United States 

Department of 

Agriculture 

Forest 

Service 

Tongass National 

Forest 

R10-MB-743b 

August 2012 

Prince of Wales 

Outfitter and Guide 

Management Plan 

Decision Notice 

Tongass National Forest 

Craig and Thorne Bay Ranger Districts 

Craig and Thorne Bay, Alaska
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan DN - Key Acronyms and 

Other Terms 

ACMP Alaska Coastal Management Plan LUD Land Use Designation 

ADF&G 

Alaska Department of Fish and 

Game NAGPRA 

Native American Graves 

Protection and Repatriation Act 

AIRFA 

American Indian Religious 

Freedom Act NEPA 

National Environmental Policy 

Act 

ANCSA 

Alaska Native Claims Settlement 

Act NFS National Forest System 

ANILCA 

Alaska National Interest Lands 

Conservation Act NHPA 

National Historic Preservation 

Act 

BMP Best Management Practices NMFS 

National Marine Fisheries 

Service 

CEQ Council on Environmental Quality NOAA 

National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations ROS Recreation Opportunity 

Spectrum 

DN Decision Notice SD Service Day 

EA Environmental Assessment SHPO State Historic Preservation 

Officer 

EIS Environmental Impact Statement SOPA Schedule of Proposed Actions 

ESA Endangered Species Act SUA Special Use Authorization 

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

FSH Forest Service Handbook Forest 

Plan 

Tongass Land and Resource 

Management Plan 

FSM Forest Service Manual TTRA Tongass Timber Reform Act 

IDT Interdisciplinary Team USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife 

Service 

KMRD Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger 

District VCU Value Comparison Unit 

LNT Leave No Trace WA Wilderness Area 

Cover Photo: Reading an interpretive sign on Beaver Falls Trail

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all 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, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or 

part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not 

all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require 

alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, 

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

and TDD). 

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil 

Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call 

(800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity 

provider and employer. 

Printed on 

Recycled 

Paper 
United States Forest

US PA Department of Service

Agriculture

Alaska Region

Tongass National Forest

Thorne Bay Ranger District

P.O. Box 19001

Thorne Bay, AK 99919-0001

Phone: (907)828-3304

Fax: (907)828-3309

File Code: 1950

Date: August 24, 2012

Dear National Forest User:

Here is your copy of the Decision Notice for the Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide

Management Plan project on the Craig and Thorne Bay Ranger Districts, Tongass National

Forest. The Decision Notice documents our final decision on the Selected Alternative and the

facts considered in reaching the decision. The date when this decision can be implemented and

the notice of rights of appeal, as well as information on how to appeal, are also included in the

Decision Notice.

Copies of this decision have been directly mailed to those people who requested to be on the

mailing list or who provided comments on the Environmental Assessment for the project.

Additional copies of the Environmental Assessment and Decision Notice are available for review

in several formats including electronic and hard copy. The Environmental Assessment and

Decision Notice can be found on the internet at: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usdapop.php/?project=27974 - look for the link to the documents. For more information, contact Sue

Jennings, the project team leader, at the Petersburg Forest Service office at 907-772-5864 during

regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Thank you for your continuing interest in the management of the Tongass National Forest.

Sincerely,

KENT NICHOLSON

District Ranger

1WV

MAEVE L. TAYLOR

Acting District Ranger

Caring for the Land and Serving People Printed on Recycled Paper

Decision Notice - Page 1 

DECISION NOTICE

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

USDA FOREST SERVICE

TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST

CRAIG AND THORNE BAY RANGER DISTRICTS

PRINCE OF WALES OUTFITTER AND GUIDE MANAGEMENT PLAN 

Summary __________________________________ 

We have selected a modified Alternative 3 to allocate, or distribute, 85,194 service days 

per year for recreation outfitting and guiding on the Craig and Thorne Bay (Prince of 

Wales - POW) Ranger Districts. We explain the decision and how and why we made this 

decision in this document. 

Introduction ________________________________ 

People like to use the Tongass National Forest for recreation. People new, visiting, or 

unfamiliar with the area sometimes seek assistance to use and enjoy the Forest. Outfitters 

and guides can be hired to help visitors use the Forest. Guided visitors, in this decision, 

are those people visiting the Tongass who use the services of an outfitter or a guide. This 

decision sets the use levels for guided recreation visitors and describes how we will 

allocate (or distribute) the number of days available for recreation visitors on the Prince 

of Wales (POW) ranger districts. This decision does not set use levels for, nor regulate, 

unguided visitors. 

Outfitting and guiding services are a permitted activity on National Forest System lands 

under a variety of laws established by Congress. In 2011, the Forest Service permitted 

POW outfitters and guides to use 19,827 service days (the number of days or parts of 

days on which an outfitter or guide provides services to a client). 

As preparation for this project, a recreation visitor capacity was determined. Recreation 

visitor capacity is the number of recreation visitors that can be accommodated at a 

recreation location, while balancing the need for a variety of visitor experiences and 

following resource protection direction. The calculated recreation visitor capacity for the 

known recreation use areas on Prince of Wales is 320,979 visitor days per year (see Table 

1 and EA Appendix B). This capacity sets an upper limit on the amount of recreation use 

that can occur in these areas with limited impact. 

This Decision Notice contains a brief summary of the environmental analysis completed 

for this project as well as our decision regarding which alternative to implement and the 

rationale for our decision. It also contains certain Findings required by various laws and 

information concerning the right to Administrative Review of this decision. The 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 2 

Environmental Assessment (EA) completed for this project is incorporated by reference 

in this decision document. 

DECISION __________________________________ 

After reviewing the EA, considering the public comments, including those comments 

made in person at the subsistence hearing and those from the tribes made during formal 

consultation, and reviewing the recommendations of resource specialists and the 

applicable laws and regulations, we decided to implement Alternative 3 with 

modifications as the Selected Alternative. We decided that Alternative 3 modified by 

adding the guided fishing restrictions from Alternative 2 best meets the purpose and need 

for the project while addressing many of the concerns that were raised through the public 

comments. 

As part of the Selected Alternative, we also decided to include all of the adaptive 

management, project design elements, mitigation and monitoring originally described in 

the EA, and now included in Appendix 1 of this decision. 

To respond to recent changes in land status and to reduce effects to resources, the 

Selected Alternative includes the following modifications to Alternative 3: 

 No guided use will be allocated at Old Franks Creek. A portion of the Old Franks 

Creek area was conveyed to Sealaska and is no longer part of the National Forest 

System. It is now private land and the Forest Service does not manage private 

land. Additionally, this area is an area of special concern to the POW Tribes and 

will not have outfitter or guide use to respond to their concerns. 

 Guided fishing restrictions similar to those described for Alternatives 2 and 4 

have been added to the Selected Alternative. These restrictions will help to 

protect sockeye, steelhead, and coho salmon runs and help to reduce competition 

for these important subsistence resources. 

Description of the Selected Alternative 

Including these modifications, the Selected Alternative will allocate 85,194 service days 

annually for outfitter and guide use on the POW districts (see Table R-1 and Figures R-1, 

R-2, and R-3 at the end of this decision). The Selected Alternative allocates 25% of the 

recreation visitor capacity to guided use across all areas with two exceptions. Outfitter 

and guide use will be encouraged at Dog Salmon Fishpass and Beaver Falls Trail by 

providing an allocation of 75% to outfitters and guides in these areas because the sites are 

hardened, heavily managed, and designed for higher use numbers. 

 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 3 

Table 1: Selected Alternative – POW Outfitter and Guide Allocations in Service 

Days (SD) 

Recreation Use Area Highest 

Actual 

Annual 

Use1

(SDs) 

Recreation 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Service Days 

(SDs) 

Current 

Permitted 

Selected 

Alternative 

(SDs) 

Selected 

Alternative 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs with 

limited timing)2

TOTAL of All Use Areas 5,719 320,979 19,827 85,194 3,071/1,323 

Based on the uses recorded on POW between 2004 and 2008, this decision permits the 

following guided uses: 

 hunting, 

 fishing, 

 camping, 

 active touring (biking, hiking, kayaking), and 

 passive touring (wildlife viewing, sightseeing, nature viewing). 

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

would have to be considered on a case-by-case basis with a separate National 

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis. 

Based on public and resource input, the Selected Alternative contains several limitations 

on guided activities such as hunting and fishing: 

 Guided/outfitted big game hunting will not be allowed in Wildlife Analysis Areas 

(WAAs) 1318, 1319, 1421, and 1422. This is referred to as the “Central WAAs 

Closure” and prohibits guided hunting in these areas for bears, wolves, and deer. 

 Big game guiding or outfitting will be prohibited within 1 mile of communities, 1 

mile of existing or new recreation cabins, campgrounds, or picnic areas, or within 

1 mile of the Karta River, Karta Lake, or Salmon Lake in the Karta Wilderness 

Area. 

 No more than 40 service days total per area will be allocated to outfitters or 

guides during the fall hunting season. This limit applies to all outfitter and guide 

hunting, but only applies to fall hunts. 

 Only a portion of the total service days in specific locations will be allocated to 

guided fishing during a particular timeframe (see Table R-1 for specific 

allocations by area for fishing). This restriction reduces the service days allocated 

to guided fishing in specific areas, but leaves the remaining allocation in that 

same recreation use area available for other types of guided uses. 

 

1

 Data is an aggregate of highest use between 2004 and 2008. 

2 Fishing restricted to maintain steelhead, summer run coho, and sockeye runs; see Table 2 for full 

description of fishing restrictions. 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 4 

For example: 

 At Alder Creek, of the 577 service days allocated annually to outfitters 

and guides under this alternative, up to 25 of those days could be 

allocated to guided fishing at any time of year; the remaining 552 days 

at Alder Creek could be used for guided activities other than fishing. 

 At Barnes Lake, of the 115 service days allocated annually to outfitters 

and guides under the Selected Alternative, up to 25 of those days could 

be allocated to guided fishing, but only 12 of those days could be used 

between December 1 and July 31 (the “restricted period” for that area). 

The remaining 90 days at Barnes Lake could be used for guided 

activities other than fishing. 

 Outfitters and guides will be required to identify campsites prior to receiving 

permit approval. 

Additionally, to protect wilderness character, our decision includes the following 

restrictions within POW Wilderness Areas. 

 No outfitter or guide use of the Warren Island Wilderness will be permitted. 

 Outfitter and guide use in the remaining POW Wilderness areas will be allowed 

with the following limitations on outfitter and guide uses: 

 Coronation Island Wilderness – no hunting and no fishing 

 Maurelle Island Wilderness – no hunting and no fishing; continue to prohibit 

guided use during July and August when the area is already heavily used 

 Karta River Wilderness – no outfitter and guide use along the river corridor, 

no camping, no fresh water fishing, no guided passive and active touring 

 South Prince of Wales Wilderness - no limitations; all commercial uses are 

permitted. 

Adaptive Management, Project Design, Mitigation 

Measures, and Monitoring 

The Selected Alternative was designed to minimize social and environmental effects and 

meet Forest Plan standards and guidelines through the use of project design and 

mitigation measures, monitoring and adaptive management. Adaptive management may 

be implemented as described in Appendix 1 to reduce or increase guided use allocations. 

All adaptive management provisions described in Appendix 1 including the criteria for 

adjusting guided use and the timing of adjustments are a part of this decision on the 

Selected Alternative. The project design measures, mitigation measures, and monitoring 

shown in Appendix 1 are also part of the Selected Alternative and will be implemented 

through this decision. Some measures are required in all areas. Some measures are 

specific to location. These design elements and mitigation measures will be implemented 

through outfitter and guide permit conditions and administration of the permits.
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice – Page 5

Table 2: Comparison of Alternatives 

Recreation Use Area1

Access Highest 

Actual 

Annual 

Use2

(SDs) 

Recreation 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Service Days 

(SDs) 

Alternative 1 

No Action 

Current 

Permitted3

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Proposed 

Action 

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Selected 

Alternative 

(SDs) 

Selected 

Alternative 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

108 Creek/ Cavern Lake Road 62 692 116+ 346 200/100* 173 173/100Aats BayW Shore 24 309 63 155 77 Aiken Cove Shore 9 847 12 424 212 Alder Creek Road 0 2,306 105+ 1,153 25 577 25 Arena Cove Shore 2 282 141 71 Aston Island Shore 1 847 424 212 Baker Creek Road 0 2,306 10 1,153 25 577 25 Barnes Lake Remote 18 461 231 25/12* 115 25/12* Barrier Islands Shore 0 309 200 155 77 

1 Sites identified with a “W” are located in Wilderness. 2 Data is an aggregate of highest use between 2004 and 2008. 3 Alternative 1 – rows have blanks if there was no 2011 permitted use in these areas; however, these areas have been used by outfitters 

Areas marked with a “+” had fishing restrictions outlined in the Revision to the Environmental Assessment for the Determination of Issfor Sportfishing Outfitter and Guide Services throughout Ketchikan Area Tongass National Forest (1998) 

4 Fishing restricted to maintain steelhead, summer run coho, and sockeye runs; restrictions do not lower the entire allocation for outfitte

but restrict the number of annual permitted fishing service days to those shown in the left side of this column. If only one number is shthese are the annual permitted fishing service days and there are no timing restrictions. The number and the asterisk in the right side of 

timing restrictions: * = the restricted period for guided fishing days is 12/1 to 7/31, ** = the restricted period for guided fishing days is to the right of the “/” displays the highest number of service days allowed during the restricted period. Where no numbers are shown in fishing restriction is not applicable. 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 6 

Recreation Use Area1

Access Highest 

Actual 

Annual 

Use2

(SDs) 

Recreation 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Service Days 

(SDs) 

Alternative 1 

No Action 

Current 

Permitted3

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Proposed 

Action 

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Selected 

Alternative 

(SDs) 

Selected 

Alternative 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Beaver Falls Trail Road 60 2,318 1,159 1,7385 Beaver Mountain Remote 2 4,234 2,117 1,059 Big Creek, W. Cholmondoley Shore 0 1,079 500 540 270 Big Lake Road 5 2,306 95 1,153 25/12* 577 25/12* Biscuit LagoonW Shore 69 360 538 180 90 Black Bear Lake Remote 0 4,612 20 2,306 1,153 Bobs Place Shore 3 847 424 212 Boyd Lake Road 2 2,306 32 1,153 25 577 25 Brownson BayW Shore 2 282 8 141 71 Buster Bay Shore 11 2,822 28 1,411 706 Buster Creek Road 0 2,306 1,153 25 577 25 Cable Creek Road 12 692 9 346 25 173 25 Calder Bay Road 19 2,117 418 1,059 529 Calder Creek Road 0 2,306 105 1,153 577 California Bay Road 7 2,117 1,059 529 Cape Chacon Shore 5 847 424 212 Cavern Lake Trail Road 4 696 348 174 

5 In the Selected Alternative, 75% of the capacity in this area would be allocated to guided use 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 7 

Recreation Use Area1

Access Highest 

Actual 

Annual 

Use2

(SDs) 

Recreation 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Service Days 

(SDs) 

Alternative 1 

No Action 

Current 

Permitted3

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Proposed 

Action 

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Selected 

Alternative 

(SDs) 

Selected 

Alternative 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

China CoveW Shore 57 309 63 155 77 Cholmondeley Sound, NE Shore 36 1,079 425 540 270 Cholmondeley Sound, South Arm 

Shore 54 1,079 500 540 270 

Cholmondeley Sound, West Arm 

Shore 84 1,079 540 270 

Clover Lake Remote 26 1,270 128 635 318 Cora Point W Shore 4 309 42 155 77 Datzkoo Harbor Shore 55 847 424 212 Devilfish Bay Shore 4 282 28 141 71 Dickman Bay Shore 23 847 424 212 Diver Bay Shore 4 2,822 1,411 706 Dog Salmon Cr. Road 2,696 1,348 25 674 25 Dog Salmon Fishpass Road 1,396 8,733 1,722 4,367 6,5506 Dog Salmon Lake Road 2 635 318 159 Dry Pass Shore 8 2,822 38 1,411 706 

6 In the Selected Alternative, 75% of the capacity in this area would be allocated to guided use 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 8 

Recreation Use Area1

Access Highest 

Actual 

Annual 

Use2

(SDs) 

Recreation 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Service Days 

(SDs) 

Alternative 1 

No Action 

Current 

Permitted3

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Proposed 

Action 

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Selected 

Alternative 

(SDs) 

Selected 

Alternative 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Dunbar Inlet Shore 30 847 424 212 Eagle Creek Road 61 692 224 346 250/125* 173 173/125Eagle Island Shore 20 927 464 232 Egg HarborW Shore 29 309 20 155 77 El Capitan Cave Road 112 7,560 1,167 3,780 1,890 El Capitan Passage Shore 34 927 464 232 Essowah Lakes Remote 2 423 212 106 Exchange Cove, East Shore 8 2,822 1,411 706 Exchange Cove, West Road 100 2,318 10 1,159 580 FDR 2700 Road 7 2,318 1,159 580 Fisherman Cove Shore 3 847 424 212 Flicker Creek Road 19 2,306 + 1,153 25 577 25 Fredrick Cove Shore 32 3,595 12 1,798 899 Gandlaay Haanaa (Fubar Creek) 

Road 2 2,117 1,059 50/25** 529 50/25*

Goat Island Shore 3 847 424 212 Gold Harbor Shore 2 282 141 71 Goose Bay Shore 9 847 424 212 Gosti Island Shore 1 847 424 212 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 9 

Recreation Use Area1

Access Highest 

Actual 

Annual 

Use2

(SDs) 

Recreation 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Service Days 

(SDs) 

Alternative 1 

No Action 

Current 

Permitted3

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Proposed 

Action 

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Selected 

Alternative 

(SDs) 

Selected 

Alternative 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Granite Mountain Remote 12 423 9 212 106 Gulch Creek Road 2 2,117 9 1,059 529 Halibut Harbor Shore 13 847 828 424 212 Harris Ridge Road 4 635 10 318 159 Harris River Road 190 2,306 339+ 1,153 150/75** 577 150/75*Hassiah Inlet Shore 2 2,822 26 1,411 706 Hatchery Creek Road 100 692 26+ 346 250/125* 173 173/125Hessa InletW Shore 6 282 522 141 71 Holbrook Arm Shore 8 2,822 1,411 706 Hole In The WallW Shore 17 282 34 141 71 Hook Arm Shore 4 847 424 212 Horseshoe Island Shore 3 847 424 212 Hunter BayW Shore 89 360 212 180 90 Hunter Creek Shore 0 307 2 154 100 77 77 Indian Creek Road 1 635 19 318 159 Ingraham Bay Shore 11 847 424 212 Island Bay Shore 8 927 464 232 Jinhi Bay Shore 2 847 28 424 212 Johnson Cove Shore 6 2,822 12 1,411 706 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 10 

Recreation Use Area1

Access Highest 

Actual 

Annual 

Use2

(SDs) 

Recreation 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Service Days 

(SDs) 

Alternative 1 

No Action 

Current 

Permitted3

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Proposed 

Action 

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Selected 

Alternative 

(SDs) 

Selected 

Alternative 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Karheen Cove Shore 2 2,822 1,411 706 Kasaan Bay Shore 2 847 18 424 212 Kasook Inlet Shore 2 282 141 71 Kassa Inlet Shore 14 2,822 26 1,411 706 Keete Inlet Shore 14 2,822 1,411 706 Kegan Creek Shore 0 307 69 154 77 Kendrick Bay Shore 6 2,822 20 1,411 706 Klakas InletW Shore 208 360 854 180 90 Klakas Lake Remote 0 461 212 231 100 115 100 Kosciusko Island Road System 

Road 12 2,117 8 1,059 529 

Kugel Lake Remote 57 1,618 85 809 405 Kugun Creek Shore 1 2,822 1,411 706 Labouchere Bay Road 10 635 10 318 159 Lake Galea Remote 0 1,391 85 696 348 Lancaster Cove Shore 98 2,822 1,411 706 Lava Creek Road 7 635 14 318 159 Logjam Creek Road 19 2,306 99+ 1,153 50/25* 577 50/25* Luck Lake Road 81 2,306 169 1,153 250/125* 577 250/125Luelia Lake Remote 144 539 285 270 135 Mabel Island Shore 2 847 424 212 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 11 

Recreation Use Area1

Access Highest 

Actual 

Annual 

Use2

(SDs) 

Recreation 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Service Days 

(SDs) 

Alternative 1 

No Action 

Current 

Permitted3

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Proposed 

Action 

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Selected 

Alternative 

(SDs) 

Selected 

Alternative 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Marble Creek Road 0 2,306 1,153 577 Marble Island Shore 5 2,822 1,411 706 Max CoveW Shore 97 360 218 180 90 Maybeso River Road 11 635 9 318 159 McKenzie Inlet, South Road 48 2,117 1,059 529 McKenzie Inlet, West Shore 10 922 200 461 231 Mclean Arm Shore 4 847 38 424 212 Mcleod Bay Shore 4 847 424 212 Memorial Beach Road 4 2,318 1,159 580 Menefee Anchorage Shore 2 847 424 212 Miller Lake Remote 44 1,618 500 809 405 Moira Sound Shore 121 2,822 8 1,411 706 Moira Sound, North Arm Shore 2 847 424 212 Moira Sound , South Arm Shore 135 1,079 500 540 270 Monie Lake Remote 0 4,612 65 2,306 1,153 Naukati Bay Road 3 2,117 1,059 529 Neck Lake Road 75 2,306 175 1,153 150 577 150 Niblack Lake Remote 0 1,383 128 692 346 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 12 

Recreation Use Area1

Access Highest 

Actual 

Annual 

Use2

(SDs) 

Recreation 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Service Days 

(SDs) 

Alternative 1 

No Action 

Current 

Permitted3

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Proposed 

Action 

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Selected 

Alternative 

(SDs) 

Selected 

Alternative 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Nichols Bay Shore 4 847 20 424 212 No Name Lake, S8 T68S R 79E Road 0 2,306 90 1,153 577 North Bay Shore 2 847 424 212 Nossuk Bay Shore 15 2,822 828 1,411 706 Nowiskay Cove Shore 74 1,079 540 270 Nutkawa Inlet Shore 4 2,822 1,411 706 Nutkawa Lagoon Remote 24 423 65 212 106 Old Franks7

Creek Road 42 1,647 19 1,153 100 0 0 

Old Log Camp Road 1 2,117 110 1,059 529 Old Toms Creek Road 19 270 10 135 68 One Duck Lake Road 2 2,117 1,059 529 One Duck Road System Road 1 2,117 1,059 529 Orr Island Shore 4 2,822 1,411 706 Paul Bight Shore 3 282 10 141 71 Paul Young Cr. Shore 3 847 10 424 212 Pine Point Shore 1 2,822 1,411 706 

7 A portion of Old Franks Creek was conveyed to Sealaska and the Old Franks Creek area is an area of concern to the POW Tribes. Th

allocate outfitter or guide use in this area. 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 13 

Recreation Use Area1

Access Highest 

Actual 

Annual 

Use2

(SDs) 

Recreation 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Service Days 

(SDs) 

Alternative 1 

No Action 

Current 

Permitted3

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Proposed 

Action 

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Selected 

Alternative 

(SDs) 

Selected 

Alternative 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Point Dolores Shore 4 2,822 1,411 706 Pole Anchorage Shore 2 2,822 1,411 706 Polk Inlet Overlook Road 4 2,117 1,059 529 Polk Inlet, East Shore 2 2,822 1,411 706 Polk Inlet, North Road 88 2,117 180 1,059 529 Polk Pass Road 5 2,117 1,059 529 Pond Bay Shore 1 847 424 212 Port Alice Shore 3 847 424 212 Port Refugio Shore 8 2,822 1,411 706 Port Santa Cruz Shore 1 2,822 1,411 706 Ratz Creek Road 27 692 315+ 346 100/50* 173 100/50* Ratz Harbor Shore 0 927 464 232 Red Bay Road 16 2,117 338 1,059 529 Red Bay Creek/Lake Road 31 692 259+ 346 25 173 25 Red Bay Lake Trail Road 13 696 233 348 174 Rip Point Shore 2 2,822 1,411 706 Roller Bay, Noyes Island Shore 0 309 155 77 Ruins Point Shore 2 282 141 71 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 14 

Recreation Use Area1

Access Highest 

Actual 

Annual 

Use2

(SDs) 

Recreation 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Service Days 

(SDs) 

Alternative 1 

No Action 

Current 

Permitted3

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Proposed 

Action 

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Selected 

Alternative 

(SDs) 

Selected 

Alternative 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Sakie Bay Shore 2 847 20 424 212 Salmon Bay Shore 42 282 210 141 71 Salmon Bay Creek Remote 18 461 72 231 50 115 50 Salmon Bay Lake Remote 19 461 168 231 50 115 50 Salmon Bay Lake Trail Shore 0 309 233 155 77 Salt Chuck Shore 56 3,595 500 1,798 899 Salt Lake Bay Shore 11 847 28 424 212 Sarheen Cove Shore 10 847 10 424 212 Sarkar Lake Road 29 692 159 346 100/50* 173 100/50* Scott Lagoon Shore 17 2,822 1,411 706 Security Cove Shore 2 847 424 212 Shaheen Creek Road 9 2,306 4 1,153 25 577 25 Shakan Bay Shore 22 282 80 141 71 Shipley Bay Shore 32 282 138 141 71 Shipley Bay Creek/Lake Shore 0 307 195 154 77 Shipwreck Point Shore 4 282 141 71 Skowl Arm Shore 23 2,822 178 1,411 706 Snag Island Shore 2 847 424 212 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 15 

Recreation Use Area1

Access Highest 

Actual 

Annual 

Use2

(SDs) 

Recreation 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Service Days 

(SDs) 

Alternative 1 

No Action 

Current 

Permitted3

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Proposed 

Action 

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Selected 

Alternative 

(SDs) 

Selected 

Alternative 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Snakey Lake Road 0 692 85 346 173 Soda Bay Shore 1 847 424 212 Spanish Islands Shore 24 309 155 77 Spiral Cove Shore 4 847 424 212 Staney Creek, Main Stem Road 171 2,306 500+ 1,153 350/175* 577 350/175Staney Creek, North Fork Road 2,306 1,153 50/25* 577 50/25* Staney Creek, South Fork Road 2,306 1,153 50/25* 577 50/25* Staney Creek, Upper Road 2,306 1,153 50/25* 577 50/25* Steamboat Bay Shore 2 309 155 77 Stone Rock Bay Shore 4 847 12 424 212 Suemez Island Road System Shore 12 3,091 1,546 773 Survey Cove Shore 8 2,822 800 1,411 706 Sutter Creek/lake Shore 0 307 95 154 77 Sweetwater Lake Road 18 2,306 117 1,153 25/12* 577 25/12* Tah BayW Shore 3 282 12 141 71 Tenass Bay Shore 12 847 424 212 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 16 

Recreation Use Area1

Access Highest 

Actual 

Annual 

Use2

(SDs) 

Recreation 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Service Days 

(SDs) 

Alternative 1 

No Action 

Current 

Permitted3

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Proposed 

Action 

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Selected 

Alternative 

(SDs) 

Selected 

Alternative 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

The Saitchuck Remote 0 539 500 270 135 Thorne River, Lower Road 243 2,306 543+ 1,153 350/175* 577 350/175Thorne River, North Road 692 346 50/25* 173 50/25* Thorne River, Tributaries Remote 1,383 692 50* 346 50* Thorne River, Upper Remote 1,383 692 50* 346 50* Tlevak Narrows Shore 12 2,822 1,411 706 Tokeen Bay Shore 5 282 141 71 Trocadero Creek Road 7 635 9 318 25 159 25 Trout Creek Shore 11 2,822 28 1,411 706 Trumpeter Lake Road 40 2,306 10+ 1,153 50/25* 577 50/25* Turn Creek Road 47 2,306 + 1,153 25/12** 577 25/12*Tuxekan Island Road System Shore 9 847 424 212 Twelvemile Arm Creek Road 7 2,117 33 1,059 25 529 25 Twelvemile Arm Road System Road 11 2,117 1,059 529 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 17 

Recreation Use Area1

Access Highest 

Actual 

Annual 

Use2

(SDs) 

Recreation 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Service Days 

(SDs) 

Alternative 1 

No Action 

Current 

Permitted3

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Proposed 

Action 

(SDs) 

Alternative 2 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Selected 

Alternative 

(SDs) 

Selected 

Alternative 

Fishing 

Limit (SDs 

allowed/SDs 

with limited 

timing)4

Upper Trocadero Mountain 

Road 2 2,117 1,059 529 

Upper Trocadero Road System 

Road 7 2,117 19 1,059 529 

Upper Twelvemile Arm Road System 

Road 7 2,117 10 1,059 529 

Van Sant Cove Shore 3 282 141 71 Waterfall Bay Shore 3 847 424 212 West Sentinel Island Shore 8 927 464 232 Whale Passage Road 32 2,318 1,159 580 Windy BayW Shore 24 309 63 155 77 Winter Bay Shore 2 282 141 71 Winter Harbor Road 0 2,318 1,159 580 Wolf Lake Remote 6 4,234 2,117 1,059 Wolk Harbor Shore 2 847 424 212 

Total8 5,719 320,979 19,827 160,490 85,194 

8 The number of service days in this “total” row was calculated using decimals, whereas data shown in the columns above were rounded 

the columns do not add up exactly to match the total due to rounding. 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice – Page 18

Figure 1: Selected Alternative – Vicinity 

.
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice – Page 19

Figure 2: Selected Alternative – Levels of Outfitter and Guide Allocation - North Half POW 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice – Page 20

Figure 3: Selected Alternative – Levels of Outfitter and Guide Allocation - South Half POW 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice – Page 21

RATIONALE FOR THE DECISION ______________ 

In making our decision, we carefully considered the issues and concerns raised prior to 

and during scoping, in the comments on the EA, and in discussions with the 

interdisciplinary team (IDT). We weighed and balanced all viewpoints and incorporated 

them where feasible and consistent with the purpose and need of the project. After 

considering the public comments, including those comments made in person at the 

subsistence hearing and those from the tribes made during formal consultation, we 

decided that Alternative 3 with the guided fishing restrictions from Alternative 2, now 

called the Selected Alternative, best meets the purpose and need for the project while 

addressing many of the comments. 

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

The Selected Alternative provides a beneficial mix of recreation opportunities for the 

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

desires, and the capabilities of the land, while meeting the stated Purpose and Need for 

this project. 

We heard from many individuals that guided deer hunting and fishing had an impact on 

subsistence users. Our decision to incorporate the fishing restrictions from Alternative 2 

into the Selected Alternative ensures that these impacts are minimized, while at the same 

time allowing some commercial use in specific areas. The Thorne Bay and Craig Ranger 

Districts issued guided hunting for only 29 service days last year. The Selected 

Alternative provides the districts the most flexibility in managing the use days so that any 

impacts can be dispersed rather than concentrated in areas used by communities and 

subsistence hunters and gatherers. 

The IDT provided analysis and effects of the alternatives by resource in the EA for this 

project. Using these effects, each resource specialist gave the alternatives a “score” 

based on the effects of the alternative on their specific resource. The score rated each 

alternative from 1 to 4 with 4 being the most beneficial or least negative alternative and 1 

being the most negative alternative for their resource (these scores are available in the 

project record). The methodology we used to help us arrive at our decision was based on 

raw scores from each of the resources analyzed. Then, based on the purpose and need 

statements and public comments, the raw scores were weighted by significance. The 

results of this process supported the selection of Alternative 3 as the Selected Alternative. 

After additional discussion with resource specialists, it was determined that adding the 

fishing restrictions from Alternative 2 would enhance the decision by adding additional 

insurance that sport and subsistence users will have less competition from commercial 

users. 

Our decision to implement the Selected Alternative considered the issues and concerns 

that arose throughout the EA process: 

Our decision responds to concerns about guided hunting conflicting with subsistence 

hunting near communities on Prince of Wales. Our decision continues a long-standing 

restriction that allows no guided big game hunting in the Central WAAs and within 1 

mile of communities, cabins, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Additionally, it prohibits 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 22 

hunting in some wilderness locations. It also limits guided hunting to no more than 40 

service days total per area during the fall hunting season. Additionally, we chose to 

include adaptive management as part of this decision to allow us to make reductions in 

allocations, if reductions are needed, to reduce conflict between subsistence uses and 

guided uses. 

Our decision considers and responds to concerns about guided activities negatively 

affecting unguided recreationists by crowding. Minor impacts are expected from 

implementation of the Selected Alternative to unguided visitors’ experiences. There may 

be an increase in outfitter and guide use in areas popular with unguided users, which may 

lead to crowding and avoidance. However, the Selected Alternative generally leaves 

75% of the recreation visitor capacity for unguided use. Plus design criteria and 

mitigation measures will ensure that crowding and impacts from outfitter and guide use 

are minimized. To reduce effects to unguided users, permit administrators may disperse 

guided uses to less heavily used areas. Additionally, we chose to include adaptive 

management as part of this decision to allow us to make reductions in allocations, if 

reductions are needed, to reduce conflict between guided and unguided uses. 

Our decision responds to concerns about providing opportunities for business growth on 

Prince of Wales Island. Service days allocated to outfitters and guides on POW increase 

to 85,194 service days annually from 19,827 SDs in Alternative 1 (Table 2); this allows 

for substantial growth. Outfitter and guide use would be encouraged at Dog Salmon 

Fishpass and Beaver Falls Trail by providing an allocation of 75% to outfitters and 

guides, in these areas, because the sites are hardened, heavily managed, and designed for 

higher use numbers. In a few areas where 2011 permitted numbers were higher than 50% 

of the recreation visitor capacity, the allocation will be reduced. Because of the room for 

increased guided allocations in other, similar areas, dispersal may allow continued guided 

use with a limited impact on outfitters and guides or a prospectus may be needed. 

Our decision responds to concerns about affecting outfitter and guides through fishing 

limitations. The Selected Alternative provides a “middle ground” in terms of fishing 

restrictions between Alternatives 2 and 4. While fishing allocations may be reduced in 

some areas, the Selected Alternative provides enough fishing opportunities to allow 

flexibility in managing outfitters and guides, while decreasing negative effects to species 

of concern and to unguided anglers. 

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

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

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

under the Selected Alternative. This project does not close roads, trails, or eliminate 

docks or buoys. 

We considered the project’s Purpose and Need and the issues when reaching our 

decision, as well as other resource impacts and concerns. 

Our decision to implement the Selected Alternative conforms with the 2008 Tongass 

Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan), Forest Service Handbook, 

Wilderness Act, and National Forest management direction. 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 23 

We considered the Forest Plan Recreation and Tourism Standards and Guidelines, 

including the direction on page 4-46 which states “Generally, allocate no more than onehalf the appropriate capacity of the LUD to outfitter/guide operations. For specific 

locations, consider different allocations based on historical use, changing demand, spatial 

zoning, or temporal zoning.” (USDA Forest Service 2008b). In the Selected Alternative, 

outfitters and guides were generally allocated 25% of the recreation visitor capacity, as 

recommended by the Forest Plan direction, with higher allocations only in hardened, 

heavily managed areas. One-half of the appropriate capacity was not allocated to 

outfitter and guide use in response to public comment and tribal concerns. 

Our decision is responsive to the need to meet current Forest Service direction for issuing 

long-term priority use permits by determining the allocation of use between outfitted and 

guided and non-outfitted and guided visitors (FSH 2709.14 chapter 53.1f(3)). It also 

allocates service days based on a resource capacity analysis demonstrating that capacity 

exists (FSH 2709.14 chapter 53.1f(2), and Appendix B of the EA). 

Our decision responds to the need for an island-wide strategy to reduce conflicts between 

guided and unguided visitors and ensure a range of recreational opportunities. We based 

our decision on Alternative 3, an alternative that was developed in response to comments 

recommending that we allocate less than 50% of the visitor capacity to guided use as 

stated in the Forest Plan. This proposal: 

 considered guided and unguided recreational opportunities 

 attempted to minimize the potential for visitor conflicts, 

 maintained quality recreation experiences, and 

 responded to the many concerns (issues) brought forward prior to the EA. 

We modified the proposal to address guided and unguided visitors concerns including 

their concerns about particular areas at a District-wide scale. 

Our decision provides a variety of guided uses similar to those occurring in the area, 

generally, at levels higher than recent actual use, and in places and ways that are 

responsive to public input. In addition, the adaptive management strategy identified as 

part of this decision will help us be responsive to interests and concerns of all visitors. 

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

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

deciding on allocations at a large scale and site-specific areas. This analysis provided 

information on the effects of our outfitter and guide program on all resources and at a 

large scale. This decision gave us the opportunity to consider and determine the tradeoffs of guided use on all resources. It provides a comprehensive analysis that in many 

situations reduces the need for further review by resource specialists but also provides us 

with information and management techniques to protect resources and other uses. We 

will be able to authorize outfitter and guide use based on screening criteria, allocations, 

locations, permit stipulations, and mitigation measures displayed in this decision. 

We chose to include adaptive management to provide flexibility in the administration of 

outfitter and guide permits and identify criteria for responding to unforeseen 

circumstances. There is some level of uncertainty in describing and analyzing 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 24 

recreational use. Due to conditions varying from weather to wildlife sightings to the state 

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

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

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

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

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

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

levels of use will have on biological and socioeconomic conditions. 

Adaptive management provides a mechanism through which the Forest Service can make 

incremental adjustments to outfitter and guide management over time, as information is 

gained about how area resources are reacting to current management. 

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

negative effects from overuse. However, because adaptive management measures will be 

used to adjust outfitter and guide management as needed, we expect to maintain or 

improve resource conditions. Thus, while guided use may increase, negative and positive 

effects are not expected to go beyond what was analyzed in the EA 

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

Selected Alternative (see Appendix 1 of this Decision Notice). 

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

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

permits and licenses from federal and state agencies prior to commencing outfitting and 

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

of current business or operating licenses such as Coast Guard license, State of Alaska 

sport fishing license, etc. Outfitter and guide activities involving the taking of fish or 

game will be implemented under Alaska Board of Game, Alaska Board of Fisheries, and 

Federal Subsistence Board regulations. 

ISSUES ____________________________________ 

The following significant issues were used to develop alternatives and were raised during 

public and agency scoping: 

 Guided hunting may conflict with subsistence hunting near communities on 

Prince of Wales. 

 Outfitter and guide activities may negatively affect unguided recreationists that 

have selected Prince of Wales specifically because it has few people. An increase 

in guided visitors may create social problems like crowding and cause unguided 

recreationists to disperse to less desirable areas. 

 Outfitters and guides need opportunities for business growth on Prince of Wales 

Island to maintain their businesses and increase the local economy. 

 Limiting the amount and location of outfitted and guided fishing when population 

data are not available, unnecessarily limits outfitter and guide activities. 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 25 

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT ______________________ 

Capacity Analysis and Scoping 

Public involvement regarding outfitter and guide management on Prince of Wales began 

in April 2007 with a “scoping” letter about the “Outfitter-Guide Use Report, Recreation 

Visitor Capacity Analysis” sent to the tribes, tribal corporations, outfitters and guides and 

many other groups and individuals. The input helped the POW districts develop the 

recreation visitor capacity (Appendix B of the EA). 

The proposal was first listed in the Tongass National Forest Schedule of Proposed 

Actions in April 2009. The proposed action was provided to the public and other 

agencies for comment during scoping starting in February 2011. The scoping letter was 

mailed to approximately 197 interested individuals and groups. We received 18 

responses to the scoping letter. These responses were used to develop the issues and 

alternatives in the EA. 

EA, Legal Notice, and Comments on the EA 

The Forest Service prepared and mailed the EA for the Prince of Wales Outfitter and 

Guide Management Plan to the public for their comments in March and April 2012. A 

legal notice of the 30-day comment period for this project was published in the Ketchikan 

Daily News on April 9, 2012, the newspaper of record for the POW districts. The 30-day 

comment period ended May 9, 2012. 

Ten comments on the EA were received via letters or documented conversations with 

twelve individuals or agencies during the 30-day comment period. All the alternatives 

and nearly every component of all alternatives received support and opposition. Some 

individuals supported higher use levels for outfitters and guides as a means of supporting 

business and economic opportunities on POW. Others felt the current level of outfitting 

and guiding was too high. One group would like to see more recreation use sites for 

guiding. Others wanted to see fewer areas for guides. The most common comments 

were about wildlife, fish, conflicts between users, and traditional use areas. Some 

comments were outside of the scope of this document. These included comments dealing 

with salt water activities, ADF&G regulations, and unguided recreationists. We 

considered all of the comments in making our decision. Additionally, the comments are 

addressed in the environmental analysis and responded to in Appendix 2 of this decision. 

Public Meetings and Subsistence Hearing 

As part of the public involvement process, the Forest Service held open houses in Craig 

and Thorne Bay to provide information about the Proposed Action on March 8 and 

March 10, 2011, respectively. 

Following publication of the EA, a public meeting and subsistence hearing was held in 

Craig, Alaska on April 25, 2012. Eleven people attended the meeting and hearing. Six 

people provided oral testimony during the subsistence hearing. The hearing transcripts 

are included in their entirety in Appendix C of this decision. Additional questions were 

asked and answered during the public meeting on August 25th. Those conversations are 

available for review in the project record. 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 26 

Government-to-Government Consultation: In March 2010 and 2011, information on 

the POW Outfitter/Guide Carrying Capacity Analysis and upcoming NEPA analysis was 

provided to Prince of Wales Tribes. A roster of Forest Service projects was provided to 

all participants at these tribal consultation meetings and the Forest Service received a few 

questions about this project. Concerns were raised about whether non-commercial and 

subsistence use would be restricted. District staff explained that this analysis only affects 

commercial use on National Forest System lands and the decision would not restrict 

subsistence. The POW District Rangers sent a formal government-to-government 

consultation offer (pre-scoping letter) to all Prince of Wales Island tribal governments 

and to other interested tribal governments on January 11, 2011 (Craig Community 

Association, Klawock Cooperative Association, Hydaburg Cooperative Association, 

Organized Village of Kasaan, and the Ketchikan Indian Community). These Tribes were 

also sent scoping letters in February 2011 and the EA in March and April of 2012. 

During the quarterly meeting of the POW tribes and the Forest Service, the four POW 

Tribes requested government-to-government consultation on this project. Consultation 

meetings were arranged for June 2012. During the consultation meetings, the tribal 

governments expressed their concerns to both district rangers. These concerns were 

considered before we decided on the Selected Alternative. 

Other Tribal Contacts: The POW District Rangers sent a letter in January 2011 to all 

Prince of Wales ANCSA corporations, as well as to other corporations and interested 

Tribal groups (Shaan Seet Inc., Klawock-Heenya Corporation, Haida Corp., Kavilco, 

Sealaska, Cape Fox Corporation, and the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida). These 

corporations also received scoping letters in February 2011 and the EA on April 2012. 

No comments have been raised to date by ANCSA corporations. 

Meetings with Agencies: Individual IDT members contacted resource agencies to 

gather information and to ask or respond to questions. No concerns related to this 

outfitter and guide project were brought forward in these discussions. 

Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s (ADF&G) Steve McCurdy provided sportfishing 

harvest data; he also said that he had no concerns related to fishing and outfitter and 

guide use (pers. com. April 2011). ADF&G’s Boyd Porter provided discussion about 

bear hunting management (pers. com.). ADF&G’s Steve Bethune provided information 

about deer and deer management (pers. com.). The Army Corps of Engineers provided 

contact information and information related to mitigating soil concerns (pers. com.). 

Many of the concerns brought forward in the comments on the EA and the subsistence 

hearings were outside the scope of this project or outside the jurisdiction of the Forest 

Service. We provided the comments and subsistence hearing transcripts to the State of 

Alaska via Sue Magee (State of Alaska, ANILCA Implementation Program) to share with 

agencies that do have jurisdiction over the public’s concerns. 

Decision Notice and Project Record 

The Decision Notice will be mailed to those people who responded to scoping and the 

EA as well as other interested people. Copies of the mailing list, scoping letter, and any 

correspondence received regarding the EA and decision will be available in the project 

record at the Thorne Bay Ranger District. 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 27 

Biological Evaluations were completed for sensitive plants and animals. No sensitive 

species will experience impacts that would cause or contribute to a trend towards federal 

listing or cause a loss of viability to the population or species. The Biological 

Evaluations are available in the project record. 

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED ________________ 

In addition to the Selected Alternative, we considered the four other alternatives 

discussed below. Alternative 4 is the environmentally preferred alternative because, with 

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

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

Measures, Permit Stipulations, and Adaptive Management is expected to provide ample 

protection of natural resources in the Selected Alternative. 

Table 3 – Summary of Alternatives1 

1 More detailed descriptions of the alternatives are in the EA. 

Reasons for Not Selecting Other Alternatives: 

Alternative 1 (No Action) – Alternative 1 was not selected because it did not meet the 

Purpose and Need for the project and did not meet Forest Service direction. Alternative 1 

did not provide a means for reducing conflict between guided and unguided users through 

an island-wide management strategy. Additionally, Alternative 1 would not address 

many of the issues. For example, Alternative 1 would not have allowed for opportunities 

for business growth on POW. 

Alternative 2 (Proposed Action) – Alternative 2 was not selected because it generally 

had the highest level of negative impact on resources, unguided users, and subsistence 

resources while at the same time not meeting the interests of outfitters and guides in 

many areas. Desired social conditions and visitor experiences could not be provided to 

guided or unguided visitors at this level of guided use. 

Alternative 3 – Alternative 3 with modifications is the Selected Alternative. The 

modifications were made to be responsive to public comments and minimize effects to 

resources. For example, Alternative 3 (without the modifications in the Selected 

Highest 

Actual 

Annual 

Use 

(SD) 

Recreation 

Visitor 

Capacity 

Service Days 

(SD) 

Alternative 1

No Action - 

Current 

Permitted 

(SD) 

Alternative 2

Proposed 

Action (SD)

Alternative 3 

(SD) 

Alternative 

4 (SD) 

Selected 

Alternative 

(SD) 

Total for 

all of 

POW 

5,719 320,979 19,827 160,490 85,771 23,010 85,194 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 28 

Alternative) would have allocated the full amount of guided use to guided fishing in all 

streams, which may have affected both fish populations and unguided/subsistence users 

in these areas. 

Alternative 4 –Alternative 4 was not selected because it has the greatest negative effect 

on outfitter and guide industry on POW. In some areas, the allocation for outfitter and 

guide use is less than the number of service days currently permitted. This is because the 

number of service days currently permitted is higher than 50% of the carrying capacity. 

This is the case in the other alternatives, too; however Alternative 4 would not have the 

flexibility of having more service days available in other areas. Currently permitted 

outfitters and guides displaced from some areas due to the lack of available service days 

would have nowhere else to go. Alternative 4 would also be difficult, and thus 

expensive, to permit and administer because permit holders would have very few days at 

any one site, which requires more administrator oversight. Due to the uncertainty 

described earlier with weather and wildlife, this would create a hardship for outfitters and 

guides who would not have the flexibility to move to other areas when an area is already 

fully utilized. This may create conflict between guided and unguided users and an 

unstable business environment. Alternative 4 would have allowed for some growth in the 

outfitter and guide industry but had the least potential for growth. 

FINDINGS REQUIRED BY OTHER LAWS ________ 

Several of the laws and executive orders listed below require project-specific findings or 

other disclosures. These apply to federal land management projects and activities. 

2008 Tongass Land and Resource Management Plan Amendment 

The action alternatives analyzed in the Environmental Assessment are consistent with the 

Forest Plan goals and objectives. Because the Selected Alternative is a compilation of 

the action alternatives and fits within the parameters of those alternatives, it too is 

consistent with the Forest Plan. The project was designed in conformance with Tongass 

Land and Resource Management Plan standards and incorporates its appropriate 

guidelines. 

ANILCA Section 810, Subsistence Evaluation and Finding 

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

subsistence opportunities and resources. An ANILCA 810 subsistence hearing was 

conducted during the comment period for the EA. Oral testimony was received from 

these hearings (see Appendix B); some comments received were not within the scope of 

this analysis. 

The evaluation in the EA indicated that there is no documented or reported subsistence 

use that will be restricted as a result of a decision. For this reason, the Selected 

Alternative would not result in a significant possibility of a significant restriction of 

subsistence use of wildlife, fish, or other foods. 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 29 

ANILCA Section 811, Access Evaluation and Finding 

This action has been evaluated to determine potential effects on reasonable access to 

subsistence resources on National Forest System lands. The actions in this decision 

would not change the accessibility of the area as no roads or trails would be closed, 

opened, or changed by this decision. No documented or reported access would be 

restricted as a result of this decision. For this reason, this action would not result in a 

significant possibility of a significant restriction to subsistence users having reasonable 

access to subsistence resources on National Forest System lands. 

Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act 

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

except under certain specified conditions, the taking, possession and commerce of such 

birds. Bald eagle habitat will be managed in accordance with 50 CFR 22.26 to maintain 

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

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

a minimum of 330 feet from bald eagle nests. Outfitters and guides are required to 

comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations and orders. 

Clean Air Act 

Minimal emissions are anticipated from the implementation of the Selected Alternative; 

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

exceeded. 

Clean Water Act 

The Selected Alternative does authorize activities which have the potential to affect water 

quality, however the implementation of Best Management Practices and standards and 

guidelines will maintain water quality. Additionally this decision does not authorize any 

ground disturbance such as road building or timber harvest, or use of or discharge of 

potential pollutants. Implementation of the Selected Alternative will not result in nonpoint or point sources of pollution; therefore, the project is fully compliant with the Clean 

Water Act. 

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

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

productivity. 

Endangered Species Act of 1973 (as amended) 

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

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

consultation under the Endangered Species Act. NMFS concurred with the findings of 

“may affect, not likely to adversely affect” on August 14, 2012. USFWS concurred on 

July 20, 2012. The biological assessment/biological evaluation is available in the project 

record. 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 30 

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

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

1) take of a listed species occurs, 

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

critical habitat in a manner or to an extent not considered, 

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

listed species or critical habitat not considered, or 

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

the action. 

Federal Cave Resource Protection Act 

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

the project activities included in this decision. Forest Plan Karst and Caves Standards 

and Guidelines are applied to areas known or suspected to contain karst resources. 

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Act of 1996 

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

states that all federal agencies must consult the National Marine Fisheries Service 

(NMFS) on activities that may adversely affect Essential Fish Habitat (EFH). EFH is 

defined as “those waters and substrates necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding, 

or growth to maturity.” EFH for Pacific salmon includes marine waters, intertidal 

habitats, and freshwater streams accessible to anadromous fish. Marine EFH for the 

salmon fisheries in Alaska includes all estuarine and marine areas utilized by Pacific 

salmon of Alaska origin, extending from the influence of tidewater and tidally submerged 

habitats to the limits of the U.S. exclusive economic zone. The Act promotes the 

protection of these habitats through review, assessment, and mitigation of activities that 

may adversely affect these habitats. 

The potential effects of the project on EFH were evaluated (Hydrology and Fish 

resources, Chapter 3, EA). The descriptions and the analysis lead to a determination that 

the Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan project will not adversely 

affect EFH in Alternatives 1, 2 and 4 and could have minor adverse effects to EFH in 

Alternative 3. However, the risk in Alternative 3 was minimized through the 

implementation of 2008 Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines, Best Management 

Practices, and outfitter and guide permit stipulations, as well as implementation of 

adaptive management. Unlike Alternative 3 in the EA, the Selected Alternative will not 

adversely affect EFH because the Selected Alternative was modified to include the 

fishing restrictions proposed for Alternatives 2 and 4. 

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

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

analysis would be possible trampling from feet, the footprint of tents, driving 

on open roads or designated OHV trails, and human waste disposal. 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 31 

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

will be in accordance with the most recent Motor Vehicle Use Map in effect 

at the time. 

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

allowed. Limited collection of drinking water for individual or group use is 

acceptable. 

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

freshwater streams. 

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

NMFS for consultation on EFH, the Forest Service sent a copy of the Prince of Wales 

Outfitter and Guide Management Plan EA to NMFS in April 2012, which formally 

started the consultation process. 

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

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

Based on our providing a review to NMFS and modifying the Selected Alternative to 

include fish restrictions described above, we find that the Prince of Wales Outfitter and 

Guide Management Plan will not adversely affect EFH. Additional impacts to EFH may 

occur only from unforeseen events. 

Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 

Actions authorized in this decision will not have an adverse effect on marine 

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

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

Vol. 66, No. 105, pp. 29505-29509 and 50 CFR 224.103) and the viewing code of 

conduct for marine mammals 

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

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

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

attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal.” Harassment is defined in 

the MMPA as “any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance, which has the potential to 

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

disturb a marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of behavior patterns, 

including, but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or 

sheltering.” Approaching within 100 yards, or otherwise disturbing or displacing any 

marine mammal is prohibited. 

National Forest Management Act 

The Selected Alternative fully complies with the Forest Plan. This alternative 

incorporates all applicable Forest Plan standards and guidelines and management area 

prescriptions as they apply to the project area, and comply with Forest Plan goals and 

objectives. The Forest Plan complies with all resource integration and management 

requirements of 36 CFR 219 (219.14 through 219.27). Application of Forest Plan 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 32 

direction for the POW Outfitter and Guide Management Plan ensures compliance at the 

project level. 

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 

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

(NHPA) includes locating, inventorying and evaluating the National Register of Historic 

Places eligibility of historic and archeological sites that may be directly or indirectly 

affected by scheduled activities. Regulations (36 CFR 800) implementing Section 106 of 

the NHPA require federal agencies to consider the effects of their actions on sites that are 

determined eligible for inclusion in or are listed in the National Register of Historic 

Places (termed "historic properties"). The Alaska Region of the USDA Forest Service, 

the Alaska State Historic Preservation Officer, and the Advisory Council on Historic 

Preservation have established streamlined Section 106 review guidelines and stipulations 

in a Programmatic Agreement. 

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

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

discovery provisions of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act 

(NAGPRA). 

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

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

Freedom Act (AIRFA) and Forest Service standards and guidelines for the treatment of 

sacred sites (USDA 2008, p. 4-19). 

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

Historic Properties Affected in the area of potential effect for the Selected 

Alternative. Obligations using modified procedures of the 36 CFR 800 review process, 

as defined in the Programmatic Agreement, have been met. As stipulated in this 

document, sites used by Outfitter/Guides will be monitored to ensure the correct 

determination has been made. 

Wild and Scenic Rivers Act 

Three river systems within the project area were recommended by the Forest Plan for 

inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic River System. Congressional action to 

designate these rivers has not occurred. Forest Plan goals for these LUDs include 

maintaining the free-flowing character and outstandingly remarkable values of the river 

segments. The Selected Alternative does not propose to change the free-flowing 

character or outstandingly remarkable values associated with any of the rivers and, 

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

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

Forest Plan direction for management of these areas with respect to recreation and 

tourism levels. 

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

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

restoring and maintaining the historic and cultural environment of the Nation. The work 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 33 

accomplished in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act 

for the POW Outfitter and Guide Management Plan meets the intent of this Executive 

Order. 

Floodplain Management (Executive Order 11988) 

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

floodplains within the Craig and Thorne Bay Ranger Districts. It is expected that none of 

the outfitter and guide activities will affect velocity or location of flows or width and 

depth of water. Therefore, no measurable short or long-term effects for floodplains are 

anticipated under this decision. 

Protection of Wetlands (Executive Order 11990) 

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

wetlands will be permitted under this decision (USDA Forest Service Manual 2527.01-

04). 

Environmental Justice/Civil Rights (Executive Order 12898) 

This project does not have disproportionately high and adverse human health or 

environmental effects on minority populations and low-income populations. 

Recreational Fisheries (Executive Order 12962) 

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

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

productivity, and distribution of U.S. aquatic resources for increased recreational fishing 

opportunities. As required by this Order, the Forest Service believes that this decision 

has the potential to increase sustainable recreational fishing opportunities. This activity 

is consistent with Executive Order 12962. It is also expected to maintain the quantity, 

function, sustainable productivity, and distribution of United States aquatic resources. 

Indian Sacred Sites (Executive Order 13007) 

Executive Order 13007 directs Federal agencies to accommodate access to and 

ceremonial use of American Indian sacred sites by Indian religious practitioners and to 

avoid adversely affecting the physical integrity of such sacred sites. In a government-togovernment relationship, the tribal government is responsible for notifying the agency of 

the existence of a sacred site. A sacred site is defined as a site that has sacred 

significance due to established religious beliefs or ceremonial uses, and which has 

specific, discrete, and delineated location, which has been identified by the tribe. The 

Selected Alternative protects traditional cultural properties and sacred sites. 

Invasive Species (Executive Order 13112) 

Federal agencies (in part) are required: 

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

species, 
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Decision Notice - Page 34 

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

species unless it has determined that the benefits of such action outweigh the 

potential harm caused by invasive species, to the extent permitted by law and 

where practicable, and 

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

conjunction with the actions. 

The Selected Alternative includes both prevention and management measures, to reduce 

the risk of introducing and spreading invasive species. 

Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (Executive Order 

13175) 

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

sovereignty, and tribal rights, and to engage in regular and meaningful government-togovernment consultation with tribes on proposed actions with tribal implications. The 

Forest Service met with or contacted local tribes during the planning stages of the project 

as noted in Chapter 1 of the EA and held government-to-government consultation 

meetings with all four Prince of Wales Tribes in May and June 2012. 

Concerns that were brought forward included conflicts between guided hunters and 

subsistence gatherers, wastefulness of trophy hunters, conflicts between fall hunters from 

Ketchikan and hunters that live on POW. The tribes were also concerned about how the 

permits were administered, including the number of people available for administration 

and the cost. 

Facilitation of Hunting Heritage and Wildlife Conservation (Executive Order 

13443) 

Executive Order 13443 directs Federal agencies to facilitate the expansion and 

enhancement of hunting opportunities and the management of game species and their 

habitat. The analysis considered and disclosed the effects both of hunting activities and 

on hunting activities. The Selected Alternative provides sustainable hunting 

opportunities for the guided and unguided public. 

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT __________ 

The significance of environmental impacts must be considered in terms of context and 

intensity. This means that the significance of an action must be analyzed in several 

contexts such as society as a whole (human and national), the affected region, the 

affected interests, and the locality. Significance varies with the setting of the proposed 

action. In the case of a site-specific action, significance usually depends upon the effects 

in the locale rather than in the world as a whole. Intensity refers to the severity or degree 

of impact. (40 CFR 1508.27) 

 
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Decision Notice - Page 35 

Intensity 

The intensity of effects was considered in terms of the following: 

Impacts may be both beneficial and adverse. A significant effect may exist even if the 

federal agency believes that, on balance, the effect will be beneficial. Consideration of 

the intensity of environmental effects is not biased by beneficial effects of the action. No 

significant effects, beneficial or adverse, would result because of the Selected 

Alternative. 

The degree to which the proposed action affects public health or safety. There will 

be no significant effects on public health and safety because outfitters and guides are 

expected to provide their services in a safe manner. Proposals are screened for serious or 

substantial risk to public health and safety prior to being accepted. See EA Appendix 1, 

page 3. 

The unique characteristics of the geographic area, such as proximity to historic or 

cultural resources, park lands, prime farmlands, wetlands, wild and scenic rivers, or 

ecologically critical areas. This project is not expected to affect historic or cultural 

resources, park lands, prime farmlands, wetlands, wild and scenic rivers, or ecologically 

critical areas because stipulations, permit clauses or additional conditions in applicable 

outfitter/guide special use authorizations and/or annual operating plans will be 

implemented to protect resources and areas. Outfitters and guides must use “Leave No 

Trace” (light-on-the-land) methods when guiding and their actions should increase public 

understanding and appreciation of the Forest Service’s mission and goals (see Appendix 

1, pages 3-126). This education and oversight of visitors helps to implement Forest rules 

and regulations and reduce impacts. 

The degree to which the effects on the quality of the human environment are likely 

to be highly controversial. Controversy over the effects on subsistence have been 

raised; however, much of this controversy is over actions which are not under the 

jurisdiction of the Forest Service. Based on this project and the resources we manage, 

there will be no significant effects on subsistence. There is no credible scientific 

controversy over the impacts of the project. 

The degree to which the possible effects on the human environment are highly 

uncertain or involve unique or unknown risks. The Agency has considerable 

experience with actions like the one proposed. The analysis shows the effects are not 

uncertain, and do not involve unique or unknown risk. The document does disclose that 

there is uncertainty about exactly where and when outfitted and guided activities will 

occur but the effects of guided activities are not uncertain. 

The degree to which the action may establish a precedent for future actions with 

significant effects, or represents a decision in principle about a future consideration. 

The action is not likely to establish a precedent for future actions with significant effects, 

because the effects of the project itself are not significant. Other district-wide outfitter 

and guide analyses have been conducted on the Tongass National Forest; each action and 

analysis has been unique to place and local circumstances. 

Whether the action is related to other actions with individually insignificant but 

cumulatively significant impacts. The cumulative impacts are not significant. With 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 36 

this decision for a relatively low level of guided use, direct and indirect effects will be 

negligible or minor for all resources and will not lead to significant cumulative impacts. 

See EA Chapter 3 at the end of each resource section. 

The degree to which the action may adversely affect districts, sites, highways, 

structures, or objects listed, or eligible for listing, in the National Register of 

Historic Places or may cause loss or destruction of significant scientific, cultural, or 

historical resources. There are no significant effects to listed, eligible for listing, or 

significant scientific, cultural, or historical Districts, sites, highways, objects, or 

structures as a result of this action. See EA pages 39-41. 

The degree to which the action may adversely affect an endangered or threatened 

species or its habitat that has been determined to be critical under the Endangered 

Species Act of 1973. The action is not likely to adversely affect any endangered or 

threatened species or its habitat that has been determined to be critical under the 

Endangered Species Act of 1973. The project will not change or affect endangered or 

threatened species habitat. Current regulations and viewing guidelines are expected to 

protect marine wildlife encountered during transportation to and from sites. The 

proposed action would have “no adverse effects” on Essential Fish Habitat because the 

project would not measurably modify fish habitat in or near the project area. (See EA 

pages 72-74, 82, and 122-123) 

Whether the action threatens to violate Federal, State, or local law or requirements 

imposed for the protection of the environment. The action will not violate federal, 

state, and local laws or requirements for the protection of the environment. Applicable 

laws and regulations were considered in the EA. The action is consistent with the 2008 

Tongass National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. 

After considering the effects of the actions analyzed, in terms of context and intensity, we 

have determined that these actions will not have a significant effect on the quality of the 

human environment. Therefore, an environmental impact statement will not be prepared. 

IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS _________________ 

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

permits will be issued to authorize the guided activities discussed at the allocation levels 

provided in this decision. 

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

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

FSH 2709.11 Special Uses Handbook. This direction provides a bridge between project 

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

standards, and mitigations approved by this decision, and compliance with other laws. 

All applicable BMPs will be applied to the Selected Alternative. 

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

to ensure that they are carried out as planned and described in the EA and this DN. 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan 

Decision Notice - Page 37 

These design elements and mitigation measures will be implemented through outfitter 

and guide permit conditions, operating plan standards and annual operating instructions, 

and administration of the permits. 

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

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

specific resource concerns, design elements, and mitigation measures that will be 

implemented through outfitter and guide permit conditions and administration of the 

permits. These cards will be used during the implementation process to assure that all 

aspects of the project are implemented within applicable standards and guidelines and 

that resource effects will not be greater than those described in the EA. 

The implementation record for this project will include: 

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

 monitoring results, and 

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

and the authorization of proposed changes based on adaptive management. 

IMPLEMENTATION DATE _____________________ 

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

on, but not before, 5 business days from the close of the appeal filing period, if no 

appeals are received. The appeal filing period closes 45 days after publication of legal 

notice of this decision in the Ketchikan Daily News newspaper, published in Ketchikan, 

Alaska. If appeals are filed, implementation may occur on, but not before, the 15th 

business day following the date of the last appeal disposition. It is our decision to 

implement the Selected Alternative effective for the 2013 operating season. This gives 

outfitters and guides an opportunity to plan and prepare for any changes that may occur 

through implementation. 

RIGHT TO APPEAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW 

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

Regulations Part 215. Individuals or non-federal organizations who submitted written 

comments or otherwise expressed interest in this particular action during the comment 

period specified at 215.6 have standing to appeal this decision. The notice of appeal must 

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

Appeal Deciding Officer: 

Forrest Cole, Forest Supervisor 

Tongass National Forest 

US Department of Agriculture 

648 Mission St. 

Ketchikan, AK 99901-6591 

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

Fax (907) 228-6215 
Prince of Wales Outfitter and Guide Management Plan

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

express delivery or messenger service) with the Appeal Deciding Officer at the correct

location within 45 calendar days of publication of notice of this decision in the Ketchikan

Daily News, the newspaper of record for the Tongass National Forest. The publication

date in the newspaper of record is the exclusive means for calculating the time to file an

appeal. Those wishing to appeal this decision should not rely upon dates or timeframe

information provided by any other source.

Appeals submitted electronically, including attachments, must be in an electronic format

compatible with Microsoft Word; please include POW O/G in the subject line.

Hand delivered appeals will be accepted at Supervisor's Office during normal business

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

CONTACT PERSON

For additional information concerning this decision, contact:

Sue Jennings, Project Team Leader

Tongass National Forest, Petersburg Office

P.O. Box 309

Petersburg, AK 99833

Email: siennings@fs.fed.us

Phone: 907-723-0477

KENT NICHOLSON Date

Thorne Bay District Ranger

MAEVE TAYLOR Date

Acting Craig District Ranger

Decision Notice - Page 38