of Chapter 4 

contains Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines for managing riparian areas. The 

desired conditions, objectives, and management direction for each channel type 

and process group contained in this appendix are an important component of the 

Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines. In this Plan, channel types and process 

groups are central to the direction for riparian area management (see the 

Riparian Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines in Chapter 4). Appendix D 

applies to all riparian areas in the Tongass National Forest, including younggrowth stands. The Tongass Young Growth Management Strategy (2014) Exhibit 

2 includes management goals and objectives, and descriptions of existing and 

desired conditions of young growth stands in riparian areas.

Channel types and process groups are used for guiding land management 

activities and predicting the effects of those activities along all stream and river 

systems of the Tongass National Forest. For more information on riparian 

management considerations for each of the channel types, consult the Region 10 

Channel Type Revision (Paustian et al. 1992 as amended in 2010) available 

online at http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/maps-pubs/?cid=stelprdb5413798. 

In the early 1980s, a method of inventorying channel types was developed for the 

Tongass National Forest to identify, classify, and map the distinguishing parts of 

stream and river (fluvial) systems. This inventory system, which was finalized for 

the Tongass National Forest in 1992 (Paustian et al. 1992, as amended in 2010), 

allows for the logical categorization of fluvial channels and provides a process for 

predicting channel response to management- or naturally-caused changes. 

The inventory groups channels into nine basic fluvial process groups (Table D-1)

as well as one additional group covering lakes and ponds. These process groups 

describe streams and rivers with similar physical "processes," that are with similar 

interrelationships between watershed runoff, landform relief, geology, and glacial 

or tidal influences on fluvial erosion and deposition.

Each process group includes a number of channel types. Channel types

represent a finer delineation than process groups. They more precisely 

characterize a channel and help predict the probable responses to natural and 

human influences. Like process groups, channel types are defined by physical 

attributes, but channel types also incorporate other aspects of channel gradient, 

channel pattern, stream bank incision and containment, and riparian community 

composition. A description of each channel type is listed in Table D-2.

Beginning on page D-5 is a discussion of each process group, including a listing 

of the channel types that are incorporated within the process group. A summary 

of process group characteristics can be found in Table D-3. An illustration of the 

Introduction

Process Groups

Forest Plan D-1 Appendix D

December 2016
D Riparian Management Area Standards and Guidelines 

typical setting of each of the process groups, and their relationship within a 

watershed, is provided in Figure D-1. 

Table D-1 

Stream Classification and Stream Length by Process Group

Stream Process Groups Channel Type Classification Miles1

Flood Plain FPO, FPB, FPE, FPB, FPE, FPS, FPM, FPL 3,955

Glacial Outwash GSC, GOL, GOB, GAF, GSC, GOS, GOM, 

GOL, GOB, GOC, GES

1,152

Alluvial Fan AFO, AFM, AFH 1,516

Low Gradient Contained LCO, LCS, LCM, LCL 461

Moderate Gradient, Mixed 

Control

MMO, MMS, MMM, MML 3,753

Moderate Gradient Contained MCO, MCS, MCM, MCL 2,934

High Gradient Contained HCO, HCL HCM, HCD, HCV 28,727

Palustrine PAO, PAS, PAM, PAL, PAH, PAG, PAB 2,632

Estuarine ESO, ESS, ESM, ESL 310

1 Miles are only those currently mapped and in the GIS database excluding lake miles, unverified connectors, and 

channels on all non-Forest Service lands. Additional unmapped streams are present, but have not been located 

through on-the-ground surveys, especially Class III and IV streams that are greatly underrepresented in the 

database. 

Source: Paustian et al. (1992) and Revision (2010); GIS Database (2016). Miles are adjusted for estimates of 

channels missed in the inventories.

Table D-2 

Channel Type Descriptions

Channel Type Description

AFO Micro Alluvial Fan Channel

AFM Moderate Gradient Alluvial Fan Channel

AFH High Gradient Alluvial Cone Channel

ESO Micro Estuarine Channel

ESS Small Estuarine Channel

ESM Medium Estuarine Channel

ESL Large Estuarine Channel

FPO Micro Flood Plain Channel 

FPB Foreland Uplifted Beach Channel

FPE Foreland Uplifted Estuarine Channel

FPS Small Flood Plain Channel

FPM Medium Flood Plain Channel

FPL Large Flood Plain Channel

GAF Glacial Alluvial Fan Channel

GSC Glacial Outwash Flood Plain Side Channel

GOS Small Glacial Outwash Side Channel

GOM Medium Glacial Outwash Channel

GOL Large Meandering Glacial Outwash Channel

GOB Large Braided Glacial Outwash Channel

GOC Cirque Channel

GES Glacial Outwash Estuarine Channel

HCO Micro High Gradient Contained Channel

HCL High Gradient Upper Valley Channel

Appendix D D-2 Forest Plan

December 2016
Riparian Management Area Standards and Guidelines D

Table D-2 (continued)

Channel Type Descriptions

Channel Type Description

HCM High Gradient Moderate Incision Channel

HCD High Gradient Deep Incision Channel

HCV Deeply Incised Muskeg Channel

LCO Micro Low Gradient Contained Channel

LCS Low Gradient Contained Channel

LCM Moderate Gradient Contained Channel

LCL Large Low Gradient Contained Channel

MCO Micro Moderate Gradient Contained Channel

MCS Small Moderate Gradient Contained Channel

MCM Medium Moderate Gradient Contained Channel

MCL Large Moderate Gradient Contained Channel

MMO Micro Moderate Gradient Contained 

MMS Small Moderate Gradient Mixed Control Channel

MMM Medium Moderate Gradient Mixed Control Channel

MML Large Moderate Gradient Mixed Control Channel

PA0 Micro Palustrine Channel

PAS Small Palustrine Channel

PAM Medium Palustrine Channel

PAL Large Palustrine Channel

PAH Backwater or Groundwater Fed Slough

PAG Backwater glacial Side channel

PAB Beaver Dam/Pond Channel

Forest Plan D-3 Appendix D

December 2016
D Riparian Management Area Standards and Guidelines 

Figure D-1 

Typical Distribution of Channel Process Groups within Alexander Archipelago 

Watersheds

Appendix D D-4 Forest Plan

December 2016
Riparian Management Area Standards and Guidelines D

Channel Types: FPO, FPB, FPE, FPS, FPM, FPL, GSC, GOL, GOB, 

GOS 

Description: Flood plain and glacial outwash channels are associated with the 

valley bottom flood plain landform. These two process groups contain low 

gradient sinuous singular or anabranched channels. Braided channels are more 

prevalent in the glacial outwash process group. Mountain slope runoff and 

groundwater discharge control stream flow in the flood plain process group, while 

glacial melt controls flow in the glacial outwash group. Peak flows occur in the 

spring and fall in the flood plain process group, while in summer for the glacial 

outwash group. Sediment deposition is the dominant process in both groups. 

Substrate material ranges from sand to cobble size material in both groups.

Flood plains commonly support standing old-growth spruce with heights of up to 

130 feet. Downed wood provides nurse logs for regeneration, sediment retention, 

and infiltration. Flood plain width may exceed 200 feet on FPM and FPL

channels, but are generally less than 200 feet on FPS channels. These areas are 

typically highly productive for fish. Beaver ponds, sloughs, ephemeral side 

channels, commonly referred to as “off channel areas,” are of particular 

significance as flood plain and glacial outwash habitat features. Early 

successional forest species, such as black cottonwood, are common in the 

glacial outwash process group.

Stream channels in the flood plain process group include FPO (micro flood plain) 

FPB (uplifted beach), FPE (uplifted estuary) foreland channel types, and FPS, 

FPM, and FPL (narrow to wide) flood plain channel types. Generally, alluvial 

deposition is prevalent in these low gradient (less than 2 percent gradient) 

channels. High stream flows often are not contained within channel banks 

resulting in flood plain development. 

Flood plain streams are relatively efficient at trapping nutrients from riparian 

forest detritus and inorganic sediment delivered from headwater areas. These 

streams also buffer against flood disturbances by spreading runoff across 

densely vegetated flood plains and into numerous side channels and sloughs. 

Shallow alluvial aquifers associated with these streams store runoff from flood 

flows and hillslope tributaries and slowly release groundwater to surface channels 

during periods of low rainfall. The ability of flood plain channels to dampen the 

effects of runoff extremes and to store nutrients are primary factors contributing 

to productive aquatic communities found in these streams.

Channel materials are composed of fine sediments, small boulders, and cobble, 

which are deposited by the stream. Stream banks consist of unconsolidated 

materials such as sand, gravel, or organic materials and are often unstable. 

Channel migration and braiding may occur. Root networks of trees and shrubs 

have an important role in holding unconsolidated stream banks together. Large 

woody debris (LWD) also plays a role in controlling streambed and bank stability 

by regulating the stream's energy dissipation. Pools and cover from LWD provide 

good fish habitat.

Glacial outwash channel types are alluvial channels with stream gradients usually 

less than 3 percent. This process group includes GSC (side channel), GOL

(large meandering), and GOB (large braided) glacial outwash channel types. 

These are generally valley or lowland streams. Because mountain glacier 

meltwater is the source of runoff to these streams, they carry extremely high 

sediment loads and have very turbid water. Riparian areas are wide and may 

extend for many hundred feet in large braided river systems.

Glacial outwash channel types share many of the attributes of the flood plain 

process group. However, glacial streams tend to have larger seasonal variations 

Flood Plain and 

Glacial 

Outwash

Forest Plan D-5 Appendix D

December 2016
D Riparian Management Area Standards and Guidelines 

in stream flow and large sediment loads that result in more dynamic or unstable 

channels and flood plains. These factors, along with colder water temperatures, 

tend to limit overall aquatic productivity.

Desired condition: Flood plains are highly productive as fish and wildlife habitat. 

Natural flood plain functions occur, such as flood mitigation, surface-groundwater 

exchange, water temperature moderation, and the formation of streams providing 

off-channel fish habitat. Large wood is distributed across the flood plain, except 

where non-forest or early successional species naturally occur. Old-growth 

habitat provides high-quality habitat for riparian-associated wildlife species.

Glacial outwash plains range from low to highly productive fish and wildlife 

habitat. Fine sediments may limit spawning. Natural flood plain functions such 

as flood mitigation, surface groundwater exchange, water temperature 

moderation, and stream formation provide off-channel fish habitat. Areas of offchannel spawning and rearing may be highly productive where areas of upwelling 

occur. Large wood is distributed across the flood plain, except where non-Forest 

or early successional species dominate naturally. 

Objectives: Maintain near-natural quantities of large wood by assessing the 

site's old-growth type and managing for the natural frequency and size distribution 

for large, downed wood and standing trees on the flood plain. (Consult Ecological 

Definitions for Old-growth Forest Types in Southeast Alaska, Forest Service 

publication R10-TP-28.) In the stream channel, meet the natural range of aquatic 

habitat features for large wood size and distribution, pool size and frequency, and 

channel morphometry. (Consult the Alaska Anadromous Fisheries Habitat 

Assessment, Forest Service publication R10-MB-279, Appendix C.1. on fish 

habitat objectives.) 

Minimize soil disturbance and the formation of new channels (BMP 13.9). 

Maintain fish access to entire range of habitat. Avoid diverting surface drainage 

channels.

Minimize damage to large standing trees from yarding activities.

Implement riparian vegetation improvement projects in young-growth stands, 

where appropriate, to help in attaining desired future condition.

Apply the following management direction at the project level to streams in this 

process group. Include a watershed analysis (refer to Appendix C) in NEPA 

documents that make site-specific adjustments to process group direction, 

including commercial harvest of young-growth stands. Adjustments to the 

direction may be made only if the objectives of the process group can be met.

Stream Class/Activity

I, II (direct)/Timber Harvest

No commercial timber harvest within 100 feet of Class I streams and 

Class II streams that flow directly into Class I streams. Although not 

required by the Tongass Timber Reform Act, no commercial timber 

harvest in the flood plain until the completion of watershed analysis. 

No commercial timber harvest is allowed in the RMA (greatest of 

flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, riparian associated wetland 

fens, or 130 feet [the height of one site-potential tree]). Manage an 

appropriate distance beyond the no-harvest zone to provide for a 

reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the RMA (pay special 

attention to the area within one site-potential tree height of the 

RMA).

Appendix D D-6 Forest Plan

December 2016
Riparian Management Area Standards and Guidelines D

II (non-direct), III/Timber Harvest

No commercial timber harvest is allowed in the RMA (greatest of 

flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, riparian associated wetland 

fens, or 130 feet [the height of one site-potential tree]). Manage an 

appropriate distance beyond the no-harvest zone to provide for a 

reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the RMA (pay special 

attention to the area within one site-potential tree height of the 

RMA).

I, II, and III/Harvest Controls

Yard in a manner to minimize baring of mineral soil (less than 5 

percent) and such that new channelization does not occur across 

the flood plain. The objective is to minimize alder growth and 

formation of new channels (BMP 13.9). 

I, II, and III/Roads, Borrow Pits, Drainage Structures

Locate roads only when other feasible routes do not exist (BMP 

14.2). Develop stream course protection plans when stream 

crossings are necessary. Do not develop borrow pits within the 

active flood plain (BMP 14.9). The objective is to maintain fish 

passage and access to all available habitats and avoid diverting 

surface drainage channels.

Channel Types: AFO, AFM, AFH, GAF

Description: Alluvial fan channels flow directly over the alluvial fan landform. 

These are dynamic multi-branched channels that periodically change course 

within the landform. Stream gradient ranges from 1 to 3 percent on the lower half 

of the alluvial fan and increases toward the fan apex. The alluvial fan channel is 

associated with high-gradient contained channels; therefore, streamflow is 

dependent on mountain slope runoff. Groundwater discharge is also significant. 

Surface flow may be intermittent as substrate consists of sand to cobble size 

material. During low flow periods, stream flow may run subsurface due to 

infiltration of water into coarse gravel substrate in the middle section of the alluvial 

fan and emerge on the lower section. Aggradation of material is the dominant 

process on the alluvial fan, and fine sediment may be deposited in the low 

gradient section. The active channels on alluvial fans often include multiple high 

flow channels and unvegetated gravel or cobble outwash lobes with ill-defined 

channel banks. Alluvial fans typically support large spruce with diameters 

(diameters at breast height [DBH]) of 30 inches and have average site-potential 

tree heights of 140 feet. Downed wood serves as nurse logs for regeneration.

This process group includes AFO (micro), AFM (moderate gradient), AFH (high 

gradient), and GAF (glacial) alluvial fan/cone channel types. These are generally 

tributary streams that are located on footslope landforms in a transitional area 

between valley flood plains and steep mountain slopes. Alluvial fans are formed 

by the rapid change in sediment transport capacity as the high energy mountain 

slope stream segments spill onto the valley bottoms. Stream channels change 

course frequently, resulting in a multi-branch stream network. Sediment 

deposition tends to create elongated islands of bare cobbles and gravel between 

these multi-branched channels. Alluvial fan stream channels are often unstable. 

Riparian areas commonly associated with these poorly contained streams are 

very narrow at the top of the fans and become wider as the fan spreads out. Due 

to the complex stream network, riparian areas for alluvial fan channels may be 

extensive. 

Alluvial Fan

Forest Plan D-7 Appendix D

December 2016
D Riparian Management Area Standards and Guidelines 

LWD can play a major role in trapping sediment on the fan surface and within 

stream channels. Scour and dam pools formed by LWD can be very important 

for fish rearing habitat in alluvial fan streams. Gravel aquifers associated with 

alluvial fan drainages are commonly an important source of groundwater 

discharge to adjacent valley bottom streams.

Desired condition: Stream systems relocate naturally in an unpredictable 

pattern across the alluvial fan. Large wood occurs across the fan, and is 

important for the retention and metering of sediment into stream systems, and to 

create pools for fish rearing habitat. Some amount of large wood is available to 

the stream wherever the stream may be located on the fan. Wood may be 

excavated by fluvial processes on the fan.

Objectives: Maintain near-natural quantities of large wood by assessing the 

site's old-growth type and managing for the natural frequency and size distribution 

for large, downed wood and standing trees on the fan. (Consult Ecological 

Definitions for Old-growth Forest Types in Southeast Alaska, Forest Service 

publication R10-TP-28.) In the stream channel, meet the natural range of aquatic 

habitat features for large wood size and distribution described in the Alaska 

Anadromous Fisheries Habitat Assessment (Forest Service publication 

R10-MB-279, Appendix C.1. on fish habitat objectives).

Implement BMP 13.9. Provide for natural fish migration. Do not divert stream 

channels.

Implement riparian vegetation improvement projects in young-growth stands, 

where appropriate, to help in attaining desired future condition.

Apply the following management direction at the project level to streams in this 

process group. Include a watershed analysis (refer to Appendix C) in NEPA 

documents that make site-specific adjustments to process group direction, 

including commercial harvest of young-growth stands. Adjustments to the 

direction may be made only if the objectives of the process group can be met.

Stream Class/Activity

I, II (direct)/Timber Harvest

No commercial timber harvest within 100 feet of Class I streams and 

Class II streams that flow directly into Class I streams. No 

commercial timber harvest is allowed within the RMA, which is the 

greater of the active portion of the alluvial fan or 140 feet (the height 

of one site-potential tree) from the current channel(s). Manage 

across the remainder of the fan (no more than 10 percent of the fan 

harvested in a 30-year period) with the objective of leaving large 

trees within the stand for future recruitment to stream channels.

II (non-direct), III/Timber Harvest

No commercial timber harvest is allowed within the RMA, which is 

the greater of the active portion of the alluvial fan or 140 feet (the 

height of one site-potential tree) from the current channel(s). 

I, II, and III/Harvest Controls

Yard in a manner to minimize baring of mineral soil and such that 

new human-caused channelization does not occur across the entire

alluvial fan. The objective is to minimize alder growth and formation 

of new channels (refer to BMP 13.9). Where trees are removed, 

utility/cull logs should be left distributed across the alluvial fan.

Appendix D D-8 Forest Plan

December 2016
Riparian Management Area Standards and Guidelines D

I, II, and III/Roads, Borrow Pits, Drainage Structures

Recognize that alluvial fans are places of inherent instability where roads, borrow 

pits, or structures will be continually threatened by migrating stream channels. 

Channel Types: MMO, MMS, MMM, MML, GOM 

Description: These channels are commonly found in transition zones between 

high gradient contained streams and flood plain channels. They are located in 

narrow valleys, footslopes, or sloping and rolling lowlands. Stream channel 

gradients range from 2 to 6 percent. Channel containment is variable as 

structural control may be intermittent or only along one bank. Overall channel 

pattern is straight. Stream flow is dependent upon mountain slope runoff and the 

sediment regime is balanced (input equals output). Channel substrate ranges 

from coarse gravel to boulder size material. Typical site potential tree is 120 feet.

This process group includes MMO (micro), MMS (narrow) and MMM (moderate 

width) and MML (large width) channel types that are a mixture of stream channel 

containment. This process group also includes GOM (moderate width glacial 

channel). These channel types are moderate gradient (2 to 6 percent) streams 

where sediment deposition processes are limited. Some segments are 

constrained by bedrock outcrop or the valley walls, while other areas develop 

narrow flood plains. Stream banks are dominated by coarse alluvium (boulders, 

cobbles) or bedrock. Riparian vegetation is important in regulating stream energy 

losses through LWD input. LWD forms such water energy dissipaters as log step 

pools and lateral scour pools. LWD can strongly influence channel form, 

sediment storage, and pool and cover habitat in streams with minor bedrock 

control. Riparian areas seldom extend beyond 100 feet from stream banks.

Desired condition: Large wood is recruited and retained in the stream channel. 

Riparian vegetation provides shade, is a source of organic inputs to the stream, 

and maintains dynamic flood plain processes. Large wood is distributed across 

the flood plain. Old-growth habitat provides high quality habitat for 

riparian-associated wildlife species.

Objectives: Maintain near-natural quantities of large wood by assessing the 

site's old-growth type and managing for the natural frequency and size distribution 

for large, downed wood and standing trees. (Consult Ecological Definitions for 

Old-growth Forest Types in Southeast Alaska, Forest Service publication 

R10-TP-28.) In the stream channel, meet the natural range of aquatic habitat 

features for large wood size and distribution, pool size and frequency and channel 

morphometry. (Consult the Alaska Anadromous Fisheries Habitat Assessment, 

Forest Service publication R10-MB-279, Appendix C.1. on fish habitat objectives.) 

Minimize soil disturbance and the formation of new channels (BMP 13.9). 

Maintain fish migration where needed and maintain natural surface drainage 

patterns for flood plain areas.

Apply the following management direction at the project level to streams in this 

process group. Include a watershed analysis (see Appendix C) in NEPA 

documents that make site-specific adjustments to process group direction

including commercial harvest of young growth stands. Adjustments to the 

direction may be made only if the objectives of the process group can be met.

Implement riparian vegetation improvement projects in young-growth stands, 

where appropriate, to help in attaining desired future condition.

Stream Class/Activity

Moderate 

Gradient/Mixed 

Control

Forest Plan D-9 Appendix D

December 2016
D Riparian Management Area Standards and Guidelines 

I, II (direct)/Timber Harvest

No commercial timber harvest within 100 feet of Class I streams and 

Class II streams that flow directly into Class I streams. No 

commercial timber harvest is allowed in the RMA (greatest of flood 

plain, riparian vegetation or soils, riparian associated wetland fens, 

or 120 feet [the height of one site-potential tree]). Manage an 

appropriate distance beyond the no-harvest zone to provide for a 

reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the RMA (pay special 

attention to the area within one site-potential tree height of the 

RMA).

II (non-direct), III/Timber Harvest

No commercial timber harvest is allowed in the RMA (greatest of 

flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, riparian associated wetland 

fens, or 120 feet [the height of one site-potential tree]). Manage an 

appropriate distance beyond the no-harvest zone to provide for a 

reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the RMA (pay special 

attention to the area within one site-potential tree height of the 

RMA).

I, II, and III/Harvest Controls

Fully suspend trees over the bankfull width of the stream when 

yarding. Minimize yarding corridors within the RMA. Yard in a 

manner to minimize baring of mineral soil (less than 5 percent) and 

such that new channelization does not occur across the entire flood 

plain. The objective is to minimize surface soil disturbance and 

formation of new channels (BMP 13.9).

I, II, and III/ Roads, Borrow Pits, Drainage Structures

Borrow pits are generally not appropriate. Special road construction 

techniques may be required to ensure fish passage. Maintain fish 

migration where needed and avoid diverting surface drainage 

channels.

Channel Types: LCS, LCM, and LCL

Description: Low gradient contained channels are associated with canyons or 

sloping lowlands. These are low gradient (less than 3 percent), singular, straight,

and entrenched channels with gravel to bedrock substrate. Sediment regime 

balances input with output. Stream flow is dependent upon mountain slope or 

lowland runoff. Habitat is often limited by a scarcity of stable large wood 

structure. Riparian vegetation communities are varied. Riparian width, including 

flood plain and sideslope breaks, is generally less than 150 feet. A site potential 

tree reaches an average height of 100 feet.

Stream flow in channels in this process group are well contained by adjacent 

landforms. Bedrock outcrops that constrain or control channel migration and 

downcutting are common. This process group includes LCS (small), LCM 

(medium width), and LCL (large width) low gradient contained channel types. 

The riparian influence zone often extends up channel side slopes on these 

entrenched streams. Channel side slope vegetation plays a major role in 

controlling the rate of downslope soil movement and LWD into stream channels. 

LWD accumulations also dissipate stream energy (slow its velocity) and store 

sediment within the stream channel. The larger valley and lowland streams often 

have narrow alluvial terraces within the river gorge. Streambed and banks are 

dominantly composed of coarse alluvium (cobble to boulder size) and occasional 

bedrock outcrops. These streams generally have a balance between sediment 

Low Gradient 

Contained

Appendix D D-10 Forest Plan

December 2016
Riparian Management Area Standards and Guidelines D

transport and deposition. Waterfalls and cascades that form at bedrock knick 

points can be barriers to upstream anadromous fish migration.

Desired condition: Natural integrity of channel sideslopes is maintained. Large 

wood is recruited and retained in the stream channel. Riparian vegetation 

provides shade and is a source of organic inputs to the stream. Old-growth 

habitat provides high-quality habitat for riparian-associated wildlife species.

Objectives: Maintain near-natural quantities of large wood by assessing the 

site's old-growth type and managing for the natural frequency and size distribution 

for large, downed wood and standing trees. (Consult Ecological Definitions for 

Old-growth Forest Types in Southeast Alaska, Forest Service publication 

R10-TP-28.) In the stream channel, meet the natural range of aquatic habitat 

features for large wood size and distribution, and pool size and frequency. 

(Consult the Alaska Anadromous Fisheries Habitat Assessment, Forest Service 

publication R10-MB-279, Appendix C.1. on fish habitat objectives.)

Allow no increase over natural rates of channel sideslope surface erosion or 

mass wasting.

Minimize changes to the natural rates of sediment transport. Ensure fish 

passage for all Class I and II streams.

Apply the following management direction at the project level to streams in this 

process group. Include a watershed analysis (see Appendix C) in NEPA 

documents that make site-specific adjustments to process group direction

including commercial harvest of young-growth stands. Adjustments to the 

direction may be made only if the objectives of the process group can be met.

Stream Class/Activity

I and II (direct)/Timber Harvest

No commercial timber harvest within 100 feet of Class I streams and 

Class II streams that flow directly into Class I streams. No 

commercial timber harvest is allowed within the RMA, defined as 

within the channel sideslope break. Manage an appropriate distance 

beyond the no-harvest zone to provide for a reasonable assurance 

of windfirmness of the RMA (pay special attention to the area within 

one site-potential tree height of the RMA).

II (non-direct)/Timber Harvest

No commercial timber harvest is allowed within the RMA, defined as 

within 100 feet of the stream or to the top of the side-slope break, 

whichever is greater. Manage an appropriate distance beyond the 

no-harvest zone to provide for a reasonable assurance of 

windfirmness of the RMA (pay special attention to the area within 

one site-potential tree height of the RMA).

III/Timber Harvest

No commercial timber harvest is allowed within the RMA, defined as 

the side-slope break. Manage an appropriate distance beyond the 

no-harvest zone to provide for a reasonable assurance of 

windfirmness of the RMA (pay special attention to the area within 

one site-potential tree height of the RMA).

I and II/Harvest Controls

Fully suspend trees over the bankfull stream when yarding. 

Minimize yarding corridors within the RMA. Yard in a manner to 

Forest Plan D-11 Appendix D

December 2016
D Riparian Management Area Standards and Guidelines 

ensure no delivery of sediment from channel sideslopes; baring of 

mineral soil is minimized (less than 5 percent); and new 

channelization does not occur across the flood plain.

I, II, and III/Roads, Borrow Pits, Drainage Structures

Do not develop borrow pits within the active flood plain (BMP 14.9). 

Where road crossings are required, minimize erosion and 

sedimentation associated with road crossing approaches within 

inner gorge. Fish migration should not be impeded by road 

crossings.

Channel Types: MCS, MCM, and MCL

Description: Moderate gradient contained channels are associated with sloping 

or rolling lowlands. Stream gradient ranges from 2 to 6 percent for these 

singular, straight, and entrenched channels. Stream flow is dependent upon 

mountain slope runoff. Sediment is transported through these channels. 

Substrate is dominated by cobble, boulder, and bedrock material. Habitat is often 

limited by stable large wood structures. Riparian vegetation communities are 

varied. Riparian width, including flood plain and sideslope breaks, reach 60 to 70 

feet. A site potential tree height is 100 feet.

This process group includes MCS (small), MCM (medium), and MCL (large) 

moderate gradient contained channel types. Stream flow in this process group is 

completely contained by adjacent landforms and channel side slopes. Stream 

bank and streambed erosion are frequently controlled by bedrock outcrops. 

Gravel bars are infrequent channel features (plain bed channels). LWD within the 

wetted channel provide localized sediment storage sites and habitat diversity. 

Riparian areas are limited to the bank influence zone and generally less than 100 

feet.

Desired condition: Natural integrity of channel sideslopes is maintained. Large 

wood is recruited and retained in the stream channel. Riparian vegetation 

provides shade and is a source of organic inputs to the stream.

Objectives: Maintain near-natural quantities of large wood by assessing the 

site's old-growth type and managing for the natural frequency and size distribution 

for large, downed wood and standing trees. (Consult Ecological Definitions for 

Old-growth Forest Types in Southeast Alaska, Forest Service publication 

R10-TP-28.) In the stream channel, meet the natural range of aquatic habitat 

features for large wood size and distribution, and pool size and frequency. 

(Consult the Alaska Anadromous Fisheries Habitat Assessment, Forest Service 

publication R10-MB-279, Appendix C.1. on fish habitat objectives).

Allow no increase over natural rates of channel sideslope surface erosion or 

mass wasting.

Minimize changes to the natural rates of sediment transport. Ensure fish 

passage for all Class I and II streams.

Apply the following management direction at the project level to streams in this 

process group. Include a watershed analysis (see Appendix C) in NEPA 

documents that make site-specific adjustments to process group direction

including commercial harvest of young-growth stands. Adjustments to the 

direction may be made only if the objectives of the process group can be met.

Stream Class/Activity

Moderate 

Gradient 

Contained

Appendix D D-12 Forest Plan

December 2016
Riparian Management Area Standards and Guidelines D

I and II (direct)/Timber Harvest

No commercial timber harvest within 100 feet of Class I streams and 

Class II streams that flow directly into Class I streams. No 

commercial timber harvest is allowed within the remainder of the 

RMA, defined as within the channel sideslope break. Manage an 

appropriate distance beyond the no-harvest zone to provide for a 

reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the RMA (pay special 

attention to the area within one site-potential tree height of the 

RMA).

II (non-direct)/Timber Harvest

No commercial timber harvest is allowed within 100 feet or within the 

channel side-slope break, whichever is greater. Manage an 

appropriate distance beyond the no-harvest zone to provide for a 

reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the RMA (pay special 

attention to the area within one site-potential tree height of the 

RMA).

III/Timber Harvest

No commercial timber harvest is allowed within the RMA, defined as 

the side-slope break. Manage an appropriate distance beyond the 

no-harvest zone to provide for a reasonable assurance of 

windfirmness of the RMA (pay special attention to the area within 

one site-potential tree height of the RMA).

I, II, and III/Harvest Controls

Fully suspend trees over the bankfull stream when yarding. 

Minimize yarding corridors within the Riparian Management Area. 

Yard in a manner to minimize delivery of sediment from channel 

sideslopes.

I, II, and III/Roads, Borrow Pits, Drainage Structures

Borrow pits are generally not appropriate. Where road crossings are 

required, minimize erosion and sedimentation associated with road 

crossing approaches within inner gorge. Maintain fish passage at 

road crossings and avoid diverting surface drainage channels.

Forest Plan D-13 Appendix D

December 2016
D Riparian Management Area Standards and Guidelines 

Channel Types: HCO, HCL, HCM, HCD, and HCV 

Description: High gradient contained channels are located on mountain slopes. 

These are singular straight incised channels with steep slopes and channel 

gradients greater than 6 percent. Stream flow is dependent upon mountain slope 

runoff and may be intermittent. Channel substrate is mostly comprised of large 

material, either bedrock or well-packed boulders and cobbles.. RMAs include 

incised channel sideslopes. Hemlock series dominate vegetation although 

spruce is also common. Some streams have intermittent flows. Steep gradients 

(greater than 6 percent) limit fish capability. Typical site-potential tree height is 

120 feet.

These steep, headwater streams are important source areas for runoff, organic 

and inorganic sediment transported to downstream riparian and fish habitats. 

Stream channels are well contained within the narrow valley bottoms or ravines. 

High stream energy enables these streams to transport large sediment loads 

during spring and fall flood events. Riparian areas generally extend to the upper 

stream side slope break. Riparian vegetation consists of narrow strips (often less 

than 50 feet wide) of alder, salmonberry, devil's club, or currant/shrub 

communities. Spruce and hemlock forests are also present on ravine side 

slopes. These channels are predominantly influenced by hillslope erosion 

processes. Soils in the adjacent upland area are shallow and subject to mass 

wasting. Although these are dominantly transport or erosive channels, significant 

amounts of forest litter and sediment can be trapped and stored temporarily 

behind woody debris jams.

Desired condition: Natural integrity of channel sideslopes is maintained. 

Sediment is "metered out" to downstream reaches by large wood structure. Over 

the long term, high gradient contained streams act as conduits to move large 

wood and gravel into downstream fish bearing streams during debris flow events.

Objectives: Activities should not accelerate sideslope surface erosion or mass 

wasting. Maintain some instream large wood structure over the long term where 

important for downslope channel processes that require wood as a component of 

natural debris torrents. 

Retain natural drainage patterns and minimize changes to the natural rates of 

sediment transport.

Design, install, and maintain stream crossings to pass flow, bedload, and wood 

debris from peak events with minimal impacts to stream channel and road 

integrity. 

Apply the following management direction at the project level to streams in this 

process group. Include a watershed analysis (see Appendix C) in NEPA 

documents that make site-specific adjustments to process group direction

including commercial harvest of young growth stands. Adjustments to the 

direction may be made only if the objectives of the process group can be met.

Stream Class/Activity

I, II (direct)/Timber Harvest

No commercial timber harvest within 100 feet of Class I streams and Class 

II streams that flow directly into Class I streams. No commercial timber 

harvest is allowed within the RMA, defined as within 100 feet of the stream 

or to the top of the V-notch (side-slope break), whichever is greater. 

Manage an appropriate distance beyond the no-harvest zone to provide for a 

High Gradient 

Contained

Appendix D D-14 Forest Plan

December 2016
Riparian Management Area Standards and Guidelines D

reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the RMA (pay special attention to 

the area within one site-potential tree height of the RMA).

II (non-direct)/Timber Harvest

No commercial timber harvest is allowed within the RMA, defined as within 

100 feet of the stream or to the top of the V-notch (side-slope break), 

whichever is greater. Manage an appropriate distance beyond the 

no-harvest zone to provide for a reasonable assurance of windfirmness of 

the RMA (pay special attention to the area within one site-potential tree 

height of the RMA).

III/Timber Harvest

No commercial timber harvest is allowed within the RMA, defined as the Vnotch (side-slope break). Manage an appropriate distance beyond the 

no-harvest zone to provide for a reasonable assurance of windfirmness of 

the RMA (pay special attention to the area within one site-potential tree 

height of the RMA).

IV/Timber Harvest

Protect Class IV streams using the following techniques, depending on the 

situation:

a) Directional felling along streams and full suspension of logs yarded 

across streams, immediate cleanout of logging debris. May include partial 

retention of standing trees along stream courses or. 

b) Split yarding when practicable, partial log suspension when yarding 

across channels and stream cleanout once logging is completed. Use 

stream protection measures most amenable to local site conditions: (refer to 

“b” and “c” stream protection measures, FSH 2409.18). 

I, II, III, and IV/Harvest Controls

Minimize yarding corridors within the RMAs. 

I, II, III, and IV/Roads, Borrow Pits, Drainage Structures

Borrow pits are generally not appropriate. Road and road crossings 

should be designed and constructed to minimize soil runoff to the 

channel, retain natural drainage patterns, and minimize changes to 

the natural rates of sediment transport.

Channel Types: PAO, PAS, PAM, PAL, PAG, PAH, and PAB

Description: Palustrine channels are associated with lowland landforms and 

wetlands. Channel gradients are less than 1 percent. Palustrine channels are 

singular and sinuous. Stream flow is dependent on peatland and lowland runoff. 

Sediment storage is the dominant process. Substrate material ranges from fine 

organic material to coarse gravel.

Riparian vegetation includes mixed conifer, shore pine, and non-forest. Sitepotential tree height is generally less than 85 feet.

Streams within this process group are associated with low relief landforms 

dominated by wetlands. Water movement and sediment transport rates are low. 

Stream banks are composed of dense organic root mats that are resistant to 

bank erosion. Streambeds consist of fine alluvial gravel and sand, and organics. 

Flood waters spread out across adjacent wetlands to buffer against downstream 

flooding. Another important function of these channels is to sustain streamflows 

during dry periods. Slow flowing palustrine streams can have elevated water 

Palustrine

Forest Plan D-15 Appendix D

December 2016
D Riparian Management Area Standards and Guidelines 

temperatures that can be detrimental to some aquatic species during summer 

months. Riparian areas are usually wider than 100 feet and can be very wide in 

peatland landscapes.

Desired condition: Highly complex stream and riparian systems provide canopy 

shading, instream organic recruitment for food and cover, and habitat diversity for 

rearing salmonids. Undercut banks are often present. Old-growth habitat 

provides high quality habitat for riparian-associated wildlife species.

Objectives: Maintain near-natural quantities of large wood (primarily for cover 

habitat) by assessing the site's vegetation type and managing for the natural 

frequency and size distribution for large, downed wood and standing trees. 

(Consult "Ecological Definitions for Old-growth Forest Types in Southeast 

Alaska," Forest Service publication R10-TP-28.) In the stream channel, meet the 

natural range of aquatic habitat features for large wood size and distribution, and 

channel morphometry. (Consult the Alaska Anadromous Fisheries Habitat 

Assessment, Forest Service publication R10-MB-279, Appendix C.1. on fish 

habitat objectives.)

Maintain streambank structure and wetland functions and values.

Apply the following management direction at the project level to streams in this 

process group. Include a watershed analysis (see Appendix C) in NEPA 

documents that make site-specific adjustments to process group direction

including commercial harvest of young growth stands. Adjustments to the 

direction may be made only if the objectives of the process group can be met.

Stream Class/Activity

I and II (direct)/Timber Harvest

No commercial timber harvest within 100 feet of Class I streams and 

Class II streams that flow directly into Class I streams. No 

commercial timber harvest is allowed in the RMA (greatest of flood 

plain, riparian vegetation or soils or riparian associated wetland 

fens). Manage an appropriate distance beyond the no-harvest zone 

to provide for a reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the RMA 

(pay special attention to the area within one site-potential tree height 

of the RMA).

II (non-direct)/Timber Harvest

No commercial timber harvest is allowed in the RMA (greatest of 

flood plain, riparian vegetation or soils, or riparian associated 

wetland fens). Manage an appropriate distance beyond the 

no-harvest zone to provide for a reasonable assurance of 

windfirmness of the RMA (pay special attention to the area within 

one site-potential tree height of the RMA).

III/Timber Harvest

Consider no harvest (or limited harvest) areas to benefit water 

quality or palustrine-associated wildlife species.

I, II, and III/Harvest Controls

Fully suspend trees over the bankfull stream when yarding. 

Minimize width and number of yarding corridors within the RMA. 

Yard in a manner to minimize delivery of sediment from channel 

sideslopes. Follow Forest-wide Wetland Standards and Guidelines.

Appendix D D-16 Forest Plan

December 2016
Riparian Management Area Standards and Guidelines D

I, II, and III/Roads, Borrow Pits, Drainage Structures 

Wetland functions and fish passage receive special attention in 

locating roads.

Description: Lakes and ponds can be located throughout a watershed from near

sea level to the alpine. Very high elevation lakes (over 1,000 feet) are often 

frozen much of the year. Low elevation lakes are often high quality fish rearing 

habitat, and provide for many species of wildlife (especially beaver, loons, eagles, 

swans, and other water birds). Lakes and ponds function to mitigate downstream 

flooding during large precipitation events, and are important for 

surface-groundwater exchange and moderating water temperatures. Low 

elevation, fish-abundant lakes, are commonly used for customary and traditional 

subsistence harvests, sport fishing, and recreational camping. Small ponds, 

particularly beaver ponds, can be highly productive for fish on a per unit area 

basis.

Riparian and near-lake vegetation can often be mixed and a mosaic. It can 

include old-growth forests, hardwoods (e.g., alder or cottonwood), shore pine, 

and non-forest.

Desired condition: Low elevation lakes and ponds provide high quality fish 

rearing, wildlife habitat, and recreation. In forested areas, adjacent riparian areas 

provide the lake or pond canopy shading, organic recruitment for food and cover,

and habitat diversity for fish. Old-growth habitat surrounding the lakes and ponds 

provides high quality habitat for lake and riparian-associated wildlife species. 

Lakes offer scenic diversity and attract recreationists for both consumptive and 

non-consumptive pursuits.

Objectives: In forested areas, maintain near-natural quantities of large wood for 

near-shore lake habitat and lake and riparian-associated wildlife.

Maintain lake shore character, including vegetation, bank conditions, and 

near-shore substrate (except occasionally for localized areas developed for 

recreation or other conforming uses); maintain hydrologic and wetland function 

and values.

(Note: Because lakes and ponds are so variable in their physical and biological 

characteristics, additional objectives should be set on a project basis.)

Apply the following management direction at the project level to lakes in this 

process group. Include a watershed analysis (see Appendix C) in NEPA 

documents that make site-specific adjustments to process group direction

including commercial harvest of young-growth stands. Adjustments to the 

direction may be made only if the objectives of the process group can be met.

Lake Class/Activity

I (lakes with anadromous fish or with high value resident fisheries) and II 

(lakes with lower value resident fisheries)/Timber Harvest

No commercial timber harvest is allowed within 100 horizontal feet 

of the lake margin or within the RMA (greatest of the riparian 

vegetation or soils, riparian associated wetland fens, or the height of 

one-site potential tree [to be determined at the project level]). 

Consider an additional no harvest (or limited harvest) area beyond 

the no commercial timber harvest area to benefit lake-associated 

scenic quality, wildlife species (e.g., spotted frogs, Vancouver 

Canada geese, tree nesting ducks), and recreation, subsistence, 

and visitor uses. Typically, larger lakes in non-development LUDs 

Lakes and 

Ponds

Forest Plan D-17 Appendix D

December 2016
D Riparian Management Area Standards and Guidelines 

should have wider buffers than smaller lakes in the development

LUDs. Manage an appropriate distance beyond any no-harvest 

zone to provide for a reasonable assurance of windfirmness of the 

desired standing timber (pay special attention to the area within one 

site-potential tree height of the no-harvest zone).

III/Timber Harvest 

Consider no harvest (or limited harvest) areas to benefit 

lake-associated scenic quality, wildlife species and recreation, 

subsistence, and tourism uses. 

I and II Harvest Controls

Yard in a manner to minimize baring of mineral soil (less than 1 

percent) and such that new channelization does not occur in areas 

that would drain into a lake, pond, or wetland.

I, II, and III/Roads, Borrow Pits, Drainage Structures, Facilities 

Special attention shall be given to wetland/riparian functions and 

values. Normally, locate roads and borrow pits outside the no 

commercial timber harvest area. Roads, trails, and other facilities 

that are dependent on, or make specific use of, the lake or pond 

may be located to the lake edge. 

Channel Types: ESO, ESS, ESM, ESL, and GES

Description: This process group includes ESO (micro) ESS (small), ESM 

(medium), ESL (large), and GES (glacial outwash) estuarine channel types. 

These channel types occur at the mouths of watersheds with estuarine landforms 

(located along inlets and deltas at the head of bays). Water level fluctuations, 

channel morphology, sediment transport, and water chemistry are influenced to 

some degree by saltwater inundation in these channel types. Riparian areas 

consist of saltwater marches, meadows, mudflats, and gravel deltas that are 

depositional environments. Estuarine channels are usually single to multiple 

thread channels, shallowly entrenched, and poorly constrained. Stream substrate 

is fine textured alluvium that is easily eroded by currents and wave action. Much 

of the sediment produced from any given watershed is ultimately deposited in or 

along the estuarine channel types; consequently, these channels are highly 

sensitive to upstream disturbances. Sedge and grass communities dominate the 

riparian vegetation. The amount of stream migration and channel braiding vary, 

depending on bank and bed materials and upstream erosion and sediment 

transport regimes. Riparian areas are normally more than 100 feet wide and are 

often several hundreds of feet wide on large river deltas.

Desired condition: Natural processes dominated by diurnal and seasonal tidal 

flooding and fluvial sediment deposition sustain estuary wetland functions and 

habitat. Streambank condition and function and substrate composition exist 

within natural ranges. Upstream and riparian input of allochthonous organic 

material and large woody debris are maintained at natural rates. Channel 

condition (width to depth ratio, pool frequency, and depth) and large woody debris 

(density, recruitment rate, and size distributions) meet process group habitat 

objectives.

Objectives: Maintain near-natural rates of sediment deposition and quantities of 

large wood by assessing the condition of the watershed for the natural rates of 

erosion and the size distribution for large, downed wood and standing trees in the 

riparian management area. 

Estuarine

Appendix D D-18 Forest Plan

December 2016
Riparian Management Area Standards and Guidelines D

Minimize increases in deposition of fine sediments by applying BMP 13.16 

(channel protection) and BMP 14.17 (bridge design and implementation). 

Minimize impacts to stream channels (BMP 14.14).

Maintain intertidal wetland functions associated with these channels including 

sediment retention, shoreline stabilization, nutrient cycling, and wildlife and fish 

habitats. The natural rates of sediment deposition and volume and frequency of 

freshwater and tidal flooding are key processes that maintain these estuarine 

functions.

Maintain the integrity and structure of sensitive streambanks. Keep stream 

substrate particle size distributions within the natural range for channel types in 

similar geophysical areas.

Estuarine associated riparian management areas have high values for many 

wildlife species and are important for rearing marine fishes. 

Maintain streambank structure and wetland functions and values.

Apply the following management direction at the project level to streams in this 

process group. Complete a watershed analysis (see Appendix C) before making 

project site-specific adjustments to process group direction including commercial 

harvest of young growth stands. Deviate from this direction only if the objectives 

of the process group can be met.

Stream Class/Activity

Timber Harvest

No commercial timber harvest may occur within 1,000 feet slope distance around 

the estuary, defined as the landward extent of salt tolerant vegetation. Where 

estuarine channels occur other than in association with a defined estuary, no 

commercial timber harvest is allowed in the riparian management area.

Manage beyond the no harvest zone to provide for a reasonable assurance of 

a windfirm boundary along the riparian management area, with special 

attention given to the area within one site-potential tree height of the riparian 

management area.

Harvest Controls

Consider no-harvest (or limited harvest) areas to benefit water quality or 

estuarine associated wildlife species.

Roads, Borrow Pits, and Drainage Structures

Give special attention to wetland functions and fish passage when locating 

roads. Road design and construction should minimize erosion and 

sedimentation and ensure that lateral channel migration patterns are 

maintained. Borrow pits are not appropriate for this channel process group. 

 

Forest Plan D-19 Appendix D

December 2016
D Riparian Buffer Standards and Guidelines Criteria

Table D-3 

Stream Process Group Characteristics, Alaska Region (Paustian et al. 1992, as amended in 2010) 

Glacial 

Outwash Palustrine Estuarine

Flood Plain 

and Alluvial 

Fan

Low Gradient 

Contained

Moderate 

Gradient 

Mixed Control

Moderate 

Gradient 

Contained

High Gradient 

Contained

Landform Glacial River 

Flood Plain

Lowland/ 

Wetlands

Estuary/Delta Flood Plain/ 

Alluvial FanCone

Canyon or 

Entrenched in 

Lowlands

Footslope/ 

Narrow Valleys

Entrenched in 

Hills or 

Lowlands

Mountain Slope

Flood Plain 

Width

>2 times 

Channel Width

>2 times 

Channel Width

>2 times 

Channel Width

>2 times 

Channel Width

<1.5 times 

Channel Width

1 to 2 times 

Channel Width

<1 times 

Channel Width

<1 times 

Channel Width

Stream 

Gradient

Variable <1% 0.5 to 1% 0.5 to 2% (fans 

can be steeper)

1 to 2% 2 to 6% 2 to 6% >6%

Channel Form Meandering/ 

Braided

Meandering 

(high sinuosity) 

Meandering/ 

Anabranch

Meandering/ 

Multi-branch

Straight, Single 

Thread

Straight Straight, Single 

Thread

Straight, Single 

Thread

Water Source Glacial 

Meltwater

Peatland 

Runoff/ 

Groundwater

Mountain slope source area runoff dominates in these stream segments. Groundwater discharge is 

also significant in flood plain and alluvial fan segments.

Sediment 

Regime

Deposition/ 

Aggrading

Deposition Deposition/ 

Aggrading

Deposition/ 

Aggrading

Balanced Balanced Erosive Erosive

Stream Class Class I, II and 

III

Class I and II Class I Class I, II and 

IV

Class I and II Class I and II Class I and II Class I, II, III, 

and IV

Appendix D Forest Plan

December 2016

D-20
APPENDIX E

COMMUNICATIONS SITES
Communications Sites

Appendix E

Communications Sites

Appendix E lists approved communications sites on the Tongass National Forest (Table E-1). 

A communications site is an area of National Forest System land designated for telecommunication uses 

in a Land Management Plan or separate NEPA decision document, a communications site may be limited 

to a single communications facility, but most often includes more than one facility and is identified by 

name, usually featuring a local prominent landmark, such as “Mt. Furuhelm Communications Site.”

Sites approved for telecommunication facilities are characterized by antennas, electronic transmitters, 

equipment shelters, and a wide variety of electronic communication support equipment such as those 

listed in Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2709.11, Chapter 90. 

Proposals for new communications uses on the Tongass National Forest will be encouraged to co-locate 

on an approved communications site, unless the proponent demonstrates that communication sites 

approved in the Forest Plan are not technically feasible due to geographic location, or are incompatible 

with the requested use. 

The analysis for new site designation and new proposals for communication sites will adhere to the 

direction for processing new special use proposals found in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, part 

251, Subpart B, the direction in FSH 2709.11, Chapter 10, and the Forest Service Communication Sites 

Management Handbook (FSH 2709.11, Chapter 90).

Forest Plan Appendix E

December 2016

E-1
Communications Sites

Table E-1

Approved Communications Sites on the Tongass National Forest

District Site Name Site Location

Site 

Size

(acres)

Elevation 

(feet)

Admiralty National 

Monument (NM) Angoon Admin. Site SW4, Sec. 31, T50S, R68E, CRM57° 30 ́ 02" N, 134° 34 ́ 44" W 1 100

Admiralty NM Greens Creek #1 SE4, Sec. 11, T44S, R65E, CRM

58° 03 ́ 28" N, 134° 44 ́ 15" W

17 1,550

Admiralty NM Greens Creek #2 SW4, Sec. 4, T44S, R66E, CRM

59° 05 ́ 05" N, 134° 37 ́ 54" W

100 

sq.ft. 1,550

Admiralty NM Washburn Peak NE4SW4, Sec. 14, T46S, R70E, CRM

57° 49 ́ 51" N, 133° 56 ́ 52" W 1 1,400

Admiralty NM Wheeler Creek NW4, Sec. 28, T44S, R65E, CRM

58° 01 ́ 58" N, 134° 41 ́ 49" W 1 100

Admiralty NM Windfall Harbor SW4NW4, Sec. 34, T47S, R69E, CRM

57° 45 ́ 15" N, 134° 13 ́ 30" W 1 2,920

Craig Hill 1400 Sec. 31, T75S, R82E, CRM

55° 19 ́ 25" N, 133° 00 ́ 21" W 1.25 1,399

Craig Sukkwan Island NE4NW4 Sec. 21, T78S, R82E, CRM

55° 06 ́ 36" N, 132° 46 ́ 22" W 2 2,160

Hoonah Adolphus NE4NE4, Sec. 6, T49S, R59E, CRM

58° 15 ́ 06" N, 135° 48 ́ 42" W 0.43 1,670

Hoonah Neka Mtn. SW4NW4NW4, Sec. 33, T43S, R59E, CRM

58° 06 ́ 11" N, 135° 47 ́ 15" W 1 3,139

Hoonah Pelican SE4SE4, Sec. 26, T44S, R55E, CRM

58° 01 ́ 08" N, 136° 22 ́ 04" W 1 2,095

Hoonah Point Althorp E2, Sec. 33, T44S, R55E, CRM

58° 05 ́ 36" N, 136° 24 ́ 46" W 2 2,393

Hoonah Sisters Island E2NW4, Sec. 3, T43S, R62E, CRM

58° 10 ́ 20" N, 135° 15 ́ 24" W 42 30

Juneau Auke Mtn. #1 NW4NE4, Sec. 20, T40S, R65E, CRM

58° 23 ́ 26" N, 134° 42 ́ 37 W 0.7 1,870

Juneau Beezer Mtn. SE4, Sec. 13, T49S, R74E, CRM

57° 37 ́ 06" N, 133° 27 ́ 25" W 1 4,100

Juneau Bessie Mtn. SW4, Sec. 16, T38S, R64E, CRM

58° 34 ́ 43" N, 134° 51 ́ 16" W 0.9 2,850

Juneau Endicott Ridge NW4SW4, Sec. 9, T36S, R61E, CRM

58° 45 ́ 34" N, 135° 15 ́ 36" W 0.5 1,849

Juneau Heintzleman Ridge SW4, Sec. 29, T40S, R66E, CRM

58° 22 ́ 12" N, 134° 32 ́ 54" W 1 1,400

Juneau Mt. Robert Barron SE4, Sec. 18, T42S, R65E, CRM

58° 13 ́ 38" N, 134° 50 ́ 21" W 1 3,475

Juneau Point Bishop NW4, Sec. 28, T42S, R69E, CRM

58° 12 ́ 12" N, 134° 08 ́ 36" W 0.1 20

Juneau Point Howard E2, Sec. 3, T41S, R63E, CRM

58° 20 ́ 23" N, 135° 04 ́ 38" W 1.3 1,748

Juneau Salisbury Ridge SE4SE4, Sec. 5, T42S, R69E, CRM 0.25 3,000

Juneau Speel Point NW4, Sec. 19, T43S, R72E, CRM 0.1 1,400

Juneau Sullivan River NE4, Sec. 23, T34S, R60E, CRM

58° 54 ́ 31” N, 135° 21 ́ 18” W 0.9 182

Juneau William Henry Peak SE4SW4, Sec. 17, T36S, R61E, CRM

58° 44 ́ 50” N, 135° 17 ́ 00”W 1 3,458

Appendix E Forest Plan

December 2016

E-2
Communications Sites

Table E-1 (continued)

Approved Communications Sites on the Tongass National Forest

District Site Name Site Location

Site Size

(acres)

Elevation 

(feet)

Juneau Williams Mtn. SW4, Sec. 7, T43S, R70E, CRM

58° 09 ́ 09” N, 134° 01 ́ 55” W 1 3,336

Ketchikan – Misty 

Fiords NM Bell Island SE4, Sec. 11, T68S, R89E, CRM55° 54 ́ 30” N, 131° 42 ́ 05” W 0.5 2,000

Ketchikan – Misty 

Fiords NM Betton Head SE4, Sec. 25, T73S, R89E, CRM55° 30 ́ 32” N, 131° 49 ́ 21” W 0.46 1,138

Ketchikan – Misty 

Fiords NM Black Mountain #1 NW4, Sec. 14, T75S, R92E, CRM55° 17 ́ 30” N, 131° 22 ́ 00” W 0.25 2,052

Ketchikan – Misty 

Fiords NM 

High Mtn. (Gravina 

Island)

SW4, Sec. 18, T75S, R90E, CRM

55° 21 ́ 45” N, 131° 45 ́ 15” W 0.01 2,506

Ketchikan – Misty 

Fiords NM

High Mtn. 

(Revillagigedo Island)

NE4, Sec. 19, T80S, R97E, CRM

54° 55 ́ 05” N, 130° 50 ́ 26” W 0.459 1,976

Ketchikan – Misty 

Fiords NM Mt. Dolly NE4, Sec. 18, T68S, R100E, CRM55° 58 ́ 16” N, 130° 00 ́ 30” W 0.5 5,475

Ketchikan – Misty 

Fiords NM

Mt. Lazaro (Duke 

Island)

S2, Sec. 35, T80S, R93E, CRM

54° 52 ́ 40” N, 131° 22 ́ 35” W .01 1,720

Ketchikan – Misty 

Fiords NM Quartz Hill SE4, Sec. 35, T74S, R98E, CRM55° 18 ́ 10” N, 130° 32 ́ 10” W 0.1 3,800

Ketchikan – Misty 

Fiords NM Saw Ridge NE4, Sec. 25, T76S, R93E, CRM55° 15 ́ 25” N, 131° 12 ́ 22” W 1 2,250

Ketchikan – Misty 

Fiords NM Shoal Cove Secs. 22 and 23, T74S, R93E, CRM55° 26 ́ 26” N, 131° 15 ́ 25” W 241 300

Petersburg Cape Fanshaw NE4, Sec. 10, T54S, R75E, CRM

57° 12 ́ 17” N, 133° 27 ́ 55” W 2 2,100

Petersburg Crystal Mountain SW4NW4, Sec. 13, T61S, R80E, CRM

56° 35 ́ 05” N, 132° 51 ́ 55” W 0.25 3,317

Petersburg Duncan Canal SW4NW4, Sec. 17, T59S, R78E, CRM

56° 45 ́ 12” N, 133° 09 ́ 50” W 2 2,606

Petersburg Farragut Peak NE4, Sec. 8, T55S, R78E, CRM

57° 07 ́ 22” N, 133° 02 ́ 35” W 1 3,810

Petersburg Kah Sheets NW4SW4, Sec. 20, T61S, R78E, CRM; 

56° 33’ 57” N, 133° 16’ 50” W 0.5 1,880

Petersburg Kuiu Mtn. #1 NW4, Sec. 4, T61S, R73E, CRM

56° 36 ́ 39” N, 134° 02 ́ 16” W 2 3,500

Petersburg Kuiu Mtn. #2 NW4, Sec. 9, T61S, R73E, CRM

56° 35 ́ 55” N, 134° 02 ́ 01” W 1 3,355

Petersburg Kuiu Mtn. #3 SE4, Sec. 10, T61S, R73E, CRM

56° 35 ́ 16” N, 133° 59 ́ 46” W 1 3,065

Petersburg Level Island Sec. 27 and 28, T62S, R79E, CRM

56° 28 ́ N, 133° 05 ́ W 395 50

Petersburg Lindenberg Peak SW4NE4, Sec. 23, T59S, R78E, CRM

56° 44 ́ 38" N, 133° 04 ́ 30" W 1 3,249

Petersburg Mt. McArthur SE4SE4, Sec. 12, T67S, R72E, CRM; 56° 

04’ 06” N, 134° 11’ 43” W 1 1,650

Petersburg Petersburg Mtn. SW4SW4, Sec. 21, T58S, R79E, CRM

56° 49 ́ 33" N, 132° 59 ́ 10" W 1 1,600

Sitka Biorka Island NE4, Sec. 7, T58S, R63E, CRM

56° 51 ́ 32" N, 135° 33 ́ 40" W 151 230

Sitka Duffield Peninsula NE4, Sec. 21, T50S, R62E, CRM

57° 31 ́ 21.6" N, 135° 27 ́ 42" W 0.5 2,115

Sitka Finger Mtn. Sec. 26, T48S, R61E, CRM

57° 40 ́ 21" N, 135° 28 ́ 45" W 0.9 2,925

Sitka Manley Mtn. Sec. 7, T55S, R66E, CRM

57° 06 ́ 54" N, 134° 48 ́ 38" W 5 2,214

Forest Plan Appendix E

December 2016

E-3
Communications Sites

Table E-1 (continued)

Approved Communications Sites on the Tongass National Forest

District Site Name Site Location

Site Size

( acres)

Elevation 

(feet)

Sitka Moore Mtn. NW4NE4, Sec. 31, T49S, R64E, CRM

57° 35 ́ 04" N, 135° 11 ́ 58" W 1 3,075

Sitka Mt. Furuhelm Area SW4SW4, Sec. 18, T56S, R66E, CRM

57° 00 ́ 52" N, 134° 59 ́ 17" W 1 5,328

Sitka Mud Bay SE4SW4, Sec. 25, T54S, R61E, CRM

57° 09 ́ 09" N, 135° 38 ́ 45" W 1 1,055

Sitka Rodman Bay SW4, Sec. 4, T52S, R63E, CRM

57° 22 ́ 55" N, 135° 18 ́ 45" W 2 3,100

Sitka South Passage Sec. 36, T47S, R64E, CRM

57° 44 ́ 48" N, 134° 58 ́ 04" W 5 2,031

Sitka Steelhead NW4SE4, Sec. 13, T47S, R59E, CRM

57° 47 ́ 27" N, 135° 56 ́ 26" W 1 2,339

Sitka Upper Kruzof SE4NW4, Sec. 18, T53S, R61E, CRM

57° 16 ́ 30" N, 135° 46 ́ 36" W 1 2,350

Thorne Bay Cape Pole NE4SE4NW4, Sec. 22, T68S, R75E, CRM

55° 57 ́ 57" N, 133° 47 ́ 33" W 0.04 10

Thorne Bay Coffman SE4, Sec. 35, T67S, R81E, CRM

56° 48 ́ 02" N, 132° 48 ́ 16" W 0.156 30

Thorne Bay Manty Mtn. SE4, Sec. 26, T69S, R82E, CRM

55° 51 ́ 10" N, 132° 47 ́ 30" W 1 3,156

Thorne Bay Ratz Mtn. #1 SE4, Sec. 9, T70S, R83E, CRM

55° 37 ́ 07" N, 132° 22 ́ 39" W 0.1 2,862

Thorne Bay Tolstoi II Sec. 16, T72S, R85E, CRM

55° 37 ́ 07" N, 132° 22 ́ 39" W 1 2,210

Wrangell Elbow Mtn. NW4, Sec. 3, T60S, R86E, CRM

56° 42 ́ 12" N, 133° 52 ́ 45" W 1 3,900

Wrangell Etolin (Keating) W2SW4, Sec. 17, T66S, R83E, CRM

56° 08 ́ 50" N, 132° 37 ́ 20" W 1 3,051

Wrangell Etolin - Burnett NE4, NW4, Sec. 22, T66S, R84E, CRM

56° 08 ́ 10.6" N, 132° 24 ́ 17.7" W 1 3,500

Wrangell Fools Peak SW4, Sec. 21, T65S, R87E, CRM

56° 13 ́ 02" N, 131° 58 ́ 27" W 1 3,133

Wrangell Horn Cliff SW4NW4, Sec. 14, T58S, R80E, CRM

56° 50 ́ 50" N, 132° 46 ́ 36" W 1 2,880

Wrangell Kashevarof 

(Shrubby Island)

NW4, Sec. 13, T65S, R80E, CRM

56° 14 ́ 12" N, 132° 58 ́ 46" W 1 500

Wrangell Zarembo SE4SW4, Sec. 1, T64S, R80E, CRM

56° 20 ́ 42" N, 132° 51 ́ 35" W 2 2,444

Wrangell Tyee Bench SW4SW4, Sec. 23, T65S, R90E, CRM

56° 12 ́ 48.995" N, 131° 27 ́ 18.313" W 1 2,520

Wrangell Tyee Peak NE4, Sec. 26, T65S, R90E, CRM

56° 12 ́ 25" N, 131° 26 ́ 15" W 1 4,716

Yakutat Akwe River SW4SW4, Sec. 9, T30S, R39E, CRM

59° 20 ́ 15" N, 138° 53 ́ 17" W 5 2,693

Yakutat Russell Fiord #1 NW4NE4, Sec. 3, T24S, R34E, CRM

59° 51 ́ 33" N, 139° 36 ́ 20" W 1 3,950

Yakutat Russell Fiord #2

(Mountain Lake)

Sec. 7, T26S, R36E, CRM

59° 40 ́ 51" N, 139° 23 ́ 06" W 1 2,742

CRM = Copper River Meridian

Appendix E Forest Plan

December 2016

E-4
APPENDIX F

VISUAL PRIORITY ROUTES AND

USE AREAS
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Appendix F

Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

This appendix lists routes and use areas from which scenery will be emphasized. 

Viewsheds are identified and viewpoints are established to assess the existing 

scenic integrity of any given project area and to develop project designs that will 

be consistent with the Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO) for each Land Use 

Designation (LUD). (See the Scenery Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines in 

Chapter 4 and Plan Components in Chapter 5 for a listing of the Scenic Integrity 

Objectives for foreground, middleground, and background views by LUD.)

Visual priority routes and use areas are arranged by each of the Ranger Districts. 

Wilderness areas are not listed because they have a SIO of High that applies 

throughout the area within the boundaries. Routes are separated into several 

categories, including the Alaska Marine Highway, tour ship routes, roads, small 

boat and mid-size tour boat routes, and hiking trails. Use areas are categorized 

into state marine parks, recommended Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers, 

saltwater use areas, dispersed recreation areas, communities, Forest Service 

cabins, developed recreation sites, and boat anchorages. 

The SIO and the following list provide some of the tools needed to institute the 

design art of landscape architecture in projects. The SIO and this list also help 

convey to the interested public how the Scenic Management System (SMS) will 

be considered in project design for any given area on the Forest.

As part of the process of applying the SMS to the Forest, a viewshed analysis of 

the entire Tongass National Forest was completed using GIS. The analysis was 

completed separately for each Ranger District. Step one involved identifying the 

Visual Priority Routes (VPRs) and use areas. These are the major points from 

which people view the forest. They include the Alaska Marine Highway; cruise 

ship and small boat routes; major roads, trails, and anchorages; and important 

recreation areas on the land. The viewshed analysis identified points at regular 

intervals along the VPRs and use areas. Each viewpoint along a route was 

assigned a viewing height from which a person would observe the forest. For 

example, the average height of a person was selected for the viewing height 

along a hiking trail, and the height of the cruise ship's deck was used for the 

cruise ship route. Each cell in the digital elevation model was evaluated for 

visibility from each of the points along each VPR and use area. Visibility was 

assessed separately for each marine viewpoint and land viewpoint.

The second phase of the analysis identified distance zones, breaking the visible 

areas into foreground, middleground, and background from each viewpoint, 

based on distance. Foreground is the visible area within 0.5 mile of a VPR; 

background is the visible area greater than 5 miles and less than 15 miles from a 

VPR; and middleground is the visible area between foreground and background

of a VPR. Areas more than 15 miles from any viewpoint and those not seen from 

any of the VPRs or Use Areas were considered seldom seen. Distance zones 

were also assessed separately for land and water viewpoints. The final layers 

for each Ranger District were generated by combining the results from the 

marine analysis and the land analysis. Any point that was visible from either a 

land or marine viewpoint was considered visible in the final layer. Any area that 

was foreground from either a land or marine viewpoint was considered 

foreground, and any land that was background from either a land or marine 

Introduction

Forest Plan Appendix F

December 2016

F-1
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

viewpoint became background. All other visible land became middleground. 

The distance zones were subsequently overlaid with the LUDs to generate the 

SIOs (refer to the Forest-wide standards and guidelines in the Tongass Land and 

Resource Management Plan for details on how SIOs were determined for each 

LUD).

The following description illustrates how these visual priority areas and routes 

are used in project planning to identify the scenery management objectives for a 

specific area.

As an example, for a proposed old-growth timber sale that is to be located within 

a Modified Landscape LUD, the scenery component of the prescription for this 

LUD directs that foreground areas will be managed for a Moderate Scenic 

Integrity Objective and that middleground and background areas will be 

managed for a Low Scenic Integrity Objective. (See chart in the Scenery Forestwide Standards and Guidelines and direction under “Scenery Operations” of 

Modified Landscape LUD in Chapter 3.)

Within the area defined for this timber sale, review all the Visual Priority Routes 

and Use Areas identified in the Forest GIS database that are within the project 

area or from which one may look into the project area and make adjustments in 

the Forest GIS layer if needed. Using the Forest Service GIS database, verify all 

the foreground, middleground, and background seen areas (viewsheds) from 

these Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas. Proposed harvest units and other 

timber sale associated activities located in the foreground areas are then 

designed to meet the Scenic Integrity Objective of Moderate as seen from these 

Visual Priority Routes or Use Areas. Proposed activities in the middleground and 

background zones are designed to meet Low Scenic Integrity Objective as seen 

from these Visual Priority Routes or Use Areas.

Appendix F Forest Plan

December 2016

F-2
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Petersburg Ranger District

Travel Routes

Alaska Marine Highway

Wrangell Narrows Frederick Sound from Petersburg to Chatham 

Strait and Kake

Tour Ship Routes

Frederick Sound from LeConte Bay to Chatham 

Strait

Chatham Strait from Cape Decision to Frederick 

Sound

Sumner Strait between Wrangell and Cape Decision Decision Passage

Wrangell Narrows

Public Use Roads

Mitkof Island

Mitkof State Highway: Petersburg to Blaquiere Point Road 6235 Three Lakes Loop

Kake to Seal Point Road

State Marine Parks

Security Bay Beecher Pass

Recommended Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers

Blind River Petersburg Creek Farragut River

Fall Dog Creek Kah Sheets Creek and Lake Kadake Creek

Kutlaku Creek and Lake

Small Boat and Mid-Size Tour Boat Routes

Beecher Pass Keku Strait Towers Arm

Whiskey Pass Duncan Canal to Salt Chuck W. Coast of Kuiu Island

Dry Strait Petersburg Creek Estuary Rowan Bay

Rocky Pass from Beacon Island south to Meadow Island

Saltwater Use Areas

Thomas Bay Seclusion Harbor Saginaw Bay

Scenery Cove Little Duncan Bay Bay of Pillars

Kadake Bay Farragut Bay (North and South 

Arms)

Ideal Cove

Kah Sheets Bay Duncan Canal to Indian Point Portage Bay

Hamilton Creek Estuary Totem Bay east to Mitchell Point Agate Beach

Blind Slough, Mitkof Island Mouth of Narrows Beacon Pt.

Frederick Pt. Mouth of Blind Slough Big Creek

Banana Pt. Fanshaw Bay Woodpecker Cove

Jap Creek Rowan Bay

Dispersed Recreation Areas

Petersburg Creek Kah Sheets Lake Crystal Lake and Mountain

Kadake Creek Swan Lake Kutlaku Lake

Farragut River to Section 21 Petersburg Lake Alecks Lake

Agate Beach, west of Totem Bay Goose Lake (Kupreanof Island) Hamilton Creek

Dry Bay Thomas Bay Castle Islands

Ernie Haugen Public Use Area 

(State)

Forest Plan Appendix F

December 2016

F-3
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Petersburg Ranger District (continued)

Communities

Petersburg Kake Kupreanof

Forest Service Cabins

Beecher Pass Kadake Bay Towers Arm 

Big John Bay Kah Sheets Bay Devil's Elbow

Breiland Slough Petersburg Lake Swan Lake

Cascade Creek Kah Sheets Lake Spurt Cove

Castle Flats West Point Salt Chuck East

Castle River Portage Bay Ravens Roost

DeBoer Lake Harvey Lake

Developed Recreation Sites

Mitkof Island Sites

Blind Slough Complex: Three Lakes Picnic Area, Shelter, and Loop Trail

Blind Slough Swan Observatory Twin Creek Shelter

Ohmer Creek Campground Frenchy Ridge Shelter

Blind Slough Picnic Area LeConte Overlook Picnic Site

Man Made Hole Picnic Area and Trail

Other Sites

Bay of Pillars Shelter Falls Lake Shelter

Hiking Trails

Mitkof Island

Ideal Cove Trail (#508) Three Lakes Loop Trails (#600-602)

Blind River Rapids Trail (#454) Raven Trail (#607)

Upper Twin Ski Trail (#605) Ohmer Creek Trail (#603)

Twin Ridge Ski Trail (#606)

Kupreanof Island 

Kah Sheets Lake Trail (#503) Colp Lake Trail (#461) 

Goose Lake Trail (#462) Hamilton Creek Trail (#463)

Petersburg Lake Trail (#534) Cathedral Falls Trail (#467)

Petersburg Mountain Trail (#585 and 586) Big John Bay Trail (#465)

Castle River Trail (#459) Portage Mtn. Loop Trail (#535)

Other Locations on the District

Harvey Lake Trail (#488) Spurt Lake Trail (#457) 

Bay of Pillars Portage Trail (#617) Cascade Creek Trail (#458) 

Affleck Canal Portage Trail (#618) Threemile Arm Portage Trail (#619)

Boat Anchorages

Portage Bay (2) Bay of Pillars Cape Fanshaw: Whitney Island area

Thomas Bay (2) Bear Harbor Washington Bay

Threemile Arm Kell Bay Security Bay

Seclusion Harbor Marble Islet Saginaw Bay

No Name Bay Table Bay Francis Anchorage

Alvin Bay Port Malmsbury Farragut Bay

Reid Bay Orel Anchorage (Tebenkof) Totem Bay

Port Beauclerc (3) Shelter Cove (Tebenkof) Castle Islands

Louise Cove Ideal Cove

Appendix F Forest Plan

December 2016

F-4
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Wrangell Ranger District

Travel Routes

Alaska Marine Highway and Tour Ship Routes

Clarence Strait

Stikine Strait

Chichagof Pass

Snow Passage

Snow Pass to Macnamara Pt. to St. John's Harbor 

(NW Zarembo)

Kashevarof Passage

Sumner Strait between Wrangell and Cape Decision

Small Boat and Mid-Size Tour Boat Routes

Frederick Sound from LeConte 

Bay to Chatham Strait

Blake Channel

Zimovia Strait

Eastern Passage

Ernest Sound

Bradfield Canal Seward Passage

Dry Strait Menefee Inlet

Canoe Passage Fools Inlet

Mosman Inlet Anita Bay

Burnett Inlet Stikine River

Public Use Roads

Wrangell Island Road System

McCormick Creek to Earl West Cove (#6265) Fools Inlet (#6270)

Big Hallow (#50060) Thoms Creek Crossing (#6299)

Zimovia Highway: Wrangell to McCormick Creek 

Bridge (FH#16)

Long Lake Access (#6271)

Nemo-Skip Loop Road (#6267) Salamander Rd. to Salamander Creek (#50050)

State Marine Parks

Thoms Place

Recommended Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers

Aaron, Oerns, Berg Creeks Anan Creek

Harding River LeConte Glacier

Santa Anna Creek and Lake Virginia Creek and Lake

Saltwater Use Areas

Anan Bay Burnett Inlet Anita Bay to King George

Kashevaroff Island Group South Brownson Island Fools Inlet

Steamer Bay Sunny Bay Menefee Inlet

Santa Anna/Lake Helen Stone Island Area Whaletail Cove

St John’s t Middle Craig Pt. Frosty Bay Earl West Cove

Mud Bay Olive Cove Macnamara Pt. to St. John’s

Sunrise Cove to Elephant Nose Nesbitt Reef to Macnamara Pt. Big Bend

Sandy Beach - Woronkofski Point Highfield Canoe Passage

LeConte Bay The Bluffs Mosman Inlet

Nemo Pt. to Pat’s Creek Babler Point McHenry Inlet and Anchorage

Clarence Strait, Harrington Pt. to 

Lincoln Rock

Dispersed Recreation Areas

Marten Creek Roosevelt Harbor Portal Shakes Lake

Virginia Lake Olive Cove/Snake Creek Eagle Lake

Kunk Lake Paradise Cove St. John’s Harbor Portal

Starfish Cove Stikine Flats King George

Honeymoon Creek Berg Bay / Aaron’s Creek Frosty Portal

Middle Ridge Earl West Marsh Twin Lakes (Stikine River)

The Desert (Stikine River) Long Lake Tom’s Creek

Fools Inlet Harding River Little Thoms Lake

Forest Plan Appendix F

December 2016

F-5
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Wrangell Ranger District (continued)

Dispersed Recreation Areas (continued)

Thoms Lake Thoms Creek Highbush Lake

Fools Pass Rec. Parking Site Fools Peak Rec. Parking Site Eagle Bay

Bradfield Flats Salamander Ridge Rec. 

Parking Site

Basin Rec. Parking Site

Communities

Wrangell

Forest Service Cabins

Anan Bay Harding River Virginia Lake

Berg Bay Koknuk Flats Twin Lakes

Binkley Slough Little Dry Island Steamer Bay

Eagle Lake Frosty Bay Shakes Slough #1 and #2

Garnet Ledge Marten Lake Sergief Island

Gut Island #1 and #2 Mallard Slough Mount Rynda

Mount Flemer Anan Lake Middle Ridge

Developed Recreation Sites

Thoms Creek Crossing Rec Site Kunk Lake Shelter

Earl West Recreation Site Long Lake Shelter

Upper Salamander Creek Rec Site Highbush Lake RecSite

Lower Salamander Creek Campsite Chief Shakes Hot Springs Day Use Site

Rainbow Falls Viewing Platforms Shoemaker Bay Overlook Shelter 

Twin Lakes Recreation Site Anan Wildlife Observatory

Long Lake Roadside Rec Site North Wrangell High Country Shelter

Pond Shelter Nemo Point Host Site

Yunshookuh Loop Site Three Sisters Viewpoint Rec Site

Anita Bay Overlook Rec Site Highline Recreation Site

Turn Island Rec Site

Hiking Trails

Kunk Lake Trail (#506) Anan Creek Trail (#408)

Long Lake Trail (#574) Rainbow Falls Trail (#536)

Mill Creek Trail (#515) Institute Creek Trail (#537)

Salamander Ridge Trail (#520) Aaron Creek/Berg Bay Trail (#527)

North Wrangell Trail (#500) Mallard Slough Trail (#626)

Chief Shakes Hot Springs Trail (#625) Thoms Lake Trail (#575)

Nemo Saltwater Trail (#424)

Boat Anchorages

Anan Bay Steamer Bay N. Canoe Passage

Thoms Place Kashevaroff Island Group S. Brownson Island

Berg Bay Johnson Cove Frosty Bay

Quiet Harbor Bushy Island Sunny Bay

Kindergarten Bay Roosevelt Harbor S. Deer Island

Stone Harbor Fools Inlet St. John's Harbor

Cannery Cove Anita Bay McHenry Inlet

St. John’s Float Sunrise Cove Deep Bay

Burnett Inlet Point Harrington Marsh Island

Olive Cove Harding River Zimovia Strait

Eagle Bay Three-Way Pass Santa Anna

Crittenden Creek Little Baht Harbor Mud Bay

Navy Trapshack Ogland Float

Abraham Island East Island Niblack Islands

Ossipee Channel McHenry Anchorage Hamm Island

Appendix F Forest Plan

December 2016

F-6
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Juneau Ranger District

Travel Routes

Alaska Marine Highway

Skagway to Juneau via Taiya Inlet, Chilkoot Inlet, Lynn Canal, Favorite Channel, and Auke Bay. 

Juneau to Hoonah via Auke Bay, Stephens Passage, Saginaw Channel, Lynn Canal, and Icy Strait.

Juneau south via Auke Bay, Stephens Passage, and Frederick Sound. 

Tour Ship Routes

Juneau to Glacier Bay via Lynn Canal and Icy 

Strait

Juneau to Skagway/Haines via Lynn Canal

Juneau via Stephens Passage and Gastineau 

Channel

Juneau to Tracy Arm via Stephens Passage, 

Holkham Bay, and Tracy Arm.

Public Use Roads

Montana Creek Road (#8452) Whitepass/Yukon Railroad

Mendenhall Glacier Road (FH#37) North Douglas Road (FH#31 and #8467)

Peterson Creek (#8442) Fish Creek Road (#8471)

Egan/Glacier Highway (FH#2) Klondike Highway

State Marine Parks

Chilkat Island Taku Harbor Funter Bay

Sullivan Island Shelter Island Oliver Inlet (Adm. NM)

St. James Bay

Recommended Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers

Katzehin River Gilkey River

Saltwater Use Areas

Berners Bay Fritz Cove from N.Douglas boat ramp to False Outer

Point

Shelter Island (Saginaw Channel) Barlow Island (Saginaw Channel)

Mansfield Peninsula, West Shore between Point 

Retreat and the Kittens

Couverden Island and surrounding waters from No 

Use Ledge to Point Howard. 

Favorite Channel (Breadline) from Pearl Harbor to 

Tee Harbor

Lynn Canal from Mount Golub to Tidal Flats south of 

St. James Point

Homeshore (Icy Strait) 4 miles in length along 

shoreline near the Couverden Log Transfer 

Facility

Stephens Passage (Douglas Island) between 

Dornin Rock and Bishop Point, including 

Gastineau Channel. 

Small Boat and Mid-Size Tour Boat Routes

Stephens Passage: Chatham Strait:

Taku Inlet Hawk Inlet

Gastineau Channel Funter Bay

Taku Harbor Icy Strait:

Slocum Inlet North Ansley Island

Hilda Creek (S. Douglas Island) Couverden Island

Admiralty Cove Taku River and Inlet:

Fritz Cove Turner Creek

Auke Bay Hole in the Wall Glacier

Favorite Channel Twin Glacier Lake

Lena Cove Yehring Creek

Saginaw Channel Wright River

Russian Cove (Robert Island) Berners Bay:

Holkham Bay Berners River

Windham Bay Lace River

Twin Point Antler River

Limestone Inlet Gilkey River

Forest Plan Appendix F

December 2016

F-7
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Juneau Ranger District (continued)

Small Boat and Mid-Size Tour Boat Routes (continued)

Icy Strait: Tracy Arm:

Excursion Inlet Holkham Bay

Sawmill Bay Williams Cove

Lynn Canal: Endicott Arm

Barlow Cove Endicott Arm: 

Saginaw Channel Fords Terror

North Pass Port Snettisham: 

Howard Point Gilbert Bay

St. James Bay Whiting Inlet

Boat Harbor Whiting River 

William Henry Bay Stephens Passage: 

Berners Bay Port Houghton

Tee Harbor Hobart Bay

Rescue Harbor Port Snettisham

Katzehin River Port Houghton Salt Chuck

West Lynn Canal Sandborn Canal

Dispersed Recreation Areas

Symonds Point (Saginaw Channel) St. James Bay

Katzehin River Wright River

Laughton Glacier Taku River

Endicott Arm Native Village Site Sumdum Mine Site

Spaulding Meadows Alpine Recreation Area Chuck River (Windham Bay)

Barlow Cove (Saginaw Channel) Turner Creek and Lake

Funter Bay (Lynn Canal) Fish Creek Recreation Area

Portland Island (Stephens Pass.) Shelter Island from Halibut Cove to Shelter Cove

Benjamin Island (Favorite Island) Gilbert Creek/Sweetheart Flats

Echo Cove/Sawmill Cove (Berners Bay) Sullivan Island Fox Farm

Speel River Salt Chuck River (2 locations)

Groundhog Bay Historic Native Village Site Whiting River

Mansfield Peninsula, East Shore Lone Mountain to 

Young Bay

Couverden Island and Mainland No Use Ledge to 

Point Howard

Berners Bay Head Water System (Lace, Antler, 

Gilkey Rivers)

Communities

Taku Harbor Haines Douglas

Juneau Funter Bay Skagway

Excursion Inlet

Forest Service Recreation Cabins

Peterson Lake Dan Moller Taku Inlet

John Muir Berners Bay White Pass Caboose

Eagle Glacier Laughton Glacier Turner Lake West

Turner Lake East

Private or Public Resorts

Eaglecrest Ski Area Methodist Camp Eagle Valley Lodge

Taku Lodge Scout Camp

Developed Recreation Areas

Mendenhall Recreation Area Mendenhall Lake Campground Auk Village Recreation Area

Lena Cove Picnic Area Eagle Beach State Park Portland Island Picnic Area

Auk Village Campground Point Bridget State Park Earnest Gruening St. Historical Park

Appendix F Forest Plan

December 2016

F-8
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Juneau Ranger District (continued)

Hiking Trails

Bishop Trail (#554) Photo Point Lemon Creek (#525)

Salmon Creek Mount Juneau Blackerby Ridge

Sheep Creek Sumdum Glacier Dan Moller Trail (#518)

Montana Creek (#511) Lake Dorothy Peterson Lake (#535)

West Glacier (#513) Bessie Creek (#565) Amalga Trail (#447)

East Glacier (#526) Yankee Basin Laughton Glacier (#509)

Lake Creek Mount Roberts Herbert Glacier (#480)

Spaulding Trail (#547) Mount Bradley Windfall Lake (#494)

Nugget Creek (#525) Hawk Inlet (#491) Denver Glacier (#465)

Auke Nu (#680) Moraine Ecology (#543)

Boat Anchorages

Entrance Island (Hobart Bay) Tee Harbor Hilda Creek (South Douglas Island)

No Name Cove (Tracy Arm) Gastineau Channel Amalga Harbor (Favorite Channel)

Sanford Cove (Endicott Arm) Bridget Cove Limestone Inlet (Stephens Passage)

Funter Bay (Chatham Strait) Fritz Cove Sullivan Mountain Cove (Chilkat Pen.)

St. James Bay (3 locations) Tracy Arm Lincoln Anchorage (Favorite Channel)

North Arm (Port Houghton) Hawk Inlet (2 locations) Slocum Inlet (Stephens Passage)

Couverden Island (Icy Strait) Ansley Island (Icy Strait) Hawk Inlet Cannery (Hawk Inlet)

Lena Cove (Favorite Channel) East End Endicott Arm Echo Cove (Favorite Channel)

Gilbert Bay (Port Snettisham) Hobart Bay William Henry Bay (Lynn Canal)

Horse Island (Stephens Pass.) Benjamin Island West of Sullivan Island (Lynn Canal)

Star Point (Port Snettisham) North Arm Hobart Bay Taku Harbor (Stephens Passage)

Mallard Cove (Port Snettisham) Boat Harbor (Lynn Canal) Barlow Cove (Saginaw Channel)

Endicott Arm (Native Village) Holkham Bay (2 locations) Sandborn Canal (Port Houghton)

Auke Bay (Stephens Passage) Windham Bay (2 locations) Russian Cove (Stephens Pass.)

Rescue Harbor (Sullivan Island) West and East Arm Fords Terror

Slate Creek Bay (Berners Bay) Young Bay (Stephens Passage)

Forest Plan Appendix F

December 2016

F-9
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Sitka Ranger District

Travel Routes

Alaska Marine Highway and Tour Ship Routes

Sitka to Chatham Strait via Olga and Neva Straits, Salisbury Sound, Sergius Narrows, Peril Strait

Sitka south via Chatham Strait to Frederick Sound and the Gulf of Alaska

Gulf of Alaska along the outer coast of Baranof and Chichagof Islands

Public Use Roads

Harbor Mountain Road (#7576) Corner Creek Road (#7540)

Sawmill Creek Road (FH #11) Kruzof Island Roads (#7590)

State Marine Parks

Big Bear/Baby Bear Bays Magoun Islands

Recommended Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers

Kadashan River Lisianski River

Glacial River

Small Boat and Mid-Size Tour Boat Routes

Sitka north to Chatham Strait via Olga and Neva Straits, Salisbury Sound, Sergius Narrows, Peril Strait

Chatham Strait to Frederick Sound and the Gulf of Alaska

Gulf of Alaska along the outer coast of Baranof and Chichagof Islands

Sitka south via Cape Burunof, Povorotni Pt., Frosty Reef, Dorothy Narrows, Windy Passage, Walker Ch.

Sitka to Gulf of Alaska Sitka to Fred’s Creek Camp Coogan

Leeoffskaia Bay Samsing Cove Silver Bay

Redoubt Bay Kanga Bay Biorka Channel

Big Bay Sevenfathom Bay Hot Springs Bay

President Bay Sitka to Krestof Sd. via Sitka Sd. Gilmer Bay

Sitka to Shelikof Bay via Vitskari Rocks, St. Lazaria Island, Cape Edgecumbe

DeGroff Bay Krestof Sd to Sukoi Inlet (south) St. John’s Bay

Sukoi Inlet (north) Katlian Bay Sinitsin Cove

Nakwasina Sound and Nakwasina Passage Kalinin Bay

Piehle Passage Khaz Bay Slocum Arm

Ford Arm Lake Anna Sister Lake

Klag Bay Ogden Passage to Goulding Harbor

Kimsham Cove Black Bay Dry Pass

Fish Bay Suloia Bay Deep Bay

Big Bear / Baby Bear Bay South Arm Hoonah Sound Ushk Bay

Fick Cove Patterson Bay North Arm Hoonah Sound

Rodman Bay Appleman Cove Saook Bay

Hanus Bay Sitkoh Bay Florence Bay

Portage Arm Kelp Bay Cosmos Cove

Kelp Bay – Middle Arm, South Arm, The Basin Kasnyku Bay

Takatz Bay Warm Springs Bay Red Bluff Bay

Gut Bay Deep Cove Mist Cove

Big Port Walter Little Port Walter Port Armstrong

Port Conclusion Port Alexander Puffin Bay

Redfish Bay Snipe Bay Still Harbor

Whale Bay – Small Arm and Great Arm to heads Port Banks

Necker Bay Dorothy Cove Secluded Bay

Crawfish Inlet Cedar Pass West Crawfish Inlet

Shamrock Bay Hoggatt bay

Appendix F Forest Plan

December 2016

F-10
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Sitka Ranger District (continued)

Saltwater Use Areas

Silver Bay Olga Strait

Sitka Point to Beaver Point Katlian Bay

Fish Bay Sitka Sound

Port Walter (Chatham Strait) Kelp Bay to South Arm and Pond Is.

Redfish Bay (Pacific Ocean) Florence Bay (Peril Strait)

Big Port Walter (Chatham Strait) Point Amelia to Beaver Pt.

Nakwasina Sound and Inlet Peril Strait, from Kakul Narrows to Poison Cove

Rodman Bay (Peril Strait) Deadman's Reach (Peril Strait)

Krestof Island, South shore from Brady Is. to Eastern 

Point

Necker Islands to Eastern Channel, including W. 

coast Baranof Island

Salisbury Sound; Searock to Sinitsin Rodman Bay (Peril Strait)

Hidden Falls area Cape Burunof to West Crawfish

Dispersed Recreation Areas

Redoubt Lake Kook Lake Harbor Mountain Recreation Area

Salmon Lake Iris Meadows Mount Edgecumbe

Baranof Lake Kadashan Bay Lake Eva

Blue Lake Port Frederick Portage Sitkoh Creek

Magoun Islands Long Bay (Tenakee Inlet) Seal Bay (Tenakee Inlet)

Kruzof Island, southeast shore Goose Flats (Tenakee Inlet) Sealion Cove

Magoun Islands Fish Bay Creek Florence Bay

Communities

Port Alexander Tenakee Springs Sitka 

Baranof Warm Springs

Forest Service Recreation Cabins

Freds Creek Baranof Lake Shelikof

Plotnikof Lake Brents Beach Lake Eva

Davidof Lake Salmon Lake Lake Suloia

Avoss Lake White Sulphur Hot Springs Kook Lake 

Redoubt Lake Seven Fathom Bay Sitkoh Lake (2 cabins)

Samsing Cove Moser Island North Beach

Piper Island Goulding Lake Kanga Bay

Mud Bay Shelter North Neva Shelter Kukul Narrows Shelter

Otstoia Island Shelter Seal Bay Shelter Mt. Edgecumbe Shelter

Tom Young Memorial Cabin (Goddard Hot Springs)

Developed Recreation Sites

Starrigavan Campground Sawmill Creek Campground

Hiking Trails

Mount Edgecumbe (#520) White Sulphur Springs (#560) Harbor Mountain/Gavan Hill (#499)

Davidof Lake (#463) Sashin Lake (#668) Iris Meadows (#521)

Salmon Lake (#566) Port Banks (#580) Lake Eva (#472)

Redoubt Lake/Goddard Sealion Cove #508) Suloia Lake (#575)

Warm Springs Bay (#559) Kook Lake Indian River (#500)

Beaver Lake (#522) Basket Bay (#451) Sitkoh Lake (#553)

Forest Plan Appendix F

December 2016

F-11
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Sitka Ranger District (continued)

Boat Anchorages

Katlian Bay head Cedar Cove Whitestone Cove

Sukoi Inlet south, head Sukoi Inlet north, head Sinitsin Cove

Kalinin Bay Gilmer Bay Goleta Cove (Shelikof Bay)

Cuvacan Cove (Shelikof Bay) St. Lazaria Fred’s Creek

Brent’s Beach Magoun Islands Mud Bay (Kruzof Island)

DeGroff Bay Leo Anchorage Piehle Passage

Deuce Island Khaz Bay Tawak Passage (Myriad Islands)

Hidden Cove (Slocum Arm) Island Cove (Slocum Arm) Waterfall Cove (Slocum Arm)

Ford Arm (west) Ford Arm (east) Double Cove

Klag Bay (Chichagof Mine Site) Kimsham Cove Black Bay

Goulding Bay Dry Pass Fish Bay head

Schulze Cove Suloia Bay Deep Bay

Big Bear / Baby Bear Bay Poison Cove Ushk Bay (2 anchorages)

Patterson Bay Moser Island False Island

Rodman Bay head Appleman Cove Saook Bay

Todd Lindenburg Harbor Pt. Moses (Hanus Bay)

Eva Creek (Hanus Bay) Dead Tree Island (Hanus Bay) Echo Cove (S. Catherine Is.)

The Basin (Kelp Bay) Pond Island (Kelp Bay) Cosmos Cove

Kasnyku Bay Ell Cove Takatz Bay

Warm Springs Bay Red Bluff Bay head Gut Bay

Deep Cove Mist Cove Big Port Walter

Little Port Walter Port Armstrong Port Conclusion

Puffin Bay Tenfathom Anchorage (Redfish) Redfish Bay head

Snipe Bay Still Harbor Port Banks

Whale Bay, Great Arm Whale Bay, Small Arm head Yamani Cove

Secluded Bay (Necker Bay) Dorothy Cove (Necker Bay) Shamrock Bay (West Crawfish)

President Bay Sevenfathom Bay Big Bay

Herring Bay (Elevoi Islands) Kliuchevoi Bay (Goddard Hot 

Springs)

Tava Island (Biorka Islands)

Symond Bay (Biorka Island) Kanga Bay Kidney Cove

Redoubt Bay (at lake outlet) Samsing Cove Camp Coogan

Leesoffskaia Bay Silver Bay head

National Wildlife Refuge

St. Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge

Appendix F Forest Plan

December 2016

F-12
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Yakutat Ranger District

Travel Routes

Alaska Marine Highway

Gulf of Alaska to Monti Bay

Tour Ship Routes

Gulf of Alaska to Hubbard Glacier

Public Use Roads

Highway 10 (Yakutat to Dangerous R.) Situk Landing Road (#9969)

Cannon Beach Road (#9963) Alsek Bay/River Non System Rd.

Small Boat and Mid-Size Tour Boat Routes

Alsek River Italio River to Dangerous River

East Alsek River Tawah Creek 

Ahrnklin River Shipyard Cove to: Gilbert Spit to: Eleanor Cove

Mouth of Dangerous R. to Harlequin L. Akwe River to Alsek River 

Ankau Saltchucks to Summit Lake Situk Lake to Russell Fiord canoe/kayak route

Yakutat Bay to Disenchantment Bay Mouth of Russell Fiord to Nunatak Fiord

Mouth of Situk River to Situk Lake Lost River to Situk River

Dangerous River to Ahrnklin River Lost River from bridge to Situk

Shipyard Cove to Sawmill Cove to Redfield Cove

Saltwater Use Areas

Phipps Peninsula

Dispersed Recreation Areas

Square Lake Dangerous River Guide Camp Italio River

Gines Creek Highway 10 Corridor Lower Dangerous River

Alsek River Delta Gulf of Alaska Coastline Middle Dangerous River

Doame River East Alsek River Delta Cannon Beach

Harlequin Lake Pike Lakes Middle Slough River

Italio Lake Big Game Camp Tanis River Mesa Guide Camp Upper Dangerous River

Ahrnklin River Alsek Bay Fish Camps & Buying Sta. Alsek River Big Game & Fish Camps

Communities

Yakutat

Forest Service Recreation Cabins

Square Lake Middle Situk (2 cabins) Middle Dangerous River

Tanis Mesa (2 cabins) Situk Lake Lower Dangerous River

Alsek River Harlequin Lake (2 cabins) Italio River

Private Resorts

Alsek River Rafting Campsite

Hiking Trails

Dangerous River (#654) West Situk (#664) Situk River Cabin (#649)

Italio River (ATV) Lost River Trail (#670) Situk Lake (#659)

Lower Dangerous River (#653) Harlequin Lake Trail (#655) Mountain Lake (#652)

Russell Fiord Trail SitukRiver ATV Trail (#726)

Boat Anchorages

Eleanor Cove Ahduck Bay (Square Bay)

Forest Plan Appendix F

December 2016

F-13
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Hoonah Ranger District

Travel Routes

Alaska Marine Highway and Tour Ship Routes

Juneau to Sitka via Hoonah, Icy Strait, Cross Sound, Pelican and Gulf of Alaska 

Juneau to Tenakee Springs

Public Use Roads

Hoonah to East Point (#8502, #8508, #8510, and #8513)

Hoonah to Whitestone Harbor and Iyoukeen Cove (#8502, #8530, and #8530-4)

Eight Fathom Dock to Neka Hot Springs (#8580)

Small Boat and Mid-Size Tour Boat Routes

Juneau to Sitka via Hoonah, Icy Strait, Cross Sound, Pelican and the Gulf of Alaska

Juneau t Tenakee Springs via Icy Strait and Chatham Strait

Port Frederick Idaho Inlet Stag Bay

Neka Bay South and North Inian Pass Greentop Harbor

Spasski Bay Port Althorp Squid Bay

Whitestone Harbor Lisianski Inlet Takanis Bay

Freshwater Bay Soapstone Harbor Surge Bay

Mud Bay Lisianski Strait

Saltwater Use Areas

Point Adolphus Inian Islands (Icy Strait) Idaho Inlet

Pleasant Island (Icy Strait) Lisianski Inlet (head) Mud Bay

Lemesurier Island (Icy Strait) Port Frederick (mouth) Cross Sound area off Inian Islands

Dispersed Recreation Areas

Port Althorp head Suntaheen Fish Viewing Area Pavlof Lake and River

Georges Island Port Frederick/Tenakee Lisianski Inlet River

Bear Paw Lake Fox Creek Lemesurier Island

Inian Islands Mud Bay River Vortex Ridge

Estuary to Trail River Kennel Creek Sonyakay Ridge

Neka River flats Trail River Estuary Elephant Mountain

Pinta Cove Chicken Creek Point Adolphus

False Bay Redcliff and Cedar Islands Porpoise Islands

Pleasant Island Whitestone Harbor Elfin Cove

Three Hill Island Iyoukeen Cove East Point FS Road #8510

Bohemia Basin Wukuklook Beach

Communities

Hoonah Mt. Bether Elfin Cove

Pelican Whitestone Logging Camp Gustavus

Forest Service Recreation Cabins

Green Top Pinta Cove Shelter

Kennel Creek 8-Fathom

Whitestone Harbor

Hiking Trails

Pelican/Sunnyside (State) Spasski Trail (#548) Spasski Trail (Pvt.)

Lisianski River (#506) Pavlof Marsh (#705) Wukuklook (#706)

Greentop (#707) Stag Bay (#702) Stag River (#713)

Tekanis (#710)

Appendix F Forest Plan

December 2016

F-14
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Hoonah Ranger District (continued)

Boat Anchorages

Whitestone Harbor Kennel Creek Surge Bay (head, mid-bay, and

south entrance)

Spasski Bay Mud Bay Takanis Bay (2 anchorages)

Port Althorp head Flynn Cove (Icy Strait) Squid Bay

Soapstone Harbor Mite Cove (Lisianski Inlet) Green Top Harbor

Bingham Cove (Yakobi Is.) Neka Bay Pinta Cove (Icy Strait)

Lisianski Inlet head Gull Cove (Idaho Inlet) Cedar Cove (Freshwater Bay)

Deer Harbor Goose Island (Icy Strait) Idaho Inlet ( head)

Lost Cove (Lisianski Strait) Salt Chuck Bay (Port Althorp) Stag Bay (Lisianski Strait)

Bohemia Creek Earl Cove (Icy Strait) Inian Cove (Inian Islands)

Freshwater Bay head Hoktaheen Cove Shaw Islands (Idaho Inlet)

Granite Cove (George Is.) Salt Lake Bay Float (Port 

Frederick)

8-Fathom Float

Port Frederick (tour ship 

anchorage west of Hoohah)

Forest Plan Appendix F

December 2016

F-15
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Admiralty Island National Monument

Travel Routes

Alaska Marine Highway

Angoon to Juneau via Chatham Strait

Angoon to Petersburg via Chatham Strait and Frederick Sound

Juneau to Petersburg via Stephens Passage and Frederick Sound

Tour Ship Routes

Stephens Passage Frederick Sound

Chatham Strait

State Marine Parks

Oliver Inlet State Marine Park

Recommended Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers

Hasselborg River and Lakes King Salmon River

Small Boat and Mid-Size Tour Boat Routes

Stephens Passage including

Oliver Inlet, Green Cove, Doty Cove, Seymour 

Canal (Windfall Harbor, Swan Cove, Pleasant 

Cove), Admiralty Cove, Young Bay, Gambier Bay 

(Middle Good Island Bay, Upper Good Island 

Bay, Snug Cove, Upper Gambier Bay)

Frederick Sound including

Pybus Bay (Donkey Bay, Cannery Cove, San 

Juan Islands) Little Pybus Bay, Woewodski 

Harbor, Eliza Harbor, Chapin Bay, Murder Cove,

Surprise Harbor, Twin Point Cove)

Chatham Strait including

Hawk Inlet, Wilson Cove, Whitewater Bay, Chaik 

Bay (both arms), Hood Bay (north and south 

arms),Kilisnoo Harbor, Favorite Bay, Mitchell 

Bay, Davis Creek, Lighter Creek, Lighter Creek, 

Kanalku Bay, Stillwater Anchorage, Cube Cove, 

Square Cove

Cross Admiralty Canoe Route including

Lake Alexander, Beaver Lake, Hasselborg Lake, 

McKinney Lake, Lake Guerin, Hasselborg Creek, 

Thayer Lake, Distin Lake, Davidson Lake 

Saltwater Use Areas

False Point Arden (from Green Cove to Arden Pt) Cove Point (from Arden Point to Doty Cove)

Pybus Bay West Channel (from Cannery Cove to 

Little Pybus Bay)

Pybus Bay (from Midway Islands to Pybus Bay 

Cabin 

Chatham Strait (from Angoon to Thayer Creek)

Dispersed Recreation Areas

Admiralty Creek (from Admiralty Cove to and including Young Lake)

Admiralty Lakes (Mole Harbor, Lake Alexander, Beaver Lake, Hasselborg Lake, McKinney Lake, Lake 

Guerin, Davidson Lake, Distin Lake, Salt Lake, Freshwater Lake, Little Lake, Thayer Lake and

surrounding lands)

West Brother Island Windfall Harbor

Mitchell Bay Oliver Inlet

Admiralty Cove

Developed Recreation Areas

Pack Creek

Communities

Angoon

Appendix F Forest Plan

December 2016

F-16
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Admiralty Island National Monument (continued)

Forest Service Cabins

Admiralty Cove Big Shaheen Little Shaheen

Church Bight Distin Lake Florence Lake

Hasselborg Creek Jim’s Lake North Young Lake

South Young Lake Lake Alexander Lake Kathleen

Pybus Bab Sportsman Lake Alexander shelter

Mole Harbor shelter Hasselborg Lake shelter Lake Guerin shelter

Davidson Lake shelter Thayer Lake North shelter Thayer Lake South shelter

Mitchell Bay shelter Windfall Harbor shelter

Private Resorts

Thayer Lake Lodge

Hiking Trails

Admiralty Cove to Young Lake Distin Lake to Davidson Lake Trail

Distin Lake to Thayer Lake Trail Hasselborg Lake to Lake Guerin Trail

Hasselborg River Trail Beaver Lake to Hasselborg Lake Trail

Lake Guerin to Distin Lake Trail Hasselborg Lake to McKinney Lake Trail

Mole Harbor to Lake Alexander Trail Pack Creek

Kanalku Lake Lake Florence to Chatham Strait Trail

Salt Lake to Mitchell Bay Dividson Lake to Salt Lake

Nort Young Lake Cabin to South Young Lake 

Cabin

Boat Anchorages

Young Bay ( Stephens Passage) Admiralty Cove (Stephens Passage)

Oliver Inlet (Stephens Passage) Green Cove (Stephens Passage)

Doty Cove (Stephens Passage) Midway Point Cove (Stephens Passage)

Snug Cove (Gambier Bay) Good Island (Gambier Bay)

Upper Good Island (Gambier Bay) Middle Gambier Bay (Gambier Bay)

Upper Gambier Bay (Gambier Bay) West Brothers Island (Stephens Passage)

Twin Point Cove (Stephens Passage) Upper Windfall Harbor (Seymour Canal)

Tiedman Island (Seymour Canal) Bug Island (Seymour Canal)

Swan Island (Seymour Canal) Glass Peninsula (Seymour Canal)

Liesnoe Island Cove (Frederick Sound) Sharp Point Cove (Frederick Sound)

Saw Point Cove (Frederick Sound) Chapin Bay (Frederick Sound)

Murder Cove (Frederick Sound) Pybus Bay (Frederick Sound)

Donkey Bay (Pybus Bay) Cannery Cove (Pybus Bay)

San Juan Islands (Pybus Bay) Wilson Cove (Chatham Strait)

Whitewater Bay (Chatham Strait) Chaik Bay (end of both arms) (Chatham Strait)

Hood Bay Cabin Point Harbor (Chatham Strait) Hood Bay Cabins (Chatham Strait)

Killisnoo Harbor (Chatham Strait) South America Island (Mitchell Bay)

Favorite Bay (Mitchell Bay) Kanalku Bay (Mitchell Bay)

Square Cove (Chatham Strait) Unnamed Cove (between Piledriver and Game 

Covers (Chatham Strait)

Forest Plan Appendix F

December 2016

F-17
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Thorne Bay Ranger District

Travel Routes

Alaska Marine Highway Tour Ship Route

Clarence Strait from Ketchikan to Stikine Strait Sumner Strait from Snow Passage to Cape 

Decision

Inter-island Ferry: Coffman Cove to Wrangell and 

Petersburg

Public Use Roads

Thorne Bay to Sandy Beach Rd. (#30) Control Lake to Thorne Bay (FH#9)

Klawock to Control Lake Junction (FH#9) Control Lake to El Capitan

Sandy Beach to Coffman Cove FH#20 to Coffman Cove

FH#20 to Naukati

State Marine Parks

Salmon Bay Grindall Island

Recommended Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers

Salmon Bay Lake and Stream Sarkar Lakes

Thorne River/Hatchery Creek/Barnes Lake

Small Boat and Mid-Size Tour Boat Routes

Tuxekan Pass - Edna Bay Sea Otter Sound to Cape Pole

Tenass and Brockman Passages Karheen Pass to New Tokeen

El Cap to Coronation Clarence Strait

Grindall Island to Hollis El Cap Passage

Coffman Cove to Whale Pass

Saltwater Use Areas

Port Protection Marble Pass Maurelle Islands

Coronation Naukati Bay Red Bay

Lake Bay Salmon Bay Tuxekan Passage

Thorne Bay to Snug Anchorage El Capitan to Shakan Bay

Dispersed Recreation Areas

Salmon Bay Lake Red Bay Gold and Galligan Lagoon

Sarkar Lake Snakey Lakes Karta Bay and River

Staney Creek Eagle Creek Caulder Mountain

Hatchery Creek Area Neck Lake Salt Chuck

Dry Pass Ratz Harbor

Beach Area around Sandy Beach Red Bay Lake Salmon Lake

Honker Canoe Route-Gold and

Galligan Lagoon to Thorne Bay

Mouth of Staney Creek and cove 

to the south

Beach Areas on north coast of 

Prince of Wales Island

Red Bay Lake Honker Lake Salmon Lake

Barnes Lake Kasaan Bay Shipley Lake

Karta Lake Winter Harbor Control Lake

Sweetwater Lake Thorne River @ Goose Ck. to 

Thorne Bay

Communities

Edna Bay Thorne Bay Coffman Cove 

Whale Pass Port Protection Cape Pole

Point Baker Naukati

Appendix F Forest Plan

December 2016

F-18
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Thorne Bay Ranger District (continued)

Forest Service Recreation Cabins 

Red Bay Lake Staney Creek Control Lake 

Salmon Bay Lake Barnes Lake Honker Lake 

Sarkar Shipley Bay Sweetwater Lake 

Salmon Lake Karta Lake Karta River

Developed Recreation Areas

Gravelly Creek Picnic Area Sandy Beach Picnic Area Staney Bridge Dispersed Use Site

Eagles Nest Campground (Balls 

Lake)

Neck Lake Boat Launch Memorial Beach Dispersed Use 

Area

El Cap Cave Interpretive Site Big Lake Fish Viewing Site Sarkar Lake Access

Beaver Falls Trailhead Horseshoe Hole Dispersed Use 

Site

Ratz Harbor Boat Launch

Lake Ellen Number 3 Dispersed 

Use Site

Balls Lake Picnic Area

Private Resorts

Whale Pass Resort El Capitan Lodge

Bear Valley Lodge Boardwalk Wilderness Lodge (Thorne Bay)

Hiking Trails

Red Bay Lake Trail (#947720) Sarkar Canoe Trail Shipley Lake Trail(#947710)

El Capitan Cave Trail Staney Creek Trail Deweyville Trail (#947490)

Honker Divide Canoe Trail Balls Lake Trail Salmon Bay Lake Trail (#947730)

Karta Bay Trail Gravelly Creek Trail Karta River Trail

Karta Falls Trail Sweetwater Cabin Trail Hatchery Trail

Anderson CreekTrail Cavern Lake Trail Eagles Nest Trail

Beaver Falls Interpretive Trail Salt Chuck Trail

Boat Anchorages

Pole Anchorage Windfall Harbor Warm Chuck Inlet 

Karta Bay Salmon Bay Nossuk Bay

Cyrus Cove Salt Lake Bay Hole-In-The-Wall (Prince of Wales)

Big Ratz Harbor Little Ratz Harbor

National Wildlife Refuge

Hazy Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Forest Plan Appendix F

December 2016

F-19
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Craig Ranger District

Travel Routes

Alaska Marine Highway 

Inter-island Ferry: Guard Island to Hollis via Kasaan Bay to Clark Bay

Public Use Roads

Craig to Klawock (FH #9) Hydaburg Rd. (FH#13)

Klawock to Hydaburg Jct. (FH#6) Hydaburg Jct. to Hollis (FH#6)

Klawock to Control Lake Junction

Small Boat and Mid-Size Tour Boat Routes

West Coast Waterway: San Cristoval Channel to 

Ulloa Channel

West Coast Waterway: Ulloa Channel to Hydaburg

Hollis to Twelvemile, Polk and McKenzie Arms Craig to Addington Loop

Cholmondeley Arm Outer Baker Island

Graign to Trocadero Bay Dall Island 

Hetta Inlet Klackas Inlet

Sukkwan Island Moira Sound

Hollis to Karta Port Real Marina

Saltwater Use Areas

Port Refugio Portillo Channel

Port Santa Cruz Trocadero Bay

Moira Sound Dickman Bay, South Arm, Fredericks 

Bay and Johnson Bay

Cholmondeley: North Arm Estuary, South Arm 

Estuary, Sunny Bay, waters surrounding Hump 

Island

Hydaburg Harbor Area Twelvemile Arm Estuary

Kendrick Bay Hollis Harbor Area

Addington Area Craig and Klawock Harbor Areas

Veta Bay Waters around San Juan Bautista

Arena Cove Waters around San Fernando

Dispersed Recreation Areas

Arena Cove - Cape Felix Roller Bay

Veta Bay Twelvemile Estuary

Port Santa Cruz Trocadero Bay Estuary

Port Santa Lucia Kegan Lake

Kegan Cove Maybeso River Area

Black Bear Lake and Valley Harris River Area

Canoe Point Picnic Area Essowah Lake 

Pt. Amargura (incl. 1⁄2 mi. radius around cabin) Trollers Cove

Josephine Lake

Communities

Craig Hydaburg Saltery Cove

Klawock Hollis

Forest Service Recreation Cabins

Black Bear Lake Josephine Lake Trollers Cove

Kegan Lake Kegan Cove Essowah Lake

Pt. Amargura Twelvemile Cabin

Developed Recreation Sites

One Duck Lake Shelter Trocadero Picnic Area

Pass Lake Picnic Area Dog Salmon Fish Pass

Harris River Campground and Day Use Area Cable Creek Fish Pass

Appendix F Forest Plan

December 2016

F-20
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Craig Ranger District (continued)

Private Resorts

Waterfall Resort site and Ulloa Channel north and

south of the resort

Clover Bay Resort

Saltery Cove

Hiking Trails

One Duck Lake Trail (#9173600) Soda Bay Trail

Trocadero Bay Trail Harris River Trail

Cable Creek Trail Twentymile Spur Trail

Kegan Creek Trail Pass Lake Trail

Twelvemile Trail Kegan Lake Trail

Canoe Point Trail

Recommended Wild, Scenic, and Recreational River

Essowah Lakes and Streams Kegan Lake and Streams

Niblack Lakes and Streams

Boat Anchorages

Steamboat Bay Security Cove Pt. Garcia

Kelly Cove Datzkoo Harbor Port Asumcion

Port San Antonio Kaigani Harbor Port Refugio

Port Santa Cruz Nichols Bay Head of McLean Arm

Port Dolores Rose Inlet Kendrick Bay

Bobs Bay Clover Bay Dickman Bay

Hole-in-the-Wall (Dall Is.) Mabel Bay South Arm Moira Sound (mouth)

Waterfall Bay Veta Bay West Arm Moira Sound (mouth)

Gold Harbor Goose Bay Kassa Inlet - area inside islands

Port Bazan Pt. Eugenia Twelvemile

National Wildlife Refuge

Forester Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Forest Plan Appendix F

December 2016

F-21
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District 

Travel Routes

Alaska Marine Highway Tour Ship Route

Clarence Strait to Stikine Strait Revillagigedo Channel and Clarence Strait

Alternative Route (Clarence Strait and Ernest Sound)

Main Passage, Tongass Passage and Portland Canal to Hyder

Revillagigedo Channel from Main Passage to Clarence Strait

Public Use Roads

Tongass Highway (State Highway #7) Salmon River Hwy.-Hyder (#88)

Ward Lake-Harriet Hunt Lake Road (FH #39) Frog Pond Road

Connell Lake Road

State Marine Parks

Grant Island Dall Bay Black Sands Beach

Recommended Wild, Scenic, and Recreational River

Naha River Orchard Creek and Lake

Wolverine Creek, McDonald Lake Gokachin, Mirror, Fish, and Low Creeks

Small Boat and Mid-Size Tour Boat Routes

Bell Island Naha to Traitor’s Cove

Ketchikan to Naha Ketchikan to Helm Bay

Saltwater Use Areas

Tongass Narrows Bailey Bay Shrimp Bay

Blind Pass Short Bay Klu Bay

Yes Bay Union Bay Neets Bay

Clover Pass Helm Bay Traitors Cove

Naha Bay George Inlet Carroll Inlet

Vallenar Bay - Vallenar Point West Behm Canal Port Stewart

Revilla Channel to Thorne Arm Moser Bay Moth Bay

Behm Narrows Thorne Arm Dall Bay

Anchor Pass Vixen Inlet Spacious Bay

Blank Inlet Bostwick Inlet

Bond Bay Smugglers Cove

NE corner of Thorne Arm (Fish 

Creek to Gokachin Creek)

About 1/2 mi. off shore Cleveland 

Peninsula from Caamano Point 

to Niblack Point

Dispersed Recreation Areas

Port Stewart Lower Carroll Creek

Helm Bay Spacious Bay

Margaret Lake area Dall Bay

Blank Inlet Bostwick Bay

Mountain Ranges and Alpine Area between 

Ketchikan, Ward Lake-Harriet Hunt Lake Road, 

and George Inlet.

Traitors Salt Chuck

Appendix F Forest Plan

December 2016

F-22
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District (continued)

Communities

Ketchikan Meyers Chuck Hyder

Metlakatla Loring Saxman

Forest Service Recreation Cabins

Deer Mountain Orchard Lake - incl. lake Patching Lake - incl. lake

Jordan Lake - incl. lake Plenty Cutthroat - incl. lake Portage Cabin - incl. lake

Heckman Lake - incl. lake Helm Bay - incl. bay Fisheries Cabin - incl. lake 

Blind Pass - incl. pass Phocena Cove - incl. cove Long Lake Shelter - incl. lake

Anchor Pass - incl. pass Fish Creek - incl. around buoy Wolf Lake Shelter - incl. lake

Reflection Lake and Shelter - incl. 

lake

Smugglers Cove Shelter - incl. 

lake

Shelokum Lake Shelter - area and 

lake

McDonald Lake and Shelter - incl. 

lake

Helm Lake - incl. stream and 

lake

Private Resorts

Yes Bay Lodge Silver King Lodge Salmon Falls Resort

Clover Pass Resort

Developed Recreation Areas

Ward Lake Recreation Area Settlers Cove (State Campground)

Hiking Trails

Deer Mountain Trail (#927060) Long Lake Trail (#927190) Gokachin Lake Trail (#927110)

Reflection Lake Trail (#927310) Connell Lake Trail Titan Trail (Hyder) (#957550)

Bell Island Trail (#927030) Fish Creek-Low Lake Trail Orchard Lake Trail (#927320)

Naha River Trail (#(929250) Meyers Chuck Trail (#927830) Lunch Creek Trail

Silvis Lake Trail Ward Creek Trail McDonald Lake Trail (#927450)

Ward Lake Nature Trail Black Mountain Lakes Trail Perseverance Lake Trail (#927260)

Second Waterfall Creek Trail Smugglers Lake Trail

Bailey Bay-Shelokum Lake 

(#927010)

Dude Mtn / Brown Mtn Alpine 

Trail

Boat Anchorages

Vixen Harbor Ice House Cove

Thorne Arm Port Stewart

Vallenar Bay Naha Bay

Bailey Bay Moser Bay

Short Pass Union Bay

Yes Bay Klu Bay

Spacious Bay

Routes not constructed nor NEPA cleared: Planned or Opportunities

Potential Trail corridor between Harriet Hunt Lake and Leask Lake

Saddle Lakes Recreation Area Shelter Cove Boat Ramp

Slide Ridge Winter Sports Area Harriet Hunt - Shelter Cove Connection Road

Forest Plan Appendix F

December 2016

F-23
Visual Priority Routes and Use Areas

Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness

Travel Routes

Tour Ship Routes

Portland Canal Smeaton Bay

Revilla Island Walker Bay

Rudyerd Bay

Saltwater Use Areas

Burroughs Bay Bakewell Arm Ella Bay

Saks Cove Checats Cove Shoalwater Pass

Alava Bay Rudyerd Bay Smeaton Bay

Princess Bay Manzanita Bay Wilson Arm

Chickamin Sargent Bay Vixen Bay/Mink Bay

Walker Cove

Dispersed Recreation Areas

Princess Bay Saks Cove

Chickamin River Unuk River

Walker Cove Rudyerd Bay

Manzanita Bay Ella Bay

Wilson Arm

Forest Service Recreation Cabins

Blind Pass Alava Bay Red Alders

Wilson Narrows Wilson View Mink Bay

Winstanley Island Winstanley Lake Punchbowl Lake Shelter

Big Goat Shelter Beaver Checats Lake

Ella Narrows Fish Creek Hugh Smith

Humpback Lake Manzanita Lake Ella Bay

Klahini Bay Princess Bay Punchbowl Cove

Short Bay Winstanley Creek

Private Resorts

Humpback Lake Chalet Mirror Lake Club Cabin

Mink Bay Lodge

Developed Recreation Areas

Fish Creek Wildlife Viewing Site

Hiking Trails

Bakewell Lake Trail Checats Lake Trail

Ella Lake Trail Hugh Smith Lake Trail

Humpback Lake Trail Manzanita Lake Trail

Nooya Lake Trail Punchbowl Lake Trail

Winstanley Lake Trail

Anchorages

Vixen Bay Checats Cove

Wasp Cove Manzanita Bay

Foggy Bay Saks Cove

Fitzgibbon Cove

Appendix F Forest Plan

December 2016

F-24
APPENDIX G

LOG TRANSFER FACILITY 

GUIDELINES
Log Transfer Facility Guidelines

Appendix G

Log Transfer Facility Guidelines1

Log transfer facilities (LTFs) undergo a complex and rigorous permitting process 

involving four state and four federal resource management and regulatory 

agencies as well as comments from other interested parties. Through the 

permitting process, the regulatory agencies may approve or disapprove permits 

with stipulations that govern the construction and operation of LTFs.

In seeking clarification of permit stipulations expected to be included in LTF

permits, the timber industry recommended—through Governor Sheffield's Timber 

Task Force report (12/13/84)—that:

"...the principal agency heads and industry representatives meet to agree 

upon a process which will result in a common set of log transfer facility 

guidelines..."

As a result of this request, a committee consisting of the principal agency and 

industry representatives met on April 15, 1985, to consider the Task Force 

recommendation. This committee created a technical subcommittee of industry, 

public, and resource agency personnel involved in permitting LTFs to develop 

LTF guidelines per the Timber Task Force recommendation that:

"...it would be beneficial for all parties involved in the permitting, construction, 

and operation of log transfer facilities to have a common set of criteria 

(guidelines) from which to work when designing facilities and reviewing 

permit applications for these facilities."

The LTF guidelines are in three sections, including:

• Siting

• Construction and Operation

• Monitoring and Reporting

The guidelines for planning and permitting of LTFs delineate the physical 

requirements necessary to construct a log transfer and associated facilities and, 

in context with requirements of applicable law and regulations, methods to avoid 

or control potential impacts from these facilities on water quality, aquatic, and 

other resources. The guidelines emphasize facility siting as the best means of 

limiting most environmental impacts from LTFs, log raft, storage areas, and 

adjoining collateral facilities. Additional means of limiting environmental impacts 

occur through application of construction and operating guidelines. Monitoring 

and reporting guidelines are necessary to determine if a facility is meeting the 

permit stipulations.

These guidelines can be used in the existing permitting process that emphasizes 

best professional judgment of the agencies in close cooperation with the 

1 The Log Transfer Facility Siting, Construction, Operation and Monitoring/Reporting Guidelines 

(1985) were developed by the Alaska Timber Task Force LTF Guidelines Technical Subcommittee. 

These guidelines are to be used when considering alternatives for the location and management of 

log transfer and associated facilities. The guidelines will also be used by the regulatory agencies for 

evaluating permit applications to ensure consistency with the Clean Water Act. See the log transfer 

facilities direction in the Transportation Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines (Chapter 4) for 

direction on the use of these guidelines.

Introduction

The Use of 

Guidelines

Forest Plan Appendix G

December 2016

G-1

 
Log Transfer Facility Guidelines

applicants when selecting sites and imposing permit stipulations. The process is 

preferred because it accommodates site-specific conditions and enables all 

participants to collectively evaluate the practicable alternatives and determine the 

best way to minimize impacts.

The guidelines are comprehensive and may apply to any site being evaluated for 

LTF permits. Because each site is different, in unusual circumstances, there 

may be need to develop more specific stipulations or limitations during the permit 

review process for a specific site.

Periodic updating of the guidelines will be necessary because changes may 

occur in the timber industry and new information may become available on the 

effects of LTF on water quality and biotic communities.

The guidelines apply to log transfer, log raft storage, and collateral facilities, such 

as log raft make-up areas, airplane and boat docks, and contiguous upland log 

storage and sort yards immediately adjacent to the LTF.

The guidelines do not identify which permitting agency or agencies have 

regulatory and permitting jurisdiction for any guideline. The objective is to 

provide a comprehensive listing of guidelines applicable to LTFs through state 

and federal resource management and regulatory programs.

The siting and construction and operation guidelines identify the physical 

features the timber industry needs to safely and efficiently transport logs as well 

as the minimum requirements needed to mitigate for changes in water quality 

and adverse impacts on aquatic biota. When evaluating proposals for these log 

transfer and associated facilities, all guidelines must be considered. The 

objective is to consider all guidelines and develop a "best mix" that allows the 

activities to proceed while meeting all applicable statutory and regulatory 

requirements.

The following are the Alaska Timber Task Force Guidelines.

Proper siting of log transfer and log raft storage facilities is the single most 

important means of controlling adverse water quality and biotic impacts from the 

construction and operation of these facilities. The least biologically productive 

and sensitive area available that meets industry's physical and economic 

requirements is the preferred site. The need for regulatory agencies to impose 

additional permit stipulations above the minimum requirements to mitigate 

against environmental impacts is reduced to a level commensurate with the 

site-specific characteristics.

S1. Proximity to Rearing and Spawning Areas: Siting of log transfer and log 

raft storage facilities within 300 feet of the mouth of anadromous fish 

streams, or in areas known to be important for fish spawning or rearing is 

normally prohibited.

Discussion: This LTF siting guideline is derived from the Alaska 

Forest and Resources Practices Regulations (11 AAC 95.150 (c)). The 

estuarine areas adjacent to the mouths of anadromous fish streams 

serve as important feeding areas for salmon fry and smolts while they 

acclimate to saltwater. Impacts to these areas can force outmigrants 

into deeper waters where there is greater risk for predation. Placement 

of LTFs in known spawning areas results in loss of spawning habitat.

The outmigrant salmon fry are especially vulnerable and have 

particularly high value to the fishing industry. The concerns include the 

possibility of leachates entering fresh water or the possibility of 

sediments entering waters and affecting fish. Because of the high 

value of the fisheries resources, the Forest Practices Regulations of 

Siting 

Guidelines

Appendix G Forest Plan

December 2016

G-2
Log Transfer Facility Guidelines

the state exclude LTF siting in these most valuable and highest risk 

locations.

S2. Protected Locations: Log transfer and log storage facilities should be 

sited in weather-protected waters with bottoms suitable for anchoring and 

with at least 20 acres for temporary log storage and log booming.

Discussion: Areas protected from adverse weather, tidal, and wave 

conditions are needed for the safety of the workers responsible for 

moving log bundles, building rafts, and similar water-oriented work 

activities. Log rafts and bag booms must be protected from adverse 

weather, tidal, and wave conditions that can damage the rafts and the 

bag booms. 

Protected conditions are needed for control of the log bundles being 

placed in the water and the requirement to retain them in the bag 

booms and rafts so as to avoid hazards to navigation.

At least 20 acres of available space is needed to place log bundles into 

the water, sort bundles into log booms, construct log rafts, and hold log 

rafts until moved by tug to the next destination. Additional space is 

needed for docks and floats, and movement of boats, floatplanes, and 

other transportation. Most of the space involved is used for the 

movement of vessels and log rafts.

Log bundle storage with maneuvering space for vessels and rafts 

requires 3.6 + or - acres per million board feet (MMBF) gross timber 

volume. Approximately 8 acres is required for storage of a typical tow 

of four log rafts. An additional 8 acres is needed for booming of 

bundles, including maneuvering space.

Consolidation and concurrent use of log transfer and storage sites will 

increase the amount of space required. Each owner of logs will need 

separate log booms and storage areas to provide for log accountability. 

Where National Forest and privately owned logs are stored or 

transferred from a consolidated site, this separation is required by 

regulation.

While the guidelines suggest 20 acres for normal situations, it is 

possible to operate in less space under some situations. For small 

timber harvest operations, with timber volumes of less than one MMBF, 

the need for space will be reduced dramatically. There is, however, a 

practical minimum space needed for even the smaller operations. This 

minimum is approximately 5 acres.

S3. Upland Facility Requirements: LTFs should generally be sited in 

proximity to at least 5 acres of relatively flat uplands. There should also be 

a body of water sufficient to provide a minimum of a 60-lineal-foot facility 

face.

Discussion: This guideline has two operative portions: 1) space 

needed for upland operations near the transfer point; and 2) the length 

of available space needed at the operating face.

Relatively flat land is required to avoid extensive excavation. The 

space needed for upland operations adjacent to the LTF is directly 

related to the type of facility (see Use Descriptions in the Glossary), 

volume of timber that may be handled annually, and the life of the 

operation. The amount of space needed may include truck unloading 

(0.9 acre), log scaling (1.5 acres), log storage (1.6 acres per MMBF), 

Forest Plan Appendix G

December 2016

G-3
Log Transfer Facility Guidelines

sorting (0.5 to 2.0 acres), and additional space for incidental related 

operations. Equipment yard and repair areas are commonly in this 

vicinity (1.5 to 2.5 acres). The 5-acre minimum would service 

intermittent use and some occasional use sites, with up to 35 to 40 

acres needed for continuous use sites.

Unobstructed width required for the transfer of logs to the water needs 

to be adequate for the products being moved. The constructed length 

of the working face can be as little as 40 feet, under special 

circumstances, but the operating clearance must exceed 60 feet to 

accommodate the longest log lengths. Most desirable is 110 feet 

available face.

S4. Safe Access to a Facility from the Uplands: To provide safe access to 

the LTF and adjoining log sort yard, the facility should be sited where 

access roads to the facility can maintain a grade of 10 percent or less and 4 

percent for specialized equipment.

Discussion: Vehicle access must be provided to the point where log 

bundles are transferred either to the log sort yard facility or to the 

receiving waters. The operating layout must provide for operations 

within safe limits for the equipment, operators, and other personnel in 

the area. The maximum safe grade for log stackers is 4 percent. The 

maximum safe grade can be increased to 6 percent with special 

modifications to the log stacker. Prudent consideration of safety 

suggests a desirable grade less than the maximum be used.

Road grades entering the unloading facility in excess of the 10 percent 

will not allow the truck driver to safely stop the vehicle in emergencies.

S5. Bark Dispersal: LTF should be sited along or adjacent to straits and 

channels or deep bays where currents may be strong enough to disperse 

sunken or floating wood debris. Siting LTF in embayments with sills or other 

natural restrictions to tidal exchange should be avoided.

Discussion: The Environmental Protection Agency and the Alaska 

Department of Environmental Conservation consider bark to be a 

pollutant. Problems with bark occur when it accumulates. The 

accumulated bark both physically smothers organisms and may create 

anoxic conditions or toxic gases.

In bays that have sills or natural restrictions to tidal exchange, there is 

a concern that bark may accumulate due to inadequate current 

velocities. The concern is that sufficient bark accumulation and lack of 

water exchange in the layer below the sill will cause anoxic conditions. 

S6. Site Productivity: Sites for in-water storage and/or transfer of logs should 

be located in areas having the least productive intertidal and subtidal zones.

Discussion: One of the siting methods used to limit the impacts that 

log transfer and log storage facilities may have on the environment has 

been to site the facilities in the least productive habitats. These 

habitats are often found along steep shorelines, where there is little 

substrate for plant or animal growth. Bark, because of the steep 

topography, seldom accumulates in such areas. Areas with a minimum 

bottom substrate in the euphotic zone are to be preferred.

S7. Sensitive Habitats: LTF and log raft storage areas should not be sited on 

or adjacent to extensive tideflats, salt marshes, kelp or eelgrass beds, 

seaweed harvest areas, or shellfish concentration areas.

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Log Transfer Facility Guidelines

Discussion: Tideflats, salt marshes, and aquatic vegetation beds 

support numerous biological communities, i.e., nursery and rearing 

areas for commercial species of crab and fish. The areas are usually 

shallow and high producers of planktonic organisms that support the 

aquatic food chain.

Woody debris from log transfer and water storage can be carried by 

currents and deposited on these plant and animal communities. Debris 

may cover the area and physically smother plants and animals. There 

is a concern that debris accumulation may reduce dissolved oxygen 

concentration in the water below the minimum level required by fish 

and other aquatic life. Bark debris is expected to reduce dissolved 

oxygen concentration in the bark interstices. High oxygen demand can 

lead to an anaerobic zone within the bark pile where toxic sulfide 

compounds are generated, particularly in brackish and marine waters. 

Reduced oxygen levels, anaerobic conditions, and the presence of 

toxic sulfide compounds can result in reduced localized habitat value 

for groundfish species and their forage base (National Marine Fisheries 

Service 2005). One study found that the dissolved oxygen, pH, 

oxidation reduction potential, and concentration of toxic products of 

decomposition in the water column at 30 centimeters (12 inches) above 

the bark were not significantly different than at the control sites. 

Reductions in dissolved oxygen below Water Quality Standards have 

not been documented.

S8. Safe Marine Access to Facilities: Log rafting and storage facilities should 

be safely accessible to tugboats with log rafts at most tides and on most 

winter days.

Discussion: Tugboats gather log rafts for transshipment to mills and 

other loading facilities. The lack of safe access to log rafting areas will 

result in the tug operator refusing to accept or deliver log rafts.

S9. Storage and Rafting: Logs, log bundles, or log rafts should be stored in 

areas where they will not ground at low tide. A minimum depth of 40 feet or 

deeper measured at Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) for log raft storage is 

preferred.

Discussion: Grounding of logs or log rafts compacts the substrate 

and decreases biota living in and on the substrate. The siting and 

design of LTFs should provide sufficient water depth to avoid 

grounding of log bundles at the transfer facility and log raft make-up 

areas.

Log rafting in depths greater than 40 feet (MLLW) is preferred because 

rooted aquatic macrophytes and algaes generally begin to decrease in 

density in Southeast Alaska below this depth. Rafting 40+ feet MLLW 

or more will protect these organisms and habitat (less than 40 feet 

MLLW) from bark accumulation and shading by log rafts. Log raft 

storage may occur at depths less than 40 feet MLLW depending on 

biological productivity, sensitivity to shading, and potential risk of bark 

accumulations.

The logging industry retains the need to maintain existing sites that 

allow log rafts to ground or be stored in areas with low salinity, typically 

at the head of the bay, and in water less than 40 feet deep. The 

purpose is to protect logs from shipworm infestation, which can occur 

immediately after the logs are placed in the water.

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Shipworms are an endemic problem because they cause economic 

loss to timber values, both from the holes they produce in sawtimber, 

and from the calcium deposits they leave in logs used for pulp 

purposes. The industry has observed that reductions in shipworms 

occurs in waters with low salinities and when logs are allowed to 

ground in cold weather. For this reason, the industry continues to seek 

the opportunity to have sites where logs will be allowed to ground in 

order to reduce shipworm damage.

The objective of regulatory agencies is to discontinue the practice of 

allowing logs to ground or be stored in areas less than 40 feet deep 

when they are biologically productive or are sensitive habitats.

There is a need for additional research into shipworms and possible 

ways to reduce infestation in log rafts. Research needs identified by 

Sedal & Duvall, if accomplished, could reduce the conflicts.

S10.Bald Eagle Nest Trees: Site LTFs to avoid bald eagle nests. No project 

construction or operation should be closer than 330 feet to any bald eagle 

nest tree unless permitted by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (See the Eagle 

Memorandum of Understanding for details.)

Discussion: The Bald Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C.) protects bald 

and golden eagles. To provide guidance for the management and 

protection of bald eagles on National Forest lands in Alaska, a 

Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the USDA Forest 

Service (Region 10) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Region 7). 

The Memorandum of Understanding states that a management zone of 

five chains (330 feet) around each eagle nest tree will be established 

and all land use activity within the zone will be excluded. The 

Memorandum of Understanding includes provisions for variances from 

the requirement.

The following guidelines apply to the construction and operation of the LTFs and 

collateral upland facilities, such as sort yards and upland log storage areas. 

Construction and operation guidelines have not been developed for log raft 

storage facilities because the only practical means of regulating raft storage is 

through proper siting. The degree of application of these guidelines to individual 

LTFs is based on the siting of the facility.

C1. LTF Design: LTF design should be the least environmentally damaging, 

practicable alternative. Factors to be considered in selection of design 

alternatives include: 1) economic practicability; 2) facility requirements; 3) 

physical site constraints; 4) timber volumes to be transferred (site usage 

and duration); 5) total potential effects on biota and water quality, (including 

biological productivity and sensitivity); and 6) other potential uses of the site 

and facility.

Discussion: The preferred LTF design(s) should be those that 

represent the best practicable alternative and the least impact from 

placement of fill and associated impacts, such as bark accumulations. 

For example, emphasis on facility designs that minimize bark loss may 

result in a greater total coverage of the intertidal and subtidal areas by 

fill (due to design requirements) than would occur under another 

alternative that allows greater bark loss, but less fill. 

C2. Fill Structures: Fill structures shall be designed and constructed to prevent 

erosion, pollution, and structural displacement.

Construction 

and Operation 

Guidelines

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Discussion: The intent is to avoid introducing fine sediments and 

organic matter into the water. The guideline requires design and 

construction practices that minimize fine sediment plumes and prevent 

change in the substrate’s composition near the structure as a result of 

lost fill material.

This guideline is performance-based by allowing the use of a range of 

materials within fills, provided proper design, construction, and 

containment procedures are followed. The use of woody debris in fill 

structures is acceptable with containment.

It is assumed in the guideline that timbers and logs used in 

construction are not classified as fine organic matter.

C3. Timing of In-water Construction: In-water construction, blasting, and/or 

filling associated with LTF sites should be timed to limit adverse impacts to 

marine and estuarine fishery resources, and avoid conflicts with other user 

groups.

Discussion: Juvenile salmonids use shallow, near shore areas for 

feeding during the first few weeks after they leave freshwater. 

Construction activities during this outmigration period may cause direct 

mortality from blasting if the over pressure in the marine waters 

exceeds 2 pounds per square inch. Increased water column turbidity 

related to construction or filling may decrease availability of prey 

organisms and cause physiological damage to fry during this critical 

period. Spawning herring are also susceptible to turbidity and effects 

of blasting.

Generally the period from mid-March to mid-June is the period when 

in-water turbidity and over pressure restrictions will be needed in order 

to protect juvenile salmon and spawning herring. The actual times will 

vary depending on the site and the presence or absence of juvenile 

salmon or spawning herring.

Timing restrictions to avoid conflicts with existing user groups vary and 

would be evaluated on a site-by-site basis. Facility siting to avoid 

juvenile salmon nursery areas, herring spawning areas, and areas 

utilized by other user groups will reduce the need for timing restrictions.

C4. Bark Accumulation Management: The siting, design, and operation of the 

LTF and contiguous collateral upland facilities shall utilize the best 

practicable procedures and methodologies to control intertidal and 

submarine accumulations of bark.

Discussion: Intertidal and submarine accumulations of bark impact 

infauna and epifauna primarily through smothering, but also through 

alteration of natural habitat and water quality. The extent of the impact 

is limited to the actual area of complete bark coverage. Through 

proper implementation of best practicable procedures and 

methodologies, such as siting, design selection, operation, and solid 

waste management, the level and impact of intertidal and submarine 

accumulations can be minimized. Selection of best practicable 

procedures and methodologies to limit intertidal and tidal bark 

accumulations for a specific site should be used.

C5. Solid Waste Management: Solid wastes, including wood and other solid 

waste generated from the LTF, contiguous sort yards, and other collateral 

facilities shall be routinely removed from the LTFs and adjacent facilities 

and disposed of at an approved upland solid waste disposal site.

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Log Transfer Facility Guidelines

Discussion: Disposal of solid wastes, cable, machine parts, and 

equipment, as well as wastes from logs in the sort yard, truck 

unloading, and log transfer operations should occur in accordance with 

18 AAC 60, which requires that solid wastes be properly disposed of at 

an approved disposal site. In order to prevent accidental introduction 

of materials into receiving waters, bull rails, or similar constraints to 

retain bark and wood waste on the upland improvements adjacent to 

the LTF, should be utilized. Bark and other solid waste should be 

periodically removed from uplands and intertidal areas around the log 

transfer system, depending on the site conditions.

C6. Bark Accumulation: The regulatory agency(ies) will impose an interim 

intertidal and submarine threshold bark accumulation level. When 

accumulations exceed the threshold level, cleanup, if any, will occur at the 

discretion of the permitting agency(ies). The interim threshold bark 

accumulation level is described as 100 percent coverage exceeding both 1 

acre in size and a thickness greater than 10 centimeters (3.9 inches) at any 

point.

Discussion: This guideline is necessary because intertidal and 

submarine accumulations of bark impact infauna and epifauna primarily 

through smothering, but also through alteration of natural habitat and 

water quality. The problem with bark occurs when it accumulates. 

Through siting, transfer system selection, and solid waste 

management, the amount of bark lost and accumulating in intertidal 

and submarine areas is prevented to significantly diminished. Bark 

accumulation is still expected to occur in some areas promoting the 

need for this guideline. This is an interim guideline developed by the 

Log Transfer Facility Guideline Committee. The committee developed 

this procedural guideline in order to be responsive to ongoing research

and, at the same time, raise site-specific problems to the respective 

decisionmakers for appropriate action.

An interim guideline for threshold bark accumulation levels and cleanup 

when exceeding those levels is being used due to a lack of information. 

Technical data are needed to evaluate technical feasibility of various 

options for managing accumulations, such as removal or other control 

procedures. Water quality and biological information is needed to 

evaluate effects on water quality and biota from removal and disposal 

of bark accumulations and effects of other corrective options that may 

be used to manage bark accumulations.

C7. Bundle Speed: The speed of the log bundles entering receiving waters 

should be the slowest practicable speed available. Decisions on the 

allowable transfer system that can be used will occur on a site-specific basis 

during the permitting process.

Discussion: This guideline is necessary because the amount of bark 

lost during transfer of log bundles into receiving waters is directly 

correlated with the speed of log bundles entering receiving waters. 

These conclusions have been confirmed by an in-progress U.S. Fish 

and Wildlife Service study. The loss of bark into receiving and 

submarine areas can adversely affect aquatic biota through smothering 

and alteration of habitat.

The release of bark into receiving waters initiates a regulatory 

response that bark is a pollutant when discharged into receiving 

waters. To the extent practicable, its discharge should be eliminated.

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Log Transfer Facility Guidelines

This guideline was developed by the Log Transfer Facility Guidelines 

Committee. The Committee concluded that rather than pursue a 

uniform speed requirement for all LTFs, the guideline should 

emphasize the need to meet the slowest speed achievable after taking 

into consideration costs, existing technology, and logistics, in light of 

the overall project purposes.

There is insufficient information to agree upon a guideline that defines 

a practicable speed for various types and sizes of transfer operations. 

However, based on current information about existing transfer 

technology, a 3 feet per second entry velocity is an achievable entry 

speed and will serve as a reference point for discussion.

C8. Surface Drainage Management: The design, construction and operation 

of LTFs, contiguous sort yards, and/or log storage yards shall utilize 

practicable procedures for control of surface water runoff from facilities.

Discussion: The surface water runoff from LTFs and adjacent 

contiguous sorting/storage areas has been observed to carry 

sediments, woody debris, and hydrocarbons. These pollutants can 

directly enter receiving waters. Surface runoff control can be 

accomplished with a variety of techniques. These include such 

practices as keeping overland flow from entering the LTF or adjacent 

facilities, collecting runoff from the facility in settling basins, or retaining 

vegetative buffer strips. The design, construction, and operation of 

LTFs, in conjunction with adjacent and contiguous sorting storage 

areas, will utilize practicable procedures for meeting Water Quality 

Standards for the State of Alaska and the Clean Water Act.

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation may require 

information on sort and/or storage yards contiguous to the LTF that is 

not routinely provided on permit applications in order to assist 

permittees in managing surface runoff so as to comply with Water 

Quality Standards.

C9. Control of Hydrocarbons: The log transfer system and adjacent sort yard 

handling equipment shall be operated and maintained to minimize 

petroleum and lubricating products from entering waters.

Discussion: The operation of certain log transfer systems and 

equipment used in any adjoining log unloading facility or log and sort 

yard storage facility are a potential source of hydrocarbons and 

hydraulic fluids that can spill on the upland facilities and enter receiving 

waters. This equipment should be maintained and facilities managed 

to ensure lubricants and hydraulic fluids do not enter receiving waters. 

Continuous-chain log transfer systems require periodic lubrication and 

result in unavoidable introduction of hydrocarbons into receiving 

waters. Lubrication of these systems should use the manufacturer's 

specified lubricants, and lubrication should not exceed manufacturer's 

specifications.

C10.Onshore Log Storage: Where feasible, preference must be given to 

onshore storage and barging of logs.

Discussion: 11 AAC 95.150 of the Alaska State Forest Resources 

and Practices Regulations specifies preference to onshore storage and 

barging of logs, where feasible.

C11.Facility Maintenance and Reclamation: The permittee shall maintain the 

structure or work authorized in good condition, and in reasonable 

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Log Transfer Facility Guidelines

accordance with the approved plans and drawings. If and when the 

permittee desires to abandon the authorized activity herein, unless such 

abandonment is part of the transfer procedure by which the permittee is 

transferring its interests to a third party, the permittee must restore the area 

to a satisfactory condition.

Discussion: The authorizations from the U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act and Section 

404 of the Clean Water Act include the general conditions (h) 

requirements to maintain authorized work and (g) upon abandonment 

restoration of the area to a satisfactory condition. This guideline 

repeats those general conditions.

LTFs are monitored to ensure permit compliance. Monitoring results are used to 

assess activities associated with the construction, operation, and maintenance of 

the facilities, and to ensure that corrective action occurs, if appropriate. The level 

and type of monitoring are dependent on the type of facility.

M1. Monitoring by Permittee: Monitoring for bark accumulations, oil sheen, 

and surface runoff associated with the construction, operation, and 

maintenance of facilities, and to ensure that corrective action occurs, if 

appropriate. The level and type of monitoring is dependent on the type of 

facility (see use definitions in the Glossary).

Discussion: The regulatory agencies, when issuing permits, can 

include conditions to a permit that require monitoring by the permittee. 

The agencies can assume some or all monitoring responsibilities.

M2. Monitoring Requirements: Monitoring should be undertaken at all 

continuous and intermittent use LTF sites, and at those occasional and 

incidental use LTFs at which total volume of logs transferred is similar to 

that of intermittent use sites. The level of monitoring and parameters to be 

monitored should be determined on a site-specific basis. Monitoring at 

occasional and incidental use facilities may be required on a site-specific 

basis. The need for monitoring of occasional or incidental use sites will be 

limited. Permittees will be required to submit a monitoring program to the 

permitting agencies prior to operation of a new continuous or intermittent 

use LTF. Agency approval of monitoring plans is required. Requirements 

for monitoring should be responsive to data obtained during prior monitoring 

activities.

Discussion: Monitoring is required to determine the occurrence and 

the extent of possible environmental impacts. The nature of monitoring 

activities shall be site-specific and determined by such factors as 

volume, site characteristics, life of project, and type of operation, 

because these factors may determine the extent of environmental 

impacts. Depending upon monitoring results, permitting agencies have 

sufficient flexibility to modify monitoring requirements for any LTF at 

any time during its operation, or after the first 3 years of operation of a 

continuous LTF. For example, monitoring requirements for a 

continuous LTF could be dropped if monitoring data indicate that 

significant deposits of bark debris are not accumulating. Permitting 

agencies approval is needed to determine if a monitoring plan will 

satisfy permit conditions.

M3. Annual Monitoring for Bark Accumulation: At continuous and 

intermittent use LTFs, monitoring of bark debris accumulation should occur 

prior to the operating season as a minimum requirement. Monitoring at 

intermittent LTFs would occur only during periods when the LTF is active.

Monitoring and 

Reporting 

Guidelines

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Log Transfer Facility Guidelines

Discussion: In order to determine if the bark accumulation conditions 

and stipulations of the permit are being met, it is necessary to measure 

bark and debris accumulations.

M4. Elements of Bark Accumulation Monitoring Program: Elements that 

should be included in a monitoring program for continuous and intermittent 

use LTFs are site-specific and may include, but not be limited to, the 

following:

a. Permanent transects;

b. Measurement of areal extent, thickness, and percent coverage of bark 

debris; and

c. Measurements required by M4; a and b are from MHW (Mean High 

Water) to depths of 60 feet MLLW (Mean Lower Low Water).

Discussion: In order to determine changes in site characteristics over 

time, installation of permanent transects is required. Thickness, area, 

and extent of bark coverage affects benthos. Sixty feet below MLLW 

was selected because it is a depth at which repeated dives can safely 

be conducted.

Permanent transects are necessary to enable collection of repetitive 

data. If little or no change is observed, the permit holder may be 

relieved of the requirement for collecting information along the 

transects.

The requirement for dive transects, the number of transects, and the 

method of establishing permanence of the transects will be related to 

the period of usage, the amount of use intended, the resource values 

involved, and the expectations of effects as a result of the siting 

process.

M5. Monitoring for Oil Sheen: Waters in the vicinity of an LTF shall be 

monitored during operations for the presence of a visible sheen and 

recorded when observed.

Discussion: The monitoring is necessary to determine if an LTF is 

being operated to comply with Water Quality Standards for petroleum 

hydrocarbons, oils, and grease. Authority for this guideline is provided 

by state Water Quality Standards (18 AAC 70), Oil Pollution 

Regulations (18 AAC 75), and Federal Regulations (40 CFR 110).

M6. Monitoring Upland Discharges: On a case-by-case basis, discharges of 

rainfall from log sorting and storage yard, and discharges from any settling 

pond used to treat water, may require monitoring to ensure compliance with 

state Water Quality Standards and the Clean Water Act.

Discussion: This monitoring is necessary to determine if measures or 

structures designed to concentrate and treat runoff are operating 

effectively.

M7. Reporting Guidelines: Routine annual reports include the following 

descriptive information:

a. Location of the LTF (404/402 permits require latitude and longitude). 

The Forest Service traditionally uses legal descriptions;

b. Description of the LTF, including transfer devices and sorting and 

storage areas;

c. Permit holder and/or operator of LTF;

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Log Transfer Facility Guidelines

d. Starting and ending dates of operating season (from first to last 

bundle), and number of operating days per season;

e. Gross volume in board feet (Scribner Scale), or number of bundles 

transferred during the operating season; and

f. Monitoring data as described in Monitoring Guidelines.

Biological Productivity—Highly diverse biological communities with many 

individuals.

Clean fill—Clean fill is defined as inorganic material, sized as sand and larger, 

free of organics. Current practice is to allow 0 to 15 percent material finer than 

sand and no organic materials in reinforced earth structures used for log transfer. 

Field observations indicate that the percentage of material is finer than sand from 

rock pits used for fill and considerably lower than the maximum percentage of 

fine material.

Log raft make-up area—A facility constructed in waters of the United States 

near or adjacent to log transfer facilities. The log raft make-up area is utilized for 

constructing log rafts that are on completion, moved to either a log storage area 

or loaded on to a vessel.

Log raft storage facility—A facility constructed in the waters of the United 

States utilized for the purpose of temporary or long-term storage of commercially 

harvested logs awaiting transfer to a vessel, manufacturing facility, or storage at 

the manufacturing facility.

Log transfer facility—A facility constructed, in whole or part, in waters of the 

United States that is utilized for the purpose of transferring commercially 

harvested logs to or from a vessel or log raft.

Practicable—Means available and capable of being done after taking into 

consideration costs, existing technology, and logistics in light of overall project 

purposes (40 CFR 230.3 (q)).

Use Descriptions—There are four classifications to describe the range of use 

for log transfer operations. The intensity and duration of site use will vary over 

time and the descriptions for each use provide a benchmark description to relate 

to operating levels and characteristics. There is a trend away from long-term 

continuous sites with increased incidence of intermittent and occasional use 

sites.

Continuous use sites: Sites where use is expected to be continuous on a 

regular basis for 20 years or longer. These sites were described and 

analyzed by Sedlak (3-16) in his analysis of alternative log transportation 

systems. Volume of expected timber is approximately 20 to 50 MMBF per 

year. Industry practice is to try to operate at a minimum of 35 MMBF activity 

level if a year-round camp is to be maintained. Log sorting and scaling 

commonly occurs at these sites. Export shipping is expected for privately 

owned timber. This operation is described as having "two sides" (two full 

yarding and support systems) with year-round land-based camp operations 

normal. Sites originally developed and operated as continuous use will 

frequently change to intermittent use or occasional use sites subsequent to 

the initial harvest activities.

Incidental use sites: Sites where use for log transfer is expected to occur 

only once or twice over a 70- to 100-year period. Typically the focus is on 

salvage of logs as the result of blowdown, disease, or harvest of isolated 

stands of timber. The lands involved are generally not accessible by 

alternative means. Timber volumes at a site will normally not exceed 5 to 

Glossary

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10 MMBF. Log sorting areas are normally not constructed and native log 

structures are expected. Floating camp operations are expected.

Intermittent use sites: Sites where use is expected to vary from zero to 

approximately 11 to 17 MMBF per year. This operation can be described as 

having a "single side" (one full yarding operation and supporting system). 

These sites were described and analyzed by Sedlak (3-17) in his analysis of 

alternative log transportation systems. Typically these sites will vary in use 

in a pattern of 4 MMBF for the first year, 11 to 17 MMBF for 3 years, 4 

MMBF for 1 year, and 6 to 15 years with no log transfer (3-17). Timber 

volumes from intermittent use would be at the average annual rate of 3 to 5 

MMBF per year over 20 to 50 years. Timber salvage operations may occur 

in the periods between major operations. Sort yards are not normally 

constructed if water storage sites are available.

Year-round camp operation is generally not expected. Land-based camps 

have been common in the past, but increased use of floating camps has 

been observed at these sites.

Occasional use sites: Sites where intensive log transfer is expected to 

occur for only 4 to 6 years out of a 20- to 30-year period. These sites have 

not been analyzed in the literature. The use pattern is expected to be 

cyclical through the life of the site. Timber volumes from major timber 

activities would be at the average annual rate of about 1/2 MMBF/year over 

20 to 50 years. Small timber operations will occur during the periods when 

major sale activities do not occur. Sorting yards are constructed only if no 

other options are available. Direct shipping of export logs is not expected.

Floating camp operations are the expected normal situation, unless 

commuting of workers from an established camp is feasible.

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Appendix G Forest Plan

December 2016

G-14
APPENDIX H

KARST AND CAVE RESOURCES
Karst and Cave Resources

Appendix H

Karst and Cave Resources

Karst Resources: Karst

I. Strategy

A. Maintain, to the extent practical, the natural karst processes and the productivity of the karst 

landscape while providing for other land uses, where appropriate. This strategy is designed to 

assess a karst resources vulnerability or sensitivity to a proposed land use, and recognize the 

differences in degree of karst development and glacial history across the karst landscape. 

B. The key elements of the karst strategy focus on the openness of karst and its ability to transport 

surface water, nutrients, soil and debris, and pollutants into underlying hydrologic systems. 

Strive to maintain the productivity of the soils of the karst landscape after harvest, maintain the 

quality and quantity of the waters issuing from karst hydrologic systems, and protect the many 

resources values within underlying significant cave systems as per the requirements of the 

Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988 (FCRPA).

II. Management

A. Maintain a karst resource management program that will identify, evaluate, and provide 

appropriate protection and mitigation for karst resources. Evaluate karst resources as to their 

vulnerability to land uses affecting karst systems, as described in the Karst and Cave Resource 

Significance Assessment, Ketchikan Area, Tongass National Forest, Alaska (Aley et al. 1993), 

Karst Landscapes and Associated Resources: A Resource Assessment (USDA Forest Service 

Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-383) (Baichtal and Swanston 1996), Karst Management Standards and 

Implementation Review, Final Report of the Karst Review Panel (Griffiths et al. 2002), and the 

information provided herein.

B. Seek participation from interested individuals and organizations, such as caving groups, 

scientists, recreationists, and development interests in managing the karst resources.

C. Integrate and coordinate karst management with the management of other resources. Consider 

the function and biological significance of the entire karst landscape; recognize the importance 

of protection of karst systems, not solely specific karst features.

D. Public education and interpretative programs should be developed to ensure an increased 

understanding of the components and function of the karst landscape. Use research results to 

foster and promote conservation and further public education of karst resources.

E. Work with universities and other appropriate research facilities to foster partnerships to study 

and characterize the function and biological significance of karst landscapes. In order to 

maintain existing aesthetic and future scientific values, use non-consumptive research 

techniques as much as possible.

F. Manage the karstlands with an “adaptive management approach.” Guidelines should allow karst 

managers to exercise their professional judgment in developing karst management strategies 

and prescriptions. As knowledge is gained from implementation, monitoring, research, and 

studies, recommended practices should be modified to reflect the needed changes. 

III. Karst Landscape Assessment

A. Karst lands impose land management challenges not encountered in non-karst areas because 

this three-dimensional landform functions differently than other landforms. Karst resources must 

be evaluated according to their vulnerability to land uses affecting karst systems. Vulnerability 

mapping recognizes that some parts of the karst landscape are more sensitive than others to 

surface activities and groundwater contamination. These differences in vulnerability may be a 

function of the extent of karst development, the openness of the karst systems, and the 

sensitivity of other resources that benefit from karst groundwater systems. Assess karst 

resource vulnerability for both large geographic areas and site-specific projects. Complete 

vulnerability assessments of large geographic areas for any karst area where land-disturbing 

Forest Plan H-1 Appendix H

December 2016
Karst and Cave Resources

activities are planned. Conduct site-specific vulnerability mapping on a project-by-project basis,

or as field verification of the larger scale karst vulnerability assessment. Karst lands will be 

classified as low, moderate, or high vulnerability. This four-step process is discussed below.

1. Identify Potential Karst Lands. Identify those lands underlain by carbonate rocks. As a 

practical matter, all lands underlain by carbonate rocks within the Forest should be 

considered a karst landscape. These include outcrops of limestone, marble, and dolomite. 

Karst has also developed within gypsum deposits on the Forest, and caves or tubes can be 

found within some lava flows.

2. Inventory Karst Resources. At the beginning of any land-disturbing project planning effort, 

determine the project's proximity to or position on a karst landscape. If it is determined that 

karst occurs in the project area, require an inventory adequate to characterize the resources.

Assess the degree and location of karst development. If karst is present, at a minimum,

record the information listed below.

a. The degree to, which karst has developed, including the degree of epikarst development;

the presence of caves, the presence of insurgences or sinking or losing water courses 

and resurgences or springs, sinkholes, collapse channels, and other karst features. If 

through initial inventory it is determined that the level of karst development and the density 

of karst features is so high that the landscape should be classified as high vulnerability, a 

complete inventory of all features is not necessary. It is important to document the level of 

karst development in the Karst Resource Report and the justification for the vulnerability 

classification. Document specific karst features on the “Karst Feature” form. Document 

characteristics of the karst in the area of concern on the “Karst Classification Summary” 

form.

b. When caves are identified that may be affected by the proposed land management 

activity, they will be surveyed and inventoried in accordance with cave management 

guidelines. To maintain continuity of inventory reports and cave maps, specifications will 

be addressed prior to commencement of inventory work. During inventory work, caving 

ethics and protection of cave resources will be stressed.

c. The relative position of karst features both within and adjacent to the planned activity.

d. The slope of the land and the depth and nature of soil atop the karst. 

e. The presence of any Class I or Class II streams being significantly contributed to from the 

karst hydrologic systems. It is only intended that streams that have had sufficient 

residence time or contact with the carbonate bedrock and which show appreciable 

geochemical change be considered. Temperatures less than 8.5 degrees Celsius, pH 

ranging from 7.5 to 9.0, and specific conductance greater than 120 would be an indication 

of the highest value karst waters. It should be recognized that some normally dry 

drainage channels in a karst landscape would periodically carry large flows when the 

capacity of underlying conduits is exceeded during high flow events.

f. Sensitive habitats and features that might be adversely affected by land use changes in 

the area being investigated. These habitats and features must specifically include, among 

other things, streams important to fisheries and streams or springs used as domestic 

water supplies, habitats that support cave adapted organisms, and critical bat winter 

habitat and/or roosts. When considering karst streams and springs, the inventory work 

must recognize that many sensitive habitats and features are likely to be located 

appreciable distances away from points where waters enter the karst groundwater 

system. The sensitive habitats may also include unique or unusual plant communities 

associated with surface karst features or carbonate outcrops.

g. The results of the survey shall be documented and digitized onto the Forest’s GIS 

Database. The area's geology, location of karst features and caves, and the vulnerability 

of specific karst areas shall be recorded.

3. Delineate Karst Hydrologic System and Catchment Area. Define, to the extent feasible, 

the karst hydrologic system and the recharge area watershed or catchment area for each 

karst system. The character of the catchment area (i.e., the area, slope gradient, vegetation, 

water quality, soils, etc.) controls the nature of the receiving karst system and defines the 

volume of runoff available for infiltration into the system. Recharge area delineation is a 

Appendix H H-2 Forest Plan

December 2016
Karst and Cave Resources

crucial component of vulnerability mapping; it is important to know where the water comes 

from and resurges to credibly assess and characterize possible impacts. At a minimum, 

record the information listed below.

a. During the inventory phase, record the location of all insurgences, sinking or losing 

streams, sinkholes, or other features appropriate for injection of tracing dyes. Estimate 

water volume entering or discharging from the groundwater system at the time of the visit. 

Record the position and characteristics of as many resurgences or springs as practical 

believed to be associated with the particular karst system of interest. Describe prevailing 

weather conditions at the time of the visit and the precipitation trends over the previous 24 

hours.

b. Within each project area, the need to conduct tracer dye studies will be determined by a 

karst management specialist or other resource specialist such as a hydrologist with karstspecific experience or training. If tracer dye studies are determined to be necessary, the 

dye study needs to be carefully designed. Because subsurface flow paths are not 

predictable, an initial attempt to locate and sample all springs issuing from the karst area 

is necessary. Dye introduction sites should be selected to answer the particular resource 

concerns or threats. As an understanding of the systems complexity is established 

through initial successful traces, the sampling site strategy can be modified. Dye traces 

may need to be conducted at both low and high flows to determine the full extent of the 

karst groundwater system.

c. Record the results of the dye traces, indicating the relative position of the dye injection 

point and the position of the resurgence or spring where the dye was recovered. Record 

the tracer dye's travel time and concentration, if known. Record resurgences and streams 

that were sampled, but where no dye was recovered. Document and digitize results onto 

the Forest GIS Database.

4. Assess Vulnerability of Karst Terrain to Management Activity. The final step is to 

delineate the land under investigation into various vulnerability categories. An area's 

vulnerability rating must be sensitive to potential surface management practices based on the 

extent to which epikarst has developed and the openness of the karst system. Where 

recharge is diffused through deep soils, the underlying karst is less vulnerable to increased 

sediment inputs and other pollutants than in areas where recharge is discrete and soils are 

thin or nearly absent. Where soils are thin or nearly absent, surface disturbances will almost 

always result in exposure of the epikarst, providing an easy pathway for sediment and other 

pollutants to enter the subsurface drainage network. Discrete recharge areas are especially 

vulnerable to ground-disturbing activities because the flowing surface water can carry 

sediment and other pollutants directly to the subsurface drainage network. Karst vulnerability 

mapping recognizes the variability in karst terrain and uses the vulnerability concepts 

described here to assign a high, medium, or low vulnerability rating to an area of karst terrain. 

The proposed ground disturbing activity is considered when determining mitigation or 

applying karst management guidelines. The vulnerability categories and their criteria are 

discussed below.

a. Low Vulnerability Karst Lands

i. Classification Criteria. Low vulnerability karst lands are those areas where resource 

damage threats associated with land management activities in the areas are not likely 

to be appreciably greater than those posed by similar activities on non-carbonate 

substrate. A generalized characterization of these lands include areas underlain by 

carbonate bedrock that are moderately well to well drained, most commonly internally 

drained, but surface streams may be present. Generally, these areas have been 

greatly modified by glaciation, and a deep (greater than 40 inches deep) covering of 

glacial till or mineral soil, and little or no epikarst showing at the surface. The epikarst 

may be buried and/or ground off, depending on the intensity of glaciation. These lands 

pose little or no threat to organic, sediment, debris, or pollutant introduction into the 

karst hydrologic systems beneath through diffuse recharge. Often these are areas of 

little or no slope (less than 20 percent). These tend to be at lower elevations (i.e., less 

than 500 feet); however, the elevation of low vulnerability karst will vary across the 

Forest.

Forest Plan H-3 Appendix H

December 2016
Karst and Cave Resources

ii. Low Vulnerability Karst Management Objectives and Appropriate Land Uses. 

These are areas where no special provision for the protection of karst values is 

considered necessary. Timber harvest and related activities could be conducted in 

such areas in a similar manner to those normally employed on lands underlain by 

insoluble bedrock. Partial suspension yarding may be required. No quarry shall be 

developed atop karst without adequate site survey and design. Quarries should be 

properly closed after abandonment. Recreational development would be appropriate 

with consideration of karst resource values. It is possible that karst areas with high 

vulnerability will be found within and adjacent to areas found to be of low vulnerability. 

Along such boundaries or margins, guidelines for protecting these high vulnerability 

areas outlined under "Moderate Vulnerability Karst Lands" (3.D. b. ii. (a)-(c)) shall 

apply.

b. Moderate Vulnerability Karst Lands

i. Classification Criteria. The moderate vulnerability karst lands are those areas 

where resource damage threats associated with land management activities in the 

areas are appreciably greater than those posed by similar activities on low 

vulnerability karst lands. A generalized characterization of these lands include areas 

underlain by carbonate bedrock that are well drained internally. Surface streams are 

rare. The soils of moderate vulnerability areas are a mosaic of shallow organic (20 to 

40 percent, McGilvery Soils) and mineral (80 to 60 percent, Sarkar [less than 20-inch

depth] and Ulloa [greater than 20-inch depth] Soils) with minor amounts of glacial till. 

The epikarst is moderate- to well-developed and is visible at the surface. These areas 

tend to be at higher elevations (i.e., greater than 500 feet, and on knobs, ridges, and 

on the dip-slope of carbonate bedding planes when near the surface.) The surface of 

these areas tends to be irregular and undulating, following the epikarst development,

which is the result of solution of the bedrock surface rather than solution and/or 

collapse features such as sinkholes. In other words, moderate vulnerability features 

are often the result of slow, diffuse processes rather than collapse or major 

subsidence processes, which typify high vulnerability features. Moderate vulnerability 

karst lands pose low risk to organics, sediment, and debris introduction into the karst 

hydrologic systems beneath. It is probable, but not always the case, that these areas 

contain or are adjacent to areas of high vulnerability.

Much difficulty lies in differentiating between the high end of the moderate vulnerability 

karst and the low end of the high vulnerability karst. In using a classification system,

there is rarely an exact fit to the environment or specific area being investigated. As 

stated above, classification is dependent upon extent of karst development and 

openness of the system. This can be difficult when surrounded by an environment 

with no surface water streams and limited exposure to the development of the 

underground system, as is often the case in these 'gray areas' between moderate and 

high vulnerability karst. Aside from the level of development and the openness of the 

system, the density of both karst features and exposed epikarst can be used when 

classifying the vulnerability of an area. A high density of features and/or very well 

developed epikarst in a “gray area” would result in a high vulnerability classification,

whereas a few minor features and moderate epikarst development with soil retained 

might be classified as a moderate vulnerability area. It is crucial to evaluate the 

immediate area as well as the surrounding environment and any contributing 

characteristics when using this vulnerability system.

ii. Moderate Vulnerability Karst Management Objectives and Appropriate Land 

Uses. Management objectives on these lands is to provide for other land uses while 

taking into account function and biological significance of the karst and cave 

resources within the landscape. Timber harvest and related activities could be 

conducted in such areas under more restrictive guidelines than normally employed on 

lands underlain by insoluble bedrock. To protect the fragile soils found here, at a 

minimum, the yarding system selected may be required to achieve partial suspension. 

Longer timber harvest rotational periods may be appropriate. Reduced timber harvest 

Appendix H H-4 Forest Plan

December 2016
Karst and Cave Resources

unit size and a greater dispersal of harvest units may be required. Recreational 

development would be appropriate with consideration of the karst resource values 

listed above, particularly with respect to reducing disturbance of sensitive soils and 

use of construction methods that avoid erosion and diversion of natural and road 

drainage waters into karst features.

(1) Road Construction. Existing roads will be utilized in preference to the construction 

of new ones. Roads should avoid sinkholes and other collapse features as well as

sinking or losing streams. Roads should not divert water to or from karst features. 

Measures shall be taken to reduce erosion and sediment transport from the road

surface and cut slopes. Assess the need for ditches and culverts. Sediment traps, 

cut and fill slope revegetation, and road closure and revegetation may be 

appropriate. Because subsurface drainage networks may be more open to the 

surface in moderate vulnerability areas, additional design criteria may be required. 

Such criteria may relate to road construction methods, blasting, culvert placement 

and density, and sediment retention and erosion prevention. Road construction 

restrictions described below under “high-vulnerability prescriptions” may be 

required for these areas.

(2) Quarries. Existing quarries will be utilized in preference to the construction of new 

ones. No quarry shall be developed atop karst without adequate site survey and 

design. Quarries should be properly closed after abandonment. 

(3) Karst Feature Buffers. It is probable that individual features or areas with high 

vulnerability will be found within and adjacent to areas found to be of moderate 

vulnerability. Along such boundaries or margins, the following guidelines shall 

apply:

(a) No surface-disturbing activity such as timber harvest, road construction, 

and/or quarry development shall occur within a minimum of 100 feet of the 

edge of a cave, sinkhole, collapse channel, doline field, or other collapse karst 

feature. Manage an appropriate distance beyond the no-harvest zone to 

provide for a reasonable assurance of windfirmness (RAW) of that zone (pay 

special attention to the area within two site-potential tree heights of the noharvest zone). The intent of the buffers surrounding karst features is to 

minimize the amount of woody debris and sediment entering a given karst 

system and to maintain, to the extent practical, the natural processes and 

environment surrounding those features. It is not intended that this level of 

protection would be applied for relatively minor, isolated features (i.e., where 

explicit or special management measures would not normally be required). Appropriate protection measures for minor features should be designed on a 

case-by-case basis as field assessed by a karst management specialist. 

When designing buffers to protect karst systems and their features, the buffer 

should be designed to be wind-firm. There is no credible standard buffer 

distance that will provide the assurance required to protect the systems from 

blow down of the forest within a given buffer. Each buffer must be carefully 

designed considering wind direction, blow down history, previous adjacent 

harvest, topography, and stand windfirmness. Delineated lands surrounding 

such features and systems must be of sufficient size to ensure protection 

even if blow down occurs. It is suggested that the specific design of the 

buffers be an Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) recommendation working with the 

karst management specialist during the planning process for any given 

project. Not all features will require the RAW buffer considering the specific 

characteristics of each.

(b) No surface-disturbing activity such as timber harvest, road construction, 

and/or quarry development will occur on lands that overlie a known 

"significant" cave. "Overlie" is defined here as the area between lines 

projected from the outside walls of the cave passage at a 45-degree angle to 

the surface. In practice, lands that overlie a significant cave should be classed 

as high vulnerability even if other characteristics would suggest a lower rating. 

Forest Plan H-5 Appendix H

December 2016
Karst and Cave Resources

As suggested above, the specific design of the buffers should be an IDT 

recommendation working with the karst management specialist during the 

planning process for any given project.

(c) As cave discoveries are made and those caves are mapped and inventoried, 

it is quite probable that very significant cave systems will be discovered. 

These might contain significant paleontological, cultural, or biologic resources,

or the system is of a particular size to warrant an extra level of protection. 

Cave systems such as El Capitan Cave on Prince of Wales Island, Arabica 

and associated caves on Heceta Island, Solstice Cave on Chichagof Island, 

and the Calamity Creek Caves on Revillagigedo Island are examples. It is 

suggested that on a case-by-case basis for such caves, a Geologic Special 

Area be defined and managed as such to protect these systems.

(d) Require protection of all sinking or losing streams and their tributaries 

irrespective of whether the channels carry perennial, ephemeral, or 

intermittent flows. A non-harvest buffer is required at a minimum of 100 feet 

from the edge of a sinking or losing stream within no less than 0.25 mile 

(1,320 feet) upstream of their swallow hole or loss point. Additional protection 

beyond this point many be needed and should take into consideration 

parameters such as gradient, channel type, soil characteristics, and 

susceptibility to mass wasting and erosion along the stream’s or tributary’s 

course, or within the watershed. The karst management specialist should 

work in conjunction with hydrologists and soil scientists to design additional 

stream protection if needed. Manage an appropriate distance beyond the noharvest zone to provide for a reasonable assurance of windfirmness of that 

zone (pay special attention to the area within two site-potential tree height of 

the no-harvest zone). In the event that the stream is less than 0.25 mile long, 

the stream will be buffered to the stream’s source.

(e) The area surrounding resurgences should be protected to maintain the 

environment surrounding the springs and the quality of the waters flowing 

from them. Resurgences can, however, be classified as moderate or high 

vulnerability dependent upon their size, the habitat they provide, and the level 

of atmospheric connectivity between the resurgence and the underground 

karst system. Minor resurgences that seep out of the ground between gravels 

with almost no connectivity between the open atmosphere and the 

underground system will be classified moderate vulnerability. Appropriate 

protection measures for moderate vulnerability resurgences and springs 

should be designed on a case-by-case basis by a karst management 

specialist. All other resurgences will be classified as high vulnerability and 

protected as described above in Karst Feature Buffers. Special consideration 

should be given to the area immediately surrounding the springs to protect the 

flora and fauna often associated with the spring when considering the 

vulnerability.

c. High Vulnerability Karst Lands

i. Classification Criteria. The high vulnerability karst lands are those areas where 

resource damage threats associated with land management activities are appreciably 

greater than those posed by similar activities on low or moderate vulnerability karst 

lands. These are the areas contributing to or overlying significant caves and areas 

containing a high density of karst features. A generalized characterization of these 

lands is described below.

These are areas underlain by carbonate bedrock that are well drained internally. 

Surface streams are rare. Karst systems and epikarst are extremely well-developed 

and collapse karst features may be numerous. These include all collapse karst 

features, caves, sinking or losing streams, insurgences, open resurgences, and open 

grikelands (i.e., those without soil or moss infilling and with open connections to the 

subsurface). The highest vulnerability features are those that could produce and 

transport the greatest amount of sediment, debris, and/or organics if disturbed. These 

Appendix H H-6 Forest Plan

December 2016
Karst and Cave Resources

include till-lined sinkholes and cave entrances accepting a sinking stream, whether 

intermittent or not. Also considered high vulnerability are karst lands in which the 

epikarst is well- or extremely well-developed and the soils are predominately (greater 

than 50 percent) very shallow organic (less than 10 inches deep, McGilvery) and (less 

than 50 percent) mineral (less than 20 inches deep, Sarkar). The subsurface drainage 

network is highly vulnerable to sediment, organic matter, logging debris, and other 

pollutants generated as the result of surface activities.

ii. Karst Management Objectives and Appropriate Land Uses. These areas shall be 

managed to ensure conservation of karst values through the implementation of a high 

level of protection. Timber management and related activities should be excluded 

from these lands. Limited recreational development may be appropriate. 

Recreational facilities and trails would have to consider karst resource values and 

objectives discussed above, particularly with respect to reducing disturbance of 

significant epikarst features and sensitive soils and use of construction methods that 

avoid erosion and diversion of natural drainage waters into karst features. Roads are 

considered inappropriate with the following exception if no other route or option is 

available and karst resource values would not be compromised. Small expanses of 

these areas may be crossed by roads to access areas where harvest is appropriate

(i.e., low or moderate vulnerability karst lands and non-carbonate areas). If roads 

must be built across areas of high vulnerability, karst lands found to be of high 

vulnerability shall be identified and removed from the commercial forest lands suitable 

land base. If roads must be built across areas of high vulnerability, the following 

design and construction may be appropriate:

(1) Minimize clearing limits and grubbing. Flush cut stumps to the ground. Do not 

deck logs pioneered from the road clearing limits outside the clearing limits. 

(2) Use a fill-type construction rather than a balanced cut and fill design. This most 

likely will be possible because the slope gradient of these areas are generally 

greater than 15 percent.

(3) Utilize log stringer bridges or similar structures to span across collapse features, if 

necessary. Geotextile should be used to keep aggregate overlay from falling into 

the collapse feature.

(4) Sediment traps and erosion control measures will be needed in most cases.

(5) Same-season re-vegetation of the cut and fill slopes should be required to 

minimize sediment production potential.

(6) A "plan-in-hand" review by the karst management specialist of the proposed road 

construction prior to actual construction is required.

(7) The karst management specialist needs to work closely with engineering to 

carefully design these roads and coordinate efforts with the planning team.

(8) No quarry development would be allowed on these lands.

IV. Catchment Area Management

A. The catchment areas for karst systems, comprised of carbonate or non-carbonate substrate, are 

an integral portion of those systems. Many karst watersheds receive part of their drainage from 

runoff originating on higher elevation non-carbonate rocks. This recharge originating from noncarbonate outcrops is called "allogenic recharge," and it usually sinks or recharges the carbonate 

aquifer at specific points. This water quickly enters and is transmitted through the conduit part of 

the aquifer and classified as concentrated "discrete" or "direct" recharge. Precipitation falling 

directly on the carbonate outcrop area is called "autogenic" recharge. It may rapidly enter the 

subsurface through sinkholes at discrete points or may percolate down through a soil or cover 

layer and enter the aquifer or cave systems as diffuse recharge. Catchment area management 

measures can be most effectively developed if both catchment types are delineated and their 

sensitivity to cumulative land use activities is evaluated. Difficulties arise because relative 

proportions of the two catchment types can be diverse and their sensitivities different; hence, 

different catchment assessment strategies need to be formulated for both types, each with its own 

set of guidelines.

Forest Plan H-7 Appendix H

December 2016
Karst and Cave Resources

The Forest currently does not have a catchment area management strategy for autogenic 

recharge areas (ARAs). As an interim measure, use the karst vulnerability assessment procedures 

to approximate the sensitivity of specific autogenic recharge areas. The Forest should pursue 

research opportunities that help to define and describe the parameters of both allogenic and 

autogenic recharge associated with karst catchments and recharge. Each karst system will have 

a unique set of recharge characteristics, which, in turn, will determine the level of catchment area 

management required. It is recommended that catchment area management strategies employ 

guidelines that can be adjusted and refined over time as more information is acquired. 

V. Salvage of Windthrown Timber on Karst

A. On lands underlain by carbonate, where salvage of windthrown timber is proposed, a karst 

resource inventory shall be conducted as described above. The openness of the underlying karst 

system, that system’s vulnerability to surface disturbance, and the likelihood of additional sediment

production or surface runoff by harvesting the windthrown timber shall be determined. The 

appropriateness of salvage of windthrown timber on karstlands will be determined on a case-bycase basis in the field by a karst management specialist. Salvage is appropriate on low to 

moderate vulnerability karst lands when the karst management objectives can be met. Generally, 

no salvage shall be permitted on lands determined to be of high vulnerability, within 100 feet of a 

losing stream, a karst feature, or on lands that overlie a "significant cave." For relative minor, 

isolated features surrounded by low to moderate vulnerability karst, if the logging system to 

salvage the windthrown timber can be designed to not disturb the timber spanning or blown into 

the feature, salvage shall be permitted within 100 feet of the lip or edge of the feature. This 

salvage must be carefully designed. Before harvest, the sale administrator, purchaser 

representative, and karst management specialist should walk through the harvest unit to review 

the layout and resource management concerns.

VI. Mineral Development

A. The chemically pure carbonates of Southeast Alaska have long been considered for their 

commodity values. Values are not determined solely on chemical purity but on brightness as 

well. The more pure the carbonate bedrock, the more conducive the bedrock is to karst 

development. It is not the intent of these standards and guidelines to restrict any lands from 

mineral development, though that may be appropriate if a specific project or area is allocated to 

the Special Interest Area Land Use Designation. The impacts of any proposed mineral 

development within the karst landscape can be analyzed through the environmental analysis that 

is triggered once a Plan of Operations is received.

Cave Resources: Cave

I. Management

A. Manage lands in a manner that, to the extent feasible, protects and maintains significant caves 

and cave resources. See direction in 36 CFR 290.3 and “definitions” for guidance determining 

cave significance.

B. Locate, map, and describe caves, and evaluate and document the resource values discovered,

when appropriate. The significant cave designation process is an inventory process for 

identifying caves that will require some form of management. Carry out data storage and 

collection in a manner that is consistent, at a minimum, with the processes outlined in 36 CFR 

290.3 and FSM 2881.42 for nomination, evaluation, and designation of significant caves.

C. Develop a comprehensive Cave Resource Management Strategy on known cave resources. At a 

minimum, the strategy should include components that outline processes for cave inventory, 

record keeping, cave naming, handling of confidential cave information, partnership opportunities, 

recreational use monitoring, cave access and entry permits, and cave resource evaluations.

1. Cave Inventories and Designation. The inventory of caves is an ongoing process. The 

Forest will continue to aggressively pursue collection of inventory data. 

2. Records. On each management unit with caves, a file of permanent data will be maintained 

for each cave. A complete set of this information will be held on the Forest. This file will 

remain locked, with access provided on a need-to-know basis only. 

Appendix H H-8 Forest Plan

December 2016
Karst and Cave Resources

3. Naming of Caves. A cave should never be named after a living person, nor should it be 

named after a geographic feature that discloses the location of the cave.

4. Cave Locations. Specific information concerning significant caves on the Forest will not be 

made available to the public in accordance with provisions of FCRPA and 36 CFR 290.4.

5. Protection of Cave Entrances. Cave entrances are both sensitive and critical to cave 

ecosystems. Disruption of this ecosystem by development or heavy recreational use should

be avoided. Management of cave entrances should consider recreational use including 

camping when it is consistent with provisions of the FCRPA, providing narrow pathways to 

minimize disturbance, and prohibiting fires.

6. Digging in Caves. All digging, moving of rocks, or enlargement of passages to allow 

exploration requires a permit. Issue permits only when it has been determined that no 

damage to cave resources will take place. Digging should generally be minimal, and waste 

products disposed of, or graded in a manner specified in the digging permit. Excavations 

made as a part of scientific investigations will be backfilled and graded to natural contours. If 

formerly closed passages are opened, take measures to maintain former atmospheric 

conditions through use of airlocks or gates.

7. Permanent Anchors. In vertical caves, use natural anchors for rigging ropes when possible. 

Chocks, cams, and slings are acceptable low impact anchoring devices. The use of 

permanent anchors, such as expansion bolts, will be set only when approved in advance by 

the Forest Service and generally not in Wilderness. Acceptable reasons to set bolts would 

be lack of safe natural anchors, to direct ropes to avoid loose rocks, to reduce rope abrasion, 

or to protect fragile cave resources.

8. Climbing. Climbing in caves may be allowed when needed to overcome vertical obstacles 

during exploration. Sport climbing may be allowed in the vicinity of cave entrances when no 

risk of damage to cave resources is present. Climbing must not mar, deface, for leave visible 

signs of activity having taken place. The use of chalk to dry climber’s hands, and which leave 

marks on handholds, is considered defacement and will not be permitted.

9. Closed Caves/Cave Entry Permits. All sensitive caves will be closed by order of the Forest 

Supervisor and, entry will be allowed by permit only. A sign at the entrance of each sensitive 

cave will designate it as closed to visitation without a permit, and indicate the address and 

phone number where permit information may be obtained.

10. Cave Evaluation. All caves on the Tongass National Forest will be evaluated using the 

rating system described below. The system assigns values to various cave resources. The 

assigned values will be used in determining cave classification and making determinations of 

cave significance as provided by the implementation regulations for the Federal Cave 

Resources Protection Act of 1988 (FCRPA). If a cave has a value of "1" or greater, in one or 

more categories, the cave will be considered for designation as significant using the criteria in 

36 CFR 290.3(c) and (d) (FCRPA Implementation Regulations 1994).

11. Cave Classification. Place caves into one of the classes described below based on 

management objectives consistent with identified cave resource values. As new caves are 

discovered, temporarily manage them as Class 1 until an analysis of resource values is 

completed. 

a. Class 1. Sensitive Caves. Caves considered unsuitable for exploration by the general 

public either because of their pristine condition, unique resources, or extreme safety 

hazards. They may contain resources that would be impacted by low levels of visitation. 

These caves are not shown on maps or discussed in publications (such as guides, 

brochures, or magazines) intended for general public use. Develop specific management 

guidelines for each sensitive cave for the purpose of protecting and maintaining their 

resources. Close these caves by order of the Forest Supervisor, and allow entry by permit 

only.

b. Class 2. Directed Access Caves. Caves with directed public access and developed for 

public use. These caves are shown on maps or have signs directing visitor access. 

These caves also frequently have guided tours and artificial lighting. Regardless of the 

level of development, encourage public visitation. The caves may have sensitive 

resources that are protected.

Forest Plan H-9 Appendix H

December 2016
Karst and Cave Resources

c. Class 3. Undeveloped Caves. Caves that are undeveloped but are suitable for 

exploration by persons who are properly prepared. In general, these caves contain 

resources that resist degradation by moderate levels of recreational use. Public attention 

will not be directed toward these caves. They will neither be shown on maps nor 

discussed in brochures or publications intended for general public distribution.

12. Prohibitions. The following acts will be prohibited by order of the Forest Supervisor 

pursuant to 36 CFR Section 261, 262, Subpart B:

a. In bat caves, or caves with sensitive species (261.53), it is prohibited to go into or be upon 

any area that is closed for the protection of threatened, endangered, rare, unique, or 

vanishing species of plants, animals, birds, or fish.

b. Applicable to all caves, except for purposes of research and exploration, it is prohibited to:

i. [261.52(a)] Build, maintain, attend, or use a campfire or stove fire; fires may be 

allowed in regard to traditional Native ceremonies in compliance with the American 

Indian Religious Freedom Act and the Native American Graves Protection and 

Repatriation Act, their amendments and implementing regulations;

ii. [261.52(c)] Smoke;

iii. [261.58(e)] Camp;

iv. [262.52(f)] Possess, discharge, or use any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic 

device;

v. [261.58(m)] Discharge a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun; or

vi. [261.58(s)] Possess a dog or cat.

13. Collection or Removal of Cave Resources. FCRPA authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture 

to issue permits for the collection and removal of cave resources under such terms and 

conditions as the Secretary may impose, including the posting of bonds to ensure compliance 

with the provisions of any permit. Specific guidelines are found for the issuance of such 

permits in FCRPA.

Appendix H H-10 Forest Plan

December 2016
APPENDIX I

ROS CLASS STANDARDS

AND GUIDELINES
ROS Class Standards and Guidelines

Appendix I

ROS Class Standards and Guidelines

The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) can help identify, quantify, and 

describe the types of recreation settings that the Tongass provides. The ROS 

system portrays the combination of activities, settings, and experience 

expectations along a continuum that ranges from highly modified to primitive 

environments. Seven classifications are identified along this continuum: Urban 

(U), Rural (R), Roaded Natural (RN), Roaded Modified (RM), Semi-Primitive 

Motorized (SPM), Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized (SPNM), and Primitive (P). The 

ROS inventory may be used to assess the potential effects of the alternatives on 

recreation settings. The setting indicators and applicable standards and 

guidelines for the seven ROS classes are discussed below.

Primitive

Setting Indicators Standards and Guidelines 

Scenic Quality Not to fall below the High Scenic Integrity Objective. An Existing Scenic Integrity

level of Very High is fully compatible and encouraged.

Access Non-motorized cross-country travel and travel on non-motorized trails and on 

waterways is typical. Use of airplanes, helicopters, motorboats, off-highway 

vehicles, and snowmachines for traditional activities, subsistence, emergency 

search and rescue, and other authorized resource management activities may 

occur but is rare.

Remoteness No or infrequent sights and sounds of human activity are present. Setting is 

located more than 1.5 hours walking or paddling distance, or 3 miles, from any 

human developments other than infrequently traveled marine travelways. Areas 

are generally greater than 5,000 acres, but may be smaller if contiguous with a 

Semi-Primitive class.

Visitor Management On-site regimentation and controls are very rare. Signing is limited to directional 

information and safety. There are no on-site interpretive facilities. There is great 

opportunity for discovery on the part of the users. 

On-site Recreation 

Development 

Structures do not exceed Development Scale I, except for public recreation 

cabins, and are maintained for appropriate levels of use.

Social Encounters User meets less than three parties per day during trip. No other parties are 

within sight or sound of dispersed campsites or cabins. Authorize a party size of 

no more than 12 persons for any one site or activity group for commercial 

recreation use. Exceptions to the commercial group’s size should be rare. A 

group size of 12 persons or less is recommended for general public use. Refer to 

REC3 in Chapter 3 Wilderness and National Monument Wilderness and Chapter 

4 Recreation and Tourism for exceptions.

Visitor Impacts Visitor-caused impacts to resources are slight and usually not noticeable the 

following year. Site hardening is limited to boardwalk trails and necessary boat 

moorings or bear-proof food caches and rustic public recreation cabins.

Forest Plan I-1 Appendix I

December 2016
ROS Class Standards and Guidelines

Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized

Setting Indicators Standards and Guidelines

Scenic Quality Not to fall below the High Scenic Integrity Objective. An Existing Scenic Integrity 

level of Very High is fully compatible and encouraged.

Access Non-motorized cross-country travel and travel on non-motorized trails is typical. 

Use of airplanes, helicopters, motorboats, and snowmachines for traditional 

activities, subsistence, emergency search and rescue, and other authorized 

resource management activities may occur unless specifically restricted for 

safety and/or resource protection purposes. Use of off-highway vehicles may 

occur on designated routes in accordance with 36 CFR 212, 251, and 261 –

Travel Management; Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use. 

Remoteness Nearby sights or sounds of human activity are rare, but distant sights or sounds 

may occur. Setting is located more than 0.5 hour walk or paddle, or 

approximately 0.5 mile (greater or less depending on terrain and vegetation, but 

no less than 0.25 mile) from 1) infrequently traveled waterways; 2) roads and 

trails open to motorized recreation use; and 3) clearcut harvest areas. Aircraft 

access is only occasional. Areas are generally greater than 2,500 acres, but 

may be smaller if contiguous with Primitive or Semi-Primitive Motorized classes.

Visitor Management On-site regimentation and controls are rare. Visitor information facilities may be 

used to interpret cultural and natural resource features, but are not elaborate and

harmonize with the setting.

On-site Recreation 

Development

Facilities and structures generally do not exceed Development Scale II and are 

maintained to accommodate the types and levels of use anticipated for the site. 

Forest Service recreation cabins are fully compatible.

Social Encounters User meets less than 10 parties per day (6 parties per day in Wilderness) on 

trails and waterways during 80 percent of the primary use season. No other 

parties are within sight or sound of dispersed campsites during 80 percent of the 

primary use season. Maximum party size for commercial use within Wilderness 

is 12. Exceptions for larger party sizes within Wilderness should be rare. Refer 

to REC122 in Chapter 3 for exceptions. A party size of up to 20 people can be

considered in Semi-Primitive settings outside of Wilderness. Outside of 

Wilderness, party sizes larger than 20 people may occur during less than 

15 percent of the primary use season in limited locations as appropriate by LUD.

Visitor Impacts Visitor-caused impacts to resources are rare and usually not long-lasting. Site 

hardening is limited to boardwalk trails, boat tramways, moorings and docks, 

bear-proof food cache facilities, and rustic public recreation cabins.

Appendix I I-2 Forest Plan

December 2016
ROS Class Standards and Guidelines

Semi-Primitive Motorized

Setting Indicators Standards and Guidelines

Scenic Quality Not to fall below the Moderate Scenic Integrity Objective. Existing Scenic 

Integrity levels ranging from Very High through High are fully compatible and 

encouraged.

Access Travel on motorized and non-motorized trails and Traffic Service Level D roads, 

although some Traffic Service Level C roads provide access to and through the 

area. Use by high-clearance vehicles and motorized water travel is common. 

Road density is less than 1 mile per square mile. Off-road snowmachine travel 

on snow may occur.

Remoteness Nearby sights or sounds of human activity are rare, but distant sights or sounds 

may occur. Setting is located within 0.5 hour walk or paddle or within 0.5 mile 

(greater or less depending on terrain and vegetation, but no less than 0.25 mile) 

of infrequently traveled waterways or small aircraft access points and/or roads 

that are open and maintained for passage by high-clearance and four-wheel 

drive vehicles (Maintenance Level 2), and provide access to recreation 

opportunities and facilities. Areas are generally greater than 2,500 acres, but 

may be smaller if contiguous with Primitive or Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized 

classes.

Visitor Management On-site regimentation and controls are few. Control facilities consist primarily of 

informational signs and site-specific road closures. Visitor information facilities 

may be used to interpret cultural and natural resource features, but are not 

elaborate and harmonize with the setting.

On-site Recreation 

Development

Facilities and structures generally do not exceed Development Scale II and are 

maintained to accommodate the types and levels of use anticipated for the site 

and area. Forest Service recreation cabins are fully compatible.

Social Encounters User meets less than 10 parties per day (6 parties per day in Wilderness) on 

trails, roads, and shorelines during 80 percent of the primary use season. During 

80 percent of the primary use season, no other parties are visible from 

campsites. Maximum party size for commercial uses in Wilderness is 12 people. 

Exceptions should be rare. Refer to REC122 in Chapter 3 for exceptions. A 

party size of up to 20 people can be considered in Semi-Primitive settings 

outside of Wilderness. Outside of Wilderness, party sizes larger than 20 people 

may occur during less than 15 percent of the primary use season in limited 

locations.

Visitor Impacts Visitor-caused impacts may be noticeable, but not degrading to basic resource 

elements. Site hardening is very infrequent, but, when it occurs, is in harmony 

with, and appropriate for, the natural-appearing backcountry setting.

Forest Plan I-3 Appendix I

December 2016
ROS Class Standards and Guidelines

Roaded Natural

Setting Indicators Standards and Guidelines

Scenic Quality Not to fall below the Low Scenic Integrity Objective and typically is Moderate. 

Existing Scenic Integrity levels ranging from Very High through High are fully 

compatible and encouraged. 

Access All forms of access and travel modes may occur. Access to and through the 

area is typically by passenger vehicle, although motorized use may be restricted 

to provide for resource protection, user safety, or to provide a diversity of 

recreation opportunity.

Remoteness Remoteness from urban conditions and high concentrations of other people is 

important. Low concentrations of human sights and sounds in a backcountry 

roaded setting are preferred. These areas are accessed by Forest roads that are 

maintained to Levels 2, 3, and 4 and are available for public use. They generally 

involve areas with timber management activities.

Visitor Management On-site regimentation and controls are few. Control facilities are appropriate for 

the predominating backcountry roaded setting. Visitor information facilities may 

be used to interpret management activities, but are not elaborate and are 

appropriate for the setting.

On-site Recreation 

Development

Facilities and structures generally do not exceed Development Scale II and are 

maintained to accommodate the types and levels of use anticipated for the site 

and area.

Social Encounters User meets less than 20 other parties per day on trails and in dispersed areas 

during at least 80 percent of the primary use season. Numerous other parties 

may be encountered on roads. Few, if any, other parties are visible at dispersed 

campsites.

Visitor Impacts Visitor-caused impacts are noticeable, but not degrading to basic resource 

elements, nor do they exceed established Scenic Integrity Objectives. Site 

hardening may be dominant, but is in harmony with natural-appearing landscape 

and appropriate for the site and setting.

Appendix I I-4 Forest Plan

December 2016
ROS Class Standards and Guidelines

Roaded Modified

Setting Indicators Standards and Guidelines

Scenic Quality Not to fall below the Very Low Scenic Integrity Objective. Apply scenery 

management techniques to soften effects of very low conditions in the 

foreground of sensitive travel routes and recreation sites.

Access All forms of access and travel modes may occur, although roads are generally 

not well suited to highway-type vehicles. Off-highway vehicle use on designated 

routes or areas is encouraged. Use by high clearance vehicles is common.

Remoteness Remoteness is of little importance, but low to moderate concentrations of human 

sights and sounds are preferred. Setting is located within 0.5 mile (greater or 

less depending on terrain and vegetation, but no less than 0.25 mile) of 

moderate- to heavily-traveled waterways and/or roads that are maintained to 

Levels 3, 4, and 5, and open for use by the public or those areas that receive 

heavy small aircraft travel.

Visitor Management On-site regimentation and controls are obvious. Control facilities such as parking 

areas, barriers, and signs harmonize with the natural environment. Visitor 

information facilities are not elaborate or complex.

On-site Recreation 

Development

Facilities and structures generally do not exceed Development Scale III and are 

maintained to accommodate the types and levels of use anticipated for the site 

and area. Typical facilities include outdoor interpretive displays and rustic 

campgrounds and picnic areas.

Social Encounters User meets less than 20 other parties per day on trails and in dispersed areas, 

during at least 80 percent of the primary use season. User may meet numerous 

other parties on roads and developed recreation sites. Developed sites often are 

at full capacity, but do not exceed 80 percent of the design capacity over the 

season of operation.

Visitor Impacts Visitor-caused impacts are noticeable, but not degrading to basic resource 

elements. Site hardening may dominate at campsites and parking areas, but is 

in harmony with, and appropriate for, backcountry roaded setting.

Forest Plan I-5 Appendix I

December 2016
ROS Class Standards and Guidelines

Rural

Setting Indicators Standards and Guidelines

Scenic Quality Not to fall below the Low Scenic Integrity Objective in the Foreground and Very 

Low in middleground.

Access All forms of access and travel modes may occur, although access to and through 

the area is primarily by passenger vehicle. Road and trail surfaces are often 

hardened.

Remoteness Remoteness is of little importance, and moderate to high concentrations of people 

and sights and sounds of human activity are acceptable when not continuous. 

Setting is located within 0.5 mile of heavily traveled roads and state highways or 

areas that receive heavy aircraft travel. 

Visitor Management On-site regimentation and controls are obvious. Control facilities such as parking 

areas, medians, and barriers harmonize with natural/exotic landscaping. 

Information and interpretive facilities may be complex and dominant on developed 

sites.

On-site Recreation 

Development

All Development Scales (I-V) are appropriate and maintained at intended 

standards necessary to accommodate the types and levels of use anticipated for 

the site and area. Facilities typically include visitor centers, major campgrounds, 

and other facilities for concentrated use.

Social Encounters User may meet many (more than 20) other parties per day on trails, in dispersed 

areas, on roads, and in developed facilities. Developed sites often are at full 

capacity, but do not exceed 80 percent of the design capacity over the operating 

season.

Visitor Impacts Visitor-caused impacts are noticeable, but not degrading to basic resource 

elements nor do they exceed established Scenic Integrity Objectives. Site 

hardening may be dominant, but is in harmony with natural/exotic landscape and 

appropriate for the site and setting.

Urban

Setting Indicators Standards and Guidelines

Scenic Quality Not to fall below the Low Scenic Integrity Objective in the foreground and Very 

Low in middle ground.

Access Access and travel facilities are highly intense, motorized and often with mass 

transit supplements.

Remoteness Remoteness is not important. High concentrations of people and sights and 

sounds of human activity are acceptable.

Visitor Management Intensive on-site controls are numerous and obvious. Information and interpretive 

facilities may be complex and dominant.

On-site Recreation 

Development

All Development Scales (I-V) are appropriate and maintained at intended 

standards necessary to accommodate the types and levels of use anticipated for 

the site and area. Synthetic materials are commonly used. Facility design may 

be highly complex and refined, but in harmony or complimentary to the site. 

Facilities typically include visitor centers, major campgrounds, and other facilities 

for concentrated use.

Social Encounters Interaction between large numbers of users is high. Sites often are at full 

capacity, but do not exceed 80 percent of the design capacity over the operating 

season.

Visitor Impacts Visitor-caused impacts are noticeable, but not degrading to basic resource 

elements or exceed established Scenic Integrity Objectives. Site hardening may

be dominant, but is in harmony with natural/exotic landscape and appropriate for 

the site and setting.

Appendix I I-6 Forest Plan

December 2016
ROS Class Standards and Guidelines

Major and Minor Recreation-Special Use 

Developments

Four strategies (not allowed, discouraged, case-by-case, compatible) guide what 

level of development is permitted in each LUD. One of these strategies is 

assigned to each LUD to address major and minor proposals. The definitions 

and strategies applied to major and minor developments are discussed in the 

Recreation section of Chapter 4, Forest-wide Standards and Guidelines. While 

Renewable Energy sites and Transportation System Corridors are not LUDs, 

they are included in the table below to identify strategies applicable to these 

areas. 

Strategy Major Minor

Not Allowed Wilderness Wilderness

Wilderness National Monument Wilderness National Monument

Research Natural Area Research Natural Area

Wild River

Discouraged Nonwilderness National Monument Municipal Watershed

Remote Recreation Experimental Forest

Municipal Watershed

LUD II

Experimental Forest

Case-by-Case Special Interest Area Nonwilderness National Monument

Old-growth Habitat Remote Recreation

Scenic River Special Interest Area

Modified Landscape Old-growth Habitat

Timber production Wild River

Minerals Modified Landscape

Renewable Energy sites and 

Transportation System Corridors

Renewable Energy sites and 

Transportation System Corridors

Timber production

Minerals

LUD II

Compatible Semi-Remote Recreation Semi-Remote Recreation

Recreational River Recreational River

Scenic Viewshed Scenic Viewshed

Definitions

Not Allowed Recreation special use developments are not allowed by law or 

regulation, or are not consistent with agency policy and 

regulations.

Discouraged Recreation special use developments are generally not 

consistent with the objectives of the LUD. Development 

proposals require scrutiny of magnitude and scope for LUD 

conformance.

Case-by-Case Recreation special use developments may be compatible with 

the LUD objectives depending upon the scope, purpose, and 

magnitude of the proposal. Proposals will be evaluated on a 

case-by-case basis.

Compatible Recreation special use developments are generally compatible 

with this LUD, and applicants are encouraged to examine these 

areas first where there is a public need and no private lands are 

available or suitable for development.

Forest Plan I-7 Appendix I

December 2016
ROS Class Standards and Guidelines

This page is intentionally left blank.

Appendix I I-8 Forest Plan

December 2016
APPENDIX J

SPECIAL LAND DESIGNATIONS

OR CLASSIFICATIONS
Special Land Designations or Classifications

Appendix J

Special Land Designations or 

Classifications

The following listing shows, by name, the areas of the Forest identified as 

Congressionally designated Wilderness and LUD IIs, Wild, Scenic, and 

Recreational Rivers (recommended), Research Natural Areas, Special Interest 

Areas, and Experimental Forests.

Congressionally Designated Wilderness and LUD IIs

Wilderness established December 2, 1980, by the Alaska National Interest Lands 

Conservation Act (ANILCA), Section 703

Kootznoowoo Wilderness (Admiralty Island National Monument)

Coronation Island Wilderness

Endicott River Wilderness

Maurelle Islands Wilderness

Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness

Petersburg Creek-Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness

Russell Fjord Wilderness

South Baranof Wilderness

South Prince of Wales Wilderness

Stikine-LeConte Wilderness

Tebenkof Bay Wilderness

Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness

Warren Island Wilderness

West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness

Wilderness established November 28, 1990, by Section 202 of the Tongass 

Timber Reform Act (TTRA), which amended ANILCA to include these Wilderness 

areas

Chuck River Wilderness

Karta Wilderness

Kuiu Wilderness

Pleasant-Lemesurier-Inian Islands Wilderness

South Etolin Wilderness

Young Lake Addition to Kootznoowoo Wilderness

LUD IIs established November 28, 1990, by Section 201 of the TTRA, which 

amended ANILCA to include these LUD II Management Areas

Anan Creek

Berners Bay

Kadashan

Lisianski River/Upper Hoonah Sound

Mt. Calder/Mt. Holbrook

Naha

Nutkwa

Outside Islands

Special 

Designations or 

Classifications

Forest Plan J-1 Appendix J

December 2016
Special Land Designations or Classifications

Point Adolphus/Mud Bay

Salmon Bay

Trap Bay

Yakutat Forelands

LUD IIs established December 19, 2014, by the Sealaska Land Entitlement 

Finalization (sec. 3002 of P.L. 113–291), which amended ANILCA to add these

LUD II Management Areas

Bay of Pillars

Kushneahin Creek

Northern Prince of Wales

Western Kosciusko

Eastern Kosciusko

Sarkar Lakes

Honker Divide

Eek Lake and Sukkwan Island

Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers

The following rivers or river segments, as described in Appendix A of the 1997 

Record of Decision (ROD), including the segment classifications, have been 

recommended to Congress for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers 

System:

River or River Segments

Miles of River 

Classification

Wild Scenic Recreational

Aaron, Oerns, and Berg Creeks 21 16

Anan Creek 17.5 0.5

Blind River 5

Blue River 26

Chickamin River 94 2

Essowah Lakes and Streams 13

Fall Dog Creek 4

Farragut River 29 1

Gilkey River 9

Glacial River 10

Gokachin, Mirror, Fish, and Low Creeks 30

Harding River 16

Hasselborg River and Lakes 24

Kadake Creek 23

Kadashan River 8

Kah Sheets Creek and Lake 5 4

Katzehin River 10

Kegan Lake and Streams 9

King Salmon River 8

Kutlaku Creek and Lake 2

LeConte Glacier 6

Lisianski River 5

Naha River 17 2

Orchard Creek and Lake 10 16

Petersburg Creek 7

Salmon Bay Lake and Stream 4 2

Santa Anna Creek and Lake Helen 4

Sarkar Lakes 14 3 2

Thorne River and Hatchery Creek 24 18

Virginia Lake and Creek 9

Wolverine Creek and McDonald Lake 6

Appendix J J-2 Forest Plan

December 2016
Special Land Designations or Classifications

Research Natural Areas

Cape Fanshaw 

Dog Island 

Limestone Inlet 

Old Tom Creek (reduced in size by Public Law 113-291)

Red River 

Kadin Island

Marten River

Rio Roberts (now included in Honker Divide LUD II area due to 

Public Law 113-291) 

Robinson Lake

Tonalite Creek

Warm Pass

West Gambier Bay

Special Interest Areas

Descriptions of the following Special Interest Areas, with the exception of the 

Geologic Areas expanded in 2008, are located in 1997 Forest Plan Revision 

FEIS, Appendix F. Descriptions of the Geological Areas expanded in 2008 are 

located in 2008 Forest Plan, Appendix L. The following areas will continue under 

a Special Interest Area classification:

Admiralty Lakes Recreation Area

Bailey Bay Hot Springs Recreation Area

Big Creek Geological Area

Blake Channel Geological Area

Blind Slough Scenic and Zoological Area

Blue River Lava Flow Geological Area

Calamity Creek Caves Geological Area

Clear River Zoological Area

Dall Island Geological Areas (includes part of former Karst 

Geological Area)

Duke Island Zoological Area

Eastern Chichagof Geological Areas

Falls Creek Windthrow Botanical Area

Fish Creek Hot Springs Recreation Area

Heceta Island Geological Area

Hubbard Glacier Geological Area

Keku Islets Geological and Scenic Area

Kosciusko Island Geological Areas (reduced by about 4,245 acres 

by Public Law 113-291 [about 3,505 acres became LUD II and 

740 acres were conveyed to Sealaska])

Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area

Mount Edgecumbe Geological Area

Naha Recreation Area

New Eddystone Rock Geological Area

North Hamilton River Redcedar Cultural and Botanical Area

North-central Prince of Wales Geological Areas

Northern Prince of Wales Geological Areas (reduced by about

9,060 acres by Public Law 113-291 [about 8,335 acres 

became LUD II and 725 acres were conveyed to Sealaska])

Pack Creek Zoological Area

Patterson Glacier Geological and Botanical Area

Pike Lakes Recreation Area

Soda Springs Geological Area

Forest Plan J-3 Appendix J

December 2016
Special Land Designations or Classifications

Suemez Island Volcanics Geological Area (expansion of Suemez 

Island Geological Area)

Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Scenic Area

Walker Cove-Rudyerd Bay Scenic Area

Ward Lake Recreation Area (including expansion)

Experimental Forests

The Maybeso Experimental Forest will continue to be managed as an 

Experimental Forest as it has been since 1997. This includes evaluating

aspects of forest regeneration, riparian succession and evolution of 

stream channel morphology, and response of salmonid populations to 

changes in large-wood density and distribution.

The Héen Latinee Experimental Forest was established by the Chief of 

the Forest Service on June 25, 2009, and is managed as an 

Experimental Forest. This forest represents coastal temperate rain 

forests and allows research over many different landscape types from 

glacial ridges to marine estuaries.

The Young Bay Experimental Forest was disestablished by the Chief of the 

Forest Service on June 25, 2009, and this area is managed under the SemiRemote Recreation LUD. 

Appendix J J-4 Forest Plan

December 2016
APPENDIX K

OLD-GROWTH HABITAT RESERVE

MODIFICATION PROCEDURES
Old-growth Habitat Reserve Modification Procedures

Appendix K

Old-growth Habitat Reserve

Modification Procedures

This appendix describes criteria for changing the boundaries of old-growth 

reserves (OGRs) at the project level as described in the Old-growth Habitat Land 

Use Designation (LUD) Standards and Guidelines (Wildlife section). For a 

complete review of the Conservation Strategy, including assumptions for the 

design of the OGR system, refer to Appendix N of the 1997 Final EIS and 

Appendix D of the 2008 Final EIS. 

Significant modifications to OGRs (e.g., in the case of a land exchange) require

consideration of other factors outside the scope of this appendix. Factors include

connectivity, size, and shape of the reserve, as well as basic assumptions behind 

the location of the reserves. Some activities (i.e., major land conveyance or 

substantial timber harvest in non-development LUDs) could significantly affect 

the integrity of the Conservation Strategy. In this case, an overall review of the 

effects on the Conservation Strategy would be necessary. These activities are 

anticipated to be infrequent events.

During the 2008 Amendment process, the USDA Forest Service, U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service (USFWS), and Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) 

reviewed all of the small OGRs and a few of the medium and large OGRs. 

These were reviewed primarily because under the 1997 Forest Plan, small OGRs 

were not adequately mapped, so it was necessary to review and designate them 

at the project level. Medium and large OGR locations were finalized in the 1997 

Forest Plan and brought forward. The location of the majority of the small OGRs

was completed during the 2008 Forest Plan review; therefore, project-level 

reviews are not necessary, except as outlined below. 

Minor modifications to any OGR boundary as a result of imprecise mapping are 

considered an administrative change. The changes will not be considered 

changes in the Forest Plan and may be completed without project level or other 

review provided that changes meet OGR goals and objectives. Changes should 

only be completed to follow physical and other recognizable on-the-ground 

features or defined boundaries (e.g., roads, streams, LUD, watersheds). 

Under limited circumstances, a line officer may decide to modify the size and 

location of an OGR. Modifications of OGRs, other than minor as described 

above, will require the completion of a project level review. This review may be 

necessary if: 

A. The project occurs in VCUs 1930, 2010, 5371, 5620, 6100, 6140, 6150, 

6160, 6170, 6320, 6710, 6750, and 6760. A project-level review is required 

because critical site-specific information for these small and medium OGRs 

was not available for the 2008 Forest Plan review. This review requires an 

assessment of landscape connectivity (refer to Appendix D of the Final EIS). 

Once a review and approval through the NEPA process is complete, no 

further review for these OGRs is necessary.

B. The project proposes young-growth harvest in the Old-growth Habitat LUD.

Introduction 

Review of

OGRs

Forest Plan K-1 Appendix K

December 2016
Old-growth Habitat Reserve Modification Procedures

C. Site-specific information for a small OGR indicates that the OGR habitat 

criteria are not met in the mapped location.

D. Actions are proposed within the OGR that will reduce the integrity of the oldgrowth habitat in the OGR. 

E. The OGR will be affected by a land conveyance, power line, mine, or other 

project that was not considered in the Forest Plan. An overall review of the 

Conservation Strategy is not necessary for a modification to an individual 

small OGR, but it could be necessary for modifications to medium and large 

OGRs, or if a proposal affects multiple OGRs. If an overall review is deemed 

unnecessary by the line officer for modification to medium and large OGRs, 

documentation of the rationale will be done through the NEPA process. 

Project-level reviews will ensure that OGRs meet Forest Plan OGR criteria while 

addressing forest-wide multiple use goals and objectives. There are two levels of 

review included in the project-level review: 1) the interagency review, and 2) the 

decision process. 

Step 1, Interagency Review Process—The purpose of an interagency review is to 

identify the biologically preferred location for the OGR. An interagency team of 

USDA Forest Service, USFWS, and ADF&G biologists will jointly evaluate the 

location and habitat composition of the OGR by reviewing all the large productive 

old growth blocks within a Value Comparison Unit (VCU). The interagency 

review team will develop a proposal for the OGR that meets the criteria of this 

appendix and document why other proposals were not recommended. 

The review will include the following steps:

A. Review the purpose and rationale for current location of the Forest Plan OGR 

as documented in the current Tongass Old Growth database.

B. Assess whether the purpose and rationale for the location of the OGR has 

changed.

C. Use the design criteria to define the biologically preferred location for the 

OGR. 

D. Document this proposal as the interagency proposed OGR in the Tongass 

Old Growth database and in an Interagency OGR Review report.

Step 2, Decision Process—Line officers will incorporate the interagency review 

team OGR recommendation in the NEPA process, considering the best biological 

location for the OGR while balancing other considerations. The interagency team 

will work with the decision maker to develop alternate proposals, if necessary to 

meet other Forest Plan objectives. The implemented OGR must meet the 

minimum criteria as described below. 

The Decision process will include the following steps:

A. Attempt to develop a viable project that avoids conflicts with the biologically 

preferred OGR. At a minimum, the biologically preferred OGR will be 

considered in an alternative in the NEPA document.

B. Where modifications to the biologically preferred OGR are required to meet 

Forest-wide multiple use goals and objectives:

1. Follow the management prescriptions as defined for the Old-growth 

Habitat LUD; and

2. Document the rationale for modifications to the biologically preferred 

OGR.

Project-Level 

Review 

Appendix K K-2 Forest Plan

December 2016
Old-growth Habitat Reserve Modification Procedures

C. Changes to the OGR LUD require a NEPA analysis and a Forest Plan 

amendment. 

D. Analyze the amount of land suitable for timber production impacted by the 

change in OGR.

E. Add the updated information (including the rationale for the final location) to 

the Tongass Old Growth database.

A. Review Appendix D of the Final EIS, which includes the assumptions for the 

design of the old-growth reserve system.

B. Small reserves are a contiguous landscape of at least 16 percent of the 

National Forest System land area of each VCU and at least 50 percent of the 

small reserve, should be productive old growth. The size and location of 

small OGRs will consider the following:

1. OGRs shall contain a minimum of 400 acres of productive old-growth 

forest. Do not map isolated reserves with less than 400 acres of 

productive old growth.

2. The preferred biological objective is for each reserve to contain at least 

800 acres of productive old-growth forest. 

3. In VCUs that are partially allocated to a Non-development LUD, compare 

the computed acreage required to the acres of productive old growth in 

the Non-development LUD. If the Non-development LUD acres are less 

than the area necessary for a small reserve, first use the productive old 

growth acres in the existing Non-development LUD to establish a small 

reserve, and then add additional acres of productive old growth to 

achieve the required small reserve size and composition.

4. In VCUs that are separated by saltwater channels, reserves may be 

separated, but attempt to retain 800 acres of productive old growth in 

each.

5. In very large VCUs, generally larger than 10,000 acres, the allocated old 

growth may be mapped in separate reserves as long as each reserve 

has a minimum of 800 acres of productive old growth. However, larger 

contiguous reserves are preferred to multiple smaller reserves.

6. In very large VCUs that contain relatively little productive old growth and 

the computational rule requires an amount of productive old growth that 

exceeds 50 percent of the existing productive old growth in the VCU, 

map a reserve of at least 400 acres of productive old growth.

7. Where VCU boundaries do not match watershed or ecological 

boundaries, up to 30 percent of the allocated old growth acres in a VCU 

may be mapped in an adjacent VCU if the resulting reserve achieves oldgrowth reserve objectives. The resulting small reserve in both VCUs 

must be contiguous. Total acreage is attributed to the VCU with 70

percent of the OGR.

8. OGR boundaries should follow recognizable features that are identifiable 

on the ground. Features should be permanent and easily identifiable. 

Features may include but are not limited to streams, roads, distinctive 

ridges and ridge-tops, watershed boundaries, and v-notches. 

Criteria for 

Small OGRs

Forest Plan K-3 Appendix K

December 2016
Old-growth Habitat Reserve Modification Procedures

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Appendix K K-4 Forest Plan

December 2016